USA > West Virginia > History of the Second regiment West Virginia cavalry volunteers > Part 9
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The purposes of the enemy were foiled by the engagement; the railroad was reached and destroyed; New river crossed, and the baffled columns of the enemy arrived in time to witness the destruction, which all the energies of their superior force, even with artillery, had failed to prevent. The division commander also wishes to thank those offieers and men of the division who have treated the inhabitants of the country with that cour- tesy, dignity and magnanimity which is insepar- able from true courageand greatness; such conduct can not fail to awaken in the hearts of the deluded people, a respeet and love for the government we are determined to restore and maintain. While we bring death and do- struction to rebels in arms, let our bearing toward the people and peaceful citizens become soldiers of the United States. Those few unworthy persons who have disgraced themselves and us by aets of lawless pillage, should re- ceive the scorn and contempt of every honorable soldier in this command, and every effort should be made to bring them to the punishment they deserve.
By order of Brigadier General Averell. WILL RUMSEY, A. A. G. Headquarters Third Cavalry Brigade,) Camp at Bunger's Mills, W. Va., May 20, 1864.
General Orders, No. 18.
It is with sentiments of profound satisfaction that I give to the officers and men of this brigade my hearty thanks for their gallant and faithful behavior on the battle-field near Wytheville. Their conduet has been ad- mired, not only by me, but by the general commanding the expedition, and by the troops ealled to co-operate with us in our hardships.
Officers and soldiers of the Third Brigade, you lave not deceived my expectations. My hopes and desires as to your conduct have been fully realized; and for this I thank you all. My thanks to the Second Virginia Cavalry, who, under the leadership of their gallant colonel, while re- treating under a galling fire from the enemy, preserved their ranks unbroken as on parade, and by their vigorous return of the enemy's fire, saved the left of the division. * * *
* But while you receive my congratulations, do not forget that there is yet much for us to do. Do not be blind to the fact that our duty is yet only partly performed. We have much yet to suffer; many labors to undergo. The
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whole army of our country is actively engaged to destroy an active and determined foe. Let us see that our part is performed without disgrace, and without murmur. In a word, do as you have already done. Let every man be at his post, and discharge his duty as a patriot and a soldier.
A. N. DUFFIE, General Com'dg Cavalry.
During the war, in the active life of the cavalryman, many, very many "narrow escapes" might be related of the men of the regiment. The following "narrow escape" of one Mark King of Company G so combines the amus- ing, the romantic and the tragic, that we gladly give it space in these pages.
In the early fall of 1862 Companies A and G were in camp near Raleigh C. H., West Virginia. The paymaster had just made the troops one of his welcome visits, and their hearts were so gladdened that King proposed to some half dozen of his comrades that they go out into the coun- try and have some fun. What the latter was to be did not seem clear to them at the time, but the idea of a free stroll away from the restrictions of camp was in itself suggestive of personal enjoyment. The little party saddled their horses and were soon away from the restraints of the camp. After riding for some time with no apparent object in view, a halt was called for the purpose of ascertaining the time of day. Nearly every soldier carried some kind of a watch, and after comparing theirs, and finding such a rad- ical difference in them, they looked at the sun and con- cluded it was near eleven o'clock. The brisk ride had sharpened their appetites, and the idea of a country dinner now suggested itself, which suggestion was at once acted upon. The party again started, and soon came to a typical Virginia farm house. On the front porch sat an elderly lady and three younger ones, who proved to be mother and daughters.
The little party of ladies were very much frightened at the presence of the "Yankees." One of the men dis- mounted, went forward to the house, and, when the "folks" learned that the men wanted dinner and were willing to
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pay for it, they became reassured and invited the boys to "come in." Chairs were placed on the porch, and while the girls disappeared to prepare dinner the old lady acted the part of hostess and entertained her visitors. She asked innumer- able questions, such as where they lived, whose command they belonged to, and if they wrote letters often to their mothers? The lady said that she had two boys in the con- federate army, and once when they had been at home they talked just like you "alls". One of the young ladies an- nounced dinner, and the party was conducted through the house to where the table was spread. On the way the hostess delighted the visitors by remarking that, "when her boys had been at home, they amused them by telling of the many plans the soldiers would devise to obtain whiskey. "Boys," said she, "here is some that we had on hand before the war, and I am going to treat you "uns." With that, she produced a well-filled bottle and glass, and the boys took a drink. After a hearty dinner had been eaten they again repaircd to the front of the house. Soon the conversation-on the part of the boys at least-became quite animated. B --- then proposed to have another drink, and producing some money, offered to pay for it. The lady said that she could not spare any more of the liquor, as she would need it to make "camphor." After a little solicitation on the part of the boys, backed by the sight of the money offerd her, the lady produced the bottle, and the men drank to the health of the young ladies. By this time, King, who was the leader of the party, observing that his companions were getting under the influence of the "mountain dew," coneluded to draw off his force at once. Biddle Y -- s suddenly jumped to his feet, and proposed drinking to the health of their friends in Lawrence county, Ohio.
King quietly told the lady to give them the drink asked for, and he would induce the party to leave. The bottle being nearly empty the old lady disappeared, and soon returned with a fresh supply of the liquor. This action on the part of the old lady, was closely observed
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by King, and thereby hangs the sequel to the story. Drink number three was taken as proposed, and after the boys had shaken hands with the girls, they mounted their horses, and waving a parting salute, galloped off down the road. Under the exhilarating influences of the liquor the party rode rapidly toward camp, and when near it, they raised a "wild yell," charged through the camp, over everything that came in their way, playing havoc with the out-door kitchens. This grand entry into camp caused no little excitement, and under the directions of the officers, the revellers were soon in custody. Exceptions however, should be made to King who quietly sought his quarters, and was not included in those who were arrested. The officer in command ordered the disturbers taken to his quarters, and he at once questioned them as to where they had found the liquor. "Found a cave full," shouted Bid- dle Y -. "Found a mountain distillery," yelled Al. H -. At this the officers exchanged significant glances, which meant well for the boys, if they would tell where the whisky had been obtained. Soon after this Mike M -- came to the tent where King was, and remarked that the officers were getting the company team ready to go after the liquor and bring it into camp, presumably for the use of the hospital. Said Mike M-, "if I only knew where it was, I would go and get it before they could get there with the team. King then came to the rescue telling those present that he had been with the party who found the liquor and that he knew where it was. A plan was quick- ly devised to circumvent the officers and procure the liquor. Between the camp and Raleigh a small creek crossed the road where the command usually watered their horses. Under pretence of going to water, King and three companions saddled their horses and rode toward the creek. Just outside of camp they found another one of the plot- ting party, who gave the riders a dozen canteens. The latter then by a circuitous route, struck the pike above the camp, and being well mounted and the spirit of adven- ture, uppermost in their minds, they soon left the camp far
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behind. The sun was sinking behind the western hills when the little party galloped up to the house where they had been entertained at noon. Their minds were so intent on the object of their trip that they scarcely noticed that three men were sitting on the porch, and who at once dis- appeared. The ladies were badly frightened at the re-ap- pearance of the troopers. King leaped from his horse, approached the little party of females, and said : "Madame, I am afraid your kindness to the boys to-day has brought trouble on you, for," said he, "those boys who were here got drunk on your liquor, and when they arrived in camp they shot and killed one of their comrades, and now the officers are on their way out here, and, if they find any liquor on these premises, they will burn your house and carry you and your daughters to Camp Chase as prisoners." This announcement created the wildest excitement in the household, and the girls commenced screaming : "Mother, throw it out ! throw it out !" "No! no! said King, that wont do, give it to us and we will carry it away before they get here." "Come this way," said the old lady, and leading the way the party followed through the house and into a small corn field, where under a projecting rock a cave had been built. One of the girls opened the door, and entering, handed out to our delighted "plotters" a demi-john containing about three gallons of "mountain dew." With this-to them-prize, the boys left, after as- suring the ladies that no harm could befall them now. When well out of sight of the house the contents of the heavy vessel was poured into the canteens, and the "vessel" thrown over into an old field. It was now nearly night, a storm was gathering, and it was six miles to camp. Ap- proaching a low gap in the hills our party was surprised to see themselves confronted by some half dozen guerrillas who commanded them to halt. This was an unexpected dilemma, and, as Mike M -- quickly realized that it was le: s dangerous to run the gauntlet as it were than to go back, he exclaimed : "Boys, lets go through," and suiting the action to the word, he dashed into the enemy, cutting
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right and left with sabre, the rest of our party following. King was so burdened with canteens that he, being behind the others, did not escape so easily. One of the rebels seized his horse by the bridle, while another at the same time struek him on his left arm with a gun, nearly break- ing that member. King used his sabre with such effect that-saving the loss of three of his eanteens which the gun knocked loose-he effected a very "narrow escape."
GRA
VETERAN
CHAPTER XII.
THE LYNCHBURG RAID.
From the 18th of May until the 1st of June, we wait- ed, upon half rations most of the time, for supplies of horse shoes, nails and clothing; but, owing to the miser- able, inadequate transportation furnished from the Ka- nawha, we were obliged to set out again, almost as desti- tute as when we came.
While here the Eighth Ohio Cavalry arrived in camp from the Kanawha Valley. This was a new regiment, composed of the old 44th Ohio Infantry, recruited up to about 1,100 men. As they filed into camp with new men, new horses, new arms and new clothes, we felt our little- ness compared to that grand body, and, with open mouths, as we stood in our half naked condition, saw them file by and go into camp.
On the 2d day of June a Mr. Creigh, a citizen of Lew- isburg, was tried by a military commission and found guilty of murdering a Union soldier in November. The proceedings were subsequently approved, and Mr. Creigh was hanged at Belleview, on Friday, June 10th.
On the 2d of June the march was taken up in the di- rection of White Sulphur Springs. The command con- sisted of about 2,000 mounted, and 1,200 dismounted men, many of whom were without shoes and other articles of clothing.
The march from White Sulphur Springs to Staunton was via Morris' Mill, Warm Springs, Goshen and Middle-
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brook, occupying five days. The infantry under General Crook had arrived in Staunton by another route, and a junction was formed with General Hunter, who came up the Shenandoah Valley. At Staunton the much needed supplies were received.
On the 9th of June General Duffie was placed in com- mand of the First Cavalry Division, and the Second Cav- alry Division, commanded by General Averell, was re- organized as follows: First Brigade, Colonel Schoonmaker, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Eighth Ohio Cavalry; Second Brigade, Colonel Oley, Seventh West Virginia Cavalry, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Mounted Infantry, Fifth West Virginia Cavalry; Third Brigade, Colonel Powell, Second West Virginia Cavalry First West Vir- ginia Cavalry. The Third West Virginia Cavalry was as- signed to the division of General Crook.
Here the Lynchburg campaign was arranged and be- gun. On the 10th of June the command marched via Summerdean to Belleview, where Mr. Creigh was hanged. On the 11th the march was resumed via Cedar Grove. North river was crossed at or near Rockbridge Bath for the purpose of endeavoring to cut off MeCausland who had burned the bridge at Lexington, and was trying to oppose the crossing of Crook. The enemy hastily fled, and Lexington was occupied by the Infantry and the cavalry at about the same time. The military insti- tute at this place was burned, the cadets fighting for their town in a manner which would have done honor to veter- ans. A young man, or rather a mere boy, went to the cemetery and removed a flag from the grave of Stonewall Jackson; and although efforts were made to capture the lad, he mounted a horse, and waving his flag at the pur- suers, boldly and defiantly made his escape. It is needless to add that this chivalrous act elicited the admiration of all who saw it.
At 2 a. m. on the 13th, the cavalry moved toward Buchannon, driving the rebel foree under MeCansland before it. The last eight miles were made at a trot, the
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advance endeavoring to save the bridge over James river; but as there was a convenient ford at hand, its loss did not stay the progress of the troops. In view of this fact, and of the danger to private property, the citizens protested against burning the bridge, but MeCausland, with his characteristic recklessness, persisted in the needless de- struction, involving eleven private dwellings in the confla- gration. Further extension of this destruction was stopped by the friendly action of the union cavalry, who extin- extinguished the flames. Several batteaux loaded with ammunition and stores were captured near this place. A rebel spy was found in camp, and by order of General Averell, was shot.
Orders were here received to await the arrival of General Hunter and the main body of the army. On Tuesday, the 14th, some important iron furnaces in the vicinity of Finncastle were destroyed. On the 15th the column crossed the Blue Ridge between the peaks of Otter, to Fancy farm, where the division again awaited the ar- rival of the main army. Our brigade, under Colonel Powell, was sent forward to Liberty, and the country in that direction was scouted most effectually. While on one of these scouts a body of about thirty rebel cavalry were scen observing our movements, and their capture was attempted. Our main body halted, and it beeame evident that the little force of the enemy imagined that they had checked further advance. Company H of the 2nd West Virginia was dismounted, and sent to gain their rear. As they were making their way along the mountain side for this purpose, and had reached a point where the descent could be made, one of the men was horrified to see a huge mountain rattlesnake poise himself in a position to strike. The soldier was so excited at this demonstration of an un- expected enemy, and so far forgot his orders of secrecy, that he immediately raised his carbine, and shot the rat- tler dead. The echoes reverberated down the mountain side, and the Johnnies beat a hasty retreat. No one was more chagrined at this result than the man who fired the
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shot. He afterwards said that it seemed to him that that snake was cight feet high, as it prepared to strike.
To show what the confederates thought of this rapid advance of General Averell, I insert the following dis- patch:
June 13th, 1864.
The enemy drove my cavalry brigade from Lexing- ton on the Eleventh. They now occupy the town. Scouts report the force to be Hunter's, Crook's and Avcrell's. They have destroyed the Military Institute. I have driven their cavalry back several times. They are now advancing on the Buchanan road.
(Signed) John McCansland, Brigadier General.
Genl. S. Cooper, Richmond, Va.
On the 16th the main cavalry column marched to Liberty, rebuilt the bridge over Little Otter river, forded Big Otter, and attacked McCausland at New London about dark. General Imboden had re-enforced General McCansland with one regiment of cavalry and two pieces of artillery. After a short engagement the enemy gave way, losing a dozen men. The following is General Im- boden's report of the affair :-
June 16th, 11 p. m.
General :- After writing you this evening the enemy renewed his attack upon me. General McCausland, occu- pying the left, just after dark reported the massing of a heavy force in his front to charge his position. A few moments later it was discovered that a double line of in- fantry was formed in front of and overlapping my right. Finding our position very critical, and involving the almost certain loss of all our horses (the men being on foot and the horses tied) if the enemy succeeded in driv- ing our lines back, I quietly withdrew, and have encamped at the first creek this side of New London, on the pike, where we shall have a fight carly to-morrow morning. * *
J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier General.
MAJ. GENERAL BRECKENRIDGE, Comd'g Lynchburg. At sunrise on Friday, June 17th, the division moved
MAJOR C. E. HAMBLETON.
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THIE LYNCHBURG RAID.
towards Lynchburg on what was called the old road, about two miles to the right of the road on which the infantry of Crook was marching. There were frequent skirmishes during the day, and when within eight miles of the city, our advance was contested at every step. When the stone church, four miles from the city was reached, the enemy seemed determined to give battle in earnest. As near as can be learned the dispositions for battle were as follows. The ground made it very difficult to handle cavalry, being rough and broken by sharp ravines.
Schoonmaker's brigade formed a strong skirmish line mounted across the open ground, supported by squadrons at intervals in columns of fours open order ready to charge on, or dismount to fight. Oley's brigade formed on the right, and Powell's on the left, in the same order. As this attack was developed, the enemy retired with only a slight skirmish, but as we neared the crest of the hill upon which the church stood, a rapid artillery fire opened upon us, and their small arms were unmasked, Schoonmaker's and Oley's brigades dismounted and ran to the front, a sec- tion of artillery, supported by Powell's brigade, galloped up to the church, and opened fire. At this juncture Crook's infantry arrived, and forming in line, charged the rebel position, driving the enemy in great confusion. It now being dark, the whole army went into camp in line of battle.
This action has occasioned much comment, but, in the light of all subsequent events, it was the proper thing to do. A large part of Early's corps was already in the city and occupying strong works on the outside: On the night of the 17th the enemy were busy strengthening their works and re-inforeing their lines. As new forces took their po- sitions, the men could be heard cheering. On the morning of the 18th it became evident that Lynchburg was defended by a force larger than our own. During the night Powell's brigade was sent to the right, either to attack the rebel right or endeavor to capture and burn Lynchburg. This was a perilous march, the advance constantly skirmishing
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with the enemy. The little command was led in the wrong direction, it was thought intentionally, by the citizen guide, whose life paid the penalty of the act. At one time the command was in a position where the church spires of the city could be plainly seen. Some time in the morning a courier arrived with the information that the army was in full retreat, and that Powell's command would have to join the main force as best it could. This was the first intimation had that a retreat was ever contemplated, and the information seemed to daze the officers. Fully realiz- ing the dangerous position of his command, Colonel Powell commenced to withdraw, and, by keeping well to the left of the main road or pike, succeeded in joining the main force at New London, just in time to take the rear, and to receive the first fire of the enemy, who had overtaken us.
The failure to capture Lynchburg is thus explained by General Averell :
"The delay at Lexington, rendered necessary by the deviation of the First Cavalry Division (Duffie) from the course ordered for it, and the change of place made by or- dering it to join the main body, instead of going around Lynchburg, had proved fatal to the successful execution of the original project."
Averell's Division composed the rear guard until Lib- erty was reached, where we went into camp. The enemy was pursuing us in heavy force, and our rear was constantly skirmishing, often delaying the enemy, so that the entire column was enabled to march rapidly and seenrely, bring- ing off all the trains and artillery.
The Second West Virginia was rear guard on the 19th and often dismounted and fought as infantry. At Liberty an engagement lasting two hours occurred between Averell's Division and the enemy's advance. In this little battle the cavalry held their position until their ammunition was exhausted, and then withdrew behind Crook's Division of Infantry, which was drawn up in line of battle. The cav- alry suffered the loss of 122 men. At three a. m. the marchi was resumed in the direction of Buford's Gap. After passing
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the Gap, the cavalry and Crook's division were placed in a position to rest. At sundown the column was again in motion toward Salem, Powell's brigade in the rear. The Second West Virginia encountered a force at Bonsaek, and held them in check for some time. A portion of the regi- ment and two companies of the 36th Ohio formed an am- buscade, but owing to the accidental discharge of a gun by some member of the 36th, the ambuscade failed.
About this time the extreme rear guard was composed of one squadron of the First Virginia, and one squadron of the Second West Virginia Cavalry, under command of Major Carman, of the First. The men of the rear guard were much annoyed at the demonstrations of a cavalry force of the enemy, which acted as if it were driving the whole federal force before it; so they were greatly elated when the order came, "Let's stop and whip them." The Major formed his force, and when the Confederates came up in line, expecting to crush our little band, they met with a very unexpected reception, and were completely thrashed in short order.
The march was then resumed to Salem. Just after passing that place another ambuscade was formed, but failed of its purpose, as the enemy appeared to be less im- petuous and less inclined to attack the rear.
It was late in the afternoon when the march was again taken up in the direction of the mountains. All were in excellent spirits, and notwithstanding the reverses lately met, as we filed up the Catawba Creek, the usual good nature of the soldier asserted itself. The setting sun cast long shadows on the mountain slope, and the beautiful panorama, spread out before us was duly appreciated by the warriors. Little did they think that but two miles ahead of them was to be enacted one of the most distress- ing scenes it was their lot to witness during the war, all the more deplorable because it was occasioned by the lack of judgment and criminal carelessness of the officer commanding the rear guard.
During the march up Catawba Creek, a well known
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member of the Second West Virginia cavalry was in an unusually good humor. He was known as the wit of the regiment, and when others, through their surroundings became gloomy and disheartened, his good nature asserted itself, and like a gleam of sunshine, lightened the burdens of others. Such in brief was the character of Scott Gard, of Company H. At the time of his enlistment in 1861, Scott was nineteen years of age, full six feet tall, of mag- nificent physique, and one of the finest athletes in the regiment. He was promoted to the position of corporal, the officers hoping that this little official responsibility might be the means of restraining to some extent his ex- urberance, and of freeing them from some of his harmless pranks. He was the ideal American volunteer. Alas! the cruel hand of fate was soon to include him in the need- less sacrifice of five lives.
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