Campfire Chat - General DiscussionsThis is a forum for posting discussion topics, questions, current events, and anything else you'd like to chat about. Please post serious Civil War History threads in appropriate History Forums.
I thought I would share "Cloyd's Mountain" information, from the official reports, just in case Internet browsers are prone to 'hiccup'--
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XII/1 [S# 15]
MAY 10, 1862.-- Action at Giles Court-House, W. Va.
No. 1.--Report of Brig. Gen. Henry Herb, C. S. Army, commanding Army of New River, Virginia. (Should read Henry Heth)
[Excerpt] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NEW RIVER.
Giles Court-House, Va., May 16, 1862.
The Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Peters commanding, stationed at The Narrows of New River, in Giles County, was directed to retire from its position at that point on April 30 by Colonel Jenifer, for reasons which he gives in the inclosed document, marked A.(*)This regiment fell back as far as the base of Cloyd's Mountain, 10 miles from Dublin Depot, Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. When this occurred I was at the White Sulpher Springs, preparing to withdraw the forces on the James River and Kanawha turnpike to some point at or near the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, which was rendered necessary in consequence of the abandonment of the Virginia Central Railroad by the withdrawal of all the rolling stock on that road west of Staunton, thus cutting off my source of supplies. At that time I did not know whether my force on the James River and Kanawha turnpike could render better service by re-enforcing General Jackson or strengthening the force defending the approaches to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. I wrote and telegraphed General Lee on this subject. On receiving his telegram of the 5th instant I proceeded with all dispatch to strengthen my force covering the approach to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at Dublin Depot. As soon as the forces were united I determined to attack the enemy at Giles Court-House and try and retake The Narrows of New River.
On the night of the 9th instant orders were issued to this effect: I divided the command into two brigades and a reserve, the first consisting of the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Peters), Otey's battery, and one company of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Jenifer, and the second composed of the Twenty-second-Virginia Regiment (Colonel Patton), Chapman's battery, and one company of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel McCausland, the reserve consisting of fragments of three companies and two mountain howitzers, under Captain Vawter.
We marched at 10 p.m., and discovered the enemy's mounted pickets about 2½ miles from the Court-House. The pickets were driven in and hotly pursued. On reaching a point within 1 mile of Giles Court-House we found the enemy occupying a ridge running from the main road to the mountain (a strong position), sheltered by a fence.Colonels Jenifer and McCausland, as previously ordered, deployed their commands, the first to the right of the main approach to the Court-House and the second to the left. This was done in handsome style. The battle then commenced by Otey's, Chapman's, and Lowry's artillery opening upon the enemy, the infantry steadily advancing under a line of skirmishers. When within a few hundred yards of the enemy's position, with a determined shout, the force simultaneously charged, driving the enemy before them. The enemy retreated beyond the town of Pearisburg (Giles Court-House), when he made a second stand, but was soon dislodged.e disputed with us a series of hills in rear of Giles Court-House, but was driven from hill to hill until his retreat became a rout. On reaching The Narrows of New River, the great point to be gained, he made his last stand. I ordered two pieces of artillery, under Major King, chief of ordnance, supported by a company of infantry, to cross New River and occupy a commanding position on the right bank. As soon as our artillery-opened, which was admirably served (the enemy losing 4 men by the explosion of a single shell from a mountain howitzer), he retreated, leaving in our possession the key to his approach to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad by way of Giles Court-House.
The force under my command was composed chiefly of the recent levies; they, as all others, acted like veterans. I never witnessed better or more determined fighting. It is with some hesitation, where all did so well, that I mention names. To Colonels Jenifer and McCausland, commanding brigades, my special thanks are due, and they deserve the approbation of the department. The gallant Colonel Patton fell while leading his regiment and carrying the last and probably most determined stand made by the, enemy. I take pleasure in saying his wound is not serious. Lieutenant-Colonel Peters (commanding Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment) displayed much coolness and gallantry, leading his men in the thickest of the fight. Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzhugh (Eighth Virginia Cavalry) also displayed great coolness and bravery during the engagement. I recommend Colonel Patton (Twenty-second Virginia Regiment) and Lieutenant-Colonels Peters (Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment) and Fitzhugh (Eighth Virginia Cavalry) to your notice.
Captains Otey, Chapman, and Lowry, commanding batteries, all behaved well and did excellent service. The mountain howitzer is found to be exceedingly useful.
o Lieutenant King (elected major of the artillery battalion) I take this occasion of returning my thanks for the energy displayed by him in procuring artillery for my command and for the excellent service performed by him in driving the enemy from The Narrows.
My command was much exhausted when it went into the engagement, a portion of it having lost three nights' sleep. The enemy was pursued 6 or 7 miles, and this at a ran. Our loss was, providentially, small, only 2 killed and 4 wounded. That of the enemy is known to have been comparatively very large, but not accurately ascertained? from the fact that they succeeded in carrying off most of their dead and wounded by the assistance of their cavalry. From the best information I can obtain their loss amounted to about 20 killed and 50 wounded. We captured a considerable amount of quartermaster's and subsistence stores, including a number of horses and a few prisoners
I respectfully refer you to the reports of the colonels commanding brigades for additional details.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. HETH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
Mr. Wolf,
I think this report may deal with the Battle of Giles Courthouse, 2 years earlier. They ARE in fairly close proximity geographically, and the 45th Virginia was at both engagements.
Respectfully,
John W.
__________________ Ancestors in CSA Army: 51st VA, 54th VA, 45th VA, 50th VA, 24th VA
Ancestors in CSA Cav: 21st VA, 25th VA
Last edited by JohnW in E.TN : 05-05-2008 at 06:58 PM.
On May 8, 1862 - an engagement between Maj. General John Fremont, Commander of the US ARMY's Mountain Department, General Schenck, and General Milroy and Confederate General T. J. Jackson (Stonewall) and Brig. General Edward Johnson, Brig. General Taliaferro--took place at approximately 11:30 in the morning.
Upon doing a recon, General Milroy came across General Jackson's forces, just as Jackson was re-enforcing General Johnson, in the area of 'Buffalo Gap'--near McDowell, Virginia. Facing superior forces, the forces of General Schenck joined General Milroy as to 'hold at bay' the Confederate forces. Then, General Fremont joined in the action; to which cased the Confederates to 'retire' from the location.
Union casualties: 2 Officers died of their wounds, 26 soldiers killed; 11 officers wounded, 216 soldiers wounded.
Confederate casualties: 16 officers killed, 59 officers wounded, 38 officers wounded, 385 soldiers wounded. Despite the numbers - the 'win' is given to the CSA, according to General Jackson's report, as the Union could not hold the 'ground'.
Indeed this is one of those engagements that is one of those 'little known' engagements of several noteworthy Generals in 1862.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
Milroy, after a butt-kicking at Winchester, Virginia a bit later, was rewarded for his military genius by being sent to Tennessee to guard the Nashville-Chattanooga railroad. He was provost marshall and gained few friends via his version of justice. He was in the Battle of the Cedars at Murfreesboro, TN on December 7, 1864 where he held his own against Forrest and Bates.
__________________
Ancestors in US Army: 13th TN Cav; 10th TN Cav; 3rd NC Inf
Ancestors in CSA Army: 48th VA; 63rd VA, 5th NC Cav; 37th NC
Wife and Grandson's CSA: 15th AL, 51st GA, 41st TN; 36th TN; GA Mil 1197 Dist
What a great idea for a thread! As a big fan of the Petersburg Campaign, let me present the Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road from June 21-24, 1864. It was Grant's second attempt to take Petersburg. The portion of the battle I am particularly interested in is the fight between Confederates led by William Mahone and elements of the Federal II Corps on June 22, 1864. Mahone was aware of a little-known ravine and used it to launch a flank attack on Gibbon's Division. The rest of the II Corps was forced back as well. As far as I know, there is not even a magazine article on Mahone's attack that day. It might literally be the least-covered action between the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac in the entire war. I even created a detailed blog entry looking at this portion of the battle awhile back. I'm at work now, but I'll post a link to it when I get a chance.
Seems there was some action on March 24, 1865 as well on that same location:
CITY POINT, VA., March 24, 1865.
Major-Generals MEADE, ORD, and SHERIDAN:
GENERAL: On the 29th instant the armies operating against Richmond will be moved by our left, for the double purpose of turning the enemy out of his present position around Petersburg and to insure the success of the cavalry under General Sheridan, which will start at the same time, in its efforts to reach and destroy the South Side and Danville Railroads. Two corps of the Army of the Potomac will be moved at first in two columns, taking the two roads crossing Hatcher's Run nearest where the present line held by us strikes that stream, both moving toward Dinwiddie Court-House.
The cavalry under General Sheridan, joined by the division now under General Davies, will move at the same time by the Weldon road and the Jerusalem plank road, turning west from the latter before crossing the Nottoway, and west with the whole column before reaching Stony Creek. General Sheridan will then move <ar61_49> independently, under other instructions which will be given him. All dismounted cavalry belonging to the Army of the Potomac, and the dismounted cavalry from the Middle Military Division not required for guarding property belonging to their arm of service, will report to Brigadier-General Benham, to be added to the defenses of City Point. Major-General Parke will be left in command of all the army left for holding the lines about Petersburg and City Point, subject, of course, to orders from the commander of the Army of the Potomac. The Ninth Army Corps will be left intact to hold the present line of works so long as the whole line now occupied by us is held. If, however, the troops to the left of the Ninth Corps are withdrawn, then the left of the corps may be thrown back so as to occupy the position held by the army prior to the capture of the Weldon road. All troops to the left of the Ninth Corps will be held in readiness to move at the shortest notice by such route as may be designated when the order is given.
General Ord will detach three divisions, two white and one colored, or so much of them as he can, and hold his present lines and march for the present left of the Army of the Potomac. In the absence of further orders, or orders further are given, the white divisions will follow the left column of the Army of the Potomac, and the colored division the right column. During the movement Major-General Weitzel will be left in command of all the forces remaining behind from the Army of the James.
The movement of troops from the Army of the James will commence on the night of the 27th instant. General Ord will leave behind the minimum number of cavalry necessary for picket duty, in the absence of the main army. A cavalry expedition from General Ord's command will also be started from Suffolk, to leave there on Saturday, the 1st of April, under Colonel Sumner, for the purpose of cutting the railroad about Hicksford. This, if accomplished, will have to be a surprise, and therefore from 300 to 500 men will be sufficient. They should, however, be supported by all the infantry that can be spared from Norfolk and Portsmouth, as far out as to where the cavalry crosses the Blackwater. The crossing should probably be at Uniten. Should Colonel Sumner succeed in reaching the Weldon road he will be instructed to do all the damage possible to the triangle of roads between Hicksford, Weldon, and Gaston. The railroad bridge at Weldon being fitted up for the passage of carriages, it might be practicable to destroy any accumulation of supplies the enemy may have collected south of the Roanoke. All the troops will move with four days' rations in haversacks and eight days' in wagons. To avoid as much hauling as possible, and to give the Army of the James the same number of days' supply with the Army of the Potomac, General Ord will direct his commissary and quartermaster to have sufficient supplies delivered at the terminus of the road to fill up in passing. Sixty rounds of ammunition per man will be taken in wagons, and as much grain as the transportation on hand will carry, after taking the specified amount of other supplies. The densely wooded country in which the army has to operate making the use of much artillery impracticable, the amount taken with the army will be reduced to six or eight guns to each division, at the option of the army commanders.
All necessary preparations for carrying these directions into operation may be commenced at once. The reserves of the Ninth Corps should be massed as much as possible. While I would not now order an unconditional attack on the enemy's line by them, they should be ready, and should make the attack if the enemy weaken his line in their front, without waiting for orders. In case they carry the line, then the whole of the Ninth Corps could follow up, so as to join or cooperate with the balance of the army. To prepare for this the Ninth Corps will have rations issued to them, same as the balance of the army. General Weitzel will keep vigilant watch upon his front, and if found at all practicable to break through at any point, he will do so. A success north of the James should be followed up with great promptness.An attack will not be feasible unless it is found that the enemy has detached largely. In that case it may be regarded as evident that the enemy are relying upon their local reserves, principally, for the defense of Richmond. Preparations may be made for abandoning all the line north of the James, except inclosed works--only to be abandoned, however, after a break is made in the lines of the enemy.
By these instructions a large part of the armies operating against Richmond is left behind. The enemy, knowing this, may, as an only chance, strip their lines to the merest skeleton, in the hope of advantage not being taken of it, while they hurl everything against the moving column, and return. It cannot be impressed too strongly upon commanders of troops left in the trenches not to allow this to occur without taking advantage of it. The very fact of the enemy coming out to attack, if he does so, might be regarded as almost conclusive evidence of such a weakening «4 R R--VOL XXXIV, PT I» of his lines. I would have it particularly enjoined upon corps commanders that, in case of an attack from the enemy, those not attacked are not to wait for orders from the commanding officer of the army to which they belong, but that they will move promptly, and notify the commander of their action. I would also enjoin the same action on the part of division commanders when other parts of their corps are engaged. In like manner, I would urge the importance of following up a repulse of the enemy.
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
-----------
GRAVELLY CREEK, March 29, 1865.
Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN:
GENERAL: Our line is now unbroken from the Appomattox to Dinwiddie. We are all ready, however, to give up all, from the Jerusalem plank road to Hatcher's Run, whenever the forces can be used advantageously. After getting into line south of Hatcher's we pushed forward to find the enemy's position. General Griffin was attacked near where the Quaker road intersects the Boydton road, but repulsed it easily, capturing about 100 men. Humphreys reached Dabney's Mills, and was pushing on when last heard from.
I now feel like ending the matter, if it is possible to do so, before going back. I do not want you, therefore, to cut loose and go after the enemy's roads at present. In the morning push around the enemy, if you can, and get on to his right rear. The movements of the enemy's cavalry may, of course, modify your action. We will act all together as one army here until it is seen what can be done with the enemy. The signal officer at Cobb's Hill reported, at 11.30 a.m., that a cavalry column had passed that point from Richmond toward Petersburg, taking forty minutes to pass.
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
-------------
This prompted General Grant to contact General Robert E. Lee; in the talk of surrender at Appomattox.
[Reference: Official Records of the Rebellion - O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIV/1 [S# 61]
GENERAL REPORT.
Report of Lieut. Gen. U.S. Grant, U.S. Army, commanding Armies of the United States, of operations March, 1864-May, 1865. ]
Just some thoughts to add to your post.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
I highly recommend looking on the web browser on the Internet; www.ehistory.com -- Then look for the icon for "Official Records of the Rebellion" and enter into their 'search' section Jerusalem plank road,
to which there have been roughly 292 'official reports' from the Union side, and #293 is CSA General Lee's report on "Jerusalem Plank Road,"
Reference:
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XL/1 [S# 80]
JUNE 13-JULY 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.
No. 293.--Reports of General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Virginia.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Richmond, Va.
-----
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
June 22, 1864.
SIR: Since Friday last there has been skirmishing along the lines in front of Bermuda Hundred and around Petersburg. The Federal army appears to be concentrated at these two places and is strongly intrenched. Yesterday a movement of infantry, cavalry, and artillery was made toward the right of our forces at Petersburg in the direction of the Weldon railroad. The enemy was driven back, and his infantry is reported to have halted. His cavalry have continued to advance upon the road by <ar80_750> a route ****her removed from our position. The enemy's infantry was attacked this afternoon on the west side of the Jerusalem plank road and driven from his first line of works to his second on that road by General Mahone with a part of his division. About 1,600 prisoners, 4 pieces of artillery, 8 stand of colors, and a large number of small-arms were captured.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
R. E. LEE,
General.
------
There will be more official reports from the CSA after #293.
A lot of good reading! I highly recommend reading both Union and Confederate side; as to find actual numbers of troops, cavalry in action, who was suppose to be where and what orders they had. Sometimes I find the opposite side 'inflates' the numbers -- Also, in the Official Records CD-ROM I have; there was an inquiry after the War; to which investigated the 'losses' as well as the 'victories' --Questions under oath can be very interesting. [Grins]
Just some thoughts.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
What a totally great thread! It is, at least, humbling to read about unsung battles if for no other reason than to rediscover how little I really know. Thanks everyone.
ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
I am wondering if any of you, have realized that the CSA forces; especially under General JEB Stuart had been to Gettysburg, PA before - Date: October 9-12-1862? Stuart had been all around this more 'famous battleground of July 1-3, 1863; under General Lee's orders.
[Reference: Official Records of the Rebellion]-
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
OCTOBER 9-12, 1862.--Stuart's Expedition into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
No. 1.--Report of Maj. Gen. John E. Wool, U. S. Army, commanding the Middle Department.
HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Baltimore, Md., October 14, 1862. [Excerpt]-3,000 rebel cavalry, and a section of artillery, under the command of General Stuart, were in possession of Chambersburg; [excerpt]-On the way I received a telegram, informing me that the rebels had gone to Emmittsburg; [excerpt]-I at once proceeded to Hanover Junction, where I arrived about 4 a.m., and where I met my troops ordered from Baltimore. These I immediately set in motion for Gettysburg, where they arrived about 1 p.m., and headed off' the rebel cavalry, previous to which the advance of?he rebels had been attacked by some of the Home Guards, when they retreated, leaving 5 prisoners in the possession of the Home Guards.; [excerpt]-The rebels went to Emmittsburg, and from there to Waynesborough, and were proceeding toward Boonsborough, when, on being informed of the advance of Pleasonton, they changed their course and proceeded with all haste to the Potomac, in a more easterly direction, and, as I was informed, by telegraph from Major-General McClellan, in the following language, viz:
General Pleasonton, who was in pursuit of the rebel cavalry, reports that they have been driven back into Virginia, crossing the Potomac near the mouth of the Monocacy, and having marched 90 miles in the previous twenty-four hours, while Pleasonton, in pursuit, marched 78 miles in the same time. JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
-------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
OCTOBER 9-12, 1862.--Stuart's Expedition into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
No. 6.--Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
Camp near Knoxville, Md., October 13, 1862.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report the movements of my command in pursuit of the rebels who recently made a raid to Chambersburg, Pa.
On Saturday morning [October 11], at 4 o'clock, I received my orders to start with my command, and soon after I was en route to Hagerstown, where I arrived at about 11 a.m. Receiving information there that the rebels were moving in the direction of Mercersburg, I started with my command toward Clear Spring, on the Hancock road, to intercept them, and had proceeded some 4 miles when I was ordered to halt, by dispatch from headquarters, and await further orders.
About 1.30 p.m. I received orders to move to Mechanicstown, via Cavetown and Harmon's Gap, sending patrols to Emmittsburg and Gettysburg to obtain information of the enemy. I executed these orders, and arrived at Mechanicstown about 8.30 p.m., from which point I sent out scouts in the direction of Emmittsburg, Taneytown, Middleburg, and Graceham, and picketing all the roads in that vicinity. [Excerpt]-My advance squadron had not proceeded more than 1½ miles from the Monocacy when they discovered a body of cavalry moving toward them, dressed in the uniform of United States soldiers. The officer in command of the squadron made signal in a friendly way, which was returned, and the parties approached within a short distance of each other, when the officer commanding the opposite party ordered his men to charge. They were received by a volley from the carbines of my men, and some skirmishing took place, when the enemy brought up a superior force and opened with a couple of guns, which forced my men to retire. [excerpt]-
A. PLEASONTON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
General R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac.
---------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
OCTOBER 9-12, 1862.--Stuart's Expedition into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
No. 8.--Report of Col. Richard H. Rush, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY,
Camp near Frederick, Md., October 13, 1862.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, on Saturday morning, at 6.30 o'clock, your note, requiring me to scout the country north of Frederick, to gain intelligence of the force and movements of Stuart's cavalry, was at once executed by my sending four small companies (140 men) toward Emmittsburg and Gettysburg. They left my camp by 8 a.m. No information or rumors of the enemy could be obtained by them between this place and Emmittsburg, which point they reached at 4 p.m. They then Pushed on toward Gettysburg, scouting well to their left, and had not left Emmittsburg an hour when information was brought them from the rear that the advance guard (about 400 strong) of the rebels had charged into Emmittsburg and held the place. The rebels threw out pickets and covered all the roads about Emmittsburg, thus entirely cutting off all communication between my pickets and myself. All the couriers sent to me, to apprise me of the presence of the rebels, were turned back until after midnight. [Excerpt]-At 6.30 p.m. on the 11th your note of 2.30 p.m. of the 11th was received, directing me to extend my scouts toward Gettysburg, &c., and informing me that Stuart had left Chambersburg in the morning on the Gettysburg road; also that General Pleasonton was to be at Mechanicstown, and to communicate with him, &c., and to call on the First Maine Cavalry if I wanted more force, &c. [excerpt]
I regret very much that this second raid has been so successfully accomplished by Stuart's cavalry; but, with the small and crippled force at my disposal near this town (but seven companies, of about 275 men), it has been impossible for me to do more than I have done to check this unfortunate raid.
RICHD. H. RUSH,
Colonel Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lancers.
Brig. Gen. JOHN BUFORD,
Chief of Cavalry, Headquarters Army of the Potomac.
------------------------ Observation & Comments-I do believe in having General Pleasonton involved in Stuart's raid prior to June 30th's crossing of Lee's Army with Stuart in advance- Lee had previous recon info from Stuart--knowing weaknesses and strengths for battle long before July1. General Buford would probably be very aware of this as well, having these 'exchanges' of orders and inter-military correspondences. Certainly would give me an idea of an exit route that worked for the enemy previously. General Stoneman also would have been aware--he was stationed in Maryland that was too late to support the incident in October.
-----------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
OCTOBER 9-12, 1862.--Stuart's Expedition into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
No. 17.--Report of Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
October 14, 1862.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, on the 9th instant, in compliance with instructions from the commanding general Army of Northern Virginia, I proceeded on an expedition into Pennsylvania with a cavalry force of 1,800 and four pieces of horse artillery, under command of Brigadier-General Hampton and Cols. W. H. F. Lee and Jones. This force rendezvoused at Darkesville at 12 m., and marched thence to the vicinity of Hedgesville, where it encamped for the night. [Excerpt]-Striking directly across the National road, I proceeded in the direction of
Mercersburg, Pa., which point was reached about 12 m. I was extremely anxious to reach Hagerstown, where large supplies were stored, but was satisfied, from reliable information, that the notice the enemy had of my approach and the proximity of his forces would enable him to prevent my capturing it. I therefore turned toward Chambersburg. I did not reach this point until after dark, in a rain -[excerpt]-Next morning it was ascertained that a large number of small-arms and munitions of war were stored about the railroad buildings, all of which that could not be easily brought away were destroyed, consisting of about 5,000 new muskets, pistols, sabers, ammunition; also a large <ar28_53> assortment of army clothing. The extensive machine-shops and depot buildings of the railroad and several trains of loaded cars were entirely destroyed. From Chambersburg, I decided, after mature consideration, to strike for the vicinity of Leesburg as the best route of return, particularly as Cox's command would have rendered the direction of Cumberland, full of mountain gorges, particularly hazardous. The route selected was through an open country. Of course I left nothing undone to prevent the inhabitants from detecting my real route and object. I started directly toward Gettysburg, but, having passed the Blue Ridge, turned back toward Hagerstown for 6 or 8 miles, and then crossed to Maryland, by Emmittsburg, where, as we passed, [excerpt]-A scouting party of 150 lancers had just passed toward Gettysburg, and I regretted exceedingly that my march did not admit of the delay necessary to catch them. Taking the road toward Frederick, we intercepted dispatches from Colonel Rush (lancers) to the commander of the scout, which satisfied me that our whereabouts was still a problem to the enemy. [excerpt]-We seized and brought over a large number of horses, the property of citizens of the United States. The valuable information obtained in this reconnaissance as to the distribution of the enemy's force was communicated orally to the commanding general, and need not be here repeated J. E. B. STUART,
Major-General, Commanding Cavalry.
Col. R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army Northern Virginia.
-----------
Indorsement.]
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
October 18, 1862.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General :
GENERAL: In forwarding the report of Major-General Stuart of his expedition into Pennsylvania, I take occasion to express to the Department my sense of the boldness, judgment, and prudence he displayed in its execution, and cordially join with him in his commendation of the conduct and endurance of the brave men he commanded. To his skill and their fortitude, under the guidance of an overruling Providence, is their success due.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
--------------
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
Camp near Winchester, Va., October 8, 1862.
Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART,
Commanding Cavalry, &c. :
GENERAL: An expedition into Maryland with a detachment of cavalry, if it can be successfully executed, is at this time desirable, You will, therefore, form a detachment of from 1,200 to 1,500 well-mounted men, suitable for such an expedition, and, should the information from your scouts lead you to suppose that your movement can be concealed from bodies of the enemy that would be able to resist it, you are desired to cross the Potomac above Williamsport, leave Hagerstown and Green-castle on your right, and proceed to the rear of Chambersburg and endeavor to destroy the railroad bridge over the branch of the Conococheague. Any other damage that you can inflict upon the enemy or his means of transportation you will also execute. You are desired to gain all information of the position, force, and probable intention of the enemy which you can, and in your progress into Pennsylvania you will take measures to inform yourself of the various routes that you may take on your return to Virginia.
To keep your movement secret, it will be necessary for you to arrest all citizens that may give information to the enemy, and should you meet with citizens of Pennsylvania holding State or Government offices, it will be desirable, if convenient, to bring them with you, that they may be used as hostages, or the means of exchanges, for our own citizens that have been carried off by the enemy. Such persons will, of course, be treated with all the respect and consideration that circumstances will admit. Should it be in your power to supply yourself with
horses or other necessary articles on the list of legal captures, you are authorized to do so.
Having accomplished your errand, you will rejoin this army as soon as practicable. Reliance is placed upon your skill and judgment in the successful execution of this plan, and it is not intended or desired that you should jeopardize the safety of your command, or go far-ther than your good judgment and prudence may dictate.
Colonel Imboden has been desired to attract the attention of the enemy toward Cumberland, so that the river between that point and where you may recross may be less guarded. You will, of course keep out your scouts to give you information, and take every other precaution to secure the success and safety of the expedition. Should you be led so far east as to make it better, in your opinion, to continue around to the Potomac, you will have to cross the river in the vicinity of Leesburg.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
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General Jeb Stuart issued then his "Orders 13." which the afore listed documented events took place in October of 1862. Seven months prior to the Battle of Gettysburg; July 1-3, 1863.
Union Army was under General McClellan in October of 1862, other than Buford, Wool, Pleasonton, Stoneman; there wasn't any other familiar with the behavior of Stuart's cavalry.
This may have been Stuart's excuse for going beyond reach as to feed General Lee the needed information about the June-July Union movements; and --clearly the Union Cavalry was in inferior numbers in October. This too, may have lulled Lee into a false sense of security as well--knowing that the escape route, worked for Stuart in October and could do the same in July.
Just some thoughts.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
The Battle of Helena, Arkansas, July 4, 1863, Gen. Benj. Prentiss commanding for the Union.
Prentiss neat and near total defeat of the Confederates under T.H. Holmes got little attention at the time since on that same day there was something going on at Vicksburg.
"One of the characteristic aspects of this utterly confusing war was the general feeling, among active secessionists, that it was somehow perfidious and unnaturally evil for the Federal government to resist when warlike measures were taken against it."
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