Title: History of the Second Massachusetts Regiment of Infantry: Beverly Ford.
Author: Oakey, Daniel
Language: English
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HISTORY

OF THE

SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.


BEVERLY FORD.


A PAPER READ AT THE OFFICERS' REUNION IN BOSTON,

MAY 12, 1884,

BY

DANIEL OAKEY,

CAPTAIN SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.


BOSTON:

GEO. H. ELLIS, PRINTER, 141 FRANKLIN STREET.

1884.



BEVERLY FORD.

JUNE 9, 1863.


In taking up the thread of Captain George A. Thayer's admirable chapter
upon the Chancellorsville campaign, we find the regiment baling out
their old log pens, on a dark night, in the rain. They had stripped the
canvas roofs before starting for Chancellorsville. The return to a
deserted camp, even in fine weather, flushed with victory, is not
agreeable. The failure of Chancellorsville made the discomforts of this
memorable night harder to bear, and it seemed very much like some of the
worst experiences of the "Mud campaign."

Company "D" pursued their work with vigor, and sang with the broadest
sarcasm "Home Again." This had rather an enlivening effect upon some of
the other companies, who, up to this time, had been very silent.
Daylight relieved us all; and, with sunshine and regimental "police,"
the place soon looked as if nothing had happened, except for the late
absentees, some of whom would return when their wounds permitted; but
others would never again draw their swords under the old battle-flag.
The scholarly Fitzgerald, who died so bravely, was the only officer of
"ours" killed at Chancellorsville.

It was at this very camp, about a month before, that the gallant and
lamented Colonel Shaw, then a captain in our regiment, left us to
organize and command that fated battalion, the "Fifty-fourth Colored
Massachusetts." Here, we again formed a mess with the officers of the
Third Wisconsin; and our former caterer, Charley Johnson, and his
colored staff, managed the _table d'hôte_. Those who were fortunate
enough to be present will remember the surprise party given to us by the
officers of the Third Wisconsin in our canvas dining-room, at the foot
of the hill, and how it burst upon us in all its splendor of bayonet
chandeliers and unlimited "commissary." Brigade manoeuvres and
battalion drills were diligently practised; and, when Casey's tactics
were scarcely dry from the press, Colonel Sam Quincy, with the least
possible preparation on our part, "sprung" on us the new movement of
"Forward on the centre to form square" at "double-quick." And, I am
ashamed to say, that, practised as we were in all the tricks of field
manoeuvres, we "got mixed." The right wing started without delay for
Falmouth, the left wing for Acquia Creek, and the color division took a
steady trot for the camp of the Tenth Maine. Adjutant Fox galloped
wildly about the field, the Colonel howled in despair, but on we went
till the word "Halt!" brought us to a stand, and we came back and formed
line. The Colonel then made the memorable remark, "Gentlemen will please
to have some connection of ideas," and started the machine again at full
speed. This time we melted into a square in a manner which would have
pleased General Andrews. From this camp, Colonel Quincy resigned, pretty
well exhausted with wounds, exposure, and the trials of the Rebel
prison.

We now moved camp--Major Mudge commanding--to a pine grove, where we
constructed quite a picturesque military village, and became absorbed in
the habits and peculiarities of the wood-tick.

The days rolled on into June; and it seemed fully time to be doing
something more about beating Lee, whose lieutenants were successfully
screening their preparations for the coming Northern invasion. General
Halleck, General-in-Chief at Washington, was still busily engaged
telegraphing to the generals in the field; and, no doubt, Hooker was
hampered by these voluminous instructions, often so at variance with his
own plans, which were apt to be excellent, and he was unable at times to
suppress his own dominant and rather insubordinate spirit.

On the 5th of June, Stuart was discovered concentrating his troopers in
great force at Culpepper. Mr. Stuart's "Critter-back Company" was
supposed to number about twelve thousand sabres, and information
obtained by General Buford showed that the Rebels were preparing for a
cavalry raid on a scale never before attempted.

Here was an opportunity for the "Cavalry Corps" which Hooker had
organized; but, owing to the wear and tear of Stoneman's raid, General
Hooker thought our cavalry weak to cope with the enemy, if their
numbers as reported were correct. He decided, however, to send General
Pleasanton with all the cavalry to attack Stuart, "stiffened," as he
expressed it, with about five thousand infantry.

This "stiffening" consisted of a few selected regiments, including
"ours," to be divided equally between two columns of cavalry,--one under
Buford, with Ames to command his infantry, the other under Gregg, with
General David Russell as infantry commander.

The total force of infantry was probably not more than three thousand,
as each regiment was thinned down by weeding out every man who could not
be relied upon for a forced march. The order came on the afternoon of
June 6 to "get ready in light marching order for a secret expedition,
leaving all sick and baggage behind." The news soon spread through camp,
and friends from other regiments came to witness the departure of the
chosen. Upon learning that the Third Wisconsin was not included in the
order, the enthusiasm in the Second Massachusetts was considerably
dampened. "The Third" was certain that there must be some mistake in the
transmission of the order. These two regiments had been brigaded
together since the beginning of the war, and had fought side by side in
every action. There was a sense of mutual support, and a desire to share
equally all the honors; a strong feeling of pride in each regarding the
achievements of the other. To us, it would have been unnatural to go
into action without the Third Wisconsin, or at least not to know that
they were in support. A hasty consultation resulted in sending an
officer to present the case at head-quarters. The chaplain's excellent
mare was summarily pressed for the service; and our ambassador,
springing into the clerical saddle, shot away for General Ruger's
head-quarters. He returned with an encouraging word that the General
would see what could be done.

The column was already moving out of camp, under the gaze of a crowd of
officers and men. It seemed quite a family affair, as we noticed the
"Thirty-third Massachusetts" already on the road waiting for us, under
the fatherly protection of Colonel Underwood, who had been so long a
member of "ours" as captain of "the bloody I's." Opinions were exchanged
as to the probability of the Third Wisconsin getting its orders. Bets,
of course, were freely offered and taken on the chances. Meantime, we
were joined by a battery of horse artillery and a string of pack mules
carrying extra ammunition. Presently, a battalion appeared coming over
the hill at a pace indicating important business. Our cheering was taken
up by the rest of the column; and the Third Wisconsin replied with wild
howls, and quickly took their place as part of our special brigade.

After a furious thunder-shower, which laid the dust, General Ames gave
the word; and the command moved off at a smart gait. The air was cool,
and every member of the chosen band was in high spirits. Even that
army-trodden country, under the circumstances, and with the influence of
a beautiful sunset, looked fresh and picturesque.

There was evidently a strong impression that we were able-bodied to the
last man; for we skipped along for eight miles without a halt, in a
style which impressed our cavalry friends, whom we found about eight
o'clock in the evening drawn up in a field at the roadside, to give us
the right of way. A voice came from one of the saddles, "I say, boys!
what brigade?" "Ah, you recruit!" replied one of the wits of the
regiment: "don't you know this brigade? This is Gordon's flying
brigade,"--which was received with much merriment. The men were in
excellent humor, ready to bandy words with any one, especially the
cavalry, whom they began to divine they were to operate with. This
elegant repartee was kept up all along the line. Occasionally, officers
exchanged greetings, where friends could make each other out in the
dark. A hasty word and shake of the hand (perhaps the last), and our
cavalry friend is left still watching the column as it marches briskly
along. Another cavalry detachment inquires: "What's your hurry, boys?
Where are you going?"

"We're going to Richmond. Saddle up, you cowards, and come along!" A
soldier in the next company, of an inquiring disposition, asks, "Who
ever saw a dead cavalry man?"

We bivouacked near Spotted Tavern, about eleven o'clock at night; and,
after this lively march of sixteen miles, we were allowed a comfortable
rest, while the cavalry occupied the road.

Resuming our march at ten o'clock next day, we reached Bealton about
sunset, and were carefully concealed in the woods. Lighting of fires was
absolutely forbidden; and, as the night closed in upon us, the staff
remained in the saddle, stationed at different points, silently watching
us; and, as morning came again, there they were still on the watch.

Meantime, General Russell had marched his infantry to Hartwood Church,
and thence to a point near Kelly's Ford, where General Gregg was
concentrating two divisions of cavalry.

The night of the 8th, we moved down very near Beverly Ford into the
woods again,--cold suppers and no lights. The men were exceedingly
restless at these unusual orders about light and noise. In a letter from
one of my men since the war, he says: "The men thought we were being
humbugged, and there were many signs of dissatisfaction. They complained
because we were not allowed to have fires. Dave Orne was punished
(ordered to stand at attention) by you, for snapping a cap upon his gun.
It was exceedingly galling to his soldierly pride, as it was the only
time he was punished during his term of service. Hyde was particularly
insubordinate; and you were placed in arrest, because Company 'D' was so
disorderly."

I remember this very well, and my servant standing at a respectful
distance, holding my sabre while I was under this temporary cloud. The
gallant commander of the "Irish Brigade," as we called Company "H,"
shared the cloud with me; for he was placed in arrest at the same time.
Our sabres, however, were returned to us before we got into the fight;
and, in the evening bivouac, our commander made us a most graceful
apology over a tin mug of "commissary."

Buford's whole column was now concealed in the woods. The cheerful clank
and jingle of the cavalry was, by some means, suppressed; there was no
merry bugle breaking upon the still hours of the night; and, as the moon
threw deep shadows across the quiet country road, there seemed no trace
of "grim-visaged war."

At three o'clock in the morning, Captain Comey, with thirty picked men
from the Second Massachusetts, crept down to the river-bank, to see that
all was clear for the advance. He reported a large force of cavalry in
bivouac on the south side of the river, quite unconscious of Buford's
stealthy approach. Indeed, Jones' Rebel cavalry brigade was only a short
distance from the Ford, while his wagons and artillery were parked even
nearer to the river. Fitz Hugh Lee, Robertson, and W. H. F. Lee were in
bivouac at various points within supporting distance of Jones; while
Wade Hampton was passing the night in picturesque reserve at Fleetwood
Hill.

The spot was admirably adapted for a cavalry battle, the country rolling
along, with an occasional clump of woods and fine open fields, toward
Brandy Station, where the Rebel cavalry-chief, Stuart, had pitched his
head-quarters.

The close proximity of Stuart's troopers was a little unexpected. Their
movement to Beverly Ford, it seems, was simultaneous with our own.

The plan was to have the enemy remain somewhere near Culpepper, while
Gregg's column advanced from Kelly's Ford, and Buford's from Beverly
Ford, the first bearing to the left, the latter to the right, the two
columns to form a junction near Brandy Station. General Pleasanton then,
having our entire force well in hand, would make a determined attack
upon Stuart's squadrons. But it is the unexpected which must be looked
for in war, and the necessary tactics were quickly decided upon.

Nearly the whole of Stuart's force was in our immediate front; but they
would be exposed to the disadvantage of a surprise, and, having no
infantry with them, our little brigade of rifles would be doubly
effective.

General Pleasanton would be unable to control and harmonize the
movements of his two columns, being completely cut off from General
Gregg; but the latter was so well known as an able commander and a hard
fighter that the enemy was certain to be treated again to a surprise in
flank and rear, and would be thus diverted from our front. And it seemed
as if we might still succeed in breaking up the enemy's cavalry.

The situation had its advantages, in spite of the opinion of some
distinguished cavalry men; and "Forward!" was the word.

As the hazy June morning dawned upon us, troopers appeared to rise out
of the ground and swarm out of the woods, till the whole country seemed
alive with cavalry; and Ames' picked rifles took their place in the
column.

The early morning mist, hanging upon the river banks, concealed our
approach.

    "In both our armies, there is many a soul
    Shall pay full dearly for this encounter,
    If once they join in trial."

The gallant and lamented Colonel Davis led the way with the Eighth New
York Cavalry, dashing over the Ford and surprising the enemy's pickets,
who fell back upon Jones' exposed artillery and wagons.

The Rebels were panic-stricken at the sudden approach of the "Yankee"
cavalry; and great confusion ensued. But the alarm quickly spread, and
part of Jones' troopers were soon in the saddle, charging furiously down
upon the Eighth New York, who broke; and, before Colonel Davis could
turn to rally his leading regiment, a Rebel soldier sprang from behind a
tree and shot him dead. But the avenging sabre of Lieutenant Parsons
(Davis' adjutant) severed the poor fellow's connection with this life.

Colonel Davis was a serious loss to the "Cavalry Corps,"--a graduate of
West Point, an accomplished officer, a universal favorite,--and,
although a Southerner, he stuck to the flag he had sworn to defend.

Meantime, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry had gained the southern bank, and
rushed upon Jones' people, driving them back upon the main body, who
were forming in the rear of a bit of wood. Colonel Davis was borne back
in a blanket as General Pleasanton, who had accompanied our column in
person, arrived at the river bank.

The Third Indiana Cavalry followed the Eighth Illinois; and Ames' men
were now crossing under the eye of the distinguished group of horsemen,
to one of whom (Colonel F. C. Newhall, afterward of Sheridan's staff) I
am indebted for the following description:--

    General Buford was there, with his usual smile. He rode a gray
    horse, at a slow walk generally, and smoked a pipe, no matter
    what was going on around him; and it was always reassuring to
    see him in the saddle when there was any chance of a fight.

    General Pleasanton's staff was partly composed of men who
    became distinguished. The Adjutant General was A. J.
    Alexander, of Kentucky, a very handsome fellow, who was
    afterward a Brigadier General with Thomas, in the West. Among
    the aides was Captain Farnsworth, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who
    so distinguished himself in the coming battle, and in the
    subsequent operations south of the Potomac, that he was made a
    Brigadier General, and with that rank fell at Gettysburg, at
    the head of a brigade of cavalry which he had commanded but a
    few days. Another aide was the brilliant Custer, then a
    lieutenant, whose career and lamented death there is no need
    to recall. Another was Lieutenant R. S. McKenzie, of the
    engineers, now General McKenzie of well-won fame, the youngest
    colonel of the regular army; and still another was Ulric
    Dahlgren. General Pleasanton had certainly no lack of
    intelligence, dash, and hard-riding to rely on in those about
    him.

The infantry had now cleared the woods of the enemy's troopers, who were
deceived as to the number of our rifles, and showed no inclination to
expose men and horses to the deadly fire of experienced infantry
skirmishers.

The old, time-honored Second Dragoons, the Fifth Regulars, and that
crack young regiment, the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry (forming what was
known as the "Reserve Brigade"), were massing on the southern bank of
the river. The sharp report of infantry rifles, the rising smoke, and
the thousand indescribable sounds, with the tramp of fresh cavalry
pressing forward to take their part in the fray, showed that the battle
was now waging in good earnest. The wounded arrived more rapidly at the
ford, stretcher-bearers plying their trade in the hot sun.

The soft, dewy grass of the morning was now kicked and trampled into dry
dust. The infantry held the enemy in the open space beyond the woods;
while Buford hurled his squadrons, with drawn sabres, upon the Rebel
cavalry on the right and left.

A sabre charge, with both sides going at top speed, is, perhaps, the
most exciting and picturesque combination of force, nerve, and courage
that can be imagined. The commanding officers leading in conspicuous
advance; the rush, the thunder of horses' hoofs; the rattle of arms and
equipments,--all mingling with the roar of voices, while the space
rapidly lessens between the approaching squadrons. The commanders who
were seen, a moment before, splendidly mounted, dashing on at racing
speed, turning in the saddle to look back at the tidal wave which they
are leading, disappear in a cloud of sabres, clashing and cutting; but
the fight is partly obscured by the rising dust and the mist from the
over-heated animals. Riderless horses come, wounded and trembling, out
of the mêlée; others appear, running in fright, carrying dying troopers
still sitting their chargers, the head drooping on the breast, the
sword-arm hanging lifeless, the blood-stained sabre dangling from the
wrist, tossing, swinging, and cutting the poor animal's flanks, goading
him on in his aimless flight. In this moment of intense excitement, the
Rebels give way on the left. Our troopers follow in hot pursuit. On they
go, over the dead and dying. At the sound of the "recall," back they
come, to take breath and re-form at the rallying ground to which Ames'
skirmishers move forward, to regain their connection and establish a
more advanced line of battle. Although the infantry occupied the centre
of the line, their operations were not confined to this point. They were
sent in small detachments to different parts of the field, to support
artillery, and, at times, even to engage the enemy, when opportunity
offered. The line officers bore a thorough test of their experience and
training during a day of perpetual activity.

The "Reserve Brigade" had gone into action. There were to be no fresh
troops in waiting. Every one was needed at the front.

The Rebels made desperate attempts to capture the ford, and pressed us
hard on the right. This part of our line made little progress, and was
forced at times to assume simply the defensive.

Two squadrons of the Second Dragoons were withdrawn to assist in
covering the approaches to the ford.

The Rebels made another desperate charge. It seemed, this time, as if
they would carry all before them. But we stood our ground, and opened on
them at close quarters with the guns; and Ames' men plied their rifles,
making every bullet tell. The enemy lost heavily, and came to a stand.
The Dragoons dropped their carbines, and, drawing sabres, rushed upon
them, driving them off in confusion.

It was hot work all along the line; and, although our cavalry suffered
severely at times, nothing could surpass their gallant conduct.

The Sixth Pennsylvania, in charging the enemy near St. James' Church,
were badly punished by the Rebel artillery, and had to withdraw with
heavy loss of officers, men, and horses. Their gallant commander, Major
Morris, whose horse fell upon him, was left a prisoner in the enemy's
hands. The Second Dragoons also suffered severely at this point.

Much to our relief, the enemy now appeared to be attacked in the rear,
as they made no further attempt to capture the ford, and the force in
our front was evidently reduced.

A Rebel battery now opened from a bit of woods about six hundred yards
in front, while we were making disposition to advance our right, and our
guns unlimbered upon a knoll in the open fields in front and to the
right of the ford; and a lively cannonade ensued. I was skirmishing
nearer to the centre of the line with my own company and Company "F,"
the latter under command of Captain, then Lieutenant, Parker, and was
ordered with these two companies to support the guns on the knoll. On
the way, I was joined by Colonel, then Captain, Stevenson of the Third
Wisconsin, who had been ordered to the same duty. General Buford and
some staff officers were standing near the guns, their horses awaiting
them in the rear, where the artillery horses had taken refuge.

Part of the Tenth Virginia Cavalry were on foot behind a stone wall down
in the open fields in front; and they endeavored to interfere with us as
much as possible while we were posting Lieutenant Parker with two men as
a "lookout" to apprise us of any movement on the part of the enemy. They
had already annoyed our artillery very much, popping at them with their
carbines.

Captain Stevenson and I lay down with our companies in the usual
position of artillery supports, about thirty yards in rear, while our
guns belched forth their fire and smoke, and the enemy's shells came
howling overhead and bursting behind us with that spiteful, sharp,
clean-cut bang which we used to know so well.

Having nothing to do as yet but smoke our pipes, we lolled on the grass
and studied our cavalry friends. Custer was the most striking figure in
the group, with his fanciful uniform, his long hair, and spirited
manner. He seemed to enjoy the shelling, and appeared to beam all over,
almost dancing with excitement.

Other staff officers arrived from time to time, and, plunging into the
group, on their reeking horses, spoke to General Buford, and then dashed
away again. The fight seemed still going on in the centre and on the
left, which had advanced considerably; but our view was somewhat
obstructed by clumps of woods.

General Buford, whom we had never seen before, impressed us with his
commanding presence and his manly and picturesque simplicity of dress.
He looked as if his division might idolize him, as it was said they did.
He seemed much annoyed at the Tenth Virginia Cavalry behind the wall,
and at last summoned the commander of the infantry supports. Although
Stevenson commanded, he wished me to assist at the audience; and we were
at the General's side in a moment, looking over the guns at the
surrounding country.

"Do you see those people down there?" says Buford: "they've got to be
driven out. Do you think you can do it?"

We looked up and down the line, and rested our gaze upon a wheat-field
on the left of the stone wall (the enemy's right).

"It's about double our force," says Stevenson.

"Fully that," I replied, "if not more."

We looked again at the wheat-field, for that was the key to the
position. Something was said about "flanking" and "enfilading 'em."

"Mind," said the General, "I don't order you; but, if you think you can
do it, go in."

We thought we could. It would hardly do to back out in the presence of
so distinguished a cavalry audience, if there was a chance of success. A
number of the staff had gathered round to hear our conversation, and
showed a great deal of interest at the prospect of a little "side show,"
at which they would have orchestra chairs, front row.

The General, with this group around him, was drawing the fire of the
stone wall people, and was urged to keep out of range, while the rest of
us scattered to less dangerous positions. Some of the staff came back
and watched the men "fall in," as if to see us off. Custer showed much
interest, and evidently would have enjoyed going with us.

We struck back into the country, and took a circuitous route behind
hedges and through corn-fields, Stevenson and myself running on
together, and the men following with their rifles as low as possible,
and crouching along to avoid attracting any notice.

We planned the attack as we went along, instructing sergeants, who in
turn fell back and gave orders to the men. Upon arriving at the
wheat-field, we all hugged the ground. Ten picked marksmen now crawled
forward with me into the wheat, while Captain Stevenson deployed the
rest of the men into as long a skirmish line as their numbers would
permit.

We despatched a messenger to notify Lieutenant Parker, whom we had left
near the guns, to join us at once. In justice to Parker, I must say that
he hated to be left out of a fight.

The ten marksmen crawled on through the wheat, till they were almost "on
the end" of the enemy's line; and then, crowding together so as to rake
the line, they fired at the signal, with terrible accuracy.

The Rebels were completely surprised, but turned and delivered a
scattering fire. My excellent Sergeant Nutting fell into my arms
mortally wounded. He was all pluck to the last moment. Although he could
not speak, he showed signs of wishing to bid us good-by, and was
evidently gratified at the manner in which we tenderly shook him by the
hand. It was a success for the company, but the men all seemed to share
my own feeling that it was dearly bought at such a price.

Meantime, Captain Stevenson was advancing through the wheat; and, as
soon as my party fired, he began making noise enough for two regiments.
We sprang over the fence into the open field; and there we found
Lieutenant Parker standing on the stone wall, pistol in hand, with his
two men and the messenger, demanding "unconditional surrender."

We could not help being amused at Parker's sudden appearance; but he
explained that he was afraid that he would be too late, and so "charged
the stone wall in front, and took the chances."

Stevenson's men were coming over the fence all the way down the wheat;
and the enemy, utterly deceived as to our numbers, had already commenced
dropping their weapons and giving themselves up. We hurried them off as
rapidly as possible, and gave all the care we could to the wounded. Some
of the Rebels at the other end of the wall tried to escape; but
Stevenson had swung his line round so promptly that he covered them at
short range, and persuaded the runaways to come in. Having killed,
wounded, and captured the entire party, we retired to a rising ground to
the left of our own guns, and covered the approaches to the stone wall
by posting some sharp-shooters with their pieces sighted at three
hundred yards. At this distance, two of the enemy's dismounted troopers
were killed. This seemed to be sufficient warning to the rest, who made
no further attempt to occupy the stone wall.

General Buford now advanced the right of the line, and pressed forward,
driving the enemy's cavalry before him toward Fleetwood Hill. General
Gregg, who had relieved us at such a critical moment by diverting the
enemy from our front, had crossed Kelly's Ford at daylight with little
opposition, and left General Russell with his infantry to guard the
lower fords.

Colonel Duffie's division was sent to Stevensburg, where they
encountered the enemy, and drove them through and beyond the town, with
our friends of the First Massachusetts Cavalry in the advance; and here
Colonel Duffie remained, according to the original plan.

General Gregg pushed on toward Brandy Station with Kilpatrick's and
Windham's brigades. The latter attacked the Rebel cavalry so promptly
that they were scarcely ready for him. Stuart's head-quarters were
captured and important despatches fell into our hands, with valuable
information as to the enemy's plans. Windham and Kilpatrick were both
hotly engaged as troops were withdrawn from Buford's front to resist
them.

Gregg's people fought hard, charging repeatedly with the sabre, and
gradually gaining the crest of Fleetwood Hill. The Sixth New York Light
Battery did their full share of work.

More troops were withdrawn from Buford's front; and, at last, General
Gregg, finding himself overmatched, withdrew to the foot of the hill,
leaving two guns in the enemy's hands. Colonel H. S. Thomas describes
the cannoneers reluctantly obeying the order to leave the guns, some of
the men actually shedding tears.

Meanwhile, General Buford continued to push the enemy toward Fleetwood,
and again the Rebels began to resist us more stubbornly. Both sides
charged repeatedly with the sabre, and at times dismounted to fight
behind stone walls, Ames' rifles making themselves generally useful at
various points in the field.

In one very spirited charge of the Second Dragoons, General Merritt,
then a captain, rode impetuously on, not hearing the recall, followed by
Lieutenant Quirk. He noticed a prominent Rebel officer, and, riding
toward him, bringing his sabre to a point, he innocently remarked,
"Colonel, you are my prisoner!" The officer made a cut at his head:
Merritt, dexterously parrying the cut, only lost his hat. His opponent
turned out to be Colonel, afterward, General Wade Hampton. Lieutenant
Quirk called out to Merritt, "We're surrounded!" and, sure enough, a
Rebel ring had formed to see the "Yankee" officer brought down. But
Merritt and Quirk had not been taught to ride for nothing, and galloped
safely back into our lines, amid a shower of pistol bullets.

General Rodenbough, then a captain, and many others of the cavalry, had
personal encounters, in which they proved themselves to be excellent
swordsmen.

As our two columns drew nearer together, both aiming for Fleetwood Hill,
the junction was at last accomplished; and General Gregg rode into our
lines, reporting a heavy force of Rebel infantry pouring into Brandy
Station from Culpepper by rail.

General Pleasanton not caring to encounter the Rebel infantry,
especially after a day of such hard pounding, ordered General Gregg to
withdraw by way of Rappahannock Station; and Colonel Newhall was sent to
tell Buford to stop fighting, and go home by way of Beverly Ford.

The operation of withdrawal was accomplished without interference, the
enemy contenting themselves with looking on from a respectful distance.
As we approached Beverly Ford, the First Regular Cavalry turned up,
eager for the fray. They had been off on some detached duty and were too
late for any of the fun, so General Pleasanton had them all deployed as
mounted skirmishers to cover the crossing of the troops.

The scene at the ford was very picturesque. A lovely sunset shed its
cool light over the long columns of cavalry winding their way toward the
river, and the mounted skirmishers were thrown in bold relief against
the brilliant sky.

Captain Comey took his old position again, with his little band of
thirty men, on the north bank of the river, and remained there till
morning, when he rejoined the regiment.

Our bivouac the night of the battle was unusually cheerful, for we had
brought every officer of "ours" safely out of the fight alive and well.
Even Captain Frank Crowninshield, who generally got a bullet into him
somewhere, came off, like the Irishman at the fair, with only a hole in
the crown of his hat.

Many a fence rail was burned to give light to the conference which was
held over the events of the day. We had been so separated during the
fight that the experiences of each one had to be presented to the
assemblage in turn; and, with the assistance of some of the Third
Wisconsin officers, the comparing of notes was extended far into the
night.

Our forces had gained all they set out to accomplish. The momentous
cavalry schemes of the enemy were frustrated, and their troopers had
been severely punished by cavalry which they had always considered
inferior to their own.

The disheartening effect throughout the Confederacy may be guessed by
the following extract from a diary kept by Mr. I. D. Jones, the Rebel
War Clerk at Richmond:--

    _June 12._--The surprise of Stuart on the Rappahannock has
    chilled every heart, notwithstanding it does not appear that
    we lost more than the enemy in the encounter. The question is
    on every tongue, Have our generals relaxed in vigilance? If
    so, sad is the prospect.

After the long period of mismanagement, disaster, sacrifice, blood, and
tears through which the Army of the Potomac had passed, with steadiness
of purpose and undaunted courage which has never been surpassed, the
turning-point came, at last, in the brilliant conflict at Beverly Ford,
or "Fleetwood," as the Rebel chief, Stuart, called it.

It was a severe blow to the enemy's cavalry at the right moment, and was
productive of important results, being followed by Pleasanton in the
battles of Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville, holding Stuart in check
and keeping Hooker fully informed as to the movements of the enemy;
while General Lee was in constant anxiety and in want of information
during his march up the Cumberland Valley and, in fact, during the whole
of the Gettysburg campaign. On the 27th of June, General Hooker
requested to be relieved, and General Mead assumed command of the Army
of the Potomac.

This change of commanders was accomplished while the two great armies
were in motion. There was no excitement over it. The Army of the Potomac
was not very sorry to part with General Hooker, nor specially pleased to
be commanded by Mead. On the whole, they had more confidence in the
latter; but the main object was to beat Lee.





*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "History of the Second Massachusetts Regiment of Infantry: Beverly Ford." ***

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