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Dare Mark Line Tours, Orange, VA (2024)

08/08/2024

Stonewall Jackson, in the morning of August 9, wrote to Robert E. Lee describing what was the worse day of marching in the history of the great Stonewall.

NEAR LOCUST DALE, August 9, 1862
GENERAL: I am not making much progress. The enemy’s cavalry yesterday and last night also threatened my train. Eight of their number, including 3 officers, were captured by Colonel Flournoy yesterday. None were captured last night so far as heard.
Hill (A. P.), though at Orange Court-House yesterday morning, having encamped in a mile of the town on the other side, reported last night that he was not more than a mile on this side, thus making only 2 miles yesterday. [Richard] Ewell’s division, which is near this point (12 miles from Culpeper Court-House) and in front, marched about 8 miles. Yesterday was oppressively hot; several men had sun-strokes. Hill’s division is too large; I will reduce it by at least the Louisiana Brigade. To-day I do not expect much more than to close up and clear the country around the train of the enemy cavalry. I fear that the expedition will, in consequence of my tardy movements, be productive of but little good. My plan was to have been at Culpeper Court-House this forenoon. I will try to cut him off. Scouts were sent out yesterday to ascertain. Orders have been given that Pope’s officers captured yesterday be kept in close confinement. Bayard commanded the enemy’s cavalry yesterday. He made a short stand, but finally abandoned his camp, leaving some stores (quartermasters, commissary, and ordnance) behind. The enemy’s infantry, from reports brought in last night, is about 5 miles in front; his cavalry near ours.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
T. J. JACKSON,
Major-General[1]

Jackson’s lead division, Ewell, marched eight miles, Hill only two. His third division, that of BG Charles Winder, put in about six.

He reported that he captured eight cavalrymen. What he didn’t report immediately was that he detached one brigade (Maxcy Gregg’s) to protect Barnett’s Ford, and would detach another (Alexander Lawton’s) to guard his train, and he ordered Hill to detach two and one-half regiments to protect the columns flank. Jackson lost all those men to be available to fight due to the persistence and impact the Federal cavalry had on the Confederates.
Jackson knew where his opponent was but did not expect a fight on August 9. That of course, was incorrect.

And in the middle of all of this great information, Jackson took some time to complain about the size of Hill’s Division. If you recall, Jackson and Hill had an encounter early in the morning of the 8th, Jackson accusing Hill of not marching in the proper order, as directed. Hill of course, was not informed that Jackson had changed the route of march of the division who was to be in front, Ewell.
Stonewall Jackson had a very long day.

Photo of Jackson from the Library of Congress

1. OR, Vol. 12, pt. 2, 180-181.

08/07/2024

The 2nd Massachusetts Infantry was attached to BG George Gordon’s Brigade and fought on the Federal right at Cedar Mountain on August 9. Around 7 p.m. the Bay State men advanced down a slope into a brushy field, filled with brambles, scrub growth and uneven ground. They suffered 178 casualties in their brief fight. Advancing with their men were four captains who were physically ill and probably shouldn’t have been on the field. But duty called and they advanced as well as they could with the regiment. Following is a newspaper account from an ‘embedded correspondent documenting the fate of these officers.

“A DESERVED TRIBUTE TO THE MASSACHUSETTS SECOND. The correspondent of the New York Evening Post writes thus touchingly and truly of the young officers of this regiment.:

All our officers behaved nobly. Those who ought to have staid away wouldn’t. [Capt. Richard] Goodwin, [Capt. Richard] Cary, [1st Lt. Rufus] Choate, and [1st Lt] Stephen Perkins were all quite ill, but would not stay away from the fight. Choate is the only one of the four not killed. Goodwin couldn’t keep up with the regiment, but I saw him tolling up the hill some distance behind, with the assistance of his servant. He had hardly reached the front when he was killed. It was splendid to see those sick fellows come right up into that shower of bullets, as if it was so much rain.

Yesterday I went over the battle field with a General. The first man I recognized was Cary. He was lying on his back, with his head on a piece of wood. He looked calm and peaceful as if he were merely asleep. He face was beautiful and I could have stood and looked at it a while. Next we found Captain [William] Williams, then Goodwin, [Capt. Edward] Abbott and [Lt. Stephen] Perkins. They had probably been killed almost instantly, while Cary lived until 2 P. M. of the day after the fight. His sergeant was shot in the leg, and lay by him all the time. He says he was very quiet, spoke little and didn’t seem to suffer. We found a dipper for water, which some rebel soldier had brought. The took everything from him after he died but returned a ring and locket with his wife’s miniature to the sergeant.

All there five were superior men. Every man in the regiment was their friend. It was a sad day to us when they were brought in dead and, they cannot be replaced. It is hard to believe that we shall never see them again, after having been continually together more than a year. I don’t remember a single quarrel of any importance among our officers during all that time in Gordon’s brigade was kept together and I remained in position all night and the next day. Troops have been coming in pretty fast since the fight and we have a strong position. There is a growing confidence in Pope.”[1]

1. Boston Evening Transcript, August 18, 1862.

08/06/2024

By early August Culpeper had been an occupied town for nearly a month. BG Samuel Crawford’s brigade had been in town supporting Federal cavalry operating in Culpeper, Orange and Madison County’s. South of town, BG James Rickett’s division was camped near Colvin’s Tavern.

By August 8 and increasing the following, with the approach of Stonewall Jackson’s army, things were picking up. MG Nathanial Banks infantry corps passed through town in the morning of August 9. Correspondent George A. Townsend was present to witness its passing.

“Regiments were pouring by all the roads and lanes into the main street, and the spectacle of thousands of bayonets, extending as far as the eye could reach, was enhanced by the music of a score of bands, throbbing all at the same moment with wild music….’St. Patrick’s Day,’ intermingled with the weird refrain of ‘Bonnie Dunder,’ and snatches of German sword-songs were drowned by the thrilling of the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’…Suddenly, as if by rehearsal all hats would go up, all bayonets toss and glisten, and huzzas would deafen the winds, while the horses reared upon their haunches and the sabres rose and fell. Then column by column, the masses passed eastward, while prisoners in the courthouse cupola looked down, and the citizens peeped in fear through crevices of windows.”[1]

1. Townsend, George Alfred, Campaigns of a Non-Combatant, Time-Life, USA, 1982 (Original work published in 1866), 248-249.

08/05/2024

Going back to 1861, the following article appeared in the Richmond Daily Dispatch, documents the injuries and location of Edmond Kirby Smith. Smith would recover from his wound at the Richard Hoope Cunningham house, near the confluence of the Hazel and Rappahannock Rivers.

Cunningham’s home, Elkwood, would be used by Richard Ewell in the Spring of 1862 and burned by the retreating Federals as they departed Culpeper during the Second Manassas Campaign. It was never rebuilt.

Gen. E. Kirby Smith, of Florida.
Brandy Station, Culpeper co., Va.,
August 5, 1861.
Messrs Editors: I have the gratification to inform the readers of your valuable paper, and the friends of this distinguished and gallant officer, that his case is entirely hopeful, and that in a short time he will be ready to enter upon the discharge of his duties. His injury, though extensive, and inflicted by a large-size Minnie ball, was strictly a flesh wound. It grazed the spinal column, passing between the processes, coursing through the muscles of the neck, and passing out near the clavicle or collar-bone. He has suffered but little pain, has been cheerful at all times, and the wound has done better than usual, although his escape is to the writer a miracle. This gallant and accomplished officer bore a conspicuous part in the ever-memorable battle of Bull Run on the 21st July. He may be termed the Brucher in that glorious victory for the South. He commanded Elzy's brigade, which was the first to turn the tide of battle in our favor, causing the minions of Lincoln's invading forces to retreat like hares before our gallant army. The General was wounded when in the act of turning the enemy's right wing, which was endeavoring to flank us on our left, and just as he was giving the order by a rapid march to cut off and take as prisoners several thousand of the enemy. The God of Battles, who smiled upon us on that memorable occasion, has spared this noble and chivalric son of the South for future brilliant achievements in behalf of the great principles of constitutional liberty. The General is at the hospitable mansion of our esteemed county man, Richard H Cunningham, Esq., where he receives every kindness and attention.
H.[1]

The photo of E. Kirby Smith from Battlefields.org.

1. Richmond Daily Dispatch, August 5, 1861

08/04/2024

It is sometime curious why MG John Pope waited so long to begin his movement south into Culpeper. His army had been in place since July 11, 1862.
This piece of correspondence goes far to answer that question. Pope was waiting until his primary line of communication (and supply) was secure. And the key to this was the railroad bridge over the Rappahannock at Rappahannock Station.

“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
August 4, 1862-4.45 p. m.
Major-General MCDOWELL:
The railroad bridge over the Rappahannock on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad will be completed on Friday. I desire you to commence your movements upon Culpeper Court-House with Ricketts' division and Carroll's brigade immediately. The movement of the other two corps cannot begin until you reach Culpeper. Notify me as soon as you approach within a day’s march of that place, and move forward as rapidly as possible. A regiment will be sent from here as railroad guard between Catlett's Station and Culpeper Court-House. As soon as it reaches Warrenton you will draw your regiment from that place and unite it with its proper brigade. You will halt at Culpeper Court-House until you receive further orders.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.”[1]

Photo of the Rappahannock Station railroad bridge from the Library of Congress.

1. OR, Vol. 12, pt. 3, 530.

08/03/2024

Happy Birthday John Francis Neff! Neff was born in Shenandoah County on September 5, 1834. He graduated 4th in his class from the Virginia Military Institute in 1858, after which he travelled to Louisiana to study law. At the outbreak of the war, Neff returned to Virginia and served as a drill master at Harper’s Ferry before being appoint adjutant of the 33rd Virginia Infantry.

When the regiment reorganized in April 1862, Neff was elected Colonel. The 27 year old was the youngest commander in the Stonewall Brigade. Neff led the 33rd throughout the Valley and Seven Days Campaigns.

The regiment along with Jackson’s Army of the Valley moved to Gordonsville in July to counter the movement of MG John Popes Army of Virginia. In Gordonsville, Neff was placed under arrest by his division commander, BG Charles Winder. “I was president of the court martial called by General Jackson,” wrote Neff to his parents, “and was therefore excused from other duties, but General Winder insisted that I still should attend to my other duties, some of which it was impossible for me to do and I determined to test the matter, knowing I was right to obey the command of superior before an inferior officer.”
Winder was known as a most rigid disciplinarian, and dealt with the greatest exactitude with all his subordinate officers.

Jackson’ army began its movement toward Cedar Mountain with Neff’s status unresolved. Being under arrest, he could not command his regiment. The question was asked what Colonel Neff would do, whilst on the march to Cedar Mountain, without his sword. “Those who knew him best responded that he would go into the thickest of the fight with his regiment. He did so, and his presence with his men under such circumstances inspired them with an ardor and enthusiasm which, perhaps, they had never manifested before in so eminent a degree. It requires the most genuine courage to withstand a deluging shower of leaden rain and iron hail without arms.”

Colonel John Neff fought at Cedar Mountain with his regiment, in the ranks, unarmed, alongside his men.

After the battle, Neff was restored to command, only to die at Brawner’s Farmer less than three weeks after Cedar Mountain.

Photo of Neff from shenandoahcivilwarhistory.blog

08/03/2024

One of the civilian witnesses to the battle of Orange Court House was twenty-four year old F***y Hume. Hume was born in Orange County and resided in the county until 1951, when the family moved to Alexandria, VA. She returned to Orange Court House in March 1857, following the death of her father, in Washington, D. C, and was living with her grandparents.

In August 1862, the F***y was residing at ‘Selma’, on the eastern end of town, when the Yankees came. August 2, 1862, was likely the most exciting and anxious day of her life. From her diary entry of August 2, 1862.

“Saturday 2nd
Another memorable day! last night we all had a quiet comfortable sleep – but alas! it was the calm before the storm. Soon after breakfast, pickets rushed by (one of them carrying a dying man before him) exclaiming “the Yankees were coming!” And sure enough, they soon cam rushing by in immense force, firing in every direction on our pickets. A sharp fight took place in the Village; a Yankee Colonel or Major was killed just before Mr. Robinson’s door, & and many wounded on both sides. They took 25 or 30 of our men prisoners – brought many of the wounded in our yard – among them Capt. Daingerfield, Messrs. Brent, Outts [Utz] & Elzey – it was a sickening sight; blood in every direction –the two latter they left with us when they stamped, [sic] with the request that we would care for them. To do them justice, they treated our wounded most kindly. Had Col. [William E. ‘Grumble’] Jones, who commanded a portion of the 7th Va. Cav., been supported, he could’ve bagged the whole concern. As it was, less than 100 men contended with ten times their number, & scared them so that they withdrew their forces & soon retreated to the River – then drew up in line of battle in Mr. Scott’s field, & remained there for some time. Crowds came in here to get something to eat – none entered the house. Two surgeons ate on the porch, both handsome fine looking men, one of them strikingly like Silas Gillet – they came in to get spirits for the wounded. Capt. Daingerfield, I felt much interested in, he was a striking looking man – fine countenance – he was wounded in the neck. The stole the Yatton carriage & carried him, Mr. Brent (whom we also felt much interested in, I went out and bathed his head) & one or two others – they also stole our carriage & carried off two of their dying men – put their own horses to our carriage – but took Mr. Williams’s. My blood fairly boiled when I saw our carriage drive off. It was a blessed relief to see our Cavalry ride up – numbers of them crowed in the yard to see Outts & Elezy – Gen. [Beverly] Robinson [Robertson] & Col. Jones – Major Farish & Capt. Harness. Numberless questions were put to us as to the wounded prisoners -- & Grandma bore the excitement better than we expected – though she suffered much. Col. Jones sent down an ambulance for the wounded men – Outts was terribly cut on the back of the head – lost much blood – but he bore his suffering like a Spartan, as did Brent & Capt. Daingerfield. Uncle Peyton came for awhile this evening. An attempt was made to tear up the railroad. . . . “[1]

F***y survived the war and just before the it ended, she married Colonel Carter M. Braxton, a civil engineer. However, her marriage, and life was brief. She died in Richmond on June 16, 1865, just four months after her wedding. [2]

1. Grymes, J. Randolph. The F***y Hume Diary of 1862, The Orange County Historical Society, Orange, VA, 1994. 129-130.
2. Ibid, 3-4.

08/02/2024

The first fighting during the Cedar Mountain Campaign took place on August 2, 1862 in Orange Court House. Crossing at Raccoon Ford, the 5th New York Cavalry, 1st Vermont Cavalry and 1st Michigan Cavalry, under BG Samuel W. Crawford’s direction, advanced into Orange and clashed with three Virginia cavalry regiments under Col. William “Grumble” Jones.
The Federals entered town from the east after crossing the Rapidan and pushing away a company of pickets from the 11th Virginia Cavalry. The blue-clad troopers moved down the narrow main street toward the courthouse, pushing Rebels back through the town when met by Jones and the 7th Virginia Cavalry, who rode into the Court-House from the south. Unfamiliar with the town, the Yankees bunched up four across trying unsuccessfully to push their way through Jones’ men.

There was hardly room to move or to breathe, and men reacted differently: “The main street of Orange Court House was packed with the contending horsemen, the choice spirits of both sides pushing into the thick of the fight, the timid withdrawing.” Someone heard ‘Grumble’ say frankly that “half the men charged and half discharged.”[1]

Jones sent a squadron under Maj. Thomas Marshall of the 7th Virginia around to the south and struck the Federals in their flank near the railroad depot. Marshall’s small force was in turn flanked by companies F and C from the 1st Vermont Cavalry, who “were called upon to charge with Sabre which they did and drove the Rebels like chaff before the wind out of town.”[2]

Pushed out of town, Confederates headed south and reformed about a mile south of the courthouse at the Willis home, “Howard Place.” BG Beverly Robertson arrived with the 6th Virginia Cavalry and the Southerners advanced again back into town. However, the Yankees doing all the damage that they could for the day— the telegraph line cut and some rails pulled up—left town. Robertson’s men trailed the Yankees north at a distance as the Federals withdrew back to Culpeper County.[3]

Jones reported casualties on August 2, of 10 wounded and 40 missing. Col. Charles Tompkins, commanding the 1st Vermont, claimed they killed 25 and took 52 prisoners.

Crawford in his report of the fight, stated, “We had quite a little affair with the enemy, in which we lost several men killed and had others wounded. We killed some 13 to 15 of them, wounded a considerable number and have over 50 prisoners. Two regiments were in town. I cut the telegraph and had some of the track destroyed.” [4]

Photos of downtown Orange, VA from the author.

1. McDonald, Captain William A., A History of the Laurel Brigade (Arlington, VA: R. W. Berry, Ltd., 1969), p. 78.
2. Hoffman, Elliot W, A Vermont Cavalaryman in War & Love: The Civil War Letters of Brevet Major General William Wells and Anna Richardson, (Lynchburg, VA, Schroeder Publications, 2007), p. 129
3. Krick, p. 10. Howard Place was A.P. Hill’s headquarters during the winter of 1863-64 and today is a Bed & Breakfast. The homes name was changed to Mayhurst around the turn of the 20th Century
4. Official Records, Part 3, ser. no. 18, p. 525.

08/01/2024

Happy Birthday John Mercer Brockenbrough! Brockenbrough was born on this day in Richmond, Virginia.
An 1850 graduate of VMI, Brockenbrough was a farmer prior to the start of the war. When the war broke out, he was appointed colonel of the 40th Virginia Infantry, in Maj. Gen. Charles Field’s brigade.
At Cedar Mountain, as part of Fields brigade, Brockenbrough and the 40th Virginia advanced after the retreating Federals, finally establishing a line across Cedar Run, at the crest of a hill, positioned to the left of Capt. William Pegram’s guns. While not actively engaged, the 40th suffered 4 wounded as a result of the nighttime artillery exchange between Pegram’s gunners and four artillery batteries under BG James Rickett’s division.
Brockenbrough assumed command of the brigade at Second Manassas after Fields wounding. He was never given command; it was only temporary. At Gettysburg, the brigade fought on July 1 and 3, being ineffective both days. He lost command of his brigade after the campaign and was returned to the 40th Virginia. Brockenbrough tendered his resigned in January 1864 when one of his subordinates was promoted over him.
After the war, he lived in Norfolk and Richmond, dying on August 24, 1892. John Brockenbrough is buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond.

Image of Brockenbrough from Historica Wiki.

08/01/2024

Happy Birthday Maxcy Gregg! Gregg was born on this day in 1814 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Gregg attended South Carolina College (now South Carolina University), graduating first in his class. He passed the South Carolina bar in 1839 and practiced law with his father. When the war with Mexico broke out, Gregg was commissioned a major in the 12th U. S. Infantry but arrived too late to participate in any major fighting.
He had many pursuits, to include botany and astronomy; Gregg owned his own private observatory.
Gregg was a proponent of secession and was considered a ‘fire-eater.’ After South Carolina seceded, he organized the 1st South Carolina Infantry and became its first colonel. He was promoted to Brigadier General in December 1861.
Gregg and his brigade, while part of Stonewall Jackson’s army, did not participate in the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Due to the threat of emboldened Federal Cavalry, his South Carolina brigade was detached to protect Barnett’s Ford, on the Rapidan during the brief campaign.
Just over a month later, at Sharpsburg, Gregg was wounded by the same bullet the that killed Lawrence O’Brian Branch. He recovered only to be mortally wounded at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862, dying two days later. He is buried in the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
Drawing of Gregg from Wikipedia.

08/01/2024

On August 1, 1863, BG John Buford pushed a brigade of cavalry across the Rappahannock near Rappahannock Station, eventually to be supported by a brigade of infantry from MG James Robinson’s division from the 1st Corps.
Sounds like a very simple movement. Unfortunately, as the correspondence indicates, Buford went to the wrong ford, wanted a pontoon bridge thrown across the river, as the river was high, but did not get the support from the engineers that he desired.
Buford, takes advantage of the lack of Confederates on the south side of the Rappahannock and pushes his brigade across, despite the height of the river. Robinson pushed some of his infantry across to support Buford’s efforts.
It isn’t well known that from August 1, 1863 until the actions on September 13, 1863 (The Battle of Culpeper Court House), the Army of the Potomac had forces on the Culpeper side of the river at Beverly Ford, Kelly’s Ford and at Rappahannock Station.
What follows is correspondence within the Army of the Potomac regarding Buford’s actions.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
July 31, 1863.
Major-General PLEASONTON, Warrenton:
The river rose over 3 feet last night; is falling again; has fallen about 4 inches. All quiet along my line.
JNO. BUFORD,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
--JULY 31, 1863-6 a. m.
[General PLEASONTON:]
I have put 80 men across, and run off the rebels. A bridge can be laid in perfect safety. I cannot cross without it.
BUFORD.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
July 31, 1863.
Major-General PLEASONTON:
Captain Mendell, U. S. Engineers, has no orders to throw a bridge across the river. He has placed some boats at my disposal, to cross over some dismounted men. If he is instructed to throw a bridge over immediately after the rifle-pits are cleared, I can take my division across before 7 a. m. I cannot cross without the bridge, as the river is swimming deep, and dangerous.
Respectfully,
JNO. BUFORD,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
--HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 31, 1863.
Major-General NEWTON,
Commanding First Corps:
I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that a bridge will be thrown across the river to -night at Kelly's Ford, and that, as soon as completed, the cavalry will cross, sweep up the river, and clear the country on the opposite bank of the enemy, and to say that as soon as that is done thrown across at that point, and such dispositions as may be necessary to cover this operation and hold the bridge be made by you; that, when the bridge is finished, you will throw over a sufficient force to hold any near commanding point that will serve as a bridge-had. The railroad bridge will then be repaired, under the cover afforded by you. Working parties to aid in laying the bridge will be detailed from your command.
A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
-- RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, August 1, 1863-3 a. m.
Brigadier General G. K. Warren,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
The Bridge at Kelly's Ford was completed by Lieutenant Mackenzie, Engineers, at 11. 30 last night. There was no opposition worth remark.
G. H. Mendell,
Captain of Engineers, Commanding Battalion.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION
August 1, 1863.
Major-General Meade:
I sent a brigade to cross this morning at Beverly Ford. The river is swimming, and I could not cross. The engineer give me no cooperation. I can cross in boats and drive away the rebs; after which, if the engineers are instructed to lay abridge, I can cross and hold the opposite bank. If I am to Advance, I would like to see some disposition shown to aid me. Everything seems to be awaiting orders.
JNO. Buford,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
-- RAPPAHANNOCK, August 1, 1863-6 o'clock.
Brigadier-General Waren,
Chief Engineer:
Some of General Buford's dismounted cavalry have been passed over the river in boats. Shall I build the bridge?
G. H. Mendell,
Captain of Engineers.
--HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
August 1, 1863-6. 30 a. m.
Captain Mendell,
Rappahannock Station:
It is the design to put the bridge across at Rappahannock Bridge as soon as the enemy leave the opposite side, which it this supposed they will do as soon as the cavalry are across at Kelly's Ford. If the enemy has left, lay the bridge at once. Inform General Buford that the bridge is laid below.
G. K. Warren.
--HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS. August 1, 1863-7 a. m.
Brigadier-General Buford,
Commanding First Cavalry Division:
Your orders intended yo to cross at Kelly's Ford; the bridge is all ready for you at that point. Lose no time in doing so. Send your dispatches to these headquarters.
A. Pleasonton,
Major-General, Commanding.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, Rappahannock Station, Va., August 1, 1863-8. 15 a. m.
Major-General Pleasonton,
Commanding Cavalry Corps:
Your dispatch is just received. The command is halted. I will cross at Rappahannock Station as soon as the bridge is laid.
Buford,
Brigadier-General, Commanding First Cavalry Division.
-- HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Germantown, Va., August 1, 1863 -11. 15 a. m.
Brigadier-General Buford,
Commanding Rappahannock Station:
General: Your dispatch to General Meade was referred to these headquarters. The order relative to crossing at Kelly's Ford was misunderstood by you. The engineers at Rappahannock Station had orders not to throw the bridge across until you dad crossed at Kelly's Ford and uncovered the opposite side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. Ross Smith,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Chief of Staff.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, [August 1, 1863]-11. 15 a. m.
Major-General Pleasonton,
Headquarters Army of the Potomac:
General: One brigade of this division has crossed the river; the remainder of the command follow. There is now no hinderance for the construction train to commence operations on the railway bridge. Respectfully,
JNO. Buford,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.
--August 1, 1863-12 m.
Major-General Newton,
Commanding First Corps:
Your dispatch of 9 a. m. just received As soon as Buford's cavalry has crossed, send over your infantry for the purposes indicated in your instructions of yesterday.
By order:
A. A. Humphreys,
Major-General, Chief of Staff.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, Near Rappahannock Station, Smith's House, August 1, 1863 -4. 30 p. m.
Major-General Humphreys,
Chief of Staff, Army of The Potomac:
I prefer writing, and sending by orderly, a history of the operations of to-day, finding my messages by telegraph do not reach you.
-- As soon as General Burofd showed his ability to drive the enemy, and has soon as his columns had entered the woods in front of us, I ordered General Robinson's infantry to cross the river. This was a long time before the reception of your telegram to that effect From all I can learn, Buford is driving the enemy, which consists only of cavalry, with a little artillery. The firing seems to be 5 or 6 miles distant from the river.
(My staff officer, just in from Buford, says that he is 2 mile beyond Brandy Station.).
With regard to my position over the river, as long as the enemy do not mean to attack in large force, it is all well. I have about 2, 200 men over there, composed of Robinson's and part of the Third Division. Our numbers there are too many on too few. I propose in the morning reducing the covering force over the to a strong picket line. I do not write this from any apprehension of an attack, but to advise the commanding general of the state of the case. General Buford being in front would always give me notice of any serious demonstration of the enemy.
I desire to inform the commanding general that the railroad constructing party might have worked the entire day, there being no firing within 3 miles. I have telegraphed them to come up, and asked General Howard to order them up; still, they are not here. Thus the whole day has been lost. Buford's cannonading ca be still distinctly heard.
Very respectfully, &c.,
John Newton,
Major-General, Commanding.
-- HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, August 1, 1863-1. 37 p. m.
[General Humphreys:]
The railroad bridge builders, who could have been at work since daylight this morning, nave not reported here. I have sent to Bealeton and to Warrenton Junction, but have heard nothing of them.
John Newton,
Major-General.
[P. S.]-Buford has gone to the front, and met with a cannonading. Robinson's division will cross soon.
--HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 1, 1863-9. 50 p. m.
Commanding Officer Cavalry Corps:
I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of General Buford's very satisfactory dispatch.
The information furnished is important. He was not expected to hold against an infantry corps, and should be withdrawn to some point in advance of Rappahannock Bridge, where he can maintain himself. He should not retire to this side of the river, excepting he be forced back by an overpowering force.
A. A. Humphereys,
Major-General, And Chief of Staff.
--RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, August 1, 1863.
Brigadier General G. K. Warren,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
General: General Newton desires another bridge over the river near the left of his position, and, unless your order differently, I shall throw it over early to-morrow morning.
G. H. Mendell,
Captain of Engineers.
-- AUGUST 1, 1863-11 p. m.
[Major-General Humphreys:]
Captain [Stephen M.] Weld, my aide-de-camp, has just returned from General Buford, who is 3 miles beyond the bridge. The rebel infantry followed him 2 miles this side of Brandy Station. The infantry belonged to A. P. Hill's corps; how many are not stated. They had three or four batteries.
John Newton,
Major-General.
-- HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, August 2, 1863.
Col A. J. Alexander,
Chief of Staff Corps:
I have been compelled to move closer to the river than I wished, on account of water. The whole division is now within a mile of the bridge, on both sides of the railroad. The rebel pickets are within 1 1/2 miles of the division. Yesterday was a very severe day upon men and horses. I myself am worthless.
JNO. Buford,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
--HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, Rappahannock Station, August 1, 1863 - 11. 30 p. m.
Major-General Humphreys:
I do not think that I ought to withdraw from the other side of the river, with Buford in the position stated in the former telegram. I would like to have a division from the nearest corps, if in accordance with the wishes of the commanding general, the First Corps being too much distributed to expect much support from it.
John Newton,
Major-General.
Photo of Buford from the Library of Congress.
These communications can be found in OR, Vol. 29, pt. 3, 787 - 827