Sheridan at Baltimore Cross-Roads

 HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, 

                                                                                       May 21, 1864.

Major-General BURNSIDE: 

No news except that Sheridan is on his way back. Last heard from at Baltimore Store.

                                                                                     JNO. A. RAWLINS,
                                                                                                Chief of Staff.

-The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1- Volume 36 (Part III)

Map of area of operations, LOC

 Using the history of the Sixth New York Cavalry we follow the Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac as it re-enters New Kent . . .

May 16th- In the afternoon the Second and Third Brigades, under Colonel Devin, started on a reconnoissance up the James River to Chapin's(sic) Bluff, about six miles, and about three miles out met a small force of the enemy; captured an officer and a few men and dispersed the rest. After following them about three miles and discovering no large force, returned, after dark without loss.

May 17th- Orders were received to be in readiness to march at eleven o'clock, but order being countermanded, the horses were unsaddled. At 7.30 p.m. "boots and saddles" again sounded, and at nine o'clock the column moved out and marched down the river about twenty miles, and halted for breakfast about daylight of the 18th. A hard night's march, sleeping in the saddle and waking in the morning minus cap or hat.

May 18th- Moving out soon after daylight the regiment took the lead of the corps and crossing the Chickahominy at Jones Bridge, moved up the north side of that river to Baltimore Crossroads and encamped on the Baltimore and Richmond pike, three miles from New Kent C.H., and seven miles from White House. There were frequent heavy rain,s swelling the streams and keeping the roads in a perpetual state of mud.

May 19th- In bivouac at the crossroads, waiting, resting, sending out scouting parties, and enjoying the delightful rain and mud.

May 20th- Reveille at 3 a.m. Sheridan having decided to cross the Pamunky River at White House, had sent to Fortress Monroe for pontoons. While waiting for these he sent Custer up the river to destroy the railroad bridge across the South Anna at Hanover Station, and the Second and Third Divisions to Cold Harbor to demonstrate in the direction of Richmond, as far as Mechanicsville, and cover Custer's movements. The Ninth New York was sent with Custer, the rest of the brigade remaining at the crossroads.

-History of the Sixth New York Cavalry: (Second Ira Harris Guard) Second Brigade -- First Division -- Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, 1861-1865

 Compiled by Hillman Allyn Hall, William B. Besley, Gilbert Guion Wood

 Blanchard Press, 1908       

 

Thomas C. Devin, Commanding officer 6th NY Cavalry