The Christmas Chase

 This a reposting from 2014

A Hot Chase With a Big Pack in New Kent.

(Special to The Times-Dispatch.)

ROXBURY, VA., December 27.- One of the most exciting fox chases in New Kent for some time took place Christmas day, when Mr. Lee Jenk Boze and his brother, Joe Boze, of Highland Springs, with thirty-six hounds; Willie and George Ellyson, of Quinton; W.H. Graves, of Seven Pines, with fifty-four dogs, as fine as can be found in Virginia. The day was an ideal one-cool, clear and calm. After leaving Dispatch Station Mr. Joe Boze's Little Ruby, struck a hot trail, and was soon followed by her companions, Storm and Fleet. They soon had old Reynard on his feet, and without a hitch for forty minutes the sweetest music in all the world rolled over the hills from the red mouths of forty hounds, which, mingled with the shouts of many happy riders, could be heard for many miles out on the soft morning breeze.

The old fox, being hotly pursued, used every trick known to his kind to elude its pursuers, but alas, poor Reynard, with brush down, tongue protruding and all heart gone, headed for a hog lot and sought protection among the hogs. Here he found no friends, for soon the hogs had the fox cornered and was making short work of him, and when the boys came up it took seven huntsmen to get dogs, fox and hogs separated. In a moment old Reynard was cold in death, swinging from the saddle of Mr. Graves.

-The Times-Dispatch(Richmond), December 28, 1905

I assume the Ellysons mentioned above are William T. Ellyson (1866-1944) and George Washington Ellyson (1875-1960) brothers, the sons of Richard Abner Ellyson.

Report on the York River Railroad- 1861

 

REPORT OF ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT 

                                                                      OFFICE ENG. AND SUPR. & Y.R.RR                                                                                                              October 1 1861 

GENTLEMEN, The annual report from this office is confined entirely to the operations incident to the completion, its present condition and necessities of the road. 

  As to the operations in the transportation department, receipts, disbursements, &c, you are referred to the report of the treasurer, which is believed to compare favorably with that of the preceding year.

  Completion of road to West Point 

 At the date of the last report the, 38th section, together with the wharf at the eastern terminus, remained unfinished, although the road had been in operation to West Point over a temporary track since the 1st day of August.

 The 1st day of January found the work still unfinished, when the contract was abandoned, and it was carried on to completion by the company at a cost much below the contractor's prices. The wharf is built in the most substantial manner, of superior materials, and capable of sustaining the heaviest locomotives.

 On the 29th day of March last the company's steamer West Point made her first connection with the train at the proper terminus of the road. 

 From this date the through working of the road may be considered to commence having been heretofore restricted to a very light freight business owing to the difficulty in the way of transhipment at West Point. 

Condition of road bed road repairs &c 

 During the year a very considerable portion of the road bed has been improved, by being partially ballasted with sand and gravel, an inexhaustible quantity of which is found upon the line; and I would recommend a thorough improvement of the road in this respect, as the comfort, safety and reduced cost of repairs to road and machinery will afford an ample return for the investment.

 The wet nature of some parts of the road requiring constant attention to protect the iron, and the constant ditching required to keep the heavy sand cuts upon other portions clear, run up the cost of road repairs beyond the usual figures at best; but during the last year, which has been peculiarly trying upon all the roads in the state, this account is increased by a number of heavy slides and the carrying away of several embankments.

 The most troublesome of these are the slides at Romancoke bluffs, upon the Pamunkey, where a change of alignment has been determined upon, and a force engaged in carrying it into effect 

                                              Bridging trestle work and cutouts 

 The Pamunkey and Upper Black creek bridges sustained some injury from the high waters of last spring, but were repaired at light cost. The latter will require an abutment to be replaced; the foundation of which yielded to the action of the water, the bridge being now supported by a wooden abutment at that end Lower Black Creek, Chickahominy and Cohoke bridges are in good order. Gillies' creek trestle has been nearly filled in, and the work is now suspended for the want of cars.

 The trestle across Chickahominy bottom requires to be filled in, which when done, will necessitate the introduction of another span of fifty feet, and the building of the necessary abutments. The present single span of fifty feet, which rests upon pile abutments, will not afford sufficient water way.

 There are several smaller streams, crossed by light trestles, which I would recommend to replace with culverts.

Buildings turnouts water stations &c 

 During the year there has been completed, at Richmond, a substantial and convenient brick passenger depot, with extensive shed attached, sufficient to accommodate the passenger and baggage cars now upon the road.

 At Fair Oaks and Summit, there are neither turnouts or buildings of any description, nor does the business of the former point require any at present.

 At Meadow, Dispatch and Tunstall's, the only other points west of the Pamunkey, sufficient buildings and turnouts had been completed prior to the date of the last report.

 At Fish Hall*, Cohoke, Sweet Hall, Romancoke and West Point, there are neither buildings or turnouts, except at Romancoke and West Point- at each of which places there is a single siding. The grading of the depot lot at Richmond has so far progressed during the year to admit of the side tracks being run under the shed, and the passenger cars, while at this end of the line are now protected from the weather.

 The temporary track through the village of West Point has not been removed, owing to the unimproved condition of the streets connecting the depot lot with the high land, and the convenience it afforded of delivering ordnance, supplies, &c. at that point being a military post.

 It is designed, however, as soon as the proper crossings to and necessary buildings at the terminus of the road have been completed, to remove this, as the iron and ties are needed at other points.

 There are three water stations upon the line: one at Richmond, supplied, without pumping, from Bloody run spring; one at Dispatch, supplied by means of rams, from Carter's mill pond, and the other at the crossing of the Pamunkey river, supplied by hand pump.

 It is proposed to erect a wind mill to do the pumping at West Point, which, if it succeeds, and it can scarcely prove a failure at so exposed a point near the sea coast, labor in this department will become unnecessary, and a saving of 300 per annum effected.

Outfit

 We have four engines- the York and Atlantic, new and in good order; the Mattaponi and Pamunkey, in as good condition as age and hard work permit, having been purchased of the Central rail road company (then old machines) and run constantly since the track laying on your road commenced. The Pamunkey, which went down with the slide at Romancoke bluff, and was reduced to a wreck, has been repaired, and is again at work.  

During the unusual wet weather of last spring an accident occurred, resulting in no damage, except to the road bed, unheard of before, I believe, in the history of roads.

 An embankment upon the lower end of the line gave way with a section of track under the engine Atlantic, while standing letting it down to a bearing fifteen feet below the grade of the road, without getting off the iron or losing its perpendicular. The engine was gotten out without being injured in the slightest degree.

 We have four first class passenger cars, one baggage car, ten box and fifteen flat cars, four material (side dumpers) cars and fifteen small ditching. hand and crank cars.

 Under many of the freight cars new trucks of a superior kind, built at our own shops, have been introduced; and from time to time, until all the old ones have been replaced, which are of a light and imperfect character, this work will be carried on.

 An express and baggage car has been commenced, and, during the coming year, it is calculated to make such additions to our insufficient amount of stock as the means of the company and facilities for doing so will admit. 

(then followed an item list of the cost of putting the road in a "thorough state of completion" and costs of equipment.)

 - Annual Report of the Board of Public Works to the General ..., Parts 3-4 Doc. 17

The Chief Engineer writing this is Robert H. Temple of Gloucester (1831-1901)

Further information in the report states that the line 38.3 miles long, has four engines, four passenger cars, one mail/express car, and 46 freight cars. 

A first class ticket was 5 cents a mile.

*Lestor Manor

Western New Kent 1866

 

A Civil War era map of the western half of New Kent County from Harper's Pictorial History of the Great Rebellion Part First published in 1866. The section shown, which I have cropped and enlarged, stretches from Matadequin Creek and the Pamunkey River in the North to Long Bridge Road and the Chickahominy River in the south. A seemingly accurate map a few features stand out to me. Two buildings marked as churches are unnamed. The one closest to Dispatch Station should be Providence Methodist. The one on the road to Long Bridge should be Emmaus Baptist. The other two are interesting as representing the fog of misinformation that winds up being published in a war even a civil war. In the northwest corner of the map we have a building marked down as "Hopesville Ch." which should be of course Hopewell Baptist Church. Stranger, at the site where St. Peters Episcopal should sit is a building marked as "Fish Hall." A little research has revealed that Lester Manor in King William County was know in the nineteenth century by the Pamunkey Indians. Lester Manor should be just off the eastern side of the map where the railroad crosses the Pamunkey. Lester Manor was the closest railroad depot to the Pamunkey Indian Reservation and the tribe sold a great deal of fish through the depot leading to the depot/house/ settlement being called "Fish Hall" or possibly even "Fish Haul." A report from the York River Railroad in October 1861 even refers to the depot as "Fish Hall.

As for the location on this map, well don't believe everything you read in the press.

Youtube video: American Civil War: Battle of Eltham's Landing - "Flanking Joe Johnston"

An excellent video from the Youtuber "Warhawk" on the Battle of Eltham's Landing, part of a larger series he is doing on The Peninsula Campaign and the early war in general.

Skirmish at Baltimore Crossroads - June 1863

 

COMMUNICATIONS.

                 [WRITTEN FOR THE COLUMBIA DEMOCRAT.]

        From the Army.

                 Warrenton, Va,, Sept. 1, 1863.

Colonel Tate,

Dear Sir:- I take my pen to let you know that I am still in the land of the living. I am well and enjoying myself as well as could be expected after the long marches we, have had; I will give you some account of them, since we left Yorktown. We left this latter place on the 23rd of June, and have been on the march ever since. When we started we thought we might be going towards Richmond. That day we went 9 miles on the other side of Williamsburg, when we stopped at a place called the nine mile ordinary¹. It was about 9 o'clock at night when we got into camp, and being very tired we soon had our horses fed and lost no time in taking our night's rest. Early in the morning we were roused out for the purpose of feeding our horses. Boots and saddles were sounded, and we were all ready to move in little or no time, for we did not know what was up. Soon we got orders to move and were off, feeling as good as could be expected; we marched all day without stopping, and halted at a place called Spruce Grove². There we stopped for the night; the next morning we were ready to start in good season. Then we found out our destination, and took our line of march for the White House. Our scouts saw some rebel cavalry near New Kent Court House, so called by those living around there, which are most all negroes. One section of our battery* was then ordered to turn to the left and come into position, while the rest kept to the right down to the Pamunkey river. We were then furnished with rations, of which we were in great need. That night we were brought into position, and were soon through with our horses. We then laid down to enjoy a good night's rest, we laid there until towards noon of the next day, when the remainder of our battery joined us; we then started of for the White House, which we reached in the course of a few hours.

We laid there two days, when the army was brought up in line of battle, which looked very much like having a general engagement but however, we marched on to Baltimore Stores(sic), and so on to Baltimore Cross Roads³ where the Graybacks had just left, fires were still burning were they had cooked their coffee. Out battery was then brought into line; this was about 4 o'clock, the battery was then ordered on the right into a little field, where they could see some rebels in a an orchard, not far away, they were brought into position, and immediately commenced shelling the woods, they threw shells for about two hours, when the firing ceased; some cavalry, one section of artillery, and two regiment of infantry were ordered to advance, which was done at once.

We laid there until the next morning, when we were ordered back to Baltimore Store. Soon after our cavalry came in at full speed reporting the enemy near.-- Matters looked rather dark, and I thought we would soon get into a general engagement then appearing very near, but our pickets giving them a well directed fire, they soon were driven back. We then  received orders to return to Yorktown, which we were glad to hear, for we were short of rations long enough. We were two days going back. 

We remained there two days when orders came for us to join Meade's army; we accordingly loaded the battery on board the splendid steamer Thomas Morgan, and in company with General Keys and Staff, were soon on our way towards Washington. We reached the latter place the next night. The next day we received orders to proceed to Frederick City soon news came that the track had been washed away, when we commenced unloading the battery and prepare to go by land.

We reached Frederick City in the course of a few days, and it is a very fine place, we laid there over night, and next morning joined the 6th army corps in the army of the Potomac. We are now stationed at Warrenton; it is a fine place, but quite deserted by the male population. Our corps is scattered all around here, both up and down the rail road. 

They are now filling up the old regiments with conscripts. The old corps are in good health and spirits at the present time, and got plenty to eat. A few days ago five men were shot for desertion. It is the only way to prevent it. A rumor was afloat in camp yesterday that the army was soon to move, but I do not know which way. The weather is getting quite cool here; No more at present. 

    Yours, truly,

  CHARLES A. KNORR,⁴

             Battery M., 5th U. S. Artillery.

-Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg General Advertiser.(Bloomsburg, Pa.) September 19, 1863

¹ The Hickory Neck Church/ Toano area

² There were a lot of farms and plantations in New Kent with "Grove" in the name, but I am unfamiliar with any named "Spruce Grove." A strange name in itself in that the spruce is only native to the highlands of Virginia. Of the "Grove" farms, the most likely is "Locust Grove" owned by Harmon Walker. It is the only one at the proper end of the county on a logical route from James City, excepting "Aspen Grove" at Slatersville, but I am not sure how long that property has had that name.

³ The intersection/ crossroads at Quinton proper sometimes known as Patterson's Store

⁴ Corporal Charles A. Knorr survived the war dying in Cleveland, Ohio, December 1, 1913 age 72.

* Battery M probably consisted of 6 12-lb. Napoleons, a section was normally two guns of the battery

Homecoming- 1862

 The Richmond correspondent of the Charleston Mercury says:

A gentleman, visiting in New Kent, became apprised of this singular incident which illustrates the depopulation of that country. Two young ladies, who had became sickened to death with the sight of Yankees, pledged them-selves to each other to kiss the Confederate soldier that came along. McClellan retreated to Old Point, and for many days no man was visible at all. At last a poor fellow came dragging wearily up to the door. The girls peeped out and asked him if he was a Yankee. "No, I am a confederate soldier, born in this neighborhood, and all I want is a drink of water." The door was thrown wide open, the girls rushed out, fell upon him, kissed him, caught him by both arms and pulled him in the house, clothed him, fed him, washed him, and drank him till he was ready to burst. He became so bewildered that he has never been able to leave the neighborhood from that day three weeks ago, to this.

-The Daily Bulletin. (Winchester, Tenn) October 27, 1862

The New Kent Resolves of July 1774

 

A British cartoon from 1774 labeled "The Bostonian in distress"

New Kent's response to the crisis of 1774 . . .

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of New Kent, at the Courthouse of the said County, on Tuesday the 12th of July 1774, Thomas Adams, Esquire, being first chosen Moderator, and William Clayton, Esquire, Clerk, the present State of America being seriously and duly considered, the following Resolutions were proposed and agreed to, as an Instruction to our Deputies hereafter named:

Resolved, that our Sovereign Lord King, George III, is lawful and rightful King of Great Britain and all his Dominions in America, to whose Royal Person and Government we protest all due Subjection, Obedience, and Fidelity; and that we will, at all Times, defend and protect the just Rights of his Majesty with our Lives and Fortunes.

Resolved, that the Inhabitants of the British Colonies in America are entitled to all the Rights, Liberties, and Privileges, of free born English Subjects.

Resolved, that the Right to impose Taxes or Duties to be paid by the Inhabitants of this Dominion for any Purpose whatever, is peculiar and essential to the General Assembly, in whom the legislative Authority of the Colony is vested, and that Taxation and Representation are inseparable.

Resolved, that the Trial by Jury of the Vicinage is the Glory of the English Law, and the best Security for the Life, Liberty, and Property of the Subject, and is the undoubted Birthright of all his Majesty's free born American Subjects.

Resolved, that the several Acts and Resolutions of the Parliament of Great Britain made during his present Majesty's Reign, imposing Taxes or Duties on the Inhabitants of America, for the express Purpose of raising a Revenue, and for altering the Nature or Punishment of Offences committed in American, or the Method of Trial of such Offences, are unconstitutional, arbitrary, and unjust, and destructive of the Rights of America, and that we are not bound to yield Obedience to any such Acts.

Resolved, that the late cruel, unjust, and sanguinary Acts of Parliament, to be executed by military Force and Ships of War upon our Sister colony of the Massachusetts Bay, and Town of Boston, is strong Evidence of the corrupt Influence obtained by the British Ministry in Parliament, and a convincing Proof of their fixed Intention to deprive the Colonies of their constitutional Rights, and Liberties.

Resolved, that the Cause of the Town of Boston is the common Cause of all the American Colonies.

Resolved, that it is the Duty and Interest of all American Colonies firmly to unite in an indissoluble Union and Association, to oppose, by every just and proper Means, the infringements of their Rights and Liberties.

Resolved, that we do heartily approve of the Resolutions and Proceedings of our sever late Assemblies for affecting and supporting the just Rights and Liberties of America, from their patriotick Resolves in 1765 this Time.

Resolved, that we will most firmly unite with the other Counties in this Colony, in such Measures as shall be approved of by Majority as the best and most proper Means of preserving our Rights and Liberties, and opposing the said unconstitutional Acts of Parliament.

Resolved, that the most effectual Method of opposing the said several Acts of Parliament will be to break off all commercial Intercourse with Great Britain, until the said Acts shall be repealed.

Resolved, that the several counties within this colony ought to nominate and appoint, for every County, proper Deputies to meet upon the first Day of August next, in the City of Williamsburg, then and there to consult and agree upon the best and most proper Means for carrying into Execution these or any other Resolutions which shall be best calculated to answer the Purposes aforesaid.

Resolved, that it is earnestly recommended to the Deputies at the said general Convention to nominate and appoint fit and proper Persons, on Behalf of this Colony, to meet such Deputies as shall be appointed by the other Colonies in General Congress, to consult and agree upon a firm and indissoluble Union and Association, for preserving, by the best and most proper Means, their common Rights and Liberties.

Resolved, that BURWELL BASSETT¹ and BARTHOLOMEW DANDRIDGE², Esquires, our late and present worthy Representatives, be and they are hereby nominated and appointed Deputies, on the Part and Behalf of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of this County, to meet such Deputies as shall be appointed by the other Counties within this Colony, in the City of Williamsburg, on the first Day of August next, or at any other Time or Place, for the Purpose aforesaid.

Resolved further, that our said Deputies agree to join in any proper Means that shall be adopted for the Immediate Relief of the present Necessities of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston.

Resolved, that the Clerk transmit the foregoing Resolutions and Instructions to the Printers, to be Published.

                                            WILLIAM CLAYTON, Clerk of the Meeting



- The Virginia Gazette(Williamsburg), July 21, 1774

July 1774 would be shortly after the passing of the "Intolerable Acts" of 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party of December 1773 which included the Royal Navy closing the port of Boston.


¹ - The brother in law of Martha Washington, married to her sister Anna Maria Dandridge.

²- The younger brother of Martha Washington.

These two men were New Kent's Delegates to the House of Burgesses for 1772-1774.

Evangelizing - 1807

 Camp Meetings. 

Held by the Episcopal Methodists. 

The 1st.— At Roper’s Chapel in New Kent, from Thursday 11th to Monday 15th June, 1807, the assembly attending on the occasion, is adjudged to amount to 2500 people— 7 Preachers, 16 tents, 23 hopefully Converted and 20 joined the Church; as heretofore we had some disquietude from the ungodly, but the good, far exceeded the evil. 

The 2d.— At Mathew’s Chapel, in Mathews county from Friday the 19th to Monday 22d of June the assembly estimated at 3000 people, 16 Preachers. 12 tens, 40 hopefully Converted, and great awakenings among the people, happy seasons of grace among the believers, and a solemn and affecting patting at the close. Very good order here:

The 3d— At Providence Chapel in Chesterfield county—from Saturday the 27th to Tuesday 30th June— the assembly supposed to be composed of 2000 people, 6 Preachers 10 Tents. 20 supposed to be converted—with visible awakenings among sinners & blessings to Christians— from the short notice of about three weeks forming a two days meeting into a camp meeting the neighboring people, are deserving the credit of very agreeable fixment for the accommodations of the assembly —and considering the rain that fell on the first day, there were more tents than could have been expected—and very good order except in one instance occasioned by some who were thought to have drank rather free—and our solemn march round the encampment—at at the previous meetings were truly affecting. 

"And there Was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said be it a good many: others said  nay: but he deceiveth the people.” John 7. 12 — "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false Prophet are gone out into the World," 1 John 4. 1. 

 -Virginia Argus, 8 July 1807

The vicinity of Roper's Church from the Civil War Gilmer map

Richmond National Cemetery lies some 15 miles east of New Kent . . .

 

 At the close of the Civil War, the remains of Union soldiers who died during the numerous battles in and around Richmond, including the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, the 1864 Overland Campaign, and the Sieges of Petersburg and Richmond, were scattered among the city’s cemeteries and battlefield burial grounds.  When the Richmond National Cemetery opened in 1866, most of the first burials were reinterments of Union soldiers from other sites in the area.  The reburied soldiers include 3,200 from Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond, 388 from Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, 210 from the cemetery at the Belle Island Confederate Prison, and hundreds more from the battlefields of Cold Harbor, Seven Pines, and more than 70 additional sites within a 25-mile radius.

From Roll of Honor: Names of Soldiers who Died in Defence of the American Union, Interred in the National  Cemeteries and Other Burial Places ... Vols 16-17

Union Soldiers Interred in Richmond National Cemetery, VA

Division: F

Section: 1

No. 5621

(76 to 148)    73 unknown

These bodies were interred in an triangular enclosure, at Bottom's Bridge, where the New Kent road crosses the Chickahominy river. No. 76 was No. 1 grave on the southwest corner of the triangle and the rows followed the hypotenuse.

Roads, Good Government, and Sabbath Fishing- 1922

                       New Kent Organizes Against Sunday Fishing 

                     [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] 

WEST POINT, VA., March 9. The people in this section have not ceased to deplore the fact that the central route was selected for the highway from Richmond to the coast.* The route selected, it is alleged, for the convenience of the sporting fraternity, will not open up a large section of the country. 

The people in New Kent have organized a Good Government League and assert that there will be no more fishing in the Chickahominy River on the Sabbath by visitors from the city.

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, 10 March 1922

*The central route talked about is the first paved road down the Peninsula to Newport News. Know even then as the Pocahontas Trail, it would become the original Rt. 60 (the first, two lane, version).

Skirmish at New Market Bridge December 1861 III- Postscript

 From the New York Times of March 2, 1862

MISCELLANEOUS REBELLION NEWS.; AFFAIRS AT FORT MONROE.

Correspondence of the Philadelphia Ledger.

NEWPORT's NEWS, VA., Sunday, Feb. 23, 1862.

The French Emperor seems resolved to secure proper respect for his Government in our waters. To the vessels already lying in Hampton Roads -- the Pomone and the Catanet -- another, bearing the flag of the Empire, has been added -- making altogether an armament of thirty-eight guns. The officers in command on these vessels bear themselves with characteristic politeness, and there is no want of salutes and other naval courtesies on every occasion allowing them.

The Roanoke, whose disability has not yet been repaired, is coolly laying for the Merrimac, which is reported fully ready for active service and very anxious to get out of Norfolk harbor. She is completely iron-clad, but so clumsily that her decks are merely above water. A queer experiment has been tested, I believe satisfactorily, on the Roanoke, for the benefit of the resurrected Merrimac. The object was to determine whether an anchor could be thrown from the mainmast upon a vessel alongside, and the intention is to run, by the aid of a tug, upon the secession steamer, when she makes her long-looked-for appearance, and introduce her to the bottom of the James River sans ceremonie(sic).

What all reconnaissance and scouting has failed to resolve, has at length, accidentally, as you have doubtless learned, been made evident -- the actual nature and strength of the works at Big Bethel. A party from Newport's News, with a flag of truce, was lost among the roads in that neighborhood a few days ago, and instead of approaching the place in front, blindfolded, they positively stumbled into the redoubted position with their eyes wide open, having in their wanderings got to its rear. It appears to have always been a very incomplete affair, consisting, in all, of three parallel intrenchments, directly beyond each other, with their accompanying earthworks, without any flank trenching worthy the name. But the strength of the place consisted of an almost impassable swamp, between the battery and the ground on which the First New-York Regiment deployed, with the idea of storming the works, an the 10th of June, 1861, immediately before all self-possession departed from the commanding General.

"Let by-gones be by-gones." Whatever Big Bethel was on that unfortunate day, it is certainly a pitiable sight now, dismantled, not containing a single piece of ordnance, and with its hundred miserable and woe-begone occupants, wan with sickness and privation, and wretched in the hopelessness of their cause, defeat echoing in their ears from every direction. You will regret, of course, to learn that the ancient edifice from which we have the title "Big Bethel," the great and venerable church in which the picus sires of "degenerate sons" delighted -- lists been destroyed. It had been transformed into a sort of barracks by the rebels, and not the ghost of sanctity lingered, but was dispelled by the odious rascals. It was the Pennsylvania Eleventh Cavalry that did the business for it. When Gen. MANSFIELD issued orders retaliatory for acts of incendiarism committed by the enemy, they drove the Secessionists like chaff before them, compelling their exit just at meal-time, when they had their beefsteak frying on the stove -- a state of things which must have added inconceivably to their distress. From the conflagration of the building nothing was saved but the builder's account-book, a portion of which is in the hands of a private of Company L, and which is a quaint relic, containing debits and credits concerning worthy masons and carpenters dating in the last century. The Secessionists had been using it to express their whims, and in a blank place was freshly written, "Miss Dolly Carter, of Kentucky, the belle of the Southwest;" and coupled with it, no doubt by the faint-hearted lover himself: "Brig.-Gen. Walter R. Tally, New-Kent troops." By the same hand also was inscribed: "The New-Kent Light Horse Dragoons are spoiling for a fight with the Mounted Dutchmen" -- obviously referring to the Pennsylvania Cavalry, which did not let them "spoil" long; and again, "The New-Kent Light Horse -- the TERROR of the Yankee Pups." This, in connection with the unceremonious flight of the "Terror" upon the advent of the identical "Mounted Dutchmen" and "Yankee Pups," is very good of the Brigadier-General -- also, of the "New-Kent Light Horse." By the way, the Eleventh, which has been at Old Point (Camp Hamilton) over two months now, has done yeoman service in this quarter, in hunting out and chasing the rebels away. It consists of twelve companies, and is a full regiment. The Colonel, a brave soldier and a true patriot -- JOSIAH HALLAN* -- is a Philadelphian, though his troops are from all parts of the State. In fact, found a whole company of Pittsburghers and Western Pennsylvania men, (among them, Company L, Capt. LOOMIS and Lieut. MAHON,) and quite a number of Ohioans. The health of the inch has been bad, owing to exposures, and in the short space of six months over thirty deaths from disease have occurred. Only yesterday, a member of Company K was carried to his last home, a victim of typhoid.

The aforementioned Walter R. Tally, was in fact Walter Richard Talley, 18, son of William C. Talley. Enlisting in June of 1861 he would serve until Appomattox attaining the rank not of Brigadier General but Corporal. He died in 1906 at the Soldiers Home Robert E. Lee Camp in Richmond.

*This is none other than Joisah Harlan, the famous Prince of Ghor

 

Skirmish at New Market Bridge December 1861- II

 

NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE.

Full Account of the Newmarket Bridge Affair.

GALLANTRY OF OUR GERMAN TROOPS.

Plan of the battle field.

Money and Clothing Sent to Our Soldiers with the Rebels,

&

Fortress Monroe, Dec. 26
Via Baltimore, Dec, 28, 1861

A flag truce took an immense quantity of clothes to Norfolk this afternoon, destined for the Union prisoners at Richmond, New Orleans and elsewhere.

The gunboat Keystone State arrived hero this afternoon from Bermuda. She has two cases of smallpox on board. She will remain at Quarantine.

The Keystone State has been in pursuit of the privateer Sumter, but has not seen her. She brings no news.

The brig Empire, from Boston, via Newport, arrived here this afternoon. She has, an assorted cargo of apples, preserved meats and such articles, destined for Port Royal.

 

           OUR FORTRESS MONROE CORRESPONDENCE.

                                                          Fortress Monroe, Va, Dec 23, 1861

 

Brilliant Skirmish of a Battalion of the Twentieth Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel Max Weber, with the Rebels- Graphic Description of the Engagement- The Rebels have an Entire Company of Infantry Composed of Negroes- The Enemy Driven Dark- Ten Rebels Killed and upwards of Twenty Wounded-  Gallant Behavior of Our Troops- Major Schnoepf Bravely leading His Troops- Reinforcements Arrive after the Enemy had Retreated- Two Rebels Shot, and, Falling into the Back River are Floated Off with the Tide- One of them Proves to be John Hawkins, Adjutant of the Alabama Minute Men- Released Rebels Sent to Norfolk, &.,&,

The monotony of camp life here and at Camp Hamilton* was broken yesterday by the intelligence that an action of some magnitude had taken place between a detachment of 150 men of  the Twentieth Regiment New York Volunteers, in command of Major Engelbert Schnoepf, and about hundred rebel soldiers. The particulars of the affair are as follows:- Major Schnoepf having lost a man from his command the day before, left Newport News on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock at the head of one hundred and fifty men, and wended his, way towards Newmarket Bridge in search of him. Arriving near the bridge, the Major detailed some of his men to cross the creek, and charged them to search closely in the woods, as the man may have hidden himself from the enemy, who was soon about the place for several days previous. The reserve was placed behind the Newmarket Bridge (that is, where the crossing normally was), and another detachment at Sinclair's farm. The position of our men had scarcely been taken up, when the skirmishers of the Twentieth regiment discovered the enemy, consisting of three companies of infantry, among them one company of negroes, who approached in the front, and made an attack. The left flank was attacked at the same time by two squadrons of cavalry, who came dashing along at a terrible gate and deafening yells. Our men stood their ground manfully, and, as soon as the proper moment came to fire, the cavalry being near enough (about 100 yards), the order to fire was given, and obeyed with alacrity. The reserve drove the cavalry back, killing several of them while retreating.

The skirmishers on the other side or the bridge were recalled by the Major, and owing to the bridge having been destroyed, they were compelled to swim across hotly pursued by the enemy.

The pursuit of the rebels was so determined that a hand to hand engagement occurred. The pursuing party was joined by the negro soldiers, and Captain Stumpf, of the Twentieth regiment, was struck upon the back with the butt end of a musket, but not seriously hurt.

Major Schnoepf hereupon took a position. deploying his entire force along the river banks as skirmishers, and a terrible fight ensued. The enemy fired by companies, whereas the fire of our men on the pursuers was by files, and so rapid that one rebel officer and a private that stood on the opposite shore were killed and tumbled into the river on their faces. The enemy thereupon withdrew as fast as possible, firing as they ran, leaving their dead and wounded behind. Six men of the Twentieth regiment were slightly wounded. The enemy's loss, as far as ascertained, was ten killed (three were picked up yesterday and seven to-day) and probably twenty or more wounded One of the letter was brought off the field and treated by Assistant Surgeon Heiland, of the Twentieth regiment. Several horses of the cavalry were also killed. The corpses of the two mon who fell into the crook floated off with the tide, and Acting Brigadier General Weber sent a detachment off to pick them up, if possible, in order to have them decently interred.

One of the bodies only was found, and in the centre of the forehead was a hole from a bullet, which evidently was the cause of the death of this poor man. In his pockets ware found a number of letters, and by that we ascertained that his name was John Hawkins, Adjutant of the Alabama Minute Men. On his coat the buttons bore the letters A.M.M. About thirty dollars in shinplasters was found on his body, and a small bag, slung about his neck, contained nineteen dollars in gold. The bills were on the banks of North Carolina and Virginia, and as low as ten cents in value. The enemy had retreated about three hundred paces, and having again taken up a position, commenced to pour a terrible fire upon Major Schnoepf's command, without however doing any execution. The shower of bullets was so terrible that the houses, trees and fences in the vicinity were completely riddled. The Turners† . however, being greatly inferior in strength, kept a safe distance and did not reply to this fire.

Immediately after the fight commenced Major Schnoepf, seeing that he had to cope with a force three to one, Sent off an orderly to Newport News, and also a messenger to Acting Brigadier General Max Weber, for reinforcements, Col. Max Weber instantly dispatched the six companies of the Twentieth regiment, in command of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Weiss stationed at Camp Hamilton and in company with Captain H. M. Burleigh, Provost Marshal of the camp proceeded to the scene of action. Brigadier General Joseph R.T. Mansfield also hastened to the battle field leading the remainder of the Twentieth regiment battalion at Newport News and the Second regiment New York Volunteers.

I herewith send a 

 TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP SHOWING THE SCENE OF THE ACTION

 

 

The Union Coast Guard, in the command of Colonel D.W. Wardrop, being anxious to participate in the affair, were in marching order in the shortest possible time, and reached to Hampton Bridge, where they were kept in reserve. Such was the anxiety of the Coast Guard to be in the fight that a number of them smuggled themselves into the ranks of the Twentieth regiment, and were only discovered after having crossed the bridge. The other regiments of General Weber's brigade were very much disappointed in not being able to march forward and mingle in the impending bottle as they thought.

When General Weber arrived at the scene of action the fight was over, and the enemy was still visible in the distance, on the retreat. General Weber, however, received information that several of the men belonging to Major Schnoepf's battalion were missing. He thereupon sent Lieut. Colonel Weiss in command of one company across Newmarket Bridge to follow the enemy in quest of the missing Turners. Colonel Weiss found three men who had been sent ahead as skirmishers, before the action and had(?????) the enemy the entire action between them end the Twentieth regiment, but had remained undiscovered by the rebels, lying in the woods.

Shortly after the arrival of the reinforcement, headed by General Weber, from Camp Hamilton, Brigadier General Mansfield and staff, an accompanied by the Second regiment N.Y. Vols. Colonel J.B. Carr came to the scene of action.

The enemy, however, had by this nine probably reached a distance of five miles, and the bridge being taken up our men could not march in pursuit.

Numerous trophies were captured by the gallant Twentieth. One beautiful saddle, belonging evidently to the horse of an officer that had been shot, wag brought back to Newport News, as also numerous muskets, sabres and pistols. 

The engagement commenced about one o'clock, and lasted until after three. Acting Brigadier General Weber and General Mansfield complimented General Shnoepf highly on his bravery and the steadiness of his men.

The Twentieth regiment acted with the precision of regulars, and not the first man was found to waver or fall back.

Dr. Heiland, Assistant Surgeon of the Twentieth regiment, accompanied the battalion, and proved himself not only a very efficient surgeon, but also a brave and courageous soldier. His ambulances and instruments were in readiness as soon as the first volley was fired, and to his care and skill it is owing that the few men wounded are in such good condition. None of our men who were hit by the enemy's shots are fatally injured. Julius Kumerie, of Company G, was shot In the arm; Christian Teubner, Company K, shot in the elbow and below the wrist; Orderly Sergeant Ruhr, of Company K, of Williamsburg, was wounded in the neck, but not fatally. The names of the other three I could not ascertain, they being at Newport News.

The rebels, although retreating before the steady fire of our men, behaved bravely fired their smooth bore muskets, notwithstanding well handled, were no match against the sharp arid deadly fire, handled with murderous aim by the gallant Twentieth regiment.

The main fight began at Sinclair's farm; but the enemy's line extending to Newmarket bridge, and the Twentieth regiment men being in a body there, the rebels concentrated their entire force at that point.

                 -The New York Herald, December 28, 1861

* Named for Lt. Col. Schuyler Hamilton.

† The 20th New York was know as the "Turner Rifles". The "Turner" refers to the turnverein movement, an athletic/gymnastic society originating in Germany and popular among German-Americans. The 20th New York was a heavily German-American regiment.

Skirmish at New Market Bridge December 1861

 A cotemporary article about the first serious engagement of the New Kent Cavalry in the Civil War.

THE FIGHT AT NEW MARKET BRIDGE.

at CAMP NEAR BETHEL, Dec. 23, 1861.

To the Editor of the Whig.-

As you have had No item from the Peninsula of late, I write you a brief account of the fight which came off at New Market Bridge, on yesterday, between two small parcels of our cavalry and infantry, and a body of the enemy, said to be 100 strong.

At an early hour yesterday morning, a detachment of fifty cavalry, (from New Kent, Old Dominion¹ and Black Walnut Companies²,) under the command of Major Phillips³, together with two small companies of the Eighth Alabama Regiment, all under the command of Col. Winston of said Regiment, started on a road in the direction of New Market Bridge, where it had been understood the enemy could be found in some force most every day; and having proceeded down the “Sawyer Swamp road" for about three miles, the commands divided, the infantry scouring the woods to the right of the road, aid the cavalry proceeding slowly forward. When within three miles of the bridge, Major Phillips, with a few men, moved forward as an advanced guard, leaving the remainder of the cavalry under the command of Lieut. Taylor⁴, of the New Kent Company, with Instructions to halt until he bad gotten a mile ahead, when his column proceed, to within a short distance of the bridge, the Major obliquing  to the right to ascertain the position of the infantry.

In a few moments a sharp firing of musketry announced that a skirmish had begun between our men and the enemy, in a field separated from us by a body of woods. The cavalry were immediately put in motion, and galloping through the intervening woods, soon appeared in the field, but only in time to see the Yankees beat a retreat across the creek to a place of security from our horsemen. They were, soon observed running in the direction of New Market Bridge, and spies were seen, evidently endeavoring to ascertain the amount of our force.

The Colonel ordered an advance guard from the cavalry, with which he hastened across to the little field in front of the bridge, the remainder of the cavalry bringing up the rear. In a few moments the firing announced that the enemy were again seen, and this time they happened to be in their favorite haunt, where they seemed for a time willing to make a stand. The body of the enemy were across the bridge, which was barricaded with barrels, and along a fence and ditch; running at right angles to the creek. At these latter the cavalry made a dash, compelling them to seek shelter with their comrades on the other side of the Creek, and out of the reach of our brave horsemen.

In the meantime the infantry charged nearly to the bridge, and regardless of the storm of bullets poured upon them from the concealed foe, they held their ground, advancing step by step, until the enemy were drive from their stronghold, abandoning their flag, which, together with a prisoner, fell into the hands of our men. The cavalry were much exposed during the action (which lasted twenty minutes) while the position of the enemy would not admit of a charge.

Both officers and men received like veterans several volleys from the bridge, and were also fired upon from an ambuscade, as they were led from their exposed position in front of the bridge. It is almost miraculous that one of them were killed. One of the Old Dominion Dragoons received a ball in the foot, while several of the New Kenters narrowly escaped with their lives! One of them had his horse shot under him, a ball grazed the top of his ear, taking off the skin, another had one barrel of his gun penetrated by a minnie(sic) ball, while two others received a ball through, their clothing. Colonel Winston was everywhere in the fight, exposing himself with perfect indifference to danger. Major Phillips acted with his usual coolness and bravery. Of the Infantry one man was killed and two wounded. The loss of the one enemy is ascertained to be thirteen killed and several wounded. After the fight our men returned in good order to camp.           A SPECTATOR

 

                -Richmond Whig, 2 January 1862

¹- Made up of men from Elizabeth City County(present day city of Hampton) it latter became Company B, 3rd Virginia Cavalry

²- Made up of men from Halifax County, it latter became Company B, 3rd Virginia Cavalry

³- Jefferson C. Phillips, formerly Captain of the Old Dominion Dragoons. A uniform coat worn by Phillips here.

⁴- This would be 28 year old Lt. Telemachus Taylor, who was acting commander of the company due to the illness and death of Capt. Melville Vaiden.