Skirmish at New Market Bridge December 1861

 A comteporary 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.