Sheridan at White House, May 1864

Image from Peninsula Campaing(1862) of the bridge at White House Landing- LOC

May 21st- Moved about 4 a.m. to White House formerly the residence of General W.H.F. Lee, and at one time occupied by the Custer family; during the Peninsular Campaign it was used as a hospital. At 9 a.m. foraging parties were sent out toward Richmond and procured sufficient supplies for several days use. Heavy cannonading was heard between Meade and Lee. In the evening a gunboat and transport arrived with supplies. Officers from Custer's brigade came in, reporting the burning of two bridges and cutting of the railroad, but found the bridge across the South Anna too strongly guarded. After the expedition had started on its way to Hanover Station, General Sheridan discovered that the old railroad bridge at White House had been but partly destroyed, the timbers and cross ties being in good condition. The men of the First Division were sent out in detachments in the surrounding country for lumber, each man bringing in a plank or a board, and soon sufficient was accumulated for a flooring and the bridge was made serviceable in a day.

May 22d- Four transports, guarded by two gunboats, arrived with rations and forage. By mid day the whole command was bivouacked at White House, and at 5 p.m. commenced crossing the rickety structure, the men leading their horses. Devin's brigade finished crossing about midnight, with the loss of but a few horses and mules that went overboard, and then encamped about a mile north of the river. Lieutenant Bell, Sixth New York, acting corps commissary.

May 23d- Moved out at 5 a.m. and marched via Lanesville to King William C.H. The Sixth New York, taking the advance of the corps, moved rapidly to Aylett's, two miles south of the Mattapony River, capturing a large number of horses. Crossed the river at 4 p.m. on a bridge of its own construction, and remained all night on the north bank of the river, on picket and guarding Dunkirk Ferry, the rest of the cavalry remaining on the opposite side.

-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      

Feeding Sheridan II

                                                                 [Telegram.]

                OFF YORKTOWN, May 20, 1864-12:30.

Colonel Biggs, quartermaster at Fort Monroe, informs me that General Sheridan's command is at White House without supplies. He requests me to convoy transportation as near to them as possible. I have informed him I will go as far as West Point, but no farther without orders from you, as I am quite sure the Pamunkey River is filled with torpedoes. We leave this p.m. with Mystic in company, leaving a boats crew to do guard duty at this place while absent. Will return with the transports as soon as General Sheridan receives his supplies.

     Respectfully, etc.,

                    CHAS. A. BABCOCK,
                        Lieutenant, Commanding.

Rear-Admiral LEE.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Babcock, U.S. Navy, regarding expedition to White House, Pamunkey River, convoying transports for the army.

                        U.S.S. MORSE,
                    Off Yorktown, Va., May 24, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that. having telegraphed to you on the 20th instant at the request of Colonel Biggs, quartermaster at Fortress Monroe I was about to proceed up the river to West Point with this vessel and Mystic for the purpose of convoying transports with supplies for Major-General Sheridan's command, who were encamped at White House Landing, and who were greatly in need of them. At 7:30 p. in. the same evening got underway with this vessel, three transports, a schooner, and Mystic bringing up the rear, and proceeded up the river. Arrived at West Point at 10:30 p.m.; found the wharf entirely destroyed by fire since the recent expedition to that place. One of the transports having on board a cavalry guard of 30 men, ordered her close in to the beach and sent boats crews from this vessel to assist in landing the cavalry; succeeded in doing so without any accident, swimming the horses on shore with a line attached to them. The cavalry guard immediately proceeded up the peninsula for the purpose of communicating with Major General Sheridan, informing him that 11 had arrived at West Point with two gunboats and four transports with forage and subsistence for his command. At 1 p.m. on the 21st instant the cavalry guard returned to West Point with a colonel from Major-General Sheridan, urgently requesting me to proceed as far up the river as possible, as his command were suffering for want of forage and subsistence, and not being able to cross the bridge at White House Landing without previously repairing it.

I immediately determined to proceed to White House, if possible; got underway with the transports and Mystic and proceeded up the Pamunkey River. Found no impediments or obstructions in the river. When up to Cumberland Bar, it being very low water, and the Mystic, on account of her draft, not being able to cross the bar, left her there and proceeded on with the transports, giving Acting Master Wright orders to follow when possible. When abreast of Indian Town had a great deal of trouble in passing up the river on account of the very low tide. At 9:30 p.m. succeeded in reaching the White House safely with the transports. I immediately communicated with Major-General Sheridan, informing him of my arrival. On Sunday, the 22d instant, two transports arrived from Fortress Monroe with pontoons for the army, but by this time General Sheridan's command had succeeded in repairing the bridge and did not need them. On the evening of the 22d instant Acting Master Wright came up the river in his boat and reported to me that in trying to come up the river he had run hard aground on Indian Town Bar. Immediately sent the steamer & are to her assistance, giving orders to Acting Master Wright that when afloat he should remain there in deep water until further orders from me. On Sunday evening received on board this vessel for delivery to military authorities at Yorktown. by request of Major-General Sheridan, 7 prisoners of war (2 officers and 5 privates) and 2 deserters from General Butlers army, all captured the day previous by General Sheridan's command.

At 11 a.m. on the morning of the 23d instant, the army being on the move and transports being all discharged, gave them orders to get underway and proceed to Yorktown. When within sight of the Mystic, ordered her to get underway and take the lead, bringing up the rear with this vessel.

All arrived safely at Yorktown at 10:30 p.m. last night, and delivered the prisoners to the military authorities on shore.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                    CHARLES A. BABCOCK,
                Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

    Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Feeding Sheridan I

As Sheridan and the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac crossed the Chickahominy and headed toward White House Landing, efforts were set in motion to secure him food and forage, as well as pontoons. That that was no simple request to fill will readily become apparent.


                                        FORT MONROE, VA., May 20, 1864-6 p.m.
                                                                                 (Received 6.50 p.m.)

QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL OF THE ARMY:

Your dispatch received. General Sheridan's command is at the White House; wants pontoon train, rations and forage. Train is at Bermuda Hundred; have sent for it. Don't know if it can be spared. Asked Captain Babcock, commanding fleet in York River, to escort stores to White House. He replied could go to West Point, but on account of torpedoes in Pamunkey was dangerous to go farther. Sent two days forage to him- all I had at the depot. Five days forage was called for. Expect Sheridan will come to West Point. Our boats suitable for ferrying are kept with the army up the James River. Have just received dispatch from General Butler, asking for 1,500 axes in great haste. We have none on hand; 1,000 are due on requisitions. Will you have 1,500 sent at once? Colonel Shaffer telegraphs have no uneasiness about us; we are all right.

                    HERMAN BIGGS,
                Chief Quartermaster.


     


 

             FORT MONROE, May 20, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER:

General Sheridan's command is at White House. Have sent to me for fifteen pontoons and five days supply of rations and forage. Have sent the rations and one days forage (all I have) to West Point. Captain Babcock, U. S. Navy, at Yorktown, says gun-boat will escort supplies as far as West Point, as it is dangerous to go up the Pamunkey. You have at least thirteen days supply of forage, in grain, at Bermuda Hundred, and I have written to Colonel Fuller to send me schooner with 10,000 bushels of grain; two days supply for General Sheridan's horses. Suppose more than fifteen pontoons will be needed at West Point.

                    HERMAN BJGGS,
                Lieutenant-Colonel and Quartermaster.



       
   

   

                 BERMUDA, May 20, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER

                Chief of Staff:

The following is a copy of a letter just received from Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs:

I inclose herewith copy of a dispatch received from Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, quartermaster Cavalry Corps. I have sent about 6,000 bushels oats, which is all I- have. This is little more than one days supply for the corps. Please communicate with General Butler, and send me a schooner with about two days supply for them, say 10,000 bushels. The schooner F. Merrin or Ida Jones. There should be vessels in to-day laden with forage, but all will not answer, rely on this. If they come in, however, I will forward them up the river at once. You have now at least twelve days supply of grain at Bermuda Hundred.

The following is a copy of Colonel Howard's dispatch to Colonel Biggs:

                    FORT MAGRUDER, VA, May 19, 1864.

I have just arrived at this place on my way to Fort Monroe for the purpose of procuring five days forage for 12,000 animals, 65,000 rations of subsistence, and a pontoon train of fifteen boats. Will you please arrange so that I may be enabled to take them immediately on my arrival to White House, on the Pamunkey?

I have sent the schooner, as requested, to report to Colonel Biggs, as we have a full supply of forage here.

                        C. E. FULLER,
                    Lieutenant-Colonel and Quartermaster.


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

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

 

Bridge Repairs- Sheridan on the Chickahominy.

    HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

                Haxalls, May 16, 1864.

Brig. Gen. D. McM. GREGG,

                Commanding Second Cavalry Division:

The major-general commanding directs that you send one regiment and the pioneers of your division to Jones' Bridge over the Chickahominy and repair said bridge. You will send this detail without delay. If you require them, more tools can be sent you from these headquarters.

                        JAS. W. FORSYTH,
            Lieutenant-Colonel and 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 II)


 Colonel James W. Forsyth went on to command the 7th Cavalry and was the commander of U.S. forces at the Wounded Knee "Massacre." He retired from active duty in 1906.

 

In this well-known photograph from the Peninsula Campaign, General Fitz-John Porter(he of the indomitable stare) confers with his staff. Lieut. George Custer reclines with the dog while Capt. Forsyth sits on the trunk on the left enjoying a pipe.

A Lady of the Peninsula - Sheridan on the Chickahominy.

Summit Station, Dispatch Station and Bottom's Bridge in relation to each other

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch . . .

 We give below two letters furnished by correspondents, one of them a lady, describing the conduct of the marauders under Sheridan before arriving at, and after leaving Richmond. They show the character of the war which is being waged against us:

To the Editor of the Dispatch:

Amongst the farms that suffered most during their late trip was that of Mr. Alfred Winston, on the Mountain road, in Henrico county. This fine farm has been entirely dismantled of fencing and crops; nearly all the former was burnt. The fine wheat and clover crop was completely destroyed by their horses, which they kept on the place during the whole day and night. They had all their artillery and wagon train parked on the premises. The dwelling they used as their division hospital, and in the passage they performed all their amputations, scattering cut off limbs indiscriminately over the yard. They stole from the family two fine gold watches and chains, one pair ladies' bracelets, and several smaller articles of jewelry; all the money in the house; also all bonds, receipts, and in fact every paper they could find. The wardrobes and bureaus were opened and their contents scattered over the rooms — not the smallest drawer was left unsearched. Every article of provision and horse teed was taken. They defaced the carriage by tearing off the silver mountings and cutting up the trimmings. They killed all the fowls and several hogs. They also pilfered the negroes of every particle of jewelry and clothing; also took with them two fine mules. This I think may be taken as a fair specimen of the way in which the people of this neighborhood were treated by the vandals.

New Kent County, Summit Station,

May 15th, 1864.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:

If you feel disposed, you can give this a space in your columns, which have so often entertained us. We had heard the Yankee raiders were at Dispatch Station and were expecting them, but such an indescribable feeling came over us when we saw them leaping the enclosure, and in a second surrounded the house with pistols cocked to face five defenseless women; our smoke house, fowl-houses, collars and closets seemed to fly open by magic. They must have pick-locks attached to their fingers; every part of the place completely sacked, and not an article of food left; everything taken that they could carry off — butter taken and given to their horses, cows milked, calf killed and every fowl, even sitting hens, with their eggs, along with sick chickens that even hogs refuse.--No entreaties availed, or touched their conscience — it was like idle words. When taking the last piece of bacon, we begged for some; they replied "no, it is the only plan we can subdue you"--when my sister had life enough left to say, "no never," The most humiliating thing they ordered was her trunk to be opened which they searched effectually. [ Daguerreotypes ] and combs they pocketed, and indeed everything were taken. They were very anxious to hear the news, and offered boastingly $500 for a Richmond paper — said we were dreadfully whipped; they were just from Richmond; the citizens fought them; saw "old Jeff." running with his budget on his back; the city being surrounded, he did not know which way to take. Finding we did not credit this, they told us they were surrounded three times, and served badly in the rifle-pits, where they were carried by their guide, for which he was shot. The servants shared our fate; their clothes and provisions were stolen. We appealed to an officer, and found him a rude, ignorant, plebeian, unfeeling creature, having no control over his men and no respect for ladies. At night we supped on guard-house fare — bread and water; but even that was choking. Our hearts were bursting.--No place was sacred, not even my mother's sick chamber, which we denied admittance to. A man, searching for the harness, even turned up the bed she was on, and pulled me off, and the touch of his hand I can never forget. I told him "to desist; his touch was contaminating." He replied, "Well, I don't like it myself," and dragged the harness out with a most defiant air, and went off with the carriage, he said, for a legless officer. But the keenest blow of all was, when we hoped all were gone, two came back and took our mules, that had done us so much hard service all this winter and spring. We plead, with tears, but nothing availed. Our neighbors shared the same late. None were spared.

A Lady of the Peninsula.

- The Daily Dispatch: May 20, 1864

"They Burn Bottom's bridge"- Sheridan on the Chickahominy.

The departure of the raiders from around Richmond — they Burn Bottom's bridge.

On Thursday evening, about sundown, the forces under Sheridan, which have been before the city for several days, commenced their movement down the Peninsula. A good many horses which had been tired out they shot, leaving the carcases on their camping ground. Blankets were torn into strips, and accoutrements burnt. The Meadow bridges were rebuilt, and the tressel work over the railroad bridge across the Chickahominy was covered with hewn logs so as to admit the passage of horses over it.

Upon crossing he destroyed the bridges, marched up to Mechanicville, and then struck into the range of hills formerly occupied by McClellan as a camping ground.--Their train of wagons was about a mile long. Thursday night they camped about seven miles below the city, and yesterday they reached Bottom's bridge, which they burnt. Before reaching this bridge they drove in our pickets at New bridge, and burnt that. They then continued on their way down towards the river.

The prisoners of this party, of whom thirty-one were brought in yesterday, represent that it was a picked command, intended for the capture of the city, and seem at a loss to account for the failure to assault the works.

It is more than probable that Sheridan has gone to the river to cross over and join Butler, as the road he has taken will bring him to the river in the vicinity of City Point.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 14, 1864

Arrival of prisoners.

--Ninety-six Yankee prisoners were received at the Libby on Saturday evening from Hanover Junction. They were captured at Beaver Dam, Spotsylvania Court-House, and other places in Northern Virginia. Among them were in Northern Virginia. Among them were the following commissioned officers: First Lieutenants R. Sweetman, 5th U. S. cavalry; John A. Goodwin and E. S. Wilson, 1st Massachusetts cavalry; Second Lieutenant R. P. Wilson, 5th U. S. cavalry. Two prisoners, captured at Bottom's bridge, and connected with the late raiding party above Richmond, were brought in yesterday.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 16, 1864

"Out of supplies for my men and animals"- Sheridan Retires Over Bottom's Bridge.

 After the Union victory at Yellow Tavern . . .


                    HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
                Camp at Bottoms Bridge, Va., May 14, 1864,

COMMANDING OFFICER,

    Fortress Monroe, Va.:

SIR: I am now marching from this point to Harrison's Landing to communicate with Major-General Butler. I am out of supplies for my men and animals, and have a large number of wounded. Make arrangements to supply me at once at Harrison's Landing, unless they have already been made. Forward the inclosed dispatch to Major-General Meade, through the War Department, by telegraph, without delay. There should not be a moments delay in sending me rations and forage. I have 14,000 animals and 12,000 men.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                    P.H. SHERIDAN,
                Major-General, Commanding.


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

Map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com.

To give you some idea of what Sheridan had been up to, as well as the full scope of the movements of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac and how they intersect with this locality, I've included an itinerary of the Sixth New York Cavalry(T.C. Devin's brigade, A.T.A. Torbet's division) . . .

 May 9th- Reveille at 3 a.m. and at daylight started toward the Fredericksburg railroad and via Massaponax Church to Beaverdam Station arriving there about dusk. Had moved around by the right and rear of Lee's army occasionally stirring up his outposts, crossed the rivers Ny, Po, Ta, and Mab and arrived at Childsburg about five o'clock, capturing a few prisoners and wagons. After resting an hour we moved on, fording the North Anna River at Anderson's Bridge (which had been destroyed) to within two miles of Beaverdam Station on the Richmond & Gordonsville Railroad. About 9 p.m. the Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania, with detachments from Custer's brigade, made a dash at the station releasing several hundred Federal troops recently captured, who were about to be transferred "on to Richmond" by rail. We overpowered the guard and turned them over to their former prisoners. As we approached the station our attention was attracted by the moving of the rebel trains Custer's brigade was sent to capture the cars and destroy the depot. Two regiments (Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania) of Devin's brigade, under Lieutenant colonel Crocker (Sixth New York), were sent to operate north of the station, while Custer worked on the south side. We captured and destroyed three locomotives and several trains of cars, and a large quantity of provisions- flour, bacon, etc.- said to have been sufficient to supply Lee's army for three days- all of which we destroyed Also captured a number of wagons and teams. We burned the station, and cars and tore up the track for a long distance the fire from the ties, cars and buildings making a line of lurid light along the evening sky. Went into bivouac at 1 a.m. on the 10th.

May 10th- Left Beaverdam Station at daylight and marched to Negrofoot, passing through a most beautiful country, skirmishing on the way with Wade Hampton's division, who had succeeded in capturing a scouting party from the regular brigade. At sundown crossed the South Anna River on Ground Squirrel Bridge, and went into bivouac on the south bank on the Widow Cross plantation, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania holding the bridge. The command unsaddled the horses, built fires and prepared supper, although the enemy was hovering about and watching our movements We were now about twenty miles from Richmond Lee's army was on the retreat, with Meade in pursuit. We had destroyed nearly ten miles of the enemy's railroad, with depots, cars and wagon trains, and cut off his communications and supplies for some days.

 May 11th- As we were moving out at 5.30 a.m. we were attacked by a small force of the enemy, which we drove back causing but a short delay. Lieutenant colonel Anderson (Seventeenth Pennsylvania) after crossing his regiment over destroyed the bridge. Moved forward, First Division in advance, and halted at Glen Allen, destroying the Fredericksburg & Richmond Railroad. Soon after found the enemy on Brook turnpike and Ashland road- pretty strong on our left. As the column approached the enemy's position, Devin's brigade was in the advance. The Ninth New York dismounted in an open field, and other regiments of the Second, together with the Third Brigade, dismounted and formed to the right and left of the Ninth New York, extending the line over a mile supported by Custer's brigade, mounted. During this engagement at and around Yellow Tavern, the fighting was very sharp and severe, each and every man being called upon to show the mettle of which he was made. Captured two guns and about 150 prisoners. It was here that the Confederate General, J.E.B. Stuart, was mortally wounded, and it was believed it was in front of the line of the Ninth New York Cavalry. At about 4 p.m. the Sixth New York was at Brook Bridge, three and one-half miles from Richmond, holding it against the enemy; and one squadron, Troops D and K, held the first line of the enemy's works in front of Richmond, the regiment having charged down Brook pike and carried the outer works with feeble resistance, being the first Union regiment to get so close to the Confederate Capitol. At dusk one squadron, under Major Hall, made a reconnoissance to the Virginia Central Railroad, less than two miles from Richmond, and after a slight brush captured two couriers with dispatches from General Bragg to General Stuart. The ringing of bells and whistling of the engines were plainly heard. The squadron returned in safety to the regiment. At midnight the cavalry moved noiselessly to the railroad, the heavy rain making the movement difficult and disagreeable. The men and horses were rapidly failing under the strain.

May 12th- About 3 a.m., as the command moved, forward Wilson's division in advance the horses feet came in contact with wires that exploded a number of torpedoes near the second line of works. Several horses having been killed and several men wounded by these exploding shells, the rest were removed by the aid of the prisoners who were ordered up for that purpose The owner of one of the neighboring houses having been reported by the prisoners as the principal person who had engaged in planting these shells. General Sheridan directed that some of them be placed in his cellar and arranged to explode if the enemy's column should come that way, while the man and his family were taken along as prisoners and held until after daylight. At daylight, as we advanced to cross the Chickahominy swamp at Meadow Bridge, the enemy opened upon us with artillery, keeping up a brisk fire for three or four hours while the division was repairing the bridges across the swamp. The Second Division Wilson's had been led astray before daylight by a guide to the fortifications of Richmond and was shelled most furiously. The Sixth New York was dismounted and sent forward to drive the enemy from the bridge to clear the way for crossing but was driven back in a hurry. The enemy was in a strong position with artillery to dispute our passage Several regiments were then dismounted and sent to its support and the enemy was forced back beyond the swamp. At ten o'clock the brigade crossed the bridge and drove the enemy back for some distance, a drenching rain setting in during the engagement. Two small newsboys with commendable enterprise came through the lines well supplied with the Richmond papers and did a thriving business. They were so intelligent and observing and their mission evidently involving other purposes than the sale of newspapers they were held until the cavalry crossed the Chickahominy and were then released. Halted at Mechanicsville and got dinner. Then moved on via Brandy Branch meeting the same force we had been fighting in the morning. The First Division in the advance attacked them and captured a number and then moved to Gaines Mills which still retained many ghastly signs of the former strife halted unsaddled our weary horses and bivouacked for the night.

May 13th- Marched to near Bottom's Bridge without annoyance and bivouacked for the night, with plenty of rain and no rations

May 14th- Marched via Dispatch Station to Bottom's Bridge, which we crossed at noon, and thence on to Malvern Hill arriving about 4 pm, where we received a warm welcome from our gunboats, which, from their position about two miles off Haxall's Landing threw a few shells among us before we could make ourselves known to them. Here we halted for rest and supplies, rations and forage having given out on the 11th and men and horses were HUNGRY. Foraging parties were immediately sent out and man and beast were soon well provided for. Here good news reached us from the Army of the Potomac. Many prisoners and guns had been taken, and Lee was retreating, with Meade in close pursuit.

May 15th- A small supply of rations and forage reached the command by transports. About daylight the camp was aroused by the booming of heavy guns, which proved to be General Butler's attack on Fort Darling.

-

-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       

 

Following the Greek Cross . . . through the Penninsula

FOLLOWING THE GREEK CROSS OR, MEMORIES OF THE SIXTH ARMY CORPS By Thomas W. Hyde, Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers

"Our marches were short and slow from Williamsburg to the vicinage of Richmond. Going through that ancient burgh where was the College of  William and Mary, and where all thegirls were patriotically clustering about the Confederate hospitals, we seemed a while in the world of Thackeray's Virginians*, and almost expected to see the coach of Madame Esmond.

The next night the moon shone clear upon our picket lines, and upon the roofs of a stately mansion far in front. A spirit of adventure led Connor and me to slip through our guards and ride a few miles out into the rebel land, in the belief that if there, the enemy must be asleep. We rode up the long avenue of elms, up to the ancient and hospitable looking veranda, and, leaving our horses in charge of an orderly- began to explore the premises. Doors and windows were wide open. Half-packed trunks were lying about, and all tokens bore witness to the hurried flight of the family. We lighted candies and explored the grand old rooms, looking at ourselves in the ancient pier glasses, and made acquaintance, in its sadness and desolation, of a Virginia homestead of the olden time when the county families vied with the nobility of the England from whence they came. A trembling black butler soon appeared and served us old Madeira in quaint decanters. We sent his fellow-servants to act as sentinels and warn us of the approach of the enemy, and made careful exploration of the mansion. In the third story a distinct snore became audible, and when we had summoned its author, and fully expected to bring in a rebel brigadier-general, we found we had only waked a stray signal officer of ours who had lost his way and put up there for the night.  As others less appreciative would, no doubt, have taken the Madeira, we loaded up our steeds with it and a memento or two. Mine was a feather pillow, which luxury was soon after purloined from me in turn. While we were looking over the library of choice books, the darkies gave the alarm, and we were at once in the saddle galloping across country toward the distant haze that concealed our faithful pickets. Such little episodes sweetened the usual grind of campaigning of which mud and hard-tack, rain and marching, were the salient features.

As we drew nearer and nearer to Richmond,one day we came to a crossing where four roads met. Above it was a weather-beaten and timeworn sign-board that no doubt was doing duty when Washington marched with Braddock; its legend read, with hand pointing westward, "21 miles to Richmond ; " beneath it another was nailed of the new pine of a bread-box, with a large hand pointing in the opposite direction, and "647 miles to Gorham, Maine" showed unmistakably that some of our fellow-citizens had passed that way."

* A reference to William Makepeace Thackeray's 1857 novel The Virginians


 This is a cross post from Thread the Rude Eye.