With the "Monitors" in the Summer of 1863- IV

The conclusion of the story of the 127th New York and their time in New Kent in 1863 . . .

On Sunday, July 5th, part of the regiment was on picket on the Railroad, about two miles from camp, thirty-two men and an officer on each post, while others were taking up the rails and loading them on boats. General Dix ordered General Keyes to vigorously attack the enemy toward Bottoms Bridge, and notified him that if he failed to do so he would be superseded by General Gordon. The men on picket feasted on blackberries, which were very abundant, and which afforded an agreeable change from the salt horse and pork furnished by Uncle Sam; they also opened the ice house of a Confederate, who "left in too much of a hurry to be able to take his ice away with him." That portion of the regiment left in camp had nothing to do but amuse themselves, and the little negro, "Dick," with his brother, furnished an entertainment in the shape of plantation dances which brought them a harvest of small coins. 

On July 6th Confederate General Hill informed the Richmond War Office that a considerable battle had been fought on the North Anna, with musketry and artillery, and that a mere skirmish occurred at the Bridge over the South Anna, and that the Federals had retired across the Pamunkey River. The Richmond War Office also notified General Hill that for the purpose of removing the menace to Richmond, it was desirable that the Federals at White House should be dispersed, chastised or captured. But General Hill in reply stated that the streams were all flooded, the roads impassable for artillery, and that no movement against the Federals could be made. He also expressed the opinion that the Federals would probably change their base to Petersburg or Washington. 

On Tuesday, July 7th, General Getty returned to White House, having been unable to destroy the bridges over the Annas, but he reported having torn up the track of the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad for several miles. The picket line was evacuated at midnight, and the 127th returned to camp in a heavy rain. After being furnished with rations, at daylight we started on our way back to Yorktown; the rain was still falling, and the roads were in fearful condition, the mud being deep and slimy, while the corduroy road was broken in places, making the marching most trying. Mud was thick enough to take the shoes off your feet, some of the men actually losing them from that cause. The regiment halted one hour at New Kent Court House for breakfast and rest, and then resumed the march through Slatersville, resting near Barhamsville for supper, after which we again took up the march till we arrived at Burnt Ordinary at 9 p.m. While on the march we had one alarm, and were ordered to halt and get our traps, i.e., knapsacks and haversacks, ready to throw off in case we were attacked; but the alarm proved false and the march was continued. General Gordon, who commanded our Division, says that we marched twenty-four miles through deep mud and over broken roads, while Colonel Boughton of the 143d gives the distance as twenty-eight miles through mud six inches deep. But this rapid marching, however difficult, had been necessary to prevent our rear guard being attacked by General Hill. Wood says: 'On this march one of the boys, being in the rear, came across a number of men from another regiment who tauntingly asked 'where is the 127th;' and the reply came 'ten miles ahead and marching like H---- .' "He also states that although the 127th were called "clam diggers" by the 144th, the main portion of the 127th came into bivouac with their colors, while the majority of the men in the other regiments had straggled badly, causing one of the officers to remark "that the 127th could march the 144th to death and then dig clams enough for supper!" It is the writer's impression that the 127th called the 144th "Bark peelers," because many of them had before enlistment worked at gathering bark for tanning leather.

-The History of the 127th New York Volunteers, "Monitors," in the War for the Preservation of the Union -- September 8th, 1862, June 30th, 1865

by McGrath, Franklin, ed

With the "Monitors" in the Summer of 1863- III

Lt. Col. Stewart Lyndon Woodford, of the 127th

The next morning (Saturday) at 8 a.m. the regiment marched for White House. The roads were still heavy with mud and marching was very tedious. The ground at White House has a beautiful flat two miles long, lying about thirty feet above the level of the river, where boats were passing up and down within fifty feet of the bank. This plantation was the property of the Widow Custis when Washington married her, and it was here that the first three months of their married life was spent. The house had been destroyed, but the ruins, including the large chimney, were plainly visible. 

At sunset the steamer John Brooks passed up the river loaded with troops; also a schooner which brought up a locomotive and freight cars. On the next day we had a regimental inspection, followed by a storm in the afternoon; seven transports with troops arrived, among whom were the 13th Indiana that was camped alongside our regiment at Suffolk; our men cooked supper for them, and their officers were entertained by ours. Troops continued arriving all day. Rain had fallen every day from the 24th, when the regiment left the Six Mile Ordinary. The confederate Adjutant General Cooper advised General Lee that the concentration of 20,000 to 30,000 Federal troops on the Peninsula, either for the purpose of assaulting Richmond or interrupting Lee's communication, rendered it impracticable to carry out General Lee's wish to have an auxiliary force concentrated at Culpeper, Virginia. 

On the 29th a conference of Generals Dix, Keyes, Terry, Getty, Gordon, Harlan and Foster was held, at which Colonel Spear of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry reported that in his raid he had destroyed the Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad Bridge over the South Anna and had captured General Fitz-Hugh Lee and one hundred prisoners; he also reported that the available force protecting Richmond was from twelve to fourteen thousand men. It was then decided that the Richmond fortifications could not be successfully attacked with our force of 20,510 men, and it was decided to request General Halleck to transfer the troops to General Meade's army. 

On June 30th it was still raining, and troops were still arriving; the regiment was mustered for pay and the lost shoulder scales were charged to the men. On July 1st General Getty with 10,000 troops started to seize and destroy the railroad bridges over the North and South Anna Rivers, while General Keyes with about 6,000 men was to cause a diversion in his favor by vigorously attacking the enemy at Bottoms Bridge, with orders to maintain his position two or three days; while General Gordon, reinforced by Spinola's Brigade, was ordered to Tunstall’s Station as a reserve for both columns. The 127th were kept on guard at White House with pickets well thrown out, all the troops but our brigade having marched with these two expeditions. July 2d was very hot; at 4 p. m. firing was heard from the direction of Bottoms Bridge and continued for half an hour and at intervals during the evening and through the night there was both heavy musketry and cannon firing. 

General Keyes, who had been ordered to vigorously attack the enemy at Bottoms Bridge and to hold his position for two or three days, made the attack, but afterwards fell back, and the Confederate General Hill reported to the Richmond War Office that the Yankees had been driven back toward White House, and offered to send up Cooke's Brigade, 2,751 strong, to reinforce the troops defending the bridges over the Annas. It was therefore evident that General Keyes' attack was of little value as a diversion in favor of General Getty. 

On July 3d the men of our regiment on picket were relieved at 3 a.m. and were ordered to pack up and be ready to move; wagons were loaded and horses kept harnessed, and it was rumored that we were going to Baltimore or Washington; but after waiting all day marching orders were countermanded. 

July 4th, which was another very hot day, was observed by firing a national salute at noon, while the sound of distant guns indicated that General Getty was attacking the bridges over the Annas. Troops in camp kept pretty quiet during the day, but at night we were allowed to build a large fire and addresses were made by General Gordon, Colonel Gurney and Lieutenant Colonel Woodford. General Gordon read a dispatch from General Halleck announcing General Meade's victory over Lee at Gettysburg, and our drum corps played patriotic airs.

-The History of the 127th New York Volunteers, "Monitors," in the War for the Preservation of the Union -- September 8th, 1862, June 30th, 1865

by McGrath, Franklin, ed

"A Yell Was Raised Along the Entire Line"

 I now continue  the account of the Samaria Church action, from the history of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, starting from the wounding of Pollard the day before(June 23, 1864) . . .

The next day we met the enemy near an old saw-mill in the vicinity of Nance's Shop, and had a spirited engagement, which was growing very interesting, when we were ordered back. One private was killed and several were wounded - E. F. Cox, of Company C, fatally so. Lieutenant Pollard was wounded in the ankle joint slightly, as was thought at the time, but the injury caused the loss of his leg.

Major Waller had been assigned at Ashland to the temporary command of another regiment, and Captain Swann¹ was now our acting major.

Not far from the field to-day we met the divisions of Hampton and Fitz. Lee returning after the heavy battle at Trevillian's. We bivouacked in the neighborhood of Nance's Shop.

Early next day (June 24th) the movement of troops indicated a fight on hand. The Ninth was sent to the extreme right to watch that flank. About noon we were recalled and ordered to the left to report to General M. C. Butler. General Chambliss, with the Thirteenth Regiment, was absent, and the author commanded the Ninth and Tenth regiments until he arrived. The position assigned us was immediately to the left of Butler's brigade, with directions to advance and assault a line of barricade in the woods held by the enemy, as soon as our line could be formed. After advancing about two hundred yards, driving the enemy's skirmishers before us, we were met by a very severe fire from a log breastwork in the woods, which curved considerably to the left. With a yell our line rushed forward to engage this unseen foe at close quarters. Such was the suddenness of our assault that the enemy seemed taken by surprise, and ran in confusion, not, however, without pouring a volley at us as we approached, and turning and firing as they retreated. The cool and brave Lieutenant Cecil Baker² fell dead at the breastwork from a random bullet, which diverted from its course, as was supposed, by a limb, and, ranging downward, passed through his heart. A number of the enemy retreating from the barricade, fell under our fire. The pursuit was rapid through the woods, until our right emerged from the cover into an open field. Our line of march being oblique to the edge of the woods and the formidable line of the enemy beyond, Company B became the first exposed to this second fire, and began to break and retreat. They were speedily halted and reformed. It was seen that the left and centre of our line would nearly reach the enemy's position before clearing the woods, whereupon the companies on the right were ordered to form in rear of the centre. When this was done the order was given to charge, just as General Chambliss rode up on the left

The men of the Tenth Regiment, supported by Colonel Robins, of the Twenty-fourth, on their left, had reached the barricade in their front, and as young J. Lucius Davis, the son of the chivalrous Colonel of the first-named regiment, leaped upon it, cheering his comrades, he received a bullet through the body and fell back lifeless. The works were carried, and the enemy's right turned. Our own direction was now somewhat changed, and, moving on a line nearly parallel with that of the enemy retreating before the Tenth Regiment, and somewhat in their rear, they found they must change front or be attacked in the rear. We soon found they were massing on their right to check us until their centre could be withdrawn. They had selected the crest of a gentle slope, and along the edge of a body of woods had formed a barricade, made hastily of logs, rails and earth. Our approach was chiefly through an open field, with about three companies of the. Ninth on the right moving through woods on the farther side of the road. Five companies, and the whole force of the Tenth Regiment, had a plain several hundred yards wide to cross. The march of these troops under a murderous fire could not have been excelled. With excellent alignment and orderly movement two hundred yards were passed at a double-quick. The barricade was well filled with the enemy, and their fire grew rapid, but as the first guns of our men on the right were heard, a yell was raised along the entire line, and, dashing at the works, they were speedily abandoned. The enemy's column defiling across the front of our right wing, got volley after volley as they retired, and presently broke and ran. Their rout was complete. With a mounted regiment at hand at this conjuncture, it seemed as if more than half of the whole Federal force might have been captured.

Conspicuous upon this bloody field was Major Clemens³, commanding the Tenth Regiment. At every stage of the fight his manly form might be seen, and his clear, ringing notes heard, now leading, now just in rear of his men, as they needed encouragement or restraint.

Some of the men having fainted from the excessive heat and exhaustion, after running a mile in pursuit, the regiment was halted, and the men; with the led horses, ordered up. We had suffered severely. Comparatively few of the commissioned officers were present. Of these, Lieutenant Love was painfully wounded. Company C lost five valuable men, who had become veterans, having been among the earliest to volunteer. They were Sergeant S. C. Hardwick, Corporal George B. Carroll, and Privates Henry Porter, B. B. Brown, and William Reamy. Other companies suffered as heavily.

The loss of the enemy must have been heavy for the numbers engaged. Two colonels were captured and one killed. At one point, near the last barricade, fifteen of their men were seen dead or nearly so. In general orders full recognition and praise were given the brigade for their part of the days work.

-History Of The Ninth Virginia Cavalry in The War Between The States
 Brig. General R. L. T. Beale
Richmond, VA
F. Johnson Publishing Company 1899.


¹Samuel A. Swann

² From the Catalogue of the Confederate Museum, Richmond, Va., 1898, "Tobacco Bag (leather), two Home-made Envelopes, and Military Orders, taken from the pocket of Lieutenant Cecil Baker after he was shot through the heart, June, 1864."

 ³William B. Clement

Pollard at Samaria Church . . .

  . . . or St Mary's Church, or Nance's Shop . . .

An excerpt from the post "South Carolina Cavalry Clash with "Sheridan's Raiders", 1864" of the          

"General Fitz Lee rode up to Butler's headquarters at the foot of a large oak tree, where the bullets were flying uncomfortably close. Upon being informed of the situation Fitz Lee dispatched his staff officer, Major Dug Ferguson asking to be allowed to take command in the field. The result was General Hampton granted the request, and wrote a note to General Butler to take orders from General Lee. (This correspondence ought to be in existence somewhere). The couriers and staff were fully advised of it at the time. However that may be, General Lee fully concurred with General Butler and ordered the Ninth Virginia, commanded by Colonel Beale, to report to Butler, who in the meantime increased the fire across the field to attract Gregg's attention.

 "Beale was sent off from Butler's left, guided by Cloud, Hogan and Miller and other scouts, under cover of a hill and thick woods, and as soon as he gained Gregg's right, made a vigorous assault, which compelled the latter to withdraw hurriedly and with a good deal of confusion. General Butler then rushed his line across the open field and Gregg's discomfiture was complete and amounted almost to a rout. General Butler ordered the Jeff Davis legion (of Young's brigade), mounted, under the command of that gallant officer and gentleman, Lieutenant-Colonel Waring of Savannah, to pursue with his mounted column, and right lustily did he carry out his orders."

This would seem to be the engagement of the Ninth Virginia in which  Captain James Pollard of New Kent, of Dalhgren Affair fame, lost his leg.

I respectfully apply to be furnished with an order on Wells Bro. Charlottesville Va., or whatever manufacturer may be designated, for an artificial limb. When a Capt. in Co. H. 9th Va. Cav. Regiment, on the 4th day of July 1864, at (Battle Field or Hospital.) Winder Hos.. My leg was amputated by surgeon Dudley* at (Seat of operation) Middle 3. on account of (Wound, accident or disease) G.S. receive in the service of the confederate States at (Battle Field, &c) Nance's Shop on the 24 day of June 1864.

 However, Beale's History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States states . . .

The next day we met the enemy near an old saw-mill in the vicinity of Nance's Shop, and had a spirited engagement, which was growing very interesting, when we were ordered back. One private was killed and several were wounded - E. F. Cox, of Company C, fatally so. Lieutenant Pollard was wounded in the ankle joint slightly, as was thought at the time, but the injury caused the loss of his leg.

Major Waller had been assigned at Ashland to the temporary command of another regiment, and Captain Swann was now our acting major.

Not far from the field to-day we met the divisions of Hampton and Fitz. Lee returning after the heavy battle at Trevillian's. We bivouacked in the neighborhood of Nance's Shop.

Early next day (June 24th) the movement of troops indicated a fight on hand.

. . . and so on, then describing the Battle of Samaria Church/ St. Mary's Church.

Which would seem to lead us to Pollard having lost his leg the day before the Battle of Samaria Church on June 23, 1864 at a separate engagement of Nance's Shop

Butler's Cavalry at White House, 1864

A BRILLIANT LITTLE CHARGE

Of a Squadron from the Fifth Regiment, South Carolina Cavalry, of General M. C. Butler's Division.

On the 20th June, 1864, General Hampton conceived the idea of surprising and capturing the Yankee fort at White House, Virginia, situated on the Pamunky River. A large amount of supplies for Grant's Army were stored there. Hampton's object was to surprise the garrison, capture the fort and burn the supplies before the gunboats could land sufficient marines to defend same. The fort had a small garrison, but was further protected by several gunboats in the river.

In this attack, which was a surprise to the enemy, Hampton took with him portions of General M. C. Butler's division of cavalry, also of General Fitz Hugh Lee. After a night's march we struck their pickets a little after daylight ; they were stationed on the edge of a body of woods, about half a mile from the fort, an open field between them and the fort. Hampton's plan of attack was to make a feint in front of the works with Butler's command, while Fitz Lee was to make a detour and strike on flank. The Fifth South Carolina Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Zimmerman Davis, was in advance of Butler's command. This regiment struck the Yankee pickets, about twenty men, while they were cooking breakfast. All were captured, and they were promptly sent to the rear, their breakfast being devoured by the boys of the Fifth.

Colonel Davis halted his regiment, after the capture of these pickets, on the edge of the woods and sent a courier to notify General Butler. The general rode up to the front, and while looking across the field towards the fort the long roll was heard beating, and a body of men, about eighty, came out of the sally port, deployed as skirmishers, and advanced towards the woods where the Confederate cavalry were mounted. They were in easy reach of the Enfield guns of the Fifth, but not a shot had been fired. General Butler then said to Colonel Davis: "Colonel, as soon as those fellows get far enough from the fort for you to catch them, take a squadron of your regiment and charge them."

 The Fifth regiment had been much depleted by hard fighting, and, as a squadron only numbered about thirty men, it looked like certain death for all. If the Yanks had been veterans they could easily have emptied every saddle before the Confederate boys got within pistol shot of them. They were some new troops from New Jersey who had never been in a fight.

Again the order to charge was given, the squadron from the "fighting fifth" went after them with a yell, making a cloud of dust. The Yankees broke into a run to regain their fort, firing but one volley, hitting no one. We shot some of them, but as they surrendered as fast as we came up to them, we gathered them in as prisoners. Our men charged up so near the fort that its guns could not be depressed so as to rake us with cannister.

Colonel Davis gave the order. "Fall back, men, and bring out your prisoners." We brought out forty-seven "blue coats." While nearing our lines the guns of the fort killed four of the prisoners and one man and a horse of our squadron. General Butler, who witnessed the charge, complimented us and said to Colonel Davis,

"Well, Davis, that was a brilliant charge."

Fitz Lee, who was to attack the fort in flank and rear, through some mistake was delayed by taking a wrong road, and the gunboats landed men in the works and shelled us so vigorously that the attack was abandoned, as the place, if captured, could only have been held at a great sacrifice of life.

An interesting incident is connected with this squadron charge of the Fifth South Carolina Cavalry. Lieutenant John P. Deveaux and Glenn E. Davis, of Charleston, were both expert shots. The smoke from their pistols generally meant an empty saddle. They were riding together in this charge. "When the Yankee were caught up with they threw down their arms and cried that they surrendered. Our men shot all who retained their rifles. One of the Yanks held on to his gim, and Davis shot at him, his bullet striking the fellow's gun which was held across his breast. Seeing that he had surrendered, but was only too excited to throw his weapon down, he did not shoot at him again; but Deveaux, seeing the man still holding his gun, concluded to shoot him, having his pistol a few inches from his head. Glenn Davis saved the Yankee's life by knocking Deveaux's pistol up just before he fired, telling Deveaux not to shoot the man, as he had surrendered. The Yankee was very grateful to Davis for saving his life and so expressed himself. Davis told him it was all right, but he could just swap hats with him — he had a new one and the one Davis wore was rather the worse for wear.

Many years after the war Glenn Davis was in New York. One day riding on a car he sat next to a gentleman with whom he commenced to chat. When the gentleman found that Davis was a Southerner the talk drifted to the war. Davis told him that he was a veteran of Lee's army. The Northerner said that he was in the Union army, but his career as a soldier was a short one. He said he was taken prisoner in the first and only fight he ever was engaged in, and that it was in Virginia at a place called White House. He then related to Davis the incident of his capture and of his life being saved by a Confederate soldier, who knocked up the pistol of another who was about to blow his head off. He also told of the incident of swapping hats on the battlefield, and said that before he got to the prison at Richmond his hat had been exchanged five times, finally arriving at prison he had no hat; his shoes had been exchanged three times. He said it was fortunate Richmond was near, or he might not have had on anything on his arrival there. He was not kept a prisoner long, and when exchanged put in a substitute and never went back into

the army.

When Davis informed him that he was the man who saved his life, he was very much gratified to meet him and insisted upon his lunching with him. They had a mutually pleasant reunion.

Verily as the "Good Book" says, "Truth is stranger than fiction."

-Stories of the Confederacy by D. B. Rea
Editor: Ulysses Robert Brooks
State Company, 1912

Col. Zimmerman Davis

Close Up On George Covode . . .

Library of Congress

This photograph from the Library of Congress, titled as "Westover Landing, Va. Col. James H. Childs (standing) with other officers of the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry," also exists as a non-sepia, closer cropped version . . .

Library of Congress

The officer standing is Colonel James Harvey Child(28 years old) of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. And yes, the officer seated to his right, is none other then Colonel George H. Covode(at that time a Major.) Col. Childs was killed at the battle of Antietam probably less then three months after this picture was taken. George H. Covode would survive two more years, to die only some 7 miles from where this picture was taken.

They were two of the ten officers killed in this regiment during the war.

 A map of the triangle of Charles City Court House, Westover Plantation and "St. Mary's Church."
Note also "Nancy," presumably Nance. 

South Carolina Cavalry Clash with "Sheridan's Raiders", 1864

General Matthew Calbraith Butler

 Another account of the actions at White House to Samaria Church, June 1864 as seen through the eyes of the cavalry of General Matthew Calbraith Butler . . .

SHERIDAN'S RETREAT, JUNE 12. 1864

When Sheridan started on his retreat from Trevillian Station on Sunday evening about 9 P.M., the 12th of June, 1864, we hounded him night and day through the hottest, dustiest, driest country at that time on the continent. It was not an infrequent thing for us to pass five or six or eight of Sheridan's horses lying dead on the line of march. These horses had no doubt broken down were tied together and shot in their tracks no doubt to prevent their falling into our hands.

The reader will not be able to imagine our condition eating when we could find anything to eat sleeping and living in the stench of these dead animals. There was one helpful relief derived from the unconquerable pluck and cheer of those splendid Virginia women. As we would approach a house "Sheridan's Raiders" had rifled and robbed, as they supposed of everything they had to eat, these ladies would rush out, waving their handkerchiefs with unsubdued heroism, exclaiming as they recognized the Confederate gray: "Get down, we have a little bread and milk the Yankees did not get, and you shall have it!" God bless them and their descendants. Sheridan made a long detour to the left. Hampton kept his main column between Sheridan and Richmond, his (Hampton's) division, commanded by the incomparable Butler, with detachments harassing Sheridan's rear.

The night of the 20th of June, before we reached the White House, Sheridan got under the protection of Yankee gunboats. We dismounted near an old church.(?) Before daylight our column was put in motion, Butler leading the advance. About the early dawn of day he came upon a reserve picket post of the Yankees. They were not expecting us, were taken completely by surprise, and every man at the post captured without firing a shot. This picket post was located at the White House. Having taken the pickets, so that no information could be carried into the fort, General Butler decided to take the Fifth South Carolina Cavalry and charge in on the garrison and take them by surprise. Just as he had formed the regiment for the charge, a courier from General Hampton came up post haste and directed General Butler not to make any aggressive movement. I verily believe but for this restraining order we would have taken the place and everybody in it. A desultory skirmish was kept up for some time but all efforts to make an assault on the fort were abandoned and we withdrew to the adjoining hills. We could distinctly see the line of march of Sheridan's column many miles to the north of us by the great clouds of dust. Fitz Lee's division was posted on Butler's right, where, having attracted the attention of the gunboats in the river, they opened fire, sending what appeared to be fifteen-inch shells. The boys called them "flour barrels." Whenever they struck the ground and exploded they would shake the earth and make holes in the ground large and deep enough to hide a small-sized horse. During the afternoon General Hampton withdrew and kept his command in a position to cover the approaches to Richmond. Sheridan got under the cover of his gunboats, and after resting a few days, on the 24th June, dispatched Gregg with his division of Pennsylvanians. Gregg, too, was a hustling cavalry officer, none better and he moved out as if he meant to get to Richmond. His and Butler's divisions came together near Symaria(sic) Church and were exchanging "civilities" across an open field, each side dismounted. Rosser's and Young's brigades of Hampton's division, and Fitz. Lee's division, were strung out on Butler's right, but were not engaged.

Butler received an order from General Hampton who was at Phillip's house four miles away, to attack Gregg vigorously. Butler reported that if he moved on Gregg protected by woods and a line of fence, it would be a terrible loss of life to his (Butler's) men, and suggested that he had had Gregg's right flank, near the church, reconnoitered by Cloud, a dashing intelligent Virginia scout, Dick Hogan and Wallace Miller. He could not spare any troops from his line to make a flank movement. If General Hampton would detach a regiment from his (Butler's), right he could strike Gregg a fatal blow without a great loss to our side. Before receiving answer to this suggestion, General Fitz Lee rode up to Butler's headquarters at the foot of a large oak tree, where the bullets were flying uncomfortably close. Upon being informed of the situation Fitz Lee dispatched his staff officer, Major Dug Ferguson asking to be allowed to take command in the field. The result was General Hampton granted the request, and wrote a note to General Butler to take orders from General Lee. (This correspondence ought to be in existence somewhere). The couriers and staff were fully advised of it at the time. However that may be, General Lee fully concurred with General Butler and ordered the Ninth Virginia, commanded by Colonel Beale, to report to Butler, who in the meantime increased the fire across the field to attract Gregg's attention.

Beale was sent off from Butler's left, guided by Cloud, Hogan and Miller and other scouts, under cover of a hill and thick woods, and as soon as he gained Gregg's right, made a vigorous assault,* which compelled the latter to withdraw hurriedly and with a good deal of confusion. General Butler then rushed his line across the open field and Gregg's discomfiture was complete and amounted almost to a rout. General Butler ordered the Jeff Davis legion (of Young's brigade), mounted, under the command of that gallant officer and gentleman, Lieutenant-Colonel Waring of Savannah, to pursue with his mounted column, and right lustily did he carry out his orders.

We pursued Gregg's Yankee cavalry until some time after dark captured a large number as I now remember about three hundred one lieutenant colonel and several other commissioned officers They were sent to Richmond with a detachment under command of Captain A.P. Butler, of General Butler's staff. After Waring had got fully under way, cutting and slashing as he went, General Butler followed with staff and couriers in his wake, meantime ordering his dismounted men to the saddle.

General Lee, with his division and Rosser's and Young's brigades, moved in from our right to take Gregg on his left and rear, but Gregg was too fleet of foot and got away under cover of darkness with the losses I have mentioned.

And now I will describe a scene which was truly pathetic and distressing. As we went moving along in a sweeping trot on Waring's track with the rest of our division, which had promptly mounted and joined in the pursuit, General Butler observed a large man with long red side whiskers lying on the roadside on an improvised stretcher, an army blanket and two poles attached to each end. It turned out to be Lieutenant-Colonel Covode of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Butler halted, and upon Colonel Covode being informed who it was, said, among other things: "This is the fate of Sheridan's raiders, but, General, I have the consolation of knowing that I have done nothing dishonorable during this raid.' General Butler replied: "However that may be, sir, I certainly would not remind you of it unden present conditions," and then inquired if he was seriously wounded. Colonel Covode replied: "Yes, my left arm is shattered, and our litter bearers dropped me here when your cavalry charged and overtook us." Under instructions from General Butler, Dr. B.W. Taylor, chief surgeon of the division, of Columbia, S.C., dismounted and gave Colonel Covode some apple brandy.

General Butler directed Dr. Taylor to have him sent to the rear to a field infirmary, I think Symaria Church, and properly attended to. Dr. Taylor found that in addition to the shattered arm Colonel Covode had received a pistol shot in the back, from which he died soon after reaching the field hospital General Butler's theory was that Colonel Covode would not disclose the fact that he was shot in the back from pride as an indication of cowardice, but no such inference can be drawn from such a wound, as in a cavalry melee a man is as apt to be shot in the back as in the breast or forehead. This wound of Colonel Covode's was no badge of dishonor or cowardice. We learned afterwards that Colonel Covode was one of the most gallant, meritorious officers in Gregg's division. Colonel Covode's father was a distinguished member of Congress from Pennsylvania, extremely radical towards the South, and referred to the death of his son in the most bitter and relentless terms, as we afterwards learned, and among other things said, they had never been able to find or recover his body. No doubt he was buried with other dead near Symaria Church, and if the Confederates had been approached in a proper manner, his grave could have been identified and his body recovered. We were certainly not to blame for his death. He only met the fate of thousands of good men who take their lives in their hands when they go to war and into battle.

"The next dreadful thing to a battle lost is a battle won."

-Butler and His Cavalry in the War of Secession, 1861-1865
Ulysses Robert Brooks
State Company, 1909


*possibly the engagement where Capt. James Pollard lost his leg . . . or maybe not. More later.

The unfortunate Col. G.H. Covode

Engagement at Jone's Bridge- June 22, 1864

June 22- Reveille at 3.30. Boots and saddles at 3.45. At 10 a.m. marched via Baltimore Crossroads, Mt. Olivet Church and Jones Bridge on the Chickahominy. Found a small force of the enemy at the bridge attempting to destroy it. These were quickly driven away by the advance the bridge repaired and the regiment crossed over followed by the division and marched two miles beyond the regiment going on picket to hold the different roads leading to James River. 

June 23d- In the morning the Ninth New York was ordered to move on to Charles City CH. and patrol the road to Windham's Landing and Wilcox's Wharf. Devin, with the rest of the brigade, had moved up the south side of the Chickahominy toward Long Bridge. At 1 p.m. the pickets of the Sixth New York, under Captain Wales, were suddenly attacked by a large force and driven; in the regiment went at once to their support and a sharp action took place, the enemy being much superior in numbers. Soon the Fourth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania and six companies of colored troops just from the White House came to their support and a fierce but short engagement ended in the entire rout of the enemy which proved to be Chambliss brigade. Drove them back two or three miles and then returned. The casualties in the regiment were quite heavy among the killed being Corporals Samuel A Fanshaw and David Phillips of Troop I and Sergeant Samuel May wounded.

 -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

"Fairly Whipped Them"

 Hd. Qrs. Shoemaker's Batt'y

 Stuart Horse Artillery

Fitz. Lee's Cav. Div.

Sept. 1st, 1864

1st day of June one section of my battery left Gaines Mill & reached Bottoms Bridge & on the morning of the 2nd took position in the fortifications commanding the ford. On the morning of the 3d the enemy attacked our force at that place & opened on us with 4 pieces of artillery which we whipped from the field in about 1 hour. I had one horse shot through the knee and abandoned. The section which remained at Gaines Mill under command of Lieut. Moorman was also engaged the same day at Cold Harbor and with the assistance of a section of Capt. Johnston' s battery, drove the Yankee cannoniers from their guns & made them hide behind the hill. On the 4th Lt. Moorman joined us at Bottom Bridge where we remained in camp till the 7th when I sent one gun on picket at Long Bridge. On the 8th I started with 3 guns after the raiders under Gen. Sheridan & came up with them near Louisa C. H. On the 11th one section of my battery was engaged in the morning in shelling the woods near Louisa C. H. We then moved towards Trevillians Depot, Va. Cen. R. R. & a section of my battery with a section of Capt. Johnson's again engaged the enemy and fairly whipped them from every position they took. We were exposed during the whole time to the fire of dismounted men but fortunately I  had only 1 man wounded, A. D. Ford, in the body. On the 12th we were again engaged near the same place. One section under command of Lt. Phelps was sent to operate with the command of Gen. Butler. They were put in position under a heavy fire of artillery and dismounted men. The dismounted men charged the guns but were repulsed and many of them were left dead in front of the guns. Privates [Jno. McGath, R. A. Harnlet, H. B. Worling] were wounded but declined to leave the field not being entirely disabled. Lt. Phelps had his horse shot under him. The other gun I took command of and operated with Gen. Fitz Lee's Div. It was also engaged & with a section of Capt. Johnston' s we turned and drove the enemy' s right until dark. On 13th we followed the retreating raiders but had no other engagement with them until we arrived at the White House on the 20th, where we shelled them in their fortifications. We were exposed to the fire from their batteries & gun boats but had no casualties . At night we retired back to camp leaving Phelps Napoleon on picket. Early next morning the enemy advanced but a few shots from Phelps Nap. stopped them. We marched from White House on the evening of the 21st and arrived at Bottoms Bridge the next morning & camped. During the march an axle of one of the guns broke & was sent to Richmond for repairs . On the 23rd one of my guns was sent to a camp near Rd. to ( ? ) the horses as they were much fagged from long marching, leaving me with only 1 gun, with which I moved to Nance's Shop & engaged the enemy near Forge Bridge on the same day. On the 24th we were engaged near Nance's Shop  and routed & drove the enemy some 7 or 8 miles. No casualties. On the 26th we encamped near Chaffin's Bluff & on the 28th crossed to the south side of the James & camped that night near Pbg, on the 29th we marched to Reame's Station, Petersburg & W. R. R. & remained in that neighborhood until the 28th of July when we again crossed to the North side of the James River & remained until the 31st, and then recrossed to the South side & resumed our old camp near Reame's Station.

- William J. Black Diary, Shoemaker's Artillery Battery
VMI Archives Manuscript #015

The Sixth New York at White House and St. Peters- 1864

June 20th- At 10 am resumed the march with Sixth New York as rear guard, crossed at Dunkirk Ferry and passed through Aylett's and King William C.H. to the north bank of the Pamunky River opposite White House and encamped. Part of the cavalry crossed the river to White House and were attacked by the enemy that had made an attempt to capture our wagon train but were repulsed by the gunboats, dismounted cavalry and some infantry. The Fourth New York had been left with the pontoon train to wait for the wagons.

June 21st- Reveille at 3 a.m. Moved out at four o'clock and crossed the Pamunky on the railroad bridge with Merritt in the advance. The Second Brigade was ordered up to find the enemy advanced toward St. Peter's Church and soon found them in force, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania was dismounted and sent forward, the Ninth New York then dismounted and advanced, the Sixth New York taking a position on the left, the enemy holding a position on a ridge in front with a gully or ravine between. The Sixth New York advanced, but the enemy after about three hours fighting had retired from our front. Then advanced our line to the Tunstall Station road and St. Peter's Church. Devin's brigade was alone on the line. The enemy's forces consisted of the cavalry of Hampton, Lee, Hoke and Butler numbering about 5000. We contented ourselves with holding the position already gained. The enemy opened upon us with shot shell and bullets, but soon the firing on both sides ceased, the enemy evacuated the church and we took possession, the Sixth New York holding it until sunset and was then relieved by the Ninth New York. This church was built in 1723 and was the one in which George Washington was married.

-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       

A Depression era photo of St Peter's Church

The Sixth New York Cavalry- Along the Chickahominy 1864

June 1st- Returned to Cold Harbor before daylight and reoccupied the works before the enemy knew we had evacuated them, immediately throwing up a line of breastworks. Daybreak found us still holding our barricaded position of the previous night, and brought us the information that we were confronting parts of Lee's and Butler's cavalry, and Hoke's and Kershaw's divisions of infantry. Devin's brigade formed, with Custer's brigade on the right. At 6 a.m. the enemy made a sudden attack on the right, which the Michigan boys met right gallantly, their seven shooters doing effective work, while the batteries in the rear did great execution; the fight lasted about an hour, when the enemy fell back, leaving more than a hundred of their dead and wounded on the field. After that, sharpshooting was kept up until about ten o'clock, when the Sixth Corps arrived and relieved us, and continued the fighting The cavalry then moved toward the Chickahominy and covered the left of the infantry line till Hancock arrived at 2 p.m., when it moved to Prospect Church and went into bivouac. The infantry soon became heavily engaged and the roar of artillery and musketry was continuous until long after dark, and was kept up, at intervals, the greater part of the night.

 June 2d- At 7 a.m. took the road to Dispatch Station. Halted for several hours in support of Gregg who was fighting on the infantry's left. Then resumed the march to Bottom's Bridge which we found in possession of the enemy. The Sixth New York in the advance came up with a force of the enemy and after considerable skirmishing drove them across the bridge. As the regiment approached the bridge to reconnoitre it was greeted with a few shells from the enemy's fortifications beyond the Chickahominy, one of which killed three horses and took off a man's foot (Aaron Byington Company I). At 4 p.m. the regiment went on picket, holding the bridge all night, the division encamping a mile to the rear. It rained very hard all night.

June 3d- Still raining. All quiet except that the rebel sharpshooters were busy. Regiment was relieved at 10 am by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and fell back but remained within gunshot of the bridge.

June 4th- At 5 a.m. left Bottom's Bridge and marched to the right wing of the army and encamped at Hall's Shop a short distance to the rear near Old Church. Rain in afternoon.

June 5th- Marched to Studley, the birthplace and residence of Patrick Henry near Totopotomoy Creek. Rain.

June 6th- Beveille at 2.30 a.m. At sunrise marched to Little Page's Ford on the Pamunky River near Hanovertown and bivouacked on Ruffin's farm. Major Ruffin was the rebel who fired the first shot on the old flag at Sumter.

-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      

The Sixth New York on the Ride- May 24- May 31 1864

We return to the Sixth New York Cavalry and their crisscrossing of Central Virginia during May and June of 1864 . . .

We last left them as they headed north over the Pamunkey . . .

From Cold Harbor to Tunstall's Station

May 24th- Left Dunkirk Ferry (or ford) at 9 a.m. and taking the direction of Hanover Junction, passed Hebron Church and Concord and to the Bowling Green road, bivouacking near Polecat River after a hard, dry, dusty march.

May 25th- Moved out early and marched to Chesterfield Station, at which point we crossed the railroad and encamped three miles to the northwest. Supply train arrived via Port Royal, twenty miles distant. Mail that had been accumulating for nearly a month reached us at this point, bringing gladness and joy to the heart of many a weary trooper. A very heavy rain-storm coming up every one and everything was thoroughly soaked. General Torbert, having returned to duty, now took command of the division (First).

May 26th- Moved at noon and marched via Chesterfield and Concord Church and Lee's woods on toward Mangohick, and at 8.30 p.m. halted about twelve miles south from Chesterfield and about two miles from Mangohick. After a short halt to rest the horses, moved on again, marching all night, and halted at daybreak at Hanovertown Ferry on the north bank of the Pamunky for a short rest and sleep.

May 27th- At 7 a.m. three boatloads of Custer's men were thrown across the river, who after a little skirmishing, cleared the opposite bank of the enemy. The pontoon bridge was then thrown across and the First Division crossed over Found Gordon's Confederate brigade about a mile from the river, which we drove over the road, the Second Brigade capturing about thirty of the Third North Carolina Cavalry. The prisoners were fine looking fellows, well dressed and clean -such an unusual thing that it was noticeable. We rested on the field at night, weary from the tiresome march of upward of thirty five miles.

May 28th- All quiet through the night. No bugle calls allowed. All moves made in silence. The Sixth Corps moved up and relieved our skirmish line, and we moved to the support of Gregg, who was fighting on our left at Salem Church. The artillery fire was very sharp. We drove the enemy although our losses were heavy in carrying a strong position. Were relieved by the Second Division, Second Corps, about dark, and went into camp near the bridge

May 29th- At 9 a.m. a foraging party of the Sixth New York discovered a large force of the enemy's cavalry moving to our left at a double quick. The party returned at once to camp, and making a report, the brigade was ordered farther to the left, where it found Gregg's division and Custer's brigade already engaging the enemy. It formed and remained in line of battle until the enemy fell back, forced by our cavalry. At 4 p.m. we moved farther to the left of our line parallel with the Pamunky River, where we halted about six miles from the river, and bivouacked, the Sixth New York going on picket for the night.

May 30th- In readiness to move at 4 a.m. At nine o'clock marched to Old Church and threw out a line of pickets. Those of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania on the Cold Harbor road were attacked in force about noon. The balance of the brigade was brought up dismounted and advanced, and soon our whole front was a line of fire and smoke. The Third Brigade coming up, the two brigades were soon engaged and the enemy was being forced back when, suddenly, our left for some reason gave way, causing the whole line to fall back a short distance to a good position, where it formed. At that moment Custer's brigade came to our aid, and with a rush and a yell that made the hills and woodland resound, the "Wolverines" charged the "greybacks," pouring deadly volleys from their "seven shooters, which caused the enemy to break and fall back in precipitate flight, while the whole line rapidly idly pursued in the direction of Bottom's Bridge. The enemy consisted of Butler's South Carolina Brigade and Hampton's Legions. Halted for the night about seven miles from Bottom's Bridge. Speaking about the "seven shooter" carbines reminds me that a Confederate officer captured asked me if we sat up all night to load our guns to shoot at them in the daytime. Lieut. Jno. W. Blunt wounded in thigh James Wright and Harry G. Cooper, Company I, wounded; George Andrews Company K, killed.

May 31st- "Boots and saddles" at 2.30 a.m. and prepared for an attack. The weather was very warm and the roads were many inches deep with dust. At 4 p.m. the brigade moved out in connection with Merritt's and Custer's and gave the enemy battle in the vicinity of Cold Harbor. The Sixth New York was held in reserve to charge, if a favorable opportunity presented itself. The fighting was very severe until dark, when the enemy retreated, leaving us in possession of their earthworks on the Meadow Bridge road, about five miles from the bridge and eight miles from Bottom's Bridge. At dark we built barricades along the road and at ten o'clock fell back about three miles and stood to horse all night.

-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      

The Engine US Grant

From the Army before Richmond

Headquarters Army of the Potomac

June 10, 1864

. . .

Our base at White House is completely established, and capable of supplying us indefinitely with an unlimited quantity of rations and forage. The railroad has been completed to the front, near Dispatch Station, and the fine locomotive, named Lieut-Gen. U.S. Grant, ranges back and forth nearly to the Chickahominy.

-New York Tribune

Action at Long Bridge- June 12, 1864

Map of the vicinity of Richmond, Va., and part of the Peninsula- Gilmer

 The map above gives an overview of the area comprising Bottom's Bridge, Riddell's Shop, Nance's Shop, and Long Bridge.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,

Moodys House, June 12, 1864- 2.45 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Major Roebling has just returned from a reconnaissance below. The Long Bridge is a bad place to force a passage. It is at present picketed by a small force of the Second North Carolina; the men on picket think it is cavalry, judging from their uniform. They talk to each other. Deserters from points above are from Ransoms brigade, they say. The Second North Carolina Infantry is in Ramseur's brigade, Ewell's corps. The approach to Long Bridge is on this side, over a narrow neck, with a swamp on each side. About 3 miles below is a good ford, it is said, at Pollards. The enemy has no pickets below Long Bridge, so that Colonel Chapman, with the cavalry brigade, had better cross at least a part of his command there, and come up and open the Long Bridge crossing. I will suggest it to him. I have started the pontoon train out now, as they can go all the way under cover. Unless the enemy bothers us at the crossing we shall be well out of the way of everybody. The distance from Long Bridge to Jones' Bridge is reported by the cavalry to be greater than indicated on the map. It is said to be about 9 miles.

            G.K. WARREN,
        Major-General, Commanding.


The Major Roebling spoken of here is Washington A. Roebling of Brooklyn Bridge fame.  

LONG BRIDGE, June 12, 1864- 10 p.m.

Major-General HUMPHREYs:

General Wilson has crossed over some men, and they are commencing to lay the bridge. Ayres' division is bivouacked, waiting for the cavalry to get out of the way. Crawford is massing. I shall close the corps all up at this point, so as to keep the road clear behind me. The enemy fired a little.

    Respectfully,

                G.K. WARREN,
                    Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,

    Near Long Bridge, June 12, 1864- 11.15 p.m.

Maj. Gen. A.A. HUMPHREYS,

          Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: After a sharp resistance, in which we lost several men, the advance of Chapman's brigade, two regiments, succeeded in passing both branches of the Chickahominy on logs and drifts, and driving the enemy from his rifle-pits, and are now well out on the other side, covering the construction of the bridges. As there is an island across which the road runs, with bad approaches, the bridges will probably not be done before midnight. Our advance crossed about 9 p.m. We will clear the way for the infantry as soon as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                     J.H. WILSON,

  Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

From the report of Colonel George H. Chapman, Third Indiana Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade.

.  .  .

June 4 and 5 passed without movement or event of importance. On the 5th the Twenty-second New York joined the brigade. On the 6th moved to Bottom's Bridge and relieved the Second Cavalry Division doing picket duty from left of infantry to Jones' Bridge on the Chickahominy, the left of infantry resting at railroad bridge. The brigade continued in the performance of this duty until the 12th of June, without anything occurring on the line except a little firing between the pickets. I caused the crossing to be made defensible by constructing breast-works under cover of the night, and having succeeded in doing this the enemy ceased to fire upon my pickets. On the 9th the First New Hampshire Cavalry joined the brigade.

At dark on the 12th of June, in pursuance of orders directing a general movement of the army, I moved my command to Long Bridge, on the Chickahominy. Finding the bridge destroyed and the stream not fordable, I dismounted the Twenty-second New York and Third Indiana. The first named command was mainly crossed on a log a short distance above the bridge, and, making their way with much difficultly and considerable delay through the swamp, succeeded in crossing the second branch of the stream as they had crossed the first, on logs, and joined the brigade on the south bank of the river or swamp. In the mean time a pontoon-boat having been launched into the first branch of the stream, the Third Indiana were hastily crossed over under fire from a small force of the enemy, who occupied a rifle-pit on the south bank of the second branch of the stream. These were soon driven back, and the Third Indiana crossed line of battle, with skirmishers thrown well to the front. Owing to the difficulties to be overcome considerable time was consumed in laying the pontoon bridges, and it was after midnight when my command was entirely over. The command then moved forward to White Oak Swamp, the advance, skirmishing with a small body of the enemy's cavalry, who fell back across the swamp. At this point we found the enemy prepared to make resistance to our farther advance, with a battery in position, from which they opened fire. Lieutenant Fitzhugh's battery, then serving with this brigade, was ordered into position and a lively artillery duel ensued, in which one of the sections of our battery suffered considerably in men and horses.* “

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

GEO. H. CHAPMAN,

             Colonel Third Indiana Cavalry, Commanding Brigade.

Captain LOUIS SIEBERT,

    Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Cavalry Division

According to the records the Twenty-second New York Cavalry suffered three wounded at the bridge, and three killed, two wounded and one missing the next day.

Brevet Major General George H. Chapman

Another Night on the Chickahominy, June 1864

 Jefferson Davis communicates with R.E Lee.

Richmond Va June 9, 1864

General.

Yours of this date received. The indications are that Grant despairing of a direct attack is now seeking to embarrass you by flank movements. If our cavalry concentrated could beat that of the enemy, it would have moral as well as physical effects which are desirable. I went down to Bottom's Bridge last night, found Genl G.W.C. Lee well & he reported his preperations for defence as progressing favorably. He does not think the enemy is in force before the position. Genl Ransom has learned nothing important and did not think he could seriously disturb the enemy with the artillery now in his command.

. . .

Jefferson Davis

-The Papers of Jefferson Davis Vol. 10, October 1863- August 1864
Lynda Laswell Crist, Kenneth H. Williams, Peggy L. Dillard
LSU Press 1999




President Davis showed up in person, on the night of June 11, to confer with General Robert Ransom, Jr.

There was no individual who was more familiar with the topography of Richmond and its vicinity than Mr. Davis. He had made himself acquainted with every road and bypath, and with the streams and farms for twenty miles around. Fond of horseback exercise, he rode often and frequently late into the 'night. Sometimes till sunrise or later the next morning in going over the lines and getting personal knowledge of localities and facts which might prove useful.

I recall very vividly the last visit he made me upon such an occasion. It was on the night of June 11, 1864. I lay in bivouac a few hundred yards from Bottom's Bridge, over the Chickahominy, east of Richmond. Grant was then moving down the east bank of that stream for the purpose of making connection with Butler across the James. About two or three o'clock in the morning, I felt a light hand on my shoulder as I lay asleep with my head on my saddle, and started to rise. I recognized the voice of the President, in a low tone. 'Do not rise,' said he.'I know you have but just fallen asleep, I give you an early call. Grant will not attempt to cross here, he is planning to do so below; to-day you will be relieved here. I have to send you with Early to meet Hunter, who is devastating the valley. Your task will be hard to organize the wild cavalry which has just been defeated at Rock Fish Gap, and that good soldier, but unhappy man, "Grumble Jones," killed. Make your arrangements. You will get the order to-day.'

-General Ransom's Reminiscences of Mr. Davis in
Jefferson Davis: Ex-president of the Confederate States of America
Vol. II
Varina Davis



  Davis was very much a "hands on" military Chief-Executive . . .

 Burton Harrison told me that in these rides of inspection, his chief, mounted on the white Arab stallion, always led the staff as close to the ragged edge of danger as was humanly possible, having an apparent longing to escape from official thraldom and return to the risks of his days of soldiering.

-Recollections Grave and Gay.
Mrs. Burton Harrison
New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1911.

A Night on the Chickahominy, June 1864

A NIGHT MARCH

Friday, 10th, potatoes, dried apple, pork and fresh beef rations were issued. Expected to move, but did not; not much fighting. Warm. On the 11th, re-enforcements arrived, new breastworks were thrown up, and troops were moving all night.

On Sunday the 12th, there was some picket firing, but no severe fighting. The Fifh Regiment, with the Second Corps, left the breastworks in the evening at 9:30 and marched until 3 a.m. of the 13th to Bottom's bridge on the Chickahominy river, about 10 miles. Here the regiment went on picket, there to remain until the last man of the corps crossed. Then the regiment was to rejoin the column as rapidly as possible. The writer volunteered to remain until all had passed and then was to hasten forward and notify the colonel.

He sat upon a fallen tree by the roadside for many hours. The regiment was called in and marched at 7 a.m.; came up with the brigade at 7 p.m. and went into camp. The writer well remembers the strange, weird scenes of that night. He did sleep for a moment, a dreamy sleep. Tramp! tramp! tramp! the boys were marching the whole night. No sound could be heard beside the measured footsteps, and the rattle of accouterments, the roll of wheels and the clank of sabres. On! On! On they marched until the watcher on the log was dazed and dizzy. Hour after hour the procession of men and horses swept on, their shadows flitting strangely. Realities and dreams were so mingled that they could not be separated. Sunburned soldiers hastening on to battle, and the loved wife and tender babes, in their quiet homes in New Hampshire, passed across the stages of reality and imagination, until the heart was sick and the soul was sinking. The whole army was on a wild, night tramp to the James river.

-A History of the Fifth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers, in the American Civil War, 1861-1865
William Child, M. D., Major and Surgeon
Historian of the Veterans' Association of the Regiment.

1893

I have some more research on the Fifth New Hampshire at my other site, chiefly on its discipline issues.

150 Years Ago Today. June 1864

Today 150 years ago today Grant began his great turning motion that would carry him away from the fields of Cold Harbor, through New Kent, across the Chickahominy and the the James, to place the Army of the Potomac before the city of Petersburg.
A complicated and daring movement, the details of which are such that I will not be able to it full justice by discussing exactly on its 150th anniversary.
Here a map from the USMA Civil War atlas to give you a rough idea of the movements.

Not quite as accurate as I would want, the path on the far right(east) which represents the Union supply train, is rather too far to the west based on accounts.

"A melancholy procession": White House Landing after the Battle of Cold Habor

Procession of the Maimed.

The army was particularly well placed for the prompt dispatch of the wounded to the rear, as it was only twelve miles from its water base at White House, on the Pamunkey River. Here sufficient transports were assembled to take the wounded to Northern hospital. There not being enough ambulances to transport all promptly to the rear army wagons had been brought into use. On the morning of June 3, a train of wagons and ambulances was organized, including a total of 2,177 vehicles, which in single line would have reached to White House. On June 4 forty-three new ambulances arrived.

Many of the slightly wounded started for White House on foot rather than go to the field hospitals. Thus all day on June 4, a melancholy procession of blood- stained men kept pace with the jolting wagons with their maimed burdens that filled the road to White House. No such cortege had ever before passed through, the pine thickets, past the silent swamps and over the black streams of that part of Virginia. Although a Federal army had fought there in 1865, its losses had not been nearly as great.

The road being sandy and heavy from rain, progress of the procession of the maimed was slow. As the rough wagons Jolted in ruts or over corduroy of logs in marshy places, the sufferers lyng in them, on beds of straw or boughs, groaned In agony.

Arriving at the river, they were borne aboard the transports and laid in rows in cots or upon the decks.

In the course of the day 1,254 men were placed on transports, which started for Washington. At night there remained in the hospital tents near the shore 1,460 more, ready to depart as soon as they, could be loaded on the boats.

The labors of the army’s medical officers and their helpers at this time were ceaseless. Some of the surgeons had slept but an hour or two in three nights. At first there had been a shortage of nurses, but willing volunteers had been supplied by the Sanitary Commission. The nurses, like the doctors, worked unceasingly. Their experiences in this labor were such as could not be forgotten.

 - The Washington Herald (Washington, D.C.)June 04, 1914



This was a "fifty years ago today" piece at the Washington Herald.