Action at Jones' Bridge(Providence Forge)- May 1864

FORT MAGRUDER, May [7], 1864.

Capt. A. F. PUFFER, Aide-de-Camp:

I tried the Chickahominy yesterday at Jones Bridge after a sharp skirmish, during which a party of dismounted colored cavalry crossed above the bridge and captured the enemys camp. The position was seized; the bridge was found to be entirely destroyed and no timber near to rebuild it with. The ford has been arranged so as to have sides almost perpendicular, and is very deepover a horses head. The men, from want of experience, lost most of their forage. I did not hear any guns on James River; therefore thought the army could not have gone up. Finally concluded to return, get more provisions and forage, go back quickly and better prepared to repair the crossing. This I will do, unless otherwise directed, and effect a junction with the general. The colored cavalry behaved splendidly. I do not want any better troops.

                    R. M. WEST,
                        Colonel, &c.

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

"It is ascertained from a source deemed worthy of credit"- May 1864

the enemy on the Peninsula

From information derived from persons who reached the city by the York River yesterday, we learn that the enemy have advanced a cavalry force to New Kent C. H., within six miles of the York River Railroad, and drove in Col. Shingler's pickets. The force at West Point having completed the repairs to the wharf are busily engaged rebuilding the railroad in this direction.

It is ascertained from a source deemed worthy of credit that the enemy have a force of six thousand men at Williamsburg, and that the negro troops from Gloucester Point have all been sent to Burnside.

A deserter, who reached the city yesterday evening from the Yankee army on the Peninsula, states that it is generally under stood among the troops that Richmond is to be attacked by a combined movement of several different columns and a fleet of gunboats and turreted monitors.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 6, 1864.

The movements on the Peninsula.

The Yankee force which has been at West Point for a week broke up their camp on Thursday, and when last heard from were marching in the direction of Old Church, in Hanover county. They number about 4,000. It is said that Gen. Butler is with this force, though from other sources we hear that he is with Baldy Smith on the other side of the river.

They have advanced up to the bridge which crosses the Chickahominy river.

In King William county, the force named burned the dwellings of Col. Hill and Mr. Sanford, and ravished a negro woman, besides committing other outrages of a similar fiendish character.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 7, 1864.

Expected at West Point- May 1864

Guy Vernor Henry

             HEADQUARTERS U. S. TROOPS AT YORKTOWN
                   AND GLOUCESTER POINT,
                        Yorktown, Va., May 1, 1864.

Colonel SHAFFER,

    Chief of Staff, Fort Monroe:

The following is from Col. G. V. Henry, commanding brigade, Tenth Corps, at West Point, this morning:

My command landed at 10 a. m. to-day. The inhabitants say we have been expected for two or three weeks. The impression is that 40,000 or 50,000 are to march toward White House. Am building a good dock with material I have brought, and desire to keep up this impression. If not contrary to your views, would like to keep up the impression.

                    G.V. HENRY,
                Colonel Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers.

I have sent word to Colonel Henry that as soon as he feels his position secure he can make the reconnaissance, but not to go too far.

                    WM. F. SMITH,
                        Major-General.







          HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., 10TH ARMY CORPS,
                             West Point, Va., May 2, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel FLOYD,

    Commanding Third New York Volunteers:

COLONEL: The colonel commanding directs that you will march your command to the front 8 or 10 miles upon the main road, collecting all the information of the enemy possible. You will go in light marching order with one days rations in haversacks, and use the utmost caution, scouring the country thoroughly. In case of an attack you will send immediately to these headquarters, reporting as near as possible the force in your front, and fall back slowly until you join the main body of troops. You will return to camp to-night, and upon your arrival report in person to the colonel commanding.

    Very respectfully, yours,

                    F.W. WEAVER,
                 Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.




A couple of digressions . . .

Col. G.V. Henry from the Arlington National Cemetery website . . .

Born at Fort Smith, Indian Territory (now Arkansas), March 9, 1839, he graduated from West Point on May 5, 1861 and served throughout the Civil War and Indian Wars as Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier General in the Regular Army.

He received successive brevets for gallantry in various battles and was breveted Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for gallantry at Rose Bud, Montana, where he was shot through the face while fighting Indians. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 5, 1893 for his Civil War Service at the battle of Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864 where he was serving as Colonel, 40th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

He was later Colonel of the all-black 10th U.S. Cavalry and was commanding Fort Assinniboine during the Spanish-American War in 1898. He served as military governor of Puerto Rico following that war.

He died at his home in New York City on October 27, 1899 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

. . . and his Medal of Honor citation for actions some thirty days after landing at West Point. . .

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel Guy Vernor Henry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 June 1864, while serving with 40th Massachusetts Infantry, in action at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Colonel Henry led the assaults of his brigade upon the enemy's works, where he had two horses shot under him.

General Orders: Date of Issue: December 5, 1893

. . . while this Medal of Honor was awarded to a drummer of the 40th Massachusetts, William Lord, just two weeks before that . . .

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Musician William Lord, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 16 May 1864, while serving with Company C, 40th Massachusetts Infantry, in action at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia. Musician Lord went to the assistance of a wounded officer lying helpless between the lines, and under fire from both sides removed him to a place of safety.

General Orders: Date of Issue: April 4, 1898

 . . . the officer he rescued? Lt.Col. Eldridge G. Floyd, commanding the Third New York

Landing at West Point- 1864

From the Peninsula.--the enemy Landing at West Point.

From a reliable source we learn that on yesterday morning two gunboats and two transports came up to West Point and landed several hundred troops, who immediately set to work and repaired the wharf at that place. In the evening twenty-six transports arrived and landed a large number of troops, estimated at about twelve thousand. They threw out cavalry pickets as far as West Point Church, seven miles this side of West Point.

It was reported at Tunstall's Station when the cars left that they had also landed from seven boats at Maj. Balley's, in New Kent, only fifteen miles from Tunstall's, though we have no confirmation of the report.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 3, 1864.

The News.

From the Peninsula we have no material change to note. The enemy are busily engaged in repairing the wharf at West Point, and a few cavalry have made their appearance at that place. The forces which have been withdrawn from Charleston, and who are reported to have sailed South, may make their appearance in this direction.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 5, 1864

Naval Moves- Spring 1864

      

The York River 1862,  from the Rumsey Map collection

                                                       [Telegram.]

                                                               YORKTOWN, April 29, 1864.

Major-General Smith informs me he intends sending troops to West Point, [Va.], time not specified. He wishes me to telegraph and ask you for two gunboats to protect them while there.

 Very respectfully,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

   Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

   Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

                                                             [Telegram.]

                                                             YORKTOWN, April 29, 1864.

The troops go to West Point tomorrow. General Smith informs me that the movement is merely temporary. He is anxious for gunboats. I have informed him I would render him all assistance in my power until I could hear from you.

Very respectfully,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

    Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

    Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

-Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. ; Series I - Volume 9: North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (May 5, 1863 - May 5, 1864)

"Do you think that particular move will fool any one?"- April 1864

                                               YORKTOWN, April 29, 1864.

Col. J.W. SHAFFER,

Chief of Staff:

I understood the general that the troops to go to West Point were those that were to land last. If that is the case you must give me more information than I possess before I can make the detail. Is the work to be begun now, or only when the order to move comes? The quartermaster must furnish transportation and lumber. Do you think that particular move will fool any one?

                                                              W. F. SMITH,

                                                            Major- General.

   
     
 
                              FORTRESS MONROE, April 29, 1864.

General SMITH,

    Yorktown:

I have telegraphed Terry to have a brigade in readiness to move to-morrow morning with ten days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition. You will issue such orders as are necessary to effect the object desired at West Point. Transportation is ordered up for the purpose. They had better leave to-morrow by noon.

                                                                    J.W. SHAFFER,
                                                      Colonel and Chief of Staff.

           



  
         HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS AT YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER PT.,
                                                                               Yorktown, Va., April 29 , 1864.

Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY,

Comdg. Tenth Army Corps, Gloucester Point, Va.:

GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct you to be in readiness to send a brigade to West Point to-morrow, the 30th instant. The major-general also directs that if you have an engineer company they must also be ready to move with the brigade to repair the landing at that place. You will have the command furnished with eight days rations. The quartermasters department will furnish the necessary transportation.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                       CAMPBELL TUCKER,
                                        First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp,





    

          HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS AT YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER PT.,
                                                                                Yorktown, Va., April 29, 1864.

Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY,

Comdg. Tenth Army Corps, Gloucester Point, Va.:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the brigade ordered to be in readiness to move to-morrow shall be furnished with ten days rations instead of eight, as before directed. The major-general also directs that 200 or 300 intrenching tools be sent with the brigade. Further instructions will be sent you to-morrow.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                             CAMPBELL TUCKER,
                                              First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. 




-The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 33

A passing word on Colonel John Wilson Shaffer . . .

While at New Orleans, Col. J. W. Shaffer, a personal friend of Mr. Lincoln, was detailed to me as chief quartermaster, in which capacity he served upon my staff. He also went with me to the Army of the James, and was there promoted to be chief of my staff. He served as such until he went home in the summer of 1864 suffering with a disease which afterwards caused his death, having been appointed governor of Utah Territory. His services, although not of a character that makes men so distinguished in a campaign as to find a place in history, were of the greatest value in whatever position he found himself.

- Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler
Benjamnin F. Butler

"Although of no great importance, I communicate the above to you . . ."

                          HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
                                            Camp Whitaker, April 30, l864.

 Maj. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH,

                 Commanding, & c.:

GENERAL: From various sources I get the following information, which is not much, but so far as it goes I think it can be relied on:

First. The enemy have undoubtedly a considerable force at White Oak Swamp, which is in supporting distance of the fords, extending from Forge Bridge to the railroad bridge. Refugees and negroes estimate this Central force at about 15,000 men, with some artillery. I have seen "passes" signed by three different colonels about the same date, dated at "Camp at White Oak Swamp, Va." Of course the number is exaggerated.

Second. The Fifty-third Virginia Infantry is near Bromleys, guarding a fishery, which is worked by detailed men from Richmond for the Government. I hear of no artillery there, but they have a cavalry picket pushed down to Barhamsville.

Third. The Fifty-seventh Virginia Infantry, with Holcombes Legion (cavalry) and the Richmond battalion, is at the Bottoms Bridge, where they are repairing their earth-works, and have certainly nine, some positively assert twenty, pieces of artillery.

Fourth. There is some infantry at the railroad bridge, and a siege gun mounted on a platform car running on the railroad.

Fifth. There are various conflicting stories of several brigades being between Bottoms Bridge and Richmond, but they probably relate to the large camp at White Oak Swamp.

Sixth. A small party with surveyors' instruments was examining Forge Bridge four days since, which must have been with a view to constructing defensive works, since they could not wish to bridge the stream at a point which is nearly constantly fordable. Nothing of this indicate an offensive design in this direction. Still, as one days march might bring all these troops to this point, it must be deemed threatened a little until relieved by movements elsewhere.

Although of no great importance, I communicate the above to you as all the positive information I have been able to collect.

    Very respectfully,

                                            I.J. WISTAR,
                                    Brigadier-General.





                                                       [Indorsement.]

              HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER POINT,
                                                                                 May 1, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding department.

I do not know where Bromley's* is, but should think damage might [be] inflicted by destroying fisheries there.

                                            WM. F. SMITH,
                                    Major-General, Commanding

       

   

                    HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS, YORKTOWN AND GLOUCESTER POINT,
                                                          Yorktown, Va., April 30, 1864.

General A.H. TERRY:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you cause one brigade to be ready to move at once, provided with two days rations, to effect a landing at West Point, Va. They should carry such intrenching tools as may be necessary to construct rifle-pits if needed, and such other tools as will be wanted to rebuild the wharves there. Lumber sufficient to rebuild the wharves will be sent up soon. Captain Babcock, of the Navy, will send two gun-boats to convoy the fleet and cover the landing, and keep whatever gun-boats he can spare afterward to protect the flanks of the forces while in position. It is desired that the commanding officer of the brigade send out scouting parties for the purpose of obtaining information of the movements of the enemy, which will be sent to these headquarters if important. Due notice will be sent, you when the transports leave Fort Monroe, so that the brigade may be in readiness to go on board.

Should the transportation be sufficient, a battery without caissons will accompany the command.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            W. F. SMITH,
                                      Major-General, Commanding.


- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1-  Volume 33

"Bromley's" on the Pamunkey

 *George T. Brumley's estate The Castle, 600 acres on the Pamunkey between the estates of Braxton Garlick and William Macon.