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       

 

Action at Jones' Bridge(Providence Forge)- The First United States Colored Cavalry

Gilmer map from VHS collection

 Wherein Frederick W. Browne describes how the 1st United States Colored Cavalry took Jones' Bridge .  . . . twice.

MY SERVICE IN THE U. S. COLORED CAVALRY

Having served over two years in a good, hard-fighting infantry regiment, and being encamped at Newport News, Va., holding the dignified rank of Sergeant, I one day met our little fighting Major John G. Chambers who asked me if I would like a commission in the 1st U. S. Colored Cavalry, then forming at Fort Monroe, to which I made answer that I would, and two or three days thereafter I received an order, mustering me out of the service and also an order to report to Colonel Garrard for duty as an officer of the new regiment. Early the next morning, going down to the wharf to embark for Ft. Monroe, I showed to the sentry on the wharf (as my authority for leaving) the order mustering me out. He looked it over and said in a home-sick way, “I would give $800 for that paper.” I reported to Colonel Garrard, and for the first time saw this officer with whose reputation as a brave and efficient Major of the 3d N. Y. Cavalry I had been well acquainted in the Department of North Carolina. This regiment, being the first colored cavalry regiment, had in its ranks a rather better class of men than the infantry regiments had; some being from the North and some being the outlaw negroes who, in slavery times, had been able to maintain their liberty in the swamps of Eastern Virginia and North Carolina. The regiment was officered largely from the 3d N. Y. Cavalry, and they were a thoroughly efficient and capable corps of officers. The regiment was soon filled, mounted and equipped, and constant drill soon made it have the manner and bearing of soldiers. Every one knew that the Campaign of 1864 meant business, and therefore all was in readiness when about May 1st orders came to move. We marched out through Hampton, of which not one house was left except the little old stone church which is still standing there. Through Big Bethel, the scene of one of the earliest disasters of the war, to Yorktown, memorable for its two sieges in two wars, and thence on to Williamsburg, passing between Yorktown and Williamsburg our infantry who, much to our surprise were marching very hurriedly back to Yorktown. We learned afterward they were put on board transports at Yorktown and sent up the James to City Point and Bermuda Hundred. The next day we went up the Peninsula, passing 6 and 12 Mile and burnt ordinarys, camping at night at New Kent Court House. I commanded the picket that night on the Bottoms Bridge Road and the enemy’s scouts were against us all night, keeping matters well stirred up. The next morning we turned South and met the enemy at Jones Ford on the Chickahominy. They were in an earthwork across the Ford and we opened on them with our howitzers in front and deployed as to cross in front, but a force was sent to the right up stream who managed to cross, and, coming down on the opposite side of the river, took the enemy in flank and soon drove them away from the ford. Killing some and capturing some of the enemy, and having some killed and wounded, our movement having been a feint to make the enemy believe that Butler’s Army of the James, as it was afterward called, was moving up the Peninsula, having been accomplished, we returned to Williamsburg, arriving there the next day, where, to our astonishment, we met an order to go back at once and cross the Chickahominy at Jones Ford, sometimes called Jones Bridge, and proceed to Harrison’s Landing, which we at once did, again fighting our way across at Jones Ford. Steamers were lying at the wharf in front of the old Westover mansion, and, going on board, we were soon thereafter landed at Bermuda Hundred and passing out took the advance of Butler’s Army, being at the time the only cavalry he had.

-My Service in the United States Colored Cavalry
Paper of Frederick W. Browne, Second Lieut. 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry
of Cincinnati, Ohio,
Read before The Ohio Commandery of The Loyal Legion,
March 4, 1908.

MOLLUS Massachusetts Civil War Photographs- USAHEC

 The (unfortunately watermarked) photograph of Col. Jeptha Garrard, commander of the First USCT Cavalry.

More naval affairs- May 1864

Report of Lieutenant. Commander Babcock, U. S. Navy, of cooperation with the army in the occupation of West Point, Va., April 30-May 1, 1864.

                    U. S. S. MORSE,
            Off West Point, Mattapony River, May 2, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that, having telegraphed to you on the evening of the 29th ultimo that some troops were about to proceed from Yorktown to West Point, and that Major.General Smith requested the aid of the gunboats to cover his landing and protect them while at this point, when, on the morning of the 30th, I received your communication by the Shawsheen, I was ready then to proceed up the river. For some reason unknown to me the transports were not ready to leave Gloucester Point until late in the afternoon of the 30th. At 4 a. m. on the morning of the 1st instant got underway, followed by four transports, carrying some 2,500 troops. The Shawsheen during the night having been obliged to haul her fires for slight repairs to her boiler, I left her at Yorktown with orders to follow as soon as possible. After being underway the General Putnam arrived from Hampton Roads; communicated with her, ordering her to bring up the rear. Arrived at West Point at 9 a. m. and came to anchor off the wharf, covering the landing of the troops who were disembarking from the transports. The troops at once marched out some 2 miles and took possession of the intrenchments which were thrown up by General Gordon some twelve months since. I then stationed the General Putnam and Shawsheen in different positions in the Pamunkey River for covering our troops and resisting any attack which might be made by the enemy. Proceeded with this vessel into the Mattapony River, taking a station where my guns would sweep the whole plain before the intrenchments. While lying in the Pamunkey River picked up three refugees from Richmond in a canoe; turned them over to Colonel Henry, commanding army forces at this place.

Not needing further the services of the Shawsheen, ordered her to proceed to Hampton Roads and report to you. I send by her a torpedo which had drifted down the river, and was picked up on the beach at Yorktown by Patrick McCall (seaman), one of my gigs crew, on the 29th ultimo.

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

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

    Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

    Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

-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)

"The marauders who are in New Kent"- May 1864

The Peninsula.

There is no movement of importance to report on the Peninsula. The latest intelligence brought by a gentleman who yesterday morning left a point in New Kent, 22 miles from Richmond, confirms the report that there are no troops as high as that. The marauders who are in New Kent and vicinity were negro cavalry. They captured Mr. Ball, a citizen, and carried him off. They also visited Rural Shades, and destroyed the dwelling-house there. The residence of Theodore Lacy was burnt, and the dwelling of Allen Rome, in Gloucester, was also destroyed.

-The Daily Dispatch: May 9, 1864.


This may very well be Elijah Ball, 55 and a magistrate. He owned Ropers Neck and Windsor Shades on the north shore of the Chickahominy, both of these farms would be on the route of Union forces moving from Diascund Bridge to Jones Bridge.