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HISTORY

NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY,

IN THE

WAR BETWEEN THE STATES.

BY THE

Late Brig. General R. L. T. BEALE.

RICHMOND, VA..
B. p. Johnson Publishing Company.
1899.

CeSy. ^^6"

Introductory Note.

The following narrative of the operations of the Ninth Virginia
Cavalry during the Civil War was written by the late Brigadier-General
R. L. T. Beale, their old commander, in 1865. It was found among his
papers at his death, on April 17, 1893, written upon the consecutive
pages of a thin blank-book. It has been carefully copied, and arranged
in chapters with headings to indicate their contents. As full and
accurate a roster of the regiment as it has been possible to obtain has
been added. It has been possible to secure only a very imperfect list
of the casualties. If this record of the regiment had been commensu
rate with the admiration and affection in which the author held its
officers and men, it would have been far more extended than it is.
Comparatively few of the veterans whose names appear on these pages
now survive. The narrative will, however, interest their children, and,
perhaps, many others who cherish the record of Southern devotion
and valor, as displayed by the daring horsemen who wielded the sabre
and followed the plumes of Stiiart, Hampton, and the Lees.
G. W. B.
Heathsville, Va., February, 1899.

PREKACR.

Now sea-girt Sumter's pealing guns proclaim
The angry strife of words to bloody blows
Has come! Through vale, o'er hill, their echoes ring.
And lo! from drowsy couch of gentle peace
Great States leap forth full armed. And the red flag
Of cruel war by stalwart arms is borne
From the green hills, laved by crystal lakes
To Rio Grande's tepid flow.
No people ever mardhed with a stride more rapid to empire and
greatness than have the English colonies of North America. For
achievements in science and art, if not superior, they are -at least equal,
to the older nations of Europe; yet no page in the history of this people
will prove more attractive to those who follow us than that which
records the scenes of the unhappy war which raged from April, 1861,
to April, 1865. An active participant in that memorable struggle, and
connected with a regiment which was attached to the army under com
mand of General R. E. Lee during its entire history, the author of the
following narrative has undertaken, with the aid of notes taken while
the events were occurring, to record the part that regiment bore in the
contest for Southern independence and Constitutional liberty.

CONTENTS.

Chap. I.— Enlistment of a Company in 1861— Their un-Military Ap
pearance — Capturing a Merchantman — Under the Fire of Gun
boats — Marching to Manassas — Picketing the Potomac — Forma
tion of a Regiment — Evacuation of Fredericksburg  9
Chap. II. — The Regiment Reorganized — Badly Uniformed and Poorly
Equipped — On the Massaponax — Falling Back to Richmond —
The Raid Around McClellan — Death of Latang — Complimentary
Orders — J. B. B. Stuart — Anticipating a Great Battle  15
Chap. III. — In the Van of Stonewall Jackson's Troops — The Battle
of Cold Harbor — Bringing in Prisoners — Capture of the White
House — Expedition to New Kent Courthouse — Marching Under
a Mistake — Malvern Hill — Picketing on the James — Resting in
Hanover  23
Chap. IV. — Breaking Camp in Hanover and Storing Baggage at
Louisa Courthouse — Through Orange and Culpeper — Raid on
Catlett's Station — Capture of General Pope's Coat — March to
Manassas Junction — Capture of Supplies — Second Battle of Bull
Run — Heading Towards the Potomac — Fight at Sugar Loaf
Mountain — Boonsboro' — Sharpsburg  30
Chap. V. — Pacing About to Meet the Enemy at Shepherdstown —
On the Opequon — Resisting Pleasanton's Raid — Promotion of
Officers — Charge at Mountsville — Fight at Aldie — At Union — At
Upperville — A Gallant Exploit — Fight at Markham — At Barbee's
Cross-Roads — Again in Culpeper — Reorganization of Brigade —
March to Fredericksburg — In Winter Quarters in Essex — Cap
ture of a Federal Squadron at Leedstown — Gloucester Point —
Battle of Fredericksburg  43
Chap. VI. — Picketing the Rappahannock — Outrages of the Enemy
in the Northern Neck — Changes in Officers — Sergeant King De
clines an Election — ^March to Gloucester Point — Camping Again
in Culpeper — Under Fire at Rappahannock Bridge and Beverly's
Ford — At Kelly's Mills — In Rear of General Hooker's Army —
Opposing Averill — Charge at Rapidan Station — Charge at Tre-
vilian's — On the Three-Chop Road — A Remarkable Coinci
dence — Captain Forbes Falls at Chancellorsville  58
Chap. VII. — Camping Again in Culpeper — Grand Cavalry Review —
The Hard-Pought Battle of Fleetwood or Brandy Station — In
Peril at Thoroughfare Gap — Looking for the Enemy in the
Dark — Second Encounter With First Rhode Island Cavalry —
Middleburg Fight — Death of Captain Hungerford — Fight at
Upperville — Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Wounded and Captured —
Captain Robinson's Capture and Daring Escape  67
Chap. VIII. — Returning to Middleburg — Rendezvous at Salem — In
the Rear of Meade's Army — At Fairfax Courthouse — Expecting
a Fight Near Dranesville — Fording the Potomac — Chasing
Scott's Nine Hundred — Capturing Wagon-Train Near Rock-
ville — Marching Northward — At Westminster — At Hanover — At
Carlisle — On to Gettysburg — Fighting on the Left at Rummell's
Barn  77
[7]

8 Contents. PAGE.
CiiAP. IX.— Retreat from Gettysburg— Passing Our Infantry Line-
On Road to Emmettsburg— Meeting the Enemy in a Mountain
Pass— Ride to Leitersburg in the Dark— March to Hagerstown—
Fighting in the Town— Pursuing Enemy Towards Williams-
port— Charging Cannon— Lieutenant Ball's Gallantry — Sergeant
Washington's Death— Bivouacking Near the Potomac— Fight
ing on Boonsboro' Road— Driven into Hagerstown— On Green-
castle Road— Expecting a Great Battle— Recrossing the
Potomac  ^'^
Chap. X.— The Author Obtains Leave of Absence— Heavy Skirmish
ing Near Shepherdstown— The Return to Culpeper— Fight of
September 13th— Colonel Beale Wounded— At Raccoon Ford—
Fight at Morton's Ford— Battle at Brandy Station— March to
Warrenton— Engagement at Auburn Mills— On the Plains of
Manassas— Captain Haynes Wounded— Under Fire at Ma
nassas Junction— Lieutenant Davis Killed— Return to Cul
peper— Retreat from Culpeper— On Robinson River— Pursuing
Averill  ^^
Chap. XI.— Marching from Charlottesville to Centre Cross— A
Small Force in Camp— Weary Marches Under Mistaken Orders—
A Bootless Chase After Kilpatrick— Capture of Dahlgren's
Party — Papers and Book Found on Dahlgren's Body — Marching
and Countermarching in King and Queen — Hastening to Check
Kilpatrick in Middlesex— His Passage Through the Northern
Neck  107
Chap. XII — Removal from Centre Cross to Orange — In Grant's
Deserted Camps— On the Wilderness Battle-Pield— Marching
to Meet an Unarmed Regiment — At Spottsylvania Courthouse —
Fight at the Gayle House — Watching the Left of Grant's Army —
Fighting Near Guinea's Station — In a Tight Place on the Tele
graph Road — A Well-Aimed Cannon Shot — On the North Anna —
A Slave's Fidelity — Battle of Hawes' Shop — In the Rear of War
ren's Corps — Federal Outrages — A Quartermaster With a Gold
Chain  116
Chap. XIII. — Under Minie Balls and Shells Near Hanover Court
house — At Gaines' Mill — Forcing the Enemy's Picket Line — A
Night Surprise — Nance's Shop — Gallantry of Major Clemens —
On Stony Creek — Heading off Wilson's Raiders — Engagement at
Sappony Church — A Sudden Encounter — A Rapid Gallop on the
Heels of Colonel Spear — Sharpshooting at Malvern Hill — Fight
at White Oak Swamp, in Charles City — Death of Captain
Oliver — Brigadier-General Chambliss Slain  126
Chap. XIV. — Under the Enemy's Breastworks in Charles City
County — Engaged Near Petersburg — Charging the First District
of Columbia Cavalry at Malone's Crossing — Mounting Breast
works at Reams' Station — A Large Haul of Prisoners — On the
Expedition to Cabin Point to Capture Beeves — In Contact With
the First District of Columbia Cavalry Again — Charging Infan
try — Heavy Captures — Thomas Waller Made Colonel — Fighting
on the Plank Road — On Warren's Raid — At Hatcher's Run — At
Dinwiddle Courthouse — At Five Forks — Retreating to Appomat
tox — Dispersing for Home  141
Roster  149
Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid  178
Appendix — The " Yankee " and " Rebel " Yell  187

CHAPTER I.
Enlistment of a Company in 1861 — Their un-Military Appearance — Cap
turing a Merchantman — Under the Fire of Gunboats — Marching to
Manassas — Picketing the Potomac — Formation of a Regiment — Evac
uation of Fredericksburg.

In the month of May, 1861, by an order obtained through a
special application made in person by the author of the fol
lowing narrative to General R. E. Lee, commander-in-chief
of the Virginia forces, Major Carr, at Fredericksburg, was
directed to muster into service a cavalry company from the
county of Westmoreland, to which the officers had given the
name of Lee's Light Horse, in memory of " Light-Horse
Harry " Lee, of the Revolution. This order was executed
by Major R. M. Mayo, at Montross,"on the 23d of May, 1861.
The company numbered on that day sixty-one, and whilst
composed chiefly of young men, contained several who were
forty-five years of age. Thomas S. Garnett was captain; R.
L. T. Beale, first lieutenant; B. Walker, second lieutenant;
and A. G. Dade, third lieutenant.
There was nothing very martial in the appearance of the
company. The officers and men were clad in their citizens'
dress, and their horses caparisoned with saddles and bridles
of every description used in the country. Their only arms
were sabres and double-barrelled shotguns collected from the
homes of the people. The company thus equipped, after
two brief encampments at Nomini Ferry and Oak Grove,
marched early in June under Lieutenant Beale to Mathias
Point, in King George county, where it was quartered in
Hooe's Chapel, and • was employed in picket duty on the
Potomac. 2 [9]

lo History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Its first military essay was an attack upon the " Christiana
Keen," a four-hundred-ton merchantman grounded on the
bar off Upper Mochodoc Creek, made in two flat-boats by a
detachment under Lieutenant Beale, and which resulted in
the destruction of the vessel and the capture of its sails, ropes,
and sundry valuable nautical instruments. This was followed
by some skirmishes with marines from the steamer " Free
born," in which the enemy used his artillery very freely.
On the 6th day of July, dismounted and in line with an
infantry company from Caroline county, armed with rifles
and called " The Sparta Grays," and led by Major R. M.
Mayo, they attacked a body of marines which had been
landed, and were throwing up breastworks on the shore, and
drove them, with considerable loss, back to the steamer,
which was forced to slip her cables and retire with the loss of
Captain Ward, United States navy, her commander.
Though daily exposed to the fire of cannon from gunboats
in the river, and often to that of the rifles of the marines, the
company escaped without the loss of a man.
About the middle of July we were ordered to Brooke's
Station, in Stafford county, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg
and Potomac railroad, and on the morning of the 20th of that
month assigned to duty with the Thirtieth Virginia Infantry,
commanded by Colonel R. Milton Cary, of Richmond city.
As the advance guard of this regiment, we moved in the
¦evening to the old village of Acquia, and bivouacked for the
night. The march was resumed early on the morning of the 21st.
The roar of artillery in the direction of Manassas told of a
great battle, and our patience was sorely tried by the
tedium of an infantry march. The enthusiasm of Virginia
was at this time intense. Relying upon our perfect familiarity
with flrearms from boyhood and our horsemanship, we
feared not the disparity of numbers, and though without an
officer who had ever seen service, or studied tactics, we felt
confident of our ability to cope successfully with thrice our

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. ii
numbers. To many it seemed apparent that this was to be
the only big fight, and, missing this, no other chance of
flashing a maiden sabre would ever occur.
The infantry marched rapidly, making thirty-one miles by
nine o'clock that night, and reaching Manassas Junction.
The battle was won ! We remained under arms oh the
22d, and on the 23d moved near the headquarters of Briga
dier-General T. H. Holmes, en route for Brooke's Station.
We remained at the latter point drilling and marching in
detachments to various places until the latter part of
November; then moved to Shaw's Mount, in Westmoreland,
and near the close of the year went into winter quarters near
the Hague.
Various changes had occurred among the officers of the
company. Our captain, Thomas S. Garnett, had been made
lieutenant-colonel in July, and assigned to the Forty-eighth
Virginia Infantry. Captain Beale, who succeeded him, had
been made major by Governor John Letcher in October.
Lieutenant Walker had resigned in May, and the company
in January, 1862, was commanded by Captain John Murphy
and Lieutenants John W. Hungerford, A. G. Dade, and
William Murphy.
During the winter we were employed in picketing the lower
Potomac under orders of Major Beale, provost-marshal, and
thus far had acted as an independent company.
Breaking our camp in March we moved to St. Paul's
church, in King George; then to Office Hall; then tO' King
George Courthouse, at which point, about the ist of April,
we joined Colonel Johnson, assigned to the command of the
Ninth Regiment of Virginia Cavalry, with W. H. F. Lee as
lieutenant-colonel, and R. L. T. Beale as major.
The regiment was composed of ten companies, viz : Com
pany " A," of Stafford, E. M. Henry, captain; Company
" B," of Caroline, Samuel A. Swann, captain; Company " C,"
of Westmoreland, John N. Murphy, captain; Company " D,"
of Lancaster, Meriwether Lewis, captain; Company " E," of

12 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Spottsylvania, Corbin Crutchfield, captain; Company " F,"
of Essex, R. S. Cauthorn, captain; Company " G," of Lunen
burg, William H. Hatchett, captain; Company " H," of King-
William, Beverly B. Douglas, captain; Company " I," of
King George, John Tayloe, captain; and Company " K," of
Richmond county, Joseph R. Jeffries, captain. The letters
designating the several companies above continued to dis
tinguish them until the close of the war.
A part of 'the regiment, under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Lee was stationed near Berea Meeting-House, above
Falmouth, and the companies under Johnson, after a few
days' stay, marched from the Courthouse to a place called
Boscobel, near the old stage-road connecting Fredericks
burg and Potomac creek. The weather was very inclement,
rain and snow falling freely. For several days we remained
without tent or shelter of any kind. This exposure told upon
our ranks, and the hospitals in Fredericksburg were crowded.
Company C contributed its share, and Privates Robert L.
Tallent and Richard Beale, both good soldiers, returned to
us no more.
On the evening of the i6th of April, hastily striking our
tents, we moved towards Fredericksburg. The baggage-
wagons crossed Coalter's bridge, and the troops having pre
pared for action, moved up the river to Falmouth, and, de
scending the hill to the right, took position near the road
leading to Potomac creek. Here, dismounting and sleeping
upon the ground with our bridles held under our arms, we
waited until roused to wakeful attention by a volley of
musketry, followed by loud cheers. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee,
driven out of his camp near nightfall at Berea, had fallen back
to the heights above Falmouth, and had been reinforced by
a portion of the Fortieth Virginia Infantry under Major
Taliaferro. In that position they were charged by the
enemy's cavalry. The infantry allowed them to come close
up, then pouring upon them a deadly fire, repulsed them with

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 13
considerable loss. A second charge brought the enemy a
no more favorable result.
We remained in suspense until after daybreak, when, re
versing our march, we moved through Falmouth, and, with
heavy hearts evacuated the Northern Neck. The bridges
were fired after we passed, and soon the invading army under
General Archer descended from the heights and came press
ing down upon the burning bridge. We were ordered to
remain and check any attempt of the enemy to extinguish the
fire. Whilst engaged in this service, and drawn up in line on
the road leading clown the river, the enemy opened upon us
with artillery posted on the crest of the hill just above Fal
mouth. The first shell came crashing into our ranks, wound
ing several, and among them Private R. S. Lawrence. One or
two horses were also killed. We stood without flinching,
eliciting some praise from our officers, and escaped further
injury, though the fire was continued as long as we remained.
One man of Company E lost his life, unfortunately, by
the accidental discharge of his gun, the ball having entered
the lower part of his head and, passing out at the top, car
ried his hat many feet into the air. Our route was through
Fredericksburg, and here all was hurry and confusion, army-
wagons rattling away, steam engines hissing, women lament
ing, and bodies of troops moving towards the old Telegraph
road leading to Richmond.
At nightfall the rain fell in copious showers, yet hungry
and without shelter, all save those detailed for picket service,
gladly stretched themselves upon the earth and slept soundly
after the fatigues of the preceding twenty-four hours.
Massaponax church, on the following day, became our
regimental headquarters, and we picketed down to the hills
overlooking Fredericksburg. There was a considerable force
of infantry in the immediate neighborhood, commanded by
General Joseph R. Anderson, and for some days we expected
to fight the enemy along the Hne of the Massaponax. Whilst

1/}. History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
camping at this point Companies A and C were marched
under command of Major Beale to Culpeper Courthouse,
making minute examination of several fords across the
Rapidan. We returned to Massaponax without encountering
the enemy at any point.

chapter II.
The Regiment Reorganized — Badly Uniformed and Poorly Equipped — On
the Massaponax — Falling Back to Richmond — The Raid Around Mc
Clellan — Death of Latan^ — Complimentary Orders — J, E- B. Stuart —
Anticipating a Great Battle.

Near the close of April the regiment reorganized, the
privates electing the company officers, and these electing the
field officers. These elections were general throughout the
^rmy, and were regarded as a great political blunder, amount
ing almost to a crime, in the legislative department of the
Confederate Government. The consequences, doubtless,
would have been disastrous in the extreme but for the firm
ness, energy, and good sense of the military commanders.
In our regiment. Colonel Johnson was displaced, William
H. F. Lee becoming colonel, R. L. T. Beale lieutenant-
colonel, and Meriwether Lewis major. It was not until after
this reorganization that all the companies composing the
regiment were brought together. Owing to some coolness
between Johnson and Lee, or for some other cause, they had
been separated, and whilst some of us under Johnson camped
at Massaponax Church, four or five companies under Lee
occupied Hick's Hill, near the river road from Port Royal.
The appearance of the regiment at this time was but a
slight improvement upon that ascribed to one of the com
panies the year previous. Three of the companies had been
partly armed with inferior carbines and pistols by the
counties in which they were raised; most of them were sup
plied with such sporting guns as could be collected by the
officers from the people of the country. The equipment of
the horses was of the most inferior kind, and varied with the
[15]

i6 History of tlie Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
means of the individual troopers. No regular squad, company,
or regimental drill had been generally adopted, and the supply
of books of tactics was vvhoUy inadequate to the wants of the
officers. Captain John F. Hughlett had succeeded Lewis in Com
pany D; O. M. Knight, Hatchett in Company G; and Wil
liam Latane, Cauthorn in Company F. The officers of the
previous year commanded the other companies.
We continued guarding the outlets of Fredericksburg and
learning something of the trooper's duties in occasional
attacks upon picket-posts and night alarms until about the
1st of May. Whilst picketing around Fredericksburg we had
seen for many days long trains of forage-wagons escorted by
detachments of the enemy moving down the north bank of
the Rappahannock, their cavalry horses quietly grazing upon
the grass-covered fields of Stafford, and the bitter thought of
defenceless homes and helpless families brought more of
sorrow than all the hardships of camp life and dangers of the
field of battle.
After a short encampment at Hick's Hill, where much
sickness prevailed among the men, the regiment marched
towards the close of May, in the direction of Richmond, fol
lowing the infantry, and taking the Telegraph road. On
the third day of our march we reached Yellow Tavern, five
miles from Richmond, and a day or two afterwards went into
camp on Mrs. Mordecai's farm on Brooke turnpike. Qur
duties here consisting simply in picketing a few points about
Ashland and Hugh's Cross-Roads, some attention was paid
to drills; guard mountings and dress-parades were held daily,
and the horses being well fed, recovered from the effects of
the recent hard usage since breaking camp in March. Some
few desertions of privates and many elopements of negro ser
vants occurred while we occupied this camp.
On the 1 2th day of June it was whispered through camp
that we would that night march in company with other regi
ments upon some daring mission. All were enthusiastic for

History of the Nintli Virginia Cavalry. I'j
action. The order to prepare rations was received with joy,
and executed promptly. In the evening we moved to the
junction of the Telegraph road with the Central railroad, and
slept on the ground. The next morning seven companies of
the Ninth (Companies -A., H, and I being on detached ser
vice) were formed into three squadrons, the supernumeraries
being assigned to an officer commanding a provost-guard,
and, with two squadrons from the Fourth Virginia Cavalry
to complete a full regiment, placed under command of Colo
nel W. H. F. Lee. To this force were added detachments
under Colonel Fitz. Lee and the Jeff. Davis Legion under
Colonel Martin, forming the largest body of cavalry we had
seen, and consisting of about twelve hundred troopers, and a
section of light artillery. It was quite imposing in appear
ance, and commanded by Brigadier-General J. E. B. Stuart.
About light on the morning of the 13th a rocket ascended
high in the air, and the order to march was immediately
given. We moved rapidly along a road leading to Hanover
Courthouse. Before reaching that point we were halted, and
troops from the column in rear of us made a detour to the
right in pursuit of a small party of the enemy. They accom
plished nothing. Passing the Courthouse and nearing
Hawe's Shop, the advance guai'd under Lieutenant W. T.
Robins, our adjutant, encountered a picket and captured a
private. Companies B and C, under Captain Swann charged.
The enemy fell back to the Totopotomoi river, and formed
in line of battle on the left of the road, with a marshy strip of
land in their rear. Our squadron had been moving at full
speed for several miles, and as soon as seen, after a momentary
halt to pull down the fence, the enemy was charged. In vain
the officers tried to lead the enemy out to meet our charge.
They broke and retreated at full speed across the bridge,
a few hundred yards in their rear. Upon reaching the marshy
land some of our horses mired, a number of the troopers were
dismounted, and several of the horses without riders followed
the flying steeds of the Federals. Companies B and C were

i8 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
now dismounted, and ordered to cross the bridge and advance
in skirmish line on both sides of the road. The squadron
next in front, composed of Companies E and F, under Cap
tain William Latane, then crossed the bridge and charged
up the road in column of fours. Moving rapidly, Latane
reached the level land beyond the bridge in advance of the
dismounted men, and, riding some paces in front of his men,
was shot and killed instantly by a party of the enemy in the
woods on the right of the road. Nothing daunted by this
heavy blow, the squadron moved onward, and, nearing the
crest of the hill, found Companies D and E, Fifth Regiment,
United States Dragoons, in line of battle a little to the left
of the road. Wheeling by fours into line, they charged with
the sabre. The charge was soon ended, and the dragoons
were routed. Two or three were killed, and a lieutenant and
ten privates captured. The casualties with us were Latane
killed and two privates of Company E wounded very slightly
with sabre-cuts.
Our whole command then moved rapidly on the road to
Old Church, rifling the camp of the picket force of some car
bines, pistols, horses, a litle wine, and a few prisoners. Con
founded by the suddenness of the blow and panic-stricken,
the enemy fled in detached parties along every road leading
to their rear. The citizens, assured of the presence of the
infant flag, hurried to the road-side; many ladies ran out, and,
with waving handkerchiefs and eyes filled with tears, breathed
their blessings on us. The excitement became intense; cheer
after cheer rent the air as Stuart, at the head of the column,
bade all hope of support from our army good-bye, and dar
ingly pursued the road to the White House, on the banks of
the Pamunkey, immediately in rear of the Federal army under
McClellan. At Old Church, a guidon, the first trophy of the kind that
had fallen into our hands, was captured by one of Company
C, and afterwards sent to Governor Letcher. Prisoners were
taken at various points; ambulances moving quietly, and as

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. /p
their drivers supposed, securely, were overhauled and sacked,
and, with the horses detached, were left standing in or near
the road.
On, on, we marched, and reached Tunstall's Station on the
York-River railroad before sunset. From column of fours we
were now formed into column of platoons, and in this order
approached the station, ready to make, < or repel, an attack.
The country, denuded of fences, offered no obstacle, and our
line of march was through the fields bordering the road.
Sutlers' wagons loaded with varieties of fruits and confec
tioneries, and heavier wagons filled with quartermaster and
commissary supplies in quantities and variety such as we had
not seen before, were standing in the road, deserted by their
drivers, and in some cases without the teams. This tempta
tion proved too strong for resistance, and many troopers
broke from the ranks to seize and appropriate the rich spoil.
In some instances these became laden with more than could
be carried.
We reached the station and found our advance guard in
quiet possession. The telegraph wires were cut, and orders
given for the destruction of the muskets with which the depot
was w611 filled. Quickly the announcement was made of a
train of cars coming from the direction of the Federal army.
Dismounted men were placed in ambush, and others set to
work to put obstructions on the track. Our regiment was
concealed from view in a valley. A train of cars soon came
down the road, and a hundred yards or so above our ambush
began to slow down, and was leisurely approaching the
station, when a volley was fired by our men. Like a bird
startled by the ineffectual fire of the fowler, the engineer
instantly let on full steam. The regiment dashed up the hill,
and as the train passed at a fearful rate of speed they sent a
shower of buckshot and ball in pursuit, with what effect we
never .learned. The train had escaped.
A number of the enemy who had leaped from the train
when it was moving slowly, were pursued. Most of them

20 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
surrendered; one or two refused to do so, and in endeavoring
to escape were shot.
AVe halted here for over an hour, awaiting the return of
two squadrons sent under command of Captains Knight and ,
Hammond to Putney's Ferry, on the Pamunkey, where some
vessels were landing military supplies. This party, after
meeting a slight show of resistance, captured the place, and,
having destroyed such things as they could not remove, in
cluding two vessels loaded with stores, brought off some
prisoners and many mules and wagons. The wagons found
near Tunstall's Station generally were without teams, these
having been captured by our men in advance of us, or else
ridden off by the teamsters upon our approach. These
wagons we burned.
After darkness set in our march was resumed in the
direction of Forge Bridge on the Chickahominy. En
cumbered with our captives, which increased continu
ously, we moved slowly. About midnight a sutler's
storehouse was reached, at Talleysville, and the command
halting for some time to close up the column, many troopers
helped themselves to such refreshments as the sutler had
provided for his customers, without the usual ceremony of
giving something in exchange. Continuing our march from
this point, by dawn we reached the Chickahominy, and at
tempted its passage at a blind ford two miles above Forge
Bridge. The river, swollen by recent rains, was too full to be
forded. Tall trees were felled in the vain hope of their reach
ing from shore to shore, and a line formed of many halter-
reins tied together, was stretched across the stream, and
several rafts made of fence-rails lashed together, were put
afloat in the many efforts to effect a crossing here. A few
men, led in person by Colonel W. H. F. Lee, swam over, and
a few succeeded in crossing on the rafts. General Stuart,
finding it impossible to cross the command at this. point,
withdrew, leaving about thirty-five officers and men of our
regiment who had crossed to the opposite bank with Lieu-

History of the Nintli Virginia Cavalry. 21
tenant-Colonel Beale. The command now moved down to
Forge Bridge, which they found had been burned. With the
timbers of an old barn a bridge was built across the north
channel of the river to an island, and men were sent over to
collect materials and construct a bridge across the south and
main channel, dividing the island and mainland in Charles
City county. Lieutenant-Colonel Beale, hearing of this
order, moved at once down the south bank to the point indi
cated, and, finding ample materials, detailed a party under
orders of Robinson Taylor who soon built a substantial
bridge upon the partly-destroyed foundations of the old one.
However, before the intelligence of its completion reached
the General, he had, after swimming the horses of his com
mand over the northern stream, commenced to ford the
southern one from the upper end of the island. This was
successfully accomplished long before sunset, and with the
loss only of a caisson and some of the captured mules. To
prevent pursuit by the enemy, the bridge was ordered to be
burned. We halted for some hours near Charles City Court
house, and, resuming the march about midnight, took the
road leading up the north bank of the James to Richmond,
and reached our camp next day.
This bold march entirely around the Federal army elicited
warmest praise from the whole country. A complimentary
order from General J. E. B. Stuart was read to the troops,
and a printed copy given to each officer and man engaged in
the expedition. In this order special mention was made of
our Colonel and Adjutant, and of one or two privates. A
handsome tribute was paid in orders to our gallant Latane.
John R. Thompson, the editor of The Southern Literary
Messenger, in a few verses of touching beauty, and the brush
of a Richmond artist, canonized his memory, and preserved
for after times in lines of life-like truthfulness the scene of
his burial.
Lieutenant William Oliver succeeded to the command of
Company F. and the youthful brother of Latane was made
third lieutenant.

22 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
The captured horses and mules were distributed ratably to
the quartermasters of the several regiments of Stuart's com
mand. Some arms, which had been captured, were also dis
tributed. The fact that we would fight was now fixed upon
the minds of our commanding officers, and never afterwards
doubted. The pride of officers and men was excited, confi
dence in the leadership of Stuart established, and, though this
delicate plant matured so suddenly, in all the after trials of
the war, it showed no signs of decay.
A proposal to form a company selected from the best men
of the regiment, to be placed under command of our adjutant
as captain, met such determined opposition from the officers,
that it was abandoned.
The quiet of camp life was unbroken until the close of
June, then rumors of a great movement among our troops
became rife. The near approach of the enemy's lines to
Richmond, and the reported strength of the opposing armies
produced a seriousness amongst officers and men that had
not been seen before : It indicated no feeling of fear but re
vealed clearly that the impression was general that we were
on the threshold of great dangers.

CHAPTER III.
In the Van of Stonewall Jackson's Troops— The Battle of Cold Harbor-
Bringing in Prisoners— Capture of the White House— Expedition to
New Kent Courthouse — Marching Under a Mistake — Malvern Hill —
Picketing on the James — Resting in Hanover.

On Wednesday, the 25th of June, rations were cooked, and
that night the regiment marched, taking the road leading to
Ashland. We had, along with other regiments, a few days
previously received the Confederate battle-flag. At a late
hour of the night, after breaking our camp, we came in sight
of the camp-fires of Major-General T. J. Jackson's command.
They were surrounded by men busily engaged in cooking
rations. At early dawn next morning we advanced upon the road
running towards Mechanicsville, and as we progressed the
line of march deflected to the left. In the afternoon the sound
of heavy volleys of small arms, accompanied by the roar of
artillery on our right-front, told of the general advance of
our lines, and the terrible conflict at hand. Later in the after
noon our movement was very much impeded by broken
bridges and trees felled across the road, which told us the
enemy was retreating. A few sutler's carts were the only
captures we saw. It was soon understood that General
" Stonewall " Jackson commanded in person the force of
which our cavalry was the van.
We lay at night upon the road, bridles in hand, near Pole
Green meeting-house, a few miles east of Mechanicsville. The
firing upon our right-front was resumed in the morning, and,
from the sound, seemed to be crossing our front to the left.
We moved forward at an early hour. Upon reaching the
[23]

24- History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
stage-road east of Mechanicsville our march was down that
road in the direction of Old Church to a mill, where we halted,
fed our horses, and ate our dinner. On leaving the mill our
line of march diverged from the main road along by-roads to
the south. We' halted about three o'clock P. M. in the im
mediate vicinity of Cold Harbor. We had encountered no
enemy, and, after leaving the stage-road, had not seen our
infantry. At thirty minutes past three o'clock the fight commenced
with deafening volleys of musketry, so continuous that the
intervals were scarcely perceptible. The artillery fire was
heavy, but seemed light compared with the sound of the small
arms. We could see only the clouds of smoke, though shells
continually shrieked and exploded over our heads. We were
ordered by General Jackson late in the evening to move to a
position less exposed. A squadron under Captain Thomas
Waller was placed in position to charge a battery, but, for
some cause, was ordered back. The battle lasted without the
slightest abatement in the fire of small arms for four hours.
When it ceased we marched rapidly on the road leading to the
White House, but, finding the enemy was not retreating in
that direction, returned and bivouacked on the edge of the
field of battle.
This fight was among the hardest of the war, and upon
no other field in Virginia, perhaps, was the continuous fire
of musketry so long sustained. The enemy was routed at all
points, and, driven from his entrenchments, retired during the
night across the Chickahominy, leaving the air in places
sickening with the smell of blood and large numbers of his
dead upon the field.
We were in the saddle by light next morning. Captain
Waller was detached, with orders to report with his squad
ron to General Ewell. Before we left Cold Harbor Waller
sent in over one hundred prisoners.
Our march led us to Dispatch Station, on the York-River
railroad, very near the bridge over the Chickahominy. We

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 25
passed hear a large hospital filled with sick and wounded
men. On approaching the station we saw a squad of the
enemy's cavalry. They fled as soon as we were seen. After
a long halt we followed the line of the railroad in the direction
of the Pamunkey. Beyond Tunstall's Station the enemy
seemed prepared to dispute our passage across a run on the
road leading to the White House. We were ordered, in
company with the command of Colonel T. R. R. Cobb, to
support a North Carolina regiment in its charge. In order to
get the proper interval it was necessary to move the regiment
back, and the order was given to wheel about. Just at that mo
ment the rear squadron, which was on the crest of the hill, saw
the Carolina regiment and, supposing them to be the enemy,
wheeled and retreated in double-quick time. They were
soon halted and good order restored. No charge was made;
whether because of this sudden panic or not, we never knew.
The men were dismounted and lay in the road while a section
of artillery under Captain John Pelham, from an elevated
point on our left, cannonaded the enemy until. night. In
moving off to bivouac the accidental discharge of a comrade's
gun inflicted a serious flesh-wound upon young Robert J.
Washington, of Company C.
At early morn the march was resumed to the White House,
the private property and home of our Colonel. On reaching
the run behind which the enemy was posted on the previous
evening, we discovered the sills of the bridge had been so
weakened that any charging party must have broken them
in attempting to cross. The night's delay seemed to have
lost us the opportunity to capture a very large quantity of
commissary supplies and sutlers' stores. The great mass of
them had been set on fire the night before, and the place
hastily evacuated. Gunboats lying in the river fired a few
shots, and the enemy's cavalry retreated on the road to New
Kent Courthouse. To the latter place our regiment was sent
in pursuit, and, returning in the evening, we joined the com
mand at the White House.
3

26 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
The evidence of the immense resources of the United States
Government was displayed at this point. The accumulation
of commissary supplies seemed endless. We saw a small
lake of vinegar, which, bursting from huge piles of barrels,
had extinguished the fire, and covered the ground for some
feet beyond the charred mass of staves and hoops. The
houghs of hams and shoulders were still discernable over a
surface of a thousand feet of charred bacon and smouldering
ashes. Eggs packed in salt were here — some raw, some
partly cooked, some cooked hard, and some burnt — in num
bers larger than we had ever seen before. Many barrels of
salted fish remained unscathed by the fire.
The sutlers' encampment, the canvas of which only had
burned, showed evidences of a hurried evacuation. Cheeses,
crackers, lard, butter, cakes, oranges, lemons, raisins, dry
goods (embracing even hooped skirts), stationery, tobacco,
and, in a few instances, trunks containing money, watches,
and jewelry, fell into the hands of our troopers. Riding in
early twilight among the blackened poles of the tents, the
writer of this account saw many chickens roosting, and our
troopers gently lifting them from their roosts, and, following
their example, he bore away two, to furnish him the first meal
for that day. Immense piles of muskets we found burned,
and many wagons had been backed over the bank into the
river. Many also remained as they stood before the evacua
tion. The hospital tents remained intact, and in the distance
resembled a village of painted cottages. The embalming
.office, a small, neat, wooden structure, was located in a ravine,
¦which made into the river above the bridge. A sign giving
the embalmer's name, painted in large letters upon a piece of
cotton duck, attracted the writer's attention. Dismounting,
he entered the small room, and found in a costly coffin of
walnut the lifeless body of a man, noble in features, of manly
form, and covered with a winding-sheet, its sole tenant. A
ball from a rifle or bursting shell had penetrated the forehead
near the hair, and freed the spirit once animating this body.

History of the Nintli Virginia Cavalry. 27
The approach of our forces had frightened the embalmer
away, and denied tO' his relatives the mournful satisfaction of
a farewell look upon that noble brow of the sleeping warrior.
Nothing was left to indicate his name.
The encampment here was extremely uncleanly; indeed,
vermin might be seen crawling on the ground, a result proba
bly of the crowds of negroes who had sought its shelter.
Having remained at the White Flouse during the night,
we marched next morning to Forge Bridge on the Chicka
hominy. Beyond the river the enemy had an outpost, sus
tained by a few pieces of artillery. Captain Pelham, galloping
with several of his pieces clown to the river's side, by his
bold and effective gunnery dispersed them, with considerable
loss, and we lost the opportunity to charge. Camping near
the bridge, a squadron under Lieutenant John W. Hunger
ford was sent to picket the road about New Kent Courthouse.
The night was very dark, and near the Courthouse this squad
ron encountered the enemy's pickets and drove them back.
It joined us early in the morning in time to make a forced
march to Gaines' Mill to witness, as we were informed, the
surrender of McClellan's army. We were mistaken, and, re
tracing our steps wearily back to Forge Bridge, we crossed
it, and directed our line of march towards Malvern Hill, and
halted at a late hour, and slept in the falling rain by the road-
,side. It seemed a singular fact that as we marched this
evening we could see plainly the flashes- of light from the
guns at Malvern Hill, but heard no sound of artillery from the
terrible conflict enacted there. Early in the morning we
reached the scene of the fight, and were drawn up in
line, and remained so until near night, the rain falling heavily
.all day. About nightfall we bivouacked with the trees for our
.shelter. Being without rations, an officer with a detail of
men was sent out to scour the country and purchase beeves.
Proceeding a short distance, this detail found seven fine bul
locks left by the enemy, and, having driven them to camp,
the men were soon busily engaged in butchering them, and

28 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
cutting off steaks, which they cooked on sticks set in the
ground in front of the fires.
The great battles around Richmond were over, and Mc
Clellan's shattered army lay toilworn and beaten upon the
James, resting under shelter of the guns of the fleet. The
losses upon our side had been great. The private soldier saw
that the plan of our commander had been marred in its
execution, and the fights and losses of the first and last of
these bloody fields were fearful blunders. A demonstration
in front of Mechanicsville on Thursday whilst Jackson was
reaching the rear was all that needed to be done at the time.
And the occupation on Sunday of the roads leading to the
James by the right wing of our troops would have saved us
the disastrous battle of Malvern Hill, and cost the United
States their splendid army. At least, thus we thought at the
time, drawing our conclusions from the limited range of facts
within our observation.
The infantry had won a full measure of glory, the artillery
had achieved its laurels, while the cavalry in its flank marches,
its scouting parties, its lonely picket posts, had not attracted
any special attention, or gained any new reputation. A feel
ing not wholly exempt from contempt was entertained by
many towards the trooper. Evils, too, were now developed,
from which this arm of the service was never afterwards
wholly free. No adequate supply of rations for man or horse
was provided. The trooper rode his own horse, and if lost,
he alone had to replace it. The quartermaster rarely had
funds to pay the valuation. The trooper's roving for food
for his horse, and his trespass upon private property were
put upon that universal scapegrace Necessity, and winked at.
The regiment remained near Malvern Hill for about two
weeks picketing the country on the James river below the
enemy, and supporting artillery, which was sometimes am
bushed near the banks of the river, and fired at transports
going up. Whilst thus employed a very gallant act was per
formed by four young men from Company C — Privates Beale,

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 2g
Turner, Wheelwright, and Wright. Our picket was posted
behind a barricade across the main road leading down the
river. The enemy advanced a column of infantry upon this
road, preceded by a few cavalry in the fields as skirmishers.
Leaving the barricade, these four youths formed in the field
to the right, then full of shocks of wheat recently cut, and
boldly advanced to meet a squad of the mounted men. Their
fire was reserved till within good range, and then so well de
livered as to cause the mounted men to retreat precipitately.
Their retreat was followed by that of the infantry.
Company H rejoined us here. Captain B. B. Douglas had
been promoted as major, and assigned to the Fifth Regiment,
Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Colonel T. L. Rosser, and
Lieutenant Thomas W. Haynes became captain of Com
pany H.
About the middle of July the regiment was moved up and
camped near Alice's Station on the Central railroad, where
we remained several weeks, taking our tours of picket duty
near our old ground at Malvern Hill. A squadron under
Major Lewis was engaged in a skirmish while on picket, and
a private of Company A was killed, and the squadron compli
mented in orders for gallantry.
Colonels Fitzhugh Lee and Wade Hampton, commanding
the First Virginia and the Plampton Legion Cavalry, were
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and the regiments
formed into brigades. One of these, composed of the First,
Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Ninth regiments, was commanded
by General Fitz. Lee. Our camp was now moved to the
banks of the Pamunkey, near Hanover Courthouse. Here
we had regular daily drills, and some progress was made in
learning regimental evolutions. Private W. Schley, of Com
pany D, a good musician, who had been detailed for the pur
pose, instructed the buglers in the use of their instruments,
and familiarized the men with the various calls. While
at this camp Captain J. R. Jeffries, threatened with blindness,
resigned, and Lieutenant R. H. Pratt succeeded him in the
captaincy of Company K.

CHAPTER IV.
Breaking Camp in Hanover and Storing Baggage at Louisa Courthouse —
Through Orange and Culpeper— Raid on Catlett's Station— Capture
of General Pope's Coat— March to Manassas Junction— Capture of
Supplies— Second Battle of Bull Run— Heading Towards the Poto
mac— Fight at Sugar Loaf Mountain — Boonsboro'— Sharpsburg.

Having broken camp on the Pamunkey about the 15th of
August, the regiment marched through Caroline to Louisa
Courthouse. Orders were issued to store all baggage here
not absolutely essential to be carried. The sick and dis
mounted men were left here, and guards detailed for the
baggage of each company.
The head of column now pointed to the North, and,
marching rapidly through Louisa and Orange, we crossed the
Rapidan into Culpeper at Somerville - Ford. The wagons
containing the few cooking utensils brought from Louisa
now separated from us, and our sole reliance for rations for
man and horse was upon the country traversed.
The enemy was met in small numbers on the south bank
of the Rappahannock, near Richard's Ferry. Company E,
under Captain Smith, attended by Colonel W. H. F. Lee in
person, captured a lieutenant and five privates, and ascer
tained that the Federal army, under General Pope, occupied
the north bank. We fell back half a mile to a creek and
camped for the night. We found on the persons of the cap
tured men well executed counterfeit Confederate Treasury
notes. Our march was resumed at early dawn along the road
leading up the south bank. Large bodies of infantry, moving
in the same direction, forced us frequently to march through
the fields. We bivouacked for the night near Hart's Mill, and
[30]

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 31
on the following morning crossed early to the north side of
the river, and moved directly to Warrenton.
This place had been evacuated, and only a few stragglers
fell into our hands. We now found that our whole brigade
was up. It rained in torrents, swelling the little rivulets into
foaming streains. General J. E. B. Stuart was present, and
after a halt at Warrenton our brigade (under General Fitz.
Lee), and, perhaps, other regiments, marched on the road
leading towards Catlett's Station, on the Orange and Alex
andria railroad. We reached a position near this place about
dark. The rain continued, masses of dark, angry clouds,
driven by furious winds, rolled over us, lit up at intervals
by livid lightnings, and mingled with reverberating thunders.
The Storm King dwarfed to stillness the tramp of our horses.
After a few moments' halt, in which the rear squadron of
the Ninth was detailed to guard a road in our rear, the com
mand was ordered to prepare for action. The darkness was
intense, relieved only by the lightning's flash, and, to guard
against collision among our own men, the writer suggested
that some sign be given us. This was done by requiring the
question to be asked, " Who is there? " and the answer,
"Colonel Lee!" "Draw sabres!" "Forward, march!"
" Trot, march! " followed in quick succession. The column
of fours dashed along a road through a body of timber, and at
the command " Charge " which rose with repeated yells above
the howling winds and drenching rain, moved at full speed.
Whither? What were we charging? Whether battery, army
corps, or wagon-camp, none seemed to know. " Who is
there? " — a moment's pause — then " bang " rang sharply out,
and flickering lights gleaming through the woods made
visible lines of canvas tents. The rear squadron, led by Cap
tain Pratt, came suddenly abreast of a long line of lights.
The order to fire was given, and a volley of buckshot and
ball rattled and tore along. The steam-horse threw them
from his polished side and, snorting, hurried his attendant
train in rapid flight beyond the reach of a second volley.

32 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
" Stop firing; you have killed Captain Hayne's horse," now
shouts an unknown voice. The question: "Who's there?"
is heard, followed by the flash of a pistol, and as the dying
man falls the exclamation : " D — n you, take that," reveals the
presence of Lieutenant Dade. To the command: " Forward,
march! "' " Close up, Captain Pratt! " The Captain repHes:
" There are no squadrons in front to close up on; they have
gone upon some other road."
Halting now, and for the moment without orders, we find.
on looking around, that we are at a railroad station. Lights
in the windows soon revealed the bright barrels of muskets
and men hurrying to and fro. When ordered, they sur
rendered, and soon quite a large number of prisoners was
collected by this squadron. Another squadron, as they
charged in, passed a tent, the fly of which was drawn aside,
and within a man was seen in his shirt-sleeves. As rapidly as
possible two or three of these troopers entered the tent. The
man had escaped. On a table in the tent they found a flask
of brandy, and near by a military coat and several note-books.
These articles were soon found to belong to General Pope,
the commander of the Federal army. One of the note-books,
retained by the writer of this account, was nearly filled with
battle orders, written with pencil and pen, and cypher dis
patches, and signed by General Pope, or his assistant adjutant-
general. Near by were an ambulance and horses, which
General Fitz. Lee directed to be brought off.
The command was now very much scattered. Officers and
privates alike were engaged in searching wagon's and stores.
Upon riding up to one of the men thus engaged, and who
hastily crouched beneath a wagon. Colonel Lee was greeted
with the exclamation, " I surrender," and the response to the
inquiry, " What regiment? " was " Ninth Virginia Cavalry."
The collection of wagons was by far the largest we had
seen, the flashing lightning reveahng an immense encamp
ment. The teams generally were tied to the wagon-poles.-
Ambulances, tdo, there were in great numbers. The effort

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 33
to burn them, owing to the torrents of rain, effected little
damage. For an hour, perhaps, we rode about the camp, and
then returned to the rendezvous, which was near the point
from which the charge began. The roadway was crowded
with prisoners and horses and troopers guarding them.
While the officers were endeavoring to reduce the regiment
to order a sharp volley of musketry from the enemy, directed
upon the wagons' still occupied by our men, drove the strag
glers in, and caused, temporarily, much confusion. Troopers
without guides and horses without riders rushed recklessly
away. In the hurry to escape a private was caught under his
fallen horse, and in sore distress exclaimed : " O I I'm gone,"
just as a comrade more fortunate dashed by replying: " No,
you arn't, but I am gone."
Order was speedily restored, though in the darkness many
prisoners and horses escaped. The regiment secured about
one hundred prisoners, brought in a good many horses, and,
on private account, a good deal of clothing, cutlery, coin, and
greenbacks, and escaped any serious casualty. Indeed, we
heard of but one man lost in our whole command — Private
Hiram Blackwell, of Company D, was severely wounded and
captured. Two military chests were secured, containing
eight or nine thousand dollars in gold and currency, which
were turned over to the quartermaster.
After halting for some hours, the march was resumed
leisurely back through Warrenton to camp near the river,
where we remained that night, and recrossed at Hart's Mill
the next morning as the enemy came in view along the hills.
Quite a spirited attack was made by them to get possession of
Waterloo Bridge, resulting, however, in an artillery duel only,
in which Captain Pelham, though contending with mugh
heavier metal, won an easy victory. The march was resumed
in the evening up the south bank of the river, which we
crossed at a rocky ford, and moved through Fauquier towards
Thoroughfare Gap. This we reached the following day, and
late in the night arrived at Bristoe Station, finding the rail-

34- History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
road at that point held by General Jackson's infantry. By
dawn we moved rapidly upon Manassas Junction, joining the
Fourth Regiment under Colonel Williams C. Wickham, which
had a brisk skirmish with some cavalry before we got up.
The infantry was also here. The depot, full of supplies and a
train of cars well laden near it, had fallen into our hands.
" Touch not " was the order, and heavily we sighed as we
rode away, leaving the McClellan saddles and handy sabres.
We moved to the right of the Junction, and, resting in
line of battle, witnessed the advance of a New Jersey brigade,
commanded by Brigadier-General G. W. Taylor, to attack
the Junction. Pelham's Battery was on the crest of the hill
directly in front of the plain on which Taylor's Brigade must
advance. Our infantry, some distance to the left of the Junc
tion, was concealed behind the hills in that direction. The
New Jersey brigade, deployed in line of battle at the eastern
side of the plain, moved steadily forward in the face of Pel-
ham's fire. When they had passed over about half the dis
tance they discovered our infantry. The line was instantly
faced about, and the retreat commenced. The artillery was
now run down close upon them. Twice their flag went down,
but was as often caught up and borne onward. Steadily and
in perfect order they marched on. Before reaching the timber
skirting the plain, our infantry, which seemed to have been
posted with a view to_ getting in their rear, opened its fire
upon their left flank, and a few companies then broke and
ran, but the great body of the brigade preserved its perfect
alignment and order till lost to sight in the woods.
The Ninth and Fourth-regiments under Brigadier-General
Fitz. Lee marched immediately, on a line south of and parallel
with the railroad, leading towards Fairfax Courthouse. Our
march was over fences, across ravines and through swamps.
Along the railroad bodies of the enemy were moving in the
same direction. So close was our march to the road that
stragglers seeking water and fruit were often captured,
almost in sight of their companies. At dark we crossed to

History of the Ninth Virginia ¦ Cavalry. 33
the north side of the road, and, picketing all the approaches
to a hollow or bottom, lay with our bridles on our arms to
sleep. Having started out at midnight we reached Fairfax
Courthouse at sunrise, and made some captures of ambu
lances and prisoners in full view of a line of infantry drawn
up in battle array across the 'pike, about half a mile from us.
A squadron, under the command of the Heutenant-colonel,
was detached to engage their attention, and was so manoeu
vred as to keep the enemy on guard against a charge until
our pickets were in and our captures safely borne away.
Our march was then directed to Centreville, which was oc
cupied by the cavalry forming the advanced guard of General
Pope's army. The Ninth Regiment, led by Colonel W. H.
F. Lee, charged them in the village, driving them at full speed
back upon the infantry. Captain Haynes and a few privates
pursued the flying horsemen through the woods, and received
the volley of a regiment of infantry. Private William O.
Guttridge, of Company C, never returned, and was doubtless
killed. Wat. Bowie's horse was killed. Captain Haynes fol
lowed his man, captured him, and brought him out. Several
of the enemy besides were captured and a few killed. Four or
five of our men were wounded.
Our horses were now nearly exhausted. Several of them
fell in the charge, and were abandoned. From Waterloo
Bridge to Centreville, they had been without food, and had
had only a few hours of rest. We halted at a late hour and
bivouacked on the road leading up the north side of Bull Run
towards Sudley Mills, where we procured hay for our horses.
Our rations for two days consisted of a few crackers, handed
around to the men whilst mounted at Manassas.
We passed Sudley Mills early the following day and camped
at a point north and east of Manassas Junction. Forage and
rations were supplied, and we remained nearly inactive,
though in sight of the forces engaged while the second great
battle was fought on that bloody field. The day after the
battle we marched through woods and fields, avoiding the

J(5 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
roads, and near night were formed in line of battle by General
Stuart in a ravine near the 'pike leading from Fairfax Court
house to Alexandria. Several pieces of artillery were posted
on the hill in our rear. We could hear wagon-trains moving
on the 'pike, and soon our artillery opened a rapid fire in
that direction. The regiment bivouacked at dark on the
' Chantilly road, down which the column moved at early morn.
Just after sunrise the Fourth Regiment in front surprised a
squadron of United States Dragoons at breakfast, and cap
tured every man without firing a shot.
For one or two days we remained in this vicinity picketing.
A squadron of the Ninth had here a smart skirmish with a
body of Union home guards.
We witnessed the commencement of the battle fought near
this road. A section of Pelham's Battery, under his im
mediate command, was moving down the Chantilly road
about one hundred yards in front of our column. On these
guns the enemy's sharpshooters opened fire from the cover
of woods about one hundred and fifty yards to the right of the
road. With perfect coolness and great rapidity the guns were
unlimbered and a raking fire of grape poured upon the as
sailants. Our command remained as support to Pelham for
a few minutes, when the infantry skirmish-line came up, and
then we moved at a trot to the extreme left.
In posting videttes. Private Moncure Hull, of Company B,
was shot by the enemy and killed instantly. The enemy re
treated, and we remained on our post till morning. We here
saw the body of the brave General Phil. Kearney in an ambu
lance, attended by an escort and borne into the Federal lines.
Our march now was to Fairfax Courthouse, which we
reached about night. Bivouacking near the Courthouse, we
continued the pursuit next morning, and arrived at Fairfax
Station by sunrise. The station had been fired, yet so hur
riedly that ample supplies for our men and horses were res
cued. After a few hours' halt, we resumed the saddle, and
at night rejoiced to join once more our long-lost wagon-train

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 37
at Drainsville. A day's rest was granted, and we learned
definitely that on the morrow the army would cross the Poto
mac and test the sympathy of Northwestern Maryland with
the Confederate cause. A good many furloughs were granted,
and some servants returned to their homes. These facts
brought paper, pens and pencils into demand, and many let
ters were prepared for the loved ones at home.
By three o'clock in the morning (September 5th) the
bugles sounded to horse. Near Leesburg we breakfasted on
roasted corn and apples, and when in sight of that town, filing
to the right, we soon reached the river and forded it at Ed
ward's Ferry. The Ninth Regiment was in the rear of the
brigade, and the Fifth in front. A dashing charge, we heard,
was made upon some troops at Poolesville by a portion of
the latter regiment, under the lead of Major Douglas. All
was quiet when we reached the village about dark. The
merchants here accepted our Confederate Treasury notes,
and many bare feet were clad in boots and shoes. Our march
was continued to Barnesville, where we camped for the night.
Leaving a squadron at this point under command of Captain
Waller, the command moved next to New Market, near
which we remained quietly for two days, and then marched
rapidly back towards Barnesville. Waller's squadron had
been attacked by a force greatly superior in numbers. His
outpost picket of ten men was captured. Moving his camp
after dark delayed the attack upon his main body until light.
He fell back on the road to New Market, contesting every
foot of ground on the way. Lieutenant Williams, of Com
pany A, was killed, and Lieutenant King, of Company I,
and four or five privates were wounded. The object of the
enemy's advance was the possession of Sugar- Loaf Mountain,
on which a signal station had been established commanding
very extended views of the surrounding country, and from
which the movements of General Lee's army could be ob
served. We met Waller near the eastern base of this moun
tain, and checked at . once the charging squadrons of the

J<? History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
enemy. They then dismounted and advanced on foot, and
now came a contest most unequal. We had but a . single
squadron a,rnied with carbines and these of inferior quality,
while our foes were fully equipped and outnumbered us three
to one. Colonel Lee, selecting a wooded slope, posted Captain
Knight's squadron in skirmish-line, protecting the flanks
with the remaining squadrons mounted. The firing was very
rapid, and charge after charge was gallantly repulsed, yet the
numbers seemed to increase. Artillery began to belch forth
its humming missiles. Captain Knight began to despair, and,
being slightly lame, was leisurely retreating from the woods
when met by Colonel Lee, who inquired if he was wounded.
" No," responded the Captain, "but the enemy are in such'
force we can't hold the position." He was ordered back,
and for hours held the ground, repulsing every effort of the
crowd which pressed his front till darkness threw her mantle
over the scene. Our men were well protected behind trees
and logs, and our casualties were but few. The enemy's
losses, we thought, were much more serious.
Our object having been accomplished, we were withdrawn
during the night, and traversed the road back through New
Market towards Frederick City. We crossed the mountain to
receive and cook rations, the first received for two days. Be
fore this was done, however, we mounted and moved rapidly
back to the New Market road, upon which a charge was made
by the Fourth Regiment, resulting in the capture of a few
wagons. The entire force returned to the foot of the moun
tain, and remained in line of battle till after midnight, when
the march over the mountain was again made, and continued
until about ten o'clock the following morning. It was Sun
day, and our halt was close to a large mill. The regiment
remained here until the evening, feeding the horses, cooking,
and eating. A party of women seemed amused and delighted
at the ragged outfit of our men, and were certainly as in
tensely hostile as any blue-stocking " school marm '" of Mas
sachusetts.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. jp
At four o'clock the bugles sounded to horse, and after a
march of four hours we halted with our wagon-train, which
we found camped near Boonsboro'. We had heard heavy
cannonading in this direction during the day, and now the
sound of artillery and wagons passing rapidly down the 'pike
leading through the village could be distinctly heard. About
eleven o'clock we parted from our wagons, and, taking the
'pike running through the South Pass, ascended the moun
tain for over a mile and halted in column of fours on the road.
The infantry in detached parties of from ten to two hundred
marched by us, moving down the 'pike. After sunrise on the
morning of September 15th we followed them, moving slowly
and often facing about. The Fourth Regiment was in front
in the retrograde march, and the Ninth in the rear. As we
got well out from the mountain the dark-blue columns of
the enemy, with their bright muskets gleaming in the morn
ing sunshine, were seen filing down the 'pike, and on both
the right and left of that road. We reached Boonsboro', and
found a large building on the Main street converted into a
hospital, and filled with Confederates wounded in the previous
day's fight, made by General Longstreet at South Pass. The
order " Forward " was given, but, from some cause, was not
executed by Colonel Wickham in time. Before the Ninth
Regiment cleared the town our rear guard, under General
Fitz. Lee in person, I think, were driven at full gallop upon
our rear. A fire was at the same time opened upon us from
the upper windows of some of the houses. The order to
wheel about, given by Colonel Lee, was heard only by the
officers commanding the rear squadron, and before it could
be executed the enemy's cavalry was upon us. Clouds of
dust enveloped everything. The column became a confused
mass, hurrying without order down the 'pike, and many es
caping through the fields. Colonel Lee was dismounted
¦early in the action, and the enemy pressed up closely, using
their carbines. Rallying a few men, the Lieutenant-Colonel
led a charge with the sabre, when his horse, too, was killed

4-0 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
within twenty yards of the enemy's line, deployed across the
'pike and the field on our left. Captain Haynes, now leading
a few men, pressed on, broke the enemy's line, forcing them
back somewhat, and bringing out three or four prisoners from
the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. This check enabled Colonel Lee
to make good his escape, and kept the enemy at a respectable
distance. Private Thomas Lewis, of Company B, insisted
that the Lieutenant-Colonel should accept his horse, thus
enabling him to assist in the speedy rallying of the command.
The enemy continued their pursuit for over a mile, bringing
up artillery to aid the cavalry. The regiment, however, was
rallied and reformed and fell leisurely back without further
annoyance, and bivouacked late in the night in the neighbor
hood of Sharpsburg.
Our loss was the heaviest yet sustained. Two officers, one
of them Lieutenant A. E. Fowlkes, of Company G, and six
teen privates were killed, and ten privates captured. The
advancing column of General McClellan's army nearly sur
rounded us, and nothing but our own rapid, though dis
orderly retreat, prevented the capture of the whole regiment.
Captain Hughlett had two horses killed under him before
clearing the town. Concealing himself in a lot of Indian
corn on the skirts of the village he remained undiscovered
all day, and had the melancholy satisfaction of seeing his
fallen comrades committed to the earth by the enemy's hands.
He saw also that the loss which we had sustained was nearly
equalled by that which we inflicted. When darkness came,
he sought and received shelter and food from a mother who
had two sons in the opposing army, and, after some adven
tures, he rejoined us on the following day. Worn down by
toil and hunger and bruises received from their falling horses,
the field-officers of the regiment were compelled to rest a
day. A good many of the men followed their example, and
found food in the adjacent country. The regiment, com
manded by Captain Samuel Swann, was employed in picket
and vidette duty on the left flank of the army. Several officers

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 4.1
passed over to Shepherdstown to procure fresh horses to re
place those killed or disabled at Boonsboro'. In the afternoon
of September i6th the regiment, supporting a masked bat
tery, witnessed the advance of McClellan's army and the com
mencement of the battle of Sharpsburg. We remained on
the extreme left until morning, and were then ordered to the
rear of the centre of our lines. Major Lewis and Captain
John Murphy, who had been left in Hanover, rejoined the
regiment to-day. Though exposed to shells throughout the
day no casualties occurred among our men. We bivouacked
at night on the Sharpsburg 'pike. The next day we were
ordered to collect the stragglers from the ranks of our army.
These brave men, exhausted by toil and hunger, and with
out ammunition, were found in numbers in the corn-fields.
Replacing the infantry outposts as they retired after night
fall, our regiment held the extreme left of our line. This was
regarded as full of danger. The right wing of the army was
at Sharpsburg, and the left some two and a half miles north
of it. A vigorous pursuit at dawn was expected by all, and,
owing to the remoteness of our position from the point of
crossing at Shepherdstown, we concluded the enemy on the
right would reach it before we could. In moving to the
posts assigned us, our march was over the fields so hotly
contested by Hooker and Jackson. The dead in many places
covered the ground. Near our reserve straw had been
strewn over a large surface, and hundreds of wounded Fede
rals collected and laid upon it. Surgeons with numerous as^
sistants, were in charge of them. Poor fellows ! intense suffer
ing was unavoidable, and many, sinking under it, slept their
last long sleep.
The sound of axes, falling trees and moving wagons kept
us on the alert during the night. The bugle calls in the
enemy's camp, beginning about three o'clock in the morning,
caused some anxiety. They died away, however, as did the
tramping of their horses. The signal gun was fired about
sunrise. We fell quietly back, and crossed the river before
4

42 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
many of our wagons reached it. It was not until ten o'clock
in the day that we saw from our side of the river small bodies
of the enemy's cavalry cautiously advancing over the hills
we had left. Quite a large number of our wounded were
left to the care of the foe, and many of our dead lay on the
field unknelled. Sharpsburg as called by us, Antietam as
named by the Federals, was, as we had abundant occular
demonstration, a bloody field.

. CHAPTER V.
Pacing About to Meet the Enemy at Shepherdstown— On the Opequon —
Resisting Pleasanton's Raid — Promotion of Officers — Charge at
Mountsville— Fight at Aldie — At Union— At Upperville— A Gallant
Exploit— Fight at Markham — At Barbee's Cross-Roads— Again in Cul
peper — Reorganization of Brigade — March to Fredericksburg — In
Winter Quarters in Essex — Capture of a Federal Squadron at Leeds-
town — Gloucester Point — Battle of Fredericksburg.

Our regiment, after crossing the Potomac at Shepherds
town and halting for a few hours, moved for some distance on
the Charlestown road, and, then changing direction to the
right, camped not far from Leetown. We had now less than
two hundred men for duty.
Early on the following morning we marched rapidly back
towards Shepherdstown, and were placed in position on the
extreme right of Major-General A. P. Hill's line. The enemy
in some force had crossed the river, and General Hill, facing
his troops about, marched back to meet them. The opposing
forces met less than a mile from- the river. Our troops
¦charged with great impetuosity, broke the enemy's line, and
drove them panic-stricken over the river. Many in their
flight leaped from the precipices overhanging the road lead
ing from the ford up to Shepherdstown, and were killed. We
lay on our arms guarding the fords of the river here until
the following day, and then leisurely followed the infantry,
and pitched our tents some three miles from Shepherdstown
on the road leading to Newcomer's Mill.
We remained in the vicinity of the Opequon till the close
of October, our longest stay being on the banks of that
stream. Green food cut from the fields of growing corn was
the only provision that could be obtained here for our horses,
[43]

44 History of . the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
and in a short time it rendered very many of them unfit for
service. It became necessary to establish a camp remote from
the army for the treatment of the diseased horses.
Our pickets on the Potomac while here grew quite friendly
with those of the enemy. The two parties would leave their
clothing on either shore and, meeting in the middle of the
river, enjoy a bath together. Orders were issued forbidding
the practice.
About the middle of October, whilst we were on picket the
Union cavalry under command of General Pleasanton,
crossed the river in large force at early dawn, and vigorously
attacked our outpost under Captain Waller, occupying a
position just outside of 'Shepherdstown. Two of his men,
in trying to reach a point for observation, were captured.
Our reserve, composed of two squadrons, was in camp at the
intersection of the road to Newcomer's Mill with' that leading
from Martinsb.urg to the Leetown 'pike. Their advance,
despite the efforts of Waller to check it, was so rapid that
we barely had mounted when the columns of the enemy ap
peared on the hills half a mile in our front. One squadron,
dismounted, was placed in ambush behind some large rocks
on the left of the road, and the other was held back a hundred
yards or so in the rear to await the onset. The enemy ad
vanced rapidly and boldly, but before getting abreast of the
ambuscade the dismounted men fired with but little effect.
This fire, however, threw the Federal horsemen into con
fusion, and, on seeing our mounted men charging, they broke
and fled precipitately. We pursued at full speed for some dis
tance, when a large body of dismounted men and two pieces
of artillery were discovered, so posted as to command the
road. The rally was then sounded, and our men reformed on
their former ground.
The relief regiment under Colonel J. M. Drake now
reached us, and, though he was the senior officer, he declined
to interfere with the arrangements that had been made, and
gladly aided in carrying them out, taking the position as-

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 45
signed his regiment on our right. The enemy, however, did
not renew the attack, contenting himself with opening a brisk
fire upon us with his artillery. We remained in our position
until our pickets were recalled, and were then ordered to fall
back by Colonel W. H. F. Lee, who, in the absence of Gene
ral Fitz. Lee, commanded the brigade. Private William A.
Weaver, of Company C, was killed in our charge, and Privates
Bird Lewis and Wat. Bowie were wounded. The first was
kindly buried by some ladies as soon as the enemy passed,
and we found his humble grave close by the road-side, where
he fell. What loss our foes sustained we never knew.
As we retired to Newcomer's Mill, General Pleasanton
moved down the road to Martinsburg. General Stuart, as
soon as he was informed of what was occurring, dispatched
General Wade Hampton by a circuitous route to occupy the
road above Shepherdstown, while he, with a portion of
our brigade, moved upon Martinsburg. General Pleasanton
made a rapid retreat to avoid the snare, and we galloped some
five miles or more, but saw only some charges by squadrons
of the Fourth Regiment in our front, and shells .from the
artillery bursting over our heads. We reached Shepherds
town after dark, as the last files of Pleasanton's command
were crossing the ford over which they had passed in the
morning. On the i8th of October, 1862, Colonel W. H. F. Lee, who
had been temporarily disabled by the kick of a horse, was
made brigadier-general; R. L. T. Beale, colonel in his stead;
Meriwether Lewis, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain Thomas
Waller, of Company A, major. Our quartermaster and com
missary, Charles Waite and A. G. Dade, were promoted by
Lee. Captain M. Forbes was made quartermaster of the
regiment, and G. C. Taliaferro adjutant. Our efficient and
faithful surgeon, J. S. Gilliam, was promoted by Lee, and
Dr. Thomas Taylor succeeded him as surgeon of the regi
ment. Captain John Murphy, of Company C, resigned, and
Lieutenant John W. Hungerford was promoted in his place.

4(> History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
The advance of General McClellan's army having crossed
the Potomac river east of Harper's Ferry, we broke our camp
on the 28th of October, and, after marching rapidly by Berry-
ville, bivouacked near the Shenandoah. Many of our horses
were disabled from a singular disease in the feet. Resuming
the march at early morn we crossed the Blue Ridge at Snick-
ersville, and, passing Bloomfield, camped for a day upon the
road leading to Upperville. Captain Haynes, commanding
Companies G and H, was left on picket before reaching
Bloomfield. We moved from camp on the morning of the
31st, the Ninth Regiment in front, followed by the Fourth,
Colonel Wickham commanding the brigade, and General
Stuart accompanying in person. Our march was directed to
Mountsville. Near this point Lieutenant Robinson, of Com
pany C, commanding our advance guard, captured a picket of
the enemy, having dashed upon them so suddenly that only
a single pistol-shot was fired. • He was complimented for his
address and good management.
The command halted for a moment at the post of the
picket, yet short as was the halt it served to notify some
Federal officers of our presence. These were at a house close
by, where they had ordered dinner. We at once commenced
a charge. After moving at a gallop for a few hundred yards
the cry of " Artillery " was heard at the head of the column.
Nothing daunted, forward we dashed, knowing not, and
seemingly caring little, upon what arm of the foe we charged.
Upon reaching the fork of two roads a camp of the enemy
pitched in the open space near the junction of the roads, was
seen. They were panic-stricken and in great confusion.
Some who had mounted made at full speed for the woods in
the distance; others pushed for the roads, while some, motion
less from fright, stood still by their horses. Two squadrons
were ordered upon either road, and the chase became in
tensely exciting. Breaking from the ranks, our troopers,
singly and in squads, rode after the flying enemy. The rally
was sounded in vain. The leading men were brought to a

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 47.
halt about three miles from the starting point of our charge
by a few volleys of rifles from well-dressed lines of mounted
men not far from Aldie. Whilst the squadrons of the Ninth
were being collected and reformed the Fourth Regiment
forced these lines back upon Aldie, but were compelled in a
few minutes to retreat before what seemed to be a very large
force. Indeed, the heavy masses of troops seen about Aldie
suggested very strongly that the scene through which we
had just passed was about to be repeated with the parties in
the chase exchanging places. We were placed in line of
battle with our sabres drawn, covering the retreat of the dis
mounted men, and momentarily expecting to charge. Two
of our guns opened fire from the hills behind us, sending
their missiles in rapid succession over our heads into the
opposing ranks, and this was continued until darkness came,
when we quietly withdrew to bivouac near Union. The re
sult of the day's work was decidedly encouraging. Captures
on various private accounts were acceptable to the men, and
the acquisition of pistols, sabres, saddles, bridles, and blankets
gave to the Ninth- a greatly improved military appearance.
We had encountered nearly a full regiment (the First Rhode
Island Cavalry) rifled their camp, killed some, and among
them Lieutenant L. D. Gore, captured many, and, when pur
sued to their heavy supports, held the positions gained, and
retreated at our leisure. We had a single man wounded,
seemingly sHghtly, with a shot in the leg. He was a gallant
youth — ^John Rust, of Company C — and died in hospital from
this wound.
On the following day the enemy, in very strong force, ad
vanced towards Union, and by noon we were hotly engaged
with cavalry and artillery. Though the enemy greatly out
numbered us. General Stuart drove them, and we bivouacked
at nightfall fully a mile in advance of our position in the
morning. The following day was Sunday, and was ushered in by a
bright sun rising through a cloudless sky, and an atmosphere

4^ History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
in perfect repose. As the morning grew that stillness was
broken by the dread sounds of war, and the artillery was
sending its shrieking balls quickly and loudly. The enemy
was driving us, and the brigade, fighting and contesting every
position, was compelled to retreat before a large force, com
posed of infantry and cavalry. Private Luttrell, of Company
K, had his arm shattered by a shell near Union. The enemy
seemed to be pressing both flanks, as well as our front. Gene
ral Stuart ordered that the Ninth Regiment should move to
the left and occupy the Bloomfleld road. We joined Captain
Haynes on this road some miles from Bloomfield, from which
he had been driven, after suffering the loss of some ten men,
chiefly by capture. One or two of these escaped and rejoined
us. A column was now pressing forward on this road, and
also one upon the Trappe road, running parallel with and
near the mountains. The two roads united near the town of
Upperville. Our instructions were to hold this force in check while
the General fell slowly back upon the direct road connecting
Union and Upperville. We reached by -nightfall a position
beyond the junction of the roads, and in sight of Upperville,
and bivouacked, with three squadrons, in a graveyard, while
the other two picketed the. roads in front of the enemy's two
advancing columns. The night was passed in quiet. The
squadrons on picket fell back at dawn to the position held
by the others. The enemy appeared close in their rear;
halted on coming in sight of us, and threw out a skirmish-
Hne of dismounted men, which, extending across our front,
sought to reach a wooded ridge on our right and a stone
fence on our left. Our Mountsville. captures now proved of
essential service. The long-range rifles in the hands of our
dismounted men defeated every effort to reach our flanks, and
finally drove the skirmishers back to the cover of the hill. Be
fore noon we discovered that a road a mile to our right upon
which the Fourth regiment was placed .had been carried by
the enemy, and we could see their squadrons in the fields
moving down on our right flank.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 4g
The troops under General Stuart were passing through
Upperville, and across our rear towards Paris, and as soon
as the artillery reached the point of intersection of the
Trappe road, on which we were, the order came to fall back.
It being impossible to withdraw our skirmish-line in time to
pass down this road, directions were sent to them to take the
by-paths skirting the mountains. The main jsody of the regi
ment received the fire of the enemy's mounted men at very
short range, as we passed to the 'pike, escaping, however,
without any very serious casualties.
On reaching the 'pike, orders came from Colonel Rosser,
commanding the brigade in place of Wickham, who had been
badly wounded, to protect two or three guns which were
drawn slowly along by jaded horses. No other troops save
our regiment were to be seen, and considerable bodies of
the enemy's cavalry were advancing on the road we had held,
and also up the 'pike. The Federal skirmish-line soon pressed
hotly upon our rear and flank, and some men, badly wounded
and supported in the saddle by comrades, were hurried past
us. General Stuart was in the midst of our rear squadron
when faced about and deployed by Major Waller as skir
mishers to repel the too near approach of the more daring
Yankee troopers. The shells, too, began to explode over our
heads as we approached the high hills through which the
'pike ran. Looking back upon the hosts of the enemy, the
capture of our small body seemed probable, when, oppor
tunely enough, the sound of artillery in front from long-range
guns posted on the heights told of the precaution of our
General for our safety. The pursuit ended at once, and we
proceeded for some miles along the 'pike, and then took a
road to the left, which formed an acute angle with the 'pike,
and led to Piedmont Station on the Manassas Gap railroad.
The guns were placed in our rear, and the orders from Colo
nel Rosser were that we should approach the station cau
tiously, as the enemy might occupy it.
An advanced guard under our Sergeant-Major Richerson

JO History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
vifas ordered to move half a mile in our front. Not far from ¦
the station a foraging party from the Fourth and Fifth regi
ments was met, who, having reported their regiments as
quietly camping with the wagon-train at Piedmont, the ad
vanced guard was recalled, and the Sergeant-Major directed
to ride on and provide something for supper. The men of
the foraging party whom he met returned with him. When
within a few hundred yards of the station a pistol-shot was
heard, followed by the sound of horses' hoofs coming rapidly
towards us. The regiment was instantly halted, and, with
sabres drawn, prepared to charge. The men proved to be the
party which had ridden ahead, who stated they had discovered
what they took to be a Yankee picket stationed at the inter
section of our road with the railroad. A courier was at once
dispatched to Colonel Rosser with the information. Major
Waller, coming to the front to learn what had halted us, the
Colonel said to him : " We must ascertain certainly whether
the enemy is at Piedmont, and I have some difficulty about
the best way to do it." Private Bell, of Company A, having
heard the remark, volunteered to do it if he could get a pistol.
One was handed him, and, selecting a comrade, he rode for
ward. Before the courier who had been sent to Colonel Ros
ser returned with an order to ascertain certainly the truth of
the information sent. Bell and his companion returned, bring
ing a mounted prisoner captured from the picket itself, from
whom all necessary information was obtained.
Bell gave this account of the mode by which he accom
plished his undertaking: A few yards from a run which
washed the base of the railroad embankment, the road
formed a right angle. On reaching the corner here his com
panion halted, and he, moving on alone, found himself in
close proximity to ten or twelve Yankees on their horses on
the bank of the railroad. Fearing to turn back he rode into.
the run, and his horse, suffering for water, pressed up the
run until stopped by a fence, which crossed it and ran along
the roadside. While his horse was drinking one of the picket

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 51
rode down to water his horse, also, which pressed up the
stream until he brought his rider in close contact with him.
He was holding his pistol cocked in his hand, and, bringing
it to bear upon the heart of the Yankee, he whispered to him
to ride out with him without a word or sign, or die. He ac
cepted the first alternative presented, and, on turning the
corner, quietly surrendered his arms, and was brought in.
The jjrisoner confirmed this statement, and uttered curses on
his comrades for suffering one man to take him right under
their eyes.
It was now dark, and, reversing our course, the regiment
moved back along the road we had come for a mile or two,
then moving to the left, travelled over a hilly country, along
by-roads, on which it was very difficult to drag the artillery.
After halting a few hours to feed the horses a-nd allow the
men to eat what might be gotten, we reached the railroad at
Markham Station about daylight. Leaving Companies G and
'H, under Captain Haynes, we resumed the saddle before
noon, and', being in advance, marched quietly to Barbee's
Cross-Roads. The Fourth Regiment and our squadron
under Haynes had to hold the enemy in check, and were en
gaged in skirmishes for some hours. Haynes lost two or
three men, and the officer in charge of the artillery compli
mented him very highly, saying that his gallantry and courage
had saved his guns.
In the afternoon the brigade passed us, moving towards
Orleans. We were left on picket at the Cross-Roads, and
two pieces of artillery remained with us. Leaving Captain
Hungerford with Companies C and K, the other four squad
rons were withdrawn with the two. guns, some three miles
on the road leading to -Orleans, and we bivouacked. About
midnight an order came from General Stuart directing that
we should reoccupy Barbee's Cross-Roads before light on the
morrow. This was done, and shortly afterwards it was
learned that General Hampton's brigade was in position on
our left front. Our brigade, owing to the loss of the horses

32 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
from diseased feet, barely numbered five hundred men fit for
duty. The enemy's cavalry were quickly seen moving to
wards us, on the road, and to the right and left of it. Our
position was at the intersection of the roads close to Barbee's
house, the head of the column of fours resting just under the
little hill at that point; and within fifty yards of the crossing,
with one squadron dismounted and deployed in skirmish-line
to the front and right beyond the Cross-Roads.
Some few solid shot and shells were fired at us from guns
posted on the slope of the mountain to our right. The road
leading to Markham had been strongly barricaded the pre
vious night, and was so still, and a panel of fence on the left
of the road removed to make a passageway.
The enemy encountered Hampton, and by weight of num
bers pressed him back rapidly. Our skirmish-line, under
Captain Stith Boiling, was next engaged. They made a stub
born resistance, and apparently inflicted some loss upon the
enemy. They were, however, driven back behind the barri
cade, and from that line back further to a stone fence bound
ing the road on the left, immediately to the left of our
mounted squadrons. The enemy's mounted column now
charged' down the road on Barbee's, Pelham's two guns to
our left and rear opening a rapid fire on them as they came.
When they had nearly reached the barricade the order was
given for us to charge. Intending to lead three squadrons
to the left of the houses. Lieutenant James K. Ball was or
dered to charge with the squadron in front (Companies D
and E) up to the barricade and through the open fence-panel,
where the ground was open and free of obstructions. Moving
with Ball at the head of the column to the crossing, and,
pausing to await the next squadron so as to direct it up the
left road, the Colonel found himself at the instant of reining
up his horse assailed by a party of Yankees who had charged
around the houses. When extricated from this personal
combat, he found the regiment had fallen back and were re
forming a hundred yards in rear of the position previously

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 33
occupied. The fault was not the regiment's, but the Colo
nel's. Lieutenant .Ball and Adjutant Gawin C. Taliaferro
were the only officers who understood the order to charge,
and they were both dangerously wounded. The men in the
lead of the charging squadron dismounted on reaching the
open panel of fence, and at the same time the enemy's dis
mounted skirmish-line, closing in upon them, opened fire at
close quarters. Our loss was three killed, six wounded, and
six or seven missing, and about twelve horses killed and dis
abled. Adjutant Taliaferro, with thigh shattered, was left on
the field, and fell into the hands of the enemy.
Captain Pelham, with his guns, checked any further ad
vance of the Yankees, and after remaining in line of battle
some time, the brigade leisurely fell back to Waterloo Bridge
on the Rappahannock.
At early dawn next morning we crossed to the south bank,
and, being ordered to guard the ford at Hart's Mill, pro
ceeded to that point. After reaching it an order came to hold
it at every hazard. From the topography of the country this
seemed to involve the sacrifice of the regiment. An amphi
theatre of broken rocks, covered with a growth of small
brush-wood on the opposite bank, commanded every inch of
ground on our side within rifle-shot of the stream. No
enemy made his appearance, and at nightfall four squadrons
were sent to Jeffersonton, the Colonel remaining with one
till morning, when he rejoined the brigade at that point. Cap
tain Crutchfield left the regiment about this time, and shortly
afterwards sent in his resignation. His name was finally
dropped from our roll. The Colonel's last horse having be
come totally unfit for service, the regiment was placed under
Major Waller's command, and was employed on picket duty
north of Hazel river. The brigade moved towards Culpeper
Courthouse, and the regiment followed next day. Two days
later it recrossed the Rappahannock with a body of infantry
and cavalry under General Stuart, and, with some difficulty
escaping overwhelming numbers of the enemy, reached

34 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Rixeyville. Here the Colonel rejoined the regiment with a
fresh horse, finding them doing picket duty in the vicinity of
New Boston. While here an order was received to report to
Brigadier-General W. H. F. Lee at Brandy Station. A new
brigade now assigned to his command was composed of
the Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and" Fifteenth Virginia, and
the Second North Carolina cavalry regiments.
The results of the campaign had materially changed the ap
pearance of our troops. United States army pistols and .
sabres, and good McClellan saddles were now generally
owned by our men. In these particulars of cavalry equipment
our government had been very deficient, supplying only a
few saddles of very inferior make.
After a rest of a few days at Brandy Station we made a
forced march to Fredericksburg, where we met the Fifteenth
Regiment. After a day's halt here we moved into camp at
Hick's Hill. A permit for detached service was here obtained,
and for the purpose of recruiting the dismounted men and
allowing those with disabled horses to secure fresh ones, we
marched down the river to camp near Lloyd's, in Essex
county. Robert J. Washington had been selected as adjutant in the
place of Lieutenant Taliaferro, who was retired on account of
permanent disability. Dr. Clarence Garnett was appointed
assistant surgeon. Our ranks were now speedily recruited
to their usual number for duty. Two small brass guns, com
manded by Lieutenant Belts, were sent down and kept near
us. The Federal army, under General Hooker, occupied the
northern side of the Rappahannock, and their pickets were
extended down the river opposite to our encampment. We
could see and hear from them almost daily, and the Colonel's ,
desire to cross the river and strike them a blow was warmly
seconded by the officers and men of the regiment. Scouts
were sent across the river to find out the position and strength
of the parties picketing in King George and Westmoreland,
and the exact situation of the camps, picket posts and reserve

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 33
stations, and the paths by which they might be approached
and surprised. The Eighth Regiment of Pennsylvania
Cavalry were camped, it was ascertained, at Greenlaw's, in
King- George, with a squadron at Leedstown, in Westmore
land county. Boats were provided, and plans arranged to
cross with three hundred men — two hundred to be led by the
present writer to attack the camp at Greenlaw's, and one hun
dred under Major Waller to secure the squadron at Leeds-
town. Application had been duly forwarded to our com
manding General for leave to execute this purpose, and a
favorable answer was eagerly awaited. The answer came,
but allowed only a part of the force to be sent, and forbidding
that any officer should go above the rank of Major. Major
Waller was, therefore, directed to carry out the plan against
Leedstown, and one hundred men were selected from those
who eagerly volunteered to go. These moved up the river
some six miles after dark. The two brass guns and a sup
porting force were moved to a point previously chosen
nearly opposite to Leedstown to guard, as well as we might,
against any untimely appearance of a gunboat in the river.
The night proved icy cold, and an unfavorable tide ren
dered the crossing in the boats very difficult. Many of the
men and officers, however, had been reared near rivers, and
understood well how to navigate them, and, burning to strike
the foe who was plundering their homes, braved the difficul
ties and rowed across. About sixty went over. The trusty
guides led the separate, parties quietly through the fields and
along ravines until close upon the pickets, who were surprised
and taken. Major Waller, now uniting "his force, moved down
to Leedstown, surrounded the house in which the picket-
reserve was quartered and noiselessly disarmed them. He
then marched his men towards the Taylor residence, a quar
ter of a mile distant, where the main body of the enemy was
camped. After approaching near the house silently, the men,
after firing a volley from their carbines, rushed with a yell
upon it. The surprise was complete. ~ A few pistol-shots

36 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
followed, and all was still. We, who were on the opposite,
shore, could hear the shouts and firing, and knew all was
well. The result was the capture of the entire party of sixty
men and horses, except one picket of three or four men who
escaped. Two privates of the Fifteenth Virginia Cavalry and
two citizens, held as prisoners, were released. Before light
Waller recrossed the river with Captain Wilson and his squad
ron; and he succeeded in swimming over forty-eight horses,
though the river was quite a mile wide. Sergeant R. B. Lewis,
of Company C, was wounded. This was the only casualty
among our men.
The author having been denied the privilege of crossing
the Rappahannock, his attention was turned to Gloucester
Point. Two intelligent and reliable scouts were sent down to
collect the necessary information, and a request was for
warded to General R. E. Lee for permission to attack the
place, if found practicable. This was promptly granted, and
arrangements were made to move as soon as the scouts re
turned with their report. The information obtained was
minute and accurate. The position of each gun, the range
of the two gunboats, the ditch, the tortuous approach
through felled timber, were all inspected, and the enterprise
promising no chance of success was abandoned at once.
On the 1 2th day of December orders reached us to march
with dispatch to Fredericksburg. Though forty miles dis
tant at the time, we were in position on the extreme right of
our army at the crossing of the river road and the Massapo
nax run by sunrise on the morning of the 13th. A dense fog
enveloped the flats on the river, and concealed everything in
front. We had crossed the run and were resting in column
of squadrons in the field on the right. As the fog rose a formi
dable array of artillery was discovered in our front at short
range. We were ordered to recross the run at a trot, leaving
our dismounted riflemen to hold the field. Heavy guns posted
on the heights above Fitzhugh's and along Gray's lane, be
yond the river, fired at us at intervals throughout the day.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 37
No damage, save a few slight wounds and the loss of six
horses, was sustained.
From our position we saw the flashes and smoke on the
bloody field before Fredericksburg. We saw also the line of
Federals as it moved across the River road to assault Jackson
at Hamilton's Crossing; their flight back over that road; the
panic which seized the reserve line as the yells of Jackson's
men reached them, and the promptness with which their offi
cers checked incipient disorder. Near night Pelham ran
his guns down on the plain, followed by two or more bat
teries from the infantry line, and opened a rapid fire upon
the lines of the enemy near the river. The enemy's batteries
replied, and as night threw her mantle of darkness over the
land the mass of sulphurous smoke was lit with a lurid glare
from the explosion of shells.
The long dark line of our infantry descended from the hills,
and we expected momentarily the rattle of musketry, but it
came not, and we bivouacked in the woods which skirted the
field we had occupied during the day. A few shells disturbed
our quiet next morning, and we were made more uncom
fortable by a cold rain and great scarcity of provisions. On
the 15th of December we marched to Port Royal and camped
with the brigade on the hills overlooking that village, per
forming picket duty up the river as high as Moss Neck. Near
Christmas General Stuart, with details from many regiments,,
made a reconnoissance in the rear of the Federal army. Major
Waller commanded the detail from the Ninth. They went
around the right flank of the Yankee army, and advanced as
far as Fairfax Station, and returned through Fauquier and
Culpeper without any serious encounters.

CHAPTER VI.
Picketing the Rappahannock — Outrages of the Enemy in the Northern
Neck— Changes in Officers— Sergeant King Declines an Election —
March to Gloucester Point — Camping Again in Culpeper — Under Fire
at Rappahannock Bridge and Beverly's Ford — At Kelly's Mills — In
Rear of General Hooker's Army — Opposing Averill — Charge at Rapi
dan Station — Charge at Trevillian's— On the Three-Chop Road— A
Remarkable Coincidence — Captain Forbes Falls at Chancellors-ville.

The campaign of 1862 was the first in which we had seen
much of the realities of flagrant war. The infantry had suf
fered the heaviest losses; the cavalry was still regarded by
those not familiar with its duties as offering a place of com
parative safety.
Our winter camp was now located at Occupacia, in Essex,
and some weeks later on the Dragon, in King and Queen
county. At the instance of a majority of the officers the duty
was accepted for the regiments of picketing the Rappahan
nock from Port Royal to Urbana, with headquarters fixed
near Lloyd's. This duty was the more cheerfully accepted be
cause of the hope which it offered that we might cross the
river and strike the marauding parties which were sent out by
the enemy from their camps in Stafford as far down as the
lower end of Westmoreland. Scouts were sent over and plans
made to cross the river, but after repeated applications we
got the liberty to do so, coupled with an order not to remain •
under any circumstances over twenty-four hours. One enter
prise seemed practicable, even with this condition, and arms
and boats were made ready, but the morning of the day of
its execution brought the Colonel of the regiment an order
for his presence at camp, to preside over a court-martial, and
this unwelcome service continued through the winter. A
"- [58]

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. sg
record of the vile deeds done at this period among the helpless
and unarmed people of the Northern Neck by Federal sol
diers and armed negroes, would find its parallel only in the
accounts of the atrocities of savages.
Many changes had occurred among the officers of the regi
ment. R. K. Smith had succeeded Crutchfield as captain of
Company E, Captain John Tayloe and Lieutenant John Tay
loe, Jr., of Company I, had resigned, and Lieutenant Billings-
ley (a prisoner) had been made captain. Sergeant King had
commanded this company, and, though a plain mechanic, had
shown fine soldierly qualities during the year previous, and
had never been absent when duties demanded his presence,
and as a reward for his fidelity and good conduct he had
been recommended for appointment as first lieutenant at a
time when the company was too much reduced in numbers to
elect its officers. Before the appointment came the wagon-
train and its attendants (Company Q) joined us, and as elec
tions v^ould be held in several companies, the Colonel, not
doubting but that King would be the choice of Company I,
said to the Adjutant he had as well embrace that company
in the order for holding the elections. This remark was com
municated to King, and he promptly called at the log-fire at
regimental headquarters. Finding several officers present
he remarked that he preferred that no election should be had
in his case, as he would " value much more highly an ap
pointment from such men as Stuart and the Lees." He 'was
told very well; that no election would be ordered by his
company. King tarried, however, until he was alone with
the Colonel, and then informed him that, supposing his com
mission certain, he had cursed one of the men that morning,
and he thought if the election was put to a vote he would be
beaten. G. W. Beale was elected lieutenant in Company C,
and George E. Chancellor in Company E.
The brigade was soon after this brought together at Saluda.
Upon reaching this place and rejoining the regiment the
Colonel, with other officers, was summoned to a council, and

6o History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
found the object of the movement was an attack upon Glou
cester Point. He advised strongly against it, but was over
ruled, and orders were issued to march early the following
morning. A halt was made late in the evening, and the com
mandants of regiments were summoned to receive orders.
The Ninth was assigned to the capture of the fort; the Thir
teenth and Second North Carolina to the attack of a regi
ment of cavalry, said to be encamped on the point, a few
hundred yards from the fort, and the Fifteenth Regiment
was to be held in reserve. After dark we moved, and after
proceeding cautiously and silently halted when in close
proximity to the Point. Captain Boiling was sent forward
with a party to reconnoitre, and on his return. General Lee
concluded not to make the attack; so, facing about, we re
turned to our camp in Essex.
The campaign of 1863 opened about the ist of April.
Having struck our tents near Occupacia, we joined the
brigade, and, marching by Newtown, Waller's Tavern, and
Chesterfield Depot, halted and camped for some days about
a mile from Orange Courthouse. We then crossed the Rapi
dan and moved to the farm of John M. Botts in Culpeper,
near Brandy Station. On reaching this camp the regiment
numbered seven hundred and fifty men for duty. The enemy
occupied the north bank of the Rappahannock in our front.
A party of Federals one morning crossed at the railroad
bridge, and, driving the picket out, occupied a redoubt on
our side. The Ninth Regiment was ordered to drive them
back and reinstate our picket. The enemy's position on the
bluff's beyond the river gave them the power to rake with
canister and grape the open plain over which we had to pass
in order to reach the men in the redoubt. After inspecting
the position, it was concluded that the duty assigned us
would necessarily entail severe loss. On reaching the foot of
the hills bounding the plain where the regiment was screened
by some timber, we halted, and the front squadron, com
manded by Lieutenant Boulware, was detached, and after

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 6i
being deployed into line, was sent forward at a trot to charge
the redoubt. To our surprise the enemy decamped at a
double-quick, and forded the river without firing a shot. The
picket was marched back to their old quarters, and the squad
ron withdrawn before the artillery beyond the river com
menced its fire, and the shells fell harmless to us among the
trees. A part of the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis
was employed in picketing the fords on Welford's farm, at
Beverly's, and above. A detachment, chiefly from Company
C, was at Beverly's Ford. The rain had fallen heavily for
twelve hours, and the streams were much swollen. A brigade
of -Federal cavalry having crossed at a ford above, drove the
squadron at that point so rapidly back as to get well in the
rear of the detachment at Beverly's before any notice of their
approach was given. The reserve under Captain Hungerford
were forced to beat a hasty retreat, leaving the dismounted
men, with Lieutenant G. W. Beale, on the immediate bank
of the river to their fate. Their horses at the reserve post
were captured ere they had opportunity to know what was
occurring. With rare coolness and courage this little band
of seventeen men, fording a stream waist deep, traversed an
open country for two miles, and repeatedly halting and
facing them, kept a squadron of the enemy at bay, and made
good their retreat to the woods.
As soon as the intelligence of the enemy's advance reached
our camp, the Thirteenth Regiment, supported by the re
maining squadrons of the Ninth, was sent in pursuit. Upon
nearing Welford's the enemy was seen retreating rapidly to
the ford. The Thirteenth Regiment, charging at full speed
under a rapid fire of rifles from the opposite side, reached the
ford in time to capture the rear files. The river, swollen by
the rains, was too deep for fording, and a good many of the
Yankees were drowned in attempting to swim it. Learning
that a picket guard that had been stationed farther down the
river had not yet escaped, a party was dispatched in pursuit

62 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
of them, who soon returned to us, bringing ten or twelve
prisoners, and what were equally acceptable, as many good
horses, well equipped, to supply the places of those captured
from us. We had one man — George Garrison, a private in
Company A — killed.
The regiment remained inactive until about the middle of
May, when the Federal army advanced. The cavalry in force
crossed at Kelly's Mills, driving before them the dismounted
pickets of the Ninth Regiment on guard at that point. After
crossing they engaged the Thirteenth Regiment, which was
pushed forward on the plain below Miller's Hill. Our regi
ment occupied the hill. The skirmishing was continued until
near noon, by which time General Stuart discovered that the
main Union army was advancing rapidly to the Rapidan. We
moved speedily to that point, the Fourth Regiment preceding
us. Charges were made upon the rear of the enemy by some
of the squadrons of this regiment, and some thirty or forty
prisoners brought in. These prisoners were placed in our
custody about dark, and orders were received to return to
Culpeper Courthouse. The rain and mud made our march
tedious and slow, encumbered, as we were, with prisoners
on foot. We reached the Courthouse barely in time to draw
rations and resume the saddle by sunrise. We continued the
march to Rapidan Bridge, where the rear squadron was left
to guard it. Another squadron under Major Waller was de
tached to watch the fords above, and the remaining three
were dismounted to feed. Before the horses were fed, the
squadron at the river were skirmishing with the advance
parties of the enemy, and men were at once put in the rifle-
pits, and several cannon posted, to hold the bridge and ford.
Thus we remained during the night, supported by the Thir
teenth Regiment.
On the next morning General W. H. F. Lee, commanding
the brigade, anxious to find out what force was pressing us,
directed the present writer to take a squadron and break
through their line of skirmishers beyond the river, and draw

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 63
the enemy out. This enterprise was full of excitement. As
we ascended the slope leading up from the river, on the crest
of which the enemy's sharpshooters were posted, the win
dows of several houses were raised and the ladies, leaning
out, waved joyfully their handkerchiefs. A single volley from
the skirmishers greeted us, and they fled. Beyond the ridge
the reserve picket — a squadron or so — in column confronted
us in the road. With drawn sabres, and our Adjutant's clerk,
WiUiam Campbell, taking the lead, the squadron charged with
a yell. In vain the officer commanding the enemy's party
waved his sabre and urged his men forward. They wlieeled
and fled, and he, gallant fellow, leaping his fine charger over
the fence to our right, held his ground till abreast of us, and
then after emptying his pistol on us, retreated unscathed by
the dozen bullets which were fired at his person. Our men
kept up their headlong pursuit after the rally was sounded,
and did not retreat until General Averill's regiments in line
of battle were uncovered. Enough was discovered to satisfy
us that the force in front of our little command was over
whelming. The enemy's artillery had been firing upon us
during the whole time, to which our guns seemed to make but
feeble replies. Our loss, after recrossing the river, was found
to be but two missing. These were the brothers M. U. F.
and J. N. Wright, of Company C, the latter of whom was
severely and basely wounded after he had surrendered. They
both rejoined us before the campaign ended.
About midnight we were ordered to burn the railroad
bridge. This structure, saturated by continuous rains for
days, was impervious to any fire we could make, and though
the effort to burn it was not abandoned till our retreat com
menced, the bridge was left standing.
Our march was now made through Orange Courthouse
to Gordonsville. About the same hour that we left the Rapi
dan General Averill commenced his retreat to the north of the
Rappahannock. The two men mentioned above, who were
prisoners at the time with the enemy, told us on their return

64. History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
that, from the conversation of their guards, they gathered the
information that this retreat was caused from fear of an at
tack by us the following day.
After a brief halt at Gordonsville we were ordered to pro
ceed down the railroad to Trevillian's Station, at which point
it was reported that a part of General Stoneman's force was
engaged in tearing up the railroad. When w^ithin a mile of
the place two citizens were met who informed us that they
had just left it, and that no enemy was in sight. A detach
ment under Lieutenant Robinson was directed to proceed
down the road as far as Louisa Courthouse, unless the enemy
was sooner discovered, and the regiment was withdrawn a
short distance from the road on the right and dismounted
to rest. This was scarcely done before rapid firing was heard '
on the road which Robinson's party had taken. Mounting
and moving at a gallop back into the road, the head of our
column reached it just as Robinson's men came up at full
speed. The leading squadron was sent charging down the
road, and the next dismounted and ambushed in a railroad-
cut commanding the road. Another squadron was put in
position a hundred or two yards further back under Lieu
tenant-Colonel Lewis, and the remaining ones were ordered
to be arranged, some in ambush and some mounted, half a
mile in our rear, under Major Waller. Before these disposi
tions were completed squads of the party charging began
to return. A few of the enemy had been killed — some three
or four — and one mortally wounded was brought in. About
forty-five prisoners were taken. As these were found to
represent three different regiments, it was concluded that
Stoneman's whole force was in our front. A courier was dis
patched to General W. H. F. Lee, and the enemy's advance
quietly awaited. After waiting a short time we began to
withdraw, when a feeble yell was heard, and a small squad
of troopers charged past our dismounted men, and received
their fire at very close range, but without any injury to them.
Before they could wheel Lewis was on them with a mounted

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 63
squadron. These charged some distance without encounter
ing any more of the enemy. Lieutenant Boulware, of Com
pany B, who was riding a fresh and unmanageable horse,
continued to charge, without sabre or hat, nearly down to
Louisa Courthouse, and was made a prisoner. This was
the only loss we sustained.
We remained in position until General Lee came up. No
further charge was made, and the command moved back to
Gordonsville to enjoy a supper, which ended a fast of thirty-
six hours, and to get a much-needed night's rest.
In the early morning we were again in the saddle. The
Union cavalry were reported to be moving on Columbia to
destroy the canal at or near that place. Traversing the Green
Spring country in Louisa, we reached Palmyra before night,
fed our weary steeds and supped. The enemy had retreated,
and about dark we moved in pursuit of him. We marched
all night, and about daybreak halted on the Three-Chop road,
in Goochland, for breakfast. The citizens reported the
enemy as having passed three hours ahead of us.
One of our men got permission to go out to forage for a
breakfast, and soon came back reporting a Yankee picket
about a mile in advance of us. Captain Ryalls, of General
Stuart's staff, who accompanied our command, asked for ten
men to capture this picket, and they were furnished to him.
A stronger force was soon sent for, and Major Waller, with
Companies D and E, was sent. The whole command was now
moved forward, so as to be in supporting distance.
Before we reached Waller he had encountered a squadron
of United States Dragoons, belonging to the Fifth Regulars,
and a spirited hand-to-hand sabre fight had taken place.
Singular it was that squadrons of the same two opposing
regiments should have twice met each other alone, using on
each occasion the sabre and pistol, first on the Tolopottomoi,
and now on the Three-Chop road. Company E, of the Ninth
was engaged on both of these occasions.
The odds in numbers were in favor of the United States

66 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Regulars. They met on this occasion in column of fours; be
fore in line of battle. Three of the enemy were killed, a good
many wounded, and eleven captured, including a Captain
Owens, commanding, and a Lieutenant Buford. Our casual
ties were two privates wounded. After a continuous march
of sixty miles in twenty-four hours, we again camped at Gor
donsville. On the following day we marched to the North Anna river,
returning by Louisa Courthouse. A few stragglers were
taken. Stoneman had recrossed the Rapidan; the great battle
of Chancellorsville had been fought, and " Stonewall " Jack
son, our greatest field marshal, had gone down; Captain
Forbes, our quartermaster, who was in Fredericksburg when
Hooker advanced, and had volunteered to serve on General
A. P. Hill's staff, had been killed in the same battle.

CHAPTER VII.
Camping Again in Culpeper— Grand Cavalry Review— The Hard-Fought
Battle of Fleetwood or Brandy Station — In Peril at Thoroughfare
Gap — Looking for the Enemy in the Dark — Second Encounter With
First Rhode Island Cavalry — Middleburg Fight— Death of Captain
Hungerford — Fight at Upperville — Lt.-Col. Lewis Wounded and Cap
tured — Captain Robinson's Capture and Daring Escape.

The regiment returned to its old camping-ground near
John Minor Bolts', in Culpeper, and pitched its tents nearer
Welford's Ford than before, on the extreme left of the cavalry
line. Eugene Baker, of Company B, was selected to fill the
place of Captain Forbes, as quartermaster. Early in June
the regiment took part in a general cavalry review under the
inspection of General R. E. Lee, on the plain near Brandy
Station — the most imposing display of Confederate horsemen
we had yet seen.
On the morning of the gth of June the enemy at dawn
forced a passage over the river at Kelly's Mills and Beverly's
Ford, and drove the regiment on the right of our line rapidly
back. They pursued the Fourth Regiment quite up to Gene
ral Stuart's headquarters about Brandy Station. The main
force of the enemy crossed at Beverly's Ford, and, bearing to
the right, swept up the river, and, when about breakfast-
time, we were ordered out, several of their squadrons had
reached the fields just to the south of the Welford house.
These were speedily driven back, but with some serious loss
in Companies G and H. Two pieces of our artillery were ad
vanced, and posted upon a hill near a bend of the river, and
four squadrons of the Ninth were posted in the rear for their
support. Several attempts were made upon the position, but
were repulsed by the dismounted men of the brigade, with
[67]

68 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
severe losses to the enemy. By three o'clock the centre of
our line was forced back to Miller's Hill, and over half a mile
in our rear. Our brigade was now ordered to fall back to
Barbour's Hill. This change of position was critical, for,
besides the enemy's force in our front, heavy masses of
them were seen below Miller's Hill, and the line of our
march crossed the road only about half a mile from them.
The order from General Lee now was that the mounted
squadrons of our regiment should occupy that road in
advance of the point at which the brigade would cross it.
Leaving our dead and wounded behind us, we reached the
road and made ready to meet an attack. We held the posi
tion until all safely reached the hill, and then moved back to
our position on the left. Just before reaching it a charge by
the enemy was handsomely repulsed.
After reaching Barbour's Hill a body of the enemy's
cavalry, which seemed not less than three regiments, were
seen moving towards our left flank* and apparently seeking
the ravines and woods to conceal their line of march. We did
not penetrate the design of this movement at the time, but
soon the few men forming the extreme left of our videttes
were seen running from their posts, and Yankee troopers
leaping the fence in pursuit. It was then perceived that the
high land to our left commanded the whole field, and was a
strategic point of great importance. The regiment, which
was resting in column of fours, was ordered to charge up the
hill to save the dismounted men. They came up in column,
forming rapidly into line as they approached near to that of
the enemy. The last squadrons did not halt on the align
ment, but dashed upon the foe with the sabre, who broke, and
were driven off in confusion. General W. H. F. Lee coming
up at this moment, and seeing the enemy in retreat, com
manded " Forward," and was at the same instant -wounded.
Fresh troops of the enemy were now seen emerging from the
bottom, which ran parallel with the hill up which we had
charged, and were forming a line across our rear. The rally

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 6g
was now sounded, and our men, breaking through this line,
became involved in a hand-to-hand fight to the foot of the
hill. Here we reformed and again charged, and were in
turn forced down the hill by fresh troops. Just where we had
reformed before we met the Second North Carolina Cavalry
dashing forward, followed by the Tenth Virginia.
An officer from General Stuart here accosted the Colonel,
saying: " The General sends his thanks to Colonel Beale and
the men of the Ninth for gallantry in -holding the hill, and if
you will hold it five minutes longer he will send reinforce
ments." The reinforcement promised was in sight, but the Federals
were in full and rapid retreat.
The enemy had a body of sharpshooters posted in the
woods about two hundred yards beyond the summit of the
hill, and also two guns to our right which commanded the
ground on which we fought, and as soon as their mounted
regiments were driven off they opened fire upon us. This
checked the pursuit in every charge, and drove the Second
North Carolina and Tenth regiments _ from the hill. No
vigorous pursuit was made, and the commanding generals
must have thought we were in peril of being whipped, as a
line of infantry skirmishers were seen advancing after the
fight was over.
Colonel Sol. Williams fell at the head of the Second North
Carolina Regiment on the brow of the hotly-contested hill.
About ten men in the Ninth Regiment were killed, including
Privates Thomas Barber and Charles Jett, of Company C;
James Orgain and F. Nash, of Company G, and Harry Ward,
of Company K. We had many men wounded. Some twenty
of the enemy's dead were left on the scene of the evening's
confiict and buried by us.
The author witnessed in this battle the brim and band of
Lieutenant Dandridge's hat cut smoothly from his brow by a
cannon-ball without the slightest injury to him. The enemy
removed their dead for the most part from the ground of the

70 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
fighting in the morning, but in several places we saw groups
of cavalry horses piled upon each other, with here and there
a man lying dead among them.
Our regiment suffered more heavily in this battle than
on any previous occasion. The loss inflicted upon the enemy
must have been many times greater than our own.
The command of the brigade now devolved upon Colonel
John R. Chambliss, of the Thirteenth Regiment.
We returned to our camp after remaining at Brandy
Station the night of the 9th of June. Our next march — a
day or two later — was to White Plains, in Fauquier county.
At the latter place we were ordered to proceed to Thorough
fare Gap, and ascertain if any enemy occupied it, but not
to engage in any fighting. An officer from General Stuart's
staff went forward with a detail of men to inspect the pass.
This party returning, met us at a small house about a mile
from the entrance to the Gap, and reported that they had
gone to the summit, and, looking over the country beyond,
had discovered no appearance of the enemy. On receiving
this report, some of Jihe officers were permitted to go to the
house to get dinner, and the regiment, after being faced
about, were directed to rest.
As a matter of precaution, a sergeant and several men were
sent to the top of the hills on our right to act as videttes, with .
instructions to select points from which the Gap might be
watched. Before the last man could be posted the sergeant
and his men were seen riding back at full speed. The hill
was soon crowned with a party of bluecoats. Our only out
let was along the sinuous road winding around the hills, and
the enemy were nearer the point at which the road emerged
from the ravine than we were. Their fire brought the officers
in at once. Waller was promptly in the field on the right
with a squadron deployed as skirmishers, and we commenced
our retreat. The enemy kept up a brisk fire, but if they were
familiar with the country and aware of their advantage, they
failed to use it. They followed us at a safe distance until we

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 71
got out of the narrow gorge on the highlands, when we faced
about and formed line. They then moved away in the direc
tion of Middleburg.
Colonel Chambliss now joined us with the other regiments
of the brigade, and after dark the command marched with
drawn sabres on the road which the enemy had taken. To
aid in distinguishing friends from foes in the event of an en
counter in the dark, a watchword and reply were passed down
our line from man to man.
Two men had been sent from Thoroughfare Gap to Gene
ral Stuart, at Middleburg, with dispatches, one saying that
no enemy was there, and the other that they had come. Both
of these couriers were captured.
After a tedious march we reached the vicinity of Middle
burg at a late hour, and bivouacked in a grove on the edge
of a large field. We were called to horse before sunrise. It
was reported that some Yankee cavalry were close at hand,
within the same field in which we had encamped and near
one of the two roads leading south from Middleburg. We
were directed to pursue them. Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis,
with two squadrons, was sent on the road to the left. The
Colonel, with three squadrons, took the one to the right.
Captain Haynes, having gotten his squadron into line first,
was, at his request, put in advance. He soon found the same
unfortunate First Rhode Island Regiment, which a year before
had furnished us so fine an outfit at Mountsville, now drawn
up to dispute his passage. Impetuous and dashing himself,
he hurled his men in headlong charge upon them. The dead
and wounded marked the place of the encounter to us who
followed. As often as they attempted to rally Haynes
charged, and for several miles the chase was kept up till
scarcely two of the regiments were together. About a hun
dred were pursued to the mountains, where some, abandon
ing their overtaxed horses, found safety on foot. Nearly a
hundred prisoners were captured.
We afterwards marched to Middleburg, and, passing

72 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
through, camped a mile beyond, on the 'pike leading to
Upperville. Before we had fed our jaded horses the enemy
occupied Middleburg. The outposts were held by troops from
other regiments, and after moving a mile farther up the 'pike,
we enjoyed a quiet night.
The next morning we were placed in line of battle on the
left of the brigade, and to the left of the 'pike, looking to
wards Middleburg. A battery was posted on the crest of the
hill in our front, and some companies of dismounted men
were thrown out beyond the guns along the wooded slope of
hills facing the town. General Robinson's brigade extended
the line of battle to the right beyond the 'pike. The artillery
of both combatants was firing occasionally, and quite a
spirited discharge of rifles was kept up during the morning.
About noon a courier brought an order for the regiment
to move out on the 'pike. We did so, moving diagonally
across the front of our line and in column. We struck the
'pike near a blacksmith's shop, and just opposite the ground
held by General Robinson's troops, when we were placed in
line in the morning. As the head of the column reached the
'pike Lieutenant Ball's order was heard: "Draw pistols;
fire ! " The Colonel was about to countermand the order to
fire, supposing the men beyond the 'pike were friends, but,
on looking up, saw a squadron of the enemy where Robin
son's men had been, and in the act of discharging their car
bines at us. The direction of Ball's squadron was immediately
changed, and, charging across the road with sabre in hand,
they drove the Yankees before them. A force of the enemy
was seen a hundred yards or so distant in the 'pike, and to
the right of it. The other squadrons were led in a charge
against these. Before clearing the woods which skirted the
road a considerable body of the enemy's cavalry was dis
covered in line to our right. Changing direction, our squad
rons were now thrown on this line. We broke them, only
to find, however, another line beyond, which, returning our
charge, drove us back, beyond the shop. We had, too, re-

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 73
ceived a galling fire from the sharpshooters posted below the
woods. We had scarcely rallied, beyond the shop, when a
column of the enemy appeared in the 'pike, in fine order,
and with glittering sabres, charged bravely up to within
a few paces of our front, surrounding- one of our guns. A
charge was ordered, and we dashed at them. A shot fired
by James R. Courtney, bugler of Company C, killed the cap
tain. The enemy retreated, and we pursued them down to
the field where the fire from a body of dismounted men, or
infantry, again drove us back. In this charge Captain John
W. Hungerford, of Company C, was killed. He was the sole
remaining male member of a noble family. Few nobler gifts
were laid upon the altar of civil liberty than the life-blood
of this heroic Virginian.
The Thirteenth Regiment now came forward on the left
of the road; and we reformed as its support, and while drawn
up in line on the 'pike our killed and badly wounded were
removed. We were here the target for a battery, and a piece
of shell having disabled the present writer's arm, he rode
back to the surgeon. Colonel Charribliss afterwards led the
two regiments in a charge upon the line below the woods,
and, faihng to carry it, retired with the brigade in good order,
and bivouacked a mile from the scene of the fight near the
'pike. Private Robert Sandford, of Company C, was particularly
distinguished for gallantry under the eye of the Colonel in
our second charge. The latter rejoined the regiment on
the day following — June 21st — and we moved to Dulaney's,
where the brigade advanced to meet the enemy, but was soon
faced about, and narrowly escaped being surrounded. We
were some two miles to the right of the 'pike leading to
Upperville, and were pressed by troops of the enemy num
bering certainly twice as many as our brigade.
Our line of retreat was on a road, the general direction of
which was parallel to the 'pike. Hampton's brigade occupied
the latter road. Jones' brigade was to our left, as we faced
6

74 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
the enemy. Robinson's and Jenkins' brigades, supposed to
be on our left, were not seen during the day.
The Ninth Regiment was the rear-guard of our brigade.
One squadron, under the Colonel's immediate command,
moved in support of two pieces of artillery. Two -squadrons
under Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, and two under Major
Waller, took positions alternately in front to check the
enemy's advance. On reaching the Trappe road, Jones'
brigade, moving from our flank, passed over the open coun
try between us and the mountains. We followed the two
guns up the Trappe road. The Second North Carolina, fol
lowed by the Tenth Virginia Regiment, were on our left as
we moved on this road. Our aim. was to form a junction
with Hampton at the intersection of the Trappe road and
the 'pike before the enemy, who were forcing him back,
reached that point. From delay, caused by halting the
artillery to wait for a guide, Hampton passed before we came
up, and the enemy made dispositions to cut us off. A body
of infantry were pushed up a bottom running in rear of Up
perville, and posted behind a stone fence enclosing a field
which lay beside the Trappe road, and a body of cavalry were
put in position near the head of this bottom.
The Second North Carolina Regiment was moving in
column through the field when the Yankee infantry from be
hind the fence fired upon them. This was immediately fol
lowed by a charge by some squadrons from the head of the
bottom. The North Carolinians met the charge with a shout,
and the Yankee troopers were driven to the fence held by the
infantry, and back towards the bottom. The two guns which
we wftre escorting passed from the road to the field on their
right, and, quickly unlimbering near the road, opened a rapid
fire upon the enemy in the field in which the cavalry was en
gaged. Deeming- it useless to make fight against such odds,
we were directing our march to the foot of the mountain in
rear of our guns, and out of range of the musketry, when
orders came for the regiment to relieve the Second North

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 73
-CaroHna, as the position must be held for a time. Turning
to the left and making openings in the stone walls to pass
through, we were joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis with
another squadron. As we passed into the field a fresh body
of mounted men emerged from the bottom to our right.
These Lewis was ordered to charge with his squadron, while
the other squadrons were directed against the troops
who were engaging the North Carolinians. A mixed
hand-to-hand fight was kept up for a few moments, when,
finding fresh squadrons of Yankees pressing up from
the bottom, we got back through the stone walls and into the
field beyond as best we could. We reformed near the road
on the side next to the mountain, and waited till the order
came to fall back, and then retired to the woods at the foot
of the mountain, the enemy's guns throwing a few shells
after us.
Though we were in this fight only a few minutes, twenty-
seven of the small number engaged were missing. We suf
fered most from the deadly aim of the muskets or rifles fired
from the breastwork of the stone fence. Among those who
had fallen severely wounded or killed were Lieutenant-Colo
nel Lewis, Captain Charles Robinson, of Company C, and
Acting-Regimental-Bugler Tappscot, of Company D. The
latter survived only a few hours, having died at a house at
the foot of the mountains. Lewis, shot through the chest
.and lungs, was left by the enemy in their retreat, to die at
Middleburg. He survived, however, and though never able
to return to active service, finally well-nigh fully recovered.
Captain Robinson fell under the stroke of a sabre across the
head, and was taken prisoner. He was confined at Johnson's
Island, from which prison he made a daring escape, and,
having crossed the frozen lake on foot, found refuge in
Canada. Thence he sailed to Nassau, after having received
much kind treatment from the Canadians, and finally suc
ceeded in running the blockade at one of our southern ports,
and returned to us in 1864.

76 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Captain Haynes was painfully, though not seriously,
wounded in the forenoon, and retired on furlough. We fell
back after dark to the mountain-pass and bivouacked behind
some of our infantry, near the banks of the Shenandoah river.

CHAPTER VIII.
Returning to Middleburg — Rendezvous at Salem — In the Rear of Meade's
Army — At Fairfax Courthouse — Expecting a Fight Near Dranesville —
Fording the Potomac — Chasing Scott's Nine Hundred — Capturing
Wagon-Train Near Rockville — Marching Northward — At Westmin
ster — At Hanover — At Carlisle — On to Gettysburg — Fighting on the
Left at Rummell's Barn.

On the morning of June 22d we descended the mountain,
and, passing through Upperville and Middleburg, observed
many depredations committed by the enemy. We saw some
of the graves of our fallen comrades, and numerous others of
Federal soldiers, reminding us of the deadly strife in which
we had been engaged on the two preceding clays. In one
place near where we had fought, the head-board showed that
six members of the First Maine Cavalry had- been laid in a
common grave. We encountered no enemy until beyond
Middleburg. Then, retracing our steps a short distance, we
camped a few miles back near the Upperville 'pike, where we
remained a day or two picketing towards the enemy. We then
made a forced march to Salem, and reached its vicinity at a
late hour. We here found a large Confederate cavalry force
assembled. At two o'clock on the foUo^wing morning we were
again in the saddle moving towards Thoroughfare Gap, where
we witnessed the cannonade of a wagon-train, and, con
tinuing our march, bivouacked near Buckland. The day
following we passed through Brentsville, and halted early in
the afternoon near Wolf Run Shoals, on the Occoquan.
Leave of absence was granted to Major Waller and some
company officers, and the men whose horses were unfit for
service were furloughed.
We were in motion early next morning — June 27th — with
[77]

78 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
our faces turned northward. At Fairfax Station the troops
in front had a skirmish with some cavalry. At Fairfax Court
house a good many sutlers' stores fell into our hands, and
late in the evening, near Dranesville, we were ordered to
make ready to charge, but the enemy did not appear. About
sunset we began bearing to the right, taking by-paths and
the cover of woods, and winding through valleys, seemingly
as though our wary General was approaching some unsus
pecting- foe.
After marching some miles repeated halts of the column
satisfied those of us in the rear that the command was slowly
passing- some obstacle in front. The direction of our march,
we knew, was to the Potomac. We reached it at last, and
majestic, even here beneath the stars, was flowing the author's
native river directly across our front. We had been con
ducted to a ford, to which no highway led on either side.
The river seemed fully a quarter of a mile wide. The water
generally reached as high as the saddle skirts, and in places
covered the seat. When we seemed to be reaching the shore
we found it an island, a hundred yards or more distant from
the shore. The entire command, consisting of four brigades
and some light artillery, was over before light, and the gray
dawn found us on the hills in Maryland that skirted the canal
and river.
We had spent a sleepless night, and our horses had had no
food for twenty-four hours. Four companies of the regi
ment — A, B, D, and E — were now detached by General
Stuart, the last of which did not rejoin us until the fall.
In searching for grain for our horses, our Quartermaster
encountered a considerable force of Union cavalry, who pur
sued the party back to our camp, capturing several. Lieu^
tenant Pollard, commanding Company H, was sent forward,
v^rho reported a regiment in front, but, without waiting for
support, he charged them. Eleven dead and wounded of
Scott's Nine Hundred marked the scene of the encounter.
The rest fled in the direction of Washington.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 7g
The command was now put in motion, and we marched a
mile or two before halting to feed, and while we were doing
so Hampton's brigade passed us. By the time we had re
mounted an order was received to advance at a trot. On
arriving at Rockville, the county-seat of Montgomery
county, fifteen miles west of Washington, General Stuart
cHrected us to form in line in a field a short distance from the
village. While we were forming a second order came direct
ing us to move out on the turnpike leading through Rock
ville to Georgetown. We marched at a trot. It was Sunday
morning. The villagers seemed to be ready for church, as the
doorways were thronged with ladies in their scarfs and
bonnets. Many waved with their handkerchiefs a graceful
greeting, and manifested evident pleasure at seeing us. On
clearing the village, by order of General Stuart, one of our
companies was thrown out on the right to guard our flank,
and the remaining five were sent in pursuit of the enemy,
who were retreating down the 'pike towards Washington.
General Stuart informed us they were a wagon-train, at
tended by a strong guard, and that another regiment would
be sent forward to our support. The chase now commenced.
William Campbell and Isaac Curtis, with two men of Hamp
ton's command, who resolved to share our dangers, led as a
vanguard, each of them riding a fleet horse. As we passed
a house near the 'pike a lady ran out clapping her hands in
eager excitement, and exclaiming: "Push on; you have
nearly caught them ! " After riding a mile or so, we saw the
guard of the train, a small party of cavalry, drawn up in line
directly across the road, as if to bar our passage. The troopers
having the fastest horses were now ordered forward to rein
force the men in advance; but before they got within two
hundred yards of them, the enemy wheeled and fled, " with
out standing on the order of their going." A mile beyond a
long train of canvas-covered wagons loomed up, moving at a
furious pace. As we got near to them the drivers, especially
the colored ones, forsook their teams, leaping to the ground

8o History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
and over the fences, and running for shelter to the woods.
Left to themselves, the frightened mules ran wildly, dashing
wagon against wagon, upsetting some, and throwing several
down embankments, catching and holding the teams beneath
them. As fast as they were overtaken the wagons were
turned about and sent back under guard. Curtis and his
party, not far from the District of Columbia line, and almost
within sight of the dome of the Capitol, overhauled the
quartermaster in charge of the train. They received the fire
of his pistol as they reached his ambulance, but before they
could return it his hands were raised. His surrender was ac
cepted. Some three or four of the enemy were killed or wounded
in refusing to halt or surrender when ordered. The regiment,
now reduced to a score or two of men, by reason of details
to guard wagons, mules, and prisoners, returned to Rock
ville. The wagons" that were upset and broken were burned.
The others were loaded principally with oats and corn.
Bakers' bread, crackers, whiskey in bottles of great variety,
sugar, hams, with some tin and woodenware, knives and
forks, were also found. The bacon and crackers, as well as the
whiskey, proved to our jaded and hungry troopers most ac
ceptable. The train consisted of three new ambulances, two
of which were captured by Hampton, and one hundred and
seventy-five wagons, drawn by nine hundred mules. The
wagons were brand new, the mules fat and sleek, and the
harness in use for the first time. Such a train we had never
seen before and did not see again.
We had scarcely set out from Rockville before many of us
began to regret our capture, foreseeing that the train would
impede our movements, and be very difficult to guard in pass
ing through the enemy's country. And while we rested on
the edge of that village the men might be seen collecting in
squads, narrating the exploits in which each had shared, dis
cussing the good qualities of the whiskey, hams, bread, and
cheese, and commending the excellent taste of the govern-

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 8i
ment officials who provided such luxuries for our Yankee
brothers. It was about sunset that the bugles called us to horse, and
we resumed our northward march. We found the number of
our prisoners embarrassing, and with the wagon-train our pro
gress was slow. To what point we were tending no one save
our General knew. The country over which we passed was
entirely new to us. The next morning's sun, peeping through
clouds, found us still moving slowly on. Knowing that we
had crossed the line of march of General Meade's army, we
were satisfied that they were now between us and our in
fantry. This weary day was passed without halting, and as
night approached we learned that the head of the column
was fighting. We now reached Westminster, and our twenty-
four hours' march was rewarded with an ample supply of
rations for man and horse, much of it appropriated without
orders from the large railroad depot at this place. A quiet
night's rest here after forty-eight hours spent in the saddle
greatly refreshed us.
The march was resumed at dawn next morning. An order
detailing a squad of men and an officer from each regiment
to collect horses for our dismounted men satisfied us that
we had passed from Maryland, and had entered the State of
William Penn, whose armed sons we had so often seen upon
the soil of our native Virginia. The time had come to pay
back in some measure the misdeeds of men who, with sword
and fire, had made our homesteads heaps of ruin, and, in
many instances, left our wives and children not a horse, nor
cow, nor sheep, nor hog, nor living fowl of any kind. Soon a
country store was reached and trooper after trooper escaping
from the ranks quickly filled it with Confederates, who, with
out asking the price, were proceeding to help themselves to
any and every article they needed or fancied. The first field
officer, however, who discovered what was going on, rode
quietly up and cleared the store, compelling the men to put
back what they had taken, and posted a guard to remain un
til the command had passed.

82 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Our march was towards Hanover, but before reaching it
we learned the enemy in large force occupied the place. On
nearing the town the column halted for some time before
attacking. Close beside the road was a house, and our atten
tion was attracted by the screams of children. The Colonel
of the regiment rode in, and found a little boy and girl cling
ing to their mother's skirts, who seemed herself to think that
death was upon her. He assured her that she was safe and
need not fear, and, taking from his saddle pocket a knife and
fork, gave them to the Httle boy, leaving him quiet, and the
family seemingly astonished at any words of kindness from
a " rebel."
Our ranks were now closed up, and, descending from the
hills, we moved in column of fours along the plain directly
upon the town. The Thirteenth Regiment was in front, fol
lowed by two squadrons of the Ninth. We were on the main
'pike. The Second North Carolina moved upon a road to
our left, which we supposed entered the town on the side
opposite to us. We could see none of our other troops.
When getting within about three hundred yards of the edge
of the town a squadron of the enemy advanced slowly up
the road in our front. The Major commanding the Thir
teenth Regiment, seeming to hesitate. Lieutenant Pollard
was ordered to the front with his squadron to charge the
enemy. This was gallantly done, and the Federals, breaking,
ran back into Planover, followed by our whole force. The
enemy's troops must have been raw levies, as the side of the
'pike was strewn with splendid pistols dropped by them as
they ran. The author dismounted and picked up two, and
leisurely surveyed the scene, supposing the town captured.
Some of our men in charge of ambulances and prisoners,
were soon met, however, and then the whole body of them
came retreating, some through the fields and others on the
road. The enemy followed our retreating troops — a body in
the road, and several squadrons on our right. Those in the
road advanced in column of sections. Some of our men, rally-

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 83
ing, charged down the road, driving these back. We could
see no organized force of Confederates in the field to our
right as we returned. General Stuart was in this field as the
enemy swept over it. Our men in the road opened fire on
them, and as soon as the fence could be broken down, a small
party charged with the sabre. The mounted Federals re
treated behind a line of dismounted men, who now advanced,
extending across our front and as far to the right as we could
see. The author's command had now dwindled to a handful, and
he rode back to collect the scattered men. General Cham
bliss, commanding the brigade, was met and told that General
Stuart had been seen surrounded, and was probably captured.
He then ordered the writer to go rapidly to the wagons on
the hills and to collect all the men that could be found, reform
them, and march them back. To our great joy, we met
General Stuart, smiling as ever, and found a line of dis
mounted skirmishers was forming to meet that of the enemy.
Company I, of the Ninth Regiment, under Captain Billings-
ley, formed the left of this line, and a heavy skirmish fire was
maintained across the fields, our men yielding only as they
were forced back by a fire on their flanks. We at length occu
pied a fine position on the hills, and our troops were posted
to contest seriously any attack by the enemy. As our skir
mishers approached this line of hills, the enemy's pursuit was
less vigorously pressed, however, and before sunset we were
marching northward on roads leading to the right of Han
over. The loss of our three squadrons in the engagement at Han
over was about twenty, including Captain Billingsley. Most
of this loss was in prisoners.
We again marched all night, halting once for an hour or
more at Dover, to catch a little rest, and to parole our
prisoners, now numbering about six hundred. The march
continued the following day, and a good many prisoners
were taken, being chiefly men going to rejoin their regiments.

84 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Among them was a young surgeon, travelHng with a span of
fine horses, handsome buggy, and colored servant. His sur
prise at being halted by our picket was manifest. His hand
some buggy was brought to Virginia. Nightfall found us in
the vicinity of Carlisle, where we expected to find our infan
try, behind whose sheltering muskets we hoped to find one
night of sweet sleep. Painful was the intelligence that this
hope must be deferred to some more convenient time and
place, as our infantry had retired to Gettysburg, and the
enemy occupied Carlisle.
A demand for the surrender of the place was declined, and
our cannons opened. The United States barracks blazed.
The women screamed. The author, in charge of our now
thoroughly-hated wagon-train, and provided with a guide,
who, with bated breath, begged that no names should be
spoken, employed our half-asleep men in opening fences that
we might pass across fields into the 'pike leading to Paper-
town, a little village nestling at the foot of the mountain.
After reaching the 'pike the guide was informed, immensely
to his relief, that he might retire. The whole face of the
country, once familiar to the author, seemed now changed.
Its great natural features, however, remained, and the recol
lections of boyhood were vividly recalled, as, when a student
at Dickinson College, he had hunted over these grounds with
his comrades, crossed the Yellow Breeches creek in a cider-
trough and eaten lunch at a httle spring up on the mountain
side. On reaching Papertown a halt was made for the command
to close up. Here some of our men were busy in a search
for rations, but most of them, suffering an agony for sleep,
lay on the road with bridles in hand, some on rocks, and
others on the wet earth, slumbering soundly.
Our slumbers lasted only for an hour. Resuming the sad
dle, we moved over the mountain spurs along a broad
macadamized road leading towards Gettysburg. The sound
of cannonading- reached our ears during the march, and once

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 83
or twice we were put into position in order of battle. We saw
no enemy, however. The gardens along the line of our march
suffered heavily from frequent charges by our hungry men.
The author's individual share of these captures was two
onions, fresh and juicy, washed down with a bottle of good
domestic wine, kindly supplied to him by our accomplished
brigade commander.
About three o'clock P. M. we reached the vicinity of
Gettysburg, on what we deemed to be the left of General
Lee's lines, and under Colonel J. Lucius Davis, who was now
temporarily commanding the brigade, we were placed in
order of battle, as support to a number of guns massed in
our front. Directly in front of this artillery the land rose
rapidly, culminating in very high bluffs, or ridges. A detail
was here made to capture a few sheep, which were seen hard
by grazing, and to impress the necessary implements for
cooking them. The author rode up to one of the batteries,
and was informed that the artillery was massed at this point,
in anticipation of an attack upon the flank. We remained
on our ground until nearly night; then moved at a trot
a mile or so to the left, where the men who had rifles were
dismounted, and advanced a few hundred yards on foot, and
took position behind a fence to the left of the road along
which we had come. A few shells began now to- explode over
our heads, and we were ordered at a double-quick to a posi
tion on the right of the road. The firing soon ceased, and
at twilight we moved to a small field of flat meadow land, not
very far from our first position. A carbine accidentally dis
charged here while the men were dismounting killed the
horse of Flag-Bearer Charles Edwards. Hampton's brigade,
we learned, had just charged and scattered the enemy's
cavalry, a small body of which was advancing on the left, and
to meet which we had been moved.
The writer was in conversation with Colonel Davis when
a courier delivered General Stuart's request that the com
mand should be kept in the saddle all night, with the further

86 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry,
assurance that the promise was fair that Pennsylvania would
on the morrow be open to our army. The reply was sent
that the request would be cheerfully complied with; but that
the utmost verge of endurance by men and horses had been
reached, and that whatever the morrow niight bring, we
feared that neither horses nor men could be used either to
march or fight. We were soon ordered to dismount in the
fields immediately around us, where we found food for the
horses. The captured sheep came in due time, and then the
grassy sod supplied a couch softer to the wearied limbs than
any downy bed in days of moping peace.
We were in the sadde early next morning — the memorable
3d of July. We moved in column a mile or 'two to the left,
on the York turnpike, and after bearing to the right, formed
line of battle in a body of woods, east of the ridges which had
confronted us on the previous evening. One of our squad
rons was dismounted and thrown forward on foot, some three
hundred yards in front, occupying a barnyard and two fences
which connected with the barn, and formed an obtuse angle.
Some of the men of Jenkins' brigade dismounted, held the
line to our right, and Hampton's and Fitz. Lee's commands
were on our left. A deep depression in our front and to the
right, partly wooded, was bounded beyond by high ground
which sloped very gently; and to our left beyond the head of
the bottom it became almost a plain. The author was
mounted upon a borrowed horse which had all the qualities
of an ox, except its freedom from stumbling and falling; he
was in no charge, though on the field and a close observer of
what was passing. On the hills to our right and front the
enemy had several field-pieces. Beyond these a broad road
descended from the ridges, running south, and from the fre
quency of the passage of horsemen along this roapl, we con
cluded it was the line of communication between General
Meade and his supply and ammunition-trains. The firing on
our skirmish-line began before noon, and steadily continued,
and at times so hotly that it required some effort on the part

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 87
of officers to hold the men to it. The men immediately to
our right began finally to give way, and the Federal sharp
shooters advanced so as almost to enfilade our right flank.
About the same time the roar of artillery began on the ridges
to our right, and also to resound from the hills yet farther to
the west. The roar of the guns created the impression that
our lines must run in an irregular, semi-horseshoe shape
around the high ridges. After the roar of the artillery, the
grandest and most terrific we had ever heard, had ceased,
several hundred of the enemy's skirmishers were thrown for
ward to reinforce and extend the right of their skirmish-line.
We viewed the approach of these troops as they descended
from the highland beyond the bottom with some anxiety
because our left was already in danger of being turned. We
soon discovered another body of the enemy, emerging from
a distant grove to our left. They marched until they reached
the fence which crossed the plain, and connected with the
right of the line already in the field, and then halting along
the fence, opened a hot rifle fire upon our new force, which
was now moving up directly in front of them. This fire did
not check our men, but, advancing steadily until close upon
them, they rushed at the enemy with a hearty yell, which was
echoed down the entire line, and the men in blue, running
from all points, were pursued by our men so rapidly and with
such ardor that they could not be recalled in time to save
them from the charge of a mounted regiment which, pass
ing through them, captured some.
The mounted men of our brigade were now ordered to
charge. They passed through the yard of the barn, under a
raking fire from the guns to our right, and, doubling the head
of the bottom, dashed up the slope to meet the foe. The lit
tle band led by ChambUss did not apparently exceed two hun
dred men. Reaching a fence which separated them from the
enemy, they halted in Hne, and used their carbines until the
fence was thrown down. It seemed to one who stood in a
place of comparative safety that the enemy slackened their

88 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
fire, curious to see if so few would dare to cross sabres with
them. When the fence had been thrown down the brigade,
with headlong impetuosity, hurled its columns upon the
enemy's line, and for a few moments sabres flashed and pistols
cracked. The work was soon over. Pierced and doubled up
from centre to flanks, the enemy fled in disorder, leaving
many prisoners in the hands of our men. Meanwhile fresh
troops of the enemy were dashing to the rescue, and our
brigade, threatened in the rear, had in turn to fly. The cap
tors of prisoners became now prisoners themselves. The
charging party pursued our men to the barn-lot, where Lieu
tenant Beale's horse fell, pierced with three baUs. The shouts
of Hampton's men, hastening to their support, are heard as
our brigade pass the barn, near which they speedily reform.
Upon looking towards the plain, the Federal line is seen now
to have grown in numbers, and extends so far that we cannot
see the end of it. Hampton is riding at a gallop at the head
of his column, and halts not until he reaches the foe, where
wounds from pistol and sabre are inflicted upon him at the
same time. He was but fairly engaged upon the left flank,
when Fitz. Lee's division came in upon his left, and now
the rays of the setting sun are thrown back from a thousand
flashing sabres, and the ringing clash of steel is heard above
the sharp reports of Colt's revolvers. The enemy's guns, as
though dreading" some fresh advance, were trained upon the
field in which the writer stood.
The Confederate sabre proved now, as it had generally
proved before, too much for our foes, who, breaking in rout,
were driven — cavalry and artillery — entirely over the hills.
We were informed by a captured lieutenant that our men
ended their pursuit within three or four hundred yards of
General Meade's train of wagons, with his reserve ammuni
tion. Darkness now covered the scene, and some of our dead
were necessarily left upon the field.
We saw at the close of the charge made by our brigade,
in the hands of Privates Thomas Jett and George Carroll,

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 8g
the hilts of their sabres, from which the blades had been cut,
as they were warding off the blows of their antagonists. The
brim of Carroll's hat had been neatly parted with a sabre, and
a gash inflicted along the roots of his hair on the forehead.
He said his foeman's weapon was again uplifted to cleave his
head, when the pistol of a comrade planted its ball in the
heart of his partner in the bloody game.
For the numbers engaged, our losses were heavier than on
any previous day's fighting. Private W. A. Richerson, of
Company B, was mortally wounded, and his brother, Ser
geant-Major Reuben Richerson, remaining with him, was
captured in Gettysburg. Private Burdett B. Ashton, of Com
pany C, was missing, and though a party was sent over the
battle-field in search of his body, it was not found, nor was it
ever heard of afterwards.
On hearing the next day of Pickett's glorious charge, we
wondered that our fight had not been made simultaneously.
Diminished as our numbers were, if we met all whom General
Meade had on that flank, we might have ridden through his
line of communication in the morning more easily than we;
hurled back his attack upon us in the evening. We moved
back early in the night, and bivouacked on a road leading-
into Gettysburg.

CHAPTER IX.
Retreat from Gettysburg — Passing Our Infantry Line — On Road to Em
mettsburg — Meeting the Enemy in a Mountain Pass — Ride to Leiters
burg in the Dark — March to Hagerstown — Fighting in the Town —
Pursuing Enemy Towards Williamsport — Charging Cannon — Lieuten
ant Ball's Gallantry — Sergeant Washington's Death — Bi-vxsuacking
Near the Potomac — Fighting on Boonsboro' Road — Driven into
Hagerstown — On Greencastle Road — Expecting a Great Battle— Re
crossing the Potomac.

On the morning of July 4th we moved to the right of our
army, passing along in front of the infantry line, who ap
peared defiant and undaunted. Nothing betokened that we
had suffered any reverse until we reached Pickett's division.
Here we learned the extent of our'loss on the day previous,
and the certainty was disclosed of a disagreeable and
fatiguing retreat before us. We next came to a great camp of
prisoners of war, and barely cleared the infantry lines by
dark. The night set in rainy and very dark. After halting
in the road some time, we moved slowly, and arrived at Em
mettsburg about Hght next morning. A few prisoners, ambu
lances, and sutlers' stores fell into our hands. We left the
main 'pike leading from Emmettsburg before noon, and,
filing off to the right, followed a narrow road which pene
trated the Catoctin mountains along a ravine, having on
•either side precipitous bluffs and spurs. About three o'clock
P. M. the sharp report of rifles was heard at the head of the
column, and Lieutenant Pollard was ordered to the front.
Dismounting his men, and throwing them out along the side
of the mountain, the firing soon receded and we pushed on.
At the western end of this mountain defile the country
opened with an undulating landscape of rolling hills, and a
battery' of the enemy posted to command the gorge began
[90]

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. gi
throwing its missiles as soon as the head of our column
appeared at its mouth. Climbing up the steep mountain
side on our right, and using some cavalry horses to aid those
of the artillery, several of our guns were drawn to the sum
mit, and they very soon drove the enemy's guns to a dis
tance so respectful that their balls fell short of our men. From
the mountain we could see a body of the enemy's cavalry in
the distance, but could form no idea of their number.
About sunset General Stuart pointed from a hill in the
direction of Leitersburg", and directed the writer to proceed
thither with a part of his command, but to be wary, as the
enemy might be there. He said he could not furnish a guide.
He sent a dispatch, to be forwarded to General R. E. Lee,
who was expected at a point about seven miles to the right.
Our party was small, consisting principally of Company C.
The night was intensely dark, and the road had several forks
and crossings, so that the danger of becoming lost became
great and imminent. Twice we barely escaped coming into
contact with bodies of hostile cavalry ten times our numbers.
However, we finally reached the little town in safety. An
officer with ten men was sent with the dispatch to General
Lee. Pickets were posted on the roads leading into the
viHage, and the Colonel and his little reserve rested on their
arms in the town.
About three o'clock A. M. the party who had been sent
with the dispatch to General Lee returned without having
found him. They reported having come upon many of our
wagons with the spokes of the wheels cut, and that just as
they reached a little village three hundred Yankee cavalry
were leaving it, and that they were marching towards Leiters
burg. At the same time our pickets reported large forces of
cavalry approaching us on each road. The fences were
hastily removed, and a way opened to a body of wood not
far off. We were speedily reHeved of all apprehension by
the information that the approaching cavalry was General
Stuart's.

g2 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
After a good breakfast, our brigade under Chambliss took
the road for Hagerstown. Our regiment was sent forward
to ascertain if the enemy was there, and to communicate with
Colonel ChambHss. We found no enemy there, and this in
formation was sent back. While our pickets were being
posted, however, several regiments of the enemy were dis
covered approaching from the soiitheast on the road which
entered the town by the Female College. The greater part
of the brigade having gotten up, we were instructed to tole
the enemy in. We had scarcely time to join the picket on
the College road, under Lieutenant Davis, of Company G,
before the enemy was discovered coming fast enough. This
picket held their ground until the leading squadron charged
them, and then wheeled and retreated. Colonel J. Lucius
Davis had drawn up his regiment — the Tenth — in line from
north to south, on the main street leading through the town,
and directly across that on which the pickets were retreating.
These men, intermixed with the leading files of the charging
enemy, came at full speed into contact with the men of the
Tenth Regiment. Colonel Davis, spurring his horse forward,
ordered a charge. His horse was soon shot, and fell beneath
him, and the Colonel was seen defending himself with his
sabre. The regiment was soon moving back up the main
street. There was, however, no panic. The Tenth quickly
halted and faced about. Our whole force was now ordered.
back to the hill above the town. Several of the enemy who
followed us up Main street were shot, or cut down with the
sabre. On elevated ground beyond the town we found several
companies of our infantry, some of the men posted behind
stone fences, and some in the yard of a house beside the 'pike.
Our men with carbines were here ordered to dismount, and
were sent back to dislodge the enemy from the town. Cap
tain Haynes commanded, and, though it was a critical under
taking, it was very handsomely accomplished. While
Haynes and his men occupied the inclosed space about the

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. g3
market-house, with their ammunition almost exhausted, a
squadron of Federal cavalry charged up A^ain street, re
ceiving the fire of the whole force. Their leader was killed,
and the men, seeming not to know what else to do, came at
full speed up through the town. The infantry gave them a
volley at close range, disabling several horses and wounding
a number of men. Our mounted men, occupying the road
under Lieutenant Beale, now charged, driving the enemy
into a field, and capturing the entire party. They belonged
to the First West V^irginia Cavalry.
Two Federal guns were placed in the yard of the Female
College, and were fired upon us; but no shot was returned.
As soon as Haynes reached the farther end of the town with
his body of sharpshooters, the Thirteenth and Ninth regi
ments again occupied the Main street.
Late in the afternoon loud cheers along our line an
nounced the presence of General Stuart, whose horse's feet
clashed against the pavement at the side of the street as he
dashed forward to the front. The enemy were now retreat
ing from their position above the college across to the turn
pike leading to Williamsport, and down that 'pike. We
speedily followed them, the Thirteenth Regiment in front,
and ours next to them, on the 'pike, and a large cavalry force
that had arrived with General Stuart to our left on a line
parallel with the 'pike. We moved down the broad macada
mized road at a trot. Before we had gone a mile, shells
throvi^n from guns posted on the crest of a hill in front of us
began to burst over and near us. As we approached the hill
these guns disappeared, but no sooner had we reached the
crest and began to descend into the valley beyond than they
opened upon us from the next elevation with renewed vigor.
At the foot of the hill, in the bottom, a small body of cavalry
was stationed some three hundred yards in front of the guns.
As we approached, this party fled to the left of the 'pike into
a small body of timber which stood near, and were pursued
by the Thirteenth, leaving the Ninth on the 'pike, with a few

g4 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
men also of the Thirteenth. Now volleys of canister swept
down the smooth broad 'pike. As we neared the guns our
pace was quickened. Lieutenant Beale and Sergeant Richard
Washington were leading. As soon as the ascent of the hiU
began on which the guns were posted our column of fours
divided, two files taking one side of the broad roadway and
two the other side. Upon nearing the summit, and when
not over twenty paces from the muzzle of the guns, the last
charge of canister, before escaping from the net of wire
which enclosed it, struck one of our men in front, who, reel
ing, fell heavily to the ground. Our column paused, though
the guns were deserted by the enemy. The fence on either
side of the 'pike was lined with riflemen. Riding from .the
centre of the regiment to the front, the writer called to the
men : "' Take those guns, boys," just as our General's voice
was heard ordering the column into the field to the left, say
ing as we passed from the 'pike : " That place will be too hot
for you." While this was passing the enemy limbered up,
and the guns were gone; and the fire of the dismounted men
ceased as soon as the guns were removed. We had now-
passed into a wheat-field, and were broken into small squads.
Under the impression that his son had been killed, and,
unwilling to leave his body, there in the road, the writer stop
ped and for some minutes was quietly discharging his pistol
at the Federal line of mounted men in our front, extending
across the 'pike and through the field to the right, and which
must have been composed of two or three full regiments.
In our rear along a wooded bottom was the command that
had been brought up with General Stuart. He was now
riding in front of their line waving his sword and command
ing : " Stop your firing; you are shooting our men. Charge ! "
It seemed a critical moment. Had the enemy made a vigor
ous charge it would have been disastrous to us. Just at this
moment Lieutenant James K. Ball, of Company D, rode up
to the author, exclaiming loudly : " Rally, Ninth ! Here's
Colonel Beale; he will lead us! " The men fell rapidly into

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. g3
order without regard to companies, and, led by that gallant
lieutenant, they were hurled against the centre of the enemy's
line in front. Ringing shouts from the forces behind told
that they had caught the enthusiasm, and ere they had crossed
to the right of the 'pike the whole body of the enemy were
wheeling and running. The country was open towards Wil
liamsport, and as far as could be seen no rallying in -front
of our troops was allowed. When we followed their track, a
half hour later, the work of their sabres and pistols told a
sorrowful tale for our foes.
Returning to the scene of our charge upon the cannon,
the writer found that not his son, but Sergeant Richard
Washington lay dead in the arms of his weeping brother.
Lieutenant Beale was ordered to see that the remains of his
brave, high-toned, noble, fallen comrade were safely con
veyed across the Potomac.
The Colonel, attended by the bugler and color-bearer, now
rode forward to collect the scattered companies. Passing
over the field of the fight and seeing the dead, we knew the
enemy's loss had been severe. We paroled next morning
over eighty officers and men. It was considerably after night
fall when the bulk of the regiment was found on the hills
above Williamsport. We bivouacked in a field, and our flag-
bearer, going to a neighboring house for fire and water,
brought back a message from the lady occupant, asking that
we would please encamp in her yard, as the house was full
of Yankees. We found two Federal and one Confederate
officer very seriously wounded in the house and about six
Union soldiers nursing them. A search of the stable was
made, and three more were found. We left three to nurse
the wounded officers, and sent the others to the provost-
guard. The gallantry of Lieutenant Ball was specially mentioned
in the Colonel's report, but received no higher official notice.
We now retraced our steps to Hagerstown, and, passing
through Funkstown, encountered the enemy on the Boons-

g6 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
boro' road. For two days the command held the cavalry in
check, finally driving them back upon their infantry. The
loss of the regiment was considerable during these two days,
chiefly from Companies G and H (under command of Second-
Lieutenant Nick Davis, of Lunenburg), who were acting on
foot as skirmishers. We recrossed the Antietam at Funks-
town under fire of the Federal artillery, and, passing through
the line of our infantry, bivouacked on the Hagerstown road.
Next day we moved to the north and east of Hagerstown,
and, crossing the Antietam a mile from the town, felt the
enemy in that direction. We then recrossed the river, and
became the outpost guard at the bridge, the remainder of
the brigade bivouacking between us and the town. General
Meade's army, in fuU force, was now immediately in our
front. General Lee was in position east and south of Hagers
town quietly awaiting an attack. Our regiment was stationed
about four hundred yards from the bridge, at the intersection
with the 'pike, of a road leading to a ford below. General
Robinson's brigade occupied positions higher up the stream
to our left. By some mistake the pickets sent from our regi
ment had been posted in front of Robinson's men. It was
not till after nine o'clock P. M. that Lieutenant Beale, sent
with a company to barricade the bridge, reported the fact
that our front was open. Pickets were immediately posted at
the bridge and crossings of the river, and Captain Oliver was
ordered to take a position in advance of us with a squadron,
with instructions for the men to rest on their arms.
About dawn of the following morning a scout came in
and reported that all the obstructions had been removed by
the enemy from a road leading to a ford above the bridge,
and that cavalry was being massed on the road beyond the
bridge. At the same moment a courier from General Cham
bliss reported that he had moved to reinforce General Robin
son. Orders were given the company officers to saddle up
and mount the men as rapidly as possible. Captain Oliver
was ordered to hold the bridge. The enemy, however, crossed

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. g7
the bridge and were driving Oliver back. He was joined by
Lieutenant Davis with his squadron, and these held the
enemy in check until the remainder of the regiment was
moved out. We fell back from hill to hill, holding each as
long as possible, the enemy pressing- up closely. Just before
we entered Hagerstown a charge by a heavy column drove
us in some disorder into the town. The enemy only used
carbine and pistol. We had several men wounded; but few
seriously, and none mortally. Several of our videttes were
made prisoners.
Our brigade now passed to guard the Green Castle road,
and all expected another grand battle would this day be
fought on Maryland soil. It rained, as it had done for two
weeks previous, in showers heavy and almost continuous.
General Meade, showing no disposition to improve the ad
vantage gained at Gettysburg, our army was put in motion
at night, and, evacuating its positions, recrossed the Potomac
at Falling Waters and Williamsport. Our brigade forded at
the latter point. The river was high, and the current rapid,
and the water rose to the top of our horses' backs. The wet
ting received was not uncomfortable, however, to men who
had not been dryly clad for fourteen days.

CHAPTER X.
The Author Obtains Leave of Absence — Heavy Skirmishing Near Shep
herdstown — The Return to Culpeper — Fight of September 13th — Colo
nel Beale Wounded — At Raccoon Ford — Fight at Morton's Ford —
Battle at Brandy Station — March to Warrenton — Engagement at Au
burn Mills — On the Plains of Manassas — Captain Haynes Wounded —
Under Fire at Manassas Junction — Lieutenant Davis Killed — Return
to Culpeper — Retreat from Culpeper — On Robinson River — Pursuing
Averill.

The author was sick and broken down on reaching A^'ir-
ginia, and was forced to linger in the rear until the regiment
reached Culpeper, when he obtained a ten days' leave of ab
sence. Major Waller was in command, and the regiment
camped near Leetown for several days. The enemy's cavalry
having crossed the Potomac and moved up to Shepherds
town, the road to that point was taken by our division, and
some heavy skirmishing- occurred. Colonel Drake, of the
First Regiment, was killed, and the Ninth suffered some loss.
The march afterwards was through Leetown and Smithfield,
and they bivouacked on the road to Front Royal. Next clay
the Shenandoah was crossed by a blind ford, and after march
ing through Rappahannock county, the regiment was left on
picket at Gourdvine Church. From this point they returned
to the vicinity of Brandy Station, and again encamped on
the farm of John Minor Botts. An advance of the enemy
from Rappahannock Bridge on August 4th brought on an
engagement in the plain below Miller's Mill, in which the
regiment took an active part, and was for some minutes a
target for several of the enemy's guns. The casualties were
slight. We remained in camp in a measure inactive until the 13th
of September, On the morning of that day, at three o'clock,
[98]

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. gg
we were ordered to pack our wagons and move them towards
the Courthouse before daylight. Ere sunrise a long line of
dismounted cavalrymen advanced over the hills east of
Brandy Station, accompanied with artillery, and, followed by
heavy columns of mounted men. Brigadier-General Loniax,
in the absence of General Chambliss, was in command. The
numbers of the enemy were overwhelming, and in the en
deavor to check their columns in front, we were exposed to
great danger of being surrounded by their forces threatening
our flanks. The author had charge of the right wing, con
sisting of the Fifteenth Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Collins, dismounted, and a part of the Ninth, mounted. The
force was insufficient to cover the ground assigned them, and
a request was sent for a reinforcement. This was promised,
and, it seems, was sent, but it came not. Finding both flanks
heavily pressed, the author rode towards the centre to look
for and direct the promised support, and he found both the
centre and left in full retreat, and some distance in the rear.
Orders, with a view to extricating the little command, were
at once given, and our retreat commenced. Collins was
directed to follow a line of ravines and then the railroad em
bankment, and Pratt was ordered with his mounted men to
watch the left flank and rear. Riding with the brigade staff
towards the right of our line, a bullet passed deep into the
writer's leg, and the loss of blood forced him to move on to
the Courthouse.
The dismounted men, in falling back, were charged twice
before reaching the Courthouse, and some of them were cap
tured. A dashing charge by our mounted squadron released
a good many of our men, and captured some of the enemy in
turn. A charge made by the enemy in the street of Culpeper
resulted in the capture of a gun under escort of a squadron
of the Ninth — the first ever taken. The command was
gradually forced back towards the Rapidan. As they retired
a dash by a mounted force on the wooded hills beyond the
town was repulsed by our men, pistols being used at very
close quarters.

100 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavab'y..
Captains Pratt and Boiling were wounded, and Lieutenant
Love, of Company G, badly so in the shoulder. Private
(^Richard Corbin,' of Company B, and several others were
killed, o^^t^e-v v\.oSs f*-*-^'!^ l\r- ¦(.*¦,¦,•,
The author, after being wounded, was taken to Orange
Courthouse, where the bullet was extracted. Thence he was
taken to CharlottesviHe to the care of a sister (Mrs. Davis),
His wound, with several painful and serious complications,
confined him for many weeks. He reached home in October,
and returned to the command in November, but was sent
back by General R. E. Lee as unfit for duty. He did not
resume command of the regiment until the 25th of December.
It was then encamped on the mountain above Charlottesville.
During his absence the movements of the regiment were care
fully noted and recorded for him by another hand.
On the day after the retreat to the Rapidan the command
moved down the river and camped near Raccoon Ford, in
which vicinity we remained until about the loth of October.
We 'then followed our infantry, which had been passing for
two days, and, proceeding up the river, were halted at the
Madison House, in the fork of the Rapidan and Robinson
rivers. Early next day we began to retrace Our steps to the
camp we had left. Here we halted but for a night, and then
moved down to Morton's Ford, At this point the enemy had
crossed to the south side of the river, and were occupying
a line of rifle-pits which our infantry had evacuated. As we
approached, their sharpshooters opened on us from these
works. They used their artillery, also, with some injury to
our men.
A squadron was dismounted under Captain Boiling, and
put in line with detachments from other regiments, and a
small force of infantry which had been left on guard. This
party, under Colonel Rosser, made a vigorous and determined
attack, carried the position, and drove the enemy across the
river. The artillery commanding the approaches to the river
checked our efforts for a time to force a passage. By noon.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. lor
however, the enemy retreated, and we were in full pursuit.
Captain Boiling was again wounded. The enemy was fall
ing back towards Brandy Station by way of Stevensburg. As
we drew near to the station we were ordered to prepare for
action. A .long line of bluecoats, moving rapidly from the
direction of Culpeper Courthouse, could be seen hastening
to support the brigade that was flying before us. Forming
column of squadrons, we marched at a trot till we were very
near the station, and then paused a moment to dress our
ranks. Our direction was now changed a little to the right,
and, crossing the railroad under a severe fire from the enemy's
batteries, we charged into the right of their line a few hun
dred yards north of the station.* Heavy bodies of mounted
men dashed up to support the enemy's broken line, and for
some minutes, with broken ranks, in confused order, and
without leaders, we fought hand to hand. We were being
forced back by the weight of superior numbers, when our
support, the Thirteenth Regiment, came up, and, making a
magnificent, dashing charge upon the enemy, enabled us to
rally, reform our ranks, and charge again. This last charge
was decisive, and we were victors on this part of the field, the
enemy being driven back under cover of their infantry and
artillery on Miller's Hill. StiH exposed to the fire of the
enemy's artillery, we were withdrawn from the field of battle
and ordered to form a line under the shelter of the hill at
Fleetwood. We then moved forward under command of
Captain Samuel Swann, Major WaHer being wounded, to dis
lodge some sharpshooters who were posted on the opposite
hill. Reaching a small body of woods at the base of the hill,
we halted and returned the enemy's fire until Colonel Rosser
came up with the Fifth Regiment, when we advanced with
him, the enemy retreating rapidly. Night now closed in upon
us, and we were withdrawn to bivouac on Green's farm, near
*A graphic account of this charge and of the " rebel yell " that accom
panied it, by Comrade J. Harvie Dew, of New York, may be found in the
Appendix. — G. W. B.

102 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Welford's Ford, the Third Squadron being sent to guard the
Ford, and watch the retiring foe. Our loss was from sixteen
to twenty men killed, wounded, and missing.
The next day we resumed the pursuit, crossing at Wel
ford's Ford and camping at a mill on the Rappahannock
river. We marched next to Warrenton, having a slight skir
mish on the way, and capturing a few stragglers from the
enemy's lines. Near Warrenton we halted to feed, and, then
moving forward, encountered the enemy near Auburn Mills.
Here our dismounted sharpshooters were engaged until
night, and the mounted squadrons were often within range
of the enemy's rifles. We had two men killed. Returning on
the road leading to Warrenton, we bivouacked for the night.
Here General Rhodes' division of infantry passed us, moving
towards Auburn, and Captain Oliver's squadron was detailed
with orders to report to that General. Continuing the march
next morning, we followed the turnpike leading towards
Alexandria, and in the afternoon bore to the right towards
Bristoe Station, where, about sunset, we witnessed a sharp
and bloody encounter between the advance brigade of our
infantry and the rear one of Meade's army.
After having received at nightfall full supplies of food for
men and horses, we marched on the following day to the
familiar, blood-stained fields of Manassas, with Major-Gene
ral Fitz. Lee commanding the brigades of Wickham, Lomax,
and ChambHss. These were drawn up in order of battle, and
the long line of skirmishers in front was placed under com
mand of our brave and skilful Captain Thomas Haynes. We
met the enemy on the plain, in the midst of which stands the
large brick house, which was on a former occasion the head
quarters of General Beauregard, and they were driven before
us beyond Bull Run. They selected a strong position beyond
the stream, and occupied it with a considerable force. With
the rifles of our dismounted men, aided by artillery, the at
tempt was made to dislodge them. Captain Haynes was
commanding a Hne too long to watch on foot, and as he

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 103
rode on horseback from point to point encouraging his men
and directing their fire, he became a target for hundreds of
rifles. He presently fell, pierced by a bullet which, passing
near the spine, paralyzed his lower limbs. He was borne back
to the brick house, as was supposed, to die, his wound being
pronounced fatal. Disabled for hfe, he did survive; but no
more could his bright sabre be 'seen flashing in his uplifted
hand; nor his manly voice be heard above the din of battle
cheering and inspiring his men to deeds of daring and glory.
We bivouacked as darkness came on near the house where
the wounded Captain lay, and many of the soldiers came to
look with tears for the last time upon him, known and loved
as he was by every man in the regiment.
We remained in this vicinity for two days, and on the i8th
of October marched over to Manassas Junction, and, halt
ing near night, were ordered not to unsaddle. Lieutenant
Nick Davis commanding Companies G and H, was sent out
on the road leading over Bull Run, and the Second Squad
ron was posted so as to support him if attacked. These dis
positions having been made, the remainder of the regiment
bivouacked, and began preparations for supper. Ere the
frying-pans were warm, however, a rapid discharge of rifles
was heard on the road in front, and the bugles rang out
To horse! throughout our camp. Before a squadron could
be formed the red flashes of carbines and pistols could be seen
in the gathering darkness. Nearer and nearer the firing
came, both of our squadrons being pressed and driven back
by an overwhelming force. Rallying his few scattered men
near where th-e regiment was forming, Davis cried: " Follow
me," and, turning upon the enemy, made a gallant stand,
nobly vindicating the high appreciation and confidence in
which his superior officers held him. It was, he must have
known, a forlorn hope, but the enemy must be checked until
the other squadrons could form, and though in the shadowy
twilight this young officer went down to be seen by us no
more on earth, he accompHshed his brave purpose, saved his

104 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
comrades, and laid down his young life on the altar of his
country, with all its budding hope and promise, and added
another name to the sacred catalogue of martyrs who*have
dared to die for Duty and for Liberty. The regiment was
now mounted, and though it was growing dark, the enemy
pressed up, and we exchanged shots at very close quarters,
and, indeed, some hand-to-hand blows. Our retreat was
without panic and in good order. Our loss was eight killed
and wounded. Two privates, Lewis and Haskins, of Com
pany F, were killed. The horse of Lieutenant Davis came in.
His body was with the foe.
The enemy appeared in our front, beyond a stream, next
morning, but was held in check by our artillery. Our march
in the afternoon was along the line of the Orange and Alex
andria railroad, and we bivouacked at night without food for
man or horse. Resuming the saddle, we marched to Catlett's
Station, and near by halted to graze our well-nigh famished
horses. We next made a forced march to Buckland, near
which we encountered the pickets of General Kilpatrick's
command. We were very soon hotly engaged. Before night
the whole body of the enemy were in rout, and were pursued
by us over a large stream. Lieutenant Cullen, of Company
H, was wounded.
The next day our march was through Fauquier county,
along the line of our recent advance, and we passed over the
field of our fight at Auburn, and saw from numerous fresh
graves that our shots had been well aimed. We reached Wel
ford's Ford at dark. The river was very high, but after some
delay we effected a passage, and cold, wearied, wet and hun
gry, bivouacked on the Green farm.
The regiment, now commanded by Captain Hughlett, of
Company D, was on the foUowing day ordered to report to
General George H. Steuart, commanding- a brigade of infan
try, and stationed at the railroad bridge over the Rappahan
nock. We were for three days in front of this bi-igade, and
on several occasions skirmishing with the enemy without

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 103
receiving or inflicting any loss. Recrossing the Rappahan
nock, we remained for some days in Culpeper, doing picket
duty near the bridge. On the 6th of December we moved
with our division to Miller's Hill, and were put into position,
awaiting the advance of the enemy. We fell back in the
evening to the Courthouse, and early next morning marched
out on one side of the town, as the enemy's cavalry came in
on the opposite side. After making a short detour on the
Sperryville road, in which we were exposed in crossing a
field to the fire of a masked battery, we moved to the vicinity
of the Madison House, near the junction of the Rapidan and
Robinson rivers.
Here we remained doing picket duty, and aHowing details
of the men to go home in quest of fresh horses, until Christ
mas. An order was put into effect while here to distinguish
the regiments in the brigade by a sign or badge, to be worn
on the hats of the men. The Ninth regiment was henceforth
designated by a star, which was afterwards generally to be
seen attached to the front of the men's hats.
Our next move was to a point a few miles above Char
lottesville, whence the regiment accompanied the expedition
in search of Averill. Their line of march was through Au
gusta, Rockbridge, and Botetourt counties, by way of Lex
ington, Natural Bridge, Buchanan, and Fincastle. Thence
they passed near the White Sulphur Springs, over into Lost-
River Valley, and on to the vicinity of Moorfield, in Hardy
county, W. Va.
While crossing Jackson river Private Luther Marmaduke,
of Company K, was swept down by the swollen current and
drowned. The weather was intensely cold, and the earth
covered with snow. Pitiless rains fell, forming sheets of ice
along the roads. It was impossible to keep the horses roughly
shod, and on the steep mountain descents the troopers were
forced at times to dismount and lead their weary steeds cau
tiously over the slippery roads.
The brigade flag with the men who remained fit for ser-

io6 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
vice reached the camp above Charlottesville on the 14th of
January, 1864. Most of the horses employed in this dread
ful expedition were completely broken down, and many of
the men, ragged, frost-bitten, and worn out, returned limping
to camp in squads.

CHAPTER XI.
Marching from Charlottesville to Centre Cross — A Small Force in- Camp —
Weary Marches Under Mistaken Orders— A Bootless Chase After Kil
patrick — Capture of Dahlgren's Party — Papers and Book Found on
Dahlgren's Body — Marching and Countermarching in King and
Queen — Hastening to Check Kilpatrick in Middlesex — His Passage
Through the Northern Neck.

The author had returned to camp the day after Christmas,
and was waiting impatiently the arrival of General Chambliss,
with the brigade, hoping to secure permission to move the
regiment to the banks of the Lower Rappahannock to winter
and recruit horses and men. Some of the men now in camp
had horses in serviceable condition, but the majority of them
were practically dismounted. The order to move was re
ceived on the night of the 19th of January. A military ball
in Charlottesville that night had attracted most of the officers
and men whose wardrobes could supply an unpatched suit,
and a heavy draft had been made for sabres as a part of the
hall decorations. By day-dawn on the morning of the 20th
our tents were struck and wagons packed, and the regiment,
partly mounted and partly afoot, with a small train of
wagons, was put in motion for the lower country.
The march was necessarily slow, yet the anticipation of a
good commissariat, mingled with the hope of a short fur
lough to greet once more the dear ones at home, seemed to
give elasticity to both hoof and heel. Our first bivouac for
the night was near Trevillian's Station, on the Central rail
road. 5^esuming the march early next day, we passed White
Hall, and halted again for the night at Chesterfield Station.
Another day's march brought us to Newtown. On the 24th
of January we reached the vicinity of Centre Cross, in Essex,
[107]

io8 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
and on the following morning located our camp near by,
on the land of a Mr. Hundley. Company G, from Lunenbtirg
county, were furloughed on the march down. Companies C,
D, I, and K, from the counties of Westmoreland, Lancaster,
King George, and Richmond, were sent to their respective
counties in the Northern Neck, to assist Majors Waite and
Dade, division quartermaster and commissary, in collecting
tithes of bacon, and forwarding grain, cattle, and sheep to
convenient points for shipment to the south side of the Rap
pahannock for the use of our army. Opportunities were
found to furlough the remaining companies in details for
short visits to their homes. Our picket-line extended from
the Piankatank to the Mattaponi river, and the details for
this duty, with the absence of the companies mentioned
above, left us only about one hundred and fifty effective men
in February, when an order was received to move with the
utmost dispatch to support General Young at Fredericks
burg. After having made a hurried and laborious march of
twenty-four hours to Hamilton's Crossing a courier informed
us rather cavalierly that the order which we had received had
been a mistake of the Adjutant's. The writer called on Gene
ral Hampton, represented the condition of the regiment, and
begged that no further mistakes of the kind might be made.
He was assured by the General that he knew nothing of the
order. After obtaining such scanty rations as could be sup
plied for men and horses, we retraced our steps to the camp,
in Essex.
About ten days later, we were ordered to Hanover Court
house to find again, after reaching there, that it was all a mis
take. Upon each of these occasions we marched over winter
roads at least sixty miles in twenty-four hours.
Near the close of February an order was received for the
regiment to proceed to Hanover Junction, and await further
orders. We marched for the third time sixty miles in twenty-
four hours. At the Junction we received no orders, but, find
ing that Kilpatrick was making a raid towards Richmond,

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. log
our march, after we had drawn a supply of ammunition, was
continued to Taylorsville. At this point we were informed
by one of our generals of infantry that the enemy had been
headed off by Hampton, and must retreat to the Rapidan,
and that we would probably encounter them about Ashland.
To Ashland we directed our march. When within two miles
of this point, information was obtained that the main body
of the enemy were near Old Church; but that we might strike
a force of about two hundred at Hanover Courthouse. Our
direction was immediately changed for this point. About
dark we reached it, and found that the force of which "we had
been informed had passed in the morning, without halting.
Rest for man and horse was now an imperative need, and the
command bivouacked around a church a few hundred yards
from the Courthouse. Before our supper of cold bread was
over one of our pickets sent in a man taken under such sus
picious circumstances as to induce the belief that he was a
Yankee. He was at once subjected to a rigid examina
tion, and it was found that he had been captured in the morn
ing by a party of the enemy under command of Colonel Ulric
Dahlgren, and had made his escape; and, further, that this
party, after passing the Courthouse, had moved to Indian-
town Ferry, on the Pamunkey, at which point abotjt one-
fourth had crossed, and the remainder had moved clown the
south bank towards Old Church. We also learned from him
that the party that crossed the river had orders to go by Sa
luda to Gloucester Poiht. In doing this they would approach
dangerously near to our camp in Essex. A trusty and tried
soldier Avas, therefore, immediately summoned, and, furnished
with an order to impress horses, if needed, on his way, was
sent with information and orders to the officer in charge of
the camp. He was directed to reach the camp without fail
by dawn next morning.
As soon as the horses had eaten the bugle sounded, and we
moved down the road in the direction of Old Church. Just
before light the advance was halted by a picket near this place.

110 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
It proved to be a picket of Colonel Bradley T. Johnson's
command. We now halted, got breakfast, and then marched
rapidly as far down as Tunstall's Station. We saw only the
half-extinct fires of the enemy's camp, and the evidences of
their outrages upon helpless and defenceless families, and
after a bootless chase returned to the junction of the road
leading down to New Castle Ferry. Here we halted and
bivouacked to await the return of a courier that had been sent
to General Hampton in the morning.
Whilst seated around our fires here a courier rode up, in
quiring for the colonel of the regiment. He bore a dispatch
from Lieutenant James Pollard, commanding Company H,
who had been located with his command at King WiHiam
Courthouse before we set out on our march. The dispatch
was accompanied with a bundle of papers and memorandum-
book. The dispatch was to the effect that Pollard, having
been notified by his pickets of the approach of a party of the
enemy, had hastily collected in addition to his own command,
a number of the Home Guards, furloughed soldiers, and re
serves, and, after crossing the Mattaponi, had taken position
at Dunkirk to dispute their passage. After waiting some time
he learned the party had discovered a boat and crossed two
miles below him at Aylett's. He immediately pursued them,
and his party, availing themselves of their familiarity with the
country, before nightfall succeeded in getting aliead of them.
As he pursued his march he was joined by others of the above-
mentioned troops, until his force numbered about one hun
dred, the Home Guards being under Captain Richard Hugh
Bagby — all ready to dispute the enemy's advance. The men
were posted in ambush. From a reconnoissance made, none
expected an advance before morning. Captain Campbell
Fox, of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry, being the senior officer
present, took command. About eleven o'clock the tramp of
horses was heard. When they had approached within twenty
paces, the Federal officer commanding cried out- " Surrender,
you damned rebels, or we'll charge you ! " " Fire," ordered

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. iii
Captain Fox, and the Federal horsemen retreated rapidly.
The leader, who proved to be Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, had
fallen as his horse wheeled. He was killed instantaneously,
being struck by five buckshot. The men of the party, deserted
during the night by their officers, next morning from the flat
below the hill, sent in the white flag by two Confederate
prisoners, whom they had previously captured.
The papers which were sent with the dispatch conveying
the above information, were those found on Dahlgren's per
son. Most of these papers had been copied from the memo
randum-book. They comprised an address to his command
in view of the hazardous enterprise in which they were to
engage; the order of attack upon the city of Richmond; en
joining the release of the prisoners on Belle Isle; the assassi
nation of the officers of the Confederate Government; the
burning and gutting of the city, with directions where to
apply for the combustibles necessary to set it on fire, and an
exact copy of the last field return of our cavalry made to
General Stuart, with the location of every regiment indicated.
This return had been furnished by the Bureau of Information
in Washington. The orders and directions were ujisigned.
The papers were forwarded by Pollard's courier to Richmond.
The order-book was retained. After the papers were pub
lished in the newspapers and their authenticity was denied
by the northern press, inquiries came to the writer from the
government in Richmond, and an order for the book, which
was accordingly sent on.*
We set out next morning for our camp by way of New
Castle Ferry, and reached it the following day. Our orders
from General Stuart now were to watch the movements of
Kilpatrick, who was at Gloucester Point, and to prevent, if
possible, his crossing the Rappahannock into the Northern
Neck. Should he attempt to move up between the Rappa-

*An interesting account of the Dahlgren capture, and the incidents
leading to it, written by Captain Pollard, and published in the Philadel
phia Times of September 17, 1887, appears in the appendix. — G. W. B.

112 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
hannock and the Mattaponi we were instructed to keep in
his front, and to advise General Stuart at Hanover Junction.
Lieutenant Pollard, with his company, was placed, in con
junction with a squadron from Colonel Robins' regiment
(Twenty-fourth Virginia Cavalry), on the line from the Mat
taponi to the Dragon. By permission of General Fitz. Lee,
Pollard, withdrew his company to King William, leaving a
body of Home Guards to hold the picket line in his place.
About the middle of March a portion of Kilpatrick's com
mand moved up through Gloucester into King and Queen
county. They encountered Robins' picket near Little Ply
mouth, and their presence at that point was reported at our
camp at nightfall. Our force in camp, numbering perhaps
one hundred and fifty effective men, was made ready to
march, and couriers were sent to our picket reserves with
instructions to keep a sharp lookout for the enemy, and to
report immediately any advance beyond Plymouth. No fur
ther intelligence was received until nine o'clock next morn
ing. The enemy was then ten miles further up the country,
and had routed the reserve and burned their camp near Carl
ton's Store.
The force was reported as very large, and it was concluded
that Kilpatrick's whole command was present. Having
orders to keep in the enemy's front, our aim was to get into
the road leading up to Newtown a little in advance of him.
Lieutenant Baker, of Company B, was sent with a detail of
men to watch the enemy at Carlton's Store. The command,
after crossing a small tributary of the Dragon at a bridge a
mile or so from our camp, moved to Exol meeting-house, on
the road leading towards Newtown. Within a few hundred
yards of Exol, our picket and some Home Guards were met,
from whom we learned that the enemy's column would reach
the intersection of the roads before we did. The command
was ordered to the right at once through a body of timber,
and a direction taken so as to strike the road half a mile above
Exol. Captain Oliver, with his company, who had been in

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 113
front, was ordered to bring ' up the rear. We had scarcely
cleared the road when we heard the enemy -yelling in full
charge down it. Wheeling at once into column of platoons,
and facing in that direction, we prepared to meet them; but
they did not appear.
It was soon discovered that Oliver had gone at full speed
back over the road on which we had come, and that the
enemy were in hot pursuit of him. It was concluded that the
party in pursuit of Oliver were the advance of the main body,
and, though it was hard to resist so good a chance of striking
an effective blow by charging upon them from the rear, we
hurried on to the main road, and, finding an admirable posi
tion, made ready to resist the enemy's advance as soon as
they should appear. We waited half an hour with no signs
of the enemy appearing. Scouts meanwhile came in and re
ported that, the artiHery which had been seen below Exol
had gone back. It now looked as though we had been mis
informed as to the enemy's force, and that it was merely a
raiding party, bent on a dash into our camp. So at a gallop
we moved in that direction. We soon learned that the
Yankees, after driving Oliver over the Dragon, had taken the
road to Carlton's Store, on which Lieutenant Baker, with a
detachment, had been sent. We at once followed in pursuit,
having learned that five of Oliver's Httle band had been cap
tured, and that he had taken two prisoners belonging to a
Pennsylvania regiment, commanded by Colonel Spear. Our
command was now divided, and the men with good horses
put in front, and we followed the tracks of the enemy at the
trot and gallop. Below^ Carlton's Store we found that a
second party of the enemy had retreated from the direction
of King and Queen Courthouse, and citizens informed us
that they were moving so rapidly that the spokes in the wheels
of their gun-carriages could not be counted.
Signs seemed to indicate that we would strike the enemy
at Plymouth, and a squadron dashed forward with drawn
sabres, to find, however, that the horsemen seen were our
own scouts.

114 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Scouts wer& sent forward to ascertain the enemy's precise
location, who soon reported that they were camped two
miles distant, just behind a marshy swamp, crossed by a nar
row causeway. A forlorn hope, under Lieutenant Beale, was
ordered to lead a night attack. While resting our horses and
preparing for the attack, information was received through
a note from a lady that some regiments of negro infantry
were encamped near her house, and that they were repairing
a bridge across the Dragon, now much swollen from recent
rains. This information led to the belief that Kilpatrick was
preparing to cross his force into Middlesex to embark at
Urbanna. In such an event, our orders required that we
should move promptly to reinforce Captain Boiling at that
point. Our march was accordingly resumed for this purpose.
In order to get over the Dragon it was necessary that we
should go back twelve miles. This march brought us near
to camp, to which we returned, and secured rations for horses
and men. Before sunrise next morning the command was in
position on the Middlesex side of the Dragon, fronting the
bridge which the enemy was repairing, and over which it was
expected they would attempt to cross. The scouts sent for
ward to observe the bridge soon sent back a note from the
lady who had written before, saying the enemy had broken
up their camp and retreated on the road to Gloucester by
which they had come.
The wharf at Urbanna had been burned on the previous
day by Captain Boiling, and that on the opposite side of the
river in Lancaster had been burned, as directed, by Captain
Ball. These facts, as we afterwards learned, were signalled
by the enemy. Kilpatrick returned to Gloucester Point.
In the encounter of the preceding day Lieutenant Baker
had four of his party captured, and he reported two of the
enemy killed.
The citizens along the route of this marauding expedition
were informed that it was to avenge what our Yankee
brothers termed the murder of Dahlgren. Revenge, it was.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 113
executed upon women and children, and upon a false accusa
tion. The enterprise was suited to the capacity of a mean,
little soul, however ill it became a major-general of the Union
army and the flag under which he fought. The enemy burned
King and Queen Courthouse and several private residences.
Later on, after our regiment had been withdrawn, Kil
patrick transported his force up the bay, landing in Lancas
ter, and moved a motley crowd of negro men, v^^omen, and
children in wagons, carts, carriages, and buggies, and afoot
up through the counties between the Rappahannock and the
Potomac.

CHAPTER XII.
Removal from Centre Cross to Orange— In Grant's Deserted Camps— On
the Wilderness Battle-Field — Marching to Meet an Unarmed Regi
ment — At Spottsylvania Courthouse — Fight at the Gayle House —
Watching the Left of Grant's Army— Fighting Near Guinea's Sta
tion — In a Tight Place on the Telegraph Road — A Well-Aimed Can
non Shot — On the North Anna- A Slave's Fidelity — Battle of Hawes'
Shop — In the Rear of Warren's Corps — Federal Outrages — A Quarter
master With a Gold Chain.

We were greatly recruited, and our horses in good order
when the campaign of 1864 commenced in the last days of
March. The regiment numbered for duty about six hun
dred, though nearly one hundred besides were on detached
service, employed as couriers, scouts, and on other special
details. From Essex we marched to the vicinity of Frede
ricksburg, and our camp was pitched on the battle-field near
Hamilton's Crossing. Our duty was to maintain a line of
pickets for some distance along the Rapidan, until near the
close of April, when, having marched through Orange Court
house, our cainp was pitched a short distance beyond, at the
Madison House, in the forks of the Rapidan and Robinson
rivers. As General Grant commenced his advance we recrossed the
Rapidan, and, moving back down the river, bivouacked near
Morton's Ford. Here we remained inactive during the two-
days' battles on the turnpike and plank-road connecting
Orange Courthouse and Fredericksburg. The present writer
having obtained a permit to absent himself from camp, rode
down on the evening of the second day, and witnessed from
our Hues the last charge of the enemy made on that bloody
Wilderness field. It was speedily repulsed.
[116]

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 117
On the 8th day of May our brigade having crossed the
Rapidan about nightfall, moved by Stevensburg, and, pass
ing through the deserted camps of Grant's great army, still
replete with large stores of army material and numerous tents
unstruck, reached Ely's Ford by daylight. Some stragglers
were caught, and a charge very handsomely made by the
Thirteenth Regiment resulted in the capture of some pris
oners. Our march was now directed towards the Rapidan,
and, crossing that river, we took the road leading up its
southern bank, and then bearing to the left, reached the
Plank road near the old Wilderness Tavern. Near this were
two Federal field hospitals, filled with wounded men, and
among them some Confederates. These pleaded earnestly to
be taken along, and as many as our ambulances could bear
were taken. The road-sides near the hospitals were thickly
strewn with cast-off arms in piles. Some poor fellows who
had died under the amputation of their limbs still lay stretched
on the surgeons' tables.
Our line of march led over the ground where the writer
had witnessed the Yankee charge. The open land as far as
we could see was thickly dotted with the dead, who lay as
they had fallen under a burning sun, many of them with their
faces to the sky, and quite black from incipient decay.
One of our squadrons, under Captain Robinson, which
was on detail duty when we left camp the evening before,
had followed us, and upon reaching the plank road, discovered
a Federal regiment close behind them. We were ordered
out, but found they were not for fight, and, agreeing that
they should not be molested in removing the hospitals, we
rejoined the brigade, and marched towards Spottsylvania
Courthouse. On the following day our brigade was formed for action
several times on the march, but very few of us got in sig-'ht of
any enemy. Passing our reserve ordnance trains near the
site of the Old Courthouse, and then a line of earthworks
occupied by infantry, we bivouacked on the road leading

II 8 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
from Massaponax Church to Spottsylvania Courthouse. We
remained here watching the enemy's left flank during the
heavy fighting in front of the Courthouse, and to the left.
On the next day a squadron was sent under Major Waller
across the Ni, and the remainder of the regiment was ordered
to advance. We moved across a field that bordered the road,
and into the woods on the opposite side. The men were now
dismounted and formed in line of battle. Going forward and
emerging from the woods, we discovered a force of infantry
two hundred and fifty yards in front, well posted about the
Gayle dwelling-house, and behind its enclosures. Directed
to charge them, we moved through the field under a rapid
fire from the enemy, which was vigorously kept up until we
got within perhaps thirty yards of them. Our men then,
rushing forward, yelling and firing, drove the enemy from
the garden palings and fences into and behind the dwelling.
We were in the act of tearing some panels of palings, when
we were ordered to retire quickly. Turning our backs on the
enemy, our line marched in order to the woods. Just before
reaching them a heavy line of Federal infantry appeared and
fired two volleys, instantly kifling two privates — Lee B. Mar
tin and R. C. Pemberton, of Company H, who fell close be
side the writer. Several others were mortally wounded. In
the woods we received a shower of shells. Later, we resumed
our position on the road.
We again advanced in the afternoon, formed on the right
of two brigades of infantry, as their support. Wright's
Georgia brigade was on our left, moving on the line of our
advance in the morning. The position of the enemy had been
much strengthened by forming breastworks of the fences.
The brigade of Georgians, after advancing thirty or forty
yards from the woods in the open field, halted and returned
the enemy's fire, waiting, as we were afterwards told, for the
brigade on their left. They then with yells sprung tiger-like
upon the foe, a few of our men, regardless of orders, joining
the skirmishers. The charge was beautifuHy made and com-

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. iig
pletely successful. The loss on our side we estimated to be
scarcely one-tenth of that of the enemy. A good many pris
oners were taken. A detail was sent and the bodies of Martin
and Pemberton, which lay as they had fallen in the morning,
were, removed.
The next day we were ordered to picket every road from
the Ni to the Rappahannock river. Orders received directly
from General Robert E. Lee made it manifest that anxiety
was felt about the movements of the enemy on our right
flank. A penciled order under his own hand, given the
author, showed a familiarity with the topography of the
country, extending not only to by-roads, but even to paths,
that was matter of great surprise. Our brigade moved to
Stanard's Mill on the Po, where we joined it, after leaving
one squadron on picket. Two skirmishes occurred about this
time with the enemy's cavalry, the Ninth Regiment taking
part in the first, just above Guinea's Station, and other troops
with two of our squadrons, engaging in the second. No
serious casualties occurred with us.
On the night of the 20th of May, General Grant com
menced his flank movement around the right of our army.
The squadron composed of Companies C and K, under Cap
tain Robinson, was on picket on the north side of the Rich
mond and Fredericksburg railroad. Lieutenant Law. Wash
ington, with a detail of twelve or fifteen men at Hamilton's
Crossing, was cut off, and escaped by crossing over the Rap
pahannock to the Northern Neck. Robinson and Lieutenant
Beale, with the main body of the squadron, were on the road
to Bowling Green, a little below Guinea's Station. Along
this road Grant's advance column moved. Pressed by the
enemy's cavalry, Robinson was forced before dayHght to cross
the river at a bridge two miles below Guinea's. Lieutenant
John T. Stewart held the bridge above and near Guinea's,
and handsomely repulsed a charge made upon it about day
light. When light came, from our position on the hiHs over
looking the river, Guinea's, and the country beyond dense

120 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
columns of bluecoats could be seen passing down the road
leading to Bowling Green. Dispatches were signalled by
us every fifteen minutes to General R. E. Lee. He was not,
satisfied as yet that Grant's whole army was moving.
Observing an interval between the different corps of the
Federal troops, as they marched, and availing ourselves of
the advantage it offered. Lieutenant Ball was ordered about
ten o'clock to cross the river with a small detachment, and
to scour the road, collecting all the information he cohld.
This was executed with the spirited gallantry which always
characterized that officer. His first capture was two fine
cows belonging to a Federal major-general; next some mules
well laden with hard-tack; then a courier with a dispatch,
which assured us definitely of the character of the movement.
Ball was pursued ere long by the cavalry in advance of the
next corps, and made good his passage across the bridge
near Guinea's, his pursuers recoiHng suddenly and retreating
rapidly, under the fire of Stewart's rifles.
The enemy seemed to be annoyed by our proximity, and
showed a purpose of forcing a passage at the bridge. Our
companies at hand were now all dismounted save one, and
Major Waller was directed to march them down and hold
the bridge, and to post videttes well up and down the wooded
sides of the river. Late in the afternoon this force at the
bridge was suddenly assailed by volleys on both flanks and
in front. Detachments of the enemy's infantry or cavalry
dismounted had crossed the river adroitly both above and
below, and our videttes had failed to report, or their warning
was misunderstood. One or two of our men were killed and
six or eight captured, and Captain Stith BoHing was badly
wounded. The whole force ran, scattering through the fields,
but bringing- off our killed and wounded. Ball, with his
company, every man mounted, took position on the brow
of the hill, concealing all but the front set-of-fours, and, with
sabres drawn, were held ready to charge. Another company,
galloping to the right and left along the slope, formed a hne
of skirmishers at the foot of the hiUs.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalrv. 121
Several companies of Union Zouaves in red breeches had
now formed on the right or lower side of the road; a bat
talion of infantry were on the opposite side, and a body of
cavalry occupied the road in the centre. They seemed re
luctant to advance. Finally, a line of dismounted cavalry,
deployed as skirmishers, advanced. Our squadrons were now
well-nigh mounted, and the peril of capture to our dis
mounted men under Waller had passed. We fell back slowly,
keeping up a desultory fire as the enemy advanced. This fire
was kept up by the pickets through the night.
At sunrise on the 22d we joined the brigade on the Tele
graph road, our skirmishers three hundred yards in our rear,
still exchanging shots with the enemy. Numerous small
parties of infantry were moving down this road, following
after their several commands. As many as we could direct
were advised to bear to the right.
Here Robinson's squadron that- had been skirmishing
heavily all the previous day, and was cut off by the enemy's
advance on this side of the river, after a circuitous and diffi
cult march all night, joined us in safety.
Generals W. H. F. Lee and Chambliss were now both with
us in person, and the brigade, with two pieces of artiHery,
under Captain Breatherd, moved upon country roads for
some miles to the right, and, then changing direction, bore
towards the Telegraph road. We were moving in this direc
tion about noon through woods, when rapid firing as of
muskets in front, told of the presence of the enemy. Our
artillery, ambulances, and regiments were crowded in a small
open piece of ground hedged in on every side by woods. The
space was too limited for evolutions. The Tenth Regiment
in front dismounted and charged into the woods, which
skirted the Telegraph road. As the squadrons of the Ninth
were formed in close order, the men of the Tenth were
pressed back, fighting. Two of our squadrons were hastily
dismounted and thrown forward to the right. The rest, with
drawn sabres, were held ready to charge. Our guns now

122 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
opened fire, and more rapid discharges we never heard. The
Thirteenth Regiment was ordered to move out by the road
we had come, followed by the caissons, ambulances, and one
gun. We were ordered to bring up the rear with our mounted
squadrons. Captain John Lee, of the division staff, was con
ducting the movement. After going perhaps four hundred
yards we were perplexed and uncertain as to the road we were
to take, and halted while Lee went back for instructions. He
did not ride two hundred yards, however, before he found his
passage barred by a line of the enemy, which, moving
obliquely from the Telegraph road above us, was almost in
rear of the men of our own regiment and the Tenth, whom we
had left fighting. Turning instantly down a road to our left
which led to a private dwelling, we passed at a double-quick
gait across a wooded bottom, and, ascending a hill beyond,
emerged upon an open, high table-land overlooking the road.
The firing had now ceased, and we gave up our comrades
behind us as captured, deeming their escape ^^Imost impos
sible. They began, however, very soon to come out from the
thick wooded cover into the bottom which we had crossed,
bringing off safely the gun that had just done us such good
service. We had struck a corps of Grant's army near the head of
the column, and could now see them moving forward, regi
ment following regiment. One column, as flankers, was on
the side of the road next to us, marching in close order, about
a mile distant, and offering a fair target. Our gun was again
unlimbered, aimed, and fired, and a shell was thrown within
a yard or two of the flank of a regiment, and exploded just
as it struck the ground. A wide gap was made in the column,
and a good many of the enemy ran in confusion. A second
shell from our gun fell way beyond the road. We moved on
and entered a body of timber, where our road deflected to the
right. We were quite out of range when the Federal artillery
opened on the woods, and their shells fell fast and furious,
but liarmless, behind us.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 123
We crossed the North Anna in the afternoon and bivou
acked for the night beside the track of the Central railroad.
On the next day we made a short march back over the North
Anna, and recrossed it again in the afternoon to take part in a
fight with some infantry near Noell's Turnout. The battle
was over when we arrived, though we were under the artillery
fire for a while.
We moved next morning over New Found creek and
camped near by it. We remained here two days picketing
on the North Anna, and were subjected to a severe cannonade
on the last night. *
It was while we were making our brief stay in this camp
that the author met with a striking illustration of the fidelity
of a colored servant, who came with a two-horse wagon from
Westmoreland county, beyond the Rappahannock. He was
the family carriage-driver, and had been sent by Mrs. Beale
with a birthday present of pastries, cakes, bacon, eggs, etc.,
to her husband and sons. She expected them to be found in
Spottsylvania, and that the wagon would reach them by the
22d instant. When the faithful servant, Edward Lee, had
crossed the river at Layton's with his wagon he found the
whole Union army between him and the objects of his jour
ney. Nothing daunted, however, he moved on and succeeded
in eluding every picket, and out-generalling every scouting
party, and brought his horses, wagon, and supplies safely
through, though often in extreme danger. On his return
he flanked the Federal army, going almost to Fredericks
burg, and reached home without an accident.
We marched next through Ashland and to a wooded road
leading to Old Church, on which we camped. Large bodies
of our infantry were passing through the night and until a
late hour next morning. After a march again of some miles
the heavy rattle of small arms reached our ears from the
direction of Hawes' Shop, and to that point our course was
directed. On reaching there we weire posted to protect the
flank of the men engaged. It was a severe battle between

124 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
dismounted cavalry on each side, the Yankee infantry finally
coming to support their Hne. On their approach our men
retreated leisurely. We were treated to a volley from the
infantry at short range, but without receiving serious injury.
Returning, we bivouacked at Alice's Station, and moved
next day to Fair Oaks. Here we remained for two days
watching a large force of Grant's infantry about Hanover
Courthouse, who threatened to move up the -road from Cash
Corner towards our position. On the evening of the second
day two of our squadrons were thrown forward on that road.
A skirmish was had for some time with the rear guard of the
enemy, and on reaching Cash Corner a dash was made at a
small body of cavalry, who fled towards Hanover Courthouse.
A larger body on that road was also put to flight. We were
informed by some prisoners that General Warren's headquar
ters had been temporarily in the house at Cash Corner.
The barbarous outrages of the command whose tracks we
had followed, though on a smaller scale, equalled the worst
acts of Sheridan in the Vahey. At several houses occupied
by women and small, helpless children nothing in the way of
food was left, save poultry not yet feathered. And in one
of these humble homes our men extinguished the fire that
had been kindled for its destruction, as if to conceal under its
ashes the ruthless vandalism which had broken and torn up,
every article of household and kitchen furniture. It appeared
that these outrages had not been committed by irresponsible
stragglers and vagabond camp-followers, but under the eyes
of commanding officers.
The children thus left to starve shared the scant supply in
our haversacks, and next morning our rations of bacon were
turned over to their destitute mothers.
Near the close of our pursuit a party of the enemy, ap
proaching on a by-road, presently entered the main road,
along which their corps was moving. They did so just as a
few of our most adventurous boys, who were on foot, steal
ing shots at the rear of the enemy as opportunity offered.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 123
had passed the intersection of the roads. This adventurous
group, looking back and seeing the party in blue on horses,
concluded they were a heavy force of the enemy's cavalry.
" Without standing on the order of their going," like startled
quail, they took cover. Their comrades, however, who were
a little farther back with their led-horses, discovering that the
company were only a quartermaster and his guard, charged
them, demanding, and receiving, their surrender.
The quartermaster's outfit of wagon and horses was new
and complete. All that was needed to cheer nature's flagging
energies and make up the comfort of the physical man this
bomb-proof soldier had. He had that, too, which was orna
mental. A massive chain, which looked like gold, if it was
not, attracted our troopers' eyes; and with evidences so fresh
of a malignity which would rob helpless infancy of its last
crumbs of bread, our needy cavaliers felt no rebuke of con
science in making the delivery of the watch and chain, one
of the conditions of surrender. These were taken to brigade
headquarters, and our general commanding ordered their
restoration to the prisoner. '

CHAPTER XIII.
Under Minie Balls and Shells Near Hanover Courthouse — At Gaines'
Mill — Forcing the Enemy's Picket Line — A Night Surprise — Nance's
Shop — Gallantry of Major Clemens — On Stony Creek — Heading Off
Wilson's Raiders — Engagement at Sappony Church — A Sudden En
counter — A Rapid Gallop on the Heels of Colonel Spear — Sharp-
shooting at Malvern Hill — Fight at White Oak Swamp, in Charles
. City — Death of Captain Oliver — ^Brigadier-General Chambliss Slain.

On the morning following our march in the rear of War
ren's corps we moved towards Hanover Courthouse. Near
night a spirited fight commenced, most of the other regiments
dismounting and going in on foot. We were ordered in on
our horses. In passing over an open country to our position
on the Hne of battle, the shells screamed and the minie baHs
whistled, but passed harmlessly over our heads. The com
batants were very near each other, but darkness was cover
ing the field. We were ordered to hold the ground while the
other troops were withdrawn. This was done, and when
the night was well on the regiment retired on the road to
Ashland, halting to sleep only an hour or two on the road,
and were in the saddle again at four o'clock A. M. We
marched to the farm of General W. C. Wickham, and there
were placed in line of battle, but no fight occurring, we re
turned to Ashland. Here a sharp skirmish occurred, and
several squadrons of the Ninth Regiment were detailed, and
separated, acting under the direct orders of Generals W. H.
F. Lee and ChambHss. In the afternoon one squadron,
mounted, was warmly engaged under Lieutenant Christian
in the road, A portion of the regiment, also, dismounted,
were put forward in a body of woods, where they encountered
[126]

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 127
the enemy entrenched in a ditch, and a severe engagement
followed at close quarters. Lieutenant John Harwood, of
Company K, was killed, and Lieutenant McGauley, of the
same company, captured. Private John Neale, of Company
C, was killed, and R. B. Spilman severely wounded. Color-
Bearer Williams, of Company D, was mortally wounded, and
several others were badly wounded. Near night a charge was
made with the Colonel and Captain Swann leading. It was
checked by barricades across the road and resulted only in the
capture of a few prisoners, and one or two of the enemy being
killed. About daybreak on the following morning we bivouacked
near Ryall's Mill, and then moved to camp near Meadow
Bridge on the Chickahominy. From this point we marched
next to Bottom's Bridge. Grant was now passing his army
to the south of the James. We were moved close up to the
blood-stained trenches at Cold Harbor, and wept into camp
on the now classic and famous Gaines' farm.
The body of our cavalry, now commanded by General
Wade Hampton, the gallant and lamented Stuart having
fallen at Yellow Tavern while we were on the lines at Spottsyl
vania Courthouse, had marched to Trevillian's Station, in
Louisa, to check a raid by Sheridan. We remained here
quietly for several days. At length General Chambliss re
ceived an order from General R. E. Lee to force the enemy's
line of pickets, which were so posted that our scouts couldn't
enter to find out what force occupied Old Church and its
vicinity. General ChambHss ordered our regiment to perform
this duty, and accompanied us in person.
We marched until we were within sight of the enemy's
pickets. Three squadrons were now held in reserve; and
Captain Robinson, with Companies C and K, was ordered to
charge the picket, which was mounted, and Lieutenant Ball,
with D and E, to follow to guard the roads on their flanks.
This charge was splendidly made, and the Yankees were
quickly flying upon every road. Their reserve camp was car-

128 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
ried with a yell, and many of the enemy fled precipitately to
the woods. Robinson halted only at the line of breastworks,
close upon Old Church. One of our men, in the impetuosity
of his course, dashed over into the works, and did not return.
This line of works was held by negro troops, many of whom
abandoning them fled back to Old Church. The cavalry of
the enemy who had taken this road, dismounted, and shel
tering themselves behind the works, opened a feeble fire.
As our men returned they were threatened seriously by
the enemy, who had ralHed and reappeared on the diverging
roads. With great tact and skill on the part of Lieutenants
Ball and Beale, they were, however, held in check, until our
squadrons were safely withdrawn.
Despite the impediment of numerous strands of telegraph
wire drawn across the road at several points, this dash was so
rapid and successful that between seventy-five and a hundred
of the enemy were captured, killed, and seriously wounded.
We had two men wounded, and, as we afterwards learned.
Private Sullivan, of Company D, who was carried into the
enemy's works, was shot in the wrist, so that he could not
readily control his horse. Some of our hest horses were
wounded; but a good many fine ones, with equipments, were
secured. We were left on outpost duty that night, and the enemy
attempted to surprise us, and were very near succeeding.
Our squadrons were extended over a long line. The regi
mental headquarters were immediately in rear of the line of
breastworks at Cold Harbor, which our infantry had held
when opposing Grant's recent bloody assaults. Close by was
the intersection of two roads. On one of these, two miles
distant, some dismounted cavalry pickets were posted, and
about midnight the lieutenant in charge sent in word that
the enemy in force was moving on this road. Lieutenant
Thomas Christian and about sixty men were caHed out and
posted in the breastwork. When this had been done two
Texans who chanced to be present said they had been on

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. i2g
guard at this point the night previous, and that this same
lieutenant had sent in a similar report, and it had proved to
be a false alarm. A party of mounted men were now sent
to ascertain the truth, and soon returned reporting no enemy.
Our force was then sent back to quarters. We had not faHen
asleep, however, before an occasional rifle-shot was heard on
the road from which our scouts had returned. The reports
sounded nearer and nearer. We thought we could distin
guish the sharp cracks of the enemy's carbines. Springing
from our blankets we again took position in the breastworks.
The men had orders to hold their fire until the enemy were
within thirty paces. Two comrades of our Texan friends
came within sight about dawn and close behind them a squad
ron of Yankee horse. We saw the two men in the road
attempt to run, and the enemy dashing after them. One of
the men stumbled and fell within a hundred yards of us, and
the two within our line exclaimed : " Don't let them take
him! " " Don't let them take him! " Our whole force rose
and fired, and the squadron at once retreated, much to the
intense relief of the man who had fallen. They came forward
again, taking shelter behind the trees, and firing, but soon fell
back. A courier had been dispatched to General Chambliss,
and he came down with the brigade. General W. H. F. Lee
accompanying him. Six of the enemy were left dead, or
dying, in our front, two were buried a mile or two below, and
citizens reported that they bore off some wounded in ambu
lances. 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 tem
porary command of another regiment, and Captain Swann
was now our acting major.

130 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Not far from the field to-day we met the divisions of Hamp
ton and Fitz. Lee returning after the heavy battle at Tre-
.villian's. We bivouacked in the neighborhood of Nance's
Shop. Early next day (June 24th) the movement of troops indi
cated 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 ap
proached, and turning and firing as they retreated. The cool
and brave Lieutenant Cecil Baker 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 barri
cade, 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. Com
pany 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

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 131
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 ap
proach was dhiefly through an open field, with about three
¦.companies of the Ninth on the right moving throug'h woods
on the farther side of the road. Five companies, and the
whole force of the Tenth Regiment, had a plain several hun
dred yards wide to cross. The march of these troops under
a murderous fire could not have been excelled. With excel
lent 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 Clemens,
commanding^ the Tenth Regiment. At every stage of the

132 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
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 com
missioned 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 num
bers 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 recogni
tion and praise were given the brigade for their part of the
day's work.
Our next move was to the south side of James river, and
beyond the Appomattox, which we. crossed at Petersburg.
Our march was continued to Stony Creek Station, on the
Weldon railroad. Here we learned that General Wilson,
commanding a heavy cavalry force, was making a raid in the
direction of the Danville railroad, and that our co-brigade,
with General W. H. F. Lee, was pursuing theiu Having
halted near the depot to feed, we moved out on the road
leacHng South. The Ninth was in rear, following the Tenth
and Thirteenth regiments. On reaching Sappony Church,
we could see one regiment on the right and the other on the
left of the road half a mile in front, engaged, dismounted,
with the enemy, and driving them back. We were directed
by our General to push foi-ward, mounted, and we moved
down the road at a trot in column of fours.. Companies D
and E in front, supported by G and H, were thrown forward.
Two companies — C and K — were sent to watch and hold a
road one mile to our right.

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 133
As Lieutenant Ball advanced against a line of dismounted
men who occupied a body of woods about two hundred yards
in fro^nt of him a heavy fire of rifles from the right was con
centrated upon his squadron. He was now ordered to form
a line on the right of the road, and to charge into the small
body of pines from which this fire came. The charge was
promptly and beautifully made, the squadron dashing into
the pines and up to a barricade too high to- leap, behind
which, and partly concealed by a young growth of pines, the
enemy was in force. "The flashes of rifles (it was now growing
dark) revealed the fact that the enemy's line ran far to our
left. The dismounted men of the Tenth and Thirteenth regi
ments were withdrawn. Ball was reforming his men under
fire on the knoll from which he had made the charge, when
he was ordered farther back. About twenty men retiring
wounded, or with wounded horses, gave the appearance, as
they filed past, of our having sustained a considerable loss.
Private D. P. Slocum, of Company D, was mortally injured.
The enemy now advanced, showing in line a number of
men quite double that of our own, and seemingly determined
to force a passage at Sappony. The location here was ad
mirable for defence. The meeting-house stood upon a nar
row tongue or strip of land flanked on either side by a small
stream, and the intervening ground not over five hundred
yards wide, and passable by cavalry only at one or two points.
It was past twilig'ht when we reached the church-yard, and
were ordered to dismount and occupy the road and ground
to the left, between the two regiments already in line. Seizing
upon rails, boards, the stalks of green corn, any and every
thing we could get hold of, the best barricade we could make
was hastily thrown up. The Yankees were within two hun
dred and fifty yards of us, and a vigorous charge at this time
would, by sheer weight of numbers, have carried our position,
for we had no support in reach. Fortunately, they halted to
form a barricade and to bring up their artillery.
In the dark their guns opened with shot and shell, riddling

134 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
the church-building in our rear, but ranging too high to hurt
us. Their line then advanced. Reserving our fire until they
came up quite near and then opening a volley, they broke
under it and retreated. This was repeated with the same
result. Holcombe's Legion of three hundred men now joined
us, and the Ninth and Tenth regiments, by giving way to
the left, yielded to them our place in the centre. During the
night, at intervals varying from fifteen minutes to an hour,
there were heavy volleys of rifles exchanged; and about four
o'clock artillery in our rear began with a welcome roar to
respond to the Federal guns.
We had known for some time that Hampton was approach
ing with reinforcements. At dawn Holcombe's Legion ad
vanced, and suffered severely from the fire from the wooded
cover to which our squadron had charged on the previous
evening. This injury was received from the enemy's rear
guard, however. Wilson was leaving; had left, indeed. We
now advancing, passed over the field of the fighting, and our
surprise was great to find so few dead upon it, and these
close up to our lines. Furious as the fight had seemed, and
terrible in sound as it truly was, our four squadrons having
used, as reported by the ordnance sergeant, thirty-one thou
sand rounds of ammunition, it was barren of casualties among
our men.
The pursuit of the enemy was rapid, but in a mistaken
direction, A few prisoners were captured by us. A non
commissioned officer among them, hearing the author's sur
prise expressed at the few killed, pointed to the extreme left
of their line and said that if he would ride thither his surprise
would cease.
We returned by noon to Stony Creek, and after halting
only long enough to feed, moved out on the Halifax road.
Butler's brigade was in front, followed by the Ninth and
Tenth regiments, with the artillery, and the Thirteenth a
little behind as rear-guard. The whole command had crossed
the bridge over the Rowanty, near Perkins' house, save

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 133
Colonel Phillips in rear. When approaching Perkins' Phillips
discovered a column of the enemy coming down a by-road
to his front and left. Concluding that the force was too
strong for him, he moved to the woods on his right. The
enemy proceeding to the bridge, were there met by a party
of the Ninth and Tenth regiments, who demanded their sur
render. The demand was promptly granted. We were a few
hundred yards over a hill beyond, moving in front of two
guns, when we heard a volley behind. Just as the Tenth
Regiment charged a body in front, a column of the enemy
dashed down into our line from an obscure road in the woods
on our left. They entered the road just as one of our guns
was passing, and within a few feet of General Hampton and
his staff. The General, facing about on one side of the road,
commanded : " Unlimber that gun." Our regiment was in
stantly faced about, and made ready to charge. Calls were
made to the enemy to halt and surrender; and the rattling of
faUing arms told that they were prisoners. They were the
leading squadron of Colonel Spears' Pennsylvania Regiment.
A motley gang of fugitive slaves had swelled his numbers,
and many cannoneers whose guns had been captured, were
riding the artillery horses.
Their leader, in a desperate endeavor to escape, had allowed
this part of his command to approach beyond a hill, while
he, with the remaining men and negroes, after crossing the
Rowanty, turned to the right and fled along the by-roads
skirting that stream. Three of our squadrons were thrown
out on the left of the road on the lookout for the approach
of other bodies of the enemy, and one squadron was detailed
as a provost guard to hold the prisoners. General Hampton
ordered the writer, with the remaining squadron, to follow
Spear, who was now a mile or two ahead of us. After going
about three miles as rapidly as we could g"allop the rear of
the fugitives was seen in the distance, raising volumes of
dust as they fled. Our men with the fleetest horses were now
borne far ahead of the others. Some of the enemy's horses

.rj<5 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
fell in the road from exhaustion. Many groups of cavalry
men and negroes were overtaken. The little party of our
men in the lead dashed across a field where the road formed
an angle, and, striking the enemy's column near the front,
brought it to a sudden halt. The enemy began to throw
down their arms, and there were signs of a general surrender.
Quickly, however, the obscuring clouds of dust were lifted,
and the smallness of our party was discovered. The Federals
rallied at once and began to fire their pistols. Our men were
forced to withdraw speedily, and Private William Jett, of
Company C, was severely wounded. The approach of dark
ness now ended the chase. A number of the enemy were
killed, and several hundred prisoners taken. The author, re
turning, reached the bridge after dark. Separated from the
command and alone, he led his jaded horse to a grassy bottom
and laid down and slept.
Hampton, with our command, was at Stony Creek, and
when the author rode into camp early next morning the
regiment was mounting for the march again. He secured a
captured horse from the brigade quartermaster, and moved
out with the regiment in pursuit of Wilson. We were too
late, however, having struck the line of his march six hours
after he had passed.
Some Henry rifles (sixteen-shooters) were taken on the
day previous, and one, captured by Lieutenant Washington,
was presented to the Colonel of the regiment. All of our
men not previously supplied were now furnished with good
McClellan saddles and Colt revolvers.
The two brigades comprising Major-General W H. F.
Lee's division — Barringer's North Carolinians and Chambliss'
Virginians — were now united and camped on Hatcher's and
Gravely runs, in Dinwiddle county. We remained doing
picket duty and comparatively inactive until about the middle
of August, except that in the last days of July we made a
rapid march to the north side of the James, and were en
gaged in a spirited action with the enemy on the classic field

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 137
at Malvern Hill. We had ten or fifteen men wounded and
some horses. The Colonel of the regiment was temporarily
absent on leave.
We were recalled to that side of the river again on the 14th
of August, and after covering the retreat of a North Carolina
infantry regiment on the 15th, bivouacked near White's
Tavern, on the Charles City road. The Thirteenth Regiment
held the picket line some two miles in our front, along
Fisher's Run. Early on the morning of the i6th General
Chambliss and staff moved out, after giving orders that the
Ninth and Tenth regiments should follow. The necessity
of going a long distance for water had drawn a good many of
our men away from the camp, and, unaware of any need of
haste, the regiment was leisurely forming. The Tenth had
moved forward, when a courier brought an order for us to
move up at a trot. We had not gone over a mile, when our
attention was arrested by a sharp volley of musketry in the
woods to our right. The regiment was immediately dis
mounted and formed in line at right angles with the road,,
on the margin of a bottom densely covered with undergrowth
and huckleberry bushes. The enemy opened fire on us at
once, and it was returned as fast as we could load. This was
continued until a man on our left was seen to fall as if shot
from the rear. The author then galloped to the road, and
found a body of dismounted cavalry beyond the road, and in
our rear. The men were now faced about, and, keeping well
under cover of the woods, were moved back. In this move
ment the flank of the regiment farthest from the road drew a
volley from a body of the enemy who had advanced unper-
ceived on that side. We were ordered to double-quick for a
few hundred yards, and as soon as an open field was passed,
we were halted and ordered to make a barricade.
While eng-aged in making the barricade a courier from
Colonel J. Lucius Davis rode up with an order for us to con
tinue to fall back. He further informed us that General
ChambHss' horse had come in, and that he had been either

13S History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
killed or captured. It was intensely hot, and we moved
slowly back through the woods, and over a bottom of dense
undergrowth and briers, to the crest of the hill beyond, in an
open body of large trees. Here we were halted under the
direction of Major-General Lee, and remained unmolested
and quietly resting for over an hour.
The enemy, availing themselves of the dense cover in front,
moved quietly into the bottom below, and opened fire upon
us suddenly and rapidly. The first volley killed four or five
of our men, among them Lieutenant John T. Stewart, of
Company C, who, after bein.g badly wounded, received a
second bullet as his comrades were bearing him off to his
horse. Sheltering ourselves behind the trees, and using the
carbine vigorously, we checked the enemy's further advance,
and successfully repelled an effort to turn our right flank.
We were now directed by an order from General W. H. F.
Lee, delivered by Captain John Lee, of the division staff, to
throw out a line of videttes to connect with General Gary on
our right. While this was being done, General Gary rode up
and joined the author, who had ridden forward in the woods
to direct the posting of the videttes. The General, wishing
to know the exact position of our regiment, rode back with
us to where it had been left in line. The line was not to be
seen. It had been ordered forward to charge, and a yell, fol
lowed by a sharp fire in front of the position which they had
left, told us where they were. We then rode forward as
rapidly as possible through the thick woods and tangled
underbrush, and soon heard a volley in the rear. Major
Swann soon appeared with a horse wounded, and four men
had also been wounded in Company B by a voUey from a
mounted squadron of Gary's command, and our right squad
ron was found in confusion. Major Swann was directed to
reform and bring this part of the Hne up. The other squad
rons were pushed forward, and gained an open piece of coun
try, where, on the opposite side of the field, could be seen a
ibody of our men in confused order. Colonel Phillips was

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. I3g
found at this point, and our line was reformed. We then
advanced across a little ravine, and over a narrow plateau
covered with bushes. When half way over this a heavy fire
of musketry was opened on us from the slope of the hill which
bounded the bottom in our front. Our line hastily ran back
to the ravine about fifty yards behind us, and the troops in
the rear mistook the movement for a panic. Halting at the
ravine, the enemy's fire was returned, and, seeing that their
position could be easily turned, Colonel PhiHips was sent
around to the right. He opened fire on the enemy's flank,
w'hich held a small barricade of rails, and we at the same time
charged over the plateau in front. They broke and ran, and
we occupied the barricade which they had abandoned. We
were using it as a shield from the fire of some dismounted
cavalry on the left of the road, and now became a target for
our friends in rear of us. The author had to ride back to
teH them to withhold their fire.
The conduct of the regiment, which created a momentary
apprehension of a panic, called forth bitter denunciation from
our Major-General.
We afterwards learned that our brigade had been formed
and assigned position on the right of the road, and Barrin
ger's on the left; that the Tenth Regiment was next to the
road on the left, the Ninth in the centre, and the Thirteenth
on the right. It appeared, also, that after driving the infan
try, which occupied our side of the road throughout the fight,
out of the woods, two of our lieutenants — Christian and
Washington — seeing a body of mounted Federals on the road
which they could approach, ran with their men across the
front of the Tenth, not yet out of the woods, and the greater
part of the Ninth and Thirteenth regiments, supposing these
were the line of battle, ran over and joined them.
When the barricade of rails was reached our men were
much exhausted, and very short of ammunition, and they
were ordered to lie down and rest. Raising his head above
the logs to watch the enemy's movements. Captain WilHam

140 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Oliver, of Company F, received a ball in his left temple and
survived only a few hours. He had faced the last great
enemy on many fields, and was now the second captain of
that gallant company to fall on the verge nearest the foe.
The loss inflicted upon the enemy, was heavy in killed and
prisoners. The day was the most trying our regiment had
ever experienced. Not one drop of water could be had; the
heat was intense, and the wood was dense and tangled. A
large force of infantry was in our front with a support of
cavalry, itself superior, numerically, to our own. Our Briga
dier-General, the accomplished, gallant, and loved Chambliss,
had fallen under the volley which led us to dismount and
form line on foot in the morning. His body, recognized by
the Union General Gregg, an old West Point schoolmate and
friend, was sent within our lines under flag of truce for burial,
with a letter to the wife of the fallen General that was kind
and magnanimous.

CHAPTER XIV.
Under the Enemy's Breastworks in Charles City County — Engaged Near
Petersburg— Charging the ITirst District of Columbia Cavalry at Ma
lone's Crossing— Mounting Breastworks at Reams' Station — A Large
Haul of Prisoners — On the Expedition to Cabin Point to Capture
Beeves— In Contact With the First District of Columbia Cavalry
Again — Charging Infantry — Heavy Captures — ^Thomas Waller Made
Colonel — Fighting on the Plank Road — On Warren's Raid — At
, Hatcher's Run — At Dinwiddie Courthouse — At Five Forks — Retreat
ing to Appomattox — Dispersing for Home.

At the death of General ChambHss, Colonel J. Lucius Davis
assumed command of our brigade. On the night following
we took the picket line, delighted to find ourselves near free,
flowing water. We remained two days on this post, and on
the evening of the last day our pickets in front were driven
in, and a demonstration was made by us. We passed over a
narrow causeway with an impassable marshy bog above and
below, and formed a line on the farther side at the
foot of a wooded hill. Our skirmish-line became engaged
quickly with the enemy posted behind a Hne of breastworks
on the brow of the hill. We made no attack, but were with
drawn, having had Sergeant Edwards, of Company K, killed,
and Sergeant Lewis, of Company C, wounded.
On the following day we marched to the James river and
crossed on a pontoon bridge, and proceeded to the south of
Petersburg. We returned the day after to Swift Run, and
halted for the night; and then moved to- the immediate
vicinity of Petersburg. On the 21st instant we were on the
left flank of our infantry in a bloody assault made on the
enemy near the line of the Weldon railroad. We were under
the fire of sharpshooters for an hour or two, but escaped
injury. [141]

142 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Our next camp was south of the Rowanty at Ta:bernacle
meeting-house. From this point we moved on the 24th of
August and again crossed at Malone's Bridge. We were or
dered to engage the enemy at Malone's Crossing, on the
Petersburg and Weldon railroad. We were dismounted, and,
advancing, reached a small stream and swamp, where two
Union cavalrymen belonging to a picket post were found
busily engaged in skinning a cow. They were denied oppor
tunity to complete the operation. The picket was driven in.
We advanced against the enemy, occupying a cut of the rail
road on the right, and an old brick kiln on the left. The
enemy's line extended beyond ours on the right, and our men
were ordered to lie down, and a message was sent for the
Tenth Regiment to come forward so as to extend our Hne.
On the left, however, our line extended beyond the brick
kiln, and our men in that quarter got well past the enemy's
flank. When Major Clemens came up with the Tenth he was
directed tO' move along the base of the hill and form on our
right. Our men in the field, catching a glimpse of this rein
forcement, raised a yell and began charging, and carried the
enemy's line before the Tenth could get into the line. Flying
in dismay and receiving an enfilading fire on the left as they
ran, the enemy in considerable numbers threw down their fine
rifles and ammunition in the road. They proved to be a regi
ment from Washington— the First District of Columbia
Cavalry — who had been armed by our Yankee sisters. They
acted ignobly in running, suffering an inferior force in num
bers to drive them from a position which a few brave men
could have held for hours.
Our loss in this engagement was about fifteen. Following
up the road towards Reams' Station, a large body of cavalry
and led-horses was seen occupying a field half a mile in front.
The opportunity for a charge was the rarest we had seen,
and Ball's squadron, which was kept always mounted, and
which carried only pistols and sabres, was up and ready for
the fray. We waited under Hampton's order for one of But-

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 143
ler's regiments. Meanwhile the enemy disappeared in the
wooded country, and the chance was gone.
A body of infantry now came into sight moving at a double
quick, and halted about four hundred yards from us, and from
a barricade of fence-rails opened a harmless fire. Another
column was soon seen deploying into line on our left flank.
FinaHy, artillery opened on us, and the line on our left ad
vanced. We were now ordered back to Malone's Crossing.
Soon the roar of cannon and the rattle of small arms reached
us from up the road in the direction of the enemy, and as
the evening wore on the enemy vanished from our front. We
were presently ordered forward. As our little brigade ad
vanced on foot across the field we were preceded by Colonel
Roberts and the Second North Carolina Cavalry, escorted by
Ball's squadron.
About a mile above our position Roberts encountered a
line of low barricade occupied by the enemy. This Ball
charged, leaping it with his horses, and capturing about one
hundred prisoners before the dismounted men of the regiment
could get up. The men in advance here waited until those
behind reached this line.
Our line was now reformed and very heavy shelling com
menced. After some delay we were put in motion, and soon
entered the woods, where an occasional shot was fired by a
retiring vidette. We then reached a number of rifle-pits, from
which, with little or no firing, about fifty men surrendered.
The few men of the Thirteenth Regiment on our extreme
left were put in charge of the prisoners and sent back. We
now came into woods where the bushes had been chopped off,
and the trees felled, and where marching was very difficult.
But we pressed on, and got through it. A gentle slope was
seen to lead up from the edge of the wood to a heavy line
of breastworks extending from the railroad for a quarter of a
mile along the crest of the hill. The woods to our right re
ceded from these formidable works, and a tremendous volley
issued from the enemy occupying them against that part of

144 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
our Hne, now on open ground and fully exposed. Nothing
could stand against such a fire. The men were ordered to
lie down. The fire had in a measure ceased in the breast
works in front of the left of our line, and Pratt's squadron
was ordered to scale the rampart. This was magnificently
done. A double line of bluecoats occupied the line of fortifi
cations beyond a transverse on the crest of a knoll. These
were intently engaged firing at our men who threatened them
in front. From the transverse Pratt's men gave them a gall
ing volley in flank and rear, and instantly hundreds of hands
were raised down the line.
The author, unable to leap the fortification, rode down to
the railroad and passed through a roadway at the comer, and
then, galloping forward to join the men in the works, met
Captain Robinson with one or two of his men leading out a
body of two hundred or more prisoners. The firing had com
menced again. Discovering how few of our men were in the
works, many of the Yankees who were about surrendering,
ran into a growth of sugar-cane, or sorghum, back of the line,
and fired. Several heavy volleys came also from a body of
woods near by. As the enemy ran back from the breastwork
the right and centre of our line, which were rapidly advancing,
directed a steady fire upon them. The enemy had several
guns in position on the edge of the woods opposite the rail
road, and these were actively engaged for several minutes
with a battery on our side. Pratt's men, pushing down the
line, were joined by those who had charged in front across
the open field, as darkness covered the scene.
The brigade was credited with over seven hundred pris
oners. Pratt's squadron took three regimental flags. Our
loss was not heavy. With one hour more of daylight we
would have entailed much heavier losses upon General Han
cock's fine corps, perhaps the flower of the Army of the
Potomac. Our infantry under General A. P. Hill assaulted
the works here on the opposite side in the morning, and the
battle lasted till past noon. Two sides of the entrenchments

History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 143
had been carried in this attack. The field beyond the rail
road was well dotted with groups of artillery horses that had
fallen, four in a place, where they had stood harnessed. This
morning encounter, doubtless, materially influenced the suc
cess of the handful of cavalry in the evening. The behavior
of the regiment to-day elicited high praise from General
Wade Hampton in orders.
We remained on picket for a few days at Reams' Station,
and some of us witnessed the burial of the enemy's dead under
flag of truce. It was done hurriedly, and a few remained for
us to bury. The enemy's loss in killed must have been at
least five hundred. We learned afterwards that Colonel
Baker's District of Columbia Regiment, which we met first
in the morning, and which made so feeble a resistance at
Malone's was sent well to the rear of Grant's army on James
river to recruit and act as a guard to teef cattle.
Our next camp was at Malone's, from which, after a few
days we moved to Cat Tail Creek. Whilst here, about the
15th of September, the regiment was ordered out under com
mand of Major Waller, to take part in an expedition in quest
of several thousand beeves, which were reported to be penned
down near Calbin Point, on James river. The brigades of
Rosser, Barringer,and ChambHss were put in motion for this
enterprise. The left of Grant's army was passed and our
march continued nearly all day along the rear of his lines.
In the evening the command was halted, and the men were
allowed to- unsaddle their horses and take several hours of
quiet rest. At a late hour in the night we mounted and the
march was resumed towards the cattle pound. Our division
was ordered to occupy and hold the roads between the Fede
ral army and the beeves, While Rosser captured and drove
them off. Our march was cautious and silent. Just before
light the sharp reports of Rosser's guns were heard. They
were a signal for us to charge. A squadron or two of the
enemy were guarding the road on which we charged. Most
of them were cozily sleeping in their tents, and quite unpre-

146 History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
pared for so early a visit. Some were made prisoners, and
many, hastily rushing from their tents, and casting aside their
blankets, vrith white Hags -fluttering in their rear, sought the
protecting cover of the woods. We found them to be the
remnant of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, upon
whose ranks we had previously made so heavy an inroad at
Malone's Crossing. The herd of portly beeves, numbering
over two thousand four 'hundred, were secured and driven
within our lines. About three hundred horses and equip
ments were secured, and eleven wagons containing supplies.
Rosser had a few men killed and wounded. Our division met
with no loss.
Our next camping-ground was at Chappell's farm, where
we remained quietly until the 27th of September, On that
day we marched towards Petersburg. On the 30th we were
dismounted and posted on the right of our infantry line.
We were ordered to advance in the afternoon to support
a piece of our artiHery. The gunners were running, and a
force of Yankee infantry on the opposite side of the field
were about to charge the gun. Changing from column into
line as rapidly as possible, we charged across the field, firing
only a few shots. The enemy 'broke before we came up, and
were retreating from the field. If we had been mounted the
probability is we might 'have overtaken and captured several
thousand. As it was, we took one colonel (commanding the
Twenty-fourth New York Cavalry), many company officers,
and over five hundred privates. On the following day we had
a skirmish on the Squirrel Level and Vaughan roads. The
brigade lost about fifty prisoners. The Captain of company
A and several privates were wounded. After a day or two
passed in bivouac near Petersburg, we returned to Chappell's,
on Goose creek.
On the 17th of October Colonel Davis, having left us, the
author was assigned to the command of the brigade, and
turned the regiment over to Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas
WaHer, who was made colonel. • Samuel Swann became Heu
tenant-colonel, and R. H, Pratt major.

Histor'y of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 147
In the fight of the 27th of October, dismounted on each
side of the Plank road below Petersburg, the regiment acted
a conspicuous part, and drove the enemy from several posi
tions. Lieutenant Lai. Washington, of Company C, was
severely wounded. Privates B. B. Beale and J. N. Brown, of
the same company, were killed, and several others were badly
wounded. In the pursuit of Warren's corps along the Weldon railroad
down to Belfield Station in midwinter they were several times
under fire and suffered for want of rations and exposure to
ice and sleet. Much of the winter of 1864 and 1865 was spent
in comfortable winter quarters near Belfield Station, each of
the squadrons taking its turn of picket service, on a line
about thirty miles from camp. They were on the right of our
infantry at Hatcher's run in the month of February, 1865,
and in an engagement on the 5th of that month suffered con
siderably. In the last days of March at Five Forks and Dinwiddie
Courthouse, and in all the privations and dangers of the
memorable days from Sunday the 2d to Sunday the gth of
April they bore themselves in the same daring, dashing man
ner which they had shown for four years, exhibiting on the
morning of the ill-fated 9th the same steady courage, the
same intrepid bearing which marked them in the beginning.
Supporting and participating in part in the last charge which
was made upon the artillery by any arm of the Army of
Northern Virginia, they cheered their comrades of the Foiir-
teenth Regiment, led by the gallant Captain E. E. Bouldin,
of the Charlotte Troop, returning with two twelve-pound
brass guns, wrested from General Sheridan while the terms of
surrender were being signed,* One company alone gave
way under the crucial test of the last few days, the majority
of- them, with their captain, having left on the 5th of April,
*In this last charge the brave young color-bearer, James Wilson, and
Samuel Walker, of Company H, Fourteenth Virginia Cavalry, both from
Rockbridge county, laid down their lives, the last men to fall in battle in
the Army of Northern Virginia, — G, W. B.

14^ History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Leaving the field of Appomattox, they dispersed, some in
companies, some in squads, and some alone, to march to their
homes, there to weep with their loved ones over a fate which
no sacrifice could avert and no^ bravery postpone. Reared in
the school of Washington and Madison, of Jefferson, Mar
shall, and Calhoun, they had fought in obedience to the man
dates of an honest conviction of duty; and that high-toned
Honor which bade them tread the toilsome path waited upon
its every step, and no act forbidden by the rules of modern
civilized warfare could be truthfully laid to their charge; and
when Lee bowed his great soul to the will of God, whatever
the victor might have imposed, that self-respect which is ever
handmaid to conscious rectitude was a jewel of which they
could not be deprived.

ROSTER

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
First Colonel  John E. Johnston.
Second Colonel  William H. P. Lee.
May, 1862, to October, 1862.
Third Colonel  R. L. T. Beale.
October, 1862, to October, 1864.
Fourth Colonel  Thomas Waller.
October, 1864, to April, 1865.
First Lieutenant-Colonel  W. H. P. Lee.
March, 1862, to May, 1862.
Second Lieutenant-Colonel  R. L. T. Beale.
May, 1862, to October, 1862.
Third Lieutenant-Colonel  M. Lewis.
October, 1862, to June, 1863.
Fourth Lieutenant-Colonel  Thomas Waller.
June, 1863, to October, 1864.
Fifth Lieutenant-Colonel  Samuel A. Swann.
October, 1864, to April, 1865.
First Major  R. L. T. Beale.
March, 1862, to May, 1862.
Second Major  M. Lewis.
May, 1862, to October, 1862.
Third Major  Thomas Waller.
October, 1862, to June, 1863.
Fourth Major  \  '  Samuel A. Swann.
June, 1863, to October, 1864.
Fifth Major  Ro. H. Pratt.
November, 1864, to April, 1865.
First Adjutant  W. T. Robins.
Third Adjutant  Gawin C. Taliaferro.
Fourth Adjutant  Ro. J. Washington.
First Surgeon  Joseph S. Gilliam.
Second Surgeon  Thomas L. Taylor.
Assistant Surgeons  W. Passmore and Clarence Garnett.
Quartermasters  Charles Waite, J. M. Forbes, and Eugene Baker.
Commissaries  A. G. Dade and  Alsop.
[149]

150 Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Sergeant-Majors  W. T. Robins and J. Reuben Richerson.
Clerk to Adjutant  William Campbell.
Ordnance Sergeant  Mungo P. Harvey.
Quartermaster's Sergeant  William Coakley.
Color-Bearers  J. H. Stiers,
Erasmus Williams, Charles R. Edwards, and Walter Callis.
Regimental Bugler  Toucey Jett.
Postmaster  Gus. A. Betts.
Chaplains  Charles H. Boggs and William H. Wheelwright.
Blacksmith  R. M., Clements.

ROLL OP COMPANY A, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
Pursuant to an order entered at the April term of Stafford County
Court, the muster roll of Company A, Ninth Virginia Cavalry, is now
a matter of record. The company was mustered in in April, 1861, at
Stafford Courthouse by W. J. Green. It is as follows:
OPFICEES.
Waller, Thomas  Captain.
Dead.
Towson, Thomas  Captain.
Dead.
Henry, E. M  Captain.
Adie, Hugh  Captain.
Williams, Cassius  First Lieutenant.
Dead.
Curtis, A. M  Second Lieutenant.
Stewart, J. N  Third Lieutenant.
Hickerson, R. G  Quartermaster-Sergeant.
Dead.
Spindle, C, W  First Sergeant.
Powers, Sidney  Second Sergeant.
Dead.
James, E. T  Third Sergeant.
Swetnam, J. F  Fourth Sergeant.
Dead.
Kellog, W. A  Fifth Sergeant.
Dead.
Taylor, J. W  First Corporal.
Gordon, W. W  Second Corporal.
Dead.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 131
Eustace, W. H  Third Corporal.
Dead.
Herndon, K. E  Fourth Corporal.
Duffy, W. L  Bugler.
Dead.
Stlars, J. H  Ensign.
Dead.

PKrVATES.

Ashby, Thomas
Dead.
Ashby, G. R.
Alsop, A. B.
Dead.
Appleby, James
Cannot be located.
Arrington, S. C.
Dead.
Armstrong, Thomas
Dead.
Baker, J. P.
Dead.
Brown, J. J.
Dead.
Bridwell, John
Dead.
Bell, Benjamin A.
Bailey, J. W.
Dead.
Barber, J. E.
Briggs, C. A.
Berie, M. A.
Bennett, M. C.
Blackburn, Alex.
Dead.
Combs, B. C.
Dead.
Combs, S. R.
Dead.
Carter, J. W.
Cloe, C. W.
Cooper, S. R.
Cooper, L.
Clo'e, W. S.
Cooper, J. "W.
Cooper, G. R.
Dead.
Curtis, J. S,
Dead.

Courtney, L. W.
Cannot be located.
Crittenden, R. M.
Dead.
Cummins, J. W.
Clift, J. P.
Bmbrey, J. C. W.
Embrey, L. J.
Embrey, E. A.
Bmbrey, J. T.
Embrey, E. W.
Dead.
Embrey, W. H.
Dead.
Embrey, W. S.
Embrey, S. D.
Embrey, R. M.
Cannot be located.
Bmbrey, W. W.
Cannot be located.
Embrey, E. E.
Cannot be located.
Embrey, Madison
Evans, A. W.
Evans, J. A.
Eustice, J. I.
Bustice, John
Ellington, J. C.
French, G. J.
French, Uriah
Dead.
Franklin, William
Dead.
Forbes, James
Dead.
Fitzhugh, Henry
Garrison, H. T.
Gallahan, J. W.
Gallahan, Thomas

152

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

Garrison, George
Dead.
Guy, S. C.
Griffis, Robert
Dead.
Green, Thad.
Dead.
Green, J. L.
Green, A. M.
Harding, J. L.
Dead.
Hooe, Isaac
Huffman, Edward
Dead.
Hansborough, W. H.
Hansborough, E. T.
Herndon, Joseph
Herndon, Dudley
Humphrey, J. L.
Cannot be located.
Henry, Pat.
Dead.
Harman, John
Honey, Phil.
Honey, Z. M.
Helm, William
Dead.
Irvine, J. W.
Dead.
James, George C.
Dead.
James, John
Dead.
Jones, J. W.
Cannot be located.
Jones, T. A.
Dead.
Jones, L. E.
Jones, Thomas
Jones, R. M.
Johnson, Thomas
Knight, H. T.
Kendall, G. W.
Dead.
Knoxville, Robert
Dead.
King, G. W.
King, J. P.
Lomax, Ed.

Lomax, Frank
Dead.
Mountjoy, Robert
Dead.
Mountjoy, Alex.
Mountjoy, W. B.
Mountjoy, Ludwell
Dead.
Maddox, R. B.
Morgan, S. S.
Monroe, R. W.
Norman, W. M.
Norman, T. T.
Norman, G. B.
Dead,
Oliver, J. P.
Oliver, Nathan
Powers, W. T.
Patton, J. M.
Payne, Trav.
Reamy, T. B.
Rehil, Edward
Royal, W. L.
Sterne, C. M.
Schooler, P. D.
Dead.
Schooler, C. W.
Starke, Edward
Dead.
Skidmore, W. L.
Dead.
Skinker, T. J.
Tolson, William
Dead.
Tolson, Daniel
Tolson, J. A.
Dead.
Towson, Suttle
Dead.
Taylor, E. V.
Tackett, C. A.
Warren, W, C.
Dead.
Warren, T. G.
Waller, J. E.
Dead.
Williams, Willilam
Wallace, Charles
Dead.
West, B. S.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

153

ROLL OF COMPANY B, NINTH "VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
Following is a roll of Company B, Ninth Virginia Cavalry. This
roll was made up by Judge E. C. Moncure, of Bowling Green, Va.,
who was second lieutenant of the company, from an old roll and from
memory, and consequently there are a few inaccuracies:

OFPICBES.
Swann, S. A  Captain.
Promoted. Was lor a number of years Superintendent Virginia State
Penitentiary. Died since tbe -war.
Ware, John  Captain.
At Ne-wport Ne-w-s.
Baker, Cecil  First Lieutenant.
Killed in battle.
Boulware, James  First Lieutenant.
Farming in Caroline county, Va.
Wright, Charles  Second Lieutenant.
Farming in Caroline county, Va.
Moncure, E. C  Second Lieutenant.,
Judge of Caroline County Court.
SEK&EANTS AND COBPOHALS.
Moncure, T. G. Broaddus, John W.
Chandler, S. T. Puller, J. E.
Waller, D. J. Shaddock, M. B.
Rollins, A. B. Faust, Thomas
Toombs, W. H. Gravatt, James D.
Kidd, John W.
PEIVATES.
Ambold, Ernest A. Buckner, R. H. W.
Andrews, John J. Killed at Brandy Station.
Andrews, Charles H. Books, R. L.
Andrews, W. S. Burke, Thomas
Andrews, W. S. Burruss, J. G.
Anderson, Alfred A. Burruss, A.
Boutwell, A. Battaile, John
Broaddus, James A. Boulware, W. J.
Broaddus, S. B. Boulware, Muscoe
Broaddus, H. O. Branham, J. H.
Broaddus, Woodford Burke, J. W.
Broaddus, H. N. Campbell, M.
Broaddus, A. T. Campbell, P. D.
Broaddus, Eugene Wounded.
Killed on courier duty. Campbell, C. R. D.
II

154

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

Chandler, W. S.
Chandler, W. T.
Wounded.
Chandler, R. W.
Wounded at Gettysburg.
Chandler, Henry
Cullen, W. P.
Callis, R. T.
Killed at Five Forks.
Callis, W. S.
Carter, L. H.
Cash, D. S.
Cash, W. S.
Killed in battle.
Carneal, L. J.
Collawn, J. W. S.
Collins, J. C.
Collins, James T.
Conway, Catlett
Conway, A. H.
Conway, P. H.
Coleman, J. L. ^
^''l.W1!^leg'^i^6rttle'; '^ "¦'
Chapman, W. S.
Crutchfield, G.
Wounded.
Dickinson, J. C.
Digges, W. C.
Wounded.
Dickinson, W. B.
Dade, H. T.
Duffee, George G.
England, John W.
Wounded.
Edwards, J. T. '
Died in hospital.
Parish, Charles H.
Died in hospital.
Parish, K. R.
Parish, Joseph
Lost a leg at Brandy Station.
Parish, W. D.
Parish, Charles T.
Killed at Brandy Station.
Parish, W. P. T.
Forbes, A. T.
Faulkner, John W.
Diedinhospital.

Fitzhugh, Hgnry
Gatewood, J. T.
Wounded at Brandy Station.
Goudin, W. S.
Gray, B.
Gray, R. A.
Gravatt, R. A.
Gravatt, T. E.
Gravatt, G. C.
Goodwin, Clarence
Killed in battle.
Greenstreet, A. J.
Goodloe, George
Gwathmey, J.
Hull, R. G.
Hull, J. M.
Killed in battle.
Harris, John T.
Killed in battle.
Hove, J. T.
Wounded.
Jesse, James M.
Jesse, W. G.
Jones, S. C.
Wounded.
Jordan, Alexander
Died in hospital.
Jordan, B. A.
Killed in battle.
Jeter, James A.
Jones, W. E.
Jerrell, Luther
Killed in battle.
Kidd, B. W.
Killed in battle.
Kidd, H. S.
Kidd, B. P.
Landrum, H. L.
Long, George W.
Lewis, Thomas F.
Loving, W. H.
Lightfoot, W. B.
Luck, W. S.
McLaughlin, James A.
Wounded.
Moncure, R. C. A.
Moncure, M. A.
Moncure, J. D.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

U5

Martin, A. H.
Died in hospital.
Mason, John G.
McKenney, Edgar
McKenney, James L.
Moncure, R. C. L., Jr.
Norment, T. N.
Oliver, William M.
Oliver, R. B.
Powers, D. B.
Powers, Thomas
Killed in battle.
Powers, Willie
Died in prison.
Pitts, O. D.
Penny, J. L.
Parrish, J. G.
Pave, Sample
Rowe, H. C.
Ro^e, Carleton
Killed in battle.
Rowe, James W.
Richardson, J. R.
Richerson, W. A.
Killed at Gettysburg.
Richerson, George G.
Robb, P. L.
Samuel, P. T.
Scott, P. W.
Sutton, P. K.
Sutton, Archibald
Sutton, Page T.
Slaughter, J. A.
Sale, J. J.
Satterwhite, Benjamin

Taylor, W. R.
Taylor, Temple
Taylor, R. J.
Wounded.
Temple, M. D.
Temple, W. S.
Temple, Charles
Temple, L.
Terrell, A. B.
Terrell, John M.
i/ost a leg.
Thomas, J. W.
Thomas, R. N.
Wounded April 6, 1865.
Thomas, W.. W.
Thornton, T. C.
Todd, George T.
Died in hospital.
Upshur, R. H.
Wright, R. S.
Wright, Wesley
Wright, W. B.
Wright, W. S.
Wright, B. B.
Wright, J. C.
Wright, B. M.
Wright, J. P.
Woolfolk, W. W.
Willis, Charles
Wounded,
Warwick, C.
White, Columbus
Killed at Brandy Station.
Wigglesworth, J. S.
Killed in battle.
Waite, Charles

SUMMABT.

Whole number of officers and men,
wounded, 15; died in hospital, 9.

175: killed in battle, 18:

136 Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
ROLL OF COMPANY C, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
OEEICEES.
Garnett, Thomas S  First Captain.
Promoted colonel of Forty-eighth Virginia Infantry ;
killed at Chancellorsville.
Beale, R. L. T  Second Captain.
Twice -wounded.
Murphy, John N  Third Captain.
Resigned.
Hungerford, John W  Fourth Captain.
Killed at Middleburg.
Robinson, Charles C  Fifth Captain.
Wounded and captured at Upperville.
Beale, George W  Pirst Lieutenant.
T-wice -wounded.
Dade, A. G  Second Lieutenant.
Promoted major in commissary department.
Murphy, W. W  Second Lieutenant.
Resigned.
Stewart, John T  Second Lieutenant.
Killed in Charles City county.
Washington, Lawrence  Second Lieutenant.
Severely -wounded.
Lewis, Ro. B  Second Lieutenant.
Twice -svounded.
Washington, Richard  First Sergeant.
Killed near Hagersto-wn.
Hardwick, Stephen C  First Sergeant.
Killed at Nance's Shop.
Edwards, Thomas W. B  First Sergeant.
Captured.
Benson, Henry  Sergeant.
Branson, John W  Sergeant.
Severely wounded.
Bowie, Gordon P  Corporal.
Wounded in Charles City county.
Graham, John  Corporal.
Died in service.
Marmaduke, W. C  Corporal.
Captured.
Critcher, John  Corporal.
V Promoted colonel Fifteenth Virginia Cavalry.
Carroll, George B  Corporal.
Killed at Nance's Shop.
Baker, Henry C  Corporal.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

157

PEITATES.

Arnold, Thomas
Transferred to Company I.
Ashton, B. B.
Killed at Gettysburg.
Ashton, Charles H.
Atwill, Benjamin
Wounded.
Baber, Thomas B.
Barber, Ellison
Wounded.
Barber, Thomas
Killed at Brandy Station.
Bates, Burton B.
Died in service.
Battaile, Eugene
Wounded.
Beale, Albert
Beale, B. B.
Killed in Dinwiddie.
Beale, Richard
Wounded .
Beale, Richard S.
Died in service.
Beale, Robert
Beale, Robert H.
Bispham, Ham.
Killed at Hatcher's Run.
Branson, Benjamin
Accidentally wounded,
Brooke, James
Brooks, Horace A.
Captured and imprisoned in Fort
McHenry till close of the war.
Brown, B. B.
Killed at Nance's Shop,
Brown, Edwin D.
Severely wounded and discharged.
Brown, John N.
Killed in Dinwiddle.
Brown, Thomas
Callahan, Thomas
Chandler, Richard H.
Wounded.
Glaybrook, Edwin C.
Captured.
Courtney, Benjamin
Courtney, Bushrod
Courtney, David C.

Courtney, James R.
Bugler.
Courtney, W. Hank
Chowning, William W.
Combs, John
Cox, Abraham F.
Captured.
Cox, Ephriam P.
Killed.
Crabbe, Eugene
Courier,
Crabbe, Tasker
Crask, Joseph
Ambulance driver.
Crask, Seldon
Discharged.
Douglas, Rhody
Dozier, Philip
Died in service.
Dozier, William R.
Discharged.
Edwards, Charles
Color-bearer ; wounded.
Eliff, George
Discharged.
English, James
English, Thomas
Evans, T. W. G.
Blacksmith.
Everett, Charles
Franklin, William H.
Died in prison of wounds received
at Hanover, Pa.
Garland, J. J.
Died in service.
George, Philander
Gordon, John
Killed.
Gouldin, Chester
Killed near Reams' Station.
Gouldman, Jesse
Severely wounded at Hatcher's
Run.
Gregory, Joseph R.
Captured.
Gregory, Levi .
Discharged.
Greenlaw, Thomas P.
Severely wounded at Upperville.

^5S

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

Grifiith, Frederick
Guthrie, William
Discharged.
Gutridge, George
Wounded and captured at Upper
ville.
Gutridge, W. Octavus
Killed.
Haislip, Joseph
Hall, James
Hall, Luther
Drowned.
Hall, Shelton B.
Discharged.
Haynie, Hackman
Died in service.
Hardwick, Henry
Harvey, John W.
Harvey, Mungo P.
Ordance sergeant.
Holliday, James R.
Hunter, Richard
Killed at Charles City county.
Hutt, 
Hutt, Ogle
Hutt, Steptoe D.
Discharged.
Jenkins, James
Wounded accidentally.
Jett, Charles W.
Killed at Brandy Station.
Jett, Lucius L.
Jett, Thomas
Badly wounded in foot at Brandy
station.
Jett, Toucey
Regimental bugler; wounded at
Brandy Station.
Jett, William
Severely wounded.
Johnson, Philip
Johnson, William
Jones, Churchwell
Kennedy, Robert
King, Benjamin
Lawrence, R. S.
Wounded at Fredericksburg.
Lowe, David
Marshall, Robert A.
Mason, Julian J.
Promoted as aid to Gen . Fields .

Massey, Thomas H.
Substituted.
Maupin, Chapman
Transferred to engineers.
McKenney, George
Discharged.
McKenney, James
Discharged.
McKildoe, Lucius
Wounded.
Montgomery, Jeter
Moone, Joseph J.
Wounded.
Morris, James
Wagoner.
Murphy, Robert
Neale, John
Killed at Ashland.
Owens, Benjamin
Palmer, W. W.
Wounded at Gettysburg ; captured.
Payne, Richard
Porter, Edward
Wounded.
Porter, Edward P.
Porter, Henry
Killed at Nance's Shop.
Porter, J. Horace
Porter, R. Louis
Pullen, Joseph A.
Purcell, John
Died in service.
Reamy, Broaddus
Reamy, James
Killed at Five Forks.
Reamy, William A.
Killed at Nance's Shop.
Reed, Emmett
Rice, Clarence
Rice, Robert Wilbur
Rice, William
Robb, James
Rust, Charles
Transferred to Company H.
Rust, John
Died of wounds.
Rust, William R.
Severely wounded at Gettysburg.
Rose, William W.
Killed.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

159

Sanford, Robert A.
Wounded.
Self, Robert
Settle, John
Sisson, Prank
Spilman, Robert B.
Severely wounded at Ashland.
Spilman, Thomas M.
Stringfellow, Bruce
Severely wounded.
Sutton, Hansford
Disabled by a fall , and discharged.
Sturman, John E.
Smith, William
Died in service.
Taliaferro, Gawin C.
Adjutant of the regiment ; leg frac
tured and amputated, at Bar
bee's Cross-Roads.
Thrift, Henry
Wounded.
Thrift, Joseph
Discharged.
Talent, Robert L.
Died in service.
Taylor, Charles
Taylor, Henry
Taylor, Thomas
Taylor, Robinson

Turner, Cnarles
Severely wounded at Upperville.
Turner, Henry
Walker, James
Discharged.
Walker, William M.
Severely wounded in Dinwiddie.
Washington, Ro. J.
Wounded; promoted adjutant.
Weaver, William A.
Killed near Shepherdstown.
Wheelwright, P. D.
Discharged.
Wheelwright, P. D., Jr.
Wounded.
Wheelwright, Thomas C.
Wounded.
"White, John
White, Thomas L.
Wounded.
Wright, J. N.
Wounded after being captured.
Wright, M. U. P.
Wounded and captured.
Yeatman J. J.
Died of injuries received in ser
vice.
Yeatman, Oscar

The above list shows a total enlistment of 175 men, of whom 36
were wounded, 26 killed, and 11 died in service. Of the whole num
ber about 70 are living, and over 100 are dead. G. W. B.

ROLL OP COMPANY D, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
The following is a roll of Company D, Ninth Virginia Cavalry,
Confederate States Army. This roll was found among the papers of
the late Captain James K. Ball: OFFICEES.
Lewis, Dr. M  Pipst Captain.
Severely wounded.
-Hughlett, John P  Second Captain.
Ball, James K  .Third Captain.
Wounded.
Peirce, Ro. T  Pirst Lieutenant.
Ewell, James L  Second Lieutenant.
Tapscott, A. D  Third Lieutenant.

i6o Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Peirce, W. R  Pirst Sergeant.
Dunaway, R. W  Second Sergeant.
Hubbard, B. H. B  Third Sergeant.
Kirk, C. R  Fourth Sergeant.
Williams, S. G  Pirst Corporal.
Dunaway, A. B  Second Corporal.
Harding, James O  Third Corporal.
Ewell, John C  Fourth Corporal.
Wounded.
McCarty, James B  First Bugler.
Tapscott, William C  Second Bugler.
Killed.
PRIVATES.
Alderson, George D. Carter, Charles L.
Anderson, James Chilton, R. H.
Ball, William Lee Chilton, John R.
Ball, Thomas Chowning, John W.
Barrett, L. J. Chowning, John S.
Barnett, Levi Chowning, Thomas M.
Barnes, Alph Currie, John
Wounded. Currell, C. L.
Beazeley, Joseph Wounded.
Basye, William Currell, Jsaac H.
Basye, Henry Severely wounded.
Betts, G. A. Currell, John S.
Betts, Luther Cundiff, C. C.
Biscoe, Mel. Cundiff, A. N.
Blackwell, Edgar Cundiff, William P.
Blackwell, H. H. Wounded at Sappony Church.
Severely wounded. Clarke, Ryland
Blackwell, Moreau q^.^ George
Brent, Elias C. Davenport, C. Brown
? Brent, Joseph W. Davenport, R. 0.
Brent, Elias E. Davenport, David P.
Brent, Thomas O. Davenport, William H.
Brent, William H., Sr. jjjj. g^ rj, jy-
Brent, William H., Jr. Dob'yns, C. A.
Brown, James H. Dobyns, James S.
Beane, George E. Downing, Joseph (Major)
Bramham, John B. Downing, John B.
Ball, Horace L. Downing, Samuel B.
Callahan, T. C. Severely wounded by shell.
Carter, C. P. Downing, T. J.
Carter, B. J. Wounded.
Carter, R. W. D. Dewbry, Samuel
Wounded. Doulin, Thomas
Carter, Ro. W. Killed.
Carter, William H. Doulin, Joseph

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

i6i

Dunton, C. A.
Douglas, Dr. W. W.
Edwards, George W.
Edmonds, A. R.
Edmonds, B. B.
Eubank, William O.
Flippo, L. M.
Glasscock, John D.
Gilliam, Dr. James S.
Hale, William L. B.
Hathaway, John H.
Harding, Dr. H. W.
Harding, John E.
Wounded.
Harding, John H.
Harcum, Rufus
Hastings, H. H.
Haynie, William H.
Henderson, C. E.
Hill, H. H.
Hubbard, Warren
Wounded.
Hurst, T. B.
Hall, H. P.
Ingram, L. H.
Jesse, W. H.
Kennon, John D.
Kent, D. C.
Kelley, James W.
Kirk, James 0.
Kirk, William M.
Kirk, Raw. W.
Leland, Charles W.
Lampkin, T. T.
Wounded at Sappony Church.
Lee, James B.
Lewis, John W.
Lyell, John M.
McClanahan, William T.
Montague, Dr.
Middleton, William J.
Mitchell, Robert J.
Mitchell, L. D.
Neale, John N.
Wounded at Upperville.
Neale, John W.
Neale, Silas C.
Norris, H. C.

Norris, Richard
Mortally wound'd at Brandy Sta'n
Northern, George D.
Palmer, John A.
Peirce, A. C.
Peirce, William L.
Peirce, John A.
Pinckard, Thomas A.
Pope, John P.
Purseley, John B.
Reynolds, A. D.
Rice, Samuel A.
Killed at Upperville.
Robbins, John M.
Rogers, John A.
Saunders, James P.
Sanders, Joseph S.
Sanders, R. M.
Saunders, William H.
Sandford, R. B.
Sampson, T. T.
Smither, T. E.
Smith, James
Smith, John
Sorrell, Edgar G.
Sorrell, Richard T.
Killed at Dinwiddie C. H.
Sullivan, James L.
Wounded and captured.
Sullivan, John L.
Sullivan, Rawl. W.
Shay, Walter
Sydnor, W. P.
Slocum, D. P.
Mor. wounded at Sappony Church.
Sypes, Alex.
Wagoner.
Tapscott, Henry
Tebbs, William P.
Towles, Thomas P.
To-wles, John C.
Webb, James R.
Wiatt, T. M.
Williams, Erasmus P.
Mortally wounded.
Williams, A. W.
Wiatt, A. T.
Waddy, William B.
Yerby, Joseph T.

l62

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

ROLL OP COMPANY E, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
OFFICEES.
Crutchfield, Corbin  Captain.
Smith, Robert  Captain.
Broaddus, John  Lieutenant.
Gayle, Josiah P  Lieutenant.
Waller, William D  Lieutenant.
Wyatt, Henry M  Lieutenant.
Prazer, James L  Lieutenant.
Chancellor, George E  Lieutenant.

PBIVATES.

Alrich, John R.
Amis, Joseph
Armstrong, Mahlon
Ashton, Lewis
Ballard, Camden
Died 1864.
Barton, Green
Beasley, James
Killed.
Beasley, Beverley
Killed.
Beverly, Frank C. (Captain)
Beverly, John G.
Beverly, James G.
Boulware, George
Brown, James M.
Brent, Josiah
Brightwell, Dabney
Buchanan, William S.
Bullard, Lee
Bullard, John C.
Cammack, Horace A.
Cammack, Dr. William
Cammack, Dr. Joseph
Chancellor, Vespasian
Chancellor, Thomas
Died 1863.
Chewning, Charles
Chewning, William
Chewning, James
Chewning, Marcus A.
Chewning, Joseph S.
Chewning, William Y.

Chewning, Aurelius G.
Coleman, Ned
Coleman, Prank
Coleman, James
Cox, John T.
Cox, E. Francis
Transferred to Co. " C"; killed.
Connor, William Frederick
Killed.
Crump, Robert
Crutchfield, Charles
Crutchfield, Robert
Curtis, Ben.
Crutchfield, E. M.
Davis, Dr. John W.
Davis, James L.
Day, William L.
Decker, M. E.
Decker, W. J.
Decker, R. C.
Dickinson, William C.
Dillard, W. W.
Duerson, Thomas L.
Duerson, John J.
Duvall, Poster I.
Durrett, Dr. A. L.
Parish, Bruce
Parish, Robert
Parish, Gabe
Paulconer, John B.
Paulconer, Ab.
Paulconer, Ed.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

163

Fitzhugh, Norman R.
Promoted major.
Finney, Dr. Thomas W.
Finney, John T.
Foster, William E.
Foster, 0. D.
Poster, Powhatan
Poster, Thomas
Foster, James
Garnett, Robert
Gayle, Thomas B.
Goodwin, William M. B.
Goodwin, Thomas C.
Goodwin, Littleton
Green, John
Graves, Benjamin
Grady, William
Hansborough, James
Harding, Tamelia
Harrison, E. W.
Harris, Thomas A.
Hart, Charles G.
Hart, Ferdinand H.
Hart, Cutlip
Hatcher, E. A.
Hart, John
Hayney, John
Hening, Fred. C.
Hening, Richard
Hening, Robert
Holladay, Laburn
Holladay, William M.
Holladay, William C.
Herndon, Dr. Thomas
Hopkins, Othaniel
Higgins, James
Howser, Peter
Jenkins, Thomas P.
Jenkins, Willard
Died 1864.
Jenkins, Benjamin
Jerrell, Robert H.
Johnson, Wyatt
Johnson, Joseph
Johnson, Eliflet
Jones, Walter C.
Jones, James A.

Jones Isaac P.
Jones, Churchill
Jones, James M.
Jones, James Walker
Jones, William L.
Jones, Andrew B.
Jones, Joseph
Kyle, David J.
Kyle, Theodore
Kishpaugh, Alfred
Landram, Chesterfield
Landram, Henry
Leavell, Benjamin L.
Lumsden, Fife
Martin, William
Martin, Henry
Massie, " Jack "
Morgan, William H.
Died 1861.
Morgan, John S.
Owens, Howard
Paytes, S. C.
Peak, Charles R.
Pendleton, William M.
Pilcher, Mason
Pool, King
Died 1868.
Powell, Henry
Killed.
Powell, Charles G.
Powell, James L.
PuUiam, Dr. John D.
Pulliam, Coleman
Pulliam, John J.
Pulliam, Thomas R.
Rawlings, James L.
Richards, Quintus
Richards, Taswell
Richards, Titus
Ro'bey, William B.
Rowe, George W.
Roach, Thomas
Sanford, Lawrence
Sanford, Joseph
Shadrock, William
Slaughter, — ^^ 
Southworth, Charles B.

164

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

Spindle, William H.
Spotswood, John
Smith, William C.
Smith, Dr. G.
Smith, Anthony B.
Smith, William S.
Sanders, Edgar
Straghan, Alfred
Swift, William
Swift, Richard G.
Swift, John
Stanley, John L.
Talley, Richard C.
Talley, John
Talley, James M.
Tatum, John A.
Taylor, James
Tinder, James B.
Tinder, I. Allen
Tinder, Alonzo
Tinder, William

Todd, R. L.
Todd, Oscar
Todd, William
Twyman, John
Twyman, Benford
Twyman, Red
Tyler, Joseph
Waller, John
Killed.
Waller, Thomas
Waite, William L.
Waite, Charles (Major)
Division quartermaster.
Wallingsford, William
Wallingsford, Meade
White, Lawrence B.
Williams, William S.
Wright, John
Wright, Luther
Wyatt, James A.
Killed.

ROLL OF COMPANY F, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
The following is a roll of Company F of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry
of the Confederate States Army, enlisted from the — day of  ,
1861, to the — day of April, 1865: OFFICEES.
Cauthorn, Richard S  First Captain,
Latane, William  Second Captain.
Killed on the McClellan raid.
Oliver, William A  Third Captain,
Killed in battle.
Wilson, John H  Fourth Captain.
Waring, William L  First Lieutenant.
Jones, Aubry H  Second Lieutenant.
Lewis, Waring  Second Lieutenant.
Latang, John  Second Lieutenant.
Died from wounds.
Dandridge, P. P  Cadet.
Wright, George T  First Sergeant.
Cauthorn, M. Alonzo  First Sergeant.
Garnett, John M  Second Sergeant.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 163
Hundley, Edwin P  Second Sergeant.
Baird, E. R  Third Sergeant.
Hosklns, William R  Third Sergeant.
Button, A. P   Fourth Sergeant.
Croxton, Thomas  Pirst Corporal.
Wright, J. R  First Corporal.
Waring, Thomas L  Second Corporal.
Mitchell, S. W  Second Corporal.
Wright, George M  Third Corporal.
Spindle, John A  Bugler.

PBIVATES.

Andrews, J. B.
Andrews, T. B.
Atkins, J. T.
Baylor, Robert
Beasley, Ephram
Beasley, George T.
Beasley, Joe
Bentley, John B.
Severely wounded.
Bird, R. Clay
Boughton, C. R.
Boughton, L. R.
Boulware, William T.
Brockenborough, B. B.
B];own, C. E.
Brown, M.
Brown, William
Brown, A.
Bristow, S.
Bristow, J. B.
Boughton, T. L.
Bayless, C. R.
Campbell, William
Carlton, V. S.
Carmeal, George D.
Cauthorn, George W.
Cauthorn, L. Byron
Cauthorn, W. A.
Chinn, Joseph E.
Clarke, George M.
Clarkson, James
Clayton, 
Clements, R. M.
Covington, T. R.

Clarke, Robert
Cauthorn, R. A.
Dishman, H.
Dishman, J. P.
Douglass, Robert
Douglass, Richard
Dyke, John L.
Davis, Samuel
Deshaso, John
Dunn, Winter
Durham, James
Eubank, P. C.
Evans, A. M.
Evans, J. B.
Evans, W. C.
Fisher, Thomas E.
Fauntleroy, W.
Fleet, C. B.
Garnett, A. B.
Garnett, Jenipher
Garnett, L. C.
Garnett, L. H.
Garnett, M.
Garnett, T. S.
Gatewood, Phil.
Gleason, J.
Glenn, M.
Glenn, R. M.
Gordon, Thomas
Gouldman, A. B.
Gouldman, R. A.
Gray, P. B.
Garnett, J. M.
Gray, George

i66

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

Hoskins, T.
Hoskins, William
Killed at Manassas.
Hundley, J. M.
Hundley, J. T. T.
Hunter, James
Hunter, James D.
Jones, T. M.
Jones, W. S.
Kay, H.
Kay, William
Kountz, Lewis
Layton, 
Lewis, Phil. W.
Le-^is, Warner
Lewis, Henry
Lipscomb, E.
Mills, J. G.
Mitchell, J. W.
Mitchell, John W.
Mitchell, W. E.
Moore, T. M. A.,
Mundie, J. M.
Muse, E. N.
Muse, W. A.
Muse, L. W.
McGeorge, W. R.
Mason, Ezra
Montague, i\. C.
Newbill, C.
Newbill, Jack
Oliver, B. P.
Killed at Boonsboro', Md.
Parker, A.
Perkins, William G.
Philip, J. W.
Pilkerton, J. W.
Pitts, L. S.

Pines, H. S.
Roane, T. R.
Drowned .
Robb, R. R.
Robertson, Logan
Robinson, W. P.
Rouzie, R. R.
Reynolds, J. M.
Sale, B. L.
Samuel, W. B.
Sherwood, J. R.
Smith, E.
Street, J. R. .
Street, W. H.
Taliaferro, G. D.
Temple, John
Tunstall, 
Trible, S. W.
Ward, C. B.
Ware, R. L.
Waring, C. W.
Waring, W. Lowry
Waring, R. H.
Waring, W. L.
Waring, W.
Waring, S.
Waring, T.
Watts, William
Whitlocke, A.
Williams, W. A.
Wright, B. P.
Wright, Ro. S.
Wright, W. D.
Wright, C. Z.
Wheat, 
Waring, H.
Young, J. T.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 167

ROLL OP COMPANY G, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
This company was organized several years prior to the war, and
was styled " The Lunenburg Light Dragoons." Its first captain was
William E. Stockdell, -who was succeeded by W. H. Hatchett. After
some time spent at Ashland, where the company was drilled by
Colonels Fields and Lomax, it was ordered early in 1861 to West Vir
ginia, where it remained with the " Lee Rangers," under Captain W.
H. P. Lee, until the latter part of the winter of 1862, when it was
ordered to Fredericksburg, where it was made one of the constituent
companies of the Ninth Regiment of Virginia Cavalry.
OFFICEES.
Hatchett, W. H  Captain.
Knight, 0. M  Captain.
Resigned.
Boiling, Stith  Captain.
Wounded ; promoted lieutenant-colonel.
Love, D. R  Captain.
Wounded at Nance's Shop.
Stokes, J. A  Lieutenant.
Staples, J. A  Lieutenant.
Fowlkes, A. B  Lieutenant.
Killed at Boonsboro' .
Davis, N. E  Lieutenant.
Killed at Manassas.
Smith, O  Lieutenant.
Neblett, N. M  Lieutenant.
Hardy, C. B  Lieutenant.
Avoney, C. B  Orderly Sergeant.
Boiling, Stith  Orderly Sergeant.
Love, D. R  Orderly Sergeant.
Hardy, C. B  Orderly Sergeant.
Wounded.
Winn, George  Orderly Sergeant.
Bragg, J. O  Sergeant.
Smith, O  Sergeant.
Wilson, R. W  Sergeant.
Trindale, W. H  Sergeant.
Wounded.
White, Prank  Sergeant.
McOormick, B. D  Sergeant.
Smith, W. W  ,  Sergeant.
Wounded.
Love, A. H  Corporal.

i68 Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Hatchett, P. M  Corporal.
Staples, C. A  Corporal.
McCormick, B. D  Corporal.
Smith, W. W  Corporal.

PRIVATES.

Arvin, G. T.
Arvin, M.
Arvin, M. L.
Armes, R. A.
Arvin, T. J.
Atkinson, W.
Bailey, Jim
Barnes, P. B.
Barnes, W. A.
Barron, Henry
Baugh, J. A.
Bell, A.
Blackwell, J. C.
Blackwell, R. A.
Blackwell, W. T.
Bishop, I. H.
Boiling, J. R.
Boiling, H.
Boiling, H. E.
Boswell, Thomas
Boswell, H. E.
Bruff, I. H.
Burnett, William
Burke, John
Burton, Thomas
Brooks, John
Wounded.
Butterworth, James
Clarke, George
Clarke, J. H.
Clarke, James I.
Killed .
Clarke, Van.
Wounded .
Coleman, Wat.
Cox, G. W.
Crowder, R. B.
Chumney, G. C.
Chumney, W. M.
Davie, W. S.
Daniel, George

Davie, A. L.
Dawson, John
Dowdy, John
Dowdy, W. B.
Durby, H.
Dyson, P. H.
Edmonds, Sitt.
Edmondson, J. B.
Wounded.
Estes, I. I.
Wounded.
Estes, Duck
Eubank, A. J.
Eubank, James
Eubank, John
Eubank, William
Eubank, Robert
Elder, John H.
Paris, B. S.
Peatherstone, Jim
Wounded.
Peatherstone, Richard
Figg, B. B.
Forrest, R. J.
Fowlkes, C. B.
Forrest, W. B.
Fitgerald, D. C.
Puqua, L. T.
Puqua, S. A.
Gary, W. T.
Gary, L. M.
Gillespie, W.
Gee, George E.
Gee, L. M.
Goulding, A. E.
Goulding, J. M.
Gregory, 
Hamlin, William
Hardy, A. A.
Wounded.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

i6g

Hardy, I. I.
Hardy, L. G.
Wounded.
Hardy, J. E.
Harding, H. A.
Hardy, Wilson
Killed.
Harris, J. M.
Hardy, C. M.
Harding, A. D.
Hatchett, A.
Hite, L. J.
Harris, J. H.
Hawthorne, H.
Hawthorne, Fred.
Hite, James,
Hughes, M. J. P
Killed.
Hurt, J. P.
Hurt, M. B.
Jeffress, L. M.
Jones, M.
Jones, P. E.
Jones, J. W.
Jolins, B. T.
Johnson, J.
Johnson, Rufus
Johnson, William
Jordan, 
Knight, George
Lee, J. H.
Lee, William A.
Love, J.
Love, S. H.
Wounded.
Love, Tom
Malone, C.
Malone, W.
Manson, P. S.
Marable, Jim
Mize, Jacob
Wounded.
Mize, S. S.
Moore, T. G.
Mug, John
Marshall, E. O.

Moore, John
Malkintine, 
Neblett, H.
Nickleson, 
Nash, P.
Killed.
Neale, J. C.
Overton, R. J.
Wounded.
Orgain, James
Killed.
Palmer, J. W.
Passmore, W.
Petty, J. D.
Phillips, William
Powell, L.
Pugh, 
Ransom, John
Ransom, P. J.
Richards, H. B.
Robinson, R. P.
Rennolds, 

Richerson, John
Raysdale, J. G.
Transferred to artillery
Russell, J.
Rux, A. P.
Rawlett, A. E.
Russell, J. B.
Rudd, T. J.
Snead, P. M.
Shackleton, J. A.
Singleton, 
Smith, C. C.
Smithson, Buck
Smith, J. B.
Smith, H. C.
Smith, John H.
Smith, O. M.
Smith, B.
Smith, Robert
Street, W.
Smith, George
Shelton, L.
Stokes, S. A.
Stokes. E. M.

170 Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
stokes, J. Bedford White, B.
Killed, White, P.
Stokes, W. H. Winn, George
Sturdivant, T. W. Winn, Harrison
Tarry, G. W. Winn, John
Thomas, Pomp Winn, Wash.
Thomas, W. R. Wilsbn. Ad.
Tirdale, W. C. Wilson, William
Vaughan, N. Wise, W. A.
Vaughan, W. Whitmore, G. A.

G. B. Williams, T. J.
Walker, Al. Wilkerson, J. W.

ROLL OP COMPANY H, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
Roll of Company H, Ninth Virginia Cavalry (" Lee Rangers "),
from — day of  , 1861, to — day of April, 1865 :
OFFICERS.
Lee, William H. F  Captain.
Dead.
Douglass, B. B  Captain.
Promoted major Fifth Virginia Cavalry; dead.
Haynes, Thomas W  Captain.
Permanently disabled from wound; dead.
Croxton, William V  Pirst Lieutenant.
Dead.
Pollard, James  Pirst Lieutenant.
Lost a leg.
Christian, Thomas J  Second Lieutenant.
Bassett, George W  Junior Second Lie-utenant.
Dead.
Cullen, John A  Junior Second Lieutenant.
Dead.
Meredith, Fleming  First Sergeant.
Allison, James  First Sergeant.
Killed.
Slaughter, John L  First Sergeant.
Jones, A. H  First Sergeant.
Howerton, Robert G  First Sergeant.
Dead.
Burke, P. R  First Sergeant.
Killed.
Williamson, Benjamin T  -.First Sergeant
Dead.

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. 171
Mitchell, William H  Pirst Sergeant.
Dead.
Robins, William T  First Sergeant.
Promoted adjutant, and later colonel Twenty-fourth Virginia Cavalry.
Bassett, G. W  Pirst Sergeant.
Haynes, Thomas W  First Sergeant.
Anderson, Handsford  Corporal.
Bush, John W  ."  Corporal.
Harrison, Charles A  Corporal.
Morrison, Alfred  Corporal.
Ellis, John  Corporal.
Killed.
Pemberton, John  Corporal.
Killed.
Toole, John  Corporal.
Killed.
Moore, P. P  Corporal.
PBIVATES.

Apperson, Richard
Anderson, Peter
Killed.
Blackburn, P. H.
Berkeley, W. H.
Berkley, W. W.
Dead.
Boulware, Vivian G.
Boulware, Aubin L.
Dead,
Boulware, Wickliffe
Killed.
Burruss, R. H.
Beadles, ui.
Broach, A. M.
Dead.
Brock, H. C.
Burgess, James
Killed.
Bagby, William
Killed.
Callis, James A.
Campbell, James W.
Casey, James J.
Dead.
Cardwell, John L.
Dead.
Cooke, Charles H.
Crouch, Richard H.

Crouch, Thomas L.
Dead.
Clements, Eugene
Killed.
Clements, William H.
Dead.
Clayton," 
Chamberlayne, S. D.
Dead.
Davis, Edward
Dead.
Davis, Smith
Dead.
Dabney, A. B.
Dead.
Duncan, Edward A.
Dead.
Dunstan, Richard R.
Dead.
Deans, Herbert
Dew, J. Harvey
Dew, Boone
Killed.
Edwards, Julian T.
Edwards, P. C.
Edwards, Kleber
Eubank, Edward P.
Eubank, W. S.

172

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

Figg, Joseph
Dead
Gary, William M., Jr.
Gary, James H.
Gatewood, Charles M.
Dead.
Garrett, William L.
Gouldin, John G. .
Gregory, William
Gregory, Roger
Gregory, J. C.
Gresham, Oscar
Gresham, Walter
Gwathmey, R. B.
Killed.
Travis, Harwood
Hawes, Walker A.
Hay, Joseph
Habliston, CEarles B.
Dead.
Habliston, Fred. H.
Henshaw, Thomas E.
Dead.
Howerton, William T.
Dead.
Hill, Robert C.
Hill, John
Hill, A. B.
Hodges, B. P.
Killed.
Horsey, Thomas J.
Dead.
Jackson, Lucian
Jeter, James P.
Jacobs, Edward
Jones, Walter S.
Knote, John S.
Dead.
King, Miles C.
Kent, James B.
Kemp, William P.
Dead.
Kinsela, A. E.
Layton, Charles P.
Lacy, John B.
Killed.
Lacy, John P.
Littlepage, James I.
Dead.

Littlepage, John C.
Littlepage, H. H.
Killed.
Lee, Joseph
Leigh, William J.
Dead.
Leftwich, Richard
Lukhard, Cornelius
Lukhard, S. H.
Logan, William H.
Martin, Cornelius
Dead.
Martin, Samuel J.
Dead.
Mann, John
Martin, Alex.
Dead.
Martin, Ernest S.
Martin, William B.
Martin, Lee B.
Killed.
Martin, Hamilton
Dead.
Mitchell, Robert
Mooklar, A. T.
Miles, A.
Morris, Robert
Dead.
Mellon, Cyrus
Mills, Charles
Nuttall, Hasalom
Newman, J. I.
Dead.
Noel, James
Noel, John
Dead.
Parr, Edward
Dead.
Parr, John
Dead.
Pemberton, R. C.
Pollard, B. S.
Powell, E. L.
Dead.
Reynolds, Matt
Robins, James A.
Robins, William T.
Robinson, L. M.
Ryland, Robert S..

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

173

Ryland, Josiah, Jr.
Ross, Caleb
Dead.
Robb, William H.
Dead.
Rust, Charles P.
Saunders, Robert D.
Dead.
Shelley, Richard H.
Saunders, John
Satterwhite, Thomas P.
Sizer, L. D.
Dead.
Sutton, Pulaski
Dead.
Swope, Dr.
Straugham, David
Selden, Braxton
Killed.
Skelton, Granville
Killed.
Taylor, John P.

Tibbs, Robert T.
Dead.
Trant, John
Turner, Logan D.
Turner, Beverly
Thompson, Tazewell ¦
Tyler, George
Taylor, Thomas L.
Made surgeon of the regiment.
Taylor, Edmund P.
Killed.
Taylor, 
Tuck, L. M.
Waring, Spencer R.
Williams, Warren N.
White, James A.
Waring, Lawson E.
Wilson, Straugham
Killed.
Washington, Robert J.
Promoted adjutant of the reglm't.
Williamson, Benjamin T.
Dead.

There were twenty-six men who were killed and died from wounds.

ROLL OF COMPANY I, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
The following is a roll of Company I, of the Ninth Virginia
Cavalry, of the Confederate States Army, enlisted from the — day of
April, 1861, to the 9th day of April, 1865:

OFFICEES.
Tayloe, John, Sr  First Captain.
Resigned.
Billingsley, John A  Second Captain.
Captured.
King, William P  Pirst Lieutenant.
Wounded,
Tayloe, John, Jr  Second Lieutenant.
Resigned.
Peed, P. M  Second Lieutenant.
Ashton, George D  Third Lieutenant.
Resigned.

174

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

PRIVATES.

Askins, B.
Arnold, Thomas
Allensworth, James
Berry, C. A.
Bullard, Robert
Bullard, Reubin
Billingsley, Joseph
Burchell, John
Burchell, Charles
Bullard, William
Burchard, William
Baker, James
Died in service.
Barker, George
Died in service.
Barker, Andrew
Died in service.
Brent, Sargent
Branagan, George
Bryany, John
Clift, James
Clift, John
Coakley, William, Sr.
Coakley, William, Jr.
Carver, John
Carver, Richard
Wounded and died.
Salahan 
Killed.
Carter, 
Cleaves, Alvaro
Coakley, Robert
Crismond, Henry
Dillard, John H.
Dishman, A. T.
Dickens, John R.
Wounded and died.
Dodd, George
Dickerson, William
Dickerson, John
Dodd, John
Ellis, Samuel
Edwards, James M.
Fitzhugh, M. T.
Frank, Alix.

Green, L. C.
Grissit, Walker
Griffin, Henry
Wounded and died,
Grigsby, James
Hambleton, Ned.
Hudson, James
Wounded.
Hudson, Thomas
Harrow, James
Killed.
Hales, G. W.
Howland, Calvin
Howland, Henry
Died.
Hudson, Phil.
Killed.
Johnson, Richard
Johnson, William
Jett, John L.
Jones, Richard
Johnson, 
Jackson, 
Kennedy, 
King, Daniel
- Little, A. M.
Lunsford, Lawson
Captured and died.
Lawrence, Richard
Montieth, Amos
Montieth, Nat.
Killed.
Marders, Ben.
McKenny, John S.
McDaniel, Daniel
Mullen, John
Died.
Marks, Pat.
Marks, Edward
McClanahan, oeorge
Died.
Owens, John E.
Owens, W. W.
Owens, R. H.
Owens, James

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

175

Olive, John
Olive, Robert N.
Owens, B. I.
Owens, Dock
Owens, John
Died.
Peed, John N.
Twice wounded slightly.
Peed, James O.
Wounded and died.
Potts, Hezekiah
Pusley, James
Killed.
Perry, Joseph
Page, William
Purchell, 
Rawlett, James
Rawlett, Phil.
Rixey, 
Rogers, James E.
Rogers, Wesley
Rogers, I. W.
Rollins, John H.
Reamey, James
Reamy, Joseph
Wounded.
Rollins, George

Rollins, Rufus
Rollins, Butler
Wounded.
Rolley, Robert
Safoe, Thomas
Scrivener, James
Stokes, Eli B.
Scott, George W.
Staples, William
Died.
Spilman, Joseph
Wounded.
Spilman, James
Died.
Staples, Stephen
Shelton, William
Trigger, Henry
Thompson, Landoi
Trigger, John
Treakle, Henry
White, Marcus
Washington, John
Winkfield, Henry
Walker, Samuel
Walker, Benton
Walker, .Harris
Williams, 

One hundred and twenty-six names.

ROLL OF COMPANY K, NINTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
The following is a roll of Company K, of the Ninth Virginia
Cavalry, of the Confederate States Army, enlisted from the — day of
of  , 1861, to the — day of April, 1865:

OFFICEES.
Jeffries, Richard  Captain.
Resigned.
Belfield, Daingerfield  First Lieutenant.
Resigned.
Pratt, R. H  Second Lieutenant.
Promoted to captain.
McGauley, William  Third Lieutenant.
Promoted to first lieutenant.

176 Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Harwood, John B  (Elected) Second Lieutenant.
Killedat Ashland, Va.
Morton, Thomas  (Elected) Second Lieutenant.
Resigned.
Hall, Lucien  (Elected) Second Lieutenant.
Jackson, Joseph  Orderly Sergeant.
Resigned and died from wounds.
Edwards, Robert  (Appointed) Orderly Sergeant.
Killed in battle.
Hall, Robert  (Appointed) Orderly Sergeant.
Died since the war.
Reamy, W. J  Sergeant.
Saunders, A. L  Sergeant.
Christopher,, Thomas  Corporal.
Died since the war .
Biscoe, John E  Bugler.
PBIVATES.

Anthony, Vincent
Ball, James H.
Bowen, Thomas
Barker, Samuel
Balderson, Thomas
Balderson, Grayham
Beane, Warner W.
Bell, Joseph
Bell, James
Killed in battle.
Bayse, Richard
Boswell, Thomas
Brown, Robert
Brown, John
Balderson, Ransdell
Bryant, John
Belfield, R. L.
Brooks, Deni
Bowen, Joseph
Balderson, Kobert
Blewford, Robert
Coats, Richard
Coats, John W.
Coleman, Robert
Cash, John
Cockrell, Dandridge
Chewning, Frank
Crall5, Spencer

Cralld, Thomas
Comming, Prank
Clark, Albert
Cox, Lewis
Campbell, Robert
Chilton, William
Connellee, James D.
Connellee, Thomas
Dunaway, George
Davenport, L. 0.
Davis, Henry
Killed in battle .
Davis, John
Duncan, George
Davis, Dandridge
Dawson, David
Elmore, John
Efford, Manvie
Efford, George
Flint, Edward
Pidler, James R.
Picklin, William
France, John
France, Rodney
Killed in battle.
Fallin, 
Gaines, 
Gulick, Clinton

Roster of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry.

177

Garland, George W.
Garland, Thomas S.
Gardy, John
Gardy, Henry
George, Edward
George, William
Harrison, R. H.
Hall, Dorsey
Hall, Ryland
Hudson, Matthew
Hudson, Pusley
Harry, Joe
Hall, William
Hall, H. C.
Halle, John
Haile, James
Haynes, William C.
Harrison, Addison
Hall, Noel
Hinson, Wellford
Haydon, Thomas
Haynie, Yarret
Died at Point Lookout.
Jenkins, John
Jenkins, Erie
Jenkins, James
Kelley, William
Lewis, Thomas
Lewis, Jerry
Lampkin, P. K.
Lyell, Charles
Lyell, Henry
Luttrell, Alfred
Luttrell, James
Lee, Genoid
Leland, Charles
Lee, W. H.
Motley, James L.
Marsh, Joseph
Mozingo, Barnes
Marmaduke, Luther
Drowned in Jackson river.
McCarty, John M.
Mozingo, Meredith
Died at Fort Delaware.
Newman, George
Nash, Brooke
Pratt, Alex.

Pace, William
Pace, Thomas
Pitts, Charles
Pew, Martin
Phillips, E. S.
Potts, Richard
Wounded at Five Forks.
Quesenberry, Richard
Died at Point Lookout.
Quay, Alvin
Rice, Thomas W.
Robinson, Charles
Roberson, James
Rollins, E. T.
Roberson, T. C.
Raines, W. J.
Raines, W. W.
Reamy, Thomas
Killed.
Rockwell, William
Sampson, Leroy
Sampson, Thornton
Sampson, Richard
Stott, Olliver
Stewart, L. R.
Smith, E. T.
Smith, John
Scates, Richard
Self, Moses
Sydnor, Thomas
Scates, Allen
Sydnor, Napoleon
Thomas, James
Taliaferro, J. G.
Tallent, G. W.
Thomas, William
Tellice, John
Vanness, W. P.
Webb, Joe
Webb, William H.
Webb, Charles H.
Webb, James
Wallace, W. G.
Walker, Milton M.
Weeden, James
Yeatman, James
Yeatman, Arthur
Yalsig, John

APPENDIX.
EVENTS DESCRIBED BY THOSE WHO, WERE ACTIVE
PARTICIPANTS.

THE DAHLGREN RAID.
(From the Philadelphia Times.)
In February, 1864, several of the cavalry regiments of the
Army of Northern Virginia were temporarily disbanded and
sent to their homes to recruit their 'horses. The Ninth Vir
ginia Cavalry,- to which my company belonged, was ordered
to protect the transportation of supplies from the Northern
Neck of Virginia, which was very much interrupted at that
time by the enemy's gunboats on the Rappahannock, Matta
poni, and Pamunkey rivers. Besides, they would frequently
land parties from the boats and make incursions into the
country to plunder. Colonel R. L. T. Beale, commanding
the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, fixed his headquarters in Essex
county, near Boulware's wharf, on the Rappahannock river,
and ordered me to establish a picket line across the county
of King William from the Mattaponi to the Pamunkey rivers.
I moved over into King William county, quartered my
men in the court-'house, being a convenient point to both
rivers, and established a picket post at West Point, the head
of the York, and the junction of the two rivers. The dis
tance by water to my camp was three times as great as by
land, which would enable my pickets to bring me word of
the entrance of a boat into the mouth of either river, and
give me time to meet her with my sharpshooters on some of
the bluffs. [178]

Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid. i7g
Being on detached service, I did not require any other
leave of absence or passport than my own. Having captured
some Spencer rifles, I made several trips to Richmond to
try and get ammunition for them, which I failed to do, and
finally exchanged them for Sharp's carbines. During a visit
to Richmond I was staying at the house of a friend, and a
lady relative of General Lee's came and told us that General
Lee had telegraphed that the enemy's cavalry were on a
raid in his lines. ' I immediately hurried Back to camp, called
in my pickets, sent them in the opposite direction, to watch
the ferries on the Pamunkey, and stationed a courier on the
road about half way to the upper ferries. The next morn
ing (March 2d) I got information that they were crossing
the Pamunkey river at Hanovertown ferry, about six miles
below Hanover Courthouse, and twelve miles from Aylett's,
on the Mattaponi river. I sent my baggage-wagon to a safe
place and crossed the Mattaponi at Mantua ferry; had the
boat concealed in the marsh, and the other boats higher up
the river put out of the way. I next hastened to Dunkirk,
in the upper part of King and Queen county, where was the
only boat left on the river, and sent ahead to have that
brought over to the side I was on.
. Up to this time nobody in that section had a suspicion that
there was an enemy nearer than the Rapidan river. I found
two of Captain Magruder's company (Forty-second Bat
talion, Virginia Cavalry), at Mantau, and sent word to him to
join me at Dunkirk as soon as he could.
Dr. Fleet's son and William Taliaferro, two lads, the latter
a nephew of the Hon. William Boulware, formerly United
States Minister to Naples, were riding along in King William,
and came upon the enemy's column unexpectedly. When
ordered to surrender, they attempted to escape, and young
Taliaferro's horse was killed, and he captured, and Fleet was
mortally wounded, but managed to keep his seat, and was car
ried by his horse some distance into the woods. He had his
dog with him, which, after remaining with him all night, met

i8o Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid.
his friends who were in search of him, and conducted them to
the body. While I was waiting for the enemy at Dunkirk
they found a flat-boat at Aylett's large enough to carry the
men over and swam the horses, the river being narrow at
that place. They thus got about twenty-five minutes'
start of me. But I overtook them near Bruington Church,
and attacked their rear-guard, kiUing one man. I am pretty
certain that this man was killed by Dr. Richard Crouch, a
member of my company. Crouch was dismounted and stand
ing by my horse, when I called his attention to him, as his
bullets were whistling disagreeably near to me. Although
there was a rapid firing, I think the man dropped at the
crack of Crouch's gun. One of my company got a fifty-dollar
greenback out of his pocket, which afterwards proved to be a
two-dollar bill, with " fifty " pasted on the figure two.
Just at that time I got information, which turned out to be
false, that the enemy had sent a portion of his command by a
road through the woods which came into the one I was on,
two or three hundred yards in my rear. This detained me a
short time, and when I overtook him again I saw that he had
turned on the River road, where " Butler's Tavern " used to
stand. I sent four men to follow him and annoy his rear,
hoping by that means to prevent his finding out that I was
getting in his front. After turning down the road towards
Stevensville, I was again deceived into thinking that a part
of the enemy's force had taken that road. After going a
short distance I was hailed by a citizen about a hundred yards
from the road, whom I understood to say : " They are just
ahead of you." I ordered a trot and directly we heard two
reports and a bullet struck just by my horse, splashing the
mud on my foot. We charged, and had a very pretty chase
for about a half a mile, when we ran into Captain Magruder,
who had put his men in ambush on the brow of a hill and sent
out pickets, having heard that the enemy had taken that road.
He informed me that it was with difficulty that he could re-
restrain his men from firing. Captain Magruder put his com-

Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid. i8i
pany (about thirty men) at my command, and I got him to
send a courier to Major Waller, who was in command of the
baggage-train and men with broken-down horses of the
Ninth Virginia Cavaliy (Colonel Beale had gone with his
regiment to Ashland).
We moved on through Stevensville to the River road, in
tending to take position at an old mill-dam, but as I had some
doubt about reaching that point before the enemy I put the
men in position at Mantapike, the intersection of the Stevens
ville and River roads. In the mean time, we had fallen in
with some citizens and Home Guards, who followed on, and
continued with us until the enemy came up. It was now
dark, and, after waiting some time for the enemy, I sent
two of my men to make a reconnoissance, who soon re
turned and reported that the enemy had gone into camp a
mile or so from us. When I put the men in line of battle in
the edge of the woods, I ordered them to reserve their fire
until the head of the column of the enemy should reach my
left, where I had placed my first sergeant, Fleming Meredith,
whose fire was to be a signal for the whole line. The enemy
advanced about half-past eleven o'clock P. M. As the head
of his column approached my line Colonel Dahlgren saw
some of the men, and demanded their surrender. At the
same time he attempted to fire his pistol, which snapped.
This drew a volley upon himself, and he fell dead, pierced by
five balls. When the volley was fired the enemy fell back
in confusion and left the road, getting into a field, where we
did not find them until morning. Captain Fox, Company E,
Fifth Virginia Cavalry, being senior officer, had now taken
command, and we fell back to a point which commanded a
cross-road through Mantapike farm and waited until day
break, when Captain Fox ordered me to take my company
and find out the position of the enemy.. I found them in a
field, unsaddled and standing about in groups. We rode
into the field, and they surrendered. The men had offered
to surrender to an officer who had been captured by them

i82 Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid.
in Louisa county, and was with them at the time. The
enemy's officers had left and fled to the woods, but were
afterwards captured by the Home Guards.
We captured about one hundred men and officers, and
some forty negroes. Some of the men had silver pitchers,
goblets, cups, etc., strapped to their saddles. I sent the silver
to the War Department in Richmond, and it was returned
to the owners. The number of horses captured greatly ex
ceeded the number of men, and a good many were reclaimed
by their owners. Just after we had fallen back William Little
page, a boy about thirteen years old, who had followed on
from Stevensville, with his teacher, a Mr. Hallbach, took
from the body of Colonel Dahlgren the book and papers
which contained the famous address and orders which excited
such indignation among the Confederates. Mr. Hallbach
gave me the papers, and, throug'h Colonel Beale, they
reached the War Office, at Richmond. The next day I was
surprised to get an order from General Fitzhugh Lee to bring
the body of Colonel Dahlgren to Richmond " for the purpose
of identification." Colonel Dahlgren had been buried without
a coffin, and as soon as a coffin was made his body was taken
up, and put into it, looking as natural as if he had been dead
only an hour. I went with the corpse to Richmond, and
arrived there on Sunday evening (the 6th), reporting to
General Elzey. I have since heard from an authentic source,
that Colonel I. W. Atkinson, provost marshal, had Colonel
Dahlgren's body buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Afterwards
the body was taken up, carried to Miss Van Lew's house,
where a funeral service was held, then taken to the country,
buried again, and since the war returned to his friends.
The papers and memorandum-book found on Colonel
Dahlgren's body contained an accurate copy of the last field
return of our cavalry made to General Stuart, with the loca
tion of every regiment. This last was furnished by the
Bureau of Information at Washington. The rest were
credited to no one. The following is a copy of the papers.

Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid. 183
The address to. the officers and men of the command was
written on a sheet of paper having in printed letters on the
upper corner, " Headquarters Third Division Cavalry Corps,
1864 " :
" Officers and men : You have been selected from brigades
and regiments as a picked command to attempt a desperate
undertaking — an undertaking which, if successful, will write
your names on the hearts of your countrymen in letters that
can never be erased and which will cause the prayers of our
fellow-soldiers, now confined in loathsome prisons, to follow
you and yours wherever you may go. We hope to release
the prisoners from Belle Island first, and, having seen them
fairly started, we will cross the James river into Richmond,
destroying the bridges after us, and exhorting the released
prisoners to destroy and burn the hateful city, and do not
allow the rebel leader, Davis, and his traitorous crew to
escape. The prisoners must render great assistance, a!s you
cannot leave your ranks too far or become too much scat
tered, or you will be lost. Do not allow any personal gain
to lead you off, which would only bring you to an ignominous
death at the hands of citizens. Keep well together and
obey orders strictly, and all will be well, but on no account
scatter too far, for in union there is strength.
" With strict obedience to orders and fearlessness in the
execution you will be sure to succeed. We will join the main
force on the other side of the city, or, perhaps meet them
inside. " Many of you may fall, but if there is any man here not
willing to sacrifice his life in such a great and glorious under
taking, or who does not feel capable of meeting the enemy
in such a desperate fight as will follow, let him step out, and
he may go hence to the arms of his sweetheart and read of
the braves who swept through the city of Richmond. We
want no man who cannot feel sure of success in such a holy
cause. We will have a desperate fight, but stand up to it

184 Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid.
when it does come, and all will be well. Ask the blessing of
the Almighty, and do not fear the enemy. " U. Dahlgren,
" Colonel Commanding."
The following special orders were written on a similar sheet
of paper, on detached slips :
" Guides, pioneers (with oakum, turpentine and torpedoes),
signal officer, quartermaster, commissary, picket, scouts, and
pickets, men in rebel uniform.
"These will remain on the north bank and move down with
the force on the south bank, not getting ahead of them. If
the communication can be kept up without giving alarm, it
must be done; but everything depends upon a surprise. And
no one must be allowed to pass ahead of the column. Infor
mation must be gathered in regard to crossings of the river,
so that should we be repulsed on the south side, we will know
where to recross at the nearest point.
"All mills imust be burned and the canal destroyed, and also
everything which can be used by the rebels must be destroyed,
including the boats on the river. Should a ferry-boat be
seized and can be worked, have it moved down. Keep the
force on the south side posted of any important movement
of the enemy, and in case of danger some of the scouts must
swim the river and bring us information. As we approach
the city the party must take great care that they do not get
ahead of the other party on the south side, and must conceal
themselves and watch our movements. We will try and se
cure the bridge to the city (one mile below Belle Isle), and
release the prisoners at the same time. If we do not succeed
they must then dash down, and we will try and carry the
bridge from each side.
"When necessary, the men must be filed through the woods
and along the river bank. The bridges once secured and the
prisoners loose and over the river the bridges will be secured

Appendix — The Dahlgren Raid. 183
and the city destroyed. The men must keep together and
well in hand, and once in the city it must be destroyed, and
Jeff. Davis and Cabinet killed. Pioneers will go along with
the combustible material. The officer must use his discre
tion about the time of assisting us. Horses and cattle which
we do not need immediately must be shot rather than left.
As General Custer may follow me, be careful not to give a
false alarm. The signal officer must be prepared to com
municate at night by rockets, and in other things pertaining
to his department. The quartermasters and commissaries
must be on the lookout for their departments, and see that
there are no delays on their account.
" The pioneers must be prepared to construct a bridge or
destroy one. They must have plenty of oakum and turpentine
for burning, which will be rolled in soaked balls and given to
the men to burn when we get in the city. Torpedoes wilt
be used only by the pioneers for destroying the main bridges,
etc. They must be prepared to destroy railroads. Men will
branch off to the right with a few pioneers and destroy the
bridges and railroads south of Richmond, and then join us at
the city. The line of Falling Creek is probably the best to
work along, or, as they approach the city, Goode's Creek, so
that no reinforcements can come up on any cars. Men will
stop at Bellona Arsenal and totally destroy it and anything
else, except hospitals; then follow on and rejoin the command
at Richmond with all haste,' and, if cut off, cross the river and
rejoin us. As General Custer may follow me, be careful and
not give a false alarm."
The following is a copy of a paper written in lead-pencil,
which was, I suppose, a private memorandum which Colonel
Dahlgren made for his own use :
"Saturday — Leave camp at dark (6 P. M.), cross Ely's Ford
at 10 P. M. Twenty miles, cross North Anna at 4 A. M.,
Sunday; feed. Three miles, Frederick's Hall Station, 6 A.
M.; destroy artillery, 8 A. M. Twenty miles, near James
13

i86 Appendix — The, Dahlgren Raid.
river, 2 P. M., Sunday; feed and water one and a half hours.
Thirty miles to Richmond, march toward Kilpatrick for one
hour, and then soon as dark cross the river, reaching Rich
mond early in the morning (Monday). One squadron re
mains on north side and one squadron to cut the railroad
bridge at Falling Creek, and join at Richmond, eighty-three
miles. General Kilpatrick, cross at i A. M., Sunday, ten
miles. Pass river at 5 A. M. (resistance). Childsiburg, four
teen miles, 8 A. M. Resistance at North Anna, three miles,
railroad bridges at South Anna, twenty-six miles, 2 P. M.;
destroy bridges, pass the South Anna and feed until after
dark, then signal each other. After dark move down to
Richmond, and be in front of the city at daybreak.
" Return — In Richmond during the day; feed and water
men outside. Be over the Pamunkey at daybreak; feed and
water and then cross the Rappahannock at night (Tuesday
night), when they must be on the lookout. Spies should be
sent on Friday morning early and be ready to cut."
This is a correct copy of the papers found on Colonel Dahl
gren's body, delivered to me and sent to Richmond.
James Pollard,
Late Captain Company H, Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
Richmond, Va.

APPKNDIX II.

THE " YANKEE " AND " REBEL " YELLS.
(From the Century Magazine for April, 1892.)
During and since our late war, the " Rebel " and
" Yankee " yells have been frequently referred to, but their
true character and essential differences have not, so far as
I know, been clearly presented.
I was recently asked to say something upon this subject
before the society of " The Virginians," on the occasion of
¦ its annual banquet in New York, and the substance of what
was then stated is given below.
J. Harvie Dew.

There is a natural tendency in the minds of most men, as
they move onward along the " River of Time," to forget, or
in a great measure to obliterate from their memories, un
pleasant things, and, on the contrary, to recall and treasure
those that have contributed to their joys, comforts, and suc
cesses. With no one is this peculiarity more marked than
with the old soldier. When he talks of his war experiences,
it will constantly be found that his trials, privations, dis
comforts, and disappointments, have been largely forgotten
or overshadowed by the memory of his comrades, of social
gatherings around the camp-fires, of songs that were sung
and stories told, of adventures and narrow escapes, of battles
lost and victories won.
Among the incidents of active service there were probably
no events more thrilling and more exciting to the soldier than
those of a charge, for in its dash there were displayed not
only the boldness and the fury of the occasion, but, of neces
sity, much of the sa,vagery of war.
[187]

i88 Appendix— The " Yankee " and " Rebel " Yells.
It was in the charge that the " war-whoop " was heard,
the savage " yell " with which men wild in battle endeavored
to send terror to the minds of their enemies.
Each foe, in every clash of arms, sought to arouse all
of the military energy, the enthusiastic vigor, the martial
spirit, and the determined endeavor, which could possibly
impress upon its enemy the overwhelming force with which
its charge or its resistance was made, and no feature added
more to the accomplishment of this purpose than the enthu
siasm of the yell.
I was a member of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, a follower
of Stuart and his successors, and on many a well-fought field
„ I have seen, listened to, and participated in charge after
charge. The defenders of old Virginia were not by any
means successful at all times in defeating their adversaries,
and not infrequently by force of circumstances were induced
to take their turn in a more or less graceful " skedaddle."
Whenever I was one of the " skedaddling corps," I found
some consolation in recalling a little family incident.
My grandfather was an officer in the war of 1812. Once
in his old age, while relating to a number of his grandchildren
gathered around him some of his experiences in war, he told
of an encounter with the British in which his troops were
forced to retreat in decided haste. One of the little boys
who had been listening, with his mouth agape, no doubt, in
the intensity of his interest, asked, " And, grandpop, did you
run? " The old man replied, " Ah, yes, my child; and braver
men than your grandfather ran that day."
That there existed a marked difference between the yells
of the opposing armies during our late war was a recognized
fact, and a frequent source of comment. The notes and tones
peculiar to each of them were well defined, and led to their
designation as the " Yankee " and the " Rebel " yells. It
is interesting to note some of the reasons why they differed
so widely.
Southerners have always been recognized by those who

Appendix— The " Yankee " and "" Rebel " Yells. i8g
have known them best as a people possessed of unbounded
enthusiasm and ardor. They have been considered and often
called a " hot-headed," a " hot-blooded," people. Among
the rank and file, as well as among the officers, of the Con
federate armies, were to be found men of intelligence, birth,
position, and distinction in the communities in which they
lived; men in whose veins ran the invigorating blood of the
noblest ancestry; men who were proud in peace, courageous
and fearless in war.
These peculiarities of birth, character, and temperament,
coupled with the fact that they were cheifly an agricultural
people inhabiting a broad expanse of country but thinly
settled, and confined in no large numbers (comparatively) to
the narrow limits that city and town life impose, had much
to do with the developement of their soldierly qualities as
well as of their capacity for yelling.
Life in the country, especially in our Southern country,
where people lived far apart and were employed oftentimes
at a considerable distance from one another, and from the
houses or homes in which they ate and slept, tended, by
exercise in communicating with one another, to strengthen
and improve their voices for high and prolonged notes. A
wider range to the vocal sounds was constantly afforded and
frequently required.
The voices of women as well as of men were often utilized
for " long-distance calls." It may be amusing to note the
difference in intonation which, was usually exhibited by the
sexes. When a man had occasion to summon any one from
a distance, the prolonged tone was placed on the first note,
the emphasis on the second; thus, "O  h, John!'" If
a female called, the prolonged tone and the emphasis were
both placed on the last note; thus, " You, John-n  y' ! "
Hollowing, screaming, yelling for one person or another,
to their dogs, or at some of the cattle on the plantation, with
the accompanying reverberations from hilltops, over valleys
and plains, were familiar sounds throughout the farming

igo Appendix— The " Yankee " and " Rebel " Yells.
districts of the South in the days gone by. It used to be
said of my father's old negro foreman that he could be dis
tinctly understood a mile or more away.
Hunting, which was enjoyed and indulged in more or less
by nearly every citizen of the South, was also conducive to
this characteristic development.
I remember an amusing instance illustrative of this point.
I was out on one occasion before the war with a party of
gentlemen hare-hunting with hounds. No guns were allowed.
I had taken with me a very bright and intelligent little negro
boy, who had become for a time separated from me. Later,
while the dogs were chasing the hare from thicket to thicket,
from meadow to woods, I came to a. small open space sur
rounded by " old-field pines," and " broom-sedge " which
had been cultivated in corn during the previous season.
There, in the sunshine, unconscious of the presence of any
one, sat the little darky packing damp sand over his foot,
and withdrawing it — building what the boys called " frog-
houses." Just then one of the huntsmen saw the hare, and
gave a most vigorous vocal outburst, yelling for the dogs,
" Here-here, here-here, here-here!" etc., endeavoring to
place them still closer in pursuit. The little negro, without
removing his eyes from the work with which he was occupied,
simply uttered a most significant comment; he exclaimed,
" Humph ! Good gracious ! dat man certainly kin holler."
The Federal, or " Yankee," yell, compared with that of
the Confederate, lacked in vocal breadth, pitch, and reso
nance. This was unquestionably attributable to the fact
that the soldiery of the North was drawn and recruited
chiefly from large cities and towns, from factory districts,
and from the more densely settled portions of the country.
Their surroundings, their circumstances of life and em
ployment, had the effect of molding the character and tem
perament of the people, and at the same time of restraining
their vocal development. People living and working in close
proximity to one another have no absolute need for loud or

Appendix—The " Yankee " and " Rebel " Yells. igi
strained vocal efforts, and any screaming or i "olonj-^ed calling
becomes seriously annoying to neighbors. Consequently, all
such liberties or inconsiderate indulgences in cities, towns,
etc., have long ago been discouraged by common consent.
It is safe to say that there are thousands upon thousands
of men in the large cities, and in other densely populated
portions of the North, who have not elevated their vocal
tones to within anything like their full capacity since the days
of their boyhood, and many not even then.
To afford some idea of the differences between these
" yells," I will relate an incident which occurred in battle on
the plains at Brandy Station, Virginia, in the fall of 1863.
Our command was in full pursuit of a portion of Kilpatrick's
cavalry. We soon approached their reserves (ours some dis
tance behind), and found ourselves facing a battery of artillery
with a regiment of cavalry drawn up on each side. A point
of woods projected to the left of their position. We were
ordered to move by the right flank till the woods protected
us from the battery, and then, in open field, within a few
hundred yards of the enemy, we were ordered to halt and
right dress.
In a moment more one of the Federal regiments was
ordered to charge, and down they came upon us in a body
two or three times outnumbering ours. Then was heard
their peculiar characteristic yell — " Hoo-ray ! Hoo-ray ! Hoo
ray ! " etc. (This yell was called by the Federals a " cheer,"
and was intended for the word " hurrah," but that pronuncia
tion I never heard in a charge. The sound was as though
the first syllable, if heard at all, was " hoo," uttered with an
exceedingly short, low, and indistinct tone, and the second'
was " ray," yelled with a long and high tone slightly defiect-
ing at its termination. In many instances the yell seemed to
be the simple interjection " heigh," rendered with the same
tone which was given to " ray.")
Our command was alone in the field, and it seemed im
possible for us to withstand the coming shock; but our com-

ig2 Appendix— The " Yankee " and " Rebel " Yells.
niander, as brave an officer as ever drew a saber, frequently
repeated, as the charging column approached us, his precau
tionary orders, to " Keep steady, boys ! Keep steady ! " and
so we remained till the Federals were within a hundred yards
of us. Then, waving his sword in air, he gave the final order,
loud enough to be heard the field over: " Now is your time,
boys ! Give them the saber ! Charge them, men ! Charge !"
In an instant every voice with one accord vigorously
shouted that " Rebel yell," which was so often heard on the
field of battle. " Woh-who — ey ! who — ey ! who — ^ey ! Woh-
who — ey ! who-ey ! " etc. (The best illustration of this " true
yell " which can be given the reader is by speHing it as above,
with direction to sound the first syllable " woh " short and
low, and the second " who " with a very high and prolonged
note deflecting upon the third syllable " ey.")
A moment or two later the Federal column wavered and
broke. In pursuit we chased them to within twenty feet of
their battery, which had already begun to retreat. The
second regiment to the right and rear of the battery then
charged upon us, and for a moment we were forced back;
but by that time our reserves were up, and we swept the
field. In conclusion, let us rejoice in the fact that war and its
incidental accompaniments are with us only in memory, and
let us hope for our loved country, and for ourselves, that
peace, happiness, and prosperity will dwell with us and our
children's children now and evermore.