Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 21: “An Army Of Observation” All Quiet On The Rappahannock, July 28, 1863 – Oct. 7, 1863

Lee’s army finally escaped across the Potomac the night of July 13-14 and retreated back into Virginia. Meade’s army followed, eventually reaching familiar stomping grounds near the Rappahannock. During August and early September of 1863, the Army of the Potomac was largely inactive. In addition to the losses it suffered at Gettysburg, it had been further weakened when one division was sent to Morris Island, at the entrance to Charleston Harbor in South Carolina, and when thousands of other troops were sent to help quell the draft riots that erupted in New York City on July 13.

Headquarters Battery “L,”
Warrenton Junction, Va.
July 28, 1863
(Appeared Tuesday, Aug. 4, 1863)

Eds. Union: -- My last letter was written when we were in position near Beaver Creek Maryland, not far from Funkstown. Since then we have made a number of marches, short and long, pleasant and severe ones; have traversed over old and new grounds; have pressed hard and close after the enemy but been in no engagements, have crossed to the south side of the Potomac for the third time and again “invaded” the sacred soil of Virginia, and to-day finds us at the well known locality of Warrenton Junction, encamped near the railroad over which the cars, loaded with supplies for man and beast, are running almost constantly. On leaving Funkstown, where we were in position for two days, we moved to Williamsport, passing by some very formidable earthworks and intrenchments the rebels had thrown up to resist any advance our army might make, and a sorry plight, indeed, our troops would have found themselves in had they rushed on pell mell regardless of consequences. The enemy escaped, as is well known, but by no fault of General Meade’s.

From Williamsport we went to Crampton’s Gap, passing through Smoketown, Kedysville and near the old battle field of Antietam. Things looked natural in this section of the country, and traces of the memorable Antietam engagement were visible, very sadly so, in the graves of many of the brave men who were sacrificed in that desperate conflict, and whose remains are now resting in a pretty lot near Smoketown. On Saturday, July 18, we crossed the Potomac at Berlin, at the same place we crossed last fall under M’Clellan, marching to Waterford, a real Union village, greatly in contrast with the town of Middlebury, to which place we moved the following Monday (July 20), from Hamilton, arriving there about dusk and receiving a very dusky, gloomy reception. Not a house open, windows closed tight, and everything and everybody savoring strongly of secesh. A party of guerillas captured Gen. (John) Newton’s Chief of Staff and an aide at Middlebury, who crossed Goose creek but a little ways in advance of the army, and very suddenly found themselves in rebel company while quietly enjoying a respectable dinner at a house just this side of the Creek. (1) They were marched through the town, very much no doubt to the entertainment of the inhabitants, and from last accounts were “onward to Richmond.” This was a very cool capture, for the two Staffs were not more than half a mile in front of our advance guard.

The 23d of July found us in Warrenton, making the fourth time we have visited that place during the war. Poor Warrenton! Once one of the prettiest and most attractive towns in Virginia, marked by the wealth, intelligence and refinement of its people, and by the blessings of peace. Now, its beauty is despoiled, its male citizens, with few exceptions, are or were in the Confederate army, for very many of them have been killed fighting for the rebel cause, and indeed there is scarcely a house that does not mourn the loss of a husband, father or brother. Nearly every lady is dressed in mourning, and probably no village or town in Virginia has suffered more in the depletion of its population and the waste and desolation of property and homes by the rebellion, than Warrenton. It has been occupied, ever since the war began, first by one army and then by the other, neither trying to hold possession of it, but evacuating it as one or the other army approached it in any force. It is sort of a half-way station for the Federal and Rebel troops as they come and go north or south. We went into position at W., our guns pointing towards Sulphur Springs, but we saw no signs of the enemy.

Saturday morning (July 25) we took up our line of march for this place. We do not anticipate remaining here long. We are replenished with several days’ supply of grain, and are expecting a supply of clothing for the men. Boots and shoes are in urgent demand, the long and hard marches of the summer’s campaign having told severely on shoe leather. We have replaced the lost gun with a new one, and as soon as our draft of horses is honored we shall be all ready to begin another campaign, or renew the recent one. Two of the batteries in our brigade, Capt. (James H.) Cooper’s (Battery B, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery) and Lieut. (James) Stewart’s (Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery), are at Rappahannock Crossing and Bealton with part of the 1st corps. Gen. Buford’s cavalry are at the former place, and pontoon bridges are expected to be thrown across the river to-night. We imagine this will not be accomplished however, without a sharp fight.

Private John Conn, who was wounded at Gettysburg, has since died from his wounds, and his remains are now resting in a graveyard at Gettysburg. He was one of the first to join the battery, and we can never forget the generous qualities of his heart, his intelligence and companionableness of character. He was fatally wounded in the faithful and gallant discharge of a soldier’s duty. We miss him much from our midst. He was a compositor in the office of the Rochester Democrat, and an occasional correspondent of that paper, his letters possessing interest and considerable originality. The friends and relatives of the deceased have the sympathies of the officers and members of Battery “L,” in this their loss and our loss.

The want of time forbids me writing more, and so with this brief letter I must close. G.B.

In the field , near Rappahannock Station, Va.
Aug. 4, 1863
(Appeared Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1863)

Again, for the about the tenth time, we have crossed the Rappahannock river and are drawn up in battle array on the south side of that familiarly known stream, about a quarter of a mile from its banks. We are in position on a hill, thickly covered with brush and trees, and in some places very stony and rocky, our guns pointing in a south-westerly direction, covering an open and woody country, and towards the Culpepper road. The position is not a very choice one to operate with artillery, and were we to be very heavily attacked we should doubtless be forced to fall back. In our rear and on our left the 2d Division of the 1st corps are posted behind earthworks, and on our right part of the 1st division of the same corps are in position with intrenchments thrown up. On the right of the latter troops, the right section of our battery, in command of Lieut.Anderson, is placed. About a mile to the right of this section our cavalry are in position, their lines stretching from Norman’s Ford to the river in front of our left piece. The rebel cavalry pickets are separated from our own by a distance of a few rods only, almost within speaking distance. Their pickets are quite strong and well supported by infantry.

The cavalry fight of last Saturday (Aug. 1) was a very spirited affair, and Buford’s Division fought with the usual gallantry and ability which has so distinguished it. The rebel cavalry, as you know, were driven about eight miles, within sight of Culpepper, and several brilliant charges were made in which the 8th New York Regiment participated and did effective service. The heavy rebel force at Culpepper compelled our cavalry to retire, and they fell back to their present lines. (2)

Lee is undoubtedly at Culpepper with his whole army, and he would probably make a stand there were we to advance in force. If defeated, he would fall back to the Rapidan, and there he would fight us again in all probability. We do not think that Lee has any desire to retreat to Richmond. If he does move back to the rebel capital, is there not a prospect of his army being divided and sent to the cotton or Gulf States? We have been told by one who enjoys the best of facilities for obtaining information from the “highest officials” and most “reliable sources,” that Jeff. Davis is anxious to give up Virginia entirely as a battle ground, and has importuned Lee to withdraw his army from the sacred soil and concentrate it with the armies further south. Lee is opposed to such a policy, and declares that if his army is to be withdrawn from Virginia, he will withdraw from the army. Now if he falls back to Richmond, Davis will have the army more under his immediate control, and as it is, we shall not be surprised to hear of a transfer of the rebel capital to some other State of the so-called Southern Confederacy, and a like transfer of the rebel troops now in Virginia. Is not this likely to occur, in case an alliance of some kind is formed by the rebel government with that wily, mysterious and desperate man, Louis Napoleon, whose establishment of an empire on the American Continent is one of the most significant events of the age? The plotters of treason and rebellion are pushed to extremities such as they never have been before, and if their cause looks desperate they will not hesitate to resort to the most desperate measures rather than submit to the power of Federal arms. (3)

We are of course unable to say whether it is the object of Gen. Meade to make a general advance from the Rappahannock or not. Other corps of the army of the Potomac besides the 1st are on the south side of the river below and above us. Appearances indicate active movements of some character.

The railroad bridge, a mile above us, has been reconstructed and is now in running order. No cars have passed over yet, but we expect to hear the whistle of the locomotive on this side of the river to-morrow. A pontoon bridge is laid directly to our left.

We left Warrenton Junction on Saturday morning last (Aug. 1), arriving at Rappahannock Station at noon, and going into camp in the old quarters we occupied last August. Sunday afternoon we crossed the river to our present locality, leaving behind our caissons, forge and battery wagon. The wagon trains are back at Bealton, three miles from here.

Since commencing this, a brisk cannonading has been began at the front, and orders have come to be in readiness for action. I must therefore close.

Wednesday morning. – Our cavalry pickets were attacked yesterday afternoon and a vigorous effort was made by the enemy to penetrate our lines. It proved a failure, however, and after two or three hours’ contest by the cavalry the rebels were driven back. It is thought that the attack on the part of the enemy was a feint, while Lee’s object was to fall back to or cross the Rapidan with his army. I have not heard how much loss our cavalry sustained.

It is a beautiful morning. The air is delightfully fresh. We had a thunder shower yesterday afternoon, which cooled the air that had became oppressively hot by the burning rays of two or three days’ bright and dazzling sun.

Everything is quiet on the Rappahannock. G.B.

Rappahannock Station, Va.
August 14th, 1863
(Appeared Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1863)

My last was written when we were in position on the south side of the Rappahannock. On Saturday evening last (Aug. 8) we were relieved from duty, recrossed the river, and are now camped in the edge of a woods not far from the banks of the river. Our forces occupy about the same position across the river that they did a week ago. No advance has been made by either army, to my knowledge. I suppose that it is not contraband to say that our lines extend from Warrenton Springs to Falmouth. The enemy is in his old position on Fredericksburg heights with one division of troops, and it is pretty well authenticated that Lee has massed the main portion of his army on the other side of the Rapidan. There are no indications of a general movement at present. In fact, matters indicate inactivity the remainder of the summer and perhaps far into September. Both Meade’s and Lee’s armies seem to have settled down for a season of rest. Neither, it may be, is in fit condition to attack the other. Each is able to stand on the defensive. Both, doubtless, are waiting for the same thing, namely, conscripts. Both need reinforcements to be able to assume the aggressive, and the army that obtains them first and in the greatest numbers will probably be the first to begin active and offensive operations. Which army shall it be? Oh, that Gen. Meade had a hundred thousand more men to-day! We do not believe his army would be lying still if he had. There would be a pushing forward of his columns and more victories for him to win.

Men, men are what are wanted – a strengthening of our armies, numerically, and with this additional strength to move and operate with now. Now, when the Southern army is so weak and contains apparently, if not in reality, the seeds of dissolution, and when a merciless conscription is resorted to, to fill up its decimated, exhausted ranks – would not the rebel armies be broken up and dispersed? And then, if at the same time this work was being performed advantage should be taken by the “authorities” of the unquestioned discontent and disaffection which exists in some of the seceded States, by the adoption and application of a conciliatory policy towards the southern people – a policy which would divide and alienate the people from their traitorous leaders, instead of uniting and exasperating them, -- how long would it be before we should again be enjoying the peace and blessings of a restored Union? Does the word conciliation frighten any of my readers, or excite symptoms of indignation, or taint of “Copperheadism?” No restoration of the Union without it, mark that, and that’s what we are contending for as soldiers, the preservation and maintenance of the unity and perpetuity of the American Republic. Nothing less, nothing more. Whatever other beneficent results may accrue in the accomplishment of such a noble work. Fighting and beating the rebel armies alone will never accomplish the work so long as the masses of the southern people remain organized in their opposition or resistance to the Federal Government. They must be converted or won over to the Federal cause, and disarmed of their prejudices and erroneous opinions, be made to believe that Government is their friend, the defender and protector of their rights, homes and families. Every manifestation of feeling or sentiment on the part of the Southern people to come back into the old Union must be recognized and strengthened. Has not the ground always been taken by the North, that the rebellion was the work of ambitious and unscrupulous men, who actually deceived the southern people with misrepresentations of what the purpose and object of the North was, and this way “precipitated a revolution?” How undeceive the people by force of arms only? Can there be no liberal, honorable, magnanimous concessions made by the Federal Government to bring back a deluded people, who are our own brothers, blood of our blood, and race of our race? Must there be no cessation of “blood-letting,” no yielding of anything on our side, until we have thoroughly humbled and subjugated the South? Must there be no “backing down” from a rigid enforcement of the Confiscation and Emancipation Acts? Must there be no discrimination made between the plotters and leaders of rebellion, and those, who by the force of circumstances, were drawn into the waters of secession, or forced against their will to come out against the Union? But time forbids us to dwell on this matter any longer. We most sincerely trust that wisdom and sagacity may mark the policy of our rulers in their dealings with the disaffected States.

We paid a brief visit a day or two since to the headquarters of Major Reynolds, who is now in command of the artillery brigade, 12th corps, having been assigned lately to that corps. We found the Major pleasantly and loftily situated on a range of hills near Kelly’s Ford, his batteries in position on this and the other side of the Rappahannock, and camps scattered in every direction. The scenery about this Ford is quite wild and picturesque, the river is very rocky and the water runs and dashes impetuously. We are located three miles above Kelly’s and about two miles below Beverly Fords. Here and there a miniature settlement can be seen consisting of two or three rickety houses, their inmates, if they have any, being women and children. The recent orders causing all male inhabitants residing along or near the railroad, between here and Washington, to be arrested and sent to W., whether loyal or disloyal, will certainly clean out in this section of the country what few remaining male citizens there are, who, it may be, have escaped the clutches of Davis’ conscription act. A hot fire those Virginians are between who are loyally disposed. What a longing they must have, it seems to us, for the war to close.

The temperature of the weather for the past week or two has been way up to the highest notch. It has considerably moderated, however, since the heavy rain night before last. The rain fell in such torrents, much to our discomfort for the time being, for our cotton domiciles were all of a sudden flooded with water.

The “heated term” has produced some sickness in the army, but the troops are remarkably well considering. The Rappahannock present a lively scene every day about dusk. Officers and men crowd to its banks and plunge into its waters, and troops of bathers and swimmers are the visible result. A sad event occurred the other night while a party of Battery B’s men were bathing. Two of them were drowned. They got beyond their depth, in a whirlpool, I was told, and disappeared very suddenly, sinking when no one was observing them. The river is quite deep and shallow in some places.

Digging wells has been and is now the employment of many of the soldiers. As I write, the men in our company are hard at work just in rear of our camp, picking and shoveling away, trying to strike water. They have dug down about twenty feet, and have a well that would do credit to the most experienced well-diggers. Information comes to me that a “vein of water” has been “struck.” Now for an abundance of that blessed beverage, cool and refreshing as you please. We have been obliged to go a mile for the article. All praise to the “boys” for their enterprise, the labor of two days.

Saturday Morning, Aug. 15. – Our dreams of rest and inactivity are likely to be dissipated. Orders have just come to supply the men with three day’s rations, and to be ready to move at moment’s notice. Rumors are afloat that Lee is moving, but in what direction or for what point I do not know. The cavalry have just passed us on their way to Catlett Station. This is going to the rear. A report is in circulation that communication between here and Washington is cut off. The company state their readiness to move, but they would like to take their twenty-two feet deep well with them. G.B.

Rappahannock Station, Va.
Aug. 24, 1863
(Appeared Monday, Aug. 31, 1863)

You perceive, from the caption of my letter, that we still remain in statu quo. The orders to be in readiness to move at a moment’s notice have not been followed by any movement of a general character, though on Wednesday last (Aug. 19), about twilight, there was considerable motion in the 1st Corps occasioned by the report that the enemy was coming in three heavy columns from Culpepper, and an immediate attack was anticipated. We were ordered to harness and hitch up forthwith, take our battery across the river and go in position at the front, half a mile in advance of our old position. Away we went, part way on a trot, and a little while found us with our six guns unlimbered and ready for action. A small regiment of infantry was the only support we had. Another battery of six pieces was in our rear. We concluded that the rebels couldn’t be in very close proximity to us, or in very large numbers, otherwise we would be supported by a heavier force. Our conclusions proved correct, for we had not been in position more than ten minutes when we received orders to limber up, go back to camp and unharness. The whole affair was a hoax. One of our cavalry videttes saw the rebel cavalry coming up in three columns, and he immediately conceived the notion that the whole of Lee’s army was advancing, and so without waiting to satisfy himself positively about the matter, he gallops off to convey, or have conveyed, to corps headquarters the startling intelligence. The corps was soon under arms. The three columns of cavalry, however, turned out to be rebel pickets, who were coming to relieve the pickets in their front, and, in coming up, they deployed out as skirmishers. “A little scare,” that’s all.

It seems to be a question of great doubt whether the enemy is in much force or not at Culpepper or on the Rapidan. We have but few troops now on the south side of the river, they having been mostly withdrawn. There is a perfect quietude of both armies, and that old, oft-repeated, worn out story, “All quiet on the Rappahannock,” was never truer than to-day.

Batches of conscripts arrive almost daily, so I am told, but I have seen none myself. They have to undergo another medical examination here in the army, but for what particular purpose I cannot say. They have been examined once, accepted and mustered into service. Why they should be put into the surgeon’s hands again, unless the first examination is regarded dubious, is a matter requiring explanation. (4) Many of the lucky ones or their substitutes have been pronounced totally unfit for service, physically. If they are sent back, or mustered out of service, it may be a money making operation for the substitute, and the law may be so construed as to oblige the conscript to furnish another substitute or go himself. Perhaps the cheapest, safest and best way is to do the latter, though fighting by proxy is certainly a matter of no little convenience, to say the least. Give us the men, at any rate, be they conscripts or substitutes.

The weather continues very warm. The troops fully appreciate the rest they are enjoying.

A newsless letter, this, but there is no news. The approaching month will doubtless develop something of interest in the Army of the Potomac. G.B.

Early in September, most of Longstreet’s Corps was detached from Lee’s army and sent west to reinforce Bragg’s forces in Northern Georgia. When Lee gave indications of pulling his army back from its positions behind the Rappahannock, Meade ordered a reconnaissance in force to find out what was happening. On Sept. 13, 1863, Pleasonton’s cavalry corps crossed the river and pushed beyond Culpepper Court House toward the Rapidan. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren’s II Corps followed in support… (5)

Rappahannock Station, Va.
Sept. 13, 1863
(Appeared Friday, Sept. 18, 1863)

If the Army of the Potomac for a long time past has been an object of little or no interest on account of its inactivity, it will cease to be so now that it is again in motion, and like our armies in the south and south-west, is advancing on the enemy. At present writing only a part of the army is moving, two divisions of cavalry, the second corps and a portion of the fifth corps, so I have been informed. Buford’s cavalry and the second corps crossed the Rappahannock at this point, at an early hour this morning, and soon after crossing, cannonading was heard, which grew less and less distinct, indicating that our forces were pressing forward. – The boom of cannon now reaches our ears, at intervals, the firing being in the direction of Culpepper. It is reported in camp that our cavalry occupy Culpepper, and I shall not be surprised to hear that they have pushed on to the Rapidan. I apprehend our forces will not encounter any serious obstacles or adventures in reaching the Rapidan river, believing that Lee’s army is mostly on the other side, and has been considerably reduced by the withdrawal of his troops to other localities. Our own corps is under marching orders, and I presume all the other corps are also. The forces that have crossed the river seem to have gone on a reconnoissance, and if they succeed in establishing a line of defence on the Rapidan we shall probably take up our quarters in that vicinity very shortly. This movement was entirely unanticipated in the army. It was the general impression that the Army of the Potomac would remain motionless, guarding the north banks of the Rappahannock, resisting any attack Lee might make, and of course covering and protecting Washington. What advantage is to be gained by extending our lines to the Rapidan, simply, without a further onward movement with a prospect of taking Richmond, I do not know. It will of course put us further from our base of supplies, and require a larger number of troops to keep open our line of communications. Gen. Meade’s army is not any too strong to operate with aggressively. We understand that some of the regiments and batteries which went to New York have rejoined the army, and that the others are about to return. This will augment the army considerably. Large and small squads of conscripts arrive almost daily, and since the execution of the five deserters in the 5th corps few desertions have taken place. The punishment meted to those guilty men has certainly had a very salutary effect. Conscripts or substitutes have been heard to say since that solemn affair that they didn’t think such severe punishment would be visited upon deserters, though it had been threatened. They thought it was more talk than reality, but have found out their mistake and begin to regard desertion from the army as a matter of sure death.

The 1st brigade, 1st division, 1st corps have been making extensive preparations for a flag presentation to take place this week Thursday, the anniversary of Antietam. A large and beautiful evergreen arbor has been erected where the presentation is to be made. A race track has been laid out, and arrangements have been and are now in progress for one of the grandest affairs of the kind that has ever occurred in this army. The expected movement of the corps, if it takes place previous to Thursday, as it undoubtedly will if there is to be a general movement of the army attending the reconnoissance mentioned above, will of course interfere with the flag presentation. The brigade is composed of Wisconsin troops, and has been associated with the Army of the Potomac since its organization, has grown up with it, and as one of its officers remarked, will probably expire with it. No troops in the field, from Virginia to Louisiana, have done better and nobler service than these brave men of Wisconsin. Their record is eloquent of the highest courage, the most heroic deeds, the most patriotic devotion. They have been first and foremost in the hottest and most sanguinary conflicts, going in some instances where other troops who were supporting them did not dare to go, charging the enemy at the point of the bayonet, up steep banks and rugged hills, in strong entrenchments and formidable rifle pits, routing and discomforting the foe, capturing flags and whole regiments of the rebels. But all this has not been done without a terrible sacrifice of life, as the diminished ranks of the brigade give plain and sad evidence. It originally numbered between four and five thousand men; now it numbers between six and seven hundred, so fearfully have the destructive missiles of war told upon its ranks.

We were favored yesterday afternoon and last night with copious draughts of water, which the dry and cracked earth drank with the avidity of a man suffering with thirst. For weeks not a particle of rain has fallen, and the hot sun had literally baked the earth and desiccated the air.

Capt. Reynolds returned on Friday morning, and we are glad indeed to welcome him back, looking so hearty and well. G.B.

Lee’s army concentrated behind the Rapidan River. Meade’s army advanced to that stream and halted. In the meantime, the arrival of Longstreet’s Corps in northern Georgia helped Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee win a critical victory at Chickamauga, Sept. 19-20. Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland retreated into Chattanooga, where it was bottled up with only a tenuous supply line….

Camp near Culpepper, Va.
September 20, 1863
(Appeared Friday, Sept. 25, 1863)

The banks of the Rappahannock have been exchanged for the Rapidan. The Army of the Potomac has again crossed the above mentioned river, and advanced from eight to twelve miles further south and south-west. But the army has again come to a halt, and it is doubtful whether it will begin another forward movement for the present. The barriers which stayed its progress on the south side of the Rappahannock were not as great and formidable as those which oppose its progress on the south side of the Rapidan. The enemy did not have the advantage ground between the two rivers, but was in a great measure subject to the mercy and forbearance of its foe – the Federal army – who held both the north and south banks of the Rappahannock, and who could cross from one side to the other pretty much as he chose. Our cavalry made quick work, driving the rebels back to Culpepper, and thence back to and across the Rapidan, but further than this our brave “dragoons” could not go, for be it known, that the rebels are strongly – most formidably entrenched just across the Rapidan – intrenched by works of nature and art, and offering resistance and defiance to the whole of Gen. Meade’s intrepid army.

Rebel cannon are planted along the river on hills, and behind fortifications covering every point on this side of the river, and to drive the enemy from his chosen position would be a Fredericksburg task, and attended, perhaps, with a Fredericksburg slaughter. What will be done? Will an attempt be made to flank the enemy, or will an open assault be made on his front? He may be weak in numbers, though strong in choice of position, and it is our opinion, founded on the multiplied reports of deserters from Lee’s army and refugees from Richmond, and on the fact of the naturally formidable position occupied by the rebels who confront us, that Gen. Lee’s forces have been very much reduced by the withdrawal of many of his troops to Charleston and Tennessee. This might be done without jeopardizing the interest of the rebel cause in Virginia, considering the strong position held by what remains of Lee’s army on the Rapidan. We will not speculate, however, but await the development of events. The pleasant days of autumn have come when everything favors active military work, and though there may be heavy and serious obstacles in the path of General Meade, apparently forbidding, with the ranks of his reduced army, the undertaking of vigorous, aggressive operations, we cannot believe that Meade’s army will remain idle and inactive during all these golden days of the autumn season. Winter is rapidly on the approach, and from another winter’s campaign in the muddy soil of the State of Virginia we fervently and reverently pray Good Lord deliver us. We dread even another winter’s sojourn in Virginia, however quiet it may be.

We broke camp at Rappahannock Station at an early hour Wednesday morning (Sept. 16), and after a hot and tedious march of twelve miles or more, we arrived at our present place of encampment in the afternoon of the same day. The heat was quite intense and there was a great amount of straggling. Cannonading could be heard in the direction of Raccoon Ford, near where the 12th corps are now posted.

Culpepper lies north-west of us about three miles, and a little this side of it army headquarters are established. Stevensburg is on our left, in the vicinity of which are quartered Buford’s and (Gen. Judson) Kilpatrick’s cavalry, they having fallen back from the Rapidan.

We saw Major (William) Benjamin and Capt. (George H.) Barry this morning at the camp of the 8th N.Y. cavalry. Capt. B. returned from a scouting expedition last night. He crossed the Rapidan a short distance, captured a few horses and three or four greybacks. Reports the rebels to be in strong position on the other side of the river, as previously remarked.

The country about here is of a better description than that about the Rappahannock. The land is rolling and good, but there is a scarcity of good drinking water. There is an abundance of streams, and it is strange that drinking water should be so scarce. We miss the well the boys dug at Rappahannock. They may be induced to dig another, if our stay here is likely to prove a protracted one.

We are encamped almost at the foot of Pony Mountain; a mountain, pony like in magnitude, on the top of which our signal corps has a station which affords a good look out for the observance of rebel movements.

The flag presentation to the Wisconsin brigade, mention of which was made in my last, took place on Thursday last, though not with the extensive demonstrations which would have attended the affair had the brigade remained at Rappahannock Station. The movements of the army interfered with the arrangements which had been made to honor the occasion, but it came off on the day appointed with considerable éclat. I was mistaken in stating that brigade was composed entirely of Wisconsin regiments. Two of them are from Michigan and Indiana. The brigade has acquired the name of the “Iron Brigade,” a fit title, indeed, expressive of the most valuable of qualities, which have ever been displayed by this brigade. This name was inscribed on the banner that was presented to the brigade, as also were the names of the several battles in which it had participated. The flag is of the richest and most magnificent description, the ground work being of heavy blue silk, with a rich border, and on it is embroidered the United States motto, eagle, shield, etc., the workmanship of which, in point of delicacy, color and elegance can’t be surpassed. It is beautiful, in every particular, and the staff, made of rosewood, is embossed with silver and mounted with a silver spear. At the presentation the brigade was drawn up in a square, and the flag was presented by a gentleman from Wisconsin, one of the friends of the brigade, who helped get up the flag. It was received by Colonel (William W.) Robinson, commanding the brigade, whose acceptation speech was very chaste and eloquent. After the presentation ceremonies were over, the officers were invited to partake of a collation of eatables and drinkables, spread in profusion on a long table in the woods. Speeches and toasts marked the occasion, Generals (John) Newton and (James C.) Rice being among the speakers. Colonels (Henry A.) Morrow (24th Michigan) and (Edward S.) Bragg (6th Wisconsin), commanding regiments in the brigade, made happy and eloquent addresses, and the affair was emphatically a very pleasant and felicitous one. Want of time prevents me finishing a detailed account of it. G.B.

The distressing news from Chattanooga prompted the Lincoln administration to detach the XI and XII Corps from the Army of the Potomac on Sept. 23 and ship them by train to a railhead near Chattanooga. The transfer of 20,000 men over a total of 1,233 miles required only 11 days – a remarkable achievement. Among the soldiers departing was Maj. John A. Reynolds, Battery L’s first commander, now chief of artillery for the XII Corps. Batteries I and M of the 1st New York Light Artillery also went west, fulfilling Breck’s earlier prophecy that the various batteries of the regiment would eventually be scattered hundreds of miles apart.

Camp near Cedar Mountain, Va.
September 29, 1863
(Appeared Saturday, Oct. 3, 1863)

The movements of the Army of the Potomac are just at present wrapped in no little mystery. Whether they are of an advancing or retrograding nature is a difficult matter for your correspondent to determine. The first corps are moving by slow and easy stages, have moved three times since the date of my last, written near Poney Mountain on the 20th inst., but we are not very far now from the above mountain. On Thursday last (Sept. 24) we moved to the position which had been occupied by the 12th corps a little south east of Stevensburg, and near Raccoon Ford. We lay at this point till Sunday afternoon (Sept. 27), when we moved about two miles in a south westerly direction, for a change of camp and to be nearer Raccoon Ford, as was stated. We marched through a dense woods and over a terribly rough and crooked road, and halted in a field of rocks and stones, surrounded with woods, until yesterday morning when we advanced a mile further south west, and are now encamped near the road running from Culpepper to Raccoon Ford, not far from the latter place, and as the caption of my letter states, near Cedar Mountain, which rises almost directly in front of us. There are camps located at the foot of the Mountain, of the 2d corps, I believe, and one of the reserve batteries is stationed there. Our remembrances of Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, as it is sometimes called, are very vivid, for it was here, one year ago the 9th of last month, that we first witnessed the realities of a battle and battle field. A desperate and sanguinary conflict was that, one of the severest of the whole war, attended with a great and mournful loss of life. The enemy was treble our own numbers and vastly superior in point of position, and the wonder is that Gen. Banks’ forces were not all annihilated or captured.

Almost fourteen months have elapsed since that bloody and unfortunate struggle, which was quickly followed by Pope’s disastrous retreat to Washington, and now after this long interval we are again very nearly in the old position. Will Gen. Meade move forward across the Rapidan, or will he fall back to the north side of the Rappahannock? is a question that puzzles many a thinking soldier in Meade’s army. The Army of the Potomac is weaker by two corps than it was one week ago to-day. This fact may not have been developed to the public as yet, but will be in all probability before this reaches you. If it is contraband news of course you will not publish it. The 11th and 12th corps left for Alexandria on Thursday of last week (Sept. 24), and embarked on board of transports or of cars, I don’t know which, for – conjecture says Tennessee, to reinforce Burnside or Rosecrans, and again conjecture says for North Carolina, and is so extravagant even as to suggest Texas as the place of destination, the policy of scattering the Federal forces as widely as possible being greatly in vogue. A new idea surely, applying to the Army of the Potomac for reinforcements to send to the South or Southwest when said army is in very great need of reinforcements itself. But Burnside or Rosecrans must not be sacrificed no more than Washington must be taken, and so the Army of the Potomac, if it cannot win or be permitted to win offensive battles, can defend itself when attacked as well as defend other armies also.

The taking away of two corps from Meade does not indicate a further advance on his part, unless Lee is very much weakened in front, and we do not believe such is the case, notwithstanding Longstreet is with Bragg. At any rate, the south bank of the Rapidan is strongly fortified, and to reach it by assault would cost an immense sacrifice of life. It is a common remark here in the army that the Army of the Potomac has been transferred into an Army of Observation, and there may be a good deal of truth to it.

The shooting of deserters is of frequent occurrence now. A substitute in the 3d division of our corps was shot last Friday in the presence of the whole division. The scene was a most solemn and impressive one, the doomed man being conducted to the place of execution by a band of music in front of the column playing a dirge, following which were six soldiers carrying a coffin, a rude pine box, and after them walked the prisoner beside a chaplain, divested of coat and vest, his hands manacled behind him, his eyes cast to the ground, a solemn expression on his face, but indicating no very visible emotions from the terrible fate soon awaiting him. He was of medium height, rather slim, of good figure, and possessing a countenance expressive of intelligence and far from denoting criminality, and yet he must have been a very bad character, for he confessed being a participant in the hanging of Colonel Brien in the New York riot. Following the condemned man were several prisoners, probably conscripts, with their hands chained, and attended by a guard of soldiers. The procession marched along the front of the line of troops with slow step, the band playing all the while, and after reaching the end of the line moved to the spot where the grave was dug, and where the deserter was to suffer the penalty of his disgraceful crime. His coffin was placed on the ground in front of the graves, and in front of the prisoner, at ten or twelve paces distant, stood a squad of ten soldiers, the executioners of the deserter. The chaplain kneeled down, the prisoner kneeling beside him, and offered a fervent prayer, and then arising, conversed with the guilty man, until a signal from a bugle proclaimed that the time had arrived when the recreant soldier must die. His eyes were bandaged with a white handkerchief, he stood in front of his coffin apparently with iron nerve, the soldiers leveled their muskets, there was a click of guns, then a volley, and the unfortunate man fell backward across his coffin, killed instantly, the fatal bullets entering his heart. The price of desertion is certain death now, and the soldier who deserts does so at the peril of his life. Sooner or later he is almost sure to be apprehended. The infliction of the death penalty for the crime of desertion is having a marked and salutary effect on the army. Had it been inflicted at the outset of the war, no doubt our armies would be stronger to-day by tens of thousands.

We are having beautiful weather, bright, warm golden days, but the nights are cold and the dew is heavy. Blankets are indispensable.

Since commencing this, the 1st corps have all moved up here, but it is doubtful about their remaining very long in this locality.

Since I last wrote we have been visited by the paymaster, whose visits are much more frequent than they used to be. As a consequence there is a profusion of greenbacks in the army. G.B.

Camp near Cedar Mountain, Va.
October 7, 1863
(Appeared Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1863)

On Sunday morning last (Oct. 4) the quietude of the banks of the Rapidan was suddenly broken by the report of a cannon, and then by another and another, when, after five or six shots had been fired, the cannonading suddenly ceased and the original quietness was resumed. The firing was not far distant from our camp, being in the direction of Raccoon Ford, and the bursting of the shells could be distinctly heard. We knew they came from the other side of the river, and what did it mean? Had the enemy begun an attack, the sequel of which was to be a grand onslaught on the army of the Potomac by the combined forces of Gen. Lee? For a little while there was a packing up of things, a blowing of bugles, a beating of drums, and a general hurrying to and fro, every one expecting the receipt of orders to get ready for action. But the booming of cannon suddenly ceased, as remarked above, and the excitement occasioned by it soon died away. “Nobody hurt.” The rebels fired into what they supposed was a wagon train, winding its way along near the river, but which consisted of two wagons only, and which, of course, were not very long in disappearing from sight at the compliments so unexpectedly and gratuitously bestowed upon them by a rebel battery. The cover of one of the wagons was shot away, but no further damage was inflicted except to frighten the drivers. How our side came to ascertain the mistake of the rebels in supposing they were firing into a long train of army wagons, it is not for your correspondent to publicly disclose. The secrets of the enemy have in the same manner been unfolded more than once.

An order was issued a few days since to Volunteer Battery commanders allowing them to fill their commands to the maximum strength with men from volunteer infantry regiments belonging to the same State to which the batteries belong; these men to be permanently transferred, their consent to the transfer being obtained in all cases. The result of this order has been to fill up the batteries immediately, judging from the effect it has had on our own. Within two or three days after its publication more than fifty names were handed in by infantrymen already attached to the battery, and by those in the infantry service. A brisk and most successful recruiting service has been carried on in the company, without any effort being made comparatively to enlist men. The list of names, fifty or more, has been forwarded to be acted upon, and in a few days we expect to have the full complement of men we first had on the company’s organization, and that is required by a six-gun battery. The infantry men thus transferred do not reenlist, but simply serve out the remainder of their time of enlistment in the artillery instead of the infantry service. This is certainly a great help, or as the boys say, a “big thing” for batteries, but must have a depleting effect to say the least, on infantry organizations. The preference given to the former branch of service by those who have served in both is extensively demonstrated. The 94th N.Y. regiment will be well represented in Battery “L” when the transfer is perfected.

The orders from the War Department relative to recruiting Veteran Volunteers are quite favorably received among some three years organizations. The large bounty and premium offered, and the permission granted to the companies or regiments, whose term of service expires next spring or summer, to go home this winter to reorganize, recruit, etc., on condition of reenlistment for three years or during the war, are flattering inducements for “Veterans” to continue in the service another three years. The permission for going home, with the prospect of remaining there two, three or more months, is the most attractive part of the orders to very many. I understand that two regiments in the “Iron” or Wisconsin Brigade have unanimously voted to reenlist upon the terms above mentioned, and it is thought the other regiments in the brigade will do likewise. (6) These orders do not apply to volunteers, who, at the date of reenlistment have more than one year to serve, neither do they extend longer than 90 days, from the 25th of last July. Surely, no government in the world pays his soldiers so well as does the American Government. God grant that this great and beneficent government may escape the direful calamities which threaten to overthrow and ruin it, and retain its unity and integrity, a blessing, as it ever has been since it was founded, to all who live under it and to all the nations of the earth.

The country about here is infested with guerrillas, as it is in many other portions of Virginia. A bugler, belonging to Capt. (James H.) Cooper’s battery (Battery B, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery) in our brigade, was snatched one afternoon last week between camp and a little ways beyond Culpepper by a small guerilla band of two or three, but he managed to effect his escape come night and made his appearance at camp the next morning donned in the uniform of a greyback. The troops have been warned about going far away from their quarters and all passes have to be countersigned by division commanders.

When or where the army will next move is a matter known at headquarters only, if it is there even. It may depend entirely on the movements and operations of Gen. Lee. In the meantime the bright, genial and beautiful days of October are quickly flitting away, and the rains and storms, the cold and mud of a Virginia winter will soon be upon us. Will the army of the Potomac essay another winter’s campaign, or will the remembrances of Burnside’s memorable wintry march serve as a preventive in the matter of future winter campaigning? G.B.

Transcribed And Donated By Bob MarcotteTranscribed And Donated By Bob Marcotte
​​​​​​​Robert E. Marcotte
Rochester, N.Y.
February 2005