Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 22: “Expeditious Marching” Bristoe Campaign, Oct. 15, 1863 – Nov. 13, 1863

When Lee learned that two corps of the Army of the Potomac had been transferred west, he went on the offensive, hoping to circle around Meade’s right flank in somewhat the same way he had forced Pope out from behind the Rappahannock during the Second Bull Run campaign. (1) Lee succeeded in forcing Meade to withdraw, but was unable to cut him off before the Army of the Potomac reached strong defensive positions at Centreville. The only serious engagement of this otherwise inconclusive campaign occurred at Bristoe Station on Oct. 14, when Gen. A. P. Hill attacked the retreating Union column and was bloodily repulsed by II Corps, which was positioned behind a railroad embankment.

Centreville Heights, Va.
Oct. 15, 1863
(Appeared Wednesday Oct. 21, 1863)

The world moves, and so does the army of the Potomac move. The world moves round its great axis, the sun, and the army of the Potomac moves round its equally great axis, the city of Washington. As the sun is to the world the great centre of influence and attraction, so is the city of Washington to the army of the Potomac. Neither system, planetary nor military, can move outside of its orbit, but both are held by irresistible powers, only that the nature of the powers is different. We shall not define or particularize that difference. We will simply remark that it is easily and strikingly perceptible.

Back, again, you perceive from the caption of my letter, to the outer defences of Washington, as they may properly be denominated. We were not far encamped from our present locality last June, when we were performing a mission similar to the one we are now engaged in. – Rapid time was made then from the Rappahannock towards the National Capital, but faster time has been made in the retreat that has just been accomplished from the banks of the above river.

On Tuesday morning of this week (Oct. 13), at half past one o’clock, we left Kelly’s Ford on the Rappahannock, and yesterday, Wednesday, about noon we were within the strong fortifications of Centreville Heights, the distance between the two points being about thirty-five miles. Expeditious marching this was, but the weather was favorable, the roads good, and then every old veteran in the army was perfectly familiar with the route, and so there was no danger of getting lost, as was the case when we broke camp near Cedar Mountain long before day break on Saturday last (Oct. 10) and moved to Morton’s Ford on the Rapidan. On reaching Warrenton Junction we went into position, remaining so an hour or two, until the sixth corps came up, which was marching in the rear and on the left of the first corps. At Catlett’s Station we halted a short time, and here we saw a sight well worth seeing. It seemed as if all the wagons, baggage, supply, ammunition, etc., belonging to the Potomac army, were packed together. They were in a large field, drawn up in numberless lines, and with their white canvas covers they presented a fine appearance. Catlett’s Station has always been a famous place for army trains to rendezvous in times of retreat, and the rebels have made several raids on the place, one which proved very destructive to us in the summer of ’62. Tuesday night we lay at Bristow Station, resuming our march at an early hour the next morning, passing Manasas Junction, the 6th corps marching not far from us on our right. At times there would be several columns of troops and wagons moving in parallel lines, and it was amusing to see the wagon teams hurrying with all possible but orderly speed, the colored drivers, mounted on mules and crying out as their teams came to a ditch or in close contact with wagons in front of them, “za, zip, zoo-o.” Everybody and every animal appeared to know that they were going in the direction of Washington.

On reaching Morton’s Ford, spoken of above, we expected to cross the Rapidan in case Buford effected a crossing at Germania Ford. Gen. Buford crossed, but we lay near the Ford all day, and after night had set in he moved back, that is, all the 1st Corps, to near Culpepper, and the following day, Sunday (Oct. 11), we marched to Kelly’s Ford. (2) The enemy was in our rear engaged with our cavalry, who fell back slowly, capturing a number of prisoners as they retreated, although very closely and heavily pressed.

The engagement yesterday afternoon (Oct. 14 at Bristoe Station) between the troops covering the retreat and the rebels was a hot and severe one, judging from the heavy cannonading that we heard, and resulted disastrously to the enemy. Five guns were taken, four of which were brought in, the other one being abandoned in consequence of want of transportation. Four or five hundred prisoners were captured, and it is said our cavalry and infantry handled the rebs without gloves, repulsed them in every instance, and with comparative ease. This is retreating in a different manner from what Pope retreated, a year ago last summer. Fighting and whipping the enemy, capturing prisoners and guns in a retreat is a matter of no little triumph.

The opinion is quite prevalent among officers that only one corps of Lee’s army is engaged in this movement against Meade, and that the main object the rebel General wished to accomplish was to drive our forces back to Washington and, if possible, cut off our communication by a flank movement. (3) In the meanwhile it is supposed the rest of Lee’s army are operating as reinforcements to Gen. Bragg. I do not anticipate a general attack at this place. 25,000 men on these heights could keep at bay three or four times their number and it would be certain destruction to the rebels to attempt an assault here. I can count a dozen strong fortifications on as many hills about here, and they are all bristling with cannon and surrounded by troops, bidding defiance to all rebel attacks.

Friday Morning, Oct. 16

We are in position along the Warrenton or Bull Run road, three or four miles this side of Bull Run battle field, and about a mile from Centreville Heights. The second division of the 1st corps are in our front, and two other batteries are on our left. Kilpatrick’s cavalry are on or near Bull Run. There was fighting all yesterday afternoon on our left, between Centreville and Manasas Junction, and at Union Mills. The report is that our forces repulsed and drove the enemy, capturing a number of pieces of artillery and many prisoners. We hope the report is true. It is raining in torrents as I write and bids fair to be a rainy day. It is rumored that we are to advance, which is not improbable. There is no telling when this will reach you. We have received no mail for several days, and there is no facility at present for mailing a letter. G.B.

Lee concurred with Breck’s assessment that it would be futile to attack Meade’s army in its fortified position. With his own supply lines overextended, Lee withdrew back behind the Rappahannock, but not before destroying most of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad between that river and Broad Run. This hindered Meade’s ability to pursue Lee, because the railroad was the principal supply line for the Army of the Potomac in that part of Virginia. It would take 26 days for Union construction crews to repair the damage. (4)

Near Thoroughfare Gap, Va.
Oct. 23
(Appeared Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1863)

The Army of the Potomac is at a stand still, apparently so, at least. It may be waiting for the railroad, which Lee made such bad havoc of, to be repaired, and when it is put in running order again we may be pushed rapidly forward for another trial of “curbing the rebellion” via Richmond. Certain it is that the rebel chieftain, General Lee, has ceased all offensive operations against his skilful and vigilant antagonist, General Meade, and is now on the south side of the Rappahannock with his entire force, unless the major part of that force have been sent to the South-West to reinforce Bragg which a few days, we think, will develop to be the case. Some of Stuart’s Cavalry may be hovering between our lines and the Rappahannock, though it was reported yesterday at 1st Corps Headquarters that not a rebel could be discovered this side of the Rappahannock. Nevertheless, here we are on the west side of Thoroughfare Gap, with our six guns in position on a high hill, as if menaced with an attack by the enemy, the guns pointed in the direction of Salem. South of us lie the towns of New Baltimore and Warrenton, the former occupied by either the 3d or 5th Corps, and the latter by the 6th Corps, where Army Headquarters are also established. I think we are perfectly secure for the present from all assaults by our “erring Southern brethren.”

Of course the late campaign has been thoroughly canvassed in the army, among all classes of soldiers, the strapped and the straplers, and a variety of opinions expressed as to the object of Lee’s intentions to outflank and get in the rear of Meade’s army and thus cut off Meade’s communications, destroy or capture his trains and whip or annihilate his army, and on the purpose of the rebel General to drive Meade back to the defenses of Washington, while he, in the meantime, was hurrying or getting ready to hurry off heavy reinforcements to Tennessee. We know how admirably and skillfully the Commander of the Army of the Potomac completely foiled Lee in the execution of all intentions, if such they were, to out flank the Union Army and defeat it. He was check-mated in every movement, and we behold him as rapidly falling back as he was advancing and more so. But if his attack on Meade was merely a ruse to accomplish a diversion in favor of Bragg, can it be denied that the wily rebel General has succeeded in his designs? Already this belongs to the past, however, and whatever may have been Lee’s intentions, one thing is sure; the Army of the Potomac “still lives,” and the National Capital is safe. So does the rebel Army of Virginia still live, and the rebel Capital is safe. And for all this; we wonder if General Meade will be removed. The Army of the Potomac is just in receipt of the astounding intelligence of the removal of one of the nation’s best and bravest defenders, General Rosecrans, and will it be surprising if General Meade is now relieved of command, especially if it be true, as is stated, that he was positively ordered from Washington to pursue Lee and make him fight. (5)

At the date of my last letter we were in position along the Bull Run road, a mile or two from the heights of Centreville. The same day, we fell back to Centreville heights, and on Monday morning of this week (Oct. 19), we moved with the First Corps to Haymarket, a distance of eight or ten miles, passing over the famous battlefields of Bull Run and Gainesville, places full of interest to many a soldier in the First Corps, and at the sight of which recollections of the past were vividly recalled to mind. Before reaching the Bull Run field on the right of the road, we saw the log huts which were built by and sheltered the rebels in the fall and winter of 1861 and ’62. Many of them seemed to be in good, substantial condition, and well attested the skill and architectural taste of their builders, being nicely and regularly constructed, and with an eye to comfort. Adjoining, were long sheds or stables, which were the worse for wind, wear and weather, but which showed that the rebels had a care for horse flesh as well as for themselves.

Marching thus along, we came to an old caison stock, then a gun carriage wheel and a few other relics of a like nature of the battle or battles of Bull Run. There was the hill near the road and a piece of woods, where, as we were coming off the field, the enemy in pursuit, we saw Gen. McDowell mounted on his horse, and not far from him was Gen. Sigel. McDowell on seeing our battery spoke up and wanted to know whose battery that was? Reynolds’, was the reply, and just then, a rebel shell came shrieking in the air, and bursting, its fragments descended in close proximity to Gen. McD., too close for personal comfort. There, on yonder hill, on the left of the road, the rebels suddenly issued from the woods with batteries and flying colors, elated with triumph, and engaged our brave troops, who, for a while, nobly and successfully confronted the foe, but were finally obliged to yield to superior numbers.

Here, a little further along and on the right of the road, on a rise of ground, was the position Battery “L” occupied, when charged upon by a regiment, and there too was the spot where this same regiment quickly came to a halt, turned around and broke and fled like a flock of sheep, as the aforesaid battery opened fire upon it with charges of canister. And there was the orchard, where we first went into action that 30th day of August, and where we fired and were fired upon, the iron missiles from the enemy wounding our men, killing our horses, cutting off as with the stroke of a sharp axe, big branches of trees, making deep furrows in the earth, and riddling and demolishing some buildings that were near us. Onward came the rebels, rending the air with their savage yell, and thicker and faster came the whistling bullets, the crashing balls and bursting shells. Gen. Porter’s valiant troops have stood and fought in our front, in the open field and thicket of the woods, until they could stand and fight no longer, falling like autumnal leaves before the fury of “leaden rain and iron hail” poured upon them by the overpowering forces of the enemy. A federal battery in our front is captured, our troops are being driven, the rebel sharpshooters are sending us their compliments, profusely and unceremoniously, the batteries on our left and right are gone, there are no infantry to support us, -- and so in view of all this we retire a few yards, but only to commence firing again. Thus one spot and another on this field of strife and carnage, which looked as familiar as if we had fought upon it the day previous, was presented to our view as we rode over it for curiosity’s sake.

Some sad and mournful sights we saw before leaving the field which are sufficient to rob war of all its “pomp and circumstance,” and which make it the appalling and “grim visaged” thing that it really is. In portions of the field lay exposed to view, scattered about on the ground, the bones of human beings who not many months since were living, acting mortals, possessing reason, intelligence, and all the attributes of an immortal being. Here was a grave, from which protruded the skeleton of an arm and hand, the upper part of the fleshless arm covered with an old tattered sleeve which fluttered in the breeze; and there was another mound of earth, almost level with the ground, on one end of which lay a human skull in all its ghastliness; legs and arms lay dried and bleaching in the sun, and around them could be seen the missiles of war, – cannon balls and shells, – which may have produced these harrowing sights. We did not linger to look at them, but turned quickly away, praying a fervent prayer that this “cruel war” which has brought upon our once happy, peaceful land such frightful scenes, may right speedily come to an end.

On arriving at Haymarket we went into position for a short time, about two miles from Thoroughfare Gap. Some papers have stated that our cavalry made a charge on the rebel cavalry and drove them through the Gap, helter skelter. This is not true. There was some artillery firing and skirmishing for an hour or two soon after we had taken position, when the rebel cavalry, mounted and dismounted, made a charge and captured between thirty and forty of our pickets belonging to the “Iron Brigade.” The enemy maintained his ground, and during the night retreated through the Gap unmolested. The succeeding day we marched through the Gap, and a rough, rocky, wild, romantic passage we found it too; not a very steep road, but quite level, though covered with stones and rocks, as just observed. Great ledges of rocks protrude from the mountain sides, which are also thick with trees, and Broad Run, a stream of considerable magnitude, courses its way through the centre of the Gap, and which, in former times, has turned the wheel of a large stone mill that stands near the west end of the Gap. No doubt thousands and tens of thousands of bushels of wheat grown in the Shenandoah Valley have been converted into flour in this same mill, for the Front Royal and Manasas Gap Railroad runs through Thoroughfare Gap within a few yards from the mill. Several old, dilapidated houses, mere shells now, stand near the mill – a queer locality for human beings to inhabit.

The country on this side of Thoroughfare Gap is very hill and rolling, and the land is quite productive. It appears to have escaped, to a great extent, the ravages of war, but since our corps has been here barns have been emptied, houses have been ransacked and stripped of almost everything, gardens have been destroyed and, as a consequence, the Federal army has been cursed and, we have no hesitancy in saying, justly so, if pillaging and vandalism are vices and wrongs in as well as out of the army, and who says they are not? Living on the enemy indiscriminately only injures, not helps, our cause.

Bristoe Station, Oct. 25.

My letter is not mailed yet. Yesterday morning at seven o’clock we were ready, in obedience to orders, and about four p.m. we arrived here after a most disagreeable march, through a cold, drizzling rain, which fell all day, over rough and muddy roads and through swollen streams. We passed through Thoroughfare Gap again, Haymarket, and reaching Gainesville, we struck the road for Bristoe. Traces of the late battle between the 2d corps, while covering the army’s retreat, and the rebels are visible all about here. The ground where we were bivouacked, on the night of the 13th inst. in our march back to Centreville, is now marked with the graves of fifteen rebels, twelve of them from one company, belonging to a North Carolina regiment. In another place are twelve or fifteen more rebel graves, and in a little spot, near where a rebel battery was planted, surrounded by a white fence, rest the remains of two rebel lieutenants and a rebel cannoneer. The carcasses of fifteen dead horses lie on a hill where the rebel battery was captured in the fierce engagement of Bristoe, showing how destructive the Federal artillery firing must have been. The enemy was thoroughly repulsed, fairly and squarely beaten in that fight, and all honor to our cavalry and the 2d corps for their deeds of bravery and heroism.

It has cleared off and the sun’s bright rays are cheering and acceptable. Yesterday’s weather furnished us with a better taste of what we may expect in supply, in a very few weeks.

The railroad is repaired a little beyond Bristoe Station, and the construction corps, whose headquarters are at this place, are busily at work completing the road to the Rappahannock. What the 1st corps has been ordered here for, I cannot say positively, though it is reported we are to be stretched along the road between here and Rappahannock Station while the railroad is in course of repair, to prevent raids or attacks from the enemy. Of course it is all a matter of speculation as to whether the army of the Potomac is to press forward as rapidly as possible after Lee’s retreating columns, and give him battle on the bank of the Rapidan if he makes a stand there. We must let time develop the future. G.B.

Camp near Bristow Station, Va.
November 2, 1863
(Appeared Monday, Nov. 9, 1863)

Eight days’ rest we have enjoyed here, unmolested, and nobody to make us afraid. Fully recuperated from our recent rearward jaunt, we are all ready for another campaign, though by no means aching for one. Self-indulgence would keep us in our present locality, for it is a pleasant and desirable place, an excellent encampment, and would answer the purpose of winter quarters first rate. Wood, water and good grounds are favored us, and the matter of getting supplies is easy, for the railroad runs right alongside of our camp, and Bristow Station isn’t half a mile distant. But I suppose I ought not to mention “winter quarters” at present, when there is a prospect of five, six, and even seven or eight weeks good campaigning weather before the rains, snows, thaws and mud of a Virginia winter shall have made their real appearance. If the first and second days of this month of November, on which we have just entered, be an index of what its remaining days are to be, then the month will be all that Gen. Meade can ask for military movements and operations. A bright genial sun shone all day yesterday and is shining to-day, and the general exclamation is – what beautiful weather!

I understand that the railroad to Warrenton Junction is completed, and that it will soon be in working condition to Bealton or the Rappahannock. Trains are running by our camp every few minutes, loaded with army supplies, materials for repairing the railroad, and this morning we saw two trains bearing pontoon bridges destined for the Rappahannock, unquestionably.

Fitzpatrick’s [Kilpatrick’s] division of cavalry were en route this forenoon in the direction of the Rappahannock with all their supply wagons, ambulances, etc. There are indications of another movement, and before this reaches you we may be in rapid motion again, but this time in motion to the front and not to the rear. There’s a report in circulation that the Fredericksburg route is to undergo another trial. May better success attend it than has followed previous attempts to take Richmond by that route. (6)

Lieut. Wm. H. Bower of our battery has tendered his resignation and it has been accepted. The loss of his arm incapacitates him for active field service, and he is therefore obliged to retire from it. He does not intend, however, to leave the service altogether, but purposes entering the invalid corps. (7)

Lieut. Bower has been identified with Battery L since its earliest organization. In the first engagement in which the battery participated he was the first member of the company that was wounded, and in consequence of the severity of the wound he was discharged from service. Last June he was commissioned as 2d Lieutenant and assigned to duty in Battery L. His return to the battery was cordially greeted by his old comrades, and now his second departure from them occasions much regret. His ability and industry in the service, qualities brightly displayed in the fiery ordeal of the battle of Gettysburg, have won for him from the Colonel of our regiment praise and commendation, and he has the respect and esteem of all the company. He goes from us attended with the best and heartiest wishes of officers and men. G.B.

After Lee pulled his army back behind the Rappahannock, he left two formations in forward positions to guard fords over that stream. Part of Rodes’ division held a position on the south bank at Kelly’s Ford; part of Early’s division remained on the north bank in a fortified position at Rappahannock Station. In a rare night attack, Union troops succeeded in overrunning part of the Rappahannock position on Nov. 7 at bayonet point. Col. Emory Upton’s soldiers, taking advantage of the darkness and the Rebels’ confusion, then penetrated the bridgehead and cut off the Confederates’ retreat. It was a brilliant feat of arms. In the meantime, elements of the III Corps crossed at Kelly’s Ford, capturing two Confederate regiments. Lee’s army had suffered 2,023 casualties at a loss of only 419 Union troops. (8)

Near Rappahannock Station,
November 13, 1863
(Appeared Thursday, Nov. 19, 1863)

Crossing and re-crossing the Rappahannock, now on one side and now other side of this war-famed stream; chasing and being chased by Lee’s army, one day pressing vigorously forward toward the city of Richmond, and the next day pressing with equal vigor toward the city of Washington. These are matters which have become of such frequent repetition that their occurrence now on the part of the Army of the Potomac must cease to awaken that interest in the minds of the public which they formerly produced. The oft-repeated transpiration of the same event, however stirring and important at first, necessarily loses interest and importance especially if no practical, substantial results occur from that event.

Here we are, as you perceive from the caption of my letter, back again on or near the banks of the Rappahannock. How often we have visited these banks and crossed this river, we cannot say. We did keep account for a while, as from time to time we crossed and recrossed the Rappahannock, but it began to occur so very frequently that we abandoned the business. The appearance of the Rappahannock river, its surroundings, etc., are getting to be as familiar to us, as is old Genesee with its beautiful banks. Almost two months ago, we lay near this Station and were here six weeks. We little thought, on leaving this locality, that in the course of two months such events would crowd on one another so fast as have occurred in that brief space of time. On the morning of the 16th of September we crossed to the south side of the Rappahannock, and a few days found us encamped not far from the Rapidan. Soon the golden and gorgeous days of October came, and surely before the expiration of that month the Army of the Potomac would be treading the soil south of the Rapidan, moving after that much coveted prize, the rebel capital. But the second Sunday of October on a bright and genial day, just as the sun was about going down in beauty and splendor, the 1st corps of the Army of the potomac re-crossed the Rappahannock, leaving the Rapidan far behind and moving away from, instead of approaching, the great heart and strong-hold of treason, the home of that arch rebel and conspirator, Jeff. Davis, the capital of the so-called Southern Confederacy.

Leaving the Rappahannock, away we went, en route for Centreville Heights; but exactly four weeks from that Sunday we returned to the Rappahannock, and about noon of that day, the 8th inst., we again found ourselves on the south bank of the Rappahannock river, crossing at Kelly’s ford, where we had crossed when the army was beating a hasty and orderly retreat. I need not stop to tell my readers what took place from the 16th of September to the 8th day of October. They have been told all about it, and it has passed into the annals of the past. What of the future? what next? are questions that come urging themselves on the mind. We summon Time to answer them, and he bids us wait for the development of the future. And wait we must, though events follow one another so closely and rapidly now, that waiting is not a severe trial of one’s patience.

I have said that we crossed to the south bank of the Rappahannock on Sunday last (Nov. 8). This we did at Kelly’s Ford, as also did the 2d and 3d corps. We had marched from Morrisville that morning, leaving Catlett’s Station the morning previous, and Bristoe Station on the afternoon of the previous Thursday (Nov. 5). It was a quick and vigorous march from the time we broke camp at Bristoe; and the gallant achievements that were made by the 3d, 5th and 6th corps on last Saturday (Nov. 7) prove that the recent forward movement of Meade’s army was a decided and brilliant success. The particulars of Saturday’s engagements have ere this been furnished you, and I know not that I have anything new to record relating to the fights. It may not be known that among the troops captured at Rappahannock Station were those belonging to the famous “Stonewall Brigade.” (9) Old soldiers these, in the rebel service, who received their first fighting lessons under the instructions and leadership of Stonewall Jackson, and the brigade was christened with the significant sobriquet which had been given to Jackson. Like their leader, they soon began to display the iron qualities of old veteran soldiers, and time and again they confronted our own brave men with dauntless courage, amidst a storm of bullets and balls. Less and less their numbers grew, until they had dwindled down to a miniature brigade, and if I have been informed correctly, not more than two or three hundred of the men who originally composed the brigade now remain, or rather did remain, for as above stated, this famous brigade was obliged to surrender to the storming party of the enemy’s strongly entrenched position at Rappahannock Station. All way of retreat was cut off from the enemy, with such celerity and surprise were the rebel works attacked. They never believed that their formidable entrenchments could be taken without a long and terrible struggle, and except by greatly superior numbers, and a person has only to look at the forts, with their redoubts and long lines of rifle pits issuing from either side, to be convinced that the rebels had good reason for entertaining such a belief. The successful assault and taking of these works was due to the surprise by which the enemy was taken, and to the unsurpassed gallantry and heroism displayed by the officers and men in attacking the position. The bayonet and clubbed musket were freely used, and indeed I have been told our men were forbidden to cap their guns as they moved forward to the assault. It was literally a hand to hand conflict, in which federal and rebel soldiers grappled with each other, exchanging life for life in some instances. In no engagement of the whole war has there been such a handsome exploit of arms as was displayed in the recent fight of Rappahannock Station.

I have spoken of the strength and formidableness of the enemy’s earthworks, entrenchments, etc. The rebels certainly expend much labor and exhibit great skill in the construction of their works. In this particular, in the matter of throwing up field earthworks, they have excelled our own army.

After crossing the river last Sunday (Nov. 8), we marched to Brandy Station, and the 3d corps moving parallel to us, on our right. The infantry, artillery, ammunition, supply and ambulance trains, all moved in parallel columns, and a stranger, unacquainted with the position of affairs, had he seen the army in motion, would have pronounced the movement of a rearward character, so rapidly and enthusiastically did the troops march, the teams going frequently on a fast run, drivers hurrying their mules and horses to keep up with the column, and the scene was one which would have satisfied the most enthusiastic advocate for a “vigorous prosecution of the war.” The successes of the day before had inspirited the troops, and the entire army was really in a jubilant condition. The soldiers were heard to say, “we are bound to clean out the Johnnies this time. Onward to Richmond, and down with the rebellion. Hurrah for our side!”

The temperature was quite cold and keen, and this no doubt helped to quicken the steps of the army. About dusk we went into camp near Brandy Station, expecting to move forward again the next morning. But this expectation was not to be realized, for the following morning found the army lying still, and come afternoon, the 1st corps received orders to fall back across the river, near Rappahannock Station. The orders were in a few hours complied with, and we are now pleasantly encamped on the right of the railroad, near where we fought our first engagement in August, 1862. The 3d division of the 1st corps are guarding the railroad from Warrenton Junction to Bristoe Station or Manassas Junction. They did not move with the army. The 1st and 2d divisions, with the artillery belonging to the corps, are stationed from Rappahannock Crossing to Bealton, employed as a guard to the communications this side of the river. The 1st corps is acting as a reserve corps, so I understand.

The railroad is repaired to Bealton, and the construction corps are at work completing it to the Rappahannock. The railroad bridge will be reconstructed as speedily as possible, but it must require several days to effect its completion, for the abutments are all destroyed, and that one on the north bank, with a portion of the bank, is completely gone, and the rocks and large stones seem to be carried away. The track on the other side of the river has not been molested, as you know, but is in good condition.

The probability is that we shall remain quiet for a week or two until the bridge is constructed. Army headquarters are near Brandy Station. Of course it is a matter of speculation what Gen. Meade’s intentions are.

The country about here is infested with guerillas and the longer our communication is made the more danger there is of its being broken if not so badly interfered with or destroyed that it will demand most or a very large part of the army to protect it. It is actually unsafe to go a few yards outside of one’s camp for fear of being gobbled up by these bushwhackers. They are here, and there and everywhere, as reported by the telegraph, and their impudence and boldness can’t be beat. Their style of warfare, dishonorable and mosquito-like as it is, is very damaging, and certainly most annoying. It seems to us that more effective measures can be taken than have been, to “wipe out” this troublesome and marauding foe.

The weather yesterday and to-day has been as lovely as air and sunshine could make it. Indian Summer is reigning in all its perfection.

Many of the soldiers have gone to work putting up log huts, as if preparing for a long stay. The rebels have erected some very cozy and substantial buildings, and had made up their minds no doubt, to take up their abode in them for the winter. How unkind is the Army of the Potomac to disturb their dreams of rest, but then, it couldn’t be helped. It was a happy and successful invasion for us, and we only wish that the invasion might be extended to Richmond before Christmas. Perhaps it will be. G.B.

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