Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 9: “Roughing It Now As Never Before” Battle At Cedar Mountain Aug. 10, 1862 – Aug. 13, 1862
It was vital for Lee to keep open the Virginia Central Railroad, Richmond’s link with the Shenandoah. On July 13, he sent Jackson with 14,000 men to keep an eye on Pope. Two weeks later, with McClellan still bottled up at Harrison’s Landing, Lee sent A.P. Hill’s division as well, with instructions for Jackson to “suppress” Pope’s army. Jackson had his opportunity when Pope ordered his army to concentrate at Culpeper, preparatory to a move against the railroad. Only Banks’ corps had reached the town in early August, “dangling lonesomely like the last apple of fall,” John Hennessy notes. (1) Jackson moved toward Banks with about 24,000 men. The collision occurred near Cedar Mountain, Va., on Aug. 9. Banks rashly flung two divisions totaling about 8,000 men against Jackson’s force, even though the Union troops were outnumbered two to one in numbers actually engaged. This momentarily caught Jackson’s force off guard, but Hill’s division counterattacked. Banks had to fall back after losing about 30 percent of his men. (2) Gen. C.C. Augur took command of Sigel’s old division, which included Battery L, on July 7; at Cedar Mountain the division consisted of three infantry brigades commanded by Brig. Gens. John Geary, Henry Prince and George Greene. Though Battery L was not involved in the fighting, most of the rest of Augur’s command was, with Geary’s and Prince’s brigades suffering especially heavy casualties.
Six Miles South of Culpepper,
Near Battle Field,
Aug. 10
(Appeared Saturday, Aug. 16, 1862
Dear Union: -- A thousand things to write about. What shall I say first. I have had little opportunity to write since the date of my last, which was written near Little Washington. I am writing now under circumstances different from any I have ever written under before – something like those when I addressed you a letter on Bolivar Heights, but on a much bigger scale.
Here we are in the field of action, with the whole of General Pope’s army, hourly expecting a battle with the enemy who is reported to be in great force in front of us. A contraband who came into our lines last night said that Ewell had 60,000 troops, and Jackson was behind him with 10,000 more to meet or attack Pope’s army. This report has been reported by others who profess to have a knowledge of the enemy’s strength. Whether true or not we cannot say. (3) We know we have a strong foe in front of us, for yesterday afternoon he engaged General Banks’ corps, and a sharp, hotly contested engagement it was too. Of its particulars and results you will have heard long before this reaches you. Our own battery was not in the engagement. It was held with others as a reserve. The fighting commenced just about the time we arrived in sight of the place where it took place, which was yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Banks’ corps left Culpepper yesterday morning, or a short distance beyond it, taking up its line of march in order of the two divisions. General Green’s Brigade, to which we had again been assigned, followed in the rear. (4) Our battery was the furthest behind, it was a forced march, as all our marches had been since leaving Washington, Wednesday morning the 8th (6th), and a very severe one, as all the others had been. The heat was intense, and the dirt and dust almost unsufferable. The weather was of the very hottest description most all last week, and we soldiers had to have the benefit of it in the experience of long marches. It was three miles south of Woodville on Friday noon (Aug. 8), while we were encamped in a very large field on a high hill, that order came to strike our tents and be ready on the shortest possible notice to march on to Culpepper, or beyond it, as some of our troops were being attacked. We were told to take no baggage, but to leave everything behind. This was the first real intimation we had received of the prospect of a speedy fight before us.
I remarked above that we arrived yesterday about the time the fighting commenced. We took our position in a large field, where we now are in line with three other batteries. This was by order of Major Keefer, who had command of battery K, Capt. Crounses, 1st N.Y. regiment, and our own. Capt. Reynolds was not commanding then, and had not been for two or three days, as he was under arrest – the statement of which will no doubt astonish many of your readers, as it astonished us when we first heard of it. He is not under arrest now, however, much to the inexpressible joy of the whole company, as was demonstrated yesterday afternoon when he was released. The circumstances of the arrest are simply these:
On our march from Little Washington to Woodville, Gen. Green ordered all the cannoneers who were riding on the ammunition chests to dismount, and was quite indignant finding them riding. He upbraided the officers of the battery, except the captain, who was at the front of the column and whom he passed apparently without observing, for allowing such a thing, and wanted to know if they had’nt received orders that no cannoneers should ride, and that nothing – knapsacks, blankets, coats, canteens, etc. – should be strapped to any part of the carriages. No such orders had been received, except relating to the carrying of no knapsacks on the pieces or carriages. The cannoneers had always been in the habit of riding excepting when going up steep hills or over difficult roads, when they would always dismount. The road we were on was a turnpike, very smooth, and Gen. Green had frequently in previous marches seen the cannoneers mounted, and no exceptions had been taken. It is a customary matter with other batteries for the cannoneers to ride when marching, and this order of Gen. Green, coming as it did in anything but the gentlest of tones, rather dumbfounded us. Orders must be obeyed, however. But it was a pity it had’nt been promulgated before we left camp, for four or five of the boys would have remained behind with others, not being in a condition to walk. It was hot, oh how hot. The cannoneers dismounted and the carriages disrobed of everything excepting the paulins. In a few minutes Major Keefer came riding back, telling Capt. Reynolds that the cannoneers must not be allowed to ride. Capt. R. remarked, with much feeling, that it was rather hard on the sick, and made use of the expression: “if his men must be treated like dogs, and turned out to die, so be it.” At this Major K. (5) took umbrage, considering the remark as unmilitary, and some time afterwards told Capt. R. that he might consider himself under arrest as soon as he reached camp that night. This was done in consideration also of an old matter which had been buried, it was thought, forever, but which was brought up again in connection with the present affair. So much for Capt. Reynolds arrest. Now as to his release. Just before the close of the battle yesterday afternoon, Gen. Geary, the man whom Buchanan could’nt make a tool of in Kansas, and the man who first drove the rebels from Harper’s Ferry, came riding up to our battery, supported on his horse by two or three officers, severely wounded in his arm by a musket ball, He was taken from his horse, and with his head resting in Captain Reynolds’ lap, a surgeon began the painful operation of extracting the ball. It was with much difficulty that the ball was extracted, and it was slit right in two, as far as its base, and the flesh had to be probed and cut away. But most heroically did he bear up under this most excruciatingly painful operation; and while it was being performed he thought of his brigade which he left fighting like heroes. He had led them on and had been in their front all the time, cheering and inciting them to noble deeds. He begged of Capt. Reynolds to advance with his battery and help to protect his men and cover their retreat, if they had to make one. The rebels were in overwhelming force, ten to our one. Gen. Green (Geary?) said Major Keefer seemed to be at a loss what to do and how to do it. We appeared to be left to ourselves and to act as we pleased. In a few words, Capt. Reynolds told Gen. Green (Geary?) his situation, remarked that Lieut. Loder was in command, but he would’nt move without orders from Gen. Keefer. If he had command himself, however, he would move forward with his battery. Gen. Green (Geary?) replied that he would take the responsibility of ordering his release, and told him to take command of his company. Immediately a shout went up from the boys, loud and hearty, and Capt. Reynolds resuming command, the battery was ordered to move forward. It was now dark and the firing had ceased in a great measure.
We advanced a short distance only and took our position on a hill by command of Capt. Dahlgren, Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Sigel. It was through Capt. D. that Capt. Reynolds’ release was ordered by Gen. Pope after Gen. Geary had ordered it. It didn’t become necessary for us to take a part in the engagement, though all of the rest, or nearly all, I believe, of Gen. Banks’ corps participated. The fighting was fierce and deadly on both sides and our troops fought and did splendidly, especially when we consider that they went right into the field after a long march, all tired out and almost fainting with hunger.
There were some blunders made, I have been told, by some of our regiments firing into each other by mistake, causing considerable destruction. Generals Augur and Geary seemed to try which could accomplish the most. Gen. Augur was wounded, and Gen. Prince, who was known to be, is thought to be a prisoner. (6) Gen. Green, commanding the 2d brigade of Gen. Augur’s division, is the only General who has command in the division now.
The rebels’ artillery firing was excellent. They had several batteries planted on the side of a high hill, or rather mountain, that covered the position of our troops. Their guns were of heavy calibre and they shot with great accuracy. But time will not permit me to give a detailed account of the battle. We must have had a thousand killed and wounded. The telegraph or papers may say a much less number, but our surgeons have said that about 700 of our troops have been examined by them as slightly or seriously wounded. The firing of cannon and musketry was terrific for two or three hours without cessation. Generals Pope, Sigel, Banks and McDowell, with a host of subordinate officers, arrived on the field about half-past 7 – after the fight was over. They were greeted with many cheers.
The battle field is occupied by the enemy today. There is sharp skirmishing going on between both sides as I write. Our horses are hitched and we are all ready for hostilities to begin again. We have felt of the enemy with two of our batteries, but they make no response.
McDowell is on the right, Banks in the centre, and Sigel on the left.
I must close. When this letter will reach its destination, or how it will, is more than I can tell. I have written on scraps of paper as I could pick them up. We are roughing it now as we never have before. G.B.
August 11 – Monday, Noon.
Lieut. Loder expects to start for home to-day. He will give full particulars of matters here. We are bringing the wounded from the battle field and burying our dead. The enemy are doing the same also. Both have flags of truce. From all accounts I can learn, about two-thirds of Gen. Banks’ corps were engaged in the battle. It was a drawn affair as near as I can make out. The enemy had every advantage in position and numbers.
Our battery is in the same position it was Saturday night. We have a large army here – an immense cavalry force many thousand strong. The rebels occupy the mountain. I think we shall rout them from it.
Our battery is in the reserve, I have been told. An advance will soon be made, no doubt.
I must go for provisions somewhere, as our company is in great want of them. No forage and muddy water to drink.
Saturday night the shells came flying and dropping over our heads very lively from rebel cannon. A few shots from our guns put a stop to them, however.
I don’t know the name of the place where we are, or by what name the battle of Saturday is designated. G.B.
Two miles south of Culpepper, Va.
August 13, 1862
(Appeared Tuesday, August 19, 1862)
Dear Union: -- The horses are unhitched, unharnessed and picketed, the battery is packed, our tents are pitched, and just at present everything is very quiet. There are no indications of another terrific battle to-day between General Banks’ army and the rebel hordes under Jackson or Ewell. Banks’ corps has fallen back to Culpepper and a little south of it, and I understand his troops are to remain here for a few days to recruit up and recover from the disastrous effects of the bloody engagement of last Saturday. That was a terrible conflict, as stated in my letter of the 10th. I remarked that I thought it was a drawn engagement, but it was not so. There is no use of denying the fact, let reporters say what they may; we were whipped, badly defeated, in that short but most hotly contested battle of what I suppose will be known as Cedar Mountain battle, the fight having occurred at this mountain. We were driven back from the field, where Gen. Banks made a stand to receive the attack of the enemy, were obliged to retreat through the woods, between which and Cedar Mountain the encounter took place, lost 1,500 at the lowest estimate, killed and wounded, including a large number of officers (7); had, I have been told from pretty good authority, some three hundred taken prisoners; lost a train of nine wagons of ammunition and a very large amount of arms; had a great number of horses killed, and instead of the enemy asking permission to bury their dead and carry off their wounded, it was our own army that made this request, and an armistice was agreed upon for this purpose on Monday, which lasted till Monday night. All Saturday night, all day Sunday till the next forenoon our wounded lay on the battle ground, receiving no attention or care, except what may have been extended by the enemy. In some cases kind notice was given to our poor wounded soldiers by those who had fought them so desperately a few hours before, but on visiting the battle field it was discovered that every one of our dead and many of our wounded had had their pockets turned wrong side out and emptied of all their contents, and there were instances where our dead and wounded had been stripped of some of their clothes, and with few exceptions the shoes or boots of nearly all had been taken off their feet and appropriated by the enemy. Our wounded must have suffered terribly on the battle ground, exposed to the burning heat of a hot sun for many hours, and to the damp and dews of two nights. I visited a portion of the scene of action Monday morning, the first time I ever saw a battle field, before the wounded and dead were removed from it. I have no desire to see another such a sight. All the horrors that have been so frequently and graphically depicted as belonging to a field of battle are realities which imagination cannot well exaggerate. The mind bewilders and the heart sickens at the sight.
Captains Reynolds and Best rode all over the field, going as far as the enemy’s picket lines. They had some conversation with a rebel Major, who pronounced the battle a “grand engagement, sharply contested by both sides.” The rebel officer was asked how many troops were engaged on the confederate side, but he was not disposed to answer the question. He admitted that Gen. Winder was killed by a shell, as he, the rebel Major, was carrying him a dispatch. (8) Some of the privates, who were on the field burying the rebel dead, confessed that not less than 15,000, and intimated that many more than that number, fought against Banks. They remarked that they wished the war was over, and spoke of their leaders as having brought it on.
Considering the very strong position that Jackson and Ewell had, and the strength of their command in numbers, it is a wonder that Banks did not lose all his men, that they were not all annihilated. With equal numbers, the odds would have been against us in consequence of the greatly superior position of the enemy. On the side of a wooded mountain, along its slopes, and on several hills, were planted rebel batteries, each commanding our position, and the firing upon our troops from these advantageous heights was very destructive. But full particulars of this deadly fight have been furnished you long ere this, and I know that I can not give you any additional particulars. It is not true that we lost any guns. Two caissons were left on the field, but were afterwards recovered.
Why our battery, and two or three others, were not ordered into the field, I cannot say. There we were, this side of the woods, listeners to the terrible carnage going on, and witnesses, too, as the wounded came or were brought from the battle ground, but we were not allowed – how fortunately, Heaven only knows – to participate in the bloody strife. The 6th Maine Battery, Capt. (Freeman) McGilvery, had 21 horses killed and disabled, one man killed and 15 wounded. (9)
Monday (Aug. 11) and yesterday our battery occupied an advanced position on a hill, and was temporarily under command of General Sigel. An effort has been made to get us transferred to his command permanently, but without success. Yesterday afternoon Gen. Bank’s corps came back to Culpepper, and this morning we returned. We are encamped in the edge of some woods with two other batteries, and in front and on the right of us, for two or three miles, are scattered troops. Sigel is in the advance now, and when we left his command this morning part of it was drawn up in line of battle, this side of the woods where the fight occurred. It was reported that Jackson had returned, and would again offer fight to our army. A large force followed the rebels yesterday as far as the Rapidan.
It seems to be the policy of Jackson to make a dash at our troops, taking advantage of position and circumstances, and then make a hasty retreat. Havn’t we a general who is as dashy and plucky as this rebel Stonewall Jackson, and who can manage to corner and cage him in some way? He is a shrewd, cunning general, and no mistake. He never attacks without a large force. Can we afford to attack, or receive an attack, if it can be avoided, with a less force?
We tried to telegraph to our friends in Rochester on Monday that our battery was not engaged in the fight, but were unable to get the message through, as it requires to be indorsed or approved by Gen. Pope. We trust that the anxieties of the friends of the company as to their being in the late battle have been relieved before this. It is difficult to communicate home, as we are now situated. We are in the reserve, as I remarked we were in my last. When or where Gen. Pope’s forces, or any of them, will again be in a fight, we do not know. Before long, I conjecture. Perhaps next time we shan’t be so near a fight as we were last Saturday without being in one.
Lieut. Loder bade farewell to the Company yesterday. He spoke of the regret he felt in parting with the battery and leaving the active service of his country, but circumstances over which he had no control obliged him to take this step. He wished the Company every success, and fervently hoped that every member might at an early day be permitted to return home safe and well, with our country enjoying the blessings of peace and prosperity. Lieut. Loder was quite affected in taking his departure from our midst. After shaking hands with each of the Company, three rousing cheers were given for him. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he has served almost a year in the service of his country, and we gladly bear testimony to the promptness and faithfulness which has characterized that service.
Culpepper, for the past two or three days, has been one vast hospital. Scarcely a house that has not been used for hospital purposes. A large wooden building near the depot has been employed for the wounded. I visited it yesterday while in search of the Medical Director – and such a spectacle! Oh, it was awful – heart-rending! It was filled with wounded soldiers, lying on the floor, many of whom had just had an arm or a leg amputated, and all were suffering the effects of some terrible wound or wounds. The sight reminded me of a slaughter-house, for the floor was covered with blood, and human beings were being cut and sawed, and subjected to the weapons of the surgeon, perhaps to die almost immediately afterwards. And all this for what? For the salvation of our country. The cause justifies the cost. May God prosper the cause and crown it with speedy success. G.B.
Transcribed And Donated By Bob MarcotteTranscribed And Donated By Bob Marcotte
Robert E. Marcotte
Rochester, N.Y.
February 2005