Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 6.
Frank Moore, Ed.

The first real cavalry battle of the war has been fought, resulting in a decisive victory on the part of the national forces.

The telegraph has informed you of the departure of a large cavalry force in the direction of Culpeper, to reconnoitre, and, if possible, to intercept a body of rebels, known to be in the neighborhood of Warrenton. The expedition returned to-night, the men being much exhausted after their severe labors, but elated and flushed with the excitement which accompanies victory.

Learning that both Stuart and Lee had left the main body of the rebel army near Fredericksburgh, for the purpose of enforcing the draft in Fauquier and the adjoining counties, Gen. Hooker determined to send out a large body of cavalry to cut them off, and at the same time to ascertain the position of the rebel forces on the other side of the Rappahannock. The regiments chosen for this important enterprise were the First and Fifth regulars, commanded by Captain Reno; the Thirty-fourth and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, Col. McIntosh; the First Rhode Island, Fourth New-York, and Sixth Ohio, Colonel Duffie; and the Sixth New-York flying battery, of six guns — all under the command of General Averill.

The expedition marched on Monday afternoon. Notwithstanding the bad condition of the roads, the men made good progress, and passing through our outer pickets, encamped for the night near Kelly's Ford, not far back from the Rappahannock. On riding down to the ford the next morning, at daylight, to cross over, the enemy were found to be in strong force on the opposite side, having posted numerous pickets, and constructed a formidable abattis along the bank. A detachment of the Fourth New-York charged down into the stream, and attempted to force a passage, but were met and repulsed by a strong force of the enemy. Rallying, they dashed into the river, and again were repulsed. A third attempt proved no more successful. At this juncture Lieutenant Brown, followed by a squadron of the First Rhode Island, plunged boldly in, cut their way through the abattis, and charging up the declivity, routed the enemy.

The whole force then crossed over and formed in line of battle thus: Col. McIntosh's command, consisting of the Third, Fourth, and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, on the right; Reno's First and Fifth regulars, centre and reserve, and Colonel Duffie's First Rhode Island, Fourth New-York and Sixth Ohio, on the left. This was about half-past 7 o'clock in the morning. Twenty-four prisoners were captured at the ford.

As the men moved forward up the acclivity, the rebels, who in the mean time had rallied, charged upon us, when the First Rhode Island met them with a counter charge and put them to flight. The second time, the rebels once more attempting to rally, the Fifth regulars seized the opportunity, dashed at them, and they again broke and ran wildly. The Third Pennsylvania cavalry, posted to the right, likewise charged upon the force opposed to them most successfully. The Sixteenth Pennsylvania, still further to the right, did splendid execution, many of the rebels being dismounted. Our artillery, in the mean time kept playing on the fleeing rebels, and quickening their speed. [459]

We had now advanced through an open space about a mile and a half from the river — as we moved, forming, charging to the right and left, and taking numerous prisoners, until the outskirts of a wood were reached.

General Averill here again arranged the regiments in line of battle, the First regulars being posted as reserves. Our men moved through the woods steadily and rapidly, firing as they went. Another open space was reached, and found to be full of skirmishers. The firing now became very brisk, the enemy for the first time opening on us with artillery, of which they had twelve pieces. Their solid shot and shell fell thick and fast among our men, but they pressed on, inspired by the success already won, and led forward by their officers.

After so many brilliant and profitable dashes on our part, the rebels thought it well to attempt again something in that line themselves, and charged. They ran against the Third Pennsylvania cavalry, which broke them instantly. From the time of crossing the river till now there had been many personal encounters: single horsemen dashing at each other with full speed, and cutting and slashing with their sabres until one or the other was disabled. The wounds received by both friend and foe in these single combats were frightful, such as I trust never to see again.

We continued to drive the rebels before us, they skirmishing and using their artillery as they retreated. Our boys had now been fighting several hours, but regardless of themselves, pursued their mission of keeping the rebels travelling, and did it effectually. When we had chased them six miles from the river, Gen. Averill decided to return, as our artillery ammunition was nearly exhausted, and we had come upon a strong rebel position, with rifle-pits and intrenchments. Detachments of cavalry were deployed in front of the battery, in such a manner as to prevent its withdrawal being seen, and the whole force commenced its return march. Captain Reno, with a portion of his command, covered the rear.

As soon as the rebels discovered our retrograde movement, they opened a heavy fire of artillery, and followed in pursuit, but at a respectful distance, and without a desire to try more charges. The morale and esprit of our men were excellent, and it was with difficulty that many of them could be persuaded to return. They had run the rebels six miles, and wanted to keep on to Culpeper.

Capt. Hunt, with three squadrons of the First regiment, assisted by Lieuts. Bigelow and Sandford, did good service supporting the battery. On the return, at one time this command was in danger of being annihilated. The men were stationed to the left of the battery, within easy supporting distance, ready to charge upon the rebels, should they attempt to take it. No sooner, however, had our guns ceased firing, from want of ammunition, than the rebels turned their fire upon the supporting cavalry, keeping it up for a long period, and making sad havoc among the horses. The cavalry could not leave their position, for the guns would have been lost. They succeeded, however, in bringing the pieces away. The command reached the river about sunset, and recrossed.

Our loss is nine killed, thirty-five wounded, and forty taken prisoners. We killed and wounded a large number of the enemy, and brought away sixty prisoners.

Lieut. Dimmock, of the Fourth New-York cavalry, is mortally wounded. He behaved most gallantly.

Adjt-Gen. Bowditch, of General Duffie's staff, was struck over the head with a sabre, and received a pistol-shot in the groin.

Major Chamberlain, Acting Aid-de-Camp to General Averill, was wounded in the nose and cheek.

Among the rebel officers taken was Major Breckenridge, of the First Virginia cavalry. The prisoners are a sorry-looking set.

Your special correspondent, who accompanied General Averill's cavalry expedition, has just returned, having left Kelly's Ford this morning at daylight. The expedition was a complete success. Gen. Averill, with detachments from several of his regiments, and one battery of artillery, left camp, on Monday morning, to reconnoitre the Rappahannock River, up to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, with instructions to cross, and proceed in the direction of Culpeper, and wake up Fitz-Hugh Lee's cavalry, who were reported to be in that direction.

The force reached Morrisville, eighteen miles out, during the afternoon, when a portion of the advance-guard proceeded direct to Kelly's Ford, twenty-five miles above Falmouth, and dispersing a small body of the enemy near the ford, and discovering that it was guarded by dismounted cavalry pickets on the opposite side.

During the night, a force under Lieut.-Colonel Curtis, of the First Massachusetts cavalry, was detailed to advance toward the railroad, at Bealeton Station, and to Elk Run, in the direction of Warrenton.

At three A. M., yesterday, the forces advanced, Col. Curtis as above indicated, and Gen. Averill with the main force, toward Kelly's Ford. Arriving at the ford shortly after daylight, the advanceguard found it well defended by dismounted cavalry sharp-shooters, concealed in houses, and behind trees and fences. The approaches to the ford on both sides, were rendered impassable by strong abattis, while the water was over four feet deep.

After several attempts to cross, under a hot fire, a platoon from the First Rhode Island cavalry, led by Lieutenant Brown, dashed into the stream, followed by the axe-men, who soon removed the abattis. The gallant fellows were met by volleys of bullets, but so sudden and surprising was the movement, that twenty-five of the rebels were captured before they could get away.

The force immediately followed, and the artillery was taken over, with the ammunition in the [460] feed-bags of the horses, carried by cavalry, and repacked on the other side.

After halting and resting a short time, General Averill ordered the column forward, and had proceeded but a mile or two, when Fitz-Hugh Lee's whole brigade was discovered, advancing in vigorous style.

Our men were immediately brought into position, supporting the battery, which opened at once, while the main body were formed for a charge. Our men had the edge of one strip of woods, while the enemy had a like position in timber opposite, with a wide and clear field between the two.

Advancing out of this, and both forces appeared in the open ground, the enemy advancing rapidly on our right, with the intention of turning that flank, and on our left, with the purpose to charge it. Both movements were anticipated. On our right, they were speedily repulsed by the artillery, and on the left, by a gallant charge under Col. Duffie, who led that portion of the column. The rebels stood only a moment, then turned, and fled back into the woods in disorder, leaving their killed and wounded on the field.

After re-forming, Gen. Averill again advanced, and took up position a mile or more beyond, believing the enemy would again attack, if opportunity offered. This proved true, and the rebels soon advanced again, this time with their artillery. Their cavalry came upon the charge in admirable style, almost drawing plaudits from our own men; but they were met by a terrific onslaught from the Fifth regulars, and Third Pennsylvania, which turned them back in confusion, they retreating down our line by the flank, which enabled our remaining squadron to pour in tremendous volleys from their carbines, emptying hundreds of saddles, and completely repulsing the whole charging force.

They did not molest us again, save with artillery, to which we did not reply, being out of ammunition. General Averill held his position until sundown, and then retired to the north side of the river, without the loss of a man. The enemy's loss is severe, reaching, no doubt, two hundred, as their wounded were found everywhere. Our own loss will not exceed fifty in killed and wounded. It was a square, stand — up cavalry fight, of over four hours duration, and the result proves that our cavalry, when well handled, is equal, if not superior to the enemy. In every instance they fled before the impetuous charge of our men.

The following officers were killed and wounded:

Lieut. Cook, First Rhode Island, killed.

Lieut. Domingo, Fourth New-York, mortally wounded.

Major Chamberlain, Chief of General Averill's staff, seriously, in the face.

Lieut. Bowditch, First Massachusetts, severely, in the abdomen.

Major Farrington, First Rhode Island, slightly, in the neck.

Capt. Weichel, Third Pennsylvania, in the leg.

Lieut. Wolfe, Sixth Ohio, sabre-cut in the head.

Capt. McBride, Fourth Pennsylvania, not dangerously.

Lieut. Thompson, First Rhode Island, not seriously.

From fifty to seventy-five prisoners were taken in the various charges, including Major Breckenridge, of the First Virginia cavalry.

The history of the cavalry of the army of Northern Virginia, replete as it is with scenes of conflicts and constant danger, showing a boldness on the part of individuals and masses that has commanded the admiration and fear of our enemies as well as the commendation of our own people, will probably to the end of the war furnish no scene to be so vividly remembered by those who participated in it, or more worthy to be recorded to the honor of our arm of the service and the State of Virginia, than the battle of the seventeenth instant at Kelly's Ford, on the Upper Rappahannock. Early on that morning the enemy attempted the crossing in the face of the sharp-shooters of the Second Virginia cavalry, commanded by Captain Breckenridge. From the rifle-pits this gallant officer resisted their advance, emptying saddle after saddle, and repulsing them three times with heavy loss, until, having expended all his ammunition, and emptying even his pistols, he was compelled to retire, not being properly supported by a detachment from another regiment which had been sent to his aid. Not being able to reach their horses in time, more than twenty of our sharp-shooters were captured here. Meanwhile information of the events reaching our brigade, we gathered our available force — between nine hundred and one thousand men, and moved down to meet the enemy, who had shown the, for them, unusual daring of crossing to our side of the river. Their line of dismounted skirmishers was discovered not a mile from the ford, and judging, from their slow advance, that they might have retained only a small force to guard the ford, while their main body advanced by another route, hoping to get unobserved into our rear. While these events were transpiring far down on the extreme left, the Second, led by Major Breckenridge, chanced to meet the sharp-shooters and supporting column that was rapidly advancing. In the middle of the field a large ditch obstructed their progress, and but one squadron was able to cross in time; struggling manfully, they were compelled to retire slowly, leaving behind them Major Breckenridge, whose horse being disabled, was unable to make his escape. His high spirit was compelled to submit to the mortification of capture. But not with impunity did they advance, relying upon their immense superiority in numbers. The First, supported by the Fourth, came upon the flank of one of their squadrons and nearly annihilated it. Col. Drake won high commendation from Gen. Stuart on that occasion. Still advancing on the left with a heavy force of dismounted men in the advance of their line of cavalry, they forced back the [461] Fifth and Third, in spite of two gallant charges, which served only to retard for a time their progress. Retiring to a position where an open field, nearly a mile in breadth and more than two in length, gave a fair opportunity for the use of cavalry, our brigade was drawn up in line of battle, the Fourth on the extreme right, then the Second, Third, Fifth, and First. Here we waited for nearly half an hour the advance of the enemy. Afraid to come beyond the support of their artillery, their progress was slow; and we, who are accustomed to Stuart's and Lee's quick movements, grew impatient, and even thought they had given up all thought of further advance. But presently the line of woods, as far as we could see, was fringed with the smoke from the rifles of their skirmishers, and our carbineers were hotly engaged with a force nearly ten to one. Now came the order from Fitz Lee that, when the charge commenced on the right, it must be carried on down the whole line. A few shots from our two pieces of artillery, which now, for the first time, were brought into action, was the signal for our advance, and on moved the Fourth and Second on the right of the road across which our line of battle was formed. Forward was the command to the other regiments. “Charge!” rang from the lips of commanding officers, and the whole brigade was in motion, hurled in echelon against the foe; fearful odds, our numbers reduced by that time to less than nine hundred men, the enemy more than three thousand strong, five pieces of artillery sending forth grape and canister with fearful rapidity and effect, and a line of woods from behind whose protection the enemy's riflemen poured incessant volleys on our advancing line. There were men in our lines who were engaged at Malvern Hill, at Gaines's Mill, in many of Jackson's battles, and with accord they say that they never before passed through such a fearful fire as thinned our ranks in that charge. The enemy's battery was posted on the right of the road, and was supported by three regiments of cavalry. The Second and Fourth most gallantly moved upon them, but the enemy's numbers were too great for them. Failing in their effort, they retired, slowly firing as they went, the enemy not daring to come more than one hundred yards from the friendly shelter of the wood. Two fences, the great protection of the enemy during the whole day, protected the three which was immediately on the left of the road from sweeping around in rear of the enemy's battery and their supporting regiments. Could this have been done, we would have had their battery as a trophy and testimony of the gallantry of our brigade. But the enemy would not come out of the woods to meet our charges, and we were obliged to fall back to form for any further movements that might be necessary, which we did without any pursuit whatever on their part. This was the last of the cavalry fighting proper for the day. Our sharp-shooters and our artillery continued. Our General, the gallant Fitz Lee, hesitated not to attack them immediately. Our carbineers were thrown forward until the regiments could be gotten into position, and at once the Third Virginia cavalry was ordered to charge. The enemy's sharp-shooters lined the woods on the side of the main road; another column of cavalry, with artillery in position, were concealed in a by-road leading off to the right. With impetuous speed, led by Colonel Owen, on dashed the Third. Little cared they for the storm of carbine-balls that greeted their approach as they swept down a stone fence, until then undiscovered, endeavoring to find an opening through which they might pass to reach their foes. They, though protected by two fences, amazed by the tremendous yells of our boys, broke in confusion, and had the Third only been able to have gotten at them, would have been then and there utterly routed. But in vain did Colonel Owen look for an opening through which to lead his men. The fence was impassable, and, sweeping off to the left in almost perfect order, the Third formed again for another charge. Now came down the well-known Rosser with the Fifth. Few his superiors in coolness and judgment in the field. But two little regiments could not encounter the immense force that was now disclosed in imposing array in the field, behind the woods and stone fences; and, in the face of a fearful storm of carbine-balls, these two regiments slowly retired to the open fields on the left, in the vain hope that the enemy would show us a fair fight on the ground where we could cross sabres with them. Here the noble Pelham received his death-wound — a loss irreparable to the cavalry division--and Butler, Major of the Fifth, fell to rise no more. We fought them until dark, when, retiring, they recrossed the river, leaving many of their dead and wounded on the field of battle. What was their loss we cannot accurately estimate, but it must have been severe, especially from our artillery, which was served as Stuart's horse artillery always is — most splendidly. Though compelled to retire after each of our separate charges, we claim a complete victory, because we succeeded in entirely frustrating the evident design of our enemy, which was to make a long cavalry raid à la Stuart, penetrate perhaps as far as Gordonsville, and destroy the bridges and railroad between that place and Culpeper. They were satisfied that they would have harder fighting to do, if they persisted in their attempt, than might agree with their constitutions, and so they prudently withdrew. We mourn the loss of many gallant comrades; many we shall never meet again this side of the grave; and many more will he languishing on beds of suffering for long, weary (lays, before they can again join us in the only place where an honorable man now feels himself at home — the tented field.