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Chapter 19: operations in winter and Spring, 1862-63.
On the 16th of December, as soon as it was discovered that the enemy had recrossed the river, in accordance with the orders received, I moved to the vicinity of
Port Royal, arriving by nightfall.
The enemy was content with the experiment he had made, and did not attempt any further movement at that time.
I proceeded the next day to picket the river from a place called the Stop-Cock, near the
Rappahannock Academy, to the vicinity of
Port Tobacco, below
Port Royal, the river having been watched on this line previous to my arrival by some of
Brigadier General Wm. H. F. Lee's cavalry, which I relieved.
My division was encamped in the vicinity of
Port Royal, on the hills back from the river, and when it was ascertained that the enemy was not preparing for a new movement in any short time, the different brigades built permanent winter quarters at suitable places.
After a careful examination of the country, I proceeded to fortify the banks of the river at points likely to afford facilities for crossing, and I established a line of defence also along the main road running parallel with the river, where high embankments with cedar hedges on them afforded good cover for troops and excellent breastworks.
This line commenced at the upper end of the Hazelwood estate, the former residence of that distinguished Virginian,
John Taylor of Caroline, and with the defences on the river extending to
Camden, the residence of
Mr. Pratt, some distance below
Port Royal, passing in rear of that town, which was now nearly abandoned on account of the depredations of the enemy's gunboats and the fear of their repetition.
New roads were constructed in rear of the line of defence out of reach of artillery from the opposite
