Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

General: I have the honor to enclose herewith the very graphic report of Brigadier-General Fitzhugh Lee, of the battle of Kelleysville, March seventeenth, between his brigade and a division of the enemy's cavalry. There is little to be said in addition. The dispositions made for meeting this anticipated raid were sufficient to have prevented or very much retarded the crossing of the Rappahannock at Kelleysville. The report shows wherein these dispositions failed of their object. The brigade, however, under its noble chief, so redeemed the day by an exhibition of the most extraordinary heroism, that we are half disposed to lose sight of the picket failure in the outset.

Being charged by the commanding General specially with the preparations to meet Stoneman, I was present on the occasion, because of the responsibility which would necessarily attach to me for what was done; but, having approved of General Fitzhugh Lee's plans, I determined not to interfere with his command of the brigade as long as it was commanded entirely to my satisfaction, and I took special pride in witnessing its gallant conduct under its accomplished leader. The defeat was decided, and the enemy, broken and demoralized, retired, under cover of darkness, to his place of refuge — the main army — having abandoned in defeat an expedition commenced with boasting and vainglorious demonstration. I have the honor to enclose a copy of congratulatory orders from division and brigade headquarters, and an order announcing to the division the death of the lamented and noble Pelham. I was especially indebted to him for his usual gallant services, and to Captain Harry Gilmer, Twelfth Virginia cavalry, who accompanied me as volunteer staff. Major Louis F. Terrill, the court-martial to which he belonged having taken recess, buckled on his sword with very commendable zeal, and came to the field, where he acquitted himself with credit, both as an artillerist and as staff officers I cordially concur with the Brigadier-General [313] commanding in the high praise bestowed by him on Colonel T. L. Rosser, Fifth Virginia cavalry, who, though severely wounded at two P. M., remained in command at the head of his regiment till the day was won, and night put an end to further operations; on Colonel James H. Drake, First Virginia cavalry, who led his regiment in a brilliant charge upon the enemy's flank, routing and pursuing him to his stronghold; on the lamented Puller and his comrades fallen; on Lieutenant Hill Carter, Third Virginia cavalry, and Peter Fontaine, Fourth Virginia cavalry, whose individual prowess attracted my personal attention and remark, the latter receiving a severe wound; on the very efficient staff of General Lee, enumerated in his report, and the many others to whom the seventeenth of March will ever be the proudest of days.

Brigadier-General Fitz Lee exhibited in the operations antecedent to and consequent upon the enemy's crossing the sagacity of a successful General, and, under the blessing of Divine Providence, we are indebted to his prompt and vigorous action, and the determined bravery of his men, for this signal victory, which, when the odds are considered, was one of the most brilliant achievements of the war, General Lee's command in action being less than eight hundred.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

The Major-General commanding approaches with reluctance the painful duty of announcing to the division its irreparable loss in the death of Major John Pelham, commanding the horse artillery. He fell, mortally wounded, in the battle of Kelleysville, March seventeenth, with the battle-cry on his lips, and the light of victory beaming from his eye.

To you, his comrades, it is needless to dwell upon what you have so often witnessed — his prowess in action, already proverbial. You well know, though young in years, a mere stripling in appearance, remarkable for his genuine modesty of deportment, he yet disclosed on the battle-field the conduct of a veteran, and displayed in his handsome person the most imperturbable coolness in danger. His eye had glanced on every battle-field of this army, from the first Manassas to the moment of his death, and he was, with a single exception, a brilliant actor in all. The memory of the gallant Pelham, his many manly virtues, his noble nature and purity of character, is enshrined as a sacred legacy in the hearts of all who knew him. His record has been bright and spotless, his career brilliant and successful. He fell the noblest of sacrifices on the altar of his country, to whose glorious service he had devoted his life from the beginning of the war. In token of respect for his cherished memory the horse artillery and division staff will wear the military badge of mourning for thirty days, and the senior officer of the staff, Major Von Borck, will place his remains in the possession of his bereaved family, to whom is tendered, in behalf of the division, the assurance of the heartfelt sympathy in this deep tribulation. In mourning his departure from his accustomed post of honor on the field, let us strive to imitate his virtues, and trust that what is loss to us may be more than gain to him.

By command of Maj.-Gen. J. E. B. Stuart.

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of an encounter on the seventeenth instant, between my brigade and a division of the enemy's cavalry, certainly not less than three thousand mounted men, with a battery of artillery:

My first intimation of their approach was in a telegram received at eleven A. M., on the sixteenth, from headquarters Army of Northern Virginia. At six P. M. scouts reported them at Morrisville, a little place six miles from Kelley's Ford. At one A. M., another report informed me that the enemy had encamped at that place, coming from three different directions. I that night reenforced my picket of twenty sharpshooters by forty more. I regret to say that only about eleven or twelve of them got into the rifle-pits in time for the attack of the enemy, (owing to an unnecessary delay in carrying their horses to the rear,) which commenced about five A. M.

The force in the pits under Captain James Breckinridge, of the Second, behaved very gallantly, holding in check a large force of the enemy, mounted and dismounted, for an hour and a half, killing and wounding thirty or forty of them. I also ordered the remaining sharpshooters of the brigade under that very efficient officer, Major Morgan, First Virginia, to move from their camps by daybreak, to a point on the railroad, where the road turns to Kelley's, half a mile from the railroad bridge, and three and a half from Kelley's; and the rest of the command was ordered to be in readiness to move at the shortest notice. At that time a force was reported to be at Bealeton, supposed to be their advance guard, and it was uncertain whether they would attempt to cross at Kelley's, the railroad bridge, or move on towards Warrenton.

The report that the enemy's attack was made at Kelley's never reached me; and the first intimation I received from that point was at half past 7 A. M., to the effect that they had succeeded in crossing, capturing twenty-five of my sharpshooters, who were unable to reach their horses. I moved my command at once down the railroad, taking up a position to await their approach, ordering my baggage wagons and disabled horses to the rear, towards Rapidan station. Some time elapsing, and they not advancing, I determined to move upon them, and marched immediately for Kelley's. First met the enemy half a mile [314] this side of the ford, and at once charged them. Their position was a very strong one, sheltered by woods, and a long, high stone fence, running at right angles to my advance. My men, unable to cross the fence and ditch in their front wheeled about, delivering their fire almost in the faces of the enemy, and re-formed again, facing about, under a heavy fire from their artillery and small arms. The Third, in this charge, was in front, and First Lieutenant Hill Carter was very conspicuous in his behavior.

From that time it was a succession of gallant charges by the various regiments, and once by the whole brigade in line, whenever the enemy would show his mounted men, (they invariably falling back upon his artillery,) and sheltered, dismounted skirmishers. Their total advance was two miles from the ford. At that time my artillery arrived, and they were driven back, recrossing the river about half past 7, with us in close pursuit.

My whole command acted nobly. Sabres were frequently crossed, and fences charged up to; the leading men dismounting and pulling them down, under a heavy fire of canister, grape, and carbine balls. Had I my command in the order it arrived in this enervating section of country, and not weakened by the absence of four squadrons on picket, guarding a line stretching from Griffinsburg on the Sperryville turnpike to Richard's Ford, and by the large number of horses unfit for duty by exposure to the severe winter, with a very limited supply of forage, I feel confident the defeat of the enemy would have been changed into a disorderly rout, and the whole brigade resupplied with horses, saddles, and bridles.

Commanding officers of the detachments from the various regiments engaged mention, in their reports, as deserving special attention: In the Fifth, private Wm. J. Haynes, company F, badly wounded; private A. R. Harwood, company E; private Henry Wooding, company C, especially commended, seized the colors when the horse of the color-bearer was shot, and carried them bravely through the fight; Sergeants Morecock and Ratcliffe, and private George James, company H. In the Fourth, Captains Newton and Old, Lieutenant Hobson and Adjutant Fontaine, seriously wounded. Sergeant Kimborough, of company G, deserves particular notice: wounded early in the day, he refused to leave the field. In the last charge, he was the first to spring to the ground to open the fence; then dashing on at the head of the column, he was twice sabred over the head, his arm shattered by a bullet, captured and carried over the river, when he escaped and walked back, twelve miles, to his camp. Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, commanding, also mentions privates Joseph Gilman, J. R. Gilman, Poindexter, Redd, Sydnor, Terry, and N. Priddy. In the Third, Captain Collins, company H; Lieutenants Hill Carter and John Lamb, of company D; Lieutenant Stamper, of company F; Lieutenant R. F. Hubbard, company G; and first Lieutenant Hall, of company C, was twice wounded, before he desisted from the charge, and when retiring, received a third and still more severe wound, and was unable to leave the field. Adjutant H. B. McClellan is also particularly commended for his gallantry. Acting Sergeant-Major, E. W. Price, company K, private Keech, company I, and bugler-drilling Sergeant Betts, of company C; privates Young, company B, Fowler, company G, and Wilkins, company C, died as became brave men, in the front of the charge, at the head of the column.

In the Second, the commanding officer reports, where so many behaved themselves with so much gallantry he does not like to discriminate.

In the First, Captain Jordan, company C, and Lieutenant Cecil, company K, specially commended for reckless daring, without a parallel. As coming under my own observation, I particularly noticed Colonel T. L. Rosser, of the Fifth, and his habitual coolness and daring, charging at the head of his regiment. Colonel James Drake, of the First, always ready at the right time and place. Colonel T. H. Owen, of the Third, begging to be allowed to charge again and again. Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Payne, of the Fourth, unmindful of his former dreadful wound, using his sabre with effect in hand-to-hand conflict, and the imperturbable, self-possessed Major Breckinridge, of the Second, whose boldness led him so far that he was captured, his horse being shot. Colonel T. L. Manford, of the Second, I regret to say, was president of a court martial in Culpeper Court-House, and did not know of the action in time to join his command until the fight was nearly over. I also recommend for their behavior, Captain Tebbs, of the Second, and Captain Litchfield and Lieutenant Dorsey, of the First; also Major W. D. Morgan, of the First.

My personal staff, Major Mason, Captains Fergusson and Bowling, Dr. J. B. Fontaine, and Lieutenants Lee, Ryals, and Minnegerode, rendered great service by their accurate and a quick transmission of orders, and by their conduct under fire. Surgeon Fontaine's horse was killed under him, and my own horse was also shot; but, through the generosity of private John H. Owings, company K, First Virginia cavalry, at tached to my headquarters, was quickly replaced by his.

The conduct of couriers Owings, Lee, Nightingale, and Henry Shackelferd, deserves the highest praise. The enemy's loss was heavy. Besides leaving a number of his dead and wounded on the field, he carried off a large number on horses and in ambulances. We captured twenty-nine prisoners — a captain, two lieutenants, and twenty-six privates. My own loss was eleven killed, eighty-eight wounded, and thirty-four taken prisoners, making an aggregate of one hundred and thirty-three. In horses, seventy-one killed, eighty-seven wounded, twelve captured, making an aggregate loss of horses one hundred and seventy.

Among the killed, I deeply regret to report Major Puller, of the Fifth, and Lieutenant Harris, of the Fourth. Both gallant and highly efficient officers — a heavy loss to their regiments and country.

In conclusion, I desire especially to state that [315] Major-General J. E. B. Stuart joined me before the fight commenced, was on the field the whole day, assisted immensely by his sagacious counsels, large experience, and by his usual daring and conspicuous example, in turning the fortunes of the day in our favor. We share with him the anguish and deep grief felt at the loss of the noble Pelham of his staff — an officer of the brightest promises for the future. Major Terrill, of General Stuart's staff, besides being active on the field, assisted the gallant Breathed in the management of the artillery.

Captain Gilmer, Twelfth Virginia cavalry, a volunteer for the occasion on the Major-General's staff, I also commend for his marked bravery and cool courage. I append a recapitulation of my loss.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Major: I have the honor, agreeably to instructions from division headquarters, to forward a report of the operations of my brigade on the four-teenth and fifteenth instants. During the night of the thirteenth, I received information from Lieutenant Payne, commanding Black Horse scout, that the enemy's cavalry and artillery in heavy force were moving up from Fredericksburg in the direction of Kelley's Ford. I immediately sent Captain Bolling, company G, Ninth Virginia cavalry, with his company of sharpshooters, to reenforce the picket at that place. He arrived before day, and placed his men in the rifle-pits. About day he reports that, with a regiment dismounted as sharpshooters lining the banks, the enemy's cavalry made a dash at the ford. They dashed back at the first volley from our sharpshooters. Captain Bolling's command consisted of about one hundred and fifty men. During the morning of the fourteenth they forced their way across the river at Rappahannock Station, the sharpshooters posted to protect the bridge giving way and leaving the rifle-pits exposed to a flank fire. On the appearance of reenforcements, they immediately recrossed, and the horse artillery, superintended by Major Beckham, engaged the enemy's batteries. Firing was kept up by the artillery and sharpshooters most of the day. On the fifteenth their cavalry forced a crossing at Wellford's Ford, driving the few pickets off, and made a dash at Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis at Beverly's Ford, driving him away. As soon as the brigade could be brought forward, I proceeded at once to Beverly's Ford, and, with Colonel Chambliss's Thirteenth regiment Virginia cavalry, drove their rear guard, consisting of about two squadrons, into the river, drowning a number of them, capturing fourteen prisoners, horses, &c. I cannot speak too highly of Colonel Chambliss and his command. He had with him only about one good squadron. Lieutenant Nash, adjutant of Thirteenth regiment, and Pat Freeman, the Colonel's orderly, were conspicuous for their gallantry. The regiment charged through a creek, the water up to their saddle skirts. Colonel Beale had crossed with the head of his regiment, but was recalled. He captured one Lieutenant and ten privates and horses. Major Beckham, with his artillery, rendered valuable aid, and he and his officers deserve much praise for the remarkable manner in which their guns were served. In closing this, I take pleasure in making special mention of Captain Bolling. His conduct on this, as on all former occasions in battle, was marked for coolness and gallantry. I have the honor herewith to transmit reports from the commandants of the respective regiments and batteries. Also to append a summary of the casualties and captures of the two days: [316]

staff Ninth Virginia.

killed.

WOUNDED

MISSING.

Pris'rs.

horses.

remarks.

Officers.

Privates.

Officers.

Privates.

Officers.

Privates.

Officers.

Privates.

Killed.

Wounded.

Captured.

Staff,

1

A. A. General's horse's leg broken.

Ninth Virginia,

1

2

1

12

Private missing, supposed to be a prisoner.

Thirteenth Virginia,

1

1

3

1

Second North Carolina,

4

Lieut. Gary, of Thirteenth, slightly wounded.

captures.

One Lieutenant and ten privates by Ninth Virginia cavalry.

Four privates by Thirteenth Virginia cavalry.

Sixteen horses and equipments.

Referring to the horses captured from my command, I have to say that, owing to the smallness of my force, (two regiments being detached,) my picket at Wellford's Ford was small and when the enemy dashed upon Colonel Lewis they were separated some distance from their horses, and being partially surprised, they had to make their escape without their horses, as they were in great danger of themselves being captured. It is needless to state that the Major-General of cavalry was on the field most of the time, and that his presence gave confidence and stability to the command.

I have the honor to remain,

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

W. H. F. Lee, Brigadier-General, commanding Cavalry Brigade.

Captain: In obedience to instructions, I have the honor to report the operations of my regiment with the enemy, on the fourteenth and fifteenth instants. On the fourteenth, under the direction of the General commanding brigade, my regiment was posted at Kelley's Ford, supporting sharpshooters in the rifle-pits--Lieutenant Gary, company “D,” having been previously sent to the Rappahannock bridge with twenty sharpshooters, to take position in the rifle-pits. During the day, he had been driven out of his position, and I called upon him for an explanation. He stated that the block-house was occupied by a few men of another regiment, posted to prevent the crossing of the bridge, allowed the enemy to come over without firing a shot, and thereby exposed his flank; that he was fired into from that direction, while a body of the enemy's mounted men were attempting to cross the ford; these he gave a volley and retired on account of what has just been stated. He left the pits with his men, but soon, however, took position in the block-house, under sharp fire of the enemy. Lieutenant Gary was wounded; no other casualties occurred during the day. On the fifteenth I received orders, and moved with my command towards Wellford's Ford, as the enemy were reported to have crossed in large force. Owing to heavy details, I had only forty men in camp, and came upon the rear guard of the enemy near Beverly's Ford, where we charged them and drove them pell-mell into the river, capturing fourteen prisoners and drowning several. The only casualties were one man wounded and one missing. All the men and officers behaved well, and charged under heavy fire through a rocky and swollen stream. It is useless to say more, as this occurred under the immediate eyes of the General; but I cannot close this report without mentioning the energy and cool bravery displayed by my Adjutant, Lieutenant Nash, on the occasion above alluded to.

I am, Captain, your obedient servant,

I submit report of the part taken by this command in the skirmishing on the Rappahannock on the fourteenth and fifteenth instants, together with casualties and captures. On the fourteenth one company, under command of Captain Stith Bolling, held the ford at Kelley's Mills, and repulsed, with some loss to the enemy, an attempt to cross with a force of two or more regiments. Another company, under immediate command of Captain John W. Hungerford, under Lieutenant Colonel Lewis, held the ford at Beverly's Mills. The balance were engaged in watching the enemy at Rappahannock bridge, and reestablishing the pickets driven out in the morning. On the fifteenth, the enemy having crossed in large force at a ford above, flanked that portion of the command under Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, and came down upon them by surprise. The coolness and admirable manoeuvring of Lieutenant-Colonel [317] Lewis and Lieutenant G. W. Beale, in command of sharpshooters dismounted, alone saved this little band. By boldly charging the advance, the dismounted men were successfully extricated from a position of great danger. The whole command in the evening supported Colonel Chambliss in a charge upon the retreating foe. We captured one First Lieutenant of Third Indiana cavalry, and ten privates, ten horses, ten carbines, and seven pistols. Our casualties were, one private, company A, killed, one private, company H, missing, supposed to be captured, two horses killed and one wounded, twelve horses captured. The conduct of officers and men merits the highest commendation.

General: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to report that during the operations of the brigade on the fourteenth instant, my command, consisting of one hundred and sixteen mounted men, was held as a protection to the Whitworth gun, stationed on the road about a mile beyond Brandy Station, where we remained without any active duty until relieved by your order, about nine P. M., and returned to camp. On the morning of the fifteenth instant, twenty men, under command of Lieutenant James Baker, company D, were detached, and sent to the block-house at Rappahannock bridge, to protect it, and I, with the rest of my command, were held as a protection to two guns of Captain Moorman's battery, stationed near the bridge. These dispositions remained unchanged until about two P. M., when I received orders to proceed, in company with Captain Moorman's guns, to Beverly Ford, and there protect them in their operations against the enemy. We saw no active duty during the skirmish, and after the enemy were repulsed returned with the brigade to our present camp. During these two days the dismounted men, (143) rank and file, that had been distributed at the different fords as sharpshooters, had several encounters with the enemy; those stationed at Wellford's Ford, under command of Lieutenant Lucky, company B, were driven off, and privates Robert H. Sumrou, company B, A. D. Clark, company D, J. H. Ray; company A, John Kelley, company A, were captured. These were the only casualties that occurred in my regiment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Pursuant to order, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my battery during the engagement of the fourteenth and fifteenth:

Upon the fourteenth, my battery moved from camp, near brigade headquarters, following the Ninth cavalry. Upon reaching a high hill, some mile and a half below Brandy Station, I was ordered, by Major Beckham, to send one piece (rifled) forward to Kelley's Ford, where, under command of Lieutenant Shoemaker, it fired repeatedly upon the enemy, (across the river,) with what effect not ascertained. The remainder of my battery (two guns) I moved, by order of General Stuart, to Rappahannock bridge, and there opened upon, dispersing different squads of the enemy. During the afternoon a section of the enemy's guns were put in position behind earthworks, and engaged my guns for probably forty minutes, and then retired. I am happy to report no casualties during the day.

On the fifteenth, my battery was again called out and held in position near the old church, upon the road (I believe) to Beverly Ford. From there it returned to camp, not being called upon.

Respectfully submitted,

Captain: I was ordered, on the morning of the fourteenth, to move a section of my battery near Rappahannock bridge,--Lieutenant Brown's section,--consisting of a Napoleon and a Blakely rifled gun. We took position with the Blakely about three quarters of a mile from the river, and shelled the enemy's sharpshooters who had occupied the hills opposite. After dispersing them, I moved the section on the hill immediately overlooking the river, and there exchanged shots, for about half an an hour, with a section of the enemy's artillery, which was well protected by a redoubt. We sustained no injury. I am not certain whether we punished our opponent or not. The redoubt was struck repeatedly.

About twelve o'clock the next day, (fifteenth,) I was ordered hurriedly to Wellford's Ford, in the midst of a drenching rain; arrived there; sharpshooters were again dispersed.

We returned to camp this morning, having expended about one hundred rounds of ammunition, and having no casualty to report. Lieutenant Burrows was with us also.

Officers and men behaved well; and, notwithstanding the rain was calculated to produce discontent, nothing of the kind was manifested.

I remain, your obedient servant,