Brigadier General M.C. Butler's South Carolina Brigade

Army Northern Virginia

August 11, 1864

The several communications that have previously appeared in the several journals complimentary to this command, being a mere part or synopsis at that, which a more elaborate statement would explain and show, it is my object, then, to give an account of this brigade, what it has been doing or done since its arrival, which is but just to its officers and their respective commands. This magnificent body of cavalry, number two thousand eight hundred and odd men, comprised of the 4th, 5th and 6th regiments, consisting of the youth and flower of the State, commanded by one of the most competent commanders, General M.C. Butler, whose qualifications as a cavalry commander have long been proved and known to the country, possessing a great deal of dash and armesh(?) together with daring and intrepidity, quick of perception and enjoying the full confidence of his command, which renders him the right man in the right place. I propose giving this account discriminately, as the regiments arrived at different periods. In this , my first, I will confine myself exclusively to the account and actions of the gallant body of men forming the 5th regiment, under command of Col. John Dunovant. After a long and tedious journey from the coast of South Carolina, an order intercepted them in their march, ordering them to take the cars, leaving their horses in the care of the detachment, to follow by the main road route.

They arrived in Richmond ten days previous to their horses. These gallant defenders of their country's rights and honor not being satisfied and willing to remain inactive during the interim of the arrival of their horses, particularly at the time when their services were much needed and the enemy was fast environing the Capital, they three days afterwards took the field as infantry, assisting in the service at Drewry's Bluff against Beast Butler's onset. Some seven days they remained in line of battle, when they were ordered to join Barton's Virginia and Grace's Alabamanians, and feel the strength and position of the enemy.

After enduring the fatigue of marching and countermarching, which almost exhausted them, they found the enemy, and with an undaunted and determined spirit of an injured people in vindication of their rights and privileges, they assailed them, though they were strongly forced in front with infantry, artillery and cavalry. This regiment, in conjunction with the two commands mentioned, succeeded in dislodging the infantry from its advanced position and drove off their artillery, retiring when the object of the advance being gained, and orders for a retrograde movement was given. This being but the initiative of this noble set of men in the great work which yet remained before them. In this first engagement the regiment sustained a loss in wounded of fifteen men. On the 12th about two hundred of this regiment was detached by Gen. Beauregard , under the command of Capt. Whiden, to assist in defense of Petersburg, held Gen. Butler's (best known as Beast Butler) advance guard in complete check, standing their ground like men, remaining and keeping them back (enemy not more than thirty yards in their front) until the infantry could be brought up and formed in line to receive them. On the following day this detachment was again engaged. Upon this day their horses arrived, and on the following day as cavalry, re-crossed the James and were continually engaged in arduous service, until Beauregard, on the 16th May, routed the enemy from their works. The infantry engagement being over, on this occasion the regiment was dismounted and thrown against the foe unsupported, driving them from their cover in a dense forest, fighting them desperately and against heavy odds for six hours, sustaining and repelling their cavalry charges, retiring only when the numerical strength and superiority of the enemy enabled them to flank both the right and left wing of the line. An additional loss of many killed and wounded was sustained in this day's fight. On this same day a bold and daring dash was made by Lieutenant Colonel Jeffords, which deserves the highest commendations for his gallantry and courage. While he was returning from North Carolina with a squadron on detached service en route for the main body of the regiment, at a point of the Richmond and Petersburg Rail Road, charged the rear of a Yankee column, capturing over two hundred prisoners and bringing them off safely as trophies of his gallantry. These diversions the Colonel is very apt to turn aside for when they offer. The next engagement of his high and commendable body of troopers took place near Charles City Court House on the 24th May, on the North side of James River. I will notice here in justice to the regiment that during the interval of 16th to 24th May, they were not idle or inactive. On the contrary, night and day in the saddle and on the march, men and horses suffering much from insufficiency of food. But this was not all nor the end of their service rendered while disconnected from the brigade.

On the 23rd May four hundred of the best mounted men were sent with similar details from Fitzhugh Lee's Virgininians to capture a garrison at Cannon's Landing on the James, some four miles from Charles City Court House. They made a forced march of fifty miles. On the next day about twelve o'clock drove in the Yankee pickets and forced his skirmishers to retire precipitously on their works. The regiment was drawn up in line of battle mounted, when the order was given to dismount and hold a line of fence in front of the enemy's fortifications.

They remained there under a heavy fire for the space of an hour, when a charge was made by the troops much nearer the fortifications. The charge was unsuccessful and was repelled, and they retired. It is fortunate for the Confederacy that her cause is entrusted in the hands of those whose stability of character ensures that the confidence entrusted to their keeping is not abused or lost -- men whose utility and scientific attainments give her an advantage unsurpassed by the world. And more than fortunate that in her subjects is found a spirit of obedience and willingness, yielding readily to her calls. No riotous mobs carrying the torch. No clamorous populace threatening destruction from street to street is seen or heard in any of her populous cities or towns. But with due respect and allegiance to the laws of the country are her institutions and dignity preserved. Such a people as these make up the army of the Confederate States and are the protective material in the present struggle for her honor, rights and institutions, stimulated as they are, with an undaunted courage and spirit they come forth, leaving all that earth renders holy and blessed to them, leaving wife, father, mother, and the duties that renders life sweet and endearing, to meet an despotic and usurping foe. Can such a people be conquered? I have endeavored, Mssrs. Editors, to give you an account in the foregoing of this, collecting what I have given from those themselves who were there. They have gained for themselves, through their gallantry on the battle field, laurels and honor to their country.

ORLANDO

Charleston Daily Courier

Aug. 24, 1864

p. 1 col. 6

BUTLER'S CAVALRY

Army Northern Virginia

September 5, 1864

Editors Courier -- The campaign of 1864 has been without exception the most active of all the proceeding years since the inauguration of the war, as will be admitted. Hence the amount of work done by the army is without parallel in the past three years. The use of cavalry in a country like ours has been indispensable, and of great utility. That branch of the service has rendered our defence effective, much to the annoyance of the foe. Armed as they are with the most severe and dangerous weapons, have rendered great service, and proved the cavalry to be indispensable in time of war. The mode of fighting cavalry in these modern times differs vastly from that in years past in any of the foreign wars. In the present war they may be rightly termed as nothing else but mounted infantry. In innumerable instances the cavalry has been dismounted and thrown against the infantry of the enemy with complete success.

In the great drama of the year's campaign, as far as it has advanced, General Butler's South Carolina Cavalry Brigade has had a prominent part in it and done its share of work. With these few introductory remarks upon the utility of the cavalry service, mode and style of fighting cavalry in a country like ours, I will give a summary in this my second, as I promised in my first, and show what our South Carolina Cavalry Brigade has been doing. The Fourth Regiment, commanded by Colonel B.H. Rutledge, was, as it will be remembered, one of the finest regiments the State of South Carolina ever sent to the fields of Virginia, numbering nine hundred and eighty-seven men, well mounted and equipped for service, and one of the regiments comprising Butler's Brigade. This regiment had encamped at Atlee's Station, near the Central Rail Road, after a march of twenty miles from the South Anna.

On the following morning, being 28th May, the Fifth Regiment, under command of the able and esteemed commander, Col. John Dunovant, was met by the Fourth Regiment at "Hawes' Shop," waiting and ready to act in conjunction against the enemy at that place. The Fourth Regiment was ordered by Gen. Hampton to dismount and move forward, Lieut. Stokes commanding, (Col. Rutledge in command of the brigade). On arriving at the front the regiment was ordered to take position on the right of the line, moving under fire some four hundred yards. Just as they had formed line of battle and commenced moving into position, the order was received to remove it back to the left again, during which time the bullets were flying thick and fast; but nothing daunted they needed them not, and with unnerved steps they were passing to that point to which they were ordered. They had just reached the centre of the line when they were ordered to halt and await orders, and in the midst of a most terrific fire from the enemy's forces. They were kept in this position for upwards of an hour, during which time several fell killed and wounded. The fight continued with great fierceness and unabating in its violence between the forces then engaged. An hour and a half had elapsed, when the Fourth Regiment was ordered into action, moving up with cheers and yells, evincing a spirit anxious and desirous to engage the enemy. The enemy at this time were pressing back, by their greatly superior force, our forces. The Fourth Regiment, led by their gallant Lieutenant Colonel, Stokes, moved a little more to the left of the line and deployed across an open field to the support of our wavering line, at the double quick, with Capt. Pinckney acting Lieutenant Colonel, and Capt. Barber as Major; pressing onward under a complete shower of bullets, until within about fifty yards of the enemy's line, when they were ordered to commence firing, which was done, giving them volley after volley, which was so terrific that the enemy wavered and gave back. Reinforcement of infantry came to their aid and support. Still the gallant Fourth held their ground like veterans, nobly and unwaveringly, pouring in the contents of their Enfields with a complete and steady fire into their columns. This continued for three-quarters of an hour, the battle raging at its highest pitch conceivable, without intermission or cessation, but one continual roar of musketry, it seeming impossible that a man could escape. At this juncture of affairs the noble Fifth under command of the gallant Col. Dunovant, came in, joining in the bloody contest; and at the time when the battle was at its severest pitch making a bold dash upon the enemy's lines, though under great disadvantages, through a bog and up a hill, doing great execution and injury to the enemy, driving them a few yards back. During this period of the battle Col. John Dunovant received a painful wound in the hand, the battle still raging with unremitting severity, when it was perceived that the left wing of the line was fast giving away, and they were about being surrounded. They were then ordered to retire firing, which they had to do for three hundred yards, across an open field. At this time of affairs, Captain Pinckney was captured, and the 4th regiment sustained a loss in killed, wounded and missing of one hundred and twenty-five out of about four hundred carried into action and the 5th regiment a loss of thirty.

No body of men ever behaved with more coolness under such a fearful and terrific fire, and being the first general engagement that a majority of them had ever been into, it was generally acknowledged by those who saw the 4th regiment go into action that they never saw men go in better or behave more gallantly. On another occasion, after this engagement, the fourth and fifth were in column, en route and passing a body of troops drawn up on the right of the road. It was asked if these were not South Carolina boys. They were told yes, they were. "Ah," said several, "these are men that don't know how to run, but are like the trees". Would that I could here award to each one of the men and officers individually who were engaged in this fight a tribute of praise commensurate with the valor displayed; actuated as he is by the highest degree and feelings of patriotism which entitle him exclusively to the right of the highest encomium and an everlasting remembrance in the heart of his country.

The forces fell back across an open field, exposed to a heavy and severe fire from the enemy's line while retreating. They were ordered to recover their horses and to mount, and remain on the ground, which was done, expecting the enemy to advance. It became evident, however, that we had injured them somewhat, and probably to a greater extent than we had sustained, as they were not anxious to resume the fight. The numerical forces in this fight must certainly have been five to one, if there was one man in it, and having at their command a large surplus number that they could bring up at any time. It speaks well for our men, and shows the material of Southern blood and valor. If there is any better men in the world for fighting it is yet to be known, and I regret that they are wasted against such a horde as the North brings against them. Having given you a description of the Hawes' Shop battle, I will now annex the Mattadaquin Creek fight, (commonly called Cold Harbor.) On the morning of the 30th May, Gen. Butler, pursuant to orders, moved from Mechanicsville in the direction of Old Church, (being in Hanover county,) with the object of finding out what the enemy were about, and to ascertain their strength; Col. Gary, with his command, would cooperate with him. The march was somewhat lengthy, but it was not long before we arrived at Mattadequin Creek. It is here the fight took place, so incorrectly located at Cold Harbor. Cold Harbor is some two miles below. It is a mistake, therefore; the correct name should be the Mattadaquin Creek battle. The forces fell back to Cold Harbor and made a stand.

Gen. Butler, with the 4th and 5th regiments, in conjunction with Gen. Gary's cavalry, encountered the enemy about 3 o'clock on the above day, contending against superior odds of the enemy, disputing gallantly the ground, with a desperate and firm spirit, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery. The forces were sent forward into action by squadrons from each regiment; at such time as was thought necessary by our able commander, General Butler, who was to be seen moving up and down in the midst of the fight attending to his duty. Among the officers whom I saw upon the field, Lieutenant Colonel Stokes bore a prominent part and is a most gallant and efficient officer, daring and fearless in the din of battle. The second squadron was the last to be sent in; this squadron is formed of Company B, Captain Barber, and Company K, Captain Colcock; both Captains being unavoidably absent, Lieutenant Osborn, commanded Company B, and Lieutenant Lionel Nowell, Company K, well known to the readers as the Charleston Light Dragoons. General Butler addressed the squadron and said, "Men I have stood it long enough. I wish the enemy driven from that house in the field," which was about a quarter of a mile off. The squadron dismounted, formed into line and went forward at the double quick, making the welken ring with the old charge shout and well. Never did men appear so enthusiastic and intent upon an object as they did.

They arrived in the lane or road as it may be called, fenced on each side, Company K taking the lane as their position, and Company B the right, in an open wheat field. They opened upon the house a blazing fire, when the Yankees began to leave, many being killed and wounded in the attempt to escape, and some were captured. While this was going on another portion of the forces were involved more to the left in a portion of woods. The battle waged until about six o['clock, not and sharply contested. The wounded were seen in every direction.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeffords, commanding 1st Regiment, received a very painful wound in the thigh in this battle. The house was taken and burnt, as it was used as a shelter to the enemy. The enemy was not idle, but pouring it on the left sharply and brought up reinforcements, and thus outnumbering us by a large majority, and were last flanking us. The order was then given to fall back, and in a very favorable time, as the ammunition had given out. The retreat was made, but with some little confusion, the enemy pressing us closely. The day was very warm and the retreat was exhausting; many gave out and could not go further, and stopped breathless, and were captured. It was during this period that the gallant Lieutenant Nowell was captured and many killed, wounded and missing from that old time honored corps, known in the city as the Charleston Light Dragoons, and many more unheard from.

Information gathered from prisoners taken in this fight state that we were engaged with the left wing of Grant's army, an overwhelming force. Butler's brigade has been well worked and done its full share in this campaign. No body of troopers is more deserving of credit for gallantry and bravery on the field of battle than General Butler's South Carolina Cavalry Brigade.

Night came on and the forces retired to their encampment near by, leaving a detachment on picket. On the following morning they were brought forward again, expecting an attack from the enemy, and formed into line of battle; when about twelve o'clock the brigade was relieved by fresh troops. The 1st Regiment in this fight met with a loss of fifty-two killed, wounded and missing. The 5th Regiment sustained a loss of sixteen in killed, wounded and missing.

ORLANDO

Charleston Daily Courier

Sept. 21, 1864

p. 2 cols. 5-6

HART'S HORSE ARTILLERY

Camp Hart's Battery, Horse Artillery

Hampton's Cavalry Division

October 8, 1864

Editors Courier - Our command (Hart's Battery Horse Artillery) is now situated on the extreme right of our lines. We had pretty severe fighting a few days ago. One section of our battery - "the invincibles" - engaged the enemy at Hatch's Run; this section in the first, and commanded by First Lieutenant E.L. Halsey, of your city. At the White House, on Hampton's run (or route) of Sheridan's we engaged the enemy unsuccessfully for three hours, when a stray shell exploded the limber of one of our pieces, hitting two men instantly - John Lewis of Sumter District, and Sam'l. J. Jay, the latter from the same District, I believe, and mortally wounded the son of Rev. W.O. Pammentins, of Waltersboro'. Major R.P. Chew, Chief of Artillery, Cavalry Division, when the engagement on Hatch's Run commenced, gave the gunner five shots in which to knock the Yankee piece into a "cocked hat". He fortunately accomplished his aim in the third, exploding the Yankee limber of piece or caisson.

My motive in as all writing is to try and depict this scene in the fight -- the explosion of the Yankee caisson. Our section was situated in a sorghum or corn field, well up on an eminence that immediately overlooked a muddy or boggy creek. The dauntless Butler was at his point, ahead of the sharp shooters. Hampton was to be seen anywhere you turned, with his brave staff accompanying, and that dare-devil Young, commanding the Georgia brigade -- dashing, splashing, shouting and coming where a Yankee was to be seen. At this moment the explosion took place; Butler shouted "White House" (in retaliation for our catastrophe). "White House" rang along the line of sharp shooters, a general charge ensued; the day was carried by Hampton; "these people" were driven back and Gen. W.H.F. Lee "might go" to the North side of James river that night. Major Chew, a young cavalier of the "mother of States and Statesmen," is liked much by our Company, and showed thorough gallantry that evening, with Orderly Sergeant Whitmaker Seabrook Smith as his Orderly.

Capt. Hart, as usual, was at his post, seconded by his efficient Lieutenants. Hampton, Butler, and Young, I believe, will not consider a fight complete unless Hart's Battery is on hand. The lamented General Dunnovant got killed while recklessly exposing himself a few yards in front of our battery. He was brave certainly and is deeply regretted.

We have advanced our camp two miles to the front (cavalry corps and artillery). We mean to see the votes for Abe on the 8th November, fairly countered, let them be shotted or blank. Uncle Bob's army is determined not to give way to Grant. I hope the results in the West will be realized. There need be no fear for Richmond.

PENCILINGS

Charleston Daily Courier

Oct. 15, 1864

p. 1 col. 5

LETTER FROM VIRGINIA

Camp Butler, Virginia

October 29, 1864

Mssrs. Editors -- My pen has slept so long that I felt at Menhanty in making it the instrument of slander(?) for the public. But our fight of the 27th inst. at White Oak Road furnished a Theme, and trusting that my subject will not attract attention from my unfinished - perhaps puerile style - I will make the venture and trouble you with a short letter.

On Thursday morning about sunrise the late sleepers in the camp of Butler's brigade were awakened by the news that our pickets on the Vaughan road had been driven in, and we were ordered to saddle up and get ready to meet the enemy. The general impression at first was that the demonstration was merely against our picket lines, and that the Yankees might advance as far as our cavalry breastworks on the Vaughan road and at Armstrong's Mill, at the left of it, where they would be repulsed and driven back. Information, however, soon reached Headquarters that it was more than a mere cavalry dash, and so we mounted and moved down towards these points at a trot. We had not advanced far before we heard that these works had been carried. An advanced guard was accordingly thrown out and we proceeded on. When we arrived within six hundred yards of the Mill, the advance reported the enemy only a short distance in their front. We dismounted, therefore, formed line and went forward to give battle. Before we met the enemy, however, scouts reported that the enemy had, in heavy force, moved up the Vaughan road and gained position of Young's Camp at Gravel Run, and turning to the right were threatening our rear. Accordingly a retreat was necessary and was ordered. We fell back a mile and a half to a position of where the road came out (?) built stockades, put two pieces of Hart's battery in position and awaited the approach of the enemy. But they would not attack us there. Moving to the right, they attacked Young's brigade a portion of ours (the 6th) and with overwhelming numbers were forcing them back. We, therefore, moved in line to their left to face them but our force was so entirely inadequate that a further retreat was necessary to prevent our capture, and so back we went. This movement uncovered our camp. Fortunately most of our baggage had been taken off; but some boxes of provisions, a few shoulderbags and their contents and an unlucky forge had to be left, and were captured.

Our last retreat brought us to the Boydton Plank Road. There we halted, built stockades and rested for an hour. Thus far, the enemy's overwhelming numbers and the rapidity of his movements had prevented us from managing a successful stand. We had been maneuvered out of our positions. But this flanking process was at an end.

The Yankees now advancing on us at the Plank Road, Gen. Hampton suspected that they had moved for the White Oak Road, en route for the South Side Rail Road. We, therefore, mounted again, and by a circuitous route, gained this road and here dismounted and thrown up some easily constructed stockades within sight of the Boydton Road, just in the nick of time. Behind us was Hart's battery, under Lieut. Baumberg, Capt. Hart being severely wounded in the morning. The Yankee skirmishers were about six hundred yards in our front, and behind them heavy columns of infantry moved won the Plank Road. Hart's battery opened on these column and on the Yankee cavalry, who were concealed by some trees on our right, and the dead and wounded horses and Yankees which strewed the ground the next morning bore witness to the precision with which they managed their guns.

We skirmished about two hours behind our breastworks(?) and -Gen. Mahone having struck the Yankee flank, a charge was ordered and our little line charged forward with a yell that made the welkin ring, and, under a heavy fire, drove the enemy from their position, and then swung round to a fence on our right. Here they encountered a most murderous fire, and our men fell by scores, but, with undaunted hearts, the remainder held their ground and returned the Yankee fire.

Here, Col. Jeffords, the idol of his Regiment, fell dead, shot through the head. Here, too, Major Barker, Capt. Madigan, and many other brave men who were wounded. The odds were heavy against us, but our brave boys cared not for odds; the Yankees could not dislodge them.

An hour of carnage passed here, and the sun went down to rise no more for many a gallant Southron. Soon a heavy and prolonged volley on our right and front shook the air. W.H.F. Lee had attacked the enemy's left flank, and the approach of the firing told us he was driving them. Then came the order to press vigorously should the Yankees in our front show any symptoms of alarm or begin to retire. Fortunately, however, for them, night came on before Lee could perform(?) his part of the programme. Had two hours of daylight remained, nearly all of them would have been killed or captured. They took advantage of night, and when morning came they had gone.

Their retreat was a perfect stampede. Their dead were left unburied, hundreds of their wounded were abandoned, guns, cartridge boxes, ammunition, --, strewed the ground; three of their ambulances were burned and their videttes were abandoned to be captured. The scenes of Manassas were in a manner reenacted.

The fight has increased the confidence of our men in their ability to cope with the Vandals, and we now feel perfectly assured that, with God's blessing, Richmond can never be taken. The Yanks -- certainly demoralized. A citizen, whose house was surrounded by them, says even their officers displayed great anxiety and alarm. He tells a fine story of a Colonel riding up to General Davis - a Yankee Brigadier - and delivering himself thus: "General, I hold the Plank Road, but my right is turned; I don't know where my left is and my men are scattered. Give me men that won't run and I'll hold the road." The General's Adjutant at this juncture told my informant the wound ---. He did not wish the fine morale of his men to be thus exposed.

Col. Jeffords' death has cast a deep gloom over our Regiment. He was a dashing, fearless officer, and possessed the confidence of all, and where he led the "Fifth" would never hesitate to follow. In camp he was kind to all, and untiring in his efforts to promote the efficiency of his Regiment and enhance the welfare of his men. Our loss is irreparable, and the State will miss a noble son, the army a brave and efficient officer.

We are back in our old camp, and hope to have a little rest. The Yankees left some vestiges of their visit in our broken letter box, our shattered scales, and overturned tables. One of them, more desirous of notoriety than the rest, left his name on a table top. The dietych

"Fools names, like their faces,

Are always seen in public places,"

would suit him.

DElTA

Charleston Daily Courier

Nov. 4, 1864

p. 1 col. 4