12 – Enemy continuing to advance. We fell back behind the infantry thence to the left flank of the army. After waiting here for some time we went to Williamsport where we crossed to Virginia.
13 – Went via Leetown to Smithfield.
14 – Remained near Smithfield, the rain falling in torrents. Went to Charles Town after night, encamping about 12 O’clock P.M.
15 – Went below town a short distance. The enemy advancing a skirmish ensued when a few shots from Chew’s battery dispersed them.
16 – Moved camp below Milwood.
17 – Returned to Berryville.
18, 19, 20 – In camp.
21 – Moved camp a few miles below Berryville and cooked thre day’s rations.
22 – [word illegible] nearly to White Post, encamped as we supposed for the night but [words illegible] went to the wagons and cooked two days rations. {61}
24 – Went to Front Royal but finding Chester Gap in possession of the enemy we went thence to Strasburg.
25 – Proceeded up the Valley, encamping between Mt. Jackson and New Market.
26 – Marched to Luray.
27 – Crossed the mountain, encamping near Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Va.
28 – Continued march, encamping near Culpeper Court House.
29 – Went to Rixeyville.
30 & 31 – In camp.
August
1 – Gen. Hampton has a severe fight near Brandy, his small Brigade contending with an entire division of the enemy’s cavalry. Our infantry arriving, the enemy retired. Our Brigade arrived late in the evening, participating in the fight in small degree.
2 – Remained in close proximity to the enemy.
3 – In battle array all day.
4 – Went nearly to Culpeper Court House on the Rixeyville road. In battle array throughout the day.
5 – Continued in battle array.
6 – Went to Brandy.
7 – Went on piquet at Cunningham’s Ford.
8 - [words illegible] outpost.
9 – On piquet. Enemy drove in Lt. [John W.] Woolfolk’s piquet [words illegible].
10 – Enemy made demonstration on the Stevensburg road. Regiment on line of battle. Co. K in Reserve.
11 – All quiet on piquet.
12 – Regiment went out to graze.
13 – regiment went on piquet. Co. K in front.
14 – Relieved from piquet.
15 – In camp.
16 – Regiment on piquet. Co. K in reserve.
17 – Relieved from piquet.
18 – In camp.
19 – Went on piquet. Co. K in front.
20 – Relieved from piquet. Went to camp near Culpeper Court House.
21 – Day of fasting and prayer. Services by Chaplin Davis.
22 – Regiment on piquet. Our squadron in front.
23 – Relieved.
24 – In camp.
25 – Regiment on piquet.
26 – Moved camp a short distance.
27 – In camp.
28 – Regiment on piquet. Co. K in reserve.
29 – Relieved from piquet.
30 – In camp.
31 – Regiment on piquet. Co. K on left.
September
1 – Relieved from piquet.
2 – Brigade started on [word illegible]. Having a very painful bone [word illegible] on my thumb. I [words illegible].
3 – Reg [iment] returned.
4 – Regiment on piquet. Did not go on account of thumb.
5 – In camp.
6 – Regiment on piquet. Did not go for the same reason as before.
7 – Regiment relieved.
8 – In camp.
9 – Regiment on piquet. Co. K in reserve.
10 – Relieved from piquet.
11 – Brigade review by Gen. Stuart.
12 – Regiment on piquet. Co. K on the left.
13 – Being informed during the night that the enemy purposed advancing we were not surprised this morning to find that they had crossed in large force. Our Company being on the left of the line we came very near being cut off, the enemy advancing on both the Brandy and Rixeyville roads. Fighting very severe throughout the day. Our Company supporting a battery was exposed to a heavy fire of grape from the enemy. No person hurt. Gen. Stuart retired behind the Rapidan.
14 – Enemy appeared in front of Rapidan Station with about one brigade of cavalry. When our artillery opened fire upon them. We watched these proceedings until near sunset when our regiment was ordered across the river to attack them. Discovering our intention they advanced a formidable line of dismounted sharp shooters. Our sharp shooters being unable to contend with such an overwhelming force the Major commanding ordered Co. K to charge the enemy. They were posted behind a post and rail fence and outnumbered our company at least four or five to one. Capt. Ball was ordered to charge nearly to the fence but the men instead thereof charged gallantly to and over the fence, routing the enemy notwithstanding the shower of bullets with which they were greeted. Being charged in the flank by greatly superior force we fell back a short distance while our supporting squadrons advanced. Our company was highly complimented by Gens. Stuart and Lomax for its gallantry, it being pronounced one of the most brilliant charges of the war. Sergt. [Samuel] Laycock was severely wounded in the throat. Private Aaron Beans was captured.
15 – Crossed the river but returned at night.
16 – Our regiment transferred to Lomax’s Brigade. It consists in addition to our regiment of the Maryland Battalion, the 5th Va. And the 15th Va. Regiments. Went to Verdiersville.
17 – Marched back a mile or two and went into camp.
18&19 – In camp.
20 – Divine service by Rev. Dr. Bosser.
21 – In camp.
22 – Went to Barboursville in which direction the Yankees were making a raid. Gen. Stuart had severe fight between the forks of the Robinson and Rapidan rivers. Whilst contending with one of the Divisions, he having but two brigades, another Division appeared in his rear at the same time. He routed them in both directions, killing and wounding several and capturing more than a hundred prisoners. Stuart’s loss was also quite heavy. The Brigades engaged were Hampton and Jones.
23 – Pursued the Yankees across the Rapidan and Robinson rivers. During the pursuit we were constantly meeting with evidences of the brutality and baseness of the hated foe. Beds were ripped open and emptied of their contents, wagons cut down, ploughs and farming implements burnt while poultry and vegetables were appropriated by them with perfect impunity. Failing to overtake anything save their rear guard we returned to Orange C.H.
24 – Remained in camp near Orange C.H.
25 – Went to Morton’s Ford.
26,27, 28, 29, 30 – In camp. Md Bat [Maryland Battalion] transferred to Md line [Maryland Line].
October
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 – In camp.
11 – Buford’s division of Yankee Cavalry crossed at Morton’s ford, obtaining possession of our infantry entrenchments. We started before daylight to attack them. While quietly sitting upon our horses in the woods, a rapid firing commenced within a few rods of us. We were immediately ordered to dismount and take and hold the breast-works. Dashing forward with a yell we charged them with such impetuosity that they broke and fled in confusion. Regardless of the order to hold the breast-works our men in the ardor of the pursuit, sprang over them, pouring a rapid fire into the retreating enemy, continued the pursuit for a considerable distance beyond until halted by their officers who [word illegible] battle array with orders to lie down and reserve their fire until further orders. The enemy during our pursuit made frequent efforts to rally but were as often broken and driven back by our effective vollies. While lying in our last position, we were subjected to a terrible fire of artillery and small arms. Shot and shell ploughed and tore the earth around us while a perfect shower of leaden hail fell on every side. After being subjected to this fire for about an hour, we were ordered to advance. A squadron of the enemy’s cavalry made an attempt to charge our sharp shooters but were met by such deadly fire that many were unhorsed and the remainder were driven back in confusion. As soon as we commenced advancing, they greeted us with enfilading fire, which was well calculated to test the courage of the most stout hearted. But it was unheeded by the Southerners who rushed forward with enthusiastic cheers, driving the bewildered foe before them to an across the river. Thus has our Brigade of five or six hundred men defeated and driven an entire division across the Rapidan. Just as Buford succeeded in crossing the river he was attacked by Gen. Wickham’s Brigade. Mounting our horses, we also crossed the river and joined the pursuit. The enemy made a stand at Stevensburg but soon continued their retreat. Private Jos. [Joseph] Edwards of Co. K was mortally wounded at this place. Continuing the pursuit, we overtook their main body at Brandy Station. We were immediately ordered to charge them, which we did, driving them pell-mell through the village. While contending with those in front, we discovered that Kilpatrick’s Division was thundering down in our rear, he having come down the Culpeper road. Our only alternative was to turn and run at full speed from between these columns. This we did, being hotly pursued by Buford who turned upon us, hoping to crush us between these overpowering columns. We rallied, however, about [three words illegible] to the rear when they again turned their horses. [word illegible] Kilpatrick now dashing by through our artillery fire [word illegible]being much surprised at our appearance in his path as [several words illegible] his unexpected arrival. As he dashed by our artillery opened a rapid fire into his flank, which accelerated his [several words illegible] manner. It was soon discovered that Stuart was pressing on Kilpatrick’s rear. We were now ordered to charge them and the conflict, which ensued, was truly terrific in as much we now had their combined force to contend with. Charging them from the hill, we were in turn charged in the flank and driven back by the weight of numbers but only for a few hundred yards when we rallied and charged them again with the same result as before. This was repeated six or eight times. The cracking of small arms was incessant while crashing shells made the air hideous with the unearthly noise, which coupled with the defiant shouts of the excited combatants rendered the whole a scene of terrible conflict seldom witnessed. It seemed as though the furies of the infernal regions had been simultaneously loosed to stir up carnage and confusion among men. Finally, our regiment succeeded in holding the hill, when Gen. Stuart arrived at the head of his men and waving his sabre aloft urged them forward. The men dashed forward with enthusiastic cheers. The unequal conflict was soon ended. By the timely arrival of our reinforcements, the enemy were defeated and driven across the Rappahannock. In Co. K the following casualties occurred, Lt. [John H.] Matthews wounded in hip, Corp. B.F. [sic – John Benjamin] Franklin severely wounded in calf of leg, James [H.] Reed in arm by piece of shell, and John [P.] Skinner accidentally shot through foot. George [sic – William, Jr.] Ball and Corp. Franklin {word illegible] their horses killed. Capt. [Charles H.] Ball also had his wounded. Cos. A and K on piquet at night.
12 – A circular from Lomax thanking the 6th Regiment for its gallantry on yesterday was read to the regiment this morning. Started at a late hour in the morning to Jeffersonton at which place we arrived late in the evening. While on our way thither, Jones’ Brigade had an engagement with the enemy, capturing more than two hundred prisoners. Crossed the Rappahannock about 9 o’clock P.M., the sharp-shooters of the 3rd Regiment posted on the bluff commanding the ford, skirmishing with the enemy during the crossing. Proceeded towards Lee’s Springs until within a short distance of that place when we discovered a large body of troops encamping in front of us and on the only road by which we could proceed. Halting the column within a few hundred yards of their camp fires, our officers proceeded to reconnoiter. After watching their proceedings for nearly an hour it was discovered that the force in front of us was [name illegible] Corps. Proceeding thence some distance beyond the Springs we encamped for the night.
13 – Started quite early in the morning to Warrenton thence to Auburn Mills on Cedar Creek where we turned to the left and after proceeding about two miles halted and fed our horses, after which we returned to Auburn. A heavy force of the enemy approaching we dismounted to hold them in check while the horses were taken through a narrow pass. {two words illegible] separated from our comrades [word illegible] a few of us started toward a battery then firing which we were told was ours but when arriving within a few hundred yards of it, it being hid from our view by the dense woods, we were greeted by a shower of grape and canister. Turning about fifty yards to the left we joined a portion of Regt. formed in line of battle under Lt. Col. [John Shackleford] Green. We did not become engaged but grape from the enemy’s guns was continually cutting off the limbs above our heads. The enemy advancing a heavy force of infantry we had to retire.
14 – Marched through and beyond Gainesville where we encamped for the night. Our Squadron on piquet.
15 – Went to Manassas where a severe skirmish ensued after which we encamped for the night.
16 – Went about two miles to North West where we encamped for the night.
17 – Went to Gainesville and encamped for the night.
18 – Went to Bristoe Station where the entire Regiment was dismounted and formed in line of battle. Our Squadron was afterwards mounted and sent across the creek to join a squadron from the [number illegible] Regiment on vidette duty. Capt. Ball, being placed in command of the whole. The enemy advancing our sharp-shooters slowly retired fighting as they retired until the enemy were drawn nearly to the creek when our artillery opened upon them, which they broke and fled in confusion though [word illegible] little or no damage from our fire. Our [word illegible] ordered to advance again we [words illegible] our positions. While crossing the creek Capt. Ball’s horse fell upon him by which he was so much injured as to be compelled to leave the field.
19 – Returned to Catlett’s Station thence to Auburn where we halted to feed our horses. In the mean time, we could hear Stuart’s guns in the direction of Buckland. After feeding our horses we started to the above named place, Stuart falling back slowly as to entice the enemy on sufficiently to enable us to gain his rear, which we were not long in accomplishing. As soon as we attacked them in the rear Stuart charged them in front. The enemy immediately became panic stricken and fled in wild confusion, utterly regardless of all orders or discipline. We continued the pursuit vigorously until coming in contact with their infantry. During the pursuit, we captured a considerable number of prisoners, including about 40 infantrymen. Encamped near the scene of action for the night.
20 – Retired behind the Rappahannock and went into camp.
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 – In camp.
28 – Moved camp to Jn. M. Botts farm.
29 – Regiment went on piquet at Waterloo. Our Squadron in reserve at Jeffersonton.
30 – On piquet.
31 – Relieved.
November
1, 2, 3 – In camp.
4 – Brigade reviewed by Gen. Lomax at Brandy Station.
5 – “Grand Review” of cavalry Corps by Gen. Robt E. Lee.
6 – In camp.
7 – Struck tents about 12 o’clock P.M.
8 – Went to Barbour’s Hill and watched the movements of the enemy until they advanced a strong infantry force upon which we fell back near Culpeper Court House, our regiment piqueting within a short distance of the enemy during the night.
9 – Went to James City.
10 – Fell back between the forks of Robinson and Rapidan rivers.
11 – In camp.
12 – Moved camp a short distance.
13 – Went nearly to James City on horse back for forage.
14, 15 – In camp.
16 – Went foraging.
17-25 – In camp.
26 – Meade having crossed the Rapidan we started about 12 o’clock A.M. towards Morton’s Ford.
27 – The enemy, having possession of our infantry entrenchments, were attacked by our sharp-shooters and driven across the river.
28 – Went on piquet.
29 – Relieved.
30 – In the woods all day.
December
1 – Went on piquet at night.
2 – Relieved.
3 – Returned to old camp near [name illegible] Ford.
4-13 – In camp.
14 – Co. K on Piquet. Moved camp to Orange County where we proceeded to erect winter quarters.
15-25 – In camp.
24 – [two words illegible] went on piquet
25-29 – In camp.
30 – Co. K went on piquet. I, being barefooted did not go.
31 – Company still on piquet.
January 1864
1 – Company relieved but could not cross the river.
2 – Company returned.
3-8 – In camp.
9 – Went on piquet.
10 – Still on piquet.
11 – Relieved.
12 – In camp.
This is from 1864 -
Diary of John C. Donohoe, 6th Va. Cav.
from Fairfax County Library
May 3, Tues. - In camp. Expecting an advance of the enemy.
May 4, Wedn. - Enemy crossed on last night which put a stop to
an expected review of our Division, which was to take place today.
Provost Guard go with trains. Visit company before leaving to bid
brother "good bye" which was truly a sad task as it is the first
campaign in which I have been separated from him, but in
consequence of the condition of my mare, I am compelled to remain
with the Provost Guards, my horse detail for which I applied last
Monday one week ago, not having returned. Train proceeded to
Guinea's Station where we halted for the night.
May 5, Thurs. - Heavy firing in front. Heard nothing of the
results. Expect to -- train to night or in the morning.
Among the wounded is Capt. Grady, A.A.G.
May 6, Frid. - Fighting continues. Enemy repulsed at all
fronts.
May 7, Sat. - Lomax's Brigade fought desperately to day with
overwhelming numbers. Co. K badly cut up. Killed: Willis Bonner,
Henry C. Wolfe. Wounded: Capt. C.H. Ball, thigh badly fractured.
Bro. Jos., the ball entering his left side and passing through his
lungs, a dangerous if not mortal wound. C. Coleman in leg. J.
Kittle severely in back. Sergt. Brady, slight in hip. Wm. Mathews
severely in side. Samuel Dononoe slightly in leg. Being with the
Provost Guard I did not heard of the above on the day it occurred.
May 8, Sun. - Severe fighting in the morning. Our wounded
were brought to Milford Station from where I first heard of
brother's wound. Started about sunset to Spottsylvania Court
House, arriving there about one hour before daylight. Found
brother suffering intensely.
June 11, Sat. - Continued march after brigade. Overtook
horses of the regiment about two miles above Louisa Court House,
the regt. being dismounted an on the field. Severe fighting.
Privates Myers, Birch wounded. Encamped after night. Nothing for
our tired steeds.
June 12, Sun. - Formed junction with Genl. Hampton who was
fighting the enemy near Trevilian Station. Our brigade arrived at
the scene of action about dark. Moving to the left we dismounted
and attacked them in flank and was driving them -- The scene now
became one of those sublime spectacles sometimes witnessed on the
battle field. Amid the surrounding gloom could be seen a stream of‘
fire from our lines as we advanced with victorious shouts upon the
bewildered foe. Again the air was illuminated by the flash of
opposing batteries as they belched forth their terrible thunders at
each other while screaming shells traced fiery circles through the
air and bursting scattered fire and death around. Through some
misunderstanding of orders the other portions of our line failed to
advance with us. If our entire line had advanced the route of the
enemy would have been complete. As it was they retreated in great
confusion. We continued our advance until getting in range with
our own -- we had to fall back. Through a merciful Providence our
company escaped without any casualties. The loss of our brigade
was small, but one or two slightly wounded. Truly the mercy and
goodness of the Lord is amazing.
June 24, Frid. - Advanced towards the river taking possession
of -- and entrenchments. The enemy declining to attack us we fell
back a mile or more and -- breastworks of rails, but they still
refused to attack us. The remainder of the corps attacked the
enemy completing routing them. The 6th Regiment remained in
breastworks all night.
June 29, "Wedn - Our horses as usual stood at post -- during
the night. Continued on march through Petersburg thence southwards
for several miles until we came in contact with Wilson's raiders.
our brigade dismounted and moved to the right striking the enemy in
the flank causing them to flee in wild confusion. We pursued
capturing their entire ordnance and ambulance trains and all of
their caissons. They had fired their ordnance train, but Gen.
Lomax calling upon some of our company to save as much of train as
possible we succeeded in rescuing from the flames all but three or
four wagons. We found it impossible to save any of the caissons
and our situation was rendered so perilous by the explosions that
we had to retire for safety. We then mounted and continued pursuit
until a very late hour of the night. The entire route presented
all the appearance of the flight of a panic stricken army. Guns,
pistols, sabres, canteens, hats, oil cloths and clothes were
scattered in every direction.
June 30, Thurs. - Among the captures from the enemy were about
seven hundred stolen negroes of all ages, some not being two weeks
old and one not as many hours. Silver waiters, wine, candle
sticks, --, goblets, spoons, forks, in fact all kinds of silver
ware, Ladies' dresses, carriages, buggies, sulkies, and various
other articles swelled the list of stolen property recovered from
them. We continued the pursuit in the direction of Weldon R.R. the
entire route being -- Encamped for the night near Jarrett's
Station, Dinwiddie Co. where we obtained rations for ourselves and
horses.
Sept. 19, Mon. - We were aroused at an early hour this morning
by the sound of the bugle. On arriving at Winchester we found the
battle in progress. We were moved to the left, the enemy in the‘
meantime throwing some shells very near us which Providentially did
us no harm. Our regiment was afterwards placed in support of our
batteries during which we were exposed to the enemy's shells, but
received no damage therefrom. While thus engaged, we were suddenly
called away to check the advance of the enemy on the left.
Charging them we routed and pursued them about three fourths of a
mile by which we became so much scattered as to be unable to meet
them when charged in turn. Our only recourse being a speedy return
to our support we acted accordingly being hotly pursued by the
enemy. But to our surprise instead of our support we found another
body of Yankees charging in our rear. We immediately charged
through them capturing some prisoners. After we had extricated
ourselves from this dilemma we commenced forming but before we
could do so McCausland's and Imboden's Brigades after firing a few
vollies at the enemy broke and fled in a most disgraceful manner in
so doing scattered our men every direction. The scene now beggared
description, an entire Division being in wild flight, all efforts
to rally them proving unavailing. The route now became general and
threatened for a while the destruction of our army. His left and
rear being thus exposed and his enter broken, Gen. Early had beat
a hasty retreat. Our company had become so scattered that but four
or five us had gotten together. While passing through Winchester
as we were in the act of crossing a street a shell came down the
street and, passing immediately behind us, struck a few feet beyond
us and thus through a kind providence we were mercifully spared as,
if it had struck before reaching us, we would probably all have
been injured if not killed by the explosion. Arriving at the Mill
Tower Hill we met with Maj. Gen. Gordon who was doing his utmost to
restore order. His staff and couriers being absent he requested us
to act as couriers for him. We acted in this capacity until the
army halted for the night near New Town about 11 o'clock p.m. after
which we went to one -- where we obtained a bountiful supper. We
remained here during the night.
Sept. 20 - Tues. - Hearing that our Division gone to Front
Royal we started thither but found on our arrival that but two
regiments had been sent. My comrades turning back I went to Front
Royal and called upon Robert. R.G. Hough with whom I dined. Went
thence to Fleming's Mill where I found the regiment. Ascertained
that the casualties in Co. K yesterday were as follows: Samuel
McCarty, slightly in breast; John Skinner, slightly in foot, L.
Scantling, and N. Byrnes had their horses killed. Brady and
McCarty also had their horses wounded.
Sept. 21, Wedn. - Brigade ordered to Brownstown. Co. K
ordered to act as skirmishers. On picket at night. Brigade left
before day and fell back to Willford Creek.
Sept. 22, Thurs. - Fortified our position. Co. K sent
dismounted to the front again as skirmishers. The enemy pressing
us, we fell back to our entrenchments where we prevented any
further advance of the enemy. Private Jas. Johnson of Co. K‘
wounded. Remained behind entrenchments during the night.
Sept. 23, Frid. - Enemy retired towards Front Royal. Early
badly defeated on yesterday. We retired to Lurray.
Sept. 24, Sat. - Our brigade ordered to return to Willford
Creek but were met ere we arrived there by three divisions of
Yankee cavalry under Gen. Torbert. Instead of retiring before them
and skirmishing with them while so doing, Col. Payne, the commander
of our Brigade, very foolishly gave them battle dismounted a
portion of his force and posting them behind rail piles. There
being but three squadrons of our regiment present we were thus
divided and posted as support to the sharp shooters. The enemy
advanced in front and opened upon us with sharp shooters and
artillery, some of their shells falling very near us. Our squadron
being ordered to charge the front we started obey the order but
were ordered to charge them on the right and had scarcely turned
our course in that direction ere we were ordered to "right about"
and meet a body of the enemy who were charging down on our left and
rear. These we routed but had scarcely succeeded in doing so when
we found that another body of the enemy had appeared on our right
and rear. All hope of resistance being now in vain some of our
officers told us to wave ourselves. We who were mounted instantly
sought safety in flight, the dismounted ones being compelled to
surrender. While we were endeavoring to thus effect an escape I
had to go several hundred yards down a lane parallel to which was
a line of the enemy who were rapidly advancing in the meantime
keeping up a continuous fire. Being determined to escape if
possible, I dashed with all possible speed through their fire and
through a kind providence received no injury therefrom.
Unfortunately, however, after running the gauntlet my horse became
so much exhausted that I was compelled to leave him after which I
endeavored to effect my escape on foot but was captured. When
carried back to their guard I found about 25 prisoners, among them
being Capt. Cooper, commandant of the 15th Va. Cavalry. Upon
reaching the main body of prisoners I found -- Kittles, Polk
Kidwell and Oscar Univse. of Co. K. Lt. Gibson, John Wicathes of
Co. A and Lt. Thornton of Co. F 6 Va. Cav.
Bryce
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