HEADQUARTERS FOURTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY,
Near Meadow Bridge, Va., May 24, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to state that, in obedience to orders received from Major-General Magruder, commanding the right wing. I proceeded yesterday afternoon with the Eighth and Ninth Georgia Regiments, one 8-pounder rifled gun from the Washington Artillery, and one 6-pounder howitzer, belonging to the Wise Artillery, both commanded by Captain T. L. Rosser,
of the Washington Artillery, and a portion of the First and Fourth Virginia Cavalry, to reoccupy Mechanicsville, from which our cavalry force had retired on the day previous. The rifled gun, being speedily placed in position, opened fire upon the enemy's cavalry, drawn up on the
opposite hill, doing considerable execution, as was plainly visible. The enemy soon opened a battery of six pieces and rapid firing was kept up for a considerable time. As our gun was completely sheltered, the enemy did not obtain its range, and hence few or no casualties occurred on our side. Later in the afternoon (about sundown) this piece was withdrawn and necessary arrangements made for renewal of hostilities in the morning.
Soon after daylight next morning an extended line of infantry skirmishers was seen advancing upon the river road, which was promptly met by our sharpshooters and speedily driven back behind the crest of a hill parallel to the turnpike. Heavy skirmishing with musketry then ensued for thirty minutes, when our howitzer opened upon a house in and behind which many of the enemy had sought shelter. They were soon put to flight, and, as well as I could judge, with considerable loss. By this time one of the enemy's batteries had opened a brisk fire, doing some damage to the horses of the howitzer, the location of which seemed to be accurately ascertained.
For some length of time the skirmishing between the infantry continued, the enemy being invariably driven back whenever they made their appearance. I then ordered an observation to be made from the top of a house by means of a ladder, and learned that two regiments of infantry
and three pieces of artillery were marching to my left. I had scarcely ordered the Ninth Regiment, Colonel R. A. Turnipseed, forward to prevent my left flank being turned, when the enemy's artillery in that direction opened such a galling fire upon our howitzer that [it] was compelled to retire. I then ordered the whole line to fall back some 300 yard to a sheltered position in the woods, leaving the skirmishers to cover this movement, which they did effectually. The fighting had been kept up for about four hours, and the retirement was made in perfect order, and a new line of battle on the skirts of the woods rapidly established, under a
terrible fire from the enemy's cannon, at a very short range. As soon as our two pieces had fairly commenced a rapid exchange of shots I received an order to withdraw my entire command to the other side of the Chickahominy, which was effected further loss.
The visible force of the enemy consisted of three regiments of infantry, two batteries of artillery, and one regiment of cavalry. Their loss must have been considerable. Five are known to have been killed to-day and two yesterday.
Our loss is as follows: Eighth Regiment, Colonel L. M. Lamar, 2 wounded (1 mortally and left on the field); Ninth [Regiment], Colonel (page 663 ends) Turnipseed, 3 wounded; Wise Artillery, 2 wounded. Captain Rosser received a severe flesh wound in the arm, which, though, did not prevent his commanding his pieces while the engagement continued.
My thanks are especially due to Colonel Lamar for the prompt and efficient execution of orders in the disposition of the infantry forces. The officers and men behaved most gallantry; their coolness and steadiness under fire bespoke them veterans worthy of the fame so dearly
bought on the plains of Manassas.
Captain Rosser displayed much judgment in placing his pieces, which, under his personal supervision, were served in the most handsome style.
My adjutant, Lieutenant Martin, rendered invaluable assistance in the rapid and timely transmission of orders.
The squadrons of the First and Fourth Virginia Cavalry, being in reserve, were not called into action.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
B. H. ROBERTSON,
Colonel, Commanding.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Headquarters Cavalry Bridge.
=======================================================
6th US Cavalry
May 23 - We made arrangements to move to-day and about 12 o'clock took the road on the north bank of the Chickahominy toward Mechanicsville, General Stoneman commanding the advance. My squadron was in advance. We went along without opposition to the mill. As we rose the bank beyond the mill, the enemy opened upon us with a piece of artillery from Mechanicsville. Williams made his appearance about this time, took the squadron and threw it into the greatest confusion, marched it to the rear, and formed it in a line of a section of Benson's battery, and was
ordered away by General Stoneman. I conducted it to the left where I was constantly interfered with by Williams whilst a cannonading was kept up for an hour or so, when the enemy retired and we went into camp. I was very much disgusted that Williams should trouble himself with my squadron when the regiment was in the rear with no one to direct it.
May 24 - This morning the infantry took possession of Mechanicsville with some fighting. We were marched over to the village and sat on our horses for some hours and then went into camp in the timber on the Old Church Road, about a mile from Mechanicsville. There was a skirmish on the railroad higher up the Chickahominy, and our troops cut the railroad. The rain continued all day.
Diary of August Kautz in Supplement to OR
Vol. 2, p. 120
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OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
Union
HEADQUARTERS GENERAL STONEMAN,
Bivouac near Ellerson's Mill, Bell's Creek,
May 24, 1862-5.30 a. m.
General J. G. BARNARD,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday afternoon General Stoneman's headquarters were moved. Lieutenant Farquhar and I were requested by him to guide the column along the road from Walnut (page 630 ends) Grove Church along the river to Mechanicsville. We had
proceeded about a mile and a quarter from the Grove Church when, during a halt of the advance, from Mr. Austin's house with a glass we could see to the southwest a couple of spires over the wood beyond the Chikahominy Valley and in an angle of wood a camp, perhaps one mile and a halt to two miles distant. The wood prevented its extent from being seen. Nearly south of west, in a clearing, could be seen at least a regiment, arms stacked and men in groups, and near by partly concealed by intervening woods three or four caissons. The Chickahominy appeared to come within about a third of a mile or so of Mr. Austin's. Shortly after passing his house you descend a hill to Ellerson's Mill, and after crossing a narrow valley, cross by a weak bridge perhaps twenty-five feet to thirty feet long what we have been told is Bell's Creek, running nearly south. At this point its banks are high, though the stream is very narrow, and it would be impassable but for bridge . After winding around the hill beyond the bridge on the plateau we fell in with the enemy's pickets, and in a few moments a couple pieces were brought into battery on a knoll some 1,200 yards, it is supposed, in advance, and infantry was seen moving toward our right. Firing was continued an hour or so, and our advance, together with that of General Davidson, stopped for the night. General Stoneman placed his troops in rear of the Bell's Creek for the night.
This morning about 4.30 firing commenced again between General Davidson (whose command was during the night in advance of the creek) and the enemy, and is now being continued. The road thus far has been pretty good through an undulating country. We are said to be about one mile and quarter to one mile a a half from Mechanicsville. Mr. Austin says that
the railroad bridge has replaced the upper Meadow bridges; that the latter do not now exist. His assertions, however, as to one or two other points were not very reliable and make me distrust him. He calls the distance from head of Mechanicsville turnpike to the railroad bridge about one mile and a half. A negro is reported to state he has been driving teams to and from Richmond lately and that there is on the opposite side of the Chickahominy a pretty large force, not far distant; that then there are none until near Richmond; that upon each of the principal roads leading to and from that city are large bodies of troops, with, at different points of the road, heavy guns in position; that the enemy were not occupying the works around the city, but these points in advance, if I mistake not. After the firing ceased yesterday evening a battery of field pieces (six) were seen by some moving along slowly on the opposite side of the Chickahominy, apparently from us, and three other pieces at another point. During the firing a few shots were thrown from the opposite side of the Chickahominy to our rear, striking near Mr. Austin's house, perhaps from near the point where troops had been earlier in the afternoon.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
C. SEAFORTH STEWART,
Captain of Engineers.
[11.]
HEADQUARTERS GENERAL STONEMAN,
Seven Miles from Richmond, on turnpike,
May 24, 1862.
General J. G. BARNARD, U. S. Army,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
SIR: I have the honor to report that during the early part of the day Lieutenant Farquhar and I were employed in ascertaining for General (page 631 ends) Stoneman the position of the enemy and the state of affairs near Mechanicsville. While at Mechanicsville General Davidson sent a few men to destroy the nearest bridge over the Chickahominy. The stringers of one bay were cut away. The whole length is probably some fifty feet, but below the bridge the stream may be thirty feet wide, quite rapid, about three feet deep, bottom and banks just there sandy, and it is fordable by a horse, though probably would soon by cut up by passage of teams. The banks would at that point require a little sloping to allow the passage of teams. The banks are but two feet or so above level of water. The road is raised some three feet above general level.
Below the bridge the right bank is low, but little above surface of water, and thickly wooded for a breadth of about 200 or 250 yards. Above it is, for a short distance, more open, but on the left bank swampy for a breadth of perhaps 100 or 200 feet at least. It is said generally that for the passage of teams above considerable work would be required in making corduroy or other causeways. Near Meadow Bridge the ground is said to be firmer. Above Meadow Bridge one mile is a farm bridge on Mrs. Crenshaw's farm, and it is said there are private bridges still higher
up, also for teams. At the crossing of the turnpike three other bridges can be seen, small apparently. The headquarters of General Stoneman were moved to the crossing at the Walnut Grove Church and Pole Green Church with turnpike, where his troops are in camp, with the exception of Sixth Cavalry, at the intersection of cross-roads from Manly's Mill with turnpike about half way between this camp and Mechanicsville. No escort was furnished and no examination made of the Chickahominy above the turnpike bridge.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
C. SEAFORTH STEWART,
Captain of Engineers.
OR Vol. 51, Pt. 1, pp. 630-632
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The communications begin in OR Vol. 11 part 3 page 535
HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING,
Fairfield Race-Course, May 22, 1862.
Major-General [G. W.] SMITH,
[Commanding Reserve, &c., Harrison's Farm:]
SIR: I desire to withdraw the troops from New Bridge, leaving only one regiment at the Old Tavern, so that I may concentrate my forces (page 535 ends) at Mechanicsville and Meadow Bridge, as the enemy are represented to be 20,000 strong near these places. The prisoners that I examined place the number at a higher figure.
I will be at Brigadier-General McLaws', so that you will please dispatch the courier with an answer to his headquarters with as little delay as possible.
I have the honor to be, &c., your obedient servant,
[J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER.]
Major-General, Commanding.
OR Vol. 11 part 3 page 535
MAY 23, 1862.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,
Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL: I went yesterday afternoon to Mechanicsville, and was there during the artillery firing, which you no doubt heard. General Lee was with me, and at my request will see you. Colonel Johnston, aide-de-camp, accompanied me, and will deliver this note to you. To him I refer you for any facts you may desire to learn.
I saw General Stuart and General Cobb, but as neither of them communicated to me any plan of operations, or appeared to know what troops were in front as we approached, I suppose neither of them could have been commanding in chief at that locality. My conclusion was, that, if as reported to be probable, General Franklin, with a division, was in that vicinity he might easily have advanced over the turnpike toward if not to Richmond.
Very respectfully, yours,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
OR Vol. 11 pt. 3, p. 536
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HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING,
Fairfield Race-Course, May 23, 1862.
Major RHETT,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: Having understood from General Johnston, in conversation near the cross-roads some weeks since, that the arrangement by which my command was placed under Major-General Smith was in consequence of the army being massed in about equal numbers on two roads, requiring two commanders, and that the arrangement was temporary, I have now the honor to request that my command be no longer attached to that of Major-General Smith, but that
I be authorized to report as usual to the general commanding the army. These commands are now acting separately, and there would seem to be no necessity that an inconvenience and delay arising form the present arrangement, without mentioning other obvious reasons for my wishing a command independent of an officer of the same grade with myself.
I hope the above may be sufficient to induce the general to accede to my request.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Major-General, Commanding.
OR Vol. 11, Pt. 3 p. 537
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HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING,
Fairfield, May 23, 1862.
Major MELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General Smith's communications of to-day, but after mine had been sent to him. Before he designated where the regiments should be taken I had already ordered two from General Jones' command and two pieces of artillery with
two regiments of cavalry to occupy and fight for Mechanicsville, which is a commanding position and where the railroad can best protected.
After hearing from General Smith I ordered another regiment from General McLaws to take post also at Mechanicsville, and carried out his instructions in other respects. I sent copies of his letters to Generals Jones and McLaws, as to details on the halt. I do not know where General
Stuart is.
I have been at Meadow Bridge all the morning and gave the orders to the cavalry direct. General Stuart, however, stated to me early this morning that he intended to order his cavalry to occupy Mechanicsville.
The enemy is very quiet to-day, and his pickets are within three-quarters of a mile of Mechanicsville. Now I am satisfied he will attack that place in force, and that he has been making his preparations to-day. I therefore think he will overcome our small force, of say, 3,000 men, but I think that, if I am permitted to throw over now one-half of Mclaws command and the rest of Jones except a regiment and plenty of artillery to hold the crests at each place, we sill obtain a victory which may derange his plans.
If you agree with me and General Johnston sanctions let me know in half an hour.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Major-General, Commanding Right Wing.
HEADQUARTER RIGHT WING,
Fairfield race-Course, May 23, 1863-9 p. m.
Major Melton,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have just received your note dated 7.30 p. m., May 23. I did propose a concentration of my force nearer the city yesterday on a narrower circle, and because the enemy was advancing, and could, if he pleased, outflank me, and might even occupy, if he were enterprising, our
fortifications farther to my left, and because no force was thrown forward across the Chickahominy capable of opposing such advance. I understood General Stuart to say this morning early that he had ordered the cavalry to reoccupy Mechanicsville. When I arrived at Meadow Bridge I found that all the cavalry were on this side of the Chickahominy except a
few pickets; that General Stuart was not there, as far as I could learn in the neighborhood, and that Colonel Robertson had no orders. Having received orders from you to place two regiments and a piece at or near Mechanicsville, as was done yesterday, I directed the two regiments
to be taken from General Jones' command, to save time, and two pieces of artillery, as I had learned the enemy were in some force (page 538 ends) and near that place, and ordered the two cavalry regiments of Robertson and Lee to occupy the place also, as I supposed was the intention of General Stuart.
These dispositions were made when I received another order from General Smith directing that the two regiments to hold Mechanicsville and to support the cavalry should be detailed from General McLaws' command.
I thought it more in accordance with his views to detail one regiment from General McLaws command, as he appeared to desire that some troops should come from him, and as he further stated that the object was to support the cavalry, hold the enemy in check, and not to give up the
ground except in case of a real attack in force. I could not see how these were to be accomplished unless the force there fought when he appeared. I therefore ordered Colonel Robertson, who was the ranking officer of those then sent over, to fight him should he advance on Mechanicsville, and if forced to retreat that the whole should do so by the Meadow Bridge, and if that were impracticable, by the Brooke Turnpike Bridge.
I still thought and think now that the enemy will advance to-morrow with probably 10.000 men, and that he can be driven back by us if we crossed over that number to-night. I therefore made the proposition to you, as I would be responsible for the movement if it were permitted. I stated that if I could get an answer in half an hour it could be done, having calculated the time it would take to cross. Brigadier-General McLaws, to whom you allude, was, as well as myself, in favor of concentrating my command so as to afford a stronger resistance to the enemy; at least so I understood a letter from him to me received the night before last, but which was returned to him. I shall send your letter of instructions to Colonel Robertson or the officer in command at
Mechanicsville, and direct him to be guided by it in lieu of any instructions in relation to the same subject of mine.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Major-General, Commanding Right Wing.
OR Vol. 11, Pt. 3, pp. 538-539
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Published Books
Two days later {May 23} Gen. Stoneman pushed forward with cavalry and artillery, on a bold reconnoisance toward the rebel capital. Gen. Davidson's Brigade followed, as a support, the rest of the Division remaining behind. About four o'clock in the afternoon, the General fell in with the enemy -- "Howell Cobb's Brigade" - who retreated after a few shots had been exchanged. Stoneman again moved forward, halting for the night just east of Beaver Dam Creek, and the Brigade, crossing over, took up position on an elevated spot, and slept on their arms. This creek is a narrow, muddy stream, emptying into the Chickahominy.
A part of the Thirty-third were employed on picket duty until the next morning, being stationed in close proximity to the rebels. At daybreak the infantry pushed on towards Mechanicsville; General Stoneman with the cavalry proceeding further to the right. Three companies of the
Thity-third acted as the advance guard, and were deployed as skirmishers. When within two hundred yards of Mechanicsville, the rebels, who had fallen back during (page 103 ends) the night, were discovered drawn up in the principal street, and in a neighboring grove. The skirmishers immediately opened upon them, when taking refuge in buildings and behind
walls, they returned the fire.
The whole Brigade now moved up on both sides of the road, and two sections of Wheeler's battery were got into position, and commenced tossing shell into the village. This placed the skirmishers between two fires, and for a time, they were nearly as much exposed to our own as the rebels. One had his canteen perforated by a piece of shell thrown from the Union battery, another had a part of his shoe taken away. The firing of the rebel cannoniers, at first slow, became very rapid and accurate as the battle progressed. One solid shot passed between Major Platner and Captain Guion, as they stood conversing together. A second whizzed close to the head of Colonel Taylor's horse, and a third stirking the roll of blankets strapped on behind a horseman, threw them high into the air.
Every one held their breath for a moment, supposing it was the rider himself, but he escaped unharmed.The guns were afterwards moved to the right of the skirmishers, and a section of flying artillery posted on the left. A heavy fire was now concentrated on the buildings in which the confederates had concealed themselves, soon causing an exodus on their part, and the whole force commenced falling back in the direction of Richmond. Seeing this Gen. Davidson ordered a chafge; when the Thirty-(page 104 ends) third - and Seventy-seventh gallantly charged down upon the place, driving everything before them.
Large numbers of knapsacks and blankets which the rebels had thrown away in their flight were picked up in the streets. They were most of them marked "(Rome (Ga.) Light Guards." Guns, equipments, blankets, and other materials of war were likewise found in large quantities. Nearly all the houses were more or less pockmarked with shot and shell. The Mayor's residence, an elegant mansion, had been struck seventeen different times.
Those of the inhabitants who had not fled, were found packed away like sardines, in cellars and other places of refuge. They were very much frightened, and not until repeatedly assured that we would not harm them, could they be prevailed upon to come out.
After taking possession of the village, a line of skirmishers was thrown out half a mile on the Richmond road. Detachments of the Thirty-third, Seventh Maine, and five companies of cavalry were left in charge of the town. They were relieved upon the following day, and rejoined their
regiments on the Beaver Dam, to which the Brigade had returned after the engagement. Some members of Company E discovered a grist mill here and spent most of the night in grinding corn, and making hoe-cake.]
Gen. Stoneman had in the meantime proceeded several miles to the right, and accomplished the object of the expedition by destroying the Richmond (page 107 ends) and Fredericksburg railroad bridge over the Chickahominy.With one exception this was the nearest point attained to Richmond during the entire Peninsular campaign. Gen. Hooker, after the battle of Fair Oaks, followed the fleeing enemy to within less than four miles of their capital.
That it could have been taken had General Davidson's brigade been reinforced and permitted to proceed, is a truth which admits of no denial. There were no rebel forces between Mechanicsville and the city, with the exception of those driven from the former place, they being
concentrated on the left of our lines. There were no fortifications of any extent on that side of the capital, as the attack was expected to be made from the other direction. The approaches were all left open, and the appearance of this single brigade of "Yankees" struck terror to the rebels, who inferred that all was lost. (David W. Judd, The Story of the Thirty-third N.Y.S. Vols. pp. 103-108)