Saturday–June 14, 1862
Camp of the Rockbridge Artillery 1st Brigade A.V.
near Weyer’s Cave–Augusta county, Virginia
Mrs Wm. M. Blackford–Lynchburg,
My Dear Mother
I despatched to you all yes-
terday another of my diary-letters bringing my narrative
of late events down to Sunday June 1st. Here I resume it.
The day was at first overcast, then bright until late
in the afternoon, when it began raining and so continued
until night. We made an early start and vigorously
prosecuted the march. We were now pretty well convinced
of the true state of the case rendering such rapid marching
necessary viz: that two column were pressing down to the
line of the valley turnpike to cut us off; the larger under Gen.
we heard
Shields from the direction of Front Royal, his column ^ then being there,
and the other under Gen. Fremont from Franklin, Pendleton co. on a
a road coming in at Strasburg. Roads came in to the valley pike
at Middleton & Strasburg both direct from Front Royal –8 & 12 miles distant.
Such being the aspect of affairs we all saw the necessity of
activity and marched with good will until we reached Middletown
our baggage train was placed in the rear; in that village we halted
and allowed it to precede us. This caution was necessary the more
as we were the rear brigade of the army, the main body being
in the vicinity of Strasburg. While we were quietly halting
in Middletown to allow the baggage train to pass we were somewhat
startled by rapid cannonading 6 or 8 miles to the right. The smoke
of the guns was visible in the distance relieved on the on the mountain
side. It continued for 15, 20 or 30 minutes, varied by a few volleys
of musketry. When we got further on we learned it was the
sound of a sharp skirmish between Fremont’s advance and
a strong reconnais[s]ance of ours sent out some 5 or 6 miles from
Strasburg to check his advance. It was a wholly successful
effort on our part, and attended with very few if any casualties.
At Strasburg we delayed a couple of hours, and placed our
artillery in position and infantry in line of battle along the
hills there, to offer Fremont battle, I presume, of he wanted it.
[page 2]
We had a strong position and could have given him a stout
contest and doubtless repulsed him, but he didn’t come, nor
did Shields, and we moved on to camp about 6 miles from
Woodstock, a march of about 20 miles, i.e. 50 in 2 days, for
the 1st Brigade. Next morning we resumed our battle march,
but were exceedingly slow in getting on until the day was
2/3 gone. This was due to the fact that we were now
marching with pretty much the whole army and had the
whole baggage train in front to delay us. In addition to this
there was skirmishing in our rear from time to time, chiefly
with a battery on our side, and cavalry on theirs, though
they subsequently threatened us with other arms. The enemy
pressed on us rapidly and we had to content ourselves
with merely checking his advance without making a regular
stand, as we were anxious to get out of flanking distance
without delay. The first brigade was not retained in the
rear on Monday as we were more worn out than any other
owing to having been the last to leave Bolivar Heights & Charlestown.
When within a mile of Woodstock a scene came under my
eyes which for the credit of our Cavalry I would fain withhold
a description but the fidelity which should be the charac-
teristic of the historian,– as I have constituted myself for
my home folks–requires me to give it to you. We had
been hearing some rapid firing of our artillery a mile or
two in the rear, and knew the enemy were annoying our
retreat, or rather trying to do it, for they accomplished little
or nothing, but felt no apprehension of trouble ourselves
as there were one or two Brigades behind us. We were moving
on slowly, the whole brigade ahead of our battery except the
2d Va. Inf. which brought up our rear,when on a sudden a
commotion was visible on the edge of a wood from which the
2d. Inf. was just then emerging, and in a few moments the road,
and fields on either side were filled with C. S. Cavalry flying
pell-mell in the wildest confusion and with all the indication
of panic, some horses without riders, and some riders without
horses, all rushing on indiscriminately. I was walking near
my gun, and upon observing the stampede was a good deal
startled and even alarmed, but felt more apprehension just
[page 3]
then of being run over by our own terrified cavalrymen then
of being cut down by the enemy’s. I saw about me the long
lines of the trusty infantry of the Stone Wall Brigade that had
never yet disgraced themselves, and felt but little doubt that
if the pursuers dared to advance within range they would quickly
be brought down by their rifles. Artillerymen under the circum-
stances were of course useless and defenceless as it would have
been impossible for us on the sudden emergency to use our guns,
there without injuring our own as much as the enemy’s
forces, supposing they came on. I do not recollect losing my
presence of mind at all but quickly got a seat on the trail
of my gun to avoid being run over, and inwardly committing
myself to God’s protection determined to await as calmly as I
could further developments. I think it is but justice to
our infantry and artillery too–those within my sight at least–
too say that they gave no perceptible indications of sharing the
shameful panic of the cavalry: if we except the very excusable
[?]cing of the 2d. Va. Inf. behind us under the eminent danger
they were of being run over by our own flying cavalry-men.
Col. Allen, with commendable readiness, deployed his regiment
across the road and in a field on the flank and in line of
battle awaited the advance of the enemy, who, everybody su-
posed, were close behind. They never came however and after
some delay we moved on again as before The cavalry however
despite all attempts to rally them pressed on, until, as I hear,
a portion at least of them were stopped by Col. Bradley Johnson
of the 1st. Md. Regt. (mow a mere battalion of 175-to 200 men) deploying
his command across the road or street at Woodstock and causing
them to come to the position of “charge bayonets.” It turned out
that the whole alarm was occasioned by a surprise of a body of
our cavalry in the rear by a party of the Yankee cavalry num-
bering from 40 to 100 (by various estimates). It seems they came upon
our boys very unexpectedly and under circumstances peculiarly
trying, by general admission, but I hear no one excuse for this
reason the incontinent flight of our men, numbering it is said by most
people not less than 500. I suppose, of course, a few became alarmed & ran
first, and the rest of them ignorantly shared the panic. The whole
[page 4]
The whole thing has given a severe blow to the not over-high reputation
of the cavalry of this army, and has excited a distrust of
the whole arm among the infantry and artillery that will
not, I fear, be soon dispelled. I regret it exceedingly and do
hope an early opportunity may occur for the cavalry to
vindicate themselves. The companies sharing in the flight
were from the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Regts., all, I understand.
In passing through Woodstock I had opportunity to stop for
15 minutes at Cousin Wm. Arthur’s where I met a warm reception
from him and his wife, and got a good snack. Berkely accom-
panied me and was also most kindly received. They knew
all about him through cousin Mary Caroline. About 1/2 mile
this side of Woodstock a portion of the rear brigades for a time
were placed in line of battle and our battery placed in position
on a hill to resist an anticipated advance of the enemy I
presume, but they never came, nor ever shewed any signs
of such intentions that I could discover. After this we marched
on steadily to Mt. Jackson where we laid down[?] for the night
another journey of 17 or 18 miles; at least 3 above average.
In the afternoon a drenching rain came up and wet everyone
to the skin
who was not protected by rubber coats, blanket, or the like;
though enjoying the latter advantage I got soaking wet from
the thighs downward. We all bore the wetting with a little
better grace however after meeting a mile or two this side
of Edinburg, while the rain was coming down in torrents,
Gen Jackson himself, without great coat or any such thing, riding
on (unattended) rapidly to the rear, looking as unconcerned as
if the sun was shining. He was in all probability going thither
to attend in person to some matter that another general, par
ticularly in view of the storm, would have sent an aid to see to.
The rain continued, though much moderated, through most
of the night and added to the discomforts incident to camping
in mud very much. We were so excessively fatigued however
that we had no difficulty in sleeping soundly particularly
as with the assistance of a quantity of scantling & other timber
piled up along the R.R. in the field just outside of Mt. Jackson where
we camped, we were enabled to construct pretty good shelters.
[page 5]
On Tuesday we moved on to New Market and in a pleasant
wood near that village camped until Wednesday afternoon.
Tuesday evening ti rained and during the night, moderately.
Wednesday forenoon it came down in torrents and though
we had shelters they did not avail to keep us at all dry.
Cooking was out of the question, so hunger was added
to our other discomforts. We lay disconsolately under
our shanties with puddle[s] of water here and there beneath
us, about as miserable as outward surroundings could make
us. In the afternoon late, we moved on toward Harrisonburg
and about 10 o’clock laid by for the night, 10 miles the other
side of that town. The rain by this time had ceased but
the mud was most harassing. Before we could get something
to eat and become settled it was midnight, thus leaving
us but a short time for rest as we had to move early
in the morning. This was eagerly sought however and though
short was to me most refreshing. Thursday we marched on
through Harrisonburg and about 1/2 mile this side turned off on
the road coming to Port Republic, 12 miles. The road was about
as bad as that celebrated one from Swift Run Gap to Port Republic.
The Infantry of our Brigade came on to our camp within 1/2 miles
of Port Republic bout our horses were so completely broken down
we could not get up to our wagons and had to stop and bivouack
in field 5 miles the other side. We had our blankets with
us and rested most comfortably–at least Berkeley and I did
–in a fence corner. We had noting to eat of course and had
to go on in the morning supperless and breakfastless.
I was weak from hunger and really suffered from exhaustion.
Our camp was a very pleasant one in the edge of a wood &
after getting there, eating a hearty meal of bread, bacon and
sop (you remember what this is, perhaps, from my frequent ex-
perience of last fall) and taking a good rest, I felt quite benign
and regarded life with a less jaundiced eye than I did before.
This happy frame of mind was further enhanced later in
the day by a complete ablution in the river that ran near
and I finally went to bed quite tranquil. The temper of all of us
had been severely tried for days past by the hardships and discomforts of the march
[page 6]
On Friday there was some heavy cavalry and infantry skir-
mishing on our front in which we were brilliantly successful.
The gallant 1st. Md.Regt. was engaged most creditably and
lost heavily, also one or two Va. regiments. It was in lea-
ding a charge of infantry this evening that the lamented &
valued Gen. Ashby lost his life. I do not know the partic-
ulars of the engagements of Friday as they took place a
long way from us, (not far from Harrisonburg, I believe) and
we had no share in them. You have seen in the newspa-
pers as much and more than I know about the affair.
We heard on Saturday morning with deep and bitter regret
of Ashby’s death, and were much depressed by it. It is
indeed a grievous loss to us and one which has shorn the
cavalry of this army of half its terrors to the enemy. It is
useless for me to eulogize the self-sacrificing and dashing
courage, the sleepless vigilance and the extraordinary efficiency
of this eminent officer: they are the theme of every tongue
and well known to you already. While these qualities
caused him to be highly valued and esteemed, his uniform cour-
tesy of manner and the absence in him of the hauteur or
rudeness of some officers in high rank made him liked by
all. A large portion of this company (myself among them) had
been thrown with him from time to time when we were sent
on picquet with one or two of our guns and placed under
his control. This intercourse, owing to his courteous manners
amounted to a quasi acquaintance, and he generally seemed
to consider it so when he met us. He could scarcely have
even known my name (certainly not, if at all, until very recently)
and yet his acknowledgement of my salute was that of
a personal acquaintance, The last time I ever saw him
was on Monday when we were in position just this side
of Woodstock. He was sitting on his horse where our battery
was posted, chatting with some other officers, and scanning
the front. The last thing I ever heard him say was to reply
to a query whether the Yankee cavalry that morning had taken any
of our guns–he said “I am happy to inform you, sir, we lost no artillery.”
[page 7]
Saturday we spent quietly in camp reading, writing, sleeping
etc. & as only Jackson’s army can, enjoying the luxury and
sweetness of rest–the dolce far niente. I spent most of the
day writing a letter which I suppose you have ere this recd.
Before proceeding to an account of the stirring events of
Sunday and Monday some mention of the topography of our
situation will be necessary. I accompany it with a rude &
I fear imperfect sketch made on the imperfect data of
[small sketch of Brown’s mere personal recollection, aided
Gap, Port Republic, Mid- by Berkeley’s. As we lay Saturday
le, South and Shennandoah the army was stationed along the
rivers and roads to Harrison- road from Harrisonburg to Port Republic
burg and Brown’s Gap] within 4 or 5 miles, of less of the latter
Fremont’s column was facing us in this quarter, and further
off, on our flank, at or about Swift Run Gap, Shields’ column.
In respect then of Fremont’s men, our brigade and the third
(Taliaferro’s) which was just along side of us on the edge of a
wood about 1/3 mile from the bridge, occupied the rear. Ewell’s
Division I believe, chiefly, held the front. Standing in the 1st Brigade
camp and facing the bridge, the Shenandoah river was on our left
and the Middle River on our right. About 100 yards below the
bridge the Shenandoah forks into the South and Middle Rivers,
the former a stream easily fordable at the village. In the fork
is the village of Port Republic. The road from Swift Run Gap
crosses the South River at the village, and at the same place
crosses the road leading to Brown’s Gap–that is the same
route we took last May. This road runs for several miles
below Port Republic at the edge of a wood, which wood extends
from there more or less continuously to the top of the mountain.
Between it and the river is a meadow from 3/4 to 1 1/4 miles broad,
the theatre of Monday’s battle, an hereafter forever remarkable
as the scene of one of the most decisive victories of the Valley
campaign of ’62. In it, and very near the scene of the hottest
fighting is the house of Gen. S. H. Lewis. I believe the whole
battle was on his land. One shell went through the corner
of his house and exploded in or near a china-cupboard. This
I know to be a fact.
[page 8]
Sunday morning was until 8 or 9 o’clock quietly & peaceful
enough. We were indulging already strong hopes of a quiet
day–a luxury for a long time denied us on the day of rest
–and many of the men had dispersed toward the river
and elsewhere on one errand and another little expecting
an alarm. I was myself just getting ready to set down
in a shady place to read, and occupy myself otherwise
appropriately when it occurred to me to mark my
name on a valuable Rubber Blanket acquired at Winchester
which I had sometime feared to lose for the lack of such
designation. I had just begun this job and made the first
letter of my name when I heard the sharp discharge of
cannon within 1/2 mile, across the river, followed by one
or two others. I knew we had one or two batteries over
there and imagined they were firing off some damp or
otherwise defective loads, and with this dismissed the sub-
ject from my mind. My alarm — horror, even — was great in
proportion to my former security when Capt. Poague who had
been about the river rode up a moment after and told
us it was a Yankee gun fired at the bridge and gave the
order for immediate packing, and hitching up and readiness
for action. The bare possibility of them burning the bridge
filled me with a sickening desolation of-I know not
what to call it–that was very oppressive. I was
fully aware how much, indeed how entirely, upon the
preservation of this bridge depended the safety of our wagon
train and the integrity, if not the existence of our army.
I cannot think even now of its having been destroyed
without shuddering. The merciful Providence that has
so long watched over us again protected us, however,
and the bridge was preserved uninjured. Not long after
Capt. Poague rode up Gen Jackson himself, with more signs
before
of excitement than I ever saw him manifest, ^ and ordered
us to take our whole battery to the eminence on this side
commanding the other and open on the enemy. The same
order was given to two other Batteries–one of ours and the other
of the 2nd Brigade, and with considerable expedition it was
fulfilled and some 12 or 14 guns had opened a terrific fire
[page 9]
upon the enemy on the oppose side, an advance guard
of Shields’ larger force, consisting of 2 pieces of artillery
a large body of cavalry, and from 1 to 3 regiments of Infantry.
The cavalry had already gotten into the town, and at least
one piece of cannon, the Infantry had not gone quite so far, I believe.
The cavalry were speedily routed and their guns abandoned.
The infantry wheeled in much better order, thus affording
us a very gratifying opportunity of damaging them conside-
rably. Their flags afforded us a good mark, and for once
at least the “old flag” — “the banner of freedom” – “the
glorious stars and stripes” – was rather a disadvantage to them
as it displayed the position of the rascals in the edge
of the woods better than anything else could have done.
We fired well, and enjoyed the practice much as was
natural, for we were not under fire at all ourselves
and in no danger whatever. It was too long range for
small arms and there was no position whatever for
them there to oppose us with artillery. Their whole force
was finally completely driven back and we remained in
position idly the rest of the day, but not ineffectively
as our being there proved a complete protection for our
rear. Our guns commanded the Swift Run Gap Road fully.
The surprise of the morning is attributed to worthless
cavalry picquets who had not given notice of the
Enemy’s approach in time as they ought to have done.
Their neglect came near costing us dearly indeed. Gen.
Jackson himself was in imminent danger of being
captured, as two of his staff were, though subsequently
retaken–(Lt. Col.) Stapleton Crutchfield, Chief of Artillery
to the Army of the Valley, was one of these. Gen. Jackson’s Hd Qrs.
were across the river in a house in the village. The
Yankee cavalry also captured one of the members of our co.,
Jams. G. Clark, of Clark co., who was in Port Republic, sick. On
account of his sickness he was paroled and let behind,
and is therefore at liberty, though lost to the service.
Soon after we stopped firing in the rear, the battle com-
menced on the front 2 or 3 miles distant. Of its course
[page 10]
I know but little more than you do. The result was une-
quivocal. It was no rout, though a decisive repulse. The enemy
were driven back, and I think must have been pretty badly
worsted from the sluggishness and inefficiency of their movements
next day when they allowed Shields’ men to be routed in their
very sight without making an attempt to cross to their aid.
The river rolled between and the bridge had been burnt.
The roar of artillery for hours on Sunday was terrific:
I never heard such cannonading. It was largely an artillery
battle, though Infantry was very hotly and honour-
ably engaged, particularly the gallant 16th Miss., of Trimble’s Brig.
On this day Brig. Gens. Elzey and G. H. Stuart, both of Md. were wounded.
Sunday morning the whole wagon train of the army was
sent across the river. That evening after the battle a
large part of it was ordered back and most of the
troops retained their old camps. The 1st & 2nd Brigade trains
remained across the river near the village, and we
went over to them and remained there that night.
There may have been other troops across the river. though
I did not know of it. The suspense to which we were subjected
during the day day Sunday was terrible. We were lying in the
rear inactive and hearing the fearful cannonading in
two or three miles of us and all the while unable to know
until near the close how the day was going. Then we
heard of the result with a deep interest & thankfulness.
Meanwhile the ambulances full of wounded were going
by the road within 150 yards of us frequent and fast
to Port Republic, or wherever the hospital was. This is
always a sad and depressing sight.
Monday morning about sunrise, the 1st Brigade comprising
our forces
the advanced guard, ^ went out from Port Republic, cros-
sing the South river by a temporary bridge, to attack
the Enemy on the Swift Run Gap Road. His advanced
guard encamped Sunday night within 3 miles of the village
down that road, withing easy sight of our position
Sunday morning on the hill over the rifer.–Of Monday’s fight
more in my next letter.–Your affectionate son
L.M.Blackford.
University of Virginia alumnus Lancelot Minor Blackford of the Rockbridge Artillery, later principal of the Episcopal High School, Alexandria, Va.
MSS 5088
