Three Years in the Federal CavalryGlazier, Willard W.
History
Three Years in the Federal Cavalry
Glazier, Willard W.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
Some apprehension that the enemy was at least contemplating a speedy
retreat was entertained during the night that followed the third bloody
day. General Pleasonton, chief of cavalry, urged General Meade to
advance in force upon the beaten foe, alleging that they were not only
greatly weakened by their losses, but undoubtedly demoralized, in
consequence of repulse and probable scarcity of ammunition. To ascertain
positively what could be of these probabilities, Pleasonton was directed
to make a reconnoissance toward the Rebel rear. Accordingly, several
detachments of cavalry were thrust out on different roads, where they
rode all night. General Gregg, on our right, went about twenty-two miles
on the road to Chambersburg, and returning early on the morning of the
fourth, reported that the road was strewn with wounded and stragglers,
ambulances and caissons, and general _debris_, which indicated that the
enemy was retreating as rapidly as possible, and was passing through a
terrible season of demoralization. The testimony of the mute witnesses
of disaster was corroborated by that of the many prisoners which easily
fell into Gregg's hands. Other expeditions, returning later in the day,
had similar reports to render of what they had seen and heard. And now
came the time for energetic cavalry movements. While our infantry was
resting, or engaged in burying our own and the Rebel dead within our
lines, the cavalry was despatched to do all the damage it could upon
the retreating Rebel columns.
KILPATRICK ON THEIR TRAIL.
Kilpatrick, having assembled his immortalized division on the plain at
the foot of Round Top, on the morning of the fourth, discoursed to them
eloquently for a few moments on the interests of the times. He assured
his men that their noble deeds were not passing by unnoticed, nor would
be unrequited, and that they were already a part of a grand history. He
trusted that their future conduct would be a fair copy of the past. But
his pathetic and patriotic accents had scarcely died upon the ear of his
brave command, when the shrill bugle-blast brought eager men and grazing
horses in line of march. Orders had been received by Kilpatrick to
repair as swiftly as possible to the passes in the Catoctin Mountains,
to intercept the enemy now known to be flying southward at a rapid rate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account