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
Flushed with success, the guerillas were making preparations to retire
from the field with their booty, when the Fifth New York Cavalry, which
had been bivouacked in a grove not far from Cedar Run Bridge, arrived at
the Junction, whither they had been attracted by the firing, and
immediately fell upon the foe like an avalanche. Major Hammond commanded
in person. Mosby was heard to exclaim, "My God! it is the Fifth New
York!" A hand-to-hand encounter now took place, in which bravery was
fired with desperation, and Yankee sabres were used with fearful effect.
The Rebels soon broke and fled in every direction, demoralized and
panic-stricken, leaving behind not only the captures they had made, but
many of their own number. Some Rebel heads were fearfully gashed and
mangled, one of them exhibiting his lower jaw-bone not only dislocated,
but almost entirely severed with one determined blow from the strong
hand of a cavalryman.
General Stahel, in his despatch to General Heintzelman, says: "The
Rebels, who fled in the direction of Warrenton, were pursued by Major
Hammond, Fifth New York Cavalry, who has returned, and reports our
charge at Warrenton Junction as being so terrific as to have thoroughly
routed and scattered them in every direction. I have sent in
twenty-three prisoners of Mosby's command, all of whom are wounded--the
greater part of them badly. Dick Moran (a notorious bushwhacker) is
among the number. There are also three officers of Mosby's. The loss of
the enemy was very heavy in killed, besides many wounded, who scattered
and prevented capture. I have no hopes of the recovery of Major Steele,
of the First Virginia. Our loss is one killed and fourteen wounded."
Templeman, one of Stonewall Jackson's best spies, was killed; and the
partisans confessed themselves thoroughly whipped. They were wont to
call this their first retreat, in which they did some tall running. The
following complimentary order was issued:
HEADQUARTERS STAHEL'S CAVALRY DIVISION,
Fairfax Court House, Va., ----, 1863.
SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 80.
When soldiers perform brave deeds, a proper acknowledgment
of their services is justly their due. The commanding
general, therefore, desires to express his gratification at
the conduct of the officers and men of Colonel De Forest's
command, who were engaged in the fight at Warrenton
Junction, on Sunday, ----, 1863. By your promptness and
gallantry the gang of guerillas who have so long infested
the vicinity has been badly beaten and broken up. The heavy
loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, and prisoners, proves
the determination of your resistance and the vigor of your
attack. Deeds like this are worthy of emulation, and give
strength and confidence to the command.
By command of
MAJOR-GENERAL STAHEL.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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