Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-06-12
Official Report of Col. Tompkins of tho First
Vermont Cavalry

Vermont Cavalry.
Williamsport, Nd, May "a, 62.
Capt. John A. Judson, Asst General. CIV
airy Brigade, Dept Shenandoah:
S1R.-I have the honor to submit the follow.
ing report of the operations of my REGIMENT
on the oath and 25th days of the present
month.
May "a, 1862. Having received orders,
through your office, at half past 10 o'clock. A.
NJ, on the morning of the 24th inst, TO send
my baggage and regimental company property
in the rear and TO hold my Regiment in reodi-
ness to march at a moments notice. with one
days rations, orders were Immediately given
TO carry out these Instructions.
Between the hours of 4 and 5 o'clock a, M.
my wagons were sent to the rear as far as Ce-
dar Creek, with orders TO wait the further ord
ers Of the Brigade Commander. At 8 o'clock.
a. M, l was directed by Brig Gen. Hatch,
Commanding Cavalry, to proceed with my
Regiment TO the town of Woodstock, with in
structions to reconnoitre the position of the
enemy there, as well as to hold them in check
to further the advance of the Division. Arriv-
ing within half mile of the town, directed
one squadron, Company j and II, to precede
the Regiment rs an advance, with instructions
to pass through the town and reconnoitre the
suburbs beyond. Upon the return of the
squadron, and ascertaining TO my entire salts
faction that the enemy had not occupied the
town in any considerable force for some time.
and considering that my instructions had been
fully carried out, | counter-marched my Regi-
ment, and returned to my camp near Stras-
burg, arriving about o'clock in the forenoon.
About 10 o'clock, a. M, three companies (F
c and L. under command of Capt. Hall, squad
ron captain,) were ordered to report to Major
Gen Ranks for Immediate service
At II o'clock, M, one squadron, Cos. A
and g. under command of Sen'r Mai. Collins,
were ordered to report to Brig. General Hatch,
at the same time | received instructions to
bring up the rear of the army and destroy all
public property after the army had advanced
beyond Strasburg.
At o'clock, p. m, l mounted my command
and left camp to carry out these Instructions
but arriving at Strasburg my instructions were
countermandcd, and | was ordered to join Gen.
Hatch Immediately with the remaining five
companies Of my Regiment Pursuant to this
order, proceeded as far as the suburbs of
Middletown, where found the enemy in force
their line of infantry was very extensive and
was well supported by cavalry and artillery.
My Regiment was formed it, column of squad
rons in readiness to charge. The only troops
in the field independent OF my five companies,
|
Parrot guns and one company OF Zouaves.
These latter were being driven in upon my ar
ri, al by the advance skirmishcrs of the enemy.
Z, receiving that the enemy were advancing in
too large force for successful opposition to be
made, deemed it advisable to retire in order
abandon the wagons, and make an attempt to
join General Hatch by making detoW to the
left of the enemy's right flank. Signiiying my
intention to Capt Hampton Of the n. Y. Bat
terry, | Immediately commenced the move
ment. and was so far successful as to Join Gen.
Hatch at Winchester, a; half past IL o'clocl,
that night, the same day, bringing in with me
six pieces of artillery and portion Of the 9th
n. \. Cavalry.
The entire baggage train of the Regiment
was abandoned and fired, and rendered utterly
useless to the enemy. My horses were for0g-
ed but the men were without food, and were
completely exhausted from the iatigues of the
day in manner to surprise and TO win the ad.
miraton Of their commander.
: Capt. Preston and Congers and Lieutenants
Huntoon, Beaman and Adams and Private C.
p. Stone, Company F. acting chief WAGNER
are particularly deserving of attention, and
would respectfully recommend them to the at
tention of the Brig. General Commanding.
1 must also speak in terms of the highest
praise of the efficient and valuable service rem
dercd me by Adju,ant L. Ptkin, and Quarter.
master A. S. Dewey.-To these gentlemen
am particularly indebted, owing to the absence
of the Lieut.. Colonel who had awaited himself
of a sick leave and was away from the Regi
ment and Of the detachment OF my Sen'r Major
(Collins.)
In summing up the occurrences of the day,
regret to have to report an accident Detailing
Major Sawyer, occasoned by the falling of his
/ l. L. l.. -.
rendering him unfit for duty, d depriying.mt
of the services OF valuable officer
The casualties of the day, as soon as correct
ly ascertained, will be appended TO this report
May Goth. My Regiment this day being
under the immediate eye of the Brig. Genera
Commanding, deem heightened report u
It's operations unnecessary, and close my re
port by appending list of casualties of this anC
the preceding day.
| am Sir, very respectfully.
) Your most oh servant
/,