The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-12-25
tured too.-JosEPH MARSH, late Jack-o'-Dust,
U. S. Monitor Winnebago, Manchester, n. II.
RAPPAHANNOCK.
The Sixth Germs,

To THE EDITOR: In your issue Of Oct. .,
1884, j see an article from Comrade Stillwell,
9th Wis, in which he mentions the name of
RappahannOck Station. i never yet have read
an account of that fight in which | thought
justice was done to the troops who made the
action complete success 10 the Union arms.
Nov. z, 1863, the Sixth Corps broke camp
near Warrenton, Va, and moved directly to-
wards Rappahannock Station. 1t arrived III the
vicinity shortly after noon, and soon the Skin
mishers were at work with the enemy, mile
or more north of the river. As our skirmlsh-
ers advanced those of the enemy fell rapidly
back until their works were seen, which con-
sisted CT fort or redoubt north of the river,
near the railroad enlbankment and ritle-pits
extending left from the fort and resting on the
river below. A pontoon bridge spanned the
river, by which the enemy advanced to the
works i'll order to protect the railroad bridge
and station, as well as prevent our crossing.
Our corps was on the right of the railroad as
we advanced. The Third Brigade, First Divis-
ion, Sixth Corps composed OF the 5th Wis, 9th
Me, 43d n. Y, and some troops from Pennsyl-
vania were ordered forward, and by gallant
charge captured the fort in question about sun
down, or dusk. Some of the Fifth Corps
sl.irmisherS who advanced on the left of the
railroad crossed the track and Joined III the
assault on the fort. Next morning saw 44th
n. Y. soldiers with Fifth Corps badges on their
b,
much for the gallant Third Brigade. But l
believe the success gained by them could not
have been permanent had it not been for the
Second Brigade, which, as usual, was not idle.
Col Emory Upton, 12lst \. Y. Il think he
then commanded the hrigade), obtained per-
mission of Gen. Sedgwick to advance and sup
port the charging column and skirmish- line
extending TO the right. We advanced double
quick across an open space under 4 terrific fire
of shell just as the sun was disappearing be-
hind the Blue Ridge, and halted III 4 ravne %
or IS rods in front of the rile-pits, where we
uaslung knapsacks and fixed tayoncts. About
this time the laird Brigade was entering the
fort. Col. Upton then took the 12lst \. \.
and 9Th Me.-Co Edwards commanding-an
ordered us forward. We were soon in and over
the pits and through them-our left reaching
the fort already captured by the Third Bril-
gade. The left wing of the 121st moved direct
TO the pontoon bridge to prevent the escape of
the enemy, but the Commanding General had
already made good his escape The right wing
and the 9TH Me- then moved by the right flank
in rear of the pits and again charged the as
tOnished rebels from the rear. BY this time
our formation was all gone and it was hard to
distinguish friend from foe. There were sur
rendered to the 121st n Y. and 9Th Me. over
1900 prisoners, 1,400 small arms, and four bat
tle-fags. Col. Upton regained q sword that
night from Confederate Lieutenant that he
lost at Salem Church May 3. Comrades, let us
hear your view of it after p years.-JoHN Nj.
LovEJoY, Co. q, 12lst n. Y, South Valley,
n V