The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-06-12

Governor Curtin. the chief executive of Penn
syivana, thinking it probable, had by procla-
nation endeavorcd TO stir up his patriotic
citizens TO renewed efforts and sacrifices; the
ever-watchfll press had discussed the matter
publicly and given editorial opinions and az
vice based on the abundant rumors. General
Hooker, however, seems to have had no
valid evidence from bis scouts till about the
25th of May that Lee contemplated move
ment Even then everything opposite cur
pickets appeared 10 tie III stata quo On the 9th
of June l rode from my headquarters then
near Brooks Station on the Acqula Creek
Railway to General Hookers headquarters,
and returning made note that the day before
there was cann0nading near Fredericksburg
a sort of reconnaissance in force on our part,
with an attempt To lay bridge; that some
brigades of the enemy were reported moving
of, but that as soon as cur troops began 10
show signs Of making a crossing their
brigades reappeared 1t was the very after
noon Of my ride TO headquarters the 9Th OF
June) that the bridges were thrown over the
Rappahannock, near Franklins crossing,
There was some resistance, but only by Skin
misheTs. The same method was pursued as at
the Fredericksburg battle, and the sending
over soldiers in boats served to dislodge the
enemy's pickets and secure the crossing.
Early the 9th of June General Howe, of the
9th corps, moved his division to the enemy's
side and made ready to advance but orr gen.
erals orders from Halleck were so positive not
TO move over TO attack in that quarter that ii
was impossible by a simple demonstration long
4 to deceive Lee. At first Lee did bring back
/ some troops, put them in readiness TO With
4 stand Howe, and sent checking orders to other
4 of his forces which were already en- route To-
ward the west. But very soon Howe's move
ment was plainly seen TO be but demonstra'
/ tioD, and so believing, General Lee went on tC
carry out his purpose.
CONFEDERATE CONCENTRATION AT CULPEPER
The facts were, though the Confederate lines
/ appeared so fully occupied, that Lees force:
had for some days been in motion. Stuart with
] his cavalry was watching the Rappahannock
/ with his headquarters not far from Culpeper
/ Longstreet's corps was concentrating there and
4 Ewell en- route. Lee himself started, aftel
Howes demonstration for the same point. Cul
pepper was TO be to him, as we shall see, tht
point Of a new departure.
Besides Howe's reconnaissance, Genera
Hooker determined to make another by cav
airy supported by infantry. Some lines which
/ ] have, dated the 10th of June, afford glimpse
of the situation Colonel Underwood com
manded the SD Massachusetts,, of Steinwehri
division Of the 18th corps. A scoutin!
party had been organized General Adelher
!
parted 10 proceed up the Rappahannock ant
attack Stuart or intercept one of his raids. Tn
/ derwoods regiment formed part of Ames com
mand His wife and little daughter had jus
arrived in camp. But l was obliged TO choos
his regiment, deeming it the best fitted 70
{ the work TO be done. "An engage
! ment is now IN progress between our eayalr.
and that of General Stuart not far from CGl
pepper. General Ames with his brigade must b
there. / do hope this affair viii be success
worth the mention. / understand that Stuar
was completely surprised just as he was gettin
ready to go on some expedition TO the north G
! Us. Particulars Of the engagement have 10
yet come TO hand. One brigade of Genera
Sedgwick's corps (Russell's) IS also with Pleas
onton, who now commands our cavalry.
division of the same corps is still across til
river below Fredericksburg. Gu
own guns cover these troops and they can sta
there In safety as long as they please. Harr
Stinson, my aid-de-camp, has gone with Gen
eral Ames."
sTUART's REVIEW.
The story is that Stuart, having spent niue
time in putting his cavalry into excellent cor
dition, had written General Lee entTeating hin
TO come and give il review. On the 9Th
June Lee joined him near Culpeper, whe
with a smile he said as he pointed TO Long
streets corps, Here ! ana with my friends
according 10 your invitation" The next day
in the open country, not far from Brandy Sta
ton, upon ground well fitted for the purpos1
Stuart caused his whole cavalry force to pass j
review before his generai-in-caief. 1t is sal
that Stuart. in such presence, was not conteI
with a simple review, bHs drilled his brigade
and exercised them in a sham fight freel
using MS light artillery.
After these exercises, Stuart placed his head
quarters upon a knoll called Fleetwood Hill
r~f.a
Three brlgsdes were n biyouac near hin
viz, those of Robertson, W. ii. F. Lee $50
Of General Robert Z. Lee, and Wade Hampton
The mounted artillery was also in this neigi
borhood. Jones brigade was sent to continu
its guard Of the upper crossings of the Rapps
hammock. The remaining portion of the Cor
federate cavalry. under Colonel Munford, con
manding it IN the absence Of Fitzhngh Lei
who was III at the time. was encamped alon
the route which Lees columns were soon I
take when they should march from CulpepC
10 the Shenandoah Valley.
PLEAsoNTox's PLANS.
On our side Pleasonton assembled his con
mand, consisting Of three divisions, unds
Buford, Gregg and Dufie,- and waited Il
the two brigades Of infantry which / hay
named Anes and Russellis) to Join Kim. The
without any accurate knowledge Of Stuart
whereabouts, and none whatever of the pre-
ence Of Confederate infantry in that yicinit
, be divided his force-at first into two co
uInns.
Buford's division, aided by Ames' brigad
was TO pass the Alexandria Railroad and for,
a crossing Of the Rappahannociz at BeyerI
Ford, while the second column, containing Il
> remainder Of the troops, was TO pass the riy
below the railroad at Kelley's Ford. Greg
supported by Russell, was ordered 10 move d
! rectly toward Brandy Station, while Duff
separating from Gregg, was instructed
branch of to the left and reconnoiter the rout
south Of the river, to see if any portion of Lee
: army was in motion upon them. Such VI
Pleasontons plan.
At dawn on the 9th Of June, 1863, beiI
favored with heavy fog, the columns crosse
the river with scarcely any opposition. Co
federate Jones picket posts were captured
dispersed by Buiord's leading brigade. TIL
brigade was in charge Of Colonel b. +. Dav
4 (the colonel oftheS th New York cavalry, whit
at this time led the column. Davis was elias
: mate of mine at West Point and dista
= relative OF JET Davis. Without giving al
reasons for his course, he remained steadfast
attached to the Union cause. Often playil
an important part in the war, he particular
distinguished himself by saving his emit
: troop from the inglorious surrender Of o
;, General Miles at Harper's Ferry at the time
the Antietam campaign of 90. He was fam
iarly called among his comrades, Grimes
Davis.
4 STUART DRIVEN BACK.
s At this time Davis rushed On and came ne
IS capturing several Of Stuart's batteries.
70 though completely surprised, Jones fort