The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-10-15

What 0ur Veterans Have to Say About
Their Old Campaigns.
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION
GEN. Upton,s Order In REGARD to the Flight.


To THE EDITOR: In your issue of Dec. %,
1884, appeared an article, signed by the writer,
about the charge at Rappahannock Station, Va,
Nov. Z 1863 which was very severely criticised
by members of the Third Brigade First Di-
vision. Sixth Corps. ] wonld not rob the Third
Brigade of the honors due il, but simply ask
for fair play | still claim that the success of
that day would have been slight had not the 5th
Me. and 12lst \. Y. charged latter dark and
captured the rfiepits which contained more
than LOCO onederates-enough to have re-
taken the fort or redoubt before 10 o'clock In
support OF this assertion / furnish proof suffi-
cicnt TO remove all doubt from the minds of
the "0ld Sixth Corps boys" and I can furnish
more, If need be, from officers of the famous
Louisiana Tigers, who surrendered that night.
have in my possession the original order of
Col. E. Upton, commanding Second Brigade,
which | offer as proof and respectfully ask its
publication:
HEADQUARTERS, SECOND BRIGADE,
Nov. II, 1868.
Capt HURD. A. A.G
Ihave the honor TO submit the following report
of the operations of this brigade OH the evening of
Nov. Z ut Rappahannocl Station.
The brigade broke camp near Warrenton Mt day
light and with the division marched to the railroad
about a mile and a quarter from Rappahannocs
Station, arriving about p. m.
1t was there formed in two lines. the right con-
meeting with the First, the left with the Third
Brigade
In this position it remained till about 5 p M,
when the whole was advanced TO within thousand
yards of the encmy's works, where the brigade
halted under cover from the enemy's artillery.
About dusk Capt. Tyler, of Gen. Rus5els staff,
brought me the order TO bring my two regiments
rapidly TO the front to help hold the redoubts al
ready captured by the Third Brigade. The 9Th
Me. and l2lst \. V, being in the front line,
immediately ordered forward, and to avoid delay
We're directed to load while marching As soon as
the loading was completed they took the double
quick, and arrived near the rcdoubt.
The Third Brigade still holding possession of the
works they had captured, Gen. Russell directed me
to dislodge the enemy from n pit to our right
OF the redoubt, and from which he maintained an
enfilading fire.
Under cover of darkness the two regiments
formed within a hundred yards of the enemy who
still continued his fire. unslung knapsacks and
fixed bayuncts.
Strict orders were given not to fire.
Everything being ready, the line advanced at
quick time 10 within so yards of the works. when
the order TO charge was given.
The work was carried at the point of the bayonet
and without firing a shot.
The enemy fought stubbornly over their colors,
but being oVcrpowered soon surrendered.
The regiments were Immediately reformed within
the rifie-pits. Word was brought me that the
enemy holding the rife pits still right
in confusion. He could also be seen moving to his
rear
Mai. Mather, of the 12lst " Y. was directed to
take a portion of his regiment and intercept his
retreat
portion of the 5th Me- and I2lst " " were d.
recsed 10 charge the enemy at doube-qUick. with
out firing The remainder of the force was held in
reserve in case of emergency.
Maj. M.tler soon found the bridge, and dispoSing
his force to hold il, sent the remainder up the
river bank 10 capture those who might make the
vastly superior force was advancing upon him, and
also aware that his retreat intercepted, laid
down his arms. The entire Louisiana brigade of
sGtonewall Jacksons old division captured be-
hind their riiie-uts
The movement ordered by Gen Russell resulted
In capturing six colors, one color lance IO3 COM
missioned officers, 200 enlisted men, and ! ,225
stand of arms
The 5h Me- took into action 233 men and 81 Off
GERS, the l2lst y. V 259 men and 10 officers. The
95th and goth Pa were brought TO the front Lieut.
Col Lessig. of the g5th, took position to hold the
bridge. Lieut-Co Carroll, of the 95th, took charge
of the prisoners.
1 cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both
officers and men, the GOODNESS and steadiness they
displayed while advancing upon the enemy the
implicit obedience yielded TO every order are char
acteTistic OF the best veteran troops
Col. Edwards commanding 5th Me-, personally
disarmed 81 officers. Maj. Mather, 12lst Y. " COM
manded his regiment with entire success. He ar
rested many of the enemy who Were attempting to
cross the river. From my own staff j received in
every instance prompt and gallant assistance
Capt. Il. p. Wilson, A. A. G., Capt ii. :. Hall, a.
4. g.. and First Lieutenant +. w. Morse, A d. c.,
entered the rlfiepits with the men, and 10 their
united efforts may be attributed in great degree
the pronlptness with which both regiments re-
formed inside the works Capt Wilson was
wounded iii the wrist upon entering the works
but bearing rebel color refused to leave the field
till after the whole work was accomplished. He is
q most gallant and accomplished officer.
would also recommend to your notice Capt. j.
ID. Fish, Co. ID, I2lst \. Y who commanded the
SklrnssilerS OF The Second Brigade. He fought
elongside the 9th Me in their assault upon the re-
Soubt and remained with them throughout the
action.
Inciosed is a list of colors captured, with the
mines OF the men who captured them.
am, sir very respectfully, your obedient SER
want.
tSigned) f. UPTON, Colonel Commanding.
HEADoEs SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
SIXTH CORPS, Nov IL, 1868.
Capt HUED, Assistant Adjutant- q neraI:
have the honor TO forward the names of officers
and men of this brigade who captured coIors from
the enemy in the e-pits at Rappahannock Station
OIL the evening of Nov. Z:
Name of captors Regiments Colors captd.
Lieut.. A s. Lyon.....-...5th Maine Sth La
Corp'l T. Shacklord....... % 18th La
Private j. A. Littefieid. 80 nth &C
Corp'I E. BIondelI......... /" 18th ~ G.
Private Philip Smith. .l2lst N. Y-5ith NC.
Sas Waterman d" 9th La
Barney Trainer. Color lance of n
Louisiana color,
from which the
color torn.
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient SER
want,
f. UPToE, Colonel Commanding
j NJ. Lovejoy, Co. g, 121st n. Y, South VAL
ley, Otscgo Co., n. Y.