Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-07-27
A CAPTAINS BRAVERY.
His Courage Was Rewarded by
Applause from the Enemy.

military operations OF any magnitude
in Virginia were not deemed practi-
cable, though throughout the winter
the cavalry were kept employed, on the
union side at least, in watching an ex-
tended line and from time to time MAX
ing Reconnaissance TO develop the
enemy, with view to ascertaining II
any considerable part Of his force had
been detached TO other fields Of opera
ton farther south.
On one Of these Reconnaissance the
event occurred which l am about to re-
late.
1t must be promised, to an under
standing of what follows, that when
the object Of one army is to find out or
develop facts as to the other, then this
last thwarts attempts of the kind as
far as possible in order to keep the ad-
yersary in ignorance. Thus II Gen.
Meade desired TO ascertain IL the con-
federate army in his front had been re-
duced by sending regiments elsewhere,
Gen. Lee equally desired that this in
formation should not be obtained by
Meade.
On stormy morning in February,
1864, my division of cavalry marched
from it's camps in front of Culpeper
Court House, Va, with instructions to
reconnoitre the left of the enemy's line
on the Rapidan river, and develop the
force in that direction without BRING
| ing on a general engagement.
To reach the desired position II was
necessary To march a considerable dis
lance TO the south and cross the Rob
inson river. a tributary of the Rapidan
The division consisted of three brig
AIDES of cavalry. each of the brigades be-
ing accompanied by a battery of light,
or horse. artillery. A force Of confed-
crate cavalry which was on picket duty
on Robinson river was easily driven in,
and ON the evening Of the day we
| started we found ourselves face to face
with the enemy, with the Rapidan river
between us.
The work Of discovering the enemys
strength was, owing to the lateness OF
the hour, nut off till the following
morning. After placinp our picltets 10
insure against surprise, we made our.
selves as comfortable for the night as
the weather of an unusually raw Vir.
pinia February would permit.
Early the following morning the cav,
airy and artillery moved toward the
river in our front, and lively slsirmisll
with small arms, accompanied by artil
lerv. commenced and was well sus.
tanned ON both sides.
The result was far from satisfactory.
DO what we would. the enemy persist.
entity declined to show force beyond
what was necessary TO engage our
sl,irmish lines, and he uncovered but a
gun or two at intervals along his lines
To reply TO our artillery.
We could plainly make out long and
formidable preastworks on the farther
hank Of the river, but whether these
were occuried by MANY or few soldiers
our best efforts and most ingenious
plans failed to discover. The entir,
morning was spent in these vain at
tempts.
II will be understood that loss Of lif,
on the picket line and TO a less degree
ON reconnaissance is not directly de
cisiye of a war; hence we speak of livei
"thrown away" in these duties. How
ever in order TO gather information, 4
may be necessary TO expose soldiers I,
danger. wounds and even death; ant
we were now facing that necessity.
IL was finally decided that the onl,
way to make the enemy show his fore,
was TO cross, or try to cross, the ford II
our front. II this succeeded, the enem,
was TO be driven out of his works /
possible; II not, he would drive us bacl
across the stream with possibly sever
loss 10 our troops.
Reluctantly. under these circum
stances, the division was organized TO
the work
Leading the advance guard, consist
ing Of a squadron of cavalry, was Capt
Ash-destined to be the hero OF the oC
casion. Following this advance at
proper distance were the cavalry an
artillery Of the division, properly forme
for effecting Judgment on the farthe
ride OF the river. This stream was nc
more than thirty yards across in II
broadcast part, and at this season wa
easily fordable.
The instructions TO Capt Ash col
l ~. H.. -