The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-03-29
FIGHTING THEM OVER.
What Our Veterans Have to Say About
Their Old Campaigns
Adventures of One of Our Scouts on the
Fitzpatrick Raid.
IN TIGHT PLACES.

~
Amy of the Potomac had to take the Tor
tunes of army life just as they came along
We had. of course certain seasons OF rest,
and then again we passed through adVen-
tures which were of a nature to try Inc
stoptest heart. Aud not only have passed
through MANY scenes of trial and danger
mvself. but members OF my family have also
suffered.
wish to give some account OF my e&pe-
rience on Kilpatrick's raid to Rlchmonu'
the purpose of which was to make oash
ON that city, liberate the Union prisoners at
Belle Isle and Libby Prison, and arm them
from the armory in the city. If everything
were successful so far, then 1t was hopeo
that they could fight their way out to where
some of Gen. Buffers forces had been sent
mn from Fortress Monroe to assist them.
ON the 2sth of February, 1864, 10 OF our
hand of scouts at the Headquarters OF the
Army of the Potomac were ordered to report
to Gen. Fitzpatrick, at StevenSburg, va
We went there, and timed our departure
from Stevensburg so that we should arrive
at Ely's Ford on the Rapidan short time
after dark.
We halted in the woods, and the General
sent Hogan and myself, accompanied py
suitable detail, to cross the river as best we
could. and capture the rebel pickets on the
other side.
After considerable scouting around, we
concluded to make the attempt about hall
mue above the ford, and started to cross the
river holding our ammunition ana arms
above our heads. Though part OF the way
the water came up to our armplts, we d1d
not lock back, but crossed the river all rlght,
and then struck into a ravine between two
rebel pickets, whose position we had accu-
rately located before crossing.
In few moments we were halted, and
then we claimed to be the relief. We were
told to advance and give the countersign.
Hogan went forward. Showing pistol
under the picket's nose, Hogan lntimated
that if he opened his mouth he would dow
the top of his head of.
We secured the whole plcket-llne In the
same way, until we came to the reserve,
which was ouartered in an old house on the
bank above the ford. We surrounded TINS
reserve, and captured them without shot.
We recrossed the Rapidan with our prls-
oners. and reported the way clear. Our
prisoners were sent back to BranLy STATION
and we advanced. Favored by the darkness
of the night we were not noticed, although
before daylight We passed within 81 rods oil
some rebel camps
Perhaps / may as well make a aggression
here. and mention circumstance that oc-
CURED about 2 a. N. One OF our men
accidentally discharged his carbine, which
offended Col Dahlgren so much that he maze
the man dismOunt and lead his horse until
after daylight. felt sorry for the man and
interceded for him, bnt without avail, Tor the
Colonel said that such carelessness ought not
to be overlooked.
On our route toward Richmond we met
several parties who came to investigate, and
we took them right along with Us. The next
morning about 8 o'clock was In advance,
and saw that something unusual was going
on at brick house. reported this, and was
ordered to take 30 men and surround the
house. The rebels were holding a court
martial in the house, and / captured the
whole outfit, prisoners and all. This house
was about 40 or 80 rods eff the main high
way. and when returned to the column the
General said:
Carney, you have finished good job.
Good for you"
We kept the prisoners until the afternoon.
and when we thought they were tired enough
and far enough away from Lees army to do
Us very little injury, We paroled them and
let them 60.
That afternoon my horse gave out, so
started ahead, and little to one side of our
route. 10 find another. Leaving my saddle
in an ambulance and taking the bride on
nv arm, / started for a house / saw about a
mile to the left.
When / cot near the house I noticed an
Old novel Of barn, and upon entering Ii saw
three horses. 4 fUe bay mare took my
fancy so ! slipped the bIidle INTO her mouth
and led her out. She seemed to be very
wild, and bothered NE some, as l had nc
saddle. and by This time three men and -four
or five women came ont Of the house. They
were not looking for Yankees, and supposed
that l was some Confederate ruffiau who
wanted 10 steal their property. One man
yelled for his gun, aud a woman went back
into the house and brought out a shotgun
/ wheeled, and got the mare between mt
and them, and / thought l could get GU
OF their way by the time they reached thu
boyel.
As it was, however ran right into trap
II happened that l WIS in lane, and thi
lane only ran about 10 rods to watering
trough, and then stopped. The pole fenc
was too high Cor the mare to jump. dix
not dare to get of, because the mare was get
ting excited as well as myself. The maj
with the shotgun had not fired, and | there
fore made up my mind that his old blunder
buss was not loaded. So / determined 4
face-Sbout and charge him with my Colt
revolver. But about this time thought
heard the report of a cannon, for sure eBOugl
the gun was loaded, aud in his excitemen
the old rebel fired both barrels at once.
/ was unframed, but some of the sho
struck the mare, and she jumped out froI
under me almost like fash of lightning
j hung onto the bTidle-rein, and was deter
mined TO keep that mare or die. ! was get
ting mad, so / raised my revolver and bega
to pump the lead at them, for the other me
had approached behind the old man. The
Ietreated TO the hovel, and commenced [
load the old gun. led the mare off as raj
idly as / could, and / soon saw the welcom
heads aud shoulders Of Pat McEneany an
Hogan, two Of our scouts, coming up on III
other side of the hill. They were brave boy
aDd they helped me out. 1t seems that the
had heard the firing, and knowing that
was over there somewhere and might be
trouble, they had come as rapidly as poss
Die 10 my assistance.
We soon Joined the command, aud th,
evening our forces captured small Wagon
train loaded with corn, On the way to Ricl
mond- Our horses had a good supper al
breakfast, as well as ourselves, for some
our company came across barrel of peaG
brandy in tie cellar of an old tavern it wa
of course, oon6scated, aud about one-half
the brandy found its way into canteens
fore the General knew it. He ordered tV
kegs from an ambulance TO be filled, and it
Il -