Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1901-01-03
THE BATTLE OF KELLY's FORD.

On the 18th OF March, 1903, Gen-
eral Averill, with 2,l00 cavalry, four
pieces of artillery and three days ra-
tions, attempted to make a reconnois-
ssnce to Culpeper Court-House. At
daylight he crossed the Rappahannock
river at Kelly's Ford, captured the
picket and established his line on the
south bank of the river.
Fitz Lees brigade, numbering 500
men, was encamped near CulpePer
Court-House. At daylight Fitz Lee
was notified by a courier that the en-
envy had crossed the river and was adj
vanciDg. The brigade was at once
ordered to the front. As each regi-
ment received the order they were
pushed rapidly forward. The Third
was the first to arrive upon the field,
followed by the Fifth, commanded by
the gallant Rosser. The enemy was
drawn up in line ready for the fray.
Averill's right rested on the river
near the Wheatley Ford, his left extend
ing beyond the Brooks house.
General Lee ordered the Third to
charge, which was made in column OF
fours, but owing to stone fence which
separated them from the enemy, they
were compelled to fall back and re-
form. 1t was in this charge that the
gallant Pelham was killed. The Third
was now joined by the Fifth under
Colonel Rosser. The Fifth, supported
by the Third, was again ordered to
charge. 1t now looked as if Rosser
would sweep everything before him,
As the column madly dashed forward
the enemy opened upon them with
grape and canister. The fighting was
at close quarters. The charge was led
by Major Fuller, of the Fifth, who
with flashing eye and drawn sword
was giving the command, forward,
men. forward !" when he was instantly
killed as the last words fell from his
lips General AveriIl concentrated
his forces at this point, making stub
born resistance, and with the help OF
his artillery, which swept the field,
Rosser was compelled to retire. Col.
Duffee, commanding the left wing OF
the Federals, advanced his forces,
which were met by the Fourth Nlr-
ginia, which charged the Sixth OHIO,
driving it back. The Fourth New
York charged the Fourth Virginia,
and drove them rapidly down the
road, when the Second Virginia, took
the Fourth New York in flank and
rear, driving them across the field
in confusion. The First Rhode Island
beiug on the extreme left, the Second
passed very near them, exposing their
flank. The First Rhode Island was
not slow to take the advantage that
was now offered them. The Second
Virginia, being hotly engaged with
the Fourth New York, did not notice
the First Rhode Island until they
were close upon them. The Second
being scattered iu their charge, were
unable to resist the charge made by
fresh troops, and were compelled to
fall back ,hotly pressed by the Yankees.
The First Virginia, being the last reg
iment to receive the order that was
sent to the brigade, was the last to
arrive upon the field. When about
mile from the battlefield, while
travelling at a brisk trot, a courier
rode up to Col. Drake with an order
from General Stuart to come like light
ming. The distance was soon covered
and without hating the regiment was
ordered to charge, which was unsuc-
cessful, owing to the scattered condl-
ton of the mep, caused by the rapid
manner in which we were marching.
The First fell back in good order, and
reformed in the edge of the timber on
the left of the road leading to Kelly 8
Ford. This was lucky thing tor
the First Virginia 1t was now that
the Second Virginia was being driven
back by the First Rhode Island and
Fourth New York. The Second had
made a grand and successful charge,
but was now falling back rapidly,
hotly pressed by the Yankees. On
they came, cutting, slashing and yell
ing like devils. When almost oppo-
site the First, Col. Drake ordered US
to charge.
The ground upon which the fight
ing took place was perfectly level and
the charges and counte-chsrges could
be seen from any part Of the field.
When the First Virginia struck the
Yankee column the fighting became
desperate, as there were now twelve