Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-25

maud and I am sure that all Of our old
soldiers will be glad to have an account
of IL. Therefore, for the benefit OF all
who may be interested I'm this famous or
all raids. 1 shall quote from "WelFs
Hampton and his Cavalry I'm 1864. This
was considered one of the most daring
and dangerous raids made by any caval-
~ commander during the civil war, and
hence deserves more than an ordinary no
tice. 1 am sorry that l was not with
them. Mr.. Edward J.. Wells has given us
such an accurate and entertaining ac-
count of the raid that therefore repro
duce that part of his book and In his own
language. He says: ~. .-....
Near Coggins' Point, on the James riv.
er, less than five miles east of City Point
and opposite to Westover, was large
herd of cattle belonging to the Army OF
the Potomac. City Point was the head
quarters of the Army of the Potomac,
and in order to locate these cattle, Hamp-
ton employed trusty scouts. On the morn
ing of the 18th of September Hampton
moved out upon the expedition from his
position south of Petersburg. He took
with him w. II. +. Lees division, Ros-
ser's and bearings brigades and 100 men
from Youngs and Demorants brigades'
He marched as far as Wilkinson's bridge
and bivouacked for the night. Making an
early start the next morning, bearing
nearly north, reached during the day
Cooks bridge on the Blackwater river.
This brought him south of COggins' Point
and only about ten miles from where he
intended to break through their picket
guards. After constructing bridge, and
about midnight, he crossed the river.
sycamore church was about two miles
ahead and the largest detachment Of the
enemy to the herd Of cattle were near II.
To the right and left of this point were
smaller bodies of Federals. ROsser was
assigned the central attack, after accom-
plishing which he was to proceed to APP
propriate and carry away the prospec-
tive beefsteaks.
w. II. f. Lees division was to drive
away the force to the left and TO it was
entrusted the task of holding the roads
from City Point. bearing was near Syca-
more church, and when he heard the fir
ing there, was to dash into and demolish
post about three miles from Fort Pow
hatan on the James, and hold the roads
leading to the fort to prevent attack from
that quarter.
"At 3 o'clock a. m. General Rosser at
tackled. The videttes were driven, but
the main body, a regiment, the First Dis
trict of Columbia cavalry, rallied behind
barricades I'm very good style. However,
-Rosser lost no time, but made short work
of them. annihilating the regiment-aH
not killed, wounded or captured, making
OIL III every ulICIlAolf SRAtthAAAA6 ~DAASN~A
nation throughout the neighborhood and
exaggerated accounts of the numbers of
the raiders.
"As soon as w. II. F. Lees and bearings
people heard the firing they commenced
their part of the program, dispensing or
riding down everything they met. They
then held the roads, as directed, thus pre-
venting assistance being sent to the CEN
trail post, and drove away or took all the
couriers whom they could lay hands on.
Rosser sent forward a detachment to Sc
cure the cattle, which they quickly did,
overpowering the guard of 12O men and
herdsmen Many horses were also taken
IL wagons, three flags and the beeves,
numbering 2,46S Three camps were burn
ed. a considerable quantity of valuable
stores and blankets carried off, and more
destroyed All this was no easy matter,
but II was thoroughly done in business
like manner without undue haste yet with
out loss of tim. Everything had been well
arranged before hand, and was carried
out without a mistake. The troopers be-
came for the occasion amateur cowboys
and good ones too. The Federal herders
of the cattle proved very useful, and
served their new masters as well and APP
parently as readily as If these had been
their original employers.
when the oxen would become trou-
blesome, showing an inclination 10 stray
into the fields and make delay the herd
ers, cracking their long lashes, sounded
like pistol shots. would quickly bring them
back, though II must be confessed
trooper always rode alongside with
handy weapon to insure loyalty.
But everything ran smoothly and the
sight would have gladdened the heart of a
Highland chieftain of the olden time,
but his best lift would have been Insignia
cant compared to this. While all of this
was going on in the most cheerful man
ner for the raiders, the greatest consterna-
ton and bewilderment were prevailing at
Federal headquarters.
"By pre-arrangenent with General Lee
a demonstration was made along the line
of HIS army. bodies of troops were moved
about jas though a general attack would
be made.
Federal headquarters made the wires
hot with kilograms and couriers were sent
galloping for dear life with dispatches.
General Grant was temporarily absent at
Harper's Ferry consulting with Sheridan.
then in the Shenandoah Valley, but he