Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1905-02-16
(Writtea for the Beaeon.)
Pelham -Breathed Battery.
BY FL. z. MATTHEWS.
DEATH OF JOHN PELHAM.
PART VIII.

to Feb. 18th. We had a remarkable
good time, having become acquain-
ted with some of the people of that
locality, enjoying their hospitality
when profered. Sorgum boilings
and cuttings we're our delight. es-
pecially when presided over by the
fair ssz We hesams very much 81
tacbed 70 them. not giving them any
cause TO regret that the horse artil-
lery had encamped in their vicinity.
Our gallant Capt. Jim Breathed used
TO go with as occasionally, not deem
ing himself of too great Importance
to 60 with the boys Of his greatly
loved battery. In camp, Breathed
was one of the boys, jolly and COM
panionable (as was his able Lieut.,
Dan Shanks,) protecting and guard
ing their interest with the most jeal-
Gus care. He very seldom ate at his
own mess, but visited around among
the boys, eating with the gang that
had the most tempting menu. He
would often come to our mess, for
he knew we were good foragers,
and always had something to eat if
there was anything in the land.
He would come in and sit down and
say boys, think | will dine with
you today" This occurred very oft
en-. tits needless to say that we were
all very glad to have him, for who
in that grand old battery that did
not love Jim Breathed. While am
writing of Breathed | will say this,
(and challenge contradiction that
he was mentioned in Gen. orders by
Gen. r. E. Lee and his other superb
ors more frequently than any other
officer Of his arm of the service.
Our mess consisted of all George
town boys, except Town Dodson,
who was from Washing on, D. c.,
Charlie Wilson, Bob Mackall and
Lloyd Beal and your humble SER
rant.
Lloyd Beal at the breaking out of
the war resigned his commission as
Capt. OF Federal Regular battery
and came to US. wish to say here
thai Breathed in camp and Breath
ed on the field were entirely two
different people. In action he was
the officer all over, commanding the
respect aid instantaneous obedience
Of every man in the command. a.
never had to speak twice; wo. to
that man who showed IL wuite
leather. He hau better pack up and
depart, for he would have to.
On Feb. 9th, we broke camp AMI
reported to Gen. Fitz Lee, who was
at New Vierdersvil!e with his bri-
gade. Wecrosssd the Raccnon Ford.
going to near Culpeper c. H., where
we went into camp on the north
bank of Mountain run, reaching tina,
point Feb. 18th. Fi,z Lee relieved
Hampton, who had been guarding
the upperfords of the Rsppahannock.
On the l4th, Fitz Lee crossed the
river at Kelly's Ford with detacb-
ments from the lst, End aud 3rd regi-
ments Of Va. cavalry, making a re-
connosianceon the Falmouth road ad-
vancing as far as HARDWOOD Church.
de took with him the End section of
Breathed s battery, commanded by
the brave 1t. Dan Shanks, one of
the most gallant officers in the bat
terry. He was fearless. On run
ming into the 9th U. S. Corps, Gen.
Lee retired across the river, after
capturing $50 prisoners, represent
ing 2 regiments, with their horses,
arms and equipments, and commits
stoned officers. This movement was
made through abou. inches of
snow and the weather bitter cold.
The men had to sweep away the
snow in order to find a place to lie
down in. The horses suffered very
much, having to stand in the snow
the better part Of two nights.
l was particularly uncomfortable.
having on my feet but canvass shoes,
minus stockings. The consequence
was my feet was nearly frozen all
the time during the entire trip. On
the 18th of March Gen. Averill re-
ceived instructions to attack, de-
stccy and rout the Confederate
forces under Stuart. How well he
dio it remains to be seen. Accord
ingly. on the 10th of the month, with
2lOO cavalry and artillery Martin 8
9Th N. 7. horse battery advanced
to Kelley's ford, reaching there on
the 17th at 8 a. m. Gen. Fitz Lee
had been notified by courier that
a large body Of the enemy's cavalry
were approaching in the direction of
the Rappahannock river. He could
not tell whether they would cross at
Kelly's ford or at the bridge, or
would march to Warrenton. Under
these circumstances hestrengthened