The Washington herald., 1913-11-08
The Federals Jubilant.

| seven reg1mental stanoaIos anu OuE
guns.
The Federnls Jubilant.
The effect Of the affair at the river
was marked in both armies. The Fed
| erals reported their victory in glow
ing language Fierce hand-to-hand strug-
giles in the works gave this hsht
personal interest that was lacking In
grander battle scenes like those OF
Gettysburg.
The man who had taken prisoners or
slain an enemy at the bayonet's point
had something concrete to recall when
the heat Of battle was over. Many were
the thrilling tales of the fight being
told in the Federal camps fifty years
ago today.
Sixth Maine and Fifth Wisconsin Regi-
| ments. The other regiments Of the Sec
und and Third Brigades of Gen. David
A. Russell's division Of the Sixth Corps
had done noble service. but these two
regiments had led the way into the ConN
federate works. They had lost heavily,
particularly the Maine Regiment: but
they had made a glorious record for
dash and bravery.
An example of incidents Of the day
written into the records is found in the
following paragraphs from the reports
of Mai. George Fuller. who after the
wounding of Lieut. Col BENJAMIN F.
Harris, who fell with a shattered hip
while leading his men, commanded the
regiment
"Sergt. Otis o. Roberts, Of Company
n, with only five men, rushed upon the
color bearer of the Eighth Louisiana Reg
iment who was in the midst Of his color
company, and after a hand-to-hand con-
fict, in which the bayonet was freely
used, succeeded in capturing the colors
and compelling the whole company to
surrender.
''Priyates Robinson Kitching and
Thomas W. Chick, of Company and
Private Lawrence o. Laughlin, of Com
pany @, pursued the enemy to the river,
firing three shots after them, and or
dering them to surrender. Three COM
missioned officers in 175 men obeyed the
order, and the three men marched their
prisoners safely to the rear"
Weak Point in Defense.
In the Confederate ranks stories of
bravery were to be told. too; but the
discounted side does not usually dwell
upon the incidents of its discontinue.
The Confederates rather discussed
gloomily the causes Of the disaster at the
river.
Gen. Jubal A. Early, upon whose d.
vision the loss fell, declared that the Con-
federates placed too great reliance .in
the want of enterprise on the part of
the enemy" adding, the enemy on this
occasion had more enterprise than had
been presumed on"
Gen. Lee in his official report stated
that his scouts had warned him on the
9th of the impending movement Of the
Federals toward the river. 1t was be-
Iieved that the Confederate artillery on
the south bank could prevent a success
full attack on the works on the north
side.
The weak front In the defense he thus
described: ''The valley in front aided in
concealing his (the enemy'9 advance and
a strong wind prevented any movement
from being heard. 1t was essential to the
maintenance Of the position under these
circumstances that sharpshooters should
have been thrown forward to give early
information of his approach, in order
that he might be subjected TO a fire as
long as possible, but it is not stated that
this precaution was taken.s
mo information of the attack was re-
ceived on the south side Of the river
until too late for the artillery there sta
toned to aid in repelling 1t; and It does
not appear that the result would have
been affected, under the circumstances,
Dy tne presence VI u large NUMBER Oh
guns.
''The artillery in the works at the
south end of the (pontoon) bridge was
relied upon to keep it open for the re-
treat of the troops, as it could sweep |
the crest of the opposite hill at a short
range The darkness OF the night and |
the fear OF injuring our own men pre-
vented Gen. Early from using it.
The loss of this position made it nee
essary to abandon the design of attack |
ing the force that had crossed at Kel- |
leys Ford, and the army was withdrawn |
to the only tenable line between CuI- |
peper Courthouse and the Rappahan-
mock, where it remained during the sue
ceeding day November 81. The position |
not being regarded as favorable it re-
turned the following night to the south |
side of the Rapldan-"
For Gen. Lee aggressive movements |
were at an end. Henceforth he must fight |
on the defensive, governing his move
ments by those OF his enemy.
Tomorrow-Capture OF Important
Papers.