Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- Colonel A.G. Hamilton

From Famous Adventures and Prison Escapes of the Civil War

Colonel Rose's compatriot who became separated from him early in the escape, Major Andrew G Hamilton tells us how. . . .

. . . I trudged on alone. The first night I made eight miles in the half-frozen swamps, and traveled seven nights before reaching the Union lines at Williamsburg. While traveling I was in ice and water to my knees the greater part of the time, and often it was up to my waist. I was about the fifth man to reach our lines — two had come in the day before and two the night previous to that.

- History of the famous tunnel Escape From Libby Prison As Told by Maj. A. G. Hamilton, One of the Projectors

Major Hamilton recently received his own historical marker in Kentucky.

His later tragic fate here.



 

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- Colonel Thomas E. Rose

 A little biographical information on Colonel Thomas E. Rose from the website of Arlington National Cemetery . . .

He entered the United States Army at the outbreak of the Civil War, serving as Captain, 77th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry from October 28, 1861 to February 1, 1863. He then commanded the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps of the Army of the Cumberland; 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, XX Corps, Army of the Cumberland. 

He was captured by Rebel forces at the Battle of Chickamauga and escaped at Weldon, North Carolina, but was re-captured the next day. Was a member of the escaping party at Libby Prison through the 20th Street Tunnel and was one of the 50 re-captured before they could reach Union lines. 

He was Breveted Brigadier General, United States Volunteers in 1865 in recognition of his Civil War Service.

Following the war, he remained in the Army until he retired in 1894 with the Regular Army rank of Major. He died in 1907 and was buried in Section 3, Grave 1818, of Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Lydia C. Trumbower Rose (1831-1922) is buried with him.

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- "Lieutenant Caustin, of the United States regular army . . ."

ONE MORE RECAPTURED. - Lieutenant Caustin, of the United States regular army, one of the officers who escaped from the Libby prison in the recent wholesale jail delivery from that establishment, was on Friday recaptured in the neighborhood of New Kent Court House. He was brought back to Richmond on Saturday and re-committed to the Libby.

- The Richmond Whig, February 22, 1864



Interestingly, this would be Lieutenant Manuel C. Causten's 3rd capture.

His fascinating story, and how he was captured before even joining the Army, here.

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- Rose's Tale

From The Photographic History of the Civil War; Vol. VII

Feb. 14, 1864—Col. Thomas E. Rose of the 77th Pennsylvania Infantry, Who, With Maj. A.G. Hamilton of the 12th Kentucky Cavalry, Planned the Tunnel by Which 109 Federal Officers Escaped from Libby Prison on Feb. 9, Was Recaptured Within Sight of a Federal Cavalry Command, Near Williamsburg, Va.

Fifty years ago today Col.Thomas E. Rose, of the 77th Pennsylvania infantry. who, with Maj. A.G. Hamilton of the 12th Kentucky cavalry, planned the tunnel by which 109 Federal officers had escaped from Libby prison, Richmond. on February 9. was recaptured within sight of a Federal cavalry command, near Williamsburg, on the peninsula.

On leaving the tunnel the escaped prisoners bad made their way in groups of two, three and four, out of the sleeping city. Only one was apprehended within the city limits. This was Capt. Junius Gates of Co. K. 33d Ohio regiment.  While the prison authorities, astounded at the escape, were searching the prison to discover how it was accomplished, the others were either hiding in places indicated by friends, in the suburbs of Richmond, or were concealed in the thickets and swamps between the city and the Chickahominy river, the nearest stream to the city on the east, distant from six to 12 miles. Only the 109 Federals who passed through the tunnel on the night of February 9 ever used It. The other prisoners bad no opportunity again to approach its inner end, by way of the passage that had been formed to the cellar through a chimney from the cook room of the prison. The tunnel was not discovered by the prison authorities for several days after February 9. Then the outer end was found, by the removal of a plank with which the last prisoner to leave had covered It. This was under an open shed 57 feet across a vacant lot, in a yard opening upon 19tb street, by means of a gate under an arch In a building facing that street. A negro was forced at the bayonet's point to enter the tunnel and crawl through it. Its course to the abandoned east cellar of the prison was thus discovered

    

Warned by a Sentinel

Col. Rose and Maj. Hamilton, by virtue of their leadership in planning  the tunnel and directing the work of the company of 15 who dug it, had been the first two to pass out of it, Rose leading. Opening the heavy gate In the arch,which was held by a bar, they stepped out Into the light of a gas street lamp. It was then shortly after 7 P. M. The life, of the city was passing as usual in the down-town streets near the prison. Only a block away was Main street, here rarely quiet.

Between them and that street a sentry paced his beat. His back was toward them as they slipped out of the arch, and when he turned and saw them walking away at an ordinary pace— for he could not have failed to see them—he did not attempt to stop them by a challenge. People were passing every few minutes, and there was nothing about the prisoners to distinguish them as such. They wore civilian clothes— secured from home— and wore Federal blue overcoats. This would excite no comment in Richmond, for the prison guards themselves wore blue overcoats, when they had any, captured from the Federals or a purchase from the prisoners having supplied them. Col. Rose had on a Confederate gray cap, and this helped him.

A few minutes after leaving the arch. Col. Rose and Ma]. Hamilton passed a hospital. In front of which was a sentry. He hailed them, asking them If they didn't know people were not allowed to use the sidewalk in front of the hospital after dark.

The two escaped prisoners made no reply, but started across the street. Hamilton started to run. Rose kept an ordinary pace and passed the hospital. The friends were thus separated and thenceforth Rose kept on alone. Col. Hamilton eventually fell In with other prisoners and succeeded to reaching the Federal lines at Williamburg.

After walking briskly for half an hour Col. Rose found himself outside the lighted section of the city and in the broken country of gullies and ravines lying east of the suburb on the James called Rocketts.

He struck rapidly for the York River Railroad, the line to the southeast, and followed it until, toward morning, he knew himself to be in the vicinity of the Chlckahominy. He was in a section of alternating, fields, thickets, swamps and forests, or one of the old battlefields of Gen. McClellan's campaign of the spring of 1862. Knowing that this region was picketed by Confederate troops, the escaped prisoner crawled into a hollow log at daybreak for real and sleep. He had labored Incessantly at digging In the last two days of the tunneling and wag exhausted. Furthermore, an old break in the bones of one of his feet, sustained In a Tennessee fight, was beginning to trouble him.

Sleeping soundly In the hollow log, in spite of bis cramped position and the cold. Col. Rose woke In the afternoon. Before leaving the log he lay for some time listening to the sounds in the woods about him. They were few until to his surprise he heard the neighing of horses, the talk of soldiers and various other familiar sounds of a camp. He had slept near the camp of a Confederate cavalry picket.

In the late afternoon Colonel Rose emerged from his tree and, carefully creeping past the camp, made for the Chickahominy. He was so fortunate as to reach it at a point where by deep wading, it was fordable. The water was icy cold, but he plunged in, and, though he fell into a few deep holes, he managed to reach the far side. He now found that before him lay a dense swamp, the extent of which, in the dim light, he could not Judge.

Hunted by Cavalry.

Entering the swamp Colonel Rose waded and splashed through water and mire at times to his waist. Under the trees It was now completely dark. After a long and exhausting tramp in the swamp, the weary fugitive reached firm ground, and almost at the moment found himself near a picket camp. Avoiding this he struck into a deep woods, in the recess of which a little later he built a fire with some precious matches he had kept dry In his cap.  There was danger In the fire, but Its warmth was a great comfort, and beside Its grateful glow the exhausted man slept soundly until morning. Waking stiff and sore, with his foot paining him and his clothes frozen on one side and burned on the other, he set out again southeastward.  Passing Crump's Cross Roads, where he avoided another picket, he reached the neighborhood of New Kent courthouse before dark. Here in crossing a field he was overtaken by a cavalryman, who asked him if he belonged to the local cavalry. Trusting to his gray cap, Rose answered yes. The man rode off and Colonel Rose saw that he soon entered a camp.

Fearing pursuit Colonel Rose plunged Into a laurel thicket. His fears were well grounded, for a troop of cavalry was soon engaged in a man hunt, beating the thicket and some woods beyond, which Rose had reached.

Seeing that his case was desperate Rose left the wood and hid in a drain In a field, through which be crept on his hands and knees for nearly half a mile, throwing his pursuers off the scent.

The drain brought him to the Williamsburg road, near which he lay for some hours resting.

Thenceforth his route was along this road. Pickets were encountered every few miles, but he crept around them and kept on until he had passed Dlascund Bridge and came to a place called Burnt Ordinary, which was but 12 miles from Williamsburg. Negroes who had fed and guided him at intervals had told him Williamsburg was in Federal hands.

Taken In sight of Friends 

To the great Joy of the limping and weary fugitive on coming out of the edge of a wide cleared space he saw a troop of cavalry Tiding up the distant road. They were Federals. Weakened by the long fight for liberty that seemed now won. Rose sat down to wait their arrival.

This moment of indulgence in fancied security was fatal. Before the cavalry had come up Colonel Rose saw coming up behind him threw men who also seemed to he Federals. He approached them and too late discovered that they were Confederates wearing Federal overcoats. They commanded him to surrender and as their carbines covered him he could do nothing.

The Confederates now saw the approaching Federals for the first time, a ridge having cut off their view before.They now ordered Colonel Rose, under guard of one of their number, to the rear.

As he was escorted up the road Colonel Rose, watching a chance. with the strength of desperation wrenched the man's gun from him and firing it off threw it down and began to run Unhappily he ran headlong into a group of Confederates he had not before observed. They ware watching the approaching Federals, soon the officer in command@ them ordered a retreat and so the troopers who might have saved him came in sight over over the ridge Rose caught one fleeting glimpse of and then was hustled off, limping and discouraged, in the direction of Richmond. In less than two days he was back in Libby prison. In solitary confinement, on bread and water diet, sick, worn out and miserable.

In April, 1864, Colonel Rose was exchanged. He served with distinction to the end of the war and afterward in the regular army, being a captain in the 16th Infantry.

Of the 109 who escaped from Libby prison 69 reached the Federal lines, 48 were retaken and two perished by drowning. Of the 48 who escaped 26 were within the lines at Williamsburg on February 16 and the others continued to come in, there and on the upper Rappahannock and the lower Potomac, for the next two weeks.

-Buffalo Evening News, February 14, 1914

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- "If one-fourth the escaped prisoners get in it will surprise me"

Escape route- winter 1863-1864

                      FORT MAGRUDER, February 15, 1864.

Brigadier-General WISTAR,

             Commanding:

The following are the names:

1. William B. McCreery, colonel Twenty-first Michigan Infantry.

2. H.C. Hobart, lieutenant-colonel Twenty-first Wisconsin Infantry.

3. T.S. West, lieutenant-colonel Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry.

4. Alexander von Mitzel, major Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry.

5. Samuel Clark, captain, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry.

6. Gottlieb C. Rose, captain, Fourth Missouri Cavalry.

7. Albert Wallber, adjutant Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry.

8. N.S. McKeen, first lieutenant, Twenty-first Illinois Infantry.

9. George M. Welles, second lieutenant, Eighth Michigan Cavalry.

                                            ROBT. M. WEST,
                                             Colonel, Commanding.

                      [Indorsement.]

Major-General BUTLER:

The above are the 9 officers just arrived at Williamsburg.

                                    I.J. WISTAR,
                                     Brigadier-General.





                                   FEBRUARY 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General WISTAR,

                    Yorktown:

Richmond papers of 12th, received, say 109 prisoners escaped, and that 26 were recaptured, none less than 20 miles from Richmond. All of them must have crossed the Chickahominy. Have you anything further in regard to them? Many of them must still be secreted in the woods.

                                    J. W. SHAFFER,
                                 Colonel and Chief of Staff.





                               YORKTOWN, February 16, 1864.

Col. J.W. SHAFFER,

            Chief of Staff:

Probably none of these prisoners recaptured had crossed the Chickahominy. Robertson's cavalry and Holcombe's Legion cavalry are both the other side of Chickahominy for that purpose, besides the infantry. There is no enemy this side, except Hume's scouts, who keep off the main roads and know every path. My cavalry is out after the prisoners, and has been since the first came in. It must go by detachments, of course, having to come back for forage, of which the country supplies none. If one-fourth the escaped prisoners get in it will surprise me, in the face of the regularly organized and long-prepared plan to prevent it. Fifteen have already come.

                                         I.J. WISTAR,
                                           Brigadier- General.


-- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33

 

More to come on another officer named Rose.

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- . . .and Tales of the Army

                                                   FEBRUARY 15, 1864.

Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff:

Colonel Streight is concealed in Richmond, but at large. His friends desire the papers to state his successful arrival here, for obvious reasons. Please arrange it immediately with the Associated Press agent.

                                       I.J. WISTAR,
                                         Brigadier-General.


- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- Tales from the Daily Dispatch . . .

Recaptured.

--Eight more of the Yankee prisoners who escaped last Tuesday night from the Libby, were brought back yesterday. The following is a list of their names: Maj. J. Henry, 5th Ohio; Maj. J. N. Walker, 75th Indiana; Lieut. W. F. Clifford, 16th U. S. cavalry; Lieut. D. Garbett, 77th Penn.; Lieut. H. B. Freeman, 18th U. S. cavalry; Lieut. F. A. M. Kreps, 77th Penn; Lieut. J. W. Hare, 5th Ohio cavalry; Lieut. F. C.--, 11th Penn. This number, added to those already received at the Libby, makes thirty who have been captured out of the one hundred and nine that succeeded in effecting their escape. Various rumors were afloat yesterday that the notorious Col. A. D. Streight had been captured somewhere on the line of the James River and Kanawha Canal, and among others that, finding him well armed, a severe struggle ensued between himself and his captors, during which he was fired at and severely wounded. It is believed, however, that these reports were groundless, as no information of his re-arrest was known at the Libby prison up to late last evening, and we were unable to trace it to any authentic source.

Twelve of the seventeen Yankee prisoners who escaped from Castle Thunder on Monday night have been brought back and reimprisoned in that institution.

-The Daily Dispatch: February 13, 1864.

More captures.

--Twelve more of the escaped Yankee officers from the Libby prison have been captured and brought back since our last publication. Their names are--Col. Ely, 18th Conn.; Capts. E. L. Smith, 19th U. S. cavalry, and J. W. Macmack,--Ohio infantry; Lieuts. W. H. H. Wilcox, 10th N. Y. cavalry; Daniel Hansburg, 1st Michigan cavalry; Adam Hauff, 45th N. Y.; T. J. Ray, 49th Ohio; J. H. Gadsby, 19th U. S. infantry; M. M. Bassett, 53d Illinois; M. Bedell, 123d N. Y.; H. P. Crawford, 2d Illinois cavalry, and L. W. Sutherland, 126th Ohio. The last named individual was retaken at City Point.

There is no truth in the rumors which have been fife in the city for several days, that Col. A. D. Streight had been recaptured. On Saturday last Maj. Turner dispatched a courier in the direction which it was said he was found, but he failed to bring back any information which could substantiate the fact

-The Daily Dispatch: February 15, 1864.

The escaped Yankees.

--Two more Yankee Lieutenants, part of the one hundred and nine officers who escaped from the Libby prison on Tuesdaynight last, were captured and brought back yesterday. These, added to the number previously arrested, foots up fifty-two, leaving still at large fifty-seven, a little more than half of those who succeeded in escaping from the prison.

-The Daily Dispatch: February 16, 1864.

Search after Yankees

--A Game of Cards Interrupted.--In consequence of information received at the Libby prison to the effect that sundry of the Yankee officers who recently escaped from prison were concealed in the upper rooms of the building occupied by Mahoney &McGehee, on Main street, a military guard effected an entrance in the domicil yesterday evening, but did not succeed in finding any of the parties of whom they were in search. A large crowd was attracted to the spot by the report that Col. Streight was in the house. The only thing disturbed during the raid was a game of cards, the participants therein (among whom were one or two members of Congress) scattering on the approach of the military, some getting on the roof of the house, lending color for the time being to the report that Streight was about.

-The Daily Dispatch: February 17, 1864.

 Capture of escaped Yankees.

--Since our last publication four more of the Yankee officers who escaped from the Libby prison on Tuesday night of last week, have been captured and brought back. The following is a list of their names: Captain E. M. Driscoll, co. G, 3d Ohio; L. P. Lovett, 5th Ky.; R. H. Day, 56th Pa.; Lieut. H. C. Dunn, 10th Ky.

In another column will be found the announcement of the safe arrival of the notorious Col. A. D. Streight at Fortress Monroe, and it is therefore unnecessary to make any further allusion to the many reports which have been circulated in this city with regard to that individual.

-The Daily Dispatch: February 19, 1864.

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- "His feelings at seeing the old flag are indescribable."

How the Prisoners Escaped from the Richmond Jail

 Incredible Underground Work

 Friendship of Virginia Negroes

We have already published an account of the manner in which the Rebel General Morgan and his companions escaped from their Northern prison in Ohio. We now give some very interesting statements relative to the manner of escape of several officers who succeeded in getting out of Libby Prison. About the beginning of the year 1864 the officers confined in Libby Prison conceived the idea of effecting their own exchange, and after the matter had been seriously discussed by some seven or eight of them, they undertook to dig for a distance toward a sewer running into a basin. This they proposed doing by commencing at a point in the cellar near to the chimney. This cellar was immediately under the hospital and was the receptacle for refuse straw thrown from the beds when they were changed and for other refuse matter Above the hospital was a room for officers and above that yet another room. The chimney ran through all these rooms and prisoners who were in the secret improvised a rope and night after night let working parties down who successfully prosecuted their excavating operations. The dirt was hid under the straw and other refuse matter in the cellar and it was I trampled down to prevent too great a bulk. When the working party had got to a considerable distance underground it was found difficult to haul the dirt back by hand and a spittoon which had been furnished the officers in one of the rooms was made to serve the purpose of a cart. A string was attached to it and it was run in the tunnel and as soon as filled was drawn out and deposited under the straw. But after hard work and digging with finger nails, knives, and chisels a number of feet the working party found themselves stopped by piles driven in the ground. These were at least a foot in diameter. But they were not discouraged. Pen knives or any other articles that would cut were called for and after chipping, chipping, chipping for a long time the piles were severed and the tunnelers commenced again after a time reaching the sewer. But here an unexpected obstacle met their further progress. The stench from the sewer and the flow of filthy water was so great that one of the party fainted and was dragged out more dead than alive and the project in that direction had to be abandoned. The failure was communicated to a few others besides those who had first thought of escape and then a party of seventeen, after viewing the premises and surroundings, concluded to tunnel under Carey street. On the opposite side of this street from the prison was a sort of carriage house or outhouse and the project was to dig under the street and emerge from under or near the house. There was a high fence around it and the guard was outside of this fence. The prisoners then commenced to dig at the other side of the chimney and after a few handfulls(sic) of dirt had been removed they found themselves stopped by a stone wall which proved afterwards to be three feet thick. The party were by no means undaunted and with pocket knives and penknives they commenced operations upon the stone and mortar. After nineteen days and nights at hard work they again struck the earth beyond the wall and pushed their work forward. Here too after they got some distance underground the friendly spittoon was brought into requisition and the dirt was hauled out in small quantities. After digging for some days the question arose whether they had not reached the point aimed at and in order if possible to test the matter Captain Gallagher of the Second Ohio Regiment pretended that he had a box in the carriage house over the way and desired to search it out. This carriage house it is proper to state was used as a receptacle for boxes and goods sent to the prisoners from the North and the recipients were often allowed to go under guard across the street to secure their property. Captain Gallagher was allowed permission to go there and as he walked across under guard he as well as he could paced off the distance and concluded that the street was about fifty feet wide. On the 6th or 7th of February the working party supposed they had gone a sufficient distance and commenced to dig upward. When near the surface they heard the rebel guards talking above them and discovered they were two or three feet yet outside the fence. The displacing of a stone made considerable noise and one of the sentinels called to his comrade and asked him what the noise meant. The guards after listening a few minutes concluded that nothing was wrong and returned to their beats. The hole was stopped up by inserting into the crevice a pair of old pantaloons filled with straw and holstering the whole up with boards which they secured from the floors, etc. of the prison. The tunnel was then continued some six or seven feet more and when the working party supposed they were about ready to emerge to daylight; others in the prison were informed that there was a way now open for escape. One hundred and nine of the prisoners decided to make the attempt to get away. Others refused fearing the consequences if they were recaptured. About half past eight o'clock on the evening of the 9th the prisoners started out. Colonel House of New York leading the van. Before starting the prisoners had divided themselves into squads of two, three and four, and each squad was to take a different route, and after they were out were to push for the Union lines as fast as possible. If was the understanding that the working party were to have an hour's start of the other prisoners and consequently the rope ladder in the cellar was drawn out. Before the expiration of the hour however the other prisoners became impatient and were let down through the chimney successfully into the cellar. The aperture was so narrow that but one man could get through at a time and each squad carried with them provisions in a haversack. At midnight a false alarm was created and the prisoners made considerable noise in their quarters. Providentially however the guard suspected nothing wrong and in a few moments the exodus was again commenced. Colonel Kendrick and his companions looked with some trepidation upon the movements of the fugitives as some of them exercising but little discretion moved boldly out of the enclosure into the glare of the gas light. Many of them were however in citizen's dress and as all the rebel guards wore the United States uniform, but little suspicion could be excited even if the fugitives had been accosted by a guard. Between 1 and 2 o'clock the lamps were extinguished in the streets and then the exit was more safely accomplished. There were many officers who desired to leave who were so weak and feeble that they were dragged through the tunnel by mere force and carried to places of security until such time as they would be able to move on their journey. At half past two o'clock Captain Joyce Colonel Kendrick and Lieutenant Bradford passed out in the order in which they are named and as Colonel Kendrick emerged from the hole he heard the guard within a few feet of him sing out "Post No 7, half past two in the morning and all is well." Lieutenant Bradford was intrusted with the provisions for this squad and in getting through was obliged to leave his haversack behind him as he could not get through with it upon him. Once out they proceeded up the street keeping in the shade of the buildings and passed eastwardly through the city. A description of the route pursued by this party and of the tribulations through which they passed will give some idea of the rough time they all had of it. Colonel Kendrick had before leaving the prison mapped out his course and I concluded that the best route to take was the one toward Norfolk or Fortress Monroe as there were fewer rebel pickets in that direction. They therefore kept the York River Railroad to the left and moved toward the Chickahomimy River. They passed through Boar Swamp* and crossed the road leading to Bottom Bridge. Sometimes they waded through mud and water almost up to their necks and kept the Bottom Bridge road to their left, although at times they could see and hear the cars traveling over the York River road.

While passing through the swamp near the Chickahominy, Colonel Kendrick sprained his ankle and fell. Fortunately too was that fall for him and his party, for while he was laying there one of them chanced to look up and saw in a direct line with them a swamp bridge and in the dim outline they could perceive that parties with muskets were passing over the bridge. They therefore moved some distance to the south and after passing through more of the swamp reached the Chickahominy about four miles below Bottom Bridge. Here now was a difficulty. The river was only twenty feet wide but it was very deep and the refugees were worn out and fatigued. Chancing however to look up Lieutenant Bradford saw that two trees had fallen on either side of the river and that their branches were interlocked. By crawling up one tree and down the other the fugitives reached the east bank of the Chickahominy.  They subsequently learned from a friendly negro that had they crossed the bridge they had seen they would assuredly have been recaptured for Captain Turner the keeper of Libby Prison had been out and posted guards there, and in fact had alarmed the whole country and got the people up as a vigilant committee to capture the escaped prisoners.

 After crossing over this natural bridge they laid down on the ground and slept until sunrise on the morning of the 11th when they continued on their way keeping eastwardly as near as they could. Up to this time they had had nothing to eat and were almost famished. About noon of the 11th they met several negroes who gave them information as to the whereabouts of the rebel pickets and furnished them with food. Acting under the advice of these friendly negroes they remained quietly in the woods until darkness had set in when they were furnished with a comfortable supper by the negroes and after dark proceeded on their way; the negroes who everywhere showed their friendship to the fugitives having first directed them how to avoid the rebel pickets. That night they passed a camp of rebels and could plainly see the smoke and camp fires. But their wearied feet gave out and they were compelled to stop and rest having only marched five miles that day.

 They started again at daylight on the 13th and after moving awhile through the woods they saw a negro woman working in a field and called her to them. From her they received directions and were told that the rebel pickets had been about there looking for the fugitives from Libby. Here they laid down again and reassumed(sic) their journey when darkness set in and marched five miles but halted till the morning of the 14th when the journey was resumed. At one point they met a negress in a field and she told them that her mistress was a Secesh woman and that she had a son in the rebel army. The party however were exceedingly hungry and they determined to secure some food This they did by boldly approaching the house and informing the mistress that they were fugitives from Norfolk who had been driven out by Butler and the Secesh sympathies of the woman were at once aroused and she gave them of her substance and started them on their way with directions how to avoid the Yankee soldiers who occasionally scouted in that vicinity. This information was exceedingly valuable to the refugees for by it they discovered the whereabouts of the Federal forces.

When about 1.5 miles from Williamsburg the party came upon the main road and found the tracks of a large body of cavalry. A piece of paper found by Captain Jones satisfied him that they were Union cavalry but his companions were suspicious and avoided the road and moved forward. At the Burnt Ordinary about 10 miles from Williamsburg awaited the return of the cavalry that had moved up the road and from behind a fence corner where they were secreted the fugitive saw the flag of the Union supported by a squadron of cavalry which proved to be a detachment of Colonel Spear's 11th Pennsylvania Regiment sent out for the purpose of picking up escaped prisoners. Colonel Kendrick says his feelings at seeing the old flag are indescribable. At all points along the route the fugitives describe their reception by the negroes as most enthusiastic and there was no lack of white people who sympathized with them and helped them on their way. In their escape the officers were aided by citizens of Richmond not foreigners or the poor class only, but by natives and persons of wealth. They know their friends there but very properly with hold any mention of their names. Of those got out of Libby Prison there were a number sick ones who were cured for by Union people and will eventually reach the Union lines their aid.

 -The Portrait Monthly, May 1864



                                         *

The Boar Swamp/Bottom's Bridge area

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864- Swimming the Chickahominy

                                     FEBRUARY 15, 1864.

Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff:

Cavalry returned to Williamsburg with 9 more escaped officers. A fresh detachment has gone out.

                                      I.J. WISTAR,
                                        Brigadier-General.







                                     FEBRUARY 15, 1864.

Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff:

I should have explained that refugees and escaped prisoners, knowing of the pickets at all the upper fords and bridges, almost invariably come down parallel with Charles City road, in hopes of finding boats on lower Chickahominy. After crossing it they are pretty safe, but boats are purposely removed by the enemy and only to be had at few points. The refugees and negroes generally cross by swimming. Seventeen leave here by boat to-morrow, including 6 field officers.

                                       I.J. WISTAR,
                                         Brigadier-General.


- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33

Escaping Down the Peninsula 1864

                             FORT MONROE, VA., February 14, 1864.
                                                 (Received 3.40 p.m.)

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

     Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.:

The following telegram has just been received from General Wistar:

                                       YORKTOWN, February 14, 1864.

Col. J. W. SHAFFER,

       Chief of Staff:

 Two escaped Union officers have reached my pickets from Richmond. They report 109 more on the road. A general delivery of one prison-house was effected by digging a tunnel under the street, General DOW could not stand the fatigue of  the trip, and consequently did not come. My cavalry are in motion, scouring the Peninsula to cover the escape of the rest. Several colonels, among them Colonel Streight, are on the road, but the path is hard.

                                                   I.J. WISTAR,
                                                     Brigadier-General.

                                                 J. W. SHAFFER,
                                            Colonel and Chief of Staff.

              FORT MONROE, VA., February 14, 1864.

                                             (Received 2.35 p.m., 16th.)

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

          Secretary of War:

Twenty-six of the escaped prisoners have arrived within our lines up to to-night. We have sent cavalry patrols up the Peninsula as far as the Chickahominy to pick up all we can. Have sent an army gun-boat up the James and Chickahominy Rivers for the same purpose.

                                         BENJ. F. BUTLER,
                                   Major-General, Commanding.



- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33

The Peninsula February 1864- "I send it to you that you may see how your clemency has been misplaced"

                                   FORT MONROE, February 8, 1864-10.65 p.m.
                                                                          (Received 11 p. m.)

I have sent the following telegram to the President, and I duplicate to you in order that you may urge my request upon him:

Hon. ABRAHAM LINCOLN,

President of the United States:

After much preparation I made a raid on Richmond to release our prisoners there. Everything worked precisely as I expected. The troops reached Bottoms Bridge, 10 miles from Richmond, at 2.30 o'clock on Sunday morning, but we found a force of the enemy posted there to meet us, evidently informed of our intention, none having been there before for two months. They had destroyed the bridge and fallen trees across the road to prevent the passing of the cavalry. Finding the enemy were informed and prepared, we were obliged to retire. The flag-of-truce boat came down from Richmond to-day, bringing a copy of the Examiner, in which it is said that they were prepared for us from information received from a Yankee deserter. Who that deserter was that gave the information you will see by a dispatch just received by me from General Wistar. I send it to you that you may see how your clemency has been misplaced. I desire that you will revoke your order suspending executions in this department. Please answer by telegraph.

Dispatch received from General Wistar:

                                       FORT MAGRUDER, February 5, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER:

Private William Boyle, New York Mounted Rifles, under sentence of death for murder of Lieutenant Disosway, was allowed to escape by Private Abraham, of One hundred and thirty-ninth New York, the sentinel over him, four days previous to my movement. It is said he also told him that large numbers of cavalry and infantry were concentrated here to take Richmond. During my absence the commander here has learned that Boyle reached Richmond, and was arrested and placed in Castle Thunder. Boyle would have been hung long ago but for the Presidents order suspending till further orders the execution of capital sentences. Abrams is in close custody. Charges against him went forward a week ago.

                                                                                    I. J. WISTAR,
                                                                                        Brigadier-General.

                                                                            BENJ. F. BUTLER
                                                                       Major- General, Commanding.

SECRETARY OF WAR.

 - The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33


 This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Peninsula February 1864- "In the morning found ourselves under a covering of snow"

The 11th Pa. Cav.

The Time That It Did Not Go into Richmond

Editor National Tribune:

...Some of the Cambria County boys used to say if they ever enlisted they would either join the 11th or 12th Pa Cav., as the rebels always ran from the 11th and the 12th always ran from the rebels, so a fellow was pretty safe in either regiment. We always gave a good account ourselves wherever we were, and I think were second to none of the cavalry regiments in the service. I do not intend writing a history of the regiment, but want to give a few sketches of some of its many scouts and battles, and just at present I want to tell the comrades how we didn't take Richmond in February, 1864. General Butler, then in command of the Army of the James, thought that while Lee and his veterans were busy with Army of the Potomac over about Culpeper a cavalry raid might be made into Richmond, capture the officials of the Confederate Government., and release our poor comrades who were suffering in the rebel prisons of Libby, Castle Thunder, Belle Isle, etc. Butler started General Wistar, with about 4,000 infantry, two light brigades of artillery and a brigade of cavalry under Col. Spear, which consisted of the 1st N.Y. M't'd Rifles, 3d N.Y. Cav., 5th and 11th Pa. Cav. and First District of Columbia M't'd Riflemen.* The Calvary was to charge the Chickahominy at Bottom Bridge, dash into Richmond, release the prisoners, tear up things generally. A great many of the boys had provided themselves with plenty of matches, but they only needed them to build fires where we bivouacked, for while we were hot enough in the morning when we tried to cross Bottom Bridge, it was infernally cold that night, and the matches came into good play. The cavalry command left Williamsburg about noon on Feb. 6, marched all night, and, oh, but it was dark. Several times during the night rockets were sent up by Johnnies stationed along the route. We arrived at the top of the hill above Bottom Bridge about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 7th. The supposition was, from what had been learned from the contrabands, that there was no artillery on the rebel side of the bridge. Scouts were sent down to see how things were about the bridge. They found the plank removed, and could hear the Johnnies on the other side getting their artillery into shape and laughing over the surprise they were going to give Yankee. But it became light enough to see we moved down toward bridge. The rebels opened fire on us with their artillery, and as there was no bridge to cross all we could do was to march back up the hill again. At the top of the hill, in an old field, we dismounted, made some coffee and waited for Maj. Wetherell to return, who been sent up the creek with his battalion to see if there was a ford at which we could cross. When they reached Grapevine Ford they found it blocked with fallen trees on both sides of creek, making it impossible to cross the river there. While we were waiting for Maj. Wetherell we could see the Johnnies, a great plenty of them, coming down the hill from the direction of Richmond--infantry and artillery. They planted some light artillery and fired several rounds of shells at us, but as we could not cross the river to get at them and they would not come over to us it was a drawn game all through. We marched back to New Kent Court House, where we spent in the night, and in the morning found ourselves under a covering of snow. This is where the boys' matches came into play On the 8th we returned to Williamsburg and so ended our raid for the release of our prisoners at Richmond. I have often thought since it was a good thing for us that the Rebels did not let us across the bridge, as doubtless there would have been more rather than less prisoners in Richmond after the raid. The boys in camp have lots of fun with those who were on the raid. "How's Jeff Davis this morning? How many of our boys did you bring back from Richmond? What's the price of matches this morning?" etc., etc., could be heard could be heard through the camps.

Long live the National Tribune, and may it always put the saber to those who begrudge the old soldier his little pension. We left home in the '60s while in the prime of life, risking life, many which many lost, to perpetuate our most glorious Union.

J.B. Stalb, Co. G, 11th Pa. Cav., Hasting, Pa.

-National Tribune, Aug. 9, 1906


I am not sure about the First District of Columbia being on this expedition, though they would soon be in the area.



 This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Peninsula February 1864- Battery F

Another take on the events . . .

It was understood among the troops that the cavalry of the command had received especial instructions to be followed on arriving at Richmond, assigning to each company or squadron some particular duty to perform, such as the capture of Jeff Davis, liberate prisoners at Libby, destroy certain public property, etc.

As previously stated, the column passed through Williamsburg at about half-past ten o'clock Saturday morning, February 6th. The battery continued the march until three o'clock on the morning of the 7th, when it had reached "New Kent Court-House." The infantry and artillery were here halted, and a rest until six o'clock a. m. taken. The night of the 6th was very dark, and, as the battery moved on the road through the woods it was necessary to keep a man with a lantern to the front to enable the drivers to keep in the road. It was impossible to see objects a few feet away, therefore drivers found it wise to keep well closed up. Nothing occurred during the night to vary the monotony of the march of the battery except as the column was passing through "Richardson's Mills" a rocket suddenly shot into the air and a bright light was seen at a distance through an opening in the woods, which were probably signals announcing to the enemy the approach of the force, as, upon the arrival of the cavalry at Bottom Bridge, Chickahominy River, at about daylight on the 7th (the cavalry did not halt with the command at New Kent Court-House), it was found to be impassable, and attempts to cross at the fords were met by a force of the enemy with artillery.

At six o'clock A. M. on the 7th, after three hours' rest, the battery moved with the command towards Bottom Bridge, and, about noon, met the cavalry returning.

The enemy was apparently informed of the move and the possibility of striking a blow "suddenly, silently, irresistibly," was at an end, therefore the command retraced its steps. The battery formed a part of the rearguard on the return march. A small force of the enemy's cavalry followed and was some-what annoying until a gun from the battery was put into action, firing four shells into their midst, which put an end to further demonstrations on their part. The battery reached its quarters at Yorktown at about four o'clock in the afternoon of the 9th of February, and the expedition ended minus the "glorious results " predicted in the general order of Brigadier-General Wistar before mentioned.

- Battery F. First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery In the Civil War
by Philip S. Chase,
Providence: Snow & Farnham, Printers, 1892.

Area of operations- The Peninsula 1864

 Map from the David Rumsey Map Collection

The Penninsula February 1864- "By the corruption and faithlessness of a sentinel"

Dispatch received from General Wistar:

                                                                              FORT MAGRUDER, February 5, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER: Private William Boyle, New York Mounted Rifles, under sentence of death for murder of Lieutenant Disosway, was allowed to escape by Private Abraham, of One hundred and thirty-ninth New York, the sentinel over him, four days previous to my movement. It is said he also told him that large numbers of cavalry and infantry were concentrated here to take Richmond. During my absence the commander here has learned that Boyle reached Richmond, and was arrested and placed in Castle Thunder. Boyle would have been hung long ago but for the President's order suspending till further orders the execution of capital sentences. Abrams is in close custody. Charges against him went forward a week ago.

                                                                                              I. J. WISTAR,
                                                                                         Brigadier-General.
                       
                                                                               BENJ. F. BUTLER,
                                                                  Major- General, Commanding.

                        HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

                                                                           Fort Monroe, February 12, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward to you with commendation the report of Brigadier-General Wistar of his brilliantly and  ably executed movement upon Richmond, which failed only from one of those fortuitous circumstances against which no foresight can provide and no execution can overcome.

By the corruption and faithlessness of a sentinel, who is now being tried for the offense, a man condemned to death, but reprieved by the President, was allowed to escape within the enemy's lines, and there gave them such information as enabled them to meet our advance. This fact is acknowledged in two of the Richmond papers, the Examiner and the Sentinel, published the day after the attack, and is fully confirmed by the testimony before the court-martial, before which is being tried the man who permitted the escape. I beg leave to call your attention to the suggestion of General Wistar in his report, that the effect of the raid will be to hereafter keep as many troops around Richmond for its defense from any future movement of the Army of the Potomac as we have in this neighborhood.

    I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

                                                                       BENJ. F. BUTLER,

                                                           Major-General, Commanding.

Major-General HALLECK,

    Commanding the Army

- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33



Much more to follow on the case of Disosway and Boyle . . . 



 This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Penninsula February 1864- "Our forces are returning at their leisure, unmolested."

Reports of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

FORT MONROE, VA., February 8, 1864.

(Received 8 p.m.)

Our expedition, organized as stated in my dispatch, left Williamsburg at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Arrived at Bottoms Bridge, within 12 miles of Richmond, at the time indicated, 2.30 a. m. Sunday, but found the enemy there posted in strong force, and continually receiving accessions from Richmond by railroad. Waited till daylight, then found they had three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and four batteries of artillery; the bridge taken up, and the fords effectually obstructed. An attempt was made gallantly to charge over one of them by a detachment of First New York Mounted Rifles, under Major Wheelan, with a loss of 9 killed and wounded. At 12 noon the infantry supports arrived within 7 miles, having made a march of 40 miles in twenty-seven hours. General Wistar says that with the infantry he could have forced the position; but as the enemy had received some intimation of the approach of the expedition the delay had defeated the main object, which was a dash at Richmond. Our forces then returned to New Kent Court-House; were followed by the enemy, who made an attack, but were handsomely repulsed, with loss on their side, by the Third New York Cavalry, under Colonel Lewis, assisted by one piece of Belger's battery. Our forces are returning at their leisure, unmolested. The cavalry have arrived at Williamsburg today about 3 p. in. Thus it will be seen that the cavalry in less than fifty hours have marched more than 100 miles.

Flag-of-truce boat is just in from Richmond, bringing the Examiner of Monday morning, which contains this sentence:

Some days since a report was obtained by the authorities here from a Yankee deserter that the enemy was contemplating a raid in considerable force on Richmond. The report obtained consistency from a number of circumstances, and impressed the authorities to such a degree that a disposition of forces was made to anticipate the supposed designs of the enemy.

I will telegraph further after examination of the papers. It will be seen that conveyance of intelligence has been the cause of want of success. Everything else succeeded as well as desired.

B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding.

Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

 - The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33


This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Penninsula February 1864- "At Baltimore Store the enemy overtook and attacked my rear guard with vigor"

Reports of Brig. Gen. Isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army, commanding expedition.

                                         FORT MAGRUDER, February 8, 1864.

Have just arrived after a 15-mile gallop with staff only from Burnt Ordinary, where I left the infantry and artillery strongly posted, with orders to march here at 6 a.m. The cavalry arrived here some time before me, having been sent forward for the want of forage. I regret your disappointment. It is no greater, I assure you, than mine. More might have been done for eclat by attacking the bridge; but under the circumstances, distance from base, no available troops in department to re-enforce me, evident preparation by enemy, and, above all, the entire defeat of the real objectin any event it would not have been wise in my judgment. Was I right? Have you any orders for the cavalry before it all leaves I would like to use a little of it in Gloucester

                                                                       I.J. WISTAR,

                                                                         Brigadier-General.

Major-General BUTLER.

                                               HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,

                                                             Yorktown, February 9, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following operations of the forces under my command, undertaken with a view to the surprise and capture of Richmond, and incidental results:

All the infantry and cavalry placed at my disposal by the general commanding, being about 4,000 of the former and 2,200 of the latter, was suddenly concentrated behind my lines at Williamsburg after dark on the evening of the 5th instant, together with Hunts¹ and Belger's² light batteries.

The infantry, consisting of three white regiments, brigaded under Col. R. M. West, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. and three colored regiments under Colonel Duncan, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops, moved thence at 9 a. m. on the 6th, carrying on the person six days rations in the knapsack and 70 rounds of cartridges 40 in the boxes and 30 in the knapsack.

The cavalry, being detachments of five regiments under Col. S. P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, moved two hours later. Colonel Spear was directed to arrive at Bottoms Bridge, 12 miles this side of Richmond, by 3 a.m. of the 7th, surprise it, and move on rapidly to Richmond. A picked company under Captain Hill, First New York Mounted Rifles, with selected horses, was placed in advance to ride down the three pickets at New Kent, Baltimore Cross-Roads, and at the bridge. Arrangements had been previously  made to have the telegraph wire between Meadow Station and Richmond cut between dark and midnight of the 6th. By these means it was hoped to surprise the enemy's Battery No. 2, on the Bottoms Bridge road near Richmond, and occupy Capitol Square in that city for at least two or three hours; detachments previously detailed and carefully instructed breaking successively from the main column, on entering, for various specific purposes. Of course the success of the enterprise was based upon the sudden and noiseless surprise of the strong picket at Bottoms Bridge, without which it would be impossible for cavalry alone to pass Battery No. 2. Colonel Spear failed to capture the pickets at Baltimore Cross-Roads, owing to the excessive darkness of the night, which unfortunately proved to be cloudy and rainy. He reached Bottoms Bridge, a distance of 51 miles, ten minutes before the time designated, but found the enemy there in strong force, with infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They had received notice some sixteen hours previously, as appeared from the testimony of various persons in the vicinity, including women, children, and negroes, separately examined, of the arrival near Williamsburg of accessions to our usual force, and had during that time been vigorously making preparations. The bridge planks had been taken up, the fords both above and below effectually obstructed, extensive earth-works and rifle-pits constructed, and a strong force of troops brought down by the York River Railroad, by which large accessions were still arriving.

The darkness prevented an attack till morning, when a detachment of the New York Mounted Rifles, under Major Wheelan, made a gallant but unsuccessful charge on the bridge by the only approach long causeway flanked on either hand by an impassable marsh. The enemy opened with canister, first checking and then repulsing the charge, with a loss to us of 9 killed and wounded and 10 horses killed. All our men were subsequently brought off, as well as the saddles and equipments. The river was reconnoitered both above and below for some miles, but at every possible crossing the enemy was found in force with newly placed obstructions. Three regiments of infantry were plainly seen, besides other infantry, which fired from the woods, where their numbers could not be ascertained. Four batteries of field artillery were counted, and at least one heavy gun was in position, its shot reaching the bluff on this side and falling far in our rear.

Our infantry had marched on the 6th 33 miles, arriving at New Kent Court-House at 2 a. m. on the 7th. After a halt of three hours I moved on with them rapidly as possible toward the firing at the bridge, which was plainly audible. At ii a. in., knowing from the continued firing ahead that Colonel Spear had not succeeded in effecting a passage, and that even if now effected our object of surprising the city must necessarily be defeated, I sent him orders to retire, but kept pushing on to his support lest his condition might be worse than I supposed. The infantry had arrived within 7 miles of the bridge when it met the head of his returning column, and after hearing from him the full state of the case, I reluctantly felt obliged to retire my whole force, not feeling authorized to incur the loss necessary to force the position without any longer an ulterior object to justify it. The cavalry was suffered to pass ahead, except about 300 men of the Third New York Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, retained for rear guard. At Baltimore Store the enemy overtook and attacked my rear guard with vigor, but were quickly and handsomely repulsed by it, with the aid of a section of Belger's battery, the two pieces being alternately fired and retired to new positions. The enemy in this affair lost at least one officer and some few men, whom they abandoned till we had passed on.

The command bivouacked at New Kent unmolested, and on the 8th, the cavalry being out of forage, which the country did not afford, were sent ahead, arriving at Williamsburg the same evening. The infantry bivouacked in order of battle at Burnt Ordinary, and to-day returned to their former camp, having marched during the four days of their absence 33, 28, 18, and 25 miles, respectively, with alacrity and cheerfulness, and almost without straggling, the colored troops being in this respect, as usual, remarkable. With the exception of a little looseness of discipline in one or two of the cavalry regiments in returning, the conduct of officers and men, both in action and on the march, was everything that could be desired.

The whole result of the expedition, in addition to one or two prisoners captured and a few refugees, escaped Union prisoners, and negroes picked up and brought in, is the obvious fact that a small force in this vicinity, actively handled, can and should hold a much superior force of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of Richmond inactive except for its defense.

I have the honor to be, major, with great respect, your obedient servant,

                                                       ISAAC J. WISTAR,

                                              Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. R. S. DAVIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

                                                        [Indorsement.]

                   HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,

                                                          Fort Monroe, February 12, 1864.

Report approved.

The operation was skillfully and brilliantly done. It gives the commanding general renewed confidence in General Wistar as a commander of a division.

                                                       BENJ. F. BUTLER,

                                              Major- General, Commanding. 

 - The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33



¹ Hunt's battery= Battery D, Fourth United States Artillery.


² Belger's battery= Battery F, First R.I. Artillery.



This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Penninsula February 1864- "more formidable obstacles are in their path than were anticipated"

The operations of the enemy on the Peninsula — their reported Retire sent to New Kent Court House.

After their repulse at Bottom's Bridge, on Sunday morning, the enemy fell back to Talleysville. at the junction of the old Williamsburg and Hanover roads, about twenty-four miles distant from this city. Here they command in considerable force until about soon yesterday, when they retired to New Kent Court House.

Their force at Talleysville on Sunday, as reported by one of Col. Shingler's couriers, consisted of three brigades of infantry, four regiments of cavalry, and twelve pieces of

The impression is that this demonstration was an advance of their lines, and a new base of operations, extending Cumberland, on the Pamunkey, to Windsor Shades, on the Chickahominy. If they succeed in forming this base, their lines will be advanced some 25 miles nearer this my which will afford them advantages of operating not heretofore foreseen.

In the little affair at Bottom's Bridge, on Sunday morning the enemy's loss was not considerable. A number of their men are observed to fall beneath the well directed aim of our artillery, whilst the loses of their cavalry suffered quite severely.

Their retirement to New Kent C. H. indicates that apprehensions are entertained that more formidable obstacles are in their path than were anticipated in the first inception of the movement. There can be no doubt that the malignant and cowardly Butler is determined to make an effort to release the prisoners now in Richmond, and we are now of opinion that it well behooves our authorities to give serious attention to this demonstration.

In connection with this demonstration, we may state that a gentleman who came up on the flag of truce boat represents that the enemy have been largely reinforced at Newport News and Yorktown, and that matters at Fortress Monroe indicate active preparations for a formidable advance of the enemy.

-The Daily Dispatch: February 9, 1864.

The demonstration on the Peninsula — Withdrawal of the Yankees from New Kent C. H.

Later developments tend to show that the recent demonstration of the enemy, below this city, was not one possessed of the magnitude at first attached to it, though formidable enough to exhibit a purpose to visit Richmond if they had not been promptly met and thwarted in their designs. It is said they were rather astonished at the determined resistance offered them at Bottom's Bridge, on Sunday morning.

A gentleman who resides in New Kent county, who came to the city yesterday, estimates their numbers at about 6,000, of which there were three regiments of cavalry, and one of negro infantry. This latter did not come farther than New Kent Court-House.

On their return from Bottom's Bridge on Sunday, they stated that the expedition had been undertaken on account of information furnished by refugees from Richmond, who had represented to the commandant at Williamsburg, that there was nothing to prevent them from entering Richmond.

The latest information we have with reference to these raiders is, that they have left New Kent, and gone back to Williamsburg.

-The Daily Dispatch: February 10, 1864.


 This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Penninsula February 1864- "My cavalry reached Bottoms Bridge"

Reports of Brig. Gen. Isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army, commanding expedition.

           FORT MAGRUDER, February 6, 1864  10 a. m.

My infantry and artillery are now passing through Williamsburg, 2 miles from here, with small detachment some distance ahead to scatter enemy's infantry pickets, with the impression that they constitute the incursive force as usual. Cavalry and myself will start in one hour, passing infantry near Burnt Ordinary. Saw every detachment commander personally, and explained fully and distributed maps, spikes, matches, and files. All is well. General Graham here in command. If possible, will get news through to you by Monday night.

                                                                             I. J. WISTAR,

                                                                    Brigadier-General.

Major-General BUTLER. 

                       CAMP AT NEW KENT, February 7, 1864  10 p.m.

 My cavalry reached Bottoms Bridge at 2.50 a.m. to-day and found the enemy in strong force. Owing to the peculiar darkness of the night it was impossible to attack till daylight. Enemy had four batteries artillery and certainly three regiments infantry, besides cavalry, and were all night and this morning receiving accessions by railroad. Bridge taken up, and all the fords effectually obstructed. A charge on the best-looking ford was gallantly but unsuccessfully executed by Major Wheelan with detachment of Onderdonks mounted rifles. Loss, 9 killed and wounded; 10 horses killed. At 12 m. to-day, my infantry having arrived by forced marches within 7 miles, I withdrew; could have carried the position with infantry, but not worth while, the main object being defeated. Enemy pursued us to near this place; attacked us at Baltimore Store. Were handsomely repulsed with loss by Third New York Cavalry, Colonel Lewis, and one piece of Belger's battery. Expect an attack to-morrow.

                                                                       I.J. WISTAR

                                                                Brigadier- General, Commanding.

Major-General BUTLER.

- The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.; Series 1 Volume 33



 This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.

The Penninsula February 1864- Wistar's Proclamation

Col. Isaac Jones Wistar

                                               HEADQUARTER WISTAR'S DIVISION,

                                                     Williamsburg, Va., February 6, 1864.

General Orders No. 4.

Soldiers: You are about to strike a great and glorious blow, a blow which has been profoundly considered and carefully prepared, but which must fall suddenly, silently, irresistibly.

Our country now asks all your courage, all your endurance. All our brothers-in-arms will envy you the opportunity. I ask you for a few days to encounter, with a soldier's readiness, hard fare, wintry bivouacs, and, perhaps, calm and steady righting.

Respond as you have always done, and I promise you, with God's blessing, a result which will bring glory to our flag, and honor to all who serve under its folds.

                                                                              ISAAC J. WISTAR,

                                                                       Brig. -Gen'' I Comdg.

Official : James E. Fleming,

Captain and A. D. C.

- Battery F, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery in the Civil War, 1861-1865
 Philip Steven Chase: Snow & Farnham, Printers, 1892


This is a cross posting from New Kent County History.