Posted on May 24, 2016
What was the most significant event on May 23 during the U.S. Civil War?
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Wartime siege prices 1862: John Beauchamp Jones, a clerk in the Confederate War Department in Richmond, bemoans the rising costs of living, and its attendant evils, in his journal: “Oh, the extortioners! Meats of all kinds are selling at 50 cts. per pound ; butter, 75 cts.; coffee, $1.50; tea, $10; boots, $30 per pair; shoes, $18; ladies’ shoes, $15; shirts, $6 each. Houses that rented for $500 la
FYI CWO4 Terrence Clark MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. MSG Roy Cheever Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO3 Edward Riddle MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Byron Hewett CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw COL (Join to see) SPC Michael Terrell COL Lisandro Murphy SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL] MAJ Ken Landgren LTC Trent Klug CWO3 Dennis M. CPT Kevin McComasSPC Tina Jones
FYI CWO4 Terrence Clark MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. MSG Roy Cheever Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO3 Edward Riddle MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Byron Hewett CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw COL (Join to see) SPC Michael Terrell COL Lisandro Murphy SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL] MAJ Ken Landgren LTC Trent Klug CWO3 Dennis M. CPT Kevin McComasSPC Tina Jones
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Thursday, May 22, 1862: During the battle of Front Royal, Captain William Goldsborough of the 1st Maryland Infantry, CSA, captures his brother Charles Goldsborough of the 1st Maryland Infantry, USA, and takes him prisoner.
Saturday, May 23 1863: Edwin E. Mason, of the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, writes home with news. He has apparently been ill: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 21, 1863
“Dear Mother, I sit down to write a few lines to let you know where I ‘be.’ At present I am in Hospital at convalescent Camp near Alexandria, distant- 3 miles; from Washington 7. I wrote to you first at Baltimore and sent a likeness and a gold pen and some money. I forget how much. I received $29 at Harrisburg and when I wrote, or had wrote for me, for I was sick at the time of the second letter. I gave the fellow all the money I had left. . . . I spoke about Sundays fight and my running away Sunday night. Till then I thought soldiering all very fine. But I would rather have been at home. . . . The plan I sent you is the one back of the City: of course they are not correct but give you an idea how they are filled in. I didn’t fight there, but at Chancellorsville. We crossed at Kelly’s Ford. . . . That Battle brought me to my senses and if I ever come home again, won’t I work I’ll dig my finger nails off. All of you work in concert and you will do better. When at home I thought pa could work all time just as well as not. But I have found my mistake too late. . . . I will send home every cent I can get hold of. . . . Your affectionate and wayward Son, goodbye Edwin E. Mason”
Saturday, May 23 1863: Mason writes again, two days later, to his sister: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 23, 1863
“Dear Sister, I received yours of the 19th this morning. I am most well. I came here a week ago last Thursday with the measles. I ‘staid’ in Camp Distribution till I was broke out 2 and a half days before the Doct. knew what ailed me. so much for him and his knowledge. You chided me for going forth – fight – my country’s battles. Ba! The way of it was this, that not hearing from you, I determined to go to my Regiment. . . . and fetched up at Chancellorsville. It is a very large place consisting of one house and lots of trees. In the ‘hottes’ of the fight, and I assure you there was somoe fighting done that day, we chaged on a battery that was mowing us down like grain before the reaper and ‘fit’ about 15 min. But of no avail. Behind the battery was a Regiment of infantry in ambush. They rose with a yell that made my hair start, and poured a volley into our men who stand it? we didn’t for we run like sheep. We was so cut up it was determined to send us across the river.”
Pictures: 5-23-1864_ Battle of the JERICHO MILL Map; 1862 Battle of Front Royal; 1862 Jackson maneuvers to trap Union troops at Front Royal; ; xx
Since RallyPoint truncates survey selection text I am posting events that were not included and then the full text of each survey choice below:
A. Thursday, May 23, 1861: Thomas Stonewall Jackson strikes the B&O Railroad, capturing 56 locomotives.
B. Thursday, May 22, 1862: Shenandoah Valley Campaign - Battle of Front Royal, Virginia: Early this morning, Jackson and Ewell put their men on the road in a swift march north to a crossroads town called Front Royal, where the two forks of the Shenandoah River join, and where the Luray Valley opens out into the Shenandoah Valley proper. Union troops there consist of the 1st Maryland Infantry, supported by detachments from other units, including a battery of artillery—about 975 men, all under command of Col. Kenly of Maryland. Jackson, learning this, sends for the CSA 1st Maryland Regiment, under Col. Bradley Johnson, to march to the front and engage their rivals from the same state. At first, the Rebel Marylanders have trouble advancing, since Jackson has provided no supports, and no artillery. Soon, Jackson sends in Brig. Gen. Richard Taylor’s Louisiana Brigade to support the Marylanders’ attack. Kenly finds himself backed up against the river. Meanwhile, Turner Ashby’s cavalry steals a march around to the west side of the town, cuts communication with Strasburg (where Gen. Banks and the main Federal force are) and bottles up the Yankees in their position. Kenly withdraws across the bridges to the north, and sets them on fire, but the Rebels are able to put the fires out, and cross over as well. Kenly retreats his troops a few miles north to Cedarville. Jackson orders Maj. Flournoy and the 6th Virginia Cavalry Regiment (only 250 strong) to harass and pursue, and he rides with them. As the Rebel infantry moves up the road to the still-forming Federal line, Flournoy comes riding in at a full charge, shattering the Yankee formation and inciting panic. Col. Kenly is wounded, and all 700 remaining Federal soldiers throw down their weapons and surrender. Confederate Victory.
C. Newspaper reporting shows signs of what would be known as yellow journalism in the next century. In 1863 the Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes inaccurate and biased accounts of Maj Gen U.S. Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign by describing Grant’s relentless advance on Vicksburg as having "fled towards Vicksburg." In 1864 the NY Times publishes an editorial that is passionate on the question of Robert E. Lee’s personal honor, despite the genealogical errors: “The Chivalry of the Rebel Gen. Lee. “When monkeys are gods, what must the people be? …But it is not family that makes the gentleman, or the reverse. It is personal honor. Has ROBERT E. LEE this? We say emphatically that he has it not. He is deficient in its very first and most essential element — truth. He is as mendacious as BEAUREGARD himself. This can be proved incontestably, and that too without going back of the history of the last fortnight. . . . LEE deliberately and flagitiously lied. . . . No Commander of the Army of the Potomac has been guilty of anything of the kind. GRANT or MEADE would die on the spot before they would degrade their own manhood, and insult the manhood of their soldiers, by such deception.”
D. Monday, May 23, 1864: Battle of the North Anna River, Virginia [May 23-26, 1864] Day 1: In another race, Lt Gen U.S. Grant and CSA Gen Robert E. Lee force-march their troops to the North Anna River, where they hope to beat the other to the crossings. But the Rebels already have possession of the crossings, so Lee’s troops cross to the south bank of the river. Lee is convinced that the thrust to the North Anna is a feint by Grant. But Grant is headed for the North Anna for sure. The west column is Warren and Wright, intending to cross at Jericho Mills. The east column is Hancock and Burnside, intending to cross at Ox Ford or Chesterfield Bridge near Hanover Junction. Hancock is able to overwhelm a Rebel brigade and take the bridge. Warren crosses at Jericho Mills nearly uncontested. A.P. Hill only places one division there, Cadmus Wilcox’s. Warren’s troops push across, and Wilcox’s division holds them and then makes a direct attack, but Warren’s troops push them back and keep the beachhead. This night, Lee decides to arrange his lines in a V-shaped wedge, with the apex anchored on the river at Ox Ford, in between the two main crossing points. Lee’s plan is to split the Union wings, and attack either one wing or the other, and reinforce from the other.
1. May 23, 1846: Mexico declares war against the United States
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/1846
2. Thursday, May 23, 1861: Virginia ratifies the Secessionist Convention referendum by a vote of 132,201 to 37,451
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186105
3. Thursday, May 23, 1861: The referendum vote in Virginia votes in favor of secession, 97,000 votes to 32,000 votes. Delegates from the western counties, however, are forming a pro-Union convention in Wheeling.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1861
4. Thursday, May 23, 1861: John Floyd commissioned a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186105
5. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- During the battle of Front Royal, Captain William Goldsborough of the 1st Maryland Infantry, CSA, captures his brother Charles Goldsborough of the 1st Maryland Infantry, USA, and takes him prisoner.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
6. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- Banks, in nearby Strasburg, hesitates and then takes his 6,000 remaining troops on a forced march north toward Winchester, since he sees that Jackson has a larger force, and now flanks him. The Federals cancel their plans to reinforce McClellan, and begin shifting troops eastward toward the Valley again.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
7. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- Battle of Lewisburg, Virginia: Gen. Jacob Cox, having advanced one of his brigades under Col. George Crook toward Princeton in the mountains of western Virginia, awaits further orders from Gen. Fremont. A Confederate brigade under Col. Henry Heth, 2,200 strong, attacks Crook, who is greatly outnumbered. Yet Crook fights off the Rebel attack, inflicting over 200 killed, wounded, and captured on the Rebels, while only losing 13 men. Union Victory.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
8. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- John Beauchamp Jones, a clerk in the Confederate War Department in Richmond, bemoans the rising costs of living, and its attendant evils, in his journal: Oh, the extortioners! Meats of all kinds are selling at 50 cts. per pound ; butter, 75 cts.; coffee, $1.50; tea, $10; boots, $30 per pair; shoes, $18; ladies’ shoes, $15; shirts, $6 each. Houses that rented for $500 last year, are $1000 now. Boarding, from $30 to $40 per month. Gen. Winder has issued an order fixing the maximum prices of certain articles of marketing, which has only the effect of keeping a great many things out of market. The farmers have to pay the merchants and Jews their extortionate prices, and complain very justly of the partiality of the general. It does more harm than good.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
9. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- On this date, Pres. Lincoln confers with Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles, Asst. Sec. of the Navy Gustavus Fox, Sec. of War Edwin Stanton, and General Henry W. Halleck. Their topic: a proposed coordinated attack on Charleston.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
10. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- On this date, Pres. Lincoln also offers command of the Army of the Potomac to Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, one of Hooker’s corps commanders. Couch turns down the offer, citing his poor health, suggesting Meade instead.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
11. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Sergeant Alexander P. Downing, of the 11th Iowa Infantry, writes in his journal of his regiment’s activities in the opening moves of the Siege of Vicksburg, as well as a stark description of a field hospital’s grisly work: We started this morning at daylight and marched five miles to General McPherson’s headquarters at the center of the army. Here we lay until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when we marched back to our old place on the extreme left. The rebels again commenced to shell us, but the shells went over our heads. The Eleventh Iowa went on picket. Our men are shelling the rebels from all sides, and they are falling back behind their fortifications. When passing the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps today, I saw a most dreadful sight at the field hospital ; there was a pile, all that a six-mule team could haul, of legs and arms thrown from the amputating tables in a shed nearby, where the wounded were being cared for.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
12. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Sergeant Osborn H. Oldroyd, of the 20th Ohio Infantry Regiment, writes in his journal of incidents on picket duty outside of the fortifications of Vicksburg: Our regiment lay in the rifle pits to-day, watching the enemy. For hours we were unable to see the motion of a man or beast on their side, all was so exceedingly quiet throughout the day. After dark we were relieved, and as we returned to the camp the enemy got range of us, and for a few minutes their bullets flew about us quite freely. However, we bent our heads as low as we could and double-quicked to quarters. One shot flew very close to my head, and I could distinctly recognize the familiar zip and whiz of quite a number of others at a safer distance. The rebels seemed to fire without any definite direction. If our sharpshooters were not on the alert, the rebels could peep over their works and take good aim; but as they were so closely watched they had to be content with random shooting. . . . We think Grant’s head is level, anyhow. The weather is getting hotter, and I fear sickness; and water is growing scarce, which is very annoying. If we can but keep well, the future has no fears for us.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
13. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Edwin E. Mason, of the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, writes home with news. He has apparently been ill: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 21, 1863
Dear Mother, I sit down to write a few lines to let you know where I ‘be.’ At present I am in Hospital at convalescent Camp near Alexandria, distant- 3 miles; from Washington 7. I wrote to you first at Baltimore and sent a likeness and a gold pen and some money. I forget how much. I received $29 at Harrisburg and when I wrote, or had wrote for me, for I was sick at the time of the second letter. I gave the fellow all the money I had left. . . . I spoke about Sundays fight and my running away Sunday night. Till then I thought soldiering all very fine. But I would rather have been at home. . . . The plan I sent you is the one back of the City: of course they are not correct but give you an idea how they are filled in. I didn’t fight there, but at Chancellorsville. We crossed at Kelly’s Ford. . . . That Battle brought me to my senses and if I ever come home again, won’t I work I’ll dig my finger nails off. All of you work in concert and you will do better. When at home I thought pa could work all time just as well as not. But I have found my mistake too late. . . . I will send home every cent I can get hold of. . . .
Your affectionate and wayward Son, goodbye Edwin E. Mason
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
14. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Mason writes again, two days later, to his sister: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 23, 1863
Dear Sister, I received yours of the 19th this morning. I am most well. I came here a week ago last Thursday with the measles. I ‘staid’ in Camp Distribution till I was broke out 2 and a half days before the Doct. knew what ailed me. so much for him and his knowledge. You chided me for going forth – fight – my country’s battles. Ba! The way of it was this, that not hearing from you, I determined to go to my Regiment. . . . and fetched up at Chancellorsville. It is a very large place consisting of one house and lots of trees. In the ‘hottes’ of the fight, and I assure you there was somoe fighting done that day, we chaged on a battery that was mowing us down like grain before the reaper and ‘fit’ about 15 min. But of no avail. Behind the battery was a Regiment of infantry in ambush. They rose with a yell that made my hair start, and poured a volley into our men who stand it? we didn’t for we run like sheep. We was so cut up it was determined to send us across the river.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
15. Monday, May 23, 1864 --- In a letter to his wife penned this day, Gen. George G. Meade writes about the prospects of success: We expected [this day] to have another battle, but the enemy refuses to fight unless attacked in strong entrenchments; hence, when we moved on his flank, instead of coming out of his works and attacking us, he has fallen back from Spottsylvania Court House, and taken up a new position behind the North Anna River; in other words, performed the same operation which I did last fall, when I fell back from Culpeper, and for which I was ridiculed; that is to say, refusing to fight on my adversary’s terms. I suppose now we will have to repeat this turning operation, and continue to do so, till Lee gets into Richmond.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1864
16. Monday, May 23, 1864: Phil Sheridan's Raid on Richmond, Virginia ongoing [May 9 – 24]
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186405
17. Tuesday, May 23, 1865: Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186505
A Thursday, May 23, 1861: Thomas Jackson strikes the B&O Railroad, capturing 56 locomotives.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186105
B Thursday, May 22, 1862: Battle of Front Royal
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186205
B Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- Eastern Theater, Shenandoah Valley Campaign - Battle of Front Royal, Virginia: Early this morning, Jackson and Ewell put their men on the road in a swift march north to a crossroads town called Front Royal, where the two forks of the Shenandoah River join, and where the Luray Valley opens out into the Shenandoah Valley proper. Union troops there consist of the 1st Maryland Infantry, supported by detachments from other units, including a battery of artillery—about 975 men, all under command of Col. Kenly of Maryland. Jackson, learning this, sends for the CSA 1st Maryland Regiment, under Col. Bradley Johnson, to march to the front and engage their rivals from the same state. At first, the Rebel Marylanders have trouble advancing, since Jackson has provided no supports, and no artillery.
Soon, Jackson sends in Brig. Gen. Richard Taylor’s Louisiana Brigade to support the Marylanders’ attack. Kenly finds himself backed up against the river. Meanwhile, Turner Ashby’s cavalry steals a march around to the west side of the town, cuts communication with Strasburg (where Gen. Banks and the main Federal force are) and bottles up the Yankees in their position. Kenly withdraws across the bridges to the north, and sets them on fire, but the Rebels are able to put the fires out, and cross over as well. Kenly retreats his troops a few miles north to Cedarville. Jackson orders Maj. Flournoy and the 6th Virginia Cavalry Regiment (only 250 strong) to harass and pursue, and he rides with them. As the Rebel infantry moves up the road to the still-forming Federal line, Flournoy comes riding in at a full charge, shattering the Yankee formation and inciting panic. Col. Kenly is wounded, and all 700 remaining Federal soldiers throw down their weapons and surrender. Confederate Victory.
Losses: Killed & Wounded Captured
U.S. 83 691
C.S. 36
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
C Saturday, May 23 1863 --- The Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes the latest news from the Western Theater and the Vicksburg Campaign. Note how Grant’s relentless advance on Vicksburg is characterized as having "fled towards Vicksburg": “Grant entered the State of Mississippi by crossing the river five miles below Grand Gulf, with from sixty to one hundred thousand men, including a heavy force of cavalry.
He has received no reinforcements from Louisiana, but receives accessions constantly from the west bank of the river. His transportation is all on the river, and must cling to the river bank.
We evacuated Grand Gulf, falling back and fighting towards Jackson, followed by the enemy, who entered Jackson with 50,000 men on the 16th.
Gen. Johnston reached Jackson on the 13th, and fell back to Canton. The Yankees committed various excesses during their two days occupation of Jackson, such as burning churches and private houses, tearing jewelry from the persons of citizens, gutting residences, etc. They then fled towards Vicksburg, followed by Gen. Johnston who is constantly receiving reinforcements.
Vicksburg has five months supplies of every kind, and can be taken only when the force defending it has exhausted these supplies.
The Yankees report the capture of Alexandria, La, but the report is not credited.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
C+ Monday, May 23, 1864 --- The New York Times publishes an editorial that is passionate on the question of Robert E. Lee’s personal honor, despite the genealogical errors: “The Chivalry of the Rebel Gen. Lee. “When monkeys are gods, what must the people be?” ROBERT E. LEE, Commander of the rebel army, is deemed the paragon of Southern chivalry. The rebels have always been vain of being led by one of such pure blood, such stainless honor. Justly enough by their standard. But let us put him to a civilized test.
What is his blood? His grandfather, R.H. LEE, had the taint of treason in him. Writing in 1790, on the Federal Constitution, he said, “When we [the South] attain our natural degree of population, I flatter myself that we shall have the power to do ourselves justice, with dissolving the bond which binds us together.” His great uncle, “Light-Horse HARRY,” was stigmatized by JEFFERSON, who knew him well, as “an intriguer,” “an informer,” a “miserable tergiversator.” Maj.-Gen. CHAS. LEE, of Revolutionary memory, and a kinsman, was, as one may see by IRVING’s Washington, not only a calumniator of WASHINGTON, but was a plotter to supersede him; he was tried by court-martial, after the battle of Monmouth, was found guilty of disobedience of orders, misbehavior before the enemy, and disrespect to the Commander-in-Chief; was subsequently dismissed from the service in disgrace. . . . The great uncle, ARTHUR LEE, was the libeler of FRANKLIN and JAY and JEFFERSON, and is described by TUCKER, in his life of the latter, to have been “singularly impracticable in his temper and disposition.” The uncle, HENRY LEE, was in Congress at the time of the Presidential struggle between JEFFERSON and BURR, and, according to TUCKER, advised “desperate measures” to defeat the former; . . . It would be difficult to name an old family in this country, of any historical mark, whose “blood” has been shown to be of worse quality than that of the LEES of Virginia.
But it is not family that makes the gentleman, or the reverse. It is personal honor. Has ROBERT E. LEE this? We say emphatically that he has it not. He is deficient in its very first and most essential element — truth. He is as mendacious as BEAUREGARD himself. This can be proved incontestably, and that too without going back of the history of the last fortnight. . . . LEE deliberately and flagitiously lied. . . . No Commander of the Army of the Potomac has been guilty of anything of the kind. GRANT or MEADE would die on the spot before they would degrade their own manhood, and insult the manhood of their soldiers, by such deception.
The simple truth is that the very fact of a soldier’s abandoning his flag involves an abandonment of character. LEE received his military education from the Government, had been constantly honored and trusted by the Government, and it was the extreme of perfidy in him to turn traitor against the Government. . . . It is not morally possible to perpetrate this supreme crime without wrenching and in fact breaking down the whole moral nature. Treason cannot be committed on any scale without its malignity extending to every part of the moral constitution. Fidelity lies at the very core of sound character, and when that rots, all rots.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1864
D Monday, May 23, 1864 --- Battle of the North Anna River [May 23-26, 1864] Day 1: In another race, Grant and Lee force-march their troops to the North Anna River, where they hope to beat the other to the crossings. But the Rebels already have possession of the crossings, so Lee’s troops cross to the south bank of the river. Lee is convinced that the thrust to the North Anna is a feint by Grant. But Grant is headed for the North Anna for sure. The west column is Warren and Wright, intending to cross at Jericho Mills. The east column is Hancock and Burnside, intending to cross at Ox Ford or Chesterfield Bridge near Hanover Junction. Hancock is able to overwhelm a Rebel brigade and take the bridge. Warren crosses at Jericho Mills nearly uncontested. A.P. Hill only places one division there, Cadmus Wilcox’s. Warren’s troops push across, and Wilcox’s division holds them and then makes a direct attack, but Warren’s troops push them back and keep the beachhead.
This night, Lee decides to arrange his lines in a V-shaped wedge, with the apex anchored on the river at Ox Ford, in between the two main crossing points. Lee’s plan is to split the Union wings, and attack either one wing or the other, and reinforce from the other.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1864
D+ Monday, May 23, 1864: Battle of the JERICHO MILL, Virginia. After leaving Mt. Carmel Church on May 23, Union Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren's Fifth Corps arrived at Jericho Mill at 1:30 pm. Surprised to find no Confederate river defense, Warren began moving across the ford. Meanwhile, on the south bank, Gen. A.P. Hill's Third Corps was passing down the road toward Hanover Junction. One regiment from Col. Joseph N. Brown's South Carolina brigade moved here to the ground overlooking the ford to investigate the Union foray, but soon withdrew.
Both sides then made a blundering series of decisions that would lead to battle. By 4:15 pm, two of Warren's divisions had crossed the river, with a pontoon bridge soon to be completed. The next division crossed and camped. On the Confederate side, Hill believed the crossing a cavalry feint, but dispatched Gen. Cadmus Wilcox's division.
Learning of a possible enemy advance, the Federals of Gen. Lysander Cutler's division marched to the front, some carrying coffee pots and half-cooked meals on their bayonets. An oncoming rush of cows, pigs, and other animals first alerted the Federals to the danger ahead. Before Cutler's men could deploy, Gen. Edward Thomas' Georgia brigade appeared, their commander "[hallooing] as if on a fox chase." The Confederates struck the famous Iron Brigade, sending the veterans hurrying for the safety of the pontoon bridge. The rout caused one to later quip that it was the "I run" Brigade. At the same time, the lead regiments from Thomas' brigade broke for the rear as well, also surprised by the Federal infantry. The battle began with the unusual scene of both sides running in opposite directions. “Confederates soon pushed into the gap opened by Cutler's retreat. The reached the Union rear, threatening to cut off the Fifth Corps from their pontoon bridge. Twelve Napoleon cannon under Union Col. Charles S. Wainwright raced through the sea of retreating Federal infantry and went into battery, opening fire as soon as they unlimbered. The roar of massed canister tore into the Confederate ranks, driving the Southerners into the cover of a ravine. In response, the veteran Confederate infantrymen began to pick off the Union cannoneers.
At this critical moment, the 83rd Pennsylvania appeared on the Confederate flank held by the 1st South Carolina. Both units tried to deploy quickly to face each other, but the Pennsylvanians struck first, driving in and capturing Col. Brown. The Confederate line fell back, while Warren's Fifth Corps celebrated victory.
The following day, Lee issued A.P. Hill perhaps his strongest rebuke of the war. "General Hill, why did you let those people cross here?" he said. "Why didn't you throw your whole force on them and drive them back as Jackson would have done?" Hill had no answer. With night ending the conflict, Lee's North Anna River line was breached.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/northanna/index/north-anna.html
FYI SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Franklin BriantCPO William Glen (W.G.) Powell1stSgt Eugene Harless PO3 (Join to see)MSG Greg Kelly CPT (Join to see) LTC John Griscom LTC Thomas Tennant SPC Michael TerrellSPC Robert Treat GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad GySgt Jack Wallace PO1 Sam Deel LTC David Brown LTC (Join to see) SFC Eric Harmon SSG Bill McCoy
Saturday, May 23 1863: Edwin E. Mason, of the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, writes home with news. He has apparently been ill: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 21, 1863
“Dear Mother, I sit down to write a few lines to let you know where I ‘be.’ At present I am in Hospital at convalescent Camp near Alexandria, distant- 3 miles; from Washington 7. I wrote to you first at Baltimore and sent a likeness and a gold pen and some money. I forget how much. I received $29 at Harrisburg and when I wrote, or had wrote for me, for I was sick at the time of the second letter. I gave the fellow all the money I had left. . . . I spoke about Sundays fight and my running away Sunday night. Till then I thought soldiering all very fine. But I would rather have been at home. . . . The plan I sent you is the one back of the City: of course they are not correct but give you an idea how they are filled in. I didn’t fight there, but at Chancellorsville. We crossed at Kelly’s Ford. . . . That Battle brought me to my senses and if I ever come home again, won’t I work I’ll dig my finger nails off. All of you work in concert and you will do better. When at home I thought pa could work all time just as well as not. But I have found my mistake too late. . . . I will send home every cent I can get hold of. . . . Your affectionate and wayward Son, goodbye Edwin E. Mason”
Saturday, May 23 1863: Mason writes again, two days later, to his sister: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 23, 1863
“Dear Sister, I received yours of the 19th this morning. I am most well. I came here a week ago last Thursday with the measles. I ‘staid’ in Camp Distribution till I was broke out 2 and a half days before the Doct. knew what ailed me. so much for him and his knowledge. You chided me for going forth – fight – my country’s battles. Ba! The way of it was this, that not hearing from you, I determined to go to my Regiment. . . . and fetched up at Chancellorsville. It is a very large place consisting of one house and lots of trees. In the ‘hottes’ of the fight, and I assure you there was somoe fighting done that day, we chaged on a battery that was mowing us down like grain before the reaper and ‘fit’ about 15 min. But of no avail. Behind the battery was a Regiment of infantry in ambush. They rose with a yell that made my hair start, and poured a volley into our men who stand it? we didn’t for we run like sheep. We was so cut up it was determined to send us across the river.”
Pictures: 5-23-1864_ Battle of the JERICHO MILL Map; 1862 Battle of Front Royal; 1862 Jackson maneuvers to trap Union troops at Front Royal; ; xx
Since RallyPoint truncates survey selection text I am posting events that were not included and then the full text of each survey choice below:
A. Thursday, May 23, 1861: Thomas Stonewall Jackson strikes the B&O Railroad, capturing 56 locomotives.
B. Thursday, May 22, 1862: Shenandoah Valley Campaign - Battle of Front Royal, Virginia: Early this morning, Jackson and Ewell put their men on the road in a swift march north to a crossroads town called Front Royal, where the two forks of the Shenandoah River join, and where the Luray Valley opens out into the Shenandoah Valley proper. Union troops there consist of the 1st Maryland Infantry, supported by detachments from other units, including a battery of artillery—about 975 men, all under command of Col. Kenly of Maryland. Jackson, learning this, sends for the CSA 1st Maryland Regiment, under Col. Bradley Johnson, to march to the front and engage their rivals from the same state. At first, the Rebel Marylanders have trouble advancing, since Jackson has provided no supports, and no artillery. Soon, Jackson sends in Brig. Gen. Richard Taylor’s Louisiana Brigade to support the Marylanders’ attack. Kenly finds himself backed up against the river. Meanwhile, Turner Ashby’s cavalry steals a march around to the west side of the town, cuts communication with Strasburg (where Gen. Banks and the main Federal force are) and bottles up the Yankees in their position. Kenly withdraws across the bridges to the north, and sets them on fire, but the Rebels are able to put the fires out, and cross over as well. Kenly retreats his troops a few miles north to Cedarville. Jackson orders Maj. Flournoy and the 6th Virginia Cavalry Regiment (only 250 strong) to harass and pursue, and he rides with them. As the Rebel infantry moves up the road to the still-forming Federal line, Flournoy comes riding in at a full charge, shattering the Yankee formation and inciting panic. Col. Kenly is wounded, and all 700 remaining Federal soldiers throw down their weapons and surrender. Confederate Victory.
C. Newspaper reporting shows signs of what would be known as yellow journalism in the next century. In 1863 the Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes inaccurate and biased accounts of Maj Gen U.S. Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign by describing Grant’s relentless advance on Vicksburg as having "fled towards Vicksburg." In 1864 the NY Times publishes an editorial that is passionate on the question of Robert E. Lee’s personal honor, despite the genealogical errors: “The Chivalry of the Rebel Gen. Lee. “When monkeys are gods, what must the people be? …But it is not family that makes the gentleman, or the reverse. It is personal honor. Has ROBERT E. LEE this? We say emphatically that he has it not. He is deficient in its very first and most essential element — truth. He is as mendacious as BEAUREGARD himself. This can be proved incontestably, and that too without going back of the history of the last fortnight. . . . LEE deliberately and flagitiously lied. . . . No Commander of the Army of the Potomac has been guilty of anything of the kind. GRANT or MEADE would die on the spot before they would degrade their own manhood, and insult the manhood of their soldiers, by such deception.”
D. Monday, May 23, 1864: Battle of the North Anna River, Virginia [May 23-26, 1864] Day 1: In another race, Lt Gen U.S. Grant and CSA Gen Robert E. Lee force-march their troops to the North Anna River, where they hope to beat the other to the crossings. But the Rebels already have possession of the crossings, so Lee’s troops cross to the south bank of the river. Lee is convinced that the thrust to the North Anna is a feint by Grant. But Grant is headed for the North Anna for sure. The west column is Warren and Wright, intending to cross at Jericho Mills. The east column is Hancock and Burnside, intending to cross at Ox Ford or Chesterfield Bridge near Hanover Junction. Hancock is able to overwhelm a Rebel brigade and take the bridge. Warren crosses at Jericho Mills nearly uncontested. A.P. Hill only places one division there, Cadmus Wilcox’s. Warren’s troops push across, and Wilcox’s division holds them and then makes a direct attack, but Warren’s troops push them back and keep the beachhead. This night, Lee decides to arrange his lines in a V-shaped wedge, with the apex anchored on the river at Ox Ford, in between the two main crossing points. Lee’s plan is to split the Union wings, and attack either one wing or the other, and reinforce from the other.
1. May 23, 1846: Mexico declares war against the United States
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/1846
2. Thursday, May 23, 1861: Virginia ratifies the Secessionist Convention referendum by a vote of 132,201 to 37,451
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186105
3. Thursday, May 23, 1861: The referendum vote in Virginia votes in favor of secession, 97,000 votes to 32,000 votes. Delegates from the western counties, however, are forming a pro-Union convention in Wheeling.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1861
4. Thursday, May 23, 1861: John Floyd commissioned a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186105
5. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- During the battle of Front Royal, Captain William Goldsborough of the 1st Maryland Infantry, CSA, captures his brother Charles Goldsborough of the 1st Maryland Infantry, USA, and takes him prisoner.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
6. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- Banks, in nearby Strasburg, hesitates and then takes his 6,000 remaining troops on a forced march north toward Winchester, since he sees that Jackson has a larger force, and now flanks him. The Federals cancel their plans to reinforce McClellan, and begin shifting troops eastward toward the Valley again.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
7. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- Battle of Lewisburg, Virginia: Gen. Jacob Cox, having advanced one of his brigades under Col. George Crook toward Princeton in the mountains of western Virginia, awaits further orders from Gen. Fremont. A Confederate brigade under Col. Henry Heth, 2,200 strong, attacks Crook, who is greatly outnumbered. Yet Crook fights off the Rebel attack, inflicting over 200 killed, wounded, and captured on the Rebels, while only losing 13 men. Union Victory.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
8. Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- John Beauchamp Jones, a clerk in the Confederate War Department in Richmond, bemoans the rising costs of living, and its attendant evils, in his journal: Oh, the extortioners! Meats of all kinds are selling at 50 cts. per pound ; butter, 75 cts.; coffee, $1.50; tea, $10; boots, $30 per pair; shoes, $18; ladies’ shoes, $15; shirts, $6 each. Houses that rented for $500 last year, are $1000 now. Boarding, from $30 to $40 per month. Gen. Winder has issued an order fixing the maximum prices of certain articles of marketing, which has only the effect of keeping a great many things out of market. The farmers have to pay the merchants and Jews their extortionate prices, and complain very justly of the partiality of the general. It does more harm than good.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
9. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- On this date, Pres. Lincoln confers with Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles, Asst. Sec. of the Navy Gustavus Fox, Sec. of War Edwin Stanton, and General Henry W. Halleck. Their topic: a proposed coordinated attack on Charleston.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
10. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- On this date, Pres. Lincoln also offers command of the Army of the Potomac to Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, one of Hooker’s corps commanders. Couch turns down the offer, citing his poor health, suggesting Meade instead.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
11. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Sergeant Alexander P. Downing, of the 11th Iowa Infantry, writes in his journal of his regiment’s activities in the opening moves of the Siege of Vicksburg, as well as a stark description of a field hospital’s grisly work: We started this morning at daylight and marched five miles to General McPherson’s headquarters at the center of the army. Here we lay until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when we marched back to our old place on the extreme left. The rebels again commenced to shell us, but the shells went over our heads. The Eleventh Iowa went on picket. Our men are shelling the rebels from all sides, and they are falling back behind their fortifications. When passing the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps today, I saw a most dreadful sight at the field hospital ; there was a pile, all that a six-mule team could haul, of legs and arms thrown from the amputating tables in a shed nearby, where the wounded were being cared for.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
12. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Sergeant Osborn H. Oldroyd, of the 20th Ohio Infantry Regiment, writes in his journal of incidents on picket duty outside of the fortifications of Vicksburg: Our regiment lay in the rifle pits to-day, watching the enemy. For hours we were unable to see the motion of a man or beast on their side, all was so exceedingly quiet throughout the day. After dark we were relieved, and as we returned to the camp the enemy got range of us, and for a few minutes their bullets flew about us quite freely. However, we bent our heads as low as we could and double-quicked to quarters. One shot flew very close to my head, and I could distinctly recognize the familiar zip and whiz of quite a number of others at a safer distance. The rebels seemed to fire without any definite direction. If our sharpshooters were not on the alert, the rebels could peep over their works and take good aim; but as they were so closely watched they had to be content with random shooting. . . . We think Grant’s head is level, anyhow. The weather is getting hotter, and I fear sickness; and water is growing scarce, which is very annoying. If we can but keep well, the future has no fears for us.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
13. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Edwin E. Mason, of the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, writes home with news. He has apparently been ill: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 21, 1863
Dear Mother, I sit down to write a few lines to let you know where I ‘be.’ At present I am in Hospital at convalescent Camp near Alexandria, distant- 3 miles; from Washington 7. I wrote to you first at Baltimore and sent a likeness and a gold pen and some money. I forget how much. I received $29 at Harrisburg and when I wrote, or had wrote for me, for I was sick at the time of the second letter. I gave the fellow all the money I had left. . . . I spoke about Sundays fight and my running away Sunday night. Till then I thought soldiering all very fine. But I would rather have been at home. . . . The plan I sent you is the one back of the City: of course they are not correct but give you an idea how they are filled in. I didn’t fight there, but at Chancellorsville. We crossed at Kelly’s Ford. . . . That Battle brought me to my senses and if I ever come home again, won’t I work I’ll dig my finger nails off. All of you work in concert and you will do better. When at home I thought pa could work all time just as well as not. But I have found my mistake too late. . . . I will send home every cent I can get hold of. . . .
Your affectionate and wayward Son, goodbye Edwin E. Mason
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
14. Saturday, May 23 1863 --- Mason writes again, two days later, to his sister: Ward #3 Hospital, Convalescent Camp, Washington, DC May 23, 1863
Dear Sister, I received yours of the 19th this morning. I am most well. I came here a week ago last Thursday with the measles. I ‘staid’ in Camp Distribution till I was broke out 2 and a half days before the Doct. knew what ailed me. so much for him and his knowledge. You chided me for going forth – fight – my country’s battles. Ba! The way of it was this, that not hearing from you, I determined to go to my Regiment. . . . and fetched up at Chancellorsville. It is a very large place consisting of one house and lots of trees. In the ‘hottes’ of the fight, and I assure you there was somoe fighting done that day, we chaged on a battery that was mowing us down like grain before the reaper and ‘fit’ about 15 min. But of no avail. Behind the battery was a Regiment of infantry in ambush. They rose with a yell that made my hair start, and poured a volley into our men who stand it? we didn’t for we run like sheep. We was so cut up it was determined to send us across the river.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
15. Monday, May 23, 1864 --- In a letter to his wife penned this day, Gen. George G. Meade writes about the prospects of success: We expected [this day] to have another battle, but the enemy refuses to fight unless attacked in strong entrenchments; hence, when we moved on his flank, instead of coming out of his works and attacking us, he has fallen back from Spottsylvania Court House, and taken up a new position behind the North Anna River; in other words, performed the same operation which I did last fall, when I fell back from Culpeper, and for which I was ridiculed; that is to say, refusing to fight on my adversary’s terms. I suppose now we will have to repeat this turning operation, and continue to do so, till Lee gets into Richmond.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1864
16. Monday, May 23, 1864: Phil Sheridan's Raid on Richmond, Virginia ongoing [May 9 – 24]
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186405
17. Tuesday, May 23, 1865: Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186505
A Thursday, May 23, 1861: Thomas Jackson strikes the B&O Railroad, capturing 56 locomotives.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186105
B Thursday, May 22, 1862: Battle of Front Royal
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186205
B Thursday, May 22, 1862 --- Eastern Theater, Shenandoah Valley Campaign - Battle of Front Royal, Virginia: Early this morning, Jackson and Ewell put their men on the road in a swift march north to a crossroads town called Front Royal, where the two forks of the Shenandoah River join, and where the Luray Valley opens out into the Shenandoah Valley proper. Union troops there consist of the 1st Maryland Infantry, supported by detachments from other units, including a battery of artillery—about 975 men, all under command of Col. Kenly of Maryland. Jackson, learning this, sends for the CSA 1st Maryland Regiment, under Col. Bradley Johnson, to march to the front and engage their rivals from the same state. At first, the Rebel Marylanders have trouble advancing, since Jackson has provided no supports, and no artillery.
Soon, Jackson sends in Brig. Gen. Richard Taylor’s Louisiana Brigade to support the Marylanders’ attack. Kenly finds himself backed up against the river. Meanwhile, Turner Ashby’s cavalry steals a march around to the west side of the town, cuts communication with Strasburg (where Gen. Banks and the main Federal force are) and bottles up the Yankees in their position. Kenly withdraws across the bridges to the north, and sets them on fire, but the Rebels are able to put the fires out, and cross over as well. Kenly retreats his troops a few miles north to Cedarville. Jackson orders Maj. Flournoy and the 6th Virginia Cavalry Regiment (only 250 strong) to harass and pursue, and he rides with them. As the Rebel infantry moves up the road to the still-forming Federal line, Flournoy comes riding in at a full charge, shattering the Yankee formation and inciting panic. Col. Kenly is wounded, and all 700 remaining Federal soldiers throw down their weapons and surrender. Confederate Victory.
Losses: Killed & Wounded Captured
U.S. 83 691
C.S. 36
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1862
C Saturday, May 23 1863 --- The Richmond Daily Dispatch publishes the latest news from the Western Theater and the Vicksburg Campaign. Note how Grant’s relentless advance on Vicksburg is characterized as having "fled towards Vicksburg": “Grant entered the State of Mississippi by crossing the river five miles below Grand Gulf, with from sixty to one hundred thousand men, including a heavy force of cavalry.
He has received no reinforcements from Louisiana, but receives accessions constantly from the west bank of the river. His transportation is all on the river, and must cling to the river bank.
We evacuated Grand Gulf, falling back and fighting towards Jackson, followed by the enemy, who entered Jackson with 50,000 men on the 16th.
Gen. Johnston reached Jackson on the 13th, and fell back to Canton. The Yankees committed various excesses during their two days occupation of Jackson, such as burning churches and private houses, tearing jewelry from the persons of citizens, gutting residences, etc. They then fled towards Vicksburg, followed by Gen. Johnston who is constantly receiving reinforcements.
Vicksburg has five months supplies of every kind, and can be taken only when the force defending it has exhausted these supplies.
The Yankees report the capture of Alexandria, La, but the report is not credited.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1863
C+ Monday, May 23, 1864 --- The New York Times publishes an editorial that is passionate on the question of Robert E. Lee’s personal honor, despite the genealogical errors: “The Chivalry of the Rebel Gen. Lee. “When monkeys are gods, what must the people be?” ROBERT E. LEE, Commander of the rebel army, is deemed the paragon of Southern chivalry. The rebels have always been vain of being led by one of such pure blood, such stainless honor. Justly enough by their standard. But let us put him to a civilized test.
What is his blood? His grandfather, R.H. LEE, had the taint of treason in him. Writing in 1790, on the Federal Constitution, he said, “When we [the South] attain our natural degree of population, I flatter myself that we shall have the power to do ourselves justice, with dissolving the bond which binds us together.” His great uncle, “Light-Horse HARRY,” was stigmatized by JEFFERSON, who knew him well, as “an intriguer,” “an informer,” a “miserable tergiversator.” Maj.-Gen. CHAS. LEE, of Revolutionary memory, and a kinsman, was, as one may see by IRVING’s Washington, not only a calumniator of WASHINGTON, but was a plotter to supersede him; he was tried by court-martial, after the battle of Monmouth, was found guilty of disobedience of orders, misbehavior before the enemy, and disrespect to the Commander-in-Chief; was subsequently dismissed from the service in disgrace. . . . The great uncle, ARTHUR LEE, was the libeler of FRANKLIN and JAY and JEFFERSON, and is described by TUCKER, in his life of the latter, to have been “singularly impracticable in his temper and disposition.” The uncle, HENRY LEE, was in Congress at the time of the Presidential struggle between JEFFERSON and BURR, and, according to TUCKER, advised “desperate measures” to defeat the former; . . . It would be difficult to name an old family in this country, of any historical mark, whose “blood” has been shown to be of worse quality than that of the LEES of Virginia.
But it is not family that makes the gentleman, or the reverse. It is personal honor. Has ROBERT E. LEE this? We say emphatically that he has it not. He is deficient in its very first and most essential element — truth. He is as mendacious as BEAUREGARD himself. This can be proved incontestably, and that too without going back of the history of the last fortnight. . . . LEE deliberately and flagitiously lied. . . . No Commander of the Army of the Potomac has been guilty of anything of the kind. GRANT or MEADE would die on the spot before they would degrade their own manhood, and insult the manhood of their soldiers, by such deception.
The simple truth is that the very fact of a soldier’s abandoning his flag involves an abandonment of character. LEE received his military education from the Government, had been constantly honored and trusted by the Government, and it was the extreme of perfidy in him to turn traitor against the Government. . . . It is not morally possible to perpetrate this supreme crime without wrenching and in fact breaking down the whole moral nature. Treason cannot be committed on any scale without its malignity extending to every part of the moral constitution. Fidelity lies at the very core of sound character, and when that rots, all rots.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1864
D Monday, May 23, 1864 --- Battle of the North Anna River [May 23-26, 1864] Day 1: In another race, Grant and Lee force-march their troops to the North Anna River, where they hope to beat the other to the crossings. But the Rebels already have possession of the crossings, so Lee’s troops cross to the south bank of the river. Lee is convinced that the thrust to the North Anna is a feint by Grant. But Grant is headed for the North Anna for sure. The west column is Warren and Wright, intending to cross at Jericho Mills. The east column is Hancock and Burnside, intending to cross at Ox Ford or Chesterfield Bridge near Hanover Junction. Hancock is able to overwhelm a Rebel brigade and take the bridge. Warren crosses at Jericho Mills nearly uncontested. A.P. Hill only places one division there, Cadmus Wilcox’s. Warren’s troops push across, and Wilcox’s division holds them and then makes a direct attack, but Warren’s troops push them back and keep the beachhead.
This night, Lee decides to arrange his lines in a V-shaped wedge, with the apex anchored on the river at Ox Ford, in between the two main crossing points. Lee’s plan is to split the Union wings, and attack either one wing or the other, and reinforce from the other.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=May+23%2C+1864
D+ Monday, May 23, 1864: Battle of the JERICHO MILL, Virginia. After leaving Mt. Carmel Church on May 23, Union Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren's Fifth Corps arrived at Jericho Mill at 1:30 pm. Surprised to find no Confederate river defense, Warren began moving across the ford. Meanwhile, on the south bank, Gen. A.P. Hill's Third Corps was passing down the road toward Hanover Junction. One regiment from Col. Joseph N. Brown's South Carolina brigade moved here to the ground overlooking the ford to investigate the Union foray, but soon withdrew.
Both sides then made a blundering series of decisions that would lead to battle. By 4:15 pm, two of Warren's divisions had crossed the river, with a pontoon bridge soon to be completed. The next division crossed and camped. On the Confederate side, Hill believed the crossing a cavalry feint, but dispatched Gen. Cadmus Wilcox's division.
Learning of a possible enemy advance, the Federals of Gen. Lysander Cutler's division marched to the front, some carrying coffee pots and half-cooked meals on their bayonets. An oncoming rush of cows, pigs, and other animals first alerted the Federals to the danger ahead. Before Cutler's men could deploy, Gen. Edward Thomas' Georgia brigade appeared, their commander "[hallooing] as if on a fox chase." The Confederates struck the famous Iron Brigade, sending the veterans hurrying for the safety of the pontoon bridge. The rout caused one to later quip that it was the "I run" Brigade. At the same time, the lead regiments from Thomas' brigade broke for the rear as well, also surprised by the Federal infantry. The battle began with the unusual scene of both sides running in opposite directions. “Confederates soon pushed into the gap opened by Cutler's retreat. The reached the Union rear, threatening to cut off the Fifth Corps from their pontoon bridge. Twelve Napoleon cannon under Union Col. Charles S. Wainwright raced through the sea of retreating Federal infantry and went into battery, opening fire as soon as they unlimbered. The roar of massed canister tore into the Confederate ranks, driving the Southerners into the cover of a ravine. In response, the veteran Confederate infantrymen began to pick off the Union cannoneers.
At this critical moment, the 83rd Pennsylvania appeared on the Confederate flank held by the 1st South Carolina. Both units tried to deploy quickly to face each other, but the Pennsylvanians struck first, driving in and capturing Col. Brown. The Confederate line fell back, while Warren's Fifth Corps celebrated victory.
The following day, Lee issued A.P. Hill perhaps his strongest rebuke of the war. "General Hill, why did you let those people cross here?" he said. "Why didn't you throw your whole force on them and drive them back as Jackson would have done?" Hill had no answer. With night ending the conflict, Lee's North Anna River line was breached.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/northanna/index/north-anna.html
FYI SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Franklin BriantCPO William Glen (W.G.) Powell1stSgt Eugene Harless PO3 (Join to see)MSG Greg Kelly CPT (Join to see) LTC John Griscom LTC Thomas Tennant SPC Michael TerrellSPC Robert Treat GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad GySgt Jack Wallace PO1 Sam Deel LTC David Brown LTC (Join to see) SFC Eric Harmon SSG Bill McCoy
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