Oct./Nov. 1863 in the East

Confederate positions at Mine Run

From Harpers Weekly Periodical - November 1863

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

LEE has fallen back across the Rappahannock. Meade followed him slowly, repairing the Orange and Alexandria Railroad as he went. Skirmishes occur daily, especially between the cavalry reconnoitering parties; but no battle has taken place, and the impression prevails that the campaign in Virginia is at an end for the season.

Harpers Weekly - Magazine Oct. 24, 1863

    It is October 1863 the Army of Northern Virginia is replenishing itself. The shock of July 3, 1863 no longer lingers in Lee's Army.  Confederate Élan is being heard around A. N. V. campfires. The Army of Northern Virginia numbers are close to what they were before Gettysburg happened. Lee is again considering attacking the Army of the Potomac to push it back once again towards Centreville - Manassas line. Longstreet has taken his Corp west.

Federal  Artillery at the Battle of Bristoe Station Oct, 13 & 14 1863

from the Harpers Weekly Periodical Oct, 1863

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

THERE has been since our last number went to press a great deal of maneuvering, marching and countermarching, by the hostile armies of the Potomac, and one small battle. It seems that Lee crossed the Rapidan, and endeavored to get between our army and Washington, but was foiled by Meade's strategy. Meade fell back to and across the Rappahannock, and was followed by Lee. On 14th a brisk action took place at Bristoe Station, in which the enemy were roughly handled—as described in the official report below. Meade finally halted at or near Centreville. On 16th a courier is said to have reached Lee informing him that Burnside, at the head of a powerful column of cavalry, was moving in the direction of Lynchburg, Lee's base of supplies. He was reported to be near Abingdon, Virginia, one hundred and seventy-five miles from Lynchburg, and to have destroyed the railroad for a distance of over forty miles. The news reached General Lee by courier on the 16th, and on the following day his retrograde movement toward Lynchburg commenced. The troops in advance, under General Hill, were carried by an immense train of cars from Culpepper southward, the rest of the main army following by way of Warrenton and Greenwich. Meade is now in pursuit.

THE BATTLE OF BRISTOE STATION.

HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Oct. 15, 1863 The Major-General commanding announces to the army that the rear-guard, consisting of the Second corps, was attacked yesterday, while marching by the flank. The enemy after a spirited contest was repulsed, losing a battery of five guns, two colors, and 450 prisoners. The skill and promptitude of Major-General Warren, and the gallantry and bearing of the officers and soldiers of the second corps, are entitled to high commendation. By command of MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE.

 S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Harpers weekly Magazine October 31, 1863

Bristoe Station - Lee's advance is slowed.  A. P. Hill coming upon an unsuspecting 3rd Corp who are waiting to cross Broad Run orders an immediate attack. Heth attacks with two North Carolina brigades and is repulsed. Heth believes he is attacking the tail end of the 3rd Corp. As he advances Alexander Webb's Division of the Federal 2nd Corp (Warren) raises up and hits the North Carolinians flank. Webb holds the high ground occupying the rail cut on the Confederate flank. 

    The North Carolinians are decimated. Many drop their arms and surrender. Anderson  Division arrives to support Heth.  Anderson advances two brigades down Brentsville rd. Major Mc Intosh unlimbers 7 guns on ridge within 500 yards of the Federal Line. Heth Division falls back Mc Intosh's 7 guns are left unprotected and are overrun and captured by the Webb's Division.   Ewell arrives with the Confederate 2nd Corp. The following day the Federal corps retreat across the Broad Run. Heth has lost over 1,300 men.  he has also lost 7 artillery pieces the Army of Northern Virginia can ill afford to lose. After the battle Lee realizes that the Army of the Potomac is too strong to be pushed back towards Centreville. He stabilizes his lines and waits for Meade's next move.

THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

WE devote considerable space this week to illustrations of the Army of the Potomac, from sketches by our special artist, Mr. A. R. Waud. On pages 712 and 713 will be found a picture of the

BATTLE OF BRISTOE'S STATION.

Mr. Waud writes: "General Warren was attacked by the rebels, already in position on the hills on the opposite side of the railroad. The attack was made on his flank, while marching in the rear of the army. The advantage thus gained by the enemy was of little use to them. General Warren put his troops at once in the best position for a fight, the railroad embankment forming a perfect rifle-pit. On a hill in his rear Arnold's battery held a commanding position behind General Webb's brigade—seen beyond the wind-mill pump, in front of a deserted camp. In the foreground is Hazard's Battery B, Rhode Island artillery, which, though much exposed, did excellent service. The two horses in front were killed by one ball. Broad Run passes under the railroad at a point between the hill where Arnold took position and the trees this side of it. The result of the battle was the capture of five guns, two battle-flags, and 450 prisoners, and the killing and wounding of 1200 men, besides the demoralizing influence of the affair on the minds of the men, who were led to regard the capture of our train as certain. Our loss was about 200, a large proportion being wounded." On the same pages we illustrate the BURNING OF THE BRIDGE OVER THE RAPPAHANNOCK, and the STRAGGLERS WADING THE STREAM after the bridge had been burnt. Mr. Waud writes: "This bridge was destroyed on Tuesday, the 13th of October, to prevent the rebels bringing up supplies by railroad after we evacuated the line of the Rappahannock River. Of course it could be rebuilt, but that would take a week at least. After it was set on fire a number of stragglers came up, and had to wade over at the dam just above the bridge. It is astonishing that men will loaf in the rear of the army, and thereby risk a long and hungry march into Richmond, and a still longer and a loathsome captivity." On page 716 will be found another illustration, which depicts the DEFENSIVE WORKS at the bridge over the Rappahannock. Mr. Waud writes: "This point, alternately held by both armies, and the scene of many skirmishes and military movements, is again in our possession. Lee, foiled in his intended movement, has declined Meade's offer of battle, and sullenly has retired, having torn up and destroyed the railroad track, to finish the destruction which we commenced by burning the bridge. The smoke in the picture shows the position of the bridge, under the crest of the hill. The fort on the other side of the river was built to defend it from attack in that direction, the bank on this side being crowned with similar works and a line of rifle-pits for some distance up and down the river. The dark-red earth of which these field-works are made gives a gloomy aspect to them, in great contrast to the beautiful autumn foliage above which they erect their frowning crests." Some of the more humorous scenes of camp-life are portrayed on page 717. One of them, from a sketch made before the provost marshal's arrangements were as complete as they now are, shows us a group of gamblers and thieves waylaying officers off duty. At one time it was the boast of the gamblers that they were more interested than any other class in the community in getting the troops paid off, as the bulk of the greenbacks, sooner or later, fell into their hands. The other picture is described on page 717.

 Harper's weekly Magazine - November 7, 1863

(The picture that is being referred to is above)

  Meade has been very cautious in his pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia knowing the Lee's Army is well entrenched south of the Rapidan River. Meade has moved south under pressure from Abraham Lincoln to attack the Army of Northern Virginia. Thee Grand Army of the Potomac is now in the process of trying to flank Lee by marching around him.  Meade is trying to cut off the Army of Northern Virginia's supply lines. If he moves quick enough he can achieve this.  During this period Gremanna Ford, Jacobs Ford, and Culpeper Mine Ford were lightly defended by Lee.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

IT is reported that the whole rebel army has crossed the Rapidan, and that General Meade has fallen back to the north bank of the Rappahannock. When our forces retired from Culpepper they burned such stores as could not be conveniently carried away, in order to prevent then falling into the hands of the enemy. The rebels are said to have commenced the passage of the Rapidan on 8th, moving in the direction of Madison Court House, with the evident intention of turning General Meade's right wing. Heavy cavalry forces have been sent to our front to dislodge the rebels, who are said to be holding all the gaps in the Bull Run Mountains. There was skirmishing on 12th between the cavalry and some light batteries at or near the line of the Rappahannock. Thus far, the infantry has not been engaged on either side.

THE SKIRMISH OF 10TH. On Friday night and Saturday morning the rebels moved out of town in a northwardly direction. A division of infantry, a large body of cavalry, and considerable artillery were occasionally seen by our signal-men through openings in the forest, which generally conceals the road. The object of the movement could not at that time be determined. One of General Kilpatrick's cavalry brigades attempted a reconnaissance on the south side of Robertson's River, when they were met by a large body of Stuart's rebel cavalry. A fight ensued, continuing an hour, when our troops fell back upon the infantry reserves. After another severe contest the infantry were compelled to give way, and a considerable number of them were captured. A detachment of our cavalry then dashed upon the enemy, retaking nearly all the prisoners. Our entire force was then pushed back toward Culpepper, skirmishing on the way, and contesting every foot of ground.

Harper's weekly Magazine November 7,, 1863

LEE ON THE DEFENSIVE.

General Lee, is seems, declines to take up the gauge of battle which General Meade has urgently pressed upon his acceptance. The Army of Virginia, excepting its rear-

guard, have again ensconced themselves within their strong fortifications on the south bank of the Rapidan, or are making swift time toward Richmond. The Army of the Potomac, therefore, must bear with what grace it may the disappointment of its desire to bring about a decisive engagement.

 Harper's Weekly - November 7, 1863

Mine Run  - Meade has decided to march around the Army of Northern Virginia's flank.  His advance is delayed by heavy rains for 48 hours.  A Confederate scout learns of Meade's intent and reports this information to Robert E. Lee.  The Army of the Potomac crosses the Rapidan on Nov. 26th hoping to reach Robertson's Tavern by days end. The muddy conditions of the Orange Turnpike prevents this from happening.  The extra time again allows Lee to shift the Army of Northern Virginia to the East to block Meade's flanking maneuver. During the morning of Nov. 27, 1863 skirmishing breaks out at Robertson's Tavern between Jubal Early's & Robert E. Rhodes Confederate divisions and Warren's Federal 2nd Corp.  The fighting continues through the day.

    At the same time at New Hope Church on the plank rd. Stewart's Confederate Cavalry clashes with Greggs Federal troopers. Heth's Division occupies the key high ground  west of church. George Sykes union 5th Corp arrives and pushes Heth's Division off the high ground. Meade orders Sykes to hold the high ground at all hazard. Once the entire Union army arrives he will be allowed to advance.

French's Union 3rd Corp crossing Jacob's Ford

Harper's Weekly Periodical - November 1863

    To the north French's Union 3rd Corp advances from Jacob's Ford to the crossroads at the Widow Morris farm in and effort to unite with the Union 2nd Corp at Robertson's Tavern. The right fork of the road leads directly to the tavern and Rhodes exposed flank. It is partially blocked by Confederate cavalry. The fork also leads to the tavern, but, is a much longer route. French deliberates for hours trying to decide which fork to talk. Precious time is lost. With this delay Edward Johnson is given the time necessary to bring his Confederate division down the Raccoon road to anchor it on Rhode's exposed flank. Johnson Division collides with French's lead brigades at Payne's Farm. Johnson unaware that he faces two Union Corps (32,000 men) attacks with his 5300 veterans. The heaviest fighting of the campaign occurred at Payne's Farm. Each side charging and counter charging throughout the day. Johnson's Confederate Division effectively halted the Union advance.  

    During the night the Army of Northern Virginia withdraws  to a new position on the high ground west of Mine Run and constructs strong earthworks. It becomes evident that Meade's flanking movement has failed. The Army of the Potomac's lines run perpendicular to the Orange Turnpike. Heavy rains again impede the Union advance. The Army of Northern Virginia continues to strengthen their defensive earthworks.

    On Nov. 29, 1863 Warren to ordered to advance on a wide flanking maneuver to the south against Lee's lightly defended right flank. Warren Corp take all day to assemble and is ready to advance until 5:00 p.m.. Darkness falls and the advance is delayed until the morning of the 30th. Lee being made aware of Warren's Corps movement shifts A. P. Hill's Corps to the South. A. P. Hill constructs trenches across from Warren's front. Overnight the temperature drops below 0. It is the longest night many soldiers can remember. In morning Meade is informed that the Confederate have built trenches all along Warren's front. The advance is cancelled and Meade decides to withdraw and build the Army of the Potomac winter camps. Thus end s the Mine Run Campaign of 1863. The follow spring this ground would become part of Grant's Wilderness Campaign.

Federal positions at Mine Run

Scenario For Skirmish at Wolcott Mill

    The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of Potomac have been skirmishing and probing against each others lines throughout the month of October (Bristoe Station). The Federal Army is stockpiling supplies for a November advance to turn the Confederate flank (Mine Run Campaign), to effect the cutting off of Lee's supply line. There has been causalities on both sides. The Confederates Army hasn't been able to completely re-supply itself. There are shortages of food, ammunition, clothing, and medical supplies. Individual Confederate units are launching probing attacks to capture Union Supply Depots. This is our Scenario for the Skirmish at Wolcott Mill 2007.

Note: Confederate troops were not issued dog tents. Please use tent flys or A tents at this event. If you only have a dog tent it must be set up as a shebang. This is not an ok for the use of tentage at this event. It is strictly up to the Overall Commander's weather or not they want to use tentage at this event. The important goal is we want to portray the Federal and Confederate camps as authentically as possible. Please don't have any modern goods visible to fellow reenactors or the public. This is a semi - emersion event. Please keep 21st Century intrusions to a minimum.

    Please refer to either the Federal Orders or the Confederate Orders pages for all military standards and  requirements for your perspective side