BATTLE NEAR SHEPHERDSTOWN, VA. CAMP SIXTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, My advance was here made slow by the fact BOLIVAR HEIGHTS, VA., July 17, 1863. ( that the enemy, finding themselves threatened ON Wednesday, the fifteenth instant, the in rear, evacuated their works in front of General Third brigade, Second cavalry division, comSteele, and I did not know but that at any mo-manded by Colonel J. Irwin Gregg, left Bolivar ment their whole force would be thrown upon me. I received a message from General Steele, in the event of such contingency, to withdraw my horses from below the bluff bank of the river, and his batteries would cover my flanks.

munition; two of the shells which should have
gone over our heads into the enemy's line, strik-
ing the ground between our reserve and the dis-
mounted men. The rebels had eight guns in po-

within six miles of that place, being engaged with
and driving the enemy's skirmishers all the way.
At this point we were so near the enemy's lines
that we could hear distinctly their bands playing
on our right and left. We obtained valuable in-sition firing at one time, and far better served
formation of their movements and location from
parties who had left Martinsburgh that day. The
object of the reconnoissance having been accom-
plished, we returned to within a mile of Shep-
herdstown, where we remained on picket. A
little before dark our videttes were driven in, but
we speedily charged and repulsed the attack.
The other regiments of the brigade had camped
near Shepherdstown, with the roads around well
picketed.

than usual for them, in the cavalry fights I have
noticed, whether Kelly's Ford, Aldie, Middle-
burgh, or Upperville. At times their firing was
terrific to be concentrated on so small a line as
ours; their shot, shell, grape, and canister com-
ing all around and among us, lopping the branch-
es from the trees, and splintering huge fragments
from the rocks they came in contact with. Noth-
ing but the uneven character of the ground
preserved our little brigade from annihilation.

The next day, the sixteenth instant, as the The Sixteenth took up the fighting for the First Maine regiment was going out on the Win- Maine, which retired; but seeing us pushed at chester road for forage, they met our pickets (from one time, they came out gallantly, without being the Tenth New-York) running in, pursued by asked, and we made "Johnny" travel. As our two squadrons of the enemy's cavalry. This men's passions became excited in the contest, truly noble little regiment instantly formed and having repulsed an attack on the right, they forcharged the assailants, driving them back beyond got the order of Colonel Gregg, "to hold the the abandoned picket-line. The enemy now ap- line, but not to advance," and with a cheer peared in force, bringing up their artillery rapid- sprang forward after the foe, driving them ly, and opening fire on our line. The Maine held to their guns, where they, having a fair the ground, deploying skirmishers, and made a sweep, open all their pieces on us at once, with desperate fight. Our artillery was then advanced, grape and canister. We were driven back. They and posted in an advantageous position on the charged us with exulting shouts, while their arright and left of the road, supported by the tillery hurled shell without cessation. We were Forty-seventh and Sixteenth Pennsylvania regi- driven back a quarter of a mile from our old line ments. The Fourth was soon sent out to the all we were driven that day. In this charge the right front, dismounted, and thrown forward as noble Captain Fisher was mortally wounded, one skirmishers. Shortly after, the Sixteenth regi- ball passing through his thigh, another through ment was sent to relieve the First Maine, which his breast. Colonel Gregg looked anxious, and had been engaged about two hours, and had ex- appeared irritated that his order was not obeyed. pended all its ammunition. As we moved along On the left, Captain Swan had advanced in imithe road they got our range very fairly, send- tation of the right, and had fared the same fate, ing their shells in very disagreeable proximity to having his horse shot from under him and losing us. The tall figure of Colonel Gregg, as he and his some of his best men. A new line is soon formed, aid, Lieutenant Martin, and his escort rode along strengthened by Alexander's squadron, a couple with us, attracted their attention, and wherever of squadrons of the First Pennsylvania regihe moved thereafter, very leisurely over the field, ment, from McIntosh's brigade having come up their shell followed him, the fragments scattering to support us. The fight goes on as wickedly as all around; but he appeared to bear a charmed ever. The rebel battle-flag is shot down three life and escaped unhurt. Three squadrons of times in a few minutes, and the last color-bearer the Sixteenth were dismounted and sent forward; compelled to crouch behind a wall and hold up Fisher's and McDowell's, under Major Fry, on the right, each officer dismounted, with carbine in hand; and the third, under Captains Swan and Day, on the left; the fourth and last, under Captain Alexander, in reserve.

the flag from his lurking-place. As night came
on the enemy made several desperate attempts,
all of which were steadily repulsed; after the
last, our men, mounting the stone wall behind
which the last line was formed, cheering and
waving their hats, and challenging their oppo-
nents to come on, although their ammunition was
exhausted.

The country in which we were fighting is illy fitted for cavalry movements-the ground very rocky and broken, cut up into small fields, with high stone and rail-fence, and frequent small Night put an end to the contest. At about nine patches of timber. This will account for the o'clock the First Maine and First and Fourth strange event of a fight between cavalrymen, Pennsylvania were ordered to fall back, leaving where all the fighting was on foot, aided by ar- the Sixteenth to hold the battle-field. At about tillery. Our artillery consisted of four pieces. midnight Assistant Adjutant-General Maitland Soon after the Sixteenth was thrown forward; came and announced to Lieutenant-Colonel Robitwo of these were sent to secure an important son that our wounded and all the other regiposition on our left, and were not brought into ments had left, and that we were to bring up the play during the fight; so we fought with two rear, but to remain until two o'clock. At that pieces of artillery, and these not as effective as hour we noiselessly marched through the fields they should have been, on account of bad am- for a couple of miles, until we struck the road to

Harper's Ferry, when we soon rejoined the brigade, and by five A.M. formed squadron on Bolivar Heights.

Thus ended one of the most desperate cavalry fights of the war, considering the number actually engaged; our brigade not numbering over eight hundred men, having become reduced by detachments sent to different points, and men left in the rear dismounted, their animals having become used up by the hard work of the past two months. At different times our fire ceased entirely, from want of ammunition. A remarkable circumstance is, that, to our knowledge, not one prisoner was taken on either side, except those of ours so badly wounded that they could not move, and were left behind when we were driven back. General Gregg accompanied us to Shepherdstown, and McIntosh's brigade was posted on our left, toward Harper's Ferry, but, with the exception of that portion of the First Pennsylvania referred to, did not participate. Captain Fisher, to whom I have referred, is well known to Philadelphia merchants as an old merchant of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. A gallant soldier, a gentleman, and a pleasant companion, his loss will be deeply regretted.

RICHMOND DESPATCH ACCOUNT.

ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA, July 18, 1863. The heavy cannonading heard in the direction of Shepherdstown Thursday originated from a severe cavalry fight, of which you have been advised by telegraph. I will now furnish you the particulars as they have been ascertained.

posed to an incessant fire of shot, shell, and small arms from the enemy, who had availed themselves of the protection of the stone wall, and every rock, tree, and stump that afforded the least shelter. While our men were in dangerous proximity, without the slightest shelter to cover their movements, bodies of the enemy's cavalry would frequently charge up to the stone wall, file to the right and left, rapidly deliver their fire, and gallop into a wood that skirted the wall on either side. Later in the afternoon, when the fight had progressed some time, the Fourteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, and Thirty-sixth battalion, of Jenkins's brigade, came up from near Martinsburgh, and reënforced General Lee, taking a position on the left of the road toward Shepherdstown. During the remainder of the day they rendered gallant and efficient service with their long-range guns, and participated with their comrades, previously on the field, in the subsequent charges on the enemy's position. The enemy was repulsed and driven back on the right and left, but so effectual was their protection behind the wall, they were enabled to hold that position until night. Our line of battle extended about the distance of a mile and a half to he right and left of the road, the enemy's about the same distance, with reserves in supporting distance.

The

We had three pieces of artillery, and the enemy it is believed about the same number, planted in an admirable position on the right of the stone wall and in front of the woods, commanding the whole field in front. During the entire engagement our officers and men displayed the utmost After the return of General Lee's army to Vir- gallantry. General Jenkins being absent by ginia, the enemy, evidently too much crippled for reason of a wound in the head received at Getimmediate pursuit, and desirous of ascertaining tysburgh, his men were led by Colonel Ferguson, our movements, and feeling our position, de- the whole under command of Fitzhugh Lee. spatched a large body of cavalry down the river Our loss, not yet definitely known, is unofficially to accomplish this object, if possible. They reported at from seventy-five to one hundred crossed at Harper's Ferry, where pontoon-bridges from all causes. We lost no prisoners. were thrown across for the purpose, and pro- loss of the enemy is estimated at from one hunceeded up the river as far as Shepherdstown, dred and fifty to two hundred. Night having where they arrived on Wednesday; then coming drawn her sable curtain over the scene, the down the Leetown and Winchester road to the enemy fell back from this position behind the distance of about five miles, halted. Meantime, stone wall, leaving their dead and wounded in Fitzhugh Lee, who was in the vicinity, and hear-our hands, and our men in possession of the field. ing of their whereabouts, proceeded up the Shepherdstown road for the purpose of checking the enemy's advance. He arrived in sight of the Yankees Thursday morning, which brought on desultory skirmishing and cannonading, which continued throughout the day until about four o'clock P.M. Then dismounting his men and advancing, the fight became general along both lines, the enemy having also dismounted.

A charge was ordered, and our men rushed upon the enemy, who were driven back two or three miles, where they sought the protection of a stone wall extending to the right and left of the road, their right and left flank stretching some distance either extremity of the wall. Here the fight raged for some time, our men frequently charging up to the enemy's front, and delivering their fire with telling effect, but ex

They retreated down the river road toward Harper's Ferry, and it is reported have since gone to the other side of the river.

The casualties, as usual latterly, were considerable among the officers, who greatly exposed themselves leading and encouraging the men, and forming conspicuous marks for the enemy's sharp-shooters. Colonel Drake, First Virginia, and Adjutant Barbour, Seventeenth Virginia, are reported killed; the latter while cheering the men to a charge. Colonel Gregg, of Lee's brigade, reported mortally wounded, and Major Jos. H. Newman, of the Sixteenth, wounded in the head.

Prisoners taken report that the enemy was commanded by General Gregg.

I should mention that the enemy, on their entrance into Shepherdstown, found fifty or sixty

of our sick and wounded, who were told they

While on my way to Mississippi, where I would be paroled, and those physically able car- thought my presence had become necessary, I reried off; but the issue of the fight was so unex-ceived, in Mobile, on March twelfth, the following pected to them they were compelled to leave the telegram from the Secretary of War, dated March intended prisoners behind. ninth:

"All is quiet" in and along the lines, and this is all I am at liberty to report at this writing. The movements of the army since the great battle of Gettysburgh, which are as well known to the enemy as ourselves, may be briefly summed up as follows: Withdrawing from our position at Gettysburgh almost simultaneously with the enemy, our army formed line of battle, our right resting near Hagerstown, our left on the river, near Williamsport. Here we lay two tedious days and nights, offering fight, which the enemy declined, when it was determined to recross the river, which was most successfully accomplished. Of our movements since, or present position, I cannot speak, though it would appease a prurient curiosity, which seeks gratification even at the expense of the public interests and safety. I will always promptly advise you of facts accomplished, and events that may be given to the public without detriment.

No considerable body of the enemy are yet reported to be on the south side of the river. A small body of cavalry advanced from the direction of Williamsport to-day, and captured three of our wagons and as many men, who had been foraging in the vicinity of the mountain, about seven miles from Martinsburgh. The remainder of the party escaped.

Order General Bragg to report to the War Department for conference. Assume yourself direct charge of the Army of Middle Tennessee.

In obedience to this order I at once proceeded to Tullahoma. On my arrival I informed the Secretary of War, by a telegram of March nineteenth, that General Bragg could not then be sent to Richmond, as he has ordered, on account of the critical condition of his family.

On the tenth of April, I repeated this to the President, and added: "Being unwell then, I afterward became sick, and am not now able to serve in the field. General Bragg is, therefore, necessary here." On the twenty-eighth, my unfitness for service in the field was reported to the Secretary of War.

On the ninth of May I received, at Tullahoma, the following despatch of the same date from the Secretary of War:

Proceed at once to Mississippi and take chief command of the forces there, giving to those in the field, as far as practicable, the encouragement and benefit of your personal direction.

It is thus seen that neither my orders nor my health permitted me to visit Mississippi after the twelfth of March, until the time when I took direct charge of that department.

I am satisfied Rosecrans will be reënforced from Grant's army: Shall I order troops to Tullahoma?

From the time of my arrival at Tullahoma unGeneral Pettigrew, of North-Carolina, died of til the fourteenth of April, General Pemberton's his wound at half-past six yesterday morning, at reports, all by telegraph, indicated that the efthe residence of Mr. Boyd, Bunker Hill, from the forts of the enemy would be against General effect of his wound received in repelling a cav- Bragg rather than himself, and looked to the alry charge into his brigade just before recross-abandonment of his attempts on Vicksburgh. In ing the Potomac, Wednesday last. His confine- that of April thirteenth he says: ment was soothed by every attention his condition required, and his faithful body-servant attended him to the last. His noble features, calm and placid in death, and his body arrayed in full uniform, with his limbs composed, he appeared, instead of death, more like one who 66 'wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." It being impossible to procure a metallic coffin to convey his remains home, they were interred temporarily at

Bunker Hill.

Doc. 146.

* **

On the seventeenth of April General Pemberton telegraphed the return of Grant and the resumption of the operations against Vicksburgh.

On the twenty-ninth of April he telegraphed: The enemy is at Hard Times, in large force, with barges and transports, indicating a purpose to attack Grand Gulf, with a view to Vicksburgh. He also reported heavy firing at Grand Gulf. The enemy shelling our batteries both above and below.

REPORT OF GENERAL JOSEPH E. JOHN- light just below Port Gibson.

STON.

REBEL OPERATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA. MERIDIAN, MISS., Nov. 1, 1863. General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General:

SIR: The following report of my operations in the Department of Mississippi and East-Louisiana is respectfully offered as a substitute for the imperfect one forwarded by me from Jackson on May twenty-seventh, 1863.

On the first of May he telegraphed : A furious battle has been going on since day. Enemy can cross all his army from Hard Times to Bruinsburgh. I should have large reënforcements. Enemy's movements threaten Jackson, and if successful cut off Vicksburgh and Port Hudson.

I at once urged him to concentrate and to 'attack Grant immediately on his landing; and on the next day I sent the following despatch to him:

If Grant crosses, unite all your troops to beat him. Success will give back what was abandoned to win it.

I telegraphed to you on the first: General Pemberton calls for large reënforcements. They cannot be sent from here without giving up Tennessee. Can one or two brigades be sent from the East?

On the seventh I again asked for reënforcements for the Mississippi.

I received no further report of the battle of Port Gibson, and on the fifth asked General Pemberton: "What is the result, and where is Grant's army?" I received no answer, and gained no additional information in relation to either subject, until I reached the Department of Mississippi, in obedience to my orders of May ninth.

Then, on May thirteenth, I received a despatch from General Pemberton, dated Vicksburgh, May twelfth, asking for reënforcements, as the enemy, in large force, was moving from the Mississippi, south of the Big Black, apparently toward Edwards's Depot, "which will be the battle-field, if I can forward sufficient force, leaving troops enough to secure the safety of this place.'

Before my arrival at Jackson, Grant had beaten General Bowen at Port Gibson, made good the landing of his army, occupied Grand Gulf, and was marching upon the Jackson and Vicksburgh Railroad.

the despatch of May fourteenth, of which the following is a copy:

GENERAL: The body of troops mentioned in my note of last night compelled Brigadier-General Gregg and his command to evacuate Jackson about noon to-day. The necessity of taking the Canton road, at right angles to that upon which the enemy approached, prevented an obstinate defence. A body of troops, reported this morning to have reached Raymond last night, advanced at the same time from that direction. Prisoners say that it was McPherson's corps (four divisions) which marched from Clinton. I have no certain information of the other: both skirmished very cautiously. Telegrams were despatched when the enemy was near, directing General Gist to assemble the approaching troops at a point forty or fifty miles from Jackson, and General Maxey to return to his wagons, and provide for the security of his brigade-for instance, by joining General Gist. That body of troops will be able, I hope, to prevent the enemy in Jackson from drawing provisions from the East, and this one may be able to keep him from the country toward Panola. Can he supply himself from the Mississippi? Can you not cut him off from it? And, above all, should he be com

As soon as the reënforcements are all up, they must be united to the rest of the army. I am anxious to see a force assembled that may be able to inflict a heavy blow upon the enemy.

Would it not be better to place the forces to support Vicksburgh between General Loring and that place, and merely observe the ferries, so that you might unite, if opportunity to fight presented itself?

On reaching Jackson, on the night of the thir-pelled to fall back for want of supplies, beat him. teenth of May, I found there the brigades of Gregg and Walker, reported at six thousand; learned from General Gregg that Maxey's brigade was expected to arrive from Port Hudson the next day; that General Pemberton's forces, except the garrison of Port Hudson (five thousand) and of Vicksburgh, were at Edwards's Depot-the General's headquarters at Bovina; that four divisions of the enemy, under Sherman, occupied Clinton, ten miles west of Jackson, between Edwards's Depot and ourselves. I was aware that reënforcements were on their way from the East, and that the advance of those under General Gist would probably arrive the next day, and with Maxey's brigade, swell my force to about eleven thousand.

Upon this information I sent to General Pemberton on the same night (thirteenth) a despatch informing him of my arrival, and of the occupation of Clinton by a portion of Grant's army, urging the importance of reestablishing communications, and ordering him to come up, if practicable, on Sherman's rear at once, and adding: "To beat such a detachment would be of immense value. The troops here could coöperate. All the strength you can quickly assemble should be brought. Time is all-important."

General Gregg will move toward Canton tomorrow. If prisoners tell the truth, the forces at Jackson must be half of Grant's army. It would decide the campaign to beat it, which can be done only by concentrating, especially when the remainder of the Eastern troops arrive; they are to be twelve thousand or thirteen thousand.

This despatch was not answered. General Pemberton stated, in his official report, that it was received at six P.M. on the sixteenth, "whilst on the retreat" from the battle-field of Baker's Creek.

On the next day, May seventeenth, (Friday,) the troops under me marched ten and a half miles further, to Calhoun Station. On the morning of that day I received a letter from General Pemberton, dated Edwards's Depot, May fourteenth, (Thursday,) five forty P.M.:

I shall move as early to-morrow morning as practicable a column of seventeen thousand on Dillon's. The object is to cut off the enemy's communications and force him to attack me, as I do not consider my force sufficient to justify an attack on the enemy in position or to attempt to

On Thursday, May fourteenth, the enemy advanced by the Raymond and Clinton roads upon Jackson. The resistance made by the brigades of Gregg and Walker gave sufficient time for the removal of the public stores; and at two P.M. we retreated by the Canton road, from which alone we could form a junction with General Pember-cut my way to Jackson. ton. After marching six miles the troops encamped.

From this point I sent to General Pemberton

This was the first communication received from General Pemberton after my arrival at Jackson, and from it I learned that he had not moved to