THE ARMY OF VIRGINIA: An Important Cavalry Expedition to Beaver Dam Creek; GEN. M’DOWELL IN THE FIELD (7/22/1862)

The cavalry expedition I directed Gen. KING to send out on the 19th has returned. They left Fredericksburgh at 7 P.M. on the 19th, and after a forced march during the night, made a descent at daylight in the morning upon the Virginia Central Railroad at Beaver Dam Creek, twenty-five miles west of Hanover Junction, and thirty-five miles from Richmond. They destroyed the railroad and telegraph line for several miles, burned the depot, which contained 40,000 rounds of musket ammunition, 100 barrels of flour, and much other valuable property, and brought in a Captain in charge as a prisoner. The whole country was thrown into a great state of alarm. One private was wounded on our side. The cavalry marched 80 miles in thirty hours. The affair was most successful, and reflects high credit upon the commanding officer and his troops. As soon as full particulars are received, I will transmit to you the name of the commanding officer of the troops engaged. I am, Sir,

The burning of the railroad bridge over the Rapidan River was caused by a mistaken idea of some of the soldiers, instead of by any order emanating from Gen. BANKS or the immediate commander of the expedition, Brig. Gen. HATCH.

The Rapidan River, however, is fordable at this season at many points near the bridge, and its destruction can be a matter of no great importance either way.

Arrivals from Sperryville state that there was almost daily skirmishing between Gen. SIGEL's pickets and the rebel scouts near the Gap at Luray, and that several of the enemy had been killed.

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4079972/posts

The Army of Virginia: An Important Cavalry Expedition to Beaver Dam Creek – 2
The Expedition from California: Junction of Gen. Carlton’s Forces with those of Gen. Canby – 2
From the Army on the James: Our Army Correspondence – 2-3
Affairs at Fortress Monroe: Arrival of the Louisiana with Union Prisoners – 3
The Fight on the Mississippi: The True Story About the Great Rebel Ram Arkansas – 3-4
The Guerrillas in the West: The Rebels in Considerable Force Approaching Nashville – 4
Movements of Gen. Halleck – 4
Important from Washington: The Response of the Loyal States to the New Call for Troops – 4-5
From the South: Rebel Reports of the Fight at Vicksburgh – 5
Raspberry Vinegar for Hospitals – 5
Brooklyn News: Base Ball Match – 5
Editorial: The State of the Nation – The Government and the People – Future of the War – 6-7
Halleck on Military Art* – 7
Editorial: A Border State Patriot – 7
Brooklyn News (continued) – 7

*Here’s a link to the piece written by Halleck referenced in the editorial page item => https://www.nytimes.com/1862/07/22/archives/gen-halleck-on-the-art-of-war-organization-of-armies-the-americans.html?searchResultPosition=1

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.