Winter Quarters Near Stevensburg

Monday, December 7, 1863

Early this morning the Twentieth Massachusetts redeployed on Cole's Hill near Stevensburg, establishing their winter quarters. The Army of the Potomac was situated in a wide half-circle around Culpeper Court House, facing the Rapidan River and headquartered at Brandy Station. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 324-25.

Battle of Brandy Station

Tuesday, June 9, 1863

Union Cavalry General Alfred Pleasonton encountered Confederate Cavalry led by General James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.) Stuart near Culpeper. At dawn Pleasonton launched a surprise attack on Stuart and an all-day battle ensued. This battle, known as the Battle of Brandy Station, was the largest engagement of cavalry during the Civil War. The battle terminated in the evening without the Union Cavalry determining the position of the Confederate Army.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 262.

Pleasonton Detached for Cavalry Reconnaissance

Sunday, June 7, 1863

Cavalry General Alfred Pleasonton was sent to Culpeper Court House with all available cavalry for a reconnaissance of the Confederate Army to determine their current position.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 262.