Friday, January 15, 1864
Private Oliver Stanton Bates returned to military service with Company A of the Twentieth Massachusetts during the month of January. This was his first service with the Twentieth Massachusetts since Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded during the repulse of Pickett's Charge at the Angle on July 3, 1863. His exact date of return is unclear from his military records, but he was reported present during January 1864 muster rolls.1
References:
1Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Saturday, December 7, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Army of Potomac Returns to Camp
Wednesday, December 2, 1863
Union General George Meade ordered his forces to withdraw from Mine Run on Tuesday. After crossing the Rapidan River in an all-day march, the weary Army of the Potomac reached camp before nightfall. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 323.
Union General George Meade ordered his forces to withdraw from Mine Run on Tuesday. After crossing the Rapidan River in an all-day march, the weary Army of the Potomac reached camp before nightfall. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 323.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Battle of Mine Run
Monday, November 30, 1863
Army of the Potomac commander General George Meade planned to move against the Confederates by crossing the Rapidan River in three columns, with the Third and Sixth Corps crossing at Jacob’s Ford, the Second Corps crossing at Germanna Ford, and the the First and Fifth Corps crossing at Culpeper Mine Ford. General Meade planned to maneuver around the Confederate entrenchments and to attack General Richard Ewell before General Ambrose Powell "A.P." Hill could assist. Although Meade had planned to commence the march on November 26, General William French, commander of the Third Corps, delayed in assembling his forces, and Meade subsequently began the march on November 27.
The Union plan was further hindered when General French took the wrong route and engaged in battle with the Confederates, delaying the concentration of the Army of the Potomac until the morning of Saturday, November 28. During this time, General Robert E. Lee was following Union troop movements, and repositioned his army so that any element of surprise was eliminated. The two armies deployed in heavy rain along Mine Run, facing each other on opposite sides of the river along a ravine. On Sunday, November 29, the Union army spent the entire day studying the position of both armies to determine the optimal points of attack. Although Union General George Meade planned an attack for early Monday morning, he cancelled the attack, believing in limited success due to poor positioning and extreme weather. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 319-23.
Army of the Potomac commander General George Meade planned to move against the Confederates by crossing the Rapidan River in three columns, with the Third and Sixth Corps crossing at Jacob’s Ford, the Second Corps crossing at Germanna Ford, and the the First and Fifth Corps crossing at Culpeper Mine Ford. General Meade planned to maneuver around the Confederate entrenchments and to attack General Richard Ewell before General Ambrose Powell "A.P." Hill could assist. Although Meade had planned to commence the march on November 26, General William French, commander of the Third Corps, delayed in assembling his forces, and Meade subsequently began the march on November 27.
The Union plan was further hindered when General French took the wrong route and engaged in battle with the Confederates, delaying the concentration of the Army of the Potomac until the morning of Saturday, November 28. During this time, General Robert E. Lee was following Union troop movements, and repositioned his army so that any element of surprise was eliminated. The two armies deployed in heavy rain along Mine Run, facing each other on opposite sides of the river along a ravine. On Sunday, November 29, the Union army spent the entire day studying the position of both armies to determine the optimal points of attack. Although Union General George Meade planned an attack for early Monday morning, he cancelled the attack, believing in limited success due to poor positioning and extreme weather. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 319-23.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Orders to March on Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 26, 1863
On Monday evening the Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to march the following morning at dawn. Tuesday morning, at the appointed time, heavy rain descended on the camp and subsequently delayed the march for two days. At 6:00 A.M. this morning, Thanksgiving Day, the Twentieth Massachusetts began a march toward the Rapidan River.1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 306.
On Monday evening the Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to march the following morning at dawn. Tuesday morning, at the appointed time, heavy rain descended on the camp and subsequently delayed the march for two days. At 6:00 A.M. this morning, Thanksgiving Day, the Twentieth Massachusetts began a march toward the Rapidan River.1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 306.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Author's Message
On this observance of Veterans Day, please take some time today to remember and honor veterans of all wars. Thank you.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Meade Launches a New Offensive
Saturday, November 7, 1863
Under pressure from President Abraham Lincoln to pursue Confederate General Robert E. Lee Army of the Potomac commander George Meade planned a new offensive movement to strike the Confederates near Brandy Station. Early this morning the Army of the Potomac began a march to cross the Rappahannock River, with the Second Corps crossing at Kelly's Ford. General Robert E. Lee, however, declined to meet Meade near Brandy Station, and withdrew to a position on the south side of the Rapidan River. General Meade decided to relocate the Army of the Potomac for winter quarters positioned between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers near Stevensburg.1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 304-5.
Under pressure from President Abraham Lincoln to pursue Confederate General Robert E. Lee Army of the Potomac commander George Meade planned a new offensive movement to strike the Confederates near Brandy Station. Early this morning the Army of the Potomac began a march to cross the Rappahannock River, with the Second Corps crossing at Kelly's Ford. General Robert E. Lee, however, declined to meet Meade near Brandy Station, and withdrew to a position on the south side of the Rapidan River. General Meade decided to relocate the Army of the Potomac for winter quarters positioned between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers near Stevensburg.1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 304-5.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Battle of Bristoe Station
Wednesday, October 14, 1863
The Twentieth Massachusetts arose at 3:00 A.M in thick fog in response to reconnaissance that Confederate forces were advancing rapidly. General Governeur K. Warren, commanding the Second Corps, wasted no time in advancing to Catlett Station, as Confederate General James Ewell "J.E.B." Stuart's horse artillery fired upon their position. As the Second Corps approached Catlett Station General Warren received a communication from General Andrew Humphreys that the road to Bristoe Station, nearly six miles away, was clear, and that the Fifth Corps would support them as they advanced. General Warren advanced rapidly to Bristoe Station, protecting the Second Corps with coverage on all sides during the advance.
As the Second Corps neared Bristoe Station they observed a large band of Confederates pursuing the Fifth Corps. The Third Brigade of General Alexander Webb's Second Division, commanded by Colonel James Mallon of the Tammany Regiment, observed a looming railroad embankment ahead of them. Perceiving this high ground as a strategic advantage Colonel Mallon raced his Third Brigade, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, to the embankment.
Major Henry Abbott was concerned that the untested conscript recruits would break during their first encounter under fire. At 3:00 P.M. the Confederates neared the position held by the Twentieth Massachusetts, who received the order to load and fire at will. The Twentieth Massachusetts poured a blistering fire into the Confederates, who rapidly retreated. Major Abbott later reported that the new conscripts behaved as well as seasoned veterans.
As the Confederates retreated Colonel James Mallon arose from his position for observation and was wounded in the abdomen. Tragically, he died later in the afternoon in a field hospital. Colonel Mallon's death was a great blow to the Third Brigade. He was widely respected among his peers, and particularly by his friend Major Henry Abbott.
After nightfall the battlefield became silent. At 9:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to withdraw and began an eight-mile march to nearby Bull Run. The weary men of the Twentieth Massachusetts arrived at their destination at 4:00 A.M. Casualties from the battle were exceedingly light, with the Twentieth Massachusetts reporting one man killed and six men wounded. 1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 294-302.
The Twentieth Massachusetts arose at 3:00 A.M in thick fog in response to reconnaissance that Confederate forces were advancing rapidly. General Governeur K. Warren, commanding the Second Corps, wasted no time in advancing to Catlett Station, as Confederate General James Ewell "J.E.B." Stuart's horse artillery fired upon their position. As the Second Corps approached Catlett Station General Warren received a communication from General Andrew Humphreys that the road to Bristoe Station, nearly six miles away, was clear, and that the Fifth Corps would support them as they advanced. General Warren advanced rapidly to Bristoe Station, protecting the Second Corps with coverage on all sides during the advance.
As the Second Corps neared Bristoe Station they observed a large band of Confederates pursuing the Fifth Corps. The Third Brigade of General Alexander Webb's Second Division, commanded by Colonel James Mallon of the Tammany Regiment, observed a looming railroad embankment ahead of them. Perceiving this high ground as a strategic advantage Colonel Mallon raced his Third Brigade, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, to the embankment.
Major Henry Abbott was concerned that the untested conscript recruits would break during their first encounter under fire. At 3:00 P.M. the Confederates neared the position held by the Twentieth Massachusetts, who received the order to load and fire at will. The Twentieth Massachusetts poured a blistering fire into the Confederates, who rapidly retreated. Major Abbott later reported that the new conscripts behaved as well as seasoned veterans.
As the Confederates retreated Colonel James Mallon arose from his position for observation and was wounded in the abdomen. Tragically, he died later in the afternoon in a field hospital. Colonel Mallon's death was a great blow to the Third Brigade. He was widely respected among his peers, and particularly by his friend Major Henry Abbott.
After nightfall the battlefield became silent. At 9:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to withdraw and began an eight-mile march to nearby Bull Run. The weary men of the Twentieth Massachusetts arrived at their destination at 4:00 A.M. Casualties from the battle were exceedingly light, with the Twentieth Massachusetts reporting one man killed and six men wounded. 1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 294-302.
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