Cornell University Library Sthara, New York cies esse Mee. Re. Chamberlain....... ene a Library E513.6 1st . icin 31 935 | MEMORIAL. Boston: PRIVATELY PRINTED BY JOHN WILSON & SON. 1865. Ww ) XK ~ Foyful is Woe for a noble cause, and welcome all tts miseries.” Sir PHitip SyDNEY. HENRY PICKERING BOWDITCH, Late Major Fifth Massachusetts Cavairy, AND CHARLES PICKERING BOWDITCH, Late Captain Fifty-fifth Regiment Mass. Vols. My pvrear NEPHEWS, I desire to dedicate to you this Memorial of your cousin, NATHANIEL Bowpitcu, who fell at- Kelly’s Ford, while leading a cavalry charge during this our Great Rebellion. It was at the earnest request of one of you, made soon after our sad jour- ney to the battle-field, in order to bring home the remains of the dear young soldier, that I prepared it for yourselves, your cousins, and a few familiar friends, who knew and loved Nar in his early days of childhood and of peace. While thus attempting to raise a simple monument to him as a Loving Son, a Faithful Student, a Gallant Soldier, and a Christian Patriot, I have desired also, in some degree, to show my appreciation of the many gallant deeds done by thousands of others in our “noble army of martyr-soldiers,”— —pbrave youths from these Northern States, — who, leaving the pleasant and peaceful paths of home-life, have cheerfully assumed all the trials and dangers of war to save our common country; and many of whom have, like him, fearlessly laid down their lives in this sacred fight for National Existence and for Human Rights. vi Dedication. May I not, with the fond anticipation of a father for the fame of a darling son, cherish the hope, that these scanty outlines of Nat’s short career will tend to ‘* keep his memory green,” not only with those of us who have been living at this great epoch, but also among our own immediate family descendants, when we all, both young and old, shall have passed away? With best wishes for your future success in the arts of peace, as your efforts have been honorable during these days of war, I remain, AffeGtionately your Uncle, HENRY I. BOWDITCH. Marcu 18, 1865. CONTENTS. PAGE. Cuap. J. CuHi~pHoop AND PEAcE IN MASSACHUSETTS .... . I II. YoutH anp War IN SouTH CAROLINA . ... .. . II TII. CampaiGN WITH THE ARMY OF THE PoTOMAC ... . Ig IV. Manuoop anp DEATH IN VIRGINIA... . . «ee 29 V. Tue CuarGe at Kevty’s Forp. . .. . . . 1. + s) 32 VI. Funerat SERVICES . - ee ee ew ew ee ee 46 VIT. LETTERS. 403 eo A ewe es 52 VIII. Pusric OPINION . «ee ee ee ee ee ee 8G IX. Memortat WINDows. . . - ee ee ee ee 1285 APPENDDG) 2.8) leks. Grote Gt Ge-le e Se, ER ME Ero. eer GORS CHAPTER I. CHILDHOOD AND PEACE IN MASSACHUSETTS. ATHANIEL BOWDITCH was born in Boston, Dec. 6, 1839. He received his grandsire’s name because he was the first grandson born. He was a pleasant, loving, and obedient child. His tenden- cies were, as far as possible, removed from any thing like violence. Yet, by a quaint contrast to his real nature, the almost sole lullaby that soothed him as a babe, evening after evening, ere he sunk to sleep on his mother’s bosom, was the following, breathing of, and foreshadowing, as it were, his subsequent fate: — LULLABY. Oh! rest thee, my darling, And sleep while you may ; For war comes with manhood, As life comes with day. Oh! rest thee, my darling ; The time, it will come, When thy rest shall be broken By trumpet and drum. I 2 Childhood and Peace in Massachusetts. Between the ages of four and five years, he was allowed to attend a small school kept by that excellent lady, Miss Har- riet Prescott, niece of the late Judge William Prescott; and there he continued until September, 1846. The char- aéteristics chiefly remembered. by his teacher were his pleasant deportment, his affectionate disposition, his thought- fulness of the comfort of others, his obedience, and his gentle- ness. On one occasion his mother thought that this fair quality of gentleness was verging into cowardice; for he refused to de- fend himself when a boy had attacked him, and ran weeping to his mother, telling her the facts, and crying out, “I hate to fight.” Speaking of the event soon afterwards to a friend, she expressed fears that he would never have courage even to defend his own rights. His fearless leadership and his patriotic self-sacrifice during the cavalry charge at Kelley’s Ford, and his perfect serenity at the assured approach of death, show how completely the subsequent development of his moral sense, of his religious principle and patriotic feeling, had overcome all the seeming timidity of his nature. In scholarship, while at Miss Prescott’s school, he was nothing remarkable. The following letter, now in the possession of his mother, speaks for itself of the love he had inspired in the breast of his teacher: — LEt. 6-7. My pear Mrs. Bowpitrcu :— As I shall feel very sorry to lose your little Natty entirely, I hope that he will bring his book, and pass an hour or two with me in my school any afternoon that it will be pleasant to him. If he has any lesson out of school, he can come and study with me, if he would like to. I shall feel a great interest in his progress, and have no doubt he will succeed. Oewnink. With great regard, . mas Childhood and Peace in Massachusetts. 5 After leaving Miss Prescott’s school, he spent two years at 1846-48, Dr. Kraitsir’s. The physical training he had there was #79. admirable. He was subsequently four years at the Public Grammar School, then kept in Mason Street by Mr. Sam- uel Barrett; and, still later, was at his uncle’s, Mr. E. S. Dixwell, during six years. We then decided, Septem- ber, 1858, to place him for three years at the Lawrence Scientific School. He felt, at first, a sense of humiliation at the thought that he was not to have a collegiate course. He considered the fact as derogatory to him; and the occasion would have tended to increase a certain, almost morbid, disposition to self-deprecia- tion, which had been a prominent feature in his character. I, however, explained to him, that I considered the training he would receive there, whilst giving him a proper mental disci- pline, would perhaps better prepare him for the profession of medicine than would a purely academic education. He passed two years and two months under this tuition, and left it only to enter the more sacred calling of a soldier for his imperilled fatherland. During these various studies, pursued under the eyes of the various professors, I think it may be said with truth, that he possessed the confidence and respect of his instructors, as one faithful in the performance of every duty, and thoroughly gen- tlemanly in all his relations with them. I had wished he should remain a sufficient length of time under Prof. Agassiz to obtain a knowledge of zodlogy, as a foundation for human anatomy and physiology. But I had another, and what I thought a more important, object; viz., to bring his young and still some- what undisciplined mind under the influence of those methods of thought, of observation, and of scientific study, used by Prof, Agassiz in his every-day life in the cabinet. At the sugges- tion of the professor, the youth made a thorough and minute Et. 13-18. 4 Childhood and Peace in Massachusetts. study of the Echinoderms, and spent a whole year upon that subject, making dissections and minute examinations of specimens, brought from all quarters of the globe. When Prof. Agassiz proposed that he should devote so large a portion of his time to a comparatively lower branch of study, I was at first surprised. But, on mature consideration, I was convinced that such a study would be really an admirable mental discipline for him. The results proved the correétness of this view. His reflective powers, up to that period, owing to his own mental constitution, had been scarcely, if at all, developed, notwithstanding the ad- mirable instruétors under whose guidance he had, from earliest years, grown up. His observing faculties had never before been appealed to in such an alluring manner. Here, for the first time, his warm love of nature entirely coincided with his duty as a student. Contaét with natural objects, rather than the study of any abstruse subjects, had always been, as indeed it is with most youths, more congenial to his tendencies. It was because of this faét, and the slower growth of his intellectual and reflective powers, and his consequent backwardness in classical studies, that I finally decided, upon consultation with Mr. Dixwell, to in- troduce him at once into a purely scientific course of training, rather than to compel him to struggle onward still longer before entering college. Looking back upon his brief career, I re- member no better counsel than I then received. And this last suggestion by Prof. Agassiz was simply the complement of the advice given by his previous teacher. With an intense love of his work, Nat devoted himself, day after day, to learn thor- oughly every thing that could be acquired concerning the stru€ture of the class of the animal kingdom, to which he was devoting himself, and he has left at the museum valuable results, in the form of several minute disseGtions. He learned also to use his hands skilfully and thoroughly upon one thing, so as to master it Childhood and Peace in Massachusetts. 5 entirely. I cannot help thinking, that the year thus spent had an important bearing upon his subsequent purely military life. It may seem absurd to others, but I believe he actually wielded the sabre on the fatal field of Kelley’s Ford in a more effective man- ner, in consequence of the hours and days of quiet labor passed at the feet of the great naturalist. September, 1861, he entered upon the study of medicine, with the intention of devoting one year to human and com- parative anatomy and physiology, under the guidance of Prof. Jeffries Wyman. He moreover began to be very desirous of knowing something of the more serious duties of the physician. He commenced taking notes of cases in my office; and visited the Massachusetts Gen- eral Hospital, on Saturdays, to see operative surgery. During the earlier period of his studies at Cambridge, he had been a resi- dent at that place; but he returned home, at his own request, about a year before commencing his medical education. Every day he was gaining more of my respect; and I looked forward with delight to the future, when he was to become my aid and comrade in professional life. My life had been moulded to that idea. A deep religious feeling had been for months stealing over him, and high principle seemed to be his guiding star. His love of nature was unbounded. A stroll in the country, Et. 21-22. “ Ranging wild o’er hill and lea,” in the early spring, was his delight. Satisfied “with his ain thochts,” he usually went alone on these long excursions. It was he, of all of our young friends, who best knew the quiet nooks where nestle the first opening hepatica, violet, or anemone. These he gathered, not apparently for his own sake, but to glad- den the eyes of some one compelled to live within the city limits. Thus the hearts of many, both old and young, were cheered by his pleasant thoughtfulness. 6 Childhood and Peace tn Massachusetts. In person, at this time, he was tall and manly-looking, though not presenting that fully and roundly-developed muscle which he arrived at, a few months before his death. Those who knew him will, I am sure, remember his cordial smile; his clear, open eye; his frank and gentlemanly bearing; his goodness, and, at times, his earnest ways when talking of public affairs. At the time of the fall of Fort Sumter, when the whole nation arose, as one man, in solemn protest against that sacrilegious act, he, too, was much moved; and he had, even then, the thought of devoting himself to his country’s cause. An accident alone pre- vented him from joining with the patriotic and lamented Colonel Wilder Dwight, while he was major under Colonel Gordon, of the famous Second Massachusetts Regiment. Having lost this op- portunity, he then hoped to get somewhat acquainted with the ‘ profession, and to be able to serve, perhaps, as assistant-surgeon. I was often told of discussions that were going on in the bevy of young devotees to science. They proved to me, that the roll of the drum, calling a nation to arms, had penetrated those peaceful shades. In his daily intercourse with us at home, I now thank God that he never heard any thing serving to check his young, throbbing, patriotic heart. For, although, for obvious reasons, we never felt at liberty to urge him, or any one else, to offer himself as a champion, and possibly as a martyr, to the cause, we could not but admire and applaud the intensity of scorn and indig- nation with which he always alluded to any apparent want of patriotism. On the 224 of Oétober, 1861, only about two months after he began the study of medicine with Prof. Wyman, the news came, like a stunning ele¢tric shock, of the terrible carnage at Ball’s Bluff. At that time, that beautiful young martyr, William Lowell Putnam, fell, and died; Holmes was wounded; Colonel Lee and the two Reveres, and Lieutenant-Colonel Pier- Et. 21-22. Childhood and Peace in Massachusetts. | son, &c., were made prisoners. The death of Lieutenant Putnam had a profound effect upon the whole community. He had been the early schoolmate of my son, and his bravery in the fight, and noble serenity at the approach of death, had a great influence upon the mind of the young student. Nat felt that the die was cast, that his own hour had come. When such men as those above- named were dying, or were made prisoners, it was certainly the duty of every able-bodied young man to offer himself, if need be, for similar sacrifices in the dear country’s cause. His mind was instantly made up, and he hurried off to Boston to make known to us his wishes. Dr. Wyman, in a letter to me, says: “I never shall forget the seriousness, yet calmness of manner, evinced by your son, when informing me that he had decided to join the army. At that moment, young men were attracted to a military life quite as much, perhaps, by an enthusiastic excitement, as by a sense of the greatness of the work they were to engage in. Such, I am sure, was not his case. He made known to me his decision with an impressiveness quite unusual with him: ‘I have decided to go, because I have made up my mind that it is my duty to do so.’ His simple statement made a lasting impression on me; and when I read the account of his noble death, I then felt, as I had not before, how great and controlling his sense of duty was.” A gentleman and near friend reminds me of his having met my son just before he reached home; and he still remembers the fine glance of his usually mild blue eye,—the determined bear- ing and solemnity of manner evinced by him. Of course, he received from both of his parents their choicest blessing and encouragement in the course he pro- posed to himself. The commission of Second Lieutenant of the First Regi- ment of Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry was given him by &t. 21-22. Governor Andrew, Nov. 5, 1861; and on that day he 8 Childhood and Peace in Massachusetts. reported for duty to Colonel Robert Williams, commanding at Camp Meigs, at Readville. On this occasion occurred an incident, known to but few save myself, which illustrates perfectly two or three of my son’s most prominent chara¢ter- istics; viz., 1. His love of peace, and his indisposition to resort. to force at any time; 2. His tendency to self-depreciation, amounting, at times, almost to despair of succeeding in his effort; but which always yielded, in any case of duty, to his keen sense of his dependence on God, as, after all, the final controller of events, and as one willing and able to aid him under any trial. The incident was as follows: About the time of his first visit to camp, a good deal of insubordination had been manifested by some members of the regiment; and violence had been used to subdue it, on the very afternoon on which he first reported. My son returned in the evening, having been dire¢ted to await further orders in Boston. He had gone out, in the morning, earnest, and fully alive to the importance of what he was about to undertake. He came back, and I saw, at a glance, he was thoroughly de- pressed. I asked him what was the matter. “Father,” said he, “JT am totally unfit for this work; I can never govern men, if it be necessary to do what is now done at camp. I must resign my commission....” I replied to him very nearly in the following language: “ My boy, be of good cheer; you are new in this busi- ness. All things will be well, I have no doubt. You know, however, that it is not the custom for any of us to give up an im- portant object, until we have either gained it, or have become convinced that we are unable to gain it. Then, and not till then, do we resign. Now, let me say to you, you cannot, at present, resign with honor; and all you have to do is to learn thoroughly every duty pertaining to the office of second lieutenant. Having learned these duties, do them efficiently; and go ahead, trusting in the Lord.” Childhood and Peace tn Massachusetts. 9 Instantly, his whole deportment changed. He became cheer- ful and calm; and I believe he never, during his whole service, fell into such despondency again. Owing to the unsettled state of the regiment, he was direéted to remain in Boston, subject to orders for instant departure. He spent several weeks at home, studying cavalry taétics and horsemanship. It was on the morning of Christmas Day, that sweetest of all Christian festivals, that urgent orders came for his immediate report at the camp, as the regiment was about to leave. He promptly obeyed, and was put into Co. L, under command of Captain Gibbs. On the 28th December, 1861, a bitter cold day, he left Read- ville Camp for New York. On parting, I gave hima letter of general instruétions, in reference to all those points a physician and a father might be supposed to give counsel upon, when taking leave of a son on such an occasion. it was most touching to me to receive it back again after his death; and especially as his mother told me, that it was found in his breast coat-pocket when he was brought home very ill from South Carolina, after six months’ service. It was soaked through and through, and evidently had always been carried with him. The regiment was detained at New York, a few days; and he had his first experience of guard duty, on which he remained during thirty hours, —‘“a pretty hard pull,” as he says in a letter to his mother; “ but I did it, and was all right.” Jan. 6, he writes, that his captain told him that the men “think every thing of me, and that they think me just the right sort.” To-day (July 29, 1863), one of his company remarked, that his men liked him from the first moment they met him in Park Barracks. Et. 22 BEY em THEN, farewell home! and farewell friends! Adieu, each tender tie! Resolved, we mingle in the tide, Where charging squadrons furious ride, To conquer, or to die. To horse! to horse! The sabres gleam ; ‘High sounds our bugle’s call ; Combined with honor’s sacred tie, Our word is “* Laws and Liberty!” March forward, one and all. War-song of the Royal Edinburgh Light Dragoons. Scott’s Scottish Mrustrelsy. ¥ CHAPTER II. YOUTH AND WAR IN SOUTH CAROLINA. for Port Royal, South Carolina, whence, under date of 17th, he wrote to me of his arrival. The passage had been very rough, and the vessel struck on the bar off the harbor at Port Royal; and, for a time, : much fear for her safety was felt: but, by lightening, she finally passed the obstruction. During the storm, the colonel put upon Lieutenant Bowditch important duties, which, 1 be- lieve, he faithfully performed. During the whole period of his absence, we all thought it our duty to encourage, to support him, and to make light of hard- ship and annoyances. We felt the importance of this course. We quoted from authors, or sent slips from newspapers, tending to the same influence. Among these I will name the letter of Sir Thomas Browne to Azs lieutenant-son; the dedication by Tennyson of his Idyls to the memory of “ Albert the Good.” Above all, how delightful was it to us to find the following in the pocket-book he had with him on the fatal field at Kelley’s Ford! It had been sent to him months previously. It was, at the time of his death, lying by the side of a little wooden cross, 12 Youth and War tn South Carolina. evidently cut by himself or a friend during some of the leisure hours in camp. How fitting it is, that this splendid outpouring of the poetic heart of the religious patriot of Germany, who himself had fallen while, as a cavalry officer, he was leading a charge at the famous battle of Leipzig, should have been resting upon the breast of any young American, when dying for Country and Lib- erty, in these latter and most glorious days of the Republic. KORNER’S BATTLE-PRAYER. TRANSLATED BY H. M. S. Father! I call on thee! Round me the cannon its thick smoke is pouring ; Round me, sharp-flashing, the volley is roaring ; Ruler of Battles, I call on thee: Father, oh, guide thou me! Father, oh, guide thou me! Guide me to triumph, to death do thou guide me; Lord, I acknowledge thee ; stand thou beside me ; Lord, as thou will’st, so guide thou me: God, I acknowledge thee ! God, I acknowledge thee ! When breezes through dry leaves in Autumn are sighing, When rages the battle’s dread storm o’er the dying, Fountain of Goodness, I bow to thee: Father, oh, bless thou me! Father, oh, bless thou me! Thine is my life: to thy hand I commend it; Thy favor bestowed it; thy power can end it; Then, living or dying, bless thou me: Father, all praise to thee! Youth and War in South Carolina. 13 Father, all praise to thee ! Not now for earth’s vain goods contend we; Our holiest rights with our swords defend we ; Then, in triumph or death, I give praise to thee: I give myself to thee! I give myself to thee ! When death to greet me in thunder is rushing, When life’s failing stream from my veins is gushing, My God, I resign myself to thee: Father, I call on thee! His letters are full of camp-life; of occasionally hard fare; of salt meat and tough crackers; of warm friendships; of hopes of doing something, but, at the same time, of hopes deferred; his picket duties, &c.; of birds singing, and clear, warm June days in January; of splendid health; of preparations for and the actual taking of Fort Pulaski. They all show a growing manliness; but it would be impossible to give extras. Under date of. Feb. 17, we first had notice of the illness which induced me to visit Hilton Head in order to see him. Though tedious and prostrating, and although, at one time, I thought of asking for a furlough, or perhaps his resignation, it was finally overcome, and he got better; and we heard, with grateful hearts, that he “was a hard-working lieutenant; one who was liked much by his superiors.” His letters at this period, though of course at times rather sad, never were despondent. In the latter part of March, his friend was made captain of the company. This was a source of unmingled pleasure and profit to him. In a letter, dated April 6, he writes, “ Thank Heaven, I am better and happier to-night than I have been for a long time. We have passed a very pleasant evening in Captain Rand’s tent, reading the Evening Service, and singing. We are 14 Youth and War in South Carolina. going to do so every Sunday night hereafter. I am very thank- ful, and think that is what I wanted.” He alludes to the increased happiness of the men since Captain R. took command. He regrets his inability, owing to illness, to do full duty; and writes proudly of the perfe¢tion of drill evinced by the regiment. He had some amusing incidents, and at times rather awkward ones, as the following extract from a letter to his mother suffi- ciently indicates: — APRIL 21, 1862. ...As I was sitting in my tent, this morning, soon after breakfast, it came on to blow tremendously ; and I rushed to the tent-door to hold it, when, to my astonishment, there came a gust of wind, and over it all came, right on top of me. Then you should have seen ‘your uncle’ scratching round under the canvas, trying to find some hole to crawl out of, and screaming with all his might for some men to come and assist him; for papers, looking-glass, and every thing, were blown over the field. By May 1 he was again on full duty, and busy as possible all the time. On 2oth, orders for marching were given. On 23d, he writes from Edisto Island. On 28th, he was ordered to the front, and wrote as follows from North Edisto: — APRIL 28, ’62. My par.inc SISTER, — We have come up here to head the advance in an expedition against either Charleston or Savannah; I know not which. We are to be led by General Williams, our late colonel.; for which I am very thankful, for he is a man that will, I know, lead us into no unnecessary danger, and into no place that he wont go himself. This is my first, and it may be my last battle; but I never entered into any thing with a clearer conscience and a happier feeling than I do now. I have my trust in the Almighty Father, and know that whatever happens to me is for the best. I often think of your favorite psalm: ‘‘ The Lord is my Shep- herd; I shall not want.” I do not know that I ever had such a feeling as I have now. It is a most resigned one, and a perfec trust in my Lord Jesus. This, darling, may be the last letter that you will ever receive. If such should be the case, I write now to tell you of my fond love for you and all my Youth and War in South Carohna. 15 family. There may have been times in which I have been disagreeable and cross; but I pray, I beseech, all the persons whom I have offended at any time to forgive me... . You must excuse my writing in this manner; but I want to let you know exactly how I feel. You may rest assured that your brother will not flinch from his duty; and, if he is shot, I trust it will be with his face to the enemy. I feel that a man who falls in this cause, falls in a glorious one, and one which he may be proud of. I am now truly thankful that I came to serve my country in this her hour of need; and I think that it is the duty of every able-bodied man to offer his services to her, at least; and then, if they are not accepted, he has the feeling that he has done every thing he could. Please, give my dearest love to father ; and tell him, that, if I do not write to him, he must not think it is because I have forgotten, or do not love him as much as others. I hope he will under- stand that the letter I sent to mother was intended for him as much as for her. I must now bid you good-by. God bless you, and all the rest of my dear ones, and keep them from all harm! Give them kisses all round. From your affeCtionate brother, Nat. Our next news were, that his squadron had been ordered back, in order to prepare a Government storehouse. That night, as he described it, was his “ first in the field;” and he slept “in the only hotel open at that time, which had *‘ Mother Earth’ for its floor, and the heaven above for its roof. So we put down our blankets, and slept the sleep which ‘ youth, beauty, and innocence’ alone can give! I don’t think I ever passed a more comfortable night; but you have no idea of the dews we have down here. When I woke up this morning, I found my blankets dripping wet; but, as I had taken two quinine pills just before going to rest, I was all right.” The day after receiving his letter, stating that his squad- ron had been withdrawn from the front, our boy was brought into our home in Boston, so emaciated that we never should have recognized him; so feeble as scarcely to be able to stand, and with the burning-hot skin and fiery pulse of Southern malarial 16 Youth and War in South Carolina. fever. He came attended by one who previously had been a stranger, save in name, to him and to us. Fortunately, she was on board the steamer, and was returning from South Carolina, from her labors of love for an oppressed race. Finding him, a Union officer, on board, and very ill, she exerted herself unceas- ingly, day and night, in “anticipating all his wishes.” She was indeed, as he subsequently said to us, his “* Angel of Mercy” through the whole voyage; and without her active and untiring thoughts for his comfort, on his arrival at New York, he believed that, in his bewilderment of mind, he would never have reached home. When he had somewhat recovered from the fatigues of the tedious journey, he told us, that, immediately after his squadron was ordered to the rear, he and his friend Blagden had been re- quested to a& as aids to General Williams, in the attack on the advanced posts before Charleston. That his labors had been im- mense, are fully proved by Major Blagden’s letter (chap. vii.). Day and night in the saddle, in the midst of the most drenching of rains and storms. Under this and his previous exposures, he sank; and, at the time of his arrival home, he was but a wreck of what he had been. His face indicated the lines of toil and care. He had left us a buoyant child, and had come back with the lineaments of a man who had tasted much of the hard labor of life. His overflowing joy at being at home was delightful to us. He was of the same gentle, obedient nature. He revelled in the expressions of love that flowed in upon him from far and near. He recovered rapidly, to a certain degree; but there remained a partial paralysis of the legs, making it difficult to walk, even when, under the stringent order of the War Department, he prepared again to take the field. Every one remembers that order; viz., that any man able to move about sufficiently to visit any watering-place, &c., for heaith, was able to rejoin his regi- ment! Youth and War in South Carolina. 1y He arrived home June 17; and, Aug. 4, he left for Hilton Head. He was tottering and resting upon his cane only a few hours before starting. But, as it was his duty to go, he made no complaint. Fortunately, no steamer was to sail for a week. He spent that time in going to Berkshire and into the northern part of Conneticut. Here he passed hours most precious, among the dearest of friends. The clear air of the hills seemed to invigorate him very much. On his starting from New York, Aug. 8, he was gratified to find a vessel in tow, destined to bring the regiment up to join the Army of the Potomac. He arrived at Hilton Head, Aug. 14, and found the thermometer 120° in the shade! On Aug. 21, he writes to his mother, from on board steamer “ Ericsson,” bound for Fortress Monroe. He had had a delightful trip down and up from Port Royal, — the sea as smooth as a lake, with fine moonlight, “perfectly superb every night.” In a subse- quent letter to a friend, dated “ Bound up the Potomac, Aug. 25, ’62,” he says, “I suppose you have heard of the retreat of General McClellan to Acquia Creek. We are ordered to go there; and, as there is undoubtedly going to be a battle somewhere round there, we shall be in it. Do not feel anxious if you do not hear from me for several days. I go forward with perfect confidence in my heavenly Father, and know that whatever he does is for the best.” Et. 22-23. ACT Or, ‘« Surely, thy sweet and wondrous love Shall measure all my days; And as it never shall remove, So neither shall my praise.” GrorGe HERBERT: Twenty-third Psalm. CHAPTER III. CAMPAIGN WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. RRIVING finally at Acquia Creek, he found every thing.in confusion, — stragglers, in every direction, inquiring for their regi- ments, and the noise of cannon near. “ All this,” says he, “only adds to the excitement. Wait till the Massachusetts Cavalry gets into a fight, and I think they will make their mark. After seeing the Regulars, I am proud of my men.” The regiment, however, was not destined to remain long at Acquia Creek; for it was immediately ordered to join General McClellan, in Maryland, to beat off the invaders. In a letter to his mother (Tenally Town, Md., Sept. 7), he describes the first skirmish, in which a part of the regiment was engaged, and in which they had to retreat before a large body of the enemy. They lost thirty men, and some were taken prisoners. From that time until 16th, the regiment was constantly in motion. In a letter, dated Frederick, Sept. 17, he writes of the enormities committed by the stragglers from our army, and sug- 20 Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. gests that they ought to be all kept up at the point of the sabre. His remarks are excellent, and show that he feels the importance of perfect discipline. He alludes with pleasure to the enthusiasm of the army for General McClellan. Sept. 22.—He writes from Sharpsburg to his mother, about the battle of Antietam, the roar of which he had heard; but his regiment was not engaged. In truth, the regiment was, at that time, in a very bad condi- tion; although, subsequently, it fell still lower, owing to various causes. One of the chief of these was the miserable condition of the few horses that remained: all had been weakened, and some nearly starved, even before leaving Hilton Head. By cul- pable neglect, no forage had been sent for some weeks before they left Hilton Head. The constant marching, after landing at Acquia Creek, had tended still further to destroy their efficiency. The regiment had also been much separated. These various circumstances had tended to injure the real esprit de corps of all. Lieutenant Bowditch, however, always had enough to do; and, though sometimes sleeping, for nights in succession, with nothing but a blanket to cover him, his health was never better, and his form was developing in the strongest manner. Occa- sionally, he had small adventures with the enemy. On Sept. 30, he was sent over the Potomac River on a scout; and he was ordered to advance beyond the main body. He-was accompanied by eight men. When about three miles away, he saw a body of cavalry coming over an adjacent hill. As he was wholly outnumbered, — there being at least seventy-five or a hundred of the enemy,—he felt called upon to order a retreat; during which, he lost three men. On his return to camp, he was much distressed because Colonel Williams seemed displeased that he had not fired upon the enemy. I think this event he Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. 2g never forgot; for he said, subsequently, to a friend, “If I ever get another chance, no man shall accuse me of not doing my whole duty. I will do so, even if I fall in the attempt.” I suppose that not an officer in the regiment would have advised any other course than a retreat. Strictly speaking, however, it was perhaps the lieutenant’s duty to order his men to fire while retreating, not for the purpose of bringing on an action, but to inform the main body of the approach of the enemy. It was probably an oversight, though not a very culpable one; and, as a superior officer said to me, it was quite natural for an inexperienced young lieutenant to fall into such an error. O&. 2, his regiment was brigaded under General Averill. OG. 16, he was at Darnesville, Md. He writes a pleasant description of the rapid marches made in pursuit of rebel cavalry, who had made one of their dashing raids into Maryland and Pennsylvania, fairly beyond the rear of our forces. The pursuit was all in vain, but made through a magnificent mountain region, from which he obtained the “most superb views” of the valley below him, all tinged with its autumnal colors, and made still more lovely by the beautiful Potomac winding through it. Dur- ing this expedition, he met with the following adventure, which he thus describes in a letter to his mother: — OctToseEr, 1862. . . . L was ordered to go back, and clear the town of all the men that be- longed to our brigade. When I arrived at the rear-guard, I found there were three men belonging to the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry who were drunk and dismounted, and said they would shoot any man who tried to get them along. I rode up to them, and told them I wanted they should move on without any more words about it. But I found they were determined not to move; and one of them drew his sabre on me, and said he would cut me down if I did any thing to him. At that, as my orders were to get them all at any rate, I drew my pistol, and told two of my men to dismount, and take his sabre from him: and they did so; but they had to draw their sabres to defend themselves; and, 23 Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. in the trouble, the man got a cut over the head, which made it bleed a great deal. There was another who had a loaded carbine, which he pointed at me; but, when he found I was taking strong means of disarming them, he sat down with it in his hands. So I got off my horse, and took it from him; when he sprung at me, and seized me by the throat. At this point, one of my men rushed to my assistance, and I got my hands free. I caught him [the mutineer] by the throat, and choked him till he was black in the face, and then gave him a severe punishment. I at last succeeded in getting them along, and had the man’s head dressed. They were then put in jail. You may think I did wrong to use violence; but the major said I should have been justified if I had shot him. As it is, they will be court-martialed, and punished very heavily for drawing a weapon on an officer. This is the first time I have ever had any thing of the kind happen to me, and I hope it will be the last. He was mistaken, of course, in supposing that we should think he had done wrongly. On the contrary, we believed he would have been justified in using much harsher means to quell such insubordination. Ot. 27, he wrote a desponding letter. The regiment, at that time, had reached its climax of misery. He writes to his mother: — Ocr. 27. It is a regular March day, cold as Greenland, and blows like fury. Last night was an awful one. It was raining tremendously, and therefore the doctor said we must sleep in his tent; and Captain W and I were sleeping very quietly, when the captain said, ‘‘ The corner of this tent is blown in, and it is coming over.” He had no sooner said these words, than over it all came; and you can imagine our condition, — dark as a pocket out of doors, and rain- ing at a furious rate. After fumbling about for some time, we got the old tent up again, and “turned in.”. . . In another letter, he says, “If this is the way we have got to live all this season, without tents, and in these nasty straw pig- styes, we shall soon be taken down with all sorts of troubles. . says we shall have no tents.””—‘“ We have had no pay for over Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. a3 four months, and the men actually need the money.” —“ Our horses are all sick.” —“ You will excuse me if I have said any thing I ought not.” —— “I am alive and well.” His letters had been, for a little while previous, somewhat tinged with the feelings evident. in the last, and for which I could not blame him; for I had seen somewhat of the suffering of much of the army during the Maryland campaign. Camp NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, O¢t. 30, 1862. Daruinc MotHErR, — Last night, about twelve o’clock, orders came for us to be ready to move at six o’clock ; but, as we have no horses fit to move, we were told to stay here. So that now we are alone in our glory, the rest of the brigade having left for the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. . .. We have at last got some tents; and you cannot imagine the luxury it is to sleep under one, it having been nearly three months since I slept under one... O&. 30, he was promoted first lieutenant. Nov. 3, they were at Hagerstown, “penniless,” and with their “rags and tags.” Nov. 17, having got new horses and recruits, they were passing through Washington, on their way to the front. They had ridden eighty miles the previous forty-eight hours. Nov. 26, he was near Dumfries; and finally the corps went into winter-quarters at Potomac Run, Va., near Falmouth. Another inspection is made of the regiment: and now he feels proud ; for his General approves of its appearance and disci- pline. Dec. 1, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the regiment. He ae ws highly gratified at the appointment. The duties, however, were, at one time, so irksome, that he seriously thought of resigning. His parents advised him to retain the Et. 22-23. 24 Campatgn with the Army of the Potomac. office, as it had been given to him without solicitation, and much to the surprise of all. His mother’s remark decided him to retain the position. Under date of Dec. 13, she wrote, “*There’s no such word as fail,’ as Bulwer makes Richelieu say.* * What man has done, man can do,’ is another homely phrase, but a good one to think of.” Dec. 15, he replies to this suggestion in a letter to me: “I had asked to be relieved; but to-day I received mother’s letter, and it was just what I wanted; therefore I shall still hold my posi- tion.” He finally retained the office. To a friend, he wrote: — JAN. I, 1863. ... You little know how much I thought of you that day. To tell the truth, when I was in New York, one year ago to-day, I never expected to be at home again: and now I feel that it was nothing but God’s merciful hand that has saved me; for I have been in pretty bad places, —at least, in as bad places as I want to be. HEADQUARTERS First Mass. Cava.ry, NEAR FALMOUTH, JAN. 20, 1863. My paruinc MorueEr, — To-morrow morning we leave, and shall probably have some hard work; for we are going to cross the river. I have just received an order from General Burnside, which certainly looks like it. I will give you a copy of it. [Then follows Burnside’s Order, No. 7, to the Army of the Potomac, pre- viously to the proposed advance on Fredericksburg. ] I send this order that you may see what is expected of us. This may be the last letter you will receive from me. If so, you must know that I have always tried to do my duty to the best of my ability, although it has been at times hard work to please everybody. [After this follow messages of love to friends and of advice to his younger brothers. ] I must now bid you good-by, with love to all my friends and relations. * © Fail! — In the lexicon of youth, which Fate reserves For a bright manhood, there is no such word As — fail!” Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. 25 Under date of Feb. 8, 1863, he describes an expedition to destroy a bridge over the Rappahannock. It was done amid snow and sleet, and much of the time without fires. It was, as a whole, of little apparent moment, compared with the labor be- stowed on it, although doubtless of importance as one of the means necessary to harrass the enemy. “It was one of the hard- est times we have ever had,” he wrote in a letter to a friend. He begins to long for a furlough, but doubts whether he ought to ask for it, as “others have not been home at all.” FEB. 15. Dear MorTHER, — . . . Lam so glad you like ; and am also glad at what he told you about my performance of the duties of adjutant, if he really meant it, and I believe he did. At any rate, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have tried to fulfil my part to the liking of my superiors. . . Feb. 22, “ Washington’s birthday, and the cannon are boom- ing all around.” He alludes with delight to a commending smile from the colonel, in token of duty done well. He writes, with becoming contempt, of the ignoramuses of the North demanding an “onward movement,” while the snow is a foot and a half deep. Feb. 26, he informed us of his advancement to the post of Aide-de-camp to Colonel Duffié, and of Acting Assistant Adjutant- General of the brigade. “And all this,” he adds, “ without my asking for it, which makes it much better. I was perfectly sur- prised when I was told that my name was given him from Gen- eral Averill’s headquarters as a good person for the place... . I feel as happy as a lark about it, although it will be a pretty hard place; but, if I only get along as well in that as I have in my adjutancy, I shall be satisfied.” About the same date, he writes to a friend, “I have a secret + 26 Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. to tell you. ‘You must not be suprised to see me at home some time next month; but when, I can’t tell you. . . . Don’t mention this to a soul, as I want to take them by surprise when J come.” He is very busy finishing up the business of the regiment. Under date of March 5, he wrote to a very dear friend, “T received your letter congratulating me on my promotion, and you cannot tell how happy it made me to think I had pleased one so dear. You do not know how happy I am now; for it is the most pleasant position I have ever held.” He writes in the warmest terms of Colonel Duffié, and inci- dentally again alludes to the probability, if nothing happens to prevent, of his having a furlough in about ten days. Marcu 6, 1863. Dariinc MoTHER, — ... Here [am at last, fairly going on with my duties as ACting Assistant Adjutant-General, and I don’t think I was ever so happy and contented as now; for the colonel (Duffié) is a very pleasant man, and a perfect gentle- man. Many thanks for your congratulations on my promotion. It is the most pleasant thing that ever happened to me, and I hope that I shall satisfy all my officers. If I don’t, it will not be because I do not try to do my duty. I have a very pleasant set of fellows on the staff with me, which is quite jolly. MARcH 9. Daruinc Mortuer, — - . * [hope it is as lovely at home as it is here to-day. The sun is out bright in an almost cloudless sky. It is one of those perfect spring days. The birds are singing sweetly, and the frogs piping. . . . Give my love to Father, and tell him how much I am obliged to him for his nice letter of con- gratulations, and that I will try to do every thing in my power to obey his commands (Appendix). . . . I had charge of my first review yesterday, and believe it went off well. I rode round with General Averill and the colonel, with their staff. Only think! Your affectionate Nat. March 12, his “time is wholly occupied; but still he is pleased with his post, — at work at times until eleven and twelve Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. ay at night, and up at early morning.” —“ This gives you an idea of what my life is, — at work from morning till night; but, for all that, I like it, and don’t think I ever felt happier in my life.” Under date of March 15, 1863, he wrote his last letter. It foreshadows the expedition which proved fatal to him. ‘“To- morrow morning, we start, with eleven hundred and sixty-six men, on some sort of a raid; but I don’t know, as yet, where. We are to be gone four days or so; and then I shall, in all probability, be on my way home: so that you must not be surprised if I pop in on you any night towards the end of the week, or the first of next.” VE Whe ““O Lord of hosts! Almighty King! Behold the sacrifice we bring! To every arm thy strength impart, Thy spirit shed through every heart. Wake in our breasts the living fires, The holy faith, that warmed our sires. Thy hand hath made our nation free ; To die for her is serving thee!” Hotmes’s Army Hymn. CHAPTER IV. MANHOOD AND DEATH IN VIRGINIA. E said the truth. “On the first day of the next week,” his dear but dead body was resting again under his parents’ roof. On the evening of the 18th of March, I was coming out from the bridal-party of one of his nearest and dearest friends, when I found a messenger with the terrible telegram, running in these words: — PoToMAc CREEK, March 18, ’63. Nat shot in jaw; wound in abdomen; dangerous. Come at once. Before relating the events that transpired, I wish to speak of my son as he was after this long service, and under the influ- ence of the circumstances that had surrounded him. With a most solemn sense of religious duty to his country, he had devoted himself to her service, when comparatively a child in intellect, and with a body not as yet fully developed. He expanded slowly, but surely, at Hilton Head; always undervalu- ing his own powers, and satisfied that he had to play the subordi- nate part which was most fitted for him. After his illness, caused 30 Manhood and Death in Virginia. by exposure in the. swamps of South Carolina, he gradually and firmly advanced in all manly qualities. With officers and men, he was a favorite; doing his duty to the former, and governing the latter more by the love they bore him than by any severe discipline. In manners he was a gentleman, as he always had been, from that native sweetness of temperament, which leads the possessor of it to endeavor to make contented and happy all coming in contact with him. His countenance wore an open, sincere, and mild expression, breaking easily into a bright, sunny smile. His usually mild blue eyes beamed graciously. In stature he was erect, and of a right martial bear- ing. His height was more than six feet; and, during half a year before his death, his form had been gradually rounding out into a perfectly symmetrical and stalwart manhood. His intellectual powers also were rapidly expanded under the fine stimulus of unsolicited promotion. Dr. Holland assures me, that he had never seen more manly beauty and vigor displayed by any one than was evident in my son, after he was chosen aid to Colonel Dufhié. Yet, with all this manliness of chara¢ter and of form, he was as tender and as affeétionate as a girl to any one who approached his inmost nature. Colonel Curtis describes him, at this time, as “an able officer, sweet-tempered, but deter- mined.” Immediately after the reception of the telegram above alluded to, I started for Washington. I arrived, with the least pos- sible delay, at Potomac Run; but too late: he was dead! I saw many witnesses, and learned all the details relative to the events which brought such a terrible termination to our hopes. These facts I subsequently embodied in the following narrative, every word of which I believe to be within the limits of strict truthfulness. ‘We smote with swords; where javelins fly, Where lances meet, and warriors die, Fifty times and one I stood Foremost on the field of blood. Full young I ’gan distain my sword, Nor feared I force of adverse lord ; Nor deemed I then that any arm, By might or guile, could work me harm. Me to their feasts the gods must call: The brave man wails not o’er his fall.” The Death-song of Regner Lodbrock. Translated from the Icelandic by LONGFELLOW. CHAPTER. V. THE CHARGE AT KELLY’S FORD. HERE is nothing more striking, in the progress of this Bow) war, than the change of opinion that has been wrought in Northern and Southern minds in regard to the value of the cavalry arm of the service. In the earlier part of the rebellion, little attention was paid to cav- alry by the Union authorities. The enemy, however, was well supplied with horsemen, in whom they had great pride. With the exception of the gallant and successful charge of Zagonyi on the defences of Springfield, our cavalry had done little to prove its own worth. The battle at Kelly’s Ford, I believe, was the first deliberate, hand-to-hand fight with the rebel forces under their ablest leaders, in which the Union cavalry took the initiative, and conquered. We thus learned two significant facts: First, Our cavalry could attack and conquer the Southern “chivalry;” second, Our horsemen rose in the estimation of our people. From that time, up to the last splendid rides of Kilpatrick and of Sheridan, there has been an almost unbroken series of successes and of exhilara- tion on our side, and of corresponding defeat and depression on the part of our foe. Northern and Southern journals fully sustain this assertion. Hence, on public as well as on private grounds, this fight seems worthy of a somewhat detailed narrative. Lhe Charge at Kellys Ford. 33 ELLY’S Ford is in the State of Virginia, and is about five and twenty miles from Potomac Run, the headquarters of the Brigade. It is a passage of the Rappahannock, about a hun- dred yards wide. General Averill had been ordered to cross it, and attack; and, if possi- ble, cut off the enemy’s cavalry, under Gen- erals Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee. Colonel Dufhié, at the dress-parade of March 15, 1863, had given orders to be ready to march early the next morning. On the morning of March 16, Lieutenant Bowditch arose, bright and cheerful, appar- ently without the least forebodings of coming trouble. He told Lewis (his faithful colored servant) to get his best horse ready for serv- ice, and direéted that the other, to which he was strongly attached, having had him from first leaving Readville, should be thoroughly groomed and cared for during his absence. Seeing that the boy had a very poor coat, he took off his own, and gave it to him, saying that he himself had two. Jumping on the animal, he bade good-by to the lad, and light- heartedly left camp. A correspondent in the * Providence Journal,” evidently one conne¢ted with the forces engaged, writes chiefly as fol- lows. In the course of his narrative, I shall occasionally introduce remarks, bearing upon the subject of these memorials. “The First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Duffié, joined with the Second under Colonel McIntosh, together with four hundred of the Fifth Regu- 5 34 The Charge at Kellys Ford. lars, and one battery, moved off in fine style at eight, a.m., Monday, 16th instant, with four days’ rations, and one day’s forage. We arrived at Morrisville, sixteen miles from camp, at about dark, and there bivouacked for the night.” Here occurred an incident, trivial, perhaps, in the eyes of many, but illustrative of the determination of Adjutant Bowditch to be careful in every particular, and, to the fullest extent, to do his precise duty. Dr. Warner, Assistant-Surgeon of the First Mas- sachusetts Cavalry, told me that he saw the lieutenant sitting on the ground, looking rather fatigued with the day’s journey and labors, and apparently prepared to pass the night in a less com- fortable spot than the bed he could offer to him in an ambulance. Accordingly, the surgeon offered him an extra one he had vacant in his carriage. The offer was promptly declined by the young officer, on the plea that his duty required him to be near his general, as he might possibly need the services of his aide at any moment during the night. He therefore quietly wrapped himself in his blanket, and slept on the ground, near his commanding officer. “About four, A.M., Tuesday, the column, with the exception of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, which was left at this point on picket, moved towards Kelly’s Ford; arrived near there about daylight; a halt was ordered, while an advanced guard, con- sisting of forty men of the New-York Fourth, and one platoon of the First Rhode Island, under command of Major Chamber- lain of the First Massachusetts (Chief of General Averill’s staff), went directly to the ford. It was found to be obstruéted on both sides by abattis of trees felled across the road; while the opposite shore was occupied by a large number of dismounted cavalry- men as sharpshooters, strongly protected by rifle-pits, from which they poured a brisk fire on our men. The obstruétions above mentioned were found to be so great, that but one horse could The Charge at Kellys Ford. 35 leap them at a time, and with great difficulty. This being found so dangerous, our carabineers were dismounted, and thrown into a mill-race, and there returned a brisk fire upon the enemy; but they were found to be too strongly lodged to be driven out in this way. A charge was the only alternative. Accordingly, the advance-guard was ordered to the work, led by Major Chamber- lain. Lieutenant Brown of the Rhode-Island forces, and an officer of the Fourth United States, whose name I did not learn, advanced, closely followed by the First Rhode Island. Before reaching the river, Major Chamberlain received a severe wound in the face, and fell; while the officers and men of the Fourth turned and fled, leaving Lieutenant Brown, and the boys of Com- pany G, alone. The lieutenant was the first to leap his horse over the abattis; but such was the severity of the rebel fire, that only three men succeeded in reaching the opposite shore with the gallant lieutenant. Colonel Duffié, seeing how matters were, ordered the First Rhode Island across. The main body, headed by Major Farrington, promptly moved; the major, Captain Thayer, and Lieutenants Fales and Chedel, being the first to reach the oppo- site bank. Many horses were shot down in the water, and many a brave rider wounded. The rebels soon left their pits, and ran toward the woods; but the boys charged upon them, capturing seventy-five, with their horses and arms. The water in the ford was about four feet deep, and the current very swift; which fact, taken into consideration with the determined resistance of the rebels, refleéts much honor upon the men that passed. Colonel Duffié’s horse was hit by a bullet, and threw his rider into the river, considerably bruising one of his legs. Lieutenant Rhodes’s horse was shot dead. Lieutenant Brown’s horse received two bullets, and three passed through the lieutenant’s clothing.” Adjutant Bowditch passed over with Colonel Duffié. He escaped, unharmed, and sent back to the rear his quota of 36 The Charge at Kellys Ford. prisoners, — certainly one, and a comrade says two. On his march down to the ford, he passed near to the brave and severely-wounded Major Chamberlain. That officer assures me that he never shall forget the kindly look, and, at the same time, ‘encouraging wave of the hand, that the Adjutant sent to him as he passed by as one of Colonel Duffié’s staff. His demeanor, as an officer, at that moment, was admirable, —calm, self-poised, when many others showed cowardice. “ About two hours were occupied in removing the obstructions, and getting our troops across the river. About ten, A.M., our men took up their line of march toward Culpepper Court House. A platoon of the First Rhode Island, under Lieutenant Vaughan, in conne¢tion with a squadron of the Sixth Ohio, formed the advance- guard, supported by the First Rhode Island. About one and a half miles from the ford, the enemy’s cavalry were discovered, advancing to the attack. They came on boldly, yelling like de- mons, and apparently confident of viGtory. Major Farrington moved quickly to the front, and was wounded by a pistol-shot through the neck. Captain Gould took command, dire&ted by Colonel Duffié, and charged upon them with the First Rhode Island. The rebels turned and fled, before our men were near enough to reach them with their sabres. Our men pursued them with great spirit, taking many prisoners; among them Major Breckenridge, cousin to the traitor Vice-President. In the excite- ment of victory, some of our men at the front did not take notice of the appearance of another force of rebels, who were charging in a direétion which would cut them off from our troops. In consequence of this oversight, about eighteen of our men were captured; among them, Captain Thayer and Lieutenant Darling. ...In this charge, Lieutenant Nathaniel Bowditch, of First Mas- sachusetts, and Assistant Adjutant-General on Colonel Duffié’s staff, fell, mortally wounded, after having cut down three rebels. All honor to his memory! A braver soldier never drew sabre.” The Charge at Kellys Ford. 37 Road to Morrisville 1. First halt of our men in woods, and in sight of enemy at 3. 2. Line of battle after passing through gap made in wall. 3- Enemy prepared to meet Union forces, but which gave way under the attack of our forces, and retreated by the road. 4. Reserve of enemy, concealed in wood. 38 The Charge at Kelly's Ford. On the preceding page I have given a rough diagram, drawn from two very hasty sketches of the ground, made by eye- witnesses of the battle. It seems, that, after crossing the ford, our men marched for- ward, and halted in the woods at 1, seeing the enemy in an open field at 3, prepared in line of battle, and squadrons in three ranks. In the woods at 4, but concealed from view, was a large force in reserve; which subsequently, as will be narrated, attempted to outflank the Union forces. Some of our cavalry soon dis- mounted, and tore down a portion of the wall at O; and the whole filed into the open space. Adjutant Bowditch, under orders from Colonel Duffic, was as cool and as efficient in form- ing the line of battle at 2, as if simply on parade. The enemy were about six hundred or seven hundred yards off. After a short time, they charged upon the Union forces, as my son stated to Colonel Curtis, “in great force, and in splendid style.” Colo- nel Duffié immediately ordered our men to charge to meet them. One of his staff, and also a lieutenant in the Rhode-Island forces, told me that nothing could have been more splendid and heart- stirring than the appearance of the Adjutant when this order was given. He was, at that moment, in advance of our forces at N®. “Raising himself erect in his saddle, throwing aloft his glittering sabre, he called on us to follow; and immediately dashed for- ward, without a look behind. The speed of his fine horse, and. his own energy, carried him to the front faster than any of us could follow. In vain did I try to keep near him: it was impos- sible. He was seen to unhorse two rebels. I heard one of the privates cry out to his comrades, ‘See how Adjutant Bowditch is fighting!’ While in the act of attacking a third (at 6), being at that time several yards ahead of the squadron, I saw another confederate force coming from the woods to outflank us. I called in vain to your son, to inform him of his danger; but he did not The Charge at Kelly’s Ford. 39 heed, or did not hear, the words; and,” continued my informant, “JT had barely time to save my own life by retreating.” Lieu- tenant Bowditch’s own description of the affair may be found in Colonel Curtis’s letter. It seems that he threw himself fearlessly and resolutely, far in advance of the command he was leading, into the enemy’s ranks, and found, too late, that there were none to support him. Perceiving himself surrounded, he attempted to cut his way back. At that moment, he received a sabre blow on the head; and he was dragged to the ground by his dying horse, which had been shot under him. He also received a shot in the shoulder. A few months ago (January, 1865), I asked an officer, who was an eye-witness of this whole scene, whether the Adjutant, during this gallant charge, did any thing that was deemed rash or unmilitary; whether the throwing of his life away in that manner was from any apparent thoughtlessness or uncalculating haste and indiscretion; whether, in fact, he did any thing but his highest duty as an officer. His reply was prompt: “ What he did, he did exa¢tly in the line of duty, not rashly or care- lessly. It was his place to lead; and he did so, most bravely, even to the sacrifice of his life.” While lying helpless, he was fired at several times; and one man threatened to blow his brains out, if he did not give up every thing. From the position and apparent direction of the wound through the abdomen, Dr. Holland thought that it was at this time Nat received the fatal shot. Finding himself wholly in the power of the enemy, and unable to rise from the ground, the Ad- jutant yielded his pistol; and the rufhans tore from him his belt and scabbard, but strangely left his blood-stained sabre in his grasp. They then demanded his watch. Upon the guard hold- ing that was a small gold ring. “That I never will surrender,” he replied: “so shoot away!” 40 The Charge at Kellys Ford. Fortunately for him, the Union forces, about this time, under the lead of the gallant General Duffié, rallied, and drove back the savage foe; and the wounded officer was left helpless and alone by the side of his dead “ Kate.” What his precise thoughts were when thus wounded, alone and in pain, will never be known by us. Not long afterwards, a straggler from the Union army ap- proached. The Adjutant watched him in silence. He was not sure whether a friend or an enemy was near. The new-comer, without speaking to the officer, whom, I suppose, he thought dead, quickly stripped off the bridle from the horse’s head. Hav- ing done so, he spoke to the disabled rider, asking to which side he belonged; and, on replying that he was of the Union army, the stranger said, “If that is the case, you must come down to us.” My son declined to move, thinking him a rebel; and again he was left alone. Soon another came by, and he immediately saluted the wounded soldier; and, finding him to be a Union man, said he must go with him. The Adjutant replied, that, with assistance, he might get into the saddle, but that it was impossi- ble for him to move without aid. This unknown friend, ever to be cherished in our heart of hearts, was indeed the true Samari- tan. He literally fulfilled the words of Scripture; for “he took care of him, putting him on his own beast.” In this way, and leaning over the horse’s neck, he soon slowly left the field. Be- fore this arrival of the new stranger-friend, two surgeons had seen him. Both perceived that he was mortally wounded, and one certainly told him so. “Well,” was the calm reply, *I hope I have done my duty: Iam content.” His manner was very tran- quil and fearless, though he suffered pain. One of the surgeons replied, that “a consciousness of duty done was sufficient for this world; but is it, Lieutenant, enough for the next?” The surgeon then asked him if he believed in Christ, and if he hoped that his sins were forgiven. To these questions, as the surgeon subse- The Charge at Kellys Ford. 41 quently told me, the youth “answered satisfactorily.” I cannot understand how any one could have so catechised the dying youth; but all men are not alike, and there are some who think it possible that there may be a richer consolation, at the hour of death, than the consciousness of having always endeavored to do one’s duty. I cannot conceive that any one could die in so noble a cause, after having endeavored to live a good life, without being contented and hopeful. Carried painfully and slowly off the field, he reached an ambulance carriage, and found in it a sergeant more severely wounded than himself. It was towards evening that the forces recrossed the ford; and the night had fairly set in when Col- onel Greely S. Curtis, having put the Massachusetts First in ‘bivouac, started to find him. “The darkness was inconceivable, and roads very bad.” ‘The colonel rode through the whole line of carriages, asking in vain for the lieutenant. He was about giving up in despair of finding him, and was beginning to be convinced that one of the surgeons had said truly when he declared that Mr. Bowditch had been left by 42m on the field, too severely wounded to be removed. Hearing, however, that another ambu- lance was still further in the rear, he rode up to it. The driver denied that Lieutenant Bowditch was in it. The wounded man, however, recognized the friendly colonel’s voice, spoke up cheer- ily, and said that he felt then no pain, though he had suffered for two or three hours after receiving his wounds. He wanted nothing but a little water. This the colonel procured, and the lieutenant gave of it to his wounded associate, who, he said, had been begging for some. But it came too late. The poor ser- geant was then so weak that he could not ‘avail himself of the proftered kirdness. It must have been between ten and eleven, p.M., before the ambulance arrived at Morrisville. With the assistance of Cok 6 42 The Charge at Kellys Ford. onel Curtis and a soldier, the sufferer was brought into the only farmhouse in the place. The rooms were already crowded with the wounded. received by us, from all quarters, after our son’s death, were inexpressibly consoling. Some of these we have been allowed to print, as corroborative of the essential truth of the foregoing narrative of events; and likewise to show, that in his fall, there was something which appealed to many hearts. One portion of those from the army shows the esteem he inspired in the minds of his superiors for his behavior in the camp and on the field, and for his calmness at the approach of death. Another portion proves the love and respeét in which he was held by his subordinates for his courtesy, his promptness in the performance of every duty, and his gallantry in battle. Of the letters coming from individ- uals, not connected with the army, we have, with one or two exceptions, selected only those tending, either direétly or indi- rectly, to illustrate our son’s character. From Brigadter-General Averill, Commanding Second Division, Army of the Potomac. F To Dr. H. I. Bownitcu, Boston, Mass. SIR, — I send to you the remains of your son, Lieutenant Nathaniel Bowditch, First Massachusetts Cavalry, A@ing Assistant Adjutant-General of the First Cavalry Brigade, of my division. Letters. — General Averill. 53 He fell, fatally wounded, in the combat which took place beyond Kelly’s Ford, on the Rappahannock, on the 17th instant, between my division and the rebel cavalry, commanded by Stuart and Lee, and died in the camp of his regiment, at 11, Pp. M., 18th instant. He endured the pains consequent to his wounds without a murmur, and met the approach of death with becoming calmness and fortitude. His conduét in battle was that of a brave, gallant gentleman, and accomplished soldier. Had our Government enough of such officers, the way to peace would be shortened. The comrades of your son, who sought with him the distinc- tion he achieved, join with me in offering to you, sir, our heart- felt sympathies. I pray God that you may be comforted. With great sympathy and respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. W. AVERILL, Brigadier-General Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVvIsIoNn, ARMY OF THE Potomac, March 19, 1863. Colonel Duffie’s General Orders. HEADQUARTERS FirsT CAVALRY BRIGADE. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 8. Again we have met the enemy. [Here follow statements of the regiments engaged in the fight. ] On they came; and then took place that terrific hand-to-hand fight, man to man, horse to horse, sabre to sabre, which ended in their utter defeat, and our most glorious victory. 54 Letters. — Colonel Duffie’s Order. This cavalry fight will become famous, not so much for the magnitude of its results, — although the enemy’s loss was three times that of our own, — but as a demonstration, that, in an open fight, the rebel cavalry cannot stand before the Northern sabre. The conduét of both officers and men was, throughout the day, beyond all praise; and, had the First Massachusetts Cavalry been with us, we should have captured the whole famous regi- ment which was opposed to us (General Stuart’s). Let us hope for another meeting with the rebels. . . . Where the conduct of all was so meritorious, it is difficult to particularize individual valor. But to the lamented Nathaniel Bowditch, Assistant Adjutant- General on my staff, mortally wounded while fighting at the front; to Major Harrington, com- manding the First Rhode-Island Cavalry, who was shot in the neck during the first charge, but who remained at his post during the entire day; to the memory of Lieutenant Nicholai (First Rhode Island), who fell at the head of his troops; to Lieutenant Brown, of the same regiment, who was the first to dash into the river, the first to mount the parapet on the other side, and whose clothes were shot through five times, and horse three times; to Captain Barnell, who was in command of the Sixth Ohio Cav- alry, — especial mention is due; while to each and all my grateful thanks are most cheerfully given. By order of Colonel DurFir, Commanding First Cavalry Brigade, Second Division. A. C. Cuixps, Lieutenant, Assistant Adjutant-General. Letters. — Colonel Sargent. 55 From Colonel H. B. Sargent. HEADQUARTERS First CAvatry, Mass. VOL., Camp NEAR FaLMouTH, Va., March 22, 1863. Hewry I. Bowpitcu, Esq., M.D., Boston, Mass. My pEAR Sir, — With great and deep sympathy for you and Mrs. Bowditch, and sincere personal grief, I place myself, almost in silence, near your side, not to utter consolation, —for its high and glorious holy sources you have,— but to add my tribute of admiration to the testimony that you already have, for solacing reflection hereafter. : Your gallant son fell “ke a soldier, — respected, lamented, and beloved. The extreme courage with which he threw himself to the front, and the fact that the command, that would have been sacrificed to save his young life, was on a distant duty, were the “immediate cause, perhaps, of his fate. To a soldier, grief yields to glory; and there are many who envy his short and brilliant career, giving so soon an immortal setting to the jewel that you have zo¢ lost. Truly and most respectfully yours, Horace B. SARGENT, Colonel First Mass. Cavalry. 56 Letters. — Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. From Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. Camp First Mass. Cavalry, Near FatmMoutuH, Va., March 21, 1863. My pear Mrs. BowpitTcH, — In conversation with your husband, last night, he said that you would like to have an account of your son, as I saw him the evening of the day on which the battle took place. Our regiment, with one other, held the fords of the Rappahannock, on this side, to prevent a body of rebel cavalry, known to be in the vicinity, from recrossing the river to help Lee. We, therefore, were not in the fight, though hearing it all day; and I can say nothing of what took place on the field. About dark, our forces recrossed at Kelly’s Ford, and I then first heard that your son was wounded. After putting the regiment into bivouac, I went to find him. I searched the only farmhouse in the place (Morris- ville), which was used as a hospital, inquired of all the surgeons, looked into the ambulances,.and finally was forced to the conclu- sion that the statement, which one of the surgeons had made, that he was left on the other side of the river, was correct; but, hear- ing that another ambulance was in the road, I rode back to meet it. The driver said that Lieutenant Bowditch was not in it; and I was riding off, when your son called out to me, having recog- nized my voice. I rode alongside, and shook hands with him, and was much encouraged about him, by hearing his voice strong and clear. (Previous accounts had been very bad.) I asked him if he was badly hit; and he said that he had a sabre-cut on the head, and a shot in his shoulder, neither of which he thought serious; but that he had a bullet in the pit of his stomach, which, if it had gone upwards, “had done for him;” but that he couldn’t tell ex- aétly what direction it had taken. He said that he was perfectly comfortable, and felt no pain, only that he was very thirsty; so I Letters. — Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. ey rode off, and got him a cup of water. There was another wounded man in the same ambulance, to whom he offered the cup, as he said he had been begging for water; but the man was too faint to drink. We soon came to the house used as a hospital, and took him out of the ambulance, and placed him on a stretcher, to carry him into the house. He felt no pain in the removal; and, on reaching the door of the house, the stretcher was found to be too large to enter. So I put one arm round his shoulders, and put his arms round my neck; and, with another man’s help, we took him into the house, and laid him on the floor, near the fire. There were then in the room some twelve or fifteen wounded. We made him as comfortable as we could, with blankets and great- coats for a bed; and the surgeons attended to the dressing of his sabre-cut. On getting out of the ambulance, and while on the stretcher, he gave very clear directions as to little things; and when I picked him up, to carry him into the house, I noticed that he had a very strong clasp. While lying by the fire, he said that he felt no pain from any of his wounds, and gave an animated account of the day’s work. He said, in relation to himself, that the enemy were coming down in great force, and in splendid style, when the order was given to his squadron to charge; that he thought that the men were close behind him, when be broke into the enemy’s ranks; that there was a confused mélee for a short time, when he found himself surrounded by the rebels; that he was striking at a man, who was “plugging” at him with his revolver, when a fellow from behind gave him a tremendous blow on the head; that he then noticed that Lee was rallying his men, and that our men were not near him; and he thought the best thing he could do was to get out of that as soon as he could. He turned his horse, and was moving toward our men, when his horse was shot from under him, and he received his two wounds. That, while lying on the ground, he was fired at several times; 8 58 Letters. — Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. and one ruffian came up, and threatened to blow out his brains if he didn’t give up every thing he had. He gave up his pistol; but, when the fellow demanded his watch, he refused, and told him to “shoot away;” just then, our men charged, and drove the plun- derer off. In a little while, a soldier came up, and asked him what side he belonged to; and Nat said, the Union. “Then,” said the man, “get on my horse, and come along with me;” but he, thinking the soldier to be a rebel, refused; more especially, as, while lying there, he had noticed the man taking the bridle from his (Nat’s) horse. The man asked him again what regiment he belonged to; and, being told the First Massachusetts Cavalry, said, “Oh! then I must get you down to us;” but your son, still thinking him a rebel, refused to go. Afterwards another soldier came up, and put him on his horse, and carried him off the field. I do not think your son knew the exact time when he was shot, whether it was while on the ground, unhorsed, or just before; not owing to any confusion of mind, in consequence of his wound, but simply that a wound, to a man only anxious to do his duty, often is unno- ticed at the time it is received. THe told me that he had suffered a great deal of pain during the afternoon, but that now it was entirely gone. The surgeon in charge, Dr. Herman, of the Six- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, paid particular attention to him; and he could not have been more carefully waited on than he was that night. It is easy to write these details of things done; but it is not so easy to express the feelings of respeét and relief I had while with him in that farmhouse, on account of the fortitude, calmness, and almost happiness, he showed. I had seen young Putnam, who was mortally wounded, at Ball’s Bluff, in almost the same place, and had thought then that fe was unconscious of the nature of his wound, he was so serene and happy; but I afterwards saw that he knew his own state en- tirely. And, while talking with your son, my mind reverted to Letters. — Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. 59 young Putnam; and the likeness in behavior was so strong, that I had to believe that both were equally well aware of their critical condition. I wish, with all my heart, madam, that you could have seen him, so calm and peacefully happy. You could not have thought he was a sufferer, or one to be pitied. He seemed like a man who has fought the good fight, and was going home with the consciousness of having done his whole duty. It was the noble closing of a brave life; and, at the time, pity seemed irreverent and misplaced. I will not attempt to tell you about your own son; but will only say, that, during the past eighteen months, we had all grown to like him more and more, the more we saw of him. Within the past few months, he, being Adjutant of the regiment, occupied the tent next to mine, and was frequently with me. His character seemed to have grown rapidly since last spring; and although he had joined us, as it were, a boy, he had become a man; sweet- tempered, but determined. In a regiment, we depend so exclusively on those around us, and are thrown in so much with them, that a man soon counts for his own value; and your son was ranking higher day by day, both as an officer and a man. I think that, perhaps, you would like a slight sketch of the country and distances of the places where the fight took place. Kelly’s Ford is about five and twenty miles from our camp, near Falmouth. It is a passage of the Rappahannock, about one hundred yards wide, and was stoutly defended by the rebels, who had placed obstructions in the way of cavalry, and were fighting from behind breastworks. Your son crossed here, among the first, where many faltered, and took a prisoner himself. The battle-ground was about three miles from the ford, in the direc- tion of Culpepper, near to which place Fitz Hugh Lee had his cavalry camp. Morrisville is about five miles from Kelly’s Ford, 60 Letters. — Lieutenant-Colonel Curtts. on the road from this place thither. It consists of one house, and formerly a church. It was here that your son passed the night before and the night after the battle. From Morrisville to camp is about twenty miles. I left your son after midnight, and returned to the house at about five in the morning; but the ambulances had already started; and, as I had been ordered to protect the rear of the column with our regiment, I did not have an opportunity to see him again. On getting into camp, late in the afternoon, I was on my way to visit him, when I was told he was fatigued by his ride; and I thought it best not to see him till the next day. Major: Higginson rode after the ambulances, and overtook them about a mile from Morrisville; but, though he talked with your son, he couldn’t see him. The Major reported, that he spoke up cheerily, and said that he should like to see “all the fellows.” On getting into camp, he was placed by Dr. Holland in Captain Crowninshield’s tent, as being the most comfortable; where he had with him, not only his cousin, but Dr. Holland, who had always liked him, and used formerly to mess with him. Dr. Herman told me, that he had passed so good a night at Morris- ville that he felt encouraged about him, although his previous symptoms had been of the worst. As there were but two or three of our officers in the fight, and one was severely wounded at the very beginning, we looked to the other two to uphold the reputation of our regiment and our State. How well your son did his share, you know; and it is with pride and sorrow that we think of him. I am, with much respe@, Your obedient servant, GREELY S. CURTIS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding First Mass. Cavalry. Letters. — Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. 61 Extrait from a Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis to a friend. Bowditch died happily. After the fight was over, the col- umn recrossed the Rappahannock at Kelly’s Ford, some twenty or twenty-five miles from here, and we heard that he was mor- tally wounded. The night was perfectly black, and the roads inconceivable. I put our regiment in camp at about ten o’clock, and set out to find him. I went into rooms filled with wounded, trying to recognize him, as no one knew who was among the suf- ferers. At last I heard that there was an ambulance coming from Kelly’s Ford, and rode back to meet it; although the last surgeon I had spoken to had told me positively that Lieutenant Bowditch had been left on the other side of the river dy Azm, as too far gone to move. On meeting the ambulance, I asked the driver if he had Lieutenant Bowditch. He said, No; and I was riding off, when Bowditch himself called out to me. He shook hands, and spoke bravely about his wounds, saying, that, if the bullet had taken a different dire€tion, he was “done for;” and that he felt comfortable, only being thirsty. So I got him some water, and he gave some to a wounded sergeant riding with him. We after- wards laid him on the floor of a farmhouse kitchen, and I ad- mired and almost envied him, he was so calm and happy; taking the greatest interest in the day’s work, and giving a clear account of the action. He knew he was dying, and yet controlled every feeling of bodily pain and mental sorrow. He had done his duty faithfully and bravely to his country, and his career was nobly finishing. The expression of his face and smile, when he shook hands with me at parting, was lovely; and it seemed as if we had in reality changed places, —that he was the fortunate one who was going home. He survived the journey to camp, and died 62 Letters.— Dr. DeWolf. among his friends, placidly and without pain, retaining his con- sciousness to the last, and telling the surgeon (Holland), that he believed he was “going now.” Extrait from a Letter from Dr. DeWolf, Assistant-Surgeon First Massachusetts Cavalry. A braver or more gentlemanly officer I never saw, against the foe of his country. . . . Alas! he has finally fallen, a young martyr to the cause of American Government; and God grant that his blood shall be the consecration of that Union that shall never perish! Extrait from a Letter from an Officer in the First Massachu- setts Cavalry, to his Father in Boston. MArcH 19, 1863. DEAR FATHER, — As one result of the march of five days, about which I wrote last Sunday, we have poor Nat Bowditch, whom everybody loved, lying dead in camp; and Major Chamberlain, fearfully wounded. Nat’s father received the information last evening, and is expected here to-morrow. Nat was hit in the abdomen and shoulder, besides having a terrible sabre-cut on the forehead. He behaved very gallantly before he received his death- wounds; capturing two rebels, and sending them to the rear, and killing three, with his own hand, before being shot. He told Dr. Holland that he thought he was dying, and in twenty minutes was dead; dying so easily and painlessly, that the doctor, and Henry Bowditch, who were watching by him, did not know when Letters. — Captain Thomas Sherwin. 63 he died. His father will find the dead body of his son when he arrives here; and yet I am sure he will never regret any thing he has done, and that he has allowed Nat to come to the war. The poor fellow lost his life, it is true; but in the best cause which this country, at any rate, affords. And, in a war like this, no life is frudtlessly thrown away, and it pains me horribly to hear such things said, or to see them written. Any life lost in a war waged for such magnificent results as this war aims at, 1s wed/ lazd down, not fruitlessly thrown away. I pity Nat Bowditch not a bit. Ido pity his mother. But, if she is a good woman, as I am sure she is, she will be glad to have been able to send a son to the war; and not sorry that she did so. Extrait from a Letter from Captain Thomas Sherwin. “Poor Nat! I stopped at his camp, hearing he was wounded, but found he was dead. It seems he led the charge, being on General Averill’s staff, although his own regiment was not en- gaged, and knocked three rebels out of their saddles before he was struck. He had a sabre-cut on the head, a bullet-wound in the shoulder, and one in the bowels, which was the fatal one. The officers tell me that he suffered some while in the ambulance, but was very quiet and comfortable till Wednesday, when he died. He behaved splendidly during the fight, and nobly afterwards. It is hard, indeed, that, in the first fight the cavalry has ever been engaged, so glorious a fellow as he should fall. His brother officers mourn his loss very much, and are full of praise of his gallantry.” 64. Letters.— Major Higginson, Colonel A. A. Rand. From Major FHligginson, when at Home severely Wounded. Boston, Sept. 11, 1864. Dear Mapam, — May I thank you for the beautiful flowers which you and Miss Bowditch so kindly sent me during my confine- ment; and for the likeness, also, of Nat, whom I never should have forgotten, even though I had not the photograph? [I liked the boy so much, and had so often occasion to see him, that his handsome face and pleasant smile will stay by me for ever. He was in our tent (that of Colonel Curtis and myself) very frequently, and often spent an evening with us, smoking his pipe. Poor Nat! The war made him a man, and then took him away so quietly! The old Greek line, “ Whom the gods love, die young,” always comes to me when I think of him. You will pardon me, I hope, if I have pained you; but I have often longed to tell you how I, with all others, loved Nat. One’s feelings toward a comrade in war become very defined and posi- tive. With sincere regards to the doctor, and to your daughter, be- lieve me, dear madam, Very truly yours, H. L. Hicernson. Mrs. Henry I. Bowpircu. From Colonel A. A. Rand, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. April 9, 1863. My pear Mrs. BowpitrcH, — The “ Arago’s” mail confirmed all our worst appre- hensions for the safety of dear Nat. The ugly rumor reached us by a chance steamer, stating that he had fallen, fighting bravely Letters. — Colonel A. A. Rand. 65 at his post. Now we hear of him as hacked to pieces, and mur- dered in the field. I cannot, my dear madam, write a letter of condolence. None but God, who shall wipe away all tears, — and the promise is sure, —can soothe your grief, and heal a mother’s broken heart. I can only tell you of my own sorrow, of how much I valued and loved him, and then pray God, who marketh out our ways for us, that we may not murmur or repine at his will, but thank him that one more of our loved ones is safe from sorrow and temptation, wear- ing the crown, and waiting for us. My own intercourse with Nat, while in the army, was extremely pleasant. I wish he had stayed with this company, if it is right to have such a wish; though [ little thought, on that dark night in June, as I shook his hand, wished him success at Charleston, and God-speed, as he left Edisto Island, that it was the last time I should see him. I remember well those Sunday evenings, at Hilton’s Head, when we tried to de good, though it was hard work always to feel so, as we met to read the service. Nat was always there, and sat close by me. We had solemn faces then; and I believe God heard our weak, feeble prayers. At Edisto Island, the last Sunday night we were together, when we thought we were going into the fight at once, we read responsively those beautiful Psalms of the fourth and sixth selec- tions (we marked it in our prayer-books, — it is marked in mine, and I think you will find it so in his), “ Thou art a place to hide me in;” “Thou shalt compass me about;” “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills whence cometh my help. My help com- eth even from the Lord. Therefore, since he is thy keeper, the sun shall not burn thee. The Lord shall preserve thee. He shall keep thy soul. Therefore, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me.” This 9 66 Letters. — Major George Blagden. was almost the last time I saw Nat, and I feel sure that God has kept that soul in perfect peace. Watching and waiting, amidst war and doubt, perplexity and gloom, broken hearts and streaming eyes, for our portion, He shall come in his own time and power, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. May He be very near to you, madam, now, and lighten sor- row by his love! With true sympathy, believe me, most cordially and truly, my dear madam, ARNOLD A. RAND. from Major George Blagden, of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry. Lone IsLAnD, Boston Hargor, Oct. 27, 1863. My pveEAR Doctor BowpiTcH, — . . . As I look back over the experiences of the last two years, no form rises so constantly and so familiarly as Nat’s. Do you recolleét asking me in the cars, one evening, to give you a sketch of our staff-life together, during the first advance on Charleston? The sudden departure of my regiment from Read- ville prevented me from doing so in time for the purpose for which you wished it. Had I been able to do so, it would have been to you, perhaps, only a bare record of faét; but I wish it were possible for me to transfer those days to you, as clearly and gratefully as I see them myself. I remember the Sunday night at Edisto, when we first knew that we were to go on the expedition. I can see the tent and its inmates, when the message reached us; the hurried taking of the letter from the mail-bag, to open it and write one more good-by; the kind offers of assistance and equip- Letters.— Major George Blagden. 67 ment, from Captain R. and Lieutenant T., who were to remain behind; the broken sleep, snatched in the transport. I can see the loveliness of the next day; the beauty of the ride through the woods, —the rough bivouac,—the storm,—the dismal hut. I can almost meet Nat riding about the field, with orders. I pass and repass him, as we go from one end of the column to the other, on the stormy march. I can see the blazing fire, and the dripping and drying clothes, in the little room at Legareville. I can recall him looking so wretchedly ill, as I said, “ Good-by,” when the order came to move forward. This was the most stirring part of our experience in South Carolina; but our camp-life, our evening talks of friends at home, our oft-repeated wishes, are all remem- bered. In my absence, during the past summer, I have been in many places which reminded me of him, — Poolesville, Edwards’s Ferry, Rockville, where you once met him, and many other spots which we marched over last fall. I often think of the plans we formed, to be carried out when we got home. We never met in Boston: I first saw him, to know him, when with the regiment in New York. But I shall always feel as if I were carrying out some of those plans, in having those at Nat’s home among my friends. Whatever may be my future experience in this war, it will bring me no closer friendship, no warmer love, than his. You know how I shall value his likeness. Respectfully and affectionately yours, GEORGE BLAGDEN. 68 Letters. — Edward P. Light. From Edward P. Light,* First Massachusetts Cavalry, to his father. Camp, First Mass. Cava.ry, GETTYSBURG, PENN., July 6, 1863. DEAR FATHER, — . . . Our non-commissioned staff have signed the enclosed paper in relation to the lamented Lieutenant Bowditch. We, who were in continual contaét with him, have expressed nothing in this paper which was not felt and expressed many, many times before his death. It was the opinion of all who knew him, that he was the best Adjutant we ever had. I shall never forget how glad he seemed when I returned from my trip North, the last of February. He expressed himself to Major Higginson as surprised and pleased at my returning so promptly, as just at that time he was appointed on the staff of Colonel Dufhié; and he was very particular to have all his papers and property turned over to his successor, Lieutenant Curtis. I attended to this busi- ness for him, and every thing was transferred promptly on the 1st ‘of March, the day that he left the regiment. I could not help remarking, at that time, how different this was from the conduct of most military men, who are generally loose about business mat- ters, and the settlement of their affairs. In less than three weeks after this, he was killed! Any business man can appreciate his wisdom in having his affairs a// settled; his accounts with the Ordnance Department, and the other departments at Washington, and with the Regimental Fund, of which he was Treasurer, all ‘squared; and all the property, amounting to over $1,500,000, * This excellent young man has himself since become a martyr to this war; having died of wounds received at Spotsylvania, in May, 1864. Letters. — Edward P. Light. 69 which he was responsible for, all properly transferred, and re- ceipted for by his successor... . Your affectionate son, EDWARD. P.S.— The sergeant-major is the highest in rank; but, as the commissary-sergeant is much older than myself, I insisted on his signing his name first on the paper. Mr. G. W. Licur. Copy of the Paper alluded to in Preceding Letter. LETTER FROM NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF, First Mass. CAVALRY. To the Family and Friends of our Kind Friend and Fellow-Soldier, the late Lieutenant Nathaniel Bowditch. We, the Non-commissioned Staff of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, desire to express our appreciation of the high qualities of our late commander. In all our intercourse with him, as Adjutant, he exhibited a uniformly kind and gentlemanly dispo- sition, united with an ability and energy seldom displayed by those holding that arduous position; while, by the bravery always exhibited by him in the hour of danger, and by his noble death, we recognize the true soldier, as well as the courteous gen- tleman. We sincerely mourn his loss. (Signed) Benjamin G. Mann, Commissary-Sergeant. Epwarp P. Lieut, Sergeant-Major. Epwarp R. Apams, Quartermaster-Sergeant. Epwarp B. PrEevEAR, Chief Bugler. Jeremiau Leavitt, Hospital Steward. 70 Letters. — Captain F. FH. Clark. Of all the communications received by us, none touched us more deeply than this. It was a simple but living testimony to the excellence of our son, and proves to us to what a manly stature of mind he grew while in the war; while, at the same time, show- ing that he still retained in camp all the sweet courtesy of his childhood. Extratt from a Letter of a Private in the First Mass. Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY Corps, ARMY OF THE PoToMAc. Poor Bowditch has gone. He was my best friend here, and I have a terrible sensation of loneliness and desolation, when I think of the poor fellow. There was not a single officer in the regiment who was so wntversally loved by both officers and men. I had learned to Jove him myself. Well, he died like a soldier; bravely fighting the enemy, the first and foremost. His death is an ex- ample which the whole army might be proud of. We all risk our lives often enough here; but, still, such a thing as this takes us as much by surprise as it does you at home. . . . I did love him; and, if I had been there, the blow should have struck me, if, by so doing, I could have saved him. from Captain F HH. Clark. First Mass. HEAvy ARTILLERY, Fort TILLINGHAST, March 27, 1863. It seems to me, my dear Mrs. Bowditch, almost like violating holy ground to trespass on your grief. I have no business there. I cannot sympathize with you. I was but a friend to him who is Letters. — Captain F H. Clark. 71 dead; you are his mother. Yet I should be doing injustice to my own feelings, and should be wanting in due regard to you, were I to stand aloof, and say no word, however inadequate, in recognition of my loss. When the news came that Nat was wounded, I felt only for his bodily sufferings. When I learned the story of his death, I ceased to pity——I envied him. For it is an easy and an every-day thing to die, —to drop quietly out of existence, like a pebble into a stream, leaving but a ripple that is soon effaced: but to die wel/; to make the last act of our life the crowning glory; to leave behind an example that must live so long as valor and self-sacrifice shall be honored, — this is a privilege offered to but few men, and not always by them improved. There has been, perhaps, no brighter episode in our dark war, than the fight at Kelly’s Ford; and, to my eyes, the brightest figure there is the young Adjutant. The whole scene rises before me. I see him charging in advance of all, fearless and true; his look fixed, with high resolve; his face illumined, perhaps, with the light of coming sacrifice. I seem to hear his sabre ring, as steel. meets steel, in the thick fight. He is surrounded, but does not yield. Truth and Honor and Justice fight with him; and he who fights with such allies, conquers, though he fall. Again his sword sweeps flashing down, striking for the right. And then he dies,— dies in the fulfilment of his fair promise. Let him sleep: he has done his work. For he who in this life has struck one stout blow, or uttered one stout word, for right, has not lived in vain; for every such effort brings heaven nearer earth. It was not my privilege to know Nat intimately. Circum- stances rarely brought us together; but I can readily understand how those that knew him best loved him most: for what in him was pleasing to the stranger, only improved with further acquaint- 72 Letters.— Captain F. H. Clark. ance. His frank and genial bearing, his cheerful, honest face, and his ever-friendly greeting, were singularly attractive. They seemed the outpouring of a deep vein of generosity, devotion, and high-toned manliness; but deeper than all else, and above all else, was a spark of genuine goodness. I never saw a young man whom I thought freer from all guile, nor one whose friendship seemed worthier of obtaining. Surely I could not be surprised, when such a one, resigning cheerfully the attraétions of a home like his, came forth, in all the freshness of his young life, a gener- ous champion, to do battle for a cause the grandest and holiest that ever challenged the devotion of man, or deserved the favor of God; and his heroic death was but a logical conclusion of a heroic life, To the parents of such a son, my dear madam, it is not for me to offer comfort... . I have spoken of Nat as I remember him; not, perhaps, as he deserved. From those who have known him long and intimately, and especially from his fellow-officers, you will receive ample assurance of the love and respect he inspired. They will not fail to do justice to his memory. To my kind friend, your husband, I beg you will present my most sincere regards; and the assurance that on one, at least, the example of his son shall not be lost. Please remember me to the members of your family, and accept for yourself, dear Mrs. Bow- ditch, the thoughtful consideration of Your affectionate friend, J; H. CLARK. Mrs. BowDITcH. Letters. — Dr. Thayer, Hon. Edward Everett. 73 Extrait from a Letter from Dr. Thayer, of the Fourteenth New flampshire Regiment. We had in camp, for a fortnight, Lieutenant » Of the First Rhode-Island Cavalry; a good soldier, who has been in the service from the formation of the regiment, and seen all the fight- ing of this campaign; was with Nat at Kelly’s Ford, and spoke of him with great tenderness, regard, and respect. He told me all the history of that day, and how much everybody loved Nat, and what a good soldier he was. I wish I could see you, and talk about him, and tell you of the tender care he received from everybody, after his wounds, for the love they bore him. from Hon. Edward Everett. SUMMER STREET, March 27, 1863. My pear Sir, — I cannot resist the temptation to offer to you and Mrs. Bowditch the assurance of my heart-felt sympathy. I did not know the young man personally, but I have heard much of him; and having myself been called, in the course of my life, to give up the most hopeful, lovely, and dutiful children, I think I am able fully to appreciate the loss. I should have joined in paying the last tribute of respect to his memory, had I been aware of the time appointed for the funeral. Commending you and yours to the great and only effe¢tual Source of consolation, I remain, dear sir, Sincerely yours, EDWARD EVERETT. Dr. BowpiITcH. Io 74 Letters.— F. G. Palfrey, Anne and Wendell Phillips. From Ffon. Fohn G. Palfrey. MARcH 27, 1863. My DEAR SIR, — I pray you to allow me to add my unimportant word to the expressions of earnest sympathy which are reaching you and your family from every quarter. It seems almost unfit to use the language of condolence, when the life that is closed was so worthy, and the death so heroic. Certainly there is nothing better we can wish for those we love most. And the parents of a son so endowed, and so fated, are to be congratulated in the deepest depths of their sorrow. May God sustain and bless you and yours, dear sir! Sincerely your friend, Joun G. PALFREY. Dr. Bownircn. from Anne and Wendell Phillips. Dear Henry, — A was much moved that you remembered her in such days as these, sharing, as we do, most heartily in all your joy and all your sorrow; for joy in such a son, and such a death, so brave and useful, so precious a gift, to the noblest of causes, must have a place, even now, as well as sorrow. How well I remember one of the very first times I ever saw him, a mere child, in front of your house, as I held his hands in both of mine, while talking with you, and noticed, never to forget Letters. — Thomas Donaldson, Esq. 45 them, his large, glad, bright eyes; and then, that last time I shook the young soldier’s hand, sixteen months ago, in your house! How true and great these children rise up, matching all history in devotion and nobleness! .. . With every kind wish love can have for you and your wife, Tenderly yours and hers, ANNE AND WENDELL. Dr. Bowp1TcuH. From Thomas Donaldson, Esq., of Maryland. Dear SiR, — A father’s grief, for such a son as you have lost, is so sacred, that I hardly dare to intrude upon your distress, even to assure you of my warm sympathy. But I am sure you will pardon me for so doing. I was not so fortunate as to know him personally; but I do know how noble a young man he was, and the whole country knows with what self-devotion he sacrificed his life in her cause. A long life spent in good works —and such his would undoubt- edly have been — would have no higher claim to admiration, and would have produced no better fruits of usefulness, than his short but heroic career. You may well refuse “to exchange your dead son for any living son in Christendom.”. . . Very truly yours, Tuomas DONALDSON. Dr. H. I. Bowp1Tcu. 76 Letters. — Francis G. Shaw, Esqg., a Lady Friend. From Francis G. Shaw, Esg., Father of the Gallant Young Mar- tyr, Colonel Shaw, of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, who fell at Fort Wagner, a little less than Four Months afterwards. Dear Harry, — I have been thinking of you all the time since I heard of your great loss, and can no longer refrain from telling you how much we grieve at your sorrow, and how heartily we sympathize with you and your dear wife in your bereavement. Your noble boy has gone to join the great army of martyrs who have battled for the right, and his memory will ever be hal- lowed among us; but his death leaves a gap which can never be filled. May God bless and comfort you; and, when the great shock of your deep sorrow shall have passed, may you be happy, as well as proud, that he gave up his young life for such a cause, in such a manner! You have offered your heart’s blood on the altar of the Lord, and the sacrifice must bring blessings to you and yours. May God comfort and keep you, and your remaining dear ones! Affeétionately, Francis G. SHAW. Marcu 24, 1863. Letter from a Lady Friend. MARcH 29, 1863. My pear Henry, — The sweet Christian sabbath is come to its close, and my thoughts, during its hours, have been much with those who have passed from their ministration in the lower temples to the services of a higher and purer sphere, where all is love and joy and peace; where nothing that defileth or Letters. — His Teacher at the Mason-street School. ay maketh a lie can enter; “ wherein dwelleth righteousness,” nothing but righteousness. I gathered my little ones, as usual, around me this afternoon, for the simple teachings with which I ‘love to especially mark the day, and they were even shorter than usual, that I might tell them of Nat; of his life, his death, and the precious memories that remain to comfort those who mourn his loss. My little circle listened with rapt attention; and I feel that good seed is scattered, which I have faith to believe will bring forth fruit at a future day, when lives and deaths, like that dear boy’s, are held up for their consideration.... We have heard from (a private in First Massachusetts Cav- alry). He seems truly to mourn Nat’s death. He says, “* He (Nat) was beloved by all who came in contaét with him.” How soothing and comforting are all the evidences which come, from so many sources, of how devotedly he met, and how well fulfilled, the duties of his last life-work! From much that I heard when in Boston, and one or two remarks of his mother’s about him, there must have been in him a degree of Aumzlity, which is never found but in chara¢ters of much superiority. It is a quality not in ordinary esteem, especially in our day; unhonored of men, but most acceptable “to Him who seeth not as man seeth.” From his Teacher at the Mason-street School. Lincotn ScuHoor, April 7, 1862. Dr. H. I. Bowpircn. Dear SIR, — I regret extremely, that, the Records of the Adams School having been mislaid and lost, I can refer to no special date in regard to your son. 78 Letters. — Professor Florsford. My impressions and recolle&tions of him are such as one would wish to have of a former scholar, — an amiable, frank, con- fiding, affectionate little fellow, (you will remember that he was quite young then), — and one of whom a teacher would be apt to say, “I wish I had a hundred like him.” I sincerely sympathize with you and your family in this sad bereavement; and yet am almost disposed to congratulate you, that, in giving up your son to your country, you have added a precious name to the list of those noble youths whom Boston and the nation will remember with lasting gratitude, as having sacri- ficed their lives in the cause of freedom and humanity. Respectfully yours, SAMUEL BARRETT. from Professor forsford. CamBRIDGE, April 7, 1863. My DEAR FRIEND, — . . . How impossible it seems to realize that the genial, transparent, beautiful face, which I so recently saw bend- ing over Agassiz’s table, has gone from us for ever! Not gone, but gone before. Let this comfort you, my dear friend. None ever gave a nobler life to a nobler cause. Mrs. Horsford begs to join me in a most cordial sympathy with Mrs. Bowditch and yourself. A truer man I never numbered among my students than Na- thaniel Bowditch. I believe no truer patriot ever gave his life for his country. I am, my dear sir, Very sincerely and faithfully yours, E. N. Horsrorp. Letters. — Dr. Feffries Wyman. 79 From Dr. Feffries Wyman. : CaMBRIDGE, April 26, 1863. My DEAR Sir, — In common with all others, feeling a deep sympa- thy with you in the affliting loss you have sustained in the late battle at Kelly’s Ford, I cannot help saying one word with regard to your son, as you know he was with me but a short time; long enough, however, for me to form an estimate of his chara€ter, and of his many attractive qualities. As a student, he was ever thoughtfully and cheerfully attentive to the duties of the hour. I shall not forget the seriousness, yet calmness of manner, when he informed me that he had decided to join the army. At that moment, young men were attracted to military life quite as much perhaps by an enthusiastic excitement, as by a sense of the great- ness of the work they were to engage in. Such, I am sure, was not his case. He made known to me his decision with an im- pressiveness quite unusual with him. “I have decided to go,” he said, “ because I have made up my mind that it is my duty to do so.” This simple statement made a lasting impression on me; and, when I read the account of his noble death, I then felt, as I had not before, how great and controlling his sense of duty was. One of the earliest recollections of my medical life was the death of James Jackson, jun., and of your interest in it. How deep a sorrow we all felt then, that all the promise of his life which could be fulfilled on earth, must be fulfilled so early! Thirty years have gone by, and there are those who feel for you now, what you felt so deeply for the great bereavement of a father. The promise of your son’s life has been fulfilled, and yet how nobly! — leaving us the legacy of his few years an ever-living encouragement towards a faithful obedience to a sense of duty. With best wishes and deep sympathy, Ever sincerely yours, J. Wyman. Dr. H. I. Bowprrcu. 80 Letters. — Mrs. Stowe. from Mrs. Stowe. ANDOVER, May 1, 1863. DEAR SiR, — . . . I. am sorry I missed your call, when I was from home the other day. It would have done my heart good to see you. I have had it in my heart to speak to you and Mrs. Bowditch of the great and precious gift and sacrifice which you have rendered up to a sacred cause; but I have no strength. As a friend once said of writing to me, after the experience of similar great sorrow, “The words are like drops of blood.” I know the life-long extent of the sacrifice; but you have this advantage over me, that mine was apparently a loss without any object, though doubtless God saw one in his wisdom. Yours is an offering to the noblest cause, at the most inspiring time! Our dead are at peace in God, and see, clearer than we, through the smoke of conflict to the glorious end. Give my best love to Mrs. Bowditch, and believe me Ever truly yours, H. B. Srowe. P.S. — Let us congratulate each other on the exodus of our first colored regiment. FLorENcE (Iraty), April 21, 1863. My KIND FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR, — I open my newspaper from home, and see, with a pang like the stroke of a knife, that your noble boy, whom I have seen so often going out in the morning, like a type of the morning, in his young, hopeful, powerful existence, has been shot down “in Letters. — Mary E. Parkman. 81 a brilliant charge of cavalry.” God knows, we must not grudge our des¢ in this confli€t of good and evil. But my heart aches almost as much as if it were my own, to think of you, and his mother and sister. I know you are not one of the “ half-hearted,” and that you must have looked at this possibility in sending him forth to fight for the imperilled hope of the world. But when I think of the joy he must have been to you, the well-founded hopes you must have built on him, and that now the places that knew him must know him no longer,— if I saw you, I could only weep with you; and, far away as Iam, you must let me hold out my hand to you, in heartfelt sympathy. I believe the distance from home, which is in some respects very hard to bear, only brings out more clearly the essential points of the contest now going on; and no typical sacrifice of old history ever seemed more loftily emblematic than the voluntary death of these bright, brave, pure- hearted young men. The world is moved forward by the lives lived out or paid down by her noblest children; and now you have given your costly gift to this progress of humanity. I hope your wife is well, and able to take comfort. You have always the assistance of your profession, and a necessary occupation is an unspeakable help. Give my sincerest sympathy to your wife, and remember me kindly to each of your children. . . . Out of the complicated history and condition of these countries where I live now, I gather thankfulness and courage for my own land. Do not think of answering this letter. I have written for my own relief, and am always Faithfully yours, Mary E. ParKMAN. Dr. Henry I. BowpirTcu. II 82 Letters. — A Lady Friend. from a Lady Friend. . . . When my eye fell upon the lines informing me that dear Nat had yielded up his life upon the field of battle, I was com- pletely overwhelmed. Dear, noble, brave fellow! Of such, I am sure, must be the kingdom of heaven. Pure soul! unscathed by the dross of earth, resigning all the joys and endearments of life, and going cheerfully forth to meet danger and death, that our beloved country may be rescued from a foul despotism, and remain for evermore a beacon to all the nations of the earth. Suffering and dying in the cause of Truth, Justice, and Liberty! What spectacle can the world present more Christ-like than this! No words can express the deep sympathy I feel for you and the dear doétor, and the sweet, loving sisters and brothers of the de- parted one. The flaming sword, which has pierced the hearts of so many loving ones throughout the land, has now been thrust through yours. Moments of terrible anguish must follow the shock, I know; and yet I cannot but feel that God has bestowed upon you a high and holy privilege. I know how you feel, from the whole tone of your letter. Dear Nat! how little did we any of us dream, the last time I was East, you could ever be called upon to gird on the sword, and, bidding farewell to promised bride and fond family circle, lay yourself a living sacrifice upon the altar of your country! Ever since reading your letter, I have been with you all in spirit; and memory has been busy with the many peaceful, happy hours we have spent together, when your “noble hero” was with us. I see him once more in dear old Otis Place, a young schoolboy, exciting your solicitude somewhat, because you feared he had not shown quite spirit enough ina little altercation with some of his companions; and later, when he had grown to manhood, and your eye dilated with joyful gratitude as Letters. — Mrs. Maria W. Chapman. 83- he related how his schoolfellows, having accidentally injured an old lady, and all ran away to escape her indignation, he had stepped forward to ask her pardon and assist her home. I felt then that you were reaping a rich reward for whatever anxiety he may have ever caused you, and that he possessed a truly noble and brave soul. And now the dear fellow has proved himself one of the world’s heroes, adding fresh lustre to his grandfather’s name. God be praised for the heroic manifestation of true disin- ‘terestedness and holy self-sacrifice which this terrible war has caused to be displayed! Every day my faith in him and man grows stronger, and I realize more fully that fiery trials aid in the true development of national as well as of individual souls. Like you, I feel this war to be “ grander and more sacred than ever before,” since it has been consecrated by such precious blood; and that it is the solemn duty of every person to help onward our glorious cause to the utmost of his ability. From Mrs. Maria W. Chapman. 119, Mapison AVENUE, June 16, 1863. Dear Dr. BowpitTcH, — I have received your pamphlet, and I am sure you sent it to me as knowing how deeply I have been all this time feeling for you and yours, in this hour of your devotedness and bereavement. You are sure the country is redeemed. Is it not so? for you know the-price that has been paid. It is impossible to express what I feel of sympathy, of admi- ration, of gratitude, to the youth of our country who have sprung 84 Letters. — Mrs. Lydia M. Child. into this breach, — those that stay, doing double duty for those that go; and those that go, leaving an eternal source of consolation in the homes to which they return no more,—the memory of their goodness and their greatness. “In a short time, they have ful- filled a long time;” and their record, HIS in esfeczal, is with that of SypDNEy, and every great soul gone before. I am thinking much of our people in Savannah, the black regiments that die so steadily. I hope your pamphlet will be blessed to all who give themselves to this warfare. With renewed thanks for your kind- ness in sending me the pamphlet, I remain your friend ever, M. W. CHaAapMANn. from Mrs. Lydia M. Child. WayLanp, Nov. 30, 1863. DEAR SIR, — I have doubtless seemed negligent and unsympa- thizing; but I have not been so in my heart. . . . My sympathies were deeply moved for you when I first heard that your good, brave son was among the victims offered on the altar of Freedom. Mr. C. and I spoke often of you. . . . I thank you for the transla- tion from Korner which you had the kindness to send me. I have repeated the lines in German a hundred times since this war began. It is such a religious prostration of a brave soul in the presence of its Maker, that it always inspires me with a portion of the devotion and heroism which it breathes. To you it must, indeed, be profoundly impressive. I thank you with my heart for Letters. — Mrs. Lydia M. Child. 85 the photograph of your son. What a good, earnest, manly, intel- ligent face it is! and men say he was all that his countenance indicates. I have placed it in my album with Major Winthrop, Colonel Shaw, and others of the noblest viétims that have fallen in this righteous cause. Alas that such as they should have to atone for the sins of generations of selfish, compromising politi- cians! But it is always thus in the world’s history. I thought of you while copying an extraét from our (Mr. Sears’s) Thanksgiv- ing Sermon; and it expresses so exa¢tly what I want to say, that I will copy a portion of it: “You may always observe, that those periods called eras are periods which God uses to educate and shape the times which follow. The ideas and institutions of a long future are run in the moulds of such periods. The highest ambition of a good man is so to devote the life which God has given him, that it shall tell the longest and the most powerfully on the destiny of mankind. Fame, in the vulgar sense of the term, is an empty and worthless shadow. But to live through a long future in the affections of men; to inspire a coming genera- tion with enthusiam; to mould its charaéter, elevate its aims, and help to fire its genius, — this is more than compensation for all the sacrifices of our mortal state. We are living in such an era. At this solemn hour, God is storing up material for a bright ancestral period, through which, more than by any other agency, he edu- cates the generations and determines their ruling ideas. A roll of names, beginning with Winthrop, and ending with that beau- tiful young martyr, Colonel Shaw, remind us how much of the nation’s best hope and promise we are giving up. God has given us these two years of sacrifice and expiation. Many a lamb is slain, and many a doorpost is sprinkled with blood. Great is the cost; but the end is worth the whole of it. Looking only at the present hour, and viewing only the naked fa¢ts, the Providence of God seems shrouded in darkest gloom. But, in the view I am now 86 Letters. — Mrs. S. D. Holley. taking, these sacrifices inspire us with sublime gratitude and sol- emn joy. For, if we are standing at the opening of a new era, how supremely important it becomes that the names placed there, to be plastic over our newly opening future, should be stainless and holy! Providence places the most select victims at the head of our era. He has chosen and set them apart, that our long future may have a glorious past toward which our children can point for a century to come. For a hundred years the youths of Greece were inspired by the deeds at Marathon. But Mara- thon was not fragrant with such memories as Providence is storing up to-day, to shape the thoughts of unborn millions. All hail, then, to those martyrs who being dead are more than ever alive!” Do not these ideas make you almost thankful that your son is among the martyrs? Mr. Child unites with me in truest respe&t and sincerest sym- pathy. Yours most cordially, L. Maria CHILp: Dr. Henry I. BowpitTcu. From Mrs. S. D. Holley. LAKEVILLE, June 25, 1863. My pear Mrs. BownpitcH, — I have not so long delayed offering you my sympathy in your great loss because I did not feel deeply and tenderly for you, but because I knew that words were so empty of comfort in the first hours of bereavement; and I knew how many and dear friends you had near you, who would love to ren- der in deeds all the kindness that affeCtion could devise. Most Letters. — Mrs. S. D. Holley. 87 truly do I feel how much we have all lost in dear Nat’s death. His simple, noble charaéter, so manly, straightforward, and frank in its development, has endeared him much to us in our passing acquaintance; and we felt, that, had other ties brought us togeth- er, we should have loved him still more for all that he was and all that he would have been. When we first learned that for him the dreams of this life were over, I found it hard to say that all was right. As the do¢tor and Livy were with us about the time of his leaving home last summer, I learned through them some- thing of the strong faith and heroic resignation with which you bound your costly sacrifice upon the altar. My heart ached for you all then; it aches for you all now, that your sacrifice has been accepted. May the Father in heaven, whose guidance has been over it all, give you his own blessed and Holy Comforter in your sorrow! It has been a source of sad pleasure to us, that we were permitted to have the dear young soldier under our roof for a night; and that, brief as was his stay in our village, so many of our friends saw him in the little evening party he attended. His loss has been one more motive to all that met him here, to work with heart and hand for the soldiers. . . Very truly your friend, S. D. Hoey. fh» 7 soy fret, WG = ‘Nothing is here for tears, — nothing to wail Or knock the breast, no weakness, no contempt, Dispraise or blame, nothing but well and fair, And what may quiet us in a death so noble. Mitton: Samson Agonistes. CHAPTER VIII. PUBLIC OPINION. UTSIDE of the immediate circle of private friendship, the news of the fall of Lieutenant Bowditch was received with tokens of respect by the public journals. At the same time, a feeling of intense gratification was manifested, in the same columns, at the result of this gallant and successful attack of our cavalry upon the forces of the rebels. Public opinion was, in faét, more than satisfied. Previous to that period, there had been a general feeling that the South was better able than the North to raise a cavalry force. Men in the South, owing perhaps as much to the want of good roads in that part of the country as to any other cause, had passed much of their time in the saddle. They were, moreover, in their own estimation at least, the only lineal descendants of the old Cavaliers. Northern men, on the contrary, born under the genial influences of freedom, and where good roads lead to every ham- let, had resorted to the less manly, but more luxurious, mode of 12 go Public Opinion. travelling in carriages. Hence, at the beginning of the war, we had only a very small cavalry force. Those in power, and like- wise public opinion, seemed to place but little value on that arm of the service; and we readily granted, that the haughty Southron was, as he insultingly claimed to be, ~atura//y superior, in this respect, to the more quiet and less graceful Northener. Hence, after this brilliant cavalry charge, this “ sabre-to-sabre” fight at Kelly’s Ford, a feeling of great satisfaction arose in the public mind. We learned then thoroughly that our cavalry was alike willing and able to attack and to drive, in inglorious route, from his own chosen field of battle, even the flower of Southern chivalry. The following extracts from a few of the leading journals of the time, published in New York, Boston, &c., serve to demon- strate the existence of that feeling ; while, at the same time, some of them pay a tribute of respect to the gallant behavior of our son. As they all treat of the same event, similar statements are given, and like views expressed, in all. But, to friendly hearts, I trust they will not be deemed irksome by repetition. They certainly are important, as they demonstrate how public opinion regarded the comparatively small encounter at Kelly’s Ford as of real value, and as having had an abiding and healthful influence upon the morale of the whole army. Public Opinion. gI EXTRACTS REFERRING TO ADJUTANT BOWDITCH. Special Dispatch to the Boston “ Fournal.” WASHINGTON, March 20. Dr. Bowditch has gone down to the Rappahannock for the remains of his son, who died about twenty-four hours after he was wounded. He was acting as Assistant Adjutant-General, and had dashed ahead of our troops, when he was surrounded, and summoned to surrender. Refusing, he fell, sword in hand, after a desperate resistance. PERLEY. ApjuTANT BowpitTcu. — We regret to learn, that, in the brilliant move- ment by our cavalry on Monday, under General Averill, Lieutenant Nathaniel Bowditch, Adjutant of the First Cavalry Brigade, was killed. This young officer, by his noble bearing, fidelity to duty, and high character, had earned a high place in the regard of all who observed his career; and his name will now stand conspicuously on the roll of those young heroes of this city, who have laid down their lives for their country. From the Boston *‘ Transcript.” ANOTHER SACRIFICE IN BEHALF OF THE CouNnTRY.— The news of the brilliant vittory beyond Kelly’s Ford comes saddened to this community by advices of the death of Adjutant Bowditch, of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, who is reported in our telegraph column as severely wounded. This young gentleman, so dearly beloved by a large circle of kindred and friends, was the son of Dr. Henry I. Bowditch of this city. His father early gave his brave boy his blessing and encouragement, as he went forth to meet the exposures and perils of a soldier’s life. That son, by his fidelity to duty, his unflinching courage, his manly bearing, and pure character, has proved himself worthy of his lineage. He has been among the foremost of the truly patriotic youth of this city, who took up the weapons of war from the 92 Public Opinton. highest and truest motives and impulses. His name is now to be added to the sad and yet bright catalogue of our young men of all classes, whose early and glorious deaths have won for them immortal memories on earth, and nobly proved the unflinching loyalty of Massachusetts. We may not here indulge in the expression of the emotions of friendship, and so our words seem to us cold in the tribute we pay to the fallen hero; for such he was in the transparent sincerity of his purposes and his brave and self- sacrificing spirit. His departure will carry deep affliction to a happy home, and break with a dark vacancy a large and loving family-circle. But those who weep for him the most will find consolation in the fact that his life was given to help save a republic to which their own allegiance has been unfaltering, as shown in a willingness, for its sake, to imperil their dearest earthly treasures, — the very jewels of their households. A TrisuTE TO THE Memory oF ApjuTANT BowpiTcH OF THE First MassacnuseTts Cavatry.— Dr. Neale, in a sermon yesterday morning from the text, ‘* A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth,” made the following reference to Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Nathaniel Bowditch, who was killed in the recent cavalry fight at Kelly’s Ford on the Rappahannock. He was a son of Professor Bowditch of Massachusetts Medical College : — “ A young man dies. The artist of nature would represent the event in sad and fearful colors. There would be faded blossoms, a broken’ column, and the sun going down while it was yet day The scene is laid perhaps far from home. The youth is seen mangled and bleeding on the battle-field. He falls among strangers, and in the presence of an infuriated foe. His body is hurried uncoffined into the grave. ‘¢*Not a drum is heard, nor a funeral note.’ But Christian faith sees that young man loyal to his country and to his God. He offered himself a sacrifice for the good of generations yet to come, and in their hearts his memory will be enshrined for ever. Let not this scene be drawn in sombre shades, but rather in unclouded light. Young Bowditch has just fallen in this struggle. My heart bleeds in sympathy with his father, to whose patriotic and Christian sentiments I have recently listened. If the son was true to those sentiments, the day of his death was better than the day of his birth. Glad voices will hail his entrance to a higher life; and he shall be crowned, not with fading laurel, but with immortal honor.” Public Opinion. 93 DeEaTH oF Younc Bowvitcu.— We are permitted to publish the follow- ing extracts from a private letter from an officer of the First Massachusetts Cavalry :— ‘¢ Qur regiment was not engaged at Kellyville, and did not cross the river. All day we guarded the approaches to the ford on this side, and listened to the distant fight, anxiously expecting an attack on ourselves from the direction of ‘Warrenton. Three only of our officers were engaged, and those three were the recipients of five bullets and one sabre-cut. Chamberlain, early in the day, was badly wounded in the face by two bullets, while crossing the ford; and, in one of the early charges, Bowditch was mortally wounded, and died in camp thirty-six hours later. We were all very fond of him, and his death cast a deep gloom over our return and the camp. «Still his death cannot be wholly lamented, except for his family and friends; for, in its kind, it was perfe@. Young, universally a favorite, with no enemies, and no past to be ashamed of, — full of life, pluck, and strength, he went down in the heat of battle, far in front of his friends, and fighting to the last; while the death-wound itself did not make the bloody sword drop from his grasp. His brother-officers may regret him, — and, indeed, all who knew him must mourn him,—but we shall always be proud of him. ‘‘The impression is, that, after one of our charges, he found himself sur- rounded by the enemy, and tried to cut his way out, refusing to surrender; but his horse was shot, and he was cut over the head with a sabre, and brought to the ground, and his money and watch were demanded of him. He refused to give them up, and at the same instant was shot through the shoulder and abdo- men. The return of our troops then put the enemy to flight, and he was res- cued, stripped only of his hat, his pistol, and sabre-scabbard ; for his sabre was still in his hand. It is hard for the family and friends of such a man; and his kindly, generous, affeCtionate nature must have made him many friends, and makes his loss doubly hard to bear: but for him it is glory enough. In his little’ circle he is henceforth a hero; and no act or misfortune of future years can dis- place him from his pedestal, won by a blameless life and a heroic death. I wish I had his sword: his family have cause to preserve it.” Tue CasuALTIES IN THE First Cavatry.— Surgeon Holland of the First Cavalry Regiment has written to the Surgeon-General, that the only cas- ualties during the late cavalry engagement at Kelly’s Ford were the wounding of Major Chamberlain, Chief of General Averill’s staff, and the death of Lieu- tenant Nathaniel Bowditch (not Lieutenant H. P. Bowditch, as previously 94 Public Opinion. reported). Major Chamberlain had two gunshot wounds on the face; one severe, but not dangerous. Lieutenant Bowditch died at eleven o’clock the next night, ‘‘ brave and conscious to the last.” From the “ Christian Witness and Advocate,” April 16. LizvT—Enant Bowpircnu.— The cruelty of war has hardly imposed 6n this community any single sacrifice costlier or nobler than that of the life of this brave, gentle, Christian soldier. Nathaniel Bowditch, son of Dr. Henry I. Bowditch, of Boston, was commissioned in the First Massachusetts Cavalry, and stationed at Hilton Head; but was afterward transferred to the Army of the Potomac. He fell while acting as Assistant Adjutant-General, on the staff of General Averill, while leading the impetuous and gallant charge at Kelly’s Ford, in Virginia. The valor and magnanimity of his bearing at that brilliant engagement match the chivalry of the old knighthood. Hardly any thing in the stories of self-sacrificing courage on the field is finer. We see the manly and ardent figure of this young officer, voluntarily seeking the place of peril, borne forward in advance of his troops by his own spirit and the fleetness of his horse, waving his sword to the men and calling them on, plunging into a strong force of the enemy, surrounded and overpowered by numbers, yet refusing to save himself by surrendering as a prisoner; striking down several horsemen about him with his strong arm; sinking to the ground when his horse was dis- abled; struck heavily on the head, yet bearing up; wounded in his shoulder by a pistol-ball, yet fighting on till shot through the body ; lying a long time by the side of his favorite beast, and mourning for that dumb creature; cheerfulewhen he was taken up and borne away; thoughtful for others when suffering himself during the long, painful ride back to the camp; presenting in his generosity a parallel to the very act.ascribed to Sir Philip Sydney, on the field of Zutphen, by offering the cup of cold water, which his thirsty and fevered lips had craved, to a common soldier at his side; calm and composed, uncomplaining to the last; confessing his full faith in his Saviour for the pardon of his sins, his hope of eternal life through him; and then, with his hands crossed on his breast, falling asleep. Take into account the cause for which he died, and what on earth is grander than this? It was in complete loyalty to that cause that he found the motive for leaving the studies which were preparing him for a peaceful and at- tractive profession ; for leaving a home overflowing with affetion and domestic joy; for exposing to separation the tenderest and deepest attachments that are ever formed in this world. And, what is best of all, these later deeds and reso- Public Opinion. 95 lutions of his young life, making up a record of such complete beauty and honor, were all in perfect keeping and harmony with the spirit and the motives of his earlier career. . : His body was buried with the. solemn and reverential ceremonies of the Prayer-book, which he dearly prized, from “* Emmanuel Church,” on the after- noon of the 25th of March. It was borne out ‘in the confidence of a certain faith” and ‘in the hope of a joyful resurrection.” It was committed to the grave with thanksgiving to Him “ with whom the souls of the faithful, who de- part hence in the Lord, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity.” Why should those that loved Nathaniel Bowditch mourn? F. D. He Written for the Boston *‘ Daily Fournal.” A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF ADJUTANT BOWDITCH. KILLED IN THE RECENT CAVALRY FIGHT ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK. Hail to the brave! who on his country’s altar Laid his young life ! O heart, true and fearless! that knew not to falter Mid deadliest strife. Onward! right onward, all gallantly! The hour Stirs daring high ; But, lo! the fierce enemy circle him in power, — eo Yield thee or die!” Then lofty the courage round that swift sword gleaming, Scorning to yield ; Holy the radiance on that pale brow beaming, Fallen on the field. Son of an honored race! God hath bereft us! Gone in thy youth! But precious the fragrance thy memory hath left us — Of valor and truth. Proudly the future shall chronicle thy story, Never to die! Wear thou the martvr’s pure coronal of glory, Now, and for aye! E. N. H. 96 Public Opinion. EXTRACTS REFERRING TO THE FIGHT AT KELLY’S FORD. From the New-York “* Tribune.” FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. WASHINGTON, Wednesday, March 18, 1863. The following dispatch has just been received : ~ FALMOUTH, Va., Wednesday, March 18, 1863. Your special correspondent, who accompanied General Averill’s Cavalry Expedition, has just returned, having left Kelly’s Ford this morning at daylight. The expedition was a complete success. General Averill, with detachments from several of his regiments, and one battery of artillery, left camp on Monday morning to reconnoitre the Rappahannock River, up to the Orange and Alex- andria Railroad, with instructions to cross and proceed in the direction of Cul- pepper, and wake up Fitz Hugh Lee’s Cavalry, who were reported to be in that dire&tion. The force reached Morrisville, eighteen miles out, during the afternoon, when a portion of the advance guard proceeded direct to Kelly’s Ford, twenty- five miles above Falmouth, and dispersing a small body of the enemy near the ford, and discovering that it was guarded by dismounted cavalry pickets on the opposite side. During the night, a force, under Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis of the First Mas- sachusetts Cavalry, was detailed to advance toward the railroad at Bealeton Station, and to Elk Run, in the direction of Warrenton. At 3, A.M., yesterday, the forces advanced, Colonel Curtis as above indicated, and General Averill, with the main force, toward Kelly’s Ford. Arriving at the ford shortly after daylight, the advance guard found it well defended by dismounted cavalry sharpshooters, concealed in houses, and behind trees and fences. The approaches to the ford, on both sides, were rendered impassable by strong abatis, while the water was over four feet deep. After several attempts to cross, under a hot fire, a platoon from the First Rhode-Island Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Brown, dashed into the stream, fol- . lowed by the axe-men, who soon removed the abatis. The gallant fellows were met by volleys of bullets; but so sudden and surprising was the movement, that twenty-five of the rebels were captured before they could get away. Public Opinion. 97 The force immediately followed, and the artillery was taken over, with the ammunition, in the feed-bags of the horses, carried by cavalry, and repacked on the other side. After halting and resting a short time, General Averill ordered the column forward, and had proceeded but a mile or two when Fitz Hugh Lee’s whole brigade were discovered advancing in vigorous style. Our men were, immediately brought into position, supporting the battery, which opened at once, while the main body were formed for a charge. Our men had the edge of one strip of woods, while the enemy had a like position in timber opposite, with a wide and clear field between the two. Advancing out of this, and both forces appeared in the open ground, the enemy advancing rapidly on our right, with the intention of turning that flank, and on our left with the purpose to charge it. Both movements were antici- pated. On our right, they were speedily repulsed by the artillery; and on the left by a gallant charge under Colonel Duffié, who led that portion of the col- umn. The rebels stood only a moment, then turned and fled back into the woods in disorder, leaving their killed and wounded on the field. After reforming, General Averill again advanced, and took up position a mile or more beyond; believing the enemy would again attack, if opportunity offered. This proved true; and the rebels soon advanced again, this time with their artillery. Their cavalry came up on the charge in admirable style, almost drawing plaudits from our own men; but they were met by a terrific onslaught from the Fifth Regulars and Third Pennsylvania, which turned them back in confusion, they retreating down our line by the flank, which enabled our re- maining squadron to pour in tremendous volleys from their carbines, emptying hundreds of saddles, and completely repulsing the whole charging force. They did not molest us again, save with artillery, to which we did not reply, being out of ammunition. General Averill held his position until sundown, and then retired to the north side of the river without the loss of a man. The enemy’s loss is severe ; reaching, no doubt, two hundred, as their wounded were found everywhere. Our own loss will not exceed fifty in killed and wounded. It was a square, stand-up cavalry fight of over four hours’ duration; and the result proves, that our cavalry, when well handled, is equal, if not superior, to the enemy. In every instance, they fled before the impetuous charge of our men. The following officers were killed and wounded :— Lieutenant Cook, First Rhode Island, killed. Lieutenant Domingo, Fourth New York, mortally wounded. 13 98 Public Opinion. Major Chamberlain, Chief of General Averill’s Staff, seriously, in the face. Lieutenant Bowditch, First Massachusetts, severely, in the abdomen. Major Farrington, First Rhode Island, slightly, in the neck. Captain Weichel, Third Pennsylvania, in the leg. Lieutenant Wolfe, Sixth Ohio, sabre-cut in the head. Captain M‘Bride, Fourth Pennsylvania, not dangerously. Lieutenant Thompson, First Rhode Island, not seriously. From fifty to seventy-five prisoners were taken in the various charges, in- cluding Major Breckenridge of the First Virginia Cavalry. To the Associated Press. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoTOMAC, Wednesday, March 18, 1863. A most brilliant cavalry fight occurred on the Rappahannock, yesterday, beyond Kelly’s Ford. A reconnoissance, under command of General Averill, forced a passage over the river in the face of a determined resistance by a con- siderable body of rebel sharpshooters, who were covered by houses, rifle-pits, and a dry mill-race, with an abatis in front. The ford admitted but a single horseman at a time; and the stream, which was swollen, was very rapid, Arriving at the south side of the river, our cav- alry charged the rebels in their intrenchments; killing and capturing nearly the entire force, besides securing a large number of horses, picketed near by, a short distance from the shore. General Averill’s command encountered the rebel cavalry under Stuart and Fitz Hugh Lee, who had hastened from Culpepper to prevent our passage. They made some dashing charges upon our troops, who repulsed, and in turn charged them with fatal effec, using sabres only in the confli&. Whenever the enemy made a stand, they were immediately charged upon and routed from their positions with great loss. The battle lasted five hours, and was a series of charges and hand-to-hand conflicts, resulting in the falling back of the enemy. The forces were about two thousand on each side. The enemy at last took refuge behind an entrenched battery, four miles from the ford, flanked by rifle-forts and abatis. General Averill, having accomplished his object, and securing his prisoners, the wounded on both sides, and a large number of horses, recrossed the river without attack or demonstration on the part of the rebels, who were so badly whipped that they could not follow or annoy him. Public Opinion. 99 Among the prisoners is Major Breckenridge, a cousin of the traitor, John C. Breckenridge. The prisoners charaGterize the affair on our part as one of the ablest and most gallantly fought cavalry raids of the whole war, and admit that their own troops were totally demoralized by the gallant sabre-charge of our cavalry. About eighty prisoners have been brought in. The wounded of the enemy bear sufficient marks to show that the sabre was the sole weapon used on our side. From the New-York “ Tribune,” March 23, 1863. THE CAVALRY BATTLE.—RESULTS.—ITS EFFECT ON THE SERVICE. From our Special Correspondent. ARMY OF THE Poromac, Friday, March 20, 1863. The result of the gallant cavalry expedition by Averill’s command, on the 17th, turns out even more favorably than was at first supposed. In killed, wounded, and missing, the loss is less than seventy men. Only three were killed on the field. Five are supposed to be mortally wounded. The wounds are mostly very slight: a cut in the hand, a scratch in the face, or insignificant flesh-wounds, swell the number of casualties much beyond the real loss. The loss of the enemy was certainly much greater. Twenty dead rebels were left on the field ; eighty prisoners were brought in; and, it is fair to suppose, many who were more or less severely wounded made their escape into the fortifications near by. The flag-of-truce officer, yesterday, Major Mallon, from Couche’s headquarters, reports that the enemy were not disposed to converse on the sub- ject of the fight. The rebels acknowledged that they ‘‘ never knew that Yankee cavalry could fight so well.” They say ‘“‘ several” were killed on their side; among them, Major Pelham of Lee’s Staff. Major Mallon, who is familiar with the tone of rebel officers at Fredericksburg, thinks the enemy feels rather sore, than otherwise, over the result of Tuesday’s fight. The rebel officers said the Richmond papers of the 19th had not been received at Fredericksburg, though the train had arrived. He gave some rumors of a bombardment at Port Hud- son, in which they claimed to have gained advantages over the attacking party. They report the ‘‘ Mississippi” destroyed, and say one of the national gunboats passed up to the fortifications. Aside from the injury infli@ted on the enemy, and the information obtained from the reconnoissance, much has been gained, in nerve and confidence, in the cavalry, and of the Army of the Potomac. The officers and men have demon- 100 Public Opinion. strated, that the national cavalry is, in every respect, superior to the rebel trooper. The ground was equal, and the fight open and fair, with the advan- tage of a full knowledge of the field in favor of the enemy. The battle was one of successive charges and recharges, in every one of which the national cavalry was successful. When the enemy charged, he was repulsed and driven back; and, when charged upon, he fled. The hand-to-hand fighting was spirited, and the enemy showed greater skill in man-to-man encounters: fully one-third of the wounded, among Averill’s troopers, bear marks of the sabre! This circum- stance alone is a telling commentary on the character and spirit of the battle. Since the return of the expedition, I have visited the camp of every regi- ment represented in the command; have seen the wounded, and have conversed with officers and men: the spirit of the men, and the morale of battle, are such as could result only from the consciousness of a worthy and gallant achieve- ment. The fire and zeal of those who relate the battle-scenes have been ‘com- municated to their comrades who were at home, or on other duty ; and the whole arm of this service is to-day stronger by one-half than ever before. Without detraGing from the thrilling charge of Fremont’s body-guard through the streets of Springfield, or diminishing the lustre of Dahlgren’s bril- liant dash into Fredericksburg, nor forgetting Pleasanton’s sacrifice and suc- cessful battles up Loudon Valley, nor yet casting shadow over the name of the gallant Bayard, whose life paid the price of his courage, to Averill, with his men, who fought so well, is due the credit of having led the most brilliant cavalry charge ever made on this continent, and exceeded only by the thunder and clash of that terrible charge of English cavalry, by Schavenack, at the battle of Waterloo. You have already received a complete list of killed, wounded, and missing. Captain McBride and three privates, who were severely wounded, were left at the house of the Rev. Mr. Banning, an Episcopal clergyman, a mile and a half south of Kelly’s Ford. Two privates were left at a house between Kelly’s Ford and the outer picket line. These will doubtless be brought in; but those beyond the Rappahannock have fallen into the hands of the enemy. The officers and men tell of many hand-to-hand encounters, and cite numerous examples of individual courage; but all did so well, that it would be unjust to particularize. Many of the men who were wounded continued in the fight until it was over. Major Preston Farrington of the First Rhode-Island Cavalry, who was wounded by a ball through the neck, stayed the blood with his handkerchief, and remained at the head of his command to the end. je RS. Public Opinion. IOI THE FIGHT AT KELLY’S FORD. The correspondent of the New-York “‘ Times,” on the Rappahannock, sends an account of this fight, from which we copy the following : — ‘“‘Learning that both Stuart and Lee had left the main body of the rebel army near Fredericksburg, for the purpose of enforcing the draft in Fauquier and the adjoining counties, General Hooker determined to send out a large body of cavalry to cut them off, and at the same time to ascertain the position of the rebel forces on the other side of the Rappahannock. The regiments chosen for this important enterprise were the First and Fifth Regulars, com- manded by Captain Reno; the Thirty-fourth and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, Colo- nel McIntosh; the First Rhode Island, Fourth New York, and Sixth Ohio, Colonel Duffié; and the Sixth New-York Flying Battery, of six guns, — all under the command of General Averill. ‘¢ The expedition marched on Monday afternoon. Notwithstanding the bad condition of the roads, the men made good progress; and, passing through our outer pickets, encamped for the night near Kelly’s Ford, not far back from the Rappahannock. On riding down to the ford, the next morning at daylight, to cross over, the enemy were found to be in strong force on the opposite side, having posted numerous pickets, and constructed a formidable abatis, along the bank. A detachment of the Fourth New York charged down into the stream, and attempted to force a passage; but were met and repulsed by a strong force of the enemy. Rallying, they dashed into the river, and again were repulsed. A third attempt proved no more successful. At this juncture, Lieutenant Brown, followed by a squadron of the First Rhode Island, plunged boldly in, cut their way through the abatis, and, charging up the declivity, routed the enemy. ‘© The whole force then crossed over, and formed in line of battle. Twenty- four prisoners were captured at the ford. ‘‘ As the men moved forward up the acclivity, the rebels, who in the mean- time had rallied, charged upon us, when the First Rhode Island met them with a counter charge, and put them to flight. The second time, the rebels attempt- ing once more to rally, the Fifth Regulars seized the opportunity, dashed at them, and they again broke and ran wildly. The Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, posted to the right, likewise charged upon the force opposed to them, most suc- cessfully. 102 Public Opinion. ‘The Sixteenth Pennsylvania, still further to the right, did splendid execu- tion, many of the rebels being dismounted. Our artillery, in the meantime, kept playing on the fleeing rebels, and quickening their speed. “We had now advanced through an open space, about a mile and a half from the river,—as we moved, forming, charging to the right and left, and taking numerous prisoners, — until the outskirts of a wood were reached. ‘¢ General Averill here again arranged the regiments in line of battle, the First Regulars being posted as reserves. Our men moved through the woods steadily and rapidly, firing as they went. Another open space was reached, and found to be full of skirmishers. The firing now became very brisk; the enemy, for the first time, opening on us with artillery, of which they had twelve pieces. Their solid shot and shell fell thick and fast among our men; but they pressed on, inspired by the success already won, and led forward by their officers. ‘« After so many brilliant and profitable dashes on our part, the rebels thought it well to attempt again something in that line themselves, and charged. They ran against the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, which broke them instantly. From the time of crossing the river, till now, there had been many personal encounters; single horsemen dashing at each other with full speed, and cutting and slashing with their sabres, until one or the other was disabled. The wounds received, by both friend and foe in these single combats, were frightful ; such as I trust never to see again. ** We continued to drive the rebels before us, they skirmishing and using their artillery as they retreated. When we had chased thern about six miles from the river, General Averill decided to return, as our artillery ammunition was nearly exhausted, and we had come upon a strong rebel position, with rifle- pits and entrenchments. Detachments of cavalry were deployed in front of the battery in such a manner as to prevent its withdrawal being seen, and the whole force commenced its return march. Captain Reno, with a portion of his com- mand, covered the rear. ‘* As soon as the rebels discovered our retrograde movement, they opened a heavy fire of artillery, and followed in pursuit, but at a respectful distance, and without a desire to try more charges. ‘Captain Hunt, with three squadrons of the First Regiment, assisted by Lieutenants Bigelow and Sandford, did good service, supporting the battery. On the return, at one time, this command was in danger of being annihilated. The men were stationed to the left of the battery, within easy supporting dis- tance; ready to charge upon the rebels, should they attempt to take it. Public Opinion. 103 ‘* No sooner, however, had our guns ceased firing, from want of ammuni- tion, than the rebels turned their fire upon the supporting cavalry, keeping it up for a long period, and making sad havoc among the horses. The cavalry could not leave their position; for the guns would have been lost. They suc- ceeded, however, in bringing the pieces away. The command reached the river about sunset, and recrossed. ‘Our loss is nine killed, thirty-five wounded, and forty taken prisoners. We killed and wounded a large number of the enemy, and brought away sixty prisoners. “Lieutenant Dimmock, of the Fourth New-York Cavalry, is mortally wounded. He behaved most gallantly. ‘* Adjutant-General Bowditch, of General Duffié’s Staff, was struck over the head with a sabre, and received a pistol-shot in the groin. “Major Chamberlain, Acting Aid-de-camp to General Averill, was wounded in the nose and cheek.” From the New-York “ Times.” THE LATE RAID OF AVERILL’S CAVALRY WITHIN THE ENEMY’S LINES. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Potomac, Wednesday, March 18, 1863. The raid of the Union cavalry yesterday, within the lines of the enemy, is deserving of more than a passing notice. It is the dawning of a new era in the history of this army. Henceforward, the old order of things is to be reversed ; and, instead of standing on the defensive, warding off raids of the enemy upon our extended front and flank, offensive movements upon and within the enemy’s lines will be the order of arrangements. This new system of warfare was most auspiciously initiated yesterday, on a most auspicious occasion, — the 17th of March. It was a complete success in every respect, and is one of the legitimate results flowing from the new management of affairs in the Army of the Poto- mac. The cavalry force, under the command of General Averill, to the number of two thousand, with a light battery, proceeded up the Rappahannock, the 16th, on a reconnoissance, to ascertain the truth or falsity of various rumors that had reached headquarters of an advance of the enemy upon our right. Finding no enemy on the left bank of the river, that night preparations were made to move across on the following morning, at Kelly’s Ford, six miles below the Orange 104 Public Optnion. and Alexandria Railroad. Every thing being in readiness, the movement com- menced at half-past seven o’clock on the morning of the 17th. The wily enemy seemed to be fully prepared for the expedition, and were ready with a large picket, protefted by abatis, earthworks, &c., to defend the ford to advantage. When it is known that at this point only two men can ford the river abreast, some idea can be formed of the danger of the undertaking, in the presence of a determined and well-prepared enemy. The crossing, however, was successfully accomplished, after a brisk skirmish, in which our cavalry officers and men evinced the most reckless bravery. Once across the river, a regular cavalry and artillery fight took place between General Averill’s command and the rebel forces under the command of Generals Stuart and Fitz Hugh Lee; and, for once during this war, there was a fair cavalry fight, and the result was just what every- body predicted it would be, —a Union triumph. The forces opposed to each other were about equal in numbers, and similarly appointed and equipped. The rebels, made desperate by the advance of Union troops across the Rappa- hannock, and upon soil which they have recently sworn to defend with their last drop of blood (the figure, ‘the last ditch,” having been abandoned), fought like bloodhounds, and disputed every rood of ground, as if they had been educated —as the Mamelukes and Janissaries — in the belief, that they must die by their standard. Again and again did they charge upon our lines, formed in echelon, and as often were they repulsed in the most gallant manner. When our men charged upon the enemy’s lines, it was done with such impetuosity that suc- cessful resistance was impossible. Sword in hand, they dashed upon the foe, who, after attempting to stand up against the first charges, doggedly retired be- fore them. All day the fight lasted, at intervals; and for between four and five hours, at one point, so determined was the resistance, it was difficult to deter- mine which side would ultimately gain the viGtory, so nearly balanced was the conflict: but when, after a gallant charge, in which the Fourth New York par- ticularly distinguished itself, the enemy did give way, a running fight was kept up until they were driven behind their earthworks, and into the rifle-pits, erected for the defence of Culpepper, a distance of ten miles from the ford. The object of the expedition having been accomplished, General Averill retired to the left bank of the river, without molestation from the enemy; a fact conclusive in itself, that the enemy had seen enough of the Yankees for one day. The suc- cess of this affair has wonderfully elated the whole army, and particularly the troopers, who now feel that they are invincible. P. Public Opinion. 105 From the New York “ Times” of March 23. FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. THE LATE CAVALRY ENGAGEMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON OUR MEN. From our Own Correspondent. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMac, Friday, March 20, 1863. Our cavalry are in excellent spirits over the result of the engagement on Tuesday. Hitherto this branch of the service has been frittered away to a great extent; the men being scattered through the army as orderlies, mounted ser- vants to this and that officer, &c., &c. Said the colonel of Regiment to me, yesterday ‘‘I have not seen a hundred of my men together, until recently, for the past three months. The calling in of the men, and consolidation of all the regiments into one corps, will be productive of the strength and unity so essential to success.” The rebel cavalry have until now held the morale, crea- ting the impression, both North and South, that they were superior to our own. This engagement, however, has proved the falsity of any such theory. The enemy were on their own ground, had full as many men as we, and much more artillery ; yet were whipped again and again, and driven between five and six miles. I visited the various regiments engaged yesterday. It was the same story with every one of them: ‘‘We can whip the rebel cavalry every time, with any kind of a showing.” The development of such a spirit as this would be more than compensation for the losses incurred in a dozen such engagements, even if nothing else were accomplished. The following cavalry regiments were engaged; viz., First United States, First Rhode Island, Fourth New York, Third and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, Sixth Ohio, and First Minnesota. Special Dispatch to the New-York “World.” SPLENDID FEDERAL VICTORY ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK. THE TRIUMPH OF OUR TROOPS COMPLETE. WASHINGTON, March 19, 1863. The following important and highly gratifying intelligence is received from the ‘* World’s” correspondent at Falmouth, dated to-day : — On Monday morning, at daylight, a strong body of cavalry, with one battery, under command of General Averill, comprising a portion of his division, moved 14 106 Public Opinion. westward in the direction of Warrenton, to clear the country of prowling bodies of rebels, and with further instructions to cross the Rappahannock, and give battle to Fitz Hugh Lee’s Cavalry, who were supposed to be on the road leading to Culpepper. The column reached Morrisville the first day ; and next morning, Tuesday, before daylight, a portion proceeded toward Bealeton Station, on the Alexandria Railroad, where the rebel force was said to be. Information having been re- ceived that Stuart’s Cavalry was moving upon Warrenton va Bealeton, the main body, under General Averill himself, proceeded to Kelly’s Ford, twenty-five miles above Falmouth, arriving there about seven o’clock, and finding the enemy in full possession of the ford, with the roads leading to it obstructed by abatis, and the crossings completely covered by rebel cavalry dismounted, and concealed in buildings on the banks. After due preparation for covering our advance after it crossed, a charge was made by a platoon of the First Rhode Island, and the opposite side was reached, though the water was four and a half feet deep. The obstructions were cleared away, about thirty prisoners captured, and in one hour our whole force was on the south side. . General Averill, after obtaining some information relative to the roads and the position of the enemy, moved forward rapidly ; but had hardly proceeded a mile before the rebels were encountered in heavy force, moving down spiritedly, they having received notice of our advance by the obstinate contest at the ford. Our forces were speedily drawn up for the confli@; and, after gallantly re- pulsing a movement on our right flank, Colonel Duffié, with portions of the First Rhode Island, Sixth Ohio, and Fifth Regulars, charged the rebels most gallantly, completely sweeping them off the plain, and throwing them into great disorder. They did not wait for hand-to-hand contests, but fled before our men got well up; leaving their dead and wounded, and taking speedily to the woods. Our men were again formed ; and, taking position, were advanced in line of battle in pursuit for about two miles, when they took up a fresh position, and awaited the enemy’s appearance, who again showed signs of renewing the attack. It came, and this time with artillery. Our battery replied vigorously; and the enemy once more tried our lines with their cavalry, making repeated charges, and being as often repulsed, the last time with heavy loss; after which they did not renew the attack, save with artillery. Our ammunition being out, we pur- sued them no further, but held our position without interruption until six o’clock, p.M., when the force was all safely withdrawn to this side of the river, without loss. Our killed and wounded will not exceed fifty, while the cnemy’s is far Public Opinion. 107 larger; they being badly cut up, in their attempts to charge on our forces. We captured over fifty prisoners, among them several officers; one being a major commanding one of Lee’s regiments. Your correspondent, who was with the expedition throughout, pronounces the whole affair very brilliant and daring ; especially the crossing of the river in the face of a hot fire, as fierce almost as was that at Fredericksburg. It has inspirited our cavalry to a great degree... . From the New-York *‘ Herald.” IMPORTANT FROM THE RAPPAHANNOCK. DEFEAT OF THE REBEL FORCES, CAPTURE OF PRISONERS, &c. WaAsHINGTON, March 18, 1863. The cavalry command of General Averill returned yesterday from a recon- noissance in the direction of Culpepper Court House, bringing with them twenty- five rebel prisoners, and a bushwhacker whom they picked up on the way. This command left Morrisville yesterday morning at daybreak, accompanied by Tidball’s Battery. At six o’clock they crossed the Rappahannock, at Kelly’s Ford, about five miles above Falmouth. The rebels were evidently apprised of their approach. The rebel picket at the ford was strengthened by a rein- forcement of forty of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry. The rebels were foiled in an effort to reach their rifle-pits. After a short skirmish, with a loss of four wounded on our side, and one on theirs, twenty-five of them were captured. The prisoners taken belonged to the Second and Fourth Virginia Cavalry. They state that they were required to furnish their own horses, and have been paid in Confederate scrip regularly every two months. They report that the force, in the recent raid on our right, was composed of the First, Second, and Fourth Virginia Cavalry. They appear well satisfied with their present condition, and say that the Confederate Govern- ment can obtain no more men from their county. HEADQUARTERS, March 18, 1863. A most brilliant cavalry fight occurred on the Rappahannock, yesterday, beyond Kelly’s Ford. A reconnoissance, under command of General Averill, forced a passage over the river in the face of a determined resistance by a con- siderable body of rebel sharpshooters, who were covered by houses, rifle-pits, and a dry mill-race, with an abatis in front. The ford admitted but a single horseman at a time; and the stream, which was swollen, was very rapid. 108 Public Opinion. Arriving at the south side of the river, our cavalry charged the rebels in their intrenchments; killing and capturing nearly the entire force, besides secur- ing a large number of horses, picketed near by. A short distance from the shore, General Averill’s command encountered the rebel cavalry under Stuart and Fitz Hugh Lee, who had hastened from Culpepper to prevent our passage. They made some dashing charges upon our troops, who repulsed, and in turn charged them with fatal effect, using sabres only in the confli@. Whenever the enemy made a stand, they were immediately charged upon, and routed from their positions with great loss. The battle lasted five hours, and was a series of charges and hand-to-hand conflicts, resulting in the falling back of the enemy. The forces were about two thousand on each side. The enemy at last took refuge behind an entrenched battery, four miles from the ford, flanked by rifle-forts and abatis. General Averill, having accom- plished his objeét, and securing his prisoners, the wounded on both sides, and a large number of horses, recrossed the river without attack or demonstration on the part of the rebels, who were so badly whipped that they could not follow or annoy him. Among the prisoners is Major Breckenridge, a cousin of the traitor, John C. Breckenridge. The prisoners characterize the affair on our part as one of the ablest and most gallantly fought cavalry raids of the whole war, and admit that their own troops were totally demoralized by the gallant sabre-charge of our cavalry. About eighty prisoners have been brought in. The wounded of the enemy bear sufficient marks to show that the sabre was the sole weapon used on our side. Correspondence of the Providence, R.1., ** Fournal.” THE FIRST RHODE-ISLAND CAVALRY AT THE BATTLE OF KELLY’S FORD. On Sunday, March 15, Colonel Duffié reviewed our brigade; and, at the close of the review, informed the officers that the brigade would make a recon- noissance on the next day. Accordingly, the first brigade, commanded by Colo- nel Duffié, joined with the second, commanded by Colonel Mackintosh, together with four hundred of the First and four hundred of the Fifth Regulars, and one battery, moved off in fine style, at eight o’clock, a.m., Monday, the 16th instant, with four days’ rations and one day’s forage. We arrived at Morrisville, sixteen Public Opinion. 109 miles from camp, at about dark, and there bivouacked for -the night. At four o'clock, A.m., Tuesday, the column moved on towards Kelly’s Ford, on the Rap- pahannock River, with the exception of the First Massachusetts, which was left at this point on picket, and arrived near there at about daylight, and halted whilst the advanced guard, consisting of forty men from the Fourth New York, and one platoon of the First Rhode Island, under command of Major Chamber- lain, of the First Massachusetts (Chief of General Averill’s staff), moved dire@ly upon the ford. The ford was found to be obstructed on both sides by abatis of trees felled across the road, while the opposite shore was occupied by a large number of dismounted cavalrymen as sharpshooters, strongly protected by rifle- pits, from which they poured a brisk fire upon our men. The obstructions above mentioned were found to be so great that but one horse could leap them at a time, and with great difficulty. This being found so dangerous, our carabineers were dismounted and thrown into a mill-race, and there returned a brisk fire upon the enemy; but they were found to be too strongly lodged to be driven out in this way. A charge was the only alternative. Accordingly, the advance guard was ordered to the work, led by Major Chamberlain, Lieutenant Brown, of the First Rhode Island, and an officer of the Fourth United States, whose name I did not learn, closely followed by the First Rhode Island. Before reach- ing the river, Major Chamberlain received a severe wound in the face, and fell ; while the officers and men of the Fourth turned and fled, leaving Lieutenant Brown and the boys of Troop G alone. The lieutenant was the first to leap his horse over the abatis, and gallantly did his command follow; but such was the severity of the rebel fire, that only three men succeeded in reaching the opposite shore with the gallant lieutenant. Colonel Duffié, seeing how matters were, ordered the First Rhode Island across. The main body, headed by Major Far- rington, promptly moved; the major, Captain Thayer, and Lieutenants Fales and Chedel, being the first to reach the opposite bank. Many horses were shot down in the water, and many a brave rider wounded. The rebels soon left their pits, and ran towards the woods; but our boys charged upon them, capturing twenty-five, with their horses and arms. The water in the ford was about four’ feet deep, and the current very swift; which fact, taken into consideration with the determined resistance of the rebels, reflects great honor on the men that crossed. Colonel Duffié’s horse was hit by a bullet, and threw his rider in the river, considerably bruising one of his legs. Lieutenant Rhodes’s horse was shot dead. Captain Brown’s horse received two bullets, and three passed through the lieutenant’s clothing. About two hours were occupied in removing the obstructions, and getting 110 Public Opinion. our troops across the river. About ten, A.M., our men took up the line of march towards Culpepper Court House, fourteen miles distant. A platoon of the First Rhode Island, under Lieutenant Vaughan, in connection with a squadron of the Sixth Ohio, formed the advance guard, supported by the First Rhode Island. About one and a half miles from the ford, the enemy’s cavalry were discovered advancing to the attack. They came.on boldly, yelling like demons, and appa- rently confident of victory. Major Farrington moved quickly to the front, and was wounded by a pistol-shot through the neck. Captain Gould took command, dire&ed by Colonel Duffié, and charged upon them with the First Rhode Island ; and the rebels turned and fled before our men were near enough to reach them with their sabres. Our men pursued them with great spirit, taking many priso- ners; among them Major Breckenridge, cousin to the traitor Vice-President. In the excitement of victory, some of our men at the front did not take notice of the appearance of another force of rebels, who were charging. in a direction which would cut them off from our troops. In consequence of this oversight, about eighteen of our men were captured; among them, Captain Thayer and Lieutenant Darling. It is generally supposed that Captain Thayer was wounded, but not mortally. In this charge, Lieutenant Nathaniel Bowditch, of the First Massachusetts, and Assistant Adjutant-General on Colonel Duffié’s Staff, fell, mortally wounded, after having cut down three rebels. All honor to his mem- ory! A braver soldier never drew sabre. Major Breckenridge was taken by Lieutenant James M. Fales, of the First Rhode Island. A few minutes later, the First Rhode Island, together with a squadron of the Fifth Regulars, led by Colonel Duffié, charged upon another rebel regiment, that was advancing at a charge, routing them so effectually that they retreated a mile before their officers could rally them. A new line of battle was now formed by our forces, one mile in advance of our first position. At this time our battery was brought to the front; and the First Rhode Island, with a squadron of the Sixth Ohio, under Major Farrington, was placed in position to protect the left flank. The Third Pennsylvania and Fifth Regulars were stationed on the right. The rebels soon “made their appearance, evidently having been reinforced, charging in two col- umns, —one on the right, the other on the left of the battery, — apparently with the intention of taking our guns. Prisoners state that General Stuart led the charge, against our left, with the Fourth Virginia, seven hundred strong. The rebels came on in good order, yelling, and firing their pistols and carbines. The men of the First Rhode Island and Sixth Ohio sat quietly on their horses, with drawn sabres, until the enemy had approached within one hundred yards, when the order to charge was given; and, led by the gallant officers, Major Far- Public Opinion. 111 rington and Captain Rogers, our boys met them, the two forces coming together at full speed. The conflict was short and deadly. The enemy was repulsed with heavy loss. This charge was pronounced, by the general commanding, to be one of the most splendid ever made. In this charge, Sergeant Fitzgerald, of Troop G, fell dead by a shot through the heart. The rebels were at the same time repulsed upon the right. Our lines were again quickly formed, the enemy- having taken refuge behind their battery, which opened upon us a heavy fire, which was not responded to by our battery, our ammunition being expended. Lieutenant Nicholai and private J. W. Gardner were killed by solid shot. Cap- tain Baker and others were wounded by fragments of shells. Near sunset the enemy retired; and, having accomplished our object, we quietly recrossed the river, and returned to Morrisville, where we remained that night. The scene of conflict was an open field, very favorable for cavalry ma- neeuvres; and this is believed to be the first instance in the history of the war where any considerable cavalry force has met, sabre to sabre, in an open field fight. From “ Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.” CAVALRY COMBAT AT KELLY’S FORD, VIRGINIA. The first stand-up cavalry fight, on a large scale, took place at Kelly’s Ford, on the Rappahannock, on St. Patrick’s Day. To the Union General Averill, and the daring rebel General Fitz Hugh Lee, belong the chief honors of this brilliant affair. The facts are briefly these: On the 16th of March, a cavalry force, numbering about eighteen hundred men, with a light battery, proceeded up the Rappahannock, on a reconnoissance, chiefly for the purpose of ascertaining if the rumor that the enemy had made a strong advance upon our right was true. Finding no trace of the enemy on the left or north bank of the river, they bivou- acked for the night, resolving to move across on the following morning, at Kelly’s Ford, six miles below the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, Every thing being in readiness, the movement commenced at half-past seven, A.M. The wily enemy seemed to be fully prepared for the expedition, and were ready with a large picket, proteGted by abatis, earthworks, &c., to defend the ford to advantage. When it is known that at this point only two men can ford the river abreast, some idea can be formed of the danger of the undertaking, in the presence of a determined and well-prepared enemy. The crossing, however, was successfully accomplished, after a brisk skirmish, in which our cavalry officers and men evinced the most reckless bravery. Once across the river, a regular cavalry Liz Public Opinion. and artillery fight took place between General Averill’s command and the rebel forces under the command of Generals Stuart and Fitz Hugh Lee; and, for once during this war, there was a fair cavalry fight. The forces opposed to each other were about equal in numbers, and similarly appointed and equipped. The rebels, made desperate by the advance of Union troops across the Rappa- hannock, and upon soil which they have recently sworn to defend with their last drop of blood, disputed every rood of ground. Again and again they charged upon our lines, formed in echelon; and as often were they repulsed in the most gallant manner. When our men charged upon the enemy’s lines, it was done with such impetuosity that successful resistance was impossible. Sword in hand, they dashed upon the foe, who, after attempting to stand up against the first charges, doggedly retired before them. All day the fight lasted, at intervals ; and for between four and five hours, at one point, so determined was the resist- ance, it was difficult to determine which side would ultimately gain the victory, so nearly balanced was the conflict: but when, after a gallant charge, in which the Fourth New York particularly distinguished itself, the enemy did give way, a running fight was kept up until they were driven behind their earthworks, and into the rifle-pits, erected for the defence of Culpepper, a distance of ten miles from the ford, The object of the expedition having been accomplished, General Averill retired to the left bank of the river, without molestation from the enemy. The regiments engaged were the First Massachusetts, Sixth New York, First Rhode Island, Sixth Ohio, Third Pennsylvania, Fourth Pennsylvania, Fourth New York, and Sixth New-York Independent Battery. There were numerous cavalry combats during the day, the most desperate of which was between the Fifth Regulars, Third Pennsylvania, and Fourth New York on our side, and Fitz Hugh Lee’s brigade on the other. The loss of the rebels is about two hundred and twenty killed, wounded, and prisoners. Our loss is nearly fifty killed, wounded, and missing. from a Washington Fournal. THE CAVALRY FIGHT ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK. FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE AFFAIR. ARMY OF THE Poromac, March 19, 1863. I learn that there was a matter of personal pride, on the part of General Averill, in the success of the expedition. It seems that soon after the last attempt on our lines, near Hartwood Church, Fitz Hugh Lee sent over a flag of truce for the bodies of two of his officers, who were killed on that occasion. At Public Opinion. 113 this time, Lee left a bantering letter with the pickets for General Averill, who was his class-mate at West Point, indire¢tly challenging him to come over and fight him. Lee had not long to wait. It being found necessary to clear one flank, in the direCtion of Warrenton, of prowling rebels, and to positively verify some reports of our scouts, General Averill was ordered to make a dash in that direction, cross the river, find Lee, and fight him. All of which was handsomely done. The expedition left on Monday morning, and arrived near Kelly’s Ford late in the day. The force detailed to move toward Warrenton did so, early the next (Tuesday) morning, and, though advancing to the railroad at Bealeton Station, found nothing but scouts of the enemy, although the citizens reported a brigade of them in that vicinity, and information had come that Stuart was at Warrenton on Monday; but whether with or without force, it was impossible to say. The crossing of the ford was accomplished soon after daylight by General ~ Averill’s main force, and for brilliant bravery fully equals the record of Freder- icksburg, although no artillery was used on either side. It was certainly one of the most remarkable exhibitions of dash and daring which has yet occurred in this war. : The ford was narrow, the roads on either side barricaded by trees, and the approaches and operations had all to be conduéted in the face of a scathing fire from rebel sharpshooters, who were well concealed in and behind houses and ditches on their side. But our men effected the passage with a loss surprisingly small, and executed the movement so suddenly that only a portion of the dis- mounted rebels managed to escape. The rest were captured to the number of fifty, and they reported that the guard at the ford was about one hundred ; it having been increased that morning by a detachment from Rappahannock Ford, four miles above. The fight at the ford, which delayed our crossing for an hour and a half, served to put Lee on his guard; and General Averill very rightly supposed that he would turn out his brigade, and ride down to see what was the matter. He had verified his supposition of Lee’s whereabouts from the statements of the prisoners, who said his camp was two miles’and a half this side of Culpepper Court House, and that his whole brigade of five regiments was there. He there- fore rested his command for an hour or two, with pickets well thrown out. About half-past twelve o’clock the advance was ordered, and in fifteen minutes the enemy was discovered. The largest and most brilliant cavalry contest of the war followed, lasting, with slight intermissions, until five o’clock, in which Lee was repulsed at every aS Il4 Public Opinion. point, and driven two miles with heavy loss; the confli& being mainly with the sabre and pistol, though the carbine was frequently used, and with excellent effect. Our men made several gallant charges; the enemy retreating in every instance, generally not waiting until the flashing sabres of our men got within striking distance, but rushing for the friendly cover of the woods. ‘Your cor- respondent has seen in this war several brilliant cavalry charges; but he never saw any thing so handsome and exciting as the dashing charge made in the beginning of the fight on the left of our line, by Colonel Duffiié, commanding on that part of the field. Our cavalry was composed partly of new, and partly of tried regiments; and I must say, that they nearly all behaved with great credit. The affair is of great benefit to our cavalry force, who have thus been taught that they are fully equal, if not superior, to the enemy. Lee was soundly thrashed in every contest he sought; and our forces retired, when they got ready, without interruption. The gallantry displayed by many of the officers deserves particular mention. General Averill gave ample evidence of his ability as a cavalry commander, by his management of the affair. His staff were active and gallant, especially Major Chamberlain, who was wounded early in the day at the ford, while acting in the most intrepid manner. Captain Moore, of General Hooker’s staff, added to his well-earned reputation as a fighting man; while Colonel Duffié, Colonel McIntosh, Captain Reno of the First Cavalry, Captain Lieb and Lieutenant Walker of the Fifth, Captain Newhall of the Third Pennsylvania, and the gallant Brown of Rhode Island, who led the first platoon across the river, and many others, whose names I cannot now recall, deserve warm commendation for their gallantry and faithful conduc. From the Boston ** Daily Advertiser” of March 26, 1863. Tue Cavarry Ficut.— The recent success of our cavalry, under General Averill, seems to have done a great deal of good, by inspiring the men with confidence in themselves. It was a most brilliant affair and a complete success. One of the correspondents says : — ‘Without detracting from the thrilling charge of Fremont’s body-guard through the streets of Springfield, or diminishing the lustre of Dahlgren’s bril- lant dash into Fredericksburg, nor forgetting Pleasanton’s sacrifice and success- ful battles up Loudon Valley, nor yet casting shadow over the name of the gallant Bayard, whose life paid the price of his courage, to Averill, with his Public Opinion. 115 men, who fought so well, is due the credit of having led the most brilliant cavalry charge ever made on this continent.” The more particulars we receive of the cavalry fight on the Rappahannock, between the Union cavalry, commanded by General Averill, and the rebels, under Lee and Stuart, the more brilliant appears the victory of the Union forces on that occasion. We publish additional details of the fight this morning ; which not only prove it to have been one of the best managed affairs on our part since the breaking-out of the rebellion, but also show what our cavalry, under com- petent leaders, can do. From the Boston “ Daily Traveller” of March 23, 1863. THe CuHarGe or AVERILL’s Cavatry.— The Fredericksburg correspon- dent of the Philadelphia “ Inquirer” describes the affair of the 17th ult., when General Averill’s command encountered a detachment of rebel cavalry at Kel- ly’s Ford, on the Warrenton Road, and the subsequent approach of Generals Stuart and Lee. The writer says: — ““Upon the party an attack was made at first by a charge of cavalry, their efforts ably seconded by the artillery, who kept up a continual fire by their field- pieces. ‘¢ Parties who were witnesses to this dharee of our cavalry are unanimous in their opinion, that it was one of the most desperate and brilliant affairs of the kind that ever had an existence. For two hours they were so closely engaged, that it was hand to hand, sabre to sabre; neither party gaining an advantage, either in position or in damage done. ‘*‘ All the while the cavalry were so engaged, the batteries were playing upon each other; and so closely interwoven were the two bodies of horse, that the rebel infantry, who were present in considerable force, were not able to enter the conflict, for fear of injuring friend as well as foe. ‘¢ At this time it was discovered, that not only were we becoming short in ammunition for artillery, but as well for our carbines; and, consequently, a retreat was inevitable. Such retreat, however, was made in good order; the rebels quietly following until reaching their side of the river. As the object for which the expedition was started has failed of its purpose, we will not state for what the expedition was organized, as it may be attempted again, and with a larger force. “Jn all, we took over one hundred prisoners; they capturing some fifty of 116 Public Opinion. our men, the latter principally wounded. So scattered are now our forces, that it is impossible to state what has been our losses; nor can a correct list of the casualties be made until an official report has been sent to headquarters. ‘‘ During the engagement, Fitz Hugh Lee was seen to fall from his horse; but whether killed or wounded is a matter of doubt. Among the prisoners captured, we have some twenty over the rank of major. After reaching the bank of the river, our forces took up the line of march for our encampments, biv- ouacking on Tuesday night at Morrisville, and reaching here late this evening.” From the Boston “ Transcript” of March 25. How GeneraLt Hooker TaLkepD To A Cavatry BriGapIER. — A cor- respondent, writing to the Washington “Chronicle,” from the Army of the Potomac, says :— ‘* General Hooker, so far, has shown himself to be a great chieftain, in the true sense of that term. He has done his utmost to bring up the spirit of the army, and his labor has been rewarded with the most gratifying success. The recent brilliant affair at Kelly’s Ford, where our cavalry rushed upon the foe, without firing a shot, and sabred the rebels in thcir intrenchments, is but one indication of the great change he has wrought. The utter worthlessness of our cavalry had long been the standing reproach of this army. ‘Who ever saw a dead cavalryman?’ was:the derisive interrogatory from every branch of the service. General Hooker resolved that this should cease. He told his Chief of Cavalry he would have no more disgraceful ‘surprises.’ He said to a briga- dier of cavalry : — 7 ‘«¢T know the South, and I know the North. In point of skill, of intelli- gence, and of pluck, the rebels will not compare with our men, if they are equally well led. Our soldiers are a better quality of men. They are better fed, better clothed, better armed, and infinitely better mounted; for the rebels are fully half mounted on mules, and their animals get but two rations of forage per week, while ours get seven. Now, with such soldiers, and with such a cause as we have behind them, —the best cause, the most sacred cause, since the world began, — we ough? to be invincible. You have got to stop these dis- graceful cavalry “‘ surprises!” Tl] have no more of them! I give you full power over your officers, to arrest, cashier, shoot, — whatever you will, —only you must stop these “surprises!” And, sir, if you don’t do it, I give you fair notice, I will relieve the whole of you, and take command of the cavalry myself!’ Public Opinion. 7 That is the kind of talk for tardy or delinquent officers; and the first-fruits thereof may be read in the flash and ring of gallant sabres at Kelly’s Ford. It is the kind of talk to reform an army, and to win battles, and to save a nation; and history will record every word in letters of gold.” From the Boston “ Herald” of March 28. A letter from the Army of the Potomac tells the following incident concern- ing recognition of merit by General Hooker : — “General Hooker paid his compliments to General Averill to-day, in a per- sonal visit. While there, he called for Lieutenant Brown of the First Rhode- Island Cavalry, who led the first platoon across the river at Kelly’s Ford, and personally thanked him in terms of high praise, and promised him full reward for his heroic conduct. The words of the general were such that Lieutenant Brown felt that they were a greater reward than any thing else he could receive. The general then proceeded to the quarters of Major Chamberlain, General Averill’s Chief of Staff, — who, though seriously wounded in the face and neck, pluckily declined to receive a leave of absence, — and thanked him in like terms for his bravery on that occasion. It is thus that General Hooker makes soldiers. Major Chamberlain is a host in himself. It is truthfully said of him, that, a few minutes before he was wounded himself, he promptly shot an officer who refused to obey an order in the face of the enemy’s fire.” From the Boston “ Courter.” The Richmond “ Enquirer” thus alludes to the movements of our cavalry across the Rappahannock : — «A considerable force of the enemy, consisting of cavalry and artillery, made a demonstration yesterday on the ford over the Rappahannock, near and south of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. ‘The movement was anticipated, and General Stuart advanced sufficient force to hold them in check, at least until the proper time for a more cheerful greeting. Fighting was in progress yesterday, and it was reported from Gordonsville that the enemy has succeeded in crossing. The result of the engagement did not reach us.” A later account says: ‘‘ The Yankees have crossed the Upper Rappahan- nock in strong force, with cavalry and artillery, and are advancing towards Gordonsville, on a raid.” 118 Public Optnion. From Various Fournals of the Day. FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. HOW OUR VICTORY ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK IS REGARDED. HEapquarTers ARMY OF THE Potomac, March 19.— General Hooker reviewed the Twelfth Army Corps to-day. Our casualties, in the cavalry fight of the 17th, will number less than forty. All the wounded were brought into camp, excepting five, who were too severely hurt to be moved so great a distance. The cavalry are in great spirits over their affair, which they claim to be the greatest hand-to-hand cavalry combat that ever took place on this continent, and only excelled by one fight in Europe. The enemy are not inclined to talk about it, and no slurs or insinuations come from their pickets. We have a snow-storm to-night. We print additional particulars of the late cavalry battle on the Rappahan- nock ; the more we read of which, the more brilliant the achievement appears. It is stated, that, several weeks ago, General Fitz Hugh Lee sent a flag of truce to General Averill, asking for the bodies of several of his men; during which, he took occasion to challenge General Averill to cross the river, and fight the rebel cavalry force. General Averill accepted the challenge when Lee least expected it; and we suspect, from the result of the engagement, that the latter will be more sparing in the future in his boastings of the superiority of the rebel cavalry. All is quiet to-night. The rebels freely admit a severe loss in the cavalry fight of the 17th. Many valuable officers were killed; among them, Major Pelham, Chief of Stuart’s Staff. The prisoners say they did not know our cavalry would fight so desperately, and are very frank in admitting the gallantry and splendid charges made by our men. The rebel loss was about one hundred killed. Our correspondents in the Potomac Army say that the gallant cavalry fight, by Averill’s men, the other day, has put wonderful life into that arm of the ser- vice. The moral effect is most excellent. Public Opinion. rie Extrad from the Richmond ‘\ Whig” of Oct. 2, copied into the Boston “ Daily Advertiser.” THE REBEL CAVALRY. A special despatch to the Richmond ‘“ Enquirer,” dated Orange Court- house, Sept. 22, 1863, says: ‘A considerable cavalry fight occurred to-day, beginning near Madison Court-house. Our forces fell back some three or four miles.” True, in this instance, ‘‘ we captured seventy Yankees,” and there may have been good reasons for ‘falling back.” But this tune of “ Our Cavalry Fell Back,” is becoming too familiar in the Army of Northern Virginia. No- body expects “our cavalry” now to do any thing but fall back. Time was when Stuart’s Cavalry was the pride of the country. It was never dreamed, that the clumsy Yankees, unused to horseback, could rival, much less surpass it. But such is the lamentable fact. Since Kelly’s Ford, and the great review at Culpepper Court-house for the benefit of the ladies, our cavalry has gone under; and we have been forced to the shameful admission, that Yan- kee tailors and shoemakers on horseback are superior to the cavaliers of the South. Certainly the cavalry engagements of the last six months have ended ‘with the same old song, ‘ Our Cavalry Fell Back.” The cause of this deterioration is unknown to us. It is alleged, that the enemy’s horse is invariably supported with artillery and infantry; but this is denied by competent authority, in regard to the most famous cavalry “‘ fall back” of the war,—that from Middleburg to Ashby’s Gap. But, be that as it may, we also have artillery, comprising some of the best batteries in the service, con- nected with our cavalry, and the artillerists fight bravely ; so much so, indeed, that their guns are captured for want of support. If this painful state of things be not past cure, we suppose the command- ing general will apply the necessary remedy without delay; else our cavalry will soon become a disgrace to the country, and be scoffed at by the people, as they now are by the infantry. What makes our mortification over these inno- cent “ fallings-back” tenfold more acute, is the fact that the vast majority of the cavalrymen are Virginians. Later accounts go to show, that the despatch of the 22d, to the “ Enquirer,” 120 Public Opinion. was based upon misrepresentations of cowardly fugitives, and that our cavalry acted well, all things considered. Still there was a “ falling-back,” in spite of the fact that General Lee knew the attack was going to be made, and was “‘ wide awake.” It has been long since we heard of any thing brilliant achieved by our cavalry; and now would be a good time to give the country a pleasant sur- prise. Public Opinion. (21 Extrait from the Memoir of Walter S. Newhall* THE RAID. ** Boot! saddle! to horse, and away!” “St. George! a stirring life they lead, That have such neighbors near.” “March was cold, windy, and wet; and, after the mild winter, “the spring came slowly up this way.’ There had been nothing more serious than skirmishing along the lines of the Army of the Potomac for some months. In one of these, however, some con- federate officers had fallen, and General Fitz Hugh Lee sent for their bodies under a flag of truce. A story went the round of the newspapers, that the Southern officers who brought the flag, in returning left a letter with the pickets from Lee to Averill, who had been his classmate at West Point, containing a friendly chal- lenge to come over the river and ride a race with him. Whether this be true or not, General Averill and his brigade made a sud- den raid in the direction of Culpepper; crossed the Rappahannock, at Kelly’s Ford, in the face of the enemy’s fire; had a hard fight for several hours with the rebels, under Generals Stuart and Fitz Hugh Lee; beat, drove, and scattered them thoroughly; and returned to the northern bank of the river triumphant. This was the first real cavalry fight of the war; and our complete suc- cess was a great satisfaction to all, and a great surprise to many. Ever since the beginning of the war, the superiority of the * PHILADELPHIA, 1864: Published for the Benefit of the Sanitary Commission. 16 122 Public Opinion. Southern horse had been arrogantly claimed by themselves, and unwillingly admitted by some of us, ours never being allowed a fair chance of distin€tion. There had been but little use for them among the woods and swamps of the peninsula: and yet they had done themselves credit at Hanover Court House (not to go back . to Springfield); while the destruction of the Oglethorpe Light Horse proved, at least, that the “ chivalry” were not invulnerable. However, their reputation was sustained by their own boasts; another proof of a truth, which has been enunciated in many forms, that any fiction can command credence for a time, if asserted often and stoutly enough. Now, at last, the two met in fair field, and the false halo that had surrounded the names of Fitz Hugh Lee and Stuart vanished at once and for ever. The Southerners had for some time given up their once-favorite taunt of Northern cowardice, or it would have been thrown into their teeth again, ’ that day, by the dash of the whole brigade, and countless aéts of individual valor. Many men who were wounded continued in the fight till it was over. A Major of the First Rhode-Island Cavalry was struck in the neck by a ball, at the outset, but staunched the wound with his handkerchief, and remained at the head of his command until the end. “The news of this engagement took the North as much by surprise as it did the South. The first intimation that many had of the fight, were telegrams announcing the wounds, death, cap- ture, or safety of a son or brother.” The writer afterwards proceeds with an account similar to that already given above (Chap. V.), and continues thus in descrip- tion of the charge in which Adjutant Bowditch took so conspi- cuous a position, as he was leading a part of the Rhode-Island and Pennsylvania forces. “On the other side of a wide plain, the rebels were drawn up. ‘The artillery opened upon them, when a Public Opinion. 123 large body advanced at a sharp trot, evidently about to charge the guns. The movement was anticipated, and the First Rhode- Island and Fourth Pennsylvania were ordered against them. It was a magnificent spectacle. So it struck the rebels, who halted a moment to look, before the shock should mix things. To their mind, the lessening distance didn’t appear to suggest any change for the better; so they unanimously adopted the wise but ignomi- nious resolution to clear out! This party was headed by Stuart and Lee; but, in spite of this, away they went, closely followed for almost half-a-mile by the men under Colonel Duffié, a portion of whose command pierced the rebel line; but, being unsupported, the brave fellows were lost.” The writer of the memoir then describes, in the following language, the second formation of the rebel line, and a second _ ineffeGtual charge. “At last they charged down in three columns. We held our carbine fire until we could almost see the whites of their eyes; and away they went, and we after them.”. . . “A day or two afterwards,” he says, the following remark was made: “Colonel came down to Washington in the cars with me, and I was surprised to hear him speak so highly of our little affair over the river. He said, ‘If the object of the recon- noissance was merely to prove the superiority of our officers and men, it was eminently successful; and he was glad that everybody saw it in the light of a splendid cavalry fight, resulting so entirely in our favor.” As nearly as I can remember, these are his exact words.” NCBA OZ, “The present moves attended With all of brave and excellent and fair, That made the old time splendid.” J. R. Loweti_: The Past. CHAPTER IX. MEMORIAL WINDOWS. | g ( WO Memorial Windows have been erected, by the kindness of friends, to the memory of our son. One of them is at Emmanuel Church, in Boston, and was placed there by Dr. William R. Lawrence ; the other was erected at St. Paul’s Church, Dedham, Mass., by a brother soldier and friend, Captain Randolph M. Clark, late of the First Massachusetts Cavalry. The following correspondence and description of the characteris- _ tics of each window seem not in- appropriate : — Henry I. Bowpitcu, M.D. 7, ARLINGTON STREET, March 25, 1863. My pDEAR SIR, —. Would it be agreeable to you that the name of your noble son should be associated with the church which has the honor of claiming him as one of her children? 126 Memorial Windows. If so, I would ask the privilege of presenting to Emmanuel Church a memorial window, similar in style to that erected to the memory of my father, and which will contain such emblems and devices as may be seleéted by yourself; thereby illustrating your son’s brief and patriotic career. Please accept the assurance of my sincere sympathy with yourself and Mrs. Bowditch in your severe affliction. Very truly yours, WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE. BoyLston STREET, March 26, 1863. My pear Sir,— No words I can use will express to you the deep feeling I have had since your letter reached me. It is the most touching tribute we have had to the worth of our dear boy. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are aware, I believe, that he never was confirmed ; and, in fact, he felt most humbly his own deficiencies; though I have no doubt that he ever, in his heart of hearts, trusted in God as his heavenly Father. A deep strain of simple piety, at times, runs through some of his letters, especially when written on the eve of anticipated battle. I have, moreover, not the least doubt, that, when he threw himself forward so gallantly at his last fatal charge, he was “ praying always.” Trusting in the dear God and in Christ,” “hoping that his sins were forgiven,” and in the full belief that all he had done “had been done in the path of duty,” he gave back his young life to God. If such a life and such a death deserve, in your estimation, such a “memorial,” I gratefully accept it. Memorial Windows. 1247 Present my kindest regards to Mrs. Lawrence. Thank her for the love she so lavishly bestows upon my dear daughter; and, with the kindest regards to yourself, I remain yours, Henry I. Bowpircu. Dr. WILLIAM R. LAWRENCE. H. I. Bowpircu, M.D. My DEAR Sir, — I am much gratified to find that you favor my suggestion. I knew he had not been confirmed; but I did know that he was worthy, and that he died for his country... . Very sincerely yours, WitiiaM R. LAWRENCE. In seleGing the emblems for the window, erected in conse- quence of this correspondence, I desired, that, while suggesting a religious thought in harmony with the place, they should not only illustrate my son’s brief civil and military career, but likewise ally him with the past, as a worthy descendant of men not deemed unworthy in their day, and one of whom, dying centuries ago, had bequeathed, as a legacy, an honest and a brave name to those who were to follow him. In the upper part of the window, and crowning the whole, appear the sacred emblems of the book and the cross, and between them both lies the sword; fit emblems of the sacred fight in behalf of which the young martyr-soldier 128 Memorial Windows. had laid down his life. Below, in six different compartments, are six other emblems, arranged in couples side by side. The upper ones are simply cavalry insignia, —the sabre, helmet, cuirass, banner, spurs, gauntlets, haversack, &c. They conneét him with the present hour, and indicate the cavalry arm of the service as that to which he was attached during this great rebellion. The central couple ally him to the past. That on the left is the jessamine, especially hallowed to us by the fact, that the grand- father of the young soldier, struck with its beauty and its brilliant white flower, told one of his children to place it in her mother’s Bible, and to let it remain ever to his family as the emblem of truth and of honor. “Let it be the Bowditch arms.” At the right is the ancient heraldic coat of arms, granted centuries ago, in old Norman times, to one of the name, for his bravery and his skill in archery. Its crest is a bunch of golden arrows, barbed and feathered in silver; while on the shield are seen three bows. It is described as follows by Berry, in his “ Cyclopedia Her- aldica: ” — “Bowditch. (Dorsetshire,) ar. a fesse, wavy, betw. three bows, paleways, gu. — Crest, seven arrows or, barbed and feathered ar. six in saltier, and one in pale. “Motto: Sfes durat avorum.” This ancestral motto might have been appropriately inscribed upon the trusty sabre-blade so worthily and effeGtually wielded by the young soldier on the fatal field of Kelly’s Ford. The two lower emblems introduce us to the life of the youth- ful soldier before entering the war. They bring up pleasant memories of days of quiet study and of peace. The compartment on the left contains representations of diagrams, inscribed on the banner of the Zovdlogical Club of the Memorial Windows. 129 Lawrence Scientific School, and are sufficiently significant of the fact of his having pursued a course of specific zodlogical studies at the above-named institution, as a preparation for entrance into his future profession; viz., of medicine. The figures given below enable the reader to get an idea, at least, of the forms of these emblems. They are intended to represent the modes of development of the four great classes of the animal kingdom. Vertebrates, in which there is a distinct cavity for the cerebro-spinal system, and another for the vegetative organs, — the thoracic and abdominal. C) Mollusks, where the nervous system and viscera are in- closed in the same single cavity; and this cavity closes in by a development terminating at the median abdom- znal line. Articulates (insetts, crustacia, &c.), with a single cavity, also, but closing on the dorsa/ median line. Radiata (starfishes, sea-urchins, &c.), where the or- gans are central, and develop in a radiating man- ner. The figures are supposed to represent sections through the animal, transverse to the cavity. In the right compartment are the usual insignia of medicine, —the two snakes twisting around the winged rod. The youth had just entered upon the study of this profession, when sum- moned by “the higher law” to fight for his country. 17 130 Memorial Windows. MEMORIAL WINDOW AT ST. PAUL’S, DEDHAM. The other window was erected by Captain Randolph M. Clark, at St. Paul’s Church at Dedham. Captain Clark was a brother- in-arms and a very dear friend of the deceased soldier. The chief object it presents is a female figure of Faith. Above the figure are the sacrificial emblems of the cup, &c. In proof of the appropriateness of the whole, we may be allowed to quote the following extract from a letter from the Lieutenant: — “We are ordered to go; and there is undoubtedly a battle to be there. We shall be in it. Do not feel anxious about me. I go forward with perfeét confidence in my heavenly Father, and know that whatsoever he does is for the best.” “« This truth came borne from bier and pall; I felt it, when I sorrowed most, ’Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.” Tennyson: Jz Memortam. A, P PoE ND IX. In one of the last letters which Nat wrote, and from which extracts are given on page 26 of the “‘ Memoir,” he uses the following language: ‘Give my love to father, and tell him how much I am obliged to him for his nice letter of congratulations; and I will try to do every thing in my power to obey his commands.” My letter was written in answer to his, informing us, that, much to his surprise, he had been selected, without any solicitation from friends outside of the army, as the proper person to hold the office of Assistant Adjutant-General on Colonel Duffié’s staff, at that time ACting Brigadier-General of the First Cavalry Brigade in General Averill’s Division of the Army of the Potomac. My letter now lies before me. Nat received it one week before he fell at Kelly’s Ford; and I think it not an inappropriate termination of this volume. It shows, at least, the principles his parents had endeavored to instil into his mind from its earliest years; viz., that God is really our Father, and that his providence guides and protects each one of us, whether in weal or in woe; and that it is our duty, as it should be our delight, reverently to seek him at all times, and to trust implicitly in his willingness to aid us under all circumstances, even “ in the thunder-storm of battle.” Marcu, 1863. My paruine Nat, — You will never know (save, perhaps, if, at some future time, you, as a father, may experience the same sweet pleasure) the thrill of delight I experienced while reading your letter announcing your promotion to the office of Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of the brigade, and the untrammelled selection of yourself by your General to be his aide. God bless you, my first- 134 Appendix. born! . . . Let the past be only a stimulus to greater things; and these will inevitably come, and come easily as the past, if you hold constantly before you two rules of action : — First, Fear and trust in, and pray to God, the Father, and he will always give you aid, even in the thunder-storm of battle. Second, Do ever your highest duty. Do not quibble with your conscience ; but, obeying the noblest instinéts, go forward, trusting in the Lord. You may be called to much more important service, in which, perhaps, thousands of men will look to you for guidance. O darling! study well all your future possible duties, as well as to do your present ones. If prepared beforehand to meet all possible contingencies, you will never be at a loss what to do. (I then related a compliment I had received for him from Professor Agassiz.) I mention this, not to make you proud, but to counterad@ that self. depreciating tendency which I have noticed in you. You ave able to meet and cope with any fate, and are already a glory to us. So take with coolness and confidence any duty put upon you by another, who, knowing you, feels that he can trust you. Ever lovingly, your Faruer. rama orgs cin pact en Pm aT Pao eee