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Re: Assault on Allegheny - July 2009, website open
Too bad, Dabney's report was pretty interesting and could have been fun to recreate:
Originally posted by BobDenton37thVA
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Report of Lieut. C. E. Dabney, C. S. Cavalry.
Headquarters Cavalry Camp,
Alleghany Summit, December 15, 1861.
Sir: I beg leave to report that on the morning of the 13th instant I caused my command to turn out immediately I received, intelligence of the enemy's having driven in our pickets and held it in readiness for orders.
After remaining in this position for nearly two hours the enemy suddenly appeared on the crest of the hill on which the Thirty-first Virginia Regiment was encamped, and commenced a rapid fire of musketry. My position was in full range and my men very much exposed to the fire. I immediately rode to headquarters to get orders, but found Colonel Johnson absent, and was unable to ascertain in what part of the field he was. Under these circumstances I considered it my duty to carry my command where it could render some service, and would not be compelled to stand exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy without a chance of returning it. I accordingly marched it up to the intrenchments on the hill to the left of the turnpike, and made the men dismount and stand to their horses.
After the lapse of some time the enemy appeared, in force on our left flank and commenced a heavy fire, which raked the hill. Not being able to find who was in command on the hill, and finding my men very much exposed and in a position in which they could render no service, I took the responsibility of ordering them to secure their horses behind the cabins and to go into the ditches. Directly I met with Colonel Johnson. I informed him of the steps which I had taken and my reason therefor. He approved of them.
The trenches were so much crowded on the left flank that I was not able to get more than 12 or 15 of my carbineers in a position where they could shoot at the enemy with any effect. This detachment, however, kept up a regular and effective fire until the close of the engagement.
I take pleasure in stating that all of my men, and especially those posted where they could fire on the enemy, behaved with coolness and bravery and obeyed my orders promptly.
None of my command sustained any injury except Private John Nuckols, who was slightly wounded in both hands and in the left arm by a musket ball. Only two of my horses were wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. E. Dabney,
Second Lieutenant, Commanding Pittsylvania Cavalry.
Lieutenant Willis, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Cavalry Camp,
Alleghany Summit, December 15, 1861.
Sir: I beg leave to report that on the morning of the 13th instant I caused my command to turn out immediately I received, intelligence of the enemy's having driven in our pickets and held it in readiness for orders.
After remaining in this position for nearly two hours the enemy suddenly appeared on the crest of the hill on which the Thirty-first Virginia Regiment was encamped, and commenced a rapid fire of musketry. My position was in full range and my men very much exposed to the fire. I immediately rode to headquarters to get orders, but found Colonel Johnson absent, and was unable to ascertain in what part of the field he was. Under these circumstances I considered it my duty to carry my command where it could render some service, and would not be compelled to stand exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy without a chance of returning it. I accordingly marched it up to the intrenchments on the hill to the left of the turnpike, and made the men dismount and stand to their horses.
After the lapse of some time the enemy appeared, in force on our left flank and commenced a heavy fire, which raked the hill. Not being able to find who was in command on the hill, and finding my men very much exposed and in a position in which they could render no service, I took the responsibility of ordering them to secure their horses behind the cabins and to go into the ditches. Directly I met with Colonel Johnson. I informed him of the steps which I had taken and my reason therefor. He approved of them.
The trenches were so much crowded on the left flank that I was not able to get more than 12 or 15 of my carbineers in a position where they could shoot at the enemy with any effect. This detachment, however, kept up a regular and effective fire until the close of the engagement.
I take pleasure in stating that all of my men, and especially those posted where they could fire on the enemy, behaved with coolness and bravery and obeyed my orders promptly.
None of my command sustained any injury except Private John Nuckols, who was slightly wounded in both hands and in the left arm by a musket ball. Only two of my horses were wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. E. Dabney,
Second Lieutenant, Commanding Pittsylvania Cavalry.
Lieutenant Willis, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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