Norta Carorina Troops, 1861-65.

NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE JAMES.

For some time now, I did not see any of the events that oc-
curred and must utilize, in a running way, my “Sketches of
North Carolina Cavalry Brigade.”

About 26 May, 1864, the Forty-first North Carolina
(Third Cavalry), arrived from Eastern North Carolina and
in splendid condition, joined the brigade and our brigade
commander was now Colonel John A. Baker, of the Third, he
being the senior Colonel in rank. And now, for the first time
during the campaign, the Sixty-third was associated with
three other regiments in the brigade which was now composed
of the Ninth, Nineteenth, Forty-first and Sixty-third, and
remained so to the end of the war.

About this time General Grant crossed the Pamunkey near
Hanovertown. Colonel Baker moved out promptly to meet
the Federal advance and on 27 May a short action ensued.
The enemy was strongly resisted until the Maryland line sent
as a support gave way and we were forced to withdraw.

Here W. H. F. Lee rejoined us and we reported again to
him as our division commander.

28 May, the Sixty-third took part in tlie bloody action at
Haw’s Shop, but did not get heavily engaged. Vol. 67, pp.
829-830, 854 and 1031. Vol. 69, p. 362.

On 30 May, Brigadier-General Young was temporarily as-
signed to command of the brigade.

On the 31st we attacked the enemy at Hanover Court
House and drove them back in handsome style, but they re-
ceived large reinforcements and drove us back. Next morn-
ing, 1 June, the Sixty-third and other cavalry attacked them
furiously at Ashland and swept the enemy’s lines and works
for more than a mile, capturing many prisoners and horses.
General Young was wounded and the command fell a second
time on Colonel Baker. Their Colonel, Chapman, says:
“The line was advanced cautiously and with some difficulty,
but had proceeded only a short distance when the enemy at-
tacked us in large force in front and flank. The line soon
gave back, retreating with considerable loss and closely
pressed.” Vol. 67, p. 900. General R. E. Lee says: “Rosser

Srxtry-Tairp ReGen. 609

fell upon their rear, charged down the road toward Ashland
bearing everything before him. His progress was arrested
at Ashland by the entrenchments of the enemy. General
William H. F. Lee came up at this time with a part of his
division and a joint attack was made. The enemy was
quickly driven from the place and pursued toward Hanover
Court House until dark.” Vol. 67, p. 1031. On 3 June
General Hampton fought the second battle of Haws’ Shop.
The Nineteenth and Sixty-third Regiments by their charges
elicited high praise from Generals Hampton and W. H.
F. Lee. And General R. E. Lee says: “A part of General
W. H. F. Lee’s Division drove them from their entrench-
ments.” Vol. 67, p. 1032 and p. 901 gives Federal account.

4 June, 1864, Brigadier-General Rufus Barringer was as-
signed to command of the brigade. Vol. 69, p. 873. On 6
June he received his commission and took command.

7 June, brigade was detached to picket lower crossings of
Chickahominy, near Bottom’s and Long Bridges.

On 13 June General Grant, in his move to the south of
the James,{forced in Barringer’s pickets at Long Bridge, on
the Chickahominy, and effected a crossing. Vol. 67, pp.
1035 and 1051. The Sixty-third Regiment and rest of the
brigade was hastened to support the pickets; but the advance
was with cavalry and infantry and we were driven back to
White Oak Swamp, near Riddle’s Shop, where General W.
H. F. Lee joined ts and the Sixty-third joined in a rattling
fight with the entire division and held the enemy in cheek till
our infantry came up and relieved us late in the day and the
enemy ‘were driven back nearly two miles.” Vol. 67, p.
1035. Vol. 67, pp. 1052 at top, 902, 1035 and Vol. 80, p.
643. The Sixty-third was then moved rapidly to the right
and front to watch the enemy’s movements. With the bri-
gade we followed the enemy to Wilcox’s Landing, fighting
daily at different points, especially at Point of Rocks, Mal-
vern Hill, Crenshaw’s and Herring Creek. Vol. 67, p. 1035.

18 June we crossed the James, with the entire division
and took position two miles south of Petersburg.

On 21 June, early in the day, the enemy advanced rapidly

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