Jackson in the Valley After Action Reports
 | Report of Maj.
Gen. T. J. Jackson
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade on the 7th & 8th. About 4 in the morning I received notice that federal forces were near our encampment. They were said to be in a nearby village of Beaver Creek attempting to raid our grain supplies. Subsequently I received an order from General Beauregard to move to the village and defend the supplies and to take such position as would enable me to attack, as circumstances might require. I ordered Major J. Powell from the 27th VA to assume command of the detachment and to proceed to Beaver Creek with all possible speed. Regiments engaged: Infantry: 2nd VA, 4th VA, 5th VA, 27th VA, 5th TX, 4th AL, 11th MS Dismounted Cavalry: 13th VA, 1st KY, 7th TN, Artillery Battery: 1st NC The Infantry and dismounts were divided into 5 companies. 1st Company: 27th VA 2nd Company: 13th VA, 5th TX 3rd Color Company: 2ndVA, 4thVA, 5thVA, 4th Company: 1st KY, 7th TN 5th Company: 4th AL, 11thMS
The detachment to moved into the village through the Covered Bridge. The 2nd and 4th companies were sent ahead in a skirmish line while the cannon positioned themselves on the high bank of the lake. The 2nd and 4th companies advanced toward a small walk bridge crossing part of the village lake. As they neared the bridge they started to receive enfilade fire from above and to their left. The infantry companies moved in and formed a battle line behind the skirmishers. Whilst in the position last indicated I received a request from General Beauregard to secure the wooden bridge opposite the lake to cut-off any means of entrance into the village, and immediately moved forward to effect the object in view. Subsequently ascertaining that the 2nd and 4th companies were being hard pressed by the Federal fire, the 3rd company , which carried the colors, was ordered across the walk bridge to secure the heights where the Federals now held and to place the colors at a rally point for the 1st and 5th companies. The cannon offered covering fire for the 3rd company as they advanced across the bridge. The Federals withdrew from their position andwe were able to secure the heights with little casualties. As the 3rd company placed the colors the Federals reformed by a farmhouse. Colonel Jones, of the 3rd company, and on the left of the line, was hard pressed, The 1st and 5th companies marched to his assistance, notifying him at the same time that I was advancing to his support. I continued to advance with the understanding that the Federals were holding their line at all costs. The 1st NC Battery, under its dauntless commander, Captain Workman, returned the Federal favor by providing enfilade fire into the Federal left flank. The favorable position for meeting the enemy was exceptional and at 2:15 p.m., I posted Colonel Cornelius so as to play upon the advancing foe’s right flank. The 3rd company now on the center with the 5th company on the extreme left and the 1st company of the extreme right. Apprehensive lest my flanks should be turned, I sent an order to Major Zurczynski and Captain Metcalf, of the dismounted cavalry, to secure them. Major Zurczynski and that part of his command with him deserve great praise for the promptness with which they moved to my left and secured the flank by timely charging the enemy and driving him back. Major Dubiel, with his rallied troops, soon marched to my support and as re-enforcements continued to arrive Colonel Jones posted them so as to strengthen the flanks of my brigade. The enemy not being able to force our lines by a direct fire, inclined part of his infantry to the right, so as to obtain an oblique fire; but in doing so exposed his men to a more destructive fire from our artillery, and one of his companies was thrown so near to Colonel Cornelius that they almost fell into his hands in consequence of his having made a gallant charge on them with his company; but owing to a destructive small-arm fire from the enemy he was forced to abandon it. At 2:30 p.m. the advancing of the enemy having reached a position which called for the use of the bayonet, I gave the command for the charge of the more than brave 3rd and 5th companies, and, under commanders worthy of such regiments, they, in the order in which they were posted, rushed forward obliquely to the left of our companies, and through the blessing of God, who gave us the victory, crushed the enemy's right, and by co-operating with the victorious 2nd, 3rd, and 4th companies, soon placed the field essentially in our possession. About that time Major Powell with the 1st , 2nd , and 4th companies passed to the right of the farmhouse whilst the 3rd, and 5th companies passed to the left of the farmhouse. The enemy had taken position behind log breastworks but had to abandoned them due to heavy fire from their flanks. Having taken the breastworks our attention now turned toward the wooden bridge. The enemy was withdrawing across it in good order. We received massive casualties as we attempted to cross but eventually we were able to secure the bridge through the Federal fire. The victory was soon completed by the fire of small-arms and occasional shots from a part of our artillery. By direction of General Johnston I assumed the command of all the remaining artillery and infantry of the Army near the farmhouse, to act as circumstances might require. The 1st Brigade Hospital under Major Black, was setup at the farmhouse and worked throughout the battle to give relief to those that were wounded. Their heroic and immediate actions saved many of our men from a battlefield death. It is with pain that I have to report as killed 11 officers, 14 non-commissioned officers, and 22 privates; wounded, 5 officers, 12 non-commissioned officers, and 58 privates; and missing, 1 officer and 4 privates. I respectfully call attention to the accompanying reports of the commanders of the regiments composing this brigade. Your most obedient servant, T. J. Jackson, Major-General, Army of the Shenandoah, Confederate States |
 | May 7, 1862 To Colonel C. D. Jones
Private D. A. Zarr reporting... The
morning was cold and damp when me and the boys woke
that morn and our bones was a acking something ferrous. Our meager fire was
cold and there weren't any dry scraps to have to start a small fire. So...me and the fellas just waited for the
morn' sun to burn the dampness away some. But it wasn't going to happen because
the day was overcast. So we ate our meager rations and waited for an officer or NCO to schedule our day. Our encampment was on the very outer edge of General Jackson camp...picket duty I suppose was why we was out there. Some time later an officer approached us and told us that we had a new recruit that was in a needin' of train'. This office was a mighty big fella who towered over us in the morning light. Me and the boys noticed that it was a Major and he was a wearin' a new uniform with all the trimmings. He introduced himself to us as Major Dubiel and that we were to fall in with him and the color guard company later that day. But
before we could wonder about, Major Dubiel came over with the new feller and we
instructed him on the school of the soldier so he could have a little insight
on what was expected of him later that day. The feller called himself BOB and
we seem to get along just fine but he was a might nervous. He was worried about
seeing the elephant, but we calmed him down a mite and then he seemed alright
with that. First
call was called and Major Dubiel brought us up to the middle of the line and
instructed us to watch out for the new guy along with the color bearer. Lookin'
down the line from left to right, I was surprised at how many troops we had assembled. Attention was called, and all eyes was on the
overall commander. While inspection was called I heard the boys askin' ifin' anyone knows anything about our Major since he was like a shiny new penny. I told them that he must of come from VMI and must be a engineer or something along those lines. The boys looked at each other and then back to me with that forelorn look. 1st. Sgt. looked worried, he was used to an experienced officer, someone who has seen the elephant and lived to see it again another day, but the look in his eyes said something different. Corporal Jones had that same look and it was a spookin' the rest of us. After
inspection was over Major Dubiel turned and gave us all a long hard stare. That stare had a look of steel and
determination which made me feel somewhat secure that he knew what he wasa
doin'. Major Dubiel told us that we were 3rd. company and that we were to proceed with all the other fellas to a town called Beaver Creek. The fellas and myself thought that maybe we could partake of some hospitality once in Beaver Creek and we were all feelin' pretty good about that. The commander called for left face and we proceed to move out along the road. We marched for awhile and then we seen the town in the distance. The column was ordered to halt and the order was given to sent the dismounted Cav out as squirmishers to the small bridge that lead into town. The Cav wasn't all to happy to do this, but they were chosen by command to do just that. Moving slowly the Cav moved up to the small bridge when shots rang out from across the way from the small hills on the other side of the bridge. There was an attachment of Federals engaging our squirmishers. Command looked around for another way into the town other then using the small bridge which at the time seemed to be the only way across. Chaos was apparent for we were quickly told to march ahead on the road and come around on the left flank of the town. Once there we could see the dismounted Cav holding the bridge but taking many hits. Another company was ordered up to assist the Cav while we were held on the road for a spell. There were Yanks all over in that town. We couldn't really tell how many, but they were holding their own. Orders were finally given and our company along with I believe to be 2nd. & 1st. company were brought into the town by way of the Mill buildings. Heavy engagement was everywhere, wounded were all over the place and Chaplain John was in the thick of it all giving comfort to the wounded and dying of both Armies. Chaplain John was a much better man then I, for his faith seemed to protect him from the heavy firing that was all around him. The Yanks
would shoot and run with us in given' them chase. We was looking out for our color bearer when suddenly he was shot
and the colors went down. Quickly the colors were
picked back up and held high for the boys to see...to rally them on and
forward. Men were fallin' all
around me and then we were ordered by Major Dubiel to proceed to the small
bridge and push the Yanks back across. As we approached the hill leading down to the bridge,Major Dubiel
was struck down by gun fire along with my brother. But before the Major died he told us to get
behind the breast works which were to our left by the bridge. I looked around me to see what or where I
should be when I saw Colonel Jones and General Jackson waving us on to cross
the bridge. I looked at 1st. Sgt. Dan
and we both ran to the bridge loading while we ran. Corporal Ryan was near but I couldn't tell because the fire from the Yanks
were takin' us down like a turkey shoot in a pen. I ran across the small bridge stepping over the fallen, all the while men from our brigade keep coming in waves. I was able to make the bridge crossing up then I felt a hot burning feelin' tearing through my chest. I knew that I had been shot. I don't remember anything until Chaplain John rolled me over on my back, I could hear the boys pushing the Yanks farther back into the woods, Chaplain John was kneeing over me and I could see Colonel Jones was dead lying not to far from behind me. Oh..for a brief moment everything was moving in slow motion. Chaplain John held my hand and told me that the lord was waiting for me and soon I would be home. But I didn't want to die...then I saw General Jackson walk past and he had a smile on his face and then and there I knew we had won the day. The last thing I remembered was the good Chaplain making the sign of the cross over me...and I cried out " Ole God! " and slowly closed my eyes. There you have it Colonel. You can send this report on if you wish to General Jackson. |
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General Michael Lawson, CSA Commanding General Army
of the Shenandoah, Harper's Ferry District AFTER
ACTION REPORT – Jackson in the Valley, May 7th, 1862 General, Within the following were my observations of the actions taken by the 1st Brigade, Army of the Shenandoah, and more importantly, the 2nd, 4th , and 5th Regiments for which I was in command. The morning of the 7th began rather overcast with rain showers predicted throughout the day. The general moral of the units mentioned above were upbeat after having been involved in various camp duties the last day and night. I found myself looking for a few recruits, and having found said recruits, began outfitting them and placing them into the drill with muskets. Privates Bob Beem, and Adam Ford were new to the Army, so I began with the manual of arms, which included foot placement, musket handling procedures, and marching exercises. I put the men through the paces; each movement meticulously observed by me. We finished the drill with firings. After a small break, I drilled the men again with a similar process. Soon after, a runner found me to explain that
we were to prepare for a march to a small village and was told that a local spy
had spotted the enemy nearby. The
brigade was formed, with the 2nd, 4th, and 5th
Virginia Regiments taking the position of 3rd Company, as well as
maintaining the colors for the Brigade.
Once all our units were in place, we marched to the village, and the 2nd
and 4th Companies deployed as skirmishers and encountered a
company-sized element of the enemy on high ground overlooking a narrow foot
bridge. As it turns out, these were the
only enemy troops in the area. With the
colors, we marched over towards the bridge as the enemy gave up its
position. Without haste, I ordered the
company and colors across the bridge to form on the heights above the
village. By this time, elements of the 2nd
and 4th companies took up flanking positions, and we were joined in
battle line by the 5th company (11th Mississippi), and 1st
company (27th Virginia) under the command of Col. C. Jones. We started encountering fire from the enemy
to our front as they were withdrawing to another, more suitable defensive
position. At this point, with a local
house in our immediate vicinity, Col. Jones ordered a left oblique march to
move around the house and place ourselves in front of the enemy, which by this
point had elements on both sides of the bridge. As we were proceeding into battle line, the
last elements escaped across the bridge and had taken defensive positions
behind some berms opposing us and the bridge.
We were in a more elevated position than the enemy by this point, but
our fire had no effect. I then ordered a
forward movement to take some breastworks on our side of the bridge when I
received my wound. The 2nd
and 4th Companies managed to get men across the bridge and dislodge
the enemy into the woods to their rear.
I saw the rest of the Army proceed across the bridge and further push
the enemy out of our region. Not long after
this last action, I was evacuated to the field hospital where I was able to
recover, and after recovery, resume command. I hope that this fulfills your request and that
my incapacity has not delayed your further duties. Most
Respectfully Yours, Major Mark Dubiel 4th Virginia Regiment, Commanding |
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May 8, 1862 To Colonel C. D. Jones Major D. A. Zarr The morning was much better then the night before. The dampness clung to the surrounding trees like a misty cape. The sun was peering through the mist and the overall feeling was that this was going to be a grand day. I had received orders from a courier to report to Colonel Jones of the 1st. VA Brigade on that Sunday morn. The orders read that I was to assume command of 3rd. company upon my arrival. Once dressed, I walked down the road leading to the Brigades main street. All of the men of the Brigade were forming up in front of the Colonel's and General Jackson's quarters. Upon arrival, Colonel Jones instructed me to take command of the 2nd. & 5th companies which had been combined together to form the 3rd. company in line. The 3rd. company was the color guard company that I accepted without question. Attention was called and inspection was ordered and the men were ready waiting for inspection. I checked the 1st. Sgt.'s musket and so ordered him along with the corporal to proceed with inspection of our company. Inspection was satisfactory and was reported as such to the commanding officer. All Officers we ordered front and center for battle plan instruction, which was kept at a low mutter so the Brigade could not hear. Then, all Officers we ordered back into line with their companies. While the brigade was at rest waiting on further orders, the men were discussing the battle of May 7th. the day before, that we were probably going to march back into the village of Beaver Creek. The men's spirits we high and jubilant, but a calm began to come over them when the Brigades commander ordered attention...left face! The men turned sharply and began to march down the road to the village of Beaver Creek. Our flag bearer was somewhat excited as well as nervous, because this was all new. I quickly instructed the flag bearer to stay by my side through the upcoming ordeal...and that by all costs...the Brigades flag must not ever be taken away or fall into the Federals hands. This I think this made the bearer probably more scared... which was not my intention. The column marched for awhile and then was halted on the main road. Word had come down that the Federals had taken the village again and were waiting for the Brigade's return from the previous engagement the day before. We could see the village thru the trees which separated us from the small bridge that we were going to cross in ordered to enter this village. This did not sit well with the men in the Brigade. Many would be killed or wounded trying to take that small bridge which was only about 6 foot wide at best. Command decided to sent out 1st. & 5th. company thru the woods to draw fire from the Federals while the rest of us stayed in reserve awaiting further orders. Once our boys cleared the tree line all hell rang out from the Federals waiting in ambush across the bridge. The battle ensued for what seemed like an hour, but in all reality was only minutes. Command ordered 3rd. company ( me ) to fall in behind 1st. company on the right and wait for the order to cross the bridge. Our company double quick thru the woods and fell behind 1st. company which us fully engaged along with 5th. company. Our boys were taking heavy casualties, and then the order was given to rush the bridge with all haste. Now the federals were in full view firing as fast as they could possibly muster. Our boys pushed on with overwhelming zeal trying to make the far shore line. Many of the boys never made it across the bridge, but we pressed on across with 1st. & 5th. companies somewhat intact to form up a new line of battle. The Federals decided to fall back further to their next line of battle that gave us time to bring the others across the bridge. I had lost 2 of my company once reaching the far shore line. Chaplain John was seeing to their care and then rushed to join us back in line behind 1st. company. We were pushing the line of Federals that were in front of us back, when it was brought to my attention from Colonel Jones that a small company of Federals were flanking my left. Quickly he ordered the 3rd. to form a line and return fire. At this time the 11th. Mississippi had formed a battle line and quickly pushed back the Federals back toward the Mill buildings on my left. I had lost another man during this engagement and two more were wounded, so I ordered the men I had left to fall in with 1st. Company to reform a new battle line. I kept the Brigade's flag bearer and drummer boy with me and we rallied behind the 1st. company and moved forward. The battle moved toward the Mills outer buildings with the Federals using them for cover. Colonel Jones along with the ever present General rallied the men to press on. Many men were lost during this push, but the boys new victory was at hand, for the Federals were running here and there making for the road beyond the village buildings. The order was given from Command to halt the pursuit, for the Federals were badly beaten. Losses were heavy on both sides and I felt badly for the wounded because I knew that the Doc would be trying his best to save all that he could. Our colors were intact but at a horrible price. End of report Sir. |
