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(December 2007)
Enlarge Pope’s
wagons were parked south of Cedar Run Bridge when Stuart raided Catlett
Station on August 22, 1862. May 3, 1863, Mosby moves toward Warrenton
Junction where an enemy force has been reported. Mosby rides up on the
First Virginia (federal) Cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Krepps which
has just been relieved from duty and are resting under the shade of the
trees, with unbridled, unsaddled horses, and many turned out to graze.
Mosby, between 8:00am and 9:00am, charges and many surrender immediately
but about 100 take refuge in a large building and prepare to defend
themselves. After a half hour of firing, the Rangers riding up to the
windows and discharging their weapons on those inside, several Rangers
break into the house and demand and receive their surrender. While
gathering the spoils, the First Vermont and Fifth New York Cavalries,
attracted by the gunfire, ride up from Cedar Run Bridge and attack Mosby
who, being disorganized, is forced to retreat. Templeton, one of
Stonewall Jackson's best scouts, was killed and about 20 men wounded.
Major General Stahel admits 2 killed, 15 wounded, also mentioning in his
report: "Among the killed of the rebels is Templeton, the notorious
spy." Brigadier General John J. Abercrombie, USA, says, "Templeton a
notorious scout and spy" was killed on the 5th New York's charge |
(January 2008)
Enlarge Cedar
Run railroad bridge that Stuart attempted to burn during his August 1862
raid. The bridge is modern, but several old abutment stones lay around
the creek bed |
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(December 2007)
Enlarge
Warrenton Junction – The station was located in the Y of the tracks and
burned during the war. (Quoted from Grant’s Memoirs), While my
headquarters were at Culpeper, from the 26th of March to the 4th of May,
I generally visited Washington once a week to confer with the Secretary
of War and President. On the last occasion, a few days before moving, a
circumstance occurred which came near postponing my part in the campaign
altogether. Colonel John S. Mosby had for a long time been commanding a
partisan corps, or regiment, which operated in the rear of the Army of
the Potomac. On my return to the field on this occasion, as the train
approached Warrenton Junction, a heavy cloud of dust was seen to the
east of the road as if made by a body of cavalry on a charge. Arriving
at the junction the train was stopped and inquiries made as to the cause
of the dust. There was but one man at the station, and he informed us
that Mosby had crossed a few minutes before at full speed in pursuit of
Federal cavalry. Had he seen our train coming, no doubt he would have
let his prisoners escape to capture the train. I was on a special train,
if I remember correctly, without any guard |
(January 2008)
Enlarge During
the May 29 raid, Mosby's Rangers fired upon Federal supply trains near
where County Route 606 crosses the old Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
The crossing grade is seen here in the distance in the left center.
Lieutenant Sam Chapman was the "gunner" working the small mountain rifle |
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(January 2008)
Enlarge After
wrecking the train, Mosby's detachment retired first to the north,
leading them down several narrow farm lanes in the eastern edge of
Fauquier County. His flight was followed by elements of the 1st Vermont
and 5th New York Cavalry. Here, along the modern day Rouges's Road, CR
602, running past the Grapewood Farm, Mosby decided to turn on his
pursuers |
(January 2008)
Enlarge The
defense using the small cannon was made in the vicinity of the back gate
to the old Vint Hill Farm Army base (now deactivated). After repulsing
the enemy several times, Mosby was running short on ammunition. Still
they managed to disengage and retreat to the north. In the action the
Rangers lost 20 wounded and six dead |
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