August 9, 1862 (Sunday): "I do not expect much..."

Battle of Cedar Mountain (behind Union lines) Maine.gov

NEAR LOCUST DALE, August 9, 1862.
   GENERAL: I am not making much progress. The enemy's cavalry yesterday and last night also threatened my train. Eight of their number, including 3 officers, were captured by Colonel Flournoy yesterday. None were captured last night so far as heard.
   Hill (A. P.), though at Orange Court-House yesterday morning, having encamped in a mile of the town on the other side, reported last night that he was not more than a mile on this side, thus making only 2 miles yesterday. Ewell's division, which is near this point (12 miles from Culpeper Court-House) and in front, marched about 8 miles. Yesterday was oppressively hot; several men had sun-strokes. Hill's division is too large; I will reduce it by at least the Louisiana Brigade. To-day I do not expect much more than to close up and clear the country around the train of the enemy's cavalry. I fear that the expedition will, in consequence of my tardy movements, be productive of but little good. My plan was to have been at Culpeper Court-House this forenoon. Should I learn that Burnside has gone in the direction of Richmond I will try to cut him off. Scouts were sent out yesterday to ascertain. Orders have been given that Pope's officers captured yesterday be kept in close confinement. Bayard commanded the enemy's camp, leaving some stores (quartermaster's, commissary, and ordnance) behind. The enemy's infantry, from reports brought in last night, is about 5 miles in front; his cavalry near ours.
    I am, general, your obedient servant,


T. J. JACKSON,
Major-General.


CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE,
August 9, 1862-8 a. m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK:
   The enemy has advanced in heavy force to Madison Court-House, and seems to be advancing toward Robertson's River. He has also advanced a heavy column from Barnett's Ford to Robertson's River, at the month of Crooked River. He evidently designs an assault on my right. My whole force is concentrated between Culpeper and the point where the turnpike from Culpeper to Sperryville crossed Hazel River. I shall throw my train on the plank road from Culpeper to Fredericksburg, and watch the opportunity to attack him in the flank in case he continues to advance on the Madison and Sperryville road. I will keep you advised.


JNO. POPE,
Major-General.


FALMOUTH, August 9, 1862-1 p. m.
Major-General POPE:
    Your dispatch of last night has just come to hand, the line having been down for twenty-four hours. I will immediately issue orders for the movement of my division. Two brigades, with a battery, will start this afternoon, and the other two, with another battery and the cavalry, early to-morrow morning. We will push on as rapidly as possible.


RUFUS KING,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Numbers 12. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, SECOND CORPS, August 9, 1862-2.25.
Major-General POPE:
    General Williams' division has taken position on the right of the pike, the right on a heavy body of woods. General Augur on the left, his left resting on a mountain occupied by his skirmishers. He will soon be in position. The enemy shows (which is strong) ostentatiously. No infantry seen and not much artillery. Woods on left said to be full of troops. A visit to the front does not impress that the enemy intends immediate attack; he seems, however, to be taking positions.


N. P. BANKS.

Numbers 13. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, August 9, 1862-4.50.
Colonel RUGGLES, Chief of Staff:
    About 4 o'clock shots were exchanged by the skirmishers. Artillery opened fire on both sides in a few minutes. One regiment of rebel infantry advancing now deployed in front as skirmishers. I have ordered a regiment on the right, Williams' division, to meet them, and one from the left; Augur to advance on the left and in front.


N. P. BANKS.
 
5 P. M.-They are now approaching each other.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 12, Part 2, Page 180.

After standing opposite each other throughout an intensely hot day, a late afternoon Union attack lead to a counterattack by A. P. Hill.  Jackson himself was in the midst of the most intense fighting.  By 7 P.M. the Union forces were in retreat.  Although greatly outnumbered, Bank's troops inflicted 1300 casualties compared to their own losses of 1400.