Another First

Today at Brandy Station: May 9, 1864

From the May 9, 1864 edition of the Richmond Times Dispatch
(Orange Courthouse, May 7) A Negro soldier, an infantry man, the first ever captured by this army, was taken near Brandy Station yesterday, and brought in here to-day. He says that he belongs to the 27th Ohio, Burnside's corps.

(Orange Courthouse, May 8) The negro troops occupying Brandy Station advanced out to Culpeper Court-House Friday and occupied it. Yesterday they went back to Brandy Station, set fire to the stores (principally quartermaster's) and then marched to join Grant.

The story of the United States Colored Troops in Culpeper County began on May 5, when General Edward Ferrero's 4th Division of General Ambrose Burnside's Ninth Corps crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford and 'joined up' with the Army of the Potomac at Paoli's Mill.

Two days later, these troops were involved in a small skirmish near Madden's Tavern with elements of Confederate General John Chambliss's Brigade of Cavalry. Atrocities were alleged.

Also, there is no evidence that the quartermaster's stores at Brandy Station were burned.