You Burnt What?

Today at Rapidan Station: July 13, 1862

There is a interesting exchange of correspondence found in the Official Records, tells of an incident concerning the Orange and Alexandria Railroad Bridge across the Rapidan.

In a message from Major General Nathaniel Banks to Colonel George Ruggles, Banks reports that ..."Major [James M.] Deems [First] Maryland Cavalry has returned this morning [July 14] from the front. He [Deems] reports that the party sent to burn small railroad bridges by mistake of orders destroyed the Rapidan Bridge."

Commander of the Army of Virgina, John Pope responded: "I regret very much indeed that any orders were given to burn any railroad bridges, great or small. The object of your movement was to preserve the road [referring to the O&A], not to destroy an portion of it. We are advancing and shall continue to advance, and the roads must be preserved for our use....By injuring them yo are obstructing our own movements, not those of the enemy. Be particular therefore to impress positively upon all your officers that they are to repair the roads in advance, not to destroy them. If you have a corps of workmen set them to work immediately to rebuild the small bridges that you have destroyed as rapidly as possible."

By reading Pope's message, you get a very distinct impression that he does not what any bridges burned or the railroad harmed in any way.

Hmm, (with tongue in cheek) I wonder if this is the reason Pope never advanced beyond Culpeper toward Richmond.

Occupy in Force

Today at Brandy Station: July 12, 1862

From the Official Records

To Major General N[athaniel] P. Banks

The major-general commanding desires me to state that the position he desired and designated for your right flank was a point about 8 miles east of Sperryville. He still desires you to take that position, if not already occupied. It would be even better to have your right resting not five miles from Sperryville....

General Pope does not desire a simple cavalry reconnaissance toward Culpeper. He wants that to be occupied in force, and directs that General Hatch take up his headquarters there, throwing out strong cavalry pickets at least 20 miles in the direction of Gordonsville and Richmond...

George D. Ruggles
Colonel and Chief of Staff

General Banks responded:
...Orders were issued today to send back all surplus stores and for ten days' rations. Will will march the 14th instant toward Sperryville. General [John] Hatch understands he is to occupy Culpeper as his headquarters. He has the entire cavalry force, a full battery, and the infantry he desired, and will scout the country in advance as far as he is able.

And so begins the march toward the Battle of Cedar Mountain.