Readings Along the Rapidan
This month, I want to introduce you to the "ORs" (technically referenced as The Official Records of the War of the Rebellion), while simultaneously calling your attention to the 2 Aug 1862 Battle of Orange Court House.
The after-action reports of unit commanders published in the 126-volume ORs, along with soldiers' letters, diaries, and journals allow us to reconstruct events in some detail. Those reports can be a bit amusing when a unit commander is attempting to deflect blame or to self-congratulate.
In the 2 Aug battle, a poorly-conceived Union attack up Main Street is handily repulsed. While the vastly outnumbered Confederates are basking in the adulation of the townsfolk, the Union troopers reorganize. The second attack is on both flanks, and the Confederates are quickly run out of town, returning only after the enemy withdraws later in the day.
See how "Grumble" Jones and Col. Tompkins tell their sides of that story. |
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This skirmish occured on what is now Main Street, Orange, VA. The inn (then the Chapman House) saw this fight and is rumored to have a Confederate soldier die on the front portico.
For your conveniece, we've scanned the documents and provided links to them below. They run about 1-2 pages each.
Col. "Grumble" Jones (7th VA Cavalry)'s OR on the Skirmish at Orange Court-House, VA.
Col. Tompkins (1st VT Cavalry)'s OR on the Skirmish at Orange Court-House, VA. |
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April 2011, Selection #1 reading selection:
James M. McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom (Oxford University Press, 1988). |
