by Unknown
I heard the bugle sound charge and, as I feigned a struggle to mount a confused Copper, I saw that they were two hundred yards from us. We began to move haphazardly down the road. Dago and I were at the back and we kept glancing over our shoulders, apparently in fear, but in reality, judging when the ambush would take place.
Suddenly I heard, “Front rank fire!” There was a volley but even before it had finished the command, “Second rank fire!” This became almost a monotonous sequence, as it was repeated over and over. I stopped Copper for I could see the Union cavalry floundering in the face of such a fierce fir. It was almost a continuous wall of lead and I wondered how the colonel had managed this.
The major shouted, “1st Virginia, turn and fire!”
My pistol was already out and I fired into the smoke. Aiming shots was out of the question, we just had to add to the hail of lead pouring into the horsemen. When we heard the bugle sound retreat we knew we had won. As the smoke cleared we could see a mass of bodies, horses and men, filling the road. The whole of the regiment began to cheer.
“Dismount! Let’s save these horses for now.”
We moved down the lane putting injured horses out of their misery and moving the wounded troopers to a place of safety. When I reached the colonel I said. “That was interesting sir. How did you manage it?”
I remembered my classes from West Point. The British used this at Waterloo to defeat the Imperial Guard. The vaunted guards of Napoleon had never retreated before but continuous volleys did the trick. Most of the men had single shot carbines and so I placed them in two ranks. After one rank had fired they reloaded and the second rank was able to fire. Simple really. If you had breastworks you could add a third rank. And now Lieutenant Hogan I think we head back to camp. The 1st Virginia, or at least all of them here, has done their duty and the general will be pleased, I have no doubt about that.”
Chapter 13
We had lost men in the action but overall our losses had been light. If it were not for the action of the English major the losses would have been negligible, and I was interested to see how he would wheedle his way out of that. General Fitzhugh was waiting for us at the ford and he shook the colonel warmly by the hand. “We heard the firing. I was worried. The fact that you are here means that the enemy failed to penetrate your defences.”
“They tried sir, but we have good cavalrymen here.”
The general nodded. “You have indeed and this has been a great victory.” He looked over to our camp. “It is a shame not all of your officers behaved as they should have done. Will you court martial him?”
The colonel shook his head, “Not until I have heard all the evidence but unless there is some explanation which escapes me I think the major’s days in this regiment are numbered.”
“Would you mind if I sat in on this informal court of enquiry?”
“Not at all general. It might expedite matters later on. Shall we say about seven? After the evening meal?”
“I’ll be there.”
I noted that the major and Trooper Neil were not to be seen and wondered about that. The colonel summoned Sergeant Major Vaughan. I was leading Copper to the horse lines and managed to catch most of the conversation. “After the men and officers have been fed I will hold an enquiry into events earlier on today. I will require: Major Boswell and Major Beauregard, First Lieutenant Magee, Captain Murphy and Lieutenant Hogan. The general will be in attendance so…”
I heard no more but I had heard enough. I wondered what the procedure would be. Before now matters like this would have been dealt with informally, as in the case of the Union spies. I would need all my wits about me. I did not enjoy the meal. We had an officer’s mess now and there was no conversation. This was mainly due to the presence of Major Beauregard. None of us wished to discuss the case, or the day with him there and it made the food taste like sawdust. I began to yearn for our days as Partisan Rangers. I left to put on my best uniform; I thought I might need it.
We all gathered outside the tent. Sergeant Major Vaughan’s huge bulk filled the doorway but he was pleasant enough. “Sorry to keep you fine gentlemen waiting but the general wanted to have a word with the colonel about procedure.”
“Damned bad form I say. We were told to come after the evening meal and here we are. This wouldn’t happen in the British Army. This is a waste of my time.” Major Beauregard looked bored!
It was amazing. No-one said a word but the rest of us, apart from Lieutenant Magee, all shared a look with each other. Sergeant Major Vaughan rolled his eyes and Danny tried to suppress a grin.
The colonel’s voice ended the moment, “They may enter Sergeant Major.”
Opening the flap with a huge smile Sergeant Major Vaughan said, “Please come in gentlemen.”
The colonel and the general were seated behind the colonel’s desk and there was an empty seat next to the colonel. There were five chairs before the desk. Major Beauregard sat at one end of the five. The lieutenant sat next to him then Major Boswell, Danny and finally, me.
The colonel smiled. “This is an informal court of enquiry about the actions in the battle earlier and will focus upon Major Beauregard and his part in the action. This is not a court martial. I want everyone to understand that. If the evidence is strong enough then a court martial will be convened with senior officers at Culpeper Court House.”
“Stuff and nonsense!”
“Major Beauregard although this is not a court martial you will only speak when asked. Is that clear?”
The major looked beyond the colonel as he said, “Yes Colonel Cartwright.”
“First of all, Major Boswell, for the benefit of the general here would you tell us what my instructions and battle orders were?”
“To block any reinforcements attacking the general’s brigades during their raid on Hartwood Church and to avoid any casualties.”
“Good. That confirms what I told the general.” I noticed that Sergeant Major Vaughan was writing down all that was said. “And what were your orders to the troops under your direct command?”
“I ordered A and D Troops to dismount and hide behind the walls and buildings. A Troop was on the eastern side and D Troop on the west.”
“And did everyone follow those orders?”
“A Troop did sir but Major Beauregard said that he was only dismounting half of his men and he rode off with the other half.”
“And is this true Major Beauregard?”
“If you mean did I obey my instincts as a cavalry officer of some years and take some men to be used as they were intended then the answer is yes.”
“So you disobeyed your orders?”
The English smiled an oily smile, “But I did obey orders. There were members of D Troop dismounted and behind the wall and they were under the command of Captain Cooper.”
“Who is not here to defend himself as he is dead is he not?”
“The vagaries of war.”
“But you left a man who had never been in battle in command of your troop.”
“He was an officer. An officer is supposed to command men in battle.” The major seemed unconcerned with the man’s death and gave a bored shrug.
The colonel coughed and the general began to colour. His face became redder and redder over the next few questions. At one point I thought that he would explode. “Now then Major Boswell what happened next?”
“The Union cavalry appeared and when they were level with me we opened fire. We knocked them about badly and they sounded reform and then Major Beauregard charged.”
“How many men were with him?”
“Twenty.”
“And how many were they facing?”
“There was a regiment but only one hundred were prepared for the charge.”
“So Major Beauregard, you charged one hundred and more men with just twenty.”
“In the British Army I would have had a medal and not have to listen to this nonsense.”
“Please answer the question.”
<
br /> “Of course I did. We are cavalry.”
“And what did you do next?”
He was silent for a moment and I leaned forwards slightly to get a better view of him. For the first time, he neither looked nor sounded confident. “Well I heard the bugle for recall and I left the battlefield.”
“That was the Union bugle because we had beaten them.”
“Was it? Noise does funny things in a battle. I remember at the Alma…”
The general finally exploded, “Major will you answer the questions damn you!” He looked at the colonel and said, “Sorry Zebediah but I have heard enough for a court martial already!”
The colonel held an apologetic hand up. “Let us do this correctly. So major, having heard the recall why did you ride straight back to the camp?”
“I had wounded men and I assumed that we would all be retreating.”
“So Major Beauregard, you admit deserting your troops whilst under fire?”
“No Colonel Cartwright. I was still with D Troop. I assumed that Captain Cooper was with the rest and I trust my officers.”
The colonel pushed away the paper he had been using to make notes and leaned back in his chair. He put his hands together as though in prayer and then turned to the general. “I agree with you general. There is enough evidence to warrant a general court martial.”
Sergeant Major Vaughan coughed, “For both officers sir?”
“Well done sergeant. I had forgotten. First Lieutenant Magee. Why did you disobey Major Boswell’s orders?”
“I obeyed Major Beauregard sir.”
“Why did you not remain on the battlefield?”
“I obeyed Major Beauregard sir.”
“So your actions were as a result of obeying the orders of your superior officer?”
“Yes sir.” Magee was a slippery customer. He had avoided censure.
“Very well. Then the court martial will be for Major Arthur St John Beauregard. Now then the date? What would suit you general?”
“Before I came I checked and there is already a court martial arranged for the 17th of March. All of the necessary senior officers will be present including, I understand, Major General Stuart.”
“Very well then the date is set. Until that time Major consider yourself under arrest. As a gentleman I hope that I do not have to place a sentry at your tent?”
Major Beauregard stood and pointed an accusing finger at the two senior officers. “I see what is going on here. This man,” he pointed at Major Boswell, “resents me because I am obviously a more experienced, decorated officer. Since I arrived he has had his Irish peasants making up ridiculous stories about me. Well I have had enough. I warn you that if this proceeds it is you gentlemen who will be on trial. My sponsor is none other than Secretary of War, Seddon. You may be related to the ancient general who is mishandling the war but I have friends in high places and I am a dangerous man to cross!”
I thought that General Lee was going to leap across the table and throttle the major; so did the colonel who turned to Sergeant Major Vaughan, “Please escort this officer to his tent please.”
The Sergeant Major put a huge paw on the major’s elbow. “Come along sir. You heard what the colonel said.”
“Get your hands off me, you lumbering oaf.”
I did not see what the old soldier did, I suspect he gripped the elbow even tighter, but the major squealed like a pig and was propelled out of the tent by a Sergeant Major who looked angry for the first time since I had met him.
Lieutenant Magee made to leave but the colonel said, “Sit down sir.” Magee did as he was told and he stared at his boots not wishing to meet the gaze of the colonel. “Your behaviour has been less than satisfactory throughout this and I don’t know what the general thinks but I find your story dubious to say the least. We will be watching you from now on. You might wish to reconsider your future with this regiment. Now you may go!”
The general stood. “I do not think that Major Beauregard will be serving the Confederacy for very much longer.” He turned to the three of us. “Well done gentlemen. I shall send over a couple of bottles of French Brandy I acquired. I discovered from the prisoners that the general we defeated today was an old classmate of mine General William Averell. It is an even greater victory than I had hoped. Well done!”
After he left the colonel stood and sat on the edge of his desk facing us. “I didn’t like doing that and I want to thank you for your restraint; especially you Jack. Captain Murphy I want you to take charge of D Troop. We can’t trust the Magee brothers and you have shown yourself to be resourceful.” Danny’s face fell and I knew why. He was Major Boswell’s man and always would be. “We can promote Lieutenant Grimes to be captain and Jack here can be First Lieutenant. That would mean Sergeant Spinelli to lieutenant and Sergeant Smith to First Sergeant. Any objections?”
“No sir, that seems satisfactory all round.”
The first thing we did was to tell Dago and Jed of their promotions. “All these promotions. If it keeps going this way then I’ll be general by next year!”
Dago was irrepressible and helped to get the bad taste that was Major Beauregard out of my mouth. Sergeant Major Vaughan was walking back and he saluted. “Some men think they are gentlemen because of the way they speak. It is nothing to do with that. It is in here what counts.” He patted his heart. “Congratulations First Lieutenant Hogan. You deserve it.” I stared at his back. Nothing got by the Sergeant Major. As I went into my tent I was aware of two pairs of malevolent eyes staring at me. The bowie knife was comfortably beneath my bedroll again.
Harry was a little embarrassed to be promoted. In typical Harry fashion he bemoaned the fact that he would need to get a new uniform. “Harry, you are on more pay now. You don’t even spend the money we get as lieutenants. Stop being such a miserable bugger and enjoy the moment.”
He realised he was being unnecessarily morose. “So I have you two as lieutenants now eh? Well we have a great deal to do to reorganise things. Let’s get the men together.”
We paraded A Troop. Major Boswell kept out of the way. Part of it was the paperwork he had to gather for the court martial and part of it was to allow Harry the chance to tell the men himself. The major would be providing the evidence for the prosecutor. He didn’t look happy. Danny had an even harder job. He had to sort out D Troop and his two lieutenants were positively antagonistic. He was lucky in that the sergeants were good sorts and he knew he had the backing of the colonel. The major had told him that if the two lieutenants didn’t work out then we would promote two more of A Troop’s sergeants.
All of the Wildcats who had survived, all thirteen of them, were now either sergeants or corporals. Dago was a lieutenant but it showed the rest of the troop where you would get with hard work. We divided the eighty troopers into three manageable sections each led by an officer with a sergeant. Harry had Jed and I chose Cecil. He had proved himself to be a good leader. He was far tougher than he had been when he had joined us and he had grown into someone who never lost his temper.
We worked all day and I was tired but happy. Then Carlton found me. “Sir, there is a problem with Copper.”
My heart hit my boots. I had neglected her since our return and I berated myself. “What is it?”
“One of her legs, it looks like she picked up a piece of shrapnel or bullet the other day. I am sorry sir I should have noticed.”
“No sergeant. She is my horse and my responsibility. I just put her sluggishness down to her exhaustion. I never dreamed she had been wounded.”
When we reached the horse lines I could see what he meant. Her head didn’t even come up when I approached. He showed me the wound. It looked angry and felt hot to the touch.”I know sir. That has me worried too.”
“There might be something left in there.”
“No sir, I had a poke around. She put up with it well, didn’t you girl. Seems to me it is infected.”
“Is there anything you can do?”
�
�This is beyond me. I sent for the veterinary officer attached to the general’s brigade and he is coming over. I’ll go and watch for him.”
I stroked Copper’s head. “I am so sorry old girl. This is my fault. I shall look after you better from now on.”
When he arrived I felt a sense of relief. He was a distinguished looking man and he had the look of someone who has been working with animals for years. He was an old fashioned horse doctor. “Now then lieutenant let’s see this leg eh?”
He took out a stethoscope and listened to her chest and then he knelt down to examine the leg. When he stood his face was sombre. “I’m sorry son. The leg is infected. She’ll have to be put down.”
“You are joking! There must be something we could do.”
“If this was a trooper I would cut off the leg. But it’s a horse and we can’t do that. I can make…”
“No thank you sir. Thanks for the advice but we will try our methods.”
“It will be kinder in the end.”
Carlton must have seen the tears forming in my eyes and heard the emotion in my voice. “Come along sir. Let me show you the quickest way back to your camp.”
When he returned I knew what to do. “Thanks for that Carlton. Do you remember when the major, he was a captain then, got wounded? Danny told us to use maggots and they ate the infection. It’s worth a try.”
“You are right sir and my old grandmother used to swear by a bread poultice to draw badness out of you. Let’s try both.”
“Good man!” As soon as we had something to do we felt better. We placed maggots in the wound and then wrapped the hot poultice around and bandaged the whole thing. “We need something to make her relax a little. If it was me I would have a shot of whisky.”