November 2013

Charles Francis Adams, Jr., to his father

Picket near Warrenton, Va.
November 22, 1863

I infer from this letter that you do not know how we are brigaded, but imagine that this regiment is, or may be, independent, and that outpost duty is done by regiments specially designated therefor. If this is so you are in error. The whole cavalry of this Army belongs in one Corps, which consists of three Divisions and we belong to the 2d, or Gregg’s Division. We are in the 1st Brigade of that Division, and the theory of our cavalry is to cover up the Army on its front and flanks. As a rule Gregg covers the right flank and all regiments do picket duty in turn, the rule generally being a three days tour of duty once in nine days. As another rule, when Gregg is engaged we are, but as for looking for this regiment in the papers — God forbid you should find it! Certain regiments are always in the papers. Such are always very green or make up in lying what they lack in character. We have been much amused lately by meeting tall stories of the 2d Penn. Cavalry, notoriously the greenest regiment in the Division. People at home believe these yarns, but we who know what the work is quietly laugh at the blow-hards. For myself I do not care ever to see my regiment’s or my own name mentioned outside of the official documents of the Army.

I said I was on picket today. You will find us by looking on the map for the turnpike from Warrenton to Sulphur Springs, about two miles from Warrenton. We appear to be picketing against Mosby — at least he is round like a hornet, both within and without our lines. It is laughable the way he dodges round and annoys us, now pouncing here and there worrying us everywhere. Every night there is firing along the line and I count that night lucky which passes without an alarm. Long custom has fortunately made us old hands at it, and we do not lose much sleep however often we are turned out. I go back happy after every tour, in that I have lost no men. I like the work and enjoy its excitement, but three days at a time are quite enough, for, as I am always now in command when I am on duty, by the third day I generally feel as if I had been on the anxious seat long enough. . . .

Meade still seems to be near Culpeper, and yet Burnside is in danger! I cannot express how it weighs on me to see us in this false position. We cannot help Burnside here. Lee knows it and Meade knows it, and Lee knows that Meade knows it. We must cover Washington and we must threaten Richmond; so we rush to the Rapidan and actually hear Lee laugh from the heights beyond. If once the President would shove us onto the south bank of the James Lee would stop laughing. As it is he looks down at us tugging at impossibilities, accepts the issue as we offer it, meets three of us with one of his and sends the rest to crush Burnside. Be assured this Army would be made more efficient if it went down to Norfolk shorn of 25,000 men left for the defense of Washington. What was left could play a bigger part in the great game than the whole does here. . . .