The Raid at Fredericksburg
By an extra from the Herald office we are placed in possession of full
particulars of the Yankee raid into Fredericksburg Sunday last. This
account states that about 9 o'clock a force of Federal cavalry crossed
the river just above the bridge at Falmouth and quietly proceeded down
the road for half a mile to Fredericksburg, taking the main street, and
keeping up the most nonchalant air of security.
On reaching the cross street near the railroad they turned towards the
tobacco factory, the headquarters of the Confederate cavalry here.
Lieutenant Colonel Critcher, the commandant of this post, was
approaching headquarters some two hundred yards off, at the time, on
foot, and seeing the United States forces drawn up supposed it to be a
company of Confederate cavalry, Captain Simpson's, that had arrived the
night before, many of whom were dressed in trophies from the Yankees
before Richmond in the way of coats, overcoats, &c. This delusion was
quickly dispelled by the rush towards him of his own cavalry, that had
been at headquarters. Col. Critchner at once ordered his men to form
and called on his officers to assist, but while some men expressed
their willingness, the other portion consisting of not more than
thirty, could not be induced to stand, and the whole fell back a mile
from town where the line was formed. In the meantime the Federal
cavalry dispersed in squads under their respective Lieutenants and
these squads made captures of over twenty of our men consisting of
cavalrymen and soldiers here on the sick list.
Whilst this was going on a portion of Capt. Simpson's cavalry formed in
front of Citizen's Hall and dashed at a federal force. A lively fight,
in which some forty shots were exchanged, took place in the vicinity of
Wolford's machine shop, in which Walter B. Thompson of Princess Anne
County, Va. was shot. He was picked up immediately and spoke but a few
words, saying he was an only son and taking leave of those around him.
About fifty yards from the spot where young Thompson fell, a Federal
cavalryman was riding with the Stars and Bars he had captured at
headquarters. A Confederate near by called upon him twice to
surrender, which was not heeded, and as he was in the act of riding
off, the soldier fired and killed him instantly. From letters on his
person the body proved to be that of Robert Caphim(?) of Terre Haute
Ind. He was a youth of probably 18 or 19 years.
Captain Simpson's company followed the Federals in a charge all the way
up Main Street as far as the Weelam(?) Factory where they ceased the
pursuit. At this point one Federal was cut down and brought back, two
taken prisoners, and two Confederates released. In the meantime
another party of Federals who had taken a street around the Fair
Ground, returned, but Captain Simpson missed them and returned, we
believe, to their camp half a mile from town.
Lt. Col. Critcher having succeeded in forming his men - there being
less than forty present - proceeded in person to the Upper Ferry where
he learned the Federals had all recrossed to Falmouth. Having sent for
his men they crossed to Falmouth but the Federals had all left, save
two men who claim to have been left with a flag of truce to look after
the killed and wounded. Both were brought over to town. The Federals
captured about 800 yards woolen cloth that had been hastily taken from
Kelly, Tuckett, & Cos. woolen mill for the purpose of ? it. They also
paroled 20 or 30 of our men. In front of the Virginia Bank a number of
shots were exchanged, six bullets going through the doors and the
counter inside.
A Federal with a revolver in his hand was taking two Confederates up
Main very quietly when one of our brave young ladies dashed into the
street, pistol in hand, and was restrained from firing at him with
difficulty. Directly after two of Capt. SImpson's men coming up, she
called on them to follow and rescue the Confederates which they
proceeded to do at once. The Federal hearing them approaching turned
on his horse and took six deliberate shots at them but neither took
effect. The firing took place on the square on which we live and some
of it immediately in front of our residence. The Confederates were
released and soon thereafter the Federal captured.
From the prisoners we learn the Federal force consisted of parts of two
Indiana companies (55 men) under Capts. Sharra and Mulhaney and picked
men from the 6th Ohio (80 men) under a major. Captain Dahlgren of Gen.
Sigel's staff was in command. Only about one-half of his force crossed
the river and came to Fredericksburg. Citizens of Falmouth say the
whole force reached 210 but our information is from Federal prisoners.
The spirit of Capt. Simpson's company is highly extolled. They had
arrived only the night before and were weary, but they dashed into the
fray in gallant style.
Citizens were not interfered with nor their property injured.
Richmond Daily Dispatch
11-12-62
p. 1 col. 1
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