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[758] All the Federal infantry, being assembled in the neighborhood of Culpeper on the morning of the 11th, easily reached the Rappahannock during the day without encountering the enemy, who, believing them still near the Rapidan, was completing his movement on the north-west of Culpeper. But it was not so with the Union cavalry, which was compelled to bear the burden of conflict in covering the retreat. Gregg's division, called from Bealeton Station on the morning of the 10th, had arrived at four o'clock at Culpeper. Pleasonton had, then, his three divisions to accomplish that hard task, but that of Buford was on the Rapidan in a very hazardous position. Whilst Meade, following the main body of his army, leaves Culpeper about noon, Pleasonton concentrates in that village Kilpatrick's division to prevent Stuart outstripping Buford on the Rappahannock, and sends Gregg to Rixeyville, on Hazel River, to cover on the north the flank of the army. At daybreak Stuart, finding no one before him at James City, has ordered Hampton's division to march forward through Bethel Church to Griffinsburg. At this latter place he encounters Custer's cavalry, which is falling back on Culpeper. For his part, Fitzhugh Lee from the break of day follows Buford closely, who, at last apprised of Meade's movement, has taken the road to Stevensburg in order to join him. This route will lead him to Brandy Station on the east of Culpeper. Hampton, however, comes in sight of this village, which on his approach is evacuated by Kilpatrick. A little farther on the Federals pretend to stop on the left bank of Mountain Run. Two squadrons of the Second New York, crossing the brook again, rush on Gordon's Southern brigade to retard its march; Captain Griggs is killed at their head. But the sound of the guns of Fitzhugh Lee, who is approaching behind them, warns the Federals that the enemy is going to outstrip them in reaching Brandy Station. Stuart, for his part, will not allow them to entirely escape from him. As soon as he perceives them marching forward he finds out their design and endeavors to detain them. Hampton's division, taking the full trot, follows on the north of the railway a route parallel to the road on which Kilpatrick's
Philadelphia, Jos. H. Coates and co., 1883.
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