EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE A

EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE A. SHOCKEY,

Of Company G, at the Battle Of Gordonsville, Va.

December 23, 1864

Sg.t David Royer

Lieutenant H.C. Bonbrake,

My dear Comrade; It is with some reluctance that I re-

pond to your request for my experience at the Battle of

Gordansville, Va. December 23, 1864. I really dislike to

say anything about my military record. The diary which

I kept is written in lead pencil. I find much of it faded or

rubbed out. Although the battle of Gordansville was fought

forty-four years ago, I have a very distinct recollection of

some things that occurred at that time; and not only of that

particular battle, but of other incidents on the Gordonsville expedition.

We left camp near Winchester and moved direct to Stras-

burg, W. Va., across the mountain into eastern Virginia,

arriving at Madison Court House on December 21, 1864,

and crossing the Rapidan River early in the evening. We

bivouacked for the night about nine miles from Madison

Court House. The weather was very inclement. There was

a heavy snow blizzard and it was very cold. We passed a

cheerless night near the Rapidan River. The following

morning, December 23^rd, dawned clear, but intensely cold,

with high winds. The command moved early in the morn-

ing in the direction of Gordonsville. When we approached

the Southwest Mountains we saw the smoke of the enemy's

camp fires above the tree tops. A short time after we heard

skirmishing and we were hurried to the front. We discover-

ed the enemy near the edge of a heavy timbered woods. It

was evident that we were to assault them in a notch of the

mountain on the left of the public road. After we had

formed in line of battle and had advanced a short distance,

we were confronted by a rail fence and were halted a short

time to get down at least portions of it so we could get across.

We again advanced, and, when we had reached on open

field, we made a headlong dash in an attempt to dislodge

the enemy. They evidently expected us and were prepared,

for they opened on us with a rattling fire of musketry.

Fourteen horses went down in the charge in our company

alone, and a number of men were wounded and missing.

We could go no further; there was no hope of success as

the repulse was complete. My horse was one of those that

went down, and as he fell on his side, he gave me a hard

fall on the frozen ground. He regained his feet, whilst I

held on to the rein and my carbine. But an attempt to re-

mount there and then, meant to be shot down instantly. My

horse, too, became unmanageable, and I had to let go the

bridle rein; so he scampered off and I never saw him again.

The only thing I could do to avoid the shot of the Rebels

was to lie flat on the ground and crawl to a depression a

short distance away. In this place I was joined by William

Cooper and Sergeant David Royer of my company, the

latter badly wounded. Conditions were such that I could

not examine his wounds carefully. I could not tell where

the ball struck him, but he was bleeding freely, his clothing

being saturated with blood; and he soon became weak.

We were in short range of the enemy, who were hidden by

a barricade. We could hear their voices in ordinary conver-

sation, and the report of a rifle and the whiz of the bullets

were simultaneous.

I expressed a determination to take the risk of exposure

and run to the rear in hopes of reaching our line. The dying

man by my side pleaded earnestly for me not to desert him

in his distress. I explained to him that in any event we would

be separated. About this time our line had reformed and

was again advancing dismounted. We were now between

the two fires which were extremely hot, making the risk too

great to come out of our depression and join our forces at

that time. Our line was again repulsed and fell back. The

firing now weakened on both sides. This I regarded as my

last opportunity to regain our lines. I took Comrade Royer

by the hand and bade him good-by forever, sprang to my feet

and ran with all my might, for my life. A volley was fired

after me as I made my way over the hill. I had to cross a

brook partly covered with ice. I then had to crawl again on

the ground, and in climbing over a fence, was again exposed

to the fire of the enemy. I continued to hug the ground un-

til I was out of range, and soon again mingled with the

boys who rejoiced on account of my miraculous escape and

safe return.

Soon after my return another man was seen running

toward our line and making excellent time. It proved to be

William Cooper who had watched me and concluded to try

the same trick; and he, too succeeded. That we both reach-

ed our lines in safety has always been regarded by us as

providential. Almost immediately after our escape, the

Confederate line advanced. Our regiment was driven back,

and all the men who had remained on the hillside were taken

prisoners. It was later discovered that Sergeant David

Royer was shot in the groin, and taken to a confederate

hospital near Gordonsville where he died the following day.

After the war his remains were brought home and buried

near Waynesboro, Pa.

Letter is from History of 17th Regiment Pa. Vol. Cavalry Submitted by Barbara Abraham- Thank You again Barb.

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