5Mar 08
A Battle Tour
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This past week we, as a family, experienced through reflection a less familiar, but truly colorful battle of the Civil War. The experience took place last Thursday out in the county of Culpeper. First, some work needed to be done on our apple trees at our property but then we pulled out direction to begin a driving/ walking tour of a 
fascinating segment of Civil War History. As we went through the tour we became sober at the understanding of what occurred, inspired by the display of heroism, and encouraged by analogies made to our Christian Walk.
The Union called it The Battle of Brandy Station, the Confederates—The Battle of Fleetwood Hill. It took place June 9th 1863; sandwiched in between the two great battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 
This engagement holds the title of the largest Calvary battle in the history of the Western Hemisphere with combined engagement forces being 17 thousand Calvary and 3 thousand infantry.
The war began with Union General Pleasanton, in the early morning, sending part of his troops through a ford on the Rappahannock River. The Southern commander of this battle, Major General J.E.B. Stuart, had thought the river impassable and therefore was surprised 
upon hearing that the Union soldiers had crossed. This complacency of Stuart helped Pleasanton more then once. Not only was he coming at Stuart from the front but he also was able to secretly maneuver his troops and take the small town of Brandy Station a mile 
or two behind Stuarts main headquarters. Never before had Stuart’s Calvary been in such a desperate position. His forces were being attack in front, though defending themselves, and now he was soon to be attacked from behind. It was the moment which demanded the right action. If not handled correctly the Virginian Calvary would be defeated, future plans frustrated, and many of the fruits gained through the sweat and blood of thousands of confederates would 
be lost.
Though surprised twice, Stuart didn’t lose his bearings but instead quickly commanded his Calvary to race to the top of Fleetwood hill, the highest point in the area. If not reached in time the Union would take it and tighten the vice around his forces. Unknown to Stuart the Union Calvary received the same command to take Fleetwood Hill. It was now a race. Both 
were coming from opposite sides, without each other knowing. Whoever reached the summit first would very well be the victor of the whole battle.
The Union Calvary, a couple thousand strong galloped towards the hill with sabers glistening off the sun and faces set like flint. So far the battle had for the most part been in their favor—would it continue so? The hill came into view—completely undefended? …No, one 6 pound Howitzer sat on the hill. A confederate staff officer also stood near. He saw the enemy and then glanced at his comrades coming from the other side. Who would reach him first? Quickly he 
loaded the cannon and fired at the enemy. Slight confusion came, but not enough to stall them.
Up went the Union Calvary now only yards from the cannon and staff officer. The race was almost over. At that moment, the front ranks of the Confederate Calvary crested giving them the upper hand. This climax was followed by an incredible and severe engagement. Finally the Union Calvary received orders to retire and the Confederates watched as opponents left the field of battle.
It was awesome to be at the places where this battle actually took place, picture what had occured, and to ponder upon how we a Christians must be handling our Spiritual Battles. There are three things to take from this Civil War Battle, First we must not be complacent, but insteadattentive. Second, let the Lord direct and be ready to do what others say is impossible. And third, never give up even when surrounded by the enemy.
It was an encouraging day for the whole Wilkes Team and I now conclude with an OORAAAH for the South 
.
The only time you lose is when you quit
The afternoon was thorougly enjoyed. Your diligence in studying and preparing our trip was well laid out. I know everyone enjoyed walking the fields, hearing your narrations, and imagining what it would of been like. It was a wonderful experience to be walking across the fields where couragous men had stood valiantly. The analogies shared along the way provided key principles to apply to our present day! Thank you Matthew!
Hey, I enjoyed your post. I haven’t studied much about the Civil War so I enjoy reading short overviews of events which transpired during that time in history. I am glad it was an encouraging day for the family but I don’t think you had to write that last sentence
Looks like fun!
What an exciting battle! Very well written, Matthew. I’ve always loved touring Civil War battlefields. There is so much fascinating history in Virginia! We have quite a heritage.
So true…God bless the Wilkes and the South
=)
Matthew this was a great memorable trip for all of us. I was able to learn more on the civil war than I used to!
What an insightful day that was! Thank you Matthew for taking the time to set up that tour. I really enjoyed being able to phyisically see where things took place.
It really drove the point home in how much we as a country went through. I pray that we never have to go through such a thing again.
By the way, I like the tour guides hat.
[...] of why Stuart undertook this untimely expedition can be answered in part by understanding the Battle of Brandy Station, the first battle of the Gettysburg campaign, which transpired on June 9, 1863. During a recent [...]