littleforkranger
01-04-2009, 01:07 PM
After hearing criticisms of Colonel Markijohn, commanding the Federal Cavalry at the June 2008 fighting along the Rappahannock River at Brandy Station I find they have no merit.
Having been involved with the Colonel before, during, and after the event, I can attest to this. No one worker harder than Colonel Markijohn to ensure that mounts and troopers under his command were taken care of. Having to operate in an oven proved insurmountable, forcing decisions that were difficult and disappointing. For example, the Federals were scheduled to ride in 23 miles, complete with horse drawn artillery and ammunition train. This decision was changed in the midst of 100?? degrees and wisely amended to a shorter version, about 11 miles. This route proved unpassable at several areas due to fallen trees from a tremendous tornado 19 hours prior. At several points along the march a path had to be hacked out of the wilderness to allow passage of the gun. I cannot imagine the horrors of this march, I was with the Confederates on a shorter version of our scheduled ride. Throughout the day the temperature rose to 107. The heat index was 115. I was at the Federal Camp when they returned and I can tell you you've never seen a more authentic, worn out detachment of Yankees ride by. These men and horses were wore to a frazzle. Yet they rose the next day, man and beast, and fought the attacking Rebels to a standstill. It was with intense pride and relief, that at 2200 hours I watched the last of these splendid fellows march into their camps. We huzzahed them like heroes.
As I stated previously, I was present when many of these hard problems/decisions were being considered and Colonel Markijohn demonstrated coolness, deliberation, and good sense throughout. His concern for his men and horses was apparent and considered carefully throughout this process. He was also blessed with a great staff of hard workers. Did he push folks, challenge them, ask much of, YES. But this very mettle is necessary to lead troops, too long the faint of heart have feebly portrayed officers in this man's army. About midnight after the ride-in, and when man and horse (except the pickets) were all sleeping like the dead, a lone man walked into my camp and up to the fire. It was Colonel Markijohn coming from the picket lines where he had been checking all the horses.
You make the call......
Having been involved with the Colonel before, during, and after the event, I can attest to this. No one worker harder than Colonel Markijohn to ensure that mounts and troopers under his command were taken care of. Having to operate in an oven proved insurmountable, forcing decisions that were difficult and disappointing. For example, the Federals were scheduled to ride in 23 miles, complete with horse drawn artillery and ammunition train. This decision was changed in the midst of 100?? degrees and wisely amended to a shorter version, about 11 miles. This route proved unpassable at several areas due to fallen trees from a tremendous tornado 19 hours prior. At several points along the march a path had to be hacked out of the wilderness to allow passage of the gun. I cannot imagine the horrors of this march, I was with the Confederates on a shorter version of our scheduled ride. Throughout the day the temperature rose to 107. The heat index was 115. I was at the Federal Camp when they returned and I can tell you you've never seen a more authentic, worn out detachment of Yankees ride by. These men and horses were wore to a frazzle. Yet they rose the next day, man and beast, and fought the attacking Rebels to a standstill. It was with intense pride and relief, that at 2200 hours I watched the last of these splendid fellows march into their camps. We huzzahed them like heroes.
As I stated previously, I was present when many of these hard problems/decisions were being considered and Colonel Markijohn demonstrated coolness, deliberation, and good sense throughout. His concern for his men and horses was apparent and considered carefully throughout this process. He was also blessed with a great staff of hard workers. Did he push folks, challenge them, ask much of, YES. But this very mettle is necessary to lead troops, too long the faint of heart have feebly portrayed officers in this man's army. About midnight after the ride-in, and when man and horse (except the pickets) were all sleeping like the dead, a lone man walked into my camp and up to the fire. It was Colonel Markijohn coming from the picket lines where he had been checking all the horses.
You make the call......