Federal Reconnaissance on Ashton Creek

Federal Reconnaissance on Ashton Creek. . In May of 1864, the Federal 18th Corps occupied the position along the bluff behind you. In late May of 1864, the southern end of the Confederate Howlett Line was under construction approximately 1.5 miles to your front (west). That section of the Howlett Line was lightly manned because it was believed that the marshy ground here at the mouth of Ashton Creek would be unsuitable or large scale enemy movement towards the south or west., On May 26th, 1864, Federal forces conducted a reconnaissance to see if such a move was possible. Brig. Gen. John H. Martindale sent one force over Ashton Creek on a narrow causeway here and then turned north toward Ruffin Mill., After gaining the high ground on the opposite bank, Martindale deployed skirmishers and advanced about 1,200 yards before coming into contact with Confederates in the vicinity of the mill. While Martindale was positioning his force for an assault, a second force led by Col. Arthur H. Dutton left the Federal lines north of here (to your right) and moved south along Ashton Creek toward the mill. Col. Dutton advanced his brigade about two miles until it became engaged in the vicinity of the mill. While leading the skirmish line, Col. Dutton was hit by a bullet that shattered his lower jaw., Fearing a Confederate attack, both forces were recalled and fell back to the Federal line., After his wounding, Col. Dutton was taken to the hospital in Hampton. He wished to be sent to Baltimore and was allowed to go despite the better judgement of the Chief Surgeon. While on board ship his wound began to hemorrhage and died on June 5. Dutton had been promoted to brigadier general on May 16, but died of his wounds before news of that promotion reached him., On July 15, 1864, a general order was issued naming Federal forts in Bermuda Hundred in honor of those who had died during the campaign. The redoubt that stood in front of the Federal line near the intersection of present day Ramblewood Road and Rebel Ridge Drive was named Ft. Dutton in honor of Col. Arthur H. Dutton.