Catlett in Fauquier County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Catlett’s Station
Stuart’s Revenge
August 22, 1862, was a day of surprises in Fauquier County, most of which were provided by Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his 1,500 cavalrymen. Their target was the lightly guarded Union supply depot here at Catlett’s Station, thirteen miles behind Gen. John Pope’s Union army on the Rappahonnock River.
Citizens of nearby Warrenton were pleasantly surprised as Susan Emeline Caldwell described in a letter to her husband the following day:
”Our town was thrown in the greatest state of excitement yesterday afternoon by the presence of Genl. Stuart’s Cavalry,… You can better imagine than I describe the joy that soon pervaded the hearts of man, woman, & child. The streets were thronged with all who could walk – and Secession flags were everywhere displayed… Genl Stuart tho’ had no time to tarry… He had come to accomplish some work and altho' the rain was pouring in torrents he hurried his men on towards Catletts station to get behind Pope’s Army, which charge proved very successful. He captured 200 prisoners, the Pay master with $25,000, and burnt many wagons…” –from ”My Heart Is So Rebellious” The Caldwell Letters 1861-1865. Ed. J. Michael Welton, The Fauquier Bank
To Stuart’s astonishment, his men had also captured Gen. Pope’s personal baggage wagon here which included a dress uniform cloak and fine hat and his dispatch book. The cloak and hat repaid Stuart’s embarrassment for the loss of his plumed hat a few days earlier from a reconnaissance by Pope’s cavalry in Orange County; while the intelligence contained in the dispatch book enabled Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson to develop their strategy which culminated in the Confederate victory at Second Manassas one week later.
Erected by Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 38° 39.166′ N, 77° 38.384′ W. Marker is in Catlett, Virginia, in Fauquier County. Marker is at the intersection of Elk Run Road (County Route 806) and Fernridge Road, on the left when traveling west on Elk Run Road. Located just to the south of the railroad. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Catlett VA 20119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mosby’s Raid at Catlett’s Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Stuart and Mosby (approx. 0.6 miles away); St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (approx. 2.4 miles away); Fauquier County / Prince William County (approx. 2.7 miles away); Stuart's Bivouac (approx. 3.6 miles away); White Hall (approx. 4.3 miles away); German Town (approx. 4.4 miles away); Neavil's Ordinary (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Catlett.
More about this marker. On the right is a photo of "Catlett’s Station, August 1862, with military boxcars and soldiers. O’Sullivan photo."
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Stuart's Revenge detailed in markers.
Additional commentary.
1. Stuart's Lost Hat
Mentioned briefly on the marker is the story of General Stuart's lost hat. After the Battle of Cedar Mountain (August 9, 1862) the Confederate general made a bet with an old friend Federal General Samuel Crawford regarding how the Northern papers would report the battle. Winning the bet, Stuart received a colorful hat from Crawford days later. Shortly afterward, Stuart's headquarters were raided by a party of Federal cavalrymen, and the hat was "captured" by the bluecoated horsemen. "I intend to make the Yankees pay for that hat," said Stuart to a staff officer. After netting General Pope's dress uniform here at Catlett's Station, Stuart proposed a trade - Pope's uniform for Stuart's lost headgear. "General: You have my hat and plume. I have your best coat. I have the honor to propose a cartel for the fair exchange of prisoners." History records the exchange was never made.
— Submitted January 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,140 times since then and 108 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on January 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.