Attack on the Wagon Train

I have recently obtained some copies of the court of inquiry for the capture of the quartermaster train for Col. Edward O'Neal's Brigade during the retreat from Gettysburg. This material is contained in the compiled serve record for the brigade quartermaster. There are some interesting details, especially regarding the loss of much of the brigade's payroll during the attack. So, not only did O'Neal's men get torn to shreds right before Iverson's attack, but they did not even get paid on time.

Major James C. Bryan, who served as the brigade quartermaster, reported that the enemy seized 10 of his wagons and two ambulances along the road that night. The toll included his headquarters wagon and a large part of the money for the brigade's payroll. Only some quick action on Bryan's part prevented a much worse outcome. The quartermaster noted that the Federal horsemen "in all probability would have captured the whole of my train" had he not succeeded in rallying a lieutenant and 16 men, who "made a charge upon the enemy driving them back."