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[from: The Memoirs of Rhode Island officers who were engaged in the service of their country during the great rebellion of the South. By J. R. Bartlett, Providence, 1867]
BRIGADER-GENERAL Alfred N. Duffié was born in Paris. France, on the 1st of May, 1835. At the early age of fifteen years, after more than usual hard study, his taste for a military profession led him to request permission of his parents, who were persons of wealth, to make a study of military science, and thus prepare himself for the service. Having obtained their consent, he was, in the year 1850, sent to the military school at Saint Cyr, where he was graduated in 1853, in the sixth dragoons; in which, two years after he enlisted, he was successively promoted to corporal, marechal des logis, and marechal des logis chef. On the 30th of August, 1857, he was appointed and commissioned sub-lieutenant in the third hussars, and soon after a lieutenant.
On the 21st of April, 1854, his regiment, which was under the command of Colonel de Plat, was ordered to the Crimea, to which field of operations it proceeded without delay. Without entering into particulars, it is sufficient to state, that this regiment was engaged in the severe battles of Alma, Balaklawa, Inkerman, Chema'ia and Koungit, in which young Duffié received three wounds. For his bravery shown in the last named battle, our young officer received from the Sultan, the title and cross of the Chevalier of the Medjidie, and not long after, the English medal. In addition, his name was sent to the War Department at Paris, for the French medal. At the close of the war, in 1856, Mr. Duffié returned to France, when he received his commission as lieutenant in the third hussars.
In 1859, Lieutenant Duffié was sent to Austria, to participate in the struggle then going on between France and Austria; and was engaged in the sanguinary Battles of Palestro, Magenta and Solferino, in which he was twice wounded.
Towards the close of the year 1860, Lieutenant Duffié left France for the United States, previous to the breaking out of the rebellion. On arriving at New York, to his surprise, he found the people in a great state of excitement; but not understanding a word of English, he did not readily comprehend the cause of the commotion. Anxious to learn what was going on, he walked down Broadway, where he fell in with a young Frenchman, who was a fellow passenger with him in the Europa. Upon questioning his friend as to the cause of the excitement, he was informed that "some troubles were brewing between the northern and southern states." Returning to his boarding house, in Bleeker street, he pondered over the news he had heard, which greatly interested him, and induced him to make further inquiries into the matter.
The following morning, he waited upon Mr. de Montholon, the French consul, in order to learn from him some further particulars of the American troubles, and, at the same time, made known to him his earnest desire to enter into the service of the United States. In reply, Mr. de Montholon said that he had just received a proclamation from the French Emperor, prohibiting any French officers from taking service in the United States army. Finally, after a long talk with the consul, "whose remarks," he observed to the writer, "puzzled him much, "Mr. Duffié returned to his boarding house, with his mind deeply absorbed in the stirring news he had heard. He thought of La Fayette, and the sacrifices he had made in our revolutionary contest. With such an example before him, he believed he would not be blamed for entering the service of the United States; and was willing to risk the consequences of incurring the displeasure of the Emperor of France in not obeying his proclamation.
"While meditating on these matters," writes General Duffié to a friend, "I was aroused by the martial music of a band, then passing my door. I hastened out to see and hear it, when I saw a splendid regiment marching along, bearing the flag of the United States. I was deeply touched by this patriotic demonstration, and at once made up my mind to risk my life and fortunes under the same beautiful flag, and to fight the south, who had, in so cowardly and treacherous a manner, abandoned the flag which I loved as my own. I determined then to enlist in the army of the United States, and, if necessary, sacrifice my blood and my life for the glorious cause of the Union.
"With these feelings, and, after deep and earnest reflection, I embarked in the contest. God has inspired me, and I thank him."
But serious difficulties now surrounded our patriotic young officer. He was unable to speak the English language, and, having no friend to aid him, determined to rely upon his own firm will and perseverance to accomplish the task of acquiring it. He resolved to commit to memory one hundred words each day, by doing which, he was enabled, at the end of a month, to make himself understood. With this brief study, he was ready to enter upon his military career in the United States.
In June, 1861, Mr. Duffié received a commission as captain in the Harris light cavalry, or second regiment of New York cavalry, under Colonel Davies, and was sent to Scarsdale, Westchester county, near the city of New York, to organize the regiment, which duty he accomplished. Soon after this, he was ordered to Washington, and placed in General Baker's command. He accompanied the lamented Baker to Poolesville, with his squadron, and was with it in the terrible slaughter at Ball's Bluff, on the 21st of October, 1861. From thence he was recalled and joined his regiment on Arlington Heights, on which occasion he was promoted to the grade of major in the same regiment, which then formed a part of Major-General McDowell's command. While so connected, Major Duffié was in many skirmishes, and when General McDowell moved towards Fredericksburg, had a more serious engagement with the enemy. Some time later, when McDowell's division had arrived at Falmouth, Major Duffié was ordered to cross the Rappahannock and capture a detachment of the enemy. In his reconnaissance he found the enemy moving upon General McDowell's position, when he determined to make an effort to stop them. The result of this gallant affair is thus alluded to in the despatch of General McDowell to the Secretary of War: "The enemy advanced upon my position by way of the Bowling Green road, but retreated after having been engaged by the gallant Major Duffié, of the Harris light cavalry, who captured their rear guard."
After this affair, the Major was ordered to the command of General McDowell's body guard, and accompanied that officer to Front Royal and Strasburg.
On the 1st of July, 1862, in consequence of the high recommendations he had received, of the efficiency and military acquirements of Major Duffié, Governor Sprague appointed and commissioned him colonel of the first regiment of Rhode Island cavalry. Colonel Duffié, on assuming command of this regiment, which, from various causes, had become much disorganized, immediately began a thorough course of drilling, thereby adding greatly to its efficiency. In August, it moved to Rappahannock village, thence to Raccoon ford, and thence to Cedar Mountain, when the rebels were encountered, and a sharp fight ensued, in which seven men were killed. The conduct of the regiment on this occasion was complimented by General Banks. On the 22d of August, at the same place, it was in line of battle all day. At Groveton, on the 29th, and at Bull Run, on the 31st of August, it was again under fire. At Chantilly, September 1st, it drew the fire of the enemy, and, becoming engaged in the fight, suffered some casualties. On a scout between Leesburg and Aldie, in October, Captain Gove and several privates were killed; and in an affair at Beverly ford, a few others. On the 19th of December, the regiment received a beautiful flag from the ladies of Providence, through Governor Sprague. In the severe battle at Kelley's ford, on the 15th of March, 1863, great gallantry was dis- played by Colonel Duffié's regiment, which charged across the river, repulsed the enemy, and took twenty-four prisoners. It lost, in this action, twenty-one killed, eight wounded, and eighteen missing.
On the 17th of June, Colonel Duffié made a reconnaissance in force to Middleburg, where he encountered a vastly superior rebel force, when a severe fight took place. On the following day, he was attacked and in danger of being surrounded, but bravely cut his way through, and escaped by Hopeville Gap. The particulars of this reconnaissance, are related in the following official report to General Halleck :
" Head-Quarters First Rhode Island cavalry,
Near Centreville, June 18th, 1863.
''Sir: — I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 17th instant, I received from the head-quarters of the second brigade, second cavalry division, the following order:
"'Colonel A. N. Duffié, First Rhode Island cavalry :
'"You will proceed with your regiment from Manassas Junction, by way of Thoroughfare Gap, to Middlburg. There you will camp for the night, and communicate with the head-quarters of the second cavalry brigade. From Middleburg you will proceed to Union, thence to Snickersville; from Snickersville to Percyville. thence to Wheatland, and passing through Waterford to Nolan's Ferry, where you will join your brigade.'
"In accordance with this order, I left camp on the morning of the 17th instant, with my regiment, two hundred and eighty strong, and proceeded to Thoroughfare Gap. At this place, the enemy was met in force, and being much stronger than my command, I was obliged, in order to pass my regiment on to the Middleburg road unseen, to make a demonstration on my left flank. This manoeuvre was successful; the enemy retired, and I was enabled to gain the Middleburg road. Nevertheless, they followed in my rear, but at a considerable distance, causing me no uneasiness. It was then nine and one-half o'clock, A. M. At eleven o'clock, their skirmishers disappeared, and I proceeded unmolested until four o'clock, p. m., when, approaching Middleburg, my skirmishers again met and engaged the enemy, capturing his first picket in the road. I ordered Captain Allen, commanding the advanced squadron, to charge through the town. By this movement, the rear guard of General Stewart [sic] was cut off, and then a brisk cavalry fight ensued, between his rear and my advance guard. This engagement lasted half an hour, when the enemy was completely routed, and forced to retreat in the greatest disorder and confusion, scattering in every direction.
"Learning that Stewart [sic], with two thousand cavalry and four pieces of artillery, had left town but half an hour before my arrival, and proceeded towards Aldie, I ordered that the different roads leading into the town be barricaded and strongly picketed, and instructed the officers commanding the outposts, to hold the place at all hazards, hoping that after effecting communication with the brigade, which I supposed to be at Aldie, I should receive reen-forcements. Captain Allen was selected to carry a dispatch to General Kilpatrick, and directed to avoid as much as possible all main roads.
"The town was held by my command, from four and one-half, to seven o'clock, p. M., during which time the skirmishers had been constantly engaged. At seven, I learned that the enemy was approaching in force from Union, Aldie and Upperville, and determined to hold the place if possible. I dismounted one-half of the regiment, placing them behind stone walls and barricades. The enemy surrounded the town, and stormed the barricades, but were gallantly repulsed by my men, with great slaughter.
"They did not desist, but confident of success, again advanced to the attack, and made three successive charges. I was compelled to retire on the road by which I came, that being the only one open to retreat; and, with all that was left of my command, I crossed Little river, northeast of Middleburg, and bivouacked for the night, establishing strong pickets on the river.
"At ten, P. M., having heard nothing from the despatch sent to General Kilpatrick, at Aldie, I sent twenty men, under an officer, to carry a second despatch. I have since learned that Captain Allen succeeded in making his way through the enemy's lines to Aldie; the party bearing the second despatch was probably captured.
"At three and one-half o'clock the next morning, the 18th instant, I was informed by scouts whom I had previously sent out, that the roads in every direction were full of the enemy's cavalry, and that the road to Aldie was held by a brigade with four pieces of artillery. Under these circumstances, I abandoned the project of going to Union, but made up my mind not to surrender in any event. I directed the head of my column on the road to Aldie, when an engagement commenced at once, the enemy opening on both flanks with heavy volleys, yelling to us to surrender. I at once directed Captain Bixby, the officer commanding the advance guard, to charge any force in his front, and follow the Aldie road to that point where it connects with the road to White Plains. This order was executed most admirably. Captain Bixby's horse was shot, and he himself wounded.
"We were then in an extremely hazardous position, the enemy being in front, rear, and on both flanks, and were intermixed with us for more than an hour, till we reached the road leading to Hopeville Gap. I must freely praise the gallant conduct of the brave officers and men who were fighting side by side with overwhelming numbers of the enemy, with the most determined valor, preferring rather to die than to surrender.
"I returned here, exhausted, at one and one-half, p. m., to-day, with gallant men of my much-loved regiment — four officers and twenty-seven men. My colors did not fall into the hands of the enemy, but were destroyed when they could not be saved, the color-bearer having been captured.
"I can praise no one more than another; but I desire to call your attention to the gallant conduct of all the officers and men of the First Rhode Island cavalry.
" I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
'"A. N. Duffié,
''Colonel Commanding Regiment."
Major-General Halleck, Washington.
In conclusion, it may be stated, that the first Rhode Island cavalry, under Colonel Duffié, opened most of the battles under General Pope, and was placed in the post of honor, — that is to say, in the rear of the retreating army, — up to the time it reached Alexandria, to cover the retreat. It was subsequently under Generals Burnside, Hooker and Meade. On the 23d of June, 1863, Colonel Duffié was appointed brigadier-general, and ordered by the War Department to report to Brigadier-General Kelley, then commanding the department of West Virginia. On the 7th of September following, he was ordered to proceed to Charleston, Kanawha valley. West Virginia, for the purpose of organizing a cavalry force of three thousand men for the second Virginia cavalry, the third Virginia cavalry, and the thirty-fourth regiment of Ohio mounted infantry. After two months of hard labor in personally superintending the drill, discipline and administration of the three regiments referred to. General Duffié succeeded in making one of the best cavalry commands in the service.
In November, with a force of two thousand cavalry and one thousand infantry, he was ordered to proceed to Lewisburg, a stronghold of the enemy, to capture the place and the force stationed there, distant about one hundred and twenty miles from his base of supplies. General Duffié succeeded in capturing the place, after having badly whipped Ewell, the general commanding the confederate forces at Lewisburg, by destroying nearly all his force, capturing his artillery, camp, wagons, etc. The enemy was pursued as far as Union, when the further pursuit was abandoned, and the General returned, with his command, to Charleston, West Virginia, having lost about twenty men killed or captured.
In December, General Duffié was ordered to proceed again, with his cavalry to Lewisburg, where the enemy had returned, with a view to dislodge him. This was accomplished with but little trouble. From here, General Duffié joined Brigadier-General Merill in his raid to Salem. This raid has been pronounced one of the most splendid affairs of the war. Many men perished in consequence of the intense cold. Their wagon-train was destroyed, as well as the carriages of the artillery, for with them, it was found to be impossible to cross the mountains, which were covered with snow and ice. The artillery, however, was all secured, and on the 25th of December, they returned to Charleston.
In April, 1864, at which time the spring campaign opened. General Duffié was ordered to report to Brigadier-General Averill, and took part with this accomplished officer, in the battles of Saltzville and Wyethville, from whom he received the highest praise for his gallantry in these engagements.
In May, General Duffié was ordered to report to Major-General Hunter, and soon after, during the same month, was ordered to turn his cavalry command over to Brigadier-General Merill, and to assume command of the first cavalry division of West Virginia, composed of the first New York veteran cavalry, the first New York Lincoln cavalry, the fifteenth and the twenty-first New York cavalry, the twentieth and the twelfth Pennsylvania cavalry. General Duffié assumed command of this cavalry division at Stanton, Virginia, and accompanied Major-General Hunter in his raid to Lynchburg; in which raid General Duffié's command took the most prominent part. He captured two large wagon-trains, in which were the effects of the Stanton bank, and the records of the city, which were destroyed. He also captured a large number of officers, and had a fight with the enemy at Hillsboro, Virginia; captured a thousand magnificent horses, destroyed property, millions in value, belonging to the confederate government, and whipped Jenkins's cavalry division, some eighteen miles from Lynchburg. In the latter fight, General Duffié took one hundred prisoners, including many officers, destroyed more wagons, and tore up and destroyed the railroad between Charlottsville and Lynchburg.
From thence the General was ordered to join Major-General Hunter, at Lexington, Virginia, some fifty miles from Lynchburg, and from thence to follow the main body of General Hunter to Lynchburg. Arriving in front of the latter place. General Duffié was ordered to take command of the left wing of the army, and to open the fight at once. The attack was unsuccessful, for want of assistance from the officer who had left him when the main body of the army retreated, and he was thus abandoned without being aware of his situation. He determined, however, not to give it up until orders came to abandon his position. At 9 o'clock at night. General Duffié sent Captain Ricker, one of his staff officers, to General Hunter, to apprise him of his position. Captain Ricker succeeded in reaching General Hunter, who at once ordered General Duffié to retreat, at the same time informing him that one of his staff had been sent him to apprise him of his (General Hunter's) retreat. The officer carrying the order was doubtless captured on his way.
Under cover of the night. General Duffié succeeded in making a retreat, and in joining General Hunter at Liberty, Virginia, some seventeen miles from Lynchburg. In this march, General Duffié was for ten or twelve days covering the retreat, which was under his charge, accompanied by a large wagon-train; all of which was brought off in safety to Charleston, West Virginia.
From Charleston, General Duffié was ordered to proceed to Maryland, and attack General Early. He succeeded in overtaking him, or his rear, between Leesburg and Snickersville, capturing three hundred wagons loaded with his plunder, and two hundred men. Two hundred wagons were destroyed, and one hundred brought in safety to Harper's Ferry. Two hundred mules were also captured. From there the General had fights at Snickersville, and at other gaps, in which he lost many of his men. From thence he proceeded to Winchester, Virginia, under command of General Crook. Had a fight with the enemy near Middletown. Virginia, covered the retreat of General Crook from the valley, and saved a battery of artillery which had been abandoned by General Merill's captain of artillery. These guns were, with the help of a rope, dragged to Martinsburg; all of which was accomplished while covering the retreat of the army.
At Martinsburg, General Duffié's cavalry made a charge, led by himself, against the enemy, which charge had the effect of arresting the progress of the enemy for a few hours, who was ready and awaiting the moment to enter the town, and capture the railroad stock there.
General Duffié now followed Major-General Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley, covering his retreat from it as far as Halltown, Virginia, in which retreat General Duffié's command suf-fered greatly. He afterwards followed General Sheridan, with his division of cavalry, and took part with that gallant officer in all his battles up to the 19th of October, 1864.
The cavalry of the valley being, at that time, in a state of inefficiency, General Duffié was called upon by General Sheridan, who remarked to him that he had been informed that he (General Duffié) was an excellent officer for organizing cavalry, and wished him to proceed at once to organize such a body. In the furtherance of General Sheridan's wishes, General Duffié proceeded without delay to Cumberland, where he organized a division of cavalry in a very short time. From there he was ordered to proceed to Hagerstown, Maryland, to organize another large force of cavalry. On the 21st of October, being desirous to see Major-General Sheridan in regard to the organization intrusted to him. General Duffié set out for the head-quarters of General Sheridan, near Fisher's Hill, escorted by a squadron of the first New York (Lincoln) cavalry. On his return, four days after, from General Sheridan's to his own head-quarters, General Duffié stopped at Winchester, to get an escort, which having obtained, he again moved forward; when the officer in command at that place requested the General to take with his escort some ambulances, in which were several officers who were wounded on the 19th of October, which request he complied with.
Finding that, to accompany the ambulances, he would be much retarded in his journey, and being desirous to reach his head-quarters as soon as possible. General Duffié ordered Captain Stevens, his provost-marshal, who was with him, to see the officer of his escort, and obtain from him ten well-mounted men to follow him, leaving the remainder of his escort with the ambulances.
When about five miles from Winchester, General Duffié was surprised by a party of three hundred of Moseby's men, who were waiting for a large wagon-train which was on its way to the army, and made a prisoner. He was captured in a private wagon, and not in an ambulance, as reported. His driver and two horses were killed, and his provost marshal severely wounded.
His captors hurried the General off to Richmond, where he arrived on the 1st or 2d of November; and where he was grossly insulted by the people, for the reason, they said, that he was one of Sheridan's cavalry leaders. Here he was thrown into Libby prison, and, without any reason known to him, was confined in a cell, again to be outraged and insulted; not only by the notorious Dick Turner, but by many other officers of high rank in the service of the confederate states. From Richmond, without any regard to his rank, he was thrust into a rude and filthy box car, with the private soldiers, and taken to Danville. Here he again found himself in the hands of a most vindictive people, and was made to suffer the privations and indignities of other prisoners. Language, he says, cannot express the privations that he, with other prisoners, was compelled to suffer. Finally, he could stand it no longer, and a combination was formed among the officers to make their escape, and General Duffié appointed their leader. The plan was to make a break and overpower the guard. The attempt was made, but unfortunately failed. The guard fired upon them through the windows and the floor, and killed many.
On the 22d of February, General Duffié was paroled, and ordered to proceed to Cincinnati, there to wait an exchange. On the 20th of March, he was declared exchanged. On the 1st of April, he was ordered by the Secretary of War, to report to Major-General Pope, in the military department of Missouri. Arriving there, he was next ordered to proceed to Fort Gibson, to organize a force of six thousand cavalry, under Major-General Blunt, for an expedition to Texas. On the 25th of May, while on his way with the expedition to Texas, General Kirby Smith surrendered his forces to the Federal army, when the cavalry were ordered back. On the 3d of June, they proceeded to Lawrence, Kansas, where they were mustered out of the service, on the 5th of June. General Duffié was now relieved from further duty in the west, and directed to proceed to the city of New York, there to report to the adjutant-general of the army in Washington, for orders. On the 24th of August, 1865, by a general order from the War Department, General Duffié, together with eighty-six other major-generals and brigadier-generals of the United States volunteers, were honorably mustered out of the service of the United States, their services being no longer needed.
Thus closes the military record of one of the bravest and most gallant officers of the war. Born and educated for a soldier, he distinguished himself in the desperate battles of the Crimea, and in the equally hard-fought and decisive battles of Italy, which resulted in the establishment of that kingdom. During the war of the late rebellion, no officer has seen more hard service than General Duffié, or who has rendered more important service to the country.
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