^Lot 100F BEEFSTEAK RAID PEWTER SCULPTURE : # 256 / 650

BEEF STEAK RAID
#256 OF 650
REG DATE JAN 28 1997
SULPTED BY FRANCIS BARNUM
PEWTER CAST / CHERRY BASE
APPROX 10" L X 8"H
APPROX 5 LBS
THE STORY BEHIND THE SCULPTUR :
The September 1864 "Beefsteak Raid" was a daring Civil War operation where Confederate Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton rode 100 miles behind Union lines, seizing over 2,400 head of cattle destined for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's army. This morale-boosting raid provided critical meat to Confederate troops during the Siege of Petersburg.
Key Details of the Raid
The Plan: After receiving intelligence from scout Sgt. George D. Shadburne, Hampton discovered 3,000 head of cattle lightly guarded at Coggins Point on the James River.
The Force: Hampton led approximately 3,000 Confederate cavalrymen, including Gen. Thomas Rosser and Gen. James Dearing, starting on Sept. 14, 1864.
The Attack (Sept. 16, 1864): Confederate forces launched a three-pronged attack at 5 a.m., quickly overcoming the 120+ guards at the Sycamore Church outpost.
The Result: Nearly 2,500 cattle and over 300 prisoners were successfully driven back to Confederate lines by Sept. 17.
Significance: The raid provided desperately needed food to the Confederate army. President Lincoln reportedly called it the "slickest piece of cattle stealing" he had ever heard of.
www.wadehamptoncamp.org
www.wadehamptoncamp.org
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Due to the lack of cold storage and feed, the captured cattle were slaughtered quickly, providing meat to the troops for about 15 days. Union operations continued, but the event caused significant embarrassment, highlighting a weakness in their rear-area security.