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^fa^^^^^^^^

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA

FROM l86l TO l86^

AVITH AN INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER ON THE STATUS OF VIRGINIA
FOR THIRTY YEARS PRIOR TO THE WAR

THEODORE F. LANG

MAJOR 6TH W. VA. CAVALRY AND BREVET COLONEL

*Childofthe storm"

**BorH amid tfu throes of war**

BALTIMORE, MD.

THE DEUTSCH PUBLISHING CO.

1895

DBUTSCH

UTHOGRAPHINO A PRINTING Ca

BALTIMORE, MD.

PREFACE.

The best testimony to an act is the testimony of one who saw the
act done. Modern criticism, not content with mere tradition, demands
a record of facts.

The last chapters of the great Civil War are now being recorded.
Those who participated in the struggle, those who saw it, are fast pass-
ing away, and what is now obtainable from eye-witnesses must soon
become tradition*

From this point of view any facts relating to the war are valuable,
and he who helps to preserve them has, in a measure, done a duty to
his fellow man.

This work has been written in deference to the Author*s convictions
that a great neglect exists at this time, and has existed for many years,
in relation to the history of the part taken in the late war by the loyal
West Virginians, both civil and military, who stood so firmly for the
preservation of the Union.

It was largely with this incentive to guide him that the following
pages were written, though indeed, without a full appreciation of the great
labor necessary to gather from authentic sources the facts which have
been here collected. By no means the least difficult task has been
to digest the large amount of material at hand. Indeed, the work has
assumed greater proportions than at first intended, largely due to the
incorporation of extracts from official reports for the verification of state-
ments which would otherwise stand entirely upon individual assertion.

The Author s personal reminiscences are largely taken from notes
kept during his term of over three years* serv^ice in the field and, having
been made at the time the acts occurred, their accuracy has not been
impaired by time.

iv PREFACE,

The Author is under profound obligations for valuable data furnished
by Generals Thomas M. Harris, William H. Powell, Isaac H. Duval and
Henry Capehart, Captain Thos. H. McKee, Lieut. L. W. V. Kennon,
U. S. A., Judge J. Marshall Hagans, Hon. Isidor Rayner, M. C, and
especially to Capt. Jos. W. Kirkley, War Records Department, ex-U. S.
Senator Waitman T. Willey, Colonel John G. Kelley, Frank S. Reader,
Esq., author of "History of 5th W. Va. Cavalry" and editor of the
Beaver Valley Daily News, at New Brighton, Pa., Major Alexander
Shaw, Captain John K. Shaw, and Captain C. M. Hoult.

To no one more than to the writer are apparent the imperfections
of the work. His aim has been to impartially record the facts, believing
that sufficient time has passed since the events occurred for just criticism
to take the place of partisan abuse.

THEODORE F. LANa
Baltimore, Md., August^ 1895.

CONTENTS.

Pack

Preface •..*•• iii

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY :— WESTERN VIRGINIA AND ITS RELATIONS TO THE
MOTHER STATE FOR MANY YEARS PRIOR TO THE WAR.

Virginia, One of the Thirteen Original United States : — Its Boundary, Principal Cities
and Towns, Rivers, Mountains, Minerals, Natural Curiosities, Climate, Products,
Canals, Railways, Public Buildings, Newspapers, etc. — Early Settlement. —
Mother of Presidents. — First to Prepare the Federal Constitution. — Hostility
Between the People of the Eastern and Western Part of the State. — The Causes
Thereior. — Constitution of 1850.— Talk of Separation of the State.— Hons. W. T.
Willey and John S. Carlisle S^and for Separation. — A Proclamation by Governor
Letcher. — Western Virginians Incredulous I-5

CHAPTER n.

LOYALTY OF WESTERN VIRGINIANS WHEN THE CONFLICT CALLED

THEM TO ARMS.

Habits, Customs, Manners and Character of the People of the State.— The City and
Townspeople. — The Farmer and the Country People. — The Improvident Moun-
taineer. — Bushwhackers and their Methods. — Western Virginians Allied to
Northern Sentiments and Institutions. — Governor Letcher Assembles Legisla-
lature in Extra Session. — Proceedings of Same. — Virginia Convention Passes
Ordinance of Secession 6-14

CHAPTER II L

LOYALTY OF WESTERN VIRGINIANS WHEN THE CONFLICT CALLED
THEM TO ARMS— (CONTINUED).

Virginia Annexed to the Southern Confederacy. — Treason and Secession an Incen-
tive to Western Virginia Loyalty. — Moral Courage Required to be for the Union.
— Speakers Mobbed and Meetings Broken Up. — Elscape of Union Members of
the Convention. — Public Meeting of Unionists at Clarksburg. — The Beginning of
the War of the Rebellion. — Secession of the Southern States. — Convention at
Montgomery, Alabama. — Constitution Adopted and Jefferson Davis made Presi-
dent. — Firing on Fort Sumter. — Correspondence Between Governor Letcher and
Mayor Sweeny. — Prompt Action in Western Virginia. — Loyalty of the M. E.
Church. — Summary of War-Timc Events. — Enlistment in the Union Army, . 15-19

VI CONTENTS.

Pagm

CHAPTER IV.

GENERAL GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN'S OPERATIONS IN WESTERN
VIRGINIA IN THE SPRING OP 1861.

Biographical Sketch of General McClcllan. — Commissioned Major-General of Volun-
teers, April 23d, 1861, and Major-General U. S. Army, May 14th, 1861. — In Com-
mand of the Department of the Ohio. — Creating an Army out of Undisciplined
Troops. — Business Men First to Enlist. — The Incentive that Impelled Western
Virginians to Enlist in the Union Army. — ^The Confederates' Activity. — Brothers
will Fight Brothers. — History Slow to Recognize the Loyal Men of Western Vir-
ginia. — Aims of the Confederates. — Their Early Occupation of Grafton. — Official
Orders, Proclamations and Letters of Confederate Authorities. — Their Advance
into West Virginia Premature. — General McClellan Ordered to Send Troops to
West Virginia. — Received with Rejoicing by the Residents. — McClellan Issues
Proclamations to the People of West Virginia and to His Troops. — Col. Benj. F.
Kelley Ordered from Wheeling to Grafton. — Occupies Grafton. — General Morris
at Grafton and Philippi. — Union Troops Occupy Philippi. — Colonel Kelley
Wounded. — Porterfield's Retreat. — Laurels for General McClellan, . . . 20-32

CHAPTER V.
GENERAL MCCLELLAN'S OPERATIONS-(CONTINUED).

Crosses the Ohio River and Establishes his Headquarters at Grafton. — Issues Two
More Proclamations. — Gen'l R. E. Lee's Plans. — General Garnett at Beverly. —
General Wise in the Kanawha. — Stupidity of Confederate Authorities. — Garnett's
Force on the ist of July. — Re-enforced and Entrenched at Rich Mountain and
Laurel Hill. — Isolated from Base of Supplies. — General McClellan Posted Troops
from Wheeling and Parkersburg to Grafton. — 20,000 Troops in his Campaign
Against Beverly. Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill. — ^July 2d, McClellan's Head-
quarters at Buckhannon. — July loth, at Middle Fork. — Advancing on Confed-
erate Forces. — Rosecrans' Assault on Laurel Hill. — Confederates Beaten at
every Point. — In Retreat. — Skirmish at Carrick's Ford. — General Garnett Killed,
— Surrender of Colonel Pegram's Forces. — McClellan Transferred to the Army
of the Potomac. — General Comments. — McClellan's Congratulatory Address
Upon Taking Leave of His Army. — Rejoicing Throughout the Country, . . 33-41

CHAPTER VI.
MCCLELLAN'S OPERATIONS— (CONTINUED).

Gen'ls Henry A. Wise and John B. Floyd in Command of Confederate Forces in the
Kanawha. — Gen'l J. D. Cox in Command of Union Forces. — General Rosecrans
Succeeds General McClellan in Command of the Department of Ohio. — Reorgani-
zation of his Forces. — Confederates Re-enforced.— Col. E. B. Tyler at Cross
Lanes. — Rosecrans Issues a Proclamation. — General Floyd Captures Cross Lanes.
— Wi.se and Chapman Defeated by Cox.— Rosecrans in the Kanawha.— Floyd
Defeated at Carnifex Ferry by Rosecrans. — Wise and Floyd at Loggerheads. —
Rosecrans at Big Sewell Mountain. — In Winter Quarters at Gauley Bridge and

CONTENTS. VU

PAcm
Vicinity. — The Cheat Mountain District. — Gen'l Joseph J. Reynolds in Command.
— His Forces at Elkwater. — Substantial Breastworks. — Confusion in Uniforms.
— General Loring at Huntersville with 8500 Men. — Gen'l Robt. E. Lee in Com-
mand. — His Campaign Against General Reynolds. — Lee's Defeat and Retreat. —
Col. John A. Washington Killed.— Flag of Truce.— General Reynolds Called to
Other Fields. — Gen'l R. H. Milroy in Command. — At Cheat Mountain and Elk-
water, 42-50

CHAPTER VIL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF THE AUTHOR.

Early Devotion to the Union. — Formation at Clarksburg, Va., of Union and Confed-
erate " Home Guards". — Intolerant Attitude of Secessionists. — Unionists Place
themselves on the Defensive. — Union and Confederate Companies Organized.—
Vituperation must Give Place to Sober Criticism.— Early Occupation of West Vir-
ginia by Confederates. — Prominent Men for the Union. — Unique Armament of
Union Home Guards.— Clarksburg the Home of Some of the Most Noted Lead-
ers of the Southern Cause.— Collision between the two Companies of Home
Guards.— The Humanity of both Sides.— Captain A. J. Smith's Sketch, — The 31st
(Confederate) Virginia Infantry, 51-57

CHAPTER VIIL
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

Recruiting and Organization of the Third Virginia Union Infantry Regiment.— Trials
and Disappointments of the Confederates in Filling their Ranks in West Virgi-
nia. — Third Regiment in Company Detachments Fighting Guerrillas. — Author's
Experience as Post- Adjutant in Issuing Passes. — Consolidation of the Third Regi-
ment. — Ludicrous First Experience in Soldiering in the Field 58-63

CHAPTER IX.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

At Camp Elkwater.— Severe Winter Weather.— General Milroy in Command. — Orders
to Break Camp. — On the March, Faced Towards Staunton. — Magnificent Winter
Scene on Alleghany Mountain. — In Camp at Monterey. — A Short Engagement. —
Battle of McDowell. — General Fremont at Franklin, in Command of the Moun-
tain Department, 64-68

CHAPTER X.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

*" Stonewall " Jackson's Raid in the Shenandoah Valley.— Fremont Ordered to the
Front. — Wretched Condition of his Command. — Battle of Front Royal. — Jackson
Pained. — Censures his Troops for Deserting their Colors to Pillage. — Rout of
Banks' Command Down the Valley to Williamsport, 69-73

VlU CONTENTS.

Pack

CHAPTER XL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

Jackson's Retreat up the Shenandoah. — Banks and Sigel Follow to Winchester. —
General McDowell's Indifference. — General Fremont in Pursuit.. — Harrassing
the Retreating Confederates. — Colonel Cluseret's Thrilling Experience in the
Dark. — Geni Geo. D. Bayard Joins in the Pursuit. — Constructing a Pontoon
Bridge. — Swept by Flood. — Colonel Wyndham Captured. — Battle Between Con-
federates and Pennsylvania Bucktails. — Colonel Kane Wounded and Taken
Prisoner. — General Turner Ashby Killed, 74-8a

CHAPTER XIL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES-(CONTINUED).

The Calm before the Storm. — Reconnoissance in Force. — Fremont's Order of March. —
Battle of Cross Keys. — Union and Confederate Forces Engaged. — Letter from
Geni James Shields. — Retreat of Confederates from Cross Keys. — Battle of Port
Republic. — Disobedience of Orders. — Escape of Jackson and his Army. . 81-87

CHAPTER XHL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES-(CONTINUED).

A Just Criticism. — General McDowell Censured. — Mismanagement and Jealousy. —
General Shields* Letters. — Fremont at Mount Jackson and Middletown. — Sick-
ness and Discharges. — Army 0% Virginia Created by Order of the President. —
General John Pope Assigned to the Command.— Retirement of General Fremont, 88-92

CHAPTER XIV.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

Reorganization of the Corps, under General Pope. — General Sigel in Command of the
First Corps. — General Milroy Commands an Independent Brigade. — Pope's Lit-
erary Period. — Strength of his Army. — Advance to Culpepper Court House. — Bat-
tle of Cedar Mountain. — Terrible Slaughter ot both Armies. — Armistice to Bury
the Dead. — Interesting Episode 93-97

CHAPTER XV.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

Retreat of Confederates from Cedar Mountain. — Pope's Busy Operations. — Capture
of General Pope's Headquarters by General Stewart's Cavalry. — Battle of Ma-
nassas, or Second Bull Run. — Death of Colonel Cantwell. — ^Captain Gibson's
Premonition of Death Verified. — Repulse of Pope's Army. — West Virginia Troops
Engaged. — Losses sustained by Union and Confederate. — Army of Virginia Mer-
ged into the Army of the Potomac. General Pope Relieved of his Command at
his own Request.— Milroy in Camp at Fort Ethan Allen. — Orders to Return to
Western Virginia, 98-104.

CONTENTS. IX

Pack

CHAPTER XVI.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES-<CONTINUED).

Arrival of Third Regiment at Clarksburg. — Ordered to Point Pleasant.— Return to
Buckhannon. — Gen'l Agustus Moor in Command of " Northern Brigade." —
General Milroy Promoted and Sent to Winchester. — Soldiers Vote to Admit West
Virginia to Statehood. — Gen'l B. S. Roberts in Command of *• Fourth Separate
Brigade." — War on Women and Children. — Imboden, Jones and Jackson's Raid.—
Immense Destruction of Property. — General Averellin Command of Fourth Sepa-
rate Brigade. — ^Transformation of Infantry Regiments to Calvary. — Splendid
Results Follow X05-109

CHAPTER XVII.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

Averell's Fighting Period. — His Assignment to the Kanawha Valley. — Sigel in Com-
mand of the Department of West Virginia. — Transfer of Author to Sigel's Staff. —
Grant's Plan. — Sigel Leaves Martinsburg for Shenandoah Valley. — " Red Tape"
in the Army. — Battle of New Market. — Defeat of Sigel by Breckinridge. — Roster
of Union Troops Engaged. — Encamped at Strasburg, iia-115

CHAPTER XVIII.
PERSONAL REMlNlSCENCES-<CONTINUED).

General Hunter in Command. — Advance up the Shenandoah Valley. — Battle of
Piedmont. — Hunter Occupies Staunton. — Crook and Averell Join Hunter. —
Return of the Author to West Virginia. — Mustered Out of Service, 116-121

CHAPTER XIX.
ORGANIZATION OF THE PEIRPOINT GOVERNMENT.

Preservation of Loyalty Along the Slave States. — Meetings Held in all the Counties in
the Western Part of the State. — Assembling of Delegates at Wheeling, May 13th.
— Dr. John W. Moss made Presiding Officer.— Other Officers and Committees
Selected. — Denounced Secession and Pledged Loyalty to the Government. — A
General Convention to Assemble at Wheeling, June nth. — Governor Letcher
Alarmed. — Anticipated Armed Revolt. — Orders Major Boy ken to Seize Arms at
Wheeling. — Exciting Controversy in the Convention in Relation to Plans. — Hon.
John S. Carlisle and Hon. Waitman T. Willey Lead Opposing Elements. — Har-
mony Restored. — Convention Adjourns. — The Meeting was of National Import-
ance. — Peirpoint's Plan. — Portentious Events Just Prior to the Election. — Demand
on the President for Troops. — Canvassing for Governor. — Convention Meets on
the nth of June. — Members Required to Take an Oath to Support the Constitu-
tion of the United States. — The Offices ot Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and
other State Officers Declared Vacant. — Francis H. Peirpoint Selected Governor
of Virginia. — Biographical Sketch of Governor Peirpoint. — Enters upon the

X CONTENTS.

Vagm
Duties of his Office— Notifying President Lincoln ol his Election. — Receives
Congratulations from the President. — Authorized to Raise Troops for the United
States Government. — Financial Trouble Overcome. — United States Senators
Elected. — The Restored Government Recognized. — They were Ready to Divide
theStite 122-132

CHAPTER XX.
WEST VIRGINIA, THE "CHILD OF THE STORM."

When Named.— Its Formation Not the Act of Any One Man, but of Enthusiastic,
Determined Men.— President Lincoln Recognized the Importance of Preserving
Loyalty upon the Border. — Ordinance Providing for the Formation of a New
State Approved by the People.— Constitution Framed for the New Government.
— Approved by Vote on the First Thursday in April, 1862. — Provisions of the
Same. — Radical Changes in Organic Law. — The Memorial Asking the Erection
of the New State Presented in the Senate by Mr. Willey.— His Eloquent Appeal.
— Favorable Report ol the Committee on Territories. — The Measure Discussed
in Congress, in Relation to Slavery. — Wide Divergence of Opinion in Heated
Debate. — Finally Referred Back to the Convention and to the People. — ^The
President Issues Proclamation on the 20th of April, 1863, Creating West Virginia
a State in the Union. — State Officers Elected Fourth Thursday of May Following.
— Arthur I. Boreman Installed Governor on the 20th of June. — Governor Peir-
point removed Seat of Government of Virginia from Wheeling to Alexandria. —
Marvelous Growth of West Virginia, by Governor MacCorkle, . 133-141

CHAPTER XX— (Addenda).

Veteran Newspapers in the Army in Western Virginia.— Influence of the Press in the
Early Struggle. — The "Wheeling Intelligencer," "Cincinnati Gazette," "Cincin-
nati Commercial " and " Baltimore American," Pioneer Papers. — A. W. Camp-
bell's Loyalty. — Whitelaw Reid, as Correspondent and Volunteer Aide-de-Camp,
at Laurel Hill, Carrick's Ford and Carnifex Ferry. — Murat Halsted's Intense
Unionism.— -C. C. Fulton's Influence. — Colonel Bickham, Aide-de-Camp and Cor-
respondent, 142-144

CHAPTER XXL

THE BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD AND ITS RELATIONS TO

THE UNION.

The Bond Between the Government and the B. &. O. Railroad Little Understood. —
The Services of the Road of Inestimable Value to the Government. — The Mad
Rush of Companies, Regiments and Brigades from the West to the Support of
the National Capital Conveyed over this Single Track Road.— The Destruction
of this Road Sought by the Confederates During the Entire War, and their Suc-
cess would have Prolonged the War. — President John W. Garrett the Master-
hand that Kept the Road in Operation and Held it for the Union. — Ably Assisted
by Mr. King and Mr. W. Prescott Smith.— Stonewall Jackson Captures many

CONTENTS. xi

Pagh.
Locomotives and other Rolling Stock and Conveys same to Southern Roads. —
Mr. Garrett Consults with the Authorities at Washington when that City was
Threatened with Capture. — Confederates from Winchester Demand from Mr.
Garrett a Guarantee that National Troops should not Pass over the Road. — Har-
per's Ferry Abandoned by Confederates, and the Great Bridge Destroyed.— Great
Destruction of the Road from Harper's Ferry to Grafton. — Riot in Baltimore on
April 19th. — Enemies of the B. & O. Road other than Confederates. — The
Pennsylvania Railroad and its Unwarranted Charges. — President Garrett Victo-
rious 145-151

CHAPTER XXII.

LOYALTY OF PRESIDENT JOHN W. GARRETT TO THE UNION. AND
HIS CLOSE RELATIONS TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN.

General Patterson's Advance on Williamsport, — Colonel Lew Wallace at Romney. —
Magical Rebuilding of the B. & O. Railroad. — Battle of Bull Run Disastrous to
the Union Cause. — Blockade of the Potomac and Quanttco Creek by Confede-
rates. — The Emergency gives Scope to the Fertile Resources ol President Garrett.
— 100,000 Men and 60,000 Animals to be Fed. — Damage Inflicted by Confede-
rates. — Early Official Action of the Directors of the Road for the Union. — Records
of the War Department Filled with Correspondence between the Executive Man-
sion, War Department and President Garrett. — Generals Halleck, McClellan, Fre-
mont, Kelley. Crook and Others Communicate with Mr. Garrett. — Strategy of Mr.
Garrett in Securing Communication Between the War Department and General
Meade at Gettysburg. — Gigantic Achievements of the B. & O. Road in Transporting
Troops and Army Supplies from the Army of the Potomac to the Relief of Gen-
eral Rosecrans at Chattanooga, Tenn. — President Garrett's Personal Account of
this Great Feat.— Gratitude of Secretary Stanton.— The Final Review at Wash-
ington, D. C— Garrett and Stanton at the Bier of the Martyr President, . 152-158

CHAPTER XXIII.
FIRST REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia
Cavalry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein from the
Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, July
8, 1865, with Regimental History, 159-176

CHAPTER XXIV.
SECOND REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Second Regiment West Vir-
ginia Cavalry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out,
June 30, 1865. — History of Regiment and General Powell, . . X77-icu

COJ^TEXTS.

CHAPTER XXV.
THIRD REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

of tbe Fidd. S^^affand Company Officers of the Third Regiment West Viigi-
2iiaCzraIrr Vo>jntcers. Showing the Alterations and Casaalties Therein from the
D&le 0^ Or5g: nal Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Master Oot, Jme
y^0 iS6>, vith account of Regiment's Service, ... - . 194-aoi

CHAPTER XX\T.
FOL'RTH REGLMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

RoiKer of the Fieid, Sta5anc Company Officers of the Foarth Regiment West Vir-
g- ' .a C«TaIrT Vo'.anieers. Showing the Alterations and Casualties Tkerem from
V *; ZJi^'t of OhginaJ Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out,
l^r,^ 23. i364.— Sketch of Regiment's Ser\'ice and General Goff in Prison. aox-aoS

CHAPTER XX\'IL
FIFTH REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

RiSfter of ti« T\e.t, Staff ar.d Compary Officers of the Fifth Regiment West Virginia
Caralrr Voiunice.-s late 2d Regiment West Virginia Infantry), Showing the
A!t.erz.t:ors and Casualties Therein from the Date of Origrinal Organization of
Saii P.egiment to the Date of Consolidation with the 6th Regiment West Virgi-
nia Caralry, December 14th, 1864.— Regimental History. .... 207-313

CHAPTER XXVni.
SIXTH REGLMENT W. V. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Rofter of the Field. Staff and Company Officers of the Sixth Regiment West Virginia
Cara^ry late 3d Regiment West Virginia Infanir>). Showing the Alterations and
Casualties Tnerein, from the Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to
the Date of Consolidation with the 5ih Regiment West Virginia Cavalry, Decem-
ber 14, i864.-'History of the Regiment, 214-222

CHAPTER XXIX.
SEVENTH REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Seventh Regiment West Vir-
ginia Cavalry .'late Eighth Regiment West Virginia Infantr>'). Showing the Al-
terations and Casualties Therein from the Date of Original Organization of Said
R'rgiment to the Date of Muster Out, August i, 1865, with Sketch of Regi-
mental Service, 223-227

CONTENTS. xili

Pacb

CHAPTER XXX.
SIXTH REGIMENT VETERAN CAVALRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Sixth Regiment West Virginia
Veteran Cavalry, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from Decem-
ber 14, 1864 (Date of Consolidation with Fifth Regiment West Virginia Cavalry),
to December 3 1, 1865. — History of Regiment among the Indians, . . 228-232

CHAPTER XXXI.
FIRST REGIMENT (THREE MONTHS' SERVICE) W. VA. INFANTRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers (Three Months* Service), Showing the Alterations and
Casualties Therein, from the Date of Organization to the Date of Muster Out, with
Regimental Service, 233-235

CHAPTER XXXII.
FIRST REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY.

Roster ot the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations anrl Casualties therein, from the
Date of Original Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Consolidation with
the Fourth Regiment West Virginia Infantry, December 10, 1864, with Regi-
mental History, • • , • • 236-243

CHAPTER XXXIII.
FOURTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fourth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Infantry, showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from the Date
of Original Organization to the Date of Consolidation with the First West Vir-
ginia Infantry, December 10, 1864.— Sketch of Service, .... 244-250

CHAPI'ER XXXIV.
FIFTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fifth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from the
Dale of Original Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Consolidation with
the Ninth Regiment West Virginia Infantry, November 9, 1864, with Sketch of
Service, 251-254

CONTENTS.

Pack

CHAPTER XXXV.
SIXTH REGIMENT WEST VIRONU INFANTRY.

Roster of the Fidd. Staff and Company Officers of the Sixth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volonteen. Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from the
Date of Organization to the Date of Muster oat, Jane lo. 1865. with Regimental
Historv 255-260

CHAPTER XXXVL
SEVENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Rotter of the Field. Staff and Company Officers of the Serenth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Infantry Vohmtcers. Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Master Oat,
Jaly I. 186$. with Sketch of Service. 261-268

CHAPTER XXXVIL
NINTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster ofthe Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Ninth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Iniantry Voiunteers. Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of the Raiment to the Date of Consolidation
with the Fifth Regiment West Virginia Infantry, November 19. 1864, with Regi-
mental History, 269-272

CHAPTER XXXVIIL
TENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS-

Roster of the Field. Staff and Company Officers ofthe Tenth Regiment West Vir-
ginia InCantry Volunteers. Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Muster Out,
August 9, 1865. with History of Regiment, 273-277

CHAPTER XXXIX.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field. Staff and Company Officers ofthe Eleventh Regiment West Vir-
ginia InCantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out. June 10.
1865, m-ith Sketch of Senrice, 278-281

CONTENTS. XV

Piua

CHAPTER XL.

TWELFTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Twelfth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out,
June i6, 1865, with History of Service, 282-286

CHAPTER XLL
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Thirteenth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Muster Out,
June 22, 1865, with Sketch of War Service, . 287-290

CHAPTER XLIL
FOURTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staft and Company Officers of the Fourteenth Regiment West
Virginia Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein,
from the Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster
Out. June 27, 1865, with History of War Service, 291-295

CHAPTER XLHL
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fifteenth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date of Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out,
June 14, 1865, with Sketch of Service, 296-299

CHAPTER. XLIV.
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Sixteenth Regiment West Vir-
ginia Infantry Volunteers. Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the Date pf Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, with
Sketch of Service 300-301

XVI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XLV. ^'^

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Seventeenth Regiment West
Virginia Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein,
from the Date of Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster
Out, July 30. 1865. 302-303

CHAPTER XLVI.
FIRST REGIMENT W. VA. VETERAN INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster ot the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia
Veteran Infantry Volunteers, Formed by Consolidation of the 5th and 9th Regi-
ments West Va. Infantry, Showing the Alterations and Casualties in said Regi-
ment, from November 8, 1864, Date of said Consolidation, to the Date of Muster
Out, July 21, 1865, with Sketch of Service, 304-306

CHAPTER XLVn.
SECOND REGIMENT W. VA. VETERAN INFANTRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Second Regiment West Vir-
ginia Veteran Infanlr)' Volunteers, Formed by Consolidation of ist and 4th Regi-
ments W. Va. Infantry, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from
the loth day of December, 1864, Date of Consolidation, to the Date of Muster Out,
July 16, 1865, with Sketch of Service 307-308

CHAPTER XLVHL
FIRST REGIMENT W. VA. LIGHT ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of Commissioned Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia Light Artillery
Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of the Companies Composing Said Regiment to the Date
of their Muster Out, Respectively. — Sketch of Service Rendered by Each Bat-
tery, 309-3*9

CHAPTER XLIX.
BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KELLEY.

His Birth. — Early Education and Business Relations. — Successful Military Career
Prior to the Civil War. — Colonel of the First Loyal Regiment South o! Mason and
Dixon's Line. — Early Operations in the Civil War. — Wounded at Philippi. — In Com-
mand of the Rail Road Division and of the Department of West Virginia. —
Captured by the Confederates. — His Army Record a Series of Victories. — His
Death and Burial at Arlington, Va. — His Marriages and his Family. , 320-323

CONTENTS. xvii

Pagb

CHAPTER L
BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L THOMAS M. HARRIS.

General Harris a Disciplinarian. — General Fremont's Commendation in a Special
Order. — Commands a Brigade at the Battles of Opequonand Fisher's Hill. — Also
Cedar Creek. — Colonel Thoburn Wounded, Harris becomes a Division Com-
mander. — In the 24th Army Corps at City Point, Virginia. — Commissioned a
Brigadier-General. — At Appomattox. — A Member of the Commission that Tried
the Assassins of President Lincoln. — Mustered Out April 30th, 1866, Brevet
Major-General, 324-326

CHAPTER LI.
MAJ.-GEN'L GEORGE CROOK.

Birth and Education. — Service in California. — Volunteer Appointment. — Battle of
Levvisburg. — Battle of Antietam. — Cavalry Service with Army of the Cumber-
land. — Pursuit of Wheeler. — New River Expedition. — Lynchburg Expedition. —
Early's Advance on Washington. — Pursuit of Early. — Formation of Middle Mil-
itary System. — Battle of the Opequon. — Battle of Fisher's Hill. — Battle of Cedar
Creek. — Command of Department of West Virginia. — Capture and Exchange. —
Command of Cavalry, Army of the Potomac.^-Surrender of Lee. — Subsequent
Career. — Death, 327-342

CHAPTER LH.
COL. JACOB HORNBROOK.

Colonel Hornbrook's Early Trials. — Successful Business Man. — His Intense Loyalty
in i860. — In the Convention that Nominated Lincoln for President. — Active in
Promoting the Reorganization of the State. — Aide-de-Camp to Governor Peir-
point. — A Member of the West Virginia Legislature. — His Death and Burial at
Greenwood, near Wheeling, W. Va., 343-344

CHAPTER LHL
MAJ.-GEN'L R. H. MILROY.

Birth and Early Life of General Milroy. — Graduated with the Degrees of Master of
Military Science, Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Arts. — Studied Law. — Went
to Texas. — In the War with Mexico. — Married May, 1849. — Circuit Judge. — In
the Civil War. — Captain and Colonel. — At Grafton and Philippi. — A Brigadier-
General. — At Elk Water. — New Creek and Wmchester. — A Major-General. —
Episode at Winchester. — Censured by his Superiors. — Honorably Acquitted. —
In Nashville, Tenn. — Encounter with General Forrest. — Returned to his Home
in Indiana. — In Washington Territory. — His Bravery Conceded. — Died, March,
1890.— Relations to the Second West Virginia Infantry, .... 345-350

XVUl CONTENTS.

Pagb

CHAPTER LIV.
GENERAL I. H. DUVAL.

His Birth and Early Life. — In the Rocky Mountains. — In Texas among the Indians.
— With Lopez in Cuba. — Volunteer in the Army. — Captain and Major in the First
West Virginia Infantry. — Colonel of the Ninth Infantry and First Veterans. — In
the Eighth Army Corps. — At Port Republic and Opequon. — In Command of
Hancock Veteran Corps. — At Staunton.Va. — Capture of General Rosser's Cavalry.
— Attempt to Assassinate General Duval. — Elected to Congress. — A Useful
Life. 351-352

CHAPTER LV.
BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L W. W. AVERELL.

His Genealogy. — Early Education. — A School Teacher. — At West Point. — Gradua-
tion and Assignment. — At Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and Carlisle, Pa. — In New
Mexico Fighting Indians. — Wounded by Navajoes. — An Invalid Two Years. —
In the Union Army. — Messenger to Texas. — Exciting Experience in the Far West
—At Washington, D. C, as Mustering Officer.— At First Battle of Bull Run.—
Colonel Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. — In Command of First Cavalry Brigade. —
Brigadier-General U. S. Vols. — In Command in West Virginia. — Transforming
Infantry into Cavalry. — Averell on Lee's Flank after Gettysburg. — Capture of
Confederates near Winchester. — Frank S. Reader, Provost-Marshal. — Expedition
to and Battle of Rocky Gap. — Compliments to Regimental and Staff Officers. —
Official Report of Confederate General Jones, 353-36i

CHAPTER LVL
BREVET MAJ.-GEN^L W. W. AVERELL— (CONTINUED).

Droop Mountain Campaign. — General Averell's Official Report. — Salem Raid. —
Winter Soldiering. —Destruction of Railroad between Richmond and Knoxville. —
Thrilling Report of General Averell.— Gen'l Sam. Jones* Dispatch. — The Rich-
mond Examiner s Sarcastic Comment. — Weather Intensely Cold. — Averell at
Martinsburg, 362-372

CHAPTER LVII.
BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L W. W. AVERELL— (CONTINUED).

Commanding all the Cavalry of the Fourth Division, 8th Army Corps. — Active Ser-
vice of his Command. — Generals Rosser, Fitz. Lee, Imboden, Jones and others. —
Cole's Maryland Cavalry.— Martinsburg to the Kanawha Valley. — General Crook
in Command.— Battle of Wytheville, Va.— Destruction of Bridge at New River. —
General A verell's Congratulations to his Troops .—General Crook Congratulates.—

CONTENTS.

XIX

Page
Lynchburg, Virginia, Campaign. — From the Kanawha to Staunton. — Suffering of
Barefooted Soldiers. — Crook and Averell Join Hunter at Staunton, Va. —
Reorganization of Hunter's Command. — March on Lynchburg. — Retreat of Con-
federates.— Attack McCausland at New London.— Withdrawal of Hunter's
Forces to the Westward and to the Kanawha, yjZ-y?^

CHAPTER LVIU.
BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L W. W. AVERELL— (CONTINUED).

Itinerary of the Second Cavalry Division.— Defeat of Ramseur's Division at Stephen-
son's Depot.— Defeat of Generals McCausland and Johnson at Moorefield. —
General Sheridan in Command of Middle Military Division.— Averell at Martins-
burg.— Sheridan Humiliates Averell.— Averell Relieved.— His Closing State-
ment—Jealousy in the Army.— Gallant Service Ignored.— Averell's Farewell
Order, : 37^3^2

PORTRAITS.

Col. Theo. F. Lang. Frontispic
Gen. George B. McClellan,
Gen. William S. Rosecrans,

Gen. Jacob D. Cox

Major Theo. F. Lang, ( War-time)
Gov. Francis H. Peirpoint,
U. S. Senator W. T. Willey,
Gov. Arthur I. Boreman, .
President John W. Garrett,
Gen. Henry Capehart, .
Gen. William H. Powell, .
Col. John L. McGee, . . .
Gen. Nathan Goff, . . .
Col. John W. Moss, ....
Col. Geo. R. Latham, . . .
Lieut.-Col. F. W. Thompson,

Bktwkkn
Packs.

44- 45
\(>- 47

52- 53

I 24-1 2 5

136-137
140-141
148-149
164-165
180-181
196-197
204-205
206-207
212-213
220-221

Gen. John H. Oley, . .
Gen. R. E. Fleming,
Col. Joseph Thoburn, .
Gen. J. A.J. Lightburn,
Col. Nathan Wilkinson,
Col. Joseph Snider, . .
Col. M. S. Hall, . . .
Col. George W. Taggart,
Col. Milton Wells,
Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley
Gen. Thomas M. Harris,
Gen. George Crook, .
Col. Jacob Hornbrook,
Gen. Robert H. Milroy,
Gen. Isaac H. Duval, .
Gen. Wm. W. Averell,

Bbtwvkn
Pagbs.

226-227
228-229
240-241
246-247

258-259

264-265
276-277
292-293
298-299
320-321
324-325
332-333

344-345
348-349
352-353
356-357

MAPS.

BrrwEKN
Packs.

Battlefield of Winchester, No. I, 334-335

Battlefield of Winchester, No. 2, Z2f>-zy!

Battlefields of Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek 340-341

CHAPTER L

INTRODUCTORY:— WESTERN VIRGINIA AND ITS RELATIONS TO THE

MOTHER STATE FOR MANY YEARS PRIOR TO THE WAR.

Virginia, One of the Thirteen Original United States : — Its Boundary, Principal Cities and
Towns, Rivers, Mountains, Minerals, Natural Curiosities, Climate* Products, Canals*
RailvvaySj Public Buildings, Newspapers, etc^Early Settlement. — Mother of Presi-
dents. — First to Prepare the Federal Constitution* — Hostility Between the People of the
Eastern and Western Part of the State. — The Causes Therefor. — Constitution of 1850. —
Talk of Separation of the State,— Hons. W. T. Willcy and John S. CaHisle Stand for
Separation. — A Proclamation by Governor Letcher. — Western Virginians Incredulous,

SSUMING that this book may be read by those who were but little
children — or, perhaps, unborn at the .time of the Rebellion of
1S61 to 1865, this chapter is intended more for their edification
than for the reader who participated in the terrible struggle for supremacy in
that contest. Virginia, one of the thirteen original United States of America,
was bounded on the north by Pennsylvania and Marjiand, east by Mary-
land and the Atlantic, south by North Carolina and Tennessee, and west
by Kentucky and Ohio. It was divided into 148 counties* The chief towns
were Richmond (the capital), Petersburg, Norfolk, Wheeling, Staunton,
Waynesborough, Alexandria, Portsmouth, Lynchburg, Clarksburg, Fred-
ericksburg and Parkersburg. The Chesapeake Bay, which divides the
soutiieastern portion of the State, affords deep and spacious harbors. The
chief rivers are the Potomac, forming the northeastern boundary ; the Ohio
on the northwest; the James, York, Chickahominy, Rappahannock, Rapi-
dan, Appomattox, Shenandoah, and Kanawha*

Eastern Virginia is level or rolling land, rising gradually from the ocean
and Chesapeake Bay. The western portion also rises rolling and hilly from
the Ohio, while through the center, from northeast to southwest, run four
ranges of mountains: (i) a low range on the east, commencing with the
Bull Run iVfountains near the Potomac; (2) the Blue Ridge, more elevated,
through which the Potomac passes at Harper's Ferry, and which forms the
eastern boundary of the Shenandoah Valley; (3) the Alleghany or Front
Ridge; (4) the Laurel Ridge and Cumberland Mountains in the southwest.
The highest peak — ^Vhite Top, in Grayson County — is 6000 feet; other peaks
rise from 4000 to 4500, The valley of Virginia or of the Shenandoah is

2 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

from 1200 to 1500 feet above the sea. In the eastern part of the State are
found gold, copper, iron, etc. ; there are also two belts parallel to the Blue
Ridge, crossing the James River above Richmond, i\-ith rich coal deposits.
On the western borders of the State are coal fields, mineral springs (hot and
cold;, sulphur, salt, gypsum, lead, marble, porcelain clay, fire-brick clay,
granite, and soap-stone slate.

Among the natural curiosities are the Natural Bridge in Rockbridge
County, Luray Caves in Page Countj^, Weir's Cave in Augusta County,
Blowing Cave (which sends out a blast of cold air in summer, and draws in
air in the winter), flowing and ebbing springs, the Hawk's Nest, a pillow of
rock 1000 feet high, and a wealth of mountain scenery which has justly
named Virginia the Switzerland of America;

In eastern and southeastern Virginia extremes of temperature are found.
In summer it is intensely hot, and in the swampj- river bottoms malaria pre-
vails. In winter the higher regions are extremely cold, but the climate of a
large part of the State is delightfully pleasant and proverbially healthy.
The soil of the eastern portion is light and good. In the valleys rich, pro-
ducing wheat, Indian com, tobacco and the hardier fruits. The chief
exports are tobacco, flour, cotton, wool, coal, lumber and oysters (15,000,000
bushels per annum).

The people of the western part of the State enjoyed a climate as genial
as that of the Italians who dwell on the slopes of the Appenines; they had
forests of hard wood more valuable than those that skirt the upper Rhine ;
rich fields of coal and petroleum that are not excelled in the world; a soil
which yields abundant crops of grain and fruit; its rivers and creeks are
bountifully supplied with fish. Game of all kinds are found in the moun-
tains, and the air is rendered musical by the songs of birds of many kinds.

The internal commerce was carried on by means of the navigable rivers,
the James River Canal, Potomac Canal, and 177 1 miles of railway.

In i860 there were 3105 churches, of which 1403 were Methodist,
787 Baptist, 437 Catholic, 290 Presbyterian, 188 Episcopalian. There were
a university, 23 colleges, 398 academies, 3778 public schools, and a large
fund for the education of the poor. In i860 there were 15 daily news-
papers, 16 tri-weekly, and 103 weekly; also 21 public libraries. There were
State institutions for the blind and for the deaf and dumb. The insane
asylum at Staunton is the oldest in the United States.

Virginia was the earliest settled, largest, and most populous of the thir-
teen original States; called ** the Old Dominion " and also the ** Mother of
Presidents," four out of the five Presidents before 1825 having been Virgin-
ians; she was the first to propose the Federal Constitution. In 1769 Thomas

ANTAGONISM OF EASTERN TO WESTERN VIRGINIANS.

Jefferson, a member of the House of Burgesses, which had been established
in 1 6 19, asserted for the Colony the right of self-taxation, denying the right
of the English Parliament to tax the Colonies. In 1773 Patrick Henry,
Thomas Jefferson and Richard Henry Lee were appointed a committee to
confer with the other Colonies, and urged upon their delegates the Declara-
tion of Independence. In fact, Virginia with her grand array of brilliant
men, stands upon the verj^ pinnacle of the nation's greatness. George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and John
Tyler in turn became the nation's choice for President; beside these names,
the honor roll of the State numbers its heroes, statesmen, divines and artists
by the hundreds. But had the State furnished but fJn* Washington, she
would still excel in her contribution of exalted manhood to the country.

With a commonwealth so rich in natural resources and so pre-eminent
in great achievements, it would seem that every impulse would move her
sons to preserve intact their common heritage. But such was not the case,
and it will be shown that power of conflicting opinions and antagonistic aims
prevailed against the more sentimental influence of State pride. For thirty
years before the Rebellion the people of the eastern and western part of the
State had been in a condition of absolute hostility, and from the writer's
earliest recollection the candidate for the State Legislature from the western
part of the State, in order to secure the suffrage of the people of his district,
was compelled to pledge his influence, if elected, to the principle of a
division of the State, and this pledge had to be given, no matter of what
political faith he was. Indeed, from the very origin of the settlement
of western Virginia, when the Federal Constitution was adopted, its
citizens were in a large degree alienated from the eastern and older
section of the State. The men of the west were hardy frontiersmen, a
majority of them soldiers of the Revolution and their immediate descendants,
without estates, with little but the honorable record of patriotic service and
their own strong arms for their fortunes. They had few slaves. They had,
however, land patents, which were certificates of patriotic service in the
Revolutionary War, and they depended upon their own labor for a new home
in the wilderness. A population thus originating, a community thus founded,
was naturally uncongenial to the aristocratic element of the Old Dominion.
As the terms were formerly used, the Blue Ridge was the boundary between
eastern and western Virginia.

In 1850 the former contained 401,540 whites, 45,783 free colored per-
sons and 409,793 slaves ; the latter 492,609 whites, 8,133 ^^^^ colored and
62,233 slaves.

The long-standing dispute between these sections, growing mainly out of

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM sUi TO 1S63.

the questions of taxation and representation, were temporarily compromised
by amendments to the Constitution made in 1850, by which a mixed basis
for representation was adopted, giving to the west a majority in the House,
and to the east a majority in the Senate. By this compromise, slaves under
twelve years of age were not subjects of taxation, while upon those above
that age $1.20 was levied. The west complained that a large proportion of
the property of the eastern planters, which consisted of slaves, was either
wholly or in effect free from taxation, while all of theirs was taxed ; and,
moreover, afErmed that they derived little benefit from the sums expended
for internal improvements, which substantially comprised a few thousand
dollars each year for turnpike and road improvements and an appropriation
to erect an insane asylum at Weston, in Lewis County, while the tide-
water districts were liberally provided for. From this time many leading
men in the western part of the State began to devise means for a separation
between the two sections. As early as 185 1 Hon. Waitman T. Willey, of
Monongalia County, member of the State Convention of Virginia, in a
speech before that convention, made an impassioned and eloquent argument
on the question of **A Just Basis of Representation/' taking the ground that
the western part of the State had been unfairly dealt with by the east. He
said : " More than one-half of the people of Virginia, by at least one hun-
dred and fifty thousand — more than one-half of the voters of Virginia, by at
least fifteen thousand — are standing this day knocking at the doors of tliis
hall; after long years of delay, after mature deliberation and a quarter of a
century *s discussion and patient endurance of their grievances, they are now,
to-day, at this moment knocking at the doors of this hall, demanding their
proper polidcal power, and an apportionment of representation upon the
principles of the Declaration of Rights."

Hon. John S. Carlisle, in a speech at a convention in Wheeling, in May,
1861, said : ** There is no difference in opinion between the advocates of a
separation of this State. If I may be allowed, I can claim some credit for my
sincerity when I say that it has been an object for which I have labored at
least since the year 1850. The convention which met at Richmond in that year,
and adopted our present State Constitution, clearly disclosed to my mind the
utter incompatibility consistent with the interests of the people of northwestern
Virginia of remaining in connection with the eastern portion of the State.*'

Governor Letcher,* in his proclamation to the people of northwestern

*Onthc 14th of June, 1 861, Governor Letcher having posted troops at Hutlonsville^ in
Randolph County, issued that proclamation. It further insisted that the majority of the
State should rule the State, and called upon vvcslern Virginians, in the name of past
friendship and historic memories, to co-operate with Secession and join the Southern army.
The rote referred to was the vote upon the question of Virginia seceding from the Union,
held on the 4.lh Thursday in May, referred to in following chapters.— T. F. L.

G O VERNOR LETCHER'S PRO CLAM A TION, 5

Virginia, June 14, 1861, admits that these complaints were well founded.
He says : ** There has bean a complaint among you that the eastern portion
of the State has enjoyed an exemption from taxation to 3'our prejudice. By
a display of magnanimity in the vote just given, the east has, by a large
majority, consented to relinquish this exemption, and is ready to share with
you all the burdens of government."

The unprejudiced reader will recognize the ** magnanimity " of the
vote referred to by Governor Letcher in his proclamation, and, assuming
that the overture was sincere, coming as it did at the very threshold
of a revolt by a long-suffering, waiting and patient people, it failed to
impress with any degree of faith the masses to whom it was addressed. Had
that spirit prevailed, and justice been meted out in the years that had passed,
there was a remote possibility that western Virginians might have become
educated to conform to the laws and customs governing the people of the
east. But, for reasons already expressed, the convictions of the westerners
were as indissoluble as were the imperishable mountains that divided the
commonwealth.

CHAPTER n.

LOYALTY OF WESTERN VIRGINIANS WHEN THE CONFLICT CALLED

THEM TO ARMS.

Habits, Customs, Manners and Character of the People of the State.— The City and Towns-
people. — The Farmer and the Country People. — The Improvident Mountaineer. — Bush-
whackers and their Methods. — Western Virginians Allied to Northern Sentiments and
Institutions. — Gov. Letcher Assembles Legislature in Extra Session. — Proceedings of
Same. — Virginia Convention Passes Ordinance of Secession.

jlEFORE proceeding to the recital of the main features of the theme
as indicated in the text for Chapter II, it seems fitting that we
should introduce a few words relating to the habits, customs,
manners and character of the inhabitants of the State as we find them
prior to and in 1861, and for convenience we shall speak of them under three
separate headings: (i) The City and Towns-people, (2) The Farmer and
the Country People, and (3) The Improvident Mountaineer.

In the Cities and Towns

of West Virginia we find that characteristic energy and push, in a business
way, that pertains to other enterprising cities; lawyers, doctors, artists,
bankers, merchants, mechanics and all professional and trades-people trying
to excel in their specialty, turning night into day in their eagerness to grow
wealthy. And in this endeavor they maintained a courtesy and suavity of
character that was Chesterfieldian in its way. The older men were really
solid in their habits, and the young men generally followed their example.
There was no time or place then where a later day excrescence, in society
called a **dude," could endure for a single day.

The legal fraternity and the ministry of West Virginia in those days
numbered some of the most brilliant and noted mtellects in this country, and
the writer recalls the prompt reply of a prominent eastern wholesale dry
goods dealer to the question, <* where do you find your most reliable and
trusted retail purchasers ?" and he replied without reserve, **from Western
Virginia." And the women of these cities and towns were cultured and
refined in all the domestic relations of the home. They had no true con-
ception of the advanced or ** strong-minded" woman, and they knew littie of
Paris dressmakers ; their highest ambition was to make good wives and a
happy home.

FRIENDL Y RELA TIONS AMONG THE CO VNTR Y PEOPLE. 7

The Farmer and the Country Peopi-e.

It was this element of West Virginia's population that stood pre-eminent
as an illustration of a happy, contented and satisfied class. There were
farmers of large and of small estates, but all were in sympaLhy and stood by
each and for each other. The larger and more fortunate operators, in addi-
tion to producing wheat, com, buckwheat, fruits, etc., for their family use,
generally had an extra amount of each to sell; beside, they raised large
numbers of fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, w^hich were shipped to
eastern markets \ but, no matter whether the farmers w^ere of extensive or
small estate, they always stood together, they endorsed notes, borrow^ed and
loaned, and extended a helping hand each to the other. If a house or barn
was to be built, a field oi com to be husked, a log-rolling to be done,
the neighbors for miles around would assemble on the day set apart, and
would accomplish in a day what would require months to perform single-
handed. And these occasions usually furnished a day and evening of refined
enjoyment, for the women would not be left out. To illustrate, a farmer would
have, say a field of com to husk, and his wife and daughter would have a
quilt to make ; so the farmer would strip his com, say 200 or 300 barrels,
from the stock, haul and pile near by the corn-crib, and his wife would place
her quilt in the frame, when a day would be designated for the joint husking
and quilting, w^hen all the neighbors w^ould be invited, the farmers and their
sons to the husking, and the farmers' wives and their daughters to the quilting.
Reader, did you ever attend one of those country affairs ? If not, your life
has passed in blissful ignorance of that acme of joyous entertainment, as
compared with which the present day '*tea,'' or ** german," is indeed
dull and unimportant. But the entertainment, let us explain. When the
men assemble at the corn pile, an equal division is matie of both, the pile of
com and of the buskers; each set of men are posted at either side of the com
pile, when, at the command, the men make the husks fly, until the work is
completed, when the side husking the greater number of bushels is declared
the winner of a prize that had been proffered. And similar proceedings
have taken place w4th the ladies relating to the quilting. Finally, when the
work has been finished, supper is in order, and just here our power of descrip-
tion cannot do justice to one of those countrj^ suppers. Delmonico receives
you in his magnificent *' dining parlors '" and hands you a "menu " to select
from, but these fancy French dishes rarely agree with your plain American
stomach, and the thought of the inevitable headache robs the feast of half its
pleasure. Not so with our country supper of light rolls, stewed chicken > a
boiled country-cured ham, with broiled venison and appropriate vegetables^

8 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM j86i TO 1865^

and pumpkin pie that would make a New England housewife knit her brows
in envy. Yet, that is not all, for the young folks' hour has arrived, and
they are in full dress; not in the conventional full dress of the city belle, for
the bright, cheerful, laughing country girl needs no decoUette gown, rouge
or powder to make her attractive, nor does an orchestra rendering scientific
selections from Mozart, Strauss or Schubert furnish music for the dance;
instead, the best violinist of the neighborhood plays familiar airs (if dancing
were in order). But without the music and without the dance, the young
country folks have endless ways to while away the happy hours. Although
a most interesting topic, space will not permit a more extended reference to
the social customs which prevailed among the better element of the rural
population at that time.

The Improvident Mountaineers

are not referred to here as hkving furnished any considerable part of the
population whose methods and aims in life contributed to the advancement
and elevation of the State. On the contrary, their life work was little above
the savage who inhabited these same hills when the country was yet a
** howling wilderness." Their abode was in the mountains of the middle
and southwestern counties of the State. They were generally squatters,
paying nothing for the land of which they had taken possession; they would
clear a few acres, build a rude cabin, and thus isolated they would raise a
small patch of com and potatoes, sufficient to meet their necessities from
year to 3'ear, and for other food they depended upon wild game and fish, a
generous supply of which was found in that part of the State. They were
without education, or the means ol getting it even had they desired to do so.
They would make periodical visits to the county towns with a supply of furs,
ginseng and other roots, which they would exchange for clothing, coffee,
sugar and, of course, whiskey. Perhaps it would have been just as well
not to have referred to this improvident element of the country, nor would
we have done so but for the fact that our description of the people of the
State would not be complete without such a reference. Moreover, when the
war did come, a few of them had the courage of their convictions and
enrolled themselves as soldiers either in the Union or the Confederate armies.
The majority of them, however, became the terror of the Union soldiers by
their irregular and cruel methods of warfare, known in military parlance as
** bushwhackers,'' ** guerillas," etc. Having allied themselves with the Con-
federate cause, they felt secure in their murderous attacks on Union troops
while on the march or at out-posts, nor did they spare the defenseless women
and children of the sparsely settled country. They usually did their fiendish

IVEST VIRGINIA ALLIED TO OHIO AND PENNSYLVANIA.

work under cover of darkness, but it was a common practice to conceal
themselves in the dense wood of the mountain side and fire into the ranks of
the marching soldiery without warning, and with no possible chance of
returning an effective shot. The Union troops dreaded this one-sided method
of warfare more than the pitched battle, where each combatted with equal
chances to win. This species of warfare, now forbidden by the law of
nations, has existed from the earliest times, Rome, both imperial and repub-
lican, was harassed by similar bands. The mountain fastnesses of Greece
and of Spain have long been the rendezvous of just such desperadoes, and
our own Mexico has become noted for her bushwhackers. Let us, how-
ever, turn our thoughts from these stragglers engaged in their despicable
work to that larger body of patriotic people who, imbued with an unselfish
devotion to principle, were entering that '* irrepressible conflict,*' not as the
champions of Virginia or of South Carolina, not as the champions of Ohio
or Pennsylvania, but as defenders of what was greater than any State» the
Union,

By every natural associadon West Virginia was alHed to Ohio and
Pennsylvania, and therefore to Northern sentiments and institutions. Border-
ing on the Ohio River for two hundred and fifty miles, she was adjacent to
Pennsylvania for a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, half on the
southern line, half on the western line of that State. Her extreme point —
the Pan-handle — stretched to the northward of Pittsburg, and was within
twenty-five miles of the parallel of latitude that marks tlie southern boundary
of the New England States. When, therefore, the loyal people of western
Virginia declined to yield to tlie demand of the Secessionists of the State it
very naturally created a great deal of enthusiasm in the States of Ohio and
Pennsylvania, and did much to attract the sympathy and help of those States
to the support of the brave loyalists of this section. At this time the people
of Virginia found themselves confronted with the most important question
that had as yet come up in the history of the State since the days of the
Revolution,

Governor Letcher had called an extra session of the State Legislature
to meet on the 7th of Januarj^, 1861, among other things ** to take into con-
sideration the condition of public affairs and determine calmly and wisely
what action is necessarj\" People in western Virginia did not comprehend
that a terrible war was about to be inaugurated, and many were incredulous
at the idea of secession. The Legislature convened in extra session on the
7th day of January, and on the I4tli passed a bill calling a convention of the
people of Virginia, whose members were to be elected on the 4th of Feb-
ruary, and were to meet in Richmond on the 13th of that month. A sub-

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iB6i TO 1865,

stitute for this bill,, offered in the House of Delegates, providing that a vote
of the people should be taken upon the calling of the convention, was
defeated by a large majority. Thus, for the first time in the history of the
State, a convention would assemble without the sanction of the people. A
clause of the bill, however, provided that the sense of the voters should be
taken at the election for members of the convention, ** as to whether any
action of said convention dissolving our connection with the Federal Union
or changing the organic law of the State shall be submitted to the people for
ratification or rejection/'

The convention assembled at Richmond on the 13th, and organized by
electing the Hon. John Janney, of Loudoun County, president; Hon. W. T.
Willey, of Monongalia County, was appointed a member of the Committee
On Federal Relations.

Fulton Anderson, a commissioner from Mississippi, Henry L, Benning,
a commissioner from Georgia, and John S. Preston, a commissioner from
South Carolina, addressed the convention, all urging Virginia to join the
Southern Confederacy. Mr. Willey answered the address of Preston in an
able and eloquent speech.

While the convention was still pouring in resolutions relating to the great
subject of Union upon the Committee of Federal Relations, and before it had
made any report, an event took place at the Federal capital which was
designed either to bring matters more rapidly to a crisis, or restore order
and harmony to the country. Mr, Lincoln was inaugurated President of
the United States on the 4th of March for four years. The inaugural
address, whilst of a tone and character that did not threaten or wound, still
announced the doctrine that nothing had yet taken place, according to the
Constitution, which was sufficient to tie the hands of the Executive or deter
him from retaking the forts and arsenals and repossessing the property
belonging to the Government in the States where secession had been
institiftted.

This address was received and interpreted by the people of Virginia
and the convention according to the prevailing opinions of parties on the
questions then being agitated. The extremists argued and asserted that it
was equivalent to a declaration of hostilities, and by the superior vehemence
which characterizes revolutionists, together with a resort to the sophistry of
public commotions, they drew to them many who were filled with alarm at
the aspect of affairs and found a temporary relief in the shadow of violent
spirits.

The pressure of events brought from the Committee on Federal Rela-
tions a partial majority report on the 9th of March, the tenor of which

JUDGE J\ MARSHALL HAGANS MONOGRAPH,

exalted any and everything relating to secession and States' rights, whilst
pretty much everything relating to the Federal Union was lightly referred to.
By permission of Judge J. Marshall Hagans, of Morgantown, we are
pleased to quote from his admirable

Sketch of the Erection and Formation of the State of West
Virginia from the Territory of Virginia,

pertaining to that convention. *' The report of the committee was a signal
for a general onset between the parties. One of the most animated and
spirited debates which modem times has witnessed immediately began. It
was characterized by a warmth and ability which the great interests of the
occasion demanded and the high order of intellect engaged brought forth.
The vehemence and rancor of the Secession cabal was met by the sturdy
determination and lofty eloquence of the Unionists, in defense of all that was
honorable and revered in the historj' of their countr3\ Every injfluence that
could be exerted by the factionists was brought to bear in tne arguments.
State pride, that fatal deity of the Virginian, was urged with all the eloquence
of the most accomplished orators. On the part of the Unionists, the tradi-
tions and the glory of the past, and the magnitude of a mighty future, were
portrayed with a zeal and faithfulness which the proudest intellects of any
age never excelled. The most gifted minds of the times poured the rich
treasures of their maturity into the agitated flood of patriotic duty. After
elaborate discussion a vote was had on the 4th of April. Both parties desired
it, for the purpose of ascertaining the progress of accretion and defection.
The resolutions were voted on separately, and were amended or stricken
out, on a basis generally favorable to the Union cause. But the great
test vote was on the sixth, for which a substitute w^as offered providing that
an ordinance of secession from the Federal Union should be submitted to the
people of Virginia at the annual election in May following. This proposi-
tion met with a most signal rebuke, by a vote of forty-five for and eighty-
nine against it. The spirits of the Union members rose triumphant with the
results^ which evinced such a decided majority against direct secession,
however much diversity of sentiment might exist on questions of adjustment
involving neutrality or non-coercion. Prior to this time a few days, a
scheme had been concocted by the Secessionists designed to accomplish, in
the most revolutionary manner, what they feared could not be done through
the convention m its present temper* A circular was issued, signed by six
members of the convention, two members of the House of Delegates and the
clerk, and extensively distributed tliroughout the State, It called upon the

r+ LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO /86j.

April, assembled together in a large hall and sat with dosed doors. No ing
could be obtained to the sessions of this mysterious body. To add lo tli«
alarm of the times, the convention went in secret session and all further
knowledge as to its operations, to the Union people at least, was at an ^ *
But the scenes witnessed within the walls of that room, as detailed by mL...
bers, have no parallel in the annals of ancient or modem times. The Union
men began to appreciate their position only when they saw those who ha :
been their active co-laborers bowing before the storm and yielding befon: *'
pressure of events. In vain did they appeal, exhort, entreat them to rt:;
firm in the adhesion to the national bond. On the morning of the 17th,
Wise, the member from Princess Anne, rose in his seat and drawnng a 1
Virginia horse pistol from his bosom, laid it before him, and proceciiL
harangue the body in the most violent and denunciatory manner; he '
eluded by taking his watch from his pocket and with glaring eyes and I
breath declared that events were now transpiring which canserl *
come over his soul; at such an hour, he said, Harper's Ferry aiij
were in the possession of Virginia soldiers, at another period the
navy yard and property at Norfolk were seized by troops of tfi
was then that the Union members saw the object of the other
which had sat with closed doors from its beginning, and wh^i
hand seizing the reins of government, had left them the form
power to resist. It was true as he had spoken; the volutn.
which had been organized after the raid by John Brown itj 1
Valley had, under orders from some mysterious power, av
number of two thousand or more, and moved on Har]
design of seizing the armory and arsenals at that poii
Federal Government ; the small garrison of marines » ;
most valuable property, fired the buildings and fled in jv

*• On the 17th of April, after much confusion aii^l
convention came to a vote on an ordinance of seci
Union, The vote stood eighty-one for and fifty •on r.

"Immediately after the passage of the
began to diminish in numbers. The dele[:
the State, from the counties which now cctr;
finding themselves in a hopeless min^i^'
secretiy, took their departure for
yet more faithful constituents

\* JX f L P'-'^

AW.-/.

: iiy. Texas was the first to
• . Virginia, North Carolina and

-lies which led to this unhappy
: culmination of an insane revel
had in the United States worn

was on was the firing upon Fort

first shot fired — at 20 minutes past

of the night, the flash and the

ederate battery on Sullivan's

ing and wailing along its fiery

mward plunge, burst as it fell

e direful portent ever lit the

if of a civil war, compared to which

f children in a corner. A war in

, and which was to scatter ruin and

raged; which was to convert half a

strew it from east to west with the

atify the base ambition and the disap-

stified to themselves their attempt to

nstrous assumption of the right of one

hh property.

n the 17th of April, passed the Ordinance of

Iflier addressed a letter to Hon. Andrew Sweeney,

It* him of the fact, and ordering him to ** seize

htjuse of that city, the postofiice, and all public

a ihe name of the sovereign State of Virginia."

;d; *'I Aav€ seized upon the custom house, the

ildings and documents in the name of Abraham

rt tjie United States, whose property they are." And

nveeney reflected the opinion of the masses of the

^tipginia, and they were not slow nor uncertain in their

lOn. They realized, however, that with the secession of

;ind proclaimed they must do one of two things : either

organize a State government which would be faithful to

-(jtution, or drift hopelessly into anarchy, and thus con-

. uss of the Rebellion.

npt and intelligent action is a remarkable illustration of the
ciplined abilily of Americans for the duties of self-government.

LOYAL WEST VIRGfNIA FROM i86r TO i86s.

escape. As soon as he arrived at Clarksburg, his home, he called a public
meeting for April 22d, and, notwithstanding but twenty-four hours' notice
had been given, the courthouse, where the meeting was held, was filled
to overflowing, and this meeting was one of the many exciting incidents of
that period that vividly impressed the writer's memor)\ Mr. Carlisle was
the principal speaker. He was an educated and talented man and an effective
orator. For two hours he addressed his eager hearers upon the issues of
Union or Secession, and only those who heard his inspiring words can esti-
mate the effect they had upon the action of his auditors. There is no room
for doubt that Mr. Carlisle s appeal saved many waivering ones to the cause
which he had espoused, and many of those who before were discouraged,
now took up the tight with renewed force and a determination to win. This
was the first important public meeting held in the State after the passage of
the Ordinance of Secession; and that meeting called for an assembly of dele-
gates, to be composed of ten men from each count)% to a convention to be
held in Wheeling on the 13th of May following. In pursuance of this call,
public meetings were held in every county, the shortest notice calling out
the largest concourses. These assemblies were addressed by Union men
and by Secessionists. It must be remembered that at this early period there
was still a bond of local attachment or State kinship that had not as yet been
rudely severed p and not only at these public meetings were Secessionists per-
mitted to speak and state their cause, but in the stores and offices, and upon
the street corners, and at county cross roads could be seen groups of men
entertaining antagonistic views, discussing^-oftentimes impassionately — the
great and ruling question of the hour* In succeeding chapters these matters
will be fully presented.

February 8th, 1861, the date of the formal inauguration of the Southern
Confederacy, marks the beginning of the War of the Rebellion* All of the
previous acts of the Secessionists were within the limits of a peaceful solu-
tion, this act called for heroic treatment — it was no longer a question of ideas,
but of physical force — the people were entering upon a civil war.

South Carolina, on the 20th of December, i86o» was the first to secede.
In the month of January following it was in turn joined by these States, viz. :
Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. These States met
in convention at Montgomery', Alabama, on the 4th of February, 1861, and
in four days all preliminary arrangements were completed ; a provisional
Constitution, almost identical with that of the United States, framed, and
Jefferson Davis elected President, and Alexander H, Stevens, Vice-Presi-
dent of the new Nation. Then followed five other States, but in a majority
of them a strong Union sentiment prevailed* and their dissolution from tlie

SECESSION OF VIRGINIA.

tJnion was obtained by a very slight majority. Texas was the first to
follow, and then came at intervals Arkansas, Virginia, North Carolina and
Tennessee.

We do not propose to discuss here the issues which led to this unhappy
condition of affairs, only to say that it was the culmination of an insane revel
of partisan license, which, for thirty years, had in the United States worn
the mask of Government.

The fullest realization that the war was on was the firing upon Fort
Sumter, on the 12th of April, 1S61* The first shot fired — at 20 minutes past
4 o'clock, A. M.— when, in the dark and quiet of the night, the flash and the
dull roar of a monitor came from the Confederate battery on Sullivan *s
Island. The conscious shell went up shrieking and wailing along its fiery
curve, and lingering reluctantly before its downward plunge, burst as it fell
over the doomed fortress. No meteor of more direful portent ever lit the
sky ; for tliis told surely of the beginning of a civil war, compared to which
all civil wars before it were as squabbles of children in a comer, A war in
which millions of men were to be engaged, and which was to scatter ruin and
want through the country in which it raged; which was to convert half a
continent into one great battlefield, and strew it from east to west with the
graves of its citizens, slaughtered to gratify the base ambition and the disap-
pointed pride of a small faction who justified to themselves their attempt tt>
destroy a government upon the monstrous assumption of the right of one
man to own and use another as his property.

No sooner had Virginia, on the 17th of April, passed the Ordinance of
Secession, than Governor Letcher addressed a letterto Hon. Andrew Sweeney,
mayor of Wheeling, informing him of the fact, and ordering him to ** seize
at once upon the custom house of that city, the postofBce, and all public
buildings and documents in the name of the sovereign State of Virginia.*'
The mayor promptly replied: *'I have seized upon the custom house, the
postofBce and all public buildings and documents in the name of Abraham
Lincoln, President of the United States, whose property they are." And
this reply of Mayor Sweeney reflected the opinion of the masses of the
people in western Virginia, and they were not slow nor uncertain in their
expression of opinion. They realized, however, that witli tlie secession of
Virginia completed and proclaimed they must do one of two things : either
proceed at once to organize a State government which would be faithful to
the National Constitudon, or drift hopelessly into anarchy, and thus con-
tribute to the success of the Rebellion.

Their prompt and intelligent action is a remarkable illustration of the
trained and disciplined ability of Americans for the duties of self-government.

'8 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM ii6r TO 1865.

And it most be remembered (hat the peojde who were 90 mtensel j mterested
did not hold to any wild theories or commonistzc tendencies. All along the
border of the State there were a nnmber of avowed abolmonists, and a few
scattered through the interior, but at this eariy period they remained on the
defensive side of the issues. The preachers of the M. E. Church North
had a large membership in the State, and they were intensely loyal to the
Union cause.

Hon. F. H. Peirpoint, one of the leading men of the State, though not
a member of that church, wrote one of his most effective letters and pub-
lished it in a local paper, extolling the preachers of the M. E. Church, main-
taining that they were simply living under the rule promulgated by Wesley.
This letter had wide circulation and tended to strengthen the Union senti-
ment, not only with the membership of that church, but other religious
denominations as well.

The following summary will call to mind of the war-time reader how
rapidly and exciting did one event follow another, undl everj- fibre of our
nervous system was stretched to its fullest tension:

April 17, 1861. — Ordinance of Secession adopted by Virginia Conven-
tion.

April 18. — ^United States Armory iit Harper's Ferrj- abandoned and
Immed by its garrison.

April 19. — Conflict between United States troops and mob in Balti-
more, Md.

April 20. — General Buder's command arrives at Annapolis, Md.

April 23. — Maj.-Gen'l Robert E. Lee assigned to the command of the
military and naval forces of Virginia.

April 27. — Col. Thos. J. Jackson, Virginia Volunteers, assigned to
command of State troops at and about Harper's Ferrj*.

May I. — ^Volunteer forces called out in Virginia.

May 3. — Governor of Virginia issues call for additional forces.*

May 4. — Col. A. G. Porterfield assigned to command of State forces in
northwestern Virginia.

May 5. — Alexandria, Va., abandoned by State troops.

May 9. — Exchange of shots between the United States steamer Yankee
and the batteries at Gloucester Point, Va.

May 13. — Baltimore, Md., occupied by United States troops.

May 13. — ^Maj.-Genl George B. McClellan, U. S. Army, assimies
command of the Department of Ohio, embracing West Virginia.

*Thii call was sent into western Virginia to all the commanding officers of the Sute
flittitia, and was practically disregarded by all. — ^T. F. L.

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS.

»9

May 14. — Seizure of a train of cars at Harper's Ferry,

May 15. — ^Brig.-Geiil Joseph E, Johnson, C. S. Amny, assigned to
comraandof troops near Harper's Ferry.

May 18 and 19*^ — ^Engagement at SewelFs Point.

May 24. — ^Advance of Union Army into Virginia and its occupation of
Arlington Heights and Alexandria.

May 26 to 30. — ^Advance upon and occupation of Grafton, Va., by Col-
onel Kelley's Union forces.

June 2. — Brig.-Gen'l G. T, Beauregard, C, S* Army, given command
of the Department of Alexandria.

June 3, — Action at Philippi.

June 6. — Brig.-Genl Henry A. Wise, C, S, Army, ordered to com*
mand of troops in the Kanawha Valley.

June 8* — Brig.-Gen'l R, S. Garnett, C. S, Army, assigned to command
of troops in northwestern Virginia.

June 10,— Engagement at Big Bethel.

June 13*^ — ^Descent of Union troops upon Romney.

July 10.— Skirmish at Laurel Hill.

July II.— Battle of Rich Mountain,

July 13. — Battle of Carrick's Ford,

July 13. — Surrender of Pegram*s Confederate forces to General McClel-
lan at Beverly.

July 15. — Harper's Ferry evacuated by the Confederate forces,

July i6» — ^Union advance toward Manassas, Va.

July 17. — Confederate Army retired to the lines of Bull Run, Va,

July 17- — Skirmish at Fairfax Courthouse.

July 18 to 21. — Confederate forces from the Shenandoah Valley, under
Gen'l Joseph E. Johnson, re-enforced the army of General Beauregard at
Manassas.

July 21. — First Battle of Bull Run,

The foregoing summary contains only a few of the many fagots that
served to kindle the flame of patriotic devotion in western Virginia ; nearly
her entire territory had, within three months, seen and felt the effect of ter-
rible war, and she illustrated her devotion to the Union by the most prac-
tical method, namely, the voluntary enlistment in the army of many of her
brave sons.

CHAPTER IV.

GENERAL GEORGE B. McCLELLAN'S OPERATIONS IN WESTERN
VIRGINIA IN THE SPRING OF 1861.

Biographical Sketch of General McClellan. — Commissioned Major-General of Volunteers,.
April 23d, 1861, and Maj.-General U. S. Army, May 14th, 1861. — In Command of the
Department of the Ohio. — Creating an Army, out of Undisciplined Troops. — Business
Men First to Enlist. — The Incentive that Impelled Western Virginians to Enlist in the
Union Army. — The Confederates* Activity. — Brothers will Fight Brothers.— History-
Slow to Recognize the Loyal Men of Western Virginia.— Aims of the Confederates. —
Their Early Occupation of ^Grafton. —Official Orders, Proclamations and Letters ol Con-
federate Authorities.— Their Advance into West Virginia Premature.— General McClellan
Ordered to Send Troops to West Virginia. — Received with Rejoicing by the Residents.
— McClellan Issues Proclamations to the People of West Virginia and to His Troops. —
Col. Benj. F. Kelley Ordered from Wheeling to Grafton. — Occupies Grafton. — General
Morris at Grafton and Philippi. — Union Troops Occupy Philippi. — Colonel Kelley
Wounded.— Porterfield's Retreat.— Laurels for General McClellan.

llEORGE BRINTON McCLELLAN was bom in Philadelphia,
Penna., December 3, 1826. His school education was in that
city, in the preparatory school attached to the University of Penn-
sylvania. He entered the Military Academy at West Point in 1842, gradu-
ating in 1846, when he was assigned to the Corps of Engineers as Second
Lieutenant. In September of the same year he, went with the army to
Mexico, where he served with distinction during the war. He was breveted
First Lieutenant for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, Captain for
Chapultepec.

On the 22d of May, i860, he married Ellen Mary Marcy, daughter of
Captain (afterward General) Randolph B. Marcy, and established his resi-
dence at Cincinnati, O., as President of the Eastern Division of the Ohio
and Mississippi Railroad Co., where he was occupied as such when the
Civil War began and he offered his services to his country.

He was commissioned Maj.-General of Volunteers in Ohio on the 23d
of April, 1861. On the 14th day of May he was made Major-General in
the United States Army and placed in command of the Department of Ohio,
which included Ohio, Indiana and the western portions of Pennsylvania and
Virginia.

McClellan 's services as military engineer in Mexico had brought him
great distinction ; but the office he then assumed was novel and promised

GEORGE S. McCLELLAN,
MAJOR-GiKiRAL U. S. A.

BROTHERS WILL FIGHT BROTHERS, 21

many trials and difficulties. The training of a single company of recruits
required great patience and executive ability, but an army to be created out
of undisciplined volunteer forces required genius and great tact. Happily
for General McClellan, the men who first enlisted to defend the Union were
patriots — ^business men, who readily grasped the situation — and in a fort-
night, from communities of business and professional callings, sprung an
army of intelligent, disciplined soldiers. It was not, however, the formation
of a military department which included West Virginia that furnished the
incentive that impelled her sons to espouse the Union cause, for they had
shown since the day of the passage of the Ordinance of Secession that they
regarded that act with the same significance as if it had been a shot fired
into their midst from the cannon's mouth, the influence of which awoke a
peaceful people into a frenzy of war that went out into every city and town
and mountain road. Then every loyal man and woman in western Virginia
became a worker in the cause which moved the nation's soul. Men went to
enlisting, officers to organizing companies and regiments, following which
came the mighty gathering of our heroes. The doors of the workshops
were closed, the fields were deserted, armed men poured down from the
hilltops and surged up from the valleys ; the middle wall of partition was
broken down between classes until it seemed like the good days of old
**when none were for party but all for the State." The whole of our
boundary became one vast military camp. But during this time the Con-
federates were not indifferent, but, to the contrary, were equally active in
the matter of preparation for war. And there was foreshadowed at the time
what history afterwards verified — that both sides were very much in earnest.

^'Though,*' said some, ** will brothers fight brothers?" **Aye," said our
people, **even brothers will fight when their mothers have been struck."

History has been slow to give that full meed of praise to the sturdy loyalty
of West Virginians that their ear.y stand in the conflict merited.

It cannot be truthfully denied that the purposes and aims of the Con-
federate authorities in sending troops so early into the western part of the
State was:

(i) To capture and impress into their ranks all subject to military
service.

(2) To establish their lines along the borders of Ohio and Pennsylvania,
thus making those two States the battle-ground. And had West Virginia
concurred in this opinion the war in all probability would have been greatly
prolonged.

Believing that the early proceedings of the Confederate authorities per-
taining to western Virginia would be interesting reading, we quote (from
Rebellion records) a few official acts promulgated at tliat time, to wit:

22 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865*

Executive Department. Richmond, Va., April ^i, 1861.
Major-General Lee having reported to the Governor, he will at once assume the com-
mand-in-chief of all the military and naval forces of the State and take in charge the military
defenses of the State. John Letcher-

General Orders, (

No. I. \ Headquarters, Richmond. Va.. April ^z, 1861.

In obedience to orders from his Excellency. John Letcher. Governor of Virginia, Maj.-
Gcn'l Robert E. Lee assumes command of the miliUry and naval forces of Virginia.

R. E. Lee. Major-General.

Headquarters. Virginia Forces.
Richmond. Va.. April 2^, 1861.
Maj. a. Loring, Commanding Volunteers, Wheeling, Va.:

Major : You will muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may
offer themselves, in compliance with the call of the Governor, take command of them, and
direct the military operations for the protection of the terminus of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad on the Ohio River, and also that of the road. It is desirable that the business
operations of the company and peaceful travel shall not be interrupted, but be afforded pro-
tection. Major F. M. Boykin. Jr.. has been directed to give protection to the road in the
vicinity of Graflon. You will place yourself in communication with him with the view to
co-operate, if necessary. You are requested to report the number of companies you may
muster into the service, the state of the arms, condition, and all the circumstances connected
therewith. Respectfully, etc.,

R. E. Lee, Maj.-Gen'l Commanding.

Headquarters, Virginia Forces.
Richmond, Va., April 2^, 1861.
Lieut.-Col. John McCausland :

You will proceed to the Valley of the Kanawha and muster into the service of the
State such volunteer companies (not exceeding ten) as may offer their services, in compli-
ance with the call of the Governor; take the command of them, and direct the military
operations for the protection of that section of the country. Your policy will be strictly
defensive, and you will endeavor to give quiet and assurance to the inhabitants. It has been
reported that two companies are already formed in Kanawha County. Captain Patten's and
Captain ^evann's, and that there are two in Putnam County. Captain Beckett's and Captain
Fife's. It is supposed that others will offer their services. The number of enlisted men to
the company, fixed by the convention, is eighty-two. You will report the condition of the
arms, etc. of each company, and, to enable you to supply deficiencies, five hundred muskets,
of the old pattern, will be sent ; I regret to state that they are the only kind at present for
issue. Four held pieces will also be sent you as soon as possible, for the service of which
you are desired to organize a company of artillery. The position of the companies at present
is left to your judgment, and you are desired to report what points below Charleston will
most effectually accomplish the objects in view. I am. Sir, etc.,

R. E. Lee, Maj.-Gen^l Commanding,

GEN'L LEE'S ORDERS AND GOV. LETC/fER'S PROCLAMATION. 23

Headquarters. V^irginia Forces,
Richmond, Va.. April ^o, 1861,
Major F. M, Boykin, Jr., Virginia Volunteers, Weston, Va, :

You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer
companies as may offer their services for the protection of the northwestern portion of the
State. Assume the command, take post at or near Grafton, unless some other point should
offer greater facilities for the command of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the branch
to Parkersburg. It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road or to offer annoy-
ance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations; but to hold the road for the benefit of
Maryland and Virginia, and to prevent its being used against them. You will theretore
endeavor to obtain the co-operation of the officers of the ro;jd and afford them, on your part,
every assistance in your power. Yoa \vill also endeavor to give quiet and security to the
inhabitants of the county. Major A. Loring, at Wheeling, has been directed, with the vol-
unteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the
Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communication with him and co-operate with him,
if necessary.

Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary, and what number of
companies can be furnished in that vicinity. You are requested to report the number of
companies you may muster into the service of the State ; their arms^ condition, etc., and your
views as to the best means for the accompUshmrnt of the object in view.

To enable you to supply any deficiencies in arms in the companies, two hundred
muskets, of the old pattern, Jiint-locks, will be forwarded by Colonel Jackson,* the command-
ing officer at Harper's Ferry, to your order, from whence you must ta.ke measures to receive
them and convey them in safety to their destination under guard, if necessary, I regret that
no other arms are at present for issue » Very respectfully, etc..

R. E, Lee, Maj,-Gen'l Commanding,

Executive Department, Richmond, Va., May i, 1861,
Hon. L. p. Walker :

Arrangements have been made to call out, if necessary, 50.000 volunteers from Vir-
ginia, to be rendezvoused at Norfolk, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Harper's
Ferry, Grafton, K.inawha, Parkersburg, and Mounsdville. Convention has authorized a
provisional army of 10,000. Our troops are poorly armed. Tolerable supply of powder;
deficient in caps, John Letcher.

[By the Governor of Virginia.]

A PROCLAMATION.

Richmond, May z, 1861.

The sovereignly of the Commonwealth of Virginia having been denied, her territorial
rights assailed, her soil threatened with invasion by the authorities at Washington, and every
artifice employed which could inflame the people of the Northern States and misrepresent
our purposes and wishes, it becomes the solemn duty of every citizen of this State to prepare
lor the impending conflict. These misrepresentations have been carried to such extent that
foreigners and naturalized citizens who but a few years ago were denounced by the North
and deprived of essential rights have now been induced to enlist into regiments for the pur-

* Thomas J. Jackson,

24 LOYAL WMST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj.

pose of invading this State, which then vindicated those rights and efTectually resisted

encroachments which threatened their destruction. Against such a policy and against the

force which the government at Washington, relying upon its numerical strength, is now

rapidly concentrating, it becomes the State of Virginia to prepare proper safeguards. To

this end and for these purposes, and with a determination to repel invasion, I, John Letcher,

Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by authority of the convention, do hereby

authorize the commanding general of the military forces of this State to call out and cause

to be mustered into the service of Virginia, from time to time, as the public exigencies may

require, such additional number of volunteers as he may deem necessary.

Given under my hand, as Governor, and under the seal of the Commonwealth, at

Richmond, this 3d day of May, 1861, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Commonwealth.

John Letcher.
By the Governor :

George W. Munford,

Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Headquarters, Virginia Forces,

Richmond, Va., May 4, 1861.
Col. George A. Porterfield, Harper* s Ferry, Va,

Colonel : You are directed to repair to Grafton, Taylor County, Va. and select a posi-
tion for the troops called into the service of the Slate for the protection and defense of that
part of the country. It is desired to hold both branches of the railroad to the Ohio River,
to prevent its being used to the injury of the State. You must, therefore, choose your posi-
tion with this view, that you may readily re-enforce troops on either branch. Major A.
Loring, at Wheeling, has been directed, with the volunteer force under his command, to
give protection to the terminus of the main road at the Ohio River, with whom you will
communicate and co-operate. You will also place a force on the Parkersburg Branch, at
such point as you may select, under a suitable officer with necessary orders for his guid-
ance. Major F. M. Boykin, Jr., of the Virginia Volunteers, who will act under your orders,
has been previously authorized to call out volunteers from that section of country, and you
are authorized, under the proclamation of the Governor, of the 3d inst., to extend the call to
the Counties of Wood, Wirt, Roane, Calhoun, Gilmer, Ritchie, Pleasant, and Doddridge to
rendezvous at Parkersburg, and to the Counties of Braxton, Lewis, Harrison, Monongalia^
Taylor, Barbour, Upshur, Tucker, Marion, Randolph, and Preston to rendezvous at Grafton.

It is not known what number of companies will offer their services, but it is supposed
that a regiment composed of infantry, riflemen, and artillery, may be obtained for the Park-
ersburg Branch ; a similar force for the main road, near Moundsville, and three regiments
for the reserve, near Grafton; and you are authorized to receive into the service of the State
that amount of force. You will report the number of companies mustered into service, their
condition, arms, etc. Two hundred muskets have been sent to Colonel Jackson, command-
ing at Harper's Ferry, to the order of Major Boykin, which will be distributed under your
orders, and you will cause proper receipts to be taken from the captains of the companies
for the security of the State. More arms, etc., will be forwarded to you on your requisition.
It is not intended to interfere with the peaceful use of the road, and you are desired to
obtain the co-operation of its officers and agents in the accomplishment of the purpose of
the State, and, on your part, to aid them in its management as much as possible.

Second Lieuts. J. G. Gittings and' W. E. Kemble, of the Provisional Army of Virginia,
have been ordered to report to you for duty.

Very respectfully, etc., R. E. Lee, Maj.-Gen'l Commanding,

COL. PORTER FIELD TO COL. R. S. GARXETT.

Headquarters, Virginia Forces,

Richmond, \'a., May \i, i86k
Maj. F, M. Boykin, Jr., Grafton, Va,

Ahyor : Your letter of the yih has just been received, and I regret to learn that the
prospect of assembling the Virginia forces at Gratton is so unfavorable. You must perse-
vere, however, and call out companies from the well affected counties, and march them to
Grafton or such other point in that vtcintiy as you may select. Four hundred rifles and
some ammunition have been ordered from Staunton to Major Goff, Virginia Volunteers, at
Beverly, Randolph County, who has been directed to comnnunicate their arrival to Colonel
Porierfield and take his directions as to their disposition. You can by this means arm cer-
tain companies and prepare them for service preparatory to receiving those from Harper's
Ferry. I do not think it prudent to order companies from other parts of the State to
Grafton, as it might irritate instead of conciliating the population of that region. On Colonel
Porterfield's arrival at Grafton communicate this letter to him.

Very respectfully, etc,

R. E. Lee, Major- Gtnl Commanding.

Grafton, Va., May i6. iS6i.
Col. R, S, GARNETTp Adjutant- Gineral Virginia Army, Richmond, Va*

Colonel I In my last report 1 stated that I would first get possession of the arms con-
signed to Major GofT, and then try to collect a force and occupy this place. I accordingly
sent a messenger to Major GolT. at Beverly, about fifty miles distant, and proceeded to
ascertain what force I could get, its condition, and the sentiment of the people in the counties
of Taylor, Barbour, and Harrison.

I also sent orders to the captains of companies, supposed to be armed, in the surround-
ing counties to bring their companies immediately to a designated point near Grafton and
there await my orders. The messenger from Beverly returned with the reply that nothing
had been heard of the rifles, nor had Major Goff been informed that they were to be sent to
him. This is a serious disappointment. Several companies in this vicinity are organizing
and expecting to be furnished at once with arms and ammunition. I found a company
organizing at Pruntylown, in this county, which will be ready to receive arms in a day or so.
There is another at Philippi, Barbour County, awaiting arms, and another in Clarksburg
which will soon be rpady. [ have seen the officers of these companies. There are olher
companies forming in the surrounding counties, but all without arms and ununiformed.
This force, when received, will not for some months be more effective than undisciplined
militia.

There are but two companies in this vicinity known to be armed. One of these. Captain
Boggess, at Weston, about forty-five miles distant, has the old flint-lock musket, in bad
order, and no ammunition. The other, Capu Thompson's, at Fairmount, twenty miles from
this place, has a better gun and some ammunition. These companies are now marching
towards this point ; are ordered to do so at least. This is the only force on which I have lo
depend, and it is very weak compared with the strength of those in this section who, \ am
assured, are ready to oppose me.

I have found great diversity of opinion and much bitterness of feeling among the people
of this region. They are apparently upon the verge of a civil war, A few bad men have
done much mischief by stirring up rebellion among the people, and representing to them the
weakness of the State and its inability or indisposition lo protect them, the power of the
Government at Washington, and their willingness lo give any aid required to resist th'*

26 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

State authorities. I am too credibly informed to entertain doubt that they have been and
will be supplied with the means of resistance. They and their accomplices have also threat-
ened the property and persons of law-abiding citizens with tire and the sword. Their efforts
to intimidate have had their effect both to dishearten one party and encourage the other.
Many good citizens have been dispirited, while traitors seized the guns and ammunition of
the State to be used against its authority. Arms in the hands of disbanded volunteer com-
panies have been retained for the same avowed purpose. The force in this section will need
the best rifles. Those at Harper's Ferry, which were injured by the fire, if fitted up, will do
very well, as there will not be the same use for the bayonet in these hills as elsewhere, and
the movements should be of light infantry and rifle, although the bayonet, of course, would
be desirable. I have the honor to be, Yours, etc.,

George A. Porterfield, Colonel.

Headquarters, Virginia Forces,

Richmond, Va., May 27, 1861.
Col. G£0RGE A. Porterfield, Commanding, etc, Grafton, Va.

Sir : I have to inform you that I have ordered one thousand muskets, with a sufficient
supply of powder and lead to Beverly, escorted by Colonel Heck and Major Cowan. Any
instructions you may have for Colonel Heck address to him at Beverly. Colonel Heck has
been instructed to call out all the volunteers that he can along his route.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. Lee, General Commanding,

By the foregoing proclamation, letters and orders of the Confederates
in authority, it will be observed that the eagerness to possess the western
part of the State, in advance of any definite action upon the part of the
people thereof, proved to be premature and certainly ill advised ; and the dis-
comfiture of the local managers, who hoped to maintain absolute control of
the whole State, must have been not only disappointing but humiliating
indeed ; and perhaps none shared in this humiliation to a greater extent than
did Colonel Porterfield and Major Boyki^i at Grafton, and Major Loring at
Wheeling, especially when they realized that their appeal for arms and
munitions of war were not complied with. When, therefore. Colonel Porter-
field learned that Union soldiers would probably reach Grafton in advance
of the arrival of his long expected arms, he decided to retire from that town;
but before doing so, he was impelled to do something in a war-like way, and
therefore burned two bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, west of
Grafton, near Mannington ; and this, too, in utter disregard of General Lee's
proclaiming and directing that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was to be
protected. So, for the present, we leave Colonel Porterfield and his com-
mand in possession of Philippi.

*«The Department of the Ohio," already referred to in this chapter,
was originally instituted to guard the line of the Ohio River, but as time

GEITL MCCLELLAN'S ARMY WELCOMED INTO W. VA.

advanced and the Confederates became more bold, the general Government
became more aggressive, and the line of the Ohio River was lost sight of in
view of a greater purpose*

When, therefore, General McClellan received orders to send troops
across the Ohio into West Virginia, the occasion was hailed by the West
Virginians with demonstrations of enthusiasm; for the entire loyal portion of
the State had been in a condition of terror for several weeks by reason of the
presence of armed soldiers of the Confederacy having full possession of the
State. The advent of McClellan's troops, therefore, was not regarded as an
invasion, but vnth rejoicing and thankfulness to friends coming to the rescue;
and this feature distinguished it from the operations that were going on for
the occupation of the eastern .part of the State. Before the advent of his
troops into West Virginia, McClellan issued two proclamations — one to his
soldiers and tiie other to the people whom they were sent to protect. In
explanation of the objects of these two official papers, McClellan says: **I
addressed them to the inhabitants of West Virginia and to my troops entirely
of my own volition; I had received no intimation of the policy intended to
be pursued by the general Government, and had no time to seek for instruc-
tions. When, on the afternuon of May 26tli, I received, at Camp Dennison,
confirmation of the movements of the Secessionists to destro}^ the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad, I at once ordered by telegraph Col. B. F. Kelley, ist
W. Va. Infantry, and other regiments to move from Wheeling and Parkers-
burg along the two branches of that railway to Grafton. I wrote the proc-
lamation and the address of May 26th to the inhabitants of West Virginia
and my troops in my dining-room at Cincinnati in the utmost haste, with
tlie ladies of my family conversing in the room, and without consulting any
one. They were at once dispatched by telegraph to Wheeling and Parkers-
burg, there to be printed." Following is the Proclamation and the address.

PROCLAMATION,

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio, j\fay 26. 1S61.
To the Union Men of Western Virginia.

Virginians: The general Government has long enough endured ihe machinations of
a few Taclious rebels in your midst. Armed traitors hare in vain endeavored to deter you
from expressing your loyalty at the polls. Having failed in this infamous attempt to deprive
you of the exercise of your dearest rights, they now seek to inaugurate a reign of terror and
thus lorce you to yield to their schemes and submit to tlie yoke of the traitorous conspiracy
dignitied by the name of Southern Confederacy. They are destroying the property of citi-
zens of your State and ruining your magnificent railways. The general Government has
heretofore carefully abstained from sending troops across the Ohio, or even from posting
them along its banks, although frcquenlly urged by many of yoiir prominent citizens to do so.

iH LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO 1865.

I determined to await the result of the late election, desirous that no one might be able to
say t^iat the slightest efTort had been made from this side to influence the free expression of
yoor opinion^ although the many agencies brought to bear upon you by the rebels were well
known.

Yo'i have now shown, under the most adverse circumstances, that the great mass of
the people of Western Virginia are true and loyal to that beneficent Government under
which we and our fathers have lived so long.

A'v soon as the result of the election was known the traitors commenced their work of
destruction. The general Government cannot close its ears to the demand you have made
im assistance, I have ordered troops to cross the river. They come as your friends and
brothers — as enemies only to the armed rebels who are preying upon you. Your homes,
your families, and your property are safe under our protection. All your rights shall be
religiously respected.

Notwithstanding all that has been said by the traitors to induce you to believe that
our advent among you will be signalized by interference with your slaves, understand one
thing clearly, not only will we abstain from all such interference, but w^e will, on the con-
trary, with an iron hand , crush any attempt at insurrection on their part.

Now that we are in your midst, I call upon you to fly to arms and support the general
Government. Sever the connection that binds you to traitors. Proclaim to the world that
the faith and loyalty so long boasted by the Old Dominion are still preserved in western
Virgiota, aod that you remain true to the Stars and Stripes.

Geo. B. McClellan, Maj.-GetCl Commanding.

ADDRESS TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE EXPEDITION.

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio,

Cincinnati, May 26, 1861.
Soldiers : You are ordered to cross the frontier and enter upon the soil of Virginia.
Your mission is to restore peace and confidence, to protect the majesty of the law, and to
rescue our brethren from the grasp of armed traitors. You are to act in concert with the
Virginia troops, and to support their advance I place under the safeguard of your honor
the persons and property of the Virginians. I know that you will respect their feelings and
all their rights. Preserve the strictest discipline ; remember that each one of you holds in
his keeping the honor of Ohio and of the Union.

If you are called upon to overcome armed opposition I know that your courage is
equal to the task ; but remember that your only foes are the armed traitors, and show mercy
even to them when they are in your power, for many of them are misguided. When under
your protection the loyal men of western Virginia have been enabled to organize and arm
they can protect themselves, and then you can return to your homes with the proud satis-
faction of having preserved a gallant people from destruction.

Geo. B. McClellan,
Maj.'Gen*/ U, S, Army, Comdg, Dept,

On that memorable 26th of May another event transpired that was
specially gratifying to all loyal West Virginians. It was McClellan's order
to Colonel Kellcy, at Wheeling, to proceed to Grafton and take possession
of that place, and to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at that point,
where the Confederates had burned several bridges.

GENrL THOMAS A. MORRIS AND COL, KELLEY IN COMMAND. 29

When Colonel Kelley's call for troops was made, his own ist W, Va.
Infantry and several companies of the 2d W. Va. Infantry appeared upon
the field as promptly as the friends of Roderick Dhu burst into view upon
their Alpine hills. The ist Regiment, Colonel Kelley's, the first recruited in
the State, w^as mustered into the serv^ice of the United States on the 25th day
of May, 1861, Colonel Kelley at once reported to General McClellan, then
at Cincinnati, O., for orders, when the General directed Colonel Kelley to
fordfy the hills surrounding the city of Wheeling. Colonel Kelley^s famili-
arity with the topography of the State reasoned that that would be a useless
expenditure of time and means, and at once made his conviction known in a
letter to General McClellan, and suggested instead that the true policy was
to prevent the enemy from occupying the rich valleys of the Ohio and Kana-
wha, by driving him out of that part of the country, McClellan telegraphed
in reply that he concurred in Colonel Kelley's plan, and ordered him to get
ready to move as soon as possible on Grafton, then occupied by Major Boy-
kin *s Confederate force. This order, already referred to, was received in
the afternoon of the 26th, and on the morning of the 27th, before day -break,
the 1st W. V'a. Infantry was on the cars bound for Grafton. All went well
until the arrival of the regiment at Mannington, when it was found that the
Confederates had burned two bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
four miles from that place. Colonel Kelley moved forward to the burned
bridges, went into camp, and with a strong "force proceeded to rebuild the
bridges. During the day Colonel Kelley received a telegram from General
McClellan advising him that troops from Ohio and Indiana were on the way
to support him. Upon their arrival they proved to be the 16th Ohio Inft.,
Colonel Irvine, and the 9th Indiana Inf., CoL R. H. Milroy* When Colonel
Kelley arrived at Grafton he found the Confederates had, like the Arabs,
"folded their tents and as silently stole away." So the occupation of Graf-
ton had been effected without the firing of a single gun. In addition to the
regiments named, a brigade of Indiana volunteers, under Brig.-Gen'l Tliomas
A. Morris, was sent forward by rail from Indianapolis. Morris reached
Grafton on the ist of June, and was intrusted with the command of all the
troops in West Virginia.

In conference with Colonel Kelley he found that Kelley had already
planned an attack on Porteriield at Philippi, So well pleased was General
Morris with the plan that he approved it in its entirety, but having more
troops at command, he enlarged it by sending another column, under Col,
Ebenezer Dumont,of the 7th Indiana, to co-operate with Colonel Kelley, The
plan was a night march, to be made in two columns, starting from points on
the railroad about twelve miles apart and concentrating on Philippi, and

30 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO 1865^

making the attack at day-break of June 3d. Each column contained about
1500 infantry, and two field pieces of artillery, smooth-bore, 6-pounders,
with Colonel Dumont's column.

Grafton and vicinity had many spies, who readily obtained every infor-
mation in regard to Morris' movements. It was necessary, therefore, to
arrange the expedition so as to give a false impression, and thereby secure
the advantage of a surprise of the enemy. With this view the following
order was given to Colonel Kelley.

Headquarters, U. S. Volunteers.

Grafton, W. Va., June 2, 1861.
Col. B. F. Kelley, Commanding First Regiment Virginia Volunteers,

Colonel : With six companies of your regiment, nine companies of Colonel Milroy's
Ninth Indiana, and six companies of Colonel Irvine's Sixteenth Ohio, you will proceed this
morning to a point about six miles eastward from this place on the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, and march by the shortest and most practicable route towards Philippi. You must
regulate your march according to your own discretion, and your bivouac or rest at night in such
manner that you are sure of coming before the town of Philippi as near 4 o'clock to-morrow
morning as possible. Should you this evening receive certain information that the rebels
have retreated eastward from Philippi, you will make the resting time of your troops as
short as possible in order to follow them up with all the speed the strength of your troops
will allow. In such case you will, as early as possible, inform Colonel Dumont on the other
bank of the river, and direct his co-operation with you in the pursuit, which, if in your dis-
cretion you are in sufficient force, you will continue until they are beyond Beverly, and you
will also apprise these headquarters in order that supplies may be forwarded to you

By command of
John A. Stein, A. A, A. Gen* I, Brig.-Gen'l T. A. Morris.

This column (the left of the attack) moved by railroad train on the 2d,
at 9 o'clock A. M., to the eastward, and was generally understood to be an
advance on Harper's Ferry. After leaving the cars the distance to Philippi
was about tweaty-fivc miles, on a road but little traveled. The instructions
required a rapid march during the day and early part of the night to a point
from which, after a sufficient rest, Philippi could be certainly reached at
4 o'clock next morning.

The night column, under Colonel Dumont, was organized in conformity
with the following order.

Headquarters, U. S. Volunteers,

Grafton, W. Va., June 2, 1861.
Colonel Dumont, Comdg, Seventh Regt, Ind. Vols., Grafton, W, Va,

Colonel: You will proceed by railroad this evening, at 8.30 oclock, to Webster, with
eight companies of your regiment. At Webster you will be joined by Colonel Steedman
with five companies of his regiment and two field pieces, also by Colonel Crittenden with

ASSAULT OF UNION FORCES AT PHIUPPl.

six companies of his regiment. From Webster yon will, with this command, march on
Philippic using your own discretion in the conduct of the march» keeping in view that you
shouM arrive in front of the Iowa at 4 o'clock precisely to-morrow morning. Information is
received that the rebels are in some force at Philippi.

The object of your column will be to divert attention until the attack is made by Colonel
Kelley, and should resistance he offered you arc lo aiti him lo the extent of your ability. In
the conduct of your column you must use your discretion, being governed by such circum-
stances as may occur.

When joined by Colonel Kelley, the whole force will be under his command.

The jjompanies of your regiment will take two full days' rations, Should you receive
instructions from Colonel Kelley that the rebels have retreated, you will join him at once and
act under his command. By command of

Brig.-Gen'l T. a. Morris.
John A. Stein, A. A, A. Gtn*L

This force, in leaving Grafton after dark, had reasonable assurance of
reaching the enemy in advance of any information from their friends, and, as
events proved, did so. The enemy was entirety off his guard, and the sur-
prise was complete. But for the terrific storm of wind and rain that night
the capture of the entire Confederate force must have taken place.

The elements seemed to have conspired on that tnarch, to test the phys-
ical endurance of this young army, and they received their baptism like
veterans. In a march of fifteen miles in pitchy darkness, drenching rain^
over a mountainous country, both officers and men displayed a wonderful
courage, and the march was followed by an irresistible attack and stampede
of the enemy. The hist five miles of Colonel Dumont s column was made in
an hour and a quarter, many of his men fell by the roadside from shear
exhaustion, others threw away their haversacks and provisions to keep up,
rushing forward in order to be in at the fray. It is remarkable that under
such circumstances the two columns were but fifteen minutes apart at the
time assigned for their meeting.

As soon as Dumont's column began the attack in front, the enemy's
pickets commenced firing and our artillery openetl upon the surprised camp
and threw it into utter confusion. But Kelley arrived only in time to aid in
the pursuit, notwithstanding the enemy were in disorder rout. Porterfield
succeeded, by personal coolness and courage, in getting them (tfT with but
few casualties and the loss of quite a large number of arms; the camp and
all their supplies were of course captured.

It was a remarkable coincidence in the history of battles that no injury
should occur on the Union side, save the severe wounding in the breast of
brave Colonel Kelley, by a pistol shot in the hands of a Confederate quarter-
master. No prisoners were taken, nor did any dead or wounded fall into

32 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

our hands. Porterfield retreated to Beverly, 30 miles to the south of Philippi.
The telegraphic reports had put the Confederate force at 2000, and their loss
at 15 killed.

The campaign thus opened with laurels for General McClellan, and the
** Philippi races," as they were locally termed, greatly encouraged the
Union men of West Virginia, and of course greatly depressed the Seces-
sionists; and thus ended the first battle of the war in West Virginia.

CHAPTER V,

GENERAL McCLELLAN'S OPERATIONS— (CONTINUED).

Crosses the Ohio River and Establishes his Headquarters at Grafton. — ^Issues Two More
Proclamations. — Gcn*l R. E. Lee's Plans. — General Garnett at Beverly.-^ieneral Wise in
the Kanawha. — Stupidity of Confederate Authorities, — Garnett's Force on the 1st of July,
^Re-enlorced and Entrenched at Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill.— Isolated from Baseoi
Supplies, — General McClellan Posted Troops from Wheeling and Parkersburg to Grafton.
— 20,000 Troops in his Campaign Against Beverly, Rich Mountain and Laurel HilL—
July 2d, McOellan*s Headquarters at Buckhannon. — July loth, at Middle Fork. — Ad-
vancing on Confederate Forces. — Rosecrans' Assault on Laurel Hill.— Confederates
Beaten at Every Point.— In Rctreat.^Skirmish atCarrick's Ford. — General Garnett Killed*
— Surrender of Colonel Pegram*s Forces. — McClellan Transferred to the Army of the
Potomac. — General Comments. — McClellan s Congratulatory Address Upon Taking
Leave of His Army,— Rejoicing Throughout the Countr).

lOR three weeks following the ** Philippi races" matters military,
with both the Union and the Confederate sides, were on the gut
tnve, McClellan had maintained his headquarters in Ohio; but
having received reports that the enemy were concentrating at Beverly, on
the 22d of June he crossed the Ohio River at Parkersburg with his official
staffj and on the following day estabhshed his headquarters at Grafton and
issued the two following Proclamations ;

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio,

Grafton. Va., Junt 23, 1861.
To the Inhabitants of Western Virginia :

The army of this department^ headed by Virginia troops, is rapidly occupying all
western Virginia. This is done iu co-operatiork with, and in support of, such civil author-
ities of the State as are faithful to the Constitution and laws of the United States. The
proclamation issued by me under date of May 26, 1861, will be strictly maintained. Your
houses, families, property, and all your rights will be religiously respected ; we are enemies
to none but armed rebels and those voluntarily giving them aid. All officers of this army
will be held responsible for the most prompt and vigorous action in repressing disorder and
punishing aggression by those under their command.

To my great regret, I find that enemies to the United States continue to carry on a
system of bostilitics prohibited by the laws of war among belligerent nations, and of course
far more wicked and intolerable when directed against loyal citizens engaged in the defense
of the common Government of all. Individuals and marauding parties are pursuing a guer-
rilla warfare, 6ring upon sentinels and pickets, burning bridges, insulting, injuring^ and even
killing citizens because of their Union sentiments, and committing many kindred acts.

\l WEST VIRGINIA PROM iS6r TO iSdj.

I do now, therefore, make proclamation and warn all persons that individuals or par-
ties engaged in lliis species of warfare— irregular in every view which can be taken of it —
thus attacking sentries, pickets or other soldiers, destroying public or private property, or
committing injuries against any of the inhabitants because of Union sentiments or conduct,
will be dealt with in their persons and property according to ibe severest rules of military law.

All persons giving information or aid to the public enemies will be arrested and kepi
in close custody, and all persons found bearing arms, unless of known loyalty, will be
arrested and held for cxaminalion. Geo* B. McClellan,

Maj. 'General U. S, Arwy, Comd^g Depart.

Heai>quart£rs, Department uf the Ohio,

Grafton, Va., June 2$, 1861.
To ih€ Soldiers of the Army of the West :

You are here to support the Government of your country, and to protect the lives and
liberties of your brethren, threatened by a rebellious and traitorous foe. No higher and
nobler duty could devolve upon you, and 1 expect you lo bring to its performance the highest
and noblest qualities of soldiers — discipline, courage and mercy. I call upon the officers of
every grade to enforce the strictest discipline, and I know thai those of all grades, privates
and officers, w^ill display in battle cool, heroic courage, and will know how to show mercy
to a disarmed enemy. Bear in mind that you are in the country of friends, not of enemies;
that you are here to protect, not lo destroy. Take nothing, destroy nothing, unless you are
ordered to do so by your general officers. Remember that I have pledged my word to the
people of western Virginia that their rights in person and property shall be respected. I ask
every one of you to make good this promise in its broadest sense.

We come here to save, not to upturn. 1 do not appeal to the fear of punishment, but
to your appreciation of the sac redness of the cause in which we are engaged. Carry with
you into battle the conviction that you are right, and that God is on your side.

Your enemies have violated every moral law j neither God nor man can sustain ihem.
They have, without cause, rebelled against a mild and paternal Government; they have
seized upon public and private properly ; they have outraged the persons of Northern men
merely because ihey were from the North, and of Southern Union men merely because they
loved the Union ; they have placed themselves beneath contempt, unless they can retrieve
some honor on the lield of battle. You will pursue a different course. You will be honest,
brave, and merciful ; you will respect the right of private opinion ; you will punish no man
for opinion's sake. Show to the world that you differ from our enemies in the points of
honor, honesty, and respect for private opinion, and that we inaugurate no reign of terror
where we go.

Soldiers ! I have heard that there was danger here, 1 have come to place myself at
your head and to share it with you. I fear now but one thing^that you will not find foemen
worthy of your steel. 1 know thai I can rely upon you.

Geo. B. McClellan, Maj\'Gen*l Commanding.

If the reader will consult a map of West V^irginia it will be seen that
as the Potomac route was at that time in the hands of the Union forces, the
Confederates, in order to occupy West Virginia, would have to do so either
by the Staunton and Beverly turnpike or by the Kanawha route, the key of
which, west of the mountains, was Gauley Bridge. General Lee's plan was

CONFEDERATES OCCUPY RICH MOUNTAIN.

io send columns upon both of these lines. Geivl Robert S, Garnett was
placed in command at Beverly, and Gen*l Henry A, Wise upon the
Kanawha. General Garnett had been an officer in the United States Army,
and it was supposed that this fact would stimulate recruidng and organiza-
tions of regiments from the Secession element of the population ; and to still
further this idea, some Virginia regiments, recruited in the eastern part of the
State, were sent with him. General Wisse was a distinguished Virginia poli-
tician, who had been Governor of the State, and liad held many places of
honor and trust in his State.

As w^e review the situation at this time, we marvel at the seeming stu-
pidity of the Confederate authorities. General Lee did not illustrate that
military genius that later \n the war characteri/.ed the actions of that great
general. To have held the position selected for General Garnett after the
battle of Philippi, except with a force so large as to make defeat impossible,
was simply a military blunder. On the ist of July Garnett reported his
force as 4500 men; and his efforts to recruit, he declared, had proven an
absolute failure; in a whole month only 23 'n\m\ had been induced to join
his command. Garnett was, however, receiving re-enforcements daily from
southeast Virginia, Georgia and other States, until his command numbered
about 8000 men. The several points held by these Confederates were
ranged from twenty to thirty miles southward from Philippi. Camp ''Rich
Mountain '* is a gap in the Laurel IIill range, where the Staunton and
Weston turnpike crosses it, about five miles wx*st from Beverly, Garnett
regarded this pass as naturally very strong and easily held ; he therefore
intrenched about 2000 of his men and 4 pieces of artillery under command
of Colonel Pegram of Virginia forces, while he himself, w^ith about 6000
men and 4 pieces of cannon, occupied Laurel liill, fifteen miles furdier to
the westward. This place was very strongly fortified; in fact, both at Rich
Mountain and Laurel Flill the Confederate commander had selected the very
strongest natural position for defense to be found in tliat part of the country.
The fortifications consisted of heavy breastworks ol timber and earth ; but
the stupid part of the whole business just referred to was that they had com-
pletely isolated themselves from all accessible base of supplies, with but one
rough road as a line of advance or retreat, and this in face of the fact that
the first principle in military operations is to be sure of your base of supplies
and lines of retreat.

General McClellan had gradually posted his forces along the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad from Parker sburg and Wheeling to Grafton, and upon
taking the field in his campaign against Beverly, Rich Mountain and Laurel
Hill, he had about 20,ooo men, consisting of 16 Ohio regiments, 9 from

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1 86 1 TO i86s*

Indiana, and 2 from West Virginia, with 4 batteries of artillery of 6 guns
each, and 2 troops of cavalry* Of these forces, about 500 were guarding the
railroad under the command of Brig»-Gen'l C. W. Hill, of Ohio. Brigadier-
General Morris, of Indiana, was at Philippi with a strong brigade, and the
rest of the forces were designated into three brigades, forming tlie immediate
command of General McClellan. The brigade commanders were Brig.-
Gen 'I W. S, Rosecrans, U* S» A,, Gen'l Newton Schleich, of Ohio, and
Col, Robert L. McCook, of Ohio,

On July 2, McClellan *s headquarters were in Buckhannon, an import-
ant strategical position; from there he could cover his base of operations and
supplies and move readily, by good roads, in any desired direction; from
there he could communicate by telegraph with his troops \vherever located ;
from this point he had directed the commanding officers at Grafton, Webster,
Clarksburg and Parkersburg to intrench their positions.

On the loth of July, w^e find McClellan at Middle Fork Bridge, having
ordered an advance all along his lines. His personal command is in sight
of the enemy at Rich Mountain, with General Morris in sight of the Con-
federate works at Laurel Hill, The advance of both columns to these points
had been made with only a skirmishing resistance. A recunnoissance made
on the loth showed that the position at Rich Mountain would be difficult to
take by a direct assault from the front, so preparations were made to attack
the following day. Morris w^as directed to hold firmly his position before
Garnett, and lead him (Garnett) to believe that the main assault would be
made upon his works. On the evening of the loth General Rosecrans took
to McClellan a joung man named Hart, whose father lived two miles in rear
of Pegram's position, who said he could direct a column of infantry to his
father's farm by a circuit around Pegram s left flank, south of tlie turnpike.
This information decided McClellan in his method of attack; so, with the
main body of his army, he passed around by Buckhannon to the western slope
of Rich Mountain. McClellan here divided his force into two columns,
giving one to General Rosecrans, with young Hart for his guide; he (Rose-
crans) did go to the rear of Pegram, while McClellan remained in front
ready to attack simultaneously. When Rosecrans secured his place in the
rear, he sent a courier back to McClellan to give the signal ; the messenger
missed his w^ay and fell into the hands of the enemy, thus giving them full
information of the movement ; so w hen Rosecrans reached his point of
attack he found that Pegram had detached about 350 infantry, with one
piece of artillery, to meet the advance. The Confederates had thrown up
hasty breastw^orks of logs and rails, and the Union troops w^ere received
with boUi musketry and cannon.

GENERAL GARNETT KILLED.

The combat lasted two or three hoyrs, with varied results as to vantage
gained by either side, when a charge was ordered by Rosecrans and, with
a few heavy volleys from another position of vantage his forces had secured,
broke the enemy's lines; and this proved to be opportunely, for Pegram had
just sent re-enforcements with another cannon, but the rout was complete,
and Rosecrans was in possession of the field. As was so often the case
during the war, the march and the battle had been made in a rainstorm,

Rosecrans did not follow the retreating enemy, but directed his men,
who were greatly exhausted by their long march, to rest upon their arras
until next morning. On the morning of the 12th it was found that Pegram
and his army had disappeared from their position. McClellan with his
immediate command did not share in the attack ; but why he did not has not
as j^et been explained.

By this event there fell into Rosecrans' hands, as trophies of the fight, all
of Pegram's artillery, tents and camp equipage, with many stand of arms, etc.

Rosecrans* loss had been 12 killed and 49 wounded* The enemy left
in their deserted camp 20 wounded, and 63 surrendered*

Pegram reports 2 officers and between 40 and 45 men killed ;
wounded, 5 officers and about 20 men. On the night of the nth, after the
light of Rich Mountain, Pegram\s farces made their wa}^ towards Laurel
Hill. Gamett, who held that position, having been warned of Pegram *s fate
and his own danger, hastily left his intrenchments and proceeded southward,
hoping to reach Beverly before McClellan, but on his way thither he me^
the fugitives of Pegram's army and learned of them that Beverly was already
in possession of the Union forces, and that his retreat to the soutliward wa«
cut off. The only way, then, for escape left to Garnett was to foHow the
course of the Cheat River towards the northeast, hoping thereby to gain an
outlet into the valley of Virginia. Morris' troops followed in swift pursuit,
overtaking the retreating Confederates about noonday on the 13th, Captain
Benham leading the advance of Morris' troops. Then followed continuous
skirmishing, and pursuing and being pursued for over two hours, Garnett
himself in command of his rear guard. When Carrick's Ford was reached
a pitched battle ensued. When Garnett realized that he could no longer
stay the impetuous attack of the Union forces he ordered the retreat; and
while withdrawing (in person) his skirmishers from behind a pile of drift-
wood, the brave Garnett was killed. One of the enemy's cannon and about
40 wagons fell into Morris* hands, as did also the body of the dead general.
The pusuit was then discondnued. In tlie meantime, Colonel Pegram and
his command were floundering around in the mountains, endeavoring to
make their escape.

LOVAL WEST VIRGWIA FROM iS6i TO i86S.

Believing his own account of the affair would he more edifying reading
than either tlie words of McClellan or of the author's version of it, we shall
submit an extract from his report^ War Records, Vol. II, to the Adjutant-
General at Richmond J as follows;

Beverly. Va., July 14, 1861.

Extract*

I then went back up the mountain^* where I found the whole force, composed of five
companies of the 2oth Va. Infantry and one company of Colonel Heck's reg^iment, drawn up
in line in ambuscade near the road, under the command of Major Nat. Tyler of the 20th
regiment. I called their attention and said a few encouragiiig words to the men, asking
them if they would follow their officers to the attack* lo which they responded by a cheer. I
was here interrupted by Captain Anderson, who said to nvr : '* Colonel Tegram. these men
are completely demoralized and will need you to lead them." 1 took my place at the bead o(
the column which I marched in single file through laujel thickets and other almost impass-
^(ble brushwood up a ridge lo the top of the mountain. This placed me about one-fourth of
a mile on the right dank of the enemy, and which was exactly the point I had been making
for. 1 had just gotten all the men up together, and w*as about making my disposition for the
attack, when Major Tyler came up and reported that during the march up the ridge oneot the
men hi his fright had turned around and shot the first sergeant of one of the rear companies,
which had caused nearly the whole of the company lo run to the rear. He then said the
men were so intensely dcmoralijted that he considered it madness to attempt lo do anything
with them by leading them on lo the attack. A mere glance at the frightened countenances
around me convinced me that this distressing news was but too true, and it was confirmed
by the opinion of ihe three or four company commanders around me. They all agreed with
me that there was nothing left to do but to send the command under Major Tyler to eflfect a
junction with either General Garnett, at Laurel Hill, or Col. Wm. C, Scoll. who was supposed
to be wilh his r^gfment near Beverly. It was now 6>^ o'clock P. M., when I retraced my
steps with much difficulty back to camp, losing myself frequently on the way, and arriving
there at 1 1^ o'clock. Soon after I called a council of war, and it was determined to leave
camp and attempt to join General Garnett. We started at i o'clock A. M., without a guide,
over the mountains. As I rentained in camp lo see the last company in column, by ihc time
I reached the head of the column, which was nearly one mile long, Captain Lilley's company
of Colonel Heck's regiment had disappeared, and has not been since heard from.

The difficulties aUending my march with the remaining eight companies it would be
impossible for me to exaggerate. We arrived at Tygart's Valley River at 7 o*clock P, M.,
having made the distance of about 12 miles in 18 hours. Here we were met by several
country people who appeared lo be our friends, and who informed us that General Garnett
had retreated that alternoon up the Leading Creek road, in Tucker County, and that he was
being pursued by 3000 ot the enemy.

This, of course, rendered all chance of joining General Garnett, or escape in that
direction, utterly impossible. I found, on examining some citizens, that there w^as, if any,
only one possible means of escape, and that w*as by a road which, passing within three miles
of the enemy's camp at Beverly, led over preci^pilous mountains inlo Pendleton County.
Along this road there were represented lo me to be but a few miserable habitations, where it

♦Referring to the engagement at Rich Mountain.

sVrrendeh of colonel Peg k am.

would be utterly impossible for even one company of my men to get food ; and as
it was r I o'clock P. M. it would be necessary to leave at once, without allowing them to get a
mouthful to eat where they were, I now called a council of war, composed like ihc one ul
the preceding night, when it was agreed almost unanimously (only two members voting in
the negative) there was left lo us nothing but ihesad determination of surrendering ourselves
prisoners of war to the enemy al Beverly. 1 was perfectly convinced that an attempt on our
part to escape would sacrifice by starvation a large number of the lives of the command. I
now dispatched a messenger to Beverly, which was distant some six miles^ with a note, of
which the following is the substance :

Headquarters, at Mr. Kettle's Farm House»
July 12, i86i.

To ike Cammandsng Officer of the Nerihern Forces^ Beverly, Va,

Sir: Owing to the reduced and almost famished condition of the force now here under
my command, I am compelled to offer lo surrender them lo you as prisoners of war.

I have only lo ask that they receive at your hands such treatment as Northern pris-
oners have invariably received from the South.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

John Pegram, Lieut.- Coi. /I A. C S. CommanMng.

Between 7 and 8 o'clock next morning two officers of General McClellan's staff arrived
with his reply, of which the following is an exact copy :

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio,
Beverlv. Va., July 13, 1861,
John Pegram, Esq., Styling himself Lieut, -Coi, P. A, C S.

Sir.' Your communicatjon, dated yesterday^ proposing to surrender as prisoners of
war the force assembled under your command has been delivered lo me. As commander
of this department 1 will receive you, your officers and men as prisoners of war, but it is not
in my power to relieve you or them from any disabilities incurred by taking arms against the
United Stales. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

Geo. B. McClellan,
Maj\-Gen7 U, S, Army, Comdg, Department,

I then formed the companies and found that i ofBcerand about 40 men had left during
the night. I now found my force lo be 22 officers and 359 men ol Colonel Heck's regiment,
and 8 officers and 166 men of my own (the 3olh Va.) regiment ; with these I marched towards
Beverly.

On the way we were met by wagons containing hard bread for my men. On arriving
at Beverfy we slacked arms, our men were at once put into comfortable quarters^ under
charge of a guard, and rations issued to them. The officers are on their parole, with the
liberty of the town. I deem it my duty to return my thanks, and ihe thanks of the officers here
with me, to General McCfellan for the kind treatment our men have received from his troops.

I find on examination that I have failed to mention my whole force at Rich Mountain
on the nth insL; it was about 1300 men, of whom certainly not more than 350 al the utmost
were engaged in the battle at Hart's farm house.

• ••••«•••«««•

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

John Pegram, Lieut. -Col. P. A, C S.

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iSdj.

This event was practically the ending of active operations in that early
campaign, McClellan did, however, move southward upon the Staunton
turnpike, and on the 14th occupied Huttonsville.

In the meantime two regiments of Confederate troops had been hurriedly
sent from Staunton to the relief of Garnett, hut they were halted at Monterey,
and upon them the retreating forces rallied. Geo'l H. R. Jackson was
assigned to the command in Garnett 's place, and both Governor Letchei
and General Lee endeavored to increase this army, and resume the attempt
to capture that part of the State.

General McClellan remained inactive until the 2 2d, when he was called
to Washington and placed in command of the army that had so recently
been defeated at the first battle of Bull Run,

Viewed in the light of subsequent military events^ and especially when
we compare the battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain and Carrick*s Ford with
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Bull Run, Gettysburg, Chicka-
manga and a hundred others that could be named, the "powder burning'*
of these early episodes would scarcely attain to the dignity of a lively
skirmish.

But the importance of tliese days of small things stands high in the his-
tory of the nation, and it is worth while to consider how the progress of the
war might have been affected or changed had West Virginia, the first theatre
of the war, been other than what we found her to be in 1861, And when
we take a retrospect of those exciting days, when the country hung breath-
less on the dispatches of General McClellan from Clarksburg, Grafton,
Beverly, Buckhannon, Huttonsville and other points during the months of
May, June and July, we can truthfidly say that at no time during the prog-
ress of the war did the nation have greater cause to rejoice at the results of
its victories than it did over these, now insignificant affairs.

President Lincoln and his Cabinet, General Scott and the officers of the
Army and Navy rejoiced as the news of victory followed victory. The
loyal people of the North, and the East, and the West drank in the good
news and predicted the end of the war in sixty days* But the lQ3^al hearts
of the people of the border States of Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia,
East Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri had the greater cause to rejoice.
The colonists of the Revolutionary stiiiggle were not more excited over the
early conflicts of Lexington and Bunker Hill, than were the loyal people of
the Union at the result of Philippi, Rich Mountain and Carrick*s Ford.

It is no part of the author to discuss here the war record of General
McClellan, that question has furnished a theme for writers of both song and
storj'', and volumes have been given to the world in friendly and unfriendly

CONOR A TULA TOR V ADDRESS FR OAT GENERAL McCLELLAN 4 1

criticism. But in relation to the part he bore that tended to redeem and dis-
enthral West Virginia frnm the curse of secession and rebellion cannot be
fully appreciated, and the finale of his operations then, furnishes an irre-
futable illustration that ** the pen is mightier than the sword, ^^

The results of his campaign, as given to the country in the way of written
orders to his subordinateSj his proclamations to the people and to his troops,
his telegrams and letters to the heads of the army at WaKhington, beginning
with his first occupation of West Virginia and ending with the following
congratulations to his troops, were marvels of word painting.

CONGRATULATORY ADDRESS FROM GENERAL McCLELLAN.

Army of Occupation, Western Virginia,

Beverly, Va., July 16, 1861.

Soldiers 0/ the Army of the West; I am more than satisfied with you. You have
annihilated two armies, commanded by educated and experienced soldiers, intrenched in
moyntain fastnesses fortified at their leisure. You have taken five guns, twelve colore,
fifteen hundred stand of arms* one thousand prisoners, including more than forty ofiRcers*
One of the two commanders of tlie rebels is a prisoner, the other lost his life on the field of
battle. You have killed more than two hundred and fifty of the enemy, who has lost all his
baggage and camp equipage. All this has been accomplished with the loss of twenty brave
men killed and sixty wounded on your part. You have proved that L'nion men, fighting for
the preservation of our Government, are more than a match for our tnisgutded and erring
brethren; more than this, you have shown mercy to the vanquished. You have made long
and arduous marches, often with insuflicient food, frequently exposed to the inclemency of
the weather, I have not hesitated to demand this of you, feeling that I could rely on your
endurance, patriotism and courage. In future 1 may have still greater demands to make
upon you, stilt greater sacrifices for you to offer. It shall be my care to provide for you to
the extent of my abiliiy ; but I know now that by your valor and endurance yoy will accom-
plish all that is asked. Soldiers ! 1 have confidence in you, and 1 trust you have learned to
confide in me* Remember that discipline and subordination are qualities of equal value
with courage.

I am proud to say that you have gained the highest reward that American troops can
receive — the thanks of Congress and the applause of your fellow-citizens.

Geo. B. McClellan,
MaJ.'Gen^i U 5. Army Comdg,

Furthermore, this campaign will be recognized as the first great military
school for the preparation ami education of men who finally became distin-
guished soldiers. And the first military telegraph erected in this country
was the line constructed tliat followed McClellan frnin Grafton to Huttons-
ville, upon which he was enabled to transmit, while on the march /messages
at any hour. Finally, as the country w^as at all times eager for good news,
everythini:^ emanating from McClellan w^as regarded as literally true. The
people were pleased with him, and he was lionized as the young Napoleon
that was to lead the armies of the Union to final \ictorj\

CHAPTER VI.

MCCLELLAN'S OPERATIONS— (CONTINUED.)

Gcnis Henry A, Wise and John B. Floyd in Command of Confederate Forces in the Kana*
wha. — Gen'l J. D. Cox in Command of Union Forces. — General Rosecrans Succeeds
General McClellan in Command of the Department of Ohio*— Reorganization ol his
Forces. — Con federates Re-enforced, — ^Col. E. B, Tyler at Cross Lanes. — Rosecrans Issues
a Proclamation.— General Floyd Captures Cross Lanes. — Wise and Chapman Defeated
by Cox* — Rosecrans in the Kanawha. — Floyd Defeated atCarnifex Ferry by Rosecrans.—
Wise and Floyd at Loggerheads. — Rosecrans at Big Sewell Mountain.^In Winter
Quarters at Gauley Bridge and Vicinity.— The Cheat Mouiitain District. — Gen *1 Joseph
J, Reynolds in Command. — His Fores at Elkwater. — Substantial Breastworks.— ^Con-
fusion in Uniforms. — General Loring at Hunlersville with 8500 Men.— Gen 1 Robt. E.
Lee in Command. —His Campaign Against General Reynolds. — Lee*s Defeat and Retreat.
— Col. John A. Washington Killed.— Flag of Truce. — General Reynolds Called to Other
Fields. — Gen1 R. H. Milroy in Command^At Cheat Mountain and Elkwater.

VRING the period that General McClellan was driving the Con-
federates isotithward along the Alleghany Ridge, Gcn'l Henry A,
Wise had, on June 6th, been appointed by the Confederate
authorities to be a brigadier-general and assigned to command in the valley
of tlie Kanawha, Wise's orders were to proceed with the force placed at
his command, and he was further instructed to rally the people of that valley to
resist the invading army. He was also informed that he must rely upon the
arms among the people to supply the requisite armament, and upon their
valor aud knowledge of the country as a substitute for organization and dis-
cipline. Not a very encouraging situation for an advance ; but Wise was
ambitious and energetic, so, w^ith the meagre nttcleus of an army he
advanced to Lewisburg, thence down tlie Kanawha Valley, his force gradu-
ally increasing until, by the accession of Colonel Tompkins* detach ment>
already in the valley, it numbered full 4000 men, incltiding considerable
cavalry and four batteries of artillery. In addition to this force, Gen'l John
B. Floyd, of Virginia, who had been secretary of war under President
Buchanan, and who had also been made a brigadier-general, had been
assigned to the protection of the line of the Tennesse and Virginia Railroad ;
the two commands, however, were in close proximity and could be readily
consolidated when necessary. At the time, word had gone out from Wise
and Floyd, that their armies were to proceed northward to Parkersburg and

GENERAL ROSECRANS" PROCLAMATfON.

Clarksburg, and even to Wheeling, This laudable enterprise was however
reconsidered, when on the 2d of July General McClellan appointed Brig.-
Genl J. D. Cox, then at Camp Denison, Ohio, to the command of a brigade
of Ohio and Kentucky regiments, and to move at once to Gallipolis, then
cross the river and occupy Point Pleasant, Va. The selection of General
Cox for this service proved to be a most excellent one. He was a man of
military attainments, with plenty of vim and push to carry out his plans.

Upon the appointment of General Rosecrans, on the 23rd of July, to suc-
ceed General McClellan in command of the Department of the Ohio, Rose-
crans, at Grafton, July 25th, issued Special Order No. i, in which he
designated "the fourth brigade of his commatid, to consist of the first and
second Kentucky, the eleventh and twelfth Ohio regiments, U. S, Volunteer
Infantrj', the nineteenth, twenty-first, and pordons of the eighteenth and
twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Militia, the Ironton Cavalry, and such other
as may hereafter be attached will be called the * Brigade of the Kanawha,'
and will be commanded by Brigadier-General Cox, U. S. Volunteer Infantry,*'
thus continuing General Cox in command of that region. Cox occupied the
Kanawha Valley and fought several engagements in that territory with Floyd
and Wise during the months of July and August, and the early part of
September.

The Confederates in the meantime had been re-enforced by the militia of
Raleigh, Mercer, and Fayette counties to the number of 2000 men, under
General Chapman, The Confederates at tliis date, August 14th, numbered
8000 men, and it was expected that Genl Robert E. Lee would lead the
force in person against General Cox, who occupied Gauley Bridge.

On the 13th of August, CoU E, B. Tyler with his seventh Ohio Infantry,
was ordered by General Rosecrans to Cross Lanes, covering Carnifex Ferry,
on the Gauley River, twenty miles above Cox's position »

On the 20Lh of August, General Rosecrans, following the example of
Governor Letcher and General McClellan, issued a Proclamation to the
citizens of West V^irginia, as follows :

Headquarters, Army of Occupation.

Clarksburg, W. Va., August 20. 1861,
73? the Loyal Citizens of H Vj/ Virginia :

You are the vast majority of the people* If the principle of self-govern men I is to be
respected, you have a right to stand in the posilion you have assumed, faithful to the Consd-
tution and laws of Virginia as they were before the Ordinance of Secession,

The Confederates have determined at all h.iJtards to destroy the Government which for
eighty years has defended our rights and given us a name among the nations. Contrary lo
your interests and your wishes they have brought war on your soil

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iSdj.

Their tools and dupes told you you must vote for secession as the only means to insure
peace; that unless you did so, hordes of abolitionisls would overrun you, pluuiler your
properly, steal your slaves, abuse your wives and daughters, seize upon your lands, and hang
all those who opposed them.

By these and other atrocious falsehoods they alarmed you and led many honest and
unsuspecting citizens lo vote for secession* Neither threats, nor fabrications, nor intimida-
tions sufficed to carry western Virginia against the interests and wishes of its people into
the arms of Secession.

Enraged that you dared to disobey their behests, eastern Virginians who had been
accustomed to rule you and to court your votes and ambitious recreants from among your-
selves, disappointed that yoti would not make good their promises, have conspired to tie you
to the desperate fortunes of the Confederacy or drive you from your homes.

Between submission to them and subjugation or expulsion, they leave you no alterna-
tive. You say you do not wish to destroy the old Government under which you have lived so
long and peacefully ; they say you shall break it up. You say you wish to remain citizens of
the United States ; they reply you shall join the Southern Confederacy to which the Richmond
junta has transferred you, and to carry their will there. Jenkins, Wise, Jackson, and other
conspirators proclaim upon your soil a relentless and neighborhood war. Their misguided
or unprincipled followers re-echo their cry, threatening fire and sword, hanging and exile,
to all who oppose their arbitrary designs. They have set neighbor against neighbor and
friend against friend ; they have introduced a warfare only known among savages. In
violation of the laws of nations and humanity, they have proclaimed that private citizens may
and ought to make war.

Under this bloody code peaceful citizens, unarmed travelers, and single soldiers have
been shot down, and even the wounded and defenseless have been killed ; scalping their
victims is all that is w^anling to make their warfare like that which seventy or eighty years ago
was waged by the Indians ;igainst the while race on this very ground. Yoy have no other
alternative lelt you^ut to unite as one man in the defense of your homes, for the restoration
of law and order, or be subjugated or driven from the State. I therefore earnestly exhort you
to make the most prompt and vigorous measures to put a stop to neighborhood and private
wars. You must remember that the laws are suspended in eastern Virginia, which has
transferred itself to the Southern Confederacy. The old Constitution and laws of Virginia are
only in force in western Virginia. These laws you must maintain.

Let every citizen, without reference lo past political opinions, unite with his neighbors
to keep these laws in operation, and thus prevent the country from being desolated by plunder
and violence, whether committed in the name of Secessionism or Unionism. 1 conjure all
those who have hitherto advocated the doctrine of Secessionism as a political opinion to con-
sider that now its advocacy means war against the peace and interests of western Virginia,
It is an invitation lo the Southern Confederates to come in and subdtie you, and proclaims
that there can be no law or right until this is done.

My mission among you is that of a fellow-citizen, charged by the Government to expel
the arbitrary force which domineered over you ; to restore that law and order of which you
have been robbed, and to maintain your right to govern yourselves under the Constitution
and laws of the United Stales.

To put an end to the savage war waged by individuals, who without warrant of military
authority lurk in the bushes and waylay messengers or shoot sentries, I shall be obliged to
hold the neighborhood in which these outrages are committed responsible ; and unless they
raise the hue and cry and pursue the offenders, deal with them as accessories to the crime.

Unarmed and peaceful citizens shall be protected, the rights of private property

£^

WILLIAM S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General U. S. a.

ROSECRANS IN THE KANAWHA.

respected, and only Ihosc who arc found enemies of the Government of the United States and
peace of western Virginia will be disturbed. Of those I shall require absolute certainty that
they will do no mischief. Put a stop to needless arrests and the spread of malicious reports.
Let each town and district choose five of its most reliable and energetic citizens as a com-
mittee of public safety, to act in concert with the civic and military authorities and be
responsible for the preservation of peace and good order.

Citizens of western Virginia^ your fate is mainly in your own hands. U you allow your-
selves to be trampled underfoot by hordes of disturbers, plunderers, and murderers, youi
land will become a desolation. If you stand firm for law and order and maintain your rights,
you may dwell together peacefully and happily as in former days.

W. S. ROSECRANS.
Brig,' Gen* I U, 5. Army Commanding,

On the 26th of August, General Floyd crossed the Gauley at Carnifex
Ferry, with 2500 men» and surprised Colonel Tyler at Cross Lanes, rout-
ing the regiment, with a loss to Tyler of fifteen killed and one hundred
captured, of which fifty were wounded. Major Casement rallied a greater
part of the regiment and led them over the motintains to Elk River, and
thence to Charleston.

Floyd intrenched the position just gained and felt secure, but this
occupancy interfered with the line of communication between Cox and
Rosecrans.

On the 3d of September, Wise and Chapman planned a concerted
attack upon Cox's position at Gauley Bridge; they met with a decisive
repulse, the retreating Confederates w^ere pursued, and for two or three
days were severely punished by Cox's troops.

Rosecrans in the Kanawha.

On the above date, Sept. 3d, Rosecrans began his march to the
Kanawha from Clarksburg, with three brigades commanded as follows:
General Eenham, Col. R. L. McCook and Col. E. P, Scammon, consisting
of cavalry, infantry and artillery, and an extensive supply train. His route
of march was via Weston, Bull Town, Sutton and Summerville to Gauley
Bridge.

On September lOth, after having marched 17}-^ miles, Rosecrans
reached the enemy's intrenched position in front of Carnifex Ferry, driving
his advanced out-post and pickets before him. The enemy was strongly
intrenched, covered by a forest too dense to admit its being seen at a
distance of three hundred yards. Floyd's force was six regiments, with
probably sixteen pieces of artillery. At 3 o'clock P, M. Rosecrans began
a strong reconnoissance ; led by the tirst brigade, under General Benham,
the column soon reached a camp which had been abandoned, leaving some

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 18 6s

camp equipage and private baggage, which gave rise to the impression in
the mind of General Benham that the enemy were in full retreat. General
Rosecrans directed a continuation of the forw^ard movement which soon
revealed the fact that the enemy were in order of battle at their stronghold,
and the battle raged until darkness terminated the fight for the night, when
the Union forces were withdrawn behind a hill and slept upon their arms.

On the foil OUT ng morning, while General Rosecrans was preparing to
renew the attack, a runaway negro came into the camp with the mformation
that the enemy had abandoned their position during the night, crossed the
Gauley and destroyed their boats and bridges. The Gauley here runs
through a deep gorge, a continuous fall for 12 or 15 miles; Rosecrans
finding no means whatever of crossing the ferry, which is here 370 feet
wide, pursuit was impossible. Orders were therefore given to go into camp
that his troops might rest.

Union loss 17 killed, 141 wounded. Colonel Lowe, of the 12th Ohio,
was among the killed.

The casualties in Floyd*s command reported to be twenty. The
abandoned camp contained a few prisoners, two stands of colors, a con-
siderable quantity of arms and quartermaster's stores. His hospital contain-
ing the wounded prisoners taken from Tyler fell into Rosecrans* hands.

The reader will observe that in all the foregoing engagements of the
Confederate forces in the Kanawha operations, at no time had the forces
of Floyd and Wise participated in the same engagements, but it will be
observed that Cox at one time had engaged Floyd, and at another time
Wise, whilst Rosecrans encountered only the forces of Floyd. There was
evidendy no co-operation between these commanders, and the country and
history would perhaps have been uninformed as to this family disafTection,
had it not have been partly solved by the publication of the Confederate
records. The two generals were old and wily Virginia politicians, holding
deep prejudices toward each other.

Floyd w^as the ranking officer, and should have commanded the respect
and obedience of Wise, but he refused the assistance Floyd demanded, nor
could the authority of General Lee compel the ex-Governor of Virginia to
real subordination, and the Confederate cause no doubt suffered by this
inharmony, whilst the Union side reaped an advantage by the lack of unity.

There was little activity here during the balance of the month of Septem-
ber on either side. Before the ist of October, Rosecrans had concentrated
his entire command, including Cox' brigade, at Big Sewell Mountain. But
his force became reduced by sickness and by detachments, until he had but
5200 effective men. The autumn rains set in early in September, and con-

THE CHEAT MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

tinued daily until the ist of October. Rosecrans' base of supplies were 60
miles away* The roads became so difficult that the horses and mules were
being destroyed in their effort to transport supplies. The Confederates were
in a similar position; hence it was not likely that any aggressive opera-
tions would take place soon by either side.

Rosecrans, therefore, very considerately, on October 5th, withdrew
his forces gradually towards Gauley Bridge, and encamped as follows:
Schenck's brigade, 10 miles from Gauley Bridge; McCook's, eight miles;
Benham's, six miles; Cox*, at Gauley Bridge, with Rosecrans* head-
quarters at Camp Gauley Mountain, The object in taking these several
positions was to be near enough to water transportation to enable our
transportation to bring forward, not only forage and subsistence, but the
clothing of the troops. Orders were also immediately dispatched to have
the paymasters come to pay the troops, none having received any pay since
they entered the service.

So, %vith the troops comfortably quartered, with an abundance of
forage, new clothing, plent)'' to eat^ and with the paymaster in camp, we
now turn from the Kanawha to

Thk Cheat Mouivtain District

and the operations of Brig*-Gen'l Joseph J. Reynolds.

After the brilliant achievements of our troops that terminated at Car-
rick's Ford, General Reynolds occupied Beverly, Huttonsville, Elkwater,
etc. ; and as the Confederate forces had been driven from that section of the
State, the troops for the time being were principally engaged in driving
from the country the bushwhackers, and in protecting the peaceable citizens
in their pursuits of farming, merchandising, etc. With the exception of the
2d West Virginia and Dauni's battery, General Reynold's command was
composed of Ohio and Indiana regiments, and they were mainly recruited
under the three months' call. All of tlie regiments had shown conspicuous
gallantry in the several battles in w^hich they had participated. Notably
among those three months* regiments were the 7th and 9th Indiana, com-
manded respectively by Colonels Dumont and Milroy, both of whom were
early promoted to brigadier-generals.

The military operations of General Reynolds at Elkwater and vicinity
have much in them of interest. His command at this date (about August
15th) consisted of a battalion of 2d West Virginia, Colonel Moss; 14th
Indiana, CoL N. Kimball; 24th Ohio, Colonel Ammen; 15th Indiana, Col.
G, D. Wagner; 3d Ohio, Colonel Beatty ; 13th Indiana, Col. J. S. Sullivan;
17th Indiana, CoL M. S. Hascall; 6th Ohio, Colonel Anderson; 4th U. S*

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1 86 1 TO iSdj.

Artillery, Battery G, Captain Howe; Loomis' Michigan Battery, two guns;
West Virginia Battery, Captain Daum; one company Indiana Cavalry,
Captain Bracken, numbering in all about 9000 men* The base of supplies
for this army was Clarksburg and Grafton. Captain Bracken's cavalry
company were used as couriers between these points and headquarters.

General Reynolds was not idle, but prepared his position for defense,
and was not long in placing himself behind such substantial breast-works as
would defy an assault from double his numbers. The troops under his
command had not yet learned the necessity of all uniforming alike, each
State or community using their own fancy as to uniform* Several of
these regiments appeared in the gray uniform the Confederate army had
adopted* This condition of affairs proved to be verv^ perplexing on several
occasions, and serious mistakes were made. Of course that matter was
soon corrected, and our whole army wore the Union blue.

But why all this array of troops? Why all this preparation for defense?
Well, let us see. Only a few miles away, immediately in our front, aL
Huntersville, was the Confederate General Loring, with 8500 men, as
follows: three Tennessee regiments of infantry, commanded by Colonels
Maney, Hatton and Savage; Mumford*s battalion of Virginia State Regu-
lars; 48th Virginia, Colonel Campbell; W. H. F. Lee's cavalry; Gilliam's
Virginia infantry regiment; Lee's 6th North Carolina; Burk's Virginia
infantry; a regiment of Georgia infantry; two batteries of artillery, com-
manded by Marye and Stanley • Also Gen'l H. R. Jackson, at Greenbrier
River, wath 6000 men, as follows: 12th Georgia, CoL R* Johnston; ist
Georgia, Colonel Ramsey; three Virgima regiments, Colonels Scott,
Fulkerson and Baldwin; one Arkansas infantry regiment. Colonel Rust;
Anderson^s and Shoemaker's batteries and Major Jackson^s cavalry* The
figures, with the commanders giVen above, are official*

The most interesting part of the situation presentmg itself at this time is
that Gen'l Robert E, Lee had been sent by the Richmond Government to
take charge in person of the above-named Confederate forces. It was his
first command in the field, and notwithstanding General Loring was his
ranking officer in the United States Army before either rebelled against the
Government that had educated and protected them, those in authority gave
to Lee the command, when he at once concentrated the forces of Loring
and Jackson at Big Springs, on the Valley Mountain, and proposed to
march at once from there to Clarksburg and Grafton, without even consult-
ing General Reynolds as to whether he was willing or not. But General
Reynolds objected to such an uncordial arrangement. Accordingly, he
placed his command at Cheat Mountain and Elkwater, and awaited the

DEATH OF COL. JOHN A, WASHINGTON.

coming of the hosts j but in this instance our gray uniforms served a good
purpose, for our Indianians frequently penetrated the camp of General Lee
and returned freighted with the very lattist news.

General Lee's plans of attack were very complete. Sending a portion
of his force, under General Loring, to Cheat Mountain, while he (Lee) was
to attack Elkwater direct, the plan was for Loring to capture our forces at
Cheat Mountain, then to make a forced march to join Lee; the latter to
await Loring 's coming before he (Lee) should assault Elkwater^ But the
great general miscalculated, as Loring came to grief, for his forces got
the worst of it, and retreated in the direction from whence they came* It
was Lee*s plan also that Loring should join him at early morn, and
it was not until after ii o*clock that he learned of Loring's defeat and
retreat.

At this juncture an incident occurred that brought mourning to General
Lee and his army. The episode is soon told. Lee sent out a reconnoiter-
ing party to investigate our position at Elkwater. The party was led by his
Chief of Staff, Col. John A. Washington and Maj. W. H. F. Lee. They
were on the Elkwater road, on our west flank, and about one mile from our
position. At the same time they were investigating. General Reynolds had
also sent a reconnoitering partj' of the 17th Indiana in the direction of Lee's
lines, when Colonel Washington's party ran into our advance, and Sergeant
Weiler and two others fired their pieces and Colonel Washington fell from
bis horse, pierced by three bullets. Major Lee and the balance of his
party fled to their lines. Colonel Washington was lifted into an ambulance
that was sent for and taken to the headquarters of Colonel Wagner. He
lived but a few minutes. The death of Colonel Washington put an end
to the skirmishing that had been going on all the morning, and General
Lee, without attacking our position in force, withdrew his army from our
front.

The following day a flag of truce brought to our out-post a small squad
of the enemy, with the following communication addressed to General Rey-
nolds ;

Headquarters. Camp on Vallev River. Sept. 14, i86r
Ta (he General Commanding United States Troops ^ Huttonsville, Va,

General'. Lieut. -Col, John A. Washington, my Aid-dc-Camp, whilst riding yesterday
with a small escort was fired upon by your pickets, and, I fear killed. Should such be the
case, I request that you will deliver to me his body ; or should he be a prisoner in your
handsj that I be informed of his condition,

I have the honor to be Your obedient servant^

R. £. Lee, General Commanding*

LOYAL WEST VIRGIN/A FROM 1 86 1 TO 1865^

Of course General Reynolds sent the body under flag of truce as
requested. The body which had been tenderly and neatly laid out and placed
in an ambulance, was sent in charge of Colonel Hascall of the 17th Indiana,
who was met at the out-post by Maj. W, H, F, Lee and others. The trans-
fer of the body w^as attended with a great deal of courteous military cere-
mony. Upon Colonel Hascall's arrival he advanced and meeting Major
Lee, saluted and handed him the following letter:

Headquarters, Camp ElkwateRi Va., Stpi, 14, 1861.

To the Commanding Officer Confederate Forces, Ty garths Valley:

Sir: By direction of the general commanding this post, J forward under Bag of truce
the remains of Coh John A» Washington, that his friends may with more certainty obtain
them* There was not time last night after his recognition to communicate.

Ver>' respectfully, etc., Geo. S. Rose, A, A. -General,

After the transfer of the body from our ambulance to their own, officers
shook hands and parted, each going to the northward and southward as
duty called, and all being deeply impressed with the solemnity of the occa-
sion. And thus ended that campaign of the Cheat Mountain district.

The vistors to Camp Elkwater, after the foregoing episode, could see
carved in good, legible letters upon a large, smooth-bark beech tree, just
where Colonel Washington fell, this inscription:

** Under this tree, on the 13th of Sept,, j86i, fell CoL John A. Wash-
ington, the degenerate descendant of the Father of his Country/'

From the date of the aforementioned occurrence, Sept. 13 till Dec. 13,
there had been no general engagement in the vicinity of Elkwater, only the
usual skirmishing between scouting parries, but many changes had been
made in the status of the command. General Reynolds had been called to
other fields, likewise several regiments had been transferred, some of them
to the western and some to the eastern armies, and in turn new regiments
had been added to the Cheat Mountain district, and Gen, R, H, Milroy
had been assigned to the command of the district.

CHAPTER VIL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF THE AUTHOR.

Early Devotion to the Union,— Formation at Clarksburg, Va., of Unioa and Confederate
"Home Guards/' — Intolerant Attitude of Secessionists. — Unionists place ihemselves on
the Delensive.^ — Union and Confederate Companies Organized, — Vituperation must
give place to Sober Criticism, — Early Occupation of West Virginia by Confederates. —
Prominent Men for the Union. — Unique Armament of Union Home Cviards. — Clarksburg
the Home of Some of the Most Noted Leaders of the Southern Cause. ^ — ^Collision between
the two Companies of Home Guards.— -The Humanity of both Sides* — Captain A. J.
Smith's Sketch, — The 31st (Confederate) Virginia Infantr>\

" Dissolve lh« Union ! Roll away
The sprinkled flag of glory's day ;
Blot out the history of the brave^
And deaecracc each pa I not' 9 grave.
And there above the wreck of years^
Quaff an eternity of tears I

♦' Di*w>lvo the Utiion ! can It be
Thai they who apeak »uch words are Lreet
Great God E did any die to ^ave
SttcU sordid creature* from the gntve.
When breast t>» brea^ and hand tu hiind
Our patriot fathers freed the land ? "

Y personal reminiscences of the conflict ante-date by several months
my enlistment in the army. Indeed, I was doing soldier duty at
my home in Clarksburg, Va., even before I fully realized that the
time was approaching when there would be a call to arms, to defend the
constitutional integrity' of the Nation, The duty to which I allude was as a
member of a ** Home Guard," formed for the protection of the city of Clarks-
burg and the adjacent country. The necessity for such an organization was
suggested by the action of those of our fellow citizens w^ho believed in the
principles of secession, and who championed the Southern cause. For, as
early as January, 1861, Southt^rn sympathizers in the city of Clarksburg
formed a company for military purposes, which met two or three nights in
the week, in the courthouse, for drill and instructions. But here again the
reader may inquire, why should this circumstance call for a Union Home
Guard ?

It was not because an estimable body of the citizens were pleased to form
a military organization among themselves, but it was because of the open,
boastful and intolerant attitude of these people towards all w^ho ventured to
differ from them upon the questions of the day — notably the right of secession.

s«

LOYAL WEST VIRGiNJA FROM ii6i TO iMs^

And thk intolerance was jxUeoflified by threats of exiermmatioii to all
*' Yankees " and ** Yankee" insthutioiia generally. In view of the fact that
among those who made these threats were some of the most influential cidz^^ns
of the State, their words were received by the Unionists as andioritative, and
being thus forewarned* the Unio^iists very naturally decided to place them-
selves on the defensivci and they too, as early as Febmar}'» formed a Union
Home Guard and occupied the courthouse^ for "drill and instnictionsy'^ on
alternate (Evenings with the Southerners. For three months or more, these
two military companies (soon to become Federal and Confederate soldiers),
formed a theme for local excitement that vied with the larger and more impor*
tant events in which the country was involved at that time,

I extract no pleasiu'e in referring to the days of contentions between
former friends, but it is part of the record of events of the period immediately
preceding the war, and therefore not without interest- The hot blood of
those days has now been cooled by the lapse of years. The war demon-
strated the fact lliat the soldiers North and South were American soldiers,
and the courage and prowess of both were tested on many a battlefield > and
I am always glad to witness the generous tone and spirit, which now so
generally prevails between these former opponents. Vituperation must
give place to sober criticism. Lee and Jackson must be gauged bj^ the
same standards as are applied to Grant and Sherman. That they were good
men and great military leaders none can deny, and all that was best and
greatest in them belongs to our common country. Our foreign enemies must
not ignore this fact, for in any attack from without they must consider that
they will have to fight the Grants and the Lees, and the Shermans and the
Jacksons, who would in such an event stand side by side. President Lin-
coln was ahoj^cther right and wise — ^as he always was — ^when he addressed
the body of men who came to serenade and congratulate him on the final
victory, a few days before his lamented death. He listened to their bands
play and said; ** Why> I wish the band would play Dixie; that is our tune
now; we captured it.** Truthful words fitly spoken; ca%'illers may wail> but
the logic of events is plain — ^for to-day the children of Federal and Confede-
rate march shoulder to shoulder^ common citizens of a common country,
inheritora nf a common destiny, to be perpetuated, may it be, for ages to
come.

The two opposing companies heretofore referred to continued to drill,
and to keep the city in a state of political elTervescence, Early in May> 1861,
a Confederale force occupied Grafton, and during the month, Philippi,
Beverly, Rich Mountain and the Kanawha Valley fell into their hands.

Our company of Union Home Guards were acting under no special

LOYAL WEST VIRGIN/A FROM iS6i TO iSdj-

Guards were not slow to resent this insult to the United States Government.
The courthouse bell, which we had previously designated to ring the danger
signal, sounded the assembly, and with the alertness of the tiger springing from
his lair, the courthouse was soon filled with the Union Home Guards and the
excited inhabitants of the city. A hasty conference of the members of the
Guard, and a committee was appointed to wait upon tlie Confederate company
and demand their objects and intentions. Our committee was treated with that
characteristic bombast of the original F. F. V.*s, who believed that one
Southern gentlemen could annihilate half a dozen ** Lincoln hirelings'*; but
our Union Guards didn*t believe any such nonsense as that, and after a
second council of war, demanded the unconditional surrender of their arms*
Realizing that we were desperately in earnest and meant business, a confer-
ence with us was agreed upon to meet at the courthouse at once. The
reader must not disguise the fact that this was an occasion of desperation
between men goaded to the extreme tension of maddened endurance.

The conference developed the humanity of both sides, and speeches by
both parties were made to a crowded audience. Our side, however, were
firm in their demands for the surrender of their arms and a disbandment of
the company. The terms finally agreed upon were the surrender of the arms
until the following day, when they were to be returned, provided the company
would leave the city in a body. This was concurred in, and the following
day witnessed the departure of the company, with their arms and accoutre-
ments, for Grafton to join the Confederate forces stationed there, and the
shedding of blood was averted.

The leading spirits of both sides of that exciting episode afterwards
became conspicious in the War of the Rebellion. From those leading actors
sprung the 3d W. Va. (Union) and the 31st Va. (Confederate), and the
fortunes or misfortunes of war gave the opportunity to these noted regiments
to meet face to face upon several occasions on the field of batUe, and I speak
the sentiments of the survivors of my regiment, I know, when I say that we
have no occasion to exult over the fallen 31st Va., and they should feel no
humiliation at having been conquered by veterans worthy of their steeU
Each did their best, each fought a good fight.

* Captain A. J. Smith's Sketch,

In anticipation of hostilities between the States, a company of volunteers
was organized in Clarksburg, Va., in January, 1861, to be held subject to
the orders of the Governor of Virginia. It was composed of some of the best

* The following' sketch is contributed by Capt. Augustine J. Smithy a member of the
company of Confederates just referred to* T» F* L.

CAPT, A. J. SMITH'S SKETCH.

citizens of the town and vicinity, and included in its membership eight

attorn eys-at-law, two editors^ one civil engineer, several merchants, clerks,
mechanics and farmers, and numbered aboyt 60 men.

Uriel M. Turner was elected captain and Wm. P. Cooper and Norval
Lewis, lieutenants. The company drilled two or three nights in the week
until the 23d day of May, 1861, when they were ordered to rendezvous at
Grafton, Taylor Co., and on tliat day took up their line of march for that
place. On the second day they arrived at Fetterman ; on the night of their
arrival, Bailey Brown, a member of a Union Company at Grafton, fired on
our pickets, and he was shot dead, being the first blood shed in West Virginia.
We took possession of Grafton next day. As large bodies of Union troops
were advancing on Grafton, we retreated to Philippi where the command
was surprised on the 2d day of June, 1861, by a large force of Union troops,
under CoL Kelley. From there we retreated to Huttonsville, when we were
reinforced by several regiments and marched back to Laurel Hill, 12 miles
from Philippi, which was occupied by Union forces under General Morris,
who attacked our force about the 8th of July. Finding our position untenable,
by the defeat of General Pegram at Rich Mountain, the forces under General
Garnett retreated toward Beverly; finding that our retreat had been cut off
by Qur cavalry having blockaded the road, we turned off the Beverly pike,
six miles from that town, and took the road across tlie tributaries of the Cheat
River. On the second day of the retreat, we were compelled by the rains
and mud to abandon our wagons, trains and one piece of artillery.

The Federal forces not being encumbered, caught up with our rear
guard, and in a skirmish General Garnett was killed; thereupon a stampede
ensued, which continued until next morning, when we arrived at the **Red
House," on the N. W. Va. turnpike. After resting a few hours, we retreated
towards Petersburg, Hardy Co. As we were pursued by Federal forces
from behind and threatened in front by forces at OakJand, Md., we continued
to Petersburg and Franklin, to Monterey, where we were met by large rein-
forcements under General Robert E. Lee, having been on the retreat one
week and without food for several days. In consequence of the hardships on
the march, large numbers of our men died. The company having been
formed into a regiment composed of ten companies of West Virginians, was
designated company '* C, '* 31st Va. Vols., a regiment known as a crack regi-
ment in the army of northern Virginia.

From Monterey, after a few days' rest, we went west about 25 miles to the
west side of the Alleghany Mountains, on the east fork of the Greenbrier
River, where we camped until the latter part of November. While here we
were attacked by General Reynolds of the Union forces, and after five hours'

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iB6i TO iS6j.

fightj repulsed him. At this camp, the first death occurred in company "C;"
Daniel S. Sumner, O.-S., died with the measles. After leaving Camp
Barton, we took up winter quarters on the top of the AUeghanies, where we
staid until April i, 1862. On the 13th December, we were surrounded and
attacked by a large force of Federals under General Milroy^ and after eight
hours' fighting, repulsed him, the losses on both sides being heavy. Company
«*C lost five men killed, viz*, Ethelbert Smith, James Smith, Alvin Nutter,
A. J, Cropp and John W, Whitman, and had ten wounded.

About the ist of May the command returned east to within 5 miles of
Staunton, w^here we joined General ** Stonewall'* Jackson and returned west,
and fought General Milroy at McDowell ; defeated and followed him to
Franklin ; w^e continued w^ith General Jackson and were under his command
until his death at Chancellorsville in May, 1S63 ; afterward with Early until
the close of the war. The **Co, *' lost about 20 men killed, and 10 men
died from disease; among the killed, in addition to those above mentioned,
were Samuel Dawson, Lt. Wm. West, Jno. W. Wallingham, H, H. Holden,
Joseph Snyder, Jonas Greathouse, Luther Dawson. Among those who died
were Lt. Norval Lewis, Silas Greathouse and Aaron Young.

Scarcely a member of the company escaped being w^ounded, some as many
as five times. Louis Carmack, John W. Pridmore, Wm. Taylor, were disabled
from wounds. The company participated in the following batdes: Surprise
at Philippi, Laurel Hill, GreenbrierRiver, Alleghany Mountains, McDowtU,
Front Royal, Winchester, Cross Keys, Port Republic, 1862 j seven days'
fight at Richmond, Cedar Mountain, 2d Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Monocacy, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania Court House, Cold Harbor, Welden Road, Hatchers Run, 1864; and
were in the trenches at Petersburg and on the retreat to Appomattox. The
company was reorganized in May, 1862, viz,, Wm. P. Cooper, captain, Nor-
val Lewis, 1st lieutenant, Wm. J* West, 2d lieutenant, O, T, Bond, 3d
lieutenant.

It was recruited to about 100 men while at Philippi and had very few
accessions afterward. From death, promotions, and transfer the company
surrendered about six men at Appomattox.

The following members were promoted from the ranks to be commissioned
ofiicers: Robt. Johnston, Confederate Congress; John S. Hoffman, colonel
31st Va, Infantry; Wm. P. Cooper, major 31st Va, Infantry; Augustine J.
Smith, captain Army of Tennessee \ Benjamin M. Smith, captain Jackson
Cavalry; Robert J. Smith, captain Jackson Cavalry; J, M, Blair, captain
Company **C,** 3i8t Va. Infantry; G, D, Camden, major 25th Va. Infantry j
Thomas D» Armsy, major Jenkins Cavalry ; Hugh H, Lee, captain Jackson's

NOTED CONFEDERATES, NATIVES OF CLARKSBURG.

Staff J S* M. Sommers, captain and asst. -quartermaster; Asbury Lewis,
captain Jackson Cavalry; Joshua Rodabaugh, lieutenant Company **C, "
31st Va. Infantry; W. F. Gorden, captain Jenkins Cavalrjs O, T. Bond,
lieutenant Company **C, ** 31st Va. Infantry; Wm. J. West, lieutenant Com-
pany **C, *' 31st Va. Infantry; James M. McCann, captain Jackson Cavalry*

The following members are known to be surviving, Captain Augustine
J. Smith, Captain B. M. Smith, Captain J. M. McCann, Private A. W. Lang,
Lieutenant Joshua Rodabaugh, A. J. Queen, David Slocum, Wm.T. Smith,
J. IL Preston, Captain J. M. Blair, Captain Asburj' Lewis, T, M, Golden,
Jno. W. Rector, Marcellus Armstrong, But two deserters, \4z., Jacob Run-
nion and Wm. McCoy.

Native and adopted citizens of Clarksburg, Va,, who held commissions
in the Confederate army: Lieut-General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonew^all),
Brigadier-General Wm. L. Jackson, Colonel Geo. Jackson, Colonel Jno, S.
Hoffman, Lt.-Colonel Alfred H. Jackson, Colonel Chapin Bartlett, Majors,
Wm. P. Cooper, P. B. Adams, G. D. Camden, Jr., Andrew T. Owens,
Rezin C, Davis, Jno. L, Sehon. Captains, John G. Gittings, Charles
McCally, Uriel M. Turner, Augustine J. Smith, Benj. M, Smith, Robert J.
Smith, Silas Owens, Wm. F, Gorden, Hugh H. Lee, Warren Lurty, Alvin
N. Bastable, Samuel M. Sommers, Lieutenants, Nerval Lewis, Fred.
W. Bartlett, Edward Lynch.

CHAPTER VIIL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

Recrultmg' and Organization of the Third Virginia Union Infantry Rcgiment,^Tnals and
and Disappointments of the Confederates in Filling their Ranks in West Virginia. —
Third Regiment in Company Detachments Fighting Guerrillas. — Author's Experience
as Post-Adjutant in Issuing Passes. — Consolidation of the Third Regiment.— Ludicrous
First Experience in Soidiering in the Field.

jlHE incidents relating to the recruiting and final muster-in of my
regiment — the Third Virginia Union Infantry Volunteers — will
recall, no doubt, the experience of all other regiments recruited in
western Virginia. Governor Peirpoint entrusted the formation of this regi-
ment to Col. David T. Hewes, of Clarksburg. The camp or rendezvous,
named **Camp Hewes," was located near the city, and was well supplied
with tents and other necessaries for the comfort of the men. I was desig-
nated recruiting officer for the regiment, and in that capacity assisted in
recruiting companies B, F and G.

My success as recruiting officer depended upon circumstances. Within
the limits of Clarksburg but little argument was required to find men
willing to sacrifice themselves upon the altar of patriotism , but in the
smaller towns some argument and explanadon was necessary. I will
relate my experience at the town of Weston, in Lewis County, 29 miles
south of Clarksburg. Being w^ell acquainted there, I naturally anticipated
a hearty welcome and easy time in securing a full company for my regi-
ment ; but the Secession element was flourishing there, and as usual they w^ere
the men of influence — ^the officeholders — devoted to Governor Letcher and
General Lee. So my uniform didn't impress that element with the import-
ance of my mission, but as I realized that I had the full sanction of ** Uncle
Sam '' at my back, I cared little for their objections and growling. I
assumed my right to do as I pleased. Accordingly, I distributed printed
circulars tlirough the town, calling a general meeting at the court house for
the following day. This was the first official visit that quiet town had
received from the *' Lincoln hirelings," and this innovation upon my part so
incensed the great men (officers) of the town that they waited upon me with
*' official" importance, and informed me that I could not hold my adver-
tised meeting in the court house, and that if I attempted to enter it for

GENERALS GARNETT AND WISE DISAPPOINTED.

such an unholy purpose my arrest would soon follow, and in place of
the court house I would find myself in the county jail.

I challenged their authority to interfere with even so small a part of the
United States as a recruiting officer, and I don*t know whether it was my
determination or their timidity, but the advertised call was held at the court
house and no interference was offered. I made my speech to the interested
audience which filled every part of the large room, and then called for
volunteers, when twenty good, loyal men signed the roll. Soon after, I
procured the services of a fifer and drummer, and treated the town to a
parade, I then secured ti*ansportation, and with colors flying left for
Clarksburg with my recruits, much to the indignation of the Secession
element and the gratification of the loyal men, and that event proved to be
only the introduction that finally secured 750 men to the credit of Weston
aod Lewis counties to the Union cause.

The Confederates, however, were not so successful at recruiting their
regiments, as the following correspondence would indicate. I quote from
Brig.-Geni R. S, Garnett, C. S. A,, to Gen'l R. E. Lee:

Headquarters, Department of Northwestern Virginia,

Camp at Laurel Hill, Va., June 25, 1861.
###«*♦#♦»

I have been, so far, wholly unable to get anything tike accurate or reliable informa-
tion as to numbers, movements or intentions of the enemy, and begin to beiicve it an almost
impossible thing. The Union men are greatly in the ascendency here, and are much more
zealous and active in their cause than the Secessionists. The enemy are kepi fully advised
of our movements, even to the strength of our scouts and pickets, by the country people,
while we are compelled to grope in the dark as much as if we were invading a foreign and
hostile country. My hope of increasing my force in this region has, so far, been sadly dis-
appointed. Only eight men have joined me here and fifteen at Colonel Heck's camp — not
sufficient to make up my losses by discharges, etc. These people are thoroughly imbued
with an ignorant and bigoted Union sentiment.

♦ ♦#♦« «#«f^

(Signed), R. S* Garnett,

Brig, 'Gen* I Provisional Ar$ny Commanding,

Also, extract from Gen'l Henry A, Wise's report to General Lee:

BuNGERS Mill, Va., Four Miles West of Lewisburg, Aug. ist, i86l
Genl R. E, Lee, Commanding, etc.

The Kanawha Valley is wholly disaffected and traitorous. It was gone from Charles-
ton down to Point Pleasant before I got there. Boone and Cabell are nearly as bad, and the
state of things in Braxton, Nicholas^ and part of Greenbrier is awful. The militia are noth-
ing for warlike uses here. They are worthless who are true, and there is no telling who ii

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iS6s

true» you cannot persuade these people that Virginia can or will ever reconquer the northwest,

and they are submitting, subdued and debased. I have fallen back not a minute too soon,
and here let me say, we have worked and scouted far and wide and fought well, and
marched all the shoes and clothes off our bodies, and find our old arms do not stand service.
I implore for some (one thousand) stand of good arms, percussion muskets, sabers, pistols,
tents, blankets, shoes, rifles and powder. Respectfully.

Henry A. Wise.

The full quota of companies for the third regiment was secured about
the 1st of July, and when the regiment by general consent selected its field
and staff officers (see Regimental History), I was made adjutant.

In the meantime Clarksburg had become the most important militarj^
post in West Virginia. It was the base of supplies for quartermaster and
commissary stores during that series of battles at Philippi, Rich Mountain,
Laurel Hill, Carrick's Ford, etc*, and continued to be an important military
headquarters till the close of the war.

In addition to my duties at the date of muster-in as regimental adjutant,
I was also designated as post-adjutant, and as such had special charge
of issuing passes and administering the required oath of allegiance to the
United States to all persons, not soldiers, coming into or leaving the city.
My office was usually the headquarters of the commanding general, who
would perchance remain at the post for a day or more. I recall with
interest tlie season when General Rosecrans, with Captain Hartsuff as
Adjutant-General, occupied my office, I was complimented by the confi-
dence of General Rosecrans, and rendered him material aid in his plans to
march to the Kanawha.

I missed the genial society of General Rosecrans and Captain Hartsuff
who went to other fields, but I continued to keep open house at the same
place, and for some time had extra duty in my specialty of administering the
oath of allegiance to many West Virginians who had, in an unguarded
hour, joined the Confederate forces, and being among the number captured
at Rich Mountain, came with their parole to take the oath and become law-
abiding citizens again. Among that number was one of my near relatives,
and in reply to my inquiry as to how he liked soldiering, said that his
camp experience was delightful, the life of a soldier was charmingly
exciting, and that he would not have given it up but for the fact that ** when

you Yankees called you were mean enough to bring your guns

along." He took the oath and remained faithful to his obligation.

The position of ** pass-giver" at this period afforded abundant opportu-
nity to study and to become familiar with the true inwardness of the appli-
cants. I will refer briefly to some of their characteristics, and for conveni-
ence will do so under three distinct headings : TAe truly loyal^ the undecided^

CIVILIANS TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

€i

4ind the truly rebel. The first referred to gave little annoyance. They
would walk boldly to the desk, and with free, open willingness subscribe to
the required oath, seeming to regard the ceremony as a blessed privilege
vouchsafed to them. The second, or *' undecided" class gave the most
trouble, and, like the rockets, their actions and course was '* erring and
unknown'-; there was no positive assurance whether they held the obliga-
tion binding or not. The spy or blockade runner would take the oath with
a sad and sullen assent. The doubtful ones — those who were Union when
it was policy to be such, or Confederate when with Confederates — offered
the greatest study; their devices and idiosyncrasies %vere often amusing.
Some would assure me they were intensely loyal, but had conscientious
scruples about swearing to that fact. Others would assure me that I had
known them all my hfe — what was the use of swearing them? Again
others would address an envelope to the Governor of the State or other
official, and would assume indignation that a man with a letter to the Gov-
ernor should be obliged to take an oath to be loyal to the Government, A
prominent merchant of this class from a neighboring town wished a pass to
go to Wheeling to replenish his stock of goods, and conceived this potent
evidence of his loyalty. He had an old copy of the New York Tribune ^ and
having improvised a fan so that the folding of the paper displayed the head-
ing when he asked for the pass, I suggested the required oath, when he
innocently gave a knowing wink directed towards the Tribune, I feigned
to not understand, when he winked again and again; but as I had never
kept a soda fountain he failed to make me understand. The reader will
understand the potency of this device better perhaps when I state that just
prior to the war only two copies of the New York Tribune had been sent to
the postofFice at Clarksburg, and for that offense Horace Greeley, the pub-
lisher, had been cited to appear before the Judge of our Circuit Court, and he
was found guilty of ** publishing and distributing an incendiary document."
With that indictment standing against Horace Greeley, the aforesaid mer-
chant thought his paper fan should be an unquestioned passport. He took
the oath.

I could go on ad infinitum relating incidents under this heading — some
of them amusing, some of them touching and painful.

The third class, or ** truly rebel/' seldom required passes. They
remained at home, and were themselves keepers of their self-made prisons.
They were few in numbers, however, and gave the Government littie con^
cern. They worshiped in their isolation the institution of negro slavery and
the Act of Secession, but were too cowardly to fight for their cause.

About the loth of September came the gladsome order for me to relin-

62 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

quish my duties as post-adjutant and report for duty at the front. For
several weeks prior to this date the officers of our regiment had been urging
the authorities to relieve our scattered regiment from the irksome duties of
fighting guerrillas, and permit us to take the field as a consolidated regiment.
Until this date my duties had been wholly executive and clerical, and I
knew nothing of the practical and exciting duties of war, but I was eager
for the change, and welcomed the order that bade me report at Beverly, the
place designated for the assembling of my regiment. Belie\'ing that my
first experience in real soldiering would reawaken the early recollections of
some of my comrades who enjoy the ludicrous side of early army life, I will
draw the picture as it now vividly stands before me. The adjutants of
infantry regiments being entitled to a horse, I had procured a noble animal
with the finest rig — gold braid, bright ornaments, and all of the most
approved army regulations — my uniform and saber to correspond. So,
when mounted, I looked every inch a soldier (aside, in a bandbox). Poor,
foolish, misguided young man. How little I knew of the realities of terrible
war. Well, the day came when I was to take my leave. My command
consisted of the regimental band and about seventy-five recruits for different
companies of the regiment. Of course I had to have transportation for my
personal effects, but I was a good deal perplexed when I discovered that the
full complement of the regiment's transportation had been furnished, and
was already far to the southward; but I was not to be repulsed so early in
the engagement. I had already in my official capacity secured the friend-
ship of Capt. Charles Leib, the widely-notorious depot quartermaster, and
by strategic movement secured from him an ambulance and a pair of fine
horses. The veteran soldier will naturally ask, **For what purpose did one
common, e very-day adjutant want with so much transportation?"" The
inquiry is easily answered. It was for my Saratoga trunk, filled with
several suits of soldier clothes, with an abundance of fine linen, including
night-shirts, etc. Then my camp-chest, which was filled with cooking
utensils, with an abundance of hams, tongues, sausage, jellies, preserves,
spices, etc., with a full line of chinaware, knives, forks, spoons, etc. Then
I had a cot, with blankets, white spread and sheets, and my desk was filled
with paper, envelopes, and necessary blanks for regimental purposes, not
forgetting a wall tent.

The hour for departure came, the assembly sounded, and mounted at
the head of my band, recruits and ambulance, it was necessary to march
through the city, and that hour revealed to me that even amid the pomp and
glitter and tinsel, just behind the scene lurked the heart-burning of possibly
the last good-bye to family and friends. My residence in the city was on

TAKING LEAVE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

the route from camp to the main road, upon which the march was to be
made. I halted the command in front of my residence, and had the band
play '*Home, Sweet Home/' while I took the friendly hand of those who
had called for the purpose, and held to my bosom my young wife and little
babe, while the kisses and tears mingled with the silent good-bye. It was a
separation the recital of which will no doubt reawaken similar experiences
of some of my comrades of the war who may read it, but a sadder recol-
lection still will come to the widow and orphan who looked for their brave
and loved one that came not.

Having remounted I left the touching scene behind and marched away
to the w^ar, the band playing that eft-played and familiar air, **The Girl I
Left Behind Me.*' Our first day*s march covered eighteen miles, going
into camp at sunset. I at once proceeded to prepare for the night. I had
my tent pitched on a beautiful grassplat, and ordered supper prepared. My
servant was a colored boy named *'Bill/' who hailed from Cincinnati. (I
w^ill have occasion to speak of him again.) He was just as ignorant of
camping out or getting a meal as myself ; but the fire was built and coffee
made, and all the dishes placed, and a ham was cut, pickles and fruit
brought out of the chest, and I was summoned to the repast. It did not take
long for me to discover that I had forgotten the most important part of the
menu — bread. The result of this w^as, that very early in my soldiering I
had to skirmish for something to eat. I made my distress known to the
band and soon found liberal givers. The next day the march was to Buck-
hannon where w^e remained several days, with nothing of special interest to
relate, except the circus performance of my afore-mentioned boy, Bill, from
Cincinnati. He was desirous to inspect the town and surroundings; accord-
ingly, without leave, he donned my best suit of military clothes, saddled my
horse with best rig, and granted himself leave of absence for three hours.
I had that boy Bill court-martialed at once. I was personally president of
the court, Judge advocate, and the court's verdict was guilty. Sentence,
dismissed the service; findings approved. After leaving Buckhannon the
march was to Beverly, where for the first time since its organization the
regiment w^as all together, A month was spent at Beverly drilling and pre-
paring ourselves for the active duties of the soldier. Our next orders were
to proceed to Elkwater to go into winter quarters.

CHAPTER IX.

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— {COVTOiUED).

At Oktnp Elk water,— Severe Winter Weather. — General Milroy in Command. — Orders to
Break Cam;>, — On the March. Faced Towards Siaunton. — Magnificent Winter Scene on
AlleghaAy M'-iuntaxn. — In Camp at Monterey. — A Short Elngagcment. — Battle of Mc-
Dowell, — General Fretnoot at Franklin, in Command of the Mountain DepartmenL

|HE months of Fthmary and March brought to Camp Elkwater the
severest weather that had \-isited that place in many years, which
made the life of the soldiers there monotonous indeed. There was
mow, rain^ freezing day and night, which compelled the soldier to remain
within hw tent or log hut, except when dutj' called him to go on picket.
Even the enterprising bushwhacker was denied the amusement of shooting
the bead from iiome vcrnturesome soldier who might have been bold enough
t/i venture a m:!e away from camp.

An the watchword of the Army of the Potomac was "On to Richmond,"
so did the Army of West Virginia adopt as its cherished wish, **On to
Stzunum/*

General Milroy was in command. On the 5th of April, 1862, the wel-
come ordirr was given for his entire brigade, comprising the 2d W. Va.
Infantry, CfAfmtzl Moss ; 3d W. Va. Infantrj-, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomp-
son; 2Sth Ohio Infantry, Lieut.-Col. W. P. Richardson; 32d Ohio Infantrj-,
Lieutenant-Colonel Swinney; 73d Ohio Infantr}-, Colonel Smith; 75th Ohio
Infantry, Colonel McLean; Battery I, ist Ohio, L. A., Captain Hyman;
I2th Ohio Battery, Captain Johnson; ist W. Va. Cavalrj' (three companies),
Maj. J. S, Krepps, to turn their faces towards Staunton, on the North
Western and Staunton turnpike, via Alleghany Mountain, Monterey and
McDowell. The weather in the mountains continued terribly severe during
the month of April ^nd part of May.

Just here I wish to notice a winter scene while on the march on the
Alleghany Mountain road. I wish I could describe it in place, as I have
said, of noticing it; but I shall have to leave a perfect description to other
minds. I doubt, however, if it could be fittingly described either by words
or by the artist's pencil. I have not seen nor read of anything in nature or art
that could approximate the grandeu|j and brilliancy of the divinely produced
scene. The incident, however, is this: when the command went into camp

A WINTER SCENE ON THE ALLEGHANY.

<ss

for the night at Camp Alleghany (lately vacated by the Confederates), and
whilst we were all comfortable and warm within, the night without was
terrible, by reason of the bitter cold, and at the same 6me the rain did not
cease to fall the whole night through. Consequently, day dawned with the
ground and trees covered with clear, glassy ice. This, however, did not
offer a barrier to the march of the soldier to duty, and we were early on the
iramp. The turnpike, after leaving the camp, passed through a dense moun-
tain forest, and as the rain fell upon the trees, freezing as it fell, the tall
pines had become freighted w^ith their load of crystal ice, the weight of which
inclined them together, forming an arch of fantastic design, under which for
miles and miles we marched. The clouds having dispersed, the bright sun
of the morning bursting out from behind the clouds shone through, pro-
ducing sparkling effects, compared with w^hich the Kohinoor is a pebble of
marble; and this is not all, for as the wind blew through the million of
meshes in the archway it gave off flute4ike sounds that contained every
note in the scale. At the same time the swaying of the trees by the
wnnd kept up a continuous creaking, and at intervals breaking with a report
not unlike the discharge of a pistol, altogether forming a march of w^eird,
awe-inspiring music. Realizing that no human power could in a century of
time produce such effects, and that the Creator of the universe had done so
in a single night, suggests the beautiful words of the poet Derzhavin on
'*God,'' from which I quote:

" Thy splendor fills all space with rays divine."

**As sparks mount *ipward from the fiery blaze.
So suns are born, so worlds spring forth from Thee,
And as the spangles in the sunny rays
Shine round the silver snow the pageantry
Of Heaven's bright army glitters in Thy praise."

Arriving at Monterey that evening, we remaijied a fortnight* During
our stay at this place, the enemy, on the 12th of April, 1000 strong, attacked
our forces. A short engagement ensued, when the Confederates w^ithdrew
with considerable loss.

On the 30th of April, Milroy occupied McDowell, 12 miles east of
Monterey and 36 miles west of Staunton. On the 8th of May the battle of
McDowell w^as fought. Generals Milroy and Schenck*s forces had met the
forces of Generals "Stonewall'* Jackson and Edward S. Johnson, consisting
of five brigades. The battle was fought with great stubbornness on both
sides, lasdng about five hours, when darkness put an end to it. Finding the
position untenable, General Schenck (who ranked Milroy) withdrew during

66 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO rB6^

Ae night to Franklin. On the following day r>fav 9lh) General Jackson
•ent the following characteristic telegram to Adjuianr-General Cooper at
Richmond: **God ble&sed our arms with \-ictory at McDowell yesterday.''
In the liirht of the facts we fail to see the **\-ictorv," or wherein "God
h\i:%%ed liitir arms," " The Records of the Rebellion " contains the official
reports of b^/th Gencrrals Schenck and "SionewalF' Jackson, and they show
that the Confederates outnumbered the Unionists more than three to one.
The Union loss was 26 killed, 227 wounded, 3 missing. Total, 256. No
officers among the killed, eleven wounded.

The Confederate loss was 75 killed, 423 wounded. Total, 49S. 16
officers killed and 3S wounded.

This was the first battle in which my entire regiment had been engaged,
though they had, by company, seen hard ser\-ice, and had had many skir-
minlnrs with bands of bushwhackers. ♦

Further particulars of the McDowell engagement wll be found in
anotlier chapter — title, **6th \V. Va. Cavalr\-."

On the nth of May we find Generals Schenck and Milroy (after their
retreat from McDowell) at Franklin. GenT John C. Fremont who had been
plac(!(l in command of the ** Mountain Department,*' had issued orders to
his forces to concentrate at this place, when the brigades of Schenck and
Milroy became a part of his personal command in the field.

It was here I first met General Fremont. I found him a man of splendid
physiciue, with a pleasant face, affable in manner, wearing a full beard and
thick Huit of hair, and every inch a soldier.

Upon taking command of the Mountain Department in the field, General
Fremont, at i'ranklin, W. Va., rearranged his brigades. In this he practi-
cally made the brigade of West Virginia troops, to wit: 2d \V. Va., 3d W.
Va., 5th W. Va. Infantry, ist W. Va. Cavalry detachment, ist \V. Va.
Battrry G, L. A.; the 25th Ohio, and a batterj- of the ist and 12th Ohio,
L. A., were also of this brigade, which was commanded by Gen'l R. H.
Milroy. It was fitting at this time that General Milroy should have been
placed in command of this brigade, for, having spent several months in active
cam|)aign with the West Virginia soldiers, he was familiar with their methods
as fightiii;{ soldiers and of their necessities.

An incident occurred at this period that served to excite mingled feel-
ings of disgust and amusement among the West Virginia soldiers at
Franklin. It was this: When General Blenker arrived with his division,
which was cc^mposed mainly of Germans from Pennsylvania and New York,
they were much surprised to find themselves associated w^ith ** Virginia
soldiers."

GENERAL BLENKER REPORTS TO GENERAL FREMONT.

At this time they were ignorant of the fact that there could be any
loyalty with ** Virginia" in it, and so incredulous were they that they
demurred to being cast with the "Virginians" in time of battle, alleging
that these soldiers could not be true to the country's cause, and expressed
fear that they would betray them in the heat of battle.

But this stupid ignorance was short-lived, and our German comrades
soon realized that there was no loyahy so intense as die loyalty of these men
of West Virginia, whose love for the flag %vas intensified by the fact that they
were fighting for home as well as for countr}\

Besides the regiments named in Milroy*s Brigade from West Virginia,
the Sth W. Va. was also in Fremont's command, and was brigaded wth the
60th Ohio, the two commanded by CoL G. P, Cluseret, of General Fremont's
staff; Battery C, W. V^a. L. A., in General Staehl's Brigade, and the 3d
W. Va* Cavalry detachment unassigned.

By reason of past service in the field and the willingness with which the
West Virginia soldiers responded to every duty, Milroy's brigade during this
entire arduous campaign was placed in the lead when on the advance and
covered the rear when on the retreat; it opened and closed in each skirmish
and battle, and was assigned to every important duty. It would be
unpardonable injustice did I not specially mention the gallantry and faith-
fulness of the 25th Ohio, which had served with the West Virginia soldiers
prior to coming to the Shenandoah Valley, The 25th was a good regiment;
both officers and men were not only brave soldiers but were genial, com-
panionable comrades as well.

To read tlie history of the campaign is to verify the truthfulness of this
statement relating to Milroy's brigade. The West Virginians, by reason of
education and circumstances, readily made efKctent soldiers. They were
good horsemen, and excelled in the use of the rifle; indeed, these tw^o con-
ditions were regarded by them as accomplishments. From childhood both
men and women learned how to ride, and when in the saddle became a part
of the horse's poetry of motion ; and few things give more amusement to
West Virginians when in the large cities than to witness a city dude or dudess
on horseback in the act of fashionable horseback riding. To look upon a
dude aping ** English, you know," with his feet pushed through the stirrups,
and then bobbing up and down in the saddle as if trying to escape the
tortures of a tack with its sharp end protruding from the seat, very naturally
provokes derisive laughter.

The personnel of the West Virginia regiments named in the foregoing —
both rank and file — mainly distinguished themselves by their steadfast devo-
tion to duty, and, aside from the killed in battle and died from disease, few

68 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

changes were made during their full term of service. A few dismissals for
cause, a few resignations and a few promotions among the officers seemed to
satisfy all.

Whilst the officers were, as a rule, faithful and courageous in battle, but
few of them became conspicuous for great brilliancy or dash. I do not
mention this fact to the discredit of any, for they were good citizens before
the war, they were good soldiers during the conffict, and when peace came,
conscious of having faithfully served their country, became again good citizens*

CHAPTER X.

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— Continued.

•Stonewall" Jackson's Raid in the Shenandoah Valley.— Fremont Ordered to the Froni.-^
Wretched Condition of his Command. — ^Battle of Front RoyaU — Jackson Pained. — Cen-
sures his Troops for Deserting ihetr Colors to Pillage.^Rout of Banks' Command Down
the Valley to Williamsport.

N the 24th of May, 1862, General Fremont received orders direct
from Pre.sident Lincoln to break camp and march against
*' Stonewair' Jackson at Harrisonburg, who was at tliis date
advancmg on General Banks at Front Royal, — pressing him with Jackson*s
Gustomarj^ impetuosity back towards Strasburg and Winchester, finally to
Martin sburg and across the river at Williamsport, Md.

Perhaps no period or campaign during the Rebellion furnished so much
of disaster and direful results to the Union cause as did that period, begin-
ning on May 24, 1862, and terminating August 30th with the second battle
of Bull Run, embracing the operations of Generals Fremont, Banks, Shields,
Sigel, McDowell and Pope. In the earlier operations of the campaign, the
armies under consideration were designated under three divisions, viz. : The
Mountain Department, General Fremont commanding; the Department of
the Shenandoah, General Banks commanding, and the Department of the
Rappahannock, General McDowell commanding.

The later period of the campaign contemplates the consolidation of the
afore-named armies and the command of Brigadier-General Sturges at Wash-
ington, to form one army — designated the '^A^my of Virginia," The com-
mand of the Army of "V^irginia was especially assigned to GenU John Pope
as commanding general; the order making this change came direct from the
President, dated June 26, 1862. But I must return to speak of the advance
of General Fremont*s column from Franklin to intercept Jackson in the
Shenandoah. A more inopportune time could not have fallen to the lot of an
army than w^as this order to General Fremont to advance.

It is a conceded fact, that the Union army in the late war was the best
fed, best clothed, and best paid army the world has ever known, and not-
withstanding this admitted fact, as early as April, when General Fremont
took command of the Mountain Departqjent, his plans and promises to the

LOYAL WEST VIRGLWIA FROM i86r TO /Sdj.

country were hampered- — indeed virtually clogged — for want of quarter-
master and commissary supplies, and at the time of his taking command in
the field, with headquarters at New Creek — subsequently Petersburg and
Franklin, with the exception of the brigades of Milroy and Schenck — both
of which, having recently passed through a severe campaign — w^ere greatly
in need of such supplies; but General Blenker*s division was practically
helpless; in fact, the division might be designated as in a pitiable condition,
with but few horses and mules, and they broken down and starved— unfitted
for cavalry, artillery; or wagons and ambulances. Forage was so scarce
that the horses of the entire command were suffering, and the men were quite
as destitute and were suffering not only for want of sufficient rations but also
in the matter of clothing and blankets, and there was at least a month that
many of the troops were without tents or other shelter to protect them from
the chilling blasts of a late and stormy spring*

I was a frequent visitor to headquarters, and I know that this condition
of the army was not caused by the neglect of General Fremont, for he
showed me copies of requisitions made by mail and telegraph, and the
demand w^as repeated da}' after day; so when the time did come for his com-
mand to advance he was in poor condition for such an emergency, and I can
truthfully say that at the time Jackson made his raid into the Shenandoah
Valley one-third of Fremont's command wx're unfit for duty by reason of
sickness from exposure and the want of forage and rations.

In substantiation of my recollections as noted, I quote from General
Fremont's official report of his advance movements;

*'The streams were swollen by the incessant rains, and the roads had become almost
impassable. With a complement of wagons much exceeding that upon the route, the supply
would have been but meager even in fair weather. With the limlied number available,
together with the hindrancfS encountered, the supply was tar below the need. Not so much
as one-quarter forage was got forward, and except an incomplete ration of bread, no rations
had been got up for the men. For days together fresh beef, with a little salt, was the only
provision on hand for issue. Coffee, so essential and desirable in the field, was becoming a
luxury almost unknown. Subsistence arriving under invoice to a particular brigade, was
taken by order and, so far as it would go. distribule I to all. Sick-lists were largely on the
increasCp and such was the demoralization induced by privations endured that demonstrations
among the men, amounting almost to open mutiny, had in instances to be put down with the
strong hand,"

In justice to the troops from West Virginia and Ohio> the brigades of
Milroy, Schenck, and Chiserut should not be included as among t}Kjse **to
be put dowTi with the strong hand/* No such forceful argument had been
proposed to them, nor could it possibly apply to those troops, for at this date
no dissatisfaction looking to revolt had possessed them.

mEMONTS MARCH TO INTERCEPT JACKSON.

With the order directing Fremont *s march, authority was given him to
order the purchase of horses, or otherwise, in tlie language of the despatch,
"to take them wherever or however he could get them.** But it came too
late to aid Fremont. Of forage in tlie country near by, scarcely a single
pound could be gleaned ; it had already been too well stripped by the Con-
federate forces. Naturally, in the absence of forage, the horses and mules
died or were rendered unserviceable, and as to waiting for the arrival of horses
or forage from Wheeling, that was impossible ; under the terms of the order
Fremont was to move at once*

Of the different roads leading from Franklin to Harrisonburg, all but
one had been obstructed by Jackson ; bridges and culverts had been destroyed,
rocks rolled down, trees felled across the way for a distance of a mile or more.
It was, therefore, regarded as impractical to attempt to march on any of these
roads to Harrisonburg, Fremont determined to take a route not specifically
set down in his order of advance. Instead, then, of attempts through a
barren district, by any of the above-named routes, Fremont moved rearward
as far as Petersburg — thence, striking easterly by way of Moorfield and
Wardensville, to Strasburg. At Petersburg were found rations to last the com-
mand for five days. At this place, tents, with the exception of a very few for
indispensable staff and hospital purposes, were required to be abandoned
and placed in store. In like manner all surplus personal baggage w^as
directed to be cast off, it being the object to put the column in the lightest
possible marching order.

The column had reached Petersburg on the afternoon of May 26th. On
the 27th, at daybreak, tlie march was resumed, *The troops fording the
Shenandoah and camping at night near Moorfield, arrived on the 2Sth at
Fabius, about ten miles easterly from Moorfield, upon Branch Mountain. At
this latter point, upon the written protest of die Medical Director, George
Suckley, against further marching of the command without one day's rest,
a halt was called for the 29th. Hundreds of stragglers and broken-down
men from the Blenker division had been left along the road in the ascent of
the mountain, and it was plain their condition demanded consideration. They
were weak and reduced, not only from recent fatigue and want of food, but
from previous hardship and privation on the route from the Potomac. While
halting here at Fabius, a despatch was sent forward to General Fremont from
President Lincoln, stating that the rebels were in the valley of Winchester
and Martinsburg, and Fremont was directed to move upon the enemy '*by
the best route he could. '^ On the 30th the command moved from Fabius.
A renewed storm had made the roads heavy, and the march was most
fatiguing. On the 31st the column passed the summit of the mountain

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6r TO jS6s*

between Lost River and Cedar Creek, marching most of the night, and
closing up in a drenching rain, amid intense darkness at Cedar Creek,
when we went into camp.

I will at this pnint and date (M^ay 31st) leave General Fremont, and speak
of Jackson's operations on lliis celebrated raid down the Shenandoah Valley
and his return. The Confederate forces was the combined commands of
Gen 'Is **Stonewair' Jackson and Richard S. Ewell, numbering about 20,000
men* General Banks* main furce was stadoned at Strasburg, CoL John R.
Kenly (later General Kcnly) and his command (a part of Banks' forces) were
stationed at Front Royal. Kenly's command consisted of his own, ist
Maryland Infantry Regiment; 2 pieces of Knap's Pa. Battery, Lieutenant
Atwell commanding; 2 companies 26th Pa. Infantry, Captain Lane com-
manding; a detachment of the 5th New York Cavalry, Major Vought com-
manding, came up an hour after the engagement begun — niimbenng all told
1000 men. Front Royal was an indefensible position — distant about 8 miles
southeast from Strasburg.

On the 22d of May the whole Confederate force moved down the road
leading from Luray to Front Royal. The advance (under General Ewell)
bivouacking about 10 miles from the last named place. On the 23d, about
2 P, M., Jackson's advance force, under command of Genl Bradley T.
Johnson, attacked Colonel Kenl3''3 position. Kenly was without cavalry.
The enemy were upon him on all sides before timely notice of the strength
of their forces was known; Colonel Keoly, however, was too old and care-
ful a soldier to be caught napping, and notwithstanding Kenly had but 1000
men, he engaged and held in check 6000 of the enemy for nearly four hours.
This light was desperate in its stubborn ess, and many on both sides were
killed and wounded. The gallantry and skilful handling of this small force
by Colonel Kenly was for months the theme for admiring comment through-
out the country. Colonel Kenly, badly wounded, and a large number of
his command fell into the hands of the enemy.

The Confederate forces at this time in the Shenandoah embraced Ashby 's
Cavalry; the First Brigade under General Winder, the Second Brigade,
Colonel Campbell commanding; the Third Brigade, Colonel Fulkerson
commanding. The troops recently under command of Brig.-Gen'l Edward
Johnson, and the division of General Ewell, comprising the brigades of
Generals Elzey, Taylor, Trimble, and the Maryland line, consisting of the
First Maryland regiment and Brockenbrough's battery under Brig.-Genl
Geo. H. Stewart, and the 2d and 6th Va. Cavalrj^ Colonel Flournoy.

After the engagement at Front Royal, the Confederates seemed to have
had complete possession of the situation. Banks retired with the main body

GEN'L BANKS RETREATS BEFORE GEN'L JACKSON.

of his command from Strasburg. He made an unsuccessful stand at Middle-
town, Newtown, Bartonsville and at Winchester; but his gallant opposition
was borne down by tlie impetuous Confederates, while man}* of Banks' artil-
lery and wagon trains filled the road, and the victors took possession of them.

In General Jackson's official report, he says: **But in the midst of these
hopes I was pained to see, as I am now to record the fact, that so many of
Ashby's command, both cavalry and infantry, forgetful of their high trust as
the advance of a pursuing army, deserted their colors, and abandoned them-
selves to pillage to such an extent as to make it necessary for that gallant
officer to discontinue further pursuit." The artillery, which had pushed on
with energy to the vicinity of Newtown, found itself, from this discreditable
conduct, without a proper support from either infantry or cavalry. This
relaxation in the pursuit wms unfortunate, as the enemy w^as encouraged by
it to bring up, about two hours later, four pieces of artillery, which were
planted on the northern skirt of Newtown, and opened upon our batteries.
This disregard of discipline on the part of the Confederate soldiers enabled
Banks to continue his retreat to his great advantage; and after the event at
Winchester, Banks' rout was complete, and he made no general stand there-
after, but pushed on to Martinsburg. Here he halted a couple of hours, and
tlien on to Williamsport by sunset of tlie 25th, crossing the Potomac into
Maryland. The river at this point was crossed by a ferr}^-boat, which was
barely sufficient to transport the ammunition train. The cavalry could wade
and swim the stream, but there w^as no w ay to get the infantry across. For-
tunately, however, a pontoon train had been brought along all the way from
Strasburg ; it w^as soon brought into service, and by noon the next day the
infantry had all been got across. ** Never,*' says General Banks, **were
more grateful hearts in the same number of men than when they stood on the
opposite shore/' In this retreat of fifty-three miles Banks lost aboat 900
men, of whom 38 were known to be killed and 155 wounded, tlie others
were captured. Of his train of 500 wagons he lost 55, besides considerable
stores, captured and destroyed at Strasburg and Winchester*

General Jackson, in his report, severely censured his cavalry for lack of
enterprise. He says: ** There is good reason for believing that, had the
cavalry played its part in this pursuit as well as the four companies had done
under Colonel Floumoy two days before in the pursuit from Front Royal, but
a small portion of Banks' army would have made its escape to the Potomac.**

Jackson reached Williamsport just in time to see Banks safe on the
Maryland side. He rested there for a single day (26th) when he assembled his
command, and divine service was held for the purpose of rendering thanks
to God for the success with which He had blessed their arms, and to implore
His continued favor.

CHAPTER XI.

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— {CONn>a:ED).

Jackson's Retreat up the Shenandoah. — Banlcs and Sigel Follow to Winchester.— General
McDowell's Indifference. — General Fremont in PursuiL — Harrassing the Retreating
Confederates.— Colonel Cuseret s Thrilling Experience in the Dark.— Gcnl Geo. D.
Bayard Joins in the Pursuit.— Constructing a Pontoon Bridge.— Swept by Flood.— Colonel
Wyndham Captured.— Battle Between Confederates and Pennsylvania Bucktails.—
Colonel Kane Wounded and Taken Prisoner.— General Turner Ashby Killed.

ACKSOX at this time realized that he could not hold his newly
gained possessions, and must of necessitj' return southward over
the route which he had just come. So, after manoeu\Ting for
a couple of days in the vicinity of Martinsburg, HalltouTi, Loudoun Heights,
Harper's Ferry, etc., he issued orders for his troops to return to Winchester
on the 30th, when he started on his retreat of desperation, for he had at this
time learned of the advance of Fremont from the West, and McDowell from
the East for the purpose of intercepting him in his retreat up the Shenandoah
Valley.

Immediately, upon Jackson having abandoned his pursuit. Banks
gathered his scattered command, and the pursuer became the pursued. But
Banks' army was in no condition for a successful advance, and, therefore,
made little progress, and soon halted at Winchester and vicinity. In the
meantime, and immediately upon the information that Jackson was driving
Banks from the valley, the authorities at Washington hurried forward all
available troops to Harper's Ferry, and sent General Saxton to organize and
prepare the same for immediate service against Jackson. About io,ocx> men
responded to this demand, and Gen'l Franz Sigel was sent forward to take
command of this force and push Jackson. Sigel did start, and tardily
reached Winchester, when he, too, gave up the pursuit.

I will now return to General Fremont, where I left him at Cedar Creek,
on May 31st.

At this time and at this point General Fremont confidendy expected to
hear from General McDowell.

The following telegrams received by General Fremont would justify this
conclusion. I quote:

GEN'L McD O IVELHS INDIFFERENCE. 73

WASHrNGTON. iMay 29, 1862 (l2 M.).
Major- Gen era I Frem ont\

General McDo weirs advance, if not checked by the enemy* should or (and) probably
will be at Front Royal by 12 noon to-morrow. His force, when up, will be about 20,000.
Please have your force al Slrasburg j or. if the route you are moving on does not lead to that
point, as near Strasburg as the enemy may be al that time.

A. Lincoln.

Washington. May 30, 1862 (4 P. M.).
Major- General Fremont :

Yours saying you will reach Strasburg or vicinity at 5 P* M., Saturday, has been
received and sent to General McDowell, and he directed to act in view of it. You musi be up
to time of your promise, if possible*

A, Lincoln.

Fremont did keep his promise, but where, oh where was McDowell ?
The part he bore in this important campaign would indicate that he, with a
war map of the Valley of Virginia and a copy of the "Articles of War/' had
hied himself to some lone spot to study said map to ascertain how far his
'•separate independent military geographical department" extended, and
whether the 62d Article of War w^oiUd permit him to march his army of
20,000 men over an imaginary line to iight a battle, which, if won, would be
credited to General Fremont.

Whilst General McDowell's command was designated as the Depart-
ment of the Rappahannock, it was in reality a part of the Army of the
Potomac* To this army (Potomac) McDowell w^as much attached, and his
ambition was to take part in any and all movements made against Richmond.
So, when the order from Washington reached him directing him to hurrj^ to
the Shenandoah Valley to co-operate with Banks and Fremont against Jack-
son, he was much perplexed, and even telegraphed his protest to so doing to
Mr, Lincoln. But the President's orders w^ere imperative and had to be
obeyed, and though complying, the results of the part taken by McDowell
showed a tardiness of movement of his command that at least indicated
indifference* I will refer to his command later in my sketch.

At Cedar Creek the road forks, one branch leading to Strasburg and the
other to Winchester. Early on the morning of the ist of June, General
Fremont moved tow^ard Strasburg, Colonel Cluseret, with his brigade of the
8th West Virginia and 60th Ohio^ in the advance. At 7 o'clock in the
morning w^e touched Jackson*s main body, driving in the pickets of EwelPs
command^ and, pressing forward, he soon became engaged with cavalry and
artillerj\ In this skirmish a detachment of the 8th West Virginia and 60th
Ohio, under command of Maj. John H* Oley, of the 8th West Virginia, did
gallant service. Colonel Pilson, with a section of artillery, afterw^ard came

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM tB6t TO i86s^

to the support of Major Oley. At about noon the enemy's batteries ceased
firing, and our cavalry being pushed forward found the enemy in retreat.
A reconnoissance by Colonel Cluseret with the 8th West Virginia and 6oth
Ohio pushed rapidly toward Strasburg, when within a short distance of the
town he learned that the enemy had vacated the place. So, with the addition
of a battalion of cavalry and a section of artillery, he was ordered to take
possession of the town* Night brought wuth it another one of those terrible
storms that had become so frequent of late, and this one excelled in its down
pour of rain, and the lightning and thunder were indescribable. It was
simply terrifically grand.

A thriUing incident, in which Colonel Cluseret and his command w^ere
the actors, is worthy of mention. The night just referred to was simply
black in its darkness, and but for the vivid flash of the lightning for the
moment one could not see his outstretched hand. Colonel Cluseret, being
without guides and unfamiliar with the country, passed through the tow^n,
which was in darkness, and marching on saw lights in the distance, which he
supposed was the town, but upon approaching the same, about ii o'clock, the
lights proved to be the enemy*s campfires, and he found himself in the midst
of Ashby's cavalry, w^hich was the rear*guard of Jackson's army. Colonel
Cluseret at once gave the order to charge, but at the sharp fire of Ashby's
men the cavalry broke in a shameful panic, carrying back with it the artillery.
To the honor and praise of the 8th West Virginia and 6oth Ohio, not a man
of them followed the disgraceful example, but stood their ground like veter-
ans, and delivered such a steady and well-directed fire that the movement of
Ashby was checked.

Colonel Cluseret, having accomplished the objects of his reconnoissance,
withdrew his men and returned to the main column. I will mention just here
that the 8th West Virginia and 6ath Ohio were new regiments, that had just
been recruited and sent to General Fremont a few days before he started on
his march from Franklin, and this battle in the dark was their first introduc-
tion to powder and bullet at the hands of the enemy; they were, therefore,
the more to be praised for their gallantry.

At early dawn on June 2d, General Fremont^s army was in motion, and
we soon found that Jackson was in lull retreat, and that we were tlien in
pursuit. Passing Strasburg w^e w^ere joined by Gen'l George D. Bayard, of
General McDowell's command, with a cavalry force of about 8oo men and
four pieces of artillery, and a battalion of the Pennsylvania ** Bucktails,*'
under Colonel Kane. After passing Strasburg w^e came upon the scene of
Colonel Cluseret 's engagement of the night before. It was marked by the
smoldering campfire of Ashby's men, also by one of our caissons, w^hich had

GEN'L JACKSON'S BETR EAT BEFORE GEN'L FREMONT.

T>een disabled and left on the ground, and by several of the enemy's killed and
wounded.

The route we were upon was a good turnpike road running from Stras-
burg to the southward toward Staunton » and its even surface was a welcome
exchange for the mire and mountain sloughs through which we had recently
^passed.

The enemy being closely pressed by our advance, about lo A. M, made
a stand and showed fight; but Colonel Pilson, Chief of Artillery on Fremont*s
staff, had in hand Buell's and Schirmer's batteries, supported by Bayard's
cavalry and 600 men from our own column under Colonel Z agony i. Chief of
Cavalry. After a sharp engagement, lasdng an hour, the enemy were driven
from their position, and again pursued. At intervals during the day the
enemy faced about, and were as often compelled to relinquish the fight. In
the pursuit it often happened that the enemy were only a few hundred yards
from our advance.

By sunset the enemy had secured the high points beyond Woodstock,
where they were permitted to rest in peace, as our own force was also glad to
get needed rest.

The retreat of this day was a reckless one; over 500 prisoners fell into
our hands, and a numberof our soldiers, captured from General Banks, were
recovered, besides several hundred stand of small-arms, some cast away, and
others standing in stacks upon the roadside. Broken wagons, ambulances,
clothing and blankets lined the route, all giving unmistakable evidence of
hurried retreat. In all the fighting that day our loss was comparatively small,
but two killed and less tlian a dozen wounded. Colonel Pilsen lost his horse,
killed. We found seven of the enemy killed, with several horses. Hia loss
during the day must have been considerable; of course they would take with
them all killed and wounded, except when too closely pressed to do so.

June 3d was a repetition of the 2d, the enemy fighting and retreating, we
fighting and advancing. The enemy, however, had the advantage in this —
they devoted much of their time in destroying bridges and culverts, and in
otherwise placing obstinjctions upon the road. Sometimes we would reach a
burning bridge in time to put out the fire. The bridge over Cedar Creek at
Mount Jackson was saved by a splendid dash of Captain Conger, with a
company of his 3d West Virginia Cavalry. The Confederate General Ashby ,
who had covered the retreating column, barely escaped capture by Captain
Conger's men. The captain pushed on with vigor, and witnessed the firing
of the more important bridge beyond Mount Jackson, crossing the north fork
of the Shenandoah. He made a gallant charge, but the volleys of grape
and musketry drove back his small command ; and, notwithstanding General

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iSSj*

Bayard arrived with his cavalry in good time, the artillery necessary to drive
the enemy from their protected position could not get up until the fine bridge
was in flames. Our loss during the day was not over one killed and a few
wounded.

The burning of the bridge over the Shenandoah gave us a decided set-
back, and but for the fact that General Fremont had with him pontoons our
advance would have been delayed several days; but the pontoons w^ere
hurried to the front, and, notwithstanding the stream at this point was wdde
and rapid, having been swollen by recent rains, Major Haskell performed a
most dangerous and daring feat by plunging wnth his horse into the current,
and, by swimming to the opposite bank> secured the preparatorj*^ ropes.

Then a corps of employees, acting as pontoniers, under Lieutenant
Robinson, of Ohio, with details from infantry regiments, went actively to
work. It was now nearly dark and a heavy rain was falling, but that faithful
band worked on, uncomplainingly, throughout the night, and by 6 o*clock in
the morning the bridge was made available for crossing and a portion of our
infantry and cavalry gotten over. Suddenly, how*ever^ the river, fed by the
storm and mountain tributaries, began to rise, and in the space of a few hours
it had gained fully twelve feet in height, with a cun*ent turbulent and swift,
and with the drift forcing itself upon the boats, several of them w^ere swamped,
and to save the bridge from utter destruction the ropes were cut, and the pon-
toons that had cost so much labor swung around to the northern shore, and
our army w^as cut in two; but that portion that had crossed over the river was
well protected by the skilful placing of batteries upon available bluffs and
hills. For 24 hours our army w^as compelled to give up the cherished pursuit.
Tow^ard night, however, the stream, as suddenly as it had risen, began to
subside, when the working parties renewed their efforts. The work w^as
laborious, indeed, and tested the full capacity of endurance of the men engaged.

By 10 A. M. the next day that bridge was again in condition for crossing;
so on the Sth of June w^e were again on the tramp, following the enemy, and
though we had lost at least 30 hours, giving the enemy an advantage he
proved not slow to use, and notw^ithstanding the suffering of our men by
standing in the storm all these w^eary hours, they stepped out with a willing-
ness that tnld plainly they were eager for the fray.

On this day we marched about 20 miles, passing on the way the still
burning campfires of the enemy, and w4ien we bivouacked just beyond New
Market the enemy*s camp was only a few miles ahead. On the 6th, by an
early start and rapid march, we gained on the retreating forces, and by 2 P, M.
we drove his rear-guard through Harrisonburg, As there are several diverg-
ing roads from this city, General Fremont was imcertain as to the direcdon

BATTLE NEAR HARRISONBURG ; GEN'L ASHBY KILLED.

taken by the enemy ; so he ordered his command into camp around about the
city, when he at once sent out reconnoitering parties on the different roads.

At this time I want to do justice to that splendid soldier, Gen1 George
D. Bayard, and his command, by recording it that General Fremont did, at
the time he (Bayard) reported on the 2d inst., place him in command of the
adv^ance, and he practically maintained that honorable place whilst he remained
with General Fremont,

Of the reconnoitering parties just referred to as having been sent out,
one was in command of Colonel Wyndham, and consisted of his regiment,
the 1st N. J. Cavalrj', with a battalion of the 4th N. Y. Cavalry. Several
miles to the southeast of Harrisonburg Colonel Wyndham came upon the
enemy in a dense wood* The ambuscade was an effective one on tlie part
of the enemy. Colonel Wyndham and his men fought desperately, but they
were surrounded on all sides, and were consequently badly cut up. Colonel
Wyndham was taken prisoner, the regimental colors lost, and 30 men,
including Captains Shelmire, Clark, and Harris, were killed.

But this victory of the enemy was short-lived, for a little later on, just
before sundown, General Bayard, with four companies of Kane's Rifles
(Pennsylvania Bucktails), and the ist Pa. Cavalry, entered the woods. Im-
mediately after entering the Bucktails encountered a regiment of the enemy's
cavalry, with artillery and a regiment of infantry, from which the Bucktails
received a terrific and damaging fire. The engagement lasted only half an
hour, during which the Bucktails lost upward of 40 in killed, wounded and
missing. Colonel Kane was wounded and taken prisoner; Captain Taylor
a prisoner, Captain Blanchard shot through both legs. Lieutenant Swayne
wounded. This battalion was, and is still, entitled to the highest consideration
of the Government for their splendid conduct. At the critical moment in
this episode, Colonel Cluseret, wath his brigade, came to the relief General
Bayard, when the enemy retreated in disorder, leaving our forces in posses-
sion of their camp, with their dead and wounded left in our hands.

With the growing darkness the enemy continued their retreat, being con-
tinually harassed by our advancing forces*

This short but intensely-inflictive engagement was among the noted
events of the war, and notwithstanding the severe loss of which I have
written as having befallen our arms, our loss was small as compared with
that of the enemy, and by this event the whole Confederacy w^as thrown into
mourning scarcely less intense than that experienced by tlie death of ^"Stone-
wall '* Jackson. It was in this engagement that the pride of the Valley of the
Shenandoah, the beloved of all the army, the companion of Jackson, the
brave, lion-hearted Gen1 Turner Ashby fell.

8o LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

It will, perhaps, be interesting reading, especially to the Maryland
soldiers, to know that the infantry regiment alluded to as being in the woods
and sustaining a heroic part in this engagement was the ist Md., Colonel
(afterward General) Bradley T. Johnson commanding. The 58th Va. was
the first regiment engaged, but Colonel Johnson charged through the woods
to the left in support of the S8th. Colonel Johnson's regiment suffered
severely, and the Colonel had his horse shot from under him at almost the
same moment that General Ashby's horse was kiUed, and a moment later
Ashby himself fell.

CHAPTER XIL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED),

The Calm Before the Storm.—'Reconnoissancc in Force. — Fremont s Order of March. — Bat-
lie of Cross Keys. — Union and Confederate Forces Engaged.— Letter from Gtnl James
Shields. — ^Retreat of Confederates from Cross Keys.— Battle of Port Republic. — Disobe-
dience of Orders. — ^Escape of Jackson and his Army.

HE yth of June dawned with an indescribable calmness that the
veteran soldier learned to interpret and regard with some degree
of correctness as the '* calm before the storm," or the still before
the battle. General Fremont knew that Jackson could not longer afford
to permit his rear-guard to be annoyed with his (Fremont's) anxious
advance. The loss to a retreating army is often heavier than in the actual
battle, and this had been the experience of Jackson for the past two or three
days. When, therefore, on the morning of the 7th, the hurry and flurry of
the cavalry especially had given place to the more substantial movement of
brigades in close marching order, the story was given to the soldier, without
command, that a battle was near at hand. No less than three brigades were
sent out on as many roads to locate Jackson. General Milroy took his entire
brigade in the direction of Port Republic; others were ordered toward Kee-
zletow^n and on the Staunton turnpike to Middle River. These reconnois-
sances developed the fact that Jackson had left the main road and had taken
a narrow and difficult one in the direction of Port Republic, and that he had
selected a favorable location and was preparing to make a stand and give
General Fremont battle. The several brigades having returned to camp, a
movement in the new direction was determined upon for the morrow* the 8th.
The entire command had orders to prepare an unusually early breakfast,
and before the rising of the sun, Fremont had directed his column to take an
unfrequented road leading through the w^oods from Harrisonburg, about six
miles to the southeast, to Cross Keys, where Jackson had made his stand.
It may interest those who participated in that day's march and battle to read
General Fremont's order of march as published on that morning, June 8th,
1862.

The Advance,

Colonel Cluseret's brigade, consisting of the 60th Ohio and 8th W. Va,,
reinforced by the 39th N. Y. (Garibaldi Guards)*

LOYAL WESTVIRGLNIA FROM jB6t TO jS6s^

The Main Column.

1. DickeFs 4th N. Y. cavalry.

2. General Stahel's brigade, consisting of the 8th, 41st and 45th N, Y.,
and 27th Pa*, and Dilger's, Buell's and Schirmer's batteries,

3. General Bohlen's brigade, consisting of the S4th and 58th N. Y-, and
the 74th and 75 Pa., and Weidrich's batterj'.

4. General Milroy's brigade, consisting of the 2d, 3d and 5th W. Va.^
25th Ohio, and Hyman's, Johnson's, and E\ving's batteries.

5. General Schenck's brigade, consisting of the 32d, 73d, 75th and 82d
Ohio, DeBeck's and Rigby's batteries, and a small detachment of cavalry,

6. Rear-guard, following ambulances and ammunition train, General
Steinwehr's brigade, under command of Colonel Koltes, consisting of the
29th and 68th N, Y,, 73d Pa,, and Dieckmann's battery.

General Bayard*s brigade did not compose a part of this column, as the
severe duty performed by them the past few days made it imperative that it
be left temporarily at Harrisonburg for the main purpose of shoeing the horses
that were rendered unserviceable by reason of being unshod ; later in the day,
however, General Bayard came forward to take part in the battle. The most
of his command, however, was detailed as escort to the wagon train, and to
cover the line of communication against parties that would likely attack from
the many by-roads and cross-roads.

About 8 A. M. heavy musketry firing was heard in our front, indicating
that Colonel Cluseret was engaging the enemy. The effect of this firing
accelerated the step of the whole command, and ^ve soon learned that the
enemy had placed a regiment— tlie 15th Alabama, Colonel Cantey — as outpost
at Union Church, and it w^as this force that Cluseret was engaging.

The enemy stubbornly fell back through the timber a distance of a
mile or more, Cluseret vigorously advancing. At this point Jackson's main
force was found in line of battle, which w^as a naturally strong one, and
selected at leisure on the preceding day, which gave to Jackson a great advan-
tage o%^er General Fremont; but this is one of the inevitable conditions in
war, and General Fremont had no choice but to go in and make the best of it.

The placing of his command in line of battle was regarded by all as
especially skillful, and w^as about in the following order: Colonel Cluseret's
brigade, which had pushed the forces opposed to it back upon the enemy's
main line, held their position, which was well to the front and near the
center. General Stahel's brigade took position on the left of Cluseret and
some distance from his (Cluseret's) position. General Milroy's brigade,
leaving the main road, took position on Cluseret*s right. Those three
brigades formed the first line of battle, with Milroy on the right and Stahel

BATTLE OF CROSS KEYS,

on the left* General Bohlen's brigade coming up, was conducted to a
position to the rear of Stahel and Cluseret, covering the gap between these
two brigades.

General Schenck's brigade took to the right in the direction of Milroy,
and occiipied a position that secured our forces against a flank movement in
that direction. This Ime was formed as promptly as if it had been going to
position for review or dress-parade in an open field; and in addition to this
prompt action of the infantry > it did not require over thirty minutes to place
in the most favorable position eight batteries of artillery.

Colonel Dickel's 4th N* Y. cavalry occupied a position on the extreme
left* On our right and rear was the detachments of cavalry of Schenck's
Brigade. Captain Conger*s company wms on duty at General Fremont's
headquarters »

It must not be understood that the forming of this line of battle was done
in a quiet way, for the fighting was going on all the time. From the forma-
tion in line of Cluseret's brigade, each brigade in turn as it came into line
became engaged ^ and by the time all were posted the battle was raging from
right to left. Steinwehr's brigade arriving from the rear at this time was
deployed in rear of the batteries as a reserve. General Blenker having
arrived at this moment took charge of his division.

The severest fighting of the day was on our left, done by the brigades
of Stahel and Bohlen, and especially by the 8th and 4Sth N. Y, of Stahel's
brigade* These two regiments were mostly in open ground, and w^re
engaged at one time with four regiments of the enemy.

Their loss wms heavy, but when both brigades fought so gallantly it
would be unjust to single out special deeds. The entire command was and
is entitled to the warmest commendation,

I may be pardoned, however, at all times, referring especially to Mi]roy*s
brigade and to my own regiment (3d W. Va.), for it is with these brave men
that my reminiscence is most closely associated.

The battle raged during the day with littie change of position on either
side, and when we consider the unequal numbers engaged— Fremont's entire
force not exceeding 10,000 men, and were on the offensive, while Jackson's
force w*as know^n to number iS,ooo men, and strongly placed — it is a mangel
that our army was not forced to the defensive and utterly annihilated.

The following extract from Genera] Fremont's report of the battle, made
after a careful inspection of the situation, will show how strongly the enemy
were located :

"The enemy occupied a position of uncommon strength, commanding
the junction of the roads to Port Republic. He had chosen his ground with

S| LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM Mi6M TO iS^s

great sldU aikd with a previotts (till knowledge of the location. His maia
fine waj adiramtageoiisly posted upon a ridge, protected in Sront bj a steep
AtxSmStff and abncvt enlirdir masked by thick woods and covered by fences*
Near his center, and on the siunmit of an abrupt ascent, bordered at the base
by the high, perpendicular bank of a marshy creek, he had massed, in
addition to his guns elsewhere, three of his best batteries. From sDperioritr
of Bttmbers his flank, both at the right and left, considerably overlapped my

Milroy^s brigade was opposed to the brigades of Generab Sieuan and
Elsey, of Ewell^s division, and the casualties on both sides will atti^t the
severity of the battle on that part of the field.

The forces direcdy opposing General Milroy were the Second Brigade,
commanded by Brig^-Grenl George H. Steuart, composed of the ist Md.,
the 44th, 5 2d and 58th Va., with Brockenbrough^s and Lusk's batteries.
The casualties were, Brigadier-General Steuart severely wounded; in the
jst Md., Lieut. Hezekiah H. Bean and 27 others wounded. Col. (later
Gcnl) Bradley T. Johnson was in command of this regiment The casual-
ies in the 44th Va. were, CapL John T. Martin wounded, with one enlisted
man killed and two wounded. The casualties in the 5 2d Va, were, Lieut.
C. M. King killed, and Maj. John D. H. Rose, Lieuts. S. Paul and T. D.
Ranson and Ass't-Surg. John Le\ris wounded, wth one enlisted man killed
and 20 wounded. The 58th Va. had five enlisted men wounded; Brocken*
brough's batter}-, two enlisted men killed; Lusk's battery, two enlisted men
killed and three wounded.

The Fourth Brigade was in command of Brig.-GenT Arnold Elzey, and
was composed of the following regiments; the 12th Ga,, 12th Va. and Rainess
battery. The casualties were, General Elzey wounded; the 12th Ga., two
enlisted men killed and 11 wounded; the 13th Va., Lieut. R. C. Mason
wounded, with two enlisted men killed, 13 wounded, and one missing;
Raines* batterj^, two enlisted men killed, seven wounded and eight missing.

The forces of the enemy occupying their right and opposed to the
brigades of Generals Stahel and Bohlen were, the Seventh Brigade, com-
manded by Brig.-Gen'l Isaac R. Trimble, composed of the 15th Ala., 21st
Ga., i6th Miss., 21st N. C, and Courtney's batter)^ The casualties among
the officers of this brigade were, 15th Ala,, Capt. R. H, Hill and Lieut. W,
B. Mills killed; Lieuts. H. C, Brainard and A. A. Mcintosh wounded,
and Lieut. W. T. Berry missing; the 21st Ga., Lieut. J. M. Mack killed;
the i6th Miss., Col. Carnot Posey and Lieuts. J. B. Coleman and W.
R. Brown wounded; the 21st N. C. Lieut. L. T. MThitelock wounded.
The total loss in this brigade was 138 killed and wounded.

CONTINUATION OF THE BATTLE OF CROSS KEYS.

The Eighth Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Taylor, and
Patton's brigade, commanded by CoL J. M, Patton, were also of the forces
opposed to Stahel and Bohlen.

Returning to the consideration of the part taken by Milroy*s Brigade,
that general maintained his reputation as ** Fighting Milroy/' Upon taking
position he at once advanced his brigade well to the front, driving in a
strong line of the enemy's skirmishers, attacking their main body at close
quarters. His men suffered severely in an attempt to plant a battery in a
desirable position. The brigade lost 23 enlisted men killed, 120 enlisted men
w*ounded. I regret that I have not the names of all the killed and wounded
in the brigade. I recall of my own regiment, however, the following killed:
Wm. Cole and John J. Fredericks, of Company A; Daniel Spangler, of
Company B, and James S. Phillips, of Company E. I knew these men
well, and the pain their death caused me then lingers with me as I write*

When we consider the severity of this battle, so far as the burning of
powder w^ould indicate it to be severe, we marvel that so few men were
killed and w^ounded. Another coincidence is worthy of mention; while the
Union forces had few casualties among the officers, the Confederate casual-
des among the officers were exceptionally heavy. Onr only loss in officers
was Lieuts, Nicolai Dunka, Aid-de-Camp to General Fremont, Jas. M.
Vance, 60th Ohio, and Frederick Leudcrs, 27th Fa., killed; Lieuts. Henry
Grassan and Bruce B, Rice, died of wounds; Colonel Gilsa, of the 41st
N. Y., Captain Miser and Lieut. Brundensteen, of General Blenker^s staff,
wounded.

In concluding my recollections of this battle, I do not wish to make the
impression that the troops named as having been most hotly engaged were
superior in prowess to others on the field, but by reason of their position in
the line they had the brunt of the fighting to do. That splendid brigade of
Ohio troops commanded by General Schenck had no superior in the whole
army ; and Steinwehr's Brigade, commanded by Colonel Koltes, were also
brave soldiers. All the artillery along our line behaved with conspicuous
gallantry^ and every attempt of the enemy to emerge from the cover of the
w^oods was repulsed by the assistance of our batteries. When the battle
ended both armies occupied practically the positions taken by them in the
morning.

Fremont had bivouacked his command a short distance from the scene of
batUe, but our pickets retained securely the ground temporarily relinquished
by the main body. As neither army seemed to have gained any advantage
by this engagement, General Fremont very naturally felt no little annoyance
as to his line of operations for the morrow, when a scout brought in some

86 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

welcome intelligence. It was a note from Gen'l James §hields, commanding
a division of McDowell's army.

The following is General Shields's letter :

LURAY, June 8 (9.30 A. M.).
Maj\-Gen*l Fremont, Commanding Pursuing Forces :

I write by your scout. I think by this time there will be 12 pieces of artillery opposite
Jackson's train at Port Republic, if he has taken that route. Some cavalry and artillery have
pushed on to Waynesburg to bum the bridge. I hope to have two brigades at Port Republic
to-day. I follow myself with two other brigades to-day from this place. If the enemy changes
direction, you will please keep me advised. If he attempts to force passage, as my force is
not large there yet, I hope you will thunder down on his rear. Please send back information
from time to time. I think Jackson is caught this time. Yours sincerely,

James Shields,
Maj,-Gen*l Commanding Division,

General Fremont knew that General Shields was somewhere in the
vicinity of Luray, but had received no knowledge of his whereabouts or
intentions, and this letter gave General Fremont a pretty clear idea of what
would be the program on the following day. It was evident that Jackson
would have to abandon Cross Keys, and throw his whole force against
General Shields at Port Republic. General Fremont therefore was pre-
pared to see his front clear of the enemy in the morning. Accordingly he
made preparations for an early advance.

At dawn, as surmised, the enemy was found to have retired from our
immediate front. General Fremont made no delay in pushing his troops
forward. As we passed over the scenes of the preceding day's fighting we
found the enemy's dead in great numbers upon the field, and some 20 horses
lying together upon the height occupied by his center batteries, showing the
wholesale effect of our artillery.

Our column had not proceeded far when a black column of smoke
about five miles away showed that the Port Republic bridge was on fire,
and soon after the sound of heavy cannonading met our ears. It was now
evident that Shields was engaging Jackson. General Fremont at once put
his command in quick marching order, hoping to be on hand at the interest-
ing ceremony of bagging Jackson. So when General Fremont reached the
crest of the ridge overlooking the Shenandoah, and beyond it the town of
Port Republic, his eyes met a painful surprise. He was not to be gratified
by the capture of Jackson. To the contrary, he was just in time to witness
Jackson's retreating army, which was now passing **over the hills and far
away," with the bridge burned ; another illustration of the fact that "the
best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee."

BA TFLE OF POR T REPUBLIC. 87

General Shields's plan, if carried out, would have accomplished his
purpose. The battle that did take place was one of the stupendous mistakes
that armies sometimes meet with. This bridge, which crosses the Shenan-
doah, was to have been burned by General Shields's order, and he sent
Colonel Carroll, in command of a brigade, to burn the bridge. Had he done
so, Jackson would have had no way open for retreat, but would have fallen
between Fremo/it's aud Shields' forces. Colonel Carroll disobeyed his
orders, and took it upon himself, with one small brigade, to whip Jackson's
18,000 men. The result was that Jackson fell upon Carroll with all his
force, and pushing over the bridge set it on fire, thereby preventing Fre-
mont's pursuit. Had the bridge been burned as per order of General Shields,
his entire division would have had time to come to the front. As it was,
only one brigade, that of Gen'l E. B. Tyler, succeeded in getting to the
relief of Colonel Carroll. And thus terminated the memorable raid of
Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah.

For Colonel Carroll's disobedience the severest punishment should have
been meted out to him. I cannot, however, close this sketch without giving
that meed of praise to Gen'l E. B. Tyler and his command, likewise Colonel
Carroll and his men, for the heroic defense they made in the face of over-
whelming numbers.

CHAPTER XIII.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED).

A Just Criticism.— General McDowell Censured. — Mismanagement and Jealousy^ — General
Shields' Letters.— P'remont at Mount Jackson and Middletown. — Sickness and Dis.
charges. — Army of Virginia Created by Order of the President. — General John Pope
Assigned to the Command. — Retirement of General Fremont.

[HE student of war history, who may read the account (in the pre-
ceding chapters) of the campaign terminating at Port Republic,
will no doubt — if he reads from a Union standpoint — experience a
fiense of just condemnation of some one, or of some militar}- authorities. If,
however, it is read from a Confedarate standpoint, a thrill of superior man-
agement or prowess will no doubt prevail. I feel, therefore, that a just
criticism of the situation, as I saw and understood it, will interest all, no
mattitr from which standpoint they may read.

In order, then, that my criticism may be made plain, I shall note a few
introductfjry leading facts.

1. On Thursday, May 22, Generals Jackson and Ewell entered the
Shenandoah Valley on their raid, with a force, in round numbers, of 20,000
troops.

2. At this date General Banks was at Strasburg and vicinity with 9000
troops.

3. General Saxton — later, Sigel — was at Harper's Ferry with 7000
troops.

4. General Fremont was at Franklin with i2,oco troops.

5. General McDowell was at Fredericksburg with 20,000 troops.

(Jn May 24, General Fremont at Franklin, and General McDowell
at Fredericksburg, each received from President Lincoln the same order to
march with all haste to the Shenandoah Valley to the relief of General
Hanks. Both of these generals were distant the same number, about 75
miles from the Shenandoah.

With this statement I submit my criticism. And I do this with all the
sincerity of an unprejudiced mind or motive. Both Generals Fremont and
McDowell, the principal actors, have long since been called to their eternal
rest.

MISMANAGEMENT OF UNION TROOPS.

That Jackson *s raid was a Confederate success cannot be denied. Why
successful? We find him with 20,000 soldiers, whilst there were opposed to
him in front, and not far away, on right and left flanks 48,000 soldiers; with
this superior force, how was it made possible for Jackson to march to
Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg, and then march back again without
capture ? For convenience I will present my criticism under the following
special headings:

1. The rain and the floods.

2. Mismanagement.

3. Jealousy,

1, The Rains and the Floods.— It is true that for a period of ten days in
the midst of this raid the rain fell in torrents, swelling the rivulets into creeks,
the creeks into rivers, and tlie rivers into seas, washing away bridges, and
rendering marching almost impossible; but the elements do not respect or
show partiality to individuals nor to armies. So the rain fell upon the
Union and the Confederate alike, hence in this there can be no criticism
or censure.

2, Mismanagement. — It was cruel, wicked, idiotic ''mismanagement"
that placed the troops of Fremont, Banks, and Sigel in the field, and they
be expected to perform active and efficient service without the means of
transportation, with but little food for man or beast. But such were the
facts. There was one man and one department, however, that was and is
deserving of special commendation for heroic service performed under the
aforementioned conditions. I refer to General Fremont and his command.
He obeyed orders and his men followed him. But as I have already alluded
to the distress of his army, it is not necessary to repeat, further than to say
that I have not, nor could I, draw the picture sufficiently strong to depict
the distress of these brave men ; and yet they pushed forward and met
Jackson at Cross Keys, and tliough numbering 12,000 when they left Frank-
lin, 1500 fell by the wayside — either to go to the hospitals or to their graves;
so when tliey overtook and met the enemy at Cross Keys, so severe had
been the march through rain and storm, with chill and hunger, that the men
were more fit subjects for the hospital than for the battle.

Fremont knew before the battle that the enemy nearly doubled his own
command, and he sought aid from Banks, Sigel and McDowell. In reply
to his letter to General Banks, at Winchester, that he was on the eve of a
battle, and for him (Banks) to push forward with all his force, Banks replied;
**I ara here without supplies or transportation, and am unable to move. I
have sent to-day a strong detachment of cavalry, with instructions to reach
you it possible/' From General Sigel, at Winchester, in response to a

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO lUs.

similar request^ Sigel writes: '*I am exceedingly som^ that I could not pro-
ceed at once to the scene of action to assist you, but the troops under my
command brought from Harper's Ferry could scarcely reach Winchester,
and were in such a condition that it is necessary to prepare them for field
service before they leave this place, otherwise they would be an incumbrance
and not a help to you."

And Fremont fought the desperate battle of Cross Keys alone with his
own command. But have I not written enough to justify me in handing my
case to an impartial jury, and asking a verdict of guilt)^ of "count 2, mis-
management," as charged?

3. Jealousy ^ — Whilst ** jealousy" applies to all in authority who could
have rendered aid to Fremont, but did not, it is especially intended to apply
to General McDowell and his command. As has already been stated,
McDowell was ordered by the President from Fredericksburg at the same
date that Fremont was ordered from Franklin, and both ordered to operate
toward the same object, **in capturing or driving Jackson from the valley."
Both had about the same distance to march, both were ordered to operate in
the Shenandoah Valley > which was the geographical territoiy of General
Banks ; but as both these generals had been ordered there for a special
duty, it was the most natural thing to expect, and would seem to be the plain
duty of both generals to lose sight of departmental lines and technicalities
and co-operate to capture Jackson.

When the President's orders were received by McDowell his forces were
in splendid condition, well clothed, and had an abundance of forage and
rations. He made a tardy march, and on June 5 his headquarters were at
Front Royal. Fremont had pushed forward with his hapless command, and
was at this date at Mount Jackson. He was then on the heels of Jackson,
and knew he would soon overtake and engage him ; whereupon he dispatched
Captain Howard, of his staff, to McDowell, detailing, in writing, his position
and expectations. Fremont *s Acting-Assistant Aduj ant-General > who wrote
the communication urging McDowell to join him without delay, had inad-
vertently made the communication read as an order instead of a request.

Notwithstanding the fact that McDowell had marched his men 75 miles
for the purpose of capturing Jackson, this is the reply he sends in the face
of the enemy to Fremont;

«*I beg to call the attention of your staff officer to the terms he has
employed in his communication to me, making it in the nature of a positive,
peremptory order, as if to me under your command. Being, like yourself,
the commander of a separate, independent military geographical depart-
ment, with certain troops assigned to me by the Secretary of War, and being

GEN*L McD O WELL'S JEAL O USY; GEN'L SHIELDS ' LETTERS. 9 1

here in a neighboring department for a special temporary purpose > under
the direct orders and instructions of the President > I cannot receive orders
from an officer save in the accidental temporary case provided for in the 62 d
Article of War."

I infer that this ponderous literary production was not entrusted to his
acting assistant adjutant-general, for it was signed in full — '*Irvin Mc-
Dowellj Major-General, commanding Department of the Rappahannock/'
Now, am I not justified in the use of the word '* Jealousy '*? And I trust
the reader will not be so verdant as not to understands Let us reason.
Both Fremont and McDowell were major-generals. Fremont had beaten
McDowell into tlie Shenandoah. Fremont had already skirmished with the
enemy, and had sought the aid of Banks, Sigel, and McDowell to assist him
iu the final attack* Banks and Sigel could not reach him, as has been
stated* McDow^ell had no such excuse, but had he joined in the attack > and
had success been the result, Fremont would have been the victor, and would
have received the plaudits and congratulations of the country, as he would
have deserved* McDowell realized this*

Now, impartial readf^r, I have fairly stated my case; draw your own
conclusions. Of this I am quite sure. Banks did not object that either Fre-
mont or McDowell had crossed over imaginary lines and were within his
jurisdiction, Mr* Lincoln did not object; the Nation did not object; there
could be no objections except in the jealousy of a few men*

The following extracts from letters from General Shields to General
Fremont, dated Luray, June 12 and 13, will explain:

Maj,-Gen"l JoHN' C. FREMONT :

My advance guard was driven back on the 9lh after a sanguinary engagement of four
hours. I reinforced it and determined, m conneclion with yoy, lo renew the auack next
morning. After handing the dispatch lo your messenger a peremptory order reached me
from Washington directing me to get my commaml together and return at once to this pointp
preparatory to marching to Fredericksburg. I never obeyed an order with such reluctance,
but no option was left me.

«- # « « # »#«#*»

I have sent a communication to the War Department, in which I bear testimony to the
energy, activity, and ability with which you conducted the pursuit. The general who led my
advance (2500) committed two grave errors ; one, in not burning the bridge at Port Repub-
lic ; the other, in taking up an indefensible position and waiting until he was attacked in
force by Jackson. He w^as compelled lo fall back, which he did in good order. I joined
them with the main body, and then Jackson fell back in haste. 1 hurried to attack him the
next day. This was my proposition to your messenger, which he started to take to you, when
peremptory orders arrived to set out for Fredericksburg. This was one of the mistakes of the
war. We ought to have ended Jackson first. He should not have been left behind in the valley.
Had we fallen upon him next morning he never would have come back to this valley » and we
could have destroyed the railroad at Waynesboro and Gortlonsville. General McDowell
knew nothing of our situation. He acted upon some preconcerted plan, without reference to
things in the valley. (Signed) J AMES Shifuds, Major- GeneraL

LOYAL WEST ViRGWiA FROM i86r TO iS6j.

The escape of Jackaon and the withdrawal of Shields ended those pro-
vokiogly mismanaged operations which I have dignined by calling a cam*
paign in the Shenandoah, which gave opportunity and justification to a large
body of good soldiers to suggest a revolt, and also justified me in criticism
which might truthfully have been WTitten in much stronger terms.

On the nth and I2th of June, Fremont withdrew his command to Mount
Jackson, where a much needed rest was given to both men and animals.
The excitement of the march and the batde having relaxed, the dreadful
effects of the starving and the exposure of the men to the intense cold soon
showed itself* For more than two hundred men after a careful examination
by a board of surgeons, were discharged for physical disabilities incurred,
incident to their hard service, while the sick and wounded brought along
mainly in army wagons (owing to a want of ambulances), numbering more
than looo, were now in the hospital at Blount Jackson,

On the 24th of June, Fremont withdrew farther down the valley to Middle-
town, where he formed a junction with the forces of Generals Banks and SigeL

The tents and baggage left at Petersburg on the 27th of May having
been brought forward to Middletown, camps and hospitals were established
at healthful points, the men were made comparatively comfortable, and the
sick began to improve- For the first time since leaving Franklin, on the
24th of May, the men here received full rations.

Fremont at this time was preparing his command for active sen'ice,

when the following Presidential order fell like a bursting shell upon General

Fremont and the troops of the Mountain Department;

Executive Department.
Washington. D. C, Jun^ 26. 1862,
Ordered \

1» The forces under Major-Generals Frcmonl. Banks and McDowell, including the
troops now under Brigadier-General Sturgis at Washington, shall be consolidated and form
one army, to be called the Army of Virginia.

II, The command of the Army of Virginia is specially assigned to Maj.-Genl John Pope
as Commanding General, The troops of the Motintain Department heretofore under the
command of Major-Gencral Fremont, shall constitute the First Army Corps, under command
ofMajor-General Fremont; the troops of the Shenandoah Department; now under General
Banks, shall constitute the Second Army Corps, and be commanded by him; the troops
under command of General McDowell, except those within the City of Washington, shall form
the Third Army Corps, and be under his command.

L0R£NZ0 Thomas, Adjutant- General,

General Fremont was greatly incensed at this taking off of his official
headj and declined to pass under the command of General Pope, and asked
to be relieved from the duty to which he had been assigned under General
Pope, which, of course was done, and General Fremont was placed on
waiting orders.

A, LiNCOLX.

CHAPTER XIV

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTINUED.)

Reorganization of the Corps, under General Pope. — General Sigel in Command of the First
Corps. — General Milroy Commands an Independent Brigade. — Pope s Litcrar>' Period. —
Strength of his Army. — Advance toCulpeper Court House. — Battle of Cedar Mountain.—
Terrible Slaughter of both Armies. — Armistice to Bury the Dead. — Interesting Episode,

|N the reorganization of these corps, under General Pope, General
Franz Sigel, on the 29th of June, was assigned to the command of
the First Army Corps, declined by General Fremont. General
Milroy was complimented by the command of an independent brigade con-
sisting of four regiments of infantry, viz. : 2d, 3d and Sth West Virginia
infantry ; S^d Ohio infantry; ist West Virginia cavalry, companies C, E
and L; Ohio light artillery, 12th battery, and was further complimented by
being designated as the advance brigade of Sigel's first corps.

From the date of issuance (June 26th) of President Lincoln's order
placing General Pope in command of the Army of Virginia, with headquarters
at Washington, D. C, until July 31st, tlie date that General Pope took com-
mand in the field, headquarters at Warrenton, Va., the reorganizing, equip-
ping and placing his army for active service can fitly be termed a military
literary period. For tlie orders, letters and telegrams which passed between
Pope and his subordinates numbered two hundred and fifty. At this date
(July 2 1 St) Pope's immediate command consisted of the first (Sigel's) corps,
19,820 men, headquarters Sperryville, Va,; second (Banks') corps, 20,442
men, headquarters near little Washington, Va. ; third (McDowell's) corps,
32,239 men, headquarters Warrenton Va. At this time evidences of active
operations filled the air; reconnoissances and scouting parties were being
sent out on all roads leading to the southward, and the presence of '* Stone-
wall '* Jackson in force at Gordonsville and Charlottesville Indicated a battle
at an early day.

On August the Sth General Sigel, at Sperryville, received this telegram
from General Pope: **The enemy has attacked our left, and is marching on
this place (Culpeper)/* Sigel was ordered to move his command at once
on the road from Sperrj^ville to Culpeper, and to continue the march the
following morning at as early an hour as possible. The same order received
by General Sigel was also given Generals Banks and McDowelh Gen'l

LOYAL WEST VIRGmiA FROM i86r TO rS6s

Geo. D. Bayard, on the 9th, commanding the cavalry of the army, and who
was operating the most advanced position of Pope's army, sent this dispatch
to General McDowell : ** The enemy are advancing in force, artillery, cavalry
and infantry; wagons in sight/' This advance was on the James City road,
and towards Culpeper Courthouse. Banks* and a part of McDowell's
corps were at Culpeper Courthouse and posted along a few miles south of
the town, near Cedar Mountain. Banks' corps met the Confederates under
"Stonewall" Jackson about 2 P. M. of the 9th at Cedar Mountain, also
called Cedar Run and Slaughter's Mountain, situated 8 miles south of Cul-
peper Courthouse. After some preliminary maneuvers of the two armies,
the clash came at 5 P. M, The battle on the Union side was mainly fought
by Banks* second corps, and it stands recorded as one of the most desper-
ately fought battles of the war, lasting until far into the night.

It is stated in General Pope's report of tlie engagement that General
Banks precipitated the battle, and the engagement took place at least 24
hours earlier than Pope's plans had provided, SigePs corps not arriving till
the following day. Milroy did, however, push forward with his independent
brigade of West Virginians, and arrived at Culpeper at 5 o'clock A, M.
on the 9th. At 5 P. M. of the same day he received orders to move imme-
diately in the direction of Cedar Mountain, from which direction heavy firing
had been heard all the afternoon. Having marched about 3 miles from Cul-
peper, the road was found blocked by ambulances and stragglers from the
battlefield. Milroy here placed two of his regiments across the road to stop
the terrified mass in their headlong retreat, Milroy was partially successful
in this] the two regiments pushed the mass forward, and after much labor
succeeded in camping his brigade well to the front at about 2 o'clock the
following morning. Having posted his pickets at a suitable distance to our
front, the men were ordered to rest on their arms.

On Sunday, the loth, Milroy still holding his position in advance of his
corps, but boiling over for a fight, which was his normal condition, he
threw forward a line of skirmishers with a strong support along his entire
front. We soon came upon the enemy*s skirmishers, supported by their whole
force, strongly posted in the woods about 2000 yards in front of us. Here
skirmishing continued until about noon, the enemy occasionally firing upon
us by companies. Whenever this occurred, Milroy would send a few shells
among them causing their sudden withdrawal. During the afternoon our
skirmishers drove the enemy from the woods, following them some three-
fourths of a mile.

On the mommg of the nth, it being determined to remove the dead
and wounded from the field, Milroy was ordered to advance his brigade to

AN ARMISTICE TO BURY THE DEAD,

cover the ambulances and working parties. When he arrived at the out-
skirts of the woods, he found there a strong force of Union cavalry under the
command of General Bayard, whilst our ambulances were busily engaged in
removing our wounded from the field, General Milroy received a request
from General Bayard to attend a conference with the Confederate Gen'l J.
E, B. Stewart, relative to a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of attend-
ing to the dead and wounded of both armies. An armistice until 2 o'clock,
P, M., was finally agreed upon, but finding the number to be hurried greater
than at first believed, by mutual consent the armistice was extended to the
evening. The slaughter proved to be severe on both sides, most of the
fighting being hand to hand. The Confederate loss was 229 killed, 1014
wounded. Union loss 314 killed, I^j45 wounded. The dead bodies of both
armies were found mingled together in masses over the entire field of the
conflict. The burying was not completed on this day (Monday), the heat
being so terrible that active work was impossible.

Believing that a reference to this armistice would be of interest, I will give
to the reader w^hat I saw and heard upon this occasion. An armistice, it must
be known, is a suspension of hostilities by mutual agreement between two
armies. It sometimes takes place when both are exhausted, and other times
when an endeavor to form a treaty of peace is being made, or when an
exchange of prisoners is desired, or, as upon this occasion, for the purpose
of burying the dead.

There seems to be some question as to which side asked for a cessation
of hostilities, *' Stonewall " Jackson, in his official report, says: ** On the nth
a flag of truce was received from the enemy, who requested permission until
2 o'clock to remove and bury his dead." Milroy says in his report ** that
he was called to a conference by General Bayard with General Stewart of
the Confederates." But no matter which requested the truce, the act was a
Christian one, and deserving of commendation. The method of determining
an armistice is for one side to send one or more messengers, usually officers j
with a flag of truce (white flag) to the opposing army. The flag is always
recognized by hostile forces, and a cessation of fighting at once follows, and
the courtesy of civilized nations at once succeeds to the horrors of wan This
event was certainly an interesting one, and brought out fully the better
humanity of the soldiers of both armies. As I have already stated, the battle-
field was covered with the dead bodies of both armies, mingled together.
Following immediately after the formal declaration of agreement between
Generals Bayard, Milroy and Stewart, a detail of several hundred from
each army was made for the purposes of burial.

The reader unacquainted with the facts will be incredulous, no doubt.

LOYAL WEST VmClNlA FROM tHi TO i86s

when I state that while in the midst of the battle, when each side were trying
to kiU the entire oppositioD, that they could come together in the moet friendly
relations, believing at the time that in a few hours the fight was to be
renewed. But snch was the case, and the commingling of the Blue and the
Gray, of both the living and the dead was a marvelous lUustralitHi of the fact
that the soldiers of both armies were fighting for a principle that each
believed to be right without any personality in it. In this humane duty
the soldiers of both sides vied with each other in the gentleness with which
they would handle the now swollen and discolored dead, and but for the
uniform of the dead it would have been difficult to distinguish to which side
the body belonged. It was therefore the common procedure for the Union
and the Confederate to Join hands in conveying to the ambulances the first
body approached, no matter to which side it belonged. And the soldiers
further showed their friendship by transactions like this: **Say, Johnny
Rcb," or '*Say, Yank," let us exchange clothes awhile, I want to see how
it feels to be a ** Yank** or to be a **Reb/* and off would come the coat and
hat, and in less Aan an hour it was difficult to distinguish which was Union
or which was Confederate, and thus several hours were spent, and it was a
common scene during that time for a squad of both sides to be enjo>-ing
together a cup of good Union coffee with sugar in it, or to be smoking a Con-
federate pipe of Old Virginia tobacco. So, when the hour arrived for the
clo«e of the armistice, all belieinng that the batde was to be renewed, there
were genuine expressions of regret, and the hearty hand*sbake and " God
bless you and keep you," went out from many a sincere heart.

My personal experience at the time with a prominent Confederate officer
will further illustrate. I had at the time a very fine field-glass, the lenses
the best I had seen in the army ; the Confederate was testing the glass, and
found that he could plainly distinguish objects 15 miles away, he wanted to
purchase the glass, and proffered me a fabulous price in Confederate money
for it, which had no value to me. But the officer had a handsome blooded
horse tliat I had admired. So I proffered to exchange my glass for his horse
and give him the difference in value in either gold or greenbacks, both of
which were above par in the Confederacy. But the horse had been presented
to him by some lady admirers in the Shenandoah Valley, and he could not
part with it on any such terms. He therefore made this proposition, that,
as the battle was to be renewed in a very short time, and in the event that
I was killed or wounded, or fell into their hands, the glass was to he his
property ; or, in the event that my side should be victorious and he be killed
or wounded, and himself and horse should fall to my side, the horse was
to be my property.

TERMINATION OF THE ARMISTICE, 97

A number of officers of both armies being present, they were called to
witness the transaction, when the officers of both sides, with a great deal of
courtesy, bade each good-bye, and thus ended the armistice, but at an hour
too late to renew the battle, so Pope's army bivouacked for the night.

On the evening of the nth, the soldiers' delight (the mail) came to camp ;
beside letters from home, I received promotion from Governor Peirpoint, my
commission as major of my regiment.

CHAPTER XV,

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (CONTIKUED).

Retreat of CooJederates from Cedar MountaiA.~Pope*s Busy Operations.— Capture of Gen-
eral Pope's Headquarters by General Stewart's Cavalry, — Battle of Manassas, or Second
Bull Rufip— Death of Colonel Can twcJL— Captain Gibson's PrcmonitioD of Death Veri-
fied* — Repulse of Pope's Army.— West Virginia Troops Engaged. — Losses Sustained by
Union and Confederate. — Army of Virginia Merged into the Army of the Potomac. —
General Pope Relieved of his Command at his own Request. — Milroy in Camp at Fort
Ethan Allen,— Orders to Return to Western Virginia.

j|N the morning of the 12th, whea Pope was engaged in arranging
his forces for an early attack » he learned that the enemy had re-
treated during the night. Jackson had learned of the arrival of
SigePs Corps, which decided his course* Following the batde of Cedar
Mountain, Pope's army was engaged in that series of marches and
battles at Crooked Creek, Sulphur Springs, Rappahannock Station, Free-
man's Ford, Hedgeman's River, Waterloo Bridge, Warren ton Springs,
Warrcnton, Broad Run, Gainsville, Manassas, or Second Bull Run.

During the series of battles just named, General Pope — on the night of
the 22d of August — was visited by a calamity that will be interesting read-
ing, especially to the sur\'ivors of the Army of Virginia; the interest will
be intensified no doubt when it is known that the incident was suppressed by
General Pope in all of his reports of that campaign. The incident, or
calamity would seem to be tlie better word, was the capture by Gen1 J. E.
B, Stewart's cavalry of General Pope's headquarter tents and wagon train.

In his report toGen*l R. E. Lee — from which I quote — General Stewart
says: "Gen'l Fitzhugh Lee's Brigade was in advance, the head of the
column pushed on by the village uf Auburn, reaching the immediate vicinity
of Catlett's Station after dark. Rosser being in front, by his good address
and consummate skill captured the picket, and we soon found ourselves in
the midst of the enemy's encampments, but the darkest night I ever knew.

** Fortunately we captured at this moment, so critical, a negro who had
known me in Berkeley, and who, recognizing me, informed me of the loca-
tion of General Pope's staff, baggage, horses, etc, and offered to guide to
the spot. After a brief consultation it was determined to accept the negro's
proposition, as whatever was to be done had to be done quickly, and Brig.-

GALLANT DEFENSE IN THE DARK BY POPE'S TRAIN GUARDS. 99

Genl Fitz, Lee selected CoL W. H. F. Lee's regiment for the work. The
latter led his command boldly to within a few feet of the tents occupied by
the convivial staff of General Pope and charged the camp, capturing a large
number of prisoners > pardcularly officers, and securing public property to a
fabulous amount. While this was going on the First and Fifth Virginia
Cavalry were sent to attack another camp beyond the railroad and obstruct
the latter. This was gallantly done under the dashing lead of Colonels
Rosser and L. T. Brien, over ground exceedingly difficult, crossing a heavy
filling of the railroad, with ditches each side, amid darkness and a perfect
torrent of rain.

'*As day dawned I found among the great number of prisoners Pope*s
field quartermaster J Major Goulding, The men of the command had secured
Pope's uniform, his horses and equipments, money-chests, and a great
variety of uniforms and personal baggage, but what was of peculiar value
was the dispatch-book of General Pope which contained information of great
importance to us."

That the dash by CoL W. H, F, Lee's command and the capture of
General Pope*s headquarters was a brilliant achievement for the Confederates,
and a humiliating loss to the Union cause cannot be denied. But the attack
made by Colonels Rosser and Brien upon the large and valuable trains of
quartermaster and commissary stores and ammunition was a positive v^ictory
for the Union arms. This immense train was parked and corralled at
several high points, say half mile southeast of Pope's headquarters near
Cedar Creek. The attack was made about 10 o'clock at night and %vith
great vigor, which continued for several hours. At one point of attack the
train was guarded by four companies of the First Pennsylvania Rifles —
better known as the Pennsylvania Bucktails, and one company (C) 2d
Pennsylvania Cavalry, Capt. N, M, Rittenhouse. The Confederates charged
many times upon these troops, to be as often repulsed; at the time the rain,
the thunder and lightning were terrific; with each flash of lightning there was
also a flash along the line of the Bucktails and Captain Riltenhouse's company.
At another point were the trains of Generals Sigel and Milroy, in charge
and command of Capt. Isaiah B. McDonald. The charge upon Captain
McDonald's position, like the other just mentioned, w^as made wnth the fury
and desperation of dtftermincd soldiers, but Captain McDonald was a brave
and experienced soldier and did not lose his head; he had seen much service,
ha\ing enlisted in the 17th Indiana Infantry in die three months' service and
been continuously in the field in West Virginia since April, 1861. Captain
McDonald had only about ninety men as a train guard, fifty of these w^ere
commanded by Lieutenant Sommerville of the 3d W. Va. Infantry, the

?1H

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO 1863,

balance of his guards some 45, were from several other regiments in General
Milroy^s command. Captain McDonald was ably and loyally assisted by
Lieut. John H. Shuttleworth, regimental quartermaster of the 3d W, Va.
Infantry. Lieutenant Sommerville was complimented for his splendid
defense of this train. Notwithstanding the Confederates outnumbered our
train-guard four to one, no part of the train was captured or destroyed, save
those at General Pope's headquarters.

On the morning of the 28th of August we find Milroy's brigade lead-
ing the advance towards Manassas, arriving within a mile of the junction
at noon, where we halted to await further orders. The infantry was turned
aside into the shade of the woods, General Milroy and a few of his field
officers took a gallop up to the railroad station at the junction, where we
found an immense amount of Government stores in the cars, which were yet
burning, having been set on fire the previous night by the Confederates.
At 3 P. M. orders were received to join the balance of the corps, then
marching in the direction of New Market. Milroy here followed his usual
tactics, and in place of marching along the main road, moved across the
country and soon overtook them. After marching about an hour skirmish-
ing began in front, and the battle of Manassas or second Bull Run was on.
Milroy was ordered to take position on Schenck's left, when he pushed
forward through the woods and underbrush in the direction of the Confed-
erate firing, which seemed to recede as we advanced. It finally grew dark,
but Milroy pushexl on until it became terrific thunder of a desperate battle;
still Milroy pushed on in the direction of the heavy firing, which suddenly
ceased with great shouting, indicating a victory for the Confederates, as the
shouting was the familiar ** rebel yell.*' It was now 9 o*clock, and the
darkness so dense that recognition of friend or foe was impossible. At this
moment it was discovered that we were alongside of a Confederate regiment
resting on their arms, which was revealed to us by the following dialogue;
**Hello, what regiment?** *'48th Alabama; who are you?** **3d Vir-
ginia, we want to take position far on your left;*' and the 3d Va* (W. Va.)
and the balance of Milroy*s brigade hurriedly withdrew to his lines at the
front of SigeFs corps. On the following morning (the 29th), at daybreak, we
were ordered to proceed in search of the enemy; we had not proceeded far
when we were greeted by a few straggling shots from the woods in front,
Milroy was about to make a charge on the woods when he received orders
to halt and let the men have breakfast. The hastily prepared meal was
only finished when the enemy were discovered in force about three-quarters
of a mile in front of us, upon our right of the pike leading from Gainsville
to Alexandria. Milroy at once ordered up two batteries and opened upon

BATTLE OF MANASSAS; CAPTAIN GIBSON KILLED.

lOZ

them, causing them to fall back; he then moved forward his whole brigade,
with skirmishers deployed, and continued to advance, the enemy falling back ;
whilst we were in this pursuit, a tremendous fire of small«anns on our right
assured General Milroy that General Schurz was hoUy engaged. Milroy
immediately sent the Bid Ohio, Colonel Cantwell, and the 5th W, Va,,
Colonel Zeigler, to General Schurz*s assistance; the 2d and 3d W. Va. were
for the time held in reserv^e. But a few moments elapsed when the two
regiments sent to assist Schurz were hotly engaged by the enemy who were
strongly posted behind a railroad embankment, which afforded them an
excellent breastwork; the result was that the two regiments were driven
back by the terrible fire they met, but they soon rallied and charged again
and again. In this last charge the brave Cantwell of the 82 Ohio was killed;
at this moment the 2d W. Va. was sent to their support, but like the regi-
ments that had preceded it, were met with such a destructive fire that they
too were forced back. In the midst of this slaughter, Milroy came to the
writer and with all the enthusiasm of his nature, said; '^ Major Lang, now is
the opportunity for you to distinguish yourself. I want you to charge the rail-
road embankment just in front of our position, and see what is behind it,'*
There was but one reply to such a command, and that was to charge. While
arranging the companies that I was to guide, an incident in illustration of
premonition of death on the battlefield was forcibly presented to me. Capt,
David Gibson of Company H, 3d W. Va., approached me with a face as
calm and spiritual as if he had been preparing for the march to the bridal
altar^ and said to me^ ** Major, I shall be killed in this charge," I endeavored
to quiet his apprehension in some by-play of pleasant words, but he did not
heed them, but forcefully said, ** I tell you I am going to be killed in this
charge, I knew it last night, I have known it all morning/* The captain
was as brave a man as ever drew sword, but on this occasion his voice and
manner were so changed, that I begged him not to make the charge, but he
would not listen to that. So, the charge began, — out of the wood^ across
the field, and before we had passed half the distance> a bullet struck him in
the forehead, and brave Captain Gibson fell dead, face to the foe. The
charging column continued, only a few scattering shots from the railroad met
our advance until we were within 150 feet of the embankment, when imme-
diately a deluge of brisding muskets poured over the embankment and sent
such a crash of leaden hail into our ranks, that we beat a hasty retreat,
leaving many of our men dead or wounded on the field; we had met
** Stonewall" Jackson's own command. They did not follow us, but imme-
diately fell back behind their embankment. By this time Milroy 's brigade
had been so cut to pieces and suffering for want of food and rest, that Milroy

I02

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86t TO 1865,

was compelled to rally his shattered remnant, and camp some three-quarters
of a mile to the rear, where the almost famished men got time to eat a bite
and drink muddy water from a pool, then to lie down and sleep soundly
amid the roar of artillery and the rattle of musketry*

The next morning (the 30th) the brigade was brought into position
assigned them, and remained in reserve until about 4 P* M,, when the
services of the brigade were called to check the retreating masses which had
been driven back from the front, which was soon followed by an order to move
off to the left on double quick; the enemy having massed their forces during
• the day in order to turn our left flank, Milroy formed his line of battle
along an old country road, the left resting near the edge of the woods in
which the battle was raging. Soon our troops came nishingj panic stricken,
out of the woods, leaving Milroy's brigade to face the enemy, who had
followed the retreating masses to the edge of the woods. The road just
referred to in which our brigade was formed, was an old abandoned road
through the fields, worn and washed from three to five feet deep, affording
a splendid cover for the men; we opened fire on the enemy at short range,
driving them back into the woods. But the enemy being reinforced from
the masses in their rear, came on again and again, pouring in their advance
a perfect hurricane of balls, which had but little effect on our men who were
so well protected in their road entrenchment. But the steady fire of our
brigade, together with that of a splendid brass battery on higher ground in our
rear, which Milroy had ordered to fire rapidly with canister over the heads
of his men, had a most withering effect upon the enemy, whose columns
melted away and fast recoiled from repeated efforts to advance upon our road
breastworks from the woods. But the fire of the enemy which had affected
the men in the road so litdc, told with destructive results on the exposed
battery in their rear. Nor did the mounted officers find their position pro-
tected in the slightest. General Milroy *s horse was shot, Lieutentant-Colonel
Thompson was wounded in the shoulder, my own horse shot down, Adj't
Nathan Goff was more fortunate and escaped injury. But the fire from the
enemy grew more terrific every moment, and soon the battery that had done
such splendid service gave way, followed by a general stampede on our left,
and shortly after our own line began to show distrust and started by two's
and three's to leave the line. Adjutant Goff and myself, noticing this, made
haste to check the break, and tried to rally them just over and behind a
small rise in the ground. It was now after sunset, and the brigade having
exhausted their ammunition, with no opportunity to bring forward a supply,
and as the break was going on to the right of us and to the left of us, we
withdrew in fairly good order, and soon joined a bewildering mass of artillery,

IVEST VIRGINIA TROOPS IN BATTLE OF MANASSAS,

103

infantry and cavalry, all seeming bent on the one single purpose, viz., to
make the distance between the enemy and themselves as wide as possible.
In great charity, darkness now interposed, petitioning peace between the
contending armies.

After General Pope, perhaps no general officer gave up the fight so
reluctantly as did General Mitroy. He secured another horse on the field,
w^hose rider probably had been killed, and rallying some volunteer aids
around him, went from one command to another, and begging the use of a
brigade would put it into the fight as vnllingly as if they were his own
command. But it was too late, the second battle of Bull Run was lost to the
Union.

General Pope with his Army of Virginia fought a gallant fight; no truer
soldiers, no braver men ever drew sabre, carried a musket or fired a gun,
than composed that splendid army. Milroy says of his own brigade, mainly
West Virginians (with the 82d Ohio Infantry and the 12th Battery, Ohio
L, A.): **The highest praise I can award to tlie officers and soldiers of my
brigade, in all the hard service and fighting through which we have passed,
is that they have bravely, cheerfully, patiently, and nobly performed their
duty/'

The following West Virginia troops (with their assigments) were engaged
in this campaign, w^hich terminated w^ith the batde of Manassas, viz. ;

ist West Va, Infantry, 4th Brigade, 3d Army Corps, CoL Joseph Tho-
burn commanding.

2d W. Va* Infantry,

3d W, Va. Infantrjs

Sth W. Va. Infantry,

ist W. Va, Cav,, Go's C, E and L, ,

Sth W. Va. Infantry, 3d Division, First Army Corps, Brig, -Gen 1 Carl
Schurz commanding.

ist W, Va. Cavalry, 9 companies^ Cavalry Brigade, Gen*l John
Buford commanding.

Battery C, ist W. Va. Light Artillery, Reserve Artillery, Capt. Louis
S chirm er commanding.

3d W. Va, Cavalry, Co. C, unattached, Jonathan Stahl commanding.

The loss in killed and wounded will attest the severity of the fighting
during the Pope campaign, beginning August 16, 1862, to Sept, 2, in*
elusive :

Union — killed, 1747; wounded, 8452,

Confederates — killed, 1481 ; wounded, 7627,

Independent Brigade, ist Army
Corps, Brig.-Geni R, H. Mil-
roy commanding.

I04 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO 1865.

The captured and missing are not given here, for the reason that the
records are incomplete. But the Union loss was in excess of the Confed-
erate.

After the battle of the 30th, Pope's entire army was ordered to retreat
back across Bull Run to Centreville. On the 3d of September, Milroy's
brigade was in camp near Fort Ethan Allen, Va., within the denfenses of
Washington, and the Army of Virginia which had marched and fought
and suffered so greatly was merged into the Army of the Potomac. Here
General Pope, at his own request, was relieved of his command, and at
the same time preferred charges of insubordination and negligence against
Gen'l Fitz John Porter, on which the latter officer was court-martialed and
cashiered.

The Army of Virginia was so much used up by its long campaigning
that they were left in the defenses, while fresher troops met Lee in Mary-
land and defeated him at Antietam.

Milroy's brigade lay at Fort Ethan Allen, drilling, recuperating, and
enjo3ring occasional visits to the capital until the 29th of September when we
received orders to return to western Virginia.

CHAPTER XVL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (COOTINUED).

Arrival of Third Reg^jmentat Clarksburg.— Ordered to Point Pleasant.— Return to Buckhan-
non.— Cen'l Augustus Moor in Command of " Northern Brigade." — General Milroy Pro*
moted and Sent to Winchester. ^Soldiers Vote to Admit West Virginia to Statehood. —
Gen 'I B* S. Roberts in Command of *' Fourth Separate Brigade."— War on Women and
Children. — Imbotlen^ Jones and Jackson's Raid. — Immense Destruction of Property. —
General Avercll in Command of Fourth Separate Brigade, — Transformation of Infantry
Regiments to Cavalry. — Splendid Results Follow.

ILROY'S brigade boarded the cars at Washington, and arrived at

Pittsburg at midnight Sept* 30, and my 3d Regiment at Clarks-
burg on the 1st of October^ went into camp but did not remain
long, for on the 3d of October the regiment was ordered to Point Pleasant,
W. Va., opposite the mouth of Big Kanawha, where a threatened raid was
anticipated by the enemy, but as the raid did not materialize the regiment
w^as ordered to return to Clarksburg, arriving on the 13th. On the 15th,
myself m command of the regiment, received orders to proceed to Buck-
hannon w^here we arrived on the 18 th, when the regiment was divided into
detachments to perform out-post duty at Buckhannon, Centre^ille, Bulltown,
Sutton and Glenville, in W. Va. The other regiments of the brigade were
cast for similar duty at other points along the border, and this service con-
tinued until about the ist of April, 1863.

November 7th, 1862, General Milroy left our brigade and went to New
Creek where he had eight regiments of infantry, two batteries and three
companies of cavalry,

January 1st, 1863, he went to Winchester; here he received his com-
mission as major-general,* to date from November 29, 1862*

In January, 1883, Gen'l Augustus Moor, w^th his old regiment, the
28th Ohio Infantr)^, came to Buckhannon, when he was assigned to our

* In the promotion of General Milroy to be a major-general, he was credited to
West Virginia in place of Indiana. This very naturally created no little just indignation
among loyal West Virgina soldiers, who believed their loyalty deserving that recognilrom
This feeling was not against Milroy personally; the West Virginia soldiers had great admira-
tion for him, they recognized that he was a good man and a brave soldier. The displeasure
was against the appointing authority. T. F, L.

io6

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iSdj^

brigade, which was now designated the ** Northern Brigade/' General

Moor proved to be an intelligent and efficient officer and gallant soldier, and
was well liked by officers and men.

On March 12 an election was held in the camps, when the soldiers in
the field were permitted to vote on the question of creating West Virginia
into a separate state, and all the qualified voters availed themselves of, this
opportunity to attest their loyalty to tlie new state, and the result of that
election demonstrated that the soldiers voted as they fought, and the new
state received the unanimous vote of the soldiers.

General Orders No, 20, Headquarters Middle Department, 8th Army
Corps, dated Baltimore, March 28, 1S63, created the *' 4th Separate
Brigade," and assigned to its command Brig.^Genl Benjamin S. Roberts,
who established his headquarters at Weston. The following regiments,
batteries and detachments composed the brigade, viz.: 28th Ohio Inft., Col.
A. Moor; the 2d W. Va* Infantry, Col. Geo. R, Latham; the 3d W* Va.
Infantry, Lt.-Col. F. W. Thompson; the 8th W. Va., Lt.-CoL J. H. Oley;
Ewing's Battery, Co* G, Light Artillery; Co. A, ist W. Va, Cavalry, Cap-
tain Hagans; Co. E, 3d W. Va. Cavalry, Capt. Lot Bowen; Co, H, 3d
W, Va. Cavalry, Lieutenant Flesher; Co. D, ist Regt, Ilh Cavalry, Cap*
tain Schambeck.

General Roberts soon realized that his lot was cast in a community in
which he had little or no military sympathy. And he began his military
operations by making war upon the resident Secessionists, both men and
women, forcing all w^ho held Southern sentiments to leave their homes.
Whilst there was a good deal of practical policy in this method to purge the
state of those disloyal families who were making habitual mischief by carry-
ing information and supplies from point to point in the mountains where they
met their friends, and thus kept up a channel of communication that could
only be broken by expelling them from the country, tliere was, nevertheless,
in this method of ridding the community of disloyalty a question of just
where to draw the line. Roberts made no distinction, and compelled many
women who were quite regardful of their obligations to the Union to pack
their tininks, and with their children forced them to abandon' house and home
and pass beyond our lines to the South, This indiscrimination touched the
chivalric sense of justice and right of our soldiers, and Roberts was charged
with making war on women and children instead of going after those who
were in armed rebellion. But this method of putting down the war was
short-lived. For, on the 24th of April, the combined forces of Imboden,
Jones and W. L. Jackson, numbering about 4000 men, began their noted
raid through the Middle Department. Their first attack was made on

IMBODEN, JONES AND JACKSON'S RAID,

107

Colonel Latham's command at Beverly, whose forces numbered 878 men,
who made a gaMant stand, and when finally forced, by reason of superior num-
bers, to wiUidraw, made a successful retreat. From the time of this attack on
the 24th of April until the 14th of May, the Confederates seemed to have
control of the situation, and went from place to place with an abandon of
purpose and disregard of consequences or apprehension of danger from the
Union arms* Colonel Latham with his command retired to Buckhannon,
and Roberts called in his forces from Birch, Sutton and Bull town to the
same point.

On the 29th, Roberts' whole command had retired to Clarksburg, where
he was reinforced by General Kenly's brigade; Clarksburg was the only
town in mart}^ miles around that did not fall into the raiders' possession.
There was not in all this raid any severe battie, in fact skirmishing between
the forces at many points will fitly express the character of the fighting, con-
sequentiy the number of killed and wounded was not great* But the raid
was most disastrous in the destruction of many bridges on the Baltimore and
Ohio and the Northwestern Virginia railroads. They captured 3100 head
of cattle, 1500 head of horses, and the plundering of many stores through-
out the country through which they passed was enormous. The money
value of the property destroyed and carried ofT amounted to several millions
of dollars.

Upon the retirement of the Confederates from the country, Roberts
reoccupied Weston, Buckhannon, Beverly and other points formerly held
by his forces. There w^as, on this occasion, no lack of gallantry or willing-
ness to perform duty on the part of any of the officers or men of the regi-
ments, batteries or detachments of the Union troops. To the contrary,
there were many illustrations of bravery, energy and endurance. They
were simply outnumbered and outgeneraled.

May 22, 1863, Brig. -Gen '1 W. W. Averell reported at Weston, in com-
pliance w^itii the following order :

Headquarters, 8th Army Corps.

Baltimore, Md., May i8» 1863.
BRia-GEN*L W. W. Averell, U, S. Volunteers,
General :

Yoy will proceed to Weston, in western Virginia, or wherever else you may find
Brig.-Gen'l B, S. Roberts, and relieve him of his command of the "Fourth Separate Brigade**
of this Army Corps. On assuming command, you will establish your present headquarters
at Weston or Buckhannon, or such other point as you may find it best to select south of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, drawing your supplies from the depot at Clarksburg, Your
command, however, is intended to be, as far as it can be properly made so, a mobile force,
and your service will be to keep that region of West Virginia between the railroad and the

io8

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iB6i TO 1865.

Kanawha line clear of the enemy» preventing his invasions and supporting and co-operating
with Brigadier-General KcUey, commanding on the line of the railroad, and with Brigadier-
General Scammon, commanding on the Kanawha and Gauley Rivers. You may be called
upon in emergency to follow the enemy, or to cross the mountains east of you, to aid in any
movement in the direction of the valley of Virginia. On your left you will find it necessary
to guard the passes and approaches by way of the Cheat River Mountain, Keeping these
objects in view, it is left to your discretion to station your troops at such points as you may
deem most advisable, keeping the body of them, however, together where it may become
necessary and best to concentrate, covering your line of supplies.

You will inspect your command and report, at as early a day as possible, its exact
condition and wants, with a view to having it supplied and put in the most effective con-
dition. It is designed, as soon as practicable, by reinforcements, if they can be obtained by
new organization and by all means of improvement, to convert or exchange the whole or
greater part of your troops, so as to make yours a force of cavalry, with light artillery and
with little or no mfantry. I am, very respectfully, your ob't servant,

Wm. H. Chesebrough,

As si, Adjt,'GiHerai,

The following explains itself :

War Department,
Washington. May 19, 1863.
Major-General Schenck, Baltimore, Md.

Brig.-Gcn'l B. S. Roberts, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person to Maj,*GcnT John
Pope, commanding Department of the Northwc-t, Milwaukee, Wis., as soon as he is relieved
from duty in the Middle Department. Please so order.

By order of Major-General Halleck,

J. C. Kelton, AssL AdjL GeneraL

The two foregoing orders were hailed with demonstrations of genuine
rejoicing by the officers and men of the Fourth Separate Brigade. General
AverelFs reputation as a gallant and successful cavalry fighter had preceded
his coming by several months, and to be placed under such a leader was
inspiring to these troops » who were at all times eager for the active opera-
tions of war. General Averell soon demonstrated the fact that he was mas-
ter of the situation, and that he was not going to be a laggard 10 the man-
agement of the forces placed under his command. I feel that I would be
indifferent to the best interests of the brigade, as well as to General Averell >
did I not speak of both as we find them when he (Averell) assumed command.
I shall write semi-officially as the following special order will indicate.

Headquarters, 4rH Separate Brigade.

Weston, W, Va., May 30, 1863.
Special Orders, \
No. 5- f

Major Theodore F. Lang. 3d Reg, W. Va. Vol. Jnft., is hereby detailed as Acting
Assistant Inspector General and MusteringOfiicer of the Brigade. Major I^ang will report
(or orders and instrtsctions by letter to Lieut-Col Donn Piatt, Inspector and Chief of StaH 8tb
Army Corps. By command of Brig,-Gcn'l Averell,

C. F, TEOWBRmCE.

Capt, and A. A, A. Gen*U

GEN'L AVER ELL IN COMMAND OF WEST VIRGINIA TROOPS. IO9

Whilst my reference to the condition of the troops at the time contem-
plates all in the brigade, I shall especially speak only of the West Virginia
regiments which had been early recruited^ mustered into the service, and hurried
away to the front. The ruling principle governing them at that time was to
know how to make long marches, to endure hardships, and to load and fire
law in time of battle. The master hand of discipline and drill had not been
a part of their military experience. Therefore, when General Averell
assumed command of these troops, he found himself with a brigade of loyal,
courageous fighters, scattered through have a dozen coundes, but who knew
litde of discipline, or of regimental or brigade maneuvers, — scandly supplied
with approved arras, equipments, clothing, etc.

They were inelTlcient for any reliable defense of the country, and the
utter hopelessness of any effort to take the offensive our experience had so
recendy demonstrated. My native pride and my devotion to my comrades
would instinctively impel me to resent any imputation to them of wrong-
doing or of indifference to duty. It was not that, but it was a fact, that all
of the officers and enlisted men alike, were war students with no teachers
among them of skilled warfare. General Averell was a West Point gradu-
ate, had been an instructor in the cavalry schools at Jefferson Barracks,
Missouri, and Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania ; he had also distinguished
himself in New Mexico as an Indian fighter, and in the Civil War as Colonel
of the 3d Pennsylvania Cavalry and Brigadier-General of Volunteers, ser\'-
ing in the Army of the Potomac. It will be seen, therefore, tliat he came
to the command of the the 4th separate brigade with a ripe experience that
fitted him w^ell to build up a splendid brigade out of the best quality of
"raw material."

How w^ell he performed this ser\^ice, the final results fully attested.
He overcame the unfortunate conditions in which he found his troops, by
concentrating them at three points, where they underwent a season of drill
in the various arms of the service ; they were also re-armed and equipped ;
3000 infantry wxre changed into cavalry — marched 660 miles, had many
skirmishes and fought the batUe of Rocky Gap ; all this w*ithin 80 days after
he took command. Then followed the battles of Droop Mountain, Salem
Raid, Wythe\ille, Lynchburg, Carter's Farm, Moorefield and others undl
AverelTs cavalry became noted as a terror to the enemy, and at the same
time, the admiration of the government. In another chapter w^ill be found
a biographical sketch of General Averell with a detailed account of some of
his important operations, whilst in camp, on the march and upon the battle*
field.

CHAPTER XVIL

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (Continued).

Avercirs Fighting Period. — His Assignment to the Kanawha Valley. — Sigel in Command of
the Department of West Virginia. — Transfer of Author to Sigel's Staff. — Grant's Plan. —
Sigel Leaves Martinsburg for Shenandoah Valley. — '* Red Tape "' in the Army* — Battle
of New Market. — Defeat of Sigel by Breckinridge,— Roster of Union Troops Engaged.—
Encamped at Strasburg.

j|HE period in which General Averell was in command, — ^first, of the
** Fourth Separate Brigade/* second, the *' Fourth Division/* and
third, the ** Cavalry Division/* all of the 8th Army Corps, Depart-
ment of West Virginia, — might be appropriately designated as the working,
marching and fighting period of the West Virginia soldiery. For Averell
had no inactive service ; he was on the go, both in summer's heat and winter's
storm. My position of Inspector called for incessant labor, w^hile on the
march as A* D, C, and when in camp for a few days, to inspect and condemn
unserviceable horses, mules, wagons, ambulances, ordnance, equipments,
quartermaster and commissarj' stores, in fact, any and ever}^ing that was
found in the command to be unserviceable. My term on the staff of General
Averell continued till the 8th of June, 1864. On the 19th of April, 1864,
however, at Martinsburg, I was temporarily detached to serve upon the staff
of Maj\-Gen*l Franz Sigel, w^ho had been placed in command of the Depart-
ment of West Virginia, he having made a request upon General Kelley for
a detail of officers for duty upon his staff, who w^ere familiar with the Shen-
andoah valley.

On the 19th of April with a part of his cavalry^ General Averell left
Martinsburg for the Kanawha valley, where he w^as assigned to the command
of all the cavalry there, under Genl Geo. Crook, On the 25th of April,
General Sigel arrived at Martinsburg. I reported to him, in compliance
w4th instructions, for duty upon his staff ; at the same time I protested to him
that my place to render effective service was with General Averell, and
begged to be permitted to follow him ; when Sigel replied very pleasanUy
but firmly that he could not let me go ; and, as if to reconcile me, proffered
to make me ** chief of headquarters," whatever that was ; at any rate, I
was treated with a great deal of deference, and my service upon his staff
was rendered very pleasant, especially as I had associated with me that

GENERAL GRANTS PLAN

III

genial gentleman and good soldier, Col. David H. Strother (Port Crayon),
The 26lh, 27th and 28th I spent with the General visiting the camps ; on the
27th, a review of all the troops stationed at Martinsburg took place.

At this time General Grant had planned a movement all along the line ;
Generals Crook and Averell were to move from the Kanawha, on the 20th
of May, via Lewisburg ; Colonel Harris was to make a demonstration from
Beverly, and Sigel to move up the Shenandoah valley at the same date.
He was expected to join Crook and Averell at Staunton or at some point to
the southward* In conformity with this program, Sigel, on the 29th, left
Martinsburg w^th his command and encamped at Bunker Hill, 12 miles south
of Martinsburg. May ivSt, marched to Winchester, headquarters camped on
lawn at Hollingsworth*s Mills. For the edification of the novice in mihtary
affairs, I will reproduce the following correspondence as illustrating the
effect of **red tape" in the accomplishment of a small affair, to wit :

HeadquakterSp Department of W. Va,,

Near Winchester, Va., May 2, 1864,
Lieut. Thos. H. Welsted,

A. A, A, GefCL
Please detail for service at these headquarters a competent horse shoer; have him re-

port at the earliest convenience.

Respectfully,

T. F. Lang,
Maj0r and Chief of Hmd.-Qrs,

Headquarters, Deft, of W, Va.,
Near Winchester, Va., May 2, 1S64*
Lieut. Welstead,

A, A, A. Gen'L
Please send the horse shoer you have detailed for these Headquarters, and have him
report here within an half hour. Also explain the reason why he has not reported before
this. Respectfully,

T. F. Lang,
Maj, and Chief of Hd^-Qy.

Headquarters,
Camp Near Winchester. May ad, '64.
Respectfully referred to Colonel Taylor, Comdg. ist Cavalry Division, who is directeil
to comply with the within instructions.

This paper to be returned with report of action.

By command of Major*General Stahel.

Thos. H. Haxstead, A, A, A. G.

Hd,*Qrs., Cavalry Division,
Winchester, May 2, 1864,
Respectfully referred to Colonel Wynkoop, who will have this man sent within the time
specified ; will return this paper with report as to reason he has not been sent.
By order of CoL R. F. Taylor.

Jesse F. Wyckoff, A, A, A, Gen*L

1X2

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO i86s^

Hd--Qrs.» 3RD Cavalry Brigade,
Camp Near Winchester, May 2, 1864.
Respectfully returned. The order received this moming detailing a blacksmith, was
not complied with at the time in consequerice of conflicting orders from Maj.-Genl Stahel to
the effect that every man in this command should appear upon review. Immediately after
review the detail was promptly complied with from these Headquarters, and not until receipt
was it known that he had not reported. He was sent at once to report to Major Lang.

John E. Wynkoop, C0/, Comdg. 3d Brigade,

Headquarters. Cavalry Division.

May 2, iS64«
Respectfully returned with explanation of Colonel Wynkoop. The delay in the return
of paper was caused by our Orderly with whom Colonel Wynkoop returned this paper among
other envelopes.

R. F. Taylor» CoL Comdg, Cav, Div,

Heai>quarters,
Camp Near Winchester, May 2, 1864.
Respectfully returned to Major Lang, Chief of Staff, whose attention is invited to en-
dorsement of Colonel Wynkoop, Comdg. Brigade, and Colonel Taylor, Comdg. Division
Cavalry^ which explain the cause of delay.

Respectfully,

Thomas H. Welstead, A, A. A, Gen'L

We remained at this camp (Winchester) until May 8th* On the 9th,
marched 15 miles to Stone Hotise, 3^ miles north of Strasburg, Remained
at this camp till the loth. On the nth, moved at 6 A. M*, arriving at Wood-
stock at 4 P» M, Advance guard had some skirmishing with the enemy.
Camped on lawn at Chaney's residence ; remained here the 12th, 13th and
14th. On the 14th, CoL Augustus Moor was ordered to take command of
tliree regiments of infantry, 1000 cavalry and six pieces of artillery, and
march to Mount Jackson to ascertain and feel the position and strength of
the enemy under Imboden, reported to be posted on Rude*s Hill. Colonel
Moor left camp near Woodstock at 11 A, M., with the ist W. Va. and 34th
Mass. regiments of infantry and two sections of Battery B, Md. artillery ;
Colonel Wynkoop with 300 cavalry and one section of artillery. Maj\
Timothy Quinn, ist N. Y., wath 600 cavalry, was already in his (Colonel
Moor's) front.

At Edenburg the 123d Ohio infantry was added to Colonel MoCr's com-
mand. At 3 P. M., heavy firing was heard at the front, indicating that
Major Quinn was engaging the enemy. Colonel Wynkoop was ordered by
Colonel Moor to push forward to the support of Major Quinn, ivho w*as
driving the enemy's skirmishers steadily before him until New Market was
reached, when Colonel Wynkoop's and Major Quinn *s skirmishers occupied
the town. Colonel Moor, arriving with his infantry and artillei^^ selected a

BATTLE OF NEW MARKET.

favorable position and opened fire with his artillery. Imboden soon answered
furiously with his battery \ the firing soon ceased, however, and Imboden
retired.

After dark, Colonel Moor changed his line of battle more to the front,
near the Shenandoah River, when the command was ordered to rest in per-
fect order of battle without fires. At about 8 P. M-, a line of Confederates
approached across an open field, on Colonel Moor's front, with the evident
purpose to turn Colonel Moor's position he had occupied before sunset.
This attack was immediately in front of the ist W. Va. infantr)^> Maj,
Edward W. Stephens in command. Colonel Moor ordered him to remain
quiet, until the enemy had come near enough to give them a volley, which
was well executed. About lO P. M. Colonel Moor's whole front was
attacked with infantry and artillery ; the Confederates, however, had to
retreat in confusion ; the firing was distinctly heard at General Sigel's head-
quarters at Woodstock.

At 4 o'clock A. M. on the isth, General Sigel ordered me to take one
dozen orderlies and proceed to the front, ascertain the extent of the skir-
mishing bet^veen Colonel Moor and the enemy (General Sigel did not believe
there was much of a force in front of Colonel Moor), and to send messengers
back to him with all information^ Upon my arrival at Colonel Moor's
position, I learned from him that Imboden had left his front about midnight,
but that Quinn's cavalry, who had been scouting to the front, had captured
a deserter, who reported that Imboden and Echols had been reinforced by
General Breckinridge, and was then about four miles south of New Market,
and advancing to attack Colonel Moor. I wrote this information and sent a
messenger with it, double quick, to General SigeL I then took a position
upon an elevated point with the remainder of my orderlies ; I did not have
long to wait until I discovered the enemy placing their skirmish line across
the entire valley ; this information I at once wrote and sent my second
orderly in full haste to General Sigel, informing him that a battle would
be fought soon and suggested that he push forward his entire command at a
double quick. Soon thereafter I saw the enemy placing his first line of
battle, stretching across the valley.

This information I hurriedly penned and sent it with my third messager,
as before, to General Sigel. The messenger had only gone, when I wit-
nessed the second line of battie form as the first had done, indicating a large
force i this important information I sent by the fourth messenger. In a few
moments the skirmish lines were engaged, and at the same moment a piece
of artillery opened upon me and my orderlies, who had occupied an exposed
position, I had at this time become impatient because neither General Sigel

114

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO 1S63.

nor his troops had come to the front. I then sent the fifth messenger and
urged more positively than before our critical situation, and went so far as
to overstep my position as A. D. C. to say to General Sigel that he must
bring up his entire force, telling him to place his artillerj' and cavalry in the
road, with his infantry on either side in the fields, and to come at once, other-
wise he would be too late.

General Stahel witii his cavalry was the first to arrive. Soon after Gen-
eral Sigel with his staff and bodyguard came on the field wdth a great flour-
ish, I met him at once. He was at first disposed to make light of my fre-
quent messages; he told me I was excited. I did not get es cited on the
battlefield. I pointed out to him thetw^o long lines of battle the enemy had
placed in his front, when he seemed to awaken to the importance of his situa*
tion, and realized that his command had its match or more, and he began to
maneuver his troops. Colonel Moor's line was ordered to another position
farther to the rear. Finally our regiments and batteries leisurely began to
come into line, but too late. The enemy had made a vigorous assault, and
notwithstanding Sigel displayed great personal bravery, and his troops
engaged stood gallantly to their work, Sigel, with his detachments was
simply fighting a concentrated force — formed at its leisure — and the day
was lost. Sigel had sufficient troops to have beaten the Confederates
under Breckinridge had he brought them into the fight. But, from
either over-confid^'nce in his own strength, or lack of confidence in the
strength of the enemy, permitted his splendidly equipped army to be beaten
and hurled down the valley, with a loss of about 600 killed and wounded.

The following troops constituted Sigel's command, and all of them —
officers and men — who were engaged fought a good fight:

FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION.

Brig.-Gbn*l Jeremiah C* Sullivan, Commanding.

First Brigade.

CoL, Alexander Moor.

i8th Conn., Major Henrj^ Peale.
2Sth Ohio, Li«-ut-Col, G, Becker.
ii6th Ohio, Col. J as. Washburn.
123d Ohio, Maj. Horace Kellogg.

Second Brigade,

CoL, Joseph Thoburn,
istW. Va., Lt. Col. J, Weddle,
I2th W. Va., CoL W. B. Curtis.
34th Mass., Col. Geo. D. Wells.
54th Pa,, Col. J. M. Campbell.

JiEGIMENTS AND BATTERIES ENGAGED AT NEW MARKET. 11$
FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION.

Major-Gen'l Julius Stahel, Commanding.
First Brigade.

Col. William B. Tibbits.
ist N. Y. (Veteran), Col. Robt. F. Taylor.
1st N. Y. (Lincoln), Lt.-Col. Alonzo W. Adams,
ist Md. P. H. B., (detachment), Maj. J. T. Daniel.
2ist N. Y., Major Charles G. Otis.
14th Pa. (detachment), Lt.-Col. Wm. Blakely.

Second Brigade.

Col. John E. Wynkoop.
Detachments 15th N. Y., 20th Pa., 22d Pa.

ARTILLERY.

1st W. Va. Light, Battery D, Capt. John Carlin.
ist W. Va. Light, Battery G,-Capt. C. T. Ewing.
Md. Light, Battery B, Capt. A. Snow.
New York Light, 30th Battery, Capt. A. Von Kleiser.
, Sth U. S., Battery B, Capt. H. A. DuPont.
After the battle General Sigel, with his troops, fell back to Edenburg,
and on the i6th retired leisurely to Stone House, north of Strasburg, where
we remained in camp until the 26th of May.

CHAPTER XVIIL
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES— (Continued).

Genera! Hunter in Command. — Advance up the Shenandoah Valley* — Battle of Piedmont.*-
Hunter Occupies Staunton, — Crook and Averell Join Hunter, — Return of the Author to
West Virjfinia. — Mustered out of Service.

General Orders.
No. 200.

War Dipt., Adjt.*General*s Office,

Washington. May 19, 1864..

By direction of the President, Maj.-Gen1 D. Hunter, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to the
Command of the Department of West Virginia.

By order of the Secretary of War,

E. D. TOWNSEND,
As sis ta n t Adju ta n A Gen eral.

In compliance with the above order, on the 21st of May, General Hun-
ter arrived at Strasburg and relieved General Sigel of his command, General
Hunter retaining, with two exceptions, SigeFs staff officers. General Hun-
ter brought with him as A. A, General the well-known author CoL Charles
G. Halpine (Miles O 'Riley) and Major Samuel W, Stockton of the regular
Army,

General Hunter began at once to reorganize his command, sent all
tents and unservicable stores to the rear, and had his troops provided with
new shoes, etc.

On the 26th of May, General Hunter moved southwest 13 miles to Pew's
Run, where we remained until tlie 29th, when we broke camp at 5 A, M,, ar-
riving at Mount Jackson at 2 P, M* ; found a small force of the enemy occu-
pying Rude's Hill, soon dispersed them and went into camp.

On the 30th, visited the battlefield of New Market, found many of our
wounded doing well; remained in camp at Rude's Hill until the ist of June.

June 2d, left Rude's Hill at 5 A, M., marched to Harrisonburg, 15 miles;
met the enemy in small force. They occupied, however, a strongly intrenched
position at Mount Crawford » on the North River, where it is crossed by the
Valley Turnpike; his right at Rockland Mills, his left at Bridgewater.
While in Ilarrisonbitrg we stopped at the principal hotel, where we paid
for board %zo per day, Confederate money.

BATTLE OF PIEDMONT.

117

On the 4th, General Hunter spent the day in ascertaining the enemy's
force and position. Early in the morning a force of cavalry was sent to
Mount Crawford to amuse him while General Hunter moved his column by a
side road and crossed the Shenandoah at Port Republic by the use of pontoon
bridges. This movement was so little expected that we found at the place a
large supply train of the enemy. Our advance cavalry captured the larger
part of it, which consisted of supplies and horses. We encamped about one
mile south of Port Republic. A large w^oolen factory, run by the Confed-
erate Government, was destroyed* June 5th, advanced on the Staunton
road, met the enemy at Meridian at 6 A. M., sharp skirmish with advance,
engagement became general at 9 A. M. near the village of Piedmont, seven
miles southwest of Port Republic. The enemy were in force, advantageously
posted* The battle opened vrith artillery; the enemy using several guns of
long range and heavy caliber. At 10 o'clock the first brigade of infantry
under Colonel Moor advanced on our right, and drove the enemy from his
advanced position in a w^oods behind his line of defenses — constructed of
fallen timber and fence rails. Colonel Thoburu with the second brigade of
infantry took position in the woods on elevated ground on our left ready for
action when and where most needed. At 1 1.30 the fine work of our artillery
had silenced the enemy's batteries, and the cavalry under Major General
Stahel was massed in rear of the infantry on our right. General Hunter
with his staff conducted the battle from a central position in the low ground,
where all parts of the field were easily watched, Maj. Samuel W. Stockton,
A. D. C, and myself were General Hunter's chief couriers and advisers, and
w^emade frequent trips from the immediate scene of battle to General Hun-
ter's position.

At one o'clock, ^Colonel Moor's first brigade made a vigorous charge
across an open field upon the enemy's line, but were repulsed, when they
fell back to their original position. I witnessed this disaster and detected
danger to oor arms, I then hurried to General Hunter and begged him to
put Colonel Thoburn's brigade into the fight (up to this timeThoburn*s com-
mand had not fired a shot); Hunter protested that to move Thoburn would
be to uncover his left and leave that part of the field unprotected, 1 1 was
then suggested to dismount Stahel's cavalr}' and put them into the fight along
with the first brigade. This was done, and the dismoimted cavalry, with the
first brigade made the second charge upon the enemy's same position, but

♦ Attached to Colonel Moor's brigade in the battle of Piedmont were four batteries of the
5th N. Y, heavy artillery, serving asinfentry ; viz,, battery A, Capt I. H* Graham; battery B,
CapL Geo* P. Mott; batter)' CCapt, H. L. Emmons, and battery D, Capt, Oliver Cotter; these
companies participated in the several charges made that day.

ii8

LOYAL tVESr VIRGINIA FROM f$6r TO iS6j.

they were beaten back as before, General Stahel wounded and our forces
much disheartened. I again went to General Hunter and informed liim that
unless Thobum's brigade was put into the fight that the day was lost to us.
It was tlien 1.30 P. RI,, the enemy was observ^cd to be massing his force
at the posiuon from which w^e had twice been driven. General Hunter
^then, w^ith reluctance, directed me to go to Colonel Thoburn and put his brigade
into the fight. I hastened to Thoburn and conducted his command from its
concealed position in the woods, across the narrow valley, up the hill, directly
on the right flank of the enemy's position. But, in the meantime, say about
2 P. M., the enemy had made a desperate assault upon Colonel Moor's first
brigade and dismounted cavalry, which gallantly sustained themselves, assist-
ed by Yon Kleiser's N, Y. Battery, and a cross fire from Morton's and Car-
ljn*s Batteries on our left. So intense and eager were the enemy engaged
with our front, that they permitted Thoburn to cross over the valley unseen
by them; their first knowledge of his advance was when he opened fire upon
them not over 50 yards distant from their right flank. At this moment the
first brigade, Stahel's and Wynkoop's cavalry, charged, and in less than 10
minutes all w^asover. The enemy fled in confusion over a steep bank into
the river, leaving over 1000 prisoners in our hands, including 60 officers.
The killed and wounded were esdmated at 600 men. Brig, -Gen *1 W, E,
Jones, commanding Confederate forces, was killed, his body fell into our
hands, and was buried near the town.

The enemy had between 6000 and 7000 men, and 16 guns, among
them two 20-pounder Parrotts.

I witnessed here w^hat I had not seen on any battlefield before, nor since,
it was this: Confederates w^ho were in line just behind the rail breastw^orks,
literally torn to pieces and their clothing on fire, caused by tlie bursting
shells of our artillery.

An incident, illustrating the possibilities and the uncertainties of war,
presented itself to me at the close of this battle, that is worthy of a place in
these pages. During the winter and early spring, while General Averell
and his command w^ere stationed at Martinsburg, the General and his staff
were on several occasions entertained at the pleasant and hospitable mansion
(Boydville) of Mrs. Charles James Faulkner. This delightful home, like
many others along the border states, was broken by the ruthless hand of sec-
tional opinion. The distinguished statesman Hon. Charles James Faulkner
and his two sons had left their home for the purpose of upholding the right of
Secession, and they were sincere enough, and brave enough to buckle on their
swords and fight as their convictions dictated, Mrs. Faulkner and her daugh-
ters, however, remained at home, and their native hospitality gave a welcome
to either Union or Confederate gentlemen, whether in or out of the army.

GENERAL HUNTER OCCUPIES STAUNTON, VA,

ftp

When, therefore, General Sigel had made his arrangements to move up
the valley I called to pay my respects and say ''good bye *' to Mrs. Faulk-
ner and her daughters. When in the course of conversation 1 intimated that
we were probably going into the Shenandoah Valley, Mrs. Faulkner informed
me that her son, E. Boyd Faulkner, was in the valley, and she made the re-
quest that, in case he was killed or captured, I should care for him and notify
her. Realizing that this was a one-sided contract, 1 suggested that the misfor-
tunes of war might find me killed or captured, *' Oh, in that event Boyd will
take care of you," she said. So when the battle was over, aud the Confed-
erate prisoners were massed and surrounded by our soldiers, my attention
was attracted towards one of the Confederate officers — tall and straight as an
arrow, a perfect type of the soldier, who was gesticulating and making a loud
speech to his hapless comrades* I inquired of one of the prisoners as to who
the noisy party was, when I was informed that it was Major E, Boyd Faulk-
ner. I at once made my way to him, introduced myself, told him of my
promise to his mother, and I kept my word so far as I could during a forced
march, and when I arrived at Beverly ten days later, the first telegraph
station, I telegraphed Mrs. Faulkner the particulars, and informed her that
she could see her son at Grafton on the i6tli. Mrs. Faulkner and daughter
arrived there on that day, with a bountiful supply of comforts for him.

On June 6th, General Hunter occupied Staunton with but little resist-
ance. Having belonged to a W. Va. regiment that had for more than two
years maintained a cherished desire to take Staunton, I requested General
Hunter to let me select a squadron of cavalry and lead the charge into the
city J my request was readily granted, sol was the first Union soldier during
the war to enter Staunton, except as a prisoner, or as a disguised scout. My
entry into the city was by the main road under abridge; a squadron of
cavalry contested my entrance with a brisk fire, but they made a hasty exit
as my squadron advanced; we captured i8 Confederate cavalry.

Upon taking possession of Staunton 400 sick and wounded Confederates
fell into our hands — they were paroled; also fell into our hands large quan-
tities of commissary and ordnance stores, which were destroyed or distributed
among the troops. All the railroad bridges, and depots and public work-
shops, and public factories in the city and vicinity were also destroyed.

On the 7th, at 10 A. M., Hunter moved his entire command 5 miles on
the Buffaloe Gap road; the enemy left in the direction of Lexington. We
halted two hours, and returned to Staunton and occupied the camp ground
which we had left in the morning.

On the 8th, Generals Crook and Averell, with their commands in fine
condition, joined Hunter at Staunton, having marched from the Kanawha,

Z20

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM lUi TO 1865,

destroying many miles of the Virginia and Tennessee railroad, and the Vir-
ginia Central at Goshen.

On the 8th and 9th, General Hunter gave his hard worked command a
much needed rest, at the same time reorganizing the combined forces of
Crook and AvereU with his own command, and on the morning of the loth
started on '* Hunter's celebrated Lynchburg campaign,"

From Staunton (on the 15th) Hunter sent back, by way of Buffalo Gap
and Beverly, a convoy of wagons, 1200 prisoners, and many refugees,
guarded by 800 men, whose terms of enlistment had expired, the whole
under the command of Col. A. Moor of the 28th Ohio Vol, Inft* ; General
Stahel accompanied this command.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, I accompanied Colonel Moor's
command to West Virginia, my term of enlistment having expired some
months. Having spent the entire day of the 9th in taking the friendly hand
of comrades and saying tliat hard word '^good bye" to those with whom I
had spent nearly two years of service, I reluctantly left the scenes of long
weary marches and desperate battles to once more seek the ways of peace.

In addition to the official reports of General Hunter's operations, I was
the bearer of many letters and messages to friends at home ; also the follow-
ing complimentary orders issued by Generals Hunter and AvereU :

Special Order,
No, III.

Headquarters, Dept, of W. Va.,
Staunton^ Va., June 8, IS64*

Leave of absence tor twenty days is hereby granted to Major T. F, Lang-, 6th W. Va.
Cavalry, at the expiration of which leave he will report to the Commanding Officer of his
regiment to be mustered out on the expiration of the term ot his regiment.

The Major-General Commandii^g parts with regret from Major Lang, in whom he has
found a brave, faithful and efficient ofl^cer, zealous in the cause of his country and prompt in
the discharge of every duty.

By order of Major-Gene ral Hunter,

Chas. G. H alpine, a, a. G,

Gen'l Order,

Headquarters, 20 Cav. Div.: Dept, W. Va.,
Staunton, Va., Juneg, 1864.

Major T. F. Lang is hereby relieved from duty as A. A. I. Gcnl of this Division, by
reason of the expiration of the term of service of his regiment. The necessity which compels
the departure of this officer is deeply regretted by the Brig.-Genl Comdg. His gallantry has
been conspicuous upon so many fields, and he has illustrated his devotion to the cause, and
to the interest of this Division through so many difficulties lor a long period; that he has
won the esteem of all, and his separation is regarded as an irreparable loss to the command.

It is hoped that the Government may not long be deprived of the services of this zeal-
ous and efficient officer.

By Command of Brig-Gcnl W. W, Avereil,

Will Rumsey, A, A. G,

MUSTER OUT OF SERVICE,

121

We left Staunton z\$ A. M., \4a Buffalo Gap to Calf Pasture River,

21 miles; found the road blockaded in many places*

On the iitli, we went to Monterey, 28 miles; this was a hard day's
march ^ many of our broken down horses gave out and were left on the road;
the wagons were burned.

On the 1 2th, arrived at Greenbrier river, a distance of 24 miles.

On the 13th, marched to Huttonsville.

On the 14th, arrived at Beverly; sent Captain Gear with a detachment
of the 2 1 St N. Y. on a hazardous mission, with mail and despatches to Gen-
eral Hunter who was then far to the southward.

The 1 6th found us at Grafton where I took leave of Colonel Moor who
proceeded to Camp Chase, Ohio, with his regiment and the prisoners.

I hastened to Clarksburg to meet my family, w^hom I had not seen in
many months. After a few days of rest I took advantage of my leave and
visited Cumberland, Martinsburg and Baltimore.

Returning on the 20th of July to Webster, where my regiment was
encamped, where we remained until the 8th of August, when the regiment
went to Wheeling to be mustered out of service.

On the 18th of August, 1864, ^"eceived my final discharge, having served
over three years continuously, in the field winter and summer, performing
the most exacting duties required of the soldier the best I knew.

CHAPTER XIX,
ORGANIZATION OF THE PEIRPOINT GOVERNMENT.

Preservation of Loyalty Along the Slave States.— Meetings Held in all the Counties in the
Western Part of the State. — Assembling of Delegates at Wheeling, May 13th. — Dr. John
W. Moss made Presiding Officer. — Other Officers and Committees Selected, — Denounced
Secession and Pledged Loyalty to the Governmenu — ^A General Convention to Assemble
at Wheeling June nth.— Governor Letcher Alarmed. — Anticipated Armed Revolt. — Or-
ders Major Boyken to Seize Arms at Wheeling. — Exciting Controversy in the Convention
in Relation to Plans. — Hon. John S. Carlisle and Hon. Waitman T. Willey Lead Opposing
Elements.^-Harmony Restored. — Convention Adjourns. — The Meeting was of National
Importance.— Peirpoint's Plan.— Portentioiis Events Just Prior to the Election. — Demand
on the President for Troops, — Canvassing for Govern or. ^Convention Meets on itlh of
June, — ^Members Required to take an Oath to Support the Constitution of the United
States. — The Offices of Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and other State Officers Declared
Vacant. — Francis H. Peirpoint Selected Governor of Virginia. — Biographical Sketch of
Governor Peirpoint. — Enters upon the Duties of his Office.— Notifying President Lincoln
of his Election. — Receives Congratulations from the President. — Authorized to Raise
Troops for the United Stales Gove rnmt^nt.^ — ^Financial Trouble Overcome. — United States
Senators Elected. — The Restored Government Recognized, — They were Ready to Divide
the Stale.

j]T is doubtful whether any single incident of importance in the early
period of the Rebellion contributed so largely to the preservation
of loyalty along the line of slave States, which bordered upon the
free States, as did the prompt action of western Virginia in their defense and
maintenance of the Constitutional rights of the National Government.

In Chapter III of this work reference has been made to a meeting held
at Clarksburg on the 22d of April, when Hon. John S, Carlisle offered a
series of resolutions, which were adopted, calling an assembly of delegates
of the people at Wheeling, for May 13th, to take action in opposition to the
Ordinance of Secession adopted at Richmond on the 17th of April. Meet-
ings were held in all of the w^estern counties of the State^and delegates were
designated from each county to attend said assembly at Wheel ing*

At a meeting at Kingwood, in Preston county (May 4), it was declared
that the separation of western from eastern Virginia was essential to the
maintenance of their liberties; they also resolved, *' to so far defy the insur-
gent rulers of the State as to electa representative in the National Congress/^
Similar sentiments were expressed at other meetings. This call for the 13th

CONVENTION OF LOYALISTS AT WHEELING.

123

of May was made to take place a fortnight before the day appointed for the
popular vote on the Secession Ordinance in Virginia.

To the meeting of that convention all looked forward with hope ; that
was thought to be the rallying point from which all succeeding movements
would take their origin* The morning of the 13th of May brought to Wheel-
ing its swarm of delegates and a deluge of its own excited inhabitants. Great
enthusiasm prevailed, and all interested were eager for the work to begin.
Promptly at 11 o'clock A, M. the delegates met at Washington Hall. The
large building was filled with anxious people, who showed by their counte-
nances the depth of their feelings and the weight of their responsibilities.
The delegates were plain, unassuming men; they possessed those traits of
character which makes honesty the accompaniment of simplicity. Above
all, they were filled with a noble spirit caught from their constituents, an un-
dying attachment to the Government of their fathers.

The meeting was called to order by Chester D* Hubbard, of Ohio coun-
ty% on w^hose motion William B. Zinn, of Preston county, was called to pre-
side. Rev. Peter T. Laishley, of Monongalia county, himself a delegate,
invoked the aid of Deity on the deliberations, a pious act of faith not without
its usefulness in esdmating the character of the delegates and the rectitude
of their motives.

A committee on permanent organization and representation was appoint-
ed. At the afternoon session Dr, John W. Moss, of Wood county, was re-
ported for permanent president; Colonel Wagner, of Mason, Marshal M,
Dent, of Monongalia, and G. L. Cranmer, of Ohio county, were appointed as
secretaries. The president on being escorted to the chair addressed the con-
vention in a speech that impressed all wuth the solemn importance of the
action which they were called upon to consider. The clergymen of the
city were requested, by motion, to open each day's session with religious
exercises. The committee on credentials reported duly accredited delegates
from twenty-six counties, as follows; Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marion,
Monongalia, Preston, Wood, Lewis, Ritchie, Harrison, Upshur, Gilmer,
Wirt, Jackson, Mason, Wetzel, Pleasants, Barbour, Hampshire, Berkeley,
Doddridge, Tyler, Taylor, Roane, Fayette and Marshall.

A committee, consisting of one member from each county represented,
was appointed on State and Federal relations. The following persons com-
posed it: Campbell Tarr, Brooke county; W. T. Willey, Monongalia; John
S. Carlisle, Harrison j J. J. Jackson, Woodj Charles Hooton, Preston; Daniel
Lamb, Ohio; Geo. McPorter, Hancock; Joseph Macker, Mason; D. D.
Johnson, Tyler; James Scott, Jackson; G. W. Bier, Wetzel; R. C. Holli-
day, Marshall; A. S. Withers, Lewis; E. T. Trahorn, Wirt; F. H. Peir-

LOYAL IVESr VIRGINIA FROM iS6t TO 1865^

point, Marion; S. Dayton^ Barbour; G, S. Senseney, Fayette; J. S. Bur-
dette, Taylor J S. Cochran, Pleasants; A* R. McQuilkin, Berkeley; J, E.
Stump, Roane; S. Martin, Gilmer; A. B* Rohrbough, Upshur; O* D. Dow-
ney, Hampshire; Mn Foley, Ritchie.

The delegates numbered nearly five hundred loyal men, and their action
was marked with a decision of purpose that suggested tiiat they had met for
the transaction of business. They denounced the Ordinance of Secession,
and pledged their loyalty to the National Government and their obedience to
its laws*

It was also determined that if the Ordinance should be approved by the
popular vote of Virginia, that this preliminary conference request the people
of all the counties represented to appoint delegates on the 4th day of June* to a
general convention to assemble in Wheeling on the nth of the same month.
There was remarkable unanimity of sentiment in the convention against
longer submitting to the control of the Secessionists. And this stubborn
resistance thoroughly alarmed tlie disunionists at Richmond. Governor
Letcher anticipated an armed revolt in that section, and it was in deference
to this opinion that he (Letcher) sent orders to Maj. F. M. Boykin at Grafton
to seize arms in possession of the State militia at Wheeling, arm such men as
might rally to his Ctimp, and to cut off telegraphic communication between
Wheeling and Washington.

Notwithstanding the unanimity of sentiment in relation to the resistance
of the Secessionists, there sprang up on the second day of the convention an
excited controversy as to tlie plan to be adopted for immediate action. **There
were those who came to the convention with the recollections of wrongs and
insults burning in their memories. This class of men came to vote for an
immediate and unqualified division of the State^ however violent or revolu-
tionary it might appear. Some delegations, indeed, came to the city with a
banner flying at their head, endorsed, ** New Virginia, now or never." This
party had a powerful leader in the Hon. John S. Carlisle, smarting from
the injustice and contumely that he had experienced in the convention at
Richmond. His plan was to immediately adopt a constitution and form of
government for the counties represented, and proceed to fill the offices by
temporary appointment. This was a popular idea with the mass of the con-
vention, and it became almost perilous to oppose it; those who ventured to
do so subjected themselves for the time to the liability of having imputations
cast upon their loyalty. But there was a minority, respectable both as to
members and intelligence, who felt and saw the irreparable mischief that
would follow in the train of such a course. This party found a leadership in
the Hon. W. T, Willey, of Monongalia, whose more equable temperament

CONVENTION AT WHEELING AD yO URNS,

12$

enabled him to discern the true point of distinction between spasmodic dis-
ruption and authorised resistance. It was argued that the proceeding urged
by the majority w*as wholly unwarranted by the call that had led to this
assemblage; that the delegates had not been appointed with this view nor
empowered to act with such extreme vigor; that this w^as but an informal
meeting of the people, not legally convened, and could not bind the people
to acquiesence either in law or reason ^ or by any known rule or precedent;
that no vote had yet been taken by the people on the Ordinance of Secession,
and hence the State of Virginia had a Government under the Constitution of
the United States at Richmond; that the Federal Government would not
recognize a state created thus, because it w^as not after the mode prescribed
in the Constitution of the United States.

**0n the third day, the debate was continued, but in a better spirit ; the
voice of better counsels was beginning to prevail, and all felt the imperative
necessity of some action and that it should be, so far as the same w^as pos-
sible, harmonious in its character.***

At this time the Committee on State and Federal Relations made their
report to the convention, which proved a happy blending of all opinions, and
the members thereafter were quite harmonious, transacting the business of
the convention to the satisfaction of all. After but little discussion, the report
of the committee was adopted by the body.

A Central Committee of Safety was appointed as follows: John S, Car-
lisle, James S. Wheat, Chester D. Hubbard, Francis H. Peirpoint, Campbell
Tarr, George R. Latham, Andrew Wilson, S. H. Woodward and James W,
Paxton.

A vote of thankg was tendered to the citizens of Wheeling for their hos-
pitality; also, to the president and other officers of the body. Several elo-
quent speeches w^ere made. A prayer was then offered invoking tlie bless-
ings of Heaven upon the labors of the meeting. The **Star Spangled Ban-
ner" was sung by the united voices of over a thousand people; three cheers
w^ere given for the Union, and amid a blaze of enthusiasm the convention
adjourned sine die.

This meeting was of National importance* The great daily papers of
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincin-
nati and Chicago had their reporters there. An intense Union feeling was
developed and it gready encouraged the sentiment in the North,

From the close of the convention till the election, w^hich took place on
the 23d of May, the countrj-' was in a feverish excitement. In the North-

* From Judge J. Marshall Hagan's •* Formation of West Virginia/'

126 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

west the feeling against Secession became an absolute passion. Nothing
could withstand the tremendous weight of public sentiment so unequivocally
placed in the balances against it. A Committee of Safety had been
appointed by the convention organized, and that committee in turn appointed
a sub-committee to remain in Wheeling to take charge of affairs.

* Then the next day when the sub-committee met, some one who had
heard that Peirpoint had a plan of action, asked him to explain it. He ad-
mitted that he had, and that it was this: ** On principle the loyal people of*
the State are entitled to the protection of the laws of the State and the United
States. When our convention assembles on the nth of June, I have no
doubt we will know that the Governor of the State has joined the Southern
Confederacy. The convention will pass resolutions declaring, in the lan-
guage of the Declaration of Independence that *he has abdicated his office
by joining a foreign state,' and that itis the right of this convention to appoint
a Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, and pass such other ordinances as are
necessary to turn out of office all disloyal men and to fill them by loyal men,
and do anything else that may be necessary. Our actions must go to the
whole State. We will call the Legislature together immediately, if neces-
sary. You observe the convention is composed of double the number
of delegates of the lower house. It may be we will need a legislature and
convention both at once. We will elect Senators to fill the places made
vacant by resignation of Hunter and Mason. We will commission our mem-
bers elected and send them to Congress. The Governor will call upon the
President for military aid to suppress the rebellion. In the meantime, we
will get the United States Army to occupy the Monongahela and Kanawha
valleys, drive the Rebels beyond the mountains, and we will organize below.
Now, if we carry out the program, we will represent this State of Virginia,
and divide the State by the consent of Congress and the consent of the Legis-
lature of Virginia." The committee unanimously assented, and worked
diligently, attending to all the details necessary to strengthen the Union
cause.

On Saturday before the fourth Thursday in May, election day, Peir-
point's friends at Fairmont thought it safe for him to come home and stay
until the election. There was great commotion on the day before the elec-
tion, and a regiment from Georgia and the valley of Virginia arrived at
Philippi and Grafton. A large Rebel meeting was held in Fairmont the
same evening. Threats were freely made. About 2 o'clock at night a lady

* By permission from Frank S. Reader's History ot the 5th W. Va. Cav.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S RECOGNITION OF WEST VIRGINIA.

127

living near called to Peirpoint and told him that she had been watching all
night; that she heard of threats, and feared that he would be killed, or his
home burned that night. He told her not to be alarmed, that they would not
hurt him J but he watched from that to daylight, got an early breakfast, and
went to his ofBce. A friend came in excited and declared there was present
danger, and insisted on his leaving at once on the train for Wheeling. He
went and got to the office of the committee at Wheeling at half past 3 P. M.
The committee was there. They gibed him about not being at home voting.
He replied, **The time of voting is past. I move that Mr. Carlisle be sent
at once to Washington to demand troops to drive tht Rebels out of western Vir-
ginia.'* Carlisle readily consented to go on the next train at 8 o'clock that
night. He had to go by Harrisburg and Baltimore. He got to Washing-
ton at 3 P. M, next day. He told the hackman to drive him to the White
House as quick as his horses could go; got there and inquired for the
President; was informed he could not see the President, as all the Cabinet
were there in Cabinet meeting. Carlisle said he wanted to see all the Cabinet
and the President together, and demanded that his card be taken in. The
President called him in, *'Well,** said the President, '*Mr. Carlisle, what
is the best oew^s in West Virginia?" Carlisle, without answering that ques-
tion, said: ''Sir, we want to fight. We have one regiment ready, and if the
Federal Government is going to assist us we want it at once." *' You shall
have assistance," said the President. This was on Friday afternoon. On
Sunday morning United States troops from Ohio and Indiana crossed the
river at Wheeling and Parkersburg, and on the third of June the first fight
in the state came off at Philippi,

Before the assembling of the convention, a number of Union gentlemen
in Wheeling held a kind of informal caucus and discussed the men who
would likely be prominent for Governor. They finally agreed on Peirpoint,
and appointed a gentleman to see him and ascertain if he would accept;
if so they would work to that end. Peirpoint was seen, the matter submitted ;
he declared **that he had never thought of occupying the place. He had
been looking to older men/' After hearing all his friends had to say, he
replied: ** 1 am in for the war to lead or drive, and if the convention so orders,
I will do the best I can." Two days before the meeting of the convention,
the members began to arrive in Wheeling. The first question to leading
Union men was, ** What are we going to do ?" They were told to see Peir-
point; he had w^orked up a plan of action. So they went to him singly and
by numbers. He explained the proposed action in detail. All inquired,
** Have you consulted the President or any of his Cabinet ?" He answered,
•*No, We don't w^ant to consult them. This action by our enemies will be

128

LOYAL WEST VIRGLWIA FROM i86f TO iSdj.

called revolutionary. The Government of the United States is watched in
this country and Europe, and we don't want to compromise it in any way. But
we will submit our work and I will guarantee its acceptance/'

The convention assembled on the nth of June, 1861. It was agreed
that all the members before taking their seats, should take an oath to sup-
port the Constitution of the United States as the supreme law of the land,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Ordinance of Secession
passed at Richmond on the 17th of April, 1861. About tliirty^five counties
were represented, and every delegate elected, but one, took his seat. Hon.
A. L Boreman was elected president of the convention. Appropriate com-
mittees were appointed on fundamental principles and plan for reorganizing
the State. The committee went to work in earnest, and in a few days they
reported in substance that the loyal people of the State were entitled to
the benefit of State and National Government; that the offices of Governor
and Lieutenant-Governor were vacant by reason of the officers who were
elected to their places having joined a foreign government; and that it was
the duty of the convention to elect a Governor and Lieutenant-Governor for
six months, until the offices could be filled by an election of the people.
They made it the duty of the Governor to require all the officers in the State
to take the oath to support the Constitution of the United States as the supreme
law of the land; and the restored government of Virginia as \nndicated by
ifte convention assembled at Wheeling on the nth of June, 186 1, notwith-
standing anything to the contrary in the ordinance passed at Richmond on
the 17th of April, 1861, It was made tfie duty of the Governor on tlie
refusal of any office-holder of a state or county office to take this oath to de-
clare the office vacant and order an election to fill the vacancy with a loyal
m^. By the 21st all the preliminaries were completed, speeches of expla-
nation made and election of Governor ordered for that day. Peirpoint was
asked privately to leave the hall.

Daniel Lamb, Esq., nominated him, in a short speech, for Governor of
the Restored Government of Virginia. No other nomination was made and
the vote was unanimous. Peirpoint \vas sent for and informed of the action
of the convention by the president, who asked him if he was ready to take
the oath of office. He said he was. The oath was tlien administered on the
president's platform in the presence of the convention. Peirpoint turned to
the convention and said he thanked them for this expression of their confi-
dence, and would serve them to the best of his ability.

William Lazier was selected as one of the Go\*ernor*s Council, and L.
A. Hagans, Preston, Secretary of State.

Francis Harrison Peirpoint w^as born in Monongalia county, Va., about

FKANCIS H, PEIR POINT GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.

129

five miles east of Morgantown^ January 25, 1814* The same year his father,
Francis Peirpointt and mother, Catherine, removed into Harrison county,
three miles southwest of what is now Fairmont. They setded in a log Ciibin
in an unbroken forest. In 1827 his father removed to what is nowFairmontj
W* Va. What work Francis did until thirteen years old, w^as on the farm.
After he was of school age, he went about two and one-half miles to a log
school house, four terms of three months each, in the winter time. From
thirteen years old to twenty-one and one-half he worked in his father^s tan-
yard, then he started on foot to seek an education at Allegheny College, at
Meadville, Pa., about one hundred and eighty miles distant. He remained
at Allegheny College four and one-half college years, and was graduated in
the class of 1839, visited home three times, in vacation, traveling as he first
started most of the distance. After he left college he taught school for three
years in Virginia and Mississippi • In political opinion he was a Whig. His
father taught him that slavery was a moral, social and political evil. During
his college life this sentiment was increased. While riding in Mississippi,
his personal observations of the institution intensified this sentiment. After
leaving college and while teaching, he studied law. In consequence of the
failing health of his father, he returned home in 1842, and was admitted to
the bar in that year. He was an amateur politician, though never a candi-
date for office, and frequently addressed the people on political subjects. He
was placed by his party on the State electoral ticket for President, in 1848.
His district contained ten counties, six mountain counties of which were over-
whelmingly Democratic. It was proposed and agreed upon tliat the two
electors should hold joint discussions of the points of difference betw^een the
parties, in all the counties in the district, at the county seats, and at such
other points as they could attend. The meedngs were largely attended and
the canvass lasted over three months. Much of the capital of Democratic
politicians then was to abuse abolitionists. Abolitionism was the sum of all
villainies in politics. Socialism, free love, negro equality^, slave insurrection
and general spoliation of women and property, were attributed to designing
abolitionists. But Peirpoint did not suffer himself to be put on the defensive,
but assumed the aggressive at the start. Whatever accusations were brought
against the abolitionists, he knew that the people of western Virginia knew
the slavocracy of the State only by its oppression of the white laboring peo-
ple; that the Democratic party had always held the political power in the
State, and that the part east of the Blue Ridge, though largely m the minority
in population, held controlling power in the Legislature. The west had had
but one United States Senator and never a judge of tlie Court of Appeals or
a Governor. By the laws of the State, they to a great extent exonerated

ijo

LOYAL WEST ViRGiNIA FHOM iS6i TO iS6s

their slaves from taxation, and taxed all the laboring man had, from a pig to
an engine. By law, a poor man %\^th three sons over sixteen vears, \%4lh
himself, might be called to work the roads ten or twenty days in the year,
while the gentleman owning two male slaves over sixteen years, was exempt
from rt^ad working » and his land was seldom taxed for road purposes. The
children were without Iree schools, and almost mthout schools of any kind. He
pointed them to Pennsylvania and Ohio, wnth their free institutions; on the
one side of an imaginarj^ line you could see thrift, intelligence of the chil-
dren and prospcrit}' of the people ; not so where slavocracy reigned. He
declared that western Virginia wanted free schools, a sound currencj^ and a
tariff for protecdon. He continued this line of attack on the oppression of
slave holders, tlirough the local press and before the people, in 1852, 1856,
and in tlie Governor's election in 1S59. WTien the Democratic party divided
in i860, and nominated Breckinridge and Douglas for President, Peirpoint
at once announced that the Breckinridge party ment secession, rebellion,
division of the Union and war. He maintained this countiy could not be
divided without war. Breckinridge Democrats vehemendy denied this
charge. Peirpoint pressed it the harder, so that w*hen the Rebellion came, a
large number of Democrats w^ere on the Union side. He was not an Aboli'-
tionist in their sense of the term, but he hated the institution of slaverj-,
the intolerant spirit of pn>slaver\^ men, and their oppression. At the age of
seventeen Governor Peirpoint joined the M. P. Church, was an active super-
intendent of the Sunday school for eighteen years before the war, has had a
class ever since, and says that the most valuable knowledge is that received
in this grand work. The Governor is now an honored resident of FairQ[iont,
W. Va,, and though beyond three score years and ten, is active in good

works.

After his election, Governor Peirpoint at once entered upon the duties oC

his office. The collector of the port offered him an office, with a bare table,

half quire of paper and pen and ink, in the custom house. Some friends

came in to congratulate him, and some of them remarked that he was the

first man they had ever known to thank men for putting a rope around his y

neck. The Governor replied that success was never convicted of treason.

He immediately addressed a letter to the President of the United States, in

substance informing him that there was an insuirectioii and t^ebdlion in the

State; that certain evil minded men in the State bad banded themselves

together and had joined with like minded naen from other States; that they

had formed strong military organizations and were pressing Union men into

' their army, and taking their substance to support their organizations ; that

their object was to overthrow the govermcnt of the State and United Stages,

FINANCIAL EMBARRASSMENTS OVERCOME.

131

and that he had not sufficient military force at his command to suppress the
rebellion. He called upon the President for military aid, and signed his letter,
'*F. H. Peirpointj Governor of Virginia/*

About the fourth day after, the Governor received a letter from Secretary
of War (Cameron) acknowledging receipt of his letter, saying that he was
directed by the President to congratulate the people of Virginia on their so
soon resuming their relations with the United States Government, and author-
izing Governor Peirpoint to raise voluntary regiments for the United States
Army and to appoint company and field officers. This letter was read fothe
convention and gready strengthened their faith in the movement.

The second week of the convention was nearing its close* Serious trouble
was ahead. Landlords were informing members that they would expect their
pay at the end of the second week. Money was exceedingly scarce. The
Governor was informed of the situation. ** Yes," said he, *'I have been
actively thinking about that. Tell them to hold on until next week." This
was on Saturday, On Monday morning Go%^ernor Peirpoint said t j Mr. P.
G. Vanwinkle, *' We must have money. I want you, after breakfast, to go
with me to N. W, and M. M, banks, and endorse my notes for $5000, one
on each bank. I intend to have $10,000 from these banks." Vanwinkle
said he would do it. They got the cashiers together. The Governor told
them what he wanted. They raised the objection that they cook! not make
the loan to the State witliout a vote of the stockholders. The Governor re-
plied; *'I want it on my own individual note and Mr. Vanwinkle will endorse
it. I want it to pay the mileage and per diem of the members of the conven-
tion. If my government succeeds you are sure of your money. If it does
not succeed, your money is not worth a bubble." One of the cashiers replied:
'* You shall have five thousand from this bank, what shall we do with it ?"
The Governor replied: " Place to my credit officially and 1 will so draw my
checks." The other cashier said he would like to do the same thing, but
nearly all his directors were of the Secession partj^ and they would not meet
until Thursda3^ Governor Peirpoint said, ** Please give them my compli-
ments, and te!I them to place the money to my credit, and I don*twant any
higgling about it." On Wednesday the cashier informed him that ^5000
was placed to his credit in die other bank. The Governor went immediately
to the convention, asked the President to inform all the members that if they
would get a certificate from the Sergeant-at-arms of the mileage and per diem
due them, and bring it to the Governor, he would give them a check for the
money. This gave great strength to the convention. Thus the Governor
became Auditor and Treasurer also.

The convention adjourned to August 6.

The Legislature of the Re-

132 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 18 61 TO 1865.

organized Government met on the ist day of July, and elected Waitman T^ ,
Willey and John S. Carlisle United States Senators from Virginia, the ac-
ceptance of whose credentials, together with those of the Congressmen
elected on the 23d of May, was the official recognition by the Government
of the United States of the Reorganized Government of Virginia.

The Governor procured proper seals, and issued commissions to Senators
and Representatives in Congress, who were admitted to seats in the extra
session called by the President to meet on the 4th of July, 1861.

The Restored Government being recognized by the Legislative and Ex-
ecutive branches of the Federal Government, they were ready to divide
the State.

CHAPTER XX.

WEST VIRGINIA, THE ''CHILD OF THE STORM/*

When Named.^ — Its Formation Not the Act of Any One Man, but of Enthusiastic, Deter-
mined Men. -^President Lincoln Recognized the Importance of Preserving Loyalty upon
the Border.^Ordinance Providing for the Formation of a New State Approved hy the
People. — Constitution Framed for the New Government.^Approved by Vote on the
First Thursday in Aprd, 1862. — Provisions of the Same. — Radical Changes in Organic
Law. — ^The Memorial Asking the Erection of the New State Presented in the Senate by
Mr. Willey.— His Eloquent Appeal. — Favorable Report of the Committee on Territories.
— The Measure Discussed in Congress in Relation to Slavery. — Wide Divergence of Opin-
ion in Healed Debate. — Finally Referred Back to the Convention and to the People. —
The President Issues Proclamation on the 20th of April, 1863, Creating West Virginia
a State in the Union^^Statc Officers Elected Fourth Thursday of May Following. —
Arthur I. Bo reman Installed Governor on the 2oih of June. — Governor Peirpoini removed
Seat of Government of Virginia from Wheeling to Alexandria. — Marvelous Growth of
West Virginia, by Governor MacCorkle.

EST VIRGINIA, the ** Child of the Storm,*' received its name in
the Convention of the 26th of November^ 1861, that framed and
proposed the Constitution for the said State. The formation of
West Virginia was not the act of any one man, nor was it the act of the
pohticians of tlie State, as they were in the Rebellion, It was simply the
carrj^ing out of an enthusiastic determinatiun of a large body of serious,
determined men, who felt that they had been oppressed by the slave power
of the State* The movement^ therefore, for a new State readily assumed a
form that promised success, and the people gave a hearty support to the
cause. Its organization and admission to the Union would complete the
chain of loyal commonwealths on the south side of Mason and Dixon's line,
and would drive back the jurisdiction of rebellious Virginia beyond the chain
of mountains and interpose that barrier to the progress of the insurrectionary
forces westward and northward.

The provision in the Federal Constitution that no new State shall be
formed within the jurisdiction of any other Stale without the consent of the
Legislature of the State as well as of Congress, had always been the stumb-
ling block in the way of West Virginia's independence. Despite the hostil-
ities and antagonisms of the two populations, Virginia would insist on retaining
this valuable section of country within her own jurisdiction. But now, April

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO rS6j,

15, by the chances of war, the same men who desired to create the new Slate
were wielding the entire political power of Virginia, and the^^ could naturally
grant permission to themselves to erect a State that would be entirely free
from the objectionable jurisdiction w^hich for the time they represented*
They were not slow to avail themselves of their opportunity.

President Lincoln recognized the great importance of preserv^ing loyalty
upon the border of the free States, As Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and
Missouri had been promptly placed under the control of governments friendly
to the Union^ the territory of Virginia adjacent to the loyal States gave to the
President a great deal of anxious thought. Notwithstanding the action of
the loyal people in the western part of the State, and the recognition given
by Congress, the continued exercise of even a nominal jurisdicdon so far
north, by the State which contained the capital of the Southern Confederacy,
would be a serious impeachment of the power of the National Government,
and would detract from its respect at home and its prestige abroad.

The President desired most of all the establishment of civil govern-
ment, with the reign of law and order everj w^here recognized. It was, there-
fore, to him a matter of regret that the National Government w^as of itself
capable only of enforcing military occupation, so far as related to Statehood.

The Peirpoint government, as it was now popularly termed, adopted
an ordinance on the 20th of August, 1S61, proV'iding **for the formation
of a new State out of a portion of the territory of this State.** The ordi-
nance was approved by a vote of the people on the fourth Thursday of
October, and on the 26lh of November the convention assembled in Wheel-
ing to frame a Constitution for the new government. The work w'as satis-
factorily performed, and on the first Thursday of April, 1862, the people
approved the Constitution by a vote of 18,862 in favor of it, with only 514
against it. At this time there were more than 10,000 soldiers in the ranks
of the Union Army from West Virginia who did not vote — had they done so,
they would have voted solidly for the new State.

The work of the representatives of the projected new State being thus
ratified, the Governor called the Legislature of Virginia together on the 6th
day of May, and on the 13th of the same month that body gave its consent,
with due regularity', to '*the formation of a new State within the jurisdiction
of the said State of Virginia.**

The Constitution as adopted comprised many radical changes in the
organic law as previously adopted in Virginia. It named forty-four counties
absolutely to compose the State, and further provided that the counties of
Pendleton, Hardy, Hampshire and Morgan should also be included if a
majority of the votes cast at the election on the adoption of the Constitution

CONSTITUTION OF W. VA. PRESENTED TO CONGRESS.

T3S

in those counties should be in favor of that adoption. The old system of
viva voce voting was abrogated, and that of the ballot substituted. The
otBce of lieutenant-gov*ernor was abolished. The old county court system,
which had become in Virginia a supremely antiquated folly, was dissipated
by a healthier system of judicial circuits. A still greater change in the
structure of the municipal body was effected in the erection of townships for
the reguladng of local affairs. Taxation was made equal and uniform for
the first Ume in the history of their people. A check was placed upon the sys-
tem of granting the credit of the State to corporations, which had enthralled
Virginia in a debt of millions. No debts were to be contracted by the State,
except to meet the the casual deficit, to redeem a previous liability, or to
defend the State in time of war. An equitable proportion of the debt of
Virginia prior to January ist, 1861, was to be assumed by the new Stale.
The vast schemes of land piracy which had so confused the titles to real
estate west of the Alleghanies, and had so retarded the settling of the country,
were wholly uprooted by a provision that no further entries upon waste and
unappropriated lands should be made. But the feature of the instrument
that demonstrates most clearly the spirit of enlightened patriotism and en-
larged sense of genuine interest in the cause of humanity, was the liberal
provision for the establishment of a system of free schools. All the proceeds
of the public domain were appropriated to this object ; giving to it everything
upon which the primary basis of a State is formed. The Legislature was
also required to provide for the establishment of schools as soon as practi-
cable, etc-

Such parts of the common law and statutorj^ laws of Virginia as were in
force at the time the Constitution went into operation, and not repugnant
thereto, were to remain and condnue the law of West Virginia until altered
or repealed by the Legislature of the latter. These acts of the loyal people
of West Virginia will be viewed by the impartial historian with wonderment
and admiration ; in all they acted wisely and well. Beginning at the corner-
stone of all true government, they layed it well in the consent of the gov-
erned.

The memorial of the Legislaiiire, together with the act granting assent
to the erection of the State of West Virginia, and the Constitution of the latter,
were presented in the Senate by Senator W. T* Willey, on the 29th of May,
1862.

It is to be regretted that lack of space mil not permit the insertion here
of the full text of Senator Willey *s splendid speech in behalf of the move-
ment. After reviewing the preliminary operadons on behalf of the people
of West Virginia, he spoke as follow^s :

136 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86t TO 1865,

** Finally, sir, in obedience to the proclamation of the Governor, the
Legislature of Virginia assembled at Wheeling on the 6th day of this month,
and on the 13th day thereafter gave its consent to the formation of this new
State, and has forwarded such consent to the Congress of the United States,
together with an official copy of the Constitution adopted as aforesaid, with
the request that the said new State may be admitted into the Union of the
United States.

**And now it only remains for Congress to give its assent. Ought that
assent to be given ?

**Mr. President, before I answer this question, I desire to correct a mis-
apprehension which I find is prevalent, not only throughout the country, but
also here. It seems to be supposed that this movement for a new State has
been conceived since the breaking out of the Rebellion, and was a conse-
quence of it; that it grew alone out of the abhorrence with which the loyal
citizens of West Virginia regarded the traitorous proceedings of the conspira-
tors east of the Alleghanies, and that the effort was prompted simply by a
desire to dissolve the connection between the loyal and disloyal sections of
the State. Not so, sir. The question of dividing the State of Virginia,
either by the Blue Ridge mountains, or by the Alleghanies, has been mooted
for fifty years. It has frequently been agitated with such vehemence as to
threaten seriously the public peace. It has been a matter of constant strife
and bitterness in the Legislature of the State. The animosity existing at
this time between the North and the South is hardly greater than what has
at times distinguished the relations between East and West Virginia, arisiflg
from a diversity of interests and geographical antagonisms. Indeed, so
incompatible was the union of the territory lying west of the Alleghany
Mountains with the territory lying east thereof, under one and the same
State municipality, that so long ago as 1781, several of the States insisted
that Virginia should include in her act of cession all her trans-Alleghany
territory, making the Alleghany mountains her western, as they were her
natural boundary. A committee in the Federal Congress about this time made
a strong report, suggesting such a boundary ; and Mr. Madison records that —
*From several circumstances, there was reason to believe that Rhode Island,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, if not Maryland likewise, retained
latent views of confining Virginia to the Alleghany Mountains.' " *

Mr. Willey showed that there was the requisite population to entitle the

people to the privilege. The geographical position of the proposed territory

was in favor of the admission. He said: **Look at the map. Observe how

this territory lies, like a wedge cjriven in between the State of Ohio on one

* Madison* s Debates, vol. i, pp. 463-465.

WAITMAN T. WILLEY,
United States Senator, West Virginia.

SENATOR IV/LLEVS ADDRESS.

137

€ide, and the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland on the other, and is
completely cot off from all convenient intercourse with east Virginia by the
Alleghany mountains.

**The people living within the limits of the projected new State never
had, aod never can have, any trade or commerce with eastern Virginia.
The traffic and commerce between the two seciionsi" he said, *' had not
amounted to fifty thousand dollars in the last twenty years. The natural
and best markets of West Virginia are Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cincin-
nati," etc.

The social difference on account of negro slavery indicated more fully
perhaps than any other one the necessity for a division.

Continiiing he said; **Mr. President, in view of these considerations, I
think I am authorized to say tliat the division of the State of Virginia asked
for is a physical, a political, asocial, an industrial and commercial necessity.
It is necessary for the preservation of harmonious and fraternal relations
between the eastern and western sections of the State. It is indispensable to
the development of the great natural resources of West Virginia, and to the
prosperity and happiness of its inhabitants.

** And now, sir, a few words in relation to the resources of the new State,
Its area will be at least respectable — greater than very many of the other
States of the Union. It will contain about twentj^-four thousand square
miles. It w^ll embrace immense mineral wealth. It will include w^ater-
power more than sufficient to drive all the machinery of New England. It
contains the finest forests of timber on the continent. It includes the Great
Kanawha salines and the Little Kanawha oil wells. It abounds in iron ore;
and its coal fields are sufficient to supply the consumption of the entire
Union for a thousand years. Much of it is well adapted to tlie production
of all the valuable cereals; and all of it is unrivaled for the growth of grass
and for grazing.*'

Mr. Willey concluded his speech in the following eloquent wording:

''Sir, these counties of Western Virginia, knocking for admission into
the Union as a new State, contain, in rich abundance, all the elements of a
great commonwealth. Why have they remained undeveloped in the oldest
State in the American Union? Why are our mines un worked? Why are
our waterfalls forever wasting away, unappreciated by the skill of man,
chafing and foaming in their channels, as if in conscious rage at the long
neglect? The answ^er to these questions is an irrefutable argument in favor
of the division desired. Unless the State is divided, these natural resources
of wealth and power will forever remain undeveloped. Is this just to the
people there? Is it just to the country at large?

138

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6r TO i86s^

'*Thus, sir, we present our claims for this new State- We pray you to
grant your assent. It will send a thrill of joy tlirough three hundred thou-
sand hearts, and it will do no injustice to any. Then, sir, will our invaluable
virgin mines invite the espousal of your surplus capital, and our perennial
streams will lend their exhaustless power to your manufacturing skill. Then
shall we soon be able to say, in the jubilant language of the Psalmist: 'The
pastures are clothed with flocks ; the valleys also are covered over with com ;
they shout for joy; they also sing,' Virginia — East Virginia, restored from
her temporary aberration; West Virginia, like a newly discovered star — East
Virginia and West Virginia, tw^in stars, shall henceforth shine with ever-
brightening lustre in the republican zodiac of States encircling our western
hemisphere.**

The Constitution was referred to the Committee on Territories and a
bill favorable to admission was promptly reported by Senator Wade of Ohio.
•* The measure was discussed at different periods, largely with reference to
the effect it would have upon the institution of slaverj', and Congress insisted
upon inserting a provision that the children of slaves, born in the State after
the fourth day of July, i86j, shall be free ; and no slave shall be permitted
to come into the State for permanent residence therein/' But this was not
satisfactory ; and Mr, Willey's proposition was amended so as to make it
read as follows :

** The children of slaves born within the limits of this State after the
fourth of July, 1863, shall be free; and all slaves within the said State who
shall, at the time aforesaid, be under the age of ten years, shall be free when
they arrive at the age of twenty-one years, and all slaves over ten and under
twenty-one years, shall be free when tliey arrive at the age of twenty-five
years; and no slave shall be permitted to come into the State for permanent
residence therein/' This substitute afterwards came to be designated as
the ** Willey amendment,'* not that it was his original creation, but he ac-
cepted it in that form in deference to the wishes of the Senate*

The bill with the amendments was fully discussed in the Senat**, and
in the House, and a wide divergence of opinion in heated controversy ensued.
Mr. Carlisle, from some unexplained reason, had become violentiy opposed
to the creation of the new State, and he assailed the measure now upon the
ground that to admit the new State with this amendment would be to impose
a Constitution upon the people of West Virginia, which, in this particular,
had never been submitted to them, or ratified by them. His course, however,
did not reilect the wishes of the masses of the people of the State. But ** Mr,
Willey received a substantial support from the members of the House of
Representatives, representing the counties included in the limits of the new

PRES. LINCOLN'S PROCLAMA TIONj STA TE OFFICERS ELECTED . 1 39

fState* The Hon. Wm. G. Brown, of Kmgwood, and the Hon. Jacob B.
Blair, of Parkersburg, aware of Senator Carlisle's defection, had prepared
themselves for such a contingency/* Fortunately the convention which framed
the proposed Constitution of West Virginia had not finally dissolved, but had
simply adjourned to be re-convened upon the call of a committee which had
been appointed by the body for the purpose, whenever in their opinion it might
be deemed necessary and expedient. Mr. Willey caused consternation
among the opponents of the bill, when he asked leave of the Senate to intro-
duce, by way of substitute for the original proposition pending, a new bill,
which he had lying on his desk, referring the Constitution, as amended, back
to the convention which formed it with the provision that, if that body should
adopt it, and submit it again to the people, and they should ratify it as thus
amended, the President of the United States, upon being properly certi*
titled of the fact, should make proclamation accordingly, fixing a certain day
when West Virginia should become one of the United States*

The committee referred to did recall the convention. It met again at
Wheeling, early in February, 1S63. The vote on the Constitution, as amended
was taken on the 26th of March, 1S63, It resulted in the adoption by
a majority of about tw^enty-seven thousand. The result having been certified
to the President of the United States, as provided for by the act of Congress,
he on the 20th of April following, issued his proclamation.

The convention, prior to adjourning, in February, 1863, provided for an
election, to be held on the fourth Thursday of May following, to choose
members of both branches of the Legislature, a Governor and other State
officersi judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals, judges of the various
circuit courts, and county officers. An election was accordingly held at that
period, when members of the Senate and House of Delegates were chosen
in nearly all of the counties. Hon. Arthur I . Boreman, of Wood county,
was chosen as the first Governor of the State of West Virginia ; Samuel Crane,
of Randolph, Auditor; Campbell Tarr, of Brooke, Treasurer; J. Edgar
Boyers, of Tyler, Secretary of State, and A. Bolton Caldwell, of Ohio,
Attorney-General. Hons. Ralph L. Berkshire, of Monongalia, William A.
Harrison, of Harrison, and James H. Brown, of Kanawha, were elected
Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals. These officers were all chosen
without opposition. Judges were also elected in all of the circuits but two,
which latter were in the disputed ground between the contending forces of
the war*

** When, therefore, the period of sixty days from the date of the President's
proclamation had elapsed, the 20th of June, 1863, the new State had a Gov-
ernment consisting of all the departments, Legislative, Executive and Jndi-

140 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865,

cial, provided for by the Constitution. The financial condition of the State
was in splendid condition, as the General Assembly of Virginia, by an act,
passed February 3, 1863, granted all the property and the proceeds of fines,
forfeitures, confiscations and all uncollected taxes within the boundaries of
the new State, to it. It also appropriated the sum of one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars out of the Treasury to the State of Virginia, by an act
passed February 4th, 1863. Governor Peirpoint removed the seat of
Government of Virginia from Wheeling to Alexandria, prior to the inaugura-
tion of Governor Boreman, which took place on the 26th of June,
1863, in Wheeling, which had been designated by the Convention as the
Seat of Government of West Virginia, until it should be permanentiy loca-
ted by the Legislature. Both branches of the Legislature assembled on the
same day and began the labor of altering the laws, and enacting such others
as were necessary to conform to the requirements of the organic law and the
condition of affairs."

A State seal, with an appropriate device, was adopted, inscribed, ** State
OF West Virginia; Montani Semper Liberi" (mountaineers are always
free), and the new commonwealth took its place as the thirty-fifth State of
the Union, covering an area of 23,000 square miles; population in 1890,
762,794.

The following letter from Govomor MacCorkle is given to show the
wonderful growth in the State of West Virginia.

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA.

In a national convention ten years ago a newspaper reporter mentioned a recalcitrant
member as hailing from the "Little Wild State of West Virginia." Would that be true
to-day?

The State is three times larger than Massachusetts.

In West Virgmia there is the largest nail-mill in the world. There are invested in the
industries of Wheeling alone ten milion dollars, with annual sales aggregrating filty millions.

In 1880 railroad mileage was 691 miles; in 1892 it was 1700— the second State in the
Union in railroad building.

In 1880 the "Big Injun'* sand was not touched ; to-day oil output is 625,000 barrels per
month — the second oil producing State. The rich Gordon and Berea sands only touched in
two places. The Sisterville field is to-day the greatest oil-producing field.

In 1880 we produced 1,404,008 tons of coal ; 1892 produced 8,710,888 tons, making the
fourth coal-producing State.

In 1880 we produced 121,715 tons of coke; 1892, 1,313.668 tons, making second coke
State, New River coke outselling Connellsville in Chicago. The great Pittsburg seam
scarcely touched.

We have 16,000 square miles of coals, making our coal area the greatest.

In Flat Top region, in 1880, there was nothing but a wilderness. Last year the coal out-
put was 2,300,000 tons ; the coke more than 400,000 tons.

ARTHUR L BOREMAN,
War GovEflNOR WiST Virginia.

ro^^^>

GOVERNOR MacCORKLES GRATIFYING LETTER, I41

We have the largest area of hard-wood in the Union, good iron ore, fine glass sand and
salt water, splendid building stone.

Our taxes are only 3^ mills on the dollar for State purposes. Our school system is
excellent; with less than a million people, we spent last year $1,400,000 for education. The
State has not a dollar of debt.

Our natural resources of forest, farm and mine are boundless, our people rapidly pro-
gressive ; we have low taxes, a salubrious climate ; no locusts, grasshoppers, cyclones, or
droughts.

We offer the heartiest welcome to our Northern and Eastern friends desiring to change
their homes. This welcome is especially extended to the small farmer ; for him, in our fer-
tile soil, is every possible hope of success, both in regular agricultural line and in fruits.
The State is the gateway between the West and North, and it is right at the market.

William A. MacCorkle.

CHAPTER XX— (Addenda),

Veteran Newspapers in the Army in Western Virginia, — tnflviencc of the Press in the Early
Struggle, — The '* Wheeling Intelligencer,** •'Cincinnali Gazette/* " Cincinnati Commer-
cial " and >' Baltimore American,'* Pioneer Papers.— A. W. Campbells Loyalty. — Whitelaw
Reid, as Correspondent and Volunteer Aide-de-Camp. at Laurel HilU Carrick's ForJ,
and Carnifex Ferry. — Murat Halstcad's Intense Unionism. —C. C. Fulton's Influence, —
CoU Bickham, Aid-de-Camp and Correspondent,

jjHAT the daily newspapers w+iich had extensive circulation in the
early struggle had great influence in moulding a popular Union
sentiment in West Virginia cannot be truthfully denied. The
pioneers, as we recall them, were The Wheeling Intelligencer ^ Cincinnati Ga-
zetiij Cincinnati Commercial^ and Baltimore American. The Wheeling Intel-
ligcncer ranked first in the estimation of the soldiers, and it found its way into
every camp in western Virginia. A* W, Campbell, Esq., the proprietor and
editor, was one of the original stalwart Unionists who had great personal
popularity and influence, which was not confined to the limits of western
Virginia, His paper therefore was read as an authority on the great questions
relating to the war, and throughout the Rebellion, and on until the present
time, Mr. Cambell and his paper have adhered to the loyal principles he
advocated during the war. Then follow the two Cincinnati papers referred
to.

In those days the editor of the Cincinnati Gazette was Richard Smith,
and the editor of the Cincinnati Commercial was Murat Halstead, The two
papers many years ago were consolidated under the present name, The
Cincinnati Commercial Gazette^ Until recently, the joint editors of The Cin-
cinnati Commercial Gazette were Murat Halstead and Richard Smith, In the
old days, however, the Cincinnati Gazette was the dignified, old conser\' ative
Whig organ j with the development of the free soil sentiment, it became
Republican, and was a most zealous and loyal supporter of the war*

Attached to the reportorial staff of the Gazette, was a young man,
Whitelaw Reid, who, by reason of the national prominence he has attained,
is desen^'ing of a passing notice in this article. He had been editing a coon-
try paper at Xenia, Ohio, the capital of his native county, until a short time
before the outbreak of the war, and had then been at Columbus, as the Legis-
lative correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette. This led him to familiar-
ity with the Southern uprising in Ohio, the development of the volunteer for-

WHITELAW REID AIDE-DE-CAMP TO GEN'L MORRIS,

ceS| the organization of volunteer camps, the plans of the Governor, etc. At

the close of the Legislative session he became city editor of the Gasette^ but
within a few weeks was detached to accompany the first force sent into West
Virginia. He joined General Thomas A. Morris, an old regular army officer
who had been recalled to the service, and assigned to the command of the col-
umn operadngfrom Grafton, by way of Philippi, on Laurel HilK There were
no quarters provided for a war correspondent in those early days, but General
Morris, who knew all about young Reid, immediately appointed him a volun-
teer aide on his staff, gave him a sword and a fatigue cap, a tent at his headquar-
ters, and a place in the mess, and told him that, under ordinary circumstances
he could mind his own business, but whenever needed, he would be called
upon for work on the march and battlefield. Aidende-camp Reid wrote regu*
laxly letters to the Gazette^ over the signature of ** Agate ;'* these graphic letters
will be recalled with interest, not only by the West Virginia soldiers, but by the
Ohio and Indiana troops as well. These letters were, as a rule, the first source
of information about army movements to a great many of the people most
keenly interested in them. He went with Morris during the advance on
Laurel Hill, in pursuit of Gamett's flying army, and was in the fight
when they were overtaken at Carrick's Ford, where Garnett fell while trying
to rally his rear guard. Garnett had been a class-mate and room-mate, at West
Point, of Major John Love, who was then Chief of Morris' staff. At Love's
request, Morris detailed Aide Reid to accompany Garnett's body with a cou-
ple of cavalrymen through the intervening 30 miles to Rowlesburg, in the
Cheat River country, whence it was sent by express to Governor Letcher,
at Richmond.

Soon after this event Aide-de-camp Reid was sent to join General Rose-
crans, who appointed him (Reid)to a similar position on his staff. It was at this
time, at Clarksburg, that the author met Whitelaw Reid; both of whom
were then enjoying the young romance of a struggle which soon ceased
to be either young or romantic.

Reid continued to write letters for the same paper over the same signa-
ture about the next campaign, which resulted in the march of Rosecrans
from Clarksburg to the Gauley, and in the sharp fight with Floyd and Wise,
which ended in driving them from their intrenchments at Carnifex Ferry.
In this acdon Aide-de-camp Reid carried the order from Rosecrans to Gen*I
H. W. Beoham, commanding the advance brigade, which led to the advance
upon the intrenchments, in which CoU John W, Lowe, 12th Ohio Infantry,
was killed. Colonel Lowe was the first Ohio field officer killed in the war;
he fell at the head of his regiment, pierced through the forehead by the
bullet trom a sharpshooter*s squirrel rifle. ** Aide-de-camp" and **Corres-

i-H

LOYAL IVEST VLRGINJA FROM 1861 TO 18 6s.

pondent** Reid remained with General Rosecrans in ihe Kanawha until the
setting in of winter seemed to indicate the close of active military operations,
when he tendered the resignadon of his complimentary commission to
General Rosecrans, that he might resume tlie more active duties of the pen.

The Cincinnati Commercial was more radical than the Gazette ^ and its
utterances at the time tended to excite the passions of the already inflamed
Union feeling among the soldiers. The name of Miirat Halstead, the editor,
was as notorious for its intense loyalty to the Union, as was that of Horace
Greeley, and the Cincinnati Commercial ranked in its loyalty with the A^eiv
York Tribune^ Philadelphia Press and Chicago Tribune.

CoL W, D. Bickham, of the Cincinnati Commercial^ held a position to
that paper corresponding to that held by Whitelaw Reid, of the Gazette,
Bickham was the war correspondent of the Cmnmercial^ and was also made
an aide-de-camp upon the staff of General Rosecrans, He left Rosecrans
along with Reid, and resumed his duties on the CommerciaL Colonel Bick-
ham, after the war, purchased the Dayton^ 0,^ Journal^ which he conducted
with great energy and usefulness until his death.

The Baltimore American^ another welcome visitor to the homes of the
loyalists, and to the soldiers in the field, is well remembered by the author.
Whilst conservative in tone, it gave a loyal support to the Government, Mr
C, C, Fulton, the manager and editor, was very close to President Lincoln
and his cabinet, and enjoyed opportunities for obtaining valuable information
accorded to few newspaper men.

CHAPTER XXL

THE BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD AND ITS RELATIONS

TO THE UNION.

The Bond Between the Government and the B. & O. Railroad Little Understood.— The Ser-
vices of the Road of Inestimable Value to the Government. — The Mad Rush of Compa-
nies, Regiments and Brigades from the West to the Support of the National Capital
Conveyed over this Single Track Road. — The Destruction of this Road Sought by the
Confederates During the Entire War^ and their Success would have Prolonged the
War* — President John W, Garrett the Master-hand that Kept the Road in Operation and
Held it for the Union *^Ably Assisted by Mr* King and Mr. W- Prescott Smith. — Stone-
wall Jackson Captures many Locomotives and other Rolling Stock and Conveys same to
Southern Roads, — Mr. Garrett Consults with the Authorities at Washington when that
City was Threatened with Capture. — Confederates from Winchester Demand from Mr.
Garrett a Guarantee that National Troops should not Pass over the Road. — Harper's
Ferry Abandoned by Confederates, and the Great Bridge Destroyed. — Great Destruction
of the Road from Harper's Ferry to Grafton* — Riot in Baltimore on tlie 19th of April. —
Enemies of the B. & O. Road other than Confederates* — The Pennsylvania Radroad and
its Unwarranted Charges* — President Garrett Victorious.

ERHAPS tliere is no incident of the late war, properly within the
scope of tliis work, so little understood as the relation to the Union
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Indeed, there are few per-
sons who are aware of any relation between the road and the Government,
What service, will be asked, can a private corporation have performed to
warrant so extended reference in a record of the late war ? A corporation
whose very purpose is one of peace^ — to carry passengers and transport
freight from point to point. What can such a corporation have had to do
with the conclusion of a civil war ? It is believed that the following pages
will jtistify the opinion that the services of this road were of inestimable
value to the Government in its operations — not only along the line of the
road, but its influence was far-reaching, and extended from the capital of the
nation to all parts where troops and supplies were required. The reader
mustj therefore, remember these two leading facts: ist, that railroad lines
and water courses are essential in handling armies; 2d, that the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad was by far the moat important road that figured in that
great struggle. The road occupied a geographical position that can justly
be termed the principal theatre of military operations of the war, and its
stage settings contemplate the scenes of conflict of the contending armies

146

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iS6j.

in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri.
For more than four years this single track road was the artery that conveyed
the mad nish of the companies, regiments and brigades from the west to
the support of the capital of the nation, and in turn would reconvey them, as
necessity required, to fields of battle all along the border states.

During the entire war, from its inception to its close, this road was the
objective point — the goal towards which the Confederacy bent its greatest
energies, the destruction of which inspired its armies to deeds of gallantry
and heroic endurance.

Admitting, then, the fact of the favorable geographical position of the
road, and the importance which both the Unionists and the dis-Unionists
assigned to it, let us pause to inquire, What would have been the result had
the road fallen into the hands of the Secessionists? or, suppose the officers
of the road had been disloyal to the Government, and had aided and abetted
the cause of the Secessionists; we believe, had such conditions obtained^
the war w^ould undoubtedly have been gready prolonged, if not materially
changed in its results. Having noted the favorable geographical location of
the road, let us next inquire as to who dictated the policy which made the
road a weapon of aggression in the hands of the Government, who was it
that determined the destiny of the road — controlled its splendid management,
and determined that it should stand for, and not against the Union ? For
this was a service, in kind if not degree, as patriotic and as honorable as
commanding the forces of the Government on the field. The personality
that determined the policy of the B, & O, R, R. was President John W.
Garrett, this was the master-hand that opened the throttle-lever of her
engines and sped them on their patriotic work.

There were few men, if any, that stood so pre-eminently high in the
councils of the nation — who rendered such inestimable service in advancing
the best interests of the Government. He was one of Mr. Lincoln's trusted
advisors; his relations to the President and Secretary of War Stanton were
of the closest character. He was as much a part of Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet
as any man in it, and was often called to Cabinet councils when questions of
grave moment were to be discussed. He was at once advisor to the Presi-
dent, A.-de-C, to the Secretary of War, and to several commanding gen-
erals, besides manager in every detail of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroads
It is true that Mr. Garrett was ably assisted, especially by the services of
Mr. PCing, 1st Vice-President, and by Mr. Wm. Prescott Smith, Master of
Transportation, and by others; but it was, after all, a question of command
and execution. When we take into consideration the fact that for four years
contending armies, and occasional raids by the Confederates swept across

STONE WALL J A CJCSON CAPTURES LOCOMO TIVES.

147

the road J frequently many miles of track being torn up, bridges, culverts,
and rolling stock destroyed, we marvel at the rapidity with which such dam-
ages to plant were repaired.

But such was the energy and foresight of President Garrett, that, when
such disasters did occur (they having been anticipated by Mr, Garrett), his
provision for repair was so complete that oftentimes the repair was made in
less time than it required the enemy to inflict the damage. Duplicate
bridges, etc., were always on hand, and a damage done one day would be
repaired by the following day. The first loss of importance to the main
stem of the road occurred about the middle of May, i86r, while *' Stone-
wall '* Jackson was in command at Harper*s Ferry. General J. D. Imboden,
C* S, A., in ** Battles and Leaders of the Civil War/* recites what he terms
a bit of strategy which ** Stonewall *' Jackson practiced* He says : ** From
the very beginning of the war the Confederacy was greatly in need of rolling-
stock for the railroads. We were particularly short of locomotives, and were
without the shops to build them* Jackson, appreciating this, hit upon a plan
to obtain a good supply from the Baltimore and Ohio Road. Its line was
double*tracked, at least from Point of Rocks to Martinsburg, a distance of
25 or 30 miles. We had not interfered with the running of trains, except
on the occasion of the arrest of General Harney. The coal traffic from
Cumberland was immense, as the Washington Government was accumu-
lating supplies of coal on the seaboard. These coal trains passed Harper's
Ferry at all hours of the day and night, and thus furnished Jackson with a
pretext for arranging a brilliant * scoop.' When he sent me to Point of
Rocks» he ordered Colonel Harper with the 5th Va. Infantry to Martinsburg,
He then complained to President Garrett, of the Baltimore and Ohio, that
the night trains^ eastward bound, disturbed the repose of his camp, and
requested a change of schedule that would pa^ss all east-bound trains by
Harper's Ferry between 11 and i o'clock in the daytime, Mr. Garrett com-
plied, and thereafter for several days we heard the constant roar of passing
trains for an hour before and an hour after noon. But since the * empties '
were sent up the road at night, Jackson again complained th.:t the nuisance
was as great as ever, and, as the road had two tracks, said he must insist
tha'; the west-bound trains should pass during the same two hours as those
going east. Mr. Garrett promptly complied, and we then had, for two hours
every day, the liveliest road in America.

* ' One night, as soon as the schedule was working at its best, Jackson sent
me an order to take a force of men across to the Maryland side of the river
the next day at 11 o'clock, and, letting all west-bound trains pass till
la o'clock, to allow none to go east, and at 12 o*clock to obstruct the road

TiB

LOYAJL WEST VIRGINIA FROM lUi TO iS&j,

to tJiat it would require several days to repair iL He ordered the reverse to
be dooe at Martinsburg. Thus he caught all the trains that were going east
or well between those points, and these he ran up to Wnchcster, thirty *two
miles on the branch road, where they were safe, and whence they were
removed by horse-power to the railway at Strasburg. I do not remember
the number of trains captured, but the loss crippled the Baltimore and Ohio
Road seriously for some time, and the gain to our scantily-stocked Virginia
roads of the same gauge was invaluable." Desmictive as this incident
proved to be, it did not suggest to Mr. Garrett to fold his hands and permit
his road to lie idle. But we tind him in communication with the authorities
at Washington urging the restoration of his road, and the authorities were
ready and willing conferees, for they knew that wthout the co-operation and
aid of the Baltimore and Ohio the Government would seriously be hindered
in collecting and transporting the troops and supplies required to maintain
its enormous armies.

Washington Cit}^ was threatened several times with capture, and twice
actually surrounded by the Confederate cavalry, when this single-track road
would be found equal to the emergency, and President Garrett and his able
assistants, with a wisdom and courage overreaching all difficulties, invaria-
bly brought relief on time to save the capital. For this splendid service,
rendered in defense of the Nation's capital, the entire management of the
road is entided to the fullest measure of praise.

LOYAI- TO THE UnION.

Notwithstanding the Confederates, early in the conflict, held the road in
Aeir grasp from Harper's Ferry to Grafton, and alternately made overtures
of friendly import or threatened destruction if the road did not grant certain
demands, still President Garrett ignored their friendship as he disregarded
their threats. Through all he was unalterably for the Union, and never
lost fiiilh in the ultimate triumph of the Nation's cause.

On the 1 8th of April, 1861, the day following the adoption of the Ordi-
nance of Secession by the Virginia Convention, some leading Virginians
from Winchester came down to Baltimore and demanded from Mr. Garrett
gunrantees that no National troops or munitions of war should be permitted
to pass over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This demand was accom-
panied by a threat that, if it was not complied vrith, the Virginians would
destroy the magnificent bridt^e of the road at Harper's Ferry. Mr. Garrett
was inflexible, and declined the guarantees demanded of his road.

On the 2d of May, 186 1, Lt.-CoL Geo. Deas, Inspector-General,
C, S, A., in his official report to General Lee, at Richmond, recommended

HON. JOHN W. GARRETT,
President Baltimore A Ohio Railroad.

UNJUSTIFIABLE RIVALRY.

149

*'that Harper^s Ferry be abandoned, remove machinery, destroy the build-
ings, blow up tlie bridge, and move out into the valleys, and thus manoeuvre
against the advancing enemy ; in addition to which a force should be sent
at once up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to blow up the tunnels and bum
the bridges on Cheat River and otherwise cause such damage to the road as
to render impossible the passage of a force from Wheeling or Parkersburg*"

On the 13th of June, tlie threat of the Winchester delegation, and the
recommendation of Inspector Deas, was carried out. General Joseph E.
Johnston, then in command at Harper's Ferry, destroyed the splendid and
costly bridge. Two days later, on the approach of the Union forces under
General Robert Patterson near Williamsport, and under Colonel Lew Wal-
lace at Romney, General Johnston, considering the posidon untenable, with-
drew the Confederate army to Winchester.

At the outbreak of the war there was but one railroad connection from
the north, east and w^est, with Washington Cit}% and that the Baltimore and
Ohio — a single track road. During the exciting period incident to the 19th
of April, 1861, when the 6th Mass. Regiment encountered the mob in Bal-
timore and all was confusion and dire apprehension at Washington, somehow
Mn Garrett was never at a loss to know just what to do. He was personally
acquainted with Mr, Lincoln long before he became President, and w^hen he
issued his proclamation, calling for 75,000 troops, Mr. Garrett assured him
that every demand on the road should be promptly complied w^ith^ notwith-
standing the menace of the Virginia autliorides. It mutt be remembered
that the destruction of the railroads north and east of Baltimore City during
the exciting period of the 19th of April was the work of excited and disloyal
officials of Baltimore City and of the State, influenced at the time by a mob,
and not by Confederate soldiers.

Enemies of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

The military forces of the South were not the only enemies, nor were
they the most dangerous the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had to contend
with. Rival roads, both east and west, it seems, would have sacrificed the
capital to have gained a vantage over their successful rival, and their mediods
w^ere more to be dreaded than were the Confederate soldiery, for they made
their attack in secret and by written charges which they could not sustain.
It has already been stated that the destruction of bridges on the railroads
entering the city of Baltimore was by excited city and State officials, etc. ;
there could not have been the slightest room for a charge that the officers of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had even indirectly been responsible for
the destruction of any part of any railroad.

I50

LOYAL II EST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

The followmg extract from a letter written to the Secretary of War is
only a specimen of a number of similar letters:

Philadelphia. April 23. 1S61.
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

Dear Sir v — Since I wrote my last of this date, 1 have been informed that the Baki-
moreans and Marylanders have destroyed Ihc whole of the bridges on ihe Norlhern Central.
This seems lo have been a mere spite action, and must convince the Government that those
loyal to the Government in Maryland are in a vast minority. As soon as Ihe capital is safe
from attack, it seems lo me that the Government should at once turn on Baltimore and place
it tinder martial taw, and require that it should pay all damages to the railroads it has
destroyed, and to their business.

•#*♦#*»♦#♦»#

The War Department should at once destroy, if it has not already done so, the bridges
on the main stem of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as high up as Harper*s Ferry.
*##♦***#♦♦«

If you are in want of railway men to control the road (Annapolis branch, via Annapo-
lis Junction), or locomotives or cars to work it, they can immediately be sent down from
here, with competent and loyal enginemen*

Yours truly,

J. Edgar Thompson,
President Penna. Central Railroad.

A rivalry that would assail a competing corporation at such a time, and
under such circumstances, can be contemplated with feelings of genuine
condemnation* The insinuation that the officers of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad were disluyal to the Government was entirely unjustifiable, when
it was known that the reverse was the case ; for, as early as April, at a reg-
ular monthly meeting of the directors of the road, it was officially announced
that, thereafter, no person should be appointed to any position, or employed
in any capacity by the officers of the company except loyal citizens of the
United States. At the same meeting the following order was promulgated:
**That the display of the American flag, as heretofore, at prominent stations
of the company is hereby approved, and that, as the company regains
possession of its road, the National flag shall be displayed at its principal
stations and shall so continue until otherwise ordered by the board.**

In another letter to Secretary Cameron, of the same date as the one
heretofore quoted, Mr. Thompson writes; ** Mr. Palmer infoims me that you
have nut taken military possession of the Washington Branch of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company, and the Annapolis Road ; if you have no
superintendent fit to control such an enterprise, I would mention Joseph D.
Potts, now in Baltimore, at the Northern Central Railroad office, and T. H.
Duprey, here in Philadelphia/'

GOV. LETCHER'S PROCLAMATION AGAINST THE B. &- O. R. R. 151

Perhaps the most complete refutation of the charge of disloyalty made
by the rival roads against the B, & O. was the message of Governor Letcher
to the V^irginia Legislature, at about the same date these charges were made.
He said; ** The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad has been a positive* nuisance
to this State, from the opening of the war to the present time, and, unless
its management shall hereafter be in friendly hands, and the government
under which it exists be a part of our Confederacy, it must be abated. If it
should be permanentiy destroyed, we must assure our people of some other
communication with the seaboard." And about the same date a crushing
rebuke was administered by President Lincoln to a delegation of Baltimore
politicians (who visited him to acquaint him of Mr* Garrett*s disloyalty)
when he said: ** When any of you have done half as much to aid this Gov-
ernment as John W. Garrett, I may consider your request/'

Another very potent argument, in which the eastern railroads realized
that die B. & O. was not so disloyal after all, was in 1862, when General
Lee marched his army into Maryland, and an invasion of Pennsylvania was
threatened; the Pennsylvanians learned a very important lesson, which was,
that, if the Confederates once became in permanent possession of the B. &
O. Road, the Southern army would ovemin Pennsylvania and, as a result,
her railroads, bridges over the Juniata, the tunnels, depots and shops would
fall victims of the Confederacy.

But enough has been written on the subject of disloyalty of the Balti-
more and Ohio officials — neither President Garrett or his company were
guilty of the charge.

CHAPTER XXIL

LOYALTY OF PRESIDENT JOHN W. GARRETT TO THE UNION, AND
HIS CLOSE RELATIONS TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN.

General Patterson's Advance on Williamsport. — Colonel Lew Wallace at Romney.— Magical
Rebuilding of the B.Sc O. Railroad, — Battle of Bull Run Disastrous lo the Union Cause.
— Blockade of the Potomac and Quantico Creek by Confederates. — The Emergency
gives Scope to the Fertile Resources of President Garrett. — 100,000 Men and 60,000
Animals to be Fed.— Damage Inflicted by Confederates.— Early Official Action of the
Directors of the Road for the Union. — Records of the War Department Filled with
Correspondence between the Executive Mansion, War Department and President
Garrett, ^ — Generals Hal leek, McCIellan. Fremont, Kelley, Crook and Others Communi-
cate with Mr; Garrett. — Strategy of Mr. Garrett in Securing Communication Between
the War Department and General Meade at Gettysburg.— Gigaptic Achievements of the
B. Sc O. Koad in Transporting Troops and Army Supplies from the Army of the Potomac
lo the Relief of General Rosecrans at Chattanooga, Tenn, — President Garrett's Personal
Account of this Great Feat. — Gratitude of Secretary Stanton. — The Final Review at
Washington, D. C* — Garrett and Stanton at the Bier of the Martyr President,

MMEDIATELY upon the advance of General Patterson near

Williamsport, and of Colonel Wallace at Romney, and upon the
withdrawal of General Johnston from Harper's Ferry to Winchester
in June, 1861, tlie Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company began to rebuild
the destroyed portion of its road. And soon thereafter the camp-fires of the
Federal troops seemed to burn brighter by reason of. the gladsome whisde of
the locomotives of the Baltimore and Ohio Road.

Before the completion of these repairs, however, the disastrous battle —
to the Union Army — at Bull Run was fought, and the Unionists retreated
into Maryland in the iinmediate vicinity of Washington City, where they
remained until March, 1S62, The Confederates now saw their opportunity,
as they believed, to place Washington City in a state of blockade by erecting
batteries on the Potomac, at Quantico Creek and other points^ thereby hoping
to starve out the Union forces in and around Washiugton; and they were
successful only to the extent of causing a great deal of inconvenience and
some suffering to McClellan's Army, which, at this time, amoimted to about
100,000 men and 60,000 animals. This emergency gave scope to the ferule
resources of President Garrett, This immense ^irmy of men and animals
must be fed. Our base of supplies was mainly the far west, and the Baltimore
and Ohio Road, with its single track traversing a country largely in sympathy

GREAT DAMAGE TO THE B, 6- O. RAILROAD,

IS3

with the enemy > was the main avenue through which this immense amount of
supplies was to come, but llie road proved equal to the emergency. During
this critical period Mr. Garrett sacrificed the comforts of his home for Camden
Station, where, days and nights, he could be found, taxing his great physical
capacity to its fullest endurance in order to provide for this great army of
consumers. Supplies poured in from both extremities of the road. From the
far west came the products of her farms — horses, mules, flour, corn, meal,
lard, bread, beef, pork, clothing, medical stores, etc. From the north and
east, by fleets of vessels daily to Locust Point, cargoes of arms of every grade,
clothing, boots and shoes, harness, wagons, ambulances, etc., which was
shipped over the Washington branch, requiring from 300 to 400 cars daily,
(And in addition to all this, there were periods during the blockade when
wagon trains numbering 100 would be sent from Baltimore to Washington
in order to supply some urgent necessity.) In order to protect stores, and to
guard against the raids of the enemy, nearly every mile of railroad and
turnpike was guarded by a soldier.

Damage Inflicted by Confederate Soldiers.

The damage sustained during the war to the Baltimore and Ohio Road
wag enormous. The fine bridge at Harper's Ferry was twice destroyed, the
extensive machine-shops and engine-houses at Martinsburg were razed to the
ground. In 1S62-3 the road sustained its severest losses ; 42 locomotives and
tenders, 386 cars, 23 bridges, embracing 127 spans and a total length of bridge
of 4713 feet, ^6 miles of track, the telegraph and water stations for over an
hundred miles were totally destroyed. Notwithstanding all this destruction,
the business management of President Garrett in transporting troops and sup-
plies was so effective that the directors of the road were able to declare a small
dividend* In his annual report for 1863, Mr* Garrett said: '* It is gratifying
and proper to inform the stockholders that the first six months of the fiscal
year presented a large and profitable traffic, and that notwithstanding the
interruption of its business and immense destruction of its property and the
grave and varied embarrassments complicating the management, the board
have been able to meet all the engagements of the company, and expect to
continue to maintain its credit and financial position at that high and reliable
standard so important to all the great interests involved/*

The records of the War Department are filled with the correspondence
between the Executive Mansion and the War Department and President
Garrett. We also find him in communication with Generals Halleck,
McClellan, Fremont, Kelley, Hooker, Crook and many other commanding
generals. It was no uncommon occurrence to find Mr. Garrett the first to

IS4 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO i86s

convey information of the approach of the enemy to the Federal authorities,
and his suggestions as to the probable intentions of the enemy and his recom-
mendations as to the placement of the Union forces were always considered
of the greatest importance. Indeed, his ready knowledge of military matters
was wonderful for one who had not received a military training. This
aptness in President Garrett, in connection with his duties as manager of his
railroad, was the secret of his frequent calls to Washington for consultation
bv the President and Secretary Stanton, notably such instances as the critical
times when the troops in the Shenandoah Valley were hurried to Wash-
ington after the second battle of Bull Run ; again, when Banks was being
driven from the valley by Stonewall Jackson i again, when the nth and
1 2th Corps were transferred from the Army of the Potomac to the west
to the relief of Rosecrans, and when Early was threatening Washington via
Monocacy , and when Sheridan at Winchester called for the 19th Army Corps.
An incident that illustrated Mr. Garrett's versatility to provide means in cases
of great emergency is given here, as possessing special interest. During the
Gettysburg campaign in 1863, when that place was surrounded by General
Lee's army, the railroads and the telegraph wires were destroyed in every
direction around Gettysburg, and there was no easy means of communication
between Washington and General Meade, Commander of the Union forces and
his army. After an interview between Secretary Stanton and Mr. Garrett the
following telegrams, via Baltimore, will explain how these two officials over-
came the difficulty, and brought General Meade in ready communication

with Washington.

Baltimore, Md.. J^u/y, i, 1863.
(Received 8.30 P. M,)
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

I have conferred with the acting Superintendent of the Northern Central Railroad,
Mr. Young, and with Superintendent Shoemaker of the Express Company. I have arranged
that a locomotive be started from Bolton Station at 9 this P. M., and that express company
will send by that engine 12 active horses for service between Westminster and General
Meade's headquarters ; the messengers also go on this train. Will you have your first message
at telegraph office, Bolton, by that hour? The parties will arrange that an engine shall leave
Baltimore and Westminster, respectively, every three hours, waiting, however, with fast engine
at Westminster for the reply to the despatch which you n\ay now send, unless you instruct
otherwise. Mr. Young states that the Western Maryland Railroad is very deficient in sidings,
but has promised, after full discussion of the difficulty, to do all that is practicable, and hopes
fully to accomplish your wishes. Should you prefer a later hour for starting, please so direct.

J. W. Garrett, President,

War Department, 'fuly i, 1863.— 11.24 P. M.
John W. Garrett, Esq., Baltimore.

You will please accept thanks of this Department for your energetic and successful
arrangements for communicating with General Meade. They are entirely satisfactory. Gen-
eral Hallcck has availed himself of the facilities you provided.

Edwin M. Stanton, Sicrttary of Wear.

TRANSFER OF IITH AND I2TH ARMY CORPS.

iSS

To mention in detail the many incidents in which President Garrett and
the Baltimore and Ohio Road performed conspicuous service would fill a book
containing more pages tlian this volume contemplates. A single episode in
the history of the road in the war will, however, illustrate, and we shall take
for the purpose the removal of the nth and 12th Corps from the Army of
the Potomac to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in September, 1S63.

The history of this marvelous /i^^/ in transporting an army which had
not been excelled in this or any other countr}% is this : General Rosecrans had
been defeated in the battle of September 19th and 20ih at Chickamauga by
General Bragg's army, but Rosecrans had gained Chattanooga, recently
abandoned by Bragg. The Confederates having been reinforced, General
Bragg held the key to the outlet of Chattanooga. The Government at Wash*
ington had grave apprehensions tJiat Rosecrans would abandon Chattanooga
and attempt a retreat, w^hich, it was conceded, would be not only a mistake,
but a positive calamity to Rosecrans* army. Prof. Draper, in his *' History of
the Civil War," says; **At a consultation President Lincoln seemed almost in
despair. * I advise ' said Stanton * that a powerful detachment should be sent
from the Army of the Potomac to open the road.* Lincoln smiled incredu-
lously; Ilalleck considered such an attempt impracticable. *I do not/ said
the Secretary of War, * offer you this opinion without first having thoroughly
informed myself of all the details. I will undertake to move 20,000 men from
the Army of the Rapidan and place them on the Tennessee, near Chattanooga*
within nine days.' Nut without reluctance did Lincoln give his consent that
the nth and 12th Corps should be moved," And this is how it was done :

War Department,

Washington, D. C, September 23, 1863— 11.15 f'" M.
John W, Garrett, Esq., Baltimore.

Please come to Washington as quick as you can. and bring Smith with you.

Edwin M. Stanton.

Camden Station. Baltimore^ September 24, i86j.
{Received 8.25 A. J/.)
Hon E, M. Stanton.

I am on 8 o*clock train from Baltimore, and expect to he at Department at 10 o'clock
with our master of transportation ; have arranged for full information regarding cngmes and
cars.* J. W. Garrett.

*We do not find any record of it, but the most plausible inference is that Secretary
Stanton and President Garrett had been in consultation prior to this summons, else why
should the Secretary of War (as just mentioned by Prof. Draper) have spoken so confidently
as •* having thoroughly informed himself/' And Mr. Garrett as fully admits it, when, in his
reply, he says : *• I have arranged for lull information regarding engines and cars."

T. F. L,

iS6

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1B61 TO 1865^

Mr, Garrett's summons was evidently to attend a Cabinet meeting, which
subsequent events shov^ was a full one, and, in addition to the Cabinet, were
several army officers. The official telegrams sent out that day (Sept* 24th)
following the Cabinet meeting were numerous, and indicate that the movement
had been definitely decided upon. The iilh and 12th Corps of Meade's
Army of the Potomac were ordered to proceed at once. The two corps
were placed under the command of Maj. -General Hooker, The transfer of
this army by Mr. Garrett westward to the Tennessee w^as accomplished with
marvelous expedition, and to do this it was necessarj' to connect diverging
railroads by impro\ised tracks ; he built temporary bridges across large rivers,
passed through a half dozen states, and although accompanied by its artillery,
trains, baggage, and animals* this army moved from the Rapidan in Virginia
to Stevenson in Alabama, a distance of 1192 miles, in seven days, crossing
the Ohio River twice.

The following interesting account from the ready pen of J« Thomaia
Scharf, Esq,, will no doubt be read with interest:

The real facts attending this transfer of troops were given to the writer
by the late John W, Garrett in an interview at the Southern Hotel in St, Louis,
May 20, 1882.

** On that occasion,'* said Mr. Garrett, '* I was summoned by telegraph to
Washington city and responded in person, having made the run in 52 minutes
by special train. Repairing to the Executive Mansion I was invited to attend
a Cabinet meeting, at which there were present, as I now recall the scene,
Generals Halleck and Hooker and several others, besides the President and
and his full Cabinet, The subject under discussion, I was informed, was the
possibility of transferring tw^o army corps, numbering between 25,000 and
30,000 men, from the east to the west, in time to be made available for the
assistance and relief of Rosecrans at Chattanooga, ajid as the Cabinet officers
of the army present could not settle the question of transportation and time,
they had summoned me.

* ' I arrived at the very moment when they were at issue as to the possi-
bility of making so large a transfer in so short a time. In response to their
questions, I replied that I could put 30,000 men in Louisville, Ky., in ten
days, provided I was clothed with absolute power over the w^hole route, as
well as all military authoritj^, not even excepting that of General Halleck, then
general-in-chief ; that the lines of railroad and telegraph should be under my
sole control and command, and should be protected at night at threatened
points with lanterns to warn the approach of any danger ^ that no military
officer should give any order not subject to my control , and that I be empowered
to ^mz^ and run carsi stop the mail and passenger trains, government freights

SPECIAL AUTHORITY GIVEN MR, GARRETT.

157

and all other trains upon the road; tha* further authority be given me to seize
wagons, lumber, and impress men on the Ohio river for the purpose of
building a bridge.

Fighting Joe Hooker's Campaign.

**The Secretary of War, who was much pleased at the prospect of accom-
plishing this great feat of transportation contraiy to the expressed opinion of
General Halle ck, replied that he would grant me everything and hold me
responsible for success. General Hooker, who was to command the expedition,
replied that while he had great respect for me personally, he would not, as
long as he held the rank of major-general, become the subordinate of any
civilian, and that he would there and then tender the resignation of his
commission if any such authority was to be given to me* I replied that it was
only with such authority that I would be responsible for the success of the
movement, and that without that authority I would not attempt the transfer
of so many troops in such a sh<*rt time.

**It was because I knew that absolute authority.over every appliance for
the movement, as well as every man to be moved, w^as necessary, that I insisted
on dictatorial powers. That I was not mistaken w^as made apparent at the
very outset of the movement, w'hen it became necessary to threaten several
colonels with arrest and report to the War Department for slowness in move-
men t and disposition to retard and embarrass the transfer ; and again, at Grafton,
a train was stopped by telegraph from a general officer until he could catch
up with his command. Such interference, you can see, w^ould have been
fatal to the operations of a movement of 30,000 men over more than 1000
miles along a single-track railroad, as well as dangerous to the lives of large
numbers,

**Mr. Stanton settled the matter w^th General Hooker in a private inter-
view, upon returning from which he asked me to recommend four men of
prominence for appointment as captains on the staff of General Hooker.

'* Clothed w^ith full power over men, material and railroad, I repaired to
Camden Station, Baltimore, and there took up my abode, and did not leave
the station, except to go to Washington, for five days, sleeping in my chair
when I could and eating at the depot as opportunity offered, I dispatched
Mr, Wilson, master of transportation, to the Ohio river, with power to seize
flatboats and lumber and to construct a bridge over the river to be in readi-
ness for the first train of cars that arrived with troops; and when, on the tliird
day of my labor, I repaired to Washington to attend a Cabinet meeting,
I was met by Mr, Stanton and General Halleck with the remark: *Well,
you have failed! It is impossible to have the bridge completed ov«r

^58

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1 86 1 TO i86s^

the Ohio before the troops arrive there on the cars!* I was surprised, and
almost confused. Sometliing, I thought, had gone wrong or been omitted,
and yet I could not think where or by whom the error or omission had been
made. However, while the discussion was going on, we were interrupted by
the hurried entrance of a messenger with a dispatch for me, announcing the
completion of the bridge and the passage of the troops without the least delay,
**The entire two corpg were landed safely in Louisville within the time
stipulated by me, without accident or injury/'

Secrktary Stai^ton's Gratitude,

War Departhent,
Washington City. September 27. 1863.^-6,40 p. M.
John W. Garrett, Esq., Baltimore.

I have only to say that all your proceedings arc cordially approved, and the energy and
skill manifesled by you and your assistants and subordinates receives the admiration and
thanks so well merited.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War,

Colonel D« C, McCullum, United States Military Superintendent of
Railroads, did not hesitate to say **that, in his judgment, this was by all
question the most important and most successful transportation movement
ever conducted in this country, and, so far as he was aware, had not been
excelled in the military annals of Europe* For his services upon this occasion
Mr. Garrett received the grateful thanks of President Lincoln and his Cabinet,"
The author regrets that limited space will not permit a more extended mention
of this interesting railway — war history. It is proper, however, to say that
President Garrett and the Baltimore and Ohio road continued to be a military
necessity to the Union cause until the close of the war. To President Garrett,
more than any one military officer, is due the preservation of the Capital during
Earl} 's and Breckenridge's raid in 1864.

The removal of the 23d Army Corps in January, 1865, from the Western
Army at Eastport, Miss,, to Washington City, was an achievement equal to
the transportation of the nth and 12th corpsj heretofore described.

On the last day of May, 1865, after the review at Washington, the
Baltimore and Ohio was called upon to convey to their homes the immense
number of 120,000 men, a million pounds of baggage, 1100 horses, all of
which were safely transported within a fortnight to their destination. The
friendly relations between President Lincoln and President Garrett remained
unbroken to the lavSt, and when the assassin's bullet took the life of the
lamented Lincoln, his faithful friends and cn-workers, Garrett and Stanton,
were unfeigned mourners at the bier of the great and good martyr.

^^M CHAPTER XXIIL

^^H FIRST REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

^^^^V Roster of the FiekL StafTand Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia Cavalry

^^^^P Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein from the Date of Original

^^1

^^^^H Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, July 8, 1865.

^^^^H

Namcft and Rank.

Co.

ReatBTlcs.

Coloneis.

^^^H Sept.

Henry Anisansal,

Resigned August 6, 1862.

^^^H Oct.

N. P. Richmond.

Resigned March 18, 1863. re-commissioned
June 12, 1863. again resigned Nov. 7, 1863.

^^^m Dec. 23, 1863.

Henry Capehart,
Lieutenani- Colonels.

Brevetted Major-General.

^^^H Sept. 7, 1861.

N. P. Richmond,

Promoted to Colonel.

^^^H OcL 16, 1862.

John S. Krcpps»

Resigned May 22, 1863.

^^^H June t6, 1863.

Joseph Darr, jn.

Resigned July 3. 1864,

^^^H Aug. I, 1864.

Charles E. Capehart,
Majors,

■

^^^H Sept. 30, i86n

John S. Krepps,

Promoted to Lieutcnant-Coloncl.

^^^^1

^^^H Sept. 25, t86t.

Joseph Darr, Jr.,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

^^1

^^H Nov. 11, 1861.

Bcnj, F, Chamberlain,

Resigned Oct 1863.

^^H Dec.

Josiah Steele,

Died of wounds received in action.

^^1

^^^H June 6. 1863,

Charles E.Capehart,

Promoted to Lieu ten anl-Colonet

^^^H Aug. 12, X863.

Harvey Farrabee.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H Nov.

William C. Carman,
isi Lis. and Adfts,

Mustered out on account of wounds received
in action.

^^^H Oct

Christopher C. Krepps,

Promoted to Captain, Co. F.

^^^B Feb. 20, 1S62.

David Mequillet,

Promoted to Captain, Co H.

^^1

^^^H 1863.

Sidney W. Knowles,

Killed in action at Gettysburg.

^^^H Aug. 12, 1863.

Richard B, Sowers,

Resigned October 30, 1864,

^^^H

^^^1 Feb. 9, 1865.

Frank C. Robinson.
ist Lis. and R. Q. M.

^^^H Oct.

William Fleming,

Resigned January 6, 1863.

^^^H Dec.

Thomas Bensall,

Resigned July i, 1862.

^^1

^^^^H July 19, 1862.

S. C W. Dunlevy.
jst Lts, and Reg, Com,

^^^H Nov. 3, 1S62.

Henry C. Durritt,

Promoted to Captain, Co. A

^^^H Feb.

Adam C. Woodcock.
Surgeons,

^^^H Sept 18, 1861.

Henry Capehart,

Promoted lo ColoneL

^^H 2, 1864.

Pcrrin Gardner,

^^M

LOYAJL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj. ^^^^^^B

^^^^H Date
^^^^^^H ofCocnmissiofi.

Names aDd Rank.

Co.

Remorki. ^^H

Assisiafit Surgeons.

^^^H Sept. 30, 1 861.

Hiram D. Enochs,

Resigned July 10, 1862. ^^^

^^^H Oct.

John R. Nickel. j

Never joined Regiment for duty. ^^^|

^^^H July 19, 1862.

Perrin Gardner,

Promoted to Surgeon. ^^^H

^^^H Feb. 1864.

Arthur Titus,

Promoted to Surgeon. 3d W. Va. Cavalry. ^^^H

^^^H Feb. J 4* 18^

Zachariah A. White.
Chaplains,

■

^^^H Oct. 21. 1861.

David Truman,

Resigned July 17. 1862. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

F. W, Vertican.

Resigned Oct. 1863. ^H

^^H Nov.

David Truman.
Captains.

^^^H Oct.

J. Lowrie MeGce.

Promoted to Major. 3d W. Va. Cavalry. ^H

^^^H April

Harrison H. Hagans,

^^^H Sept. 2$, 1 861.

Harvey Farrabce,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^H Aug. 12, 1863,

Hugh P. Boone,

^^^H Sept.

Isaiah Hill,

Resigned A prila I, 1862. ^^|

^^^H May

Hoffman Atkinson,

Resigned July 19, 1862* ^^^

^^^^1 June 30, 1862.

William C. Mullen.

Dismissed Oct. 14, 1863. ^^^

^^^H Jan. 12. 1863.

William A. McCoy.

Resigned November 7. 1864. ^^|

^^^H Dec. 18, 1864.

F" ran CIS M. Work.

^^1

^^^H Oct. 3, t86i.

William C Carman.

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^H Feb. 3. i^-

Earl W. Shaffer.

Dismissed May 18. 1865. ^^|

^^H Nov. [861.

William N. Harris.

Killed in action at Gettysburg. ^^|

^^Hf Aug. 1 2, 1863.

Newberry W. Whcclcr,

^^^H Oct. 16, 1861.

Robert Ward.

Resigned Dec. 27. 1861. ^^|

^^^H Feb. 20. 1862.

Christopher C. Krcp^s,

Dismissed Jany. 2t, 1863. ^^^

^^^H Nov.

William P. Wilkin,

Resigned February 27. 1865. ^^^

^^^H Oct.

Thomas Winters,

Resigned June 30, 1862. ^^^

^^^^1 June 30, 1862.

Josiah Steele,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^H Jan.

John A. Bycrs.

Mustered out at expiration ot term of service. ^H

^^^H Sept. 28. t86i.

Isaac P. Kerr,

Resigned September 30, 1862. ^^^

^^^^1 Jany. 12, 1863.

David Mequillet,

Honorably discharged, on account of wounds ^^|
received m action. ^^|

^^^H May

Wilmon W. Blackmar.

^^^H Oct.

William A. West,

Resigned April 32. 1862. ^H

^^^^B May 32, 1863.

William B. Harrison,

Resigned March 1, 1863. ^^|

^^^^H April I, 1863.

Dennis Delaney,

Killed in action at Wytheville, Va. ^^|

^^^H Sept. 1863.

Walter A. Powell,

Honorably discharged. ^^|

^^^H Feb. 9. 1865.

Henry C. Durrilt,

^^H

^^^H Oct

Weston Rowand,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Feb.

FabriciusA. Calber,

^^^

^^^H Nov.

Jocob S. Shuman.

Resigned June 21. 1862. ^^^

^^^^M Aug. II, 1S62.

John S. Cunningham,

Resigned February 7. 1863. ^^B

^^^H June 6,1863.

John Seltzer,

Mustered out January 8, 1865. ^^|

^^H Feb. 23. 1865,

John J. McDonald.

^^^H Oct.

John Hess,

Resigned March 4» 1^62. ^^|

^^^H Aug. 12, 1863.

S. B. Howe,

Killed in action at At)pomattox C. H. ^^|

I FmST J^EGUfENT W.

VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS, 161

Date

Name and Rank.

C*».

Renuifki.

Captains.

June 11,1862.

Thos. H, Reeves,

Resigned July 4, 1862.

Nov, 25, 1863.

James Dean.

First Lieutenants,

Oct. 2, 1861.

George H. King.

Resigned December sth, l86i.

Dec. 27. 1861.

Harrison H. Hagans.

Promoted to Captain.

April 3, 1862.

Jacob Jennevvinc,

Resigned October l, 1S62.

Oct. 16. 1862.

Nimrod N. Hoffman,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Nov. 12, 1864.

Thomas H. B. Lemley,

Sep. 25, 1861.

Parker Ackley,

Resigned April 22. 1862,

May 13, 1862,

Arthurs. Palmer,

Transferred to Co. C.

Jany. 12, 1864,

Hugh P. Boone.

Promoted to Captain,

Aug. 12, 1 86 J.

Samuel Grim,

Resigned Feb. 26, 1865.

Sep. 28, i86t.

Josiah Steel,

Promoted to Captain. Co. G.

June 30, 1862.

William A. McCoy.

Promoted to Captain,

Jany. 12, 1863,

Maxwell Carroll,

Transferred to Co, F.

May 13, 1862.

Arthur S. Palmer,

Resigned November 16, 1863.

Jan. 29, 1864.

Francis M. Work,

Promoted to Captain.

Dec. 18, 1864.

William H. Foulkc,

Oct. 3. 1861.

Earl W. Shaffer,

Resigned September 29, 1862.

Nov. II, 1862.

A. W. Richardson,

Dismissed July 10, 1863.

Feb. 3. 1864.

Charles A, Armstrong,

Nov. 18, 1 861.

Newberry W.Wheeler,

Promoted to Captain.

Nov. 25, 1863.

Joseph Humphrey,

Mustered out at expiration of term ot service.

Oct. 16, 1861. ,

Augustus Norton,

Resigned July 10, 1862.

Jan. 12, 1863.

Maxwell Carroll,

Resigned on account of wounds received in
action.

Aug. 12, 1863.

William P. Wilkin,

Promoted to Captain* 1

Nov. 25, 1863.

Stephen Malone,

Oct. 7. 1861.

William E. Feazel,

Resigned June 21. 1862.

June 20. 1862,

William St. Clair,

Mustered out at expiration of term oi service.

Sept. 28, 1861.

Archibald Skiles,

Resigned June 30, 1862.

Dec.n, 1862.

James F. Poole,

Dismissed January 10, 1863.

Feb, 8, 1864^

Harry W. Fuller.

Resigned February 24. 1865.

Oct. 16. 1861,

Horatio N. Mackey,

Resigned April 23. 1862.

June 26. 1862.

Walter A. Powell,

Promoted to Captain.

Jan, 6. 1863.

William E. Guseman,

Died of wounds received in action.

June 8. 1865.

Benjamin F. Sapp,

Oct- 2» 1861.

Charles D, Lawsen,

Deserted May 14, 1863.

Aug. 12, 1863.

Anderson Dawson,

Dismissed February 18, 1864.

March 11. 1864,

Fabricius A. Gather,

Promoted to Captain.

Feb. 23, 1865.

William Golden,

Nov. 16, 1861,

John S. Cunningham,

Promoted to Captain.

Aug. II, 1862,

John Seltzer,

Promoted to Captain.

Aug, 12, i86s.

John T. McDonald,

Promoted to Captain,

Oct. 19, 1 861.

John Geyer,

Resigned December 11, 1861.

Dec. 17, 1S61.

Robert W.Playford,

Resigned February 28, 1862.

l62

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

First Lieutenants,

June 30, 1862.

Henry Guesather,

Resigned Aug. 3, 1862.

Dec. II, 1862,

S. B. Howe,

Promoted to Captain.

Aug. 12, 1863.

Gottlieb Wipf,

June II, 1862.

Joseph H. Wilson,

Dismissed August 10, 1863.

Nov. 25. 1863.

Samuel B. Paxton,
Second Lieutenants,

Oct. 2, 1 861.

Jacob Jennewine,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

Oct. 3. 1862.

Nimrod N. Hoffman,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Oct. 16, 1862.

JohnH. Conn,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Sep. 25, 1861.

Hugh P. Boone,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Jan. 12, 1863.

W. W. Wilson.

Resigned Jannary i. 1865.

Feb. 23, 1865.

James P. Allum,

Sep. 28, I 861.

William C. Mullen,

Promoted to Captain.

June 30. 1862.

George W. Chandler,

Oct. 3, i86y

Chas. A. Armstrong,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

Feb. 3. 1864.

Eugene Gallaher,

Nov. 18, 1861.

Sidney W. Knowles,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Adj't

Jan. 12, 1863.

Hiram Robinett,

Resigned October 28. 1863.

March 14. 1864.

Arthur S. Palmer,

Honorably discharged.

March 22, 1865.

Coza G.Walsh,

Oct. 16, 1861.

Samuel Lyda,

Transferred toCo. H.

Dec. II, 1862.

William H. Allen,

Resigned March 4. 1863.

Dec. 18. 1864.

William Saunders,

Oct. 7, 1 861.

Willliam H. Shanley,

Resigned April 26, 1863.

May 28, 1862.

John A. Byer's,

Promoted to Captain.

Jan. 12, 1863.

Irwm C. Swintzel,

Deceased.

Aug. 12, 1863.

John McNaughton,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Sep. 28, 1 86 1.

William H. Murphy.

Resigned July 4, 1862.

Oct. 16, 1861.

Samuel Lyda.

Mustered out August 31, 1862.

Oct. 17. 1862.

Henry J. Leasure,

Resigned April 6, 1864.

April 8, 1864.

Wilmon W. Blackmar,

Promoted to Captain.

Oct. 16, 1861.

Dennis Delaney,

Promoted to Captain.

April I, 1863.

Charles H. Livingston,

Jan. 23, 1864.

Benjamin F. Sapp,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

Oct. 2. 1 861.

Anderson Dawson,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

Aug. 12, 1863.

John Smith,

Killed in action, June 20, 1864.

Dec. 18, 1864.

William Golden,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Sep. 10, 1864.

Isaac N. Fordyce,

Nov. 16, 1861.

John Seltzer,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Aug. II, 1862.

John J. McDonald.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

March i, iZG^.

Sylvester W. Donley.

Killed in action, near Winchester.

Feb. 20, 1865.

John W. Glendening,

Oct. 19, 1861.

Henry Guenther,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

June 30, 1862.

Gottlieb Wipf.

M Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

March 22, 1865.

Jacob E. Israel,

June II, 1862.

S. B. Howe,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

March 4, 1864.

Charles B. Smith,

N 1

FIRST ACTIVE SERVICE OF THE FIRST IV, VA, CAVALRY. 1 63

Regimental History.

Dr. Henry Capehart, whose portrait appears in these pages, is by birth
and education a Pennsylvanian, bom in the county of Cambria, March 18,
1825, He located as a physician in Bridgeport, Ohio, in September, 1S49,
from whence he entered the military service, and was commissioned surgeon
of the First West Virginia Cavalry, September 10, 1861. He was a fine
horseman, and an ardent admirer of the noble animal.

The regiment was recruited from tlie western counties of Pennsylvania,
eastern Ohio, and western Virginia, at a time when the Government was not
organizing cavalry regiments. It was composed of superior material, mostly
young men from the farms, experienced horsemen and marksmen, who could
break and tame the w^ildest colt, or pierce tlie head of a squirrel in the top
of the tallest hickory with a rifle-bullet. When the regiment entered the
field mounted and equipped, with its complement of field, staff and line offi-
cers, and led by Prof, Carl Colby's famous silver comet band, all mounted
on milk-white horses, the regiment well caparisoned, with jingling and flap-
ping trappings, tlie riders all young and handsome, it was as beautiful and
inspiring an organization as ever graced the armies of the United States.
This the citizens of Clarksburg, Cumberland, Martinsburg and Winchester
will no doubt cordially admit, though the uniforma may not have been of
their favorite color-
Its first active service was in the moimtains of West Virginia, by detach-
ments, scouting and doing picket and outpost duty to the various infantry
commands holding the mountain passes and guarding the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad. These duties in the wild, mountainous region, infested with Con-
federate scouts, guerillas and bushwhackers, soon developed in the officers
and men that individuality, courage and daring which distinguished them
throughout the period of their service.

In the spring of 1862, it was brigaded with other cavalry regiments,
under the command of General Hatch, and participated in the operations in
the valley of the Shenandoah and its neighborhood under Generals Shields,
Banks, McDowell, Schenck and Fremont, though some of the companies
were separated. Capt. C. C. Krepps, with a company of the regiment, put
the enemy's cavalry, panic stricken, to flight, and gained possession of the
bridge at Port Republic, and but for orders to the contrary, would have
destroyed it, thereby cutting off the retreat of Stonewall Jackson. In die
darkness of the night preceding the battle of Cedar Moutain, Captains Steele
and C. C. Krepps, with two companies, rode through General Jackson's
camps, creating great apprehension and confusion, at the same time capturing
a number of prisoners. As our army was retreating from second Bull Run,

164 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj-

the regiment met the then famous Black Horse Cavalry in a hand-to-hand
charge, and damaged it so badly that it was never again heard of under that
name. .This marked the regiment for outpost duty in the defenses of Wash-
ington, and Fairfax Court House, Centerville and Chantilly, with frequent
reconnoissances to Warrenton, Salem, Aldie, and Upperv-ille. The brilliant
Colonel Mosby, while at Warrenton Junction, his favorite stamping ground,
once fell upon the regiment (in a surprise) when the men were preparing
their mid-day meal and grazing their horses, but, springing to arms, fighting
at a disadvantage, on foot and utterly unprepared, repulsed and drove Mosby 's
command, capturing some thirty prisoners, including the celebrated Lieut.
Dick Moran, mortally wounded, when we followed him (Moseby) in a horse
race for several miles.

In the spring of 1863 the regiment received its Spencer rifles, which
added materially to its eflSciency in its subsequent fights under the reckless
and dashing Kilpatrick. It bore the leading part in repelling a charge of
Genl J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry in the streets of Hanover, Pa., taking Colonel
Payne and over a hundred of his men prisoners. It covered and held our
guns against Stuart's charge at Hunterstown, Pa. It was conspicuous for
holding the low gap at the left of Round Top the last day's fight of Gettysburg,
against vastly superior numbers; repeatedly repelling assaults, and finally
forming an important part of the charging column under the glorious Fams-
worth, who penetrated the enemy's lines near the Devil's Den, and hastened
the retreat of the Confederate army from the battle-field of Gettysburg. It
was also foremost in the charging and fighting of Kilpatrick's division in its
pursuit of Lee's army. At the pass of Monterey, single-handed, during the
night of the 4th of July, under Maj. Charles E. Capehart, it captured or
destroyed upward of eight miles of Lee's ammunition and supply train, and
took as prisoners an entire Confederate brigade, with its commanding general.
It also fought with the best at Boonesboro, Hagerstown, Williamsport and
Falling Waters.

In the Mine Run campaign the regiment did its full share of duty.
The army going into winter quarters the regiment was sent home on veteran
furlough. To speak of individual acts of gallantry would be to mention
almost ever^ officer and private in the regiment. It may be said, too, that
it was always accorded the first rank in every command with which it was
associated. It was always conspicuous in the advance against the enemy,
covering the rear in a dangerons retreat, and led in more than one forlorn
hope. It was never in retreat except before overwhelming numbers, while
on no occasion did it lose its organization, and was as nearly invincible as any
body of men ever was. Indeed, at a banquet to the regiment in Wheeling

HENRY CAPEHART»
Bravet Major-general U.S. Vol.

SURGEON HENRY CAPEHART PROArOTED TO COLONEL,

i6S

at this time, one of the speakers, a minister of the gospel, remarked that
*the bare thought of the boys paring their nails made him sad for he
regarded it as a waste of so much brave material.'

General Davies, of KiJpatrick's division, having reported that Surgeon
Capehart, through a knowledge of the country roads, and some adroit
strategy, as well as fighting, had saved his command from capture on Meade's
retreat from Mine Run, and with recommendations from Kilpatrick, Custer,
Pleasonton and others for exceptional military aptitude, the surgeon became
tlie colonel of the veteran First West Virginia Cavalry. Recruited to the
strength of I200» the regiment took part under Generals Crook and Averell
in the raid against the railroads of southwestern Virginia. At the same
time General Sigel moved up the Shenandoah V^ alley, which was a part of the
grand movement of all the armies imder Grant. Sigel was defeated by
Breckinridge; Colonel Strother, the celebrated author, facetiously remarked:
*' Crook was tearing up the railroads and Sigel was tearing down the turn-
pike*" In General Hunter's movement on Lynchburg, the regiment charged
round the city. In the retiring movement, it recaptured artillery that had
been taken from our army, drove the enemy by hard blows from the gaps
on the line of march, and in not a few desperate encounters covered the
retreat of Hunter's famine-stricken and wasting army, and so punishing the
enemy as to cause him to abandon pursuit. It resumed tlie struggle in the
valley of the Shenandoah, on its return from Hunter's ill-starred campaign ;
met the enemy's cavalry at Bunker's Hill, drove it to Stephenson's Depot,
and when the infantry arrived, fought and carried the left of the line against
cavalry and infantry in the brilliant and hard-contested victory of General
Duval over General Ramseur, capturing many prisoners. Two days later
it roconnoitered as far as Cedar Creek, and made its way back to Win-
chester in complete order, though hotly pursued all the w ay by a much larger
force of the enemy's cavalry. Had the information obtained been accepted
by General Crook, his retreat across the Potomac a day or two later would
have been avoided. In the engagement and retreat out of the valley the
cavalry covered the flank and rear of Crook's army.

The enemy *s cavalry, under Generals Bradley T. Johnston, Imboden and
McCausland, having invaded Maryland and Penns3dvania, and burnt Cham-
bersburg, General Averell was sent to intercept them. After recrossing the
Potomac, the enemy passed south of Cumberland, captured and desti'oyed our
station of supplies at New Creek, and reached Moorefield, w^here they rested
in fancied security, enjoying the rich fruits of the raid. Averell was ordered
from Washington to pursue and attack them to the death wherever found.
Their outpost and picket was captured before day by the First West Virginia

i66

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO 1863.

Cavalry without firing a shot. They were then charpred and routed on one side
of the river at early dawn. Fording the river, the First West Virginia charged
Imboden and McCausland on the other side, who had now become aroused,
and formed to meet us. We swept the enemy's battle4ine from the wheat-
field and their ambush in the cornfield and timber, chased them rapidly
up the slope J through the woods, crowded them on to the narrow mountain
road, pursuing the remnants over six miles. The enemy believed that no
quarter would be given on account of having burned Ch amber sburg, hence,
comparatively few offered to surrender, and an unexampled number, therefore,
were killed outright, though many were wounded and hundreds were taken
prisoners, while all tlie booty with which they had been laden, from a spool
of cotton to a bolt of silk, w^as spilled, leaving in our hands artillery, flags,
guns and equipage.

]n Sheridan's victor}' of the Opequon, or Winchester, over Early, the
cavalry played an important and decisive part; Custer's bugles sounding the
charge revived the drooping spirits of the somewhat discouraged infantry;
the First West Virginia Cavalry carried everything in its front, scaling the
heights and taking the forts. It was here that the brilliant and daring
fighter Lieutenant Donnelly fell.

After the battle of Fisher's Hill, General Sheridan relieved General
Averell from the command of his division. Whereupon Col. Wm. H.
Powell was placed in command of the division, and Col. Henry Capehart
transferred to the Third Brigade, composed of the First, Second and Third
West Virginia and the First New York Lincoln Cavalry, all tried regiments;
the First New York, as well as the West Virginia regiments, having gained
unusual distinction* The colonel's brother, Maj. Charles E. Capehart, who
succeeded to the command of the First West Virginia, came from the West,
soon after recovering from wounds received at Donelson. An athlete and
of great physical strength, with a keen eye and a cool head, and an accom-
plished swordsman, probably no one in either army rode harder or straighter
or wielded a more deadly sabre, or w^ho could dare and do more with a regi-
ment than he could with the First West Virginia Cavalr3^ Later, General
Sheridan w^as pleased to designate it as " Capehart's Fighting Brigade/'

The brilliant cavalryman and author, Captain King, writing recently
of the brigade, says that '* he envied its leader his command," and that **its
doings were as familiar to him as household words." Under its new leader
it soon became conspicuous in the army, and the pride of West Virginia;
but a mark for the slings and detestation of disloyal Virginia. On the first
day of its new leadership it knocked out Generals Imboden, Johnston and
McCausland, and drove them on the run for fifteen miles, capturing many

FIGHTING IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.

i6j

prisoners, and everything they had on wheels. At Nineva, it met the brigade
of General Tibbits in flight down the valley before General McCausland,
Taking the fight off Tibbits* hands, the West Virginia Brigade brought
McCausland's onward career to a very sudden termination; whipped him to
disorderly flight, captured over 400 prisoners, including 21 commissioned
officers; took his artillerj% battle flags and ambulances, and hunted him eight
miles in less than forty minutes. This Sheridan pronounced the cleanest
victory of the Shenandoah,

In the morning of the "phenomenal battle^' of Cedar Creek, it held
securely all tlie fords from Buckton to Front Royal, without allowing so
much as a hoof of the enemy's cavalry to pass over, not, however, without
killing and wounding a number of them as day w^as breaking — much to
Early's disappointment, as he counted on their co-operalion. Later in the
day it rode with Custer on the left, and also with him on the right, in the
charge that was decisive of the battle. After several important reconnois-
sances, it w^ent into winter quarters near Winchester for a brief period.

The bold Colonel Moseby has certainly no good reason for recalling
a certain Thanksgiving Day about this time with any pleasurable or glorious
emotions, "The boys" had just finished dinner, supplied by the U- S.
Sanitary Commission, and w^ere reveling in the happy sensations produced
by tlie consumption (widi a perfect appetite) of turkey and cranberry sauce,
prime roast beef, plum pudding and other things, at this time particularly
appreciated by them. Moseby, having either captured or routed a foraging
party of the Sixth Corps, came riding down in hot pursuit; drove in the
cavalry division picket, and even fired into General Tibbits' headquarter
tents. First in the saddle, the First West Virginia fell upon tiie bold
marauder, forced him to disgorge his captures of men and wagons, took
some of his men, and drove him for ten or twelve miles, when not a vestige
of him or his command was visible, escaping by the by-ways, the ravines
and the w^oods; his escape was due to the fleetness of his steeds. In winter
quarters the regiment reached its highest state of discipline and drill, equal-
ing any in the service. General Sheridan not only pronounced it his ** fight-
ing brigade,'* but, on seeing still more of it, claimed it to be the most efficient
brigade of cavalrj^ in the service of the United States,

As the movement of Grant, at Petersburg, w^as beginning, the brigade
was assigned to the division commanded by General Custer, On the third
day's march, taken out of its proper place in the column, the brigade started,
atthree o'clock in the morning, in tlie lead of Sheridan's 12,000 cavalry, moving
up the valley, wuth orders to move w^ith great caution, as the enemy were known
to be near and in considerable force. Camp was hardly more than cleared

i68

LOYAL WEST VmGINlA FROXf iS6t TO /S6j,

before the blaze of rifles from either side illuminated the woods in the gloom
of an extremely dark morning. A sweep forward and General Rosser was
again running for dear life. The crossing at Mount Crawford was fortified,
and the bridge, with the flooring taken up, was prepared for burning by the
enemy. Swimming the swollen river, the First West Virginia and First
New York attacked the enemy in flank and put him to rout, taking many
prisoners, w^hen the flames were subdued, the floor of the bridge relaid, and
the column, with its artillery and wagons, passed on undisturbed. General
Rosser was pursued on the run for twx*nty miles, and so closely that he
failed to burn or injure the bridge over Middle Riven General Early now
collected all tlie force he had at his disposal, in a stronghold at Waynes-
borough, where he had erected substantial fortifications, w^ell supplied with
cannon, and resolved to defend the position to the last extremity. Custer,
with his division alone, appeared in his front. Sending a brigade to demon-
strate on the flank, at the sound of Custer's bugle-blast the rest moved for
the works; Capehart's brigade charging through the enemy and fording the
river, reached their rear. Dazed and confounded by Custer's brilliant auda-
city, tliey threw their hats in the air, cheering and applauding the deed, and
surrendered to the extent of some r400, with their fortifications, cannon and
equipments ; the unquestionably courageous Early (Rosser with him) esca-
ping in flight.

Under orders from Custer, Capehart passed Rock Fish Gap, a position
of such strength tliat it might have been held against great odds for an
indefinite period, and condnuing, at Greenwood, a depot of supplies, w^e
captured a locomotive and cars, with several pieces of artillery. General
Early having reached Greenwood Station, left there accompanied by a salute
from the rifles of the advance of the First West Virginia. The affair was
all over before Sheridan heard of it. When he came up, he threw his arms
around Custer's neck, thanking him effusively, adding thcit it had taken a
load frohi his mind, as he expected considerable difliculty in getting posses-
sion of the Gap, and anticipated a delay of at least some days before accom-
plishing it. The West Virginia Brigade camped for the night at Afton
Station, where its colonel, w^ith his staff, had the felicity of partaking of a
wedding supper with the bride, bridesmaids and other charming ladies, in
a cottage draped with clinging vines, amid rocks and trees, all of which
was enlivened by the beautiful music of the brigade band.

The tempting viands, untouched by the groom and his male companions,
who had levanted at the approach of the detested West Virginians, were taste-
fully laid on the table in the dining room. The airy spirit of the fair young
ladies was at first decidedly chilly and forbidding, corresponding well with

ENGAGING LEE'S ARMY NEAR RICHMOND,

169

the cold, drizzling rain, of freezing niud and darkness without. Their hearts
soon meked, however, before the warm-hearted and attractive young soldiers;
brave all of them, in war, but mild in peace, who had in a measure forced
their company upon the fair ladies, and with song, music and dance, all went
merry as a marriage bell till break of day, when the boys were again in the
saddle on the march. The continuation of the movement was comparatively an
unobstructed, triumphal progress, though lea\nng more or less of terror, and
the distruction of public buildings, railroads and the canal in its path, carry-
ing thousands of slaves, men, women and babes to freedom. Passing hard
by the gates of the Confederate capital, and in view of the stupendous fortifica-
tions of Richmond and Petersburg, Grant's great guns from his works boomed
out on the air in recognition of Sheridan's arrival, which roust have fallen on
Lee*s e^LTS as portents of his fast-coming doom. Waiting for a supply
train, now necessary in the altered circumstances, having hitherto lived on
the enemy, Custer's troopers, at least, met with profuse hospitality from their
comrades of the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac.

We were freely reminded that we would meet here a very superior class
of troops, in the veteran regiments of the Confederate army, as compared with
those we had vanquished in the Shenandoah, We replied that little things
like that had no terror for us, we simply proposed to whip Lee*s cavalry
wherever we met them. Approaching Dinwiddie C. H,, the West Virginia
Brigade was in charge of the supply train, which had literally to be carried
through the deep mud and quicksand of that region. A hurrj^ing aide relieved
our brigade of this duty by another force, and ordered us to report with all
possible haste to General Sheridan — near the Court House. When near
there, General Custer came galloping down the White Oak road from General
Sheridan, and pulling up his horse, communicated orders to move the brigade
up the road to oppose the advancing enemy, and said at the same time, laugh-
ing, ** General Sheridan and those fellows up there don't know whether school
is going to keep or not/' to which the West Virginia colonel replied: '* Well,
General, it will keep a while, anyway, when the boys get there."' Most of
Sheridan's force (the infantry not yet up) was retreating before the enemy,
both infantry and cavalry, and some of it badly scorched and cut up, and
all in a bad enough way. Our West Virginia brigade took position at the
intersection of the Chamberlain Creek and White Oak roads, repulsed the
enemy's cavalry charge with heavy slaughter, and stood there like a fortress,
repelling repeated attacks of both infantry and cavalry* During the night
it held the extreme advance single-handed, wiiile its band enlivened the
darkness and gave the impression to the enemy of on infantry reinforcement,
the enemy sullenly retiring before morning. At Five Forks, one of the most

170

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO /S6s*

important battles of the war, as to its far-reaching effect, that was fought, the
brigade, witli Wells' brigade, charged (mounted) the enemy's right flank,
where were Fitzhugh Lee, R. H. Lee and Rosser, and quickly routed
them, to which, as Custer says^ ** the victory was mainly due," Lieutenant
W. W< Blackmar^ who was transferred from the cavalry in the south-west,
and commissioned in the ist W. Va. cavalry, and now of Capehart's staff,
was promoted by Custer on the field of Five Forks for brilliant personal
daring; during the entire engagement he rode in the front rank in the thickest
of the fight, and without a superior for ability.

General Sheridan, however, more than a mile away, has it that the
cavalry here was held in check; and through some inexplicable blunder
has Coppinger marked on the map in his memoirs as in command of
tile West Virginia Brigade, instead of its commander Capehart* Coppinger
never had any connection with the West Virginia Brigade, and never was
in command of a brigade, while it is not probable that he led a mounted
charge dmnng his careen In the preparation of Shtiridan's memoirs
(made hastily), he also commits several important errors. In regard to the
extraordinary success at Little Sailor's Creek, relating to the cavalry,
Sheridan was over two miles distant; here he has the opposing forces in en-
tirely different positions from the true ones (of course inadvertently)* The
record, however, if meager, due to the rush of events, confirms the facts as
here given. In the morning, not without some fighting and loss of life, the
1st West Va., cutout from Lee's army an immense train and 13 pieces of
splendid artillery, some of it never having been fired, and imported from
England* In the afternoon EwelPs Corps was facing the rear, toward Rich-
mond, and the 6th Corps was battering away with artillerj^ at pretty long
range, with little or no effect, Ewell being in a strong position on high
ground on the opposite side of the creek. In the assault afterwards the 6ih
Corps met a bloody repulse, which General Sheridan, back with General
Wright, was overlooking. On the same side of the creek with Ewell, and
in his rear, at right angles to him, was Anderson's Corps, in triple line,
with some temporary intrenchments of rails and earth, preparing to sweep
the cavalry from the line of retreat. Anderson's Corps was composed in part
of Pickett*s Division, immortal for the charge at Gettysburg. None of the
Union cavalry, excepting the West Virginia Brigade, was in close proximity
to the enemy, or in at the death, though the ist New Jersey, of Crook*s Di-
vision, made a gallant, if ill-directed charge off on the left, but was swept off
the field with heavy loss; and Anderson^s road was clear, though of course
threatened. The West Virginia Brigade, under coverof a declivit}% got within
short rifle-range of Anderson's Corps, and was breathing the horses. The

CAPEHARTS CAVALRY CHARGES LEES VETERANS,

171

Colonel (a solitary horseman is seldom fired on by a large body of men)
passed over the brow of the hill and was making a circuit to reconnoiter the
enemy, when, to his surprise, Anderson's men rose and delivered a fire, and
in looking back he saw that it was directed at Custer, who had unexpectedly
arrived with his body-guard, carrying fluttering battle-flags captured from
the enemy, his horse was just falling to the ground and giving the peculiar
shriek of death, with a bullet through its heart. The Colonel hurrying up
to Custer, suggested that the moment was opportune for a charge, the
enemy's muskets being in considerable part empty, to which he answered, with
the characteristic smile of battle on his face : *' Charge 'em, charge *em."

The command numbered about 1400. The formation, already made,
one regiment in line, supported in center by tw^o regiments in column of
squadrons, and one regiment supporting the right of line, also in column of
squadrons. The undertaking, an onset against seven or eight times its num-
bers of Lee's veterans. Colonel Capehart in the forefront, w^ith his bugler,
Tom Custer and Colonel Allen, of the Second West Virginia, on either side;
at the blast of the bugle, 5000 iron hoofs were in motion. The speed
increasing from a trot to a mad run, though the order perfect, the troopers,
with sabres flashing, the firing of pistols and carbines, shouts and yells — with
all the noise and uproar possible — surged over the works and rode smashing
through the battle-lines, sabering and shooting all who offered resistance;
the Confederates, thrown off their balance and panic-stricken, the litde hand-
ful ten times magnified in its audacity, the enemy began throwing down their
arms and surrendering w^holesale, though not without several isolated
encounters to the death, in one of w^hich Tom Custer received a bullet in
the cheek, which came out near the ear ; shooting his antagonist dead, he
came smiling, and waving his captured battle-flag*

Captain Stevens, of the First New York, took in General Ewell and
staff, who stood in rear of his own corps, confronting the Sixth, across the
creek, and Anderson's left. On the colonel of the brigade coming up, he
sent members of his staff, wnth some of the coloneKs, through his command,
now with the cavalry in rear and the Sixth Corps in front, and tlie truce men
communicating to the Sixth Corps, EwelTs command laid down its arms to
the West Virginia Brigade; the full numbers surrendenng, with those from
Anderson, to the brigade, amounting to about 8000, including Ewell and
seven other general officers; an event that at any other time would have
sent the North wild with enthusiasm, but with the events pending, exciting
hut little attention. The Sixth Corps took no prisoners and the rest of the
cavalrj^ comparatively few, and those mostly stragglers. EwelPs com-
mand, having fought off the Sixth Corps, with Sheridan and Wright, more

172

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 186$*

or less successfully, and marched off the field by officers of the West Vir-
ginia Brigade, was for the most part unaware of its surrender until it was
ordered to stack arms and had marched some distance from them to a
meadow on the Harper farm. It will, however, be admitted that the Sixth
Corps has the most brilliant history of any corps in the army, if it was not
in it with Custer's men. Custer, prevented by the death of his horse from
riding in the charge with his body*guard, soon came up and engaged in a
somewhat prolonged conversation with General Ewell, who believed the end
was near. Generals Kershaw and Pickett, the latter of Gettysburg fame,
were among the captured. Pickett remarked to General Ewell in regard to
the West Virginia Brigade: ** General, this cavalry pays no more attention
to battle-lines than if we w^ere men of straw*/' In recognition of the kind-
ness and courtesy of Captain Stevens to General Ewell, his distinguished
captive presented'him with his field glass, accompanied with a kindly note.

From Namozine Church to Deep Creek the brigade had the advance
and drove the cavalry before it, while taking many prisoners,

Custer marched both by night and by day. In a sharp skirmish with
the First and Second Brigades, at Appomattox Station, he captured the trains
of supplies coming up from Lynchburg on the railroad to meet Lee, the
West Virginia Brigade supplying the engineers to run off the trains.

On the approach of night, Custer learned that Lee's reserve artillery
and trains lay directly in his front, on the road to Lynchburg, whither
Lee was directing his wasting and famishing army. Guarding this reserve
was a strong force of infantry and artillery. Forming line, the West \ ix-
ginia Brigade moved in intense darkness through the forest until neanng a
field, when it was met by ablaze of canister and musketry, which developed
the position of the enemy's guns and battle-line, and proved the signal for a
charge, with the result of driving the enemy from the field in disorder,
taking many prisoners and the guns. Following up the success rapidly, the
brigade rode over the reserve with little or no opposition; taking possession
of the numerous wagons and cannon, with the teams of horses all attached
ready to move, and now across Lee's line of reti^eat, it picketed well out
towards Appomattox Court House and within a short distance of the Con-
federate army. Relieved by Smith's Brigade, of Crook's Division, it par-
took of coffee and an hour or two's rest.

In the gray of morning, the West Virginia Brigade is again in the
saddle. Custer^s Division is probably the moat efficient body of horse for
its numbers the world has ever seen; horses and men are worn and jaded
by constant hard marching and hard fighting, both by night and by day^ and
the uniforms and accoutrements are w^orn, battered and tarnished by hard

THE CONFEDERACY NEAR IN G ITS END,

173

"knocks, exposure to ail sorts of weather and mud ; but hope beats high and
nerves both horses and men to deeds of reckless daring, even those most faint
of heart. You see Custer at the head of the column: he with the long, flow
ing, yellow hair^ — a model of a cavalryman — if wearing more gold lace than is
customary, and finer dress ; but he wears it well, and his body-guard is still in
his train, with the fluttering battle-flags taken from the enemy. He is con-
ducting the division out along the higher ground to Clover Hill, on Lee's flank,
with the intention of leading a charge into the Confederate army. The sun
at Appomattox is beginning to light up the scene, over the somewhat
depressed plain, in which lies Appomattox Court House and the army of the
doomed Confederac3\ At some distance to the rear and right of Custer,
you see another large body of cavalry. It is the division of tlie slower and
more conservative, but sturdy, Devin, which is supporting Custer. Now
look somew^iat further to Custer's rear, slightly southwest of the court house*
They are Birney's colored troops, on the dquble-quick, — somewhat obscured
by the woods, their tongues out and white eyes bulging, and panting from
their rapid marching, looking more determined than the blood-hounds of
the enemy that have hunted their race in the preceding generations. Bimey ,
under Sheridan's orders, is placing them facing the court house and across
the highway to Lynchburg, by which Lee hopes to make his retreat; the
remainder of the 24th Cox'ps following near by.

General Smith, with his command, is considerably to the front of the
colored troops, his artillery injudiciously advanced. The Fifth Corps, under
the splendid and untiring Griffin, are marching as if their lives depend upon
it; they had been marching and fighting since reaching the Peninsula^ — three
years ago — wheii, at Gaines' Mill, single-handed, they fought Lee's army
to a drawn battle; and at Malvern Hill, with no more than their original
numbers, routed Lee in confusion, and if their leader had had his way, Lee
would have been destroyed* Away across the woods, nearly east of the
court house, and out of sight, is the Second Corps, under the brave and
accomplished soldier Humphreys, In close proximity to Lee's rear, and ready
to spring on him at a word, they w^ho had waded through fire and blood
under Hancock* Not far away, under the fine soldier Wright, is the Sixth
Corps, whose record for hard marching and hard fighting is unexcelled, if
equaled, part of whom stood alone with the cavalry in stemming Jubal Early's
victorious tide at Cedar Creek.

The sun at Appomattox is now out in full force, its rays reflecting from
the bayonets, guns and equipment of the vast arr?y. And all the panoply
of w*ar is seen — horse, foot and artillerj^ — with its various attendants. Yet,
to an on-looker taking in the general scene, all is silent as death — quiet en-

174

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FHOAf i86i TO 1865.

joined on either side and the ground more or le.ss jnelding, not so much a^
the curling smoke or the sound of a solitary nfle-shot. The troops are seem-
ingly moving to tlieir appointed places as stalking phantoms of dead and
gone armies marshaling for the Last Judgment.

General Gordon, in the van of the Confederate army, has been quietly
preparing to break through and sweep their enemy from Lee*s way of retreat.
Almost without a sign of warning, and hardly expected, rifles are cracking and
cannon are roaring. Gordon is making his assault. Smith, before pointed
outj comes tumbling back with the loss of artillery and some killed and
wounded, and is passing away to the left, while Lee*s cavalry is driving
Crook back with the remainder of his command in more or less confusion.
But staggering before the hot fire of Birney's colored troops, who swarm out
to meet him> with other infantry confronting^ Devin and Custer in flank and
rear, the latter saluted by Confederate batteries, Gordon is tumbling back
broken and disordered, all hope gone; and even pursued in some cases, with
the capture of some of his officers, greatly to the wounding of their dignity —
by colored troops.

But seel A white flag is up. The mounted officer who bears it is
coming from the direction of the court house, towards Custer's column. He
reaches it at the head of the West Virginia Brigade. Colonel Capehart and
the officer proceed along the column to Custer. He s.ad to Custer: " I have
the honor to bear the compliments of General Longstrcet to the officer in
command, and to say that Generals Lee and Grant are in correspondence
touching the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, and
\o request a cessation of hosdlities until the result is made known,'' If that is
50, it seems a breach of good faith that they have been trying to fight their
way out in the meantime. Custer, his face beaming with animation, grip-
pi ing the rim of his hat with his right hand and giving it a few spasmodic
jerks, as w^as his habit, replies; ** Tell General Longstreet that I am not in
command of all the forces here, but that I am on his flank and rear with a
large cavalry force, and that I will accept nothing but unconditional surren-
der," But, turning to Colonel E. W. Whitaker, his chief of staffs, he says
to him : ** Go over with this officer and bear my message to General Long-
street/' Becoming impatient, Custer turns over the command to Capehart
(who commands the division to the end, Custer's authority having been en-
larged, leads in the finale, grand review at Washington) and says to him : ** I
am going over to see what is going on/' following his chief of staff, having
communicated what had occurred to Sheridan. On taking command, Capehart
throws out a skirmish line to the outer edge of the timber between him and
the enemy, which becomes immediately engaged in a brisk fusil ade. The

GENERAL LEE SURRENDERS TO GENERAL GRANT.

I7S

advance brigade is promptly ordered to their support: and a charge is on the
point of being made. The fire reaching Sheridan's ears, he is saying to some
Rebel officers, considerably to the left rear of Capehart's column; ** Oh, tliat'a
some of Merritt's " (Merritt commanding the cavalry nominally) ** cavalry
making a charge" as if he would rather have a fight than not; and a man
or tw^o killed of no moment anyway. But the rattle-headed Confederate
colonel in front of Capehart, swearing and talking of death in the '* last
ditch " in preference to surrender, is finally squelched by peaceful means,
with the assistance of the same officer who had appeared with the flag of
truce, and all is again tranquil.

Custer is having words somewhat warm with Longstreet, and more or
less suspecting that there may be a scheme on foot to gain time and make
anotJier attempt to break the meshes in which Lee is enveloped, and demands
from Longstreet immediate surrender or direful consequences; Longstreet
parleying and fencing, unwilling to surrender to Sheridan, much less to
Custer, or giving the cavalry the credit of bringing it about, only desirous of
having it effected by Lee and Grant themselves.

Make way I Grant, the great commander of all the armies of the Repub-
lic, is coming through the lines; unassuming, muddy, shabby in dress, and
mounted on his well known pony, though as daring a rider as any in all
his hosts, with his staff, all in finer array than himself. The impetuous
Sheridan, his Irish blood at boiling point, is suspicious of some unfair play,
and is desirous to cut the knot by the sword. Grant, more wise, and always
perfectly balanced, quiets him down, and proceeds with him and other high
oflScers in his train to meet Lee (resplendent in anew and gorgeous uniform),
at the McLean bouse. The surrender is consummated and the war practi-
cally ended.

To give even the leading results in the career of the regiments compos-
ing the West Virginia Brigade, not forgetting the exceptionally gallant
regiment, the ist N. Y. Lincoln, would require a volume. Colonel Capehart,
in his congratulatory order and farewell address to the division, which had
captured in the final campaign more men, cannon, battle-flags and other
material of war than all the rest of the army combined, said: ** All I ask
of the historian is that he write me the commander of the Third Cavalry
Division." And it may be said that the West Virginia colonel who succeed-
ed him, uses in his office the chair in which Grant sat while conferring with
Lee, and drawng and signing the terms of the surrender at the McLean
house.

Grant had brought the greatest war of modem times to a close within a
year J and would doubtless have captured or destroyed Lee during that

176

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iS6j.

memorable summer, but for some of those purely accidental circumstances
to which war is proverbially subject, with the failure of certain subordinates
to meet reasonable expectations.

And while Sheridan and Sherman have sounded their own trumpets;
and not always with a full measure of justice to Grant, as well as tlieir sub-
ordinates, Grant was the genius, the reliance, the tenacity and courage, the
electric power that strengthened all, from Sherman and Sheridan to the pri-
vate in the ranks, to fight on and endure to the end.

The following are Custer's recommendations for Capeh art's promotion
and his order, printed from the autograph, assigning the command of the
division to him ;

[Extract.]

Headquarters jd Cavalry Division,

Middle Military Division, April 18, 1865.

Hon. E, M. Stanton,

Secretary of War,

I have the honor to submit the following rccommendauons for the promotion of officers
of my command.

First. That CoTonel H. Capehart, 1st Virginia Cavalry, Commanding 3d Brigade of this
Division » be promoted with full rank of BrigadierGcneral U. S, Volunteers, to date from
March 1, 1865, Colonel Capchari, by his skill in handling his brigade, and in the personal
gallantry displayed in the engagement at Mt Crawford, on the ist of March, by which the
enemy were driven with heavy loss from the burning bridge and the way opened before us in
our march up the valley, was the first to inaugurate that series of successes which charac-
terized our movement to the James River. At Waynesboro, he bore a leading part in effecting
the rout and capture of Early's forces. In the late campaign from Petersburg to Appo-
matox Court House, Colonel Capehart has been second to none in the display of marked
ability, untiring zeal and energy^ as well as unsurpassed personal gallantry and daring. At
Dinwiddle Court House he was particularly conspicuous. At Five Forks I attribute our
success mainly due to the united efforts of Colonels Capehart and Wells. While at Sailor's
Creek the brunt of the engagement was born by Colonel Capehart's Brigade, which in every
charge was led by its gallant commander. At Appomattox Station, the 8th inst., Colonel
Capehart again rendered himself conspicuous by his skill and bravery, and to him is much of
the credit due, for the successful termination of that obstinate engagement, which resulted in
our capturing twenty-four pieces of a^tilier^^ beside a large number of prisoners, wagons^
etc., to say nothmg of the influence this engagement had in deciding the fortunes of the fol-
lowing day.

1 earnestly trust this recommendation will be favorably considered.

G. A. Custer, Brnret Majcr-Ctnerai,

Headquarters 3D Cavalry Divtsion,
Appomattox Court House, April ^, 1865.
Colonel Capehart, Commanding jd Brigade,

Colonel I In accordance with orders from Major-Gencral Sheridan, I have been placed in
command of the 1st and 3d Divisions of Cavalry, You will, on receipt of this order, assume
comm and o f the 3d Ca val ry Di visi on . Very R es pectf u 1 1 y ,

G, A. Qvwi^K, Brevet Major- General,

^^H CHAPTER XXIV. H

^^M SECOND REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. ^|

^^^H Rostcrof the Field, Staffand Company Officers of the Second Regiment West Virginia Cavalry ^H

^^^H Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein from Ihe Date of Original ^H

^^^^H Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, June 30, i86S- ^|

Name* ond Rank.

Co.

R«ni^k^ ^H

^^^H

Cohneh. ,

- ^1

^^^H

William M. Bolles,

Resigned June 25, 1862. ^H

^^^H July

John C. Paxton,

Dismissed May 7, 1863. ^^|

^^^H May 18, 1863.

Wm. H; Powell,
Lieutenant- Colonels,

Promoted to Brig. Gen'L ^^|

^^^B

John C. Paxton.

Promoted to Colonel. ^^^

^^^H Aug. 19,

Rollin L. Curtis,

Resigned Oct. 25. 1862. ^H

^^^V ^ Dec. 5« 1862.

Wm. H. Powell,

Promoted to Colonel. ^^|

^^^H ' May 18,

David Dove,

Resigned July 5, 1864. ^^|

^^^H July 14, 1864-

John J. Hoffman,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^H Nov* 26,

James Allen,

Majors.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H

Rollin L. Curtis, '

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel ^^|

^^^H Oct. 2. 1S61.

John J. Hoffman,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. ^^|

^^^H Feb.

Henry Steinbach,

Mustered out February 23, 1864. ^^|

^^^^H Aug. 19, 1862.

Wm. H. Powell.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, ^^|

^^^^H J^t^y- 1863.

John McMahon,

Dismissed April 25, 1864. ^^|

^^^^H April 29, 1864.

J.imes Allen,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. ^^|

^^^^1 July 14.

Chas. E, Hambleton,

Mustered out at expiration or term of service, ^^|

^^^1 Nov.

Edwin S. Morgan,
ist Us. and Adfts,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 25»

John P. Merrill,

Resigned June 5, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Nov.

Elijah F. Gillon, '

Resigned Sept. 7, 1864. ^^|

^^^^H Nov.

Earl A. Cranston,

Resigned June 2, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 25, 1861.

George E. Downing,
istLts.andE, Q. M,

Resigned May i, 1862. ^^|

^^^H 2, 1861,

Sayres G. Paxton,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 33, 1861,

William Holden,
istLts.and Reg, Com,

Resigned March 13, J 862. ^H

^^^H

George S. South,
Surgeons,

Mustered out at expiration of tenn of service. ^^|

^^^^H Oct.

Thomas S. Neal,

Resigned February 9, 1863. ^^|

^^^H Jan. I7»

Matthew McEwen.
Assisdint Surgeons.

^^H 6, 1861.

Lucius L, Comstock,

Promoted to Surgeon, Sth W. Va, Infantry, ^H

^■^ 178

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS 61 TO iSdj, ^H

^^^^^^ta Date

Names and Rank,

Co.

Remarks.

^^^^P

Assistant Surgeons,

^^^^F March 6.

Ozias Nellis,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H May

Edward L. Gillian.
Chapiain.

^^^H Oct 2, i86t.

Charles M. Belhauser,
Captain,

Resigned Oct 12, 1862.

^^^H Oct 19,

James L. Wallar,

Dismissed April 25, 1864.

^^^H April 29, 1864.

William V. Johnston.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^V Nov. 26, 1864.

Alberto Campbell,

^^^1 Nov. 22, 1861.

Wm. H, Powell,

Promoted to Major.

^^H^ Oct 9. 1862.

Chas. E. Hambleton,

Promoted to Major.

^^^K July 14, 1864.

Israel B. Murdoch,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H Jan.

Will. S. Merrill,

Resigned June 14, 1865.

^^^^H Nov, ]S6k

Thomas Neat,

Resigned July 22, 1862.

^^1

^^^^1 June 26, 1862.

James Allen,

Promoted to Major.

^^1

^^^H April 29. 1864.

James A* Morrison,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^H

^^^B Nov.

Edwin S. Morgan,

Promoted to Major.

^^V Jan.

Ebenezer E. Wilson,

^^1

^^H Oct 19, i86[.

Henry S. Hamilton,

D '

Resigned.

^^H May 18, 1865.

Alex. H. Rickcr;

Transferred to Co. H,

^^1

^^^H Nov. 24, 1863.

James A. Umpleby,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^H Nov. 26, 1864.

John McNally,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^^ Nov. 1861.

Andrew Scott,

Resigned January 12, 1862.

^^1

^^^K Jan. 27, 1863.

Jeremiah Davidson^

Promoted to Major, 79th O. V. I.

^^^H May 18, 1863.

Joseph Ankrom,

^^^^r Nov. 22, 1861.

Arthur D. Eells,

Resigned May 6, 1862.

^^^H June 26, 1862.

Oliver H. P. Scott,

Resigned December 23, 1862.

^^1

^^H April

George Millard,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^L Nov. 26, 1864.

Henry F. Swentzel,

^^1

^^^B Oct

John McMahan»

Promoted to Major.

• ^^1

^^^H Jan.

Jasper A. Smilh,

Resigned May 14. 1863.

^^1

^^^1 May 18. 1863.

Joseph Ankrom,

Transferred to Co. E.

^^^^B Nov. 2,1864.

Jasper A. Smith,

^^^^H Nov.

David Dove,

Promoted to Lt Col.

^^1

^^^^P Nov. 24, 1S63,

James A, Umpleby,

Transferred to Co. D.

^^^H May

Alex. H. Rtcker,

Mustered oyt at expiration of term of service.

^^1

^^^^H Nov. 22, 1861.

Newton J. Behan,

Resigned October 23, 1864.

^^^H Nov.

Wm. M. Fortescuc,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^^H Nov.

Silas H. Emmons,

Resigned Oct 17, 1862,

^^^H Nov.

Edwin S. Morgan,

Transferred to Co. C.

^^^H Oct 16, 1861.

Ceo. W. Gilmore,

Mustered out at expiration of term of scnice.

^^^H Nov. 1864.

Jasper A. Smith.
First Lieutenants^

Transferred to Co. G.

^^^H Oct.

Lewis E. Campbell,

Resigned Feb 28, 1863.

^^^B May

Alexander Ward,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H Nov.

Elihu D, Robinson,

^^^

^^^H Nov. 23p t86i.

Chas. E. Hambleton,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^^^^^^^ SECOND REGIMENT JV. VA, CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS-

^^^B orCfmimladon.

Names and Rank.

Co.

R«m»rki.

Fir si Lieutenants^

^^^H July

P. F. Rohtrbacker,

Resigned Feb. 24. 1863,

^^^H May

Israel B, Murdoch,

Promoted lo Captain.

^^H July 14. 1864.

Edwin A. Rosscr,

^^^H Nov.

Jeremiah M. Boyd,

Mustered out at expiration of term of s

^^^H Nov. 26, I S6 1,

Ebenezer E. Wilson.

Promoted lo Captain.

^^^H Jan.

Abijah 0. Farmer.

^^^H Oct. 19, 1861.

George W.Snyder,

Resigned Feb. 24, 1863.

^^^H May 18, 1863.

James M. Merrill,

Translerrcd to Co. K.

^^1

^^^H Nov.

John McNally, '

Promoted to Captain.

^^H N-v. 1^ 1S64.

Samuel McVey.

^^^H Nov.^:, 1861.

Andrew A. Fouls,

Dismissed Feb 26, 1862.

^^1

^^^H May 29.

Jasper A. Smith,

Promoted to C.iptain, Co. G.

^^^H Jan.

Jeremiah Davidson,

Promoted to Captain.

^^1

^^^H Jan.

Joseph Ankrom,

Promoted lo Captain, Co. G.

^^^H May 18, 1863.

John D. Barber.

Killed in action near Winchester.

^^^H Jyly

Wm. S. Merrill,

Promoted to Captain. Co. B,

^^1

^^B Jany.

Jnmes ^V. Hicks.

^^^^H Nov. 1S61.

Oliver H. P. Scotl.

Promoted to Captain.

^^1

^^^H June 26, 1862.

Wm. M. Fortescue,

Promoted to Captain, Co. I.

^^^H Nov.

George MilliarU,

Promoted to Captain,

^^1

^^^H April 1862.

Lloyd B. Stephens.

Resigned July 13. 1864.

^^^H Nov. 26. 1S64.

Charles C, Clisc,

^^1

^^^H Oct.

Ceo. B. Montgomery,

Resigned Feb 24. 1863.

^^^1 May 18,1863.

John J. Medlicott,

Honorably discharged. Sept. 27, 1864.

^^^H Nov. 1864.

Milton McMillin.

^^1

^^^H Nov. 22, 1861.

John Waklen,

Resigned Oct. 22. 1862.

^^^H Nov.

James A. Umptcby,

1 Promoted to Captain.

^^^^H April 29. 3864.

James W. Ricker.

Mustered out at expiration of term of

^^1

^^^H Nov. 1S61.

John \V. Neal,

Resigned May 5, 1S62.

^^^^1 June 26. 1S63.

George K. Weir.

Killed in action at Fayetteville. Va.

^^1

^^^H Oct. 9,

Wm. V- Johnston,

Promoted to Captain. Co. A.

^^^^B Apnl29, 1S64.

SamlS, Hawk,

\ Mustered out at expiration of term ot

^^1

^^^H Nov.

William Yard.

! Resigned September 30. 1862.

^^^1 Nov.

John McNally.

Transferred to Co. D.

.^H

^^^H May 18. 1S63.

James M. Merrill,

Mustered out at expiration of term of

^^1

^^^H Oct.

James Abraham, *

Mustered out at expiration of term of

^^1

^^^H Sep. 26, 1864.

Jasper A. Smith.

Promoted to Captain.

^^^^1 Nov. 1864.

Milton McMillin.
Second Lieutenants,

Transferred to Co. G.

^^^H Oct, 19, iS6t.

Charles A. Hudson,

Resigned September 30, 1862.

^^^1 Oct. 9, 1S62.

Alexander Ward,

, Promoted to tst Lieutenant.

^^1

^^^V May 1%, 1863.

James W. Ricker.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Co. H,

^^H[ April 29. 1864.

Ebenezer E. Wilson,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Co. C.

^^^K Nov. 26, 1864.

Abijah B. Farmer,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Co. C»

^^^^ Jan. 7. 1&65.

Emerson McMillin,

^^^^H Nov. 1S61.

James Allen.

Promoted to Captain, Co. C.

i8o

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM t86i TO 1865.

Dare
of CommmloQ.

Names and Ituik.

Co.

ReokfLrla.

Second Lieutenants,

June 26, 1862.

Israel B. Murdoch,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant,

May 18. 1863.

James A. Morrison,

Promoted to Captain, Co. C.

April 29, 1864.

Wm. S. Merrill,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Co. E.

Nov. 26, 1864.

Martin Kramer,

Nov, 22, 1861.

William Church,

Resigned September 30, 1862,

Oct. 9. 1862,

Harvey J. Fulmer,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Nov. 26. 1864.

George Freeman,

Oct. 19, i86k

Edwin S. Morgan,

Promoted to Captain, Co. K,

Jan. 2, 1863,

James A. Hoover,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Nov. 26, 1864,

W. S. McClanahan.

Nov, 22, 1861,

Joseph Ankrom,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant

Jan. 27,1863.

Henry F. Swent^cl,

Promoted to Captain. Co. F.

Nov. 26, 1864.

James W. Hicks,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant*

May 18, 1863.

Alberto Campbell, ^

Promoted to Captain, Co, A,

Jan. 7, 1865.

John M. Corns,

Nov, 22, 186!.

Wm, M. Fortescue,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Jync26, 1862.

George Millard,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Nov, 5. 1862,

Lloyd B. Stephens,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

April I, 1863.

Oliver C. Ong.

Mustered out prov. G. 0. War Dcpt.

Nov. 26, 1864.

Elisha T. Fisher,

Oct. 19, i86t.

Jeremiah Davi^Ison,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Co. E.

Jan. 2, 1863.

John J. Medlicott,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant

May 18. 1863.

Alberto Campbell,

Transferred to Co. E.

Sep, 30, 1864.

Wm, J, Kirkcndall.

Nov. 22, 1861.

James A. Umplcby,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Nov. 5, 1862.

Geo. W. Shoemaker,

Died of wounds received in action.

Oct. 24, 1863.

Charles C.Clicc,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. Co. F.

Nov. 22, r86i.

John A. Lowe,

Resigned September 30, 1862,

Oct. 9, 1862.

Jonathan B. Carlisle,

Mustered out prov. G. O, War. Dept

Nov. 22, x86i.

John McNally,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Nov. 5. 1862.

Walter Christopher,

Prisoner of war, captured July 4, 1863, at

Fayettevillc, W. Va.

Aug. 22, 1861.

Lewis M. Dawson,

Dismissed October 31, i86f .

Oct, 22. i86i.

Isaac N. Fordycc,

Dismissed November 19, 1863.

Sept. 30, 1864.

Wm. J. Kirkendall.

Transferred to Co. G.

'^W

^^^H
^^H

-1 "^^"

]

WILLIAM H. POWELL,
Brevet Major-General U.S. Vou

THE SECOND WEST VIRGIN/A CAVALRY,

i8z

Gen. Wm, H, Powell.

Genl Wm. H. Powell was born May lo, 1825, in Monmouthshire,
South Wales, Great Britain, of Welsh ancestry, **a gallant, Christian race,
patterns of every virtue, every grace, ever loyal to God and country/' He
emigrated with his parents to America in 1830. His early life, covering the
period of 1833 to 1843, was spent in Nashville, Tennessee, since which he
has resided in Virginia, Ohio and Missouri; his present home, since 1876, is
Belleville, Illinois. His entire manliood life, save the four years he devoted
to saving ** the old flag" in 1861 to 1865, has been devoted as an iron manu-
facturer and mechanical engineer. At the age of 25 he was employed to
superintend the erection of the original Ben wood Iron and Nail Works, near
Wheeling, West Virginia, and following the completion of these works, the
the erection of the Blandy Sc Sturgess Rail Milt, and the construction of the
first nail works at Ironton, Ohio, known as the Belfont Iron and Nail Works,
In 1857, he was chosen by the LawTence Rolling Mill Company as its
general manager and financial agent, which position he relinquished, August
I, 1861, to enter the ser\'ice of the United States, to suppress the rebellion
inaugurated in the Southern States.

His effort in obtaining recruits enabled him to report with a company at
Parkersburg, Va., for organization and muster, September 16, 1861. Under
President Lincoln's call of July 2, 1861, the formation of a regiment'for the
cavalry arm of the U» S. service was begun about August i, in southern
Ohio. Three companies were recruited in Lawrence County, two in Meigs,
one in Jackson, one in Vinton, one in Washington, and one in Morgan.
The remainder of the regiment was composed largely of volunteers from
Putnam and Monroe counties, West Virginia. When this body was ready
for organization and commission, application was made to Governor Dennison,
of Ohio, to complete the organization. This he declined to do, saying that
the governors of all tlie Northern States had received instmctions from the
War Department to recruit no more cavalry, and that they were also advised
that all cavalry organizations in excess of forty regiments would be mus-
tered out of the service.

Application was then made to F. H. Peirpoint, provisional governor of
that portion of Virginia now known as West Virginia, the latter State not
having been admitted to Statehood until June 20, 1863. Governor Peirpoint,
wnth the consent of the Secretary of War, accepted the organization as cav-
alry, ordering the same into camp quarters at Parkersburg, where ten com-
panies reported about the middle of September, 1861.

On the 15th of December the regiment was ordered into winter quarters

X82

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS&i TO iSdj,

at Guyandotte, Va. The organization was a fine body of Ohio soldien^ and
many were the regrets expressed that it could not have been mustered into
ser\'ice as an Ohio regiment. Yet, neither during the progress of the war nor
since its close, have we had the slightest cause to complain of our treatment at
the hands of the loyal people of the little mountain State, bom amid the throes
of war, rocked and shaken with the roar of cannon, whose soil drank the
blood of many of her own gallant and loyal sons.

With the exception of an occasional unimportant scouting expedition,
and co-operation with Col. James A. Garfield, on tlie 7th and Sth of Janu-
ary, 1862, in his movements against General Humphrey Marshall, in north-
eastern Kentucky, where the first blood of the regiment w as spilled by the kill-
ing of two men, Amos McKee, of Co. B» and Albert Leonard, of Co. C, and
the wounding of five others, the command was not disturbed in its drill exercise
and preparation for subsequent service during the winter. Dunng the month
of April, 1862, the regiment was di\4ded into battalion organizations. The
Second Battalion, composed of Co's. A, D, E, G and K, under command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Paxton, accompanied by Maj, R. L. Curtis, was
ordered to report to Gen'l J. D. Cox, at Flat Top Mountain, In a few days
thereafter. Colonel BoUes, accompanied by Major Hoffman, in command
of the First Battalion, composed of Co's. B, C, F, H and I, broke camp
under orders to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, at Gauley Bridge, who,
in command of the 47th O, V. L w^as en route to Meadow Bluffs, Greenbrier
County. On the eve of May II, Major Hoffman commanding thecavaW,
moved forward form Meadow Bluffs via the Blue Sulphur Springs route, and
Colonel Elliott proceeded via the Lewisburg pike, under instructions to meet
at the junction of the two roads at Handley*s house, near Lewisburg. The
commands met as ordered before break of day on the 12th. Edgar's Rebel
Infandy battalion, and Captain White's cavalry company w^ere encamped
within speaking distance of the junction, advised of the approach of the
Union troops by some of their pickets that had escaped capture. Those cap-
tured had informed Colonel Elliott of the position of the enemy ; at daylight the
Rebel line was charged and scattered in all directions. Captain Pow^ell was
ordered out in pursuit of the Rebel cavalry, and dro\' e them to and through
the town of Lewisburg, to wdthin one mile of the White Sulphur Springs,
capturing quite a number of prisoners in this wuld and exciting chase. The
command returned to Meadow Bluffs, where, on the i6th of May, Col. Geo.
Crook arrived with other troops, and organized the 3d Brigade of the Kan-
awha Division, comprising the 36th, 44th and 47th O. V. I. and First Battal-
ion 2d W, Va- Cavalry and a battery of artillery, and began his reconnois-
5ance in force against Jackson River Depot. The infantry moving via the

-m^

COL. GEORGE CROOK'S FIGHT WITH GEN'L HETH.

183

pike» and the cavalrj" on the old Sweet Spring road, under orders to form a
junction at Callahan's Station, En route to the station Captain Powell com-
manded the advance guard of twelve men. On nearing the station^ late in
the afternoon, six Rebel captains of ** the Moccasin Ranger'* organization
were surprised and captured after a serious contest, after Captain Powell
charged upon the station and captured two other officers and twenty-five men,
A halt was made to await the arrival of the main force, which, on coming up
after dark, went into camp* The command moved forward next morning
upon Jackson River Depot, but on learning that there were no Rebel troops
in that immediate section, and that General Helh, with a considerable force,
was moving in the direction of Lewisburg, Colonel Crook hastened back to
Meadow Bluffs, to make the necessary preparation to give his old class-mate
at West Point a warm reception.

On the early morn of May 23d, Colonel Crook placed his command in
line just as General Heth gained the summit of the hill east of the town,
and quickly formed his line of battle about midway between the summit and
the eastern edge of the village, placing his guns near the eastern edge of the
town. Crook quietly moved his command under cover of the buildings on
the west side of the village and awaited Heth*s attack, which was promptly
made, and as promptly met by Crook in a gallant charge of the 36th, 44th
and 47th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, capturing the enemy's guns, and pushed
his line forward driving Heth and his entire force in utter rout, the
cavalry pushing the enemy back over Greenbrier River in the direction of
Union. Thus the victory was quickly achieved. The 6me occupied in this
engagement did not exceed 30 minutes from the time Heth gained the sum-
mit until he was driven back over it. The enemy's loss was 80 killed^ 100
wounded, 157 prisoners, 4 guns, 25 horses and 300 stand of small-arms.
Union loss- — 13 killed, 50 wounded, 6 prisoners. Colonel Crook slighdy ^
wounded. The brigade returned to its camping grounds at Meadow Bluffs,
May 29th,

Aside from active cavalry scouting, and the visit in force made by
Colonel Crook, accompanied by his brigade on the 24th of June to his dis-
tinguished friend, General Heth at Union, who, in preference to waiting
Crook *s arrival, had sought a hiding place in some distant mountain the day
previous. On learning of the enemy's flight, Colonel Crook returned to
Meadow Bluffs* The infantry force quietly rested until the 14th of August,
on which date Gen'l J. D, Cox was ordered to report with the Kanawha Divi-
sion, except the 44th and 47th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and 2d Virginia
Cavalry, at Washington City. Tht^ latter regiments were ordered into camp
at the Kanawha Falls, under command of CoL J, A, J. Lightbum.

x84

LOYAL l^EST VIRGINIA FROM r86i TO iS6s

Early in September, the camp was filled with rumors of the coming of
General Loring, with a Rebel force, ina Flat Top Mountain, to drive the
Yanks into Ohio, which induced Lightbum to move his force down the river
to "Soup Creek." On the 13th the rumor materialized into fact; the enemy
attacked the Union position. Colonel Lightbum declined to contest the
Rebel advance and retreated to Charleston, and on his arrival ordered the
transports with supplies and sick in hospital en route to Gallipolis, Ohio,
then crossed the Elk River and destroyed the bridge, moved down the river
to Pocatalico, thence across the countrj^ to Racine, Ohio.

Two days previous to General Loring's attack, Lightbum was advised
of Jenkins* Rebel cavalry raid to the Ohio River near Guyandotte, and sent
Colonel Paxton with eight companies of the Second Virginia Cavalry to
look after him. Colonel Paxton pushed forward rapidly on the pike leading
from Charleston via Coalsmouth to Guyandotte on the Ohio River. On
approaching within a few miles of Barboursville, General Jenkins' force,
1200 strong, was reported to be quartered near the latter place. Captain
Powell (now major, ha\nng received his promotion June 25, in command
of Company B) being in the advance, halted to await Colonel Paxton 's
arrival with the command which failed to close up until after dark. The
conference was short Major Powell advanced rapidly, drove in the
Rebel pickets and charged the camp, driving the entire force up the Guyan-
dotte River, and was in peaceable possession of the Rebel camp on Colonel
Paxton 's arrival, losing but one man killed in the charge. Returning
from this movement against the enemy to report to Colonel Lightbum, on
reaching Coalsmouth, the transports were met en route out of the Kanawha
river, and tlie first news of the evacuation of the Kanawha Valley by the
Union troops was received with orders to Colonel Paxton to escort the trans-
ports out of the Kanawha River. On reaching Thirteen Mile Creek, the
regiment, save a suitable guard, left with the transports, moved across the
countrj*^ to Letart Falls on the Ohio River, thence down the Virginia shore to
Point Pleasant at the mouth of the Kanawha River. The Second Virginia
Cavalry Regiment did not disgrace its war record by forsaking the sacred
soil of Virginia by crossing the Ohio river into Ohio, notwithstanding its
orders to do so.

The brigade reassembled at Point Pleasant. The inexcusable driving
out process experienced under Colonel Lightbum induced the assignment of
Gen'l Q. A. Gilmore, U. S. A., to tlie command of tlie troops at Point
Pleasant, who was soon relieved by General Milroy, and he in a few days
relieved by Gen'l J, D. Cox, who, on the 20th of October, after a reorgani-
zation of the troops proceeded to Charleston, where it was ordered into

CROOK'S ORDER TO COL. PAXTON,

I8S

winter quarters, the Second Virginia Cavalry being ordered into winter
quarters at Camp Piatt, 12 miles above, on the Kanawha River,

On the i6th of November Gen*l George Crook, having been promoted
to the rank of trigadier-general of volunteers, relieved General Cox in the
command of the Kanawha Division, '" *

Having completed the campaign work of 1862 in the Kanawha Valley,
as was supposed, much to the surprise and gratification of the boys, they
were in the saddle and on the road in obedience to the following order:

Headquarters Kanawha Division,
Charleston. Kanawha Co., Va., November 23, 1863.

Special Order )

No,— f

Col. Jrio.C. Paxton, commanding the Second Regiment Loyal Virg-inia Cavalry, will
proceed with all the serviceable men of his regiment to*morrow morning, Nov. 24, to Cold
Knob Mountain, in Greenbrier County, Va., via the Summerville and Lewisburg road, leav-
the Kanawha River route at Cannellon. On Cold Knob Mouniain you will overtake CoL P. H.
Lane, commanding the lUh O. V. L^ ordered to that point to reinforce your command.
From which position you v^rill proceed against the camps of the 14th Rebel Virginia Cavalry
Regiment, located in the Sinking Creek Valley, some two miles apart in winter quarters,
recruiting. Break up the organization if possible.

George Crook,
Commanding Kanawha Division,

Leaving the camp at early mom, Summerville was reached at 8 P. M,
that day, having traveled sixty miles over rough roads, camped there that night;
broke camp early on the following morn, encountered a small Rebel squad
en route, took them in and passed 00, halted during the afternoon to feed and
rest; then pressed forward through a heavy snowstorm through the afternoon
and night of the 25 th, arriving at the summit of Cold Knob Mountain early
forenoon of the 26th, where the command overtook Col. P. IT. Lane, iith
O, V. L ordered to this point from Summerville, to reinforce the cavalry
movement, which regiment, in consequence of the deep snow and great suf-
fering experienced, returned from Cold Knob to Summerville that morning.
The advance upon the Rebel camp in the valley was promptly organized.
Major Powell, in command of twenty men of company G., commanded by
Lieut, Jeremiah Davidson, constituted the advance guard en route down the
mountain side; a Rebel scouting party of four men were met, two were cap-
tured, from whom the exact status of the enemy was learned. On nearing
the foot of the mountain the two escaped scouts were seen in the distance
leasurely approaching their camp j the smoke of which was perceptible to the
advance guard. Major Powell halted a moment to allow the two scouts to pass

i86

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO /Wj

annmd a point out of view of bis moremenit then pushed rapkQ j forward to
aaid point, from which he gamed full view of the Rebel camp, with the aid
of hii field glass; judging of the actioa of the camp, he felt assured that his
dote proximtty was not known in the camp. Appreciating the golden oppor-
tunity, screing that the regiment was not m supporting distance, the Major
announced his purpose to his little heroic band. They promptly answered:
" Wc will follow where you lead/* The line was formed and the camp, 500
strong, was assailed. The enemy, surprised, capitulated on condition of
the protection of their lives, before Colonel Paxton and the regiment reached
the camp. Thus, Major Powell, with Lieutenant Davidson and twentj- men
of Company G, id Regiment Virginia Calvarj-, did on the 26th of Nov., 1862,
without the loss of a life or the firing of a gun or revolver, accomplish one of
the most brilliant and successful feats in the war of 1S61 and 1865, for which
daring exploit Genl W. H. Powell wears a badge bearing the folloining in-
scription: '* The Congress to General William H. Powell, and 2d Regiment
West Virginia Cavalry Volunteer, Sinking Creek, Virginia, Nov. 26, 1862,"
granted by reason of the following endorsement:

Chicago. III.. Ft^. 2, 1889.
My Diar Pew ell t I have read your paper on the Sinking Creek raid with much
Interest and pleasure for I have always regarded the part you look in thai expedition as one
of the most daHng, brilliant and successful of the whole war.

Yours sincerely,

George Crook.

January 15, 1863, General Crook ordered Colonel Paxton in command
of his regiment on an expedition to Peter's Mountain tna Meadow Bluffs,
Alderson Ferry and Centreville. Companies B and H, under command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Powell, who received his commission as lieutenant-
colonel p dated October 25, 1862, for his daring gallantry in the Sinking
Creek raid November 26, 1862, to succeed Lieut-Col. R* L. Curtis
(resigned), were ordered to make a feint upon Lewisburg, and to bum
Hanlcy*s house and Teamster's bams near Lewisburg, to draw the troops of
the cntfmy from their camps at Centreville and Union, in Monroe County to
Lewisburg, to allow Colonel Paxton and his troops to pass through Centre-
ville. The feint was a success, but the expedition in the main proved a
failure on account of the heavy snows and extreme cold weather.

In the latter part of Januarj% Lieutenant-Colonel Powell', under orders,
proceeded to Wheeling on official business pertaining to the more efficient
arming of the regiment j in this absence from his command, he contracted a
severe cold and an attack of bilious fever, that proved so serious as to induce

COLONEL POWELLS GALLANT CHARGE AT WYTHEVILLE. 187

the tender of his resignation as lieutenant-colonelj about the middle of
April,

During his absence from camp at home, and previous to the acceptance
of his resignation, Genl E* P, Scammon, then commanding the Kanawha
troops, ordered Colonel Paxton and regiment on a reconnoissance to Lewis-
burg; encountered the enemy near Brush Mountain, was surprised and suf-
fered a disastrous defeat of 14 killed and severely wounded, and a number
taken prisoner. On his return to camp, upon making his report, he was by
order of General Scammon peremptorily dismissed from the service.
Whereupon the regiment petitiont^d General Scammon and Governor Peir-
point to urge upon Lieutenant-Colonel Powell to withdraw his resignation as
lieutenant-colonel, and to accept a commission as colonel of the regiment
and return to the command, which he was induced to accept, receiving his
commission as colonel of the Second Regiment Virginia Volunteer Cavalry,
under date of May 13, 1863,

First Wytheville Raid.

July 13, an expedition w^as organized, consisting of the 34th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Franklin commanding (mounted for
this expedidon), seven companies of the 2d Regiment West Va. Cavalry
(West Virginia having become a State June 30, 1863), commanded by Colonel
Powell, and two companies of thu ist Regiment West Va. Cavaliy, under
command of Captain Delaney. Commanded by Col. JohnT. Toland, it began
its movement against Wytheville, Va., on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail-
road, A number of small bodies of the enemy were encountered en rouU^
many of whom were captured and paroled. The command suffered some
loss at Raleigh C. H, through lack of proper precaution, evidencing the
worthlessness of temporarily mounted infantry as cavalrymen.

The expedition reached Wytheville in the forenoon of the i8th ; on near-
ing the village the advance 34th Ohio Volunteer Infantry encountered a
feeble skirmish line on the crest of a low ridge that obstructed a view of the
town. A halt was made. Colonel Powell received orders to move his com-
mand to the front to charge into the town. Colonel Powell suggested to the
commanding officer to dismount the 34th Ohio Volunteer Infantry to drive
the enemy from the crest of the ridgt% that a knowledge of the position and
strength of the enemy might be ascertained. The suggestion was unheeded
and the order to charge repeated. The charge was made, the enemy was
driven from his position, his guns and many prisoners taken. But the loss
sustained was heavy and totally unjustified. The gallant Colonel Powell

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iUt TO iS&s

waa leverrely wounded in leading the charge, and Colonel Toland killed
iocm after be reached the head of the line to assume command* The Union
lo#ft was killed in action ^ mcliuiing Colonel Toland, 6; wounded in action,
including Colonel Powell, i8.

Colonel Powell and the woimded Assistant-Surgeon O'Nellis were
taken to Richmond, Va. as soon as able to be moved. The command under
Lieutenant-Colonel Franklin returned to the Kanawha Valley,

Colonel Powell was held as a prisoner of war until the i^th of Januar\',
1864. When, after great and repeated efforts he was paroled for thirty- days
to vbit Washington City to effect the exchange of Richard H. Lee, then a
prisoner on Johnsons Island. During Colonel Powell's sojourn in Libby
prison he was confined in a cell in the basement of the buHding for thiru-
seven days, and made to subsist on coarse com bread and water, with no bed or
bunk to lie down on, his supply of water was furnished him but once a week,
one ordinary bucketful every Sunday morning, out of which he drank, and
in which he washed his face and hands. The exchange was effected, and
Colonel Powell, after a short visit at his home in Ironlon, Ohio, returned to
the Kanawha Valley and assumed command of his regiment March 20, 1S64,
whi<!h gave him a magnificent reception.

In His Visit at Home

His friends in the Lawrence Iron Works, over which he presided prior to the
war, presented him a gold watch, bearing the inscription on the, inner case:
**Col. W. H* Powell, 2d Virginia Cavalry, from his friends of the Lawrence
Iron Works, Ironton, Ohio, February 22, 1864. Always on time." The citi-
zens at large, gave him $300 to purchase a horse and, equipments; John
Peters, Chaplain McCabe's father-in-law, a beautiful sabre, belt and sash
and a brace of Colt's ivory mounted 44 calibre navy revolvers.

Gen'l Geo. Crook, having returned to the command of the corps in the
Kanawha V^alley, organized a cavalry movement (under GenT W. W.
AvercU) against Saltville, on the Tennesee and Virginia Railroad, and
moved out from Camp Piatt April 30, while General Crook made an
advance upon Dublin Depot- The latter achieved a brilliant success over
Gen*l A. G* Jenkins' Rebel force in which engagement General Jenkins
received his death wound. The former movement against Saltville was not
made. General Averell withdrew the cavalry from its advance upon Salt-
ville, and proceeded to make an attack upon Wythevlle, via Cove Gap, in
which he was frustrated by reason of the occupancy of the Gap by a strong
force of the enemy, anticipating his movements. On approaching the latter

GEN'L CROOK JOINS GEATL HUNTER AT STAUNTON

189

place it was found to be strongly fortified by the enemy, under Gen1 Jno, H.
Morgan (of the Indiana and Ohio raid notoriety), whose advantageous posi-
tion in Cove Gap rendered AverelPs attack upon the objective point
impracticable. General Averell, however, made an attack upon the en-
emy's position, which was stubboruly contested for four hours, in which
engagement Averell received a wound across his forehead compelling
his retirement from command during the battle, and in view of General
DufRe's conspicuous absence, the command devolved upon Colonel Powell,
whose active and determined movements baffled and successfully held in
check the persistent attempts of the enemy to drive him from his position
until darkness closed the engagement. During the night General Averell
crossed the mountain and fell back to Blacksburg, en route to Lewisburg. In
General Averell 's report of this engagement at Cove Gap, he complimented
the conduct of Colonel Powell and his regiment as follows (see Adjutant-
General's Report, West Virginia, page S40): *' The General commanding de-
sires to express his high appreciation of the skillful evolution of the 2d Reg-
iment, West Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Powell, upon the field of battie.
It was a dress parade that continued without disorder under a heavy fire for
four hours.'*

On the 31st of May, Crook's entire force (Army of West Virginia) was
again on the move, under orders to report to General Hunter at Staunton in
a movement against Lynchburg, Va. On reaching Staunton, the cavalry
force was reorganized; two divisions were created, commanded respectively
by Generals Averell and Duffie, the latter for special separate service in the
movement against Lynchburg; the former operated w^ith the main force.
Colonel Powell w^as assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, com-
posed of the First, Second and Third Regiments, West Virginia Cavalry,
AverelPs Division, Army of West Virginia.

On the approach of the advance of the main force at Lexington, the
enemy made but feeble resistance; Powell s brigade drove the enemy's cav-
alry a few miles beyond the city and returned to headquarters. At early
morn of the 13th, the cavalry advanced on Buchanan ^ en route overtook
McCausland*s Rebel cavalrj- \ Colonel Powell's brigade being in the advance,
drove the enemy across the James River, w^ho fired the bridge as he passed
over, making it necessary for the Union troops to ford the stream. On
reaching Buchanan, several batteaux loaded with stores of various descrip-
tions were captured* The cavalry remained here until the morning of the
15th, then crossed the Blue Ridge between the Peaks of Otter to *' Fancy
Farm "to await the arrival of the main column. On its arrival at dark,
Colonel Powell's brigade was ordered forward to Liberty, where the Rebel

190

LOYAL WEST V/MGLWA FROM ig6i TO iS6s

cavalry was encotintered and driven off to find some other quarters for the

night.

On the i6th, the main cavalry column advanced tt> Liberty, rebtult ibe
bridge over Little Otter River, forded Big Otter and attacked McCansland,
driving him from New London. General Imboden's report that "the enemy's
(Union) troops, after a short engagement gave way, losing a dozen men,"
and that ** a double line of the enemy V infantry overlapped his right, forcing
hin rtHrt'iit/* is not correct; there were no infantry in the engagement at New
London,

On the morning of the 17th, Colonel Powell's brigade in the advance^
pu«iht;d McCausland and lmboden*s cavalry force back to and beyond the
Kttine churchy witliin four miles of Lynchburg, and halted at the church
nnlil General Averell came forward with the remainder of his division and
ihe gist O. V, L, formed his line of attack and charged the Rebel line,
driving it in great confusion towards the citj% in which charge CoL Jno. A.
Turley, 91st O* V* I.> was wounded* On the arrival of the main army.
Generals Crook and Averell urged an advance upon L^Tichburg that evening,
which vias unheeded by General Hunter, who ordered the army into camp
for the night. In the eariy room of the i8th. Colonel Powell, in conmiand
of his brigade and two guns, moved out under orders on the road leading to
Lynchburg via Campbell Court House to attack the Rebel works on south
sicle of the city. He overtook General Imboden's cavalry at Campbell
Court House in position behind the buildings. Powell immediately brought
his guns to bear upon the court house and other buildings, resulting in the
hasty display of Imboden's truce flag, which was respected by Colonel
Powell upon condition that the enemy would evacuate the village in 10 minutes.
He then drove Imboden back upon Lj^nchburg rapidly; on reaching a point
within view of the city, the advance halted until the column closed up. In
the meantime, a messenger from General Averell overtook the command
with orders to Colonel Powell to return to army headquarters. £m nmie to
New London, on the road to Libertj', procuring a colored man as guide, the
brigade passed to the left within sight of the Rebel camp fires at the stone
church about midnight, overtaking Hunter's army at New London in camp
near daybreak.

General Hunter retreated to the Kanawha Valley xria Liberty, Boosack,
Salem, Newcastle and Lewisburg, reaching Charleston June 29, with an
army sadly demoralized and half stan^ed, all feeling, as freely expressed,
that with General Crook in command the army would not have deserted the
Valley of Virginia at Salem, General Hunter's forces moved out of Charles-
ton, July \2^ en route via Ohio River to Parkersburg, thence %da Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad to Martinsburg, where it arrived on the i8th.

1^^

SPLENDID SERVICE OF THE SECOND W. FA. CAVALRY,

191

July 20, General Averell, commandiog a brigade composed of the 9th
West Va. Infantry Volunteers, 91st and 34th Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and
the Second Cavalry regiment, in advancing iip the valley encountered the
Rebel General Ramseur's Division, 5600 infantry, 8 guns and i6cmd cavalry
strong, in position on Carter's farm, four miles north of Winchester. The
enemy, after a severe contest and heavy loss, was routed and driven from
the field. Rebel loss, 217 killed and wounded, 200 prisoners, four guns
and 800 stand of small-arms. Union loss, 60 killed, 157 wounded* Union
force engaged 2000 infantry, 800 cavalry, no artillery.

In the entire campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, beginning July 20,
1864, under Hunter, and from the 7th of August until the close of the war,
under Gen'I Phil, H. Sheridan, at Appomattox, serving in the Second Cavalry
Division, Army of West Va., under Genl W, W. Averell and Gen'l W. H.
Powell as commanders. In Sheridan/s Cavalry Corps, the Second Regi-
ment West Va, Cavalry, under its commander, Col. W. H. Powell, and
under his command as brigade and division commander, won enduring
renown from its Commanders-in-Chief, Powell, Averell, Crook, Torbert
and Sheridan, in the main battles of Lewisburg, Wytheville, Sinking Creek
raid, Lynchburg, Carter's Farm, Winchester, Moorefield, Martinsburg,
Bunker Hill, Keamstown, Winchester (July 24, 1864), Moorefield, Steven-
son's Depot, Opequon (September 19), Fisher's Hill, Mount Jackson, Forrest
Hill, Weyer's Cave, Cedar Creek, Nineveh, Rude's Hill, Liberty Mills and
Five Forks, and 46 other severe and important engagements, as evidenced
by the following recommendations received by its commanding officer for
promotion,

[Copy,]

HEABQUARTERS, 2D (^AVALRY DIVISION IN THE FlELD.

Department W. Va,, Sept, 3, 1864.
Brig.-Gen*l L, Thomas. AdfL-Gen'L

General :—\ have the honor to request that Col W, H. Powell, 2d West Va. Cavaliy,
be appointed a Brigadier of Volunteers. He has been in ihe service three years, and his
term of service is about to expire. For that appointment he has ever>^ recomnrtendation. He
has always distinguished himself in battle ; has been wounded and suffered in prison. He
is a gentleman of high character; and one of the best brigade commanders that I know.
The cavalry arm of the service can ill afford to lose so excellent an officer,

(Signed) W. VV. Averell, Brig.^Gen'L

[Endorsements.]

Headquarters, Department W, Va.

Near Berryville, Va., Sept, 5, 1864,
Colonel Powell has served with me often since the commencement of this war. He
has distingubhed himself in every bailie he was engaged in under me. He has been recom-

192

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM j 861 TO 186 j.

mended by me on several occasions, for promotion, I regard him as one of the best cavalry
officers I have ever seen in the service.

(Signed) Geo. Crook. Brevet Major -General,

Army of West Virginia.

Headquarters. Middle Military Division,

Shenandoah Valley. SepL 5. 1864.

I have enquired particularly In reference to this officer's conduct heretofore, and of his
abilities and good soldierly conduct, and recommend him for the addilJonal grade.

(Signed) P. H. Sheridan. Maj.-GenH Commanding,

It ia said Colonel Powell now commands a brigade, and these recommendations being
so good and ample, give him a brevet appointment, if a full commission is impracticable.

(Signed) A. Lincoln, President United States,

CoK Wm. H, Powell received his commission as brigadier-general
October 19, 1864, At the close of the campaign in the Shenandoah
Valley, General Powell, by reason of death and severe illness in his fam-
ily, was reluctantly constrained to leave the service, and return to his
bereaved and stricken family. Having tendered his resignation Januarys,
he received the following kindly expressed regrets from his corps and army
commanders :

Headquarters. Cavalry Corps, MmnLK Military Division,

Winchester, Va., January 14, 1865.

Brig.-GEN'L W. H. Powell, Commanding 2d Cav. Div.

Gen^a I, '^^Y our resignation having been accepted^ I feel I should be doing myself an
injustice did f permit you to leave the service of the United States and my conamand, without
tendering you an expression of my appreciation of your valor and ability as a soldier, your
zeal, efficiency and untiring energy as a cavalry commander.

During the period of your service under my command, you have more than sustained
the reputation so justly given you by your former commander, and have merited and won
the commendation of your superiors. Thrown suddenly in command of your division, in the
midst of active operations, and during a campaign most severe, but never exceeded in
brilliancy, your labors have been incessant, but at all times performed with an alacrity,
skillftilness and honesty of purpose which have invariably crowned your efforts with success,
winning for you an enviable and lasting reputation. I now part with yon with great regret,
earnestly trusting that your career in civil life may be as brilliantly successful,
I am truly and sinccrdy yowr friend,

(Signed) A, T, S, Torbert, Brevet Maj,-Gen' I,

Chief of Cavalry Command,

GENERAL SHERIDAN COMMENDS GENERAL POWELL. 1^3

Headquarters, Army of the Shenandoah. July 15, 1865.
My Dear General:—! greatly regret the necessity which compelled you to leave the
public service. The regret is not only for the loss I myself sustain, but the loss to the public
service. I desire to express to you my heartfelt thanks for your faithful support, and for
your gallantry which has contributed so much to make the victories of the Shenandoah
Valley decisive. Should you again enter the service, I would consider myself fortunate in
having you under my command.

Very truly,
Phil. H. Sheridan, Maj,-Geu'l, U. S. A.
Brigadier-General Powell, Comdg. 2d Cav. Div.

^^^^^^^^^^^^B CHAPTER XXV. ^^^H

^^^^^^^ THIRD REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. "

^^^^^^^ Roster of the Field, StafT and Company Officers of the Third Regiment West Vir^nia Cavalry

^^1

^^^^^L Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Therein from the Date of Original

^^^^^^H Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, June 30. 1865.

^^^V I»ai«

K»M» iUMi Rank,

Cou

Remarks.

^^^^Hi

ColOHiL

^^^H March xo, 1B65.

John L. McGee.
LituUnani- ColofuU,

^^^H June 15. 1862.

David H, St r other,

Resigned September 10, 1864.

^^^1 July 18. 1863.

John L. McGee,

Promoted to Colonel.

^^1

^^H May 1, 1865.

JohnS^JViifihcu
Majcrs,

^^^H March 15, 1862.

John L. McGee,

Promoted to Lieulcnant-Colond,

^^H

^^^H July ^9, 1865.

Lot Bo wen,

Resigned December 12, 1S64,

^^1

^^^H July 29, 1863,

Seymour B. Conger,

Killed in action at Moorefield, W. Va.,
August 7, 1864.

^^^H April 15, 1864.

John S. Witcher, |

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

^^1

^^^1 Dec. 15. 1864.

Charles E. Anderson,

^^1

^^^H May 23. 1865.

Charles W. White,

^^H May 23. 1865.

John L. Hurst.
rst Lt and Adft.

^^^^H J une 25, 1 862 .

Barna Powell.
J St Lis, and R. Q. M.

Honorably discharged January i, 1864.

^^^H Sept II, 1863.

Lee Haymond,

Promoted to Captain and C. S. U. S. V.

^^^V Nov. 26, 1 864 ,

Samuel C. Mcllor.
fsi LI, and Reg, Com,

«^^^^^i

^^H Oct. 7, 1S63.

David M. Drake,

Surgeons,

Honorably discharged.

^^^^1 April 22, 1864.

Thomas Morton,

Mustered out at expiration of term of sendee*

^^H May 17, 1865.

Arthur Titus.
Assistant Surgeons.

^^H 8. 1862.

Thomas Morton,

Promoted to Surgeon,

^^^H April 22, 1864.

David S. Pinnel,

Resigned December 23, 1864*

^^^H April 16, 1864.

Benoni Parkinson,

Promoted to Surgeon, 17th W. Va. Infantry.

^^H Jan. 25* 1&65.

Aaron W. Davis.

THIRD REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

19s

Dmte

July I, 1864.

Dec. 27, 1 861.
Apnl20, 1865.
Oct 3, 1862.
April 20, 1865.
March 14, 1862
May 28, 1862.
Nov, 22, 1862.
March 1, 1864.
Oct. 22, 1862,
July 18. 1865.
Oct. 28, 1862.
Jan. 23, 1864,
Nov, 25, 1862,
Sept. 2, 1863.
July 6, 1864.
Feb. 19, 1863.
Oct. 27. 1865.
Feb. 15, 1865.
Sept. 12. 1863.
Nov. 26, 1864.
April 20, 1865.
Aug. 8, 1864.
May 23. 1865.

Dec. 27, i86i»
Nov. 22, 1862.
March 9, 1865.
Oct. 3, 1862.
July 15*1863.
Feb. xi, 1865.
March 14^ 1862
Jany. 26, 1864.
Sep. a. 1864.
Sep. 22, 1862.
July !8, 1863.
Oct. 28, 1862.
Jan. 23, 1864.
Sep. 24, 1864,
Nov. 25, i86z.
Feb. 26, 1863.
Feb. 16, 1865.
Dec, 6, 1862.

Kamfift and Itsfik^

Chaplain.
William Slaughter.

Captains^
Evenon J. Conger,
Joseph Robbins,
Charles W. While,
Andrew]. Adams,
William B. Shaw,
Jonathan Stahl,
Seymotir B. Conger,
Peter Table r,
James R. Utt,
George W. McVicker,
Lot Bo wen,
Timothy F. Roane,
Samuel C. Means,
John S. Witcher,
John Harshbarger,
W. H. Flesher,
Charles E. Anderson,
George A. Sexton,
David B. Wolf.
Benja. C, Smith,
Francis J. LeSage,
John L. Hurst,
Jacob W. Heavner.

First Lieutenants.
Seymour B. Conger,
Wm. W. Barrett,
James Devoir,
George W. Artis,
John P. Johnson,
George W. Wilson,
John E. Hoffman,
John E. Bowers,
Albert Teets,
Geo. W. McVicker,
McGill Clark,
Timothy F. Roane,
Leonard Clark,
George W. Starr,
Luther W. Slater,
James S. Perry,
Stephen Ripley,
John S. Witcher,

Cq.

A
A
B
B
C
C
C
C
D
D
E
E
F
G
G
H
I
I

K
K
L
M
M

A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
E
E
E
F
F
F
G

Remarks.

Promoted to Major, 1st D. C. Cavalry.

Promoted to Major.

Resigned May 24, 1862,
Resigned October 23, 1862.
Promoted to Major.

Killed in action May 16, 1863.

Promoted to Major.

Permanently detached, Order Sec. of War,
Promoted to Major.

Resigned June 16, 1865.
Promoted to Major.

Dismissed, October 29, 1864,
Promoted to Major.

Promoted to Captain, Co, C.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned May 18, 1863.

Killed in action near Salem, Va.

Killed in action November 24, 1863,
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to Captain,

Killed in action at Mooreficld, W. Va.

Resigned Janury 18, 1863.
Permanently detached, Order War Dept.

Promoted to Captain,

^^^^^ j;^ LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM xS6t TO iSdj. ^^^^^^^^^H

^^^H D>te

ftmiatB and Rjtnk.

Co.

RetoailcB. ^^|

First Lieutenants.

•

^fl

^^^H Oct. 24, 1863.

John Harshbarger,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^^|

^^^H Dec. 1862.

William H. Flesher.

Promoted to Captain. ^^^^|

^^^H Feb« 19, 1863.

Aaron W. Davis,

Promoted to Assistant Surgeon. ^^^^H

^^^^ Feb.

Andrew J. Adams.

Promoted to Captain, Co, B. ^^^^H

^^^H Oct.

George A. Sexton.

Promoted to Captain. ^^^H

^^^H Sep. 13, 1863*

James P, Matthew,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^^H

^^^H June 9. 1865.

Richard B. Little,

^^^H April 8. 1864.

Jacob W. Heavner.

Promoted to Captain. ^^^H

^^H May 23. 1865.

Claudius B. See.
Second Lieutenants,

^^^^^^^1

^^^H Jan. 10, 1862.

Wm. W. Barrett.

Promoted to Tst Lieutenant. ^^^^^^

^^^H Nov. 23, 1862.

Benjamin C. Smith,

Promoted to Captain. Co. K. ^^^H

^^^H March 15, 1S65.

Lewis S. Jenkins,

^^^^1

^^^H Oct. 23, 1863.

Daniel J. Martin.

Dismissed September 12, 1864. ^^^H

^^^H March 30, 1865.

Thomas M. Goff,

^^^H

^^^H March 14, 1862

Joseph A» Benson,

Resigned May 24, 1862. ^^^^|

^^^H Nov. 20. 1862.

John E. Bowers,

C '

Promoted to ist Lieutenant ^^^^H

^^^1 Feb. 1864.

Albert Teeis,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^^^|

^^^1 Oct.

McGill Clark,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^^^|

^^^1 July 1863.

Joseph Robbins,

Promoted to Captain, Co. A. ^^^^B

^^^1 Dec.

Wm. E. Lovctt.

Discharged by order General Sheridan. ^^^^|

^^^H Nov. 25, 1862.

Daniel M. Keys,

Permanently detached by order Sec. War* ^^^^|

^^^H March 11, 1865.

William P. Hubbard.

^^^H

^^^H June ]9» 1863.

Francis J. LeSage.

Promoted to Captain. Co. L. ^^^H

^^^H May 23, 1865.

James C. Swintzel,

^^^H

^^^1 Feb. t9, 1863.

Andrew J. Adams.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^H

^^^1 Feb. 15, 1865.

Alfred Borcgard.

^^^1

^^^B Oct. 27, 1863.

Nathan Rexroad,

^^^^1

^^^P Sep. 12. 1863.

Henry A. Wolfe,

Killed in action February 20, 1864. ^^^H

^^^m March 26. 1864.

John M. Capito,

Dismissed September 12. 1864. ^^^H

^^^H Nov. 14, 1864,

Ira E. Freeman.

Dismissed April, 1S65* ^^^^H

^^H May 23.

Edgar L, Clayton,

^^^1

^^^H March 27, 1865.

William Knox,

^^^H

^^^B Ap^^^ '3' '^^

Samuel A, Childets.

Resigned June 17* 1865. ^|

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H ^^^^^^^^1

JOHN L. McGEE,
Colonel 3d West Virginia Cavalrv.

ro'^^

FORMA TION AND EARL Y SER VICE OF THE REGIMENT.

197

The Third West Virginia Cavalry.

The 3d West Virginia Cavalry was organized in the spring of 1862, with
^Pavid H* Strother, lieutenant-colonel J John L, McGee, major and Barna
Powell, adjutants

Lieutenant-Colonel Strother had a national reputation as an artist and
litterateur, and was among the first in this country to illustrate his own lit-
erar}^ productions of Southern life and events, prior to the war, in Harper s
Magazine under the nam de plume of *' Porte Crayon/* During the two first
years of the regiment's service it was doing guard and scouting duty by
company detachments, which were stationed from the Shenandoah to the
Kanawha Valleys; during this time Colonel Strother was performing special
service on the staff of Generals Averell, Sigel and Hunter,

Colonel McGee had seen much active service in the war prior to his
promotion into the 3d Cavalry Regiment, He also served as *' chief of staff **
with General Milroy.

On the i8th of July, 1861, Company A, 1st West Virgiaia Cavalry,
recruited and mustered in at Morgantown, W, Va., was the first cavalry
organization raised in the State; it was mustered into service as the '^Kelley
Lancers,'' J. L, McGee, captain; and at once reported to Genl B. F, Kelley,
at Grafton, whence it was ordered to New Creek (Keyser), W, Va., and on
General Kelley's advance on Romney, took part in that expedition, and to-
gether with the Ringgold cavalry charged the enemy's works. This charge
was delivered with fine spirit and most satisfactory results, the whole of the
enemy's artillery, stores and flags being taken without the loss of a man.

General Kelley, in his official report to tlie War Department remarks:
**I must be pardoned, however in calling the attention of the country to the
brilliant charges of the cavalry under Captains Ke3's and McGee. I venture
to say they are unsurpassed by any in the annals of American warfare,"*

This advance was soon followed by the surprise of the Rebels at Blues
Gap; in which the Lancers were again conspicuous, resulting in the capture
of a number of prisoners, three pieces of artillery and the entire camp equip-
age of the enemy, and driving the Rebel forces to the eastern slope of the
AUeghanies, thus transferring the field of active operations to the Valley of
Virginia.

Captain McGee was promoted to major of the 3d West Virginia Cavalry,
October 2, 1861.

The several companies and battalions in the Third Regiment rendered
conspicuous service. As early as June, 1862, Company C, Capt. Seymour

*Romney, October 28, 1861, Rebellion Record^ vol. 5, sec. i, page 380.

igS

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iS6j,

B. Conger, was attached to General Fremont's command. When in pursuit
of "Stonewall" Jackson in his retreat up the Shenandoah Valley, Captain
Conger and his company frequently engaged the enemy, and received
special mention from General Fremont, upon the occasion of a splendid dash
made by the company at the bridge near Mount Jackson j when the retreat-
ing enemy had fired the structure, Captain Conger^s gallant charge saved the
bridge, and General Ashby barely escaped capture.

Capt. Lott Bo wen, Co. E, displayed the qualities of the brave soldier
in the vicinity of Weston, Sutton and BulltowTi in western Virginia under
General Roberts* Lieut. Timothy F. Roane, in command of the same
company, charged, routed, killed and captured many of Imboden*s and
Jackson's troops near Clarksburg, at Simpson^s Creek and Jane LeWj in the
early part of May, 1863, In the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac,
Januarj'^ S^st, 1863, Companies A and C were detailed for special duty at
General Sigel's ** Grand Reserve Division*' headquarters. Company H, in
command of Capt. W. II. Flesher, was at Parkersburg from May i to
August 31, 1863; Company G, Capt. John S. Witcher, was in Col. Ruther-
ford B. Hayes' Brigade in tlie Kanawha Valley.

In June, 1863, Captain Conger, with Companies A and C, was attached to
General Pleasanton's Corps, Buford's Division, Colonel Devin*s Brigade,
and participated in the battles of Brady Station, Beverly Ford, Stevensburg
and Upperville, Virginia.

A characteristic episode of the war, and one which very forcibly illustrates
the estimation in which the West Virginia troops were held, occurred while
General Milroy was in command at Winchester* A reconnoissance of con-
siderable force had been repulsed with very serious loss to our troops, and it
was determined to send out a strong force to develop the full strength of the
enemy. The general, looking over the detail which had been made for the
expedition, remarked that he would like to have some West Virginia boys at
the front of this movement. Colonel McGee, Inspector-General, and Chief
of the Staff of the Division, at once volunteered to take command of the
advance guard with three companies of West Virginia Cavalry, one company
of the 1st West Virginia and two of the 3d West Virginia Cavalry ; it was so or-
dered, and the three companies, about 60 men all told, took the road far in
advance of the main column.

At Fisher's Ilill two Rebel pickets were observed, and Colonel McGee
deployed his command sending out parties to either side, while, with about
thirty men, he took up the march to the summit, which was approached by a
narrow road cut in a precipitous side of the hill. When near the summit the
two men in advance dashed back in perfect panic, shouting the report that

GENERAL MILR V SURR O UNDED A T WINCHESTER. 199

they were followed by a thousand Rebs in full charge. To countermarch
on this narrow road in the presence of the enemy was impossible, so the only
alternative was to fight. Colonel McGee at once gave the order and with
drawn sabre led the charge.

Just at the summit the road turns sharply out of the wood leading thence
straight away over an open plateau: at this turn the opposing parties were
first disclosed to each other, separated about 50 yards, the Rebs were in full
charge and the charge of the West Virginians was delivered with such im-
petuosity, that the Rebel column was split and doubled back upon itstflf,
and no more spirited hand-to-hand fight was seen during the war tlian that
here enacted, and it w^as kept up with most heroic vigor until the enemy was
completely routed and sent flying up the valley. It was after^vard learned
that the Rebel force numbered about 100 men, commanded by Major Myers,
and their loss was one killed, several wounded and five prisoners; M^hile we
had two men seriously wounded, one mortally, one horse killed; the horse
ridden by Colonel McGee in the charge received five bullet wounds, but the
rider escaped unhurt.

One More of the Same Kind.

Lee, in his advance into Maryland detached EwelFs Corps (variously
estimated at from 35,000 to 50,000 men) to pick up Milroy on the way.
This they found no light morning's work. But after three days' hard
and continuous fighting against hopeless odds, Milroy, with ammunition
exhausttid, completely surrounded and cut off from supplies or communica-
tion, determined to hold a council of war.

But before going into the council, Colonel McGee told the author that
the general took him aside, and in the most impressive manner, told him:
**I have been persuaded to call a council of war. It may decide to sur-
render, but I will never surrender to any d d Rebels, If the council

decide to surrender, I want you to get your three companies of West Virginians
together, and at their head we will go to Harper's Ferry or to hell/*

In narrating the incident the colonel remarked that although he had
been for three days almost constantly under fire and two nights on the out-
post line, he would have most cheerfully accepted the challenge, never
doubting that they would reach their proper destination. But fate ordered
otherwise, and the next morning the general broke the Rebel line and
marched with 5000 men of his command into the Union lines,

April 16, 1864, Major Lott Bovven, at Buckhannon, was ordered by
General Sigel to proceed with his battalion to Clarksburg, thence by river

200

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO 1863^

and railroad to Charleston, Kanawha, May 10, i864> the regiment, in
command of Major Conger, was with General Averell in the battle of
Wjilieville, Va, Averell made special mention of the regiment in this.

At Staunton, Va., June, 1S64, the regiment was assigned to Col. W. H.
Oley's 2d Brigade, thence to the Kanawha Valley, under Oley and Duffie.
August 7, 1S64, General Averell fought the battle of Moorefield, W. Va.
The 3d Cavalry was in command of Major John S* Witch er. The fight was
one of the most signal victories for the Union cause during the war. General
Averell 111 his report of the batUe says:

*' The brigadier-general commanding congratulates the officers and men
of the division upon tlie brilliant success achieved by their victory at
Moorefield, on the morning of the 7th inst. . . • But with our exulta-
tions is mingled a profound grief at the loss of Major Conger, 3d West Vir-
ginia Cavalry, who found death as he had always wished, in the front of
batde, with heart and hand intent upon the doing of his duty. Brave, stead-
fast and modest, when he fell this command lost one of its best soldiers, and
his regiment and general a friend. The men who followed him in the
charge wull never forget his glorious example, or that of the gallant Lieu-
tenant Leonard Clark, who fell by his side.'*

In the reorganization of tlie Army of West Virginia, August 31, 1864,
Genl George Crook^ commanding; General Averell, commanding divi-
sion; Col. Wm. H, Powell, commanding the Second Brigade, in which the
Third West Va, Cavalry was a part under command of Maj. Lott Bowen,
And still later, on the 19th of September, the same organization was pre-
served except the Third Cavalry, w^hich w^as commanded by Maj* John S.
Witcher, and Col. Henry Capehart commanding Second Brigade.

At the battie of Fisher's Hill, September 22, Lieut.-CoL McGee was in
command of the Third Cavalry. On September 23, 1864, General Averell
was succeeded in command of his division by Col. Wm. H, Powell.

During the months of January and February, the Third Regiment under
Lieutenant-Colonel McGee, were stationed near Winchester, Va., doing
picket duty, making frequent reconnoissances up the valley.

On February 27th, the regiment broke camp and moved with the cavalry
corps commanded by Major-General Sheridan up tiie valley to Staunton,
and participated in the battle at Waynesboro, Va., on the 2d of March,
defeating General Early, and pushing on the same evening to Greenwood
Depot. The next day the command moved to Charlottesville, and thence
with the command of General Sheridan on his great raid, which resulted in
the destruction of more than fifty miles of the James River Canal, many
miles of railroad, besides other public property.

COLONEL POWELLS GALLANT CHARGE AT WYTHEVILLE, 20I

The command arrived at ** White House" on the 19th of March, where
it remained in camp until the 24th, marched thence via Charles City Court
House, and crossed the James River at Deep Bottom.

On the morning of the ist of April, a desperate engagement took place, in
which the Third Cavalry bore a conspicuous part. On April 2d, at Ford's Sta-
tion, the Third Regiment, under Lieut.-Col. John S. Witcher, charged and
drove a brigade of Confederate cavalry, killing the Confederate General
Pegram. The regiment continued to do duty in all the exciting and closing
scenes terminating with the surrender at Appomattox on the 9th of April.

The regiment participated in the Grand Review at Washington on the
23d of May, 1865. The regiment was mustered out on the 23d of June,
1865, at Wheeling, W. Va.

The regiment lost during the war in killed and died of wounds, six
officers and forty enlisted men ; died of disease or in prison, one hundred
and thirty-six.

CHAPTER XXVI.
FOURTH REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fourth Regiment West Virginia CaTalrf
Voltinteeri, Showing the Alterations and Casualties Tboetn from the Date of Original
Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Master Out, Jane 23, 1S64.

^C^SL^ Ka-«a«iRa^

Co.

E--.

Colonel.

Kar. TO, 1863, Joseph Snider.

LUuUnant' ColoneL

Aug, 29, 1863, Samoel W. Snider.

Majors.

Sept. I, 1863,

Nathan Goff. Tr.

Sept, 1, 1S63,

Charies F. Howes,

Koir. 27, 1863,

James A. Smith.
1st Lieut and Adfi.

Aog. 20, 1863,

Wm. McGee.

isi Lieut, and R.Q.M.

Jttly II, 1863,

Thomas BonsaL

/// Lieut. &*Reg. Com.

Oct 2, 1863.

W. H. B. South.
Surgeon.

Aag, 17, 1863.

David S. Pinnell.
Assistant Surgeon.

Nor. 14, 1863.

David Shanor.

Chaplain.

Aug. 29, 1863. 1 Jeremiah L. Simpson.

Captains.

July 18, 1863.

William H. Shanley,

July 22, 1863.

Jeremiah L. Simpson,

Appointed Chaplain.

July 31,1863.

Robert C. Arbucle,

Aug 27, 1863.

Calvin A. Hutchinson,

Aug. 14, 1863.

John F. Wanless,

Aug. 29, 1863.

James A. Smith,

Promoted to Major.

Dec. 18, J1863.

James H. Hibbctts,

Aug. 29. 1863.

James H. Algeo,

Aug. 27, 1S63.

Michael Donohoe,

Aug. 29, 1863.

Morris M. Snider,

Aug. 29, 1863.

Joseph S. P. Barker,

Aufi:. 29, 1863.

John S. McDonald,

Nov. z-j, 1863.

William King.

^ ORGANIZATION AND MUSTER OF FOURTH t^, VA, CAVALRY. 203 ^|

^^^^^p

Kajses and Rank«

Co.

Reinarlu. ^^^|

First Lieutenants,

^^^H July 1865.

DaviJ H. Dawson,

^^^^1 July 22,

William J. Morgan,

^^H July 31, 1863.

Scott A. Harter,

^^^H Aug. 5, 1863.

William L. Theis.

^^^^1 Aug. 14. 1863.

John L. Hurst.

^^^H Aug. 29. 1863.

James H. Hihbetts,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H Dec. 22. 1863.

Richard B. Hewitt,

^^1

^^^^H Aug. 29. 1S63.

Francis A. Barnes,

^^^H Aug. 29, 1863.

Joseph A, Summers,

^^^H Aug. 29, 1S63.

Joseph Lamont,

^^^^H Aug. 29. 1863.

Decatur S. Elhott,

^^^^H Aug. 29, 1S63.

Francis Harris,

^^^H Oct.

Tappan W. Kellcy.
Seconii Lieutenants.

^^^H July iS, 1863.

William H. Travis,

^^^1 Aug. 5, 1863.

Granville Brown,

^^^H July zi, 1863.

Thomas E, Davis,

^^^^H Aug. 29, 1863,

Elias L. Davis,

^^^^H Aug. lo, 1863.

Lorenzo D, Westfall,

^^1

^^^^H Aug. 29, 1S63.

Daniel P. James,

^^1

^^^H Aug. 29, 1863.

Thomas J. Sprague,

^^^H Aug. 29. 1863.

Marshall Allen,

^^^H Aug. 29, 1863.

Andrew J. Vicker^,

^^^^H Aug.29, 1S63.

Thomas Buchanan,

^^1

^^^H Aug. 29, 1S63.

William Varley,

^^^H Nov. 27, 1S63.

Joseph H. Barker.

^^^H The Fourth Wkst Virginia Cavalry. ^H

^^^H The Fourth W. Va. Cavalry was organized August, 1863, as a one year ^H

^^^H regiment. The field officers were Joseph Snider (formerly of the 7th W, Va» ^H

^^^H Infantry)* colonel; Samuel W. Snider, lieut.-coL; Nathan GoflF, Jr, (of the ^H

^^^F 6th West Va. Cavalry), Charles F. Howes and James A* Smithy majors. ^H

^^P^ The regiment serv^ed in General Kelley's command and did splendid ^H

^^^ service. The principal event in which the regiment took part occurred when ^H

^^^■j in the performance of escort duty, January 30, 1864, while conducting a ^H

^^^H supply train from New Creek to Petersburg ^ w^hen at Medley > 2]4 miles ^^^

^^^H below Moorefield Junction, Colonel Snider, who was in command of the ^H

^^^H train guard, met at this point Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk, commanding 23d ^H

^^^B Illinois Infantry, falling back before the advance of the enemy. Colonel ^H

^^^1 Snider being the ranking officer took command of the forces, and at once ^H

^^^B formed line of battle in the following order : The ajd Illinois, Lieutenant- ^H

204 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj.

Colonel Quirk, on the left. A detachment of the 2d Maryland in the center,
four companies of the 4th W. Va. Cavalry, occupying the right ; two com-
panies of the 4th W. Va. Cavalry were placed in position on the right flank,
as was also a detachment of the Ringgold Battalion, Lieutenant Spear.
Two companies of the Fourth were ordered to take position on the left flank.
The two remaining companies of the Fourth were placed in rear of the center
to be used as the exigencies of the engagement might demand. Colonel
Snider had scarcely gotten his command in position when the enemy opened
upon him with two pieces of artillery; their infantry advancing at the same
time, was met by a galling fire from Snider's front, and caused them to fall
back. Thrice the enemy tried the same thing with the same results. During
the engagement in front the enemy was extending his flanks to the right and
to the left, either of which outnumbered Snider's command. The result was
that Colonel Snider was compelled to withdraw his command in order to
prevent capture. He lost his train, but he made a gallant defense; he was,
however, fighting more than double his own command. The loss in this
engagement was five killed, thirty-four wounded, and a large number
captured. Among the latter was the gallant young Major Nathan Goff, Jr.

No apology will be offered for the somewhat extended reference to
Major Goff which follows, for it is doubtful if West Virginia has given the
nation a more distinguished son than he, having rendered his State and
Nation most brilliant service no less in peace than in war.

General Goff seems to have been bom under a lucky star. His father,
no less than his uncle for whom he is named, were well to do and influential
citizens when he was bom. Many more of his kindred were independent
and powerful socially. Hence the lines of his youth were cast in pleasant
places. Most boys who started with the advantages he had would have
made but little of themselves ; probably he w^ould not had he not begun and
continued as though his future depended entirely upon his own exertions.
Early in his boyhood he took to his books, and was sent to the best schools
of his native town, and later attended the Northwestem Academy, at Clarks-
burg, and was under the care of Dr. Gordon Battelle, its principal. There
he laid the foundation of a good education. As a boy he was studious, yet
full of fun and fight. He never seemed to take the family bent for business,
but started early for a profession. In 1859, ^^ entered the popular and
national College at Georgetown, D. C. Here the outbreak of the war found
him. He at once took sides with the Union. Early in April, 1861, and while
the guns of Sumter were echoing over the land, he threw aside his books,
went home, and in May enlisted as a private soldier in company G, Third
Virginia Union Infantry. This was a step hardly to be expected of one so

NATHAN GOFF, Jr.
Br£V£t Bhigaoier-General U. S. Vol,

GENERAL G OFF IN LIBBY PRISON.

205

situated in life as was young GoflF. He had youth p and health and wealth;
in fact, everything that would seem to have the power to allure him from the
struggles of war.

The author of ** Loyal West Virginia from 1861 to 1865 " is well qual-
ified to speak of young Goff, residing from boyhood in the same city —
Clarksburg, Va, Enlisting together in the same regiment, serv^ing together
throughout the war, we can say that the army may have contained more
conspicuous names, but it contained no braver soldier, no truer hearted, man-
lier man than Nathan Goff, Jr. He was only nineteen years of age, and
still more youthful in appearance when he joined the army, but his
superior soldierly qualities early brought him to the front, and he was elec-
ted second lieutenant of his company, A year later, he was commissioned
first lieutenant and adjutant. With his regiment he participated in the bat-
tles of McDowell, Cross Keys, Front Royal, Warrenton Springs, Rap-
pahannock Station, Second Bull Run, Rocky Gap, Droop Mountain and
other engagements of greater or lesser note. In 1864, he was promoted to
major of the Fourth West Virginia Cavalry, In the engagement near Moor-
field — already referred to — Major GofT's horse was shot; falling upon the
major's leg, he could not extricate himself, and he was taken prisoner and
sent to Libby prison at Richmond, Va.

This capture marks an event in his life that will live during all time. He
shared the fate of other Union prisoners for a time; but there was a change
when the Federal forces captured Major Armsey, a Confederate, who was
also a West Virginian, and lived in the adjoining county to GofT. Me and
some others w^ere tried as spies, and condemned to death, by the Union
autliorities.

Then Goff and several more Federal officers were consigned to close
confinement, and notified that when the Federal sentence against Armsey
and the other Confederates, for whose safety they were held, was carried into
effect, they would be put to death as an act of reprisal. For months Goff
lived in the shadow of death, subjected to all the rigors and privations inci-
dent to the limited ability of the enemy to supply their prisoners with the
necessaries of life.

His imprisonment tended to bring out his strongest traits of character;
lie never flinched or murmured, but waited upon his fate like a strong man.
He was a great favorite among the prisoners before his solitary confinement
began, and his selecdon as a hostage for Major Armsey caused great feeling
among them, as well as at his home, where he was so well known and a gen-
eral favorite. As soon as the Federal Government had been notified that he
would be shot if Armsey was executed, naturally his powerful friends made

2o6

LOYAL iVEST V/RGL^IA FROM i86i TO iS&s-

great efforts to save his life. For weeks the decision hung in the balance a
hair*s weight would have turned, and he and his comrades were suffering not
only the tortures of half-fed, closely confined prisoners of war^but a terrible
uncertainty as to their fate, that was even worse than prison treatment. It
was while this suspense was irksome and all absorbing that he gave evidence
of a strength of character as unexpected as it is rare in man. In a letter to
President Lincoln in relation to his confinement, now on file in the War
Office, the following striking passage occurs: —

"If Major Armsey is guilty he should be executed, regardless of its
consequences to me. The life of a single soldier, no matter who he may be,
should not stand in the w*ay of adherence to a great principle.**

After months of confinement, an exchange of Armsey for Goff was ar-
ranged, and each officer returned to his regiment.

When Goff reached Washington, after his imprisonment, he was sent
for by President Lincoln, and there occurred between the President and the
young officer a most remarkable scene. Goff, who was intent upon effecting
the release of his comrades whom he had left in prison, made the interview
the occasion of depicting to the Executive the sufferings of our prisoners.
His eloquent recital of their hardships brought tears to the eyes of the great-
hearted President, and even moved the stoical Stanton, who was present.
The result of tliis appeal was tliat arrangements were soon after made for an
exchange of prisoners, which was promptly afterwards carried into effects

Not very long after his return north, Goff joined his regiment, which
he found at Grafton. But a litde time had elapsed after his return, when
Major Armsey, for whom he had been held as a hostage and exchanged, was
again captured by the Union forces and was placed in jail at Clarksburg.
The news had- no sooner become known among the people, that the man for
whom Goff had so greatly suffered 'was in their power, than his life was in
danger. Just at this time Goff happened to come down from Grafton to his
home, and he at once stayed the fury of the citizens by saying to the angry
crowd: •* Let nu friend of mine lay a hand upon this man; he is entitled to
our protection, as a prisoner of war," The act and these words, beyond all
question, saved the life of Armsey, as the latter has many times since
testified.

This incident in the life of the young soldier shows the inherent man-
hood of his character while yet a boy. Forgetting the hardships he had
endured, he remembered only that by the laws of war this prisoner had done
nothing to forfeit his life, and he used, as he had need, all of his great per-
sonal popularity among his townsmen to save his life. He left the army not
long after this incident, after having been made a brevet brigadier-general
of Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious services on the field..

lA^ifi

JOHN W. MOSS,
CoLOwiL 2d West VtRGiNjA Infanthy.

CHAPTER XXVII.
FIFTH REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fifth Regiment West Virginia
Cavalry Volunteers (late 2d Regiment, West Virginia Infantry), showing the Alterations and
Casualties therein from the Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of
Consolidation with the 6th Regiment, West Virginia Cavalry, December 14, 1864.

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Colonels,

July 3, 1861.

John W. Moss,

Resigned May 20, 1862.

May 24, 1862.

George R. Latham,

Lieu tena n /- Colonels,

July 3, 1 861.

Robert Moran,

Resigned May 20, 1862.

June 30, 1863.

Alexander Scott,
Majors,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

July 3, 1861.

James D. Owen,

Resigned July 7, 1862.

July 31, 1862.

Thomas Gibson,

Resigned to accept promotion.

Nov. II, 1862.

Henry C. Flesher,

Resigned Feb. 22, 1863.

March 16, 1863.

Patrick Mc^ally,

Died of wounds received in jfction at Rocky
Gap. Va.

April 25, 1864.

Douglas D. Barclay,

1 Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Fist Lieuts. and Adjts.

July 3. 1861

Henry G. Jackson,

Resigned Oct. 8, 1862.

Nov. 26, 1 861.

Charles McC. Hays,

Resigned Jan. 11, 1862.

Feb. 7, 1862.

David F. Williamson,

Resigned March 25, 1862.

June 9, 1862.

John Combs,

Promoted to Captain,

April 27, 1864.

John C. French,

1st Lieut. ds*R. Q,M,

Declined promotion, not mustered.

July 27, 1861.

Webster A. Stevens.

Resigned.

July 26, 1862.

Alexander J. Pentecost,
Surgeons.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

July 25, 1861.

Robt. W. Hazlett,

Resigned March 2, 1863.

March 13, 1863.

Eli N. Love,

Asst. Surgeons,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Aug. 6, 1861.

Sample Ford,

Resigned Sept. 18, 1862.

i;ec. 20, 1862.

Eli N. Love,

Promoted to Surgeon.

St p. 20, 1862.

Theodore Millspaugh,
Chaplain.

Mustered out at expiration oi term of service.

Aug. 23, 1 861.

John W. W. Bolton,
Captains,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Albert C. Hays,

Resigned July 22, 1861.

Aug. 28, 1861.

William Otto,

Resigned March 13, 1862.

April 20. 1862.

John A. Hunter,

Relieved from Command, August i, 1863,

^^^^^^208

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 18 61 TO 1S63, ^^^^^^^^^^B

^^^H Date

Names und Rank.

Co.

Remnrkii. ^H

^^^^^H orCommiisiofn.

^^^B

Capiains.

^^^H Aug. 1 8,

OHvcr R. West, 1

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^M

^^^H Aug. 28,

George R. Latham,

Promoted to Colonel, May 20, 1862. ^^|

^^^^1 May 1S62.

Daniel Wilson.

Resi^med April 22, 1863. ^^M

^^^H 1S64.

Amos B. Hammer,

Mustered out at expiraiion of term of service. ^^U

^^^H Aug.2, t86!.

Edward Planke,

Resigned March 5, 1S63. ^H

^^^H April 4.

James K. Billingsley,

Mustered out al expiration of term nf service. ^^M

^^^H Aug,

Thomas Gibson, Jr.

Promoted to Major, July 7, 1862. ^H

^^^H July

Douglas D. Barclay,

Prom oted to M aj r , M ;i y i , I S64. ^^M

^^^H April 27, 1864.

John R. Frisbee,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^

^^^^H Jun€24, i86t.

Simpson Hollisler,

Resigned December 1, 1862. J

^^^H Oct.

Thomas E. Day,

Recommisstoned in 6th Cavalry. ^H

^^^H July4. 1S61.

Alexander Scott,

Promoted to Lieutenan t-Col onel, May 20, 1 862. ^H

^^^H Nov.

Thomas B. Smith,

Recom missioned in 6th Cavalry. ^^M

^^^H Jun€3o, 1S62.

Henry C Flesher.

Promoted to Major. November 9, 1862. ^^t

^^^H

James D. Owens,

G !

Promoted lo Major. ^^M

^^^^1 Aug. 2, 1861.

Chatham T. Ewing,

Transferred to 1st W. Va. Lt, Art. ^H

^^^H Aug. 2,1861.

Patrick McNally,

Promoted to Major, March 24, 1863. ^^M

^^^H March 16. 1863.

Joseph M. BusJifield,

Relieved February 18, 1864. ^H

^^^^1 April 1864.

John Combs,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^M

^^^H Aug. 28,

Louis £. Smith,

Resigned November 23, 1862. ^H

^^^H Dec. 23,

Norval W. Truxal,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^M

^^^H July 28.

John P. Kiger,

Resigned Jan. 8, J862. ^H

^^^H Feb.

Andrew Grubb,
Firs t L i&u itn ants.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^M

^^^H March

Oliver R. West,

Promoted to Captain. ^H

^^^^H Aug. 27.

David L. Smith,

Promoted to Captain and C. S, Aug. j8, 1863. ^^M

^^^^1 June 30, 1S62.

Amos B, Hammer,

Promoted to Captain. ^^H

^^^H Aug. 28, 186 1.

Fabric i us A. Cather,

Resigned May 20, 1S62. ^^M

^^^^1 Aug

August Rolff,

Resigned September 10, 1862. ^^M

^^^H Sep.

Henry Schultz,

Relieved December 9. 1863. ^^M

^^^H March 16, 1863.

Lewis P. Salterback,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H April

Douglas D, Barclay,

Promoted to Captain, July 7, 1862. ^^M

^^^H July

John R, Frisbee.

Promoted to Captain May i, i84), ^^M

^^^H April 27, 1864.

Jacob Colmer,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^H

^^^H Aug. 2,

David Ecker,

Resigned April 17, 1862. j^^H

^^^H

Henry G. Jackson,

Appointed Adjutant, August 23, 1861. ^^^^|

^^^V June 24. 1 86 1.

Hamilton B. James,

Killed in action at Bull Run, August 29, ^^H

^^^H Sept

Charles H. Day,

Transferred to Co. F. ^H

^^^H Dec.

John C. French,

Mustered out at expiration of term ol service. ^^M

^^^1 July 4,1861.

John A, Hunter,

Promoted to Captain, Co. A. ^^M

^^^H Sept. 23. 1S62.

Chas. H. Day,

Transfered to Co. L ^^M

^^^H April

Wm. Schmolze,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^B

^^^H Aug.

Alfred Seckman,

Killed in action, Alleghany Mountains. J

^^^H Jan.

Howard Morton,

Transferred to ist West Virginia Lt. Art. ^^M

^^^H Aug. 2,

Henry C. Flesher,

Promoted to Captain, Co. F. ^^|

OFFICERS FIFTH REGIMENT W, VA. CAVALRY.

209

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

June 30, 1862.
March 16, 1863
Feb. 7, 1862.
Aug. 28, 1861.

Dec. 23, 1862.
Sept. 23, 1862.

July 27, 1 861.
Feb. 7. 1862.

Aug. 22, 1 861.
July 9, 1862.
Sept. I, 1863.
Aug. 2, 1861.
June 30, 1862.
Sept. I, 1863.
Aug. 2, 1861.
Sept. 23, 1862.
March 26, 1864,
Aug. 2, 1861.
Sept. 23, 1862.
April 2, 1862.
Aug. 20, 1862.
Oct. 9, 1862.

June 24, 1861.
Jan. 13. 1863.
July 4, 1861.
June 30, 1862.
June 30, 1862.

Aug. 2, 1861.
May 28, 1862.
Aug. 2, 1861.
June 7, 1862.
Sept. 23, 1862.
Nov. 26, 1862.
Aug. 28, 1861.
Dec. 23, 1863.
July 27, 1 86 1.
Feb. 7, 1862.
Feb. 19, 1863.

First Lieutenants,
Joseph M. Bushfield,
Louis P. Salterbach,
Norval \V. Truxal,
Abraham A. Devore,
David F. Williamson,
James K. Billingsley,
Charles H. Day,

Andrew Grubb,
Arthur J. Weaver,

Second Lieutenants,
Oliver R. West,
James Black,
James R. Hutchinson,
Daniel Wilson,
Asbury C. Baker,
Felix H. Hughes,
Christian Petry,
Christian Vierheller,
Geo. H. Kirkpatrick,
Douglas D. Barclay,
John R. Frisbee,
Joseph M. Bushfield,
A.J. Chambers,
Jacob Colmer,

Basil T. Bowers,
James B. Smith,
Douglas G. Smythe,
Thomas B. Smith,
William Schmolze,

Jacob G. Huggins,
Samuel J. Shearer,
John Combs,
Charles H. Day.
John C. French,
Andrew P. Russell,
Norval W. Truxal,
James B. Montgomery,
Arthur J. Weaver,
David A. Jenningrs,
Daniel K. Shields,

H
H

K
K

A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
D
D
D

E
E
F
F
F

G
G
H
H
H
H

K
K
K

Promoted to Captain, March 24, 1863.

Transferred to Company C.

Promoted to Captain.

Resigned October 10, 1861.

Promoted to Adjutant.

Transferred to Company C.

Honorably discharged for wounds received in

action.
Promoted to Captain.
Killed in action, Noevmber 6, 1863.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Relieved May 30, 1863.

Promoted to Captain.

Resigned Dec. 19, 1862.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned July 25, 1862.

Resigned April 11, 1863.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Transferred to Company H.

Relieved September 29, 1862.

Promoted to ist Lieut., and mustered out at

expiration term of service.
Resigned December 10, 1861.
Promoted to Captain, 6th W. Va. Cavalry.
Resigned June 17, 1862.
Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant, mustered out at

expiration term of service.
Resigned March 22, 1862.
Transferred to 1st W. Va. Light Artilery.
Promoted to Adjutant.
Transferred to Company E.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant
Resigned Janury 22, 1863.
Relieved June 3, 1863.

2IO

LOYAL tVEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO i86s

The Second Virginia Infantry.

The Second Virginia Infantry, afterwards the Fifth West Virginia Cav-
ali^, was the first regiment in the State enlisted for the three years service,
and the first one mustered in under Governor Peirpoint. Companies A, D,
F and G came from Pittsburg, Pa. ; Coropany I from Greenfield and Cali-
fornia, Washington County, Pa. ; Company H from Ironton, Ohio j Compan^^
B from Grafton, Va. ; Company C from Wheeling, Va. ; Company E from
Monroe and Belmont Counties, Ohio, and Wetzel, Taylor and Ritchie
Counties, Va. ; and Company K from Parkersburg, Va,, and Bridgeport,
Ohio. The companies met together at Beverly, Va,, in the latter part of
July, and were organized as the Second Regiment Virginia Infantry.

The muster out rolls show a total enrollment of 1069 men from first to
last, of whom about 65 were discharged before the arduous campaigns of
1862 began, and Company G was detached for artillery service, making the
real strength of the regiment, April ist, 1862, about 900 men. As a rule,
when a West Virginia regiment was once formed and mustered into the ser-
vice, it had to depend on its original members for its future strength. But
few recruits were received, and as comrades fell in battle, or by disease, their
places were forever left unfilled, sad reminders of the horrible realities of
war. In this regiment, but 19 recruits w^ere received in the whole of
the three year's service. Of this number, 189 were killed and died from
disease and in Confederate prisons. It was a regiment of comparatively
young men, the average age being about 24 years, a large number of them
being but boys of eighteen, w^hile a few had reached the age of forty. They
were young, active, strong and intelligent, the making of a splendid regiment
and their work for three years fully confirmed all that was expected of them.
Some of the companies of this regiment enjoyed special distinction in the
early part of their service. Company A claims the credit of killing the first
armed Confederate soldier.

At Glovers Gap, between Wheeling and Grafton, on the Baltimore and
Ohio Rail Road, the company was detached to guard that important position,
and more particularly to break up a Confederate military organization, known
to be in that secdon, under command of Captain Christian Roberts. On the
morning of May 27, a detachment of the company under command of
Lieutenant West encountered Captain Roberts and a portion of his command,
and in the fight that followed, Captain Roberts was killed, being the first armed
Confederate soldier that fell in the war. Jackson, the slayer of the gallant
Colonel Ellsworth, killed a few days previously, was a civilian, while Cap-
tain Roberts was a regularly mustered officer of the Confederacy,

THE FIRST SOLDIER KILLED IN THE CIVIL WAR.

2IX

Company B claims to have had killed the first enlisted man in the U* S.
volunteer service in the war* The company was at Fetter man, W» Va. On
tlie night of May 22, Daniel Wilson and Bailey Brown, of the company,
walked down towards Fetterman, and encountered the Confederate picket on
the railroad in the east end of town, where Daniel W. S. Knight and George
Glenn, of Captain Robinson's Confederate company, 25th Virginia, were on
guard. Knight ordered them to halt. Instead of doing so, they continued to
advance, Knight repeating his order, until they got close to the pickets, when
Brown fired his revolver shooting Knight through the ear. Knight, who
was armed with an old-fashioned smooth-bore flint-lock musket, loaded with
slugs, returned the shot, killing Brown almost instantly. He was enrolled
as a member of his company, May 20, 1861, though the company was not
mustered in until the 2Sth. His death occurred on May 22, while that of
the gallant Colonel Ellsworth did not occur until the 24th, two days later.

Company I was organized April 27, 1861, and immediately offered its
services to the country, but was not accepted because of Pennsylvania's
quota being filled, and was one of the first companies organized in the
country that entered the three years' service. When mustered into the service
the pay of the men began with April 27, they having, at their own expense,
in the meantime been drilling and preparing for service. The company
was called *Hhe boatmen," when met by the tliree months' volunteers in
western Virginia, because of their having come from the Monongahela
River, many of whom followed that occupation and were a hardy set of
men.

The regiment lay in camp at Beverly from the latter part of July until
September 12, when it was sent to Elkwater, where General Reynolds was
fortified against Gen'l Robt, E, Lee, to help drive the enemy's forces from
Cheat Mountain, Early in the morning of the 13th, the 2d Va. in the lead,
with the 3d Ohio, charged up and over a foot hill of the mountain, driving the
Confederates from their hot breakfast in confusion* Soon afterward the enemy
were driven from their stronghold, and to this regiment is due, in part, by
its impetuous andvance, the honor of administering the first defeat to Gen-
eral Lee,

On December 13th, it took part in the battle on the summit of the Alle-
gheny Mountains, remaining at Elkwater until January 7, 1862, during
which time several important expeditions were made, and the whole section
cleared of the marauding bands of Confederates. January 7th, the regiment
went to the fort on Cheat Mountain Summit, the highest camp of the war, while
the Confederates were encamped on the Allegheny Mountains, 20 miles
distant, remaining there scouting, etc., until April 5th, when the onward
movement toward Staunton began*

3ia

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iB6i TO iB6s^

Genl John C. Fremont took command of the *' Mountain Department,*^
including the Cheat Mountain force, March 29th, and Ihe regiment was with
him until superseded by Gen'l John Pope, taking part in the battles of
Monterey and McDowell, the advance up the Shenandoah and the battle of
Cross Keys.

Under General Pope, it was in General Milroy's brigade, leading the
column and took part in the battles of KeUy*s Ford, White Sulphur Springs,
Waterloo Bridge, Groveton and Bull Run. The regiment lost 24 killed and
90 wounded in these battles, more than one-third of the losses of the brigade.
After the Bull Run battle the regiment was placed in the defenses at Wash-
ington, and returned to West Virginia, September 30th, arriving at Beverly
October 29th.

April 24, 1863, the command was attacked by a superior force of Con-
federates and compelled to leave Beverly, returning to that place May 21st,
and remaining there until ordered to Grafton to be mounted, in which time
scouting expeditions were so numerous that it was difficult to keep run of
them*

May 23, 1863, Brig.-Gen*l W. W. Averell was assigned to the com*
mand of the Fourth Separate Brigade, composed of mounted infantry and
cavalry, of which tlie Second Virginia became a part, operating in western
Virginia. In addition to scores of scouting expeditions, the most notable of
the battles and expeditions of this brigade were the battle of Rocky Gap^
August 26 and 27, in which the regiment lost five killed and 18 wounded;
llie battle of Droop Mountain , November 6, the regiment losing nine killed
and 15 wounded, out of 200 men engaged; and the famous Salem raid, from
December 8 to 25, 1863, in which the regiment lost but one roan wounded
and 17 captured. The command tht-n wettt to Martinsburg, W. Va., where
by special order of the War l>».*piMlrnent, each man that was on the Salem
raid received, gratisy one pair of shoes and ii suit of clothing, to replace those
lost and worn out on the exprditinn. General Order No* 39, War Depart-
ment, dated January 26, 1864, wan issued, changing the Second Virginia
Infantry to the Fifth Wi'.st Virginia Cavalry. At noon, March 19, 1864, the
brigade left Martinsburg and went to Charleston, W* Va., arriving there
April 30, 1684, In the i^pring and RiimnuT of 1S64, the regiment took a
gallant part in the battk* of Cloyd Mountain in Mayi and in the expeditioa
of Gcnl David Hunter to Lyncliburg,

After thi.H the conipanien whone term of service had expired were mus-
tered out of the Hcrvicr, atu) the? re-entiwlcil men, about 200 in number, were
consolidated with the Sixth Wnwt Virginia Cavalry in September. The reg-
iment had a service of which otiy troopn might be proud, and fully sustained

GEORGE R, LATHAM,
Colonel 5th West VtRGiNiA Cavalry.

GOVERNOR PEIRPOINT COMPLIMENTS THE REGIMENT 213

its reputation for courage, efficiency and staying qualities. In the history
of this noble regiment, Governor Pierpoint has the following to say of it:
" Some that came to Wheeling were mere boys. Major Oakes, the mus-
tering officer, a very judicious man, told me that some of the boys ought
to be home with their mothers, but they persevered, and those boys came
out veterans. It was the first regiment I had mustered in, the three month's
regiments being formed before I became governor. Those that came from
Pennsylvania were in citizens' light clothing, and there was a great deal of
hardship and destitution until clothing was issued to them, which was some
time after their mustered in.

There was one pleasing feature of the troops from the two States, Ohio
and Pennsylvania, that was their perfect assimilation in spirit and purpose.
The Pennsylvanians seemed to feel that they were with the Virginians to
defend the Virginia homes from invasion, and partook of all the enthusiasm
of the Virginians in the fight. Whenever I heard of a fight where the
Second Virginia or Fifth Cavalry, after they became mounted, was, I heard
a good report of them. They were reported brave to recklessness some-
times. It was said of them that whenever they got in a close place, every
man was a general, and that they were almost invincible. They certainly
achieved some victories that seemed in the beginning hopeless."

^^^^^^^^H^^^^ CHAPTER XXVin. ^^^^^^^^M

^^^^^^ SIXTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

^^^^^^ Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Sixth Regiment West Virginia Cavalr^r

^^^^^^^ {late 3d Regiment West Virginia

Infantry), Showing the Alterations and Casualties

^^^^^^H therein, from the Date of Original

rganizalion of Said Regiment to the Date of Consol-

^^^^^^ idalion with the 5th Regiment. West Virginia Cavalry, December 14. 1864.

^^^^H Dmte

NaAcs and Rank.

Co.

Renoriu.

^^^^^H of Comtniisioii.

Ccioml.

^^^H July 12, 1861.

David T. Hewes,
LieuUnant* Coioneis,

Dismissed February 15. 1864.

^^^1 July 25, 1861.

Frank W* Thompson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H Oct. 1864.

Rufus E. Fleming,
Majors,

^^^H July 25, 1 861.

Chas, E. Swcaringcn,

Resigned July 17. 1862.

^^^H Aug. 7, 1862.

Theodore F. Lang,

Mustered out at expiration of term of ser\ice.

^^^H March n, 1864.

Hauson W. Hunter,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^1 Oct. 1864*

Peter J, Potts,
jst Luut. and Adfi,

^^^H July 12, 1861,

Theodore F. Lang,

Promoted to Major, August 7, 1862,

^^^^H Aug, 7, 1862.

Nathan Goff, Jr.

Promoted to Major. 4th W. Va. Cavalr)%

^^^H Oct. 24, 1863.

Dennis B, Jcffers,

Promoted to Captain, Company C.

^^^H Jan. 1864.

Hiram J. Willcy.

1st Lieut, and R. Q.M.

^^^^K Aug. 5.

John H.Shuttleworth,
Surgeons.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^^F July 30. 1861.

Dennis B. Dorsey.

Resigned August 5, 1862.

^^^H Oct.

Ebenczer C. Thomas.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H Oct. 4. i^.

Abel H. Thayer.
Assistant Surgeons,

^^^H Oct. 35, 1862.

Ebenezer C. Thomas,

Promoted to Surgeon.

^^^H Oct. 29, 1862.

Galelma Law.

Promoted to Captain, Company K.

^^^1 Sep. 14. 1^3-

Abel H. Thayer,
Chaplains,

Promoted to Surgeon.

^^^H July 24, t86i.

James W. Curry,

Resigned August 3, 1862.

^^^^^^ Oct.

Andrew J. Lyda,
Captains,

Resigned April 29, 1864.

Frank W, Thompson, '

Promoted to Lieutenant-ColoneK

^^^^^ Aug. 5*

James J. Thompson,

Mustered out August 15, 1864,

^^^^^H CAPTAINS AND FIRST LIE (/TENANTS OF SIXTH tV, VA . CA VALR K. 2 15 ^H

^^^^^H Daifi

Name* and Rank.

Co.

lt<Hnarks. ^^^|

^^^^^ orComminkin.

Captains.

^^^H Aug.

N. A.Shutileworth,

Resigned June 5, 1862. ^^^

^^^H Junejo, 1S62.

W. W, Werninger,

Resigned November 9, 1862. ^H

^^^H Dec. 1862.

Louis A. Myers,

Mustered out August 16, 1864. ^H

^^^H Aug.

Isaiah Kirk,

Resigned July 23, 1862. ^H

^^^H Aug. 7,

Jacob G. Cobun,

Died from wounds received in action. ^^|

^^^^1 Jan. 19, 1864.

Dennis B. Jeffers,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Aug. 5, iS6t.

Dennis A. Lttzinger,

Resigned June 15, 1862. ^H

^^^H

John W. Perry,

Resigned September 19, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Nov. 28, 1862.

Andrew J. Squires.

^^1

^^^^1 Aug. 5«

Sylvester B. Phillips.

Resigned November 8, 1862. ^^^

^^^H Dec. 10, 1862.

Peter], Potts,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^1 Aug. 5, 1861.

Cyrus Webb,

Resigned April 4, 1862. ^^^

^^^H May 1862.

Daniel Sheets.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Aug.

Alex. C. Moore,

Appointed Captain, Battery E, 1st W. Va. ^^|
Light Art., September 23, 1862, ^^^

^^^H Sep. 23, 1S62.

Ryfus E. Fleming,

Promoted to Lieutenant-ColoneL ^^^

^^^H Nov. 1864.

James S. Law»

^^^H Aug.

Henry C. Hagans,

Resigned. ^H

^^^H July

Charles E. Swearingen,

Promoted to Major. ^H

^^^H Aug. 7, 1^62.

David Gibson,

Killed in action at Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862. ^H

^^^H Sep. 1862.

Levi L. Bryte,

Dismissed. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 1S64.

Wm. H. Kantner,

^^^H Oct.

Wm.J. Purdy,

Resigned February 6, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Feb. 21, 1862.

Hanson W. Hunter,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^H March 26, 1S64.

Louis B. Purdy,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^^B Aug. 5, 1S61.

Moses S. Hall.

Promoted to Lieut.-Col. 10th W, Va. Inft. ^H

^^^^H June 30, 1862.

Josiah M. Woods,

Resigned April 27, 1863. ^H

^^^H May 30, 1865.

Galelma Law,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^H May 9. 1864.

Jacob S. Hyde,
First Lieutenants,

Died at Annapolis, Md. ^^|

^^^^1 Aug. 5«

Aaron C. Pickenpaugh,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^^1 Aug. 5, iS6t.

W. W. Werninger,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^1 June 30, 1862.

Louis A. Myers,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^1 Dec.

Henry F. Mayers,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^H

^^^H Aug. 5.

Jacob G. Cobun,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^H Aug. 7, 1862.

Dennis B. Jeffers,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H April 6, 1864.

David E. McGinnis,

^^^H Aug. Sp

John W. Perry,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^1 Nov. 28.

James W. Hollis,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^^H Nov.

Robert F. Lindsey,

^^^H Aug.5. i86t.

Claudius B. See,

Resigned March 22, 1862. ^^|

^^^^H Dec. 1862.

Bartholomew Clark,

Killed in action. ^^|

^^^H Aug. 5p

Daniel Sheets,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H May 28, 1862.

Asa Coplin,

1 Died of wounds received in action^ ^^|

^^m

LOYAL IVEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO /S6s*

(

^^^H

SsLmc% and Rank.

Co.

RemAHu.

Firsf Lieuiertanis,

^^H Nov,

Curtis Davidson,

Mustered out at expiration of terra of service.

^^^K Nov,

George Bum garner,

^^^H Aug. 5, iS6k

Wm. L. Hursey,

Resigned July 30, 1862.

^^^B Aug. 20.

David Hewcs,

Resigned October 3. 1862.

^^^H Dec.

Henry C Link.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^1

^^^H Nov. 1864.

Arthur E. Wells.

^^1

^^H Aug. 5. 1^1* '

David Gibson,

Promoted to Captain.

^^H Aug. 7t

C B. Hadden,

Dismissed July 6, 1863.

^^^1 April 6, 1864.

Wm. H. Kantner,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^1 Aug.

Hanson W. Hunter,

Promoted to Captain.

^^1

^^^H Feb. 21,

Louts B. Purdy,

Promoted to Captain.

Robert F. Lindsey.

Promoted to Captain. 6th Cavalry.

^^^H

James Z. Browning,

Resigned April 10. 1862.

^^^H June 50. 1862.

John Emory Day,

Died from wounds received at second batde
of Bull Run.

^^H Nov. 28, 1S62.

John SommerviUe,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^1 March 9, 1864.

John S. Wotring,
Second Lieutenants,

Resigned.

^^^H Aug. $,

John C. Davis,

Resigned May 20. 1862.

_^^|

^^^H May 1862.

Nicholas B. Medara. i

^^^^^^1

^^^H Aug.

Louis A. Myers,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

^^^^^1

^^^H June 30, 1S62.

Henry F. Mayers.

B 1

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

^^^^1

^^^H Dec.

James S. Law,

Promoted to Captain. Co. G.

^^^^1

^^^H Aug. 5. f86t.

ElishaM. H. Brown,

Resigned March 18. 1862.

^^1

^^^H April4. 1S62.

Dennis B. Jcflfers,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant,

^^1

^^^H Aug. 7. 1862.

David E. McGinnis,

^^H

^^^H Aug.

George W, Artis,

Resigned March 7. 1862.

^^^H Sep. 12, 1862.

James W. Holhs,

D ,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

^^1

^^^H Nov.

John Hinebaugh,

Mujtered out at expiration ofterm^of service.

^^H Nov. ll«iS64.

Samuel R. Hanen,

^^1

^^^H Aug. 5»iS6z.

Randolph See,

Resigned Sept. 1862.

^^^H Nov. 28, 1862.

Bartholomew Clark, j

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

^^1

^^^H Dec. 19,

Marshal Gould, .

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^1

^^^H Nov. I, 1864*

Alonzo C, Bunion,

^^^H

^^^H Aug. 5i

Asa Coplin,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

^^H

^^^B Mar 28,

Curtis Davidson,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant

^^1

^^^V Nov. 15. 1862. 1

James R. Jones,

Died August 6. 1863*

^^^^ Nov. 26, 1864.

Porter Flesher,

^^H Aug.

Nathan GofT, Jr.

Promoted to Adjutant.

^^H Aug.

Rufus E. Fleming,

Promoted to Captain. f

^^^1 Sep. 25, 1862.

Henry C. Link,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

^^1

^^^H Dec.

William E. Bryson,

Resigned April 25, 1863,

^^H Sep.

Benj. F. Wicks,

G 1

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^B Nov. 1864*

John W. Kidwell

FORMA TION OF THE THIRD REGIMENT W, VA. INFANTR K

217

Date

Naintti and Rank^

Co.

Reinaiks.

ofComniJssioti.

Sec&nd'Luutenants.

Aug. 5, 1861.

Christopher B. Haddeti,

Promoted to ist Lieutetiant,

Aug. 7, 1862,

Levi L. Br>'te»

Promoted to Captain.

Sep. 12, 1S62,

Wm. H. Kantncr,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Nov. I, 1864.

R. W. Blue

Aug, 5, 1861-

Louis B. Purdy,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Feb. 21, 1862,

Benj, T. Lydick,

Resigned January 18. 1863,

Jan. 28. 1863.

Robert F, Lindsey,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Aug. S, 1861.

Ephraim McClaskcy,

Died September 1861. Irom wounds received
in action.

March 8, 1862.

Josiah M. Woods,

Promoted to Captain.

Oct. II, 1 861.

Charles Hewitt,

Resigned February lo, 1862.

June 30, 1862. 1

John Sommerville,

K ,

Promoted lo ist Lieutenant*

Nov. 28, 1862.

Jacob W. Core.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

March 8, 1864,

Eli L, Parker,

Promoted to Captain,

The Third Regiment West Virginia Infantry
(afterwards 6th West Virginia Cavalry),

Govenior Peirpoint entrusted the formation of this regiment to CoL
David T. Hewes, of Clarksburg, a gentleman well known in the State, with
a reputation for skill in military tactics, having for many years held an
important office in the militia of the State. The camp or rendezvous, named
**Camp Hewes,** was located near the cit}% and was well supplied with tents
and other necessaries for the comfort of the men. As this was the second
regiment raised (the first — Colonel Kelly's— being a three months' regiment),
recruited under the three years' call, there was little difficulty in procuring
the full complement of ten companies. The following will show from what
counties they were recruited:

Co. A, Monongalia County; Co, B, Harrison County; Co, C, Preston
County; Co. D, Preston County; Co, E, Upshur County; Co. F, Taylor
and Harrison Counties; Co, G, Harrison County; Co, H, Monongalia
County, and border of Pennsylvania; Co. I, Marshall County; Co. K,
Ritchie County. ^

The full quota of companies for the Third Regiment was secured about
the ist of July, when the regiment was organized by general consent by the
selection of the following field and staff officers; David T. Hewes, colonel;
Frank W, Thompson, lieutenant-colonel; Charles E. Swearingen, major;
Theodore F. Lang, adjutant; John H. Shuttleworth, regimental quarter-
master; D, B, Dorsey, surgeon; Rev. James W. Curry, chaplain.

2l8

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FRO^yf i86i TO 1S63.

The formation of the regiment completed, its term of service in camp
was short-lived* The field and staff officers made Clarksburg headquarters
for a time, but the companies were required for immediate service for the
protection of the border counties against the marauding bands of guerrillas
that infested that part of the State. So, without the ceremony of a regular
muster-in — no authorized mustering officer being at hand — ^the several com-
panies when full would select their officers, A* Weminger, a city justice of
tlie peace, would administer an oath to support the Constitution of the United
Stales, and, with but a day or two of drilling in the facings, they would be
supplied with Springfield muskets, altered from the old flint-lock, and hurried
away to perform the most exacting and dangerous duty known to the service.

For several months the regiment did this w^ork, occupying the border
from Philippi to Suttonville, a distance of one hundred miles*

About the 10th of September came the gladsome order to report for
duty at the front. For several weeks prior to this date the officers of the
regiment had been urging the authorities to relieve our scattered regiment
from the irksome duties of fighting guerrillas, and to permit us to take the
field as a consolidated regiment. Beverly was designated as the point at
which the regiment w^as to assemble.

The regiment remained in camp at this place a short time, which was
spent in drilling and scouting, when it w^ent into winter quarters in General
Milroy's brigade at Camp Elkwater. The regiment remained at Elkwater
until about tlie ist of April, at w^hich time orders w^ere issued. Milroy's
command was ordered to advance to the front, when the Third Regiment
with the balance of Milroy's brigade turned their faces, on April 5, towards
Staunton, marching on the Cheat Mountain and Staunton turnpike. Arriv-
ing the following day at Monterey, the command remained there a
fortnight or more, soldiering under difficulties that w^ere seldom excelled in
the hardships of a soldier's life. The enemy were in strong force at
McDowell, 10 miles away, and on the Shenandoah Mountain, 20 miles
distant.

On the I2th of April at Monterey we had quite a lively fight; the enemy,
1000 strong, making an attack upon our position, but they were handsomely
repulsed by Milroy's forces. On the 30th of April, Milroy moved his forces
to McDowell and went into camp for the night.

On the I St of May the command was early under arms, and the way to
Staunton looked clear, but at the moment w^hen the order of march was
given, a dispatch from General Fremont commanding the Mountain Depart-
ment caused a halt, and the day was spent impatiently waiting; the second
day likewise, and thus for several days did we linger in temporary camp

ENGAGEMENT AT McDowell, vh.

219

awaiting orders, and not till the 7th did we get orders to move, and then the
orders were not general.

The 3d W. Va.j 32d and 75th Ohio were advanced to Shaw's Ridge
and Shenandoah Mountain in the direction of Staunton. Our scouts soon
brought the informadon that Stonewall Jackson had joined General Johnson,
and that their combined forces were advancing towards McDowell, when
the three advance regiments were ordered to fall back on McDowelL On
the next morning (May 8th) the enemy was seen in force upon the Bull
Pasture Mountain, about one and three-fourths miles distant from McDowell,
on right and front, About 10 A, M. General Schenck arrived, and the
morning and forenoon were taken up in skirmishing* About 3.30 P. M.
General Milroy discovered that the enemy were preparing to place a battery
that would command our whole encampment, when he received permission
from General Schenck to make areconnoissance for the purpose of obtaining
information as to the position and strength of the enemy. Just here I will
state that General Schenck, being the ranking officer, became the commander-
in-chief of the forces. The troops placed by General Schenck at Milroy's
disposal were the 3d W. Va., 2Sth, 75th and 32d Ohio, of Milroy's brigade,
and the 82d Ohio, of Schenck*s brigade. These regiments were by no
means full, various companies of each being detailed for special duty.

It only required a few minutes for Milroy to ascertain what he was so
anxious to know, and the batde proved to be one of the most stubbornly con-
tested, for the numbers engaged, that took place during the war. The 25th
and 75lh Ohio, the former under command of Lieut.-Col. W. P, Richardson,
and the latter under command of CoL N. C. McLean and Maj\ Robert
Reily, led in the attack. They advanced in the most gallant manner up the
face of the steep hill and attacked the enemy in their front. Numbering less
than 1000 men, unprotected by any natural or artificial shelter, they advanced
up a precipitous mountain side upon an adversary protected by intrench-
ments hastily thrown up and the natural formation of the mountain, and
drove them (being at least twice their numerical strength) over the crest of
the mountain, and for one and a half hours maintained — while exposed to a
deadly fire*— the position from which they had so bravely driven the foe.

At about 4 o'clock, perceiving that the enemy's force was being con-
stantly increased, the 82d Ohio, Colonel Cantwell; 32d Ohio, Lieut.-Col, E,
H, Swinney, and 3d West Virginia, Lieut.-Colonel F, W. Thompson, were
ordered to turn the right flank of the enemy. They obeyed tlie order with
the greatest alacrity, but the enemy observing the design, and having a much
superior force, in a handsome manner changed his front to the rear. These
three regiments, however, attacked them briskly, and kept up a destructive

220

LOYAL IVESTVIRGlNfA FROM tS6i TO 1865.

fire that caused the enemy to waver several times; but fresh reiolorcements
being brought up by them, and a portion of the same coming down the turn-
pike, the 3d West Virginia became exposed to their fire in its front and rear;
unable, however, to withstand the fire of the 3d West Virginia, the latter
reinfarceraents joined the main body of the Confederates and the contest
become general and bloody* From 3.30 P. M. to 8.30 P. M. this smnll
force engaged with undaunted bravery a force of the enemy which could not
have been less than 6000 men, and maintained the position from which they
had driven them, displaying a courage and zeal which has merited the thanks
of tlie country, and proved Uiemselves true represenladves of the American
citizen soldier* •

After nightfall the engagement still conunued, the firing of our men be-
ing guided only by the flashes of the enemy's musketry, undl the ammunilion
of almost all the men engaged was wholly exhausted, when, having achieved
the purpose of the attack, our forces were recalled, retiring in good order,
bringing with them their dead and wounded. Whilst the report of this en-
gagement has thus far been general, giving to each regiment engaged its
just meed of praise, we cannot dismiss the account without referring to a few
incidents that came immediately under the writer's obser\'ation relating to
the 3d West Virginia regiment. The attack by the enemy upon our rear,
above referred to, w^as a desperate position for a regiment to be placed in,
and nothing but the most intense devotion to duty by both officers and men
held them in place. Firing first to the front, and then turning to the rear,
the unerring aim of our men did its work, and the ** rear" party broke and
left that part of the field. As has already been stated, the enemy were pro-
tected by a natural position on top of the mountain, while the 3d West Virginia
regiment was partly in an open field and partly (say one company) in a wood,
our whole front not being over 100 yards from the enemy. The fight in our
front was peculiar in this, that the enemy fired by regiment, and in this order:
when they were ready to fire, they would advance quickly to the top of the
mountain, exposing just enough of their persons to enable them to discharge
their guns; when the volley would be fired, they would as quickly retire from
view. In that manner the 3d West Virginia regiment was engaged with
at least two, perhaps three, regiments of the foe.

This must have been so, for the time that would elapse between volleys
was not sufficient to enable one regiment to reload. But our own boys soon
got the hang of it, and awaited each time the coming of the exposure; our
men loaded and fired at will.

As we were in an open field, without breast- works or other protection,
we must have suffered greatly but for the fact of the haste with which the

FRANCIS W. THOMPSON,

LlEUTSNANT-COLONEL 6TH WEST VlRQINjA CAVALRY.

GEN'L FREMONT IN COMMAND OF MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT 221

enemy fired. The leaden hail went mostly above our heads, and that part
(the left) of the regiment referred to as being In the wood, verified this asser-
tion by their appearance when they left the fleld after the battle^ for their
caps and shoulders were covered with the bark and buds and twigs of the
trees.

And here again we were arrayed against the 31st Virginia (Confederate)
regiment referred to in a former chapter as having been mainly recmited
by residents from Clarksburg, So close together were the two regiments
thai they recognized and called to each other.

It required no military genius to grasp the situation and determine upon
a retreat from that point. The enemy occupying a natural position for either
offensive or defensive operations, with an army of 7ock> men against our two
small brigades, aggregating only 3700 men. Generals Schenck and Milroy,
%visely taking advantage of the darkness of the night, withdrew our little army
along the road through the naiTow gorge winch afforded the only egress from
the valley in which McDowell is situated, in the direction of Franklin,
This withdrawal w^as effected without the loss of a man, and without the loss
or destruction of any public property, except of some stores, for which Gen-
eral ,Milroy was entirely without the means of transportation. The with-
drawal to Franklin was made by easy marches on the 9th, loth and nth, the
enemy all tlie time cautiousl}^ pursuing. The night march after the battle
was of course one of great fatigue, for the men w^ere already worn out with
the marching and fighting, with little sleep and littie to eat, but at 8 o'clock
on the morning of the 9th, 13 miles from McDowell, a halt was made for
rest and rations till 2 P, M. Upon reaching Franklin, on the nth, wt found
that the enemy had followed wnth a heavy force, and were preparing to
attack us. For two days demonstrations w^ere made at different points of our
position, but nothing more than skirmishing occurred, when on the night of
the 13th the enemy retired to the southw^ard; and thus ended the operations
of our army ** on to Staunton."

At Franklin, immediately following the battle of McDowell, General
Fremont w^as placed in command of the Mountain Department when he
reorganized his command. General Milroy commanded a brigade in which
the Third West Virginia formed a part. The regiment took part in Fremont's
race up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Stonewall Jackson. It bore a
gallant part at the batUe of Cross Keys, w^as continued in Milroy's brigade,
in the Pope campaign, taking part in all the battles of that period, viz.:
Crooked Creek, Sulphur Springs, Rappahannock Station, Freeman's Ford,
Hedgeman's River, Waterloo Bridge, Warrenton Springs, Broad Run,
Gainsville, Manassas or Second Bull Run, August 28 to 30. After the

222

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO i$6j.

Bull Run defeat the regiment was put in camp at Fort Ethan Allen near
Washington.

September 30, the regiment left Fort Ethan Allen for West Virginia,
arriving at Clarksburg on the ist of October; after a few days* rest was
ordered to Point Pleasant, soon to return to Clarksburg and Buckhannon,
when the regiment was divided into detachments to perform out-post duty at
Buckhannon, Centre ville» Bull Town, Sutton and Glenville, In this
detached condition the regiment was respectively in the brigades of Gen-
eral Milroy, Col. A. Moor and Genl B. S. Roberts.

On May i8th, Brigadier-General Averell was placed in command of
the Fourth Separate Brigade, with headquarters at Weston. The regiment
under AverelPs management was called together again, and in November,
1863, was changed to mounted infantry, and in January, 1864, to the 6th
Cavalry.

Under Averell the regiment took a conspicuous part — ^ Lieutenant-
Colonel Thompson in command — ^in all of Averell's raids, to Rocky Gap»
Droop Mountain, Salem raid, Moorefield, and in all the operations in the
Shenandoah Valley, and in Kelley*s and Crook's department.

From the formation of the Mountain Department in May, 1862, under
Fremont, until after the battle of Cloyd Mountain in May, 1864, this regi-
ment and the 2d W. Va. Infantry were in the same brigade* When the
regiments were mounted in June, 1863, and the 2d became the 5th W. Va,
Cavalry, the 3d became the 6th W, Va. Cavalry, the two regiments bearing
the same relative rank as when infantry. The two regiments were thus
constantly together for over two years, and when their time of enlistment
expired, the veterans and recruit; of the two regiments were consolidaled,
taking the name of the 6th W. Va, Cavalr}'. (See 6th W. Va. Veteran
Cavalry^ Col, U, E, Fleming, commanding./

CHAPTER XXIX.
SEVENTH REGIMENT W. VA. CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster ofthe Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Seventh Regiment West Virginia Cavalry
(late Eighth Regiment West Virginia Infantry), Showing the Alterations and Casualties
Therein from the Date of Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster
Out, August I, 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Co.

Remarks.

Colonel,

March 1,1863.

John H. Oley,
Lieutenant' Colonels.

Brevetted Brigadier-General.

Nov. 27, 1861.

Lucian Losier,

Dismissed August 24, 1862.

Oct. 2, 1862.

John H. Oley,

Promoted to Colonel.

March i, 1863.

John J. Polsley.
Majors,

Oct. 29, 1 861.

John H. Oley,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel,

Oct. 2, 1862.

John J. Polsley,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel

March i, 1863.

Hedgeman Slack.

June 20, 1864.

William Gramm.

Oct. 27, 1864.

Edgar P. Blundon.
1st Lt, and Adfts.

Dec. 21, 1861,

John J. Polsley,

Promoted to ^ajor.

Oct. 2, 1862.

Jacob M. Rife,

Promoted to Captain, Co. C.

Aug. 17, 1863.

Alonzo M. Wilson,

Promoted to Captain, Co. E.

William A. Walton,

Transferred to the line.

Aug. 12, 1864.

George W. Brown,

Promoted to Captain, Co. A.

April 29, 1865.

Daniel W. Polsle^

istUs.andR, Q. Af.

•

Nov. 14, 1861.

William C. Kimball,

Promoted to C. S. U. S. A.

June 20, 1864.

John W. Wingfield.
1st, Lieut, andR. C 5.

Dec. 14, 1864.

John McCombs.
Surgeons,

Nov. 6, 1 861.

Charles A. Barlow,

Resigned April 5, 1862.

May 6. 1862.

James Putney,

Resigned September 19, 1862.

Oct. 22, 1862

Lucius L. Comstock.
Assistant Surgeons,

May 23, 1862.

James H. Rouse,

Nov, II, 1862.

Louis V. Stanford.
Chaplain,

March i, 1863.

Andrew W. Gregg.

^^^^^22^^^"

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM t86i TO i86s> ^^^^^^^^B

Namej aiui Rank.

Co.

Remarks* ^^H

Captains,

^^^^^^B Dec. 3,

Richard H. Lcc.

Dismissed. ^^^

^^^^^H

George W. Brown,

^^^^^H

Moses H. Wood,

Resigned Jan. 17. 1862. ^H

^^^^^H 15, 1S62.

William Gramm,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^^^H 1864

Edward R Wilbur,

^^^^^^1

Hedgeman Slack,

Promoted to Major. ^^^

^^^^^^H

Jacob M. Rife,

Transferred to Company F. ^^^

^^^^^^H 1864.

Charles A. Smith,

^^^

^^^^^^1

Isaac M, Rucker,

Resigned November 6, 1862. ^H

^^^^^^1

John M. Reynolds,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^H

^^^^H

George W. Kanies,

^^^^^^H

J alien E. Curliss,

Killed in action. ^^|

^^^^^H

Wm» L. Gardner,

Killed in action at Droop Mountain. ^^|

^^^^^^1

Alonzo M. Wilson,

^^1

^^^^^^H

Edgar B. Blundon,

Promoted to Major, ^^|

^^^^^1

Jacob M, Rife,

^^^^^1 July 9,

James S. CassarTy,

^^1

^^^^H July 8, 1862.

Andrew W. Gregg,

Commissioned Chaplain. ^^|

^^^^^H

William H. H. Parker,

Killed in action at Droop Mountain, Va. ^^^

^^^^^H

Fletcher C. Lanham.

Mustered out at cjcpi ration of term of scn^ice, ^H

^^^^^^H April 39,

Charles Siover,

^^^^^^1

Francis Mathers,

^^1

^^^^^^H 19,

Elias Powell,

^^^^^H

Isaac M. Rucker,

^^^^^H I

William A. Walton,
First Li^tenants,

^^^^^H

James Abbott,

Resigned May 5, 1862, ^H

^^^^^^H 19,

William A. Walton,

Promoted to Captain, Company M. ^^|

^^^^^^1 37, 1864.

John L. McVey,

^^^^^H Dec. 5.

James W. Nowlen,

Resigned September 1 9, 1862. ^H

^^^^^H

Joseph S. P. Barker,

Resigned Feb. 28, 1863. ^H

^^^^^^H March

Edward*?. Wilbur,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^^^1

W^m. V, B, Bias.

^^1

^^^^^^H

A. B. Williams,

Resigned June iS. 1S62. ^^^

^^^^^^H

Charles A. Smith,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^

^^^^^H

Sprague Lawrence,

^^1

^^^^^^H

John M. Reynolds,

Promoted to Captain. ^H

^^^^^^H

Isaac A. Wade,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^H

^^^^^H

William A. Bias.

^^^^^^H

William L. Gardner.

Promoted to Captain. ^H

^^^^^H

Alonzo M. Wilson,

Promoted to Captain. ^H

^^^^^H

John F. Grayum,

^^k

^^^^^^H

Jacob M, Rife,

Commissioned Adjutant. ^^|

^^^^^H 1862.

Fletcher C. Lanham,

Promoted to Captain, Co* H. ^^|

^^^^^H 1864.

William H. Newcomb,

^ FIRST AND SECOND LIEUTENANTS. H< VA, CAVALRY. 22$ ^|

^^^^^H Date

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks. ^^H

Firs i Lieu tenants .

■

^^H July9, 1S62.

David R. Noble,

Resigned February, 9, 1863. ^H

^^^H Feb. 25, 1865.

Solomon Priester^

Died of lyphoid fever at Point of Rocks. ^H

^^^H Sept 22. 1864.

James D. Fellers,

■

^^^H Nov. I

Williams. Dunbar,

Resigned June 23, [863. ^H

^^^H July 9, 1862.

Wm. H. H. Parker,

Promoted to Captain,

^^^H Aug, [9. 1863.

Charles Stover,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H Dec. 5, 1863,

Jacob Webb,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^H April 29. 1S65.

Achilles McGinness.

^^^1 Jan.

Ferdinand Neumann,

Killed in action April 11, 1862,

^^^^H J^^y 9p i^^2*

Francis Mathers,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H Jan. 3t, 1863.

John A. Morchart,

Killed in action August 28, 1863. ^B

^^^1 Jan. 25, 1865.

Nimrod Mason,

■

Eiias Powell,

Promoted to Captain. ^^H

^^^H March 19, 1863.

Wm. A. Walton,

Transferred to Company A,

^^^1 Sep. 22, 1S64.

John A. Cobb,

Mustered out at expiration of term ol service.

^^^H Jan. 25, 1865.

Henry L. Carter,

^^H April 8, 1S64.

Isaac M, Rucker,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H May 1S64.

Lewis A. Martin,

^^^^H Sep. 22« 1864.

George W. Karnes,

Promoted to Captain, Co. D.

^^^H April 7, 1865.

Charles W. Angel,
Second Lieutinanis. 1

^^^H Dec. 3,

Caleb H. Casdorph,

Mustered out, G. O. War Department. ^^

^^^^H March 31, 1S65.

Reuben Harrison,

^^^B Dec. 3, iS6f.

William Gramm,

Promoted to Captain. ^^1

^^^H April 4, 1S62.

Wm. H. H. Parker,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Company H. ^H

^^^^1 July 9, 1862.

Joseph S. P. Barker,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Oct 1862.

Edward P. Wilber,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^^H March 19, 1863.

Joseph F. Hager,

Discharged for disability for wounds received ^H
in action. ^^|

^^^^H April 29, 1865.

Jonathan J. Ball,

^^k

^^^^1 Jan. 1862.

Charles A. Smilh,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^^1 July 9, 1862.

John W. Wingfield,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant and R. Q. M» ^^H

^^^^1 June 20, 1864.

Sprague Lawrence,

Promoted to tst Lieutenant, ^^^1

^^^H Dec. 14. 1864.

Lafayette W. Pauley,

^^^^^B

^^^^1 Jan. 1862.

Isaac A. Wade,

Promoted to ist LieutenanL J

^^^^H Aug. 17, 1863.

Harvey Reynolds,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^H

^^^^1 March 14, (865.

Micahel Lee,

^^^^1 Jan. 1S62.

Alonzo M- Wilson,

Promoted to tst Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H Oct.

John F. Grayum,

E f

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H Aug. 17. 1863.

Wm, H. Beckner,

E '

^^^^^ April 4» 1862.

Fletcher C. Lanham,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. 1

^^^^H July 9, 1862.

Lewis V. R. Stanford,

Promoted to Assistant Surgeon. , jl

^^^H Dec. 1862.

Thomas Newcomb,

Died at Gallipolis, O., August i^, 1863. ^H

^^^^H Nov. 27, 1865.

Wm, H. Newcomb,

Promoted lo 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Aug. 23,

Robert C. Dawson,

Muster revoked by War Department. ^H

^^^H May 19, 1865.

Thomas H. Burton,

226

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1S63.

Date
0f CommlulOD.

Naoies and Rank.

Co.

Renwrks.

Second LUuUnants.

July 9, 1862.

Jeremiah Hare.

Resigned September 10. 1862.

Nov. 2S, i862.

Solomon Priester,

Promoted to ist LieutenanL

Feb. 25, 1863.

James D, Fellers,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Oct. 27. 1S64.

John E. Swaar,

Feb. 25, 1865.

Jacob Webb,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Dec. 5, 1863.

Charles Stover,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Sep. 22, 1864.

Nimrod Mason,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Company, L

Feb. 2 J, 1865.

Achilles McGinnis,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

April 29, 1865.

Wm. P, Tyrec,

Jan. 31. 1863.

John Price.

Cashiered February 15. 1865.

March 14, 1865.

Matthew E. Cook.

March 19, 1863,

John A. Cobb.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Sep. 22, 1864.

Henry L- Carter,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant,

Jan. 25. 1865.

Hiram Lewis,

Transterred to Co. L.

May 2t, 1864.

John D. Young,

Mustered out June 3. 1865.

May 2r. 1864.

John D. Young,

Transferred to Company K,

Jan. 25, 1865.

Hiram Lewis,

Nov, 26. 1864.

Charles W. Angel,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

April 7, 1865.

Daniel W. Polsley.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant and Adjutant.

The Eighth West V^irginia Infantry,

(aFTERWARJ>S SEVENTH WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY,)

The Eighth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, was organized in the Kanawha
Valley, by Major John H. Oley, during the fall of 1861, headquarters being
at Charleston. The regiment was ordered to New Creek in April, 1S62, be-
coming apart of General Fremont's Mountain Department, and with the
Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, was organized as an advance brigade, and placed
under the command of Colonel Cluseret, A. D. C. to General Fremont.
In the pursuit of Jackson up the valley, this brigade had the advance,
and were engaged in several skirmishes with Ashby's cavalry, following
him closely to Harrisonburg, where they engaged him, resulting in the
death of Ashby, This brigade occupied the centre at the battle of Cross
Keys and was complimented by General Fremont for its gallantry* The
regiment became a part of General Bohlen*s brigade, Sigel's corps, in
Pope's campaign, and served with great gallantry in all the engage-
ments of that campaign. On arriving at Washington City, the regi-
ment was transferred to General Miiroy's brigade, and returned with
hira to western Virginia, and was again assigned to duty in the Kanawha
Valley, In November, 1862, it was transferred to Colonel Moor's brigade.

COLONEL JOHN H. OLEY A BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL. 227

On the assignment of General Averell to the Fourth Separate Brigade, this
regiment was mounted, and became a part of his brigade, as the Seventh
West Virginia Cavalry, with which it served as long as the organization
existed. The regiment spent the last years of its term in the Kanawha
Valley, occupying the following different posts: Charleston, Coalsmouth,
Windfield, Point Pleasant and Guyandotte. Early in January two or three
brigadesof Confederate troops were sent to winter in the counties immediately
in the front of these posts, and the regiment was kept very actively engaged
during the winter, to prevent incursions by them, and in the protection of
loyal citizens and their property.

Several small engagements took place, in which a number of the enemy
were killed, and about two hundred prisoners taken. About the ist of Feb-
ruary, six officers and nearly one hundred iand fifty men were discharged by
reason of expiration of term of service, but the regiment was immediately
filled to the maximum by the muster-in of recruits.

From the time of the surrender of Lee's army the regiment was engaged
in patrolling the twenty counties of southwestern Virginia, composing the
District of Kanawha, for the purpose of paroling returned Confederates and
maintaining order in the country — over five thousand Confederates were pa-
roled by the officers of this regiment. In June, Colonel John H. Oley, who
had been in command in the Kanawha Valley for a year previously, received
an appointment as brevet brigadier-general, to rank from March 13, 1865,
for gallant and meritorious services in West Virginia. The regiment was
mustered out at Charleston, West Virginia, on the istday of August, 1865.

The regiment lost during the war: killed in battle and died of wounds,
5 officers and 28 enlisted men; died of disease or accident, 2 officers and 201
enlisted men; total, 236,

CHAPTER XXX.

SIXTH REGIMENT VETERAN CAVALRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Sixth Regiment West Virginia Veteran
Cavalry, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from December 14, 1864 (Date
of Consolidation with Fifth Regiment, West Virginia Cavalry), to December 31, 1865.

Date
of Commission.

May 24, 1862.

Oct. 27, 1864,

Oct. 27, 1864.
March 30, 1865.
March 29, 1865.

Aug. 9, 1865.

Oct. 5, 1864.

Nov. 26, 1865.

Nov.. I, 1865.
Nov. I. 1864.
March 30, 1865.
Dec. 14, 1864.
Nov. 28. 1862.
March 30, 1865.
March 9, 1864.
March 22, 1865.
Oct. 6, 1865.
Oct. 5, 1864.
Aug. 9, 1865.
Aug. 4» 1864.
Jan. 14, 1865.
Oct. 10, 1864.
April 18, 1865.

Feb. I, 1865.
Nov. I, 1864.
Dec. 14. 1864.
Nov. II, 1864.

Names and Rank.

ColoneL
George R. Latham .

Lieutenant-Colonel,
Rufus £. Fleming.

Majors,
Peter J. Potts,
Andrew J. Squires.
Thomas E. Day,
1st Lieut, and Adft.
R. L. Stealey.
1st Lieut, and R, Q.M,
George Bumgardner.

Surgeon,
Abel H.Thayer.

Captains.
John Somerville,
James S. Law,
John W. Kidwell,
Robert F. Lindsey,
Andrew J. Squires.
Eli L. Parker.
Jacob S. Hyde,
Jehu F. Wotring,
George M. Michael,
W. H. Kantner,
Richard W. Blue.
Michael Donohue.
James B. Smith.
Thomas E. Day,
David J. M. Williamson.

First Lieutenants,
Porter Flesher,
Arthur E. Wells,
Alonzo C. Bunten,
Robert F. Lindsey,

Co.

A
B
B
C
D
D
E
E
E
F
F
G
H
K
K

A
B
C
D

Remarks.

Honorably discharged January 11, 1865.

Resigned.

Resigned August 14, 1865.

Not Mustered.

Mustered out

Promoted to Major.

Died at Annapolis, Md.
Mustered out.

Mustered out.

Promoted to Major.

Resigned April 27, 1865.
Promoted to Captain, Co. C.

THE SIXTH WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN CA VALR K

229

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Dec. 14. 1864.
March 30, 1865.
March 9, 1864.
March 22, 1865.
Nov. I, 1864.
Oct. 6, 1865.
Aug. 4, 1864.
Oct. 10, 1864.
Oct. 10, 1864.
April 18, 1865.

Nov. II, 1864.
Nov. I, 1864.
March 30, 1865,
Nov. 1, 1864.
Dec. 14, 1864.
Nov. II, 1864.
March 30, 1865.
March 9, 1864.
Dec. 14, 1864.
March 22, 1865.
Nov. I, 1864.
Aug. 20, 1864.
Nov. 16, 1864.
Jan. 13, 1863.
Feb. I, 1865.
April 18, 1865.

First Lieutenants,
Eli L. Parker,
Samuel R. Hanen,
Jehu F. Wotring,
George M. Michael,
W. W. Hickman,
William S. Cobum,
Henrie W. Brazie,
George W. Miller,
D. J. M. Williamson,
Alstorpheus Werninger,

Second Lieutenants.
Geo. Bumgardner,
John W. Kidwell,
Elisha C. Davidson,
Alonzo C. Bunten,
W. W. Brown,
Samuel R. Hanen,
Frank Warthen,
Eli L. Parker,
George M. Michael,
Magruder W. Selby,
Richard W. Blue,
James W. Myers,
Milton J. Thayer,
James B. Smith,
Alstorpheus Werninger,
Peter Krouse,

D
D
E
E
F
F
G
H
K
K

A
B
B
C
C
D
D
E
E
E
F
G
H
K
K
K

Promoted to Captain.
Resigned July 13, 1865.
Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.
Resigned July 14, 1865.

Promoted to Captain.

Commissioned ist Lieutenant and R. Q. M.
Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Pomoted to ist Lieutenand, Co. D.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to Captain, Co. H.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

The Sixth West Virginia Veteran Cavalry Volunteers,
July, 1864, to June, 1866.

The time of the non-veterans of the Sixth West Virginia Regiment
expired in July, 1864. The regiment was reorganized at Cumberland^ Md.,
in the same month. Those re-enlisting were formed into five campanies and
two new companies added. The regiment was remounted at North Bridge,
August 22, and ordered a few days later to report at New Creek where it
was consolidated with the Fifth Regiment and was afterwards known as the
Sixth West Virginia Veteran Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Latham.

In November, 1864, Colonel Latham, acting under orders from General
Kelley, sent Lieut.-Col. R, E. Fleming, with about 300 men, to Burlington,
W. Va., thence to march to Moorefield, in which vicinity a company of the
enemy, under McNeill, was believed to be. Colonel Fleming detached 200

230

LOYAL IVESTVIHGLWIA FROM lUi TO 1865^

men under Major Potts to march by night to the rear of Moorefield, while
he whh the remaining 100 proceeded directly to Mooreileld. Colonel Flem«
ing reached the north bank of South Branch River in tlie evening of
November 27, and there encamped. Hardly 20 minutes had elapsed after
dismounting ere the scouts reported that a large force of Rebels lay just
south of Moorelleld. Hastily remountingi Colonel Flemmg ordered a
small detachment to cross the river and learn more certainly as to the where-
abouts and number of the enemy. These soon returned with the infcma-
tion that General Rosser with 3000 or 4000 men was near at hand. The
one piece of artillery was placed in position and the men drawn up on the
river bank to await the attack of the enemy. Very soon General Rosser
opened fire from the opposite sidt:, which was relumed. A vigorous fight
was maintained until Colonel Fleming ascertained diat detachments of the
enemy were crossing both above and below hira. Nothing remained for Flem*
ing save to cut his way out in the face of this superior force. The only avenue
of escape lay over a narrow w^agon road through Mill? Gap, Placing the
artillery in front, a vigorous firing was kept up in the rear until the gap was
reached. Here the artillery broke down and had to be abandoned. In tliis
narrow pass, blockaded by the artillery, a hand-to-hand sabre fight occurred,
in which some 50 men were killed, wounded or captured. Darkness ended
the pursuit. The remnant retreated to New Creek, riding a distance of some
40 miles in four hours. Colonel Fleming reported to Colonel Latham that
General Rosser was moving rapidly to New Creek with at least 3000 men.
The next morning, November 29, this same force captured New Creek,
and some of the boys that escaped capture, after swimming or fording the
Potomac River, rested their weary limbs in the mountains till the next day,
when they returned to New Creek, where the camp was speedily reestab-
lished. Colonel Latham was relieved from duty and the Sixth, under the com-
mand of Colonel Fleming, remained at New Creek doing garrison duty uniil
January 12, 1865* Orders were then received to report at Sandy Hook, Md.
On January 15, by order of General Crook, the horses were turned over and
the regiment went into winter quarters at Remount Camp, Pleasant Valley,
where it remained until April 4. Then marched to Harper's Ferry afoot;
thence April 13 to Key's Ford, and after a night*s rest, back to Remount
Camp, and again supplied with horses.

Immediately after the assassination of President Lincoln, the Sixth was
ordered to Washington, D. C. A detachment was sent in pursuit of Booth
and his accomplices. Dr. Mudd was arrested at Surrattsville, and Booth
chased from Marjdand into Virginia. The Sixth now having its headquarters
on 7th Street, sent out each morning a detachment for escort duly duriog the

FIGHTING INDIANS IN KTANSAS,

231

trial of the conspirators in the assassination. And the entire regiment com-
manded by Colonel Fleming, did guard duty on Pennsylvania Avenue
between the capitol and Georgetown during the "Grand Review.'*

On June Sth, orders were received to report at Cloud's Mills, Va,
Four days later the Sixth returned to Washington, and camped near the south
end of Long Bridge where it remained until June 12th. The boys who had
reenlisted for ** three years more or during the w^ar,'* now thought the war
over, and visions of home flitted through many a brain. But, alas, orders
were received for this regiment, in company with the 2d Mass., the 14th
Pa., and 2ist N. Y., to go to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, via Cincinnati
and St. Louis. An incident of this trip was a collision on the night of June
20lh, at Carlisle, 111, Three men and seventy -three horses were killed.
Daylight showed a mass of broken cars piled high upon each other. Upon
the very top of one of these piles, thirty feet above the trestle, which w^as
itself thirty feet above the ground, stood, unhurt, a gallant black steed,
** Bismarck,** the property of Lieutenant Brazie.

Fort Leavenworth was reached June 29th, and here they awaited further
orders until July i6th. Then came the word that the Sixth should report
at Fort Kearney on the Plains, w^here the work of subduing the hostile
Indians awaited them.

The boys of the Sixth had fought many severe battles, endured long
marches and untold hardships for Uncle Sam without a murmur. Now, the
civil war having ended, many believed their dut}'' was done. They declared
they had not sworn to do duty against the savages and refused to move from
Leavenworth,

Major Squires, in command of about one-third of the regiment, was sent
to Fort Kearney, while Colonel Fleming remained with the rebellious two-
thirds. By dint of much persuasion the objectors were soon brought to
terms and moved forward to Julesburg. Major Squires' command crossed *
the Platte River and were assigned to escort duty for the overland mail, and
as a reward for their obedience never encountered the Indians.

On the contrary, Colonel Fleming's command had several severe bat-
tles with the redskins on this side of the Platte, but in their new method of
warfare they proved that the men whose state motto is '* montani semper
li&eri'^ were equal to the conquering of a savage foe.

One incident occurring soon after the plains were reached, will long be
remembered by those interested. While en route to Julesburg, Colonel Fleming
with thirteen men and four Pawnee Indians turned aside for a hunt. After
riding several miles they saw far ahead a wagon train on fire. Spurring on-
ward it was soon found that the Indians had killed several of the teamsters

232

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6t TO i86j\

and driven the rest to the river, and were making off with one hundred and
twenty-five mules* Hoping to rescue the mules, Colonel Fleming ordered
his men to follow, himself taking the lead. Soon they were in sight of the
fleeing foe. Exultingly they followed, wondering to see hundreds of Indians
running from a handful of men. Soon the Coloners bump of caution sug-
gested treachery, and riding to the top of a hill, he saw that they were being
enticed into a narrow canon, while the surrounding bluffs showed hundreds of
savages evidently arranging for their favorite method of encircling their pur-
suers. A halt was called and orders given to lead a hasty retreat; ** speed
away for your lives, the river banks is our only hope of escape,*' was the com-
mand* As they turned to obey the order, the Indians with horrid yells wheeled
to follow. The air was full of flying arrows; with tingling scalplocks they
urged their horses forward — thoughts of Bull Run, of Cross Keys, of New
Creek, of all the dire disasters they had ever experienced flashed through
their minds, but this was worse, for who can see a ray of glory in contem-
plating the loss of his scalp? ** That was the only time in my war experience,"
said the Colonel, *Hhat despair entered my mind**, and his many narrow escapes
were well known to all. He had ridden what proved to be a slow horse that
mornin'^ — twice he dismounted, the little band forming a barricade to drive
back the Indians — but not thus were the boys of the Sixth to perish. The
river bank was gained and the Indians put to flight. In this hardly won escape
much was learned of savage warfare that serv^ed to good purpose in future
encounters. Several severe battles were afterwards fought in all of which the
Sixth came off victors.

That part of the regiment under command of Major Squires, wintered
at Fort Casper, Dakota, while Colonel Fleming's command remained at
Julesburg and Cottonwood Springs. At the latter place the two commands
were ordered to consolidate in March, 1866, thence to march to Fort Leaven-
worth, Kansas, a distance of 385 miles. This completed the service of the
Sixth West Virginia Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. Mustered out at Fort
Leavenworth, May 22, 1866, itwas ordered to Wheeling, West Virginia, for
pay and final discharge June i, 1866. On the arrival at Wheeling, a banquet
was tendered to the regiment at the McClure House. Before the boys sepa-
rated. Col. R. E, Fleming was given a proof of the confidence and esteem of
his fellow officers by receiving from them a handsome gold watch which he
proudly wears to this day.

CHAPTER XXXI.

FIRST REGIMENT (THREE MONTHS' SERVICE) W. VA. INFANTRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia Infantry
Volunteers (Three Months' Service), Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein,
from the Date of Organization to the Date of Muster Out.

Date

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

of Commission.

Colonel,

May 22, 1861.

Benjamin F. Kelley,

Promoted to Brigadier-General.

Lieutenant-Colonel,

July 18, 1 861.

Henry B. Hubbard,
Major,

Commissioned Lt.-Col. of 3 yrs. organization.

June I, 1891.

Isaac H. Duval^

Commissioned Major of 3 yrs. organization.

1st Lieut, and Adft.

May 29. 1 86 1.

John B. Lukens.
J St Lieut, and R, Q, M.

May 27, 1861.

Isaac M. Pumphrey.
Surgeon,

Appointed Major and Paymaster, U. S. A.

Joseph Thoburn.

Commissioned Colonel of 3 yrs. organization.

Assistant Surgeon,

Aug. 3, 1861.

John D. M. Carr.
Captains,

May 10, 1 861.

Andrew H. Britt,

May II, 1861.

Edward W. Stephens,

Commissioned Captain in 3 yrs. organization.

May 15, 1861.

Isaac N. Fordyce,

May 15, 1 861.

Mountford Stokeley,

May 16, 1861.

Thomas C. Parke,

May 17, 1861.

George C. Trimble,

Commissioned Major, nth W. Va. Infantry.

May 18, 1861.

James Kuhn,

May 21, 1861.

James F. Donnelly,

Commissioned Captain in 3 yrs. organization

May 21, l86i.

B. W. Chapman,

May 23, 1 861.

George W. Robinson,
First Lieutenants,

May 10, 1 861.

Joseph D. Britt,

May II, 1 861.

Charles A. Griffin,

May 15, i86r.

Thos. McK. McNeely,

May 15, 1 861.

Christopher H. Orth,

May 16, 1 861.

Oscar F. Melvin,

Commissioned Captain in 3 yrs. organization.

May 17, 1 861.

Jacob Weddle.

Commissioned Captain in 3 yrs. organization.

May 18, 1 861.

James C. White,

Commissioned Captain in 3 yrs. organization.

May 21, 1867.

Samuel B. Stidger,

334

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO 1863.

Date

of Commi'sston*

May 21, 1861.
May 23. tS6l.

May 10, 1861.
May II. 1S61.
May 15. i86t.
May IS, 1S61.
May r6, 1861,
May 17, 1 861.
May iB. 1861.
May 21, iS5i»
May 21, i86t.
May 25, 1861.

Names and Rank.

Firs t L if u iena n ts .
Thatnas Lloyd »
Charles Bryson,

Seco nd L ieu Un ants.
Thomas O'Brien.
Thomas H. Morton,
James W, Singleton,
John J. McCook,
Enos W» Melvin,
John B. Trimble,
Albert W. Kuhn,
John S. McDonald.
Richard H* Brown,
Peter Crawford,

Co.

I
K

A
B
C

D
E
F
G
H
I
K

RenuiTka*

Commissioned ad Lieut, in 3yrs. organization.

Commissioned 2d Lieut, in 3 yrs. organization.

Commissioned Captain in 3 yrs, organization..
Commissioned ist Lieut, in 3 yrs. organization.

The First Regiment of Virginia Union Volunteer Infantry.

The history of the First Regiment of Virginia Union Volunteer Infantry
antedates the organizatiun and formation of the new State. It was a part of the
old Virginia military establishment, Governor Peirpoint having been appointed
Provisional Governor of the State of Virginia by President Lincoln, the
State government being established at Wheeling, by reason of that portion
of the State east of the Alleghanies having joined its fortunes with the Con-
federacy through the operation of secession.

This regiment of Loyal Virginia Infantry was the first regiment organ-
ized on Southern soil for the defense of the nation under the call of President
Lincoln. The regiment was organized at Wheeling, the first company
being mustered into the service of the United States on May 10, 1861. On
May 23, the organization of the regiment was complete. Colonel Benjamin
F, Kelley being assigned to the command by the then Provisional Governor
of Virginia, Francis H. Peirpoint.

The condition of the public mind in and about the city of Wheeling at
the time this regiment was organized was such that grave fears were enter-
tained by very many loyal people tliat it would be unsafe to send arms and
equipments of war with which to equip this regiment, to the city of Wheel-
ing* Several patriotic gentlemen whose loyalty never was questioned, resi-
dents of Wellsburg, the county seat of Brooke, the adjoining county on the
north, made application to the Secretary of War, and through the kind offices
of Governor Andrews, of Massachusetts, arms were secured for this regiment.
They were sent to Wellsburg in the care of Messrs, W. H. Carothers and
Cambell Tarr. Louis Applegate and Adam Kuhn were associated with
them in the receiving and transferring of these arms by steamboat to Wheel-

BATTLE OF PHILIPPl j COLONEL KELLEY WOUNDED,

235

ing, where they were turned over to the regiment. On May 27, the regiment
was placed under marching orders.

The good people of Wheeling had furnished them with a supply of blankets
and clothing, but tlie}^ were without knapsacks, haversacks, cartridge-boxes
or any other of the habiliments of regularly organized troops* save that in
their hands they clapped an old United States Springfield musket.

Colonel Kelley applied for transportaUon to the Baldmore and Ohio
Railroad, which was refused upon the grounds that the railroad compan)
proposed to remain neutral in jdie question of w^ar as between the sections,
the agent stating that an order had been issued Uiat the road w^ould not carry
either troops or munition of war for either side. Colonel Kelley empha-
sized the following language in reply to the agent: **This is war. Railroad
companies cannot be their own masters. They are to serve the government
that guarantees to them possession and protection for their property. You
have a train of cars in the depot to-morrow morning at four o'clock or I will
place you in prison and take possession of your railroad b}' military authority, **
No further argument w^as needed. The agent communicated with the com-
pany and the cars were accordingly furnished and afterwards, throughout
the entire war, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad continued to perform any
service necessary for the successful transaction of the war.

The regiment left Wheeling May 27th on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road. Tht*y were joined at Ben wood by some Ohio troops under Colonel
Irvin, and two days afterwards, at Camp Buffalo, the 15th Ohio joined the
command. On the 31st, Grafton was occupied by our troops, while the
Confederates under Colonel Porterfield retired. On the morning of June 3,
the first battle was fought at Philippi, West Virginia, in which the First
Virginia participated, Colonel Kelley being wounded in the affray* Here is
a notable incident in the histor}^ of the regiment. It was not only to bear in
history the record of having been the first loyal regiment formed on Southern
soil, but the additional historic incident is now given to it by reason of Colonel
Kelley being the first officer w^ounded in the great War of the Rebellion,

It would be impossible to trace out the meanderings of this regiment
through the three months* service that followed. Suffice it to say tliey
participated in all the historic campaign of the early war in the mountains of
West Virginia. The regiment completed its service and returned to Wheel-
ing, where it was mustered out of service on tlie 28th day of August.

Of the three months' organization it is sufficient to say that Henry B,
Hubbard, of Wheeling, was lieutenant-colonel; Isaac H. Duval, of Wells-
burg, was major; John B. Lukens, of Wheeling, was adjutant; Isaac M
Pumphrey was quartermaster; Dr, Joseph Thoburn was surgeon, and Dr^
J, D, M, Carr, assistant-surgeon.

CHAPTER XXXII.
FIRST REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia Infantry
Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Original
Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Consolidation with the Fourth Regiment,
West Virginia Infantry, December lo, 1864.

Date
of Com mission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Colonel,

Oct. 30, 1 861.

Joseph Thobum,
Lieutenant- Colonels,

Killed in action at Cedar Creek. Va., Oct. 19.
1864.

Nov. 2, 1 861.

Henry B. Hubbard,

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate of disa-
bility, Oct. 3, 1862.

Dec. 4. 1862.

Jacob Weddle.
Majors,

Nov. 2, 1861,

Isaac Hardin DuvaL

Promoted to Col. 9th W. Va. Inft. Sept. 9. 1862.

Dec. 4, 1862.

Jacob Weddle,

Promoted from Captain Co. A. Promoted to

•

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Dec. 4. 1862.

Edward W. Stephens,
1st Lieut, and Adft,

Promoted from Captain, Co. F. Mustered out
at expiration of term of service.

Nov. 13, 1 861.

James McElroy,

Promoted to Captain, Co. D.

Sep. 23, 1862.

Henry J. Johnson.
1st Lieut, and R, Q, M,

Vice McElroy, promoted. Retained in service
by order Sec'y ot War, and transferred to
2d W. Va. Veteran Infantry.

Nov. 13, 1 861.

Wm. T. Singleton.

Promoted to Captain, and C. S.

July 4. 1864.

Lucian Gray,
Surgeon.

Vice Singleton, promoted.

Oct. 29, 1 861.

David Baguley,
Assistant Surgeons,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Jan. 19, 1863.

A.W.D. Kraft,

Discharged March 19. 1863.

Oc. 30. 1861.

S. B. Stidger,

Resigned July 10, 1862.

July 8, 1862.

James L. Gillespie,

Vice Stidger. Resigned Nov. 18, 1862.

Feb. 27, 1863.

John English,

Chaplains ,

Vice Gillespie, resigned.

Feb. 19, 1862.

Gordon Battelle.

Died of disease.

Feb. 4, 1863.

William R. Howe.
Captains,

Vice Battelle, deceased. Mustered out at
expiration of term of service.

Oct 3, 1861.

Jacob Weddle,

Promoted to Major, Oct, 3. 1862.

^^^^^ CAPTAINS AND LIEUTENANTS. FIRST WEST VA, INFANTRY. 237 ^^k

^^^^^r

Nunie^i and Rank.

Co.

IZeiiiarks, ^^H

^^^^^H ofComFniisloti.

Captains.

^^^H Nov.

William J. Robb.

Promoted from 1st Lieutenant. Mustered out ^^|
at expiration of term ol service. ^H

^^^H Nov.

James C White.

Resigned Jan. 16, 1&63. ^H

^^^H Feb.

George W. White,

Vice J. C. White, resigned. ^^|

^^^H OcU2[.iS6i.

William Mil house.

Discharged for disability Oct. 13, 1862, ^^^

^^^^H Nov. 1862.

William H. Orr,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^H

^^^1 Nov. 5« 1S61,

James F. Do a nelly.

Died at Cumberland. Md., January. 1862. ^H

^^^H Oct.

John S. McDonald.

Resigned. ^H

^^^H Nov. 25, 1862.

James McElroy,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Nov.

\Vm. Morgan,

Resigned August 16, 1862. ^H

^^^H Nov. 1862.

John Craig.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^H Nov.

Edward W. Stephens,

Promoted to Major. ^H

^^^H Feb.

James E. Morrow,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service ^H

^^^H Nov.

Oscar F. Mclvin.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^H Nov. 6. 1 86 1.

James M. Bowers,

Resigned July 28, 1862. ^H

^^^H Sep.

Thomas Reed,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^H Nov. 6. 1S61.

John B. Trimble.

Resigned. ^H

^^^1 Aug.

John W. Dougherty,

Died at Annapolis. Md,, 1864. ^H

^^^H Dec. 11,1861.

Richard Radcliff,
Firsi Lieutenants.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^B^ Oct.

William B. Kellcy,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^K* Nov. 26, iS6k

James McElroy,

Promoted to Captain, Co. D, Jany. 16. 1863. ^H

^^^^B Nov. i&6t.

John W. Dougherty,

Promoted to Captain, Company L ^^|

^^^H Feb, 19. 1S63.

Thomas H. McKee,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

Wdiiam H. Orr.

Promoted to Captain. ^H

^^^1 Nov.

James W. Singleton.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Nov, 5, 186].

John S. McDonald.

Promoted to Captain. ^^^

^^^1 Feb.

James Wilson.

Resigned. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

Martin B. Helms,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^^B Nov. 30, 1 861.

John F. Baer.

Resigned February 28, 1862. ^H

^^^H Nov.

Charles A. Freeman.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^1 Dec.

Thayer Melvin.

Appointed A. A. General. ^^|

^^^^H Nov. 24, 1S61.

John W. W^hite,

Resigned January 24. 1863. ^^|

^^^H Feb. 25, 1863.

Theodore L. Apple,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^H Nov. 5, 1861.

Thomas Lloyd.

Mustered out at expiration ol term of service. ^H

^^^H Nov. 6. f 861.

Thomas Reed,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^1 Sep. 24. 1S62.

Henry H, Hornbrook,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^^1 Nov. 22, 1861.

John W\ Dougherty,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^V Nov.

George James,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^T Dec. XI, 1861.

James A. Lewis.
Second Lieutenants,

Mustered out at expiration of term ofservice* ^H

^H Oct.5. 1861.

John Barnes,

Killed in action at Port Republic, June 9, 1862. ^H

^H Julys, 1862.

Thomas M. Simpson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^B Nov. 34, 1862.

Thos. H. McKee.

Promoted to tst Lieutenant. ^^|

^H Feb. 19, 1863.

John F. Ryan,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^H Nov. 6, 1861.

James W. Singleton.

Transferred to Company I. ^^|

238

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM t86r TO iS6j.

Dace
of Conimiisltm*

July 8, 1862.
Feb. 25, 1863.

OcL2I, 1861.

Nov, 5, 1 861 •
Jan. 23, 1862.
Feb. 6. 1862.
Nov. 5, 1861.
Nov. 20, 1861.
March 10, 1862.
Nov. 25, 1S62.
Nov. I, 1861.
Feb. 25. 1863.
Nov, 5, 1861,
Dec. 18, i86t.
Aug. 25. 1862,
Nov, 6. 1861.
April u» 1864,
Nov. 6, 1 861.
Nov. 25, 1862.
Dec. 11, 1861.
March 17, 1862.
April II, 1864,

Namei and Rank.

Second LieuUnann,
Robert W. Vance,
Joseph B. Gordon,
Burgess Stewart,
Wm, D. Logsden,
James Wilson.
James C Connelly,
Chester B. Hall,
John Crarg,
James E, Morrow,
John F, Baird,
John W. White,
James L. Steel,
Chester B. Hall.
William J, Robb,
Joseph O. Adams.
Henry H. Hombrook,
William S, Murphy,
James W. Singleton,
James M. Goudy,
David Morgan,
Henry K. Weed en,
John W. Plaltenburg,

Cow

c
c
c

D
D
D
D
E
E
E
F
F
G
G
G
H
H

r
I

K
K
K

Remarks.

Resigned February 2, 1863.

Resigned July i, 1863.

Resigned January i. 1862.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Dishonorably discharged January 29, 1863,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service*

Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to Captniu.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Transferred to Company D.

Transrerred to Company A.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Company C.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned February i, 1862. -

Dismissed March 7, 1864.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

The First West Virginia in the Three Years* Service.

Immediately after the three months* men were discharged, on August
30, Dr. Joseph Thoburn, the former surgeon of the regiment, received the
appointment of colonel for the purpose of reorganizing the regiment, which
event was consummated about October 30, 1861* The regiment began its
career in the three years' service by four companies being sent to the Little
Kanawha, Wirt County, Virgmia, to suppress insurrection and dispel a
band of marauders known as moccasin rangers, who WTre devastating the
countrj^ in the oil region about Burning Springs. The regiment was brought
together by all the companies taking post at Romney in Hampshire County,
Virginia, about November 12, where they became a part of the command of
General Kelley, who was then occupying this advance position as a part of
the defense line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Here, again, that
wonderful history of which much has been written, but of which there
remains much that never shall be told, was enacted. From the beginning
of Kelley's first command at Romney to the close of the last scenes of the
war at Appomattox, a part of this regiment participated in every engagement

AT THE SECOND BATTLE OF BULL BUN,

239

fought in the valley or the great campaigns which became a part of the
history of the war, other than the army of the Potomac,

A short summary may give a faint idea of what the service of this regi-
ment was. From Romney, in the winter of 1861 and 1862, to Patterson's
Creekj where General Lander assumed the commandof that grand division of
men afterward known as Shields' Division, thrown together as a distinctive
army; afterwards to Paw Paw Tunnel, where the lamented Lander died
and then by the coming of General Shields, tliey began to weave history
which stretched onward, covering the first battle of Winchester, March 23,
1862, where Stonewall Jackson was routed and driven from the field.

On June 9, at Port Republic, the troops of this division won for them-
selves an imperishable name. No batOe of the war has crowded into it so
much heroism and gallantry on the field, where our forces were greatly out-
numbered. Our 3000 accomplished on that field that wonderful defense
w^hich the Confederates claim was the result of 10,000 men present. In
July, 1863, the regiment went with a part of the divisions to join that of
General Rickets, a part of McDowell's corps, Army of Virginia, in which
command it participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock
Station, Thoroughfare Gap and the second battle of Bull Run, August 29
and 30.

At the close of the Boll Run campaign, the regiment was assigned to
duty in the defense of Washington, being stationed at Arlington Heights.
At this time it is worthy of note to say that the regiment came out of the
second battle of Bull Run without a commissioned officer on duty. Sergeant
Major Johnson commanded the regiment and marched it from Fairfax Sta-
tion to Arlington Heights.

In October, 1862, the regiment was transferred from the defense of
Washington to the Department of West Virginia, where they assisted in
opening the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Harper's Ferry, and took post
at Nortli Mountain, being assigned to the Second Brigade of the First Divi-
sion of the Eighth Army Corps. During tlie summer of 1863, they partici-
pated in the campaigns of that department, making many long and difficult
marches, co-operating with the forces on the flank of Meade's army, during
the Gettisburg campaign, taking post in August at Petersburg, West Vir-
ginia. On September the 11, at Moorefield, five companies of the regiment
were captured by the Confederate forces under McNeill, with a part of
Imboden*s command. These five companies were taken to Richmond, a
portion of the men being exchanged during the winter of 1863-64, but the
eight officers there captured, excepting Captain Reed, Company H, were
held prisoners of war until the close of the Rebellion.

S40

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6r TO iSdj,

The winter of 1863-64 was memorable in the regiment's history for the
service rendered in the defense of the line of railroad, in resisting Confederate
raids and preventing destruction of property. On the 25th of February,
1864, the regiment was sent to Wheeling on veteran furlough, and on the ist
of April it again entered active service, joining Sullivan *s command at Web-
ster, West Virginia, where it was attached to the Second Brigade, commanded
by Colonel Thobum. In May, 1864, it participated in Sigel's campaign in
the Shenandoah ValleVi taking part in the battles of New Market, May 14
and 15, and continuing in the same organization during the campaign of
General Hunter, bearing an honorable part in the battles of Piedmont, June
5, and Lynchburg, June 17 and 18, retreating from Lynchburg to the Kan-
awha Valley.

In July and August it participated in the campaigns of General Crook
against the Confederate General Early, in the Shenandoah Valley, and took
part in the battle of Snicker's Ferry, July 18, and Winchester, July 24.
In the months of August, September and October, it formed a part of
the Army of West Virginia, in General Sheridan's department, and was
actively engaged at Cedar Creek, August 12 ; at Berry ville, September 3 ; at
Charlestown, August 22 and at Halltown, August 26; at the battle of
Opequon, September 19; Fisher's Hill, September 23, and Cedar Creek,
October 19.

In this last engagement, Colonel Thoburn was killed, he being then in
command of the First Division of the Army of West Virginia. On October
29> the regiment was sent to Cymberlaiid, Maryland, where the three years*
men not veteranizing were mustered out and the veterans were consolidated
with part of the Fourth West Virginia Infantry, forming the Second Regi-
ment of West Virginia Veteran Volunteers. In reviewing die history of
this regiment, the field and staff, as composed at its organization, wms Joseph
Thoburn, colonel; Henry B. Hubbard, lieutenant-colonel, discharged on
account of wounds, October 23, 1862; Isaac IT. Duval, major, promoted to
colonel of the Ninth Virginia Infantry, September 9, 1S62; Jacob Weddel,
major, November, 1862, also lieutenant-colonel, December 4, 1862; E. W.
Stevens, major, December 4, 1862 j James McElroy was the first adjutant of
the regiment, November 13, 1861- He was succeeded by John W, Dough-
erty* Dougherty and McElroy both succeeding to captaincies in the regiment,
Henry J. Johnson became adjutant, September23, 1862. W. T. Singleton
was the quartermaster, Dr. David Ba^j^ley^ surgeon, and the following named
persons were assistant surgeons at different dates: A. W. D. Kraft, S. B.
Stidger, James L. Gillespie, John English. Revs. Gordon Battelle and
\Vm. R. Howe served the regiment as chaplains^

JOSEPH TH08URN,
Colonel Ist West VmoiNiA Inft.

BRILLIANT SERVICES OF KELLEY AND THOBURN

241

The many changes which occurred in the line officers of the regiment
would require too much space in this short article. Suffice it is to say that
when the regiment closed its three years' term of service, not a single captain
of the original ten was mustered out with his company. Most of the com-
panies were commanded by men who either started as lieutenants, or had
been promoted from the ranks.

Some of the Names Worthy to be Mentioned as Connected
With the Regiment.

Col. Benjamin F. Kelley,

Col. Benjamin F. Kelley was the first colonel. Mention being made
of his service and wounds, we have here to add that he was nominated by
President Lincoln to be a brigadier-general of volunteers at the same time at
w^hich General Grant and a number of others who became illustrious in the
War of the Rebellion wxre named for like positions. General Kelley was
confirmed by the Senate and as a brigadier-general he commanded many
important armies during the progress of the war. He was the only brigadier-
general that ever commanded a department as such, through the entire war,
notably the Department of West Virginia in the summer of i86^* He was
bre vetted major-general and leaves a record for fidelity and devotion to the
cause of the Union, sharing in the establishment of a new State — West Vir-
ginia. He now sleeps among more than 14,000 of his comrades at Arling-
ton, where future citizens shall view his resting place and talk of his life
service in the cause of liberty.

Col. Joseph Thoburn.

But few names in the annals of the war have clustered around them
memories so strange and inexplainable as that of this gallant and loyal son
of Virginia. He was on many battlefields, a leader worthy of his star, but
facts over which political destinies seemed to hang, had kept from him the
well-earned distinction of general, while he commanded a division of the
army as a colonel longer than any man in tlie great Rebellion. It is said by
a writer who is familiar with the records of the War Department, that this
fact cannot be disputed. Colonel Thoburn was perhaps as well known as
any colonel in the war ; although his services were confined exclusively to
the soil of Virginia, yet he came in touch and in contact w*ith the commanders
of all the Eastern armies and held subordinate positions above his rank,
temporarily commanding brigades and divisions at difl^erent times. He was
a man of conscientious principles, lovable in his disposition and brave to a

242 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6j TO 186 j,

fault. He never lacked in popular esteem among the rank and file of the
army. His death was announced by General Sheridan as a great calamity.
West Virginia has no greater honor to perform than that of placing, some-
where within her borders, a suitable testimonial to the character of this man*

Isaac H. Duval.

Isaac IL Duval, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, who entered the service
as major in the three months' service with the First Virginia Infantry,
re-entered the service in the same capacity with the regiment at the beginning
of the three' years' term. His genius as a soldier very soon brought hirn
into prominence when the active hostilities of the war began to show of what
metal men were made. Of all the names borne on the rolls of the First
Virginia Infantry, perhaps the ideal soldier was found in the person of this
man* Very early in 1862, Governor Peirpoint selected him as colonel of
tiie Ninth West Virginia Volunteers. His soldierly bearing soon marked its
characteristics upon the regiment, and it became known throughout the
Army of West Virginia that there was none better than the Ninth, In the
conflicts that followed in the campaigns of 1863-64, Colonel Duval was pro-
moted to the rank of brigadier-general and upon him devolvtfd important
commands during that history made famous by Sheridan and Crook, which
shall live in the annals of time. It is a strange coincidence that at the sur-
render of the last troops in the Department of West Virginia, it should fall
to the lot of one of West Virginia's sons to receive the sword of the com-
mander of the capitulating forces, when the climax of war was ended.
General Diiva!, upon whom rested the command of Hancock*s corps (Gen-
eral Hancock being absent), being stationed at Staunton, Virginia, at the
time of the capitulation of Lee's army, threw his troops in the way of the
Confederate General Rosser, who in the commandof Lee's cavalry attempted
to make his way west with a sufficient force to continue active operations,
but was brought to bay and compelled to surrender. General Duval has
lived to enjoy the honor and esteem of the people of West Virginia, he
having represented them in tiie lower House of Congress, and in many
ways filled places of trust and honor.

Subalterns.

Among the subordinate officers there were many who entered the ser-
vice as unknown striplings or boys from the schools and the shops, who placed
themselves at the heads of companies and other subordinate commands that
were as honorable to their service, by reason of their youth and opportunities,
as though they had succeeded to greater commands.

CAPTURE OF BATTLE FLAGS BY W. VA. TROOPS. 243

Rank and File.

In the rank and file there were men as true and loyal, as ever bore
arms in the defense of liberty and free government. It may not be amiss to
state that of the per cent, of battleflags captured in the war, it stands to the
credit of West Virginia for having captured a greater number in proportion
to the troops in the field than by the troops of any other State. The names
of many of the First West Virginia Infantry are enshrined forever on fields
that shall live as among the marked spots where the conflicts of men took
place in the War of the Rebellion. It would be doing injustice to others that
any should be named, for among the unknown who fell and sleep in
unmarked graves. West Virginia's greatest glory is unhonored and unsung,
but we can all say: ** All hail to the sons of the storm -born State, who gave
their lives that liberty might live and that West Virginia may ever continue
among the family of States."

^^^^^^^^^^^^V ^^^^^^^^^^^1

^^^^^^^^ FOURTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY. ^^^^^^^B

^ Roster of the Field. Staf! and Company OfHcers of the Fourth Regiment West Virginia ^^M

^^^^m Infantry, showing tho Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Original ^^M

^^^^m Organization to the Date of Consolidation with the First West Virginia Infantry, Decern- ^^|

^^^H 1864.

■

^^^^^H

Kamea and Rank.

Co.

RemarkB. ^^|

^^^^^^1 of Commrasfon,

Co ion if is.

^^^H Aug. 14, 1 861.

J. A. J. Lighthurn,

Promoted to Brigadicr*Gcncral, Volunteers. ^^^

^^^H May 9« 1&65.

James H. Dayton,
Lieutenant* Coioneh.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^^1 Aug. 27, 1861.

Wm. H. H. Russell.

Resign'^d. ^^|

^^^H March 19, 1S63.

James H. Dayton,

Promoted to Colonel. ^^^k

^^^H May

John L. Vance,
Majors,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^^k

^^^H Aug. 27, 1 861.

John T. Hall,

Killed in action. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

James H. Dayton,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, ^^^k

^^^H March 9i 1S63,

John L. Vance,

Promoted to Lieutenant-ColoneL ^^|

^^H May 9. 1863,

A.M. Goods peed,

Killed in action at Vicksburg, ^^B

^^^H Aug. 17, 1863.

Henry Grayiim,
rst Lieut, and Adft,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service ^^|

^^^^B Aug. 22, f86t.

Philson B, Stanberry,

Honorably discharged. ^^^k

^^^H Jan. 26, 1864.

Alpheus Dealt,

Clustered out at expiration of tevm of service^ ^^^k

First Lieut, a nd R. QM.

^^1

^^^H Oct.

Jesse F. Stevens,
Surgeons,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service^ ^^H

^^^H Aug. 26, 1S61.

D. R. Achley,

Resigned. ^^B

^^^H May 9, 1863.

John R. Philson,
Asst. Surgeons,

^^^H Nov. 19, i86t.

John R. Philson,

Promoted 1 S u rgeon , ^^H

^^^H May 9, 1863.

Homer C. Waterman,
Chapiain,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^^ N0V.27, 1S61.

George S. Woodhull,
Captains,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

Henry S. Welton,

Resigned September ist, 1861. ^^^k

^V Sep. I, 1 861.

Tihon B, Rockhill,

Resigned November 30, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Dec. 31, 1862*

Martin V- Lightbum,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^H

John L, Vance,

Promoted to Major. ^^H

^^^H March 19. 1863.

Barlow W, Curtis,

^^^1

^^^B July

Thomas J. Smith,

Resigned I'iovember 20, 1862. ^^^H

^^^1 Dec. 31, 1862.

Barney J, RoSlins,

Clustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^^H

^^^^y CAPTAINS AND LIEUTENANTS FOURTH REG'T INFANTRY. 245 ^|

^^^^^H

Kaowsand Rank.

Co.

Remarlkft. ^^|

^^^^^^H ol CnmiQiMioa.

Captains,

^^B Julys. tS6t,

Arza M. Coodspced,

Promoted to Major. ^H

^^^H May 9, 186.^.

John L. Mallemcre,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^^1 July 22, 1S61.

Wm. R. Brown.

Promoted to Colonol, I3ih W. Va. Infantry. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

Ephraim C. Carson,

Resigned Jan. 3, 1863. ^^|

^^^^B March 19, 1863

Daniel A. Russell,

Mustered out at expiration ol term of service. ^H

^^^^B Aug. 22» 1861.

Wm. H. H, Russell.

Promoted to Lieulenant-ColontL ^H

^^^H Sept.

George VV. Storey,

Resigned January 5, 1863. ^H

^^^H March 19. 1863.

Wm.S, Hall,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^H July I, laai.

Henry Grayum,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^1 Aug. 17,

Wlliiam Gray 11m,

^^^H Aug. 1, 1

Patrick H Brunker,

Resigned Januar)* 5. 1863. ^^|

^^^H March 19, 1863.

Benjamm D. Boswell,

Promoted to Major, 2d Veteran Infantrj . ^H

^^^H July

Alexander Vance,

Resigned February 16, 1863. ^^|

^^^H March 19, 1863.

Calvin A. Shepherd,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^^H July 22, 1861.

James H. Dayton,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

James J. Mansell.

First L ie u ten ants. '

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^H

Martin V. Ughtburn,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H Dec.

John J. Say re,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^H

Wm. C. Bailey,

Resigned September 30, 1S62. ^^|

^^^^1 Dec.

Barlow W. Curtis,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^

^^^H March 19, 1863.

Wm. H.H. Sisson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^H

^^^B Julys, 1 861.

Barney J, Rollins,

Promoted to Captain. ^H

^^^H Dec. 31, 1862.

W^m. L. McMasters,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^V Julys,

John L. Malkrnce,

Promoted to C»pt:iin. ^^|

^^^H May 9, 1863. 1

Geo. W. Hankinson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^^1 Aug. 22, 1861.

Ephraim C* Carson,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 4, 1862.

Daniel A. Russdl,

FYomoted to Captain . ^^|

^^^^B Aug. 22« 1861

Philson B. Stanbcrry,

Promoted to Adjutant. ^^|

^^^^H March 19, 1S63.

James H. Ralston, ,

Resigned September 6. 1863. ^^|

^^^^H Jan. 26, 1864.

Tldward Mai lory.

E :

'Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^H July 30. 1861.

Wm.J5.Hall,

Promoted to Captain. ^^H

^^^^1 March 19. 1 863 .

Finley D. Ong^.

Died prisoner at Vicksburg, May 22, 1^63. ^^H

^^^1 Aug. 17.

George A. Scott,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^H July 18, ]86k

John DeLilie.

Resigned November 30. 1862. ^^|

^^^H Dec.

Cincinnatus B. Blake,

Resigned April 3, 1S63. ^^|

^^^B Aug. 17,

Calvin L. Lightlurn,

^^^H Nov. 5, 1861*

John B. Boo ram.

Resigned November 11, 1861. ^^|

^^^H Dec. 5f .

Benjamin D. Boswell,

I^romoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^1 May

H. F. Donnelley,

Resigned December 8, 1863. ^^|

^^^^H March 19, 1863.

Michael Christopher,

Mustered out at expiration of term ot service* ^^|

^^^H July 10, i86t.

Calvin A. Shepherd,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^k

^^^^1 March 19, 1863.

James W. Dale,

Promoted to Captain, 2d Infantry. ^^B

^^^H July i86[.

James J. Mansell,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H Oct 4*

AlphcusBeall,

Appointed Adjutant. ^^|

^^^B July 26, 1864.

Enoch Clice,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^^|

^^^^^ 246 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1S61 TO 1863. ^^^^^^H

^^^^H

Kune and Runic

Co.

Remarks. ^^H

Second Lieutenants,

^^^H June

John W. Davis.

Resigned December 5, 1862. ^H

^^^H Dec. 31*

Columbus Shrcwsberry,

Resigned May 26, 1863. ^H

^^^H Aug. 17.

John McDonald,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Julys. i86t.

Barlow W. Curtis.

Promoted to tst Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H Dec. 31,1862.

Wm, H. H. Sisson,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^H

^^^^H March 19, 1863.

Alex, Wartenburg,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H OcL

Wm. L. McMastcrs.

Promoted to tst Lieutenant. ^H

Jesse V. Stevens

Promoted to isi Lieutenant, and R. Q. M. ^H

^^^H Dec. 1S62.

Robert Dyke,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Ocu

George W. Hankisson,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H Aug. 17,

John N. Dean,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 2d Vet. Infantry, ^H

^^^H Aug. 22,

Ephraim C. Carson,

Promoted to isi Lieutenant. ^H

^^^V Aug. 22, 1S61.

Daniel A. Russell,

Promoted to rst Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 4, 1862.

James H, Ralston,

Promoted to tst Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H March 19, 1863.

Edward Mallory,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H July

Finley D. Ong,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H March 19, 1863.

George A. Scott, 1

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H

^^^V Aug. 17. 1863.

Allen Bloomfield,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H July

C B. Blake,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H March 19, 1S63.

William Grayiim,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^B Nov.

H. F, Donnelly,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^

^^^H May

Benjamin D. Bos well,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Dec.

Michael Christopher,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Dec. 1862.

Wm. R. Malone,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^H

^^^^B July 10, 1861.

James W. Dale,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H March 19, 1S63.

Edward H. Trickle,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^^H July 22. i86t.

Alpheus Beall,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 4, 1862.

Enoch T. Clice,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H The Fourth West Virginia Infantry. ^H

^^^H The Fourth West Virginia Infantry was organized August, 1861, with ^H

^^^P the following field officers: J, A* J, Lightburn, colonel; Wm. H. H. Rus- ^H

^^^V sel, lieutenant-colonel, and John T. Hall, major. ^H

^H^ The regiment did its first service in the Kanawha Valley, and hard ^|

^H service it was, too; guard dut)% scouting, fighting, was the daily program, ^H

^H On the 6th of August, 1862, Major Hall, with a force of forty-eight ^^k

^H men, at Beach Creek, near Logan Court House, encountered 200 Confed- ^H

^H erated mounted infantry, under Colonel Stratton and Major Witcher. The ^^k

^H fight was a stubborn one, Major Hall and two enlisted men were killed and ^^k

^H twelve wounded. Of the Confederates, Major Witcher was killed; upon the ^H

^H death of their commander the Confederates retreated* In the death of ^|

^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l

y«^^

J. A. J. LIGHTBURNp
BftlQADtEllwGiNERAL U. S. VoL

DEATH OF MAJOR HALL/ COL. LIGHTBURPTS RETREAT, 247

Major Hall, the 4th Regiment suffered a great loss. He was a graduate
of West Point, was young, brave, and of course well quali6i;d for all the
duties of a soldier.

The next military experience of importance which the regiment was
called upon to undergo, was *' Colonel Lightbum's retreat from the Kanawha
Valley,'* A few preliminary words will enable the reader to better compre-
hend the situation.

On July I, 1862, General McClellan, after the battle of Malvern Hill,
retreated to Harrison's Landing. McClellan remained in camp till the 4th
of August, when he received orders from General Halleck, commander-in-
chief, to evacuate Harrison's Landing^ and report at Washington ; the object
of this move was to conform to President Lincoln's original plan to move
overland to Richmond. Pope w^as then in command of the "Army of Vir-
ginia,** and in the early part of August fought the battle of Cedar Mountain.

On the 28th, 29th and 30th of August the battle of Manassas — or Second
Bull Run^ — was fought; Pope having been defeated, General Lee took
advantage of the disaster to invade Maryland, and possibly take the capital
at Washington. While these important movements were going on. General
Cox was in command in the Kanawha Valley, with a force of 12,000 or
15,000 men.

In view of the danger threatening Washington, General Cox was with-
drawn from the Kanawha with all the troops tliat could be spared to re-
enforce the defenses around Washington. Cox took with him about 10,000
men, and arrived in time to participate in the battles of South Mountain and
Antietam. There remained in the Kanawha of Cox's forces the 4th, 8th
and 9th West Va. Infantrj*, the 34th, 37th, 44th and 47th Ohio Infantry,
and the 2d West Va. Cavalry, with eight mounted howitzers, three rifled
and three smooth-bore field pieces of artillery.

Pursuant to General Cox's orders, August 17, 1862, Colonel Lightburn
assumed command of the district. The forces w^ere stationed as follows;
34th and 37th Ohio, with four mounted howitzers and tv^^o smooth-bore field
pieces, under command of Col. E, Siber; 37th Ohio Infantrj'^ at Raleigh
Court House, with two companies of infantry as a guard for trains at Fayette
Court House; the 44th and 47th Ohio Infantry, W'ith two companies of the
2d West Va. Cavalry at Camp Ew^ing, a distance of ten miles from Gauley
Bridge, on the Lewisburg road, under command of Col. S. A, Gilbert;
44th Ohio Infantry, two companies of the 9th West Va. Infantry, and two
companies of the 2d West Va, Cavalry, under command of Major Curtis,
were stadoned at Summerville. The remainder of the 9th and 4th West Va.
and two companies of West Va, Cavalry were stationed at different points

24S

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6r TO 1B65.

from Gauley Bridge to Charleston, includiog an out-post at Coal River m
Boone County, with Colonel Lightburn's headquarters at Gauley,

Early in September, 1S62, the Confederate General Loring, with an
army estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000, men appeared in the Kanawha
Valley* Colonel Lightburn began at once to prepare for a retreat, and for
the protection of his immense stores, Loring was making a forced march.
About the loth of September he was at Raleigh, and later at Fayette, where
Colonel Siber and his command (who had redred from Raleigh) were strongly
intrenched. Colonel Lightburn, apprehensive that Siber would be sur-
rounded and cut off, ordered him to evacuate Fayette and fall back to
Charleston. Colonel Siber did fall back, closely followed by Loring all the
way to Charleston.

The results of a raid in force, no matter by whom made is always the
same. The story of rout and disaster, tlie excitement, hurry and confusion
to both civilian and soldier always prevails j so, at this time we find all the
people of Charleston in a condidon of intense alarm. On tlie 13th, Colonel
Lightburn had all the transportation at hand, transports and wagons loaded
with the most valuable Government stores and ordered them in the direction
of Toint Pleasant. About 1 o'clock P. M., Colonel Lightburn crossed Eik
River, and tlie torch was applied to tlie Government buildings containing the
stores that could not be removed. The bridge across Elk River was then
destroyed. Charleston is situated at the confluence of the Kanawha and
the Elk, the two rivers forming at this junction very nearly a right angle.
A turnpike follows the course of the Kanawha, and crosses the Elk at
Charleston, Colonel Lightburn then formed his line of battle to the best
advantage. The enemy, under Loring in front, outnumbered Lightburn and
with Jenkins on the right flank, 1200 to 1500 strong, did not present encour-
aging coiididons for Lightburn and his command.

The Confederates opened the engagement from a battery on a hill south
of Charleston, our battery replying. The Confederates had a Parrot gun on
the opposite side of tlie Kanawha. The firing from the ardllery was rapid,
considering the number of pieces engaged j the fire was continued until
about 5 P. M. The infantry regiments were not hody engaged, though
skirmishing was kept up until darkness put an end to it, when the enemy
fell back to Charleston,

Colonel Lightburn and his command made all out of the situation it was
possible to make. The enemy in superior numbers did not act whh much
energy; they seemed content to remain in Charleston and be let alone, where
they could procure plenty of salt for their armies. The Fourth West Vir-
ginia lost in this engagement six men killed and several wounded; the total

COL. LIGHTBURN MADE BRIC-GEN.j 4X1! BEG' T G OES WEST. 249

loss to the whole command in the several engagements was 25 killed, 95
wounded. Confederate loss, 18 killed, 89 wounded. From Charlestons
Colonel Lightbum whh his command and an immense train of 700 wagons,
under cover of the night took up its line of retreat on the Ripley road,
arriving at Point Pleasant on the i6th of the month.

Early in October, 1862, General Cox returned from the East and
resumed command of the forces in the Kanawha, the Fourth West Virginia
Infantry being a part of his commiind. He arrived at Charleston on the
20th of October, but found the place evacuated. In the latter part of
November, Colonel Lightburn received orders to move his regiment to
Fayette Court House, Upon its arrival the regiment began to prepare com-
fortable quarters for the winter, but, as the sequel will show, " there is nothing
certain in war." On December 28, 1862, the 4th West Virginia, the 30th,
37th and 47th Ohio Infantry, under Brigadier-General Ewing, were ordered
out of the Department of West Virginia and sent to General Grant's com-
mand on the Mississippi River, when they were attached t3 the 15 th Army
Corps. Soon following, Colonel Lightburn was promoted to brigadier-
general of volunteers and was assigned to the command of Ewing*s brigade.
The Fourth Regiment, besides performing military duty proper, also took a
part in fatigue duty in the construction of the canal opposite Vicksburg.
The brigade was m Gen'l W. T. Sherman's corps. While the regiment
was at Young's Point, La., sickness prevailed to an alarming extent, 31 men
having died there during February and March, About the loth of May,
the Fourth, under command of Colonel Dayton, received orders to march to
the front with General Lightburn 's brigade, Blair*s division, 15th Army
Corps, On May 19th, the memorable assault on Vicksburg occurred. The
Fourth Regiment was placed in the advance of Lightburn*s brigade and
charged the enemy's works. A few men scaled the parapet, among
them Capt. Finley D, Ong, of Company F, and Britton Cook, a corporal of
Company E, who entered the Confederate works; they were wounded and
taken prisoners and died in the enemj^'s hands. The balance of the com-
mand was quickly repulsed. The regiment lost in this assault 25 killed and
10 mortally wounded, Maj. A. M, Goodspeed was among the killed. The
* 20th and 2ist were spent in taking care of the wounded. On the 22d, the
regiment participated in Grant's final assault on Vicksburg, losing three men
killed and two mortally wounded. Adjutant P, B. Stanbury was among tht^
wounded.

The regiment did heroic service during its term in the Western army,
marching and fighting. It participated in the battles of Chattanooga,
Rasacca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, In the spring of 1S64, the regiment

250 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

returned to West Virginia, and after one month's veteran furlough, ordered
to the Shenandoah Valley, and became a part of Hunter's command in
TEhobum's division, and took part in the battles of Piedmont, Lynchburg,
Keamstown, Snicker's Gap, Berry ville, Winchester and Cedar Creek.
The regiment's losses from its organization to its consolidation with the
First West Virginia Infantry, which formed the Second Veteran Infantry,
was: killed and died of wounds, three officers and 80 men; died of disease
or accident, two officers and 156 men; total deaths, 241. The Second
Veteran Regiment was mustered out of the service July 16, 1865.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
FIFTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster ofthe Field, Staffand Company Officers of the Fifth Regiment West Virginia Infantry
Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Original
Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Consolidation with the Ninth Regiment,
West Virginia Infantry, November 9, 1864.

Date

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

of Commission.

Colonel,

• Sep. 10, 1861.

John L. Zeigler,

Resigned April 14, 1863.

June 19, 1863.

Abia A. Tomlinson,
LicuUnanl- Colonels,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Sep. 10, 1 861.

Stephen P. Colvin,

Resigned March i, 1862.

March 10, 1862.

Abia A. Tomlinson,

Promoted to Colonel,

Aug. 17, 1863.

Wm. H. Enochs,
Majors,

Com. Lieut.-Colonel, ist W. Va., Vet. Inft.

Sep. 10, 1 861.

Ralph Ormstead,

Killed in action September 15, 1863.

Oct. 11, 1861.

Abia A. Tomlinson,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

April 19, 1862.

Lorenzo A. Phelps,
I si Lieut, and Adft,

Dismissed August 15, 1863.

Sep. 10, 1861.

Thomas N. Davey,

Resigned February i, 1862.

April 19, 1862.

Samuel B. McCoUoch,

Transferred to the line.

April 17, 1863.

P. Davey,

1st Lieul, and R. Q.M,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Sep. 10, 1 861.

Zopher D. Ramsdell,
Surgeon,

Mustered out and appointed C. S.

Aug. 27, 1861.

Peras R. Randall,
Assistant Surgeons,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Aug. 27, 1861.

Daniel Mayer,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Sep. 4, 1862.

Charles D. Dalley,
Chaplains,

Promoted Surgeon 13th W. Va. Infantry.

Sep. 23, 1 861.

James M. Kelley,

Resigned.

Nov. 22, 1862.

Joseph Little,

Captains,

Com. Chaplain, ist W. Va. Vet. Infantry.

Sep. 23, 1861.

James C. McFadden,

Dismissed May 27. 1863.

Aug. 15. 1863.

Mark Poore,

Com. Captain, ist W. Va. Veteran Infantry.

Sep. 23, 1861.

James E. Smith,

Resigned May 19, 1862.

June 26, 1862.

Robert B. McCall,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service

Sep. 23, 1861.

Woodson Powers,

Resigned February, 7, 1862. •

Feb. 21, 1862.

Wm. T. McQuigg,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Sep. 23, 1861.

Samul C. Miller,

Resigned April 12, 1863.

Aug. 17, 1863.

James D. Bazell,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service-

^H^

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1S61 TO iS6j, ^^^M

^^^^^H

Namciaod Bank.

Co.

Rvmarks ^^H

^^^^^^m of Com mission.

Captains^

^^^H Sep. 23, jS6i*

Lorenzo A. Phelps»

Promoted to Major. ^^^

^^^^B Aug. 19, tS62.

\\m. H. Enochs,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. ^^^

^^^B Aug. 17, 1863*

Hamilton Willis,

Com. Captain, 1st W. Va. Veteran Infantry. ^^^

^^^H Sep. 25, 1S61.

Joseph M. Kirk»

Resigned February 7, 1862. ^^^

^^^H Feb.2i«i862.

E» R. Merriman,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Dec. 7,

Thomas J. Ewing.

Resigned January 3, 1S63. ^^|

^^^H March 4, 1 863,

James Murphy.

Dismissed April 6, 1863. ^^|

^^^H Sep.

James P. Waymer,

Com. Captain, ist W. Va, Veteran Infantry. ^^|

^^^H May 17. 1862.

Henry Kenderlie,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Jan. 15, 1B62*

Francis M. Miles,

Resigned June 16, 1862. ^^|

^^^^B July 10, 1862.

Wni. J, Dixon,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^H Dec. 7.

Alfred F* Compston,
First Lieutenants,

K ;

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Sep. 23, t86i.

Benjamin A. Rodgers,

Resigned May 18. 1862. ^|

^^^H July

Wm. Schilling,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Sept. 23, 1861.

Joseph P. Kendrick,

Resigned April 9, 1862. ^^|

^^^H May 17, 1862.

Robert B. McCall,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H June 26. 1862,

Jos. F. Bancroft,

Transferred to Company D. Dec. 9, 1863 ^^|

^^^H March 26, 1 864.

Francis L. Hersey,

Com. Adjutant, 1st W, Va. Veteran Infantry. ^^|

^^^H Sep. 23. 1861.

Jackson Mantrey,

Resigned February 7, 1862. ^^|

^^^^H March 25, 1862.

Guy Rowe,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 5* 1S64.

Wm. F. Elswick,

Com. 1st Lieut., in ist W. Va. Vet. Infantry. ^H

^^^H Sep. 23, 1861.

Henr>- C Neff,

Dismissed July 29, 1S63. ^H

^^^^H June 26, 1862.

Joseph F. Bancroft,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^H Oct, 1S64.

Alfred O. Enochs,

Com. rst Lieut, in istW. Va. Vet. Infantry. ^H

^^^H Sep

Isaac N. McKendry,

Resigned May 19, 1S62. ^^|

^^^^H June 26, 1862.

Hamilton Willis,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H March iS« 1862.

Henry H. Walcott

Died July, 1864, in Webster, Ohio, ^H

^^^H Sep. 23. i86f.

Ira G. Copley,

Resigned March 3o, 1862. ^^|

^^^^1 May 17, 1862.

W. H. H. Eba,

Resigned May 12. 1863. ^^|

^^^H Julys. fS62.

Samuel Johnson,

Transferred to Company G, Sept, 20, 1863. ^^H

^^^H Dec. 7,1861.

John T, Swann,

Resigned February 7, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Feb. 21, 1S62.

Henry C. Farmer,

G j

Resigned May 14, 1863. ^^|

^^^K July 5, 1862.

Samuel Johnson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^^k

^^^V May

Wm. J. Dixon,

Promoted to Captain, Company L ^^H

^^^K July

Samuel Johnson,

Transferred to Company F, June 20, 1863. ^^^^^

^^^^B April 19, 1862.

Samuel B. McColloch,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^^H

^^^H Oct. 1864.

Wm, A. Zeigler,

Com. 1st Lieut. 1st W. Va. Veteran Infantry. ^^^^|

^^^H Jan. 15, 1S62.

Jonathan Wood,

Resigned March 14, 1862. ^^^H

^^^B March iS, 1862.

Henry H. Walcott,

Transferred to Company E. ^^^^|

^^^H Dec. 7,

W^m. H. Enochs,

Promoted to Captain, Company E. ^^^^H

^^^H June 16. 1862.

Samuel M. McCuUough,
Second Lieutenants,

Mustered out at expiration of term oi service, ^^^^|

^^^H Sep. 23.

Edward John.

Resigned April 8. 1862. ^^^H

^^^H Aug. 13,

Wm. Kirkpatrick,

Disch. on account of disability, Sept. 29, 1 862. ^^^H

^^^H Oct

David J, Thomas,

Killed in action, Lynchburg, Va., June 18, 1862. ^^|

^ ORGANIZATION AND SERVICE OF THE sTH W. VA. INFY. 253 ^H

^^^^^H ofCbminlnioii,

Karnes a,od Rank.

Co.

A
B
B
B
B
C

F [

K 1

Remarks, ^^|

^^^H Oct* 1864.

^^^H Sep. 23, 1861.
^^^H May 17, 1863.
^^^H June 26, 1862.
^^^H Oct. 1863.
^^^H Sep. 23. 1861.

^^^^1 Kay 22, i862«
^^^H Sep.23, 1S61.
^^^1 Jan. 51, 1863.
^^^H Oct.
^^^H Sep. 23, 1 861,
^^^H Oct. 1864.
^^^H Sep.
^^^B Oct. 30, 1861.
^^^H Sep. 19, 1862.
^^^H Dec.
^^^^H March 4, 1863.
^^^V May 17, 1862.
^^^K Jan. 1863.
^^^^H April 19, 1863.
^^^^H March 4, 1863.
^^^H Dec. 7, ]86f.
^^^H Aug. 17, 1863.
^^^H Oct. 5. i864«

Second LieuUnanU^
George F. Jarrell,
Robert B. McCall,
Joseph F, Bancroft,
Mark Poore,
Francis L. Hcrsey,
Joseph Allen,

William E. Rowe,
Andrew Griihth,
Abraham \\\ Miller,
John Zimmerman,
William Willis,
John Q, Hagerman,
James Baisden,
Benjamin R.Haley,
Archibald Pack,
James Murphy,
James W. Waymcr,
Samuel Jones,
Allen B. Hawes.
James D. McBride,
Wm. A. Zcigler,
James B. Bazell,
John M. Cloy.
Andrew J. Johnson,

Com 2d Lieut in 1st W.Va, Veteran Inlatury. ^H
Promoted to isl Lieutenant. ^H
Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H
Promoted to Captain, Company A. ^H
Promoted to rst Lieutenant* ^H
Died from wounds received in private quarrel, ^H
April II, 1S62. ^H
Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H
Resigned January 6, 1863. ^^|
Killed in action near Browboro, Va. ^^|
Com. 2d Lieut, in W. Va, Veteran Infantry. ^^|
Mustered out at expiration of term ot service, ^^|
Com. 2d Lieut, ist W. Va. Veteran Infantry. ^H
Killed in action near Cassvilk^ Va. ^^^k
Resigne<l August 15, 1862. ^^^
Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^H
Promoted to Captain. ^^|
Promoted to Captain. ^^|
Mustered out at expiration of tcnri of service ^H
Resigned April 9, 1S62* ^^^
Resigned January 8, 1S63. ^^^
Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Company IL ^^|
Promoted to Captain, Company D. ^^|
Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|
Com. 2d Lieut. 1st W. Va, Veteran Infantry, ^^|

^^^H Thk Fifth West Virginia Infantry. ^^H

^^^H The Fifth West Virginia Infantry was organized at Ceredo, W. Va,, ^^H

^^^H during the summer of 1S61, and was mustered into the United States service ^H
^^^H October 18, 1S61, with the following field officers: John L* Zeigler, colonel; ^H
^^^H Stephen P. Colvin, lieutenant-colonel, and Ralph Ormstead, major. The ^H
^^^H regiment was engaged in protecting the loyal citizens of the Kanawha ^H
^^^H Valley, and ridding it of the Confederates, until ordered to Parkersburg on ^H
^^^B December 10. A principal part of Uie regiment was sent to New Creek and ^H
^^^H in Febniarj^, 1862, accompanied Colonel Dunning of the Fifth Ohio, com- ^H
^^^H manding brigade, on his expedition to Moorefield, against Colonel Harness ^H
^^^H of the Confederate army. On the 2d of May, the regiment left New Creek, ^H
^^^H and went toMcDow^ell, joining the command of General Milroy, and taking ^H
^^^H part in tJie battle at that place, and after that battle became a part of General ^H
^^^^1 Milroy's brigade. They remained w^ith the brigade all through Pope's cam* ^^|
^^^P paign, participating in all the battles in which the brigade took a part, from ^H

254

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iS6j,

Cedar Mountain to the second battle of Bull Run, both officers and men
being conspicuous for their soldierly conduct while in camp and on the
march, and for gallantry upon the baUlefield.

The regiment returned to the Kanawha Valley in October, 1862, and
was detached from Milroy's brigade, and in May, 1864, it became a part of
General Crook's commandj participating in his expeditions. It took a part
in General Hunter's advance on Lynchburg, and the battle at that place
June 18. Returning, it proceeded with General Hunter's army to the Shen-
andoah Valley, forming a part of the Army of West Virginia under General
Crook in the brigades commanded by CoL L H» Duval, Ninth W* Va.
Infantry, and Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, 23d Ohio Infantry, Colonel
Hayes commanded the brigade for several months, during which time he
fought a number of closely contested battles. The survivors of the regi-
ment have cause for congratulation that they had served under a commander
w*ho not only illustrated the highest idea of the true soldier while on the
field of battle, but when the war w^as over and the people of the nation had
called the commander of the First Brigade, Army of West Virginia, to the
Presidential chair, he illustrated the same high idea of American statesman-
ship in the exalted civil position that he had shown on the battlefield.

On the 9th of November, 1864, the Fifth and Ninth West Virginia
Infantry were consolidated by order of the War Deparment, and designated
the First Regiment West Virginia Veteran Infantry, and were mustered out
of service July 21, 1865, The regiment lost during the war, killed and
died of wounds four officers and 57 enlisted men; died of disease and acci-
dent, tw^o officers and 88 enlisted men. Total, 151,

ibiMtfl

CHAPTER XXXV.

SIXTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY.

Roster of the Field, StafTand Company Officers of the Sixth Regiment West Virginia Infantry
Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Organiza-
tion to the Date of Muster out, June lo. 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Sep. 27, 1861.

Oct. 3, 1 861.
Feb. 27, 1865.

Nov. I, 1861.
July 2, 1862.
Nov. 12, 1864.
April 20, 1865.

Sep. 21, 1861.
Jan. 21, 1863.

Sep. 21, 1861.
Jan. 3, 1862.

Aug. 27. 1861.
Aug. I, 1862.
Dec. 14, 1864.

Aug. 27, 1861.
April 4, 1864.

Dec. 13, 1861.
Nov. 26, 1864.

Oct. 3, 1 861.
July 26, 1862.
Oct. 3, 1 861.

Jan, 28. 1863.
April 20, 1865.
Oct. 3, 1861.
Sep. 2, 1864.
Oct. 3, 1 861.

Names and Rank.

Colonel,
Nathan Wilkinson.
Lieutenant' Colonels,
John F. Hoy,
Larkin Peirpoint.

Majors,
John B. Frothingham,
John H. Showalter,
Larkin Peirpoint,
Edward A. Bennett.
ist Lt, and Adfts,
Zenas Fish.
James P. Wilkinson,
1st Lts, and R, Q. M,
James P. Wilkinson,
Wm. H. Adams.
Surgeons,
Albert P. Wheeler,
Erasmus D. Saflford,
John T. Wharton.

Assistant Surgeons,
John T. Wharton,
David Shaner,

Chaplains,
Ebenezer Mathers,
Nixon Potts.

Captains,
John H. Showalter,
John Fisher,
Theophilus Jones,

Edward A. Bennett,
Thomas T. Freeman,
Thomas A. Maulsby,
Josiah H. Bee,
William Skelton,

Co.

A
A
B

B
B
C
C
D

Remarks.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to Lt.-Col., and A. A. D.C.U.S. A.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

Resigned January 15, 1863.

Resigned January 17, 1863.

Dismissed May 5, 1862.
Resigned July 20, 1864.

Promoted to Surgeon, December 14, 1864.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to Major, July 22, 1862.

Died at Philippi, Oct. 16, 1862, of self-inflicted

wounds.
Promoted to Major, April 25, 1865.

Transferred to ist W. Va. Artillery.
Discharged by special order of War Dept.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^^ 256

LOYAL WEST VI RG TNI A FROM 1S61 TO 1863. ^|

^^^^^H Date

^^^^ ofQMiiiiiJsaJon.

Names and Kaak.

Co.

R«markt. ^H

^^^1

Captains.

^^^H Sep.

John Clark.

^^^H

Lark in Peirpoint.

Promoted to Major. November 18. 1864. ^H

^^^H Dec. 1864.

Geo. M. Irei^incl,

^^^

^^^H Oct.

William Hall.

^^^H Oct.

Wm. H. Mattingly,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Oct.

John T. Drake.

Discharged by special order ot War Dept. ^|

^^^H Dec. 27. i^t.

William Schockey,

^^^H Dec. 27, 1S61.

Charles J. Harrison,

Mustered out at expiration of term of strvice. ^H

^^^H March 24, 1

John Donohoc,

^^^

^^^H Dec. 27, 1 86 1.

Joseph Rcece,

Resigned October 25. 1862. ^H

^^^H Nov.

Joseph A. Faris,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Marcb24, 1865.

Lovead D. Hathaway,

^^^1 Dec. 27. i86t.

John H. Dickey,

Discharged by order of Secretary of Wan ^|

^^^1 May 28,

Wm. M. Tread way,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^H

^^^H Dec. 26, 1S64.

C. F. A. Yahrling,

^^^V Nov.

John Carroll ^

Mustered out at expiration of term of scrv^ice. ^H

^^^1 Dec.

George Kenney,

^^^1 Dec.

Joseph M. God win »

Mustered out at expiration of term of service* ^H

^^^ft March 24, 1865

Augustus F. Lang,

^^^H Dec.

Ewald Over,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^1 Feb. 21, 1865.

Edward Lindner.
First Lieutenants.

^^^1

John Fisher,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^H

^^^^H July 1S62.

Joseph N. Peirpoinl,

Died at Fairmount, W^ Va., Dec. 19, 1863. ^^^^|

^^^H Sep. 22, 1864.

Jacob F. Greiner,

^^^^^H

^^^H Oct.

Harvey Cotton,

Dismissed April 9. 1863. ^^^H

^^^H July

Thomas T. Freeman,

Promoted to Captain. April 20. 1865, ^^^|

^^^H April 1865.

Adam Graw,

^^^1

^^^H Oct. 29,

A, J. Fleming,

Resigned July 7, 1862. ^^H

^^^H July 1862.

Jesse F. Miller.

Resigned December 17, 1862. ^^^H

^^^K Jan.7. 1S63.

George W. Graham.

Transferred to istW, Va,, Artillery. ^^^H

^^^H Sep. 26. 1864.

Silas B. Nicholson.

^^^H 3, 1861.

EzekiclSheppard,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H

Christian Hickman.

Discharged by special order of War Dept. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 3. 1861.

Lloyd Dolson,

Resigned Januar)' 15, 1862. ^^^k

^^^H Jan.

George M, Ireland.

Promoted to Captain, December 18, i^. ^^|

^^^^H April 20,1865.

Nicholas Neidert,

^^^B

John H. Carrico.

^^1

^^^H Oct

John T. Drake,

Promoted to Captain, October 14, 1864. ^^|

^^^^1 Oct. 1864.

Peter E.Dils,

^^^H Dec.

James Humes.

Promoted to ISlh W. Va. Infantry, ^H

^^^^H April 23, 1862.

Augustus F. Lang.

Promoted to Captain, Company O. ^^^k

^^^^1 March 24, 1865

Daniel S. Bush,

^^1

^^^H Dec. 27, 1861.

James NeiU.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H March 9, 1865.

Wm. A. Hij^gins. ,

^^^H JJec.

Joseph A. Faris, 1

Promoted to Captain. November 10, 1862. ^^|

^^^^^^f hIRST AND SECOND LIEUTENANTS, 6TH U\ VA. /NF7K 257 ^|

^^^^H

Namei and Rmtk.

Co.

Remarks. ^^B

^^^^^^H of Cofnmlision*

^^^^H

Firs t Lie u ten a n fs .

^^k

^^B^ Jan. 26. 1863.

Lovead D. Hathaway,

Promoted to Captain. March 24, 1865. ^^|

^^r March 23. i«6s.

Valentine J. Gallion,

K ;

^V Dec. 27, iS6k

Wm. M. Tread way,

Promoted to Captain, June i, 1863. ^^|

^L^ May 28, 1865.

Wm. R, McDonald,

Mustered out April 17, 1865. ^^|

^^^B Ju1yg,iS63.

John Donohoe,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H March 24^ 1 865

Virgil S. Brown,

^^^H Oct.

Isaac N. Estabrook,

Resigned February 19, 1S62. ^^|

^^^H March 2o« i S62 .

John S. S. Herr,

Transferred to 1st W. Va» Artillery. ^^|

^^^m July

John Don hoe,

Transferred to Campany L. ^^|

^^^H Dec. 27, iS6t.

Jackson Moore,

^^1

^^^B Dec. 27, 1861.

George W. E. Dorsey,

Promoted to Captain and C. S. ^^^

^^^1 Aug.

Joseph A. Annan,

^^^H Oct 24, 1861,

Edward Lindner,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^H Feb. 27p 1&65.

Charles Klevis,
Second LieuUnants.

P i

^^^^^H

^^^H Oct. 3,1861.

Joseph N. Peirpoint.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H July

Jacob F. Greincr,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Sep. 1864.

Benjamin F, Google,

A 1

^^^H Oct.

Jacob Johnson,

Dismissed April tst. 1S63. ^^|

^^^H April m 1S63.

Thomas T. Freeman.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, ^^|

^^^H July

Adam Graw,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant ^^|

^^^H April 20. 1865.

Elam P. Potts.

^^^H Oct. 29, 1861*

Jesse F. Miller,

Promoted to fst Lieutenant, ^^|

^^^F Julyi7, 1S62.

George W» Graham,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^L Jan. 7. tB63.

James C. Means,

Transferred to 1st W, Va. Artillery. ^^|

^^^B

Joseph A. Dougherty,

^^^H Oct. 29, 1861.

Thomas D. Walters,

Discharged March 21, 1863. ^^|

^^^H April 11,1863.

Benj. S.Cunningham,

Mustered out at expirauun of \t:^Tm of service, ^^H

^^^H Oct.

Joseph A. Summers,

Resigned January t5, 1862, ^^^H

^^^H April 1S63.

Nicholas Neidert,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant ^^|

^^^^H April 20, 1865.

James B. Weatfall,

^^^H

Thornton F. Hebb,

Discharged by order of War Department ^^|

^^^H May 28, 1863.

Valentine J. Gallion,

Promoted to i^ii Lieutenant, ^^|

^^^H March24, 1865.

Jns, A. Bowermaster,

^^^H Oct.

Henry J. Hoy,

Dishonorably dismissed* ^^|

^^^H Oct.

Peter E. Oils,

Promoted to is Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 1864.

James Linhart,

^^1

^^^H Dec. 27, 1862.

Henry Brocmsen.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^H

^^^1 Dec. 1S64.

Daniel S. Bush,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^H

^^^H March 31, 1865.

Gilbert M. Sims,

^^^H Dec.

Wm. McMuUen,

Resigned August 16, 1862. ^^H

^^^H Aug. 25,

Richard F.Green,

Mustered out at expiration ot term of service. ^^|

^^^B Feb. 23. 1865,

Jesse F. Snodgrass,

^^^H Dec. 27r iS<^t.

Wm. A, Higgins,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H March 24, 1865.

Allen T. Emery,

^^^H Dec. 27. 1861.

Charles Chrisswell,

Resigned January 15, 1863. ^^|

2S8

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1 86 1 TO iSdj-

Dat«

ofCommiulDn*

Names and Rank.

Reinaj'ks,

Feb. 6, 1863.
May 28, 1863.
Feb. 21. 1865.
March 24, 1865,
Nov. 3o» 1861.
July 9, 1863.
Dec. 27. 1861.
Dec* 15, 1864.
Dec. 27, 1861.^
Feb. 21, 1865.
Dec, 25, i86t.
Feb, 21,^1865.

Second Lieutenants,

Wm, R. McDonald,
C. F. A. YahrliTig,
Virgil S. Brown,
Robert C. Dunnington,
John Donohoe,
Virgil S. Brown,
Jchy E. Parkinson^
Vernon M. Clary.
Jackson C. Saucer,
John T. Aihey,
Henry Knapp,
Joseph Crisswell,

L
L

L
M
M

N
N
O
O
F
P

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Mustered oul at expiration of term of service.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

The Sixth West Virginia Infantry Regiment.

The Sixth West Virginia Infantry Regiment was organized August,
1861, with the following field officers: Nathan Wilkinson, colonel^ John F.
Hoy, lieutenant-colonel, and John B. Frothingham, major, with 14 companies
of 100 meo each. The regiment was recruited and mustered into service
with the express proviso that it was to serve as guard duty upon the lines of
the Baltimore and Ohio and Northwestern Virginia Railroads, It did not,
therefore, share in the hurry and enthusiasm of large bodies of troops
together in battle, and when a detachment of them had the good fortune to
strike the enemy, they were going it alone and unobserved, and did not
receive the general commendation from superior officers, or receive the
plaudits of the press of the country. Realizing this, the subordinate officers
in command of scouting parties or the defenders of bridges and blockhouses
failed to make formal reports of such incidents, and if they did make reports,
those above them seemed to regard it as unimportant, and felt some delicacy
about#troubling headquarters or the official records with what then appeared
comparative trifles, when the current news of the day was filled with
accounts of greater events* But this failure of subordinate officers to make
full and complete reports operated to do injustice in the light of history to
this fine regiment. The author has been told by an officer of the regiment,
that sometime after the close of the war, he with a small group of officers
of the regiment went over the list as they could recall, and they counted 41
men that had been killed in action, whilst the number having died from
wounds and disease was several hundred. The official record places the
number at much less. Notwithstanding the charge of "Home Guards" that

KATHAN WILKINSON,
CoLONii 6th West Virginia iNFANTftv,

^ras s;- z-nti. :--■;.:

A. !>-"
laner . .

C:l. .'-— - -
repeal \r.T-i

at Sr-rr. It- - .-
were f-T^i .:• "

"werr :

"wnz. ri-; ""!_

MA J OR SHO WAL TERS GALL^NTR Y AND RETREA T.

2S9

was so often frivolously applied to this regiment, its mission was just as
honorable, its duties as ex actings as was the service of regiments who were
further to the front.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was a necessity to the Union Army:
the faithful guarding of it was a specific service that required tact, and it
was better that that duty be entrusted to men made familiar by experience
with every detail. There w^ere many illustrations of gallantry displayed by
both officers and men during the war. In addition to the ofllcers named as
** field officers/* we recall Majors J, H, Showalter, Larkin Peirpoint and E.
A. Bennett, and Captains Fisher, Skelton, Hall, Mattingly, Reece, Schockey,
Harrison, Carroll, Kenney, Godwin, Lang, Over and others. During the
latter years of the war, Colonel Wilkinson was in command of a brigade,
so the command of the regiment was assigned to Major Showalter^ who
proved to be an intelligent, painstaking and gallant officer*

CoL John C, Ratiibone, commanding at Spencer, in Roan County, in his
report to General Kelley, May 31, 1S62, says; '* Captain Showalter, with 23
men acting as escort to a wagon train from Ravenswood to his headquarters
at Spencer, was surrounded by over 100 Confederates under command of
Captains Downs and Duskey, Captain Showalter showed fight and gallant-
ly repulsed the Confederates, and held them in check, uoul Captain Show-
alter, under great difficulties, dispatched two messengers, Joseph H, Hersh-
berger and Charies C. Eyster, for reenforcements. These messengers
were fired upon, Ey sterns horse was killed, when Hershberger stopped amid
a shower of bullets and mounting Eyster upon his horse, the two dashed
away to Spencer and returned wdth Lieutenant Lawson, Co. K, First West
Virginia Cavahy, and 30 men to the relief of Showalter, who had with his
23 men defended his train. When the reenforcements arrived the enemy
were driven off w^ith considerable loss in killed and w^ounded, when the train
W4th its valuable stores was brought safely to its destination.

It is a matter of truthful record that Capt. John Fisher with 35 men of
his Company A, successfully held the town of Piedmont on the B. & O.
Road, against the attack of the Confederates 300 strong under command of
Major McDonald, but the account, if given in detail, would be a long one.
The regiment is entitled to the highest honors for splendid service done.

Major Showalter, who was in command at Rowlesburg in April, 1863,
became the object of much severe criticism at the time by reason of his
retreat from that place to Morgantown, Pittsburg, Wheeling and return to
Rowlesburg. The lapse of years and the official records of the War Depart-
ment have furnished abundant evidence to show that Major Showalter and
Jiis command partook of the general stampede that prevailed at that time.

26o

LOYAL WEST VIRGLWL4 FROM iS6r TO i86s^

This was the period of the Jones-Imboden-Jackson raid into West Virginia;
Latham had fallen back from Beverly, Roberts with his entire force retreated
to Clarksburg, in facta general stampede of the Union forces prevailed. We
find by the records of the War Department that Major S ho waiter was in
April, 1S63, in command at Rowlesburg with 220 men, Genl W, E. Jones,
with over 3000 Confederate cavalry, had left the Shenandoah Valley on this
noted raid. Jones had disposed of his forces to strike the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad at several points simultaneously* He attacked Rowlesburg in
person, with over 1000 cavalry, on Sunday, April 23, at noon. Major
Showalter held the place, fighting continuously till darkness brought the
battle to a close, when Jones retired to West Utiion, on the N. W. tumpike>
six miles from Rowlesburg, leaving his dead and wounded in our hands*

To meet this attack, Showaller had divided his force into three parts.
Sending Lieutenant McDonald ^ of Co. L, up the Cheat River road with a
detachment who felled trees across the road, behind which he successfully
repelled the cavalry charge; a small detachment was also at the iron tresde
bridge who defended that important work against a much larger force* This
piece of trestle-work w<as especially placed on the list by General Lee for
destruction. Their implements for the prosecurion of tliis work fell into
ShowalLer*s hands. Within the following two or three days, the operarions
of the raid extended from Harper's Ferry to Parkersburg, and north of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Morgantown. Consternation reigned every-
where; it seemed to be catching, and that Major Showalter, after having
been surrounded, with his small force, did what he believed was for the best,
must be conceded. Certainly the charge of cowardice cannot be truthfully
charged against Major Showalter.

The army may have contained more conspicuous regiments, but it con-
tained no more faithful defenders of the nation's cause than the Sixth West
Virginia Volunteer Infantry.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

SEVENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Seventh Regiment, West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, July i, 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Nov. 9, 1861.
April 22, 1862.

Sep. 16, 1861.
Oct. 21, 1862.
Dec. IS, 1864.
Feb. 6, 1865.

Sep. 23, 1861.
Jan. 7, 1863.
May 2, 1865.

Nov. 27, 1 861.
July 10, 1863.
Oct. 27. 1864.

Nov. 14, 1861.
April 3, 1863.
Sep. 4, 1863.
Nov. 25, 1864.

Nov. 14, 1861.
May 29, 1865.

Oct. 4, 1861.
Dec. 4, 1862.

Jan. 4, 1862.
March 11, 1863,

Sep. 10, 1861.
Nov. 25, 1862.

Names and Rank.

Colonels,
James Evans,
Joseph Snider,

Lieut, 'Colonels,
John G. Kelley,
Jonathan H. Lockwood,
Isaac B. Fisher,
Francis W. H. Baldwin,

Majors,
Jonathan H. Lockwood,
James B. Morris,
Marcus Fetty.
First Lts, and Adjfs,
Alex. T. Marshall,
Robert J. Linton,
George E. Bishoff.
I St. Lieut, and R, Q, M,
Evans D. Fogle,
Henry Startzman,
Robert Collins,
Robert Henderson.

Surgeons,
Isaac Scott,
David Shanor.
Assistant Surgeons,
T. W. Ross,
Wilson T. Hicks.
Chaplains.
John W. Reger,
Samuel Steel.

Captains,
Samuel W. Snider,
Thomas Elliott,

Co.

Rirmarks.

A
A

Resigned August 2, 1862.
Mustered out by consolidation of regiment,
September 7, 1863.

Resigned September 10, 1862.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Discharged by special order of War Dept.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Mustered out by consolidation of regiment.

Resigned November 20, 1862.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned March 12, 1863.
Resigned August 14, 1863.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned August 8, 1862.

Mustered out by special order of War Dept.

Resigned February 21, 1863.

Resigned December 4, 1862.
Died.

^^^H

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1S61 TO iS63, ^^^^^^^^^|

^^^^^1

KaswiSMndRank 1

Co,

Rtrmarks. ^^H

^^^^^^B of Coruiiiiitiiio^'

^^H

Captains.

^^^^B July

Josiah F. Ravenscraft, ,

Died at Wheeling, April 18, 1864. ^H

^^^^ Jan.

John Fordycc,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Dec. ii>64.

Marcus Fetty»

Promoted to Major. ^^^

^^^H May

Christopher C. Lee,

^^^H OcL7, 1861.

Thomas Morris.

Promoted to Lieut.-CoL, tsth W. Va. Inft. ^H

^^^H OcL

Samuel Kraus,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H OcL 1864.

Francis W. H. Baldwin.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. ^^|

^^H Feb. ig. 1865.

Jesse L. Barnett,

^^^H Oct. 5, 1861.

Valentine Smith.

Resigned August 4, 1862. ^^^

^^^H Aug. 14,

Eikvin A. Barr.

Resigned Decembers, 1862. ^^^

^^^H April

Felix E. Boyles,

Mustered out by consolidation of regiment. ^^|

^^^^1 March to, 1863.

John W. Denny,

Died October 14, 1863, ^^|

^^^^B Nnv.

Eli C. Hcnlhorn,

Killed in action, October 5. 1864. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

Jfihn CWay,

Discharged on certificate of disability. ^^|

^^^H March 29, 1865.

\Vm. A. Beagle.

^^^H Nov.

Isaac B. Fisher.

Promoted to Lieutenant-ColoneL ^^|

^^^H March 2, 1865.

Samuel Battin,

^^^V Sep.

Ilenrv B. Lazier,

Resigned January 26, 1863. ^^^

^^^H April 1863.

Marcus Petty. '

Mustered oul by consolidation of regiment* ^^|

^^^^k May

Richard C. Burton.

^^1

^^^H Nov. 9,

James U. Morris,

Promoted to Major. ^^|

^^^H Jan. 8,1863.

John Fordyce,

Transferred to Company A, ^^|

^^^H May 29, 1865.

JohnC. Felton,

^^^^1 Nov. 19,

Solomon Spangler,

Resigned April 11, 1863. ^^|

^^^H May

Richard Bingman,

^^^^H Jan, 3,

H.J. Bowers.

Resigned. ^^|

^^^H April

Francis M. Roberts,

Killed in action at Chancellorsville. ^^|

^^^H July

Francis L. Hicks.

Not mtjstered as Captain, mustered out as ^^|
Second Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^B Dec. 7. li)^-^'

D. CM. Shell,

Killed in action at Aniietam. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

James Waison, \

^^^B Jan.

Jonathan Moore,

Resigned August 5, 1862. ^^|

^^^B Oct. 21. 1862.

John B. Williams,

Resigned October 23, [863. ^^|

^^^H March io> 1863.

John W. Denny,
First Lieutenants.

Transferred to Company C. ^^H

^^^H

Thomas Elliott,

Promoted to Captain. ^^H

^^^^1 Nov. 25. 1862.

Samuel P. Elliott,

Resigned February 6, 1863. ^^H

^^^^H June

James. E. Murdock.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^^|

^^^H Dec.

Christopher C. Lcc,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^H

^^^K May 2, 1865.

Wm. H. Meighen.

^^^1

^^■r Oct. 7. 1 861.

Wm. T. Head,

Resigned June 17. 1862. ^^^|

^^^H Aug. 14. 'S62,

Samuel Kraus.

Promoted to Captain. ^^^|

^^^H Oct

James Prickett,

Mustered out on account ol wounds received ^^|
in battle. ^H

^^H April 17. 1863.

Parker J. Duff,

Resign ed September 4. 1 864. ^^^

^^^H Se^.

F. W. H. Baldwin,
4

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

]

FIRST AND SECOND LIEUTENANTS,

263

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

First Lieutenants.

Oct 27, 1864.

John R. Charlton,

Discharged on certificate of disability.

Feb. 18, 1865.

Jesse May,

Oct. 5, 1861.

Edwin A. Barr,

Promoted to Captain.

Aug. 14, 1862.

James Swartz,

Killed in action at Antietam.

Oct. 21, 1862.

Felix E. Boyles,

Promoted to Captain.

April 3, 1863.

John F. Evans.

Mustered out on account of wounds received
at Chancellorsville.

April 17, 1863.

Eli C. Henthorn,

Promoted to Captain.

Nov. 27, 1863.

W. H. Cunningham,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Oct. 27, 1864.

William A. Beagle,

Promoted to Captain.

March 29, 1865.

Mark Hopkins,

Nov. 2, 1 861.

James Watson,

Promoted to Captain, Co. I.

Oct. 21, 1862.

J. F. Ravenscraft,

Promoted to Captain, Company A.

July 10. 1863.

Abraham Detrick,

Not mustered as ist Lieutenant.

April, 3, 1863.

Alonzo M. Conway,

Resigned.

July 6, 1864.

Marcus Fetty.

Promoted to Captain, Company A.

Dec. 12. 1864.

Samuel Batten,

Promoted to Captain.

March 2. 1865.

Richard C. Burton,

Promoted to Captain, Company E.

May 2, 1865.

George Distler,

Sep. 18, 1861.

Isaac Hastings,

Resigned May 26, 1862.

July 17, 1862.

Marcus Fetty,

Promoted to Captain.

July 10. 1863.

Charles A. Callahan,

Mustered out by consolidation of regiment.

May 2, 1865.

John D. Heslep,

Nov. 9, 1 86 1.

Ambrose A. Stout,

Resigned March 25, 1863.

April 17, 1863.

Vincent Stephens,

Mustered out by consolidation of regiment

May 2, 1865.

John C. Felton,

Promoted to Captain.

May 29, 1865.

John J. Jenkins,

Nov. 19, 1861.

John A. Fleakman,

Resigned February i, 1863.

April 17, 1863.

Parker J. Duff,

Transferred to Company B.

May 29, 1865.

Calvin Coburn,

Jan. 3, 1862.

George W. Taggart,

Resigned January 21, 1862.

Aug. 14, 1862.

John H. Montgomery,

Resigned March 23, 1863.

April 17, 1863.

Eli C. Henthorn,

Transferred to Company C.

Dec. 7, 1861.

A. A. Corrillo.

Resigned February 28, 1862.

May 22, 1862.

John Garvy,

Deceased.

April 3. 1863.

Alonzo M. Conway,

Transferred to Company D.

Jan. 3, 1862.

John B. Williams,

Promoted to Captain.

Oct. 21, 1862.

Cyrus B. Morgan

Resigned April 9, 1863.

July 10, 1863.

Abner M. Johnson,
Second Lieutenants,

Not mustered as ist Lieutenant

Sep. 10, 1861.

Charles Elliott,

Died, date unknown.

Aug. 14, 1863.

Samuel P. Elliott.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Nov. 25, 1862.

William Glover,

Resigned June 10, 1863.

April 17, 1863.

James E. Murdock,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

June 2, 1863.

James W. Brown,

Not mustered.

July 10, 1863.

David F. Potter,

Killed in action at Cold Harbor, Va.

^^^^L 264

LOYAL WEST VIRGLVIA FROM 1S61 TO 1S63. "

■

^^^^B Dan:
^^^^H of Comnuisiofi^

NAni« aad Rank.

Co.

Hcmarlui. ^H

S^i'ond Lieutenants^

^^^K July 6, 1864^

George A. Connor,

Died al Washington. D. C. July 31, 1865.

^^^H Oct. 7, i86r.

Samuel Kraus,

Promoted to isi Lieutenant.

^^1

^^^H Aug. H, 1862.

James Prickett,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

^^^H Oct.

John Mathews,

Mustered out by consolidation.

^^^^H March 10, 1863,

Abner M. Johnson.

Killed in action May 12, 1864.

^^^H July

Francis W. Baldwin,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

^^^H Sep.

John R. Charlton,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

^^^B Oct.27. 1S64.

Jesse L. Barnett,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H May 29. 1865.

Martin L. Myers,

^^1

^^^H Oct. 5. 1S61.

Eln^ore Fetty,

Resigned.

^^1

^^^H July 17,

James Swartz,

F^romoled tp ist Lieutenant

^^^^

^^^H Aug.

Felix E. Boyles.

Promoted to 1 st Lieutenant

^^^H

^^^H Oct.

John F, Evans,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant

^^^1

^^^H April

Wm. H. Cunningham,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

^^^1 Sep. 24, 1864.

John C. Wray.

Promoted to Captain.

^^^1 Oct. 1S64.

Robert Henderson,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant and R. Q. M.

^^1

^^^1 Dec. 12, 1864*

Murk Hopkins,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

^^^H May 29. 1865.

Israll Wells.

^^^H Novr.

John \V. Eddington.

Resigned February 28, 1862.

^^^H May 22, 1862.

James W. Co! j urn.

Resigned November 12, 1862,

^^1

^^^H April

Samuel Fisher,

Mustered out by consolidation.

^^^H Apnl [7, i86j,

Thomas Finn,

Discharged by reason of wounds received
action.

^^^H May 29. 1865.

George W. Powell.

^^^H Sep. i86i.

Anthony Jacquelte.

Resigned May 26, 1862.

^^^^H July 17, 1S62.

Cyrus B. Morgan,

Pronioted to 1st Lieutenant, Company K.

^^1

^^^H Oct.

Francis L. Hicks,

Promoted to Captain, Company H.

^^1

^^^V July lo, 1862.

Clark Kelly.

Mustered out by consolidation.

^^^B May 2,1865.

Preston Campbell,

^^^^h Nov. 9, 1861,

Bailes D. Thompson,

Resigned Oct 13. 1862.

^^1

^^^H

Vincent Stephens,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

^^1

^^^^H April ly, 1863.

George M. S hough,

Mustered out by consolidation.

^^^H May 2,1865.

Brice H. Tarr,

^^^^B Nov, 19, 1861.

John W. Denny,

Promoted to Captain, Company K.

^^^B April 17. 1863.

Thomas Finn,

Transferred to Company D.

^^^^1 Jan. 3, 1862.

John H. Montgomery,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant

^^^H July 17, 1862.

Francis M. Roberts,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^^H April 17,; 863.

Silas B. Nicholson,

Mustered out by consolidation.

^^^H Dec,

Benjamin McDonald,

Resigned May 28, 1862*

^^^P July 17. 1862.

Abraham Detrick,

Mustered out by consolidation.

^^^H OcL2i,t862.

Robert Collins,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant and R. Q- M-

-^H

^^^ft Jan.

Thomas Keyser,

Resigned June 2. 1862,

^^^H July 1862.

Benjamin L. Shrivcr,

Killed in action at Antietam,

^^^H Oct. 21,1862.

H. W. Heidelshimer.

Resigned February 6, 1863.

^^1

^^^H March 10. 1863.

Abner M. Johnson,

K '

Transferred to Company B.

^^^H July 1863.

James A. King. |

Not mustered.

•

JOSEPH SNIDER,
Colonel 7th West Virginia Inft.

THE 7TH REGT, ATANTIETAMAND FREDERICKSBURG,

265

The Seventh West Virgit^ia Infantry.

The Seventh West Virginia Infantry can easily be placed upon the list as
the banner regiment that ser\ ed from the State during the war. This estimate
is based upon the fact that it participated in a greater number of the larger
battles fought during the war, and as having lost the greatest per cent, of
killed and wounded. The regiment was organized August, 186 1, with
Lieut*-Col. John G, Kelley and Maj. Jonathan H, Lockwood as field officers.
On November 9, 1861, James Evans was commissioned colonel, resigning
August 2, 1862. Joseph Snider became colonel of the regiment, August
22, 1862*

It served in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley until May, 1862,
when it was assigned to Kimball's brigade, Frenches division > Second Army
Corps, and joined McClellan*s army at IIarrison*s Landing, just after the
battle of Malvern Hill. At Antietam, September, 1862, the regiment lost
three officers and 26 enHsted men killed, and four officers and 112 enlisted
men wounded; none missing. In that battle Colonel Snider and Lieutenant-
Colonel Lockwood had their horses killed under them. In Colonel Snider^s
report of the battle he says: *'The Confederates endeavored to deceive us
by hoisting a white flag, which for a moment caused our men to cease firing,
during which time the enemy was discovered to be moving in large force
with the view of flanking our left, which caused us to change the position of
our left wing, this being done as speedily as possible, when we succeeded in
driving the enemy back with great slaughter beyond their original position,
where we held them until our ammunition was exhausted. During the
engagement our colors were shot down three times, but were prumplly
hoisted each time, and were brought off the field with the regiment/*

At Fredericksburg, Va., December, 1S62, Lieutenant-Colonel Lock-
wood in his report of the battle says: ** General Kimball, commanding
brigade, ordered the Seventh Regiment to form on the right of the brigade ;
the line thus ftJrmed consisted of the 7th West Virginia, 24th and 28th
New Jersey and 14th Indiana. About 12 M. the entire line was put in
motion, moving by the right flank* By order of Colonel Snider, I took
command of the right wing. As soon as we had crossed the canal, I filed
the head of the line to the right. Our line of battle being formed, we moved
up briskly over a distance of some So rods, under a most galling fire from
the enemy's rifle pits and batteries in front, and a most terrible enfilading fire
from his batteries on the right. Colonel Snider having been wounded, I
assumed command and brought my regiment in good order on the line of
the skirmishers, when, being in easy range of heavy forces of the enemy,
concealed under good cover, my men suffered severely, but returned the

266

LOYAL WEST VIRGn\'L4 FROM i86r TO 1863^

enemy's fire promptly and with effect. A flank movement being attempted
on our right, Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer and myself moved our men in lliat
direction. Our orders were to hold the ground at all hazards, which we did
for a long time» when our cartridges being exhausted ^ we stood for some
time with fixed bayonets to dispute any charge or assault upon our position.
We were cdso to hold ourselves in readiness to charge the enemy with bay-
onets so soon as a charge along the line commenced. Between 4 and 5
o'clock P. M. we were withdrawn by order of Colonel Mason. Our loss in
killed and wounded and missing was 51. Among the wounded I regret to
mention Colonel Snider, Captain Watson, Lieutenant Detrick and Lieutenant
Prickett, My officers and men behaved with admirable coolness and bravery,
and deserv^e well of their country/*

At Gettysburg, July, 1863, the Seventh West Virginia, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood, charged and drove back the Seventh
Virginia (Confederate), wounding and capturing its colonel; also a Lieuten-
ant Lockwood, a nephew of Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood, who was
wounded* In addition to Colonel Lockwood, the regiment lost live killed
and 40 w^ounded. At the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., W'hich continued
five days, beginning May 7, the Seventh Regiment was constantly in the
battle line, Colonel Carroll in command of the brigade. On the 3d of May^
the brigade w^as ordered to form in line of battle, in an open field, fronting a
wood, that lay between it and the enemy 5 the Seventh, under command of
Colonel Snider, occupying a position on the left of the Fourth Ohio, and
on the extreme left of the brigade. At 8 A. M., the entire line of tl^e
brigade was ordered to forw^ard; it advanced into the wood, w^hen it met
the enemy advancing in large force tow^ards our line, and when in close prox-
imity to each other, the brigade opened on them with a volley of musketry that
shook the ground they walked on. General Carroll immediately charged into
them, putting them to flight, following them with a brisk fire, some of them
falling dead, some w^ounded, while others threw down their arms, and
throwing up their hands, ran into our lines, and many of them fell upon
their faces and lay still until our column passed over them, when they would
jump up and say : ** They were where they wanted to be.** In thia^ advance,
Carroll pursued them through the wood and beyond the Gordonsville plank
road. The brigade captured in this charge 150 of the enemy, and recap-
tured a battalion of Zouaves, w*ho had been surrounded by the enemy before
our advance, also capturing a stand of colors belonging to tlie enemy. The
Seventh Regiment occupying the enemy's first line of works, they opened upon
the regiment with canister and grape and a heavy enfilading fire, and forced the

GENERAL ALEXANDER HA YES' COMPLIMENTS.

267

regiment to retire to the cover of the wood, where it held its position unv\
Colonel Ccirroll ordered it to withdraw from the field. On the 4th inst., in
consequence of severe illness, Colonel Snider and Major Morris had to
retire from the front, leaving the command of the regiment with Lieutenant-
Colonel Lockwood.

On the 5J:h of May, the regiment recrossed the river at the United States
Ford on pontoon bridges, and occupied its former camp. In this engage-
ment the regiment lost one officer and two enlisted men killed, one officer
and 16 men wounded.

Genl Alexander Hayes, commanding Third Division, Second Army
Corps, in his report of the engagement at Morton's Ford on the Rapidan on
February 6, 1864, referring to the Seventh Reginent, says: *' I have neglect-
fully failed to call especial attention and notice to the conduct of the Seventh
Regiment West Virginia Infantry, commanded by Lient.-Col. J. IL Lock-
wood, of the First Brigade, distinguished always among the first and fore-
most in battle. They, with their gallant leader, had reenlisted for three
years; the order for their return to their homes had been received and pub-
lished; with a resolve to assist their old comrades in another day's trial tliey
marched with us and returned, bearing with them to their homes one com-
missioned officer and 10 enlisted men wounded." Becoming much reduced
in numbers, the Seventh Regiment was consolidated on September 5, 1863,
into four companies, Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood in command. By reason
of which consolidation Colonel Snider, with other officers, was mustered
out; Colonel Snider was then commissioned colonel of the Fourth West
Virginia Cavalry. Three new companies were added to the Seventh Bat-
talion in March, 1865.

It will be doing a simple act of justice to state that Lieutenant-Colonel
Lockwood was in command of the regiment much of the time from its orig-
inal formation in 1861 to its final muster out.

As an acknowledgment of the splendid service rendered by the battal-
ion, it was furnished, in 1864, with Henry rifles — i6-shooters; being thus
armed it invariably occupied the advance, and was almost constantly on the
skirmish line. The regiment served continuously in the Army of the Poto-
mac, after July, 1S62, From the ist of January, 1865, ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ muster
out it was incorporated in the Second Army Corps, and participated in all
the engagements with that corps in the final campaign against Richmond,
maintaining during the whole time its well deserved reputation for gallantry*
From the original formation to the final muster out, July i, 1865, at Mun-
son's Hill, Virginia, the Seventh participated in the following batdes: Rom-
ney, W, Va. ; Harrison's Landing, Va. ; Antietam, Md. ; Fredericksburg, Va. ;

268 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

Chancellorsville, Va. ; Gettysburg, Pa. ; Mine Run, Va. ; Morton^s Ford, Va
Wilderness, Va. ; Front Royal, Va. ; Po River, Va. ; Spottsylvania, Va
North Anna, Va. ; Totopotomy, Va. ; Cold Harbor, Va. ; Petersburg, Va.
Deep Bottom, Va. ; Ream's Station, Va. ; Boydton Road, Va. ; Strawberry
Plains, Va. ; Hatcher's Run, Va. ; Sailor's Creek, Va. ; Farmville, Va. ; Appo-
mattox, Va.

The regiment participated in the grand review at Washington City, on
the 24th of June, 1865. The losses sustained during the war were, killed
142 — 14 per cent, of its enrollment. Total in killed and wounded, 522.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
NINTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Koster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Ninth Regiment West Virginia Infantry
Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Original
Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Consolidation with the Fifth Regiment
West Virginia Infantry, November 19, 1864.

Date
of Commission.

, Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Colonels,

Dec. 6, 1 861.

Leonard Skinner,

Resigned Sept. 19. 1862.

5ep. 9, 1862.

Isaac Harden Duval,

Commissioned Colonel ist W. Va. Vet. Inft.

Lieutenant' Colonel,

Nov. 12, 1861.

William C. Starr.
Major,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Nov. 12, 1861.

Benjamin M. Skinner,
ist Lieut, and Adft.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Oct. I, 1 861.

Joseph C. Wheeler,

Resigned March i, 1862.

Jan. 4, 1862.

Henrie W. Brazie,

Resigned March 14. 1863.

June 5, 1863.

Cary B. Hayslipp,
I St Lieut, and R, Q. Af.

Promoted to Captain, Co. D, 1st W. Va.
Veteran Infantry.

Dec. 6, 1 861.

Joseph C. Merrill,
Surgeons,

Mustered out.

May 19, 1862.

William L. Grant,

Resigned Sept. 30, 1862.

Nov. 7. 1862.

Jonathan Morris,
Assistant Surgeons,

Mustered out.

Feb. 5, 1862.

Wm. L. Grant,

Promoted to Surgeon.

May 19, 1862.

James H. Hysell,

Promoted to Surgeon ist W. Va. Vet. Inft.

Chaplain,

May 5, 1862.

John M. Phelps,

Resigned March 18, 1863.

Captains,

Jan. 4, 1862.

Samuel Davis,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Jan. 14, ib62.

John W. Spencer,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Feb. 8, 1862.

Nathan M. McLaughlin,

Resigned Dec. 9, 1862.

Jan. 10, 1863.

George W. Hicks,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

March 8, 1862.

John S. P. Carroll,

Promoted to Major, ist W. Va. Vet. Infantry.

March 8, 1862.

John M. Phelps,

Commissioned Chaplain.

May 6, 1862.

William Engleman,

Resigned Aug. 31, 1863.

Feb. I, 1864.

Oliver Phelps,

Commissioned Captain, ist W. Va. Vet. Inft.

May 2, 1862.

Owen G. Chase,

Resigned October 5, 1862.

Nov. 10, 1862.

John W. Miller,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

270

LOYAL WEST VIRGJNL4 FROM r86i TO iSdS- ™H

•

D«f«

Namm and Rank. '

Co.

Renuurks,

of Com mlstloci.

Capiains, \

April 4, 1862. 1

Henry C. McWhorter,

Resigned on account of wounds, received in
battle.

^^^1

April 22 » 1864.

Wiliiam B. Wetzel

Killed in action at Cloyd's Mountain,

l^^^k

^^^H

May 2, 1862*

Joseph C. Wheeler,

Resigned August 2, 1862.

^^^1

^^^^1

Sep. 12, 1863,

William G. Smilh,

Died of wounds received in action.

' ^^H

^^^^1

Dec 18, 1861. I

William Turner,

Dismissed for absence without leave.

^^1

^^^1

Nov, 25, 1863.

Allen F. Brallon,

Resigned Feb, 7, 1863.

^^^H

Feb. 17, 1 86 J,

William P. Pratt.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^V

May 6. 1862,

Thomas Floggess, !

Resigned June 24, 1863.

^^^^r

Sep. 12, 1863,

Atlonijah W. Rollins,
First Lieutenants.

Dismissed October 8, 1864,

■

^^^B

Jan, 4, 1882.

Benjamin F. Stivers,

Mustered out at eipiration of term of service.

^^^H

Jan. 14, 1862.

Thomas J. Boatwrighl.

Resigned Dec. 9, 1 862.

^^^^1

Jan. 10, 1865.

John C Angel.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service^

^^^H

Jan. 4* 1862.

Nathan M, McLaughlin,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H

Feb. 8, 1862.

George W. Hicks.

Promoted to Captain.

Jan. 10. 1863.

George \V. Jenkins.

Commissioned isl Lieutenant in 1st W, Va.
Veteran Infantry.

■

^^^H

Dec. 18, 1861.

Cary B. Hayslipp.

Appointed Adjutant.

^^^^1

March 8, 1862.

William Englcman.

Promoted to Captam,

^^1

^^^H

May 6, 1862.

Oliver Phelps.

Promoted to Captain.

^^1

^^^H

April 22. 1864.

John H. Lawhead.

Resigned October 5, 1864.

^^^1

^^^H

Dec. 2S, ]86t.

Owen G. Chase,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^1

^^^H

May 2. 1S62.

John W. MHler,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^^m

Nov. 10. i8<S2.

George J. Walker.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^L

April 4, 1S62.

Wm. B. Wetzel,

Promoted lo Captain.

^^^B

May 2. 1862.

James V. Hoover,

Resigned Gel. 17, 1862.

^^^H

Dec. 19, 1862.

Wm. G. Smith,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H

April 22, 1864. 1

John W. Johnson,

Promoted to Captain 1st W. Va. Vet. In ft.

^^^^H

May 6. 1862. '

Allen F. Bralton,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H

^^^1

Feb. 5. 1863.

James Craig,

Resigned October 5, 1864.

^^H

May 6, 1862.

Adonijah W. Rollins,
Second Lieutenants.

Promoted to Captain.

^^^H

Jan. 4, 1862.

James Ewing,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^^^p

Jan. 14, 1862.

Henry C. McWhortcr,

Promoted to Captain Co, G.

^^1

^^^H

Aug. 18, 1862,

JohnC. AngcU,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

^^^B

Jan. 10, 1863.

Cornelius McConley,

Commissioned 1st Lieut, ist W. Va. Vet. Inft.

^^1

^^^H

Jan. 4. 1H62.

George W, Hicks.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

^^^B

Feb, 8, 1862.

George W, Jenkins,

Promoted to isl Lieutenant.

^^^K

Jan. 10, 1863,

Benja. S. Cheuveront,

Dishonorably dismissed.

^^^^B

April 22. 1864,

Moses W. Davis,

Mustered out as supernumerary.

^^1

^^^^1

March 8. 1862. !

William P. Pratt,

D ,

Promoted to Captain, Company L

^^1

Feb. 17. 1863.

Henry C. Duncan,

Promoted to Captain Co, K, ist W. Va.

Veteran Infantry.

■

^^^E

March 5, 1862.

Oliver Phelps.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant,

May 6« 1862.

Joseph V. Rowley,

Resigned October 26, 1862,

GALLANTR V OF THE gTN fV. VA. AT CLOVD'S MOUNTAIN.

271

of Commission.

Namei and Rnnk,

Co,

Rfiraarki.

Dec. 19, 1862.
May 2, tS62.
Sept. 27, 1862.
April 4^ 1862.

May 2, 1862.
Dec, 19, 1862,
Feb. 17, 1863.
April 22, 1864.
Scpl. 24, 1864.
May 6, 1862.
May 6, 1862,
Jan. 28, iS6j.

Second Lieutenants,
Joseph H. LawhcAd,
EdmuT\d F. Anderson,
SnelUng- M, Smith*
Robert Laughlin,

Wm. a Smith,
Daniel Wilgus,
John W. Johnson,
Otho W. Karr.
Stephen C Hiltbruncr»
George W. Hianler^
George Rhodes,
Youlhless Fullms,

E
F
F
G

H
H

H
H
H
I

K
K

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Died at Charleston W* Va.

Mustered out Oct, 30, 1864.

Promoted to Captain Company I, 1st W, Va,

Veteran Infantry.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Resigned January 29, 1863,
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Killed in action, August 26, 1894.
Promoted to Capt. Co. C. tst W. Va. Vet. Intt.
Resigned February 7, 1863.
Resigned January 20, 1863,
Mustered owt on ConsoJidation.

The Ninth W. Va, Volunteer Infantry.

The Ninth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry was organized December,
1861, with the following field officers: Leonard Skinner, colonel; William C.
Starr, lieutenant-colonel; Benjaoiin, M. Skinner, major. The regiment
was composed largely of refugees, mIio, having been driven from home,
were fighting with a desperation that was not excelled by anj^ troops in any
army. The regiment served mainly in the Kanawha and Shenandoah Val-
leys under Crook, Hunter, Duval and others. It was especially distinguished
for bravery at the batde of Cloyd's Mountain. CoL Carr B. White com-
manding the brigade, says in his report that the regiment carried the enemy's
works on the right under lire that killed and wounded more than one third
of the regiment, without an officer or man faltering, capturing two guns,
one regimental flag, and many prisoners and is designated as one of the
most gallant feats of the W'ar, Its loss at this battle attests the desperate
character of the assault: 45 killed, 144 wounded. In this action the color-
guard entered the enemy's works in advance of the line, every one of them
falling, killed or wounded, and after the fight, 21 men lay dead around the
flag, 12 of whom were Confederates. Besides this battle the regiment bore
a conspicuous part in the batdes of Lynchburg, Kemstown, Winchester,
Martinsburg, Hunter's raid, etc.

Genl L H, Duval was commissioned colonel of the regiment, Septem-
ber 9, 1862, and although he served much of his term as brigade or division
commander, the regiment was generally in his command. Of the regiments
he commanded, General Duval says he served longer with the Ninth Regi-
ment than the other^j and led it in many hard fought batdes 1 "we were in

272 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

some defeats as well as many victories, and in our defeats and retreats the
Ninth Regiment was never panic-stricken, but always came off as it went
into battle, shoulder to shoulder. We never allowed the enemy to go through
us in advancing or retreating."

The regiment's losses during the war were: killed and died of wounds,
three officers and 96 enlisted men; died of disease or accident, one officer,
107 men. Total 207. The reenlisted veterans and recruits of the Ninth and
Fifth Infantry Regiments were consolidated November 9, 1864, which
formed the First West Virginia Veteran Infantry.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

TENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster ofthe Field, Staffand Company Officers of the Tenth Regiment West Virginia Infantry
Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Original
Organization of the Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, August 9, i8(5s.

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Colonels.

May 30, 1862.

Thomas M. Harris,

June 29, 1865.

Morgan A. Darnall.

Lieutenant' Colonels,

Dec. 13, 1861.

Thomas M. Harris,

May 30, 1862.

Moses S. Hall,

March 24, 1865.

Morgan A. Darnall,

July 3. 1863.

Lewis M. Marsh.
Majors,

May 2, 1862.

Henry H. Withers,

July 25, 1865.

Daniel Curran.
jst Lieut, and Adft,

Jan. 22, 1862.

Oliver P. Boughner,
1st Lieut, andR, Q,M.

Dec. 14, 1861.

Samuel Adams,
Surgeons,

May 8, 1862.

George C. Cans,

Oct. 24, 1864.

Jonathan R. Blair,

July 6, 1865.

Ozias Nellis.
Assistant Surgeons,

Jan. 3, 1862.

Wm. M. Worthington,

April 28, 1862.

George C. Gans,

July 8, 1862.

Jonathan R. Blair,

Oct. 24, 1864.

Isaac W. Bouse,

Jan. 13. 1865.

Ozias Nellis,

Chaplain,

Sep. 12, 1862.

John Branch,

Captains,

Feb. 12, 1862.

Morgan A. Darnall,

July 25, 1865.

Gwinn Minter,

Dec. 26. 1861.

David Morgan,

Sep. 12, 1862.

J. Loomis Gould,

Dec. 12, 1 861

Wm. D. Hall,

Oct. 27, 1864.

John H. Bailey,

Remarks.

Brevetted Brigadier-General, Dec. 10, 1864.
Com. Brigadier-General, March 29, 1865.

Promoted to Colonel.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to Colonel.

Resigned November 25, 1864.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Died of disease, Oct. 4, 1864, ^t Harrison-
burg. Va.
Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned April 12, 1862.
Promoted to Surgeon.
Promoted to Surgeon.
Resigned November 28, 1864.
Promoted to Surgeon.

Resigned Jan. 19, 1865.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

Resigned August 12, 1862.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Dismissed August i, 1864.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

^^m 374

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM rSoi TO 1863. ^^^^^^B

^^^^^H Vmm

N«i» and Rank

Co.

lUniarla. ^H

Captains,

^^^M July 35, iS6t.

Duncan Cunnmgham»

^^^H 2$, 1862.

Thomas D. Murrin.

Mustered out at expiration ot term of service. ^^|

^^H Ju1yi5»>865.

Asa S. HugiU.

^^H ApHl J, i8/>2.

Lewis M, Marshy

Promoted to LieuicnantColoncl. ^^|

^^^H May

Ninftrod M. Hycr,

Mustered out at expiration of term or service. ^^|

^^^H Ju(y2i.iS62.

James M. Ewing.

Killed in action near Winchester. Va. ^^^

^^^1 May 14. 1^62,

Marshall W. Cohuro,

Mustered out at expiration of term of sen*icc, ^^^

^^^H Jyne

James A. Jiirboc,

Mustered out at expiration ol term of service. ^^|

^^^H June 24. t^2.

JncohR Kuykendall,

Killed in action at Cedar Creek. ^^|

^^^B March ]5« f 86s.

Nimrod Kuykcndall,
First Lieutenants.

■

^^^H FcU,

Joseph G, Bouse,

Resigned September 18, 1863. ^^|

^^H Dec. 18, >863.

Aushin A. Wilson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H July 25« 1865.

John IC. Maxson,

^^^H Dec.

Chas. Morgan*

^^1

^^^H

Henry H. Lewis,

Mustered out at expiration of term ol service. ^^^
Muster revoked by War Department, ^^|

^^^1 March

David T. Peterson.

Resigned Seplember 1:;. 1862, ^^|

^^^H Dec,

\Vn>. C. lictnicr,

Resigned August 12, 1862. ^^|

^^^H Sep.

Janirs P. Connolly,

Dismissed September 12, 1864. ^H

^^^H Oct.

Gwinn Minlcr,

Promoted to Captain,, Company A. ^^^^|

^^^H Mfty9. 186$.

Duncan Cunningham,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^^|

^^^H Jan. 31* i862<

Jcdcdiah G. Waldo.

Dismissed December 9. 1S63. j^^^B

^^^m

Daniel Curren,

Promoted to Major. ^^^^|

^^^m

Lewis M. Marsh,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^H

^^^1 Aprlla, t863.

Eli Coiioway,

Resigned January f 8, 1863. ^^^|

^^^1 July 21, 1863.

Benjamin F. Shrevcs,

Resigned November 27, 1B64, ^^H

^^^H Dec. 1664.

David Patterson.

Resigned June 2, 1865, ^^|

^^H a, 1862.

Nimrod M. Hyer,

Promoted to Captain. ^^B

^^^1 Miiy29. 1862.

Samuel At Rollyson,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^^k

^^^H April 25.

John McAdamSj

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^H

^^^^H Marrh 14. 180s.

Wm. M. Hays,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H April

A. W\ Barclay.

Died at Winchester; Va., April 19, 1863. ^^|

^^^H June 1863.

John M* Jiirboe.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^^B March 3t, 1862.

Jacob P. Kuykcndall,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^H June

Thomns Hess,

Resigned October 23. JS64. ^H

^^^H Nov.

Nimrod Kuykendall,

Promoted to Captain, ^^B

^^^1 March 22. t86s.

Thomas S, Nutter.
Sec&nd Lifutinants,

^^^1

Ausbin A, Wilson, |

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^1

Ignatius C. II urb ridge.

A 1

Dismissed November 25. 1864. ^^|

^^H

Htnry H. Lewis.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^^H

^^^1

David J. Ezektel.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^^H

^^^B 27. 1864.

Harrison F. Garrell.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^1 12, i86u

James Connolly, '

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^H 13. laea,

John H. Bailey.

Promoted to Captain, ^^^B

^^m

FORAfATION AND MUSTER

OF THE loTH IK VA, JNFK 275

ofrofnintsilon.

NamiiSUMlRaak.

Co.

Remarks.

Kov. 25. 1864,
Feb. 25, 1862.
Jan. 23» 1S64.
Oct. 27, 1864.
April 19. 1862
July 21, 1862.
May 29, 1862.
May 29, 1862.
May 14, 1862.
Sep. 27, 1864.
July 31, 1862.
June 10, T863.
June 24, 1862.
Jan. 10, 1863.

Second Lieutenants,
John E, Maxson,
Daniel Curran,
Joseph L» Ambrose,
Harrison F. Garrett,
Benjamin F. Shreves,
Charles B. McCoUom, ,
Henry Bender,
Robert Varner,
Isaac Rollins,
MinterF. Mar pic,
John M. Jarboe,
Michael Ahern,
Jeremiah H. Fluharty,
Benjamm Moats,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. Company A.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Company A.

Dismissed October 8, 1864.

Transferred to Company B.

Promoted to ist Lieuienant.

Killed in action ai Winchester, Va.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Dismissed August 1, 1864.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Mustered out at expiration ot term of service.

Resigned December 26, 1862.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Tenth Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Infantry.

This regiment was recruited by T. M. Harris, who was a practicing
physiciQn at Glenville, Gilmer County, W. Va., at the breaking out of the war.
At the solicitation of General Rosecrans, Dr. Harris visited Governor Peir-
point at Wheeling in the latter part of July^ 1861, and obtained his consent to
recruit a regiment for the Union serv^ice with the understanding that in the
event of his success in recruiting a regiment he should receive a commission
as its colonel. He entered upon his work on the third day of August, i86i,
and completed the organization of the loth Regiment and received a colonel's
commission to command the same, about the 3d of May, 1862.

The doctor had an extensive acquaintance with the country and the
people and traveled over about 12 counties of the State, some of them
several times» during the fall of 1861 and the winter of-i 861 62, gathering
recruits from the loyal portion of the population. His first visit to a county
was for the purpose of hunting out suitable men for his line officers. In this
work he used great discrimination and made very few mistakes. The result
was that his regiment, when organized, w^as under command of brave, intel-
ligent and intensely loya! men. In this way its future good record was
assured.

The doctor found his task a tedious and difficult one. He found plenty
of loyal people, but at that early period of the w^ar they were laboring under
the dehision that the war would be a short one and there would he enough
of troops raised in the States North and West to put dow^n the rebellion with-
out their aid. He succeeded in getting four or five companies organized

276

LOYAL WFST VIRGLWIA FROM iS6i TO 1S63.

during the fall months of 1861, and these were put into service by the gen*
erals in command, at the request of the Governor, at points along the border
line between the loyal and disloyal portions of the State, for the protection
of the loyal people against guerilla raids. In this service they distinguished
themselves as constituting a vigilant, intelligent and brave line of outposts.
The service of this regiment after its organization in May, 1S62, until June,
1864, was mostly in West Virginia. Having been recruited from the hardy
mountaineers of the State, it was so particularly well adapted to the purpose-
of protecting the loyal interests against tlie enemy that the Governor was
loth to give it up to any other service. It had the contidence of the loyal
people who felt safe under its protection. In June, 1864, it was ordered to
Martinsburg, and became incorporated into the organizations that were then
being formed for operations against the enemy's tlireatened advance down
the Shenandoah Valley and was finally incorporated in the command known
in army orders as the ** Army of West Virginia,** under General Crook.

At the close of the Valley campaign in December, 1S64, it was sent,
under the command of its former coloneU now commanding a division, to
City Point, where it became incorporated with the 24th Army Corps and it
served in this corps during the remainder of its term of service. This regi-
ment was noted for its prowess, courage, intrepidity and general reliability*
It participated in many hard fought engagemt^its and always came out with
a splendid record. Most of its officers distinguished themselves for soldierly
qualities and many of its private men won honorable mention. It was per-
haps not excelled by any regiment in the service from this or any other State,

LiKUT.-CoL. M. S, Hall, ioth West Virginia Infantry.

From the time that Colonel Harris was assigned to the command of a bri-
gade, the command of the loth Regiment devolved on its lieutenant-colonel,
M. S, IlalL This officer was a native of Massachusetts who came to Virginia
in 1845, being then 21 years old, and studied medicine with Dr. Harris, who
had married his sister. He had been engaged in the practice of medicine
for several years and was living at Harrisville, in the County of Ritchie, when
the war broke out. He was among the pioneer Republicans of the State and
being of an ardent temperament and very patriotic, he engaged in recruit-
ing a company for the loyal service in May, 1861, and had it ready for mus-
ter in on the 4th of July, i86x. His first commission was that of captain and
he was assigned to the command of Company K of the Third Regiment.
This company had been recruited by him from the loyal young men of his
acquaintance, mostly from the county of Ritchie and for three years of ser\'ice.
He continued in command of this company until the organization of the loth

MOSES S, HALL,
Brevet Colonel 10th West Virginia Infantry.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

ELEVENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Eleventh Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, June lo, 1865.

Date
of Coinmissfon.

Feb. 14, 1862.
Feb. 6, 1863.
Oct. 28, 1863.

Oct. 17, 1861.
May 24, 1862.
July 31, 1863.
Feb. 7, 1 86s.

Nov. I, 1861.
Feb. 26, 1863.
Nov. 20, 1863.
Feb. 7, i86s.

Nov. 13, 1861.
Nov. 5, 1862.

Jan. 3, 1862.
Jan. 12, 1865.

Oct. 27, 1862.
Jan, 12, 1865.

Aug. 17, 1862.
Mar. 7, 1863.
Feb. 3, 1864.
Jan. 5, 1864.

Oct. 10, 18 )5.

July 12, 1801.
May 30, 1863.
Mar. 14. 1865.
Dec. 27, 1861.

Numes and Rank.

Colonels.
John C. Rathbone,
Daniel Frost,
Van H. Bukey,
Lieutenant- Colonels,
John C. Rathbone,
Daniel Frost,
Van H. Bukey,
Wm. H. H. King.

Majors.
George C. Trimble,
Van H. Bukey,
James L. Simpson,
Michael A. Ayers.

1st Lt. and Adfts.
T. A. Roberts,
John H. McLaughlin,

isl Us. and R. Q. M.
David Bell,
Hugh P. Dils, Jr.

Surgeons.
Andrew D. Voorheis,
Erwin D. J. Bond.

Assistant Surgeons.
Andrew D. Voorheis,
James A. Williamson,
James Emory Kendall,
Erwin D. J. Bond,

Chaplain.
Aaron J. Lyon,

Captains.
John P. Baggs,
William Cummings,
George H. Purdy,
James W. Myers,

Co.

Remarks.

Honorably discharged January 6, 1863.
Killed in action at Snicker's Ferry.
Mustered out at expiration of term oi service.

Promoted ot Colonel.
Promoted to Colonel.
Promoted to Colonel.

Dismissed January 4, 1863.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Resigned October 9, 1862.
Discharged May 18, 1865, by reason of wounds
receiv ed in action at Cloyd's Mountain, Va.

Mustered out at expiration oi term of service.

Resigned October 17, 1863.

Promoted to Surgeon.
Not mustered.

Promoted to Surgeon.

Dismissed December 24, 1864.

Dismissed April 4, 1863.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Dismissed November 18, 1864.

CAPTAINS AND FIRST LIEUTENANTS, itTH W. VA. INFT.

279

Date

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

of Commission.

Captains,

Dec. 27, 1861.

James L. Simpson,

Promoted to Major.

Jan. 20, 1864.

Jacob Clammer,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service

Aug. 20, 1862.

Van H. Bukey,

Promoted to Major.

April I, 1863.

Alexander Moore,

Resigned October 2, 1864.

Oct. 27, 1864.

Levi Campbell, Jr.,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Aug. 14. 1862.

David Deem.

Honorably discharged June i, 1865.

Sep. 6, 1862.

Wm. F. Pell.

Discharged March 4, 1863, by Act of Congress.

July 16, 1863.

Fayette B. Stoddard,

May 6, 1862.

John V. Young,

Sep. 6, 1862.

Lewis Smith,

Dismissed September 14, 1863.

Oct. 12, 1863.

George W. ParrioCt,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

March 6, 1865.

Saml. K. Kirkpatrick,

May 31, 1862.

Dixon R. King,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Feb. 7, 1865.

Samuel L. Barber,

Sep. 23. 1862.

Alfred Gilpin,

Resigned June 10, 1863.

July 16. 1863.

James W. Williamson,

Resigned March 20, 1865.

May 8, 1865.

Newton Poling.
First Lieutenants,

Sept. 9, 1863.

Andrew Q. Mountz,

Resigned January 29, 1865.

Jan. 25, 1865.

Michael A. Ayers,

Promoted to Major.

April 25. 1865.

Albert VV. Lemasters,

Nov. 5. 1861.

Marl in Parke,

Dismissed Nov. 18, 1864.

May 8, 1865.

Daniel S. Haverty,

Resigned January 9, 1865.

Dec. 27, 1861.

James Robinson,

Resigned October 9, 1862.

Jan. 30. 1863.

Jacob Clammer,

Promoted to Captain.

Jan. 20, 1864.

Thornton Ferrell,

Mustered out at expiration of term 0! service.

Jan. 28. 1862.

Van H. Bukey.

Promoted to Captain.

Aug. 20, 1862.

Alexander Moore,

Promoted to Captain.

April I, 1863.

James Barr,

Killed in action at Lynchburg, Va.

Aug. 15, 1864.

Levi Campbell, Jr.,

Promoted to Captain.

Oct. 27, 1864.

Christian J. Core,

Resigned March 29, 1865.

April 25, 1865.

William Geer,

Aug. 14, 1862.

Philip F. Poe,

Dismissed November 28, 1864.

Jan. 20, 1865.

Madison H. Berry,

Sep. 6. 1862.

Fayette B.Stoddard,

Promoted to Captain.

July 16, 1863.

Charles W. Kirby,

Killed in action at Winchester, Va.

Oct. 27, 1864.

William H. Collett.

May 6, 1802.

Robert Brooks,

Resigned June 2, 1863.

Dec. 2, 1863.

Clark Elkins,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service

M.irch 9, 1865.

Van B, Morris,

Nov. 16. 1861.

George W^ Parriott,

Promoted to Captain.

Oct. 12, 1863.

John Holt,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service

Nov. 9, 1861.

Dixon R. King,

Promoted to Captain.

May 31, 1862.

Wm. H. H. King,

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

March 22, 1865.

John W. King,

Aug. 20, 1862.

James W. Williamson,

Promoted to Captain.

^^^^^ 280 LOYAL WEST VIRGLVIA FROM 1861 TO 1S63. ^^^^^^^^^H

^^^^^1 Data

Names and Rwk.

Co,

Eetaarks. ^H

I'irsi Lieutenants^

^^^H July 16. 1865.

Newton Folmg,

Pron^otcd to Captain. ^H

^^H 8, 1S65.

James D. W. Riley,
Second Lieutenants.

^^^H Nov, 9. 1861.

George W. Baggs,

Resigned Oct. 9, 1862. ^H

^^^1

William Cymniings,

Promoted to Captain, '^^1

^^^H May 30, 1865.

Andrew Q. Mountz.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Sep, 9,

James H. McGill,

Dismissed. ^^|

^^^H 5(?p.

Michael A. Ayers,

Promoted to ist LieutenanL ^^|

^^^^B Jan.

George H. Purdy,

Promoted to Captain* ^^|

^^^H Dec.

Samuel W. Ross.

Resigned September 5, 1864. ^H

^^^H 1864.

Daniel S. Havcrty.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^^1 Dec. 1861.

Nkbolas Poling,

Resigned October 9, 1862. ^H

^^^H Jan. 30, 1863.

Thornton Ferrell,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H Jan.

James F. McDonald,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^|

^^^H Oct. 9.

Charles B. Way.

Resigned September 30, 1863. ^H

^^^H 1S63.

Levi Campbell, Jr.,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^H

^^^H Aug. 1864.

Christian J. Core,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Sep. 1864.

John S. Bukey,

Resigned May 18, 1865. ^H

^^^H Jan.

John D, Grim,

^^1

^^^^1 July 29, 1862.

Thomas J. Robinson,

Resigned April i, 1863* ^H

^^^H May 30, 1863.

B. Taylor Frost,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H Dec. 19, TS64.

Madison H. Berry,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^H

^^^^1 March 22, 1865.' James S. Newbanks,

^^^^1 Aug, 2o« 1862.

Charles W. Kirby,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H July f6, 1863.

William W. Curtis.

Killed in action at New Creek, W. Va. ^H

^^^H Aug. 1864.

Wm. H. Collett,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H Oct.

William A. McCoy,

^^^H July 23, 1862.

John S. Cunningham,

Promoted lo Adjutant 13th W. Va. Infantry* ^^|

^^^H June 6. 1863.

Clark Elkins,

Promoted to tst Lieutenant. ^^H

^^^F Dec. 2, 1863.

William G. McDanid,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^H

^^^H April 2, 1862.

Bernard A. C. Pylcs,

Resigned March 1,1863. ^^k

^^V April 13.1863.

John Holt,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, ^^|

^^^K

John H. Bloyd,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service, ^^|

^^^^H May 31. 1862.

Uriah Lylle,

Mustered out at expiration of term of service. ^^H

^^^H

Newton Poling,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H July

James D. W. Riley,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^|

^^^H The Eleventh West

• Virginia Infantry. ^^^|

^^^H The Eleventh Infantry was organ i

zed in May, 1862 ; its early service was ^H

^^^H in the western part of West Virginia, nr

lainly on the line of the B, & 0, R. R,, ^|

^^^H in Wilkinson's brigade, Kelley's divii

sion, Eighth Army Corps, The fol* ^H

^^^V lowing field officers were entrusted wit

li its organization; John C. Rathbone, ^H

^^^B colonel; Daniel Frost, lieutenant-col c

mel; and George C. Trimble, major, ^H

THE ELEVENTH WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY.

Colone! Rath bone was honorably discharged January 6, 1863, On February
6| 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel Frost succeeded to the colonelcy. On the pih
of May, 1864, Col. H. G. Sickel, commanding brigade in the terrible battle
of Cloyd's Mountain, in his report of same, makes special mention of the
gallantry of Colonel Frost and his regiment. Six companies of the regiment^
under Colonel Frost, participated in the advance from Lewisburg, June i,
1864,^ — Col, Jacob M. CampbelTs brigade, Crook's division — to Staunton,
Va. , having had considerable skirmishing ept routc^ %vhen the regiment, on June
8, joined General Hunter*s command, remaining with Hunter in his expedi-
tion via Lexington to the Kanawha, where tliey arrived June 29, the regiment
having marched 412 miles in the heart of the enemy's country, having lost
in killed one officer (Lieut, James Barr, uf Co, D), and five men, with 20
wounded.

At the battle of Snicker's Ferrj^, July 18, 1864, Col, Joseph Thoburn
commanding division, Colonel Frost was in command of the Third Brigade,
and while gallantly leading his command, fell mortally wounded. On the
28th of October, 1864, Lieut.-Col. Van H. Bukey was promoted to colonel
of the regiment. Colonel Bukey had passed through all the grades of pro-
motion from lieutenant to captain, to major, to lieutenant-colonel and colonel,
in all of w^hich he illustrated the best qualities of the brave soldier, remaining
with his resiti^t^'it until final muster out.

In March, 1865, the regiment was assigned to duty in the Army of the
Potomac, The First Division of the Army of West Virginia embraced the
10th, nth, 1 2th and 15th West Virginia Infantry Regiments, which was
incorporated m the 24th Army Corps, and formed the Third Division of that
corps, until it was broken up by the muster out of troops. The division was
commanded in the final campaign of the war by Brevet Maj.-Gen'l John
W. Turner. The loth, i ith and 15th Regiments constiiuted the First Brigade
of that division, under the command of Brevet Maj.-GenU Thumas AL Harris,
formerly colonel of the loth Regiment, In this campaign the regiment
proved to be a gallant body of men. They took an active part in tlie fall of
Petersburg, High Bridge, and at Appomattox* The regiment lust during its
term of service, four officers and (>i^ enlisted men killed in battle, and died of
disease or wounds, 148; total 215. It was mustered out June 17, iS65,tit
Richmond, Virginia.

CHAPTER XL.

TWELFTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Twelfth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of Said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, June i6, 1865.

Date

Names and Rank.

Co.

of Commission.

Colonels,

Aug. 20, 1862.

John B. Klunk.

Jan. 26, 1864.

William B. Curtis.
Lieutenant' Colonels,

Aug. 23, 1862.

Robert S. Northcott,

Jan. 25, 1865.

Richard H. Brown.
Majors,

Aug. 25, 1862.

Ffanrifi P. Pijirpoint,

July 27. 1864.

William B. Curtis,

Feb. 6, 1864.

Richard H. Brown,

Jan. 25, 1895.

William Hurley.
First Us, and Adjfs,

Aug. 7, 1862. ^

Francis P. Peirpoint,

Aug. 25, 1862.

George B. Caldwell,

Feb. I, 1865.

Henry R. McCord.
rst, Lieut, and R, Q, Af,

Aug. s. 1865.

Nathan U. Thur!)er,

May 17, 1865.

David B. Fleming.
Surgeons,

Aug. 9. 1862.

John Frizzell,

Sep. 16, 1862.

John C. Campbell,

July 23, 1864.

Sampson P. Bryan.
Assistant Surgeons,

Aug. II. 1862.

D wight Ruggles,

Sep. 10, 1862.

Sampson P. Bryan,

Nov. 8, 1862.

Frederick H. Patton.

July 23, 1863.

Alexander Neil.

Chaplains.

Oct. 7, 1862.

Thomas H. Traine-,

March 26, 1864.

Richard W. Wallace.

Captains. 1

April 16, 1862.

HagarTomlinson, A

Nov. 16, 1864

William Burley, A

Jan. 25, 1865.

William L. Roberts,

Aug. 22. 2862.

Martin P. Bonar,

Feb. II, 1863.

John C. Roberts,

Remarks.

Resigned September i, 1863.

Resigned January 5, 1865.

Appointed Adjt.-Gen. of W. Va., June 16, 1863.
Promoted to Colonel.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

Promoted to Major.
Resigned Jany 8, 1865.

Resigned May 11, 1865.

Resigned September 15, 1862.
Resigned March 12, 1863.

Resigned November 22, 1862.
Promoted to Surgeon.

Resigned December 25, 1862.

Resigned November i, 1864.
Promoted to Major.

Resigned January 25. 1863.
Resigned on account ut wounds.

CAPTAINS, FIRST AND SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

283

Date
of Commission

Feb. 13. 1865.
Aug. 23, 1862.
Aug. 20, 1862.
Oct. 12, 1863.
May 9, 1865.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Aug. 25. 1862.
May 9, 1865.
Aug. 25, 1862.
Aug. 20, 1862.
Aug. 28, 1862.
Feb. 10. 1864.
Aug. 29, 1862.
Oct. 28. 1863.

Aug. 16, 1862.
Feb. 3. 1863.
Dec. 16, 1864.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Feb. II, 1863.
Aug. 6, 1864.
Aug. 23. 1862.
Feb. I, i86s.
Aug. 20, 1862.
Oct. 12, 1863.
May 9, 1865.
Aug. 22, 1862.
July 9, 1863.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Feb. 13, 1865.
May 9, 1865.
Aug. 25, 1862.
Feb. 13, 1865.
Aug. 20, 1862.
Feb. 13, 1865.
Aug. 15. 1862.
Feb 10! 1864.
Nov. II, 1864.
Aug. 29, 1862.
Oct. 28, 1863.

Aug. 16. 1862.
Feb. 3, 1863.
April 6. 1864.
Dec. 16, 1864.
Aug. 22, 1862.

Names and Rank.

Captains,
Thomas A, Fleming,
Erastus G. Bartlett,
Wm. B. Curtis,
Wm. A. Smiley,
David M. lilayney,
Cornelius Mercer,
Amos N. Pritchard,
Francis H. Peirpoint,Jr.,
Ja.mes W. Moflfatt,
Jacob H. Bristor,
Richard H. Brown,
John Henry Melvin,
Thomas White,
John B. Jester,

First Lieutenants,
Thomas S. Magrudcr,
William Burley,
Wm. H. Riggs,
Nathan S. Fish,
James W. Dunnington,
Henry C. Wallace,
Wm. L. Roberts,
Michael Gardner,
William A. Smiley,
David M. Blayney,
James C. Peirson,
Oscar H. Tate,
James R. Durham,
Thomas A. Fleming,
Francis H. Peirponil, Jr..
Duncan Cunningham,
Van B. Hall,
George W. Fonney,
David Powell,
Thomas H. Means,
John Henry Melvin,
Milton B. Campbell,
William Hewitt,
John B. Jester,
John R. Brenneman,

Second Lieutenants.
William Burley.
Philip G. Bier.
Thomas W. .Manning,
Joseph Caldwell,
John C. Roberts,

Co.

B
C
D
D
D
E
F
F
G
H
I
I

K
K

A
A
A

B
B
B
C
C
D
D
D
E
K
F
F
F
G
G
II
H
I
I
I

K
K

A
A
A
A
B

Remarks.

Promoted to Major.

Promoted to Paymaster U. S. A.

Resigned March 24, 1865.

Promoted to Major.
Resigned August i, 1863.

Resigded January 17, 1863.
Promoted to Captain.

Resigned February 3. 1863.
Dismissed May 28, 1864.

Promoted to Captain, Company A,

Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.

Dismissed March 6, 1863.

Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.
Transferred to loth W. Va. Infantry.
Resigned February 13, 1865.

Mustered out by order War Department.

Promoted to Captain.
Dismissed Septemberi 3, 1864.

Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Promoted to Captain and A. A. G. U. S. Vol.

Resigned November 16, 1864.

Transferred to Company C.

Promoted to Captain.

284

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1S61 TO fS6j.

Dmt
or Commissi nt|.

Feb. II, 1863,
Aug, 25, 1862*
Jan, 8, 1863.
Oct 24. 1864.
Dec, 16, 1864.

Aug. 20, 1862.
Nov. 23, 1863.
Aug. 22, i86j.
July 9, 1863.

Aug, 25, 1862.
March 4. 1863.
Dec, I, 1863,
Feb. 13, 1865.
May 9, 1865.
Aug. 2$, i862»
Aug* 20. 1862.
May 9. 1865.
Aug. 27, 1862.
Jan. 19, 1864.
April 6, 1S64.
vKav^ II. 1864.
April 29, 1863.
Oct. 28, 1863.

Naunei and Rank,

Second Lteutenanis,

Henry T, AnshuU,
John B, Lydkk,
James Whuiingham,
Henry R. McCord,
Joseph CaWweU^

David M. Blaynry,
James C, Peirson,
James R, Durham,
AsaS. Hugili,

Thomas H. Raymond,
Joha T. Ben Gough^
Francis H. Peirpoint Jr.,
Duncan Cunningham,
Craven Smith,
Elam F. Pigott,
Thomas H. Means,
William D, Mariin»
Thomas W. Bradley,
xMilton B. Campbell,
William Heweit.
Josiah M. Curtis,
John R. Brcnneman,
John A. Uriggs,

Co.

B
C
C

D
D
E
E

F
F
F
F
F
G
H
H
I
I
I
I

K
K

Remarki.

Honorably discharged.
Resigned December 25, 1862.
Promoted to Captain and A. O. M., U. S* Vols.
Promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant*
j Killed in the assault and capture of Ft. Gregg,

whilst planting the rcgtl. colors on the Ft.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant,
Promoted to I5t Lieutenant.
Promoted to Captain and transferred to loth

W. Va. Infantry.
Resigned February 7, 1863.
Killed in action at Winchester,

Pronraotcd to Jst Lieutenant.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Killed in action at Winchester.
Promoted lo isi Lieutenant.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

The Twelfth West Virginia Infantry,

The Twelfth West Virginia Infantr}' was organized August, 1862, with
John B. Khmk, colonel; Robert S. Northcott^ heutenant-colonel; and
Francis P. Peirpoint> major. Its early service was performed in West Vir-
ginia in scouting* guard duty, etc. In January, 1863, w^e find the regiment
at Winchester, in the Middle Department, Eighth Army Corps, General
Milroy's division. In March, it is a part of Col. Geo, Hay^s brigade, still at
Winchester. May 11, it is at Clarksburg in General Roberts' command.
June I, at Grafton; again at Winchester, June 13 to 15, participating in
MiIroy*s disastrous defense of that place, when the regiment Inst two ofBcers
and six enlisted men killed, one officer and 35 wounded. In this engage-
ment Lieut. James R. Durham, of Co. E, while gallanUy leading his com-
pany in the fight was severely wounded in the right arm and hand.

On Jime 30, it was at Bloody Run, in Col. L. B. Pierce's brigade;

GALLANTRY AT THE BATTLE OF FORT GREGG.

July 14, at Hagerstown, in CoL A, T. McReynold's brigade; August 31, at
Martinsburg, in General Kelley*s department; September i, 1863, Colonel
Klunk resigned. December 10 > at Charles town, in command of Major Cur-
tis* December 3i> in General Sulli%^aii's division, CoL Geo. B. WelTs brigade;
January 26, 1S64, Major Curtis promoted to colonel and in command of the
regiment at Harper's Ferry. At New Creek, February i, opposed to Early*s
and Rosser's advance upon that place. April i, at Cumberland^ In Colonel
Thoburn's brigade, Sigel's department; April 15, at Webster and Beverly,
May 15, at New Market^ in the Shenandoah Valley^ in the battle between
Sigel and Breckinridge, two killed and fifteen wounded. July iS, at Snick-
er's Ferry, in Colonel Thoburn's brigade, July 24 and 25, at Kernstown in
General Crook's commandj Div.-CoL Wm. G. Eh^'s brigade, two killed, 19
wounded. September ig, at battle of Opequon, Lieutenant-Colonel North-
cott commanding brigade. October 19, at battle of Cedar Creek, under
General Sheridan ^ Colonel Curtis commanding brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel
North cott commanding regiment. In March, 1865, several West Virginia
regiments were transferred to the Army of the Potomac, and were incorpo-
rated in the 24th Army Corps. The 12th Regiment was assigned to the 3d
Brigade of that corps, under command of Col, William B, Curtis, of the 12th,
as brigade commander*

While the brigade was in camp at New Market, Va., eight miles below
Richmond, it received orders on the 27th of March to proceed at once to the
left of our lines on Hatcher's Run, to co-operate in a general movement
against the enemy. The advance troops struck the enemy's lines at the
angle where their works began to retire, and crossed Hatcher's Run, silenc-
ing two forts, carrying one of them and the line of works between them by
assault. The assault on the 2d of April, upon Forts Whitworth and Gregg,
and two or three smaller works, were performed under the immediate obser-
vation of General Grant, who in hi^s official report makes mendon of the
troops engaged. The Third Brigade (Colonel Curtis) captured Fort Whit-
worth and one or two smaller works, taking a large number of prisoners,
^vhilst the 12th West Virginia Regiment, operating in this brigade, aided in
taking Fort Gregg, and distinguished itself for gallantry in the desperate
hand-to-hand conflict which the attack on that fort involved. The colors of
the 1 2th West Virginia were the first planted on the works. The gallant
color-bearer, Private J. R, Logsdon, of Co, C, was shot dead upon planting
the colors there. Several other of the regiment were killed inside the fort,
among whom were the gallant Lieut- Joseph Caldwell, of Co. C; Lieut.
Josiah M, Curtis, Corporal Andrew Apple, and Private Joseph McCausland,
of tills regiment; each won from tlie Government a mai'k of distinction for

286 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

their gallantry in this desperate conflict. Maj.-Gen'l John Gibbon, com-
manding the corps, presented to the regiment a golden eagle for their flag-
staff, with the following inscription neatly engraved upon it, viz.: ** Pre-
sented by Maj.-Gen'l John Gibbon to the 12th W. Va. Volunteer Infantry,
for Gallant Conduct in the Assault upon Fort Gregg, April 2, 1865."

The regiment was mustered out of the service at Burksville, Va., June
r6, 1865. The regiment lost during the war, killed and died of wounds,
three oflScers and 56 men; died of disease, 131 men. Total 190.

CHAPTER XLI.

THIRTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Thirteenth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of the Regiment to the Dale of Muster Out, June 22, 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Sep. 16, 1862.

Aug. 20, 1862.
Oct. 27, 1864.

March 11, 1864.
Dec. 13, 1864.
March 10, 1865.

July 23, 1862.
June 6, 1863.
Jan. 20, 1865.

Aug. 20. 1862.

Aug. 22, 1862.
Feb 5, 1864.

May 6, 1863.
Feb. 8, 1864.

March 20, 1864.
April 5, 1865.

Sep. 9, 1862.
Aug. 14, 1863.
Oct. 30. 1864.
Aug. 25, 1862.
Oct. 31, 1864.
Sep. 12, 1862.
Sep. 25, 1863.
Feb. 18, 1865.
Sep. 12, 1862.
Jan. 20, 1865.
Oct. 8, 1862.

Names and Rank.

Colonel.
William R. Brown.
Lieutenant' Colonels,
James R. Hall,
Milton Stewart.

Majors,
William P. Rucker,
Albert F. McCown,
Lemuel HarpoUI.

1st Lieut, and Adft.
William I. Mathews,
John S. Cunningham,
Francis W. Sisson,
I St Lieut. andR. Q.M.
Stephen Comstock.

Surgeons.
Samuel G. Shaw,
Charles D. Dalley.

Assistant Surgeons.
Abraham D. Williams.
Jacob Lallance.

Chaplains,
William W. Harper,
Abraham R. Crislip.

Captains.
James W. Johnson,
Greenbury Slack,
George Danner,
Milton Stewart,
William C. Greenlee,
Van D McDaniel,
Lemuel Harpold,
William M. Hovey,
Simon Williams,
Henry C. Williamson,
John D. Carter,

Co.

Remarks.

A
A
A
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
£

Killed in action at Cedar Creek, Va.

Resigned November 23, 1864.
Resigned February 13, 1865.

Promoted to Captain, Company H.
Resigned January 10, 1865.

Resigned September 29, 1863.

Resigned January 31, 1865.

Resigned March 2, 1865.

Appointed in U. S. colored troops.
Killed in action at Winchester.

Promoted to Lieutenant-ColoneL

Died at Point Pleasant, W. Va., 1863.
Promoted to Major.

Resigned on Surgeon's certificate of disability.

288

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

Date I

of CommU«ion. |

Names and Rank.

Oct. 31, 1864.
Oct. 8, 1862.
Dec. 14, 1864.
Jan. 27, 1864.
Nov. 5, 1862.
April I, 1863.
I)fc. 18, 1863.
Jan. 7, 1865.
Feb. 9, 1864.
Oct. 31, 1864.

Sep. 9, 1862.
kM%, 14, 1863.
Oct. 31, 1864.
Sep. 12, 1863.
Oct. 31, 1864.
Sep. 12, 1862.
Sep. 25, 1863.
Feb. 18, 1865.
Sep. 12, 1862.
Feb. 7. 1865.
Oct. 8, 1862.
Oct. 8, 1862.
Dec. 14, 1864.
Feb. I, J 864.
March 18, 1865,
Sep. 12, 1862.
April 3, 1864.
March 18. 1865
Jan 21, 1863.
Dec. 18, 1863.
Jan. 7, 1865.
Sep. 30, 1863.
Feb. I. 1864.
Oct. 31, 1864.

Sep. 9, 1862.
Feb. 4, 1863.
Oct, 31. 1864.
St*p. 12, 1862.
Fib. 7, i86s.
Oct. 31. 1864.
Sep. 12, 1862.
Sep. 25, 1863.
Feb. 18. 1865.
Jan. 9, 1863.

Captains,
John H. Rosier,
Albert F. McCown,
Timothy Russell,
Allen C. Mason,
Taylor W. Hampton,
William I. Mathews,
William E. Feazel,
Peter Darnel,
Henry Stump,
Joseph E. McCoy,

First Lieutenants,
Greenbury Slack,
George Danner,
Samuel S. Mathers,
Lovell C. Rayburn,
Alfred F. Sullivan,
Lemuel Harpold,
William M. Hovcy,
John P. Wood,
James W. Hanna,
Michael Roseberry,
William N. Hawkins,
Timothy Russell,
Joseph Brumley,
John Jones,
Edward B. St. John,
Oliver W. Griswold,
William Perdue,
Jacob Plybon,
William E. Feazel,
Peter Darnel,
William Shannon,
Henry Stump,
Joseph E. McCoy,
Wm. P. Cunningham,
Second Lieutenants,
Theophilus Maher,
Samuel S. Mathers,
Robt. H. Davis,
Charles T. Latham,
Robt. O. Boggess,
Silas Morgan,
William E. Feazel,
John P. Wood,
Wm. McDaniel.
George Snowden,

Co.

E
F
F
G
H
H
I
I

K
K

A
A
A
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
E
F
F
G
G
H
H
H

K
K
K

A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D

Remarks.

Promoted to Major.

Resigned March 10, 1863.

Resigned Dec. 19, 1864.

Resigned on certificate of disability.

Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.

Died from wounds received at Winchester.

Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.

Discharged on account of physical disability.

Promoted to Captain.

Discharged by order of War Department.

Taken prisoner and killed while in prison.
Discharged by order of War Department

Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.

Resigned February i, 1863.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Resigned January 18, 1865.
Transferred to Company E.

Transferred to Company L
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Resigned September 18, 1864.

iNlZATION AND MUSTER IN OF THE REGIMENT

289

D(it«

Names and Rank

Co.

Remarks

of Commitsion.

Second LuuieHants,

Oct. 31, 1S64.

Michael Rose berry.

Proofioted to ist Lieutenant

Feb. 7, 1865.

Hezekiah ScolU

Oct. 28, 1862,

John H. Rosier.

Promoted to Captain.

Feb. 7. 1865.

Robert 0. Boggess,

OcL 8, 1862.

Joseph Brumley,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Dec. I4t 1864.

Francis W. Sissoa,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant and Adjutant,

May 8, 1865.

Joseph Pounds.

Jan. 27, 1864.

Arthur W. Darnell,

Discharged on account of physical disability.

March 18. 1865.

Joseph B. Gilpin.

Dec. 5. 1862.

John B. Bumgardner.

Resigned December 31. 1862.

Jan. 9, 1863.

William Perdue.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Aprils. 1864.

Harvey Dunkle.

Dec. 18, 1863.

Wm. Shannon,

Promoted to ist LieutenanL

Jan. 7. 1865-

John H. Davis.

Fcb. 1, 1864.

Wm. W. Harper.

Appointed Chaplain of regiment.

April 29. 1864. 1

James Wilson.

Resigned October 18. 1864.

Oct. 31, 1864.

Johi; M, Young,

The Thirteenth Infantry W. Va, Volunteers-

The Thirteenth Infantry Regiment was organized October, 1862, with
the following field officers; William R. Brown, colonel; James R. Hall,
Heutenant-coloneK The regiment served in the Kanawha Valley during the
first year of the war, mostly doing guard duty and scouting by detachments
of companies. In May, 1863^ the regiment was placed in the brigade of
CoL Rutherford B. Hayes, and continoed to serve under Colonel Hayes for
about 18 months. During this period the regiment experienced considerable
hard service.

In May, 1864, the regiment, 720 men, received orders to march at 8 A.
M, the following day. The march was via Lewisburg. Crossed the main
Alleghanies, June 2; Hot Springs, June 4; skirmished with the enemy at
Warm Spring Mountain ; at Goshen on the Virginia Central Railroad on the
5th and 6th, the time being devoted to destroying the railroad* June 7,
crossed the mountain at Pond Gap; arrived at Staunton June 8, where it
joined General Hunter's command. On ilie loth, Hunter started on his
advance from Staunton; in a skirmish on that day, near the village of New-
port, the regiment had several men wounded. June 11, was present at the
battle of Lexington; crossed the James River at Buchanan on the 14th;
crossed the Blue Ridge on the iSth; arrived at Liberty, county seat of Bed-
ford County, on the i6th; the day was devoted to destroying the Virginia
and Tennessee Railroad. June 17, at 10 P, M,, the regiment was assigned

290

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 186 r TO 1863.

its place in line of battle for the following day before Lynchburg. June 18,
at sunrise, the enemy opened heavily with artillery. During the morning the
regiment was deployed to the right of the town ; at noon the force was concen-
trated at the centre ; was again deployed in line of battle in front of the brigade
at I P. M., and slowly advanced under a heavy artillery and musketry fire
towards the enemy's w^orks, and remained before the works until 8 P. M.,
when the legiment w^as ordered to take position one mile beyond the village
of New London, Loss in this engagement six men wounded.

June 20, was at Buford*s Gap. Recrossed the Alleghany Mountains
in the evening of June 24; at Meadow^ Bluff, 25; crossed Gauley River,
June 28; encamped below Elk River July i. Distance marched since May
30, 480 miles. Colonel Hayes' brigade, to which this regiment was attached,
on this expedition consisted of the 23d Ohio, Lieut.-Col. James M. Comly;
36th Ohio, CoL Hiram F, Devol ; 5th West Virginia, CoL Abia A. Tomlin-
son; 13th West Virginia, CoU Wm, R. Brown. At the battle of Winches*
ter, Va., on July 24 and 25, CoL Hayes' brigade was attached to Duval's
division, Eighth Army Corps. The 13th Regiment displayed conspicuous
gallantry in this battle. Colonel Hayes in his report of the engagement
makes this special mention: *'The 13th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry,
Colonel Brown, w^as never in a general engagement before- The officers
and men of this regiment^ under the circumstances^ I deem worthy of
special commendation." The regiment lost in this engagement 14 killed,
50 wounded, 1$ missing,

January 31, 1864, the regiment was in Col, Abia A. Tomlinson's First
Brigade^ still in Kelley's division, April 2, 1S64, we find the regiment at
Cumberlandj Md., as part of General Sigers command. At Cedar Creek,
October 19, 1864, the regiment again showed its sticking qualities; Lieut-
Col, James R. Hall was killed in this engagement w^hile gallantly leading
his men.

The regiment lost during the war, 4 ofGcers and 57 enlisted men killed
in action; died of disease, i officer and 107 men. Total 169.

■Mfa^Mi

CHAPTER XLII.
FOURTEENTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fourteenth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out. June 27, 1865.

Date
of Cominiiiflion.

Aug. 20, 1862.

July 29, 1863.

Aug. 21, 1862.

July 20, 1863.

Aug. 21, 1862.
July 29, 1863,

Aug. 22. 1862.
Dec. 14, 1862.

Aug. 20, 1862.

Aug. 22, 1862.
Feb. 6, 1864.

Aug. 23, 1862.
Nov. 22, 1862.
June 5, 1863.
March 25, 1864,

Nov. I, 1862.

Aug. 19, 1862.
Aug. 21, 1862.
April 8, 1864.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Aug. 21, 1862.
July 29, 1863.

Names and Rank.

Colonels,
Andrew S. Core,

Daniel D. Johnson.
Lieutenant- Colonels,
Chapman T. Stuart.

George W. Taggart,

Majors,
Daniel D. Johnson,
Shriver Moore.
ist Lieut, and Adfts,
Wm. H. Gillespie,
Hunter H. Moss.
1st Lieut, and R, Q, M,
James E. Hooten. '

Surgeons,
John W. Moss,
James H. Manown.
Assistant Surgeons,
Walter S. Welsh,
James L. Gillespie,
Charles A. Thacker,
James H. Brownfield.

Chaplain,
John L. Irwin,

Captains,
Jacob Smith,
Clinton Jeffers,
John D. Elliott,
Oliver P. JoUiffe,
George W. Taggart,
Andrew Mather,

Co.

Remarks.

A
B
B
C
D
D

Discharged April 14, 1863, by special order of
War Dept.

Promoted to Colonel.

Discharged for the good of the service.

Died of disease at Petersburg, Va.

Promoted to Surgeon i Sth W. Va. Infantry.

Resigned March 12, 1864.

Discharged for disability, January 18, 1865.

Dismissed March i, 1864.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Killed in action near Winchester, Va.

^^^^^H 392

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM tS6r TO 1865. ^^k

^^^^^^^^H

Names and Rjink.

Co.

Remarkm. ^^^|

^^^^^^^^^^1

^^^^H

Captains,

^^^^^^1 17, 1864.

James H. Rider,

Appointed Capt. and A. A. G., U, S. Vols. ^H

^^^^^^H Aug.

Sh river Moore.

Promoted to Major. ^^^L

^^^^^^H

Wm. M. Powell,

^^^^^H

Elias Y. Salterfield. * ,

Resigned Apr. 27. 1863. ^H

^^^^^^B May

Esrom Arnctl,

Resigned March 6, 1865. ^H

^^^^^^1 XS65,

Davi<l B, Mcllwain,

^^^^^H Sep.

Jacob M. Rcilz,

^^^^^^H

Henry M. Ice,

Resigned February 28, 1865, on account of ^H
wounds received in action* ^H

^^^^^^B

James W. Shroycr,

^^^^^^H

Elias C FinncU,

^^L

^^^^^^B Sep.

Alfred L, Hoult,
First Lieutenants.

^^^1

^^^^^^H 19.

Wm. W. Lewis.

Died of disease. September 22, 1864, ^^|

^^^^^H

Wm. P. Greene,

Died of wounds received in action at Fisher*s ^^|
Hill. Va. ^H

^^^^^^1

Elijah L. Wade.

^^^^^^1 Aug. 2f , 1862,

John D. Elliott,

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^^H 8. 1864.

John M, JeflTers^

^^^^^H Aug.

Granville Brown,

Discharged by order of Secretary of War. ^^^H

^^^^^^1

George H. Hard man.

Killed in action, near Burlington. W. Va. V^^H

^^^^^^1

John W. Bishop,

Discharged on account of disability, ^^H

^^^^H

Isaac N. Holland.

^^^^^^B Aug.

Andrew Mather,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^L

^^^^^^1

James H. Rider,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^L

^^^^^^H 26, 1864.

Reuben B. Taylor,

^^H

^^^^^^H

Wm. M. Powell

E ;

Promoted to Captain. ^^|

^^^^^^1 Aug.

Wift Morris,

Resigned March 29, 1S64. ^^|

^^^^^^1 Mar. 26, 1864.

John W. Buck,

Killed in action at Carter's Farm. Va. ^^|

^^^^^H 6, 1864*

Zenas Martin,

^^^^^H Sep.

John M. Satterfield.

Resigned April 14, 1863. ^^|

^^^^^H May 26. 1863.

David B. Mcllwain,

Promoted to Captain. ^^^H

^^^^^H 1S65.

Thomas M. Reed,

^^^H

^^^^^^H

James W. Shroyer,

Promoted to Captain, Company H. ^^^|

^^^^^^

Wm. G, Lowther.

^^1

^^^^^^1 Aug.

Newton S. Beaty,

Dismissed. ^^^k

^^^^^^1

George W. Jollilfe,

H 1

^^1

^^^^^^H Aug.

Uriah Griffith,

I 1

Died of wounds received in action at Cloyd's ^^|

Mountain. ^^^L

^^^^^H I a, 1 864.

James B, Fogle,

Dismissed January 10. 1S65. ^^^L

^^^^^H

Silas W. Hare,

I '

^^^

^^^^^H Sep.

John A. Wiley.

K ,

Dismissed by General Order of War Dept, ^^|

^^^^^H 12. 1865.

Cornelius M. Hoult,
Second Lieutenants^

■

^^^^^^H

Eli Davis,

Discharged, ^H

^^^^^^1

William P. Green,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, ^^^

G. W, TAGGART,
BuEVET Colonel 14th West Virginia Infantry.

ORGANIZATION AND MUSTER IN OF THE 14 W. VA, INFT, 293

Dale

N«^u and Rank.

Co.

# —

ofConimtuiofi.

Sic&nd Lieutenants,

Aug. 6. 1864,

Elijah L. Wade,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Mar. 15, 1865.

Andrew J. Charter.

Aug. 21, 1862.

John M. Jeffers.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Aug. 22, 1S62.

Henry Bell.

Discharged.

Aug. 12, 1 86 J,

Isaac N. Holland.

Fromoled to 1st Lieutenant.

Aug. 21. 1862.

James H. Rider,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

July 29, 1863.

Edward M. Hoit,

Discharq;ed on account of wounds received in
action at Cloyd's Mountam, Va.

Feb. 7. 1865.

Lewis Beckwith,

Aug. 25, 1862.

Wirt Morris,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Aug. 12, 1883.

J. B. Williamson,

Sep. 2, 1862.

Esrom Arnctl,

Promoted lo Captain.

May 26, 1863, 1

Thomas M. Reed,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Sep. 12, 1862.

Philip Sigler,

Resigned April 13. 1864.

Aug. 22, 1862.

Cornel ius M. Hoult,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Co. K.

Aug. 12, 1863.

Robert N. Hess,

Killed m action at Fisher*s Hill, Va.

Oct. 27, 1864.

George W. Jolliffe,

Promoted to ist Liculenaat.

Mar. 15, 1865.

Isaac N. Martin,

Sep. 10, 1862.

Joseph R. Peck,

[

Resigned December 28, 1862.

Jan. 7. 1863.

Wm, S* Morrison,

Died from wounds received in action at Cedar
Creek, Va.

Sep. 16, 1862.

John J. Wise,

Dismissed by G. O. of War Drparimenl.

Aug, 12, 1863.

G. W. Cunningham,

Dismissed by G. 0, of War Department.

Nov. 29, 1864.

T. W, Boydston,

The Fourteenth W, Va. Infantrv.

The Fourteenth W. Va. Infantry was organized August^ 1862, with the
following field officers: Andrew S. Core, colonel; Chapman J. Stuart, lieu-
tenant-colonel, and Daniel D. Johnson, major. The regiment served main-
ly in West Virginia^ in Gen 'Is I. H. Duval's and George Crook's divisions,
Eighth Army Corps. The regiment was one of West Virginia's busy, fight-
ing regiments, its loss in killed and wounded during the war testifying to the
truth of this statement. A few of the principal battles in which it was
engaged, were: Burlington, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Car-
ter s Farm, Cloyd*s Mountain and others, the officers generally showing good
judgment and gallant conduct on the battefield.

Colonel Core, having by request received his discharge, April 14, 1863,
Maj. Daniel D. Johnson was promoted to colonel and served gallantly to the
close of the war. Lieut. -Col, George W. Taggart, whose portrait accom-
panies this sketch, was an active officer of the regiment, and in the absence
of the colonel, Colonel Taggart w^as to be found at the head of the regiment,

294

LOVAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO /S6j.

displaying at all times military skill. He was on several occasions compli-
mented in orders by his superior officers.

Many of the company officers performed deeds of heroism that are
worthy of records Capt, Jacob Smith, of Co. A, is deserving a medal for
gallantry in the following episode. In the spring of 1S63, the captain with
his company was ordered to Greenland Gap, W* Va., to reenforce a company
of the 23d Illinois Infantry. The two companies were stationed in two log
houses at the cut. The Confederate General Jones, with his command,
appeared on the scene. He charged the tw^o companies, and was driven
back. He charged again and again, but was as often driven away by the
well-directed fire of the two companies, with considerable loss. Jones
demanded the surrender. The Illcnois captain who ran short of ammunition,
did surrender, he, being the senior ofBcer, ordered Captain Smith to do like-
wise. But Captain Smith replied, **I have some ammunition left,'' and con-
tinued to fight. Jones threatened to blow the house to fragments, but Smith
was resolute and continued to fight* Under cover of the large chimney, the
Confederates approached the house and set it on lire. Still Smith declined
to surrender, nor did he until his last cartridge was gone, when the gallant
captain and his men left the burning building, now half consumed, stacked
arms and gave themselves up as prisoners.

An incident in which the 14th Regiment bore a novel and unenviable
part w^ll be read with interest by those who participated. The affair hap-
pened near Winchester on the 24th of July, 1864. Colonel Johnson was in
command of a brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Taggart was in command of the
regiment* Colonel Johnson's brigade was on the right of the line of battle,
the 14th Regiment on the left of the brigade, some distance from the regiment
next on its right, in one of those low places so numerous in the valley. When
Colonel Taggart was assigned his position in line his orders were to ** remain
there until ordered away." The battle opened all along the line. The con-
cealed position of the regiment was such that neither Colonel Taggart nor any
of his command had observed that the entire line had fallen back nearly two
miles. Notwithstanding his positive orders, Colonel Taggart had two things
confronting him and he must choose between the capture of his regiment or
to fight his way to the rear. The enemy were to the right and the left of
him. A thick growth of friendly sycamore bushes that skirted the road on
w hich the Confederate cavalry were then marching, sheltered the regiment
from the view of the marching cavalry. So Colonel Taggart waited the
opportunity and when a breach in the enemy's column presented itself the
order was given, and over two fences, across the road, vrith one volley that
startled the enemy, and the regiment was soon in line with the brigade, well
pleased with its escape.

HAZARDOUS ASCENT OF MASSANUTTON MOUNTAIN

295

At Cedar Creek, on the night of August 14, 1S64, General Crook
ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Taggart, who was in command of the regiment,
to move at one o'clock that night, cross the Shenandoah River, and reach
Massanutton Mountain before daylight the next morning, to ascend the
momitain and establish a signal stadon on the north point of it. The regi-
ment moved and was under cover of the timber at the foot of the mountain
before daylight* Company A, Captain Smith, was sent forward as an
advance guard with a citizen as guide. The Captain misunderstood the
instructions given him, and moved up the mountain at its north end, where
from the summit some distance down there was no timber. The enemy had
considerable force at that point; when Captain Smith came within range
they fired upon him; the enemy were concealed behind rocks, and the cap-
tain was compelled to retire. However, the presence of Captain Smith at
this point of the mountain enabled the regiment to pass around and reach the
summit of the mountain a mile in the rear of the force that had fired upon
Captain Smith, and a mile or more inside Early's lines.

The ascent of the mountain was hazardous; the under brush was so
dense that it was with great difficulty a man could get throygh. The regi-
ment, however, was equal to almost any demands upon it, and it finally
reached the mountain top. Lieutenant-Colonel Taggart placed his regiment
in a defensive position, and gave it over to Major Moore, wOiile the colonel
and the officers of the signal corps were providing for their posidon, when
the Confederates discovered the force in their rear, and quietly made their
way to w^ithin a short distance of Major Moore's line, and opened fire upon
them. Major Moore at once advanced his men, and drove the enemy back
to his breastworks of stone across the top of the mountain. There was a
still larger force of the enemy lying under cover on a spur of the mountain
towards Strasburg, which Major Moore could not see. But, before he went
far enough to enable this force to get in his rear, Colonel Taggart, after a
short engagement, wisely fell back. The regiment lost two men killed and
several wounded. The regiment arrived in *camp at i o'clock, after a hard
march that brought poor returns. The regiment bore a conspicuous part at
the battle of Carter s Farm, July 20, 1S64, having 20 killed and 52 wounded,
and atCloyd's Mountain, May 9, 1864, where 13 w^ere killed and 62 wounded.

The regiment lost during the war, killed in battle and died of wounds,
7 officers and 81 enlisted men; died of disease and accident, i officer and 156
enlisted men* Total deaths 245. The regiment was mustered out of ser-
vice at Cumberland, Md., June 27, 1865, At the close of the war, Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Taggart was promoted by Pesident Johnson brevet colonel for
meritorious conduct in battle during the war.

CHAPTER XLIII.
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Fifteenth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out, June 14, 1865.

Date
of Commwiilon.

Name* and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Dec. 4, 1862.
Sep. 22, 1864.

Sep. 6. 1862.
Dec. 4. 1862.
Aug. 8, 1864.
Sep. 22, 1864.

Sept. 24. 1862.
Oct. 16, 1862.
Aug. 8, 1864.
Sep. 22, 1864.

Sep. 12, 1862.
Sep. 10, 1864.

Jan. 29, 1863.
Sep. 7. 1864.

Sep. 5. 1862.
March 19, 1863.

Nov. II, 1862.
Feb. II, 1864.
Jan. 14. 1863.

Jan. 24, 1863.

Sep. 2, 1862.
Dec. 14, 1864.
Sep. 4, 1862.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Jan. 23. 1864.

Colonels,
Maxwell McCaslin,
Milton Wells,

Lieutenant' Colonels.
Maxwell McCaslin,
Thomas Morris,
Milton Wells,
John W. Holliday.

Majors,
Thomas Morris,
Milton Wells,
John W. Holliday,
Fenelon Howes.

1st Lt. and Adfts,
John W. Holliday,
Albert L. Wells.
1st Lis, and R. Q, M.
David H. Yant,
David Jenkins,
Philip H. Heermans.

Surgeons,
David L. Starr,
Walter S. Welsh,

Assistant Surgeons.
Robert G. Dovener,
James F. Howe,
James J. Johnson.

Chaplain.
Gideon Martin.

Captains.
James Humes,
Blackburn B. Dovener,
Michael Eagan,
James Devoir,
John McCaskey,

Resigned Sept. 7, 1864.
Discharged April 6, 1865, on account of disa-
bility from wounds received in action.

Promoted to Colonel.

Killed in action at Snicker's Ferry Va.

Promoted to Colonel.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

Promoted to Major.

Resigned Jan. 10, 1863.
Dismissed August i, 1864.

Resigned March i, 1863.

Resigned Sept. 18, 1863.
Resigned Nov. 29, 1864.

Dismissed November 21, 1864.

Discharged on account of physical disability.

CAPTAINS AND LIEUTENANTS OF THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 297

Date
of Commission.

Sep. 6, 1862.
Oct. 27, 1863.

Aug. 22, 1862.

Oct. 3, 1864.
Sep. II, 1862.
Jan. 18, 1865.
Sep. 18, 1862.
Sep. 29. 1862.
May 8, 1865.
Sep. 19, 1862.
Nov. 10, 1864.
March 17, 1864,

Sep. 2, 1862.
May 12, 1865.
Sep. 4, 1862.
Oct. 27. 1863.
Jan. 18, 1865.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Jan. 23, 1864.
Jan. 18. 1865.
Sep. 6, 1862.
Dec. 8, 1862.
Sep. 4, 1863.
Aug. 22, 1862.
Oct. 3, 1864.
Sep. II, 1862.
June 20, 1864.
Jan. 18, 1865.
Sep. 18, 1862.
Nov. 25, 1864.
Sep. 29, 1862.
Sep. II, 1862.
June 6, 1863.
June 20, 1863.
Nov. 10, 1864.
Feb. 23, 1864.
Mar. 7, 1864.

June 20, 1864.
Aug. 12, 1864.

Sep. 2, 1862.
Dec. 10, 1862.
Sep. 12, 1864.
Feb. 7, 1865.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Captains,
Jasper Peterson,
William J. Nicolcs,
Washington M, Paul,
Cornelius Gandy,
Fenelon Howes,
Fvd. G. W. Ford.
Sidney F. Shaw,
John B. Lukins,
Alexander Frew,
Henry Newman,
Robt. L. Byrnes,
Sylvester Porter,

First Lieutenants,
Blackburn B. Dovencr,
Edward L. Pratt,
Wm. J. Nicoles,
John W. DeUmorc,
Patrick Powers,
John McCaskcy,
Eli M. Bell,
John S. McGill,
Edward H. Hall,
William C. Batton,
Wm. D. Hoff,
Cornelius Gandy,
A. E. Fortney,
Daniel Boyles,
Frederick G. W. Ford.
Charles M» Groves,
James J. Fulton,
Thomas P. Butcher,
William L. Schoff,
David E. Flack,
Daniel McGruder,
Robert L. Byrnes,
Thomas G. Nash,
Sylvester Porter,
Robert M. Haveley,

Andrew W\ Cotts,
James R. Lazear,

Second Lieutenants,
David Dawkins,
Sylvester Porter,
Harry Hinkley,
Edward L. Pratt,

D
D
E
E
F
F
G
H
H
I
I
K

K
K

A
A
A
A

Remarks.

Resigned October 23, 1863.
Dismissed July, 1864.
Promoted to Major.

Discharged on account of physical disability.
Discharged on account of physical disability.

Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to Captain Co. D.

Discharged on account of physical disability.

Promoted to Captain.

Discharged on account of physical disability.

Died of disease at Cumberland, Md.
Discharged by order of War Department.

Promoted to Captain.
Resigned May 31, 1865.
Dismissed February 25, 1864.
Promoted to Captain.

Discharged on account of physical disability.

Resigned April 3, 1861.
Resigned April 6, 1S64.
Promoted to Captain.

Promoted to Captain.

Died of wounds received in action at Cloyd':

Mountain, Va.
Killed in action at Winchester, Va.

Resigned November 27, 1862.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Co. K.
Dismissed November 22, 1864.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

^^H 298 LOVAI. WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj. ^^H

^^^^H Dnto

Nanie«aJii]Rmfik.

Co.

Remarks. ^^^^^|

Second LiiuUnanis.

^^1

^^^H Sep. 4, 1862.

John W, Detamore,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^^^|

^^^H Oct 27, 1865.

Patrick Powers.

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant. ^^^^|

^^^H Aug. 22, 1S62.

Eli M. Bell,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^H

^^^H Jan, 1864.

John S. McGiil,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^H

^^^1 Jan* 18, 1865.

Salem Grim,

^^^H

^^^1 Sep. 6, 1862.

Wm. C Ballon,

Promoted to tst Lieutenanl. ^^^^|

^^^1 Dec.

Mifflin Cutrighl,

Resigned November 18, 1S64. ^^^^|

^^^H Dec. 1864,

Amos M. Penningcr,

^^^^1

^^^H Aug. 22, 1S62.

James H. Jackson,

Resigned January 25, 1863. ^^^^H

^^^B Feb. 4,

AshFord E. Fortney.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^|

^^^B Oct

Wm. F. Warthen,

^^^^1

^^^H

Fred. G.W. Ford.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^H

^^^H June 20. 1S64.

William G. W. Price,

Dishonorably dismissed. ^^^^H

^^H Feb.

Thomas T. Baker.

^^^^1

^^^1 Nov. 22.

Thomas P. Bytchcr,

Promoted 10 ist Lieu tenant ^^^^|

^^^H Nov. 25, 1S64.

Henry C. Scott,

^^^1

^^^H Sep. 29, 1862.

William Leonard,

Discharged on account of physical disability. ^^H

^^^H Jan.

Thomas L. Higgins,

Discharged on account of disability. ^^^^H

^^^1 Sep. 20. 1 862.

Daniel Magruder.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^H

^^^H June 6.

William D. Hofr,

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Co. D. ^^^^H

^^^1

Robert L. Byrnes,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^|

^^^^H June 20, 1865.

Albert L. Wells.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant and Adjutant. ^^^^H

^^^H Sep. 10, 1864.

Thomas 0. Nash,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^H

^^^H Nov. 30, 1864. '

Isaac Winters,

^^^H

^^^1 FeK 23, 1864.

Robert M. Havelcy.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant. ^^^^H

^^^^ March 7, 1S64.

Jesse Jato,

^^^^^B The Fifteenth West Virginia Infantry. ^^^H

^^^^^H The Fifteenth Infantry was organized September^ 1S62, with Maxwell ^H

^^^^^^ McCasiin, colonel; Thomas Morris, lieutenant-colonelj the latter having ^H

^^^H won his advancement by meritorious conduct as captain in the Seventh West ^H

^^^H Virginia Infantry, Milton Wells, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was ^H

^^^H commissioned major by Governor Peirpoint, October 16, 1S62. Major ^H

^^^H Wells assisted in recruiting this regiment, and like Lieutenant-Colonel Mor- ^H

^^^H ris, had seen hard service: first as a private of Company D, 27th Ohio ^H

^^^H Infantry; later was commissioned captain of the same company, serving as ^H

^^^H such with his regiment in Missouri until August, 1862, when he resigned to ^H

^^^H accept promotion in the 15111 W. Va. Infantry , rendering special service as ^H

^^^H drill master. This regiment took an active and gallant part in all the battles ^|

^^^B of the Shenandoah Valley^ from the time of its organization until the last ^H

^^H battle of Cedar Creek. ^^^|

MILTON WELLS,

Colonel 15th West Virginia Inft.

BATTLE OF SNICKER'S FERRY, COLONEL MORRIS KILLED.

299

At the battle of Snicker's Ferr}% Va,, July 18, 1S64, Lieutenant-Colonel
Morris was killed, and on August 8, 1864, Major Wells was promoted to
lieutenant-colonel. On September 7, 1864, Colonel McCaslin resigned his
commission, when Lieutenant-Colonel Wells succeeded to the colonelcy, and
was in command of his regiment at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19,
1864 > and he was the first to discover the Confederate forces advancing on
that notable morning, and ordered the firing of the first musketry in that
engagement. As a result, his command was the only one in that engage-
ment that left dead and wounded soldiers on the parapets. In this engage-
ment, Colonel Wells lost all of his personal baggage, equipments, etc., but
in the rally of the afternoon recaptured them, among which was his com-
mission as colonel. It was found in the pocket of a prisoner, covered with
mud and dirt, and in that condition it remains at this date, hung in a frame
at the colonel's residence in Iowa. During the engagement of the afternoon
of this day, Colonel Wells was wounded in the left hip, from which he
endures much suffering at the present time. This regiment served mostly in
the Eighth Army Corps in West Virginia, in Colonel Thoburn's brigade and
division* In the spring of 1864, tlie brigade in which the 15th W. Va. M'a<!
attached was transferred to the Army of the Potomac. On this march,
Colonel Wells caught cold in his wound, when sciatica was produced and
great suffering followed. On April 16, 1864, Colonel Wells was honorably
discharged, because of disability produced by this wound.

This regiment served with distinction in the Army of the Potomac, in
the 24th Corps, First Brigade, under the command of Brev* Maj.-Gen'l
Thomas ]\I. Harris, formerly colonel of the loth W. Va. Infantry. The
regiment was mustered out of the service at Richmond, Va., June 14, 1865,
having lost in battle during its term of service three officers and 50 enlisted
men; died of disease or accident contracted in the service one officer and 98
enlisted men. Total four otBcers, 148 enlisted men.

CHAPTER XLIV.

SIXTEENTH REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field. Staff and Company Officers of the Sixteenth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Out.

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Sep. 25, 1862.

Nov. 25, 1862.

Nov. 26, 1862.

Sep. 19, 1862.
June 6, 1863.

Sep. 19, 1862.

Nov. 25. 1862.

Sep. 20, 1862.

Sep. 20, 1862.
Sep. 20, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov 3. 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3. 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.

Sep. 20, 1862.
Sep. 10, 1862.
Oct. 17. 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Nov. 3. 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.

Colonel,
James T. Close.

Lieutenant- ColoneL
Samuel W. Snider.

Major,
Bernard C. Armstrong.

jst Lieut, and Adft,
A. G. Gaston,
Joseph B. Hamilton.
First Lieut, and i?. Q,A1,
Ceorge Cassady.
Surgeon.
D. W. Kilmer.

Asst, Surgeon,
William Osman.
Captains.
Frank M. Malone,
Albert C. Widdicombe,
John H. Birrell,
James H. Posey,
Sigmund Elble.
J. H. Behan,
Theodore Shaidley,
James S. Beavers,
Robert Mclntyre,
John W. Baden,

First Lieutenants,
Samuel J. Malone,
Charles F. Howes,
James Morrow,
Joseph Lamont,
John McCormick,
G. R. Robinson,
Joseph Wagner,

Resigned.

Resigned March 12, 1863.

ORGANIZATION AND MUSTER IN OF THE 16TH W, VA. INF7\ 301

Date
of CommiMion.

Nanies and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.

Sep. 20, 1862.
Nov. 26, 1862.
Sep. 20, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Dec. 15. 1862.
March 9. 1863.
Oct. I7t 1862.
April I, 1863.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.
Nov. 3, 1862.

First Lieutenants.
E. R. Longlcy,
Thomas O'Neill,
Fred. B. Daily,
Second Lieutenants,
Wm. H. Poynton,
George A. Amies,
Ward Hunting,
S. H. Johnson,
Alfred M. Sampson,
Morris M. Snider,
Saml. J. Stinchcombe,
Oscar F. Green,
James Thompson,
G. B. Hamilton,
Orin S. Baker,
John L. Kalfuss,
Nathaniel Wilson,
W. C. Burroughs,

H
I
K

A
A
B
C
C
C
D
D
E
F
G
H
I
K

Resigned November 17, 1862.
Dismissed Nov. 17, 1862.

Not mustered.

Resigned February 5, 1863.

Dismissed February 22, 1863.

The Sixteenth West Virginia Infantry.

The Sixteenth W. V. Infantry was organized and mustered into service
October 25, 1862, with the following field officers: James T. Close, colonel;
Samuel W. Snider, lieutenant-colonel ; and Bernard C. Armstrong, major.
The regiment served in the defenses of Washington during its term of service,
in January, 1863, under Brig.-Gen'l R. Cowdin, afterwards in Col. Bun-
Porter's brigade. In April, 1863, was attached to the brigade of Colonel
Tannatt. May 31, 1863, in General De Russy's brigade. The regiment
lost during its term, by sickness, sever, enlisted men.

CHAPTER XLV.

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT W. VA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field. Staff and Company Officers of the Seventeenth Regiment West Virginia
Infantry Volunteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of
Original Organization of said Regiment to the Date of Muster Cut, June 30. 1865.

of CooimiMioa.

Mar. 13. 1865.

Sep. 10. 1864.
Mar. 13. 1865.

Sep. 10. 1864.
Mar. 13, 1865.

Aug. 13. 1864.
Sep. 13. 1864.
Mar. 23, 1^65.

Aug. 17, 1864.

Dec. 15, 1864.

Sep. 16, 1894.
Mar. 29, 1865.

Mar. 8, 1865.

Sep. 6, 1864.
Sep. 7, 1864.
Sep. 8, 1864.
Sep. 9, 1864.
Mar. 23, 1865.
Sep. 9, 1864.
Mar. 23, 1865.
Sep. 10, 1864.
Feb. 18. 1865.
Feb. 21. 1865.
Feb. 23, 1865.
Feb 21, 1865.

Names and Rank.

Co. t

Remarks.

Colonel,
Charles H. Day.

Lieutenant' Colonels .
John S. McDonald,
William T. Head.

Majors.
Charles H. Day.
Frank L. Hicks.
First Lts. and Adjfs.
Charles H. Day.
William T. Head.
Benjamin F. Latham.
/St, Lieut, and R, Q, M.
Jacob W. Crane.
Surgeon,
Benoni Parkinson.

Assistant Surgeons,
James H. Ramsey.
William Stewart.
Chaplain.
Jeremiah L. Simpson.

Captains.
Arthur O. Baker,
Samuel B. Todd,
Nathaniel D. Helmick,
David W. Peden.
Edward S. Rider,
Frank L. Hicks,
Alpheus Garrison,
Morris M. Snyder,
Hanson Crisswell.
William D. Logsdon,
Samuel Holt,
Scott A. Harter,

B
C

D
D
E
E
F
G
H
I
K

Honorably discharged.

Promoted to Colonel.

Promoted to Major.

Promoted to Lieutenant-ColoneL

Resigned March 6, 1865.
Promoted to Major.

ORGANIZATION AND MUSTER OF THE jjTH W, VA, INFT, 303

, I^ate

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

of Commission

First Lieutenants.

Sep. 13, 1864.

Samuel A. Parriott,

Sep. 7, 1864.

Andrew J. Nuzum.

Sep. 8, 1864.

Henry Parkinson,

Sep. 9, 1864.

Edwards. Rider,

Promoted to Captain.

Mar. 23, 1865.

Eldridge Carter,

Sep. 9, 1864.

Harvey Staggers,

Discharged by order of the Secretary of War.

Sep. 10, 1864.

Thomas E. Davis,

Feb. 21. 1865.

George McC. Jones,

Feb. 21, 1865.

Francis Harris,

Feb. 24, 1865.

Thomas Rogers,

Feb. 21.1865.

Welcome Lee Farnum,
Second Lieutenants,

Sep. 13. 1864.

George W. Griffith,

Sep. 7, 1864.

Benjamin F. Latham,

Promoted to Lieutenant and Adjutant.

Mar. 23. 1865.

John C. Kuh,

Sep. 8. 1864.

Antony RaflFo,

Sep. 9, 1864.

A. H. McTaggart,

Resigned March 6, 1865.

Mar. 23, 1865.

John 0. M'Gowan,

Sep. 9, 1864.

Alpheus Garrison,

Promoted to Captain.

Sep. 10, 1864.

Hosea Matheny,

Feb. 21, 1865.

Andrew J. Vickers,

Feb. 21, 1865.

John W. Perry,

Feb. 23, 1865.

Moses Tichnell,

Feb. 26, 1865.

John Forman,

The Seventeenth West Virginia Infantry.

The 17th Infantry Regiment was organized in September, 1864. It
remained in General Kel ley's department during its term of enlistment.
The regiment lost by disease and wounds 25 enlisted men.

CHAPTER XLVI.
FIRST REGIMENT W. VA. VETERAN INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of the Field. Staff and Company Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia Veteran
Infantry Volunteers, formed by Consolidation of the 5th and 9ih Regiments \V. Va,
Infantry, Showing the Alterations and Casualties in said Regiment, from Novcmher 8,
1864, Date of said Consolidation, to the Date of Muster Out, July 21, 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Sep. 9, 1862.
Dec. 19, 1864.

Aug. 17. 1863.
Jan. 4. 1865.

Nov. 8, 1864.
Jan. 4, 1865.

Nov. 1, 1864.

Nov. 1, 1864.
Nov. I, 1864.

Nov. I, 1864.

March 3, 1865.

Nov. 14, 1864.

Aug. 15, 1863.
Feb. I, 1864.
Nov. I, 1864.
March 29. 1865.
Nov. I, 1864.
March 29, 1865.
Aug. 17. 1863.
Nov. I, 1864.
Sep. I, 1863.
Jan. 4, 1865.
Nov. I, 1863.
Nov. I, 1863.
Dec. 12, 1864.

March 26, 1864.

Names and Rank.

Colonels.
Isaac Harden Duval.
William H. Enochs.

Lieutenant- Colonels.
William H. Enochs,
John S. P. Carroll,

Majors.
John S. P. Carroll,
James P. Waymcr,
jst Lieut, and Adft.
Francis L. Hersey.
1st Lieut, and R. Q. AL
Hardin Kuhn,
John C. Bishop,

Surgeon.
James H. Hysell,

Assistant Surgeon.
Richard L. Meers.

Chaplain,
Joseph Little.

Captains.
Mark Poorc,
Oliver Phelps,
Stephen C. Hiltbruner,
William A. Zeigler.
Carey B. Hayslip.
Cornelius M. Conley,
Hamilton Willis,
Jacob May,
James P. Waymer,
William F. Elswick,
John W. Johnson,
Robert Laughlin,
Henry C. Duncan,

First Lieutenants.
Francis L. Hersey,

Co.

Remarks.

A
B

C
C

D
D
E
F
G
G
H
I
K

Promoted to Brigadier-General.

Promoted to Colonel.

Promoted to Lieutefnant-Colonel.

Transferred to Company I, June 25. 1865.
Transferred from Company I.

Resigned March 10. 1865.
Resigned March 10, 1865.

Appointed Adjutant.

COXSOUDATION OF THE FIFTH AND NINTH INFANTRY.

305

Date

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

of Commission.

First Lieutenants,

Nov. I, 1864.

John Q. Hagerman.

Dec. 12, 1864.

Cyrus Patridge,

Jan. 10, 1863.

George W. Jenkins,

Died at Portland, Ohio.

Nov. I, 1864.

Silman Andre,

Transferred to Company F,

Dec. 19, 1864.

Samuel T. Riggs,

Resigned July 7, 1865.

Sep. 5, 1864.

Alfred O. Enochs,

Nov. I, 1864.

Silman Andre,

Sep. 5, 1864.

William F. Elwick,

Promoted to Captain.

Sep. 5, 1864.

William A. Zeigler,

Promoted to Captain, Company C.

Mar. 29, 1865.

Charles O. Phelps,

Dec. 14. 1864.

Cornelius M. Conley,

Promoted to Captain, Company D.

Mar. 29, 1865.

David A. Johnston,

Nov. I, 1864.

John C. Bishop,

Appointed R. Q. M.

Nov. I, 1864.

Hardin Kuhn,

Sep. 5, 1864.

William A. Zeigler,

Transferred to Company G,

Jan. 4, 1865.

Andrew J. Johnson,
Second Lieutenants,

Sep. 5, 1664.

George F. JarrcU,

Transferred to Company G.

Nov. I, 1864.

James T. Hailcy,

Transferred to Company K.

Jan. 4. 1865.

Columbus Enochs,

Dec. 12, 1864

Vinin D. Gardner,

Dec. 19, 1864.

Anthony O. Stiverson,

Nov. I, 1864.

David A. Johnson,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Company H.

March 29, 1865.

Lorenzo D. Markin,

Dec. 12, 2864.

Vinin D. Gardner,

Transferred to Company B.

Feb. 16, 1865.

George Wills,

Nov. I, 1864.

Charles O. Phelps,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant, Company G.

Sep. 5, 1864.

George F. Jarrell.

Sep. 5, 1864.

George F. Jarrell,

Transferred to Company F.

March 29, 1865.

John M. Truman,

Sep. 5, 1864.

John Zimmerman,

Nov. I, 1864.

Lawrence Leppert,

Sep. I. 1864.

Andrew J.Johnson,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Nov. I, 1864.

James T. Hailey,

The First Regiment West Virginia Veteran Infantry.

The First Regiment West Virginia Veteran Infantry was formed by the
consolidation of the Fifth and Ninth W. Va. Infantry Regiments, November
9, 1864, C^l* Isaac H. Duval, of the Ninth, becoming colonel of the con-
solidated regiments. Colonel Duval was soon after promoted to brigadier- .
general, when, on the 19th of December, 1864, Lieut.-Col. William H.
Enochs succeeded to the colonelcy. The regiment was assigned to the

3o6 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM j 86 z TO 1863.

First Brigade, commanded by Col. Rutherford B. Hayes; Second Di\nsion,
General I. H. Duval commanding ; and in the Department of West Virginia,
Gen'l Geo. H. Crook, commander. The regiment was on duty the principal
portion of its term of service in the Shenandoah Valley, and at Staunton,
Virginia. Its losses were : died of woimds and disease, 40 men. It was
mustered out of service July 21, 1865.

CHAPTER XLVII.

SECOND REGIMENT WEST VIRGINIA VETERAN INFANTRY.

Koster of the Field, Staff and Company Officers of the Second Regiment West Virginia
Veteran Infantry Volunteers, formed by Consolidation of ist and 4lh Regiments W. Va.
Infantry, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the loth day of December,
1864, Date of Consolidation to the Date of Muster Out, July 16, 1865.

Date
of Cominission.

Dec. 4, 1862.

Dec. 23, 1864.

Sep. 23, 1862.

Nov. 15, 1863.

Dec. 23, 1864.

Jan. 4. 1895.

March 19, 1863
Jan. 31, 1865.
May 19, 1863.
Aug. 17, 1863.
Nov. 15, 1864.
Nov. 17, 1864.
Nov. 25, 1864.
Nov. 25, 1864.
March 13. 1865.
April 6, 1865

March 19, 1863.
Jan. 20, 1865.
April 26, 1865.
Dec. 31, 1862.
Jan. 31, 1865.
Aug. 17, 1862.
Nov. 25, 1864.
Nov. 15, 1864.
Nov. 15, 1864.

Names and Rank.

Lieutenant' Colonel.
Jacob Weddle.
Major.
Benjamin D. Boswell.
I si Lieut, and Adft.
Henry J. Johnson.
1st Lieut, and R. Q. M.
Luc ian Gray.

Surgeon.
John English.

Assistant Surgeon.
Homer C. Waterman.

Captains.
Benjamin D. Boswell,
James W. Dale,
Barlow W. Curtis,
William Grayum,
John W. Plattenburg,
Richard S. Moore,
William S. Murphy,
Clarence E. Irwin,
Jacob Baltzell,
Lucian Gray.

First Lieutenants.
James W. Dale,
Wm. R. Malone,
Albert J. Hazleton,
W^m. L. McMasters,
John N. Dean,
Calvin L. Lightburn,
Wm. H. Melvin,
Wm. H. Chapman,
Lucian Gray,

Co.

A
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I

A
A
A
B
B
C
D
E
F

Remarks.

Promoted to Captain, Company I.

Promoted to Major.

Promoted to Captain.
Resigned April 12, 1865.

Mustered out January 10, 1865.

Acting R. Q. M.
Appointed R. Q. M.

3o8

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i£6i TO 1865.

Date
of Commission.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Remarks.

First Lieutenants.

April 20, 1865.

John N. McCariy,

Nov. 26, 1864.

Ppter Ripley,

Nov. 25, 1864.

Jacob Baltzell,

Promoted to Captain.

April 17, 1865.

Wm. B. Ebbert.

Mar. 13, 1865.

Gilbert L. Holmes,
Second Lieutenants,

Dec. 31, 1862.

Wm. R. Malone.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

Jan. 31, Ib65.

Albert J. Hazelton,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

April 26, 1865.

James V. Davis,

Aug. 17. 1863.

John McDonald,

Transfered to Co. H., Jan. 5, 1865.

Aug. 17, 1863.

John N. Dean,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

Jan. 10, 1865.

Allen Bloomfield,

Discharged on account of disability.

Mar. 29, 1865.

Easom Greenlee,

Oct. 3, 18^4.

James M. Hodge,

Resigned April 12, 1865.

April 26, 1865.

Samuel Rarden,

Dec. 18, 1864.

Wm. J. Mulbey,

Dismissed May 21, 1865.

April 6. 1865.

T. H. S. Carmack,

Dec. 18. 1864.

Upton Sutherland,

Dec. 18. 1864.

John N. McCarty,

Promoted to ist Lieutenant

April 25, 1865.

Egbert P. Shetter,

Dec. 16, 1864.

Samuel Mellon,

Cashiered. March 31, 1865.

April 6. 1864.

Philip A. Bier,

Aug. 18, 1863.

John N. Dean,

Transferred to Co. B.

Aug. 18, 1863.

John McDonald,

Discharged on account of disability*

April 19, 1865.

Ralph Raffle,

March 15, 1865.

John C. Hatley,

The Second Regiment West Virginia Veteran Infantry.

The Second Regiment, West Virginia Veteran Infantry was formed by
the consolidation, on the loth day of December, 1864, of the First and
Fourth W. Va. Infantry Regiments, Lieut.-Col. Jacob Weddle, of the First
Regiment becoming the commanding officer. The regiment served in Gen-
eral Kelley's command until the close of the war. The regiment's losses
from wounds and disease, were 17. It was mustered out July 16, 1865.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

FIRST REGIMENT W. VA. LIGHT ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

Roster of Commissioned Officers of the First Regiment West Virginia Light Artillery Vol-
unteers, Showing the Alterations and Casualties therein, from the Date of Original
Organization of the Companies Composing Said Regiment to the Date of their Muster
Out, Respectively.

Date
of Commission.

Sep. 26, 1 86 1.
July 10, 1862.
Sep. 3, 1863.
Oct. 16, 1861.
April 2,1862.
Oct. 28, 1862.
Jan. 25, 1862.

Oct 16, 1862.
Aug. 19, 1862.
Oct. 2, 1862.
Oct. 3, 1861.

Oct. 24, 1863.
Aug. 2, 1861.
Sep. 24, 1863.

Sep. 26, 1 86 1.
Dec. 31, 1861.
July 10, 1862.
Jan. 24, 1862.
April I, 1863.
Oct. 24, 1863.
Sep. 4, 1863.
Sep. 28. 1861.
Oct. 16, 1861.
Nov. 8, 1861.
May 14, 1862.
Sep. 20, 1862.
Jan. 25, 1862.
Jan. 25, 1862.
Oct. 16, 1862.
May 2, 1865.
Aug. 19, 1862.
Sep. 5, 1862.

Names and Rank.

Co.

Captains.

Philip Daum,

John Jenk,

George Furst,

Samuel Davey,

Ernest M. Rossefy,

John V. Keeper,

Frank Buell,

MTallace Hill,

John Carlin,

Alexander C. Moore,

Thomas A. Maulsby,

George W. Graham,

Chatham T. Ewing,

James H. Holmes,

First Lieutenants,

John Jenk,

William Derose,

William Weitzel,

Christian Schwarz,

George Furst,

Frederick Hoffman,

Madison Carter,

Samuel Davey,

John V. Keeper,

James M. Shipton,

P. C Pendleton,

B. H. H. Atkinson,

Dennis O'Leary,

Wallace Hill.

John G. Theis,

John W. Jacobs,

Ephraim Chalfant,

Charles C. Theaker,

Remarks.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Dismissed March 9, 1863.

Resigned April ist 1862.

Never reported to company for duty.

Died from wounds received in action at
Freeman's Ford, Va.

Honorably discharged on account of wounds
received in action at Martinsburg, W. Va»

Discharged March 17, 1865.

Promoted to Captain.
Resigned January 6, 1862.
Resigned January 14, 1863.
Dismissed March 9, 1863.
Promoted to Captain.

Mustered out by G. O. War Department
Promoted to Captain.
Promoted to Captain.
Resigned January 14, 1862.
Muster revoked October 28, 1862.
Transferred to Battery E.

Promoted to Captain.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Dismissed February 25, 1864.

3IO

LOYAL IVEST VIRGINIA FROM j86i TO 1863.

Date
of Commission.

March 26, 1864
Sep. 18, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Sep. 20, 1862.
March 10, 1865.
Jan. 7, 1863.
March 20, 1862.
Sep. 4, 1863.
Jan. II, 1862.
Aug. II, 1863.
Sep. 24, 1863.
July 7, 1864.
Aug. 25, 1864.

Sep. 26. 1861.
Dec. 31, 1861.
Dec. 31, 1861.
Jan. 24, 1862.
July 10, 1862.
July 10, 1862.
Sep. 30. 1863.
Oct. 24, 1863.
Nov. 19, 1864.
Nov. 8, 1861.
Nov. 8, 1861.
March 18. 1863,
July 10, 1862.
July 10. 1862.
Jan. 25. 1862.
Jan. 25, 1862.
Oct. 16, 1862.
Jan. 12, 1863.
Dec. I, 1863.
Dec. I, 1863.
Sep. 5, 1862.
Aug. 19. 1862.
March 26. 1864.
Sep. 18, 1862.
Oct. 17, 1862.
Oct. 7, 1864.
March 10 1S65.
Jan. 7. 1S63.
May 28, 1862.
Sep. 24, 1863.
July 7, 1864.
Aug. 29. 1864.

Names and Rank.

First Lieutenants,
J. Melvin Richards,
George W. Burner,
Francis M. Lowry,
B. H. H. Atkinson,
John T. Latham,
George W. Graham,
John S. S. Herr,
M?idison Carter,
Howard Morton,
James H. Holmes,
George W. K. Smith,
John E. Morgan,
George W. Burnett,

Second Lieutenants.
William Derose,
Lewis Foerch,
Christian Schwarz,
William Weitzel.
Max Seivers,
William Weissman,
Frederick Hoffman,
Christian Koenig,
James N. Gray,
Alexander Brawley,
Berfjamin F. Thomas,
M A. McLaughlin,
Joseph W. Daniel,
B H. H. Atkinson,
John G. Theis,
William W. Withrow,
Henry M. Langley,
Weblcy R. J. Miner,
John W. Jacobs,
Theodore G. Field,
Thomas Harris, Jr.,
J. Melvin Richards,
John L. Morrison,
John T. Latham,
Mandaville J. Fogg,
Wm. A. McNulty,
Samuel A Rapp,
James C. Means,
Samuel J. Shearer,
Sigmond Gnam,
James B. Gorrell,
John B. McNally,

Co.

D
E
E
E
E
F
F
F
G
H
H
H
H

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
C
C
C
C
C
C
D
D
D
E
E
E
E
K

H
H
H

Remarks.

Discharged on account of physical disability.
Died at Clarksburg, W. Va., Feb. 28, 1865.

Promoted to Captain.
Resigned September 13, 1863.
Transfered to Battery A.

Promoted to Captain.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Resigned April 26, 1862.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Dismissed October 9, 1863.
Dismissed.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Resigned January 3, 1865.

Resigned May 9, 1862.

Resigned February 5, 1863.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Killed in action at Droop Mountain.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Resigned December 28, 1862.

Resigned April 22, 1863.

Resigned April 4, 1863.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.

Promoted to ist Lieutenant.
Dismissed September 10, 1864.

Dismissed July 29, 1864.

Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Discharged March 16, 1865.

SERVICES OF BATTERIES A AND B.

The First West Virginia Light Artillery,

The First West Virginia Light Artillery was composed of eight com-
panies. And, like the cavalry and infantry arms of the service from the
State, proved themselves not only efficient in battle, but they were active,
busy, conscientious soldiers in any capacity or place.

Battery A*

Battery A was organized and mustered into the service September 26,
1861, with Philip Daum, captain; John Jenk, first lieutenant and William
Derose, second lieutenant*

But as early as July 3d, we find Daum with a section of his battery at
Wheeling, W. Va. On the 20th of July this section was at OakhLiid and
New Creek. October 4th, the battery was engaged at the battle of Green-
brier River and Elk water, near Alleghany Mountains. October 28th, the
battery was at Romney, Va. About February ist, 1862, Captain Daum
was promoted to lieutenant- colonel of the First W, Va, Light Artillery
Regiment* and was made chief of artillery. Lieutenant Jenk was made
Captain of Company A, March^ 1862. The battery bore a gallant part at
the battle of Kernstown, Va., March 23, 1862. January 13, 1863, the bat-
tery, Captain Jenk in command, was in Camp of Instruction under Gen'l
Wm. F. Barry, near Washington* D. C.

March 9, 1863, Captain Jenk was dismissed the service. The battery
remained in Camp of Instruction until September, 1863 when Lieut.
George Furst was promoted to captain. Decembt^r, 1863, the battery was
again in the field, in CoL Geo. D. Wells' Brigade, Sullivan's Division,
Kel ley's Department. May 31, 1864, the battery was at Maryland Heights,
where it remained on duty until October 17, 1864, when it was transferred
from Harper's Ferry to Parkersburg, W. Va., thence to Charleston, when
Captain Furst was ordered to report to CoL J. IL Oley, commanding ist
Separate Brigade. The battery remained in the Kanawha V^alley until it
was mustered out July 21, 1865.

Battery B.

Battery B was organized October, 1861, with Samuel Davey, captain;
John V. Keeper, first lieutenant. Captain Davey resigned April i, 1862,
when Lieutenant Keeper was promoted to captain; at this time the battery
was in Banks' 5th Army Corps, Shield's division. The battery was con-
spicuous for its good work at the battle of Kernstown, March 23 j 1862.

January 31, 1863, it is found in the 8th Army Corps under General
Schenck, and in Milroy's brigade, stationed at Winchester, Va. May 31,

3^2

LOYAL WEST VIRGLNL4 FROM i86t TO 1863.

1863 > the battery was assigned to General Averell's command, remaining
with that general for several months, participating in all of Avereirs raids
in the mountains of West Virginia. April 9, 1S64, attached to Colonel
Moor's brigade at Beverly. April 28th » at Webster.

June 10, 1864. One section, under Lieutenant Atkinson, on Hunter's
Lynchburg campaign, under General Duffie. The battery was at Kems-
town, July 23, 1864, in General Duffie's command. October 19, 1864,
General DufRe in his farewell order to his command complimented the bat-
tery for splendid service rendered. October 20, 1S64, assigned to Colonel
Wynkoop's brigade.

December 31, 1864, this battery was consolidated with Battery E,
Capt. Alexander C. Moore, the batterj- retaining the latter organization.

Battery C — (Peirpoint Battery),

Batter}^ C (Peirpoint battery) was organized January 25, 1862, with
Frank Buell, captain^ and Dennis O'Learv' and Wallace Hill, as first lieu-
tenants. These otlicers were well fitted for the service. The two first
named, Buell and O'Learj--, having had service from the beginning of the
war, in the i8th Ohio (three months* troops)j they were both commissioned
by Governor Peirpoint on the 19th of September, 1861, as captain and
lieutenant respectively^ as recruiting officers, when they went to Charles-
ton to recruit the battery, where they remained until its enlistment was
completed.

In April, 1862, the battery was ordered to Wheeling Island, where
ihey were furnished with a full battery of six Parrot guns. Left Wheelings
May 2, 1862, for Franklin, Va., to join General Fremont's army; went with
that general to Petersburg, Strasburg^ Woodstock, Mount Jackson and New
Market, having participated in harrassing Stonewall's Jackson's retreat up
the valley at that time. On the 8th of June, 1862, was hoUy engaged at
the battle of Cross Keys» was under fire from half past eleven A. M. until half
past four P. M, In this engagement the battery recei%^ed a terrific charge by
the enemy, and had it not been for the timely advance of the ** Pennsylvania
Bucktails *' who gallantly drove back the advancing Confederates saved the
battery from capture.

Following that battle the batter)^ was engaged with Sigel and Pope, was
in the battles of Port Republic, Luray, Cedar Mountain and Freeman's
Ford. At this last engagement, August 22, 1862, the battery met witli an
irreparable loss — the brave Captam Buell was killed.

Two batteries had been driven by the Confederate guns from their
position when Buell's battery was ordered to replace those which had been

DEATH OF CAPT. BUELL. CAPT. HILL AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. 313

driven from their position. So rapidly and accurately did Buell handle his
pieces that one of the enemy's batteries was silenced and the other disabled.
The second last shot fired by the Confederates was a solid shut which
struck Captain BueH's horse in the right shoulder killing the horse instantly,
the animal falling upon the captain and crushing him so seriously that he
died that evening. The last words spoken by Captain Buell were, **I want
those batteries silenced, I want my boys to do it."

Captain BuelFs remains were embalmed in Alexandria, Va., and sent
to his old home where they were buried in the family lot on his farm. The
members of his battery erected over the remains a handsome marble shaft.

The battery under Captain Hill, a brave and intelligent officer, who
was soon promoted, fought in the battles of Sulphur Springs, Waterloo
Bridge, and at the second battle of Bull Run, Lieutenant O'Leary at this
time was on detached service as A. A. D. M, of reserve artillery, Army of
the Potomac,

May 2, 1863, the battery w^as in that terrible two days* hard fighting at
Chancellorsville, Va. The battery was serv^ed by Captain Hill and Lieu-
tenants O'Leary and Theis; the battery was opposed by Stonewall Jack-
son's command, and after a severe struggle the battery w^as forced to retire,
having lost one gun and tw^o caissons. After a short rest the battery was
again on the move, and we find it at Gettysburg, July 2 and 3, 1863. The
battery had position on Cemetery Hill, the right resting on the cemetery and
the left near the stone w^all by the Jamestow^n road. The battery being the
very center of that great battletield, it w^as exposed to a front fire and a
right and left enfilading fire as well. The battery did its part well, officers
and men standing to their guns during the two days' fighting. After the
battle of Gettysburg, the battery recrossed the Potomac into Virginia. The
next and last battle in which the battery was engaged, was at Mitcheirs Ford^
when the Union arms were successful. During the winter of 1863-64, the
battery reenlisted, and was ordered into the defenses of Washington, where
it remained until June 28, 1865, when it was mustered out of service. The
battery did its duty well.

Battery D.

Battery D w^as organized August 19, 1862, with John Carlin, captain;
Ephraim Chalfant, first lieutenant, and J. Melvin Richards, second lieuten-
ant. Having served in West Virginia* in May 9, 1863, it is stationed at Win-
chester, Va. ; in January 1S63, in Schenck*s Eighth Army Corps, Milroy's
brigade, at Winchester, and during the historical defense of that place by
Milroy, June 13 to 15, when it rendered conspicuous service. Following is

LOYAL IVEST VIRGIN LA FROM iS6r TO iSdj,

the oflicial report of Captain Carlin of the operations of the battery in that

engagement:

Washington. D. C„ jTu/^ 14, 1863.
1 certify that I am in command of Battery D* First West Virginia Light Artillery,
composed of six 3-inch rifled guns, and have been under the command of Major-<'ieneral
Mitroy since October, 1862; was with his command ai the battle of Winchester, on June 13
and 14; had at the commencement of the engagement about ^oo rounds of ammunition per
gun ; tired during the two days' fighiing about 265 rounds of ammunition per gun of differ-
ent kinds. 1 had left in the chests when the action ceased on Sunday night, about 35 rounds
per gun, I was ordered by Major-General Milroy, through Brigadier-General Elliott, on
Monday morning, about 2 o'clock, to spike my guns, destroy what ammunition was on hand,
cut up the harness, and take nothing away but the saddles and bridles, and the horses, with
the men mounted on them ; which order 1 complied with. Had I been allowed to do so* I
could have taken my guns and equipment out w^hen the order was given to evacuate, and,
in my opinion, could have rendered good service in covering the retreat and engaging the
battery of the enemy that made the attack upon General Milroy 's forces on the Maninsburg
Road, four miles Irom Wmchesler, Va,, on the morning of July 15.

John Carlin,
Captain Co, A tsi W, Va. L. A.

August 18, Captain Carlin and battery are at Wheeling, W. Va, ;
August 31, 1863, in Mulligan's brigade at New Creek; December 31, 1863,
in Thoburn's brigade at New Creek j January and February at New Creek;
April 4, 1864, still in Thoburn's brigade, Sigel's department; April g, 1864,
by order of General Sigel the battery was assigned to the command of
General Sullivan; also on the same date Captain Carlin was assigned to the
staff of Major-General Sigel as chief of artillery, and acting chief of ord-
nance. May 15, 1864, in Colonel Wynkoop's brigade at New Market*
August 5, at Piedmont J under Gener<il Hunter; June 10 to 23, in Capt.
H. A. Dupont's artillery brigade, on Hunter's Lynchburg campaign. July
31, still with General Hunter, August 8, battery ordered from Parkersburg
and Wheeling to recruit its numbers and to refit with new guns. September
13, 1S64, Captain Carlin received orders at Wheeling to proceed with his
command to Parkersburg^ and take charge of fortifications at that post; to
report to Colonel Wilkinson, where it remained until mustered outj June 27,
1865.

Battery E.

Battery E was organized by Capt. Alexander C. Moore, at Buckhannan,
West Virginia, in August, 1862 ; who was commissioned captain of the
battery September 23, 1862. Captain Moore was one of West Virginia's
loyal sons who was among the first in the State to illustrate his loyalty to the
government by the most practical methods then known; his early enlistment

CAPTAIN A, C. MOORES SPLENDID RECORD.

3IS

in the army, from the earlest moment of the Secession agitation in the South>
Captain Moore was inline, defending tlie Constitution of the nation in elo-
quent pleadings upon the rostrum in the cities and towns throughout the
counties of Harrison, Taylor, Lewis> Upshur, etc., and when recruits were
called for, he enlisted company G, for the 3d West Virginia Infantry.
Having commanded this company for one year in its active operations in the
State, Captain Moore was well prepared to take charge of this new field of
usefulness as an officer of Artillery. He had little trouble, and spent little
time in recruiting his company E, among his neighbors and friends who
knew him best at Buckhannan and adjoining counties* And even before he
had instilled the first lessons of the Artillery school into his company, and
before they had been mustered into service he was called upon to defend the
tow^n against the advance of the Confederate General Jenkins. Immediately
upon the completion of the enlistment of his company, he w^as ordered to
Wheeling, and there was fully equipped. Then the battery was ordered to
Clarksburg, and in turn to New Creek and Romney. At the latter place,
the battery became, in 1863, a part of CampbelTs Fourth Brigade, First
Division, Eighth Army Corps, serving with this brigade in the South Branch
Valley, at Romney, Moorefield and vicinity, and %vith General Kelley in his
campaign in the summer of 1863, to Cherry Run, Williamsport and Hedges-
ville on Lee's retreat from Gettysburg, returning with the brigade to the
South Branch Valley, serving in that locality until the summer of 1864.

Upon Genera! Hunter *s return from Lynchburg, the battery w^as ordered
to join the Army of West Virginia, and accompanied it to the Shenandoah
Valley, taking part in the engagements with the enemy at Snicker's Ferry,
Cedar Creek, Kernstown, Bunker Hill and Berry ville. At this time the
battery w^as attached to the Artillery Brigade of the Army of West Virginia;
was then in the fall of 1864, ordered to Maryland Heights, where it remained
until January 1S65, when the battery was ordered to the Artillery Camp at
Camp Barry near Washington, D, C, and remained there until the close of
the war.

While at Marj^land Heights, Battery B was consolidated wath Battery E,
by order of the War Department, the consolidated battery remaining Battery
E, under the command of Captain Moore. Lieut, B. H. IL Atkinson and
55 men w^as the transfer from B. to E. While at Camp Barry, D, C, Pres-
ident Lincoln w^as assassinated, and a detail from the battery of Lieut, Sam-
uel A, Rapp and 30 men constituted a portion of the escort as the ** Guard of
Honor" accompanying the remains of Mr. Lincoln from the White House to
the Capitol. At the close of the war, President Johnson conferred upon
Captain Moore the rank of brevet major **for faithful and meritorious ser-
vices during the war."

3i6

LOVAL WEST VIRGINiA FROM 1 86 1 TO 1S63,

Battery E was a good battery, composed of the intelligent, patriotic
young men from ihe counties of Upshur, Harrison and Randolph. Officers and
enlisted men were proud of each other, and there was no jealousy or bickering
from the beginning to the end. Major Moore was a distinguished attorney
at law when the war came, and his legal ability was occasionally during the
war brought into service as the judge advocate of important courts-martial.

The battery was mustered out of the service, June 28, 1865.

Battery F.

Battery F was originally Company C, Sixth West Virginia Infantry and
was constituted, by order of the War Department, Company F, First West
Virginia Light Artillery, about January i, 1S63, Capt. Thomas A. Maulsby
retaining his rank in the transfer, as did also First Lieut. George W. Graham^
and Second Lient, James C. Means. The battery proved to be as efficient
as artillery as it had been as infantry.

The battery's lirst service, January 31, 1863, was in Col. B. F. Smith's
brigade, stationed at Martinsburg, with one section at North Mountain.
May 31, 1863, it is stationed at Berryville: June 14, 1863, ^^e battery was
in the disastrous engagement and retreat from Martinsburg, Gen1 Dan Tyler
in command of brigade; in this affair Captain Maulsby had the misfortune
to lose four of his guns. The battery, after 6 P. M. of the 14 of June, was
divided, one section under the command of a lieutenant, facing to the west,
covering some of the enemy's infantry and cavalry that were moving in that
direcdon on Martinsburg. The other two sections, commanded by Captain
Maulsby, were facing south, covering the Confederate forces that w^ere pass-
ing either to amuse or attack the forces posted on the hill near the cemetery.
The detached section was 150 yards to the rear of the sections under the
immediate command of Captain Maulsby, Just before sunset, the Confederates
for the first time showed that they had artillery in position, as they opened fire
from six or eight gims with good range. The first shot passed over Captain
Maulsby 's four guns, and plunged into the detached section, killing and
wounding some horses, and producing a bad effect in the infantry supports.
For the next 20 minutes the two sections under Maulsby were engaged in
rapid fire in order to hold the advancing Confederates in check, while Tyler's
forces were in retreat. Captain Maulsby, who was severely wounded, by his
conduct in this battle showed that he was a gallant soldier, but w^e have no
report from him as to the pardculars of the loss of his guns. But it is
believed that Gen*I Dan. Tyler was at fault in keeping the two sections of the
battery so long on the field.

BA TTER Y G TRANSFER ED FROM INFANTR Y TO ARTILLER K 3 1 7

July 31, 1863, the battery is in Camp of Instructions at Washington, D*
C*, Lieut, J. S. S, Herr in command. August 31, 1863, same. Camp. Lieut.
J. C. Means in command. October 13, 1863, Captain Maulsby was honorably
discharged on account of wounds received in action at Martinsburg, June
14, 1863* October 24, 1863, Lieut. George W. Grahr.m was promoted to
captain. December 31, 1863, the battery is in Colonel Wilkinson*s brigade,
Captain Graham in command; February i, 1864, in Thoburn's brigade at
New Creek, one section at Beverly; May 31 to July i, at Clarksburg; July
24 and 25, at Kernstown, Va. ; July 31, 1864, at Maryland Heights, Mus-
tered out of service, September 14, 1864,

Battery G, First Regiment West Virginia Artillery

Had its origin in Pittsburg, Pa, When the first call for volunteers was
made in Pennsylvania, the number of men responding was much greater
than the quota of the State. Among the companies organized under
this call was the Plummer Guards^ so named in honor of a patriotic
merchant, Joseph Plummer, who at his own expense furnished them
with complete uniforms. Fearing that the war would be of short dura-
tion and that no more men would be needed by their own State, they
offered their services to Governor Peirpoint of West Virginia and were
promptly accepted, and were mustered into the service as Co. G. in the
Second W. Va. Infantry. It was early in the month of May that the company
embarked on the steamer John T. McCombs for Wheeling. When the
company arrived in Wheeling, it was quartered for a short time on board the
steamer Courier, and afterwards was transferred to Camp Carlisle on
Wheeling Island, The company left Wheeling for the front on July 5,
1 86 1. They went first to Webster and thence to Laurel Hill, thence to
Rich Mountain and Beverly. Took part in the pursuit of Garnet's retreat-
ing forces. Wintered at Elkwater.

On December 13, 1S61, a detail of the company took part in the battle
of Alleghany Mountains. In the spring of 1862 they were put in charge of
some old brass 6-pounder guns, and as artillerymen became so expert as
to command the admiration of the various commanders under which they
served. In fact, so efficient did they become, that the authorities transferred
them to the First Virginia Artillery Volunteers, after which they were
recruited to the full battery strength and a splendid equipment of guns given
them.

They participated in all of General Milroy's battles and marches.

3i8

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO 1863.

They were with Fremont in his campaigns, and with General Pope up to
and including the second battle of Bull Run. They then returned to West
Virginia and became part of General W. W, Averell's Cavalry Division,
and under that gallant leader did grand service at Rocky Gap, Droop Moun-
tain and Salem raid, not to mention numerous other engagements and
expeditions. The Rocky Gap fighting by this battery has few parallels
in the history of the Rebellion. The history of the Second Virginia and of
AverelFs cavalrj' is the history of Battery G.

The original officers of the company were Captain Chatham T. Ewing;
ist Lieutenant, Alfred Sickman; 2d Lieutenant, Jacob Huggins. Lieu-
tenant Sickman was killed December 13, 1861, in the battle of Allegheny
Mountains, and Howard Morton who did gallant service on the occasion was
promoted to his place. Lieutenant Huggins resigned early in 1S62, and
Samuel J. Shearer, a brave and capable officer^ succeeded him.

The battery was mustered out on August 8, 1864.

Maj, Howard Morton enlisted in Company G, Second Virginia Infantrj"^,
afterwards Battery G, First Artillery, After the batde of Allegheny Moun-
tains he was promoted to first lieutenant, vice Sickman killed. He served
the full three years, taking a commendable part in all of the campaigns and
battles participated in by the company. He was in command of the battery
in several engagements, notably those of Rocky Gap and New Market, where
his skill and courage received the plaudits of his comrades and commanders.
At the close of his services in West Virginia, he returned to Pennsylvania
where he was commissioned major of the Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery, and
in that capacity served with bravery and skill.

Major Morton was a soldier by inheritance. On his father^s side he
came from two Revolutionary soldiers and three ancestors who were distin-
guished in the French and Indian wars. On his mother's side he is descended
from Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and from
two more Revolutionary soldiers. He is at present first vice-president of the
Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and is fore-
most in every good work which looks to the inculcation of true American
principles in the rising generations. He resides in Pittsburg, is happily
married and comfortably situated, and has two children, a boy and a girl.

' Battery H.

Battery H was organized September, 1863, with James H, Holmes,
captain; George W. K, Smith as first lieutenant* December 31, 1863, the
battery is assigned toMaj. G. F. Merriam*s artillery brigade, Genl B. F, Kel-

CAPTURE OF BA ITER Y H AT NEW CREEK, 319

ley's department. May 6, 1864, ^^ battery is ordered from Wheeling to New
Creek, where it was assigned to man the guns of the fort at that place, which
position it occupied until December 31, 1864. On August 4, 1864, took
part in the engagement of the attack upon New Creek, and November 28,
1864, were victims of the capture of that place by the Confederate Generals
Rosser and Payne. The battery remained in General Kelley's department
during its term of service, and was mustered out July 11, 1865.

CHAPTER XLIX.

BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KELLEY.

His Birth. — Early Education and Business Relations. — Successful Military Career Prior to
the Civil VV^ar* — Colonel of the First Loyal Regiment South of Mason and Dixon's Line.
— Early Operation in the Civil Wan — Wounded at Philippi. — In Command of the Rail
Road Division and of the Department of West Virginia. — Captured by the Confed-
erates. — His Army Record a Series of Victories. — His Death and Burial at Arlington
Va. — His Marriages and his Family.

ENERAL KELLEY, son of Col Wm. Bowdoin Kelley and Mary
Smith Kelley, was bom in New Hampton, New Hampshire, in
April, 1807; was a graduate of the celebrated Partridge Military
Academy, and was brought while a youth to West Liberty, Ohio County*
Virginia, where he was engaged in the store of Absalom Ridgley, the
principal merchant of the county; later he was in the employ of John
Goshom, merchant, of Wheeling, and a partner in the firm of Goshora,
Kelley & Co.

Gen'l Kelley first joined the Guards* Militarj^ Company, of Wheeling,
and ascended through the intermediate raiJcs to the command of the Fourth
Virginia Regiment (uniformed militia). At the breaking out of the war,
General Kelley was the B, & O. R. R. agent in Philadelphia, and returning
home was commissioned colonel of the first loyal regiment south of Mason
and Dixon's line. On May 25, 1861, by order of General McClellan he
was directed to assume command of all the troops then in West Virginia
and to advance on May 27. Colonel Kelley left Wheeling with his regi-
ment, which was poorly equipped, no accoutrements, ammunition carried in
pockets and the arms supplied to the regiment by Massachusetts as the gen-
eral government was disinclined at that time to take what they thought was
a risk in sending arms to Virginians. The First Virginia was followed the
next day by the Sixteenth Ohio and Ninth Indiana. Grafton was held at that
time by a Confederate force under command of Colonel Porterfield. With
remarkable celerity — having to repair railroads and build bridges — ^Kelley
reached Grafton on June i. Colonel Porterfield having retreated to Philippi*
Kelley marched all night through a drenching rain and attacked the enemy at
A A. M- on the 3d; the surprise was complete and the enemy routed, many pris-
oners, a large amount of stores, arms, ammunition, wagons^ etc., fell into

BENJAMIN F. KELLEY,
Major -General U. S. Vol.

COL ONEL KELLE Y THE FIRST OFFICER WO UNDED IN THE W71R. 3 2 1

the hands of the Union forces. Colonel Kelley was severely wounded, at

first thought to be fatally, having been shot through the right breast and
upper part of lung. General McClellan telegraphed :

Cincinnati, June 3. 1861.
To Gen*l T. a. Morris :

Say to Colonel Kelley that I cannot beUevc it possible that one who has opened his
course so bnlliantly can be mortaily wounded* In the name of the country I thank him for
his conduct which has been the most brilHant episode ol the war thus far. If it can cheer
him in his last niomcnts tell him I cannot repair his loss and I only regret that 1 cannot
be by his side to thank him m person. God bless him.

(Signed) George B. McClellan. •

Afaj,-Gen. Comdg,

And in his report General McClellan commending him recommended
his promotion to brigadier-general.

With the most excellent surgical skill and nursing Colonel Kelley
gradually recovered from his wound. He was the first Union officer
wounded in the war, and at the end of 60 days, having been appointed
brigadier-general, he was able to assume the command of the R. R. Division
with headquarters at Grafton, to which General McClellan assigned him
when he left West Virginia to assume the command of the Army of the
Potomac. It is proper to remark here that the B. & O. R, R. was the only
avenue in all that section by which soldiers and supplies could be quickly
transferred, hence to protect it became a matter of military necessity to tlie
Union forces. This position involved the protection of the B. & O. R, R.
from Cumberland to Wheeling and Parkersburg, and incidentally covering
all the Pittsburg country and Northern Ohio, a most difficult and harassing
duty but little appreciated at the time by the general public. On October
22, 1861, General Kelley received an order from General Scott to concentrate
his forces at New Creek and attack and capture Romney, Va. This
order was promptly obeyed and moving from New Creek on the 27th of
October at 4 P. M., he attacked Romney. After a sharp engagement he
defeated the enemy, capturing many prisoners and a large amount of stores,
a section of a battery, etc, etc. The following telegram was received:

HEADgUARTERS, ARMY,

Washington. Oct. jo, t86i,
Brigadier-General Kelley :

Your late nnovement upon and signal victory at Romney do you great honor m the
opinion of the President and Lieu ten ant-General Scott. You shall he reen forced as soon aj
practicable; in the meantime, if necessary, call for any troops at Cumberland or New Creek.

By command,

E. D. TOWNSEND, A. A. G,

General Kelley was now assigned to the command of the Department
of Harper's Ferry and Cumberland, He remained at Romney until Janu-

322

LOYAL WEST VTRGINIA FROM tUi TO iHs-

mPf Xt organizing and drilHng troops* Iceepnig a warj eve oq Jacicaoo
WfndiestCT* From irouMe widi his wound he asked to be rdieved and '
mcceeded by General Lander. In a €oitpIe of months after I^andcr's death,
be was ordered back in command of First DiTision of Middle Department
with headquarters at Harper's Ferrr. This involved the command of all the
troops to the Shenandoah VaUej and m Maryland west of the Mon<icacY. Ob
July tf i86j^ he was ordered to Clarksbtirg» bdng in command of the
Department of West Virginia* During the whole time he commanded tk
Department of We^ Virginia his troops were almost constantly engaged m
offensive or defensive operations. When General Lee's army crossed the
Potomac in 1863, for the campaign which was stopped by the battle of Gettys-
burg, Gtmeral Kelley was ordered by General Haileck to concentrate his forces
and move to a point as near Hagerstown as would be judicious. He accr»rd-
ingly took position in the mountain pass of Fair%*iew immediately west of Clear
Springs; this was a forlorn hope and his orders were to attack (even if he lost
his division) General Lee 's rear as soon as Meade* s guns gave the signal. Gen-
era! Meade called a council of war on Sunday night and Wads worth, the only
volunteer general in command of a corps, voted to attack ; the regulars thought
it too strong a position and doubted the persistency of the men* The attack
was never made anj General Lee crossed the Potomac. Haileck 's report says :
"The operations of our troops in West Virginia are referred to here as being
intimately connected with the Army of the Potomac; the force there^ being too
small to attempt any important campaign by itself, has acted masterfully on
the defensive in repelling raids and breaking up guerrilla bands. When
Lee's army retreated after tlie battle of Gettysburg, General Kelley con-
centrated all his available forces on the enemy's flank, near Clear Springs,
ready to cooperate in the proposed attack by General Meade. They also
rendered valuable service in the pursuit after Lee had eflFected his passage
over tlie Potomac. On the 18th of November, General Kelley. attacked
Imboden, in Hardy County, W. Va., completely routing him.

In December, 1863, General Kelley ordered General Averell to make
what is now known as the Salem raid, which was successful. After the Con-
federate forces bad burned Charabersburg, Pa., they moved on Cumberland,
and on August r, 1864, their forces attacked General Kelley at 4 P. M. ; the
action was continued until dark and the enemy were repulsed. Crossing tlie
Potomac at Old Town, the enemy made for Romney and attacked New
Creek unsuccessfully* In the meantime, General Averell, by General Hun-
ter's orders, reported to Kelley and was ordered to pursue the retreating
force; he overtook them at Moorefield and completely routtid them. In
recognition of the Cumberland and New Creek actions General Kelley was

GEXERAL KELLEVS MILITARY FAMILY.

323

trevetted major-general. From this time out, General Kelley was employed
in the defense of the railroad and the adjacent territory. Near the close of
the war Generals Crook and Kelley were captured and taken to Richmond;
they were at first held as hostages for some Confederate prisoners North, but
finally, through the efforts of some of General Kelley's friends in Richmond,
were paroled and sent North. After the war General Kelley was for some
years superintendent of Hot Springs in Arkansas and the last years of his life
were passed in Washington City and his summers at his farm at Swan
Meadows, near Oakland, Md, He died in July, 1S92, and was interred
according to his oft expressed desire at Arlington, Va,, **that he might rest
at last among the soldiers."

General Kelley was 5 feet, 10% inches in height, of a soldierly erect
carriage, had dark eyes and hair and was in youth and old age a remarkable
and distinguished looking man. He was a constant attendant at church, and
a Christian gentlemen* It will be observed that General Kelley not only
organized the first loyal regiment in the entire South but he also fought and
won the first victory achieved by the loyal army on Southern soil; his record
shows an unbroken series of victories, for, from the beginning to the end nf
the war, he was never once defeated. He was the first Union oflScer wounded
in the war.

General Kelley 's military family consisted, first, for a short time, of
Captain Crossman and Capt. B, F. Hawkes, Eighth Ohio, as A. A. G., but
for the greater part of his war service he had the valued services of
CoU Thayer Melvin, since judge at Wheeling, as assistant adjutant-general;
Capt. G. W, Harrison, since superintendent West Virginia Central R. R.,
was his assistant quartermaster-general; Capt. W. H. Hosack, assistant
commissary-general; and Lieut. W. B. Kelley, Lieut. Chas, Freeman,
Lieut. William Mathews, all of First Virginia Infantry, as aides-de-camp.
And it is well to note the services of the Rev Mr. Wiley, now of Palatine,
W* Va., well known among soldiers as General Kelley 's chaplain.

General Kelley married Isabel Goshorn (died, 1858), of Wheeling, and
had six children by her; Lieut-Col. John G. Kelley, Seventh West Virginia
Volunteer Infantry; First Lieut, W, B. Kelley, First West Virginia Volun-
teer Infantry; Mary L, married to J. C, Sullivan, brigadier-general, U. S.
V,; Benj. Franklin Kelley, Jr., Heutenant-colonel and quartermaster U, S.
Vols. ; Tappen Wright Kelley, captain Fourth Maryland Cavalry; M. Belle
Kelley, married Capt. D. B. Mcllwain, Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry;
and after the war. General Kelley was married to Mary Clare Bruce, daughter
of CoL Robt. Bnice, Second Potomac Home Brigade Maryland Volunteers,

CHAPTER L.

BREVET IWAJ.-GEN'L THOMAS M. HARRIS,

General Harris a Disciplinarian. — General Fremont's Commendation in a Special Order. —
Commands a Brigade at the Battles of Opequon and Fisher's Hill. — Also Cedar Creek. —
Colonel Thoburn Wounded^ Harris becomes a Division Commander — In the 24ih Army
Corps at City Point, Virg-inia, — Commissioned a Brigadier-General. — At Appomattox.—
A Member of the Commission that Tried the Assassins of President Lincoln. — Mustered
Out April 50th, 1S66, Brevet Major-General.

ENERAL HARRIS, whilst colonel of the Tenth Regiment, estab-
lished a character for energy and faithfulness in obeying orders.
He was always on hand for any dutj^ to which he was assigned
and always received honorable mention for his intelligent and efficient obedi-
ence. He had so schooled his regiment in discipline and tactics that it had
early in the service established a character for reliability, and so this regi-
ment got frequent opportunities to distinguish itself in the high places of the
field. Whilst in command of the "Mountain Department ** under General
Fremont, he received the commendation of that officer in a special order for
his intelligent and efficient discharge of the duties to which he had been
assigned.

In June, 1862, Colonel Harris was in command of the forces stationed
at Buckhannon. His services at this time were especially valuable to the
government, by reason of the fact that that part of the State was infested
with leading Confederates, who sought to influence the country people for
miles around that it was to their personal interest and to the advancement of
the Confederate cause for them to join either the Confederate army, or to
engage as guerrillas. Recruiting stations were established in the fastnesses
of the mountains for this purpose, and some of the most influential men in
that vicinity were known to be engaged as recruiting officers. They found
litde encouragement from the better element among the mountaineers willing
to enlist in the regular army, but they were quite successful in engaging the
lower element for the despicable purposes of guerrilla warfare.

Colonel Harris was directed by General Fremont, then in command of
the Mountain Department, to capture and break up these recruiting stations.
Colonel Harris' familiarity with that entire region fitted him well to perform
this service. He not only destroyed the recruiting stations, but he killed

THOMAS S. HARRIS,
Bhevet Major-Gene«al U. S. Vol

DEATH OF COL. THOBURN. COL. HARRIS COMMANDING DIVISION 325

and captured many of the enemy and secured all the arms and ammunition
at these stations, capturing three of the officers, viz.: Haymond, Coal and
Goff. These men were well known in the community as F. F. V/s, but it
is not likely that their names will appear in the history of the Civil War as
having contributed to the elevation of the Confederate cause.

When Colonel Harris* regiment was incorporated in the Army of West
Virginia, he was assigned to the command of a brigade. He, with his com-
mand, w^on honorable mention at the battles of Opequon and Fisher's Hill. At
the battle of Cedar Creek it was his command that was first struck by the
enemy at daybreak, as its position was on the extreme left of our line.
Being surprised and receiving a flank attack it could only get out of the way
of the enemy as best it could. The flank attack being pushed by the enemy,
the 19th Corps was in like manner broken up and routed. The enemy con-
tinuing to push his advantage broke up our line so far that only one division
of the 6th Corps remained in its position on the extreme right. During this
demoralization and retrograde movement of our disorganized forces, Colonel
Harris distinguished himself by his efforts to arrest the movement in retreat
and to establish nuclei for a reforming of our lines. Whilst thus engaged
the flag of the division came to him from Colonel Thobum, its commander,
who had just been mortally wounded. Colonel Harris being the next in
rank came thus into the command of the division.

At the close of the campaign of 1864, in the Shenandoah Valley, he
received an order to report with his division to General Grant at City Point,
and w^as assigned to the 24th Army Corps under command of General Gibbon,
When preparation began to be made for the opening of the spring campaign,
he voluntarily offered the command of his division to General Turner who
was then serving as a staff officer, and he took command of a brigade under
Turner. He w^as moved to do this bj^ his knowledge of the fact that Generals
Ord and Gibbon desired to give General Turner a command and from the
fact that Turner not only held a commission as a general officer but was also
a graduate of West Point, w-hilst he himself, though in command of a division,
held only a colonel's commission.

As the term of four or five companies of his regiment was now about to
expire, they having been mustered into the service on the 29th of March,
1862, and so he would be left without a command, Generals Ord and Gibbon
undertook to secure his promotion. Having received the favorable endorse-
ment of General Grant, the recommendation was forw^arded to the Secretary
of War, but came back with the endorsement: "There is no vacancy/' A
few days later, the Secretary visited the army and review^ed Colonel Harris'
division. When the colonel turned off at the head of the review and took his

326 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO 1863,

position at the side of the reviewing officer, the Secretary said to him in a
quiet way: ** General Ord and General Grant have been urging your pro-
motion but there was no vacancy. You will just stay here with your com-
mand and I will go home and make a vacancy. I will muster out some one
whom we can spare." He received his commission of brigadier-general on
the afternoon of the 29th ol March, 1865, whilst on the march against
Petersburg. At Appomattox it was his brigade that confronted Gordon on
the road leading to Lynchburg, and he had the honor of silencing the last
guns ever put in position by General Lee. Returning to Richmond after
the surrender he was detailed to serve on the commission that tried the
assassins of President Lincoln;* and then receiving an order to report to
General Terry, was assigned to duty in the Freedmen's Bureau department,
and was placed in command of the District of the Northern Neck, with
headquarters at Fredericksburg. He remained in this service until Christ-
mas, when he received a furlough to visit his family and to await orders.
He was mustered out of the service by a general order dated April 30, 1866,
and a few days later was tendered the appointment as lieutenant-colonel of
the 31st Infantry in the reorganization of the army. This flattering appoint-
ment he felt constrained not to accept on account of his age and the condi-
tion of his health.

* General Harris has written and had published in book form " A History of the Great
Conspiracy, and Trial of the Conspirators by a Military Commission " which is the fullest
and most complete account of that great trial that has as yet been given.— Author.

CHAPTER LI.

MAX-GEN, GEORGE CROOK.

By 1ST Lieut. L. W. V. Kennon, U» S. Army,

Birth and Education. — ^Scrvice in California. — Volunteer Appointment — Battle of Lcwisburg.
— Battle of Anlietam. — Cavalry Service with Army of the CumberJantl. — Pursuit ol
Wheeler.— New River Expedition,— Lynchburg Expedition.— Early's Advance on Wash-
ington. — Pursuit of Early.— Formation of Middle Military System.— Battle of theOpequon,
— Battle of Fisher's Hill.^ — Battle of Cedar Creek. — Command of Department of West
Virginia,— Capture and Exchange, — Command of Cavalry^ Army of the Fotomac.'*
Surrender of Lee. — Subsequent Career. — Death.

ilEORGE CROOK was born near Dayton, in Wayne Township, Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, on September 8th, 1828. He entered the
Mihtary Academy at West Point in 1S48, graduated in 1S52, and
in the same year joined his regiment, the Fourth Infantrj-^, at Benicia Barracks,
in California.

As it is proposed in these pages to give only a brief sketch 01 the career of
General Crook, his romantic and brilliant services against hostile Indians of
Oregon and California, during the nine years succeeding his graduation, are
passed over with the mention of the fact that they brought him wounds and
distinction, and an experience which was a valuable preparation for his sub-
sequent duties in a larger field.

In 1861 the Rebellion broke out, and Crook, then a captain, hastened
east by way of Panama, half fearful lest the fighting should be over before
he could have opportunity to do his part in it.

In September he was appointed Colonel of the 36th Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, which he at once joined in Somerville, West Virginia. He at once
began the work of transforming the raw recruits who made up his command,
into trained and disciplined soldiers. During the winter he drilled his men
in a large building erected for the purpose, and by spring his command was
in condition to begin active operations at once.

On May ist, 1S62, he was appointed to the command of a provisional
brigade, and May 23d, he engaged the Rebel forces under General Heth at
Lewisburg, General Heth, in bis report of this action, stated: **I attained,
without firing a shot that position in front of Lewisburg which I would have
selected. . . • Victory was in my grasp, instead of which, I have to

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM mS^ TO iS6s

acknowledge a most disgraceful retreat.*^ The Rebels were driven demoinir-
Uzed from the field. Their commander attribiited his defeat to the untnused
condition of his troops. The victorj- was the immediate lesislt of the winter
drilUt which Crook^s foresight had planned. Lewisburg was his first battle
in the war^ and for his gallant and meritonoos ^rvices on this occaskm, he
was brevetted a major in the regular army. He was wounded in this affair,
but remained on the field tmtil the end of the fight.

He was next engaged in the Virginia campaign of September and
October, 1862, his brigade participating in the battles of South Mountain
and Antietam. For his gallant conduct in the latter he was brevetted a lieu-
tenant-colonel in the regular army, and on September 7th was promoted to
be Brigadier-General of Volunteers, his commission being specifically a
reward for his gallant and meritorious services in the field.

From October, 1862, to February, 1863, he was engaged in clearing the
State of West Virginia from guerillas and ** bushwhackers." From March
to July, 1863, he was in command of the Independent Division at Carthage,
Tennessee, taking part in the Tennessee campaign with the Army of the
Cumberland, and the advance on Tullahoma, June 24th to July 4th, On
July 1st, he was placed in command of the 2d Cavalry Division of the Army
of the Cumberland. In the active campaign which ensued, besides almost
daily skirmishing, he was engaged in the action at Hoover's Gap, June 26th,
the battle of Chickamauga, September 19th, and conducted the cavalry pur-
suit of General Wheeler,

In this pursuit the enemy was struck in quick succession at the foot of
the Cumberland Mountains, September 31st, at McMinnville, October 4th,
and at Farmington, October 7th. The campaign lasted but ten days, and for
the skill and vigor with which it was conducted, and for his brilliant services at
Farmington, Crook was brevetted a colonel in the regular army, and was
complimented in orders by General Kosecrans "for inaugurating the new
practice of coming to close quarters without delay*"

Uiirinfj the ensuing two months he was engaged in clearing of guerillas
the country between Shelbyville, Tennessee, and Rome, Georgia,

In Fubruary, 1864, General Crook was relieved from duty in the
Department of the Cumberland, and was ordered to the Department of
West Virginia, where he was assigned to command the Kanawha Division.

Early in May, 1864, with a force of about 6000 men of all arms, he
ttarted on the expedition to destroy the New River bridge. On the 9th, he
encountered the enemy under Generals Jones and Jenkins, at Cloyd's Moun-
tain, occupying a strongly intrenched position. About one half the com-
mand under Colonel White was directed against the enemy's right flank^

GENERAL HUNTER'S ADVANCE ON LYNCHBURG,

329

while the remainder, under Duval > attacked in front. After a hard fight, the
intrenchments were everywhere carried, and the enemy fled to Dublin, from
which point he was quickly driven by Crook's pursuing troopers.

On the loth of May the New River bridge was captured and burned
after an artilleiy fight of a couple of hours. The Virginia and Tennessee
Railway was destroyed for many miles, and this means of communication
between tlie Eastern and Western Armies of tlie Confederacy lost to them.

The object of the expedidon being accomplished, the command v^rith-
drew to Meadow Bluff, where it arrived on the 19th of May.

General Sige!, in command of tlie Department, did not approve of this
expedition, but Crook had undertaken it at the suggestion of Grant, who
deemed it 'Hhe most important work Crook could do," and indeed had
expressed this view to him before sending him to West Virginia,

In May, Sigel was defeated at New Market. He was relieved from
command and succeeded by Hunter. The latter, after the battle of Pied-
mont, united with Crook at Staunton, and advanced upon Lynchburg, before
which place he arrived June 17th.

Lee, finding his lines of supply threatened by Hunter's advance,
detached Early, in command of the 2d Corps, to oppose it. He arrived at
Lynchburg in time to meet the attack of Crook and Averell on the 17th.
On the following day. Hunter attacked in force, but without being able to
capture the town* Convinced that reinforcements had reached the place.
Hunter withdrew through the Kanawha Valley to the Ohio, the retreat
being covered by Crook and Averell, who repulsed tlie enemy's advance
at Buford's Gap on the 21st,

Hunter's advance had been ordered by Grant to be made by way of
Charlottesville, to which point Sheridan with the cavalry of the Army of the
Potomac had been ordered to join him. For reasons which seemed good to
him, he went by way of the Shenandoah Valley and Lexington. The junc-
tion with Sheridan was not made, therefore, and the circuitous route followed
allowed reinforcements to reach Lynchburg before he could take it. Crook
had advised him to proceed directly to Lynchburg, and Hunter was after-
wards frank enough to own that had he followed General Crook's advice, he
would have captured the city.

Early did not attempt to follow Hunter beyond Buford's Gap, but moved
his command down the Shenandoah Valley, crossed the Potomac, overcame
Wallace in a desperate fight at Monocacy, and on the nth of July his troops
formed in front of Washington, Deeming himself unable to capture the
city, reinforced by the 6th Corps, he withdrew across the Potomac on the
I2th.

330

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSds-

In the meantime, Hunter had reached the Ohio, and taking the railway
at Parkersburg, arrived at Martiosburg on the nth.

Wright was placed in command of the ti'oops to pursue Early, As
Hunter was senior to Wright, it was thought advisable to leave him in com-
mand of the Department of West Virginia at Harper's Ferry, while Crook
was assigned to command the troops of that Department in the field, and
directed to report to Wright.

Early retreated slowly, and succeeded in slipping between the converg-
ing columns of his pursuers, and crossed the Shenandoah River, losing only
a small portion of his immense booty to Crook's cavalry under Tibbets.

Wright and Crook united on the i6th, and on the i8th, the latter's com-
mand was sent ahead to verify Earl3^'s retreat. The enemy was encountered
near Snicker's Ferry, Thoburn*s division succeeded in crossinpf, but with
so small a force, and unsupported by the 6th corps, he was forced to fall back.
Averell, advancing up the Valley from Martinsburg, ;Ltiacked Raniseurs*
Division on the 20th, and drove him from the field in the brilliant action at
Carter's Farm,

There was no further pursuit, and Early*s retreat ended at Strasburg,
where he arrived on the 2 2d of July.

Wright, deeming his mission accomplished, had already started for
Washington. Crook took up a position at Kernstown.

Early, noting the cessation of the pursuit, and the division of the Union
forces, quickly advanced on Crook, and with his superior numbers turned
both his flanks and drove him back to Bunker Hill. Crook was fortunate in
saving his artillery and his trains.

The cause of this defeat is obvious* Not only was Crook gready out-
numbered, but many of his troops were worse than useless, having been
hastily assembled, and sent on from Washington in the hope that perhaps
they might prove useful. On the field they broke and ran at tlie first fire, their
officers even tearing their shoulder straps from their shoulders to escape notice
and capture. Hunter severely criticised both officers and men of the ** refuse
force" sent from Washington, and stated that** it was only owing to the
steadiness and good conduct of Crook's Kanawha infantry that the army
was saved from utter annihilation/*

By Hunter's direction. Crook took post at Sharpsburg, to hold the South
Mountain Gaps.

Hunter had resented the selection of Wright, his junior, to command
the troops in the field, and requested to be relieved from his command, sug-
gesring that Crook be appointed his successor. In a telegram to the Secre*
tary ofWarhesaid: ** Brigadier-General George Crook was recommended for

GENERAL CR O OK MADE A BRE VET MA J OR- GENERAL,

331

promotion for meritorious conduct at the battles of Soutli Mountain and
Antietam, by Generals Cox, Wright and Rosecrans for sen^ices in West
Virginia, and by Generals Thomas and Grant for services in the Army of
the Cumberland- I consider him one of the best soldiers I have ever seen,
and one of the most reliable and well balanced of men. I think his capacity
for usefulness is limited by his rank, and I think that his promotion to a supe-
rior command would be of great advantage to the public service, and of very
especial benefit in this Department. I would earnestly request, therefore,
that he be appointed a major-general/' To this Stanton replied that it
would have given him grest pleasure to promote General Crook long ago,
but that the law limited the number of major-generals, and there was then no
vacancy. General Crook w^ould, however, be appointed a major-general
by brevet, and assigned to command on his brevet rank, awaiting a vacancy
for '* a full appointment which no man In the ser\'ice has more fairly won***

This was accordingly done, and on July 25th, Crook w^as specially
assigned by the President to command in the Department of West Virginia,
with the brevet rank of major-general, the brevet being conferred for gallant
and distinguished services in West Virginia, for wdiich also he was brevetted
a brigadier-general in the regular army.

Meanwhile Early w^as again master of the valley ; he invaded Mary-
land, burned Chambersburg, and interrupted traffic on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Wright and Crook were fruitlessly marched and countermarched under
Halleck s orders, until they made a junction on the 29th of July.

Grant now determined to crush the daring and pertinacious Early, and
consolidated all the troops operating against him into a single command, the
Middle Military Division. He visited the headquarters of the new Division,
ordered a concentration of troops at Halltown, and issued general instructions
for tlie ensuing campaign. Geni P. H. Sheridan was assigned to the tem-
porary command of the Division on August Jth, 1864.

On the loth, Sheridan moved forward from Halltown. Early fell back
to Fisher's Hill. Fearful of the expected reinforcement of Early, Sheridan
withdrew to the Opequon on the 17th where he w^as attacked on the 21st,
but without decisive result. During the night he withdrew to the intrenched
position at Halltown.

Early's reinforcement had brought his force up to about 21,000 men of
all arms. Sheridan was joined by Wilson's and AverelFs Cavalry Divisions,
and by Grover^s Division of the 19th Corps, making his force about 55,000
men for field duty under his immediate command.

332

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86i TO iS6s

Early occupied the lower valley, Sheridan the line at Halltown. Here
the opposing armies remained without decisive action for nearly a month.
In extending the Union line to Berryville on the 3d of September, Crook
ran against Anjierson as the latter was starting on his return to Richmond. A
spirited action ensued, which had the effect of delaying Anderson's return
until a couple of weeks later.

On the 1 8th of September, Early was at Martinsburg where he again
destroyed the railway and canaL

Grant had expected decisive action from Sheridan and his splendid
command, and not understanding the necessity for further delay, went to
Charlestown with a plan of battle drawn up to give to Sheridan. The lat-
ter explained that he had understood Grant*s orders were not to attack until
Early should detach part of his command. Grant gave the order to move
at once, and returned to City Point. The next day orders were issued for
an advance of the entire army. The advance was made and on September
19th, the two forces met in the

Battle of thk Opequon,

Early in the morning Wilson's cavalry galloped through the Berryville
gorge, and at dawn carried the earthworks at the head of this defile, and
held the position, enabling the 6th and 19th Corps to pass through it, and to
form line of battie in front of Winchester.

Early had learned of Grant's presence when at Martinsburg, and with
soldierly intuition at once hurried his troops back towards Winchester and
was enabled to present his whole strength to Sheridan.

At about noon both armies simultaneously attacked. The Federal lines
were broken between tlie two corps engaged, but Russell's Division of the
6th Corps, in reser\'e, repulsed the Rebel advance, and saved the Army from
defeat. In the attack Russell lost his life, and was succeeded by Upton.

Crook had been held at the Opequon crossing, with his tvvo divisions of
infantry under Thobum and Hayes and DuPont's aitiliery, with orders to
protect the ford.

On the failure of his attack, Sheridan feared that Early's troops return-
ing from Martinsburg would strike him in flank, and he hastily sent for
Crook, directing him to support the 19th Corps and be ready to meet a flank
attack from the right.

At two o'clock, the first of the West Virginia men reached the field.
Crook placed Thoburn's Division in support of the 19th Corps, and with the
Dther crossed the Red Bud Run. He was surprised to find there no evidences

GEORGE CROOK,
Major-General U. 8. A.

BATTLE OF FISHER'S HILL.

333

of the enemy's presence, and he moved at once up the left bank of the river,
until he reached a point on the left and rear of Early's line. He sent word
to Sheridan that he had attained such a position, and would attack immedi-
ately, asking that he be supported by an advance of the whole line.

Crook's advance was led by CoL Rutherford B. Hayes, who crossed
the Red Bud and assailed the enemj^ in most gallant manner. The fight
was stubborn, the enemy taking refuge behind a series of parallel stone
walls which serv^ed as intrenchments, Thoburn advanced at the same time
and the enemy broke. The cavalry under Merritt, who was informed by
Crook of the situation, joined in the attack* Early withdrew through Win-
chester, his retreat being covered by Ramseur's Division, which alone retained
its organization. lie saved his trains and most of his artillery. The West
Virginia men were the first to enter Winchester in pursuit.

The battle had been saved by Russell and Upton, and won by Crook,
It was, however, a dearly bought victory. The Union loss was more than
5000; the Confederates loss nearly 4000, half of whom were prisoners cap-
tured mostly by Crook's troops.

Although brilliantly decisive of the battle, the use made of Crook*s
troops was not as he had wished* He had strongly urged upon Sheridan
the plan of moving his command along the Senseney road, and putting it
across Early's line of retreat* Sheridan was so far influenced by this idea,
as to state that he at first intended to make this move, but was compelled to
bring Crook up to save his army from defeat. It would have been better,
without doubt, even under the existing conditions, to have allowed Crook to
attack as he desired, and Sheridan acknowledged later that by doing so
he might have captured the bulk of Early's army.

Battle of Fishbr's Hill.

Early withdrew to Fisher's Hill, followed by Sheridan, and on the22d
of September the two armies fronted eachother, on opposite sides of the Tum-
bling Run ravine.

Early's position was one of very great natural strength, and this was in-
creased by trenches which reached from the Shenandoah to the foot of the
Littie North Mountains. Sheridan, however, determined to attack, and se-
lected Crook's command to lead. At what point the assault was to be directed
is doubtful , though it was somewhere on Early's front. Wherever it was,
Crook objected most strenuously, on account of the great and certain loss it
would cause in his command. Moreover, he had reconnoitered toward the
Back Road, and had conceived the idea of placing his troops on the left and

334

LOYAL WESTVIRGLXIA FROM 1B61 TO 1865.

rear of the enemy's line as he had done at the Opequon. Sheridan did not
think the plan was feasible, but finally yielded to the arguments of Crook
and Hayes, and somewhat reluctantly gave authority to the former to carry
out his plan.*

This was about two o'clock in the afternoon, and Crook hastened to fulfill
his promise of a decisive victory with slight loss. Success depended mainly
on the secrecy with which the move could be executed, and here Crook's ex-
perience in wuld warfarein California served him in good stead. The en-
emy had signal stations on the mountains, on both sides of the valley, and ;t
was necessary to move two divisions so as to avoid discovery by their sharp
eyed occupants. Crook, on foot, personally led his men through ravines,
woods and brush to the mountain, then along its side under cover of the
woods until the enemy^s dismounted cavalr}' pickets were encountered. The
column was then faced to the left, and wuth a yell, the little army of West
Virginia rushed down the mountain, carrj^ing dismay and disaster to the con-
fident Rebels who deemed themselves secure in their chosen ** Gibraltar of
the Valley."

On rushed the exultant West V^irginians across the low rolling foothills
and valleys at the head of Tumbling Run, up the slopes of the plateau where
lay the enemy's main forces, rolling them back in confusion, taking no time to
form lines, nor giving time to tlie enemy to organize resistance, until their
entire line broke and fled wildly, some up the valley, more across the river
to the shelter of the Massanotten Mountains, Crook pressed on to the pike,
in rear of the right of Early's position at the beginning of the attack. His
men followed the enemy a short distance, but being exhausted from their
four mile charge, and night coming on, they bivouacked by the side of the
pike, where they were passed by the other corps, who cheered them as they
went by.

In this battle the Union loss was about 500. The Rebel loss was about
1400 men, iioo of whom were prisoners, and 20 guns.

♦Crook was always preeminently a man of action and found great difficulty in expressing
his views in spoken words. Hayes was a lawyer and talker by profession, and Crook would
at times call Hayes to speak for him. The present is a case in point, and Hayes, with less of
the respect for rank inbred in the West Pointer, expressed his views in the freest manner
During the conversation with Sheridan, Crook turned to Hayes and said: *'Co]. Hayes, I want
you lo tell Gen'l Sheridan what you think of putting our men in on the enemy's front,"
Hayes said at once: ** General, it would be simply murder/' He warmly seconded Crook*s
idea of a flank attack, and stated that the West Virginia troops w^ere mostly mountaineers, all of
them had grown accustomed to service in the mountains, and that the move through the
woods and brush along the mountain side was entirely practicable with such troops. The
move could result in slight loss if unsuccessfyl, and mi^ht produre great results if successful.
On this presentation of the case Sheridan finally yielded and gave the authority asked for.

GEN'L CROOK THE HERO OF WINCHESTER AND FISHER'S HILL. 335

A salvo of fifteen hundred guns was fired by direction of the Secretary of
War, to celebrate the victory at Fisher^s Hill. It was indeed most complete.
It was also a victory won by tlie Army of West Virginia, on apian conceived
and executed by its commander^ General Crook, The West Virginia troops
alone could not, of course, have won this batde. The other corps held and
occupied the enemy in front, and subsequently Joined in the attack, especially
Rickett's Division of the 6th Corps, which being on the right, wasenabled to
get into the action. That the West Virginia troops passed from the extreme
left to the extreme right of the enemy's line, and that his fugitives fled to
the Massanutten Mountains for safety, sufficiently indicates where the credit
of the victory belongs.

Sheridan acknowledged this at once. On the day following the batde
he telegraphed to Grant a request that Crook be appointed ** to the full rank of
major-general. His good conduct and the good conduct of his command
turned the tide of battie in our favor both at Winchester and Fisher's Hill."

General Early also stated that it was Crook's force which ruined him at
Winchester, and that at Fisher's Hill 'Uhe movement on my left flank was
again made by Crook." For his gallant and meritorious services in diis
battle, Crook was brevetted a major-general in the regular army. The
brevet rank of Brigadier-General, U, S, A., was conferred for gallant and
meritorious services in the campaign in West Virginia.

The battie of Fisher's Hill gave the Union forces control of the valley;
its stores of grain, provisions and supplies of all kinds were destroyed* The
army then withdrew down the valley, and took up a position at Cedar Creek,

Battle of Cedar Creek.

Early quickly gathered his scattered forces and slightly reinforced by
troops from Richmond returned to his former position at Fisher^s Hill and
planned an attack on the Union lines which, for brilliancy of conception and
daring of execution, finds few parallels in history.

The Union lines extended along the bluffs overlooking Cedar Creek
and the flatter country on its farther side, the 19th Corps on the right of tiie
turnpike, the Army of West Virginia on its left, with one division of the lat-
ter thrown forward to a point overlooking the bend of the creek and its junc-
tion with the Shenandoah. The 6th Corps was in camp well to the right
and rear of the 19th Corps.

During the night of the i8th of October Early secretly moved his army
forward from Fisher's Hill; Wharton followed the pike, Kershaw the dirt
road from Strasburg to the ford opposite Thoburn's position, and Gordon a

33^

LOYAL WESTVIRGL\7A FROM i86r TO iS6s^

trail along the foot of Massanutten Mountain, twice crossing the Shenandoah,
to a point on the road from Bowman's Ford to the Cooley house.

At day-break Kershaw surprised and overran Thobum's Division,
Those who were not captured, escaped by flight and joined tlie other divi-
sion m tlie rear. Here Crook and Hayes formed a line which fought desper-
ately, but Gordon striking it in flank and rear, compelled it to give way. At
the same time Wharton fell on the 19th Corps; it too broke, and the whole
line was pushed rapidly back.

The 6th Corps on the extreme right, and more than two miles from the
point of first attack, had time to form line. It gallantly resisted the enemy's
advance, but it also was compelled to fall back.

Fighting against heavy odds,* Early w^as compelled to put all of his
force in the first attack, and for this reason was unable to keep up the con-
tinuous pressure on the Union lines which alone would enable him to reap
the fruits of his victory. The success of Gordon and Kershaw had carried
them across the pike from the right to the left of the army, and disorganized
by their very success, it became necessary to reform the lines, which were
now placed nearly perpendicular to the pike on its west*

The time so allowed the Union force, was employed by Wright, in com-
mand during Sheridan's temporary absence in Washington, in disposing his
troops to meet a further advance of the enemy. The whole of the cavalry
was transferred from the right to the left to cover the pike, this being the key
to the position.

The failure of Wharton's assault on Lewis Grant's Vermonters marked
the end of Early's success, and Wright gave orders to prepare for a counter-
attack. At this juncture Sheridan arrived on the field, and assumed com-
mand. He approved Wright's orders, but delayed the attack until one
division of the cavalry should be returned to the right, and the stragglers
more completely organized.

In the new line, the 19th Corps was on the right, the 6th in the center
and the Army of West Virginia on the left.

At four o'clock the advance w^as begun. Gordon's division on the left
first gave way, and Early's army, enveloped on both flanks by the Union
cavalry, broke and ran.

At Strasburg the infantry pursuit stopped. DuPont's Artillerj^, which
had been saved by the skill of its commander from the wreck of the
morning, shelled the retreating enemy from the banks of Cedar Creek, while
the cavalry continued its captures until late at night.

♦The Union force present For duty was about 35.000 men ; the Confederate strength
was less than 20,000.

GENERAL UPRIGHT IN COMMAND IN THE SHENANDOAH.

337

Early bivouacked at Fisher*s Hill and the next day withdrew to New
Market, having lost i860 in killed and wounded* 1200 in prisoners, many
wagons, and 24 guns, besides 23 of those he had captured in the morning.

The Union loss was 5665 in killed, wounded and missing, of whom 858
were from the Army of West Virginia.

To understand the first success of Early's attack it must be stated that
Sheridan believed the fighting in the valley was over ; that a *' Rebel advance
down tills valley would not take place," and, as late as the 17th, stated that
the enemy was again retreadng up the valley* The Army of West Vir-
ginia, the 19th Corps and two cavalry divisions were deemed sufficient to
hold the valley, and the 6th Corps was started back for City Point, Crook
being selected to command the forces remaining at Cedar Creek.

2\t this juncture Grant renewed his orders for Sheridan to operate against
Gordonsville and Lee's lines of supply. This induced Sheridan to return
the 6th Corps to Cedar Creek, and it was placed in camp to the right and
rear of the intrenched lines occupied by the remainder of the army.

On the 15th Sheridan left for Washington where he was summoned to
confer with the authorities regarding plans for future action, Wright, the
senior officer present, taking command in his absence.

A reconnoissance on the 13th found the enemy in force, with infantry,
artillery and cavalrj" at Hupp*s Hill, After that, daily reconnoissances
from both flanks failed to discover the enemy, although he was, during the
whole period encamped, at Fisher's Hill.

On the 1 6th a message was intercepted from the Confederate signal
station on Three Top Mountain, showing that they were still there at least.
The message purported to be from Longstreet, and indicated that he was on
his way to join Early. This was enough to insure the taking of extraordi-
nary^ precautions, and Sheridan, then absent, sent back all the cavalry to
Wright, and ordered him to make his position strong, ** Close in Powell,
Look well to your ground and be well prepared/*

On the iSth a reconnoissance made by one of Crook's brigades found no
trace of the enemy in his old camp at Hupp*s Hill, The cavalry also
reported no enemy in its front. The impression was that Early could not
maintain his command so far to the front, and that he would be compelled to
withdraw for that reason. Both the army and its commander were beguiled
into the belief that he had done so.

For still further assurance, Wright ordered reconnoissances to be made
on the 19th to be pushed as far as Fisher's Hill. On that morning however,
the Confederate attack was made. As the army was surprised, the precau-
dous taken, though perhaps unusual, were evidently inadequate.

338

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO /S6j.

Against an advance along either the pike or tlie dirt roads from Stras-
burg the left was very strong; so strong that Wright telegraphed on the
i6th: **I shall only fear an attack on my right, which I shall make every
preparation against and resisting/* As for the left, Crook indeed intrench**'^
his position, and carried his lines well to the rear, but Wright felt so secure
there that he even neglected to close in Powell as expressly ordered by
Sheridan, This left this part of the position uncovered save by the ordinary
infantry pickets, whose line extended only to Cedar Creek, The cavalry
pickets beyond had been removed. Crook reported the denuded condi-*
tion of his front, and was promised that the cavalrj should be replaced.
This was not done, however, and while there were two strong divisions of
cavalry on the right, the left was uncovered*

The absence of these cavalry pickets enabled Early to cross both the
creek and tlie larger river without detection, while the darkness and fog
aided his enterprise, prevented his discovery by the infantry pickets until
his attack was made.

Thobum's officer-of-the-day heard sounds from near the river, and went
with a patrol to investigate its cause, but in the dense obscurity of the morn-
ing, he was captured without being able to give the alarm. When the
pickets learned of the enemy's presence, they could do no more than fire
and retreat, and the Confederate troops would reach the trenches as soon as
they.

Again, it must be said that the position of the left of the line was faulty,
and for this Sheridan himself was responsible, since he personally selected
the positions and designated the troops to occupy tliem. Crook had objected
to the exposed posiuon of Thobum's Division, but was promised a protecting
line of cavalry pickets. To oppose an advance down the pike, the line was
admirably selected, and Thoburn*s position commanded the ground to the
river in his front, but it was detached from any support; a deep ravine sepa-
rated it from the rest of the army, and if flanked, the only hope of safet}^ lay
in instant witlidrawaL Any attempt to hold it under such conditions must
result in the capture of the entire force. The proper posidon for Thobum
was on the left of the main line, extending toward the Cooley house. Had
he been so placed, Gordon could not have struck the flank and rear of the
Union lines, and the battle might there have been fought and won.

As it was, the West Virginia men did all that could have been done by
any troops, and the testimony of a Rebel ofiicer who opposed them in their
desperate resistance at the pike, was that he saw there the hottest fire and the
liercest fight of the war. Aroused from sleep at dawn, assailed by over-
powering numbers in front, in flank and in rear, they fought well, and gave

CROOK IN COMMAND OF THE DEPARTMENT OF W, VA.

339

time to the 6th Corps to prepare for the assaults made on its lines. It may
be remarked also that> in spite of its exposed position, the Army of West
Virginia lost but seven guns, while the 6th Corps lost six, and the 19th Corps
eleven.

It should be remembered, too, that they had but two small divisions of
infantry in the battle, and these were still further reduced by large detach-
ments; an entire brigade of Thobum's Division was at Winchester, his
total strength was about 1500 men, and the first attack fell on this weakened
division.

Though driven back they were not demoralized; they did not feel as if
they had had a fair chance ; they did not feel whipped and longed only to
be led against the enemy. When Sheridan came on the field, Crook> who
shared the feeling of his men, strongly favored the idea of attacking at once.
They were the first troops that Sheridan found in line on his amval.

Though in diminished numbers, the West Virginia troops were gallantly
in at tlie finish, with undiminished pluck.

It would be erroneous to hold them responsible for the morning *s dis-
aster, and Sheridan stated that the battle might have happened exactly as it
did, had he himself been present at the time.

The causes of tlie disaster may be briefly stated to be the faulty position
of the Union lines, the false sense of security as to the left, resulting in a
failure to close in Powell and an unprotected condition of this point, and to
faulty methods in the use of guards and cavalry to secure the safety of the
army. In the last respect the Confederate service w^as greatly superior to
that of their opponents.

After the battle of Cedar Creek there was little serious fighting in the
valley, and the armies remained quiet, w^iththe exception of Early's advance
to Middletown in November, where he remained for a couple of days and
then withdrew to New Market. In December, a fudle cavalry raid was made
towards Gordonsville. In the same month the greater part of the infantry
of both armies was sent to City Point and Richmond respectively.

Crook, who had been promoted to the rank of major-general on October
^ist, 1894, resumed the direct command of the Department of West Vir-
ginia, with headquarters at Cumberland. The winter months were spent in
compiling the formal reports and returns pertaining to his Department.

Tow^ards the end of February, Sheridan was preparing for his final
cavalry raid up the valley to Richmond, and Crook was ordered to take his
place. He accordingly turned over the command of his Department to
General Kelley, and started for Winchester,

Partisan troops under McNeill had cut the railway, and Crook returned

34^

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO fS6j,

to Cumberland for the night, to wait until the track should be repaired. To
this accidental circunfistance he owed the mischance of being captured, for
at about three o'clock on tlie following morning, Febniarj^ 21st, 1865, Crook
and Kelley, Colonel Melvin and others, were surprised in their beds at their
hotel, and carried off as prisoners of war to Richmond*

The capture was made by a party of eight of McNeilTs men, and was
planned and executed by Chas. J. Dailey, a resident of Cumberland and a
soldier under McNeill. West Virginia is a rough, mountainous country with
few good roads. It was the chosen home of the bushwhacker, and through-
out the war Northern vigilance could never quite free the State from them*
With Southern sympathizers botli north and south of the Potomac, spies
passed freely far into the Union lines, and Southern guerillas visited their
families in towns under Federal rule.

Cumberland lay in the heart of the mountains, easy of access by trails
scarce known to any but natives. The quarters of the Union generals were
known to the Rebels, who, advised by friends or by their own observation,
knew their daily customs, and it w^as easy for a small band to surprise and
overpower the picket at tlie entrance of the town and enter the quarters of
the Union generals. The latter, a weakened with pistols presented at their
heads, could do naught but submit to their captors.

In a moment they were aw^ay, and mounted on swift horses, w^ere soon
beyond reach of pursuit, although the alarm was given w^ithin ten minutes
after their departure. So quietly and quickly w^is the exploit performed that
persons sleeping in the adjoining rooms were not disturbed.

The Secretary of War was at first strongly minded to dismiss both gen-
erals, but Grant was unwilling that this should be done, and soon had Crook
exchanged in order to have his services in the final campaign about to begin.
Scarce three wrecks passed, therefore, before he w^as found again on dut}^ with
the Union army. Hancock had been placed in command at Winchester,
but a place was found for Crook in the forces about Richmond, and on March
27th, 1865, he assumed command of the Second Cavalry Dix'ision, which
was increased later by the addition of Mackenzie's Division. This command
constituted the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac.

Crook had already w*on laurels in command of cavalry, and in the brief
campaign which ensued he gave fresh proof of his energy and skill. Im
the days preceding the surrender at Appomattox he was constantly in evi-
dence, the battles of Dinwiddie Court House, March 31st, Jetersville, April
5tli, Sailor's Creek, April 6th and Farmville, April 7th, attesting his activity
and valor. It was almost a continuous fight for two weeks, and finally, on
the 9th of April, it was Crook's force which Lee found across his line of

FIGHTING INDIANS; CROOK IN COMMAND, 34I

retreat, and which held him until the advance of the infantry convinced him
that the case was hopeless, and that at last the end had come.

The war was over. Crook had fought it through ; in the East and in the
West; with the Army of the Cumberland, the Army of West Virginia, and
the Army of the Potomac. He had fought with cavalry and with infantry,
and with all arms combined. With all he had proved himself a thorough sol-
dier and skillful general, and was always greater than the position he filled.
Against anything like equal numbers, he had been invariably victorious, and
often so against superior numbers. His successive promotions were earned
many times over by hard service and brilliant successes. His conduct at
Lewisburg, Antietam, Farmington, Cloyd*s Mountain, the Opequon, Cedar
Creek and other fields all mark him an able leader, while it has been said
that **the annals of war present perhaps no more glorious victor}' " than
Fisher's Hill, which was fought on his plan and won by his troops.

In 1865 ^^^ 1866 Crook was in command of the District of Wilmington*
N. C. In the latter year he was mustered out of the Volunteer service ; the
great armies of the Rebellion were disbanded and in peaceful pursuits
expended the developed energies of the war in extending he National great-
ness. Crook was at this time a lieutenant-colonel of the 23d regular infantry,
and was at once sent west to engage in a more arduous warfare, against savage
Indians. In this field he acquired a fdme unequaled by any American
soldier.

In the northwest he quickly subdued the Snake River Indians in a
sharp winter campaign.

His successes caused him to be ordered to Arizona, where the Apaches
had defied the Mexicans since the days of Cortes, and where he was to teach
them the power of the pale-faced American. Arizona was made habitable
for white men by his rapid and effective subjugation of the Indians, and for
his great work he was promoted by Grant, then President, from the grade of
lieutenant-colonel to that of brigadier-general.

He was called wherever there was hard work to be done, and soon was
north operating against the Sioux, who were taught to fear the might and
respect the worth of the **Gray Fox."

Again called to Arizona, he reduced the Chiricahuas, the last remaining
band of hostile Apaches, who had been excepted by War Department orders
from his previous operations, and peace reigned in Arizona for the first time
in her histor}\

No part of the great West was unknown to him. In every part he has
conquered the savage enemies of the Government, and opened the way to
civilization. His great reputation acquired in dealing with Indians shows the

342 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865,

humane breadth of his character, for it was due not simply to his unequaled
military skill in subduing them, but also to his patient tact in their manage-
ment, and in his well-directed efforts to uplift them from barbarism and start
them on the road to a higher life.

His work was rewarded by promotion to the highest grade of the Army.
On the 6th of April, 1888, he was made a major-general, and assumed com-
mand of the Division of the Missouri, with headquarters at Chicago, Illinois.

There he died on the 21st of March, 1890.

Simple in manner, quiet in his tastes, abstemious in his habits, loved by
all who came to know him well, skillful in civilized war, preeminent in wars
against savages, profound in his knowledge of Indian character, just and
truthful in his dealings with them and with all the world, he left, when he
died, a place that could not be filled in the hearts of his friends, nor in the
military service of his country.

CHAPTER Ln.
COL. JACOB HORNBROOK.

Colonel Hornbrook's Early Trials.— Successful Business Man. — His Intense Loyalty in i86a
— In the Convention that Nominated Lincoln for President. — Active in Promoting the
Reorganization of the State. — Aide-de-Camp to Governor Peirpoint.— A Member of the
West Virginia Legislature. — His Death and Burial at Greenwood near Wheeling, W. Va.

[|OL. JACOB HORNBROOK, the *' Soldier's Friend," was born
October 7, 1812, and in youth and eariy manhood had many trials
and vicissitudes; but with indomitable perseverance, inherited from
his Huguenot ancestors, he finally succeeded and was for a large part of his
career a successful merchant. His earliest trip was to New Orleans on a
flat boat, a six months' trip from which he returned with 600 silver dollars, a
pet bear, a barrel of bear's oil, and some dozens of bottles of lemon juice,
all of which brought high prices on his return to Wheeling, and were quickly
turned into cash. With his brother Thomas he started the wholesale house
of J. & T. Hombrook, at Wheeling, and in connection built and navigated
the steamboat ** Merchant" as a trading boat; her cabins were store rooms for
the sale of goods. Colonel Hombrook retired in 1859 ^^^^ ^ competence.
Always an active man he threw himself into the contest that came upon us
in i860, contributing his time and money to the cause of liberty; and, at a
time when the advocacy of liberty was dangerous in Virginia, Colonel Horn-
brook was an outspoken and active member of the ** wide awakes." Colonel
Hombrook represented a district of Virginia in the convention that nomi-
nated Abraham Lincoln and with great ardor assisted in all that could pro-
mote his election. With Cassius M. Clay, his brother Thomas, Edward
Norton and others, the money was raised to keep the Intelligcftcer on its feet
at a time when it was in great straits. When the war broke out Colonel
Hombrook assisted in the reorganization of the State and the recruiting of
troops; his time and money were always to be had when needed. Being
appointed an aide with rank of colonel of cavalry by Govemor Peirpoint, he
was assigned as State agent to look after our soldiers, more particularly the
wounded ones; he brought home the money for the soldiers from the pay
tables that was needed for their families and with his daughter, Mrs. Kelley,
paid it to them, serving during the war without compensation.

344 LOYAL IVEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

This sketch IS too brief to recount Colonel Hombrook's service to
his State and to her soldiers. In many a West Virginia home Colonel Hom-
brook's memory is prized and tender recollections remain of **The Soldier's
Friend." After the war, Colonel Hombrook served in the Legislature from
Ohio County. Colonel Hombrook was six feet tall, very spare in his habits,
light brown hair, of a most genial nature, and with a heart overflowing with
goodness to his fellow man. A successful merchant, a faithful friend, and
in all the relations of life an honest man. He died at the home of his daugh-
ter, in Philadelphia, on November 3, 1888, and was buried at Greenwood
near Wheeling, W. Va.

" His daily prayer, far better understood
In acts than words, was simply doing good \
So calm, so constant, was his rectitude.
That by his loss alone we know its worth
And feel how true a man has walked with us on earth."*

JACOB HORNBROOK,
Colon tL U.S. Vol.

CHAPTER LIIL
MAJ.-GEN'L R. H. MILROY.*

Birth and Early Lile of General Milroy. — Graduated with the Degrees of Master of Military
Science, Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Arts.— Studied Law. — Went to Texas. — In the
War with Mexico.— Married May, 1849.— Circuit Judge.— In the Civil War.— Captain and
Colonel. — At Grafton and Philippi. — A Brigadier-General. — At Elk Water.— New Creek
and Winchester.— A Major-General. — Episode at Winchester.— Censured by his Supe-
riors. — Honorably Acquitted. — In Nashville, Tenn. — Encounter with General Forrest. —
Returned to his Home in Indiana. — In Washington Territory. — His Bravery Conceded.
— Died, March, 1890. — Relations to the Second West Virginia Infantry.

OBERT HUSTON MILROY, son of Gen'l Samuel and Martha
Milroy, was born in Washington County, Ind., June 11, 1816,
about seven months before the territory was admitted as a State.
His father was a hard-working, successful farmer, was a member of the first
constitutional convention of Indiana, and afterward for a number of years
was a member of the legislature of that State, and at one time speaker of
the House. The son aided the father in all the hard work of the farm until
his 25th year. Prior to this he had received only a country schooling, but
for years had been strongly desirous to secure an education at West Point,
or at some college. But his father being a self-educated man, refused this
desire of the son, for the reason that he believed that a collegiate education
was more injurious than beneficial, and pointing to his fine library told Rob-
ert to educate himself. During the winter of 1840-41, his father sent him
to Pennsylvania to visit two half uncles, and to collect from them a balance
of ;$200 due from his grandfather's estate, which his fadier told him to appro-
priate to his own use in visiting the large Eastern cities. But on receiving
the money Robert determined to use it in obtaining his highest desire, a col-
legiate military education. He had heard favorably of Norwich Military
University at Norwich, Vt., Capt. A. Partridge, formerly superintendent at
West Point, president, and went there and entered for study. By intense
application to study, almost day and night, for two years and seven months,
he was graduated with the degrees of Master of Military Science, Master of
Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Arts. After vainly trying to get a com-

♦ For the following interesting sketch of General Milroy, we are indebted to Frank S.
Reader, Esq., author and historian of the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry.— T. F. L.

346

LOYAL WEST VIRGL\L4 FROM iS6i TO iSdj-

mission as lieutenant in the regular army, he returned home in the spring of
1844 and began the study of law. In the spring of 1845 he went to Texas,
took the oath of allegiance to *'The Lone Star," and voted for its annexa-
tion to the United States. In the fall of that year he returned home on
account of the death of his father, and resumed the study of law. On the
breaking out of the war with Mexico, he promptly raised a company of
volunteers and was mustered into the service of the United States for one
year as captain of Company C, First Indiana Infantry, a part of the Indiana
brigade of Brig»-Gen'l Joe Lane* When the year was up, Captain Milroy
recruited another company for the war, but it was not accepted. After the
muster out of his company, Captain Milroy returned to his home in Delphi,
Ind., and again resumed the study of law. He attended a course of instruc-
tion in the Law Department of the Indiana State University during the win-
ter of 1848-49, and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law;

In May, 1849, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Armitage, of Delphi,
and was admitted to the practice of law soon thereafter. In the fall of that
year he was elected a member of the conventiou to remodel the constitution
of his State. In 1852, he was appointed circuit judge, and upon tlie expi-
ration of his term, in 1854, he moved to Rensselaer, Ind,, where he contin-
ued the practice of law, until the breaking out of the rebellion, in April,
1861. Seeing clearly several months prior to that event, that war was inevi-
table, Judge Milroy, on February 4, 1861, issued a stirring call for the
prompt organization of volunteer companies all over the State, to be ready
with the volunteers of other States, to crush the coming rebellion in its
infancy, and requested that all men qualified for military service, who
desired to join such a company at Rensselaer, to give or send their names to
him, and as soon as a sufficient number of names was received, a meeting
would be called for the election of officers, which was done.

This was the first call made for volunteers for the great war. When
war came, Indiana was called on for 60 companies of three months* troops,
and Captain Milroy at once tendered his already organized company, which
was mustered into the service April 24, 1861, as a part of the Ninth Indiana
Infantry, of which Captain Milroy was elected colonel. He soon received
an order to report with his regiment to CoL B. F. Kelley, at Grafton, Va.^
and crossed the Ohio River into Virginia, May 30, reporting to Col. Kelley
June I. He took a part in the battle of Philippi, the first of the war, and
his regiment was in the advance in the pursuit of General Garnelt, wlio was
killed at Carrick's Ford. The three months' regiments then returned home.

Colonel Milroy went home with his regiment, but before disbanding,
requested them to reenlist for three years, and by September 12, he had his

GENERAL MILROY AT WINCHESTER. VA. 347

regiment filled to the limit. He was appointed brigadier-general to date from
September 3, but was not assigned to the command of a brigade until October
ID, remaining with his regiment. He reported to General Reynolds at Elk-
water on September 19, and took part in all the campaigns of that section.
On December 10, General Reynolds was transferred to another field, and
General Milroy was 'left in sole command of the Cheat Mountain region.
He fought the battle of Allegheny Mountain, December 13, and directed the
expedition to Huntersville, December 31, after which the troops went into
quarters for the winter. The history of General Milroy from this time until
the return to western Virginia, after the Second Bull Run, is that of our
West Virginia Brigade, which he led in every battle and on every march.
The full account may be seen in Personal Reminiscences of the Author
and other chapters of this work, all of his official papers that can be reached,
being quoted almost in full.

November 7, 1862, General Milroy left the West Virgmia Brigade, and
went to New Creek, where he had eight regiments of infantry, two batteries
and three cavalry companies under his command. On December 11, he
moved his command from New Creek to Petersburg, and while there sent out
scouting parties to Franklin, Brock's Gap settlement and Wardensville, and
captured a number of prisoners. On the 21, he sent General Cluseret with
his brigade to Strasburg, which he captured, and then to Winchester, which
he occupied December 25, where General Milroy went January i, 1863.
Here the general received his commission as major-general, to date from
November 29, 1862, and was presented with a very fine sword by the officers
of his command, as a mark of their confidence and esteem. He was very
active while here and did good service.

As there has been a great deal of criticism of the action of General
Milroy at Winchester from June 12 to 16, 1863, it is but just to state briefly
some facts relating to it. In volume 7 of the ** Rebellion Records,*' will be
found General Milroy's report and letter relating to the affair, which the sur-
vivors of his old command would do well to read, as a vindication of their
beloved general, whose memory has been aspersed without cause. General
Milroy had a positive order to remain at Winchester, and never received
orders to evacuate it. In obedience to the order he remained there, until he
demonstrated the impossibility of remaining longer without being annihilated,
or compelled to surrender. The former was not demanded for the good of
the service, and the latter with him was impossible. He had less than 7000
effective men, and with that small force would not have deemed it his duty
to await the approach of Lee's army had he known they were coming that
way. He had a right to expect that if Lee's army advanced against him

348

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM i86r TO iSdj-

from Hooker*s front, that he would be informed of it by the general-in-chief,
through General Schenck, but no such information was ever received. Gen-
eral Milroy knew nothing of the presence of Lee's army until the end of
the second day's fighting, when he captured some prisoners from whom he
learned he was fighting Lee's army which then had him surrounded. He
fought them till S o'clock on the evening of the third flay when his Ammuni-
tion and provisions, and all hope of succor, being exhausted, he cut his way
out at daybreak on the fourth day, June 15, 1863, and got through with over
6000 effective men, who were on duty in July, as was amply proven before
the Court of Inquiry called at Iiis request in August, 1863. As soon as the
general-in-chief, Halleck, learned that Milroy had arrived at Harper's Ferry,
he telegraphed General Schenck in terms very insulting to Milroy, to give
him no command at that place. By orders from General Schenck, he then
proceeded to Baltimore, thence to Bloody Run in Bedford Count}*, Pennsyl-
vania, where some 3000 of his command were, that had come through by
way of Hancock. He was actively employed, and was preparing to move
to the attack on a considerable Rebel force in McConnelsburg, where he
received an order on the 26th, from General Couch, in whose department he
was then acting, to turn over his command to Colonel Pierce, Twelfth Penn-
sylvania Cavalry, and report at once to General Schenck in Baltimore, which
he did, when by order of the general-in chief, he was placed in arrest. Thus
it was for doing his duty, and staying the advance of Lee*s army of 60,000 men
for four days, which delay enabled General Meade to gain time and interrupt
Lee's march, and choose the ground to fight the great pivotal battle of the
war at Gettysburg, he was placed in arrest like a felon, and his command by
his absence greatly crippled in its efficiency, and he made the victim of mal-
ice. There being no charges or causes assigned in the order of arrest, and
none being furnished after repeated demand, General Milroy demanded a
court of inquiry, to investigate and report upon the evacuation of Winchester.
This court was ordered August 4, 1863, and completed its labors September
7, and by its findings and report, and the opinion of President Lincoln thereon
October 27. General Milroy was wholly exonerated from all blame. It was
an astounding affair, and an act of injustice to a brave and patriotic general,
that the exigencies of tlie service could not excuse.

On May 13, 1864, after being out of command 10 months and 17 days,
he received orders to report to Major-General Thomas, at Nashville, Tenn.,
for duty, where he arrived on the 2 2d. While General Milroy was in com-
mand in Tennessee, his time was occupied in guarding the various lines of
transportation, and occasionally in heavy skirmishing with guerrillas. In
September he had several engagements with Generals Williams and Wheeler,

^m^M

ROBERT H. MILROY,
Major-General U. S» Vol,

MILR OY IN WASHING TON TERRITOR V. 349

and later fought Generals Forrest and Bates. On December 7 he had a des-
perate encounter with Bates, near Murfreesboro, in which Bates and Forrest
were defeated with heavy loss. This was the last regular battle General
Milroy was in, though he remained in command at TuUahoma and Nashville
till July, 1865, and resigned on the i8th of that month, and was mustered
out July 26, 1865. General Forrest said of him that Milroy was the only
Union general that ever defeated him in a fair fight.

After leaving the service, he remained in Tennessee for some time, and
then returned to his old home in Delphi, Ind., where he resumed the practice
of law. In July, 1872, he was appointed superintendent of Indian affairs
for Washington Territory, and moved his family to Olympia, where he
resided up to the time of his death. He held this office for two years,
when it was abolished. Afterwards he was appointed United States Indian
agent for the Yakima agency, and held this office till President Cleveland
removed him in September, 1885, for ** offensive partisanship." After this
he practiced law up to the time of his death, which occurred at Olympia,
March 29, 1890, aged 73 years, 9 months and 18 days.

General Milroy was one of the bravest and noblest menof our country.
T'he writer, and the other members of the Second Virginia, had ample
opportunity to see the general's bravery tested, and every one will unhesita-
tingly agree that he was the bravest and coolest man they ever saw in the
storm of battle. No braver warrior than General Milroy ever buckled on a
sword. His^ fame is fixed in the annals of his country and in the hearts of
soldiers, all of whom loved him as a father, and followed him wherever he
called, with implicit faith in his judgment and courage. An experienced offi-
cer and thoughtful writer of the Union army, who knew from personal ser-
vice under Milroy at Winchester, what kind of a commander and fighter he
was, has written the following: **Had Gen'l R. H. Milroy been put in com-
mand in a place which his genius and ability fitted him to fill, he would have
been the Murat of America. There was not an officer in the army of the
Union that excelled him in dash and true native courage."

General Milroy was a profoundly religious man. He was cast on the
5ea of doubt and skepticism for a number of years, but returned to his early
faith and became a member of the Presbyterian church, under the ministry
of Rev. J. R. Thompson, of the State of Washington.

The Second Virginia Infantry never served under a general for whom
the men had so great an affection. It was the regard of men for a friend,
and that he was their friend is the testimony of every member of the old
regiment. The affection was returned by the noble general, who spoke of
Ihem as ** my boys," and to whom he had but to speak and they would follow

3SO LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj-

him into the very jaws of death. In a letter to the Histonan from one
of the general's family, the writer says: **It seems to me that father spoke
more frequently of the Second Virginia Infantry than he did of ail the other
regiments he commanded. There seemed to be more persons in it that he
individually remembered and thought a great deal of." When the general
was requested to write some of the early events of his life for this history,
though very feeble he expressed a desire to do so, **because," as he said,
**the old Second Virginia Infantry asked for it," and his son said he was
willing to do anything he could for the old regiment, **for there was time
when he knew the regiment would do anything he asked them to do."

That General Milroy maintained his position at Winchester against such
an overwhelming army was largely due to the magnificent fortifications of
the place. The credit of this piece of engineering is due to Captain W.
Angelo Powell, who displayed a skill in the construction of said works that
was pronounced by prominent generals and engineers of the army to be the
very best constructed during the war. Captain Powell was not only a skilled
engineer, but he displayed conspicuous gallantry upon many battlefields.

CHAPTER LIV.
GENERAL 1. H. DUVAL.

His Birth and Early Life. — In the Rocky Mountains. — In Texas among the Indians. — With
Lopez in Cuba. — Volunteer in the Army. — Captain and Major in the First West Virginia
Infantry. — Colonel oi the Ninth Infantry and First Veterans. — In the Eighth Army
Corps. — At Port Republic and Opequon. — In Command of Hancock Veteran Corps. — At
Staunton, Va.— Capture of General Rosscr's Cavalry.— Attempt to Assassinate General
Duval. — Elected to Congress. — A Useful Life.

jjENERAL L H. DUVAL was born in Virginia, but left home at an
early age for the Far West. He spent 14 years in the Rocky
Mountains and on the prairies. Immediately after the annexation
of Texas he collected hostile Indians for the Government for the purpose of
making treaties, and brought in delegations from 20 different tribes living on
the frontier of Texas. He commanded the first company that crossed the
plains from Texas to California after the discovery of gold. He had no
guide, and travieled the whole distance with the aid of a small pocket com-
pass. He joined the Lopez insurrection in Cuba, and escaped execution by
a mere scratch. He returned to this country and entered the U. S. army on
the first call for troops. Captain Duval was elected major of the First W.
Va. three months* regiment; reappointed major of the three years' regiment,
and later appointed colonel of the Ninth W. Va. Infantry, also colonel of
the First W. Va. Veterans. He was promoted from time to time up to major-
general by brevet.

While he held the rank of colonel, he commanded at different times the
First and Second Divisions of the Eighth Army Corps ; was on two occasions
assigned by special order to the command of the corps in the absence of
General Crook; was wounded twice, once at Port Republic, in the foot, and
through the left thigh at the battle of the Opequon; had eleven horses killed
and wounded under him during the war; was assigned to the new Hancock
Veteran Corps, and led it down the valley with orders to get in the rear of
Richmond to prevent General Lee's escape should he attempt to get away from
General Grant, who was then pressing Lee in front of Richmond. It was
expected that General Hancock would have overtaken and assumed com-
mand of his forces before Duval reached his destination. At Staunton, Va.,

352 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1865.

Duval learned of General Lee's surrender, and realized that Hancock's Vet-
eran Corps would not be required for the service which they expected to
perform. Duval was in command and captured General Rosser's cavalry,
paroled several thousand Confederate soldiers and captured several trains
loaded with iron, leather, guns and army supplies belonging to the Con-
federate States of America.

While at Staunton an attempt was made to assassinate General Duval*
While sitting in the house of a loyal citizen a shot was fired at him, the bullet
passing between his arm and body, into the back of the sofa upon which he
was sitting.

For several months after peace was declared, General Duval had charge
of a subdivision, with headquarters at Wheeling, W. Va., having served four
years and nine months in the army, having fought in 34 battles. After the
war. General Duval was elected to Congress from the first district of West
Virginia ; also served four terms in the Legislature of the State and two terms
in the State Senate; was adjutant-general of the State for two years, U. S.
assessor two years, and 14 years collector of internal revenue for the first
district of West Virginia. General Duval told the author that he was most
fortunately situated during his service in the war. He had been supported
by gallant and eSicient oSicers and men, and his success was mainly due to
them. From the start to the finish they never hesitated to do all that was
required of them. Their loyalty to country and flag could not be questioned,
they were at all times ready to endure hardships, to march and starve, to
suffer and to die,* if necessary, in upholding the Nation's honor.

ISAAC H. DUVAL,
Bhevet Major-General U. S, Vol,

CHAPTER LV.

BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L W. W. AVERELL.

His Genealogy. — Early Education.— A School Teacher.— At West Point. — Graduation and
Assignment.— At Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and Carlisle, Pa.— In New Mexico Fighting
Indians. — Wounded by Navajoes. — An Invalid Two Years. — In the Union Army.— Mes-
senger to Texas.— Exciting Experience in the Far West.— At Washington, D. C, as Mus-
tering Officer.— At First Battle of Bull Run.— Colonel Third Pennsylvania Cavalry.— In
Command of First Cavalry Brigade.— Brigadier-General U. S. Vols.— In Command in
West Virginia.— Transforming Infantry into Cavalry.— A verell on Lee's Flank after Get-
tysburg.— Capture of Confederates near Winchester.— Franks. Reader, Provost-Marshal.
—Expedition to and Battle of Rocky Gap.— Compliments to Regimental and Staff
Officers. — Official Report of Confederate General Jones.

ILLIAM W. AVERELL descended from New England families.
His father was a pioneer of western New York and his grandfather
a soldier of the Revolutionary War from Connecticut. His great
grandfather wedded a daughter of Josiah Bartlett, the first governor of New
Hampshire under the constitution, whose name appears second on the
Declaration of Independence. His grandmother was a Turner of May-
flower memory, and his mother a Hemmenway, a name borne by one of the
oldest New England families. His fatitjer hewed a farm out of the wilder-
ness in Steuben County, New York., early in the century, and became the
first postmaster and the finst magistrate in the town of Cameron, which
offices he held for many years, rearing a family of five children, and died in
1887, aged 92 years. William had the benefit of an academic education,
and taught school during two winter terms when he was 15 and 16 years of
age, and surveyed lands and roads during the summer. In 185 1, at the age
of 18, he entered West Point, and was graduated in 1855. While he main-
tained a fair standing in his class, he devoted all his spare time to a compre-
hensive course of reading, which the great library at West Point permitted
him to enjoy. Fond of athletic sports, he excelled in horsemanship, and
stood at the head of a class of five riders. On graduation he was assigned
to the regiment of mounted riflemen, now the Third United States Cavalry,
whose colonel was then W. W. Loring. He was ordered to the Cavalry
School, at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., whose superintendent was Col. Charles
A. May, of the Second Dragoons. The school was removed to Carlisle
Barracks, Pa., in December, 1855, and Lieutenant Averell remained with it

354

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO 1863.

as adjutant until August, 1857. Fitzhugh Lee, W. H, Jackson, D, H.
Maury, C» H. Tyler and many other clashing cavalry officers, served at the
school while Averell was adjutant. In the autumn of 1857, he joined his
regiment in New Mexicoi and assumed command of a company, of which
both his senior officers were absent; the captain, Andrew Porter, on leave in
Europe, and the first lieutenant, Gordon Granger, on recruiting service. An
incursion of Kiowa Indians into the valley of the Rio Grande in December,
1857, gave Averell his first chance in an Indian fight, which he embraced
by destroying the band and capturing the chief in a hand-to-hand encounter.
For this exploit he was honorably mentioned in general orders from General
Scott, commander-in-chief of the army. The outbreak of the Navajo tribe
in 1858, opened an active field for *'The Rifles,'* as his regiment was famil-
iarly called, and Averell was engaged in about 25 combats with that power-
ful tribe, and was mentioned in general orders several times for his gallant
conduct* His frontier experience was terminated by a w^ound received in a
night attack of Navajoes on his camp, October 8, 1858, which resulted in the
fracture of his left thigh, and put him upon crutches for nearly two years.
In 1861, Lieutenant Averell went to Washington to see Mr. Lincoln inau-
gurated, and witnessed the stniggles of many of his old Southern comrades
and friends, to escape the social and political toils which drew them into
secession and rebellion. Although still on sick leave, and an invalid and
lame, when Fort Sumter w^as fired upon, he at once reported for duty, and
was selected by General Scott as bearer of dispatches to Col. W. H. Emory,
then in northern Texas and the Indian nation, commanding the First Regiment
of cavalry and the First Regiment of infantry, the only portions of our
little army in that region which had escaped the disgraceful surrender of
Twiggs, Emory's command was isolated by the intervening turbulence
of secession in southern Missouri and Arkansas, and a special messenger
was decided upon as tli*^ only means of communication. Making his way
through these States witli a variety of adventures, young Averell reached Fort
Smith to find it in the hands of a Confederate force under Colonel Boreland
from Little Rock, and our troops some hundreds of miles out on the wild and
perilous frontier. Purchasing a horse, he escaped from the town, swam the
Poteaux River, which was booming, and the bridge burned. He was pur-
sued and captured 50 miles out on the Wachita trail, escaped to the San
Bois Mountains, which he crossed to the north, was again pursued on
the Arbuckle trail, but escaped at the expense of becoming lost for 48 hours,
but constantly making his way westward. In a blind ride through a savage
country, infested w^ith wild beasts and murderous men, for over 260 miles,
he found the command he was seeking to the southeast of Fort Arbuckle,

lENERAL A VERELL Ih

VIRGINIA.

3SS

surrounded by Texans and frontier Secessionists, The anxieties of the com-
mand were dispelled and its march taken up to the northward. Averell
parted with the command on reaching Kansas and hastened to Washington,
He was employed in mustering in volunteer regiments until recalled to
l3ecome adjutant-general of the regular brigade at the first battle of Bull
Run, and after that adjutant-general to the Governor of Washington, and
provost-marshal of the Army of the Potomac, In August, iS6ij he was
appointed colonel of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, and* shortly after had
the Eighth Cavalry added to his command, forming the first brigade of cav-
alry organized in the war. He led the advance into Manassas, March, 1862,
and serv^ed with the cavalry during the Peninsula campaign. He was pro-
moted to brigadier-general United States Volunteers, September 26, 1862,
and served in the Army of the Potomac until he was appointed to the com-
mand of the Fourth Separate Brigade in West V^irgioia, May 16, 1863,

This new brigade formed for General Averell was composed of the
Second, Third and Eighth Loyal Virginia Infantry, the Fourteenth Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry, Gibson's Battalion of Cavalry and Battery G,W. Va. L, A. The
intendon was to organize a force that would be able to meet the Confederate
partisan rangers on their own ground, and as these regiments were so inti-
mately acquainted with all the ins and outs of the warfare of the mountains,
tliey were selected for this exceedingly difficult, arduous and dangerous
service.

In order to carry into effect this new organization, General Averell pro-
ceeded at once to transform the three infantry regiments into mounted infan-
Xryy which was accomplished wnth as little delay as possible. Horses and
equipments were soon procured. The soldiers being mostly native West
Virginians, were as a rule good horsemen, and readily became efficient riders.
The matter of drilling the men in the new tactics was the most serious part
of the transformation, but the men were willing students and soon learned to
be efficient cavalrymen.

On July yth, General Averell with ail of his brigade except the Second
Virginia, was ordered east to harass the lines of General T-^ee, in his retreat
from Gettysburg, While not permitted to take a part in that memorable
battle, the brigade rendered efficient service on Lee's flank, causing him
considerable trouble and loss. Gen'l H. W, Halleck, in his report to the
Secretary of War, November 15, 1S63, thus concisely states the services of
this brigade in that campaign :

**The operations of our troops in West Virginia are here referred to as
being intimately connected with those of the Army of the Potomac. The
force being too small to attempt any important campaign by itself, has acted

3S6 LOYAL IVEST VIRGINIA FROM iSdi TO iS6j.

mostly upon the defensive, in repelling raids and breaking up guerrilla bands^
When Lee's army retreated across the Potomac in July last, Brigadier-
General Kelley concentrated all his available forces on the enemy's flank,
near Clear Spring, ready to co-operate in the proposed attack by General
Meade. They also rendered valuable services in the pursuit, after Lee had
effected his passage of the river."

The troops were forwarded as rapidly as possible, but arrived too late at
Williamsport, Md., to do any service there, Lee's army having crossed the
river and was on its way south. General Averell with his brigade hastily
retraced his steps, aiming to reach the valley and attack Lee's forces in tliat
locality. On the i8th he captured a number of prisoners, and on the 19th
found the enemy on the Martinsburg road, having some severe skirmishing
and driving them, capturing many more prisoners. The next day a large
force of the Confederates attacked Averell and he was compelled to fall back,
with considerable fighting during the night. On the 24th he again advanced
and continued a forward movement until he reached Winchester on the 30th,
camping and reconnoitering at various intermediate points. During the stay
here a great many Confederate deserters came to our lines, who were sent
to the rear, and a large number of prisoners were paroled.

Mr. Frank S. Reader, who was assistant provost-marshal at the time, said :
"It was a part of my duty in camp to look after paroling of prisoners, care of
deserters and to hear the complaints and woes, and request for passes, of the
citizens of the surrounding country. At this point the number of exceed-
ingly and obtrusively * loyal ' people that annoyed General Averell's head-
quarters, might have led to the belief that that part of the beautiful valley
was the home of all the loyalty of Virginia ; but the loyalty was not of the
kind to inspire confidence, and the utmost care was required that no advan-
tage was secured by the enemy by means of passes." The command lay
here until the 5th of August.

Expedition to and Battle of Rocky Gap.

The following is General Averell's report of this expedition, the best
account of the raid and battle that the author has ever seen :

Headquarters, 4TH Separate Brigade, 8th Army Corps.

Beverly, W. Va., September i, 1863.
On August 5 I left Winchester anrl marched over North Mountain to Wardensville, 28
miles. A lieutenant and 10 men of Imboden's command were captured on the way by
Captain Von Koenig who led the advance during the day. I arrived at Moorefield with my
command at 8.30 P. M., on the 6th, after a tedious march of 30 miles over a difficult road.
At Lost River a company of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania was sent to Moorefield, via Harper's
Mills, where it captured a lieutenant and a party of the enemy, but subsequently falling inta

WILLIAM W. AVERELL.
Bn£VETiilVlAJOfl-G£NERAL U. S. A*

AVERELUS COLUMN ON THE MARCH. 357

an ambush after dark, lost its prisoners and 13 men captured. Four of the Fourteenth
Pennsylvania were wounded, and three of the enemy were killed and five wounded. On the
9th, I left Moorefield and marched to Petersburg, 11 miles, leaving Gibson's battalion on
the South Fork. My command was at this time badly in want of horse shoes and nails,
clothing and ammunition, requisitions for which had been made by my quartermaster, at Cum-
berland, on the 7th. The order of Brigadier-General Kelley to move was received on the 1 5th,
at Petersburg, but it was not until noon of the 17th that horse-shoe nails arrived. Some
ammunition for Ewing's battery was also received, but I was unable to increase my supply
for small-arms which amounted to about 35 cartridges to each man. This was sufficient for
any ordinary engagement, but we had a long march before us entirely in the country occu-
pied by the enemy, and I felt apprehensive that the supply would be exhausted before the
expedition should be ended. It was my opinion that the delay, which would ensue by await-
ing the arrival of the ammunition, would be more dangerous to us than undertaking the
expedition with the supply we had. Therefore on the i8th. Colonel Oley, of the Eighth West
Virginia, was sent with his regiment up the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac,
and Gibson's battalion up the South Fork, and on the morning of the I9ih I moved with the
Third West Virginia, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and Ewing's battery nearly to Frank-
lin, sending forward two squadrons to destroy the saltpeter works, five miles above.

• On the 20th I proceeded up the South Branch to Monterey, over a rough road, the
Eighih West Virginia and Gibson's battalion joining the column on the march. A few guer-
rillas were captured on the road. At Monterey the quarterly court was found in session.
Upon my arrival it was adjourned and the principal officials arrested. It was learned that
Imboden had been there the day previous to hold a conference with Maj.-Gen'l Samuel Jones,
upon the subject of attacking me at Petersburg. The road to Huntersville was taken on the
2ist, as far as Gibson's store, my advance, conducted by Lieutenant Rumsey, aide-de-camp,
driving about 300 of the enemy before it, during the march, to within five miles of Hunters-
ville. Our casualties during the day were only four wounded and six horses killed and dis-
abled, although constantly annoyed by shots from guerrillas who infested the bushes along
the way. Learning, during the night of the 21st, that the enemy had assumed a position in
a ravine, about three miles from Huntersville, which was difficult to carry on account of the
precipitous character of the sides, I made a false advance on the 22d, with Gibson's battalion,
while the main body, taking a by-road to the right, reached Huntersville without meeting
resistance, rendering the position of the enemy useless to him, and causing him to retire in
haste towards Warm Springs. Colonel Oley, with the Eighth West Virginia and one squad-
ron of the Third West Virginia, was sent after the retreating enemy and overtook his rear
guard at Camp Northwest, from whence it was driven several miles. Camp Northwest was
burned and destroyed, with commissary buildings and stores, blacksmith shops, several
wagons, a number of Enfield rifles, gun equipments and a quantity of wheat and flour at a
mill close by. A large number of canteens, stretchers and hospital supplies fell into our
hands.

The 23d was spent at Huntersville awaiting the arrival of the Second and Tenth West
Virginia. The Tenth and a detachment of about 350 of the Second West Virginia and a
section of Keeper's battery arrived during the day from the direction of Beverly. The
Second had 40 rounds of ammunition per man, with 1000 rounds additional, which were
transferred to ihe Third West Virginia. Durinjgr the day a reconnoissance, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Polsley, Eighth West Virginia, was made toward Warm Springs. One lieutenant
and five men of the enemy were captured, and 12 killed and wounded. Our loss was only
five horses shot. On the 24th the march was resumed toward Warm Springs, through which
Jackson and his forces were driven over the mountains east of that place toward Millborough.

3S8 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1863.

Our losses daring the day were two men severely wounded, some slightly hurt and a few
horses shot. Captured many arms, saddles and other stores from the enemy. The forces
under Jackson having been driven out of Pocahontas County too soon to permit them to form
a junction with any other bodies ot the enemy, and the prospect of overtaking him being
very small. I determined to turn my column towards Lewisburg, hoping that my movement
up to the Warm Springs had led the enemy to believe that I was on my way to his depots in
the vicinity of Staunton. I relied also on some co-operation from the direction of Summer-
ville. I therefore sent the Tenth West Virginia back to Huntersville, and on the 25ih made
a rapid march of 25 miles to Callaghan's in Allegheny County, destroying the saltpeter
works on Jackson's River, on my way. Arrived at Callaghan's, reconnoitering parties were
sent to Covington and Sweet Springs. Some wagons of the enemy were captured near
Covington, and the saltpeter works in that vicinity destroyed.

At 4 A. M. on the 26th my column was formed, en route to White Sulphur Springs.
The road crossed two mountain ranges before 10 miles had been traveled over. About 9.30
A. M., when about 12 miles from Callaghan's, a message from Captain Von Koenig was
received by me at the head of the column, that the enemy were resisting his advance and
desiring re-eniorcements. A squadron of the Second was sent on at a trot, and a squadron
of the Eighth ordered forward. A few minutes elapsed when the enemy's cannon announced
his purpose of disputing our farther progress and indicated his strength. I at once started
the column forward at a rapid gait down through a narrow pass, which soon opened out into
a little valley a mile long, inclosed on each side by rugged rocky heights, covered with a
stunted growth ot pine, oak und chestnut trees. At the opening, the projectiles from
the enemy's cannon first struck the head of our column. A jutting cliff on the right
afforded protection for the horses of the Second and Eighth, and the dismounted men of the
Second were at once ordered to the summit of the ridge, and the squadron of the Eighth
dismounted to the hill on our left.

A section of Ewing's battery was brought up rapidly and planted on the first available
position, where it opened briskly and with great accuracy. The squadron of the Eighth,
ordered to the left, mistook the direction in some way, and found itself on the right with the
Second West Virginia. The main body of the Eighth West Virginia, led by Colonel Oley,
however, soon made their way to the crest on our left. The Third West Virginia and
Fourteenth Pennsylvania were ordered forward, came to the front and dismounted very soon.
I beg to call your attention to the fact that my column of horses, nearly four miles long, was
now in a narrow gorge, and that during the time necessary for the Third West Virginia and
Fourteenth Pennsylvania to arrive at the front, it was necessary that Ewing, supported only
by the advance guard, should maintain his position against an attack of the enemy's artil-
lery and infantry combined. The Second on the right and the Eighth on the left, afforded
some support, but Ewing's battery, with canister, not only resisted the approach of the
enemy, but actually advanced upon him, in order to obtain a better position, and held him
at bay until the arrival of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania and Third West Virginia, which were
at once deployed to the right and left of the road, thus filling up the gap in my line. The
enemy gave away his position to us and endeavored to assume another about half a mile in
rear of the first, with his right resting upon a rugged prominence, his center and left pro-
tected by a temporary stockade, which he had formed of fence rails. I resolved to dislodge
him before he should become well established, and then, if possible, to rout him from the
field. One of the guns of Ewing had burst, and the other five were advanced to within 600
yards of the enemy. Capt. Von Koenig was sent to advance the Third and Eighth, and
orders were sent to the right also to advance. Gibson's battalion was thrown into a house
and the surrounding enclosures which stood in front of the enemy's centre. The enemy

BATTLE OF ROCKY GAP. 359

clung tenaciously to the wooded hill on their right, and Gibson's battalion was driven from
the house by a regiment of the enemy, which at that moment arrived upon the field. I
immediately caused the house to be set on fire by shells, which prevented the enemy from
occupying it. The right was able to gain only a short distance by hard fighting. It then
became an affair of sharpshooters along the whole line at a distance of less than 100 yards.
The effort which my men had made in scaling a succession of heights on either hand, had
wearied them almost to exhaustion. A careful fire was kept up by small-arms for three hours,
it being almost impossible for either side to advance or retire. During this time I reconnoi-
tered the position, going from the hills on the right to the left. At about 4 P. M. I
determined to make another effort to carry the position. A squadron of the Fourteenth
Pennsylvania, which had not been dismounted, was brought up and instructions sent to the
commanders along the line that a cavalry charge was about to be made on the enemy's
center, and directing them to act in concert. The charge was splendidly made by Captain
Bird, of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania cavalry, who led his men until he came to a stockade
which the enemy had thrown across the road. Orders had been given to the officers com-
manding the regiments on the right, to press forward at the same time and endeavor to gain
the Antony's Creek road, which came in on the enemy's left. The order to the Second to
advance was conveyed by Lieutenant Combs, the adjutant of thai regiment, who delivered
the order to that portion of the regiment nearest him. Major McNally on the right, and
Lieutenant Combs on the left, of the regiment, with less than 100 men, advanced on the
enemy's line and drove them out of the stockade, leaving Major McNally mortally wounded
in the hands of the enemy. The effect of the cavalry charge was to cause about 300 of the
enemy to run away from the stockade, exposing themselves to a deadly fire from the Four-
teenth Pennsylvania, Colonel Schoonmaker, but their position was soon regained by their
reserves. No united effort was made to attain the road on the extreme right, as directed.
Reports soon reached me from all parts of the line that ammunition was falling short. The
slackened firing of the enemy evidently indicated that his supply was not plentiful. The
night came with no change in position, and no tidings from the west, whence General Scam-
mon was expected. During the night all the ammunition in the wagons was brought up and
equally distributed, and every available man brought to the front. It was quite evident to
my mind that if the resistance of the enemy was kept up, I could go no farther in that direc-
tion. It was impossible to retire during the night without disorder, and perhaps disaster.
By remaining until morning two chances remained with me : first, the enemy might retreat,
and, second, Scammon might arrive. The morning showed us that both chances had failed,
that the enemy had received ammunition, and that re-enforcements were coming to him from
the direction of Lewisburg. The battle was renewed, but every arrangement made in rear
for a prompt withdrawal. The ambulances loaded with wounded, the caissons, wagons, and
long columns of horses were placed in proper order upon the road, details made for the
attendance of the wounded, trees prepared to fell across the gorge when our artillery should
have passed, and commanding officers received their instructions. The enemy's re-enforce-
ments arrived and attempted to turn my left about 10 A. M. At 10.30 o'clock the order to
retire was given, and in forty-five minutes from that time my column was moving off in good
order, my rear guard at the barricades repulsing the enemy's advance twice before it left the
ground. Successive barricades were formed and my column reached Callaghan's about 5
P. M., where it was halted, fires built, and the men and horses given the first opportunity to
eat for thirty-six Itours. After dark the fires were left burning and the column took the road
to Warm Springs. A scouting party of the enemy in front of us had left word with the citi-
zens that Jackson was at Gatewood's, with a strong.force. This shallow attempt at deception
did not deter us from marching to that point, where we arrived at daylight on the 28th. At

36o

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO 1B65.

9 A. M. the march was resumed to Huntersville without interruption, but with considerable
annoyance from guerrillas. At evening we marched to Greenbrier Bridge, or Marlin's
Botlom, where Colonel Harris, with the Tenth West Virginia, was posted. The ensuing day
the command moved to Big Springs, where it was ascertained that a party of the enemy had
enlcrcd the road before us for the purpose of blockading it. At 2 A. i\L, on the 30th, we were
again en route, and at dayh'ghtcame upon a blockade, half a mile long, made by felling large
trees across the road. While delayed in cutting it out the animals were fed and a strong
blockade made in rear. The command arrived at Beverly on August 31, having marched,
since June 10, 636 miles, exclusive of the distance passed over by railroad, and of the marches
made by detachments, which would increase the distance (or the entire command to at least
1000 miles. This command has been mounted, equipped and drilled ; giarched over 6cx>
miles through a rugged mountainous region, fighting the enemy almost daily ; had one severe
battle ; destroyed the camps of the enemy ; captured large amounts of supplies and 266
prisoners, in less than eighty days. The strength of the enemy opposed to me in the engage-
ment at Rocky Gap was 2500, as near as could be ascertained by observations and from the
reports of prisoners, and also from statements of Rebel officers. I did not have 1300 men in
the front the first day. . , ,

Among those who particylarly distinguished themselves in action for gallantry and
ability, I would mention the following officers, viz. ; Capt. Paul Von Koenig, aide-de-camp,
killed* First W. Va. Artillery ; Capt. C. T. Ewing, wounded, Second W. Va. Mounted
Infantry ; Maj. F. P, McNally, died of wounds, Eighth W, Va. Motinted Infantry ; Capts, W.
L. Gardner. W. H. H. Parker, and Lieut. J, A, Morehart, killed. Fourteenth Pa. Cavalry;
Capt. John Bird, wounded and prisoner; Lieuts. John N. McNull, M. W. Wilson, James
Jackson, and Jacob Schoop, wounded,

I was greatly indebted to the following named officers for thtir untiring energy and
hearty co-operation during the battle: Lieut/s J. R. Meigs, of the Engineers, U. S. Army,
and Will Rumsey; Capt. C. F. Trowbridge and Lieut. L. Markbreit, aides-de-camp; Maj.
Theodore F. Lang, acting assistant inspector-general ; Lieut. Geo. H. North, assistant quar-
termaster; Cols. J. N. Schoonmaker^ 14th Pa. Cav., and J. H, Oley, Sth W, Va. Mounted
Inft, ; Lieuts, J. Combs, adjutant, 2d W. Va. Mounted Intl., and B. fi. H. Atkinson, Battery
B, 1st W. Va. Artilery.

*♦«««♦♦*♦*♦

\Vm, W. Aver ell,
Briga dier* Gen era I of Volu n teers^

The following is the report of Maj.-Gen'l Sam. Jones, commanding the
Confederate forces of the battle:

On the evening of August 23 I received information from CoU Wm. L. Jackson that
Brig.-Gen'l Averell» U» S. Army, with a force estimated at over 4000 men. consisting of cav-
alry, mounted infantry and artillery^ was in motion from the direction of Moorefield. So far
as I could ascertain, General Averell was on a raid towards Staunton. He had driven
Colonel Jackson from Hightown and his camp near Huntersville, and the latter had fallen
back to Gatewoad*s on Back Creek, on the road from Huntersville to Warm Springs. 1 had
a few days previously ridden over that road, Colonel Jackson accompanying me part of the
way. and from my own observations and his representations, believed that he could detain
' the enemy on that road long enough to enable me to send a force to his assistance or place it
in the rear of the enemy. 1 accordingly ordered the First Brigade of my command, Col.
George S. Patton. commanding, to move by the Antony's Creek road. I joined the brigade
myself on that road on the 2Sth. Om the morning of that day 1 received a dispatch from Col.

REPORT OF CONFEDERATE GENERAL SAM. JONES. 361

Jackson, dated at 9 o'clock on the previous day, atGatewood's. He informed me that he had
driven back the enemy's skirmishers to his old camp near Huntersville. The tenor of the
dispatch induced me to believe that he could not only check the opposing force at Gate wood's
but could move up and join the First Brigade at the intersection of the Antony's Creek road
from Huntersville to Warm Springs. I dispatched him, informing him of the movement of
that brigade, directed him, if possible, to join it at the junction of the roads above mentioned.
I have reason to believe that he never received my dispatch, and that it was intercepted by
the enemy. While on the march on the 25th, information was received, which I deemed
reliable, that the enemy had not only driven Colonel Jackson from Gate wood's but had forced
him beyond Warm Springs. Still remaining under the impression that the destination of the
enemy was Staunton, the First Brigade was ordered to turn off from the Antony's Creek
road and take a shorter route to Warm Springs. After 10 o'clock that night information
was received which satisfied me that the enemy had abandoned the pursuit of Colonel Jack-
son and that while the First Brigade was marching toward Warm Springs, General Averell
was advancing from Warm Springs to Callaghan's. I immediately ordered Colonel Patton to
return on the Antony's Creek road in the hope of intercepting the enemy on the road from
the Warm to the White Sulphur Springs. By a night march our advance guard reached the
intersection of the latter named road at the same instant that the head of Averell's column
debouched Irom the defile through the Allegheny Mountains on the road from Callaghan's.
General Averell endeavored to force his way through, but the First Brigade was quickly
placed in position, when an engagement commenced, which, for five hours, was very warm
and continued at intervals until dark. That night the troops occupied the same position that
they had taken in the morning. The enemy made two vigorous attacks the next morning
which were handsomely repulsed, when he abandoned his position and retreated towards
Warm Springs. My cavalry and artillery were ordered in pursuit. For about ten or eleven
miles the road passes through a narrow and thickly wooded defile. The enemy availed him-
self of the advantage offered to retard pursuit by felling trees across the road.

The report of General Jones shows his losses to be 20 killed, 129
wounded and 13 captured — a total of 162.

CHAPTER LVI.

BREVET MAJ.-GEN'L WM. W. AVERELL— (CONTINUED).

Droop Mountain Campaign.— General Averell's Official Report. — Salem Raid,— Winter Sol-
diering.— Destruction of Railroad between Richmond and Knoxville. — Thrilling Report
of General AverclL — Gen*l Sam. Jones* Dispatch, — The Richmond Examiner's Sarcas-
tic Comment. — Weather Intensely Cold. — Avercll at Martinsburg,

SHE months of September and October were ones of intense activity,

consisting of heavy picket duty, arduous scouting and severe
drilling. Scouting was the regular order, and it was the excep-
tion when one or more scouting parties were not out in the mountains
or valleys, watching the movements of the Confederates who were constantly
hovering about. On the ist of November, 1863, orders were issued to take
the road again to the southward.

The following is General AverelFs report of this expedition:

On the tst day of November. I left Beverly with my command consisting of the Twenty-
Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. A.Moor; Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry.
Col. T, M. Harris; Second West Virginia Mounted Infantry. Lieut. -Col. A. Scott; Third
West Virginia Mounted Infantry, Lieut.-Col, F, W. Thompson ; Eighth West Virginia
Mounted Infantry, Col J. H, Oley; Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, CoLJ. N, Schodn.
maker; Gibson's Battalion and Batteries B and G, First West Virginia Light Ariillery.
Capts. J, V. Keeper and C. T. Ewing. The command moved on the Staunton pike to Green-
brier Bridge, and thence by Camp Bartow and Green Bank to Huntersville, driving before
them the enemy's pickets, and capluring or dispersing the guerrilla bands which infest that
part of the country. The command reached Huntersville at noon of the 4th, and it was
there ascertained that Lieytenant^Colonel Thompson, of Jackson's command, was at Marlin's
Bottom, with a force ol about 600 men. I at once sent the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry
and Third West Virginia Mounted Infantry on the direct road to Mill Point, to cut off
Thompson's retreat toward Lewisburg, and the Second and Eighth West Virginia Mounted
Infantry and one section of Evving's battery to Marlm's Bottom, to attack him at that place.
At 9 o'clock I received information from Colonel Oley, Eighth West Virginia Mounted
Infantry, commanding detachment to Marlin's Bottom that the enemy had retired toward
Mill Point, blockading the road in their rear. A dispatch from Colonel Schoonmaker,
Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, receivejl about midnight, informed me that Thompson
had effected a junction with the remainder of Jackson's command, and that it was all in
position in his front and threatening an attack. The infantr)^ and Keeper's battery were
moved about 3 A. M. to jorp Schoonmaker. and Oley was ordered to cut out the blockade and
march to the same point as fast as possible- I reached Mill Point with the infantry and Keeper
at 8 A. M. on the Slh, and found that they had just arrived, and that the enemy were retiring.
This was Thursday, the 5th of November We were thirty-four miles from Lewisburg, at

BATTLE OF DROOP MOUNTAIN. 363

which point it had been directed that my force should arrive on Saturday, at 2 P. M. It was
not thought proper to press the enemy vigorously on this day, in order to keep him as far as
possible from Lewisburg, and not to permit him to be re-enforced from that direction, and to
gain the advantage which would follow from the arrival at Lewisburg ot thp force under
General Dufiie irom the Kanawha Valley. An attempt was, however, made to capture the
force under Jackson by sending three mounted regiments to cut off his retreat. The rapidity
of the enemy's movements made this attempt unsuccessful, and he succeeded in reaching
Droop Mountain, upon the summit of which he made a stand. My advance was withdrawn
from the fire of his artillery and the attack postponed until the ensuing day. On the morning
of the 6th, we approached the enemy's position. The main road to Lewisburg runs over
Droop Mountain, the northern slope of which is partially cultivated nearly to the summit, a
distance of two-and-one-half miles from the foot. The highway is partially hidden in the
views from the summit and base in strips of woodland. It is necessary to pass over low
rolling hills and across bewildering ravines to reach the mountain in any direction. The
position of the enemy was defined by a skirmishing attack of three companies of infantry.
It was thought that a direct attack would be difficult.

The infantry and one company of cavalry were therefore sent to the right to ascend a
range of hills which ran westward from Droop Mountain, with orders to attack the enemy's
left and rear. To divert the enemy's attention from this, the Fourteenth Pennsylvania and
Keeper's battery made a successful demonstration upon his right. The remainder of the
command prepaired for action. While these movements were progressing, the arrival of re-
enforcements to the enemy was announced by the music of a band, the display of battle-flags
and loud cheers of the Rebels on the top of the mountain. The attack of our infantry, 1175
strong, was conducted skillfully and resolutely by Col. A. Moor. The guide who had been
sent with him proving worthless, he directed his column, nine miles over the mountains and
through the wilderness to the enemy's left, led by the flying pickets and the sound of his
cannon. The intermittent reports of musketry heralded the approach of Colonel Moor to his
destination, and at 1.45 P. M. it was evident from the sound of the battle on the enemy's left
and his disturbed appearance in front, that the time for the direct attack had arrived. The
Second, Third and Eighth West Virginia dismounted, were moved in line obliquely to the
right up the face of the mountain, until their right was joined to Moor's left. The fire of
Ewing's battery was added to that of Keeper's. At 3 P. M. the enemy were driven from the
summit of the mountain upon which they had been somewhat protected by rude breastworks
of logs, stones and earth. Gibson's battalion and one section of Ewing's battery were at once
ordered to pursue the routed Rebels. Fragments of each regiment were already eagerly in pur-
suit. The horses of Second, Tliird, Eighth and Fourteenth were brought up the mountain as
soon as possible. The infantry pushed forward, and as soon as details had been made for
succoring the wounded and burying the dead, the entire command followed the enemy
until dark. It appeared from the reports of prisoners that the enemy's force had consisted of
the Fourteenth Virginia Cavalry, Twenty-second Virginia Infantry, Derrick's Battalion, Ed-
gar's Battalion, Jackson's Brigade and seven pieces of artillery; in all about 4000 men. His
loss in killed and wounded was about 250, one piece of artillery and one stand of colors. Sev-
eral men of my command reported having seen and measured two other pieces of artillery
abandonded by the enemy and secreted by the wayside. Time was not had, however, to
look after them. I did not desire to reap more than the immediate fruits of victory that
evening. It was yet twenty miles to Lewisburg, and I hoped that by letting the enemy alone
during the night, he might loiter on the route and be caught the next day between my com-
mand and the force expected from the Kanawha Valley. As we went down the mountain
the following morning, we could see the smoke of several camp fires along the mountains to

364 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO iSdj.

the eastward, showing that the enemy had been somewhat dispersed. On the 7th I moved
rapidly forward over an excellent road toward Lewisburg. The Fourteenth, which was in
advance, reached that place at 2 P. M., and found Gen'l Duffie with four regiments and one
section of artillery already in possession of the town. He had reached it at 10 P. M., captur-
ing a few stragglers and such material as the enemy had been unable to remove in his flight.
I learned that a small portion of the enemy's main body had passed through Lewisburg in
great disorder early on the morning of the 7th on their way to Dublin. I also learned that
Gen'l Lee had promised Brig.-Gen'l Echols ample re-enforcements at or near that point. I
determined to move with my whole command to that place, and accordingly set out on the
morning of the 8th. After proceeding a few miles, a formidable blockade was encountered
through which it was necessary to cut a passage. General Duffie reported his command as
unfit for further operations, as his infantry had but one day's rations and was so exhausted
as to be able to march only ten miles per day. My own infantry was encumbered with the
prisoners, captured property and material. I the.refore ordered General Duffie to retire to
Meadow Blujff, and Colonel Moor, with the Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Tenth
West Virginia Volunteer Infantry and Keeper's Battery to return to Beverly, taking with
him all the prisoners and such of the wounded from the battle of Droop Mountain as could be
transported. Colonel Moor brought from Hillsborough fifty-five of our own and one Rebel
wounded. He left with those who were too badly wounded to bear transportation. Assistant
Surgeon Blair, Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and supplied them with all the
rations, hospital stores and medicines which could be spared. His command reached Bev-
erly on the 1 2th, bringing with it all the prisoners, property, etc., which had been captured
up to the arrival of my command at Lewisburg. With the cavalry, mounted infantry and
Ewing's battery of my command, I moved via White Sulphur Springs to near Callaghan's,
passing through the battle ground of Rocky Gap on my way. At White Sulphur I retook
the wounded of my command who had been left after the battle of Rocky Gap in August last.
At Callaghan's on the morning of the 9th I learned that General Imboden, with from 900 to
1500 men. was at Covington on his way to re-enforce Echols at Union.

Not deeming his command of sufficient importance to delay my march, and knowing
the impossibility of bringing him to a fight, I sent two squadrons of the Eighth West Virginia
Mounted Infantry, under Major Slack, to drive him away from my line of march. This was
accomplished after a sharp skirmish, in which Imboden was reported wounded, and one lieu-
tenant and twenty men of his command were captured. From Callaghan's I moved by Gate-
wood's up the Back Creek road to Franklin; the main body of the command moved through
Monterey and joined me about eight miles beyond that place. At Hightown I met Colonel
Thoburn, with a brigade of infantry and two pieces of artillery, whom I directed to return to
Petersburg. My command reached Petersburg on the I3ih where it was supplied with
rations and forage. On the 17th I arrived at New Creek, bringing with me about 150 cap-
tured horses and 27 prisoners, exclusive of those which were sent from Lewisburg with
Colonel Moor. Several hundred cattle were captured on the march.

Since leaving Beverly, seventeen days, we marched 296 miles, a.partof the time suffer-
ing intensely from the cold, constantly subjected to the hidden attacks of bushwhackers, and
having fought one of the most gallant and triumphant little battles of the war.

The Salem Raid.

General Buraside was besieged at Knoxville, Tenn., by Confederate
General Longstreet, and in order to raise the siege by cutting off the latter's
supplies, and compel him to move his base of supplies, General Averell was

A VERELLS REPORT OF THE SALEM RAID, 36$

directed to cut the railroad, and interrupt communication between Richmond
and Knoxville, at all hazards, even if his whole force was captured or
destroyed. By a dispensation of Providence, General Averell was enabled
not only to accomplish the plans laid down, and the results desired, but as
well to return to our lines with the loss of a very small number of his men,
and none of his artillery. There was no single incident during the war,
that was attended with greater perils, in which greater suffering to both man
and beast were experienced than this raid furnished. No better history of
the event can possibly be written than the thrilling report of General Averell,
which we give in full :

Headquarters, First Separate Brigade, Department of W. Va.,

Martinsburg, W. Va., December 31, 1863.
Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my
brigade since the date of its arrival at New Creek, W. Va., November 18. Having been
notified by the brigadier-general commanding the department, that active service would be
expected of me very soon, measures were at once taken to place the command in as good
condition as possible, but owing to the meagre supply of horses, shoes, nails, coal and forges
furnished, and the shortness of the time allowed, the mounted forces of the brigade were but
poorly prepared to make a long march on the 6th of December, when I received orders to
move on the 8th. My orders did not contemplate the movement of any co-operative forces
excepting a small force under Colonel Thoburn, but after representing to the department
commander the importance of such movements, and my desire that they should be made, he
kindly invited me to accompany him to his headquarters at Cumberland and arrange a plan
for them. I went with him to Cumberland on the evenmg of the 6th, and drew up a plan
which was briefly as follows, viz. : Brigadier Scammon, commanding forces in the Kanawha
Valley, to be at Lewisburg on Saturday, December 12 ; to look out northward and endeavor
to intercept the enemy from that direction ; to remain until the i8th, taking advantage of any
opportunity to strike the enemy in the direction of Union or elsewhere. Colonel Moor to be
at Marlin*s Bottom, Friday, December 1 1 ; to feel the enemy in the direction of Lewisburg
on the 1 2th and 13th ; to remain near Frankfort until the i8th, and on his return to bring off
the wounded left after the battle of Droop Mountain. Brigadier-General Sullivan, com-
manding forces in the Shenandoah Valley, to be at Woodstock on Friday, December 11, to
make careful demonstrations until the i8th, when he was to move toward Staunton, and
threaten the same boldly on the 20th and 21st. The command of Colonel Thoburn was to
turn off at Monterey, and moving toward Staunton, keep the attention of the enemy fixed
upon the Parkersburg pike. A copy of the above plan was given to the department com-
mander and I received his promise that his orders should be given in accordance with it,
with the exception of Moor's and Thoburn's commands, which were to receive orders from
me. It was thought that between the two demonstrations of the Kanawha and Shenandoah
forces, I might pass the enemy's lines without delay, and that the threatening of Staunton on
the 20th and 21st with the operations in the direction of Union, would divert the enemy from
offering any great resistance to the return of my fatigued command.

The Second West Virginia Mounted Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott ; Third West
Virginia Mounted Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson ; Eighth West Virginia Mounted
Infantry, Colonel Oley ; Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Blakely ;
Major Gibson's battalion of cavalry, and Ewing's battery set out from New Creek on the

366 LOYAL IVEST VIRGIJSIIA FROM i86r TO 1863.

morning of the i8th of December, with fair weather, but with many misgivings on account
of our poor condition to overcome the weary distances and confront the perils incident to
such an expedition. During the march of two days to Petersburg, constant exertions were
made to complete the shoeing of the horses, but lack of means and material rendered it
impracticable to attain the desired object. At Petersburg, on the loth, the command of
Colonel Thobum, about 700 strong, joined mine, and together we proceeded southward,
arriving nearly at Monterey on the nth. The most of my train was placed in charge of
Colonel Thobum and, on the morning of the 12th, my command and his started in a severe
and discouraging rain storm, Thobum toward McDowell, and my command down Back
Creek. The secluded road which runs along and across this now swollen stream, was pur-
sued the ensuing day without any incident worthy of note, imtil our arrival at Gatewood's
where the rear guard of Jackson's forces, flying from the advance of Moor, was encountered
and dispersed, and four wagons destroyed, loaded with ammunition and stores. The storm
continued on the 14th, and Jackson's River was found hardly fordable. Upon arriving at
Callaghan's, reports reached us that Scammon had advanced and occupied Lewisburg. and
that the Rebel forces, commanded by General Echols, had retired toward Union, under
order from Maj.-Gen'l Sam. Jones. We halted a few hours to rest and feed the animals, and
to make a false advance in the direction of Covington. At 2 A. M., December 15, the col-
umn was in motion upon a dark and difficult road, which runs up Dunlap Creek to. the pike,
connecting the White with the Sweet Sulphur Springs. We reached the beautiful valley of
the Sweet Sulphur, about 10 A. M., and halted two hours, availing ourselves of the plentiful
forage found there. ♦♦•♦#♦♦♦

At the Sweet Springs it was learned that Echols' forces were encamped four miles
from Union, to the northward, and that General Scammon had retired from Lewisburg. The
road to Newcastle was taken at i P. M., and near the summit of the Sweet Springs Moun-
tain a Rebel quartermaster met us and was captured, which assured me that our advance
was unknown as yet to the enemy. From the top of this mountain a sublime spectacle was
presented to us. Seventy miles to the eastward the Peaks of Otter reared their summits
above the Blue Ridge, and all the space between was filled with a billowing ocean of hills
and mountains, while behind us the great AUeghanies, coming from the north with the
grandeur of innumerable tints, swept past and faded in the southern horizon. When within
twelve miles of Newcastle another halt was made to feed and rest, while a squadron
advanced toward Fincastle, conveying to the enemy a false impression, and bringing to us
some sixty horses and some prisoners. Newcastle was passed during the night, and efforts
were made to reach Salem by daylight in the morning. A party of Rebels, under Captain
Chapman, reconnoitered our advance during the night, and all were captured except their
leader, who, declining to surrender, was killed. The head of my column was preceded by
vigilant scouts, armed with repeating rifles, mounted upon fleet horses, who permitted no one
to go ahead of them.

We approached Salem unheralded, and the whistling of locomotives could be heard
from that point long before it was reached by us. Four miles from Salem, a party of Rebels
from the town in quest of information concerning the Yankees, met us. From some of these
it was learned that the division of Gen'l Fitzhugh Lee had left Charlottesville on the 14th to
intercept my command, and that a train loaded with troops was momentarily expected at
Salem to guard the stores at that point. I hastened with my advance, consisting of about
350 men and two 3-inch guns, through the town to the depot. The telegraph wires were first
cut — the operator was not to be found — the railroad track torn up in the vicinity of the depot,
one gun placed in battery and the advance dismounted and placed in readiness for the
expected train of troops. An inspection and estimate of the stores contained in the depot
and two large buildings adjacent were made, and upon a subsequent comparison of notes

EXTENSIVE CAPTURE OF CONFEDERATE SUPPLIES, 367

taken, found to be as follows:— 2000 barrels of flour, 10.000 bushels of wheat, 100,000
bushels of shelled corn, 50,000 bushels of oats, 2000 barrels of meat, several cords of leather,
1000 sacks of salt, 31 boxes of clothing, 20 bales of cotton, a large amount of harness, shoes,
saddles, equipments, tools, oil, tar, and various other stores and 100 wagons. A train from
Lynchburg, loaded with troops, soon approached. My main body was not yet in sight, and
it was necessary to stop the train ; a shot was fired at it from one of the guns, which missed;
a second went through the train diagonally, which caused it to retire, and a third and last
shot hastened its movements. My main body arrived, and parties were sent four miles to the
eastward and twelve miles to the westward to destroy the road. The depots with their con-
tents were burned ; three cars standing upon the track, the water-station, turn-table and a
large pile of bridge timber and repairing material destroyed. Five bridges were burned
-and the track torn up and destroyed as much as possible in six hours. The "yanks" with
•which we had provided ourselves, proved too weak to twist the U rails, and efforts were
made to bend them, by heating the centres, with but partial success. A few small store
houses, containing leather and other valuable articles, were destroyed in the vicinity. The
telegraph wires were cut, coiled and burned for over half a mile. Private property was
untouched by my command, and the citizens received us with politeness.

It was intimated to some inquisitive ones that we were going back by Buchanan, but
about 4 P. M. my command quitted the work of destruction and returned upon the road it
■came some seven miles, when it halted for the night. The last eighty miles had been
marched in about thirty hours. Little sleep had been enjoyed by my men during five days
-and nights ; it was necessary to pause and collect our energies for the return. During the
night of the i6th it rained heavily, and also the ensuing day and night. My column was
caught in the many windings of Craig's Creek, which was now swollen to a dangerous torrent
which uprooted trees and carried them away. Heavy caissons were swept down the stream,
and great exertion and skill were required to save them. In the river and in the rain forty-
eight hours, it was impracticable to keep our ammunition dry, and my command, drenched,
muddy and hungry arrived at Newcastle about sun-down on the i8th, in a miserable con-
dition to make the march before us. Information that Fitzhugh Lee was at Fincastle reached
me at Newcastle, and that Jones was between me and Sweet Springs. At 9 P. M. while
a false advance was made toward Fincastle, my column took the road to Sweet Springs.
We soon encountered and drove the enemy's pickets about twelve miles, to the junction of
the road with the Fincastle pike, to the Sweet Springs. The command halted and built
<:amp fires.

The condition of my ammunition made it prudent for me to avoid a fight. It was
-evident from a survey of the enemy's positions, that I could not get to the Sweet Springs
"without a contest, and that with Lee only a few miles to my right and rear. Two
ways were left, both difficult and obscure : one to the southwest leading around Jones' right,
through Monroe and Greenbrier Counties ; the other, northeast to the Covington and Fin-
castle pike, which I took, as it was the most direct and dangerous, consequently the safest it
I could only make the march. We left our camp fires burning and went forward in the dark-
est and coldest night we had yet experienced. Thirty miles through the forest and frost,
brought us to Fincastle pike about noon of the 19th. It was yet 15 miles to the bridge.
The river was reported unfordable on account of the depth of the water and the obstructions
formed by the ice. I had carefully calculated the possible marches of the enemy, and felt
certain that we could make the march through the points they deemed most secure, but no
halt could be made. When eight miles from the river a force of 300 mounted Rebels opposed
our advance. As soon as they were broken, they were closely pursued at a gallop to the
iirst bridge, five miles below Covington, and thence to the bridge at Covington, both of which

368

LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM iS6i TO 1863,

were saved from destruction » although faggots had been piled upon them ready to burn^
The head of my column reached the first bridge about 9 P. M. and three officers and six
orderlies were sent back to keep it closed up.

The approach to the river is through a gorge which opens to the stream a mile below
the first bridge. There the pike from Covington passes along the right bank to Clifton Forge
and Jackson s River Depot, where Jackson was supposed to be with about 1000 men, I sent
a company upon the road to Clifton Forge, with orders to dismount and move out three-
fourths of a mile and hold the road until the colomn passed. A captured dispatch from
Maj.-Gen*l Sam, Jones to Major-General Early, at Millborough, confirmed my opinion with
regard to the position of the enemy, and gave me the information that General Early's divi-
sion had been added to the forces opposed to my return. The dispatch is as follows :

On Top of the Sweet Springs Mountain,

Dec, 19, 1863—7 A. M.

Gtneral: The enemy drove the pickets about 12 miles from here, near Mrs.
Scott*s, in the direction of Newcastle, ^bout 2 o*ciock this morning. General Echols
has a strong position here and I think can effectually block this way to them. To
avoid him, I think tt probable that the enemy may attempt to escape by Covington or
by Clifton Forge. Colonel Jackson *s troops are at Ctifton Forge. I would suggest,
instead of keeping any force at the Warm Springs you would place it at Morris Hill
and picket at Callaghan's. I presume thai you are in communication with Colonel
Jackson, and he may be able to give you information of the enemy's movements. I
expect to ascertain the enemy's movements in the course of the morning. If he
attempts to avoid Echols here and escape by Callaghan's we can reach Callaghan's
before he can. Echols will hold the place here until he ascertains the enemy's move-
ments. It is possible that they will attempt to pass Echols' right by Gap Mills, by
passing one of the many gorges in these mountains to the south of this position between
Echols and McCausland, who is at Newport, in Giles County. If he does that, he will
pass out by the western portion of Monroe and Greenbrier ; if he does so, you cannot
touch him. Under all tlie circumstances of the case, as I see them now, I think thai
you should have a force at Morris Hill and a strong picket at Callaghan*s. The enemy
were certainly at Newcastle at sundown yesterday.

They cannot pass Echols here. They may escape by Clifton Forge or by Cov-
ington, if you do not prevent them. Echols will give you all the aid that he can.
We are closer to the enemy than you are, and will be more likely to know their
movements. I will endeavor to keep you informed. A portion of our small mounted
force has been directed, if the enemy attempts to pass from Newcastle direct to Cov-
ington, or by Clifton Forge, to fall back in front of them so as to give Colonel Jackson
and you the earliest information.

The operator at Jackson's River will tisc every effort to get the above to General
Early and a copy to General Jackson, Colonel Jackson must have a copy of it.

Sam. Jones, Major GeneraL

I relied somewhat upon the demonstration which was to be made against Staunton on
the next day. I also thought that General Scammon might divert the force under Echols
from interfering with mine. In both these trusts I was at fault. From all the information I
have been able to collect, I believe the Kanawha force retired from Lewisburg on the 13th
without waiting until the i8th as prearranged, and without making an effort in the direction
of Union. The detachment sent from the command of General Sullivan was too feeble to
make the threat upon Staunton of sufHcicnt avail to keep Early from besetting my command

AVER ELL'S MARVELOUS ESCAPE FROM CAPTURE. 369

upon its return. Instead of approaching Staunton on» the 20th and 21st, it was retiring
through New Market on the 20th. The dispositions of the Rebels had been prompt and skill-
ful ; Rossers brigade had crossed the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg on the 14th, made
some demonstrations upon the Orange and Alexandria railroad near Bull Run ; thence
passed the Blue Ridge through Ashby's Gap ; were stopped by the high water in the Shenan-
doah, and moved up by Front Royal to cut off the detachment from Harper's Ferry. The
division of Early left Hanover Junction on the 15th; arrived at Staunton the same night ;
marched to Buffalo Gap the ensuing day, and thence to the Warm Springs and Millborough-
Fitzhugh Lee's division leaving Charlottesville on the 14th, came into the valley, where it was
decei ed by Thoburn's presence and diverted by the detachment from Sullivan's command
for a day or two when it set out for Buchanan.

At Jackson's River, though trusting in the co-operation of the Kanawha and Shenan-
doah forces, I acted as though they would be of no assistance to me, which was indeed the
case. My column, nearly four miles long, was hastened across the first bridge. When all
had passed but my ambulances, a few wagons and a regiment in the rear, an attack was
made by Jackson's force. The company on the Clifton Forge road was driven away : three
ambulances were captured, and an effort was made to take the bridge which was unsuccess-
ful. A night attack is always appalling, even to experienced troops. Unavailing efforts
were made to open communication with the regiment cut off until morning, when it appeared
that the enemy was determined to maintain his position upon the high cliffs which over-
looked the bridge. During the night the balance of my command had been concentrated
upon Callaghan's, and an efficient defense established upon all the roads approaching that
point. Finding it impossible to dislodge the enemy as long the bridges remained, I directed
them to be destroyed. The enemy at once left the cliffs and endeavored to reach the flank
and rear of the regiment which remained on that side. Orders were sent to the regiment to
swim the river or come to me over the mountain around the bend ; and after destroying the
train, it swam the river with the loss of four men drowned. When nearly across a formal
demand from General Early was received by the officers commanding the rear guard to
surrender, addressed to the commanding officer of the United States forces. As my column
was then in motion over the Alleghanies, no formal reply was returned to the demand.

During the night attack five officers and 1 19 men were lost by being captured. It was
thought that hid the regiment in rear been advanced steadily forward, these captures might
have been mostly prevented, and we should not have been obliged to destroy our wagons and
ambulances the following day. The road over the Alleghanies led us to Antony's Creek,
between the White Sulphur Springs and Huntersville. A force of the enemy was reported
at Gatewood's, which is twelve miles east of Huntersville. My command was yet thirty miles
from that point. If I could cross the Greenbrier and reach Marlin's Bottom before the enemy
my command would be safe. By a very obscure road the Greenbrier was reached and
crossed on the 21st, opposite Hillsboro, and we encamped for the night at the northern base
of Droop Mountain. My scouts thrown out kept me informed of the enemy's movements
and positions.

For thirty hours after my command left Callaghan's, the enemy made great efforts to
intercept my force, but they generally took wrong roads. The citizens who knew the country
best regarded our capture as unavoidable. It was expected, as may be seen from the orders
given Colonel Moor by me, that he would remain near Droop Mountain until the i8ih, but
owing to orders he received from the general commanding the department, subsequent to the
reception of mine, he also retired on the 14th, thus leaving no co-operative forces except
Colonel Thoburn's, in the positions I had reason to expect them to be on the 20th and 21st.
Unaided, with a weary command of 2500 men, I had marched through a difficult country in
which not less than 12,000 Rebels were maneuvered to effect my capture.

370 LOYAL WEST VIRGINIA FROM 1861 TO i86j.

On the way to Edray, my rearguard experienced some trifling attacks on the 22d. The
road thence to Beverly was a glacier, which was traversed with great difficulty and peril.
The artillery was drawn almost entirely by dismounted men during the 23d and 24ih.
Couriers had been sent forward to Beverly to bring out subsistence and forage, which we
succeeded, after extreme hardships, in meeting on the 24th. The officers and men under-
took all that was required of them and endured all the sufferings from fatigue, hunger and
cold with extraordinary fortitude, even with cheerfulness. The march of 400 miles, which
was concluded at Beverly, was the most difficult I have ever seen performed. The endurance
of the men and horses was taxed to the utmost, yet there was no rest for them. Believing
that some retaliatory operations would be at once inaugurated by the enemy, I telegraphed
to the general commanding the department that I thought it advisable to get my command
into the valley as soon as possible, and set out for Webster, whence, by means of the railroad,
I arrived at Martinsburg just in time to confront the enemy, who was advancing toward this
place.

* I desire to mention the names of my staff officers, to whom I am greatly indebted for
their thoughtful and untiring aid to me throughout this expedition : — Capt. Will. Rum-
sey, assistant adjutant-general and aide-de-camp; Lieut. L. Markbreit. acting assistant adju-
tant-general ; Capt. W. H. Brown, assistant quartermaster; Lieut. H. N. Harrison, acting
assistant engineer ; Capt. L. A. Myers, provost-marshal ; Lieut. H. Koenigsberger, acting com-
missary of subsistence ; Lieut. G. H. North, ordnance officer, and Surgeon W. D. Stewart,
medical director. The services of Lieut. J. R. Meigs, Engineers, and of his assistant, Henry
Topping, Esq., were invaluable to me.

In concluding my report, I beg leave to thank the Honorable Secretary of War for his
kindness in directing the quartermaster's department to furnish the mtn of my com-
mand, engaged in the recent expedition, with a suit of clothing gratis. No necessity was
ever more pressing, or more promptly supplied ; no charity more timely, or more gratefully
received. I am, Captain,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
Captain T. Melvin, Wm. W. Averell,

Assistant Adjutant- General. Brigadier- General.

Averell had outwitted the men who attempted his capture, and it was
a bitter dose for the Confederates. The Richmond Examiner of December
28th had the following sarcastic article on the failure to capture Averell :

** The great General Averell has gone, not * up the spout,' but back into
his den. Cast your eye upon a map, and Til tell you how he went and how
he came. He came from New Creek, a depot on the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad, in the county of Hardy, along the western base of the Shenandoah
Mountains through Covington to Salem, burnt things generally and returned
over nearly the same route. Imboden seized the gap where the Parkersburg
turnpike crosses the Shenandoah, and prevented a raid on Staunton. Averell
left five hundred men to hold Imboden there, and pushed on toward Salem.
That general could not pursue without uncovering Staunton — the forces

* Major Theodore F. Lang, acting assistant inspector-general, was left in command at New
Creek during this raid.

SARCASTIC COMMENTS OF THE RICHMOND EXAMINER.

371

threatening nearly equaling his own. General Lee was informed of the
situation of affairs. Here commences the reiyn of major-generals and mili-
tary science. MaJ.-Gen. Jubal A. Early came. Maj\-Gen. Fitzhugh Lee
came. Brigad