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- Herausgeber: Charles River Editors
- Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
- Sprache: Englisch
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Seitenzahl: 463
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018
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ONE OF JACKSON’S FOOT CAVALRY
His Experience and What He Saw during the War 1861-1865 (Illustrated)
John Worsham
LACONIA PUBLISHERS
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Copyright © 2016 by John Worsham
Interior design by Pronoun
Distribution by Pronoun
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
I COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES—1861
II FREDERICKSBURG AND AQUIA CREEK
III CAMP LEE AND MUSTERED INTO SERVICE
IV WEST VIRGINIA
V THE VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
VI BATH AND ROMNEY
VII WINCHESTER EVACUATE—1862.
VIII KERNSTOWN
IX THE RETREAT FROM KERNSTOWN
X MC DOWELL
XI THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN—FRONT ROYAL, MIDDLETOWN, WINCHESTER, CROSS KEYS, PORT REPUBLIC
XII THE SEVEN DAYS’ CAMPAIGN
XIII CEDAR RUN
XIV SECOND MANASSAS
XV THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN—HARPER’S FERRY AND SHARPSBURG
XVI FREDERICKSBURG
XVII WINTER QUARTERS 1862-3
XVIII LIEUT.-GEN. JACKSON
XIX WILLIAMSPORT
XX CAMP MONTPELIER—THE GREAT RELIGIOUS REVIVAL REVIEW OF SECOND CORPS—THE ADVANCE AGAINST MEADE
XXI PAYNE’S FARM AND MINE RUN
XXII WINTER 1863-4—CAMP NEAR MT. PISGAH CHURCH
XXIII THE WILDERNESS
XXIV SPOTTSYLVANIA C. H.
XXV HANOVER JUNCTION, BETHESDA CHURCH, COLD HARBOR
XXVI LYNCHBURG
XXVII MONOCACY
XXVIII WASHINGTON
XXIX KERNSTOWN THE SECOND, AND THE ENEMY’S CAVALRY AT LEETOWN
XXX WINCHESTER, 1864
XXXI RETURNS OF SECOND ARMY CORPS, A. N. VA., AUG. 31 1864
XXXII CEDAR CREEK AND WINTER 1864-5
XXXIII THE EVACUATION OF RICHMOND AND LEE’S SURRENDER
XXXIV RETURNING HOME
XXXV THE WOMEN OF THE SOUTH
XXXVI GEN. LEE
XXXVII RECORD OF F COMPANY, 21ST VIRGINIA REGIMENT OF INFANTRY
XXXVIII CONCLUSION
ONE OF JACKSON’S
FOOT CAVALRY
HIS EXPERIENCE AND WHAT HE SAW
DURING THE WAR 1861-1865
INCLUDING A HISTORY OF “F COMPANY,” RICHMOND,
VA., 21st REGIMENT VIRGINIA INFANTRY,
SECOND BRIGADE, JACKSON’S DIVISION,
SECOND CORPS, A. N. VA.
BY
JOHN H. WORSHAM
AN OLD F., RICHMOND, VA.
NEW YORK
THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1912
Copyright, 1912, by
The Neale Publishing Company
PREFACE
IN WRITING MY EXPERIENCE AND what I saw during the war as one of Jackson’s “foot cavalry,” it is not my intention to make a comparison of commands, but simply to state what was seen and experienced by me. When other commands are mentioned, it is done to give their position so that the reader may the better understand the situation; and when I have a word of praise for them, it is because they came under my eye. It is needless to make comparisons between different commands of the Army of Northern Virginia. The world never saw such courage, devotion, and patriotism as was displayed by the men of that army, and every man in it who did his duty was a hero.
J. H. W.
RICHMOND, VA.,
August, 1912.
I COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES—1861
SOON AFTER THE INVESTMENT OF Fort Sumpter, S. C., December 20th, 1860, a military spirit prevailed all over Virginia. All the old volunteer companies were filled at once, and new ones were organized, and when the State seceded, a large portion of the men had joined some of the military organizations. I joined an old volunteer company. It was known as “F Company” of Richmond; one of the crack companies of that day. In its ranks were some of the best men of the city. It numbered about eighty men. New members were added so rapidly that it soon numbered about one hundred and fifty.
This company had a fine cadet gray uniform, consisting of a frock coat, which had a row of Virginia fire-gilt buttons on its front; around the cuff of the sleeve, a band of gold braid and two small fire-gilt buttons; on the collar the same gold braid so arranged that it looked very much like the mark of rank for a first lieutenant, which was afterwards adopted by the Confederacy. The pants had a black stripe about one and a quarter inches wide along the outer seams. The cap was made of the same cadet gray cloth, trimmed with black braid, and two small fire-gilt buttons, and on its front the letter F. The non-commissioned officers had their mark of rank worked on the sleeves of their coats with black braid. The difference between the uniforms of the officers and the privates was in these particulars: the officers’ coats were a little longer and their sleeves were highly ornamented with
gold braid, something like that of the Confederate uniform; they had gold braid down the outer seams of their pants, and their caps were trimmed with gold braid. Each sergeant carried, besides his gun, a sword attached to his belt. Then on duty every man was required to wear white gloves. He carried in his knapsack a jacket made of cadet gray cloth. We had black cloth overcoats, the skirt reaching a little below the knee, the capes a little below the elbow, and the buttons were Virginia fire-gilt.
Our knapsacks were a specialty; they were imported from Paris, made of calfskin tanned with hair on, the color being red and white, the skin was fitted around a box frame. Inside they were divided into partitions; and outside, there were openings into some of these so that one could handle articles inside of them without opening the whole knapsack, and there were straps on the outside for blanket, overcoat, oilcloth and shoes, and other straps and some hooks handy for attaching any article we wished to carry. We also imported our canteens.
For a week or two before the State seceded, the companies in Richmond were drilling men nearly all the time; a squad of green men at one hour, another squad at the next, so on throughout the entire day; and at night a company drill. Each man was required to report at company headquarters once during the day. The tolling of the fire bells was the signal to meet at the companies’ armories, prepared to go wherever ordered.
I was quietly walking home from church, after the morning service on Sunday, April 21, 1861, when the bells commenced to toll. I broke into a run at once, going home as fast as I could. I put on my uniform, etc., and was soon at our armory. Here it was rumored that
the gunboat Pawnee was coming up James River, with the intention of capturing or bombarding the city. As soon as all the men reported, the company was formed and marched to Wilton on James River, about ten miles below the city. Passing Rocketts, the port of Richmond, we found the citizens assembled there by thousands; old men, boys, women, girls, women with babies in their arms, in fact nearly the whole population. The fields in Rocketts, as well as the wharves, were literally alive with human beings, commingled with horses and vehicles, as some had ridden down in buggies and carriages. Some had shotguns, some had rifles, some pistols, some swords, some canes, and some had made large piles of stones on the wharves, to use against the enemy. They were all determined that the ship should never get to the wharf. It makes me laugh now, after my experience of war, to think what the citizens were then doing!
We arrived at Wilton about sunset where we were joined by the Richmond Howitzers. A picket from F Company was established along the river. The Howitzers’ guns were placed in position. Orders were given to fire on the Pawnee as soon as she came within shooting distance. The men of F Company, not on duty, stacked arms, and were ordered to remain near them during the night. We had nothing to eat, and did not know when or where we would get anything. One of our officers, however, had remained behind, and about eight or nine o’clock that night came up with a wagon loaded with cooked ham, bread, etc., and we had a jolly time over our supper, the first of the war. After eating, the men gathered about in squads talking; finally lying down on the grassy ground and going to sleep; the first experience of the war, and that without either blanket or oilcloth. The
night passed without incident; the expected Pawnee did not come. The next day we returned to Richmond on two barges, that were sent down the river for us. We won a great deal of glory in this campaign, as everyone thought we had done wonders. In marching from Rocketts up Main Street to our quarters, which were between Eighth and Ninth Streets, we had an ovation nearly all the way. Thus closed the “Pawnee War.”
II FREDERICKSBURG AND AQUIA CREEK
VIRGINIA WAS THOROUGHLY AROUSED. SOLDIERS were coming into Richmond from all directions, the streets were filled with marching men, and the sound of the drum was heard every hour of the day and night. It will show the enthusiasm of the people of the State when it is said that four weeks after Virginia seceded, eighty thousand organized soldiers had offered their services in defense of the cause!
On the morning of Wednesday, April 24, 1861, several telegrams were received in Richmond announcing that the enemy were landing at Aquia Creek, the terminus of the Richmond, Fredericksburg& Potomac R. R. Our company and the Richmond Light Infantry Blues were ordered at once to that place. We marched to the R. F.& P. R. R. depot, then on Broad Street, corner of Eighth Street, where we embarked on cars for the seat of war, Aquia Creek. On reaching Fredericksburg, we were informed that the Yankees had made a demonstration at Aquia Creek, but did not land; and we received orders to stop there. F Company debarked, and marched to the courthouse and camped for the night. A load of straw was sent us, which we spread on the floor and benches, making a very good bed; and citizens invited us to their homes to supper. We went to bed that night in regular military order, had a camp guard, lights out by taps, etc. Some of the boys, during the day, had purchased whistles, tin horns, and other noisy things, and as
soon as lights were put out, the fun commenced: One blew a horn, another in a distant part of the building answered on a whistle. This went on for a few minutes. When the officers commanded silence, no attention was paid to them. When the officers said to the sergeant, “Arrest those men,” the sergeant would strike a light, and go where he thought the noise originated; but each man looked so innocent that he could not tell who it was. By this time, another would blow. Soon there were four sergeants, running here and there, trying to catch the delinquents. This was kept up until the perpetrators became tired, not one being detected.
In the morning we were supplied with breakfast by the citizens. We remained in the town, living in this manner several days. Then we marched to the Fair Grounds, where we found that the Blues had preceded us. Here we went regularly into camp, which was called Camp Mercer. Our company was assigned to the sheds of the horse department, the floors were covered with straw, and three men were assigned to a stall.
Camp duty began at once, guard mounting, policing, drills, etc., and dress parade every fair evening, most of the young ladies of the town coming out to witness it; and they seemed to enjoy it as much as we did their presence. The men formed messes, each consisting of about ten men, each employing a negro man as cook, and we got on nicely, as we thought. The regular rations were issued to us, but in order to become accustomed by degrees to eating them, we sent the cook or some member of the mess into town, to get such articles as the market afforded.
The following are the names of the members of F Company, who went to Fredericksburg:
Captain, R. Milton Cary.
First Lieut.—(Did not go.)
Second Lieut., Richard H. Cunningham.
Jr. Second Lieut., Phillip A. Welford.
First Sergeant, Edward Mayo.
Second Sergeant, Henry T. Miller.
Third Sergeant, John A. Pizzini.
Fourth Sergeant, Edward G. Rawlings.
First Corporal, John Tyler.
Second Corporal, Thomas Ellett.
Third Corporal—(Did not go.)
Fourth Corporal—Shirley King.
PRIVATES
Anderson, Archer.
Anderson, Junius H.
Anderson, Henry V.
Archer, William S.
Ayers, Edward W.
Barker, William C.
Baughman, Charles C.
Baughman, George C.
Baughman, Greer H.
Beers, Henry H.
Binford, James M.
Binford, Robert E.
Blunt, Ira W.
Bridges, Jr., David B.
Bridges, Richard M.
Broch, R. Alonzo.
Bullington, Henry N.
Cabell, J. Caskie.
Child, Jesse.
Chamberlain, J. Hampden.
Chapman, Isaac W.
Clarke, Maxwell T.
Clopton, Dr. John.
Cocke, Lorenzo G.
Cole, Addison C.
Cowardin, John L.
Craig, John A.
Danforth, Henry D.
Dill, Jr., Adolph.
Doggett, Francis W.
Ellerson, Jock H.
Ellett, Robert.
Etting, Samuel M.
Exall, Charles H.
Exall, William.
Field, William G.
Fontaine, R. Morris.
Gentry, John W.
Gibson, William T.
Gilliam, Robert H.
Gray, W. Granville.
Gray, Somerville.
Green, John W.
Green, Thomas R.
Harrison, Thomas R.
Harvie, William O.
Haynes, George A.
Henry, Dr. Patrick.
Hobson, Deane.
Hudgins, Malcolm L.
Hull, Irving.
Jenkins, William S.
Jones, David B.
Jones, Jr., Phillip B.
Jordan, Reuben J.
Kellogg, Timothy H.
Lindsay, Roswell S.
Lorentz,—.
Macmurdo, Richard C.
Maddox, R. G.
Mayo, Joseph E.
McEvoy, Charles A.
Meade, Everard B.
Mebane, J. A.
Meredith, J. French.
Mitchell, Samuel D.
Mittledorfer, Charles.
Morris, Walter H. P.
Mountcastle, John R.
Norwood, Jr., William.
Nunnally, Joseph N.
Pace, George R.
Pace, Theodore A.
Page, Mann.
Pardigon, C. F.
Payne, James B.
Peaster, Henry.
Pegram, William A.
Pegram, William R. J.
Peterkin, George W.
Picot, Henry V.
Piet, William A.
Pollard, William G.
Powell, John G.
Powell, John W.
Price, Channing R.
Randolph, J. Tucker.
Randolph, M. Lewis.
Redd, Clarence M.
Reeve, David I. B.
Reeve, John J.
Rennie, G. Hutcheson.
Rison, John W.
Robertson, William S.
Robinson, Christopher A.
Robinson, Richard F.
Singleton, A. Jackson.
Sizer, Milton D.
Skinker, Charles R.
Smith, Edward H.
Sublett, Peter A.
Tabb, Robert M.
Talley, Daniel D.
Tatum, A. Randolph.
Tatum, Vivian H.
Taylor, Charles E.
Taylor, Clarence E.
Taylor, Edward B.
Taylor, Robert T.
Tompkins, Edmond G.
Tyler, James E.
Tyler, R. Emmett.
Van Buren, Benjamin B.
Waldrop, Richard W.
Watkins, A. Salle.
Watkins, Harrison H.
White, Robert C.
Willis, Joseph N.
Worsham, John H.
Worsham, Thomas R.
Wren, J. Porter.
Wright, Phillip B.
Zimmer, Lewis.
Surgeon, Frank B. Cunningham.
Assistant Surgeon, Peter Lyon.
A few of these men joined us after we went to Fredericksburg, and some left us to join other commands after staying with us two or three weeks. Samuel F. Pilcher was left in Richmond to drill men for a second company, and on account of sickness never came to the command.
While in Camp Mercer we were joined by a company of infantry, one of cavalry, and the Purcell Battery of Artillery from Richmond. W. R. J. Pegram of F Company (Specks, as he was called) helped Captain Lindsay Walker to drill this battery, and was soon made a lieutenant; this is the same W. R. J. Pegram of the artillery, who was soon known in the army of Northern Virginia as the fighting captain, major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel, and was killed at Five Forks in 1865.
I saw the first man of the war punished for disobedience of orders, while we were in this camp; he was a member of Walker’s battery, and was strapped on one of the wheels of a cannon in such a manner as to keep him from moving. This punishment is known as “strapping to the wheel.” We were treated most hospitably by the citizens of Fredericksburg, some of us visiting the city each day; and were always welcomed and invited to meals, and we left with sad hearts. This was the most comfortable camp we had during the war, but at that time we thought it was execrable.
We stayed at Fredericksburg about three weeks, and
were ordered to Aquia Creek. We camped in a house at Game Point, situated on a high hill to the left of the Richmond, Fredericksburg& Potomac R. R., and about three-quarters of a mile from Aquia Creek. The R. L. I. Blues also went to Aquia Creek and camped lower down the river, about one and a half miles from us.
The cook of my mess would not leave Fredericksburg, and at Game Point we determined to cook for ourselves. I will never forget the first meal. We made a fire under the shade of a tree, made up our bread of meal (the government commenced to give it to us thus early), sliced our fat meat, and commenced to cook, and in about two minutes both meat and bread were burned black on one side! We took them off the fire, cooled them, and tried again, and succeeded very well in burning the other side. We finally cooked everything we had and sat down on the ground to eat. The bread had no salt in it, no one had thought of that; the meat was so salt we could not eat it. We were disgusted, but the next day we had better success, and in a few days we got along all right.
We had a camp guard and two picket posts or rather lookout posts, as the duties at each was to watch the river for the enemy. While I was on guard at our quarters, one night General Ruggles, the commanding officer of this department, paid us a visit. I presented arms as soon as I saw him, and turned out the guard, thinking to do him all the honor we could. I was horrified when a non-commissioned officer slipped up to me and told me such honor was not done after dark.
PRAYER IN CAMP
The following letter was written while we were in this camp and explains itself:
George W. Peterkin, Esq,:
Dear Sir—We, the undersigned comrades in arms with yourself, have been struck with the propriety of evening prayer, and desire, if agreeable to you, that you, from this time, and so long as we may remain together, conduct that service.
Respectfully,
J. M. Binford,
R. E. Binford,
John W. Powell,
J. P. Wren,
R. T. Taylor,
C. R. Skinker,
Jesse Child,
William Exall,
J. A. Mebane,
D. D. Talley,
R. M Bridges,
John Tyler,
D. J. Burr Reeve,
John J. Reeve,
R. E. Tyler.
Joseph N. Nunnally,
C. M. Redd,
H. D. Danforth,
W. Granville Gray,
George A. Haynes,
G. R. Pace,
John R. Macmurdo,
S. D. Mitchell,
John H. Chamberlayne,
Robert Ellett,
R. C. White.
Shirley King,
A. C. Cole,
H. H. Watkins,
Dean Hobson,
R. S. Lindsay,
W. S. Archer,
Thomas Ellett,
J. H. Ellerson,
J. W. Chapman,
William A. Piet,
C. H. Exall,
A. R. Tatum,
S. M. Etting,
John A. Pizzini,
Edward Mayo,
E. G. Tompkins,
Louis Zimmer,
D. B. Jones,
H. H. Beers,
R. Milton Cary,
P. A. Wellford,
H. N. Bullington,
E. H. Smith,
William C. Barker,
M. H. Clarke,
E. G. Rawlings,
E. W. Ayres,
and others.
This gallant young soldier and truly good man conducted the service each night, and by his Christian example won the respect and affection of every member of the company; and when he left us in 1862, to take a staff appointment, it was like breaking up a household.
This is the same George W. Peterkin who has for a number of years been the honored and respected Bishop of West Virginia.
On May 29th, 1861, we had our first experience of war. One of the enemy’s gunboats stopped off Aquia Creek, fired a few shots and left. On June 7, three gunboats made their appearance and commenced to bombard the earthworks near the wharf. Capt. Walker put some of his small three-inch rifle cannon into the works, and replied, the enemy throwing six, eight, and ten inch shots at Walker. This firing lasted several hours, when the enemy withdrew about two or three miles down the river, staying all night, and renewing the attack the next morning with five gunboats; keeping the fire up until about 5 P. M., when they withdrew. The R. L. I. Blues and F Company were stationed, during the firing, behind some hills in the rear of the works, and nearly all the shots of the enemy passed over us. The family living inside the earthworks had a chicken coop knocked to pieces. The old cock confined in it came out of the ruins, mounted the debris, flapped his wings and crowed. That was the only casualty on our side. Capt. Walker’s shots struck the vessels several times, and as they were wooden boats, he must have damaged them some. We afterwards heard that one of them was the notable Pawnee.
We had several alarms at night, when the entire company would turn out, and march to the river to the place designated. On one of these occasions, we marched in
rain which poured down in torrents. The darkness was illumined by most vivid flashes of lightning, and great peals of thunder intensified the storm. We stayed out all night, putting a picket along the river, two men on a post. We crossed Aquia Creek twice during alarms, one time staying all night on the point.
We were joined by a regiment from Arkansas, and one from Tennessee and several companies from Virginia. The hills around Aquia were fortified by earthworks, and large naval guns were placed in them. Our company turned out one night and pulled one of those large guns up one of the steepest hills to its position, after a failure on the part of a large team of horses and oxen! It was demonstrated very forcibly that men are the best and quickest force for handling large and heavy guns like those.
We drilled every good day and took our first lessons in skirmish drill, and the bayonet exercise, or the Zouave drill; and before we left, we became very well drilled in each. We enjoyed ourselves very much notwithstanding the duties, fishing on the wharf, bathing in the river, taking rambles through the woods, having on one of the hills in the neighborhood a fine and extensive view of the Potomac.
On June the 14th, F Company was ordered to Richmond to join a regiment that was being formed there. The men were told it was to be a crack regiment; our own and a Maryland company commanded by Capt. J. Lyle Clarke, then in Camp Lee, were to be the nucleus, the other companies to be of the same standing. No time was designated for the formation of the regiment, and when formed it would be an independent one. With those inducements the men readily consented to the
arrangement, and therefore the order to go to Richmond. The following changes took place in officers and noncommissioned officers, while we were at Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek.
First Lieut. James R. Crenshaw and Corporal Edward T. Robinson did not accompany us, and soon after we got to Fredericksburg Capt. Cary was made a Colonel; those vacancies were filled by promotions as follows:
Captain, Richard H. Cunningham.
First Lieut., Edward Mayo.
Second Lieut., Phillip A. Welford.
Jr. Second Lieut., Henry T. Miller.
First Sergeant, John A. Pizzini.
Second Sergeant, Edward G. Rawlings.
Third Sergeant, John Tyler.
Fourth Sergeant, Thomas Ellett.
First Corporal, M. Louis Randolph.
Second Corporal, Jesse Child.
Third Corporal, J. Tucker Randolph.
Fourth Corporal, Shirley King.
First Corporal, M. Louis Randolph resigned June 4, 1861.
Jesse Child was made First Corporal June 5.
J. Tucker Randolph was made Second Corporal June 5.
Shirley King was made Third Corporal June 5.
George R. Pace was made Fourth Corporal June 5.
F Company gave up Capt. Cary with much reluctance. He was the organizer of F Company, a fine soldier, strict disciplinarian, and splendid drill master. They tell this on him to show his promptness: At the time of the John Brown raid, Gov. Wise one night sent for him, told him he wanted his company to go to Harper’s Ferry at
once, and asked him, “How many men can you carry, and how soon can you meet me at the R. F.& P. R. R. depot?” Capt. Cary replied, “Sixty men in sixty minutes.” The old governor, much pleased with the answer, told him to report within two hours.
When F Company left Richmond for Fredericksburg, each man carried his equipment of gun, etc., a knapsack, canteen, tin cup, and haversack; most of them wore linen gaiters and havelocks, the latter being a head covering, a protection from the sun. Many wore around their waists, next to their skin, a flannel belt or worsted string, to prevent bowel complaint (?). In our knapsacks we carried a fatigue jacket, several pairs of white gloves, several pairs of drawers, several white shirts, undershirts, linen collars, neckties, white vest, socks, etc., filling our knapsack to overflowing. Strapped on the outside were one or two blankets, an oilcloth, and extra shoes. Most of the knapsacks weighed between thirty and forty pounds, but some were so full that they weighed fifty pounds!
The best article carried by the soldiers was a needle case, as it was called, containing needles of various sizes, thread, buttons, etc. It soon became the most valuable of our possessions, and when we went into camp we would see the men occupied in sewing or patching their clothing, and towards the last of the war, it was in almost constant use. Notwithstanding this, it was hard to keep the ragged clothing from showing a portion of the skin of its wearer.
Every man carried a Bible, given with her blessing by mother or sweetheart, and I suppose every man in the Confederate army carried one. This Bible was read as a book never was before. I read mine through the first
year. They were a blessing to many, and life savers, too, as I heard of and saw many lives saved by bullets striking the Bible, carried in the breast pocket.
III CAMP LEE AND MUSTERED INTO SERVICE
ON OUR ARRIVAL AT CAMP Lee, we were given tents, which we put up in regular military style near the center of the grounds, and commenced a regular camp life; drilling, guard mounting each morning, policing, inspections, and evening dress parade. The latter was witnessed daily by quite a number of our lady friends from Richmond.
We were mustered into service for one year on June 28, 1861 (to date from April 21), on the Capitol Square by Inspector General J. B. Baldwin. Each boy under 21, and there were many, brought a written permit from parent or guardian, and this was approved by the Governor of Virginia before he was mustered in.
I cannot give a copy of that muster roll, as it cannot be found, but give that of the 30th, only two days later, which is practically the same.
“Muster Roll of Captain Richard H. Cunningham, Jr.’s Company F of Light Infantry from the City of Richmond, known as ‘F Company,’ constituting part of the Force of Virginia Volunteers, called into the Service of the State by the Governor, under on Ordinance of the State Convention adopted April 17, 1861. Enrolled for Active Service at Richmond, on the 21st of April, 1861; Mustered into Service at Richmond on the 28th day of June, 1861, for one year from the 21st day of April, 1861, unless sooner discharged.”
I certify on honor, that this “Muster Roll” exhibits the true state of the company therein described, for the period mentioned; that the “Remarks” set opposite the name of each officer and soldier are accurate and just.
(Signed) R. H. CUNNINGHAM, JR.,
Commanding the Company.
I certify on honor, that I have at the Camp of Instruction on this 30th day of June, 1861, carefully examined this Roll and that I have mustered the company.
(Signed) WILLIAM GILHAM,
Col. and Mustering Officer.
Date, June 30, 1861.
Location, Camp of Instruction.
While in Camp Lee, some of the company visited the city daily, some with passes, others “ran the blockade” on their uniform. As before stated, our uniforms gave the impression of a first lieutenant, and when we wanted to go to the city and could not get a pass, we would
march boldly by a sentinel on duty at some of the many openings around the grounds, give him the salute, and he would present arms as we passed out. So many of our company went to the city in this way, that orders were finally issued that every one leaving the grounds should go out of the gate; and as some officer was always stationed there, we were afraid to try it too often.
I cannot help telling of a good thing I heard from an officer. One night I was particularly anxious to go to the city, and no one was allowed to go out at night, unless he had the countersign. This was only given to those on duty, and in consequence none of us could go out at night. As night approached, I walked to the guard quarters at the gate, and took a seat among some of my company who were on duty, hoping something would turn up, and let me into the secret. I was there some time, but no one would talk about it, and as it was getting dark, I had about made up my mind to leave, and try to dodge the sentinel by walking out, hoping he would think me one of the guards. The captain of the guard now made his appearance, and called by name the noncommissioned officer who was on duty, and said, “The countersign to-night is ‘Richmond,’ and the password, ‘Chickahominy.’ “ I was so overjoyed that I came near letting the officer know that I was not one of the guard. As soon as he walked away I quietly left, went to our quarters, told many of the company, and they left for the city. About half of the company did the same.
Our company was called on suddenly about sunset, on Monday, July 1, to “fall in,” and we marched, at a double quick, through rain and mud to the Penitentiary. Here we found the weaving department on fire, and much excitement; our company was put on guard duty.
After remaining several hours, the fire having been put out and quiet restored, we were again ordered to “fall in,” and marched to the corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets in the city and were dismissed, being allowed to go to our homes for the remainder of the night. We were given orders to assemble at the same point next morning at 10 o’clock, when we marched back to Camp Lee.
Quite a stir was created in camp one day by the announcement that a flag would be presented to Company B. This was a very handsome silk flag, was made by the ladies of Baltimore and “ran the blockade” into Richmond, and was presented to the company by President Davis. He made one of his brilliant speeches in the presence of the regiment, and a large number of visitors from Richmond, most of whom were ladies. The occasion passed off with great enthusiasm.
About two weeks after reaching Camp Lee, the 21st Regiment of Virginia Infantry was formed, including the Maryland company, two or three others, and F Company. The following officers were appointed:
William Gilham, Colonel, from the Va. Military Institute.
John M. Patton, Lt. Colonel, from Richmond.
Scott Shipp, Major, from the Va. Military Institute.
William H. Morgan, Adjutant, from the Va. Military Institute.
Dr. Robert L. Coleman, Surgeon, from Richmond.
Dr. R. Lewis, Assistant Surgeon, from Richmond.
H. E. C. Baskerville, Commissary, from Richmond.
Virginus Dabuey, Sergeant Major.
Timothy H. Kellogg, Commissary Sergeant, from Richmond.
In a few days an order was sent to these officers to complete the regiment at once from such companies as were then in camp, and be ready to move as soon as possible; as troops were very much needed in the field. This order was complied with, and the regiment was completed. The following is a list of companies and their captains, in alphabetical order, as I am unable to give them in the order of their rank:
Company “B” of Baltimore, Maryland, Captain J. Lyle Clarke.
Brunswick Grays, Brunswick Co., Captain Robertson.
Buckingham Leitches, Buckingham Co., Captain James Leitch.
Chalk Level Grays, Pittsylvania Co., Captain—Mustain.
Cumberland Grays, Cumberland Co., Captain Francis D. Irving.
“F” Company, Richmond, Captain Richard H. Cunningham, Jr.
Meherrin Grays, Mecklenberg Co., Captain William R. Berkeley.
Oliver Grays, Buckingham Co., Captain John Oliver.
Red House Volunteers, Charlotte Co., Captain John B. Moseley.
Turkey Cock Grays, Pittsylvania Co., Captain William A. Witcher.
The regiment numbered about eight hundred and fifty, rank and file. We were soon ready, and reported to the authorities. Our company now equipped itself with everything that could be gotten to make us comfortable. As we had been in the field several weeks and knew the necessities, had marched, slept without protection, done
picket duty, been in one engagement; we thought ourselves veterans, and as such, were going to take along with us everything the authorities would allow. Each mess purchased a nice chest. As our own was a fair specimen, I will try to describe it and its contents. The chest was made of oak, and was about three feet long, eighteen inches deep and wide. In it were several trays; it was strapped securely with iron, at each end were iron handles, and its top was secured by substantial iron hinges and a strong lock. We had in it a dozen knives and forks, two or three butcher knives, a dozen teacups and saucers, a dozen plates, several dishes and bowls, a sugar dish and cream pitcher, salt and pepper boxes, a tin box, containing a dozen assorted boxes of spices, a dozen glasses, a sifter, rolling pin, coffee tin, etc.; besides these, we carried outside a frying pan, coffee pot, camp kettle, teapot, bread oven that afterwards played such a prominent part in the army as the “spider,” two water buckets, ax, etc.
The regiment got orders to be ready to take the cars at the Central Depot on the 18th of July, 1861, for Staunton. Promptly on that morning we marched out of Camp Lee into Broad Street, where we wheeled into platoons, F Company in front, and marched to the depot. Our friends turned out by thousands and the march was made amidst the inspiring cheers of the multitude that bade us good-by. The day was terribly hot, and many of the men fell out of rank during the march, overcome by the heat.
In addition to the usual arms of an infantryman, each man carried a long bowie knife, and a pistol at his belt.
IV WEST VIRGINIA
WE LEFT RICHMOND ABOUT 11 A. M. on the 18th of July, 1861, for Staunton, which place we reached in slow time on the next morning about 7 o’clock. We were marched to the Fair Grounds, and camped in a wood on a large hill overlooking the depot and city. During the day we made additional purchases of articles that we thought would be of use and comfort to us, and hired teams to carry our company baggage. The next morning we left Staunton, marching to Buffalo Gap; the regiment having a wagon train of thirty-five wagons, most of which were four-horse mountain wagons. Our company had five, having hired four of that number to carry our baggage, knapsacks, chests, etc., the one furnished by the government carrying our tents and cooking utensils. When we reached Buffalo Gap, flour was issued to us as rations, and we were promised beef as soon as some of the regiment would kill some cattle that were in a pen in sight. Some of the F boys volunteered to do the killing, if others would do the dressing, etc. The force was soon made up, the F boys quietly loading their guns, and shooting the required number of beeves, the others dressing them, and in a short time we had our regular supper. This is the commencement of our rations of beef and flour, a ration that was issued to us many years. While the beef was being dressed, camp was laid off, tents pitched, fires made. Some of the men took a delightful bath, others climbed the steep mountain and viewed the
surrounding country. Guard was placed around the camp, and as bedtime approached we went quietly to rest, after our first regular march as a regiment.
Next morning we continued our march, and during the day we heard firing of artillery so plainly in our front, that our officers sent someone ahead to find out what it meant. After waiting some time one of them rode forward, and when he returned after several hours’ absence, he could give no account of it, saying that as far as he went it seemed just ahead, and no one he saw could give any information in regard to it. We went into camp at Ryan’s, and while we were eating supper a dispatch was received by a courier, saying a great battle had been fought and won by the Confederates at Manassas. We must have been one hundred miles in an air line from Manassas. The firing was as distinct that day as any I heard afterwards that was five to six miles off.
The company’s first misfortune overtook us at Ryan’s; the government took one of our company’s wagons, and the driver of another refused to go any farther. Some of the mess chests were left, and some of the men had to carry their knapsacks. The next day we reached McDowell in a drizzling rain, and met the men of Garnett’s command, who had been defeated a few days before at Carrick’s Ford. They were a forlorn looking set, and told awful tales of having nothing to eat except berries and roasting ears! None of us believed what they said. It was not many months before we were made to realize that it was the truth. We now lost another of our company’s wagons and more mess chests were left behind. The next day we marched to Monterey. We were living high, buying as many chickens as we wanted, nearly grown, for six pence—8 1-3 cents—each, butter and
eggs at corresponding prices per pound and dozen, and when we could stop for a meal, the price was nine pence—2 1-2 cents.
Continuing our march, we reached Napp’s Creek Valley on the 25th, and forded that creek seventeen times during the day’s march, the road crossing from one side to the other every few hundred yards. Gen. Loring, the officer in command of this expedition, passed us to-day while we were on the march. His attention being called to the regiment, he remarked that they were a fine looking body of men, but no soldiers. Until they are able to sleep in winter amidst the snow and ice without tents, they are not soldiers! This was repeated to our company, and the men were very indignant, and put him down at once as an officer who knew nothing; and each man in the company wanted to call him to account for the insinuation, and would have told him they never expected to sleep in snow or surrounded by ice. Alas, for our judgment! It was not many months before we were of the same opinion as Gen. Loring, and we then knew that we had at this time learned nothing about the duties of soldiers in the field. On the evening of the 26th, we reached Huntersville, the county seat of Pocahontas.
We stayed there several days, concentrating a force large enough to cope with the enemy in our front. We were joined by several regiments of infantry, several companies of cavalry, and several batteries of artillery. During our stay there a great many of the men became sick with measles and typhoid fever, and when we left on the evening of the 3d of August, at least one-third of the 21st Va. Regt. was sick in the hospitals. The courthouse and only church had been converted into hospitals, and some of the private houses were full of the
sick, and tents had to be erected for others. Our company’s baggage was reduced so much that we only had one wagon when we left. The march continued until we reached Valley Mountain on the 6th, where our regiment pitched tents on the side of this mountain, and we went into camp.
Gen. R. E. Lee, having been assigned to the command of this department, joined us here, and pitched his head-quarter’s tents about one or two hundred yards from our company. He soon won the affection of all by his politeness and notice of the soldiers. He very often had something to say to the men, and it soon became known that when some of the people in the neighborhood sent him something good to eat, as soon as the messenger got out of sight, the articles were sent to some sick soldier. This affection increased as the years rolled on, and I suppose no body of men under his command had more love and respect for our great leader than these men who first served under him!
Here is an incident showing Gen. Lee’s kindness of heart. He was well aware of the arduous duties we had to do at that time. On a rainy night a private of Company E of our regiment was on guard duty. Soon after getting to his post he took a seat on a log, thinking he could protect himself and his gun from the rain better in this position. While in this position he was approached by the corporal of the guard, who accused the man of being asleep on his post. This the man denied and stated that the ground being so soft from rain, he did not hear him approach. The corporal arrested him, and took him to the guard house, turning him over to the officer of the guard. At that time it was thought a capital offense for a man to be caught asleep on post, and punishable
by death. In the morning the captain of the guard consulted with the officers of the regiment as to what should be done. All of them thought he ought to be shot. Things began to look blue for the man, when as by inspiration the captain said, “Well, Gen. Lee is here, and he knows, and I’ll carry you to him.” As they approached Gen. Lee’s tent, they saw he was alone, and at a table writing. On getting to the tent the general bade them good-morning and invited them in. When they entered, the general said, “What can I do for you, captain?” The captain stated the case, and said the officers of the regiment did not know what to do, so he came to consult him. Gen. Lee at once replied, “Captain, you know the arduous duties these men have to do daily. Suppose the man who was found on his post asleep had been you, or me, what do you think should be done to him?” The captain replied that he had not thought of it in that way. Then Gen. Lee turned to the man and said, “My man, go back to your quarters, and never let it be said you were found asleep on your post.”
The sick became so numerous here, and the regiments were so diminished at one time, that I suppose there were not more than one-fourth of the men available for duty. I know that in my own regiment we had to picket to the front and when one picket was relieved and the men returned to camp in the evening, most of them were detailed immediately, and ordered to get ready with rations, etc., to go on duty again in the morning. We worked a great deal on the roads. Some of the men while at work one day under the direction of a corporal, were observed by Gen. Loring in his rounds. He dismounted, gave some directions as to work, and then took a seat on a log near him. The corporal joined him, and seating himself
near the general, made some remarks about the work, and said to Gen. Loring, “General, we officers have a good time up here, don’t we?” General Loring looked at him, and then asked his rank. He replied: “Corporal!” The general, who was a profane man, let some “cuss words” loose at him, and told him to take a spade; and it is said the corporal made the dirt fly as long as Gen. Loring was in sight.
Gen. Lee ordered a forward movement on Sept. 9th. The men were given thirty rounds of ammunition each, which in a short time thereafter were increased to forty rounds, which number was always carried by each man to the end of the war, unless on some special occasion we were required to carry eighty.
We met the enemy at Conrad’s Mill on the 11th, when some skirmishing and artillery firing took place. As we advanced up the road, we passed our first dead Yankee. He made a lasting impression, as he lay on the side of the road, his face upturned and a fresh pool of blood at his side, showing that his life had just passed away.
The enemy retired during the night. The next day a picket from the 21st Va. Regt. was sent to the front, remaining there until the 15th, when we fell back to Valley Mountain, reaching there on the 17th.
The failure here was owing more to mud than anything else. In all my experience of the war I never saw as much mud. It seemed to rain every day and it got to be a saying in our company that you must not halloo loud, for if you should, we would immediately have a hard shower, and when some of the men on their return from picket had to shoot their guns off to get the load out, it brought on a regular flood. Granville Gray
always said it rained thirty-two days in August. I was told by wagoners that it was hard for them to haul from Milboro, a distance of sixty miles, any more than it took to feed their teams back and forth. I saw dead mules lying in the road, with nothing but their ears showing above the mud.
We remained at Valley mountain until the 24th, when Gen. Lee left us and joined Gen. Floyd on Sewell’s Mountain, taking all the troops with him but our regiment, the Irish Battalion, a battery of artillery and a company of cavalry. These troops were left in command of Col. Gilham of the 21st Va. Regt. He fell back to Middle Mountain, about two miles from Valley Mountain, which position could be more easily defended. We marched to the place of our encampment on Middle Mountain, stacked arms, and returned to Valley Mountain for our camp equipage. Having no wagon, we had to carry everything needed on our backs, and had to make several trips to do it. What was left at Valley Mountain was gathered together and burned. What a fall for F Company! You will remember that we left Staunton with five wagons loaded with baggage belonging to the company. We are now moving the camp of our regiment without a single wagon.
We left Middle Mountain on the 28th, after a heavy rain. All the creeks had become small rivers, and as we forded them the water came up to our waists. We had now one two-horse and one three-horse wagon to move everything belonging to the command, and began to think, as Gen. Loring did, that we were men, but not soldiers. After a short march each day we reached Elk Mountain about dark on Oct. 1. A detail of a lieutenant and six men and a non-commissioned officer was
made from F Company, and sent back eight miles on the road to picket. We reached our destination about midnight. Two sentinels were posted at once, one in the road, the other in a path that led over the mountain, headquarters of the camp being at a spring on the road near a house, but on the opposite side of the road. The next morning, not long after day, the inmates of the house, a woman and her children, commenced to stir, and soon made their appearance. About sunrise the woman came to the yard fence, and commenced to abuse us in the most violent language I ever heard from a woman. It was some time before we could tell why she was abusing us. She had quite a large number of beehives, and the troops marching by her house the day before molested none of them. When she arose in the morning, and knew that one of her best hives was gone, and a squad of men were at her spring, it was quite natural that she should think we took it. Our lieutenant, Edward Mayo, tried to impress on her that we did not; but she knew better, as she had gone to bed with everything all right, and when she awoke, we were there and the hive was gone. This was convincing proof to her. We were ordered not to go on her side of the road, nor have any talk with the inmates of the house, as Lieutenant Mayo would show her that we were gentlemen at any rate. We had no rations, as we moved in the night, before we could get any. It is true that some of the men had a little sugar and coffee, and some a little raw meat and a few biscuit. After the old lady had cooled off, as we supposed, our lieutenant went over to the house and tried to borrow or hire a coffee pot, but the old lady said she would see him and us in a hot place sooner. On his return we built a small fire, boiled the meat, and divided the bread amongst us.
The woman now, to add to our misery, commenced to bring out her milk and carry it to the hog pen, pouring gallon after gallon to the hogs. We did not say a word to any of the household during the day. A little before night our lieutenant went over again to see what he could do, and with the offer of a little coffee, an article he found the old lady was very fond of and had been without for some time, he got the use of a teakettle to make some coffee in, and she baked us an oven of corn bread. He carried the articles back, and stayed in the porch, had quite a long chat, and returning, told us she promised to let us have the kettle and some more bread in the morning. In the morning we got them, with the promise of a dinner for the party. About dinner time we were relieved, and ordered to report back to camp. We waited for our dinner, and the old lady certainly did try herself. She gave us as nice a dinner as we ever had, including dessert, which made amends for the way in which she first treated us. She also apologized, and we left truly friends, and all kissed the baby.
We left Elk Mountain on the 9th, for Edray, marching amidst the most beautiful scenery I ever saw, the trees having taken on their brilliant colors of fall. We remained in Edray and had a picket on Elk Mountain until the 14th, when we moved to Greenbrier river. Soon after leaving our camp and getting into the road, we passed two men who were sitting on the ground, facing a rail fence. Their hands and feet were put through the rails, and tied together on the opposite side of the fence, in such a position that they could not move. A little further on, we passed two who were lying on top of the fence, their hands and feet tied to some of the rails underneath, so as to keep them from moving. These men had
been guilty of disobeying some order, and were punished in that manner.
We went regularly into camp, on the banks of the beautiful Greenbrier, on a piece of low ground that was almost level, affording plenty of room for camp and drill. It was a magnificent camp. The weather was fine, and the time of year such as to make it bracing; the men improved so much, and fattened too, that they became better looking than when they left home. We had a picket on the other side of Edray, about twelve miles from camp. About fifteen men and an officer went and stayed three days. It was my fortune to go there with the first detail, and I went again afterwards, and I thought it the most delightful duty of the war.
