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 A HISTORY' OF THE 
 LAUREL BRIGADE 
 
 cec2\a: 
 
 C-_^ _11\M N. N5CDONALD 
 
 

 LIBRARY of CONiirfESSJ 
 Two Copies neceiy(>3 | 
 
 NOV 29 (907 I 
 
 -Souyn^nt tntry 
 
 Of/ X ? /^oy 
 ouss CI. :^c, du, 
 
 C OPY 8. 
 
 COPYRIGHT. 1907. 
 
 BY 
 
 MRS. KATE S. McDONALJ) 
 
 ILLUSTRATED. PRINTED AND BOUND 
 
 BY THE 
 
 SUN JOB PRINTING OFFICE. 
 
 BALTIMORE 
 
CAPT. WILLIAM N. McDONALD 
 
 r 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Chapter I 
 
 Development of the Laurel Brigade from the Seventh Regiment of 
 Virginia Cavalry, enlisted under Col. Angus W. McDonald — 
 Border service under Colonel McDonald and Col. Turner 
 Ashby — Heroic death of Capt. Richard Ashby — Destructive 
 expedition against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and 
 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal — Chew's Battery attached to the 
 command — Romney winter campaign under Jackson — Battle of 
 Kernstown I7 
 
 Chapter II 
 
 Daily skirmishes with force of Banks — Addition of new companies 
 and recruits swell the brigade — Jackson orders it divided into 
 two commands, and Ashby tenders his resignation — Jackson 
 revokes the order and Ashby withdraws his resignation — Jack- 
 son marches to McDowell and defeats Fremont — Ashby screens 
 the movement from Banks by constant skirmishing in his front 
 — Destroys railroad and telegraph between Front Royal and 
 Strasburg — Attack upon Federal infantry at Buckton, where 
 Captains Sheetz and Fletcher fall— Battle of Winchester and 
 pursuit of Banks — Ashby throws his cavalry between the con- 
 verging armies of Shields and Fremont and prevents communi- 
 cation between them— Informs Jackson fully of their move- 
 ments Capture of Sir Percy Wyndham— Death of Ashby— 
 
 Cross Keys and Port Republic 48 
 
 Chapter III 
 Jackson marches from Brown's Gap to the Chickahominy — His 
 ingenious ruses to deceive Shields and Fremont — Munford 
 screens Jackson's movement and follows him with the Second 
 Virginia Cavalry — Genl. Beverly Robertson succeeds in com- 
 mand of Valley cavalry — Reorganization of the Ashby cavalry 
 — Robertson an organizer and diciplinarian — Brigade leaves 
 
4 Contents 
 
 Valley and joins Jackson near Richmond, July loth, Company 
 B of Twelfth Virginia Cavalry being left in the Valley — Fight- 
 ing at Gordonsville and Cedar Run — Genl. J. E. B. Stuart leads 
 cavalry in a reconnoissance — Brandy Station — Catlett's Station 
 — Thoroughfare Gap — Sudley Road fight and death of Major 
 Patrick — Second Manassas campaign — Advance into Maryland 
 — Robertson assigned to Department of North Carolina, and 
 Munford again commands the brigade — Poolesville and Cramp- 
 ton's Gap — Affair at Darksville — Capture of Harper's Ferry — 
 Brigade covers Lee's recrossing of Potomac — Raid into 
 Pennsylvania — Col. William E. Jones takes command — Various 
 skirmishes in the Valley — White's Battalion attached to brigade 
 — Snickers Gap and Castleman's Ferry — Company D of the 
 Eleventh at Romney, and capture of Capt. E. H. McDonald — 
 General Jones in command of the Valley District — Expedition 
 to Moorefield — Scarcity of forage — Midwinter diversions in the 
 Valley 72 
 
 Chapter IV 
 
 Jones' expedition into Western Virginia — Weak men and horses 
 left in camp — Inclement weather and swollen streams — Danger- 
 ous crossing of the Potomac at Petersburg — Heroic assistance 
 of citizens — Rev. Richard Davis — Fight at Greenland Gap — 
 McNeil's Rangers co-operate with Jones — Colonel Harman 
 enters Oakland, destroys railroad bridge — Cranberry Summit — 
 Mountaineers unfriendly and bushwhack our column — Capture 
 of Morgantown — Bridgeport and Fairmont — Destruction of oil 
 wells — A river on fire — Return to the Valley — Results of 
 expedition — Cross the Blue Ridge to join "Jeb" Stuart — A 
 grand review — Battle of Brandy Station 117 
 
 Chapter V 
 
 A short rest — The army of Northern Virginia moves northward — 
 Jones' brigade guards the line of the Rappahannock — Federal 
 cavalry in search of Lee make for the passes of the Blue Ridge 
 — Aldie and Middleburg — Fight at Upperville — Stuart makes 
 famous raid in rear of Federal Army — Jones' and Robertson's 
 brigades left to defend passes of the Blue Ridge — Operations of 
 White's Battalion — In Maryland — Sixth Virginia meets Sixth 
 United States Regulars near Fairfield and defeats the latter — 
 Joy of victory turned to sadness by news of Lee's failure at 
 Cemetery Ridge — Jones and Robertson hold the passes of Jack 
 
Contents e 
 
 Mountain— Jones saves Ewell's wagon train— Buford and Kil- 
 patrick thwarted— Fighting between Hagerstown and Wil Hams- 
 port— Gallant charge of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry— Funks- 
 town and Boonesboro — Williamsport relieved and Lee's wagon 
 train saved — The Seventh Virginia retaliates upon Sixth Regu- 
 lars—Artillery practice upon a flying target— Lee recrosses the 
 Potomac— The brigade ordered south of the Potomac to cover 
 Lee's communications with Winchester— The Twelfth, under 
 Colonel Harman, on detached service near Harper's Ferry- 
 Capture of Federal picket reserves— Colonel Harman falls into 
 the hands of the enemy — Brigade encamps near Charles Town 
 and engages in reconnoitering and skirmishes — Lee retires up 
 the Valley and crossing the mountains resumes the line of the 
 Rappahannock 147 
 
 Chapter VI 
 Brigade returns to watch the fords of the Rappahannock— Differ- 
 ences between General Stuart and General Jones— The latter 
 court-martialed and removed to another field of operations- 
 Personality of Jones and attachment of his troopers— Admira- 
 tion and loyalty of the men soon won by "Jeb" Stuart— Federals 
 under Meade advance towards Culpeper Court House— Hard 
 and continuous cavalry fighting against Buford and Kilpatrick, 
 in which the brigade now under command of General Lomax 
 takes prominent part— Capt. Samuel B. Coyner of the Seventh 
 Virginia Cavalry killed— Enemy surround and capture one of 
 Thompson's guns of Chew's Battery— A front and rear fight at 
 Jack's Shop— Successful charge against infantry by Company 
 B of the Twelfth Virginia— Second battle at Brandy Station- 
 Fight at Fauquier Surphur Springs— Notable exploit at the 
 Rappahannock bridge— Stuart in a tight place at Auburn- 
 Bold dash and escape of his command 167 
 
 Chapter VII 
 A new commander— Sketch of Thomas L. Rosser— The Buckland 
 races— Camp at Flint Hill— At Hamilton's Crossing— Night 
 surprise of a Federal camp — Dash upon Meade's wagon trains 
 in the Wilderness— Back to Hamilton's Crossing— Hard fight at 
 Parker's Store— Watching Meade— Raid around Meade's army 
 —Night attack upon Sangster's Station and death of Captain 
 Cartmell— Brigade heads for the Valley and crosses the Shenan- 
 doah— Joins the force of Early at Mt. Jackson— A Merry 
 Christmas in the Valley ig5 
 
6 Contents 
 
 Chapter VIII 
 
 Rosser with Fitz Lee — They make midwinter raid to capture cattle 
 for Lee's army — March down the Patterson Creek Valley — 
 Capture a Federal wagon train — Move towards New Creek — 
 Return to Early in the Valley — Fitz Lee with his division 
 returns to the Army of Northern Virginia — Early and Rosser 
 make the Petersburg raid — Returning, the Laurel Brigade 
 camps at Weyer's Cave — Rest and hilarity — Across the Blue 
 Ridge to catch Kilpatrick — Return to Valley — The camp in 
 Rockbridge county — Recruiting -Grant moves his multitudes — 
 A call from Lee — The Laurel joins Lee in the Wilderness — 
 The Sth and 6th of May — Join Hampton at Shady Grove — Yel- 
 low Tavern — Death of Stuart 215 
 
 Chapter IX 
 
 Hampton takes command of cavalry — Milford — Haw's Shop — 
 Atlee's Station — Depleted condition of brigade — Scarcity of 
 food and forage — Grant develops his wearing out policy — 
 Assails Lee's lines of communication — Wilson attempts to cut 
 the Virginia Central Railroad — Fight at Ashland — Heroic act 
 of Maj. Holmes Conrad — Wilson defeated and pursued — 
 Another affair at Haw's Shop — White's Comanches charge 
 Federal breastworks — Hampton sent to meet Sheridan's 
 raiders — The battle of Trevilians — Pursues Sheridan to the 
 North Anna — Hard fare for men and horses — Some types of 
 vandals — Skirmishing near White House — Cavalry against in- 
 fantry and gunboats — Hanging on Sheridan's flank — White's 
 Battalion detached — Sheridan entrenches at Samaria Church — 
 Is driven out of entrenchments, leaving dead and wounded — 
 Col. Thomas E. Massie of the Twelfth wounded — Pursuit of 
 Sheridan to Charles City Court House 242 
 
 Chapter X 
 Hampton marches towards Richmond — Federals cross to south side 
 of James River, and Hampton follows, crossing near Drury's 
 Bluff — Moves below Petersburg — Camp near Reams Station — 
 Intercepts Wilson's raiders, and sharp fight near Sapony 
 Church — Lieutenant Vandiver's account of the engagement — 
 Ruffian marauders — Wilson escapes after punishment and loss 
 — A short rest, watermelons and hospitality — Brigade recuper- 
 ates by return of men from hospitals and horse furloughs — 
 Fitz Lee with his division sent to the Shenandoah Valley — 
 
COL. R. PRESTON CHEW 
 
Contents y 
 
 Hampton kept to hold the hnes on Lee's right— Grant creates 
 a diversion on the north side of the James-Hampton ordered 
 to Culpeper, but was recalled when he reached Beaver Dam- 
 Fight at White Oak Swamp— Brigade returns to south side- 
 Monk Neck's Bridge-Hatcher's Run-Reams Station-The 
 newspaper raid— Hampton's cattle raid 26a 
 
 Chapter XI 
 The return to the Valley-Tedious march and wornout horses- 
 Eager to avenge the outrages of Sheridan— Federals devastate 
 the Shenandoah Vallcy-Fitz Lee having been wounded Rosser 
 commands the Cavalry Division-Fight at Mill Creek-Toms 
 Brook-A much-mooted night attempt to surprise and bag 
 Custer— Cedar Creek- Brent's Farm— Fighting on the Back 
 Road-Death of Lieut.-Col. Thomas Marshall-Brigade camps 
 and rest at Fisher's Hill and Timberville-Kershaw's division 
 and Crosby's brigade of cavalry withdrawn from Early's army— 
 Shernlan witli superior numbers hesitates to attack Early 2 ^ 
 
 Chapter XII 
 
 Difficulty of supplying subsistence for Early's army-Plenty beyond 
 the mountains westward— Rosser starts out for New Creek 
 with the Laurels and Payne's brigade-New Creek a Federal 
 stronghold-Rosser joined by McNeil's Partisan Rangers- 
 McNe.l defeats Federals at Parsons Ford-Some unexpected 
 happenmgs-A council of war— Rosser decidcs-The surprise 
 -A successful ruse-Capture of New Creek-Homeward 
 bound with captures, flocks, and herds-Brigade camps near 
 Imibcrville-Moves to near Swopes Depot-Custer with large 
 cavalry force threatens Staunton-Rosser and Payne make 
 night attack on Custer's camp-Back to old camp at Swopes 
 Depot-Lack of forage-Companies detached in order to sub- 
 sist — Beverly 
 
 321 
 
 Chapter XIII 
 
 The capture of the Federal Major-Generals Crook and Kelly in 
 the City of Cumberland by McNeil-The capture proposed and 
 planned by John B. Fay, formerly of Company F, Seventh Vir- 
 ginia Cavalry, but vt the time a member of McNeil's partisan 
 company-Fay with Ritchie Hallar reconnoiters in the neigh- 
 borhood of Cumberland-They locate the sleeping apartments 
 
8 Contents 
 
 of each of the generals, and Ihe outpost and reserve pickets — 
 The hazards of the undertaking — The surprise and capture — 
 Two future Presidents of the United States narrowly escape — 
 A future judge not so fortunate — Federals pursue but give it 
 up — Prisoners transported to Dixie 341 
 
 Chapter XIV 
 
 After the return from Beverly, Munford's and Payne's brigades 
 ordered east of the Blue Ridge — Wharton's division of infantry 
 and Rosser's brigade of cavalry only force left under Early in 
 the Valley to face Sheridan — Government supplies almost fail, 
 and home supplies no longer cheer the soldiers — Sheridan lays 
 waste the Valley, and with 10,000 sabres advances — Rosser 
 meets him with 300 men and, aided by high water, retards him 
 at North River — Early withdraws towards Charlottesville, is 
 overtaken, defeated, and his army captured or dispersed near 
 Waynesboro — Rosser attempts to recapture the prisoners, but 
 fails — Rosser made major-general and Dearing takes command 
 of the Laurel Brigade — The trail of Sheridan — Division under 
 Rosser, not over 1,200 men, moves below Petersburg — Federals 
 capture Five Forks — Rosser's division forms rear guard of Fitz 
 Lee's column' — Advancing Federals punished in their onsets — 
 Deep Creek — Brigade, April 5th, with rest of division moves 
 towards Amelia Court House — Soldiers depressed but reso- 
 lute — Desperate charge of Dearing near Amelia Springs — 
 Desperate fighting by great fighters — Federals driven back 
 into Jetersville — Death of Captains Rutherford and Hugh Mc- 
 Guire — High Bridge — Death of Dearing, Knott, Thompson and 
 others and the wounding of many — White takes command of 
 brigade — Appomattox — The last charge — Brigade disbanded 
 near Lynchburg by Colonel "Lige" White — Remnant of the 
 Twelfth Regiment, under Lieut. Wm. F. Anderson, surrenders 
 at Appomattox 357 
 
 Appendix 382 
 
PREFACE 
 
 This history zvas written by the late Capt. William N. 
 McDonald, zvho zvas ordnance officer of the Laurel Bri- 
 gade. It zvas zvritten at the request of Genl. Thomas L. 
 Rosser, its one time commander, zvho gave to the brigade 
 the name "Laurel," and zvho by his courage, dash, and skill, 
 ill great degree contributed to zivin the fame zvhich made it 
 zjvorthy to be knozvn by that name. 
 
 The labor of Captain McDonald in accumulating the 
 data and zvriting this history, extended through the ten 
 years previous to his lamented death on the ^th of January, 
 i8p8. And some idea of the amount and difficidty of the 
 labor undertaken may be gathered from his ozvn zuords, 
 belozjv quoted, from a circidar letter sent to the survival's of 
 the brigade, in his quest for information: "This zvork zvas 
 entered upon zvith the settled purpose of making it an 
 authentic memorial of those zvho composed the Laurel 
 Brigade, but zvith little expectation that the story of the 
 achievements of the command zvoidd equal its measure of 
 fame. The facts necessary to make up the record are diffi- 
 cult to procure. The official reports rarely give details, and 
 after February ist, 1864, fezv if any brigade or regimental 
 reports are to be found. From that time, to the end, there 
 zvas such a giving and taking of blozvs, — such a struggle 
 for the means of subsistence, — that little time zvas left for 
 clerical zvork. There is therefore a gap of more than a 
 
lo Preface 
 
 year full of stirring events, zvith snvall record of even the 
 general actions of the brigade." 
 
 It zvas from the mass of letters received in response to his 
 circular. Captain McDonald chiefly gathered the material 
 for the history. While many of these were clear and 
 explicit, many were contradictory of others, and to gather 
 the actual facts out of multitudes of contradictions, was a 
 labor easier to be imagined than described. While the body 
 of the history zvas practically complete, the manuscript was 
 in its first form and not yet ready for publication when it 
 came into my hands. At the request of a committee of the 
 survivors of the brigade, I undertook the zvork of revieiving 
 the manuscript and preparing it for the hands of a publisher. 
 
 In the posthumous preparation of an author's zvork, there 
 is always the temptation to the reviser, to materially alter it 
 in some particular, and here and there to interject some- 
 thing suggestive of himself. Had the disposition to do 
 this possessed me, there zvould hardly have been the oppor- 
 tunity, for the manuscript as I received it, practically 
 covered the achievements of the brigade from Kernstozvn 
 to Appomattox. My work, zvas rather to supply such 
 missing links in the narrative as zvere to be found here and 
 there; to make sucJi corrections as subsequent revelations 
 made necessary, and such additions in the zvay of official 
 reports, and zvell-authenticatcd individual statements, as 
 would add authority and verification to the history. Besides 
 this, there zvas also such a general revision of the manu- 
 script, as the author himself would have given before 
 placing it in the hands of a publisher. 
 
 Captain McDonald having been my personal friend as 
 well as a close comrade both in the infantry and cavalry 
 
Preface ii 
 
 Qj'ms of the Confederate service, the labor of revising his 
 ivork, has been mingled zvith a great deal of pleasure, and 
 I have endeavored to discharge the duty in a zuay that 
 woidd have been gratifying to him. 
 
 It is impossible but tJiat tJiere will be some omissions, 
 both regarding events, and individuals ivorthy of mention, 
 and perhaps a fezu incidents mentioned not exactly in accord 
 with the recollections of some. The lapse of time before 
 undertaking the zvork, the lack of sources of information, 
 and the fallibility of memory must be sufficient excuse for 
 these. The intention of the author zvas to produce an 
 authentic record, free from exaggeration and also from 
 mere rhetorical display. It zvas his intention also to append 
 as complete a roster of the officers and men as coidd possibly 
 be procured. No effort has been spared to carry out this 
 intention. Nevertheless the rolls of some companies are 
 entirely missing and others incomplete, zvhich is greatly to 
 be regretted. 
 
 It has been the zvish that every soldier zvho served in the 
 brigade and helped to contribute to its fame, shoidd have 
 honorable mention. Unfortunately, the missing names are 
 likely to be those of the killed or mortally wounded in battle 
 and dropped from the rolls, zvho of all others, if possible, 
 shoidd be especially remembered. 
 
 To the comrades who by letters, loan of private diaries, 
 and in other zvays assisted the author and the reviser in 
 preparing this history, zvhosc names are too numerous to 
 mention here, sincere thanks are given. Most of them, 
 hozvever, are mentioned in the body of the work. 
 
 It zvas at first the intention, that there shoidd be an 
 addendum to the zvork containing special mention of officers 
 
12 Preface 
 
 and privates who rendered conspicuous and meritorious 
 services. But after mature consideration this zi'as con- 
 sidered nnadvisahle and the intention abandoned, for the 
 reason that the Laurel Brigade zcas composed of so many 
 heroic men, that to single out a fezv for special mention, 
 zvould seem in the nature of an invidious distinction. 
 
 BusHROD C. Washington. 
 
THE AUTHOR 
 
 The late Capt. William N. McDonald, author of this work, 
 was born in i8j4 in Romney, Virginia; ivas educated in his 
 native State, taking the degree of A. M. at the University of 
 Virginia in iS^y, and was elected professor of belles-lettres in 
 the University of Public Schools of Louisville, Kentucky, the 
 same year; the follozving year he was promoted to presidency 
 of the same, and in that capacity was acting superintendent of 
 the schools of Louisville. 
 
 In j8^p he resigned and studied lazi.', and in i860 went to 
 Europe as secretary to his father. Col. Angus IV. McDonald, 
 commissioner of Virginia, to report upon the Maryland and 
 Virginia boundary line. 
 
 On April ipth, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company G, 
 Second Virginia Regiment, Stonewall Brigade, in which he 
 served until after the reorganization of the army in 1862. He 
 was transferred to the Laurel Brigade and served as ordnance 
 officer upon the staff of General Rosser. He served the Con- 
 federacy with distinguished gallantry during the entire war 
 from the day Virginia seceded to Appomattox. At the time of 
 the surrender he zuas chief of ordnance of Mahone's division of 
 Lee's army, with the rank of captain of artillery. 
 
 In 1865 he established the Cool Spring School in Clarke 
 county, Virginia. While there he wrote, in conjunction with 
 Prof. John S. Blackburn, the first Southern school history of 
 
14 The Author 
 
 the United States. It was published at their own cost, passed 
 through about twenty editions, and still has a wide circulation. 
 
 In 1868 he left Cool Spring to accept his old place as presi- 
 dent of the University of Public Schools of Louisville , Kentucky , 
 at an advance of nearly double the previous salary. 
 
 hi 18^2 he resigned this position and established the Louis- 
 ville Rugby School, which for fifteen years was the largest and 
 most flourishing private school for boys west of the Alleghanies. 
 While principal of the same he became editor and half pro- 
 prietor of the Southern Bivouac, which magazine during his 
 connection with it greatly flourished. 
 
 In i88y he left Louisville and established at Berryville, Vir- 
 ginia, the Shenandoah University School, of zvhich he was 
 principal until his death on June 4th, i8p8. 
 
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 FACES PAGM. 
 
 The Author i 
 
 Col. Angus W. McDonald i6 ' 
 
 Genl. Turner Ashby 32 
 
 Dr. Nelson G. West 36 
 
 Rev. James Battle Avirett 40 
 
 Col. R. Preston Chew 44 
 
 Ashby's Charge at Middleton 60 
 
 Maj. William Patrick 80 < 
 
 Genl. Thos. T. Munford '. . . . 88 ^ 
 
 Brig.-Genl. William E. Jones 104 , 
 
 Maj. Edward H. McDonald 108 
 
 Oliver Ripgway Funsten 112 
 
 Maj. Samuel B. Myers 120 
 
 Col. Richard H. Dulany 128 
 
 Col. E. V. White 136 
 
 Genl. L. L. Lomax 144 
 
 Col. Asher W. Harman 164 . 
 
 Lieut. B. C. Washington 176. 
 
 LiEUT.-CoL. Thomas E. Massie 184 
 
 Genl. Thomas L. Rosser 196 
 
 Maj. John W. Emmett 232 - 
 
 Genl. J. E. B. Stuart 240 
 
 Maj. Holmes Conrad 244 
 
 Genl. Wade Hampton 248 
 
 Rosser's Defeat of Custer at Trevilians Station 252 
 
 Lieut. Philip B. Winston 256 
 
 ]\Iaj. F. M. Myers 264 ,-^ 
 
 Capt. J. W. Carter 304 ^ 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Thomas Marshall 320^ 
 
 Capture of Generals Crook and Kelley 340 
 
 Col. M. D. Ball 360 
 
 Brig. -Genl. James Dearing 364 
 
 Capt. Hugh H. McGuire 2>72 
 
 Maj. John Locher Knott 374 
 
 Maj. James Thompson 376' 
 
 Maj. Foxhall A. Dangerfield 378x 
 
COL. ANGUS w. Mcdonald 
 
A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 June, 1861 
 
 Development of the Laurel Brigade from the Seventh Regiment of Vir- 
 ginia Cavalry, enlisted under Col. Angus W. McDonald— Border 
 service under Colonel McDonald and Col. Turner Ashby— Heroic 
 death of Capt. Richard Ashby— Destructive expedition against the 
 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal- 
 Chew's Battery attached to the command— Romney winter cam- 
 paign under Jackson — Battle of Kernstown. 
 
 Fourteen months of the War between the States had 
 passed before the troops of Ashby possessed a brigade 
 organization. Their gallant leader was dead and Stonewall 
 Jackson had completed his brilliant Valley campaign. The 
 Federal armies that had gathered from three quarters of 
 the compass for the purpose of annihilating the army of 
 "Stonewall" were now in full retreat; and the opportune 
 moment was availed of to put into brigade form the 
 twenty-six unorganized companies of border troopers 
 which Ashby had commanded. This was effected at Swift 
 Run Gap on the 15th and i6th of June, 1862. 
 
 Though it is purposed to confine this narrative, mainly 
 to events that happened subsequent to this date, it is deemed 
 not only proper but necessary, first to give a brief account 
 of what was done by the Ashby cavalry prior to its brigade 
 formation. 
 
 In the official reports, this body of troops, as was the rule 
 in the Confederate service, is designated by the name of its 
 
1 8 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 commanding officer at the time, and it was not until Genl. 
 Thomas L. Rosser became its commander that it was known 
 by any other name than by that of the brigadier command- 
 ing. Influenced, probably, by admiration of its prowess, 
 pride of commandership, and a laudable desire to increase 
 its esprit dii corps, Rosser named it the Laurel Brigade. 
 Subsequently this name was occasionally recognized by the 
 division commanders when they meant to compliment the 
 command for gallant conduct; but by members of other 
 brigades, especially in the cavalry, the name was not used, 
 its assumption being regarded by many as a piece of 
 arrogance. 
 
 To what extent the name was deserved history must 
 determine ; but the fact that it is the only name which iden- 
 tifies and generally describes a certain body of Confederate 
 troops, sufficiently justifies the use of it in these pages for 
 the sake of clearness and brevity. 
 
 The Laurel Brigade was certainly unique in one respect. 
 It was a growth and not an artificial formation. Brigades, 
 as a rule, were the result of an arbitrary combination of 
 different bodies of troops into a single group by the com- 
 manding general of the army. The Laurel Brigade had 
 for its nucleus a few companies which developed into a 
 regiment, and then into a command of brigade proportions. 
 The added strength that constituted the development came 
 from new companies that voluntarily joined, or from the 
 old companies whose ranks overflowing furnished the 
 material for other new companies. The original nucleus, 
 from which by natural accretions sprung the Laurel Brigade, 
 by happy coincidence, was Ashby's old company. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 19 
 
 At the breaking out of the war, Col. Angus W. McDon- 
 ald/ repairing to Harper's Ferry, offered his services 
 in defense of his State and of the Southern Confederacy to 
 General Harper, the commanding officer. Although then 
 sixty-two years of age, Colonel McDonald being a West 
 Point graduate, and having served in the army of the 
 United States, earnestly desired to do what he could for 
 the South. General Harper accepted his offer and com- 
 mitted to him the important duty of guarding the bridges 
 and fords along the Potomac. 
 
 The troops assigned to him for this purpose was a com- 
 pany of cavalry commanded by Capt. Turner Ashby, from 
 Fauquier county, Virginia. Dividing it into small detach- 
 ments, he organized parties who scouted along the border, 
 and sometimes disguised as citizens, actually entered 
 Washington City. 
 
 This service was exacting but attractive on account of 
 its comparative freedom from restraint, and the oppor- 
 tunities it afforded for personal adventure. 
 
 ^Col. Angus W. McDonald, born in 1799, at Winchester, Virginia, was 
 over sixty years old at the breaking out of the Civil War, and just 
 returned to his home from London, whither he had gone as Commis- 
 sioner of Virginia for information relative to the settlement of the 
 disputed boundary between Maryland and Virginia. A graduate of 
 West Point in the artillery corps, he was assigned by Gen. Kenton 
 Harper, in command at Harper's Ferry, to the duty of guarding the 
 fords and bridges of the Potomac below that point. 
 
 Among the troops assigned to him was the cavalry company of Capt. 
 Turner Ashby, whose energy, daring, and soldierly traits so won the 
 admiration of Colonel McDonald that, when authorized by President 
 Davis to raise a regiment of cavalry, he recommended Captain Ashby 
 as lieutenant-colonel of his command. After a few months of active 
 service, being compelled by acute rheumatism to resign his command. 
 Colonel McDonald was assigned by General Jackson to the command 
 of the post at Winchester, and after its evacuation to that of Lexing- 
 ton, Virginia. Upon the approach of the Federal army under General 
 
20 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Encouraged by applications for enlistment in his com- 
 mand, from new companies, Colonel McDonald asked and 
 obtained from the Confederate Government, permission to 
 raise an independent regiment for border service. 
 
 Upon his recommendation and probably with Ashby's 
 knowledge and consent, the latter was commissioned 
 lieutenant-colonel, and Dr. Oliver Funsten major of the 
 new command, that was soon afterwards known as the 
 Seventh Regiment of Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 The necessary complement of companies was gradually 
 obtained, and by the assiduous efforts of Colonel McDonald, 
 the regiment was soon armed and equipped. 
 
 The organization of the Seventh was consummated on 
 the 17th of June, 1861. 
 
 Because of the distinguished services rendered by this 
 regiment before it was incorporated into the Laurel Bri- 
 gade, a roll of the original regimental officers and company 
 commanders is worthy of the special place here given to it. 
 
 Hunter, having no troops for its defense, he retreated with his son 
 Harry, aged sixteen, to what he supposed a place of safety near Buck- 
 hannon, where they were captured after a gallant resistance, in which 
 Colonel McDonald was wounded. 
 
 He was treated in the most inhuman manner by General Hunter and 
 his officers, and compelled to ride in an ammunition wagon without 
 springs from Lynchburg to Charleston ; afterwards confined in the 
 Atheneam Prison at Wheeling, West Virginia, handcuffed like a com- 
 mon felon. While there he received great kindness from the Sisters 
 of Charity, and the picture here inserted is a copy of one he had taken 
 for them — the basket in his hand showing their last gift to him as he 
 was leaving to be exchanged. 
 
 Arriving in Richmond November 7th, 1864, he rapidly declined from 
 the effects of his ill treatment, and died December ist. He was laid 
 to rest in Hollywood with a son, Capt. C. W. McDonald, who was killed 
 at the battle of Cold Harbor. His only brother, Col. E. C. McDonald, 
 died in the Confederate service, and six sons enlisted in the army, two 
 of whom were severely wounded and in prison during the war 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 21 
 
 Regimental Officers. 
 
 Angus W. McDonald of Winchester, Va Colonel. 
 
 Turner Ashby of Fauquier Co., Va Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 Oliver M. Funsten of Warren Co., Va Major. 
 
 Angus W. McDonald, Jr., of Hampshire Co., Va Adjutant. 
 
 Dr. A. P. Burns, , „ Surgeon. 
 
 Rev. J. B. Avirett of Frederick Co., Va Chaplain. 
 
 Capt. T. P. Pendleton of Clarke Co., Va., Asst. Quartermaster. 
 Capt. John D. Richardson of Clarke Co., Va Commissary. 
 
 Captains of Companies. 
 
 Richard Ashby of Fauquier Co., Va Company A. 
 
 J. Q. Wingfield of Rockingham, Va Company B. 
 
 S. D. Myers of Shenandoah Co., Va Company C. 
 
 Macon Jorden of Page Co., Va Company D. 
 
 Walter Bowen of Warren Co., Va Company E. 
 
 George F. Sheetz of Hampshire Co., Va Company F. 
 
 Frank Mason of Maryland Company G. 
 
 A. Harper of Shenandoah Co., Va Company H. 
 
 Shands of Rockingham Co., Va Company L 
 
 William Miller of Shenandoah Co., Va Company K. 
 
 The regiment engaged in active service from the day of 
 its organization. 
 
 The headquarters of the Seventh was located at Romney, 
 a central point from which to watch the Federal movements 
 in West Virginia, and to operate upon the line of communi- 
 cation afforded by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The 
 first service engaged in was the destruction of the super- 
 structures of this road. So thoroughly was the work done, 
 that scarcely a bridge, culvert, or water station remained on 
 that part of the road extending from Piedmont to the Big 
 Cacapon, a distance of sixty miles. 
 
22 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 As the war thickened, border duty became more onerous, 
 and it soon devolved upon the Seventh to g^Jard the Con- 
 federate frontier from Harper's Ferry to the head waters 
 of the Potomac, a distance of 125 miles. 
 
 The Federal authorities had distributed numerous bodies 
 of troops along this border; and the presence of these 
 menaced the northern frontier with constant raids. The 
 Union men on both sides of the line gave much trouble, 
 carrying information to the Federals and suggesting plun- 
 dering expeditions, for the purpose often, of gratifying 
 private malice. Some of these overzealous "patriots" were 
 particularly offensive, and their arrest and removal were 
 deemed necessary. It was in an attempt to arrest one of 
 these that Capt. Richard Ashby was killed. He was Col. 
 Turner Ashby' s younger brother and had succeeded him in 
 the command of his old company. 
 
 Captain Ashby was the handsomest and most soldierly 
 figure in his regiment, being more robust-looking and more 
 commanding in appearance than even his elder brother. 
 His death, especially the heroic features of it, made a pro- 
 found and lasting impression upon his comrades ; while the 
 effect upon his brother Turner was transforming. 
 
 It was on the morning of the 26th of June, that Captain 
 Ashby was ordered by his brother to take a small detach- 
 ment of his company and arrest a certain obnoxious citizen, 
 who was believed to be a spy. Failing to find the man at 
 his home. Captain Ashby kept a path straight on, leading 
 towards the Federal lines which extended along the track 
 of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At a place suitable 
 for the purpose, the Federals, as if in anticipation of his 
 further advance, had carefully prepared an ambuscade. A 
 volley from a neighboring wood was the first intimation 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 23 
 
 of the enemy's presence, and this was immediately followed 
 by the charge of an overwhelming body of mounted 
 Federals. Discovering his disparity of force, which con- 
 sisted of only eleven men. Captain Ashby ordered a retreat. 
 The retreat soon became disorderly, and Captain Ashby, 
 who was some distance in the rear of his retreating com- 
 mand, was thrown to the ground by his horse falling in an 
 unsuccessful attempt to leap a cattle-stop. He was soon 
 surrounded by the enemy at close quarters, but without 
 thought of surrender, he fought them single-handed as they 
 swarmed around him intent only upon his destruction. At 
 last, wounded in many places, he fell and, while prostrate, 
 received additional wounds; one man stabbing him in the 
 abdomen with his bayonet. Here he was left for dead, the 
 enemy for some reason retreating. 
 
 Captain Ashby, having rallied sufficient strength, dragged 
 himself to the shelter of a neighboring tree, where he was 
 afterwards found. 
 
 In the meantime Col. Turner Ashby, with a detachment 
 of his command, scouting in the neighborhood, arrived by 
 merest accident in time to avenge his brother. Learning 
 from a young lady that firing of small arms had been heard 
 in the direction his brother had taken, he at once galloped 
 to his aid. Discovering the bloody place where he had 
 fallen and full of forebodings, he rode on in search of the 
 foe. The Federals had retired to Kelly's Island in the 
 Potomac. Ashby seeing them from the Virginia shore, 
 dashed into the stream and called upon his men to charge. 
 A volley that emptied two saddles greeted them as they 
 pressed through the current and gained the bank. 
 
 "At them with your knives, men!" cried Ashby, whom 
 grief for his brother had rendered furious. 
 
24 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The contest was most unequal, but the fiery rush of 
 Ashby and his men made up for the lack of numbers, and 
 after a short and bloody fight the Federals gave way before 
 them and fled. 
 
 Among the articles captured in the fight were Captain 
 Ashby's spurs and horse. The sight of these convinced 
 Colonel Ashby that his brother had been killed, for it does 
 not appear that any information was obtained from Federal 
 prisoners, if any were taken. 
 
 Search was now made for the body, which, mangled and 
 pierced with eight wounds, was at last found. It was soon 
 discovered that life was not extinct, and the wounded 
 captain was carried to the house of Col. George Washing- 
 ton, where, though kindly cared for, he died after seven 
 days of intense suffering. 
 
 The fight at Kelly's Island and the death of Richard 
 Ashby were events of no small importance, occurring as 
 they did in the beginning of the war. The heroic example 
 of the dead soldier in his terrific death struggle, his brutal 
 treatment at the hands of the victors, and the subsequent 
 punishment by Colonel Ashby, formed exhaustless topics 
 around the camp-fires. Thoughts of vengeance were the 
 more readily indulged in, now that the valor of Colonel 
 Ashby had shown what true prowess might accomplish. 
 
 In a letter to his family after the death of his brother, 
 Colonel Ashby wrote: "His country has lost the services 
 of a brave man with a strong arm, which he proved upon 
 his enemies in losing his life. He was buried with all the 
 honors of war, and never was greater respect paid to the 
 memory of one man." 
 
 About the 15th of July, 1861, the forward movement of 
 the Federal Army under General Patterson, across the 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 25 
 
 Potomac, caused the Seventh Regiment to be ordered to 
 Winchester. At this point the scattered companies gathered 
 from the Potomac frontier, on the 19th of July. Already 
 on the 1 8th fighting had begun at Manassas. 
 
 Joseph E. Johnston, who commanded the army at Win- 
 chester, secretly moved his troops by a forced march to 
 Piedmont and thence by rail to Manassas, deceiving General 
 Patterson, who still believed the Confederate Army to be 
 in his front at Winchester, and by rendering timely aid to 
 General Beauregard, gained for the Confederacy the battle 
 of Bull Run — the first great battle of the war. 
 
 The border cavalry were ordered to co-operate in the 
 movement, but the Seventh reached Bull Run the day after 
 the battle. Thence after a short rest it was ordered to 
 Staunton, and soon back again to resume its old position 
 along the Potomac frontier. 
 
 Colonel McDonald, with a portion of the regiment, 
 re-established his headquarters at Romney, while Ashby, 
 with the remainder, held the right of the border line, with 
 his headquarters at Charles Town. 
 
 The work of destroying the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 
 went on, with occasional skirmishing with scouting parties 
 of the Federals. 
 
 Early in September, General Geary, commanding the 
 Federals near Harper's Ferry, crossed the Potomac and 
 seemed about to march further southward. Colonel Ashby, 
 assisted by 400 militia and two new companies of cavalry 
 under Captains R. W. Baylor and John Henderson, con- 
 fronted the foe at Bolivar Heights near the Ferry. After a 
 spirited skirmish, Ashby retired to the next commanding 
 eminence, known as School-House Hill. During the night 
 
26 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Geary recrossed the Potomac and the next day Ashby took 
 possession of Harper's Ferry. 
 
 On the 24th of September a serious brush with the enemy 
 occurred near Romney. A Federal force gathered from 
 Cumberland and Piedmont, making a night march, 
 attempted to surprise Colonel McDonald's camp. The 
 attempt was anticipated, and before the Federals reached 
 Romney they were met in Mechanic's Gap of the South 
 Branch Mountain and driven back. With creditable per- 
 sistency, another gap further down the mountain was 
 passed, and the enemy having crossed the South Branch 
 River, advanced upon Romney. Their road led them 
 through a narrow pass called Hanging Rock, where the 
 way has the river on one side and an almost perpendicular 
 w^all of rock on the other. From the summit of the cliff, 
 Col. E. H. McDonald, with thirteen Hampshire militiamen, 
 threw down rocks among the Federals and created a panic 
 among them. After firing a few volleys, the column 
 retreated in great confusion, the cavalry, in their eagerness 
 to escape, riding over the infantry, and forcing many into 
 the river. 
 
 The repulse, however, did not deter the Federals from 
 making a third attempt. Moving further down, they 
 successfully crossed the mountain barriers and threatened 
 the rear of the Confederates. Colonel McDonald now 
 evacuated Romney and the Federals took possession of the 
 town. 
 
 Next morning, having learned that the enemy were pil- 
 laging the country around Romney, and were somewhat 
 disorganized and scattered, Colonel McDonald advanced 
 upon them. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 27 
 
 The Federals, apprised of his coming, hastily withdrew 
 to the South Branch bridge, which they attempted to hold. 
 A gallant charge of Confederate horse drove them from this 
 position and forced them into a disorderly retreat. Assisted 
 by the Hampshire militia, under Colonels E. H. McDonald 
 and A. Munroe, the cavalry continued the pursuit through 
 the gap and, following close upon the heels of the fugitives, 
 harassed them until they reached New Creek Station (now 
 Keyser), a fortified position on the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad, having suffered considerable loss. 
 
 About a month later, on the 26th of October, another 
 more formidable attempt was made to occupy the South 
 Branch Valley. Romney was considered a place of con- 
 siderable strategic importance, especially to the Federals. 
 From it as a center, fifty miles of the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad could be reached in a short day's march. Hence 
 the small force of Confederates at Romney was regarded 
 as a constant menace to the only direct railroad communi- 
 cation between Washington and the West. Its only support 
 was at Winchester, forty miles off, while within an average 
 distance of twenty miles along the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad were stationed considerable bodies of Federal 
 troops. In a few hours it would have been quite easy to 
 concentrate a force strong enough to march upon and 
 occupy Romney. The failure of their first expedition was 
 attributed by the Federals to lack of numbers sufficient to 
 impress and overawe the population. 
 
 On the 24th of November, a heavy Federal force of all 
 arms under General Kelly advanced upon Romney. Colonel 
 McDonald was advised of its coming and of its superior 
 strength. There was no hope of his being able to hold 
 Romney; but he determined, in retiring, to make resistance 
 
28 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 wherever the advantages of position gave opportunity to 
 punish and cripple the foe. 
 
 Six miles west of Romney the invading column was first 
 confronted and opposed. Thence back through Mechanic's 
 Gap to the South Branch bridge, the Confederates withdrew, 
 disputing the Federal progress. On the Romney side of 
 the bridge Colonel McDonald determined to make a stand, 
 notwithstanding he had only a force of about 400 against 
 more than 2,000 of the enemy. The place, however, was 
 admirably suited for a small force to inflict a serious blow 
 upon a large one. The high ground that, like a mountain 
 barrier, shuts in the river valley is near to and commands 
 the bridge and the road to Romney. About a half mile 
 from the bridge, where the road turns and ascends through 
 a slight defile, is Cemetery Hill, from a point on which a 
 piece of artillery may sweep the road to the bridge. 
 
 On the high ground near the bridge a part of the com- 
 mand under Major Funsten was posted, with a howitzer. 
 Colonel McDonald himself, with the reserve and a rifle gun, 
 occupied Cemetery Hill. 
 
 At the approach of the Federals, their great superiority 
 in numbers was plain to all. An artillery fire from both 
 sides began, while a column of infantry attempted to force 
 a passage through the bridge. This was driven back by a 
 well-directed fire from Funsten's men. In the meantime 
 a squadron of Federal cavalry had succeeded in fording 
 the river and appeared unexpectedly on the Confederate 
 flank. The sight of them and the formidable display of 
 infantry coming to their support, made it apparent that 
 further defense was futile. Major Funsten's command at 
 once abandoned the high ground and retreated. The 
 Federal horse, encouraged by this, charged in pursuit. The 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 29 
 
 retreat soon became a rout and then a stampede. The 
 fugitives broke through the reserve and carried it along 
 with them. Soon the wagon trains, two miles in the rear, 
 were reached by the Federal horse and captured, as were 
 also both guns. 
 
 The Federal victory, though a bloodless one, was com- 
 plete. Romney was taken and possessed by the Federals, 
 and until the end of the war remained virtually in their 
 possession. 
 
 Jackson, in the following December, retook and held it 
 for a short time, but his expedition thither proved how 
 untenable it was. 
 
 The logic of war is inexorable. As the commanding 
 officer receives the most praise when a victory is gained, so 
 he chiefly bears the penalty of defeat. Even where others 
 are to blame, there is no difference in the result. Disaster 
 breeds a want of confidence, and this in turn portends more 
 calamity. The situation was painfully clear to Colonel 
 McDonald, The good of the service demanded a change, 
 and the majority of the men were clamorous for the leader- 
 ship of Ashby. 
 
 In an interview with Jackson, Colonel McDonald asked 
 to be relieved from the command of the Seventh. The 
 request was acceded to, and he was placed in charge of the 
 artillery defenses at Winchester. 
 
 It is not hard to discover why the hearts of the men of 
 the Seventh were set upon Lieutenant-Colonel Ashby, and 
 why they were clamorous for his leadership; for being in 
 the flower of young manhood, he combined in the highest 
 degree those attributes of the born soldier which ever attract 
 men of similar mould. In person, while little above the 
 average height, his form was well shaped, erect, sinewy, and 
 
30 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 graceful. His features were regular, clear-cut, and deter- 
 mined; his eyes black and rather deep-set for his age, and 
 his swarthy complexion was almost hidden under a heavy, 
 flowing black beard of unusual length. Harnessed in the 
 accoutrements of a Southern cavalry officer, and mounted 
 on his milk-white charger, which he sat with the ease of 
 the hereditary horseman, he was a figure needing only to be 
 seen to attract the wonder and admiration of both friend 
 and foe. His manner in repose was modest, gentle and 
 approachable. 
 
 It was when the duties of a soldier aroused him to action, 
 that the transformation took place that made him the most 
 impetuous and daring cavalry leader in the Confederate 
 service. 
 
 His loyalty to his State and to the Southern cause was 
 intense and almost romantic. Their enemies were his 
 enemies, and it was his motto to attack and destroy them 
 whenever they showed themselves ; and when they did not 
 show themselves to hunt for, locate and harass them with 
 impetuous onsets. 
 
 Such in brief was the soldier who now succeeded to the 
 command of the Seventh. 
 
 Ashby established his regimental headquarters near 
 Charles Town, and continued with his troops to picket the 
 Potomac frontier as far west as the border of Hampshire; 
 for Romney still remained in possession of the Federals. 
 
 On the nth of November, 1861, under special authority 
 of the Secretary of War, there was organized a battery of 
 artillery, which, becoming as it did a most important factor 
 in the achievements of Ashby's command, is worthy here 
 of special mention, as to its organization and services and 
 subsequent assignments. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 31 
 
 It was organized with thirty-three men and the following 
 officers : R. P. Chew, captain ; Milton Rouse, first lieuten- 
 ant; J. W, McCarty and James Thompson, second lieuten- 
 ants. The company had three pieces of artillery; one a 
 rifle gun called the "Blakely," one howitzer, and one six 
 inch rifle g^n. At the suggestion of General Ashby the 
 men were all mounted, and this was the first mounted 
 battery of flying artillery organized in the Confederate 
 Army. It served throughout the Valley campaign under 
 Stonewall Jackson, and accompanied the brigade of Ashby 
 at the front of its advances, retarding the enemy in its 
 retreats through all that marvelous campaign. 
 
 Its officers were cadets of the Virginia Military Institute. 
 Educated as soldiers, young and daring, it was natural 
 enough that a battery commanded by them would render 
 most effective service and attain a worthy distinction. So 
 it was that "Chew's Battery" soon earned for itself a name 
 and reputation second only to that of the Ashby command. 
 
 This company served after the death of Ashby and 
 Jackson with the battalion of Stuart's Horse Artillery, and 
 perhaps was engaged in more skirmishes and battles than 
 any battery in the Confederate Army. The membership 
 of the company increased rapidly after its first organization, 
 and included during the war a membership of 197 men. 
 Lieutenants Rouse and McCarty, who participated in its 
 organization, resigned and joined the cavalry in 1862, 
 where they distinguished themselves for gallantry, dash, 
 and courage. Thompson was then elected first lieutenant, 
 and James W. Williams and J. W. Carter second lieuten- 
 ants. Captain Chew was in 1864 promoted to the command 
 of Stuart's Horse Artillery, when Thompson succeeded 
 
32 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Chew as captain of the battery, and E. L. Yancey became 
 the second lieutenant. 
 
 On March ist, 1865, the Stuart Horse Artillery was 
 reorganized into five battalions of two batteries each, when 
 Chew was made lieutenant-colonel and Thompson was pro- 
 moted to major, Carter succeeding Thompson as captain. 
 As successive captains of Chew's Battery both these men 
 served with great distinction. 
 
 When Jackson struck Banks' column at Middletown, this 
 battery charged with the cavalry, and under the direction 
 of General Ashby engaged in the close pursuit of the enemy, 
 and it was perhaps the first battery in the service to inaugu- 
 rate this peculiar and effective mode of fighting. 
 
 At Upperville, when the brigade under Genl. William E. 
 Jones, while in marching column and without order of 
 battle, was attacked at right angles to its line of march by 
 the Federal cavalry, and thrown into temporary confusion, 
 this battery under Captain Chew dashed to the front and, 
 firing canister at close range into the head of the Federal 
 advance, produced such havoc as to arrest it for a time, and 
 saved the brigade from what might have been a serious 
 disaster. 
 
 On the 6th of May, 1864, when Genl. Thomas L. Rosser 
 attacked Wilson's division on the Catharpin Road, the 
 beginning of the battles of the Wilderness, this battery 
 charged with the Eleventh Cavalry, doing great execution 
 and aiding greatly in the defeat of the enemy. Afterwards 
 this method of fighting became a distinctive feature of the 
 fighting of the Confederate horse artillery, the batteries 
 being often found in the charging column of cavalry or 
 abreast with the skirmish line. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 33 
 
 This battery served in the Maryland and Gettysburg 
 campaign and in the great battles between Lee and Grant 
 from the Rapidan to Richmond, and took a conspicuous 
 part in the battle of Trevilians and in the numerous battles 
 of the Army of Northern Virginia around Petersburg to 
 Appomattox. 
 
 Genl. Thomas T. Munford, who took command of the 
 Ashby brigade at Cross Keys, after the fall of Ashby, in a 
 letter to W. McVicar, a private of Chew's Battery, of date 
 June i2th, 1906, says: "Chew's Battery was Ashby's pet, 
 and under the gallant Chew it was as much Ashby's right 
 arm as Ashby was the right arm of Jackson. Indeed the 
 fame of this battery extended throughout the Army of 
 Northern Virginia, and the attestations to its distinguished 
 service are too numerous for present mention." 
 
 In the minds of the people of the Valley, the Ashby 
 cavalry and Chew's Battery belonged to one another as by 
 natural affinity, and they located the position of the 
 Federals by the familiar crack of "Chew's Blakely," which 
 awakened the echoes of the mountains and spread commo- 
 tion in the encampments of the enemy ere the farmers had 
 aroused to call and feed their hogs. 
 
 Early in December Ashby's command, including Chew's 
 Battery, was ordered to join Jackson at Martinsburg to 
 co-operate with him in an attempt to destroy Dam No. 5 
 in the Potomac. This was the most important of a succes- 
 sion of dams that supplied water to the Chesapeake and 
 Ohio Canal. A Federal force on the opposite bank of the 
 river attempted to prevent the execution of the work, but 
 without success. Sharpshooters at points of advantage 
 concentrated their fire on the path that led down the bank 
 to the dam, while a brisk cannonade was kept up. The 
 
34 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 work could only be done at night, in the water, which was 
 freezing cold. 
 
 A few days afterwards, on January ist, 1862, Jackson, 
 now reinforced by Loring's brigade, set out on his famous 
 Bath and Romney expedition, the object of which was to 
 re-occupy Romney and hold possession of the South Branch 
 Valley. Ashby, with his command, was ordered to join 
 him. 
 
 New Year's Day opened bright and promising, but 
 towards evening a northwester blew, bringing storm of 
 rain and sleet. The by-roads, which Jackson for sake of 
 secrecy usually traveled, soon became almost impassable. 
 Biting winter had now set in and the men suffered severely. 
 After a weary journey of three days Bath was reached. As 
 Ashby entered the town the Federals were moving off 
 towards Hancock, a village three miles distant, on the oppo- 
 site bank of the Potomac. Ashby followed and soon came 
 up with their rear guard, with which he skirmished. In 
 this affair Lieutenant Lang and three privates of Company 
 C were badly wounded. The enemy, however, got safely 
 across the river and halted in Hancock. Jackson sent 
 Ashby across the river to demand a surrender, and threat- 
 ening that if the town was not evacuated he would bom- 
 bard it. 
 
 Says Dabney in his "Life of Jackson," "As Ashby was 
 led blindfold up the streets, he overheard the Federal 
 soldiers whispering the one to the other, That is the famous 
 Colonel Ashby,' and soon the suppressed hum of a crowd 
 told him that they were thronging around to catch a sight 
 of the warrior whose name had so often carried confusion 
 into their ranks." 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 35 
 
 The Federal general naturally refused to surrender to a 
 hostile force on the other side of the Potomac, and declined 
 also to evacuate the place. Upon Ashby's returning and 
 delivering his reply, Jackson ordered the guns to open upon 
 the town. This was done, it is said, in retaliation for the 
 bombardment of Shepherdstown a short time before, but 
 Jackson probably had a better reason. 
 
 Jackson began preparing to cross the river, but hearing 
 that the enemy was reinforced, he decided to go on to 
 Romney. 
 
 On January 7th his column left the vicinity of Hancock 
 and marched by mountain roads sheathed with ice towards 
 Romney. The progress was exceedingly slow. The horses, 
 smooth-shod, continually slipped and fell ; the men, ill clad, 
 were nearly frozen; the artillery was dragged along with 
 great difficulty. Romney was not reached until January 
 14th. When Capt. George Sheetz, with two companies of 
 cavalry, was seen approaching, the Federals, supposing the 
 main body to be near by, departed hastily, abandoning their 
 tents and many valuable stores. Ashby pursued them, 
 harassing their rear and taking some prisoners. 
 
 Long before Romney was reached, it was discovered that 
 the troops under General Kelly had behaved like vandals. 
 While in possession of Hampshire county mills, tanneries 
 and factories had been burnt. From Blue's Gap to Romney, 
 a distance of sixteen miles, scarcely a house had been left 
 standing. The wayside was strewed with the carcasses of 
 cattle and other domestic animals. In Romney the out- 
 buildings were gone and many of the dwellings had been 
 converted into stables, while every church save one had been 
 foully desecrated. 
 
36 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The brutal treatment of the Hampshire people by the 
 Federal soldiers appears to have been not only winked at 
 but authorized by those in command. There were few 
 slaveholders in the county, and the stubborn adherence of 
 the people to the Confederate cause could not be understood 
 from a Federal point of view. Their "treason" was 
 regarded as of a malignant type, and deserving of the 
 severest punishment. It was inconceivable to men believing 
 the war to be a slaveholders' rebellion, how the yeomanry 
 of the non-slaveholding mountains should be among the 
 boldest and bravest defenders of secession ; and consequently 
 these "senseless rebels" were shown none of the mercies of 
 civilized warfare. Hunted to their homes, they were shot 
 down, and their houses burnt in many instances. 
 
 Such brutality only deepened the feeling of hostility in 
 the hearts of the people and pvoked reprisals, and the crack 
 of the deadly rifle from wooded cover often saluted the 
 Federal scouting parties. Sentinels were cut ofif, pickets 
 captured and whole companies sometimes ambuscaded. The 
 unconquerable mountaineers left no ground undisputed 
 except that upon which the Federal forces camped. 
 
 Now that, after a march of nearly 100 miles through ice 
 and snow, the South Branch Valley was occupied, the 
 trouble of holding it began to appear. There was no 
 danger of immediate attack. To few besides the intrepid 
 Jackson would campaigning be thought of in the dead of 
 winter; but spring was coming and the Federals were 
 gathering at different points on the border. Winchester 
 was far in the rear and a day's march nearer Harper's 
 Ferry than Romney. Jackson therefore determined to 
 leave General Loring with the bulk of the command at 
 
^ 
 
 DR. NELSON G. WEST 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 37 
 
 Romney and Moorefield and return with the Stonewall 
 Brigade to Winchester. 
 
 Ashby was sent with the larger part of his cavalry to 
 watch the Potomac border. He established a cordon of 
 pickets from Harper's Ferry to Hampshire. Captain 
 Sheetz, with his company stationed near Blue's Gap, having 
 charge of the left of the line. 
 
 On the 25th of January, the Secretary of War, learning 
 that Loring's force was threatened with capture, ordered 
 Jackson to recall him to Winchester. This was done on 
 the 31st of January, and thus, after a respite of a few weeks, 
 Romney and the South Branch Valley again fell under 
 Federal sway. 
 
 General Loring, with his brigades, was transferred to a 
 distant command, and Jackson was left with about 6,000 
 men to hold the Shenandoah Valley. 
 
 General McClellan, with a formidable army, was now 
 threatening Richmond, and the Federal forces under Banks 
 and Shields were now expected to co-operate in the move- 
 ment. 
 
 Ashby, with scouts entering their camps and reporting 
 their numbers, with pickets holding vigilant watch at every 
 river crossing, kept Jackson exactly informed as to the 
 movements of the enemy. Jackson trusted him implicitly. 
 
 Confident that Banks and Shields would soon march upon 
 Winchester, and knowing that it was hazardous to attempt 
 to hold the place, Jackson was busily engaged in removing 
 his stores far up the Valley to a place of safety. 
 
 On the 25th of February Banks crossed the Potomac at 
 Harper's Ferry, and by the 4th of March his forces and 
 those of Shields, numbering more than 30,000, were 
 encamped in the vicinity of Charles Town and Martinsburg. 
 
38 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Slowly and cautiously Banks advanced towards Winchester, 
 Shields following with equal deliberation. Their snail-like 
 pace was due in great measure to the fear of Jackson, and 
 scarcely less to the fear of Ashby and to the activity of his 
 cavalry, which, coming close up to the Federal infantry 
 camps, beat back within their lines such bodies of cavalry 
 as dared venture beyond them. 
 
 ^ As the Federal main body moved forward, the head of 
 the column from each successive hilltop was saluted by the 
 guns of Captain Chew, and every stray squadron, discovered 
 beyond the infantry supports, was promptly driven back 
 by the shells of Chew and the charge of the cavalry. 
 Ashby's force was too small to attempt serious resistance, 
 but his sleepless vigilance and activity kept the Federals 
 in a state of ignorance and anxiety as to the movements of 
 Jackson. 
 
 On the nth of March, 1862, Winchester was evacuated 
 by Jackson and the Confederates marched slowly south- 
 ward, the main body reaching Mt. Jackson on the 17th. 
 Ashby brought up the rear, skirmishing with the Federal 
 vanguard. Ever on the alert, he was constantly seeking 
 points of attack, and contriving with bold ingenuity sur- 
 prises and ambuscades. 
 
 At Fishers Hill, concealing a body of his men in the 
 woods, he waited till the Federal horse was passing, and 
 then rushed upon them. At Stony Creek, he lay in wait 
 for some foraging parties, and swooping down from his 
 place of concealment, took many prisoners. When there 
 were no isolated parties to ensnare or surprise, he would 
 make a stealthy approach to a Federal camp with one gun 
 from Chew's Battery, and startle the inmates with a well- 
 directed bomb. A Federal officer in Banks' army once said 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 39 
 
 that he had learned to look for Ashby's shells as regularly 
 as he did for his breakfast. This hanging hornet-like on 
 the front and "flanks of the enemy, did apparently no great 
 damage, but the effect of it was to greatly facilitate Jack- 
 son's operations. It kept the enemy always in the dark 
 as to the whereabouts of Jackson, and helped to create that 
 almost superstitious dread of Jackson which possessed the 
 minds of the Federals and which almost attributed to him 
 the power of ubiquity. 
 
 There is no doubt that Jackson's success in the Valley 
 was largely due to the secrecy that enveloped his move- 
 ments. It was Ashby's impenetrable cordon of pickets, at 
 the fords, crossroads, and mountain passes, and his ever 
 aggressive demonstrations that had most to do in making 
 Jackson's mantle of mystery, and in keeping General Banks 
 in absolute ignorance of his movements. 
 
 On March the 19th information was received from Genl. 
 Joseph E. Johnston, who was then retiring before McClellan 
 towards Richmond, that a part of Banks' force was about 
 to be recalled to aid McClellan, and that it was important 
 to make a demonstration against Banks in order to prevent 
 this movement. 
 
 On the 2 1 St Ashby, who had been skirmishing with the 
 enemy between Woodstock and Strasburg, reported that 
 the Federals had evacuated the latter place, and that he was 
 harassing their rear as they fell back towards Winchester. 
 
 Jackson at once prepared to pursue, ordering Ashby to 
 press the enemy. On the 22nd the Confederate main body 
 made a forced march to Strasburg, a distance of twenty- 
 two miles. The same day Ashby pressed vigorously the 
 retreating Federals, and by five o'clock P. M. had driven 
 them into Winchester. One of his divisions, Williams', 
 
40 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 had marched that morning towards Manassas; the other, 
 Shields', was still in camp near the town. The fugitive 
 Federal troopers galloping through the streets and the 
 sound of Ashby's guns startled General Banks. Shields* 
 division was ordered under arms. An infantry brigade, 
 two batteries of artillery and some cavalry were sent to 
 confront Ashby. The latter had about 250 cavalry and 
 three guns of Chew's Battery, but he did not decline the 
 unequal combat. A spirited skirmish ensued. Chew's 
 guns answered those of the enemy with defiant roar, while 
 the menacing attitude of the grey squadrons, ever ready to 
 charge, kept the Federal horse in the background and com- 
 pelled the infantry to advance with great deliberation. 
 General Shields, in command of the Federals, had his arm 
 fractured by a piece of shell. Perchance it was a fateful 
 bit, as it disabled and prevented him from being actively 
 present on the field the next day. 
 
 Ashby gradually retired to Kernstown, three miles from 
 Winchester, and took position for the night. In his report 
 General Shields says he purposely concealed his numbers. 
 The impression this produced upon Ashby was confirmed 
 by some of his scouts, who in disguise had entered Win- 
 chester, and from conversation with citizens reported that 
 only four regiments of infantry were stationed there. 
 
 This information being sent to Jackson, doubtless induced 
 him to hurry forward from Strasburg the next day without 
 waiting for his sore-footed stragglers to catch up. 
 
 During the night the Federals took defensive positions 
 against further attack; but a reconnoissance in force the 
 next morning convinced Shields and Banks that Ashby only, 
 with some cavalry, was in their front. Ashby had misled 
 him before by his daring strategy, but General Banks, not 
 
REV. JAMES BATTLE AVIRETT 
 
 and JOHN (Black Hawk) COOK OF GENERAL ASMBY'S 
 HEADQUARTERS MESS 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 41 
 
 wishing to be outwitted again, took train and left for 
 Washington. 
 
 It was true that Ashby only was near, but Jackson was 
 coming, having hurried forward four companies of the 
 Second Virginia Infantry, under Captain Naidenbousch, 
 to support the cavalry and artillery. 
 
 In the meantime Ashby had engaged the Federals who 
 had come out on the Strasburg turnpike to feel his strength, 
 by opening on them with his artillery. 
 
 At ten o'clock Captain Naidenbousch arrived with his 
 four companies, which were at once pushed forward against 
 the Federal skirmishers, which after some resistance gave 
 way, and Ashby's whole force advanced. 
 
 So serious did this movement appear to Colonel Kimball, 
 who took command of the Federals after the wounding of 
 Shields, that to check Ashby he brought up an additional 
 force consisting of the Eighth Ohio, two companies of the 
 Sixty-seventh Ohio, Sullivan's brigade and several batteries 
 of artillery. Kimball's brigade and Daum's Artillery were 
 already there, and these, together with the reinforcements 
 mentioned, constituted more than a third of Shields' division 
 of 9,000 men. 
 
 For nearly two hours Ashby held this force at bay, by a 
 cunning and audacious handling of his small force. Chew's 
 guns seizing points of advantage, with a continuous roar, 
 fought at close range confident in the support of the grey 
 squadrons, that at every attempt to take the guns dashed 
 out and drove back the enemy. 
 
 The gallant Naidenbousch, with his four companies of 
 infantry deployed as skirmishers, boldly faced the battle 
 lines of the Federals. 
 
42 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Slowly, but with a steady front, Ashby fell back to the 
 hills south of Kernstown. 
 
 When Jackson, with the main body of his army, arrived 
 about ten o'clock "he found," says Dabney, "Ashby pressed 
 back to the highlands south of Kernstown and confronted 
 by heavy masses of the enemy." 
 
 Jackson's rapid march of thirty-six miles in thirty-two 
 hours had greatly wearied his troops. Many broken down 
 with fatigue were far in the rear. At first he thought of 
 waiting until the next day, but fearing that Williams' 
 division would return during the night he resolved to attack 
 at once. 
 
 By four o'clock his men had taken position. On the right 
 was Ashby, with four companies of infantry and 150 
 cavalry, the Forty-second Virginia Infantry being in the 
 turnpike in supporting distance. 
 
 About one-half of his troopers had been, under Major 
 Funsten, to guard Jackson's extreme left. Next to Ashby, 
 covering a mile in the Federal front, was the Fifth Virginia, 
 then the rest of the infantry and artillery. 
 
 As nearly one-half of Shields' army was in front of 
 Ashby, Jackson's plan was to threaten the Federal left and 
 center with the small force of Ashby, while he would mass 
 the main body of his infantry and artillery on their right, 
 and make his chief attack there. 
 
 When his dispositions were all made, the center and left 
 advanced, the latter being thrown continually forward. 
 
 The infantry were soon at close quarters, and for two 
 hours there was an incessant rattle of musketry and roar 
 of artillery. Ashby, with his handful, behaved as if a 
 division was at his back, for his orders were to occupy the 
 attention of the large force in his front. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 43 
 
 Nothing but his marvelous audacity concealed the weak- 
 ness of Jackson's right and prevented its being turned, and 
 the Valley turnpike from being seized by the enemy. 
 
 As soon as Jackson's left began to go forward, Chew's^ 
 guns on the right drawing nearer the Federals, poured shot 
 and shell into their dense columns; while Ashby, moving 
 squadrons from point to point, now threatened, now charged 
 their lines. 
 
 "On the right," says Dabney, "Colonel Ashby cannonaded 
 the enemy continually with his three guns, with such 
 audacity as to win ground all day from their multitudes." 
 
 The fierceness of Ashby's attack must have greatly 
 deceived the Federal commander, for it was not until the 
 battle had lasted nearly two hours that he withdrew a portion 
 of the force in front of Ashby to reinforce his right. That 
 flank was then giving way before the deadly fire and 
 intrepid valor of Jackson's infantry, but upon the arrival 
 at Kernstown of six regiments sent to reinforce them, soon 
 rallied and, recovering their lost ground, became in turn 
 the assailants. 
 
 Jackson was now sorely pressed by overwhelming num- 
 bers; already his small arms ammunition was nearly 
 exhausted and the fire of his infantry slackening. 
 
 Soon the whole Stonewall Brigade was out of ammuni- 
 tion, and General Garnett ordered them to fall back. 
 Meanwhile Jackson had ordered to the left the Fifth 
 Virginia Regiment, that connected with Ashby, and the 
 Forty-second Virginia, which supported him on the turn- 
 pike. 
 
 ^Col. R, Preston Chew, commander of the Horse Artillery, Army of 
 Northern Virginia. 
 
44 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Ashby was now left with four companies of infantry and 
 150 cavalry to keep back a force more than four times his 
 own. Nearly a mile of unguarded front was between him 
 and Jackson. Although the force in front of him had been 
 diminished one-half, he had suffered a like diminution, and 
 the relative strength of his adversary was the same. 
 
 The Federals, suspecting his paucity of numbers, which 
 his menacing attitudes and constant shifting of squadrons 
 had hitherto concealed, began to advance with confidence. 
 It needed no courier to inform him that Jackson was power- 
 less to send aid, for the loss of his position would probably 
 ensure the destruction of Jackson's army. The departure 
 of the Forty-second and Fifth regiments hurrying towards 
 the left, the clouds of smoke over the crest of Kernstown 
 heights, and the increasing roar of battle from that quarter, 
 revealed the gravity of the situation and told him more 
 plainly than words that he must do the best he could with 
 the troops he had in hand. 
 
 Cunningly displaying his force so as to magnify it, he 
 pushed his artillery forward and assaulted the foe. 
 
 Chew, with his dauntless gunners, secure of Ashby's 
 support, with grape and canister kept off the Federal 
 skirmishers, while with shot and shell they staggered the 
 advancing battle lines. 
 
 When light detachments would approach his flank, or 
 from under cover make a rush upon his guns, right at the 
 auspicious moment a squadron would charge and drive them 
 back. 
 
 Ashby was everywhere apparently, foreseeing and pro- 
 viding for every contingency and meeting the weight of 
 numbers with that of skill and daring. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 45 
 
 Evening slowly wore on ; the roar of battle showed that 
 Jackson was giving ground. The Federals redoubled their 
 efforts to dislodge Ashby and seize the turnpike, but nothing 
 could move him until it was time to go. Naidenbousch's 
 four companies in skirmish order still grimly faced and 
 fought the foe. 
 
 Chew's guns with a furious cannonade continued to keep 
 the battle lines at bay. 
 
 The Federal right was victorious. The news spreading 
 to the Federal left inspired them to make a bolder advance. 
 On they came, with steady and menacing front, with bodies 
 of skirmishers threatening Ashby's flanks. The flanking 
 parties were charged and driven, but the main battle line 
 moved steadily forward. 
 
 At this juncture, Ashby ordered a charge of cavalry. It 
 was made by a squadron led by Lieutenant Thrasher. The 
 impetuosity of the charge broke the Federal lines, created 
 great disorder and quite a number of prisoners were taken. 
 
 This well-delivered blow helped much to stop the advance 
 of the enemy and gave Ashby opportunity to withdraw in 
 order, and to cover Jackson's rear as he retired, but it cost 
 the life of the gallant Thrasher and two privates of 
 Company G. 
 
 In the meantime the cavalry under Major Funsten, 
 stationed on Jackson's extreme left, had guarded that flank 
 during the fight. Towards the close when the infantry fell 
 back, the Federal cavalry emboldened by the retreat of the 
 Confederates, attempted to increase the disorder by charg- 
 ing their ranks. They were speedily met by the squadrons 
 of Funsten and held in check. 
 
 Making a circuit by the Cedarville turnpike, the Federal 
 horse attempted to fall suddenly upon the retreating 
 
46 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 infantrymen; but they were confronted by Ftinsten and not 
 only checked but put to flight, hurrying at breakneck speed 
 towards their own lines. 
 
 Jackson's wearied foot soldiers, who had marched thirty- 
 six miles to engage an enemy nearly threefold their own, 
 and having inflicted a loss upon them nearly equal to their 
 own fighting force, the shadows of evening rapidly falling, 
 fell back upon Newtown, some three miles south of Kerns- 
 town, where the wagons were parked, and bivouacked for 
 the night. 
 
 Ashby, with his undaunted handful, which had so gal- 
 lantly held the right of Jackson's line, retired in good order, 
 resisting the Federal advance, and guarding Jackson's rear, 
 halted at Bartonsville, only a mile and a half from the 
 scene of conflict. 
 
 While the boldness of Jackson in hurling upon the 
 Federal right the main body of his army, which all told 
 was less than one-third the force he was attacking, misled 
 the Federal commander. Shields, into supposing he was 
 supported by a large force at the center and right, yet it 
 was Jackson's dependence and absolute confidence in the 
 resourcefulness and boldness of Ashby, and the heroism of 
 his men, that gave him the confidence to make such a 
 daring movement. 
 
 Had Ashby, with his handful of cavalry, Chew's Battery, 
 and a few skirmishers acted only on the defensive in trying 
 to hold position, the enemy would unquestionably early in 
 the engagement have discovered the weak spot, attacked 
 the right in force, occupied the Valley turnpike, cutting oflf 
 the only way by which Jackson could retreat, and probably 
 have attacked him in reverse. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 47 
 
 It was the aggressiveness of Ashby and his ingenious 
 show of force by the incessant cannonading with the guns of 
 Chew, the constant fusillade kept up by the skirmish line, 
 and the activity of the cavalry, that entirely deceived the 
 Federal commander. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 March, 1862 
 
 Daily skirmishes with force of Banks — Addition of new companies and 
 recruits swell the brigade — Jackson orders it divided into two com- 
 mands, and Ashby tenders his resignation — Jackson revokes the 
 order and Ashby withdraws his resignation — Jackson marches to 
 McDowell and defeats Fremont — Ashby screens the movement from 
 Banks by constant skirmishing in his front — Destroys railroad and 
 telegraph between Front Royal and Strasburg — Attack upon Federal 
 infantry at Buckton, where Captains Sheetz and Fletcher fall — 
 Battle of Winchester and pursuit of Banks — Ashby throws his cav- 
 alry between the converging armies of Shields and Fremont and 
 prevents communication between them — Informs Jackson fully of 
 their movements — Capture of Sir Percy Wyndham — Death of 
 Ashby — Cross Keys and Port Republic. 
 
 The day after the battle of Kemstown the Federals 
 followed, and at Middletown the Federal cavalry advanced 
 and endeavored to cut off Chew's Battery, which as usual 
 in retreat was full in the rear, and now occupying the crest 
 of a hill. The Federals had gotten on its flank and nearly 
 in its rear, when out of a skirt of woods dashed Ashby 
 leading a squadron and forced them to retire. 
 
 Nearly every day similar affairs occurred, and the success 
 of Ashby's cavalry under his bold leadership, gave to both 
 it and him, throughout the armies of friend and foe, a 
 fame that was akin to romance. 
 
 Though beaten at Kernstown, Jackson remained in the 
 eyes of the Confederates a real victor. The long, hard 
 fight against a greatly superior force of the enemy was a 
 signal proof of Southern valor. The report of the battle 
 kindled a martial spirit. Jackson's boldness and skill 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 49 
 
 inspired confidence, while Ashby's activity and personal 
 daring made his leadership attractive. 
 
 Fresh recruits poured in to fill up the regiments of 
 infantry. The mounted companies under Ashby began to 
 overflow in numbers, and from the surplus new ones were 
 formed. New companies also enlisted, and among the 
 latter were those of Capt. Thomas Marshall of Frederick, 
 Capt. T. B. Massie of Rappahannock, Captain Harness 
 from Hardy, and Capt. Murat Willis from Warrenton. 
 
 By the 20th of April Ashby had twenty companies. His 
 command, however, was unorganized. Though a brigade 
 in size it did not have as many field officers as one regiment 
 ordinarily has. Besides Ashby, Major Funsten was the 
 only officer above the rank of captain. 
 
 On the 15th of April General Banks wrote to McClellan : 
 "The progress of Fremont in the west towards Staunton 
 has alarmed Jackson, who has moved above New Market. 
 Ashby is still here. We have a sleepless eye upon him, and 
 are straining every nerve to advance as quickly as possible," 
 
 The advance of Fremont was part of a concerted move- 
 ment to drive Jackson out of the Valley and seize Staunton, 
 
 On the 17th of April Banks marched to Mt. Jackson. 
 Ashby having ordered Chew's guns back to Rude's Hill, 
 remained on a eminence north of the bridge. He had with 
 him a small body of men. He had prepared the kindling 
 to burn the bridge, but the cavalry of the enemy, with 
 exceptional enterprise, charged him with a large force and 
 drove him across the bridge, pursuing along the turnpike. 
 A Federal cavalrymen riding up near Ashby endeavored to 
 kill him with his pistol. Harry Hatcher of Loudoun county 
 observing his danger, with the greatest coolness galloped 
 forward and killed the trooper. Ashby paid little attention 
 
50 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 to this attack, being intent on getting his cavalry back to 
 recapture and burn the bridge. His cavalry had gone so 
 far, however, in the direction of Rude's Hill, that it was 
 impossible to recall them in time. Ashby escaped from this 
 conflict unscathed, but his famous white horse was shot by 
 the enemy. He was led back beyond Rude's Hill and died 
 near the Valley turnpike. 
 
 On this retreat Ashby fought the advance of the enemy 
 from every hilltop, and at Edenburg, where he laid for thirty 
 days, he was engaged with his guns and cavalry twenty- 
 eight times. 
 
 On the 17th Jackson broke camp and retreated up the 
 Valley. The next day he reached Harrisonburg, and there 
 leaving the turnpike, marched in the direction of Swift Run 
 Gap. Crossing the Shenandoah he went into camp at 
 Conrad's Store in Elk Run Valley, and there stood at bay. 
 The place lies between the South Fork of the Shenandoah 
 and Swift Run Gap. A road running through the latter 
 furnished easy communication with General Ewell, whose 
 division of about 7,000 men lay encamped along the Rapidan 
 River, within two days' march. 
 
 He now seemed to have abandoned the Valley and 
 Staunton to the mercies of the Federals; but, in fact, 
 nothing was further from his mind. 
 
 In the meanwhile Ashby, with his cavalry, confronted 
 Banks, disputing his advance and so worrying him that he 
 was kept in a chronic state of bewilderment as to Jackson's 
 movements. 
 
 So completely was Banks deceived, that at one time he 
 thought Jackson had crossed the Blue Ridge. He reports 
 nothing to Washington except that, "Ashby is here." 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 51 
 
 Jackson, though quiet, was intensely on the alert. From 
 his mountain perch he was watching and planning. 
 
 The road was opened to Staunton, but Banks hesitated 
 to go forward. Perhaps he was waiting for Fremont, who, 
 on the other side of the North Mountain, was moving 
 slowly southward. 
 
 In the meantime Jackson, who neglected nothing, was 
 busily engaged in reorganizing his command. The infantry 
 recruits were distributed among the old companies and the 
 skeleton regiments were rapidly filled up. 
 
 The mounted men were put into the cavalry, and Ashby 
 now reported twenty-one companies. There was still no 
 regimental formation, and his large brigade with only two 
 field officers was an unwieldy body. There was no regi- 
 mental drill, and no action as regiments in the field or 
 elsewhere. It was more like a tribal band held together 
 by the authority of a single chief. 
 
 Increase of numbers rather diminished than increased its 
 efficiency as a whole, and made it more unmanageable. 
 Jackson saw the evil and tried to correct it. 
 
 The constant demand for Ashby's presence on the enemy's 
 front, and the absence of so many of his companies on 
 detached service, had hitherto proved a serious obstacle to 
 reform, but at Swift Run Gap Jackson took summary 
 proceedings. 
 
 Eleven companies of the Ashby cavalry were ordered to 
 report to Brigadier-General Taliaferro and to be attached 
 to his command. The rest were ordered to report to 
 General Winder. For Ashby was reserved the honor of 
 commanding the advance and rear guards, with authority 
 to call for portions of his command as necessity required. 
 The effect of this order, was to virtually deprive Ashby of 
 
52 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 his command. But what followed is best told in Jackson's 
 own words. In a letter to Colonel Taylor, Lee's assistant 
 adjutant-general, of date May 5th, 1862, Jackson says: 
 "I so felt the importance of having the cavalry of this 
 district more thoroughly organized, drilled, and disciplined 
 as to induce me to take action in the matter; but Colonel 
 Ashby claimed that I could not interfere with his organiza- 
 tion, as he was acting under the instructions of the late 
 Secretary of War, Mr. Benjamin. * * * When I took 
 steps for organizing, drilling, and disciplining the cavalry, 
 both of its field officers sent in their resignations ; and such 
 was Colonel Ashby's influence over his command that I 
 became well satisfied that if I persisted in my attempt to 
 increase the efficiency of the cavalry, it would produce the 
 contrary effect, as Colonel Ashby's influence, who is very 
 popular with his men, would be thrown against me. Under 
 these circumstances, I refrained taking further action in 
 the matter (as I was in the face of the enemy), until the 
 War Department should have an opportunity of acting in 
 the case. At present there is no field officer on duty with 
 the cavalry referred to, as Colonel Ashby and Major 
 Funsten are both sick." 
 
 This letter, written from Staunton, explains why Jackson 
 about ten days before had reinstated Ashby in his command. 
 
 It is true that Ashby's mode of fighting and managing 
 his command, was quite at variance with West Point 
 methods, but this was to be expected, both on account of 
 the rapid increase of his force from raw recruits, and the 
 active field service demanded, and also from the irregular 
 nature of the service. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 53 
 
 Jackson -kept Ashby so busy fighting the enemy night and 
 day, that he had no time to give to the details of organiza- 
 tion. 
 
 Then, too, it may be said of Ashby's method, that it was 
 most Hkely the best under the circumstances. He taught 
 his men that war meant getting close to the enemy, and 
 requiring him to fight for every foot of the ground he 
 attempted to advance upon ; a lesson, if choice had to be 
 made, of far more importance than dress parades and 
 regimental maneuvers. At any rate, his mode of fighting 
 had the desired effect of beating the enemy in small as well 
 as in large affairs, and at the same time of attracting the 
 chivalry of Virginia and Maryland to his standard. 
 
 On the evening of April 30th, General Ewell arrived at 
 Swift Run Gap with an aggregate force of 8,000 men. A 
 few hours before Jackson had broken camp and, ascending 
 the right bank of the Shenandoah to Port Republic, crossed 
 the river through Brown's Gap, and thence marched to 
 Staunton along the line of the Virginia Central Railroad. 
 
 In the meantime Ashby's cavalrymen were busy among 
 the Federal outposts, keeping Banks in constant expectation 
 of an attack, and acting as a screen to Jackson's movements. 
 
 But, in some way, news of Ewell's arrival and Jackson's 
 departure reached Banks, and he felt sure that Jackson was 
 coming by way of Thornton's Gap to attack his rear. He 
 at once broke camp and fell back to New Market. Ashby, 
 with eleven companies, remained to make demonstrations 
 upon Banks' front and to mask Jackson's movement against 
 Milroy, while the other companies went with Jackson, who 
 was now on his way to McDowell. 
 
 Lee had directed Jackson to assume an offensive course, 
 but his movements were left to his own discretion. 
 
54 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Fearing a union of Banks' and Fremont's forces, he 
 determined to fight them in detail, and to make his first 
 attack upon Fremont. 
 
 Leaving Ewell with 8,000 troops in the Luray Valley, 
 on the 7th of May Jackson left Staunton, where his com- 
 mand had halted to rest for a day, and making a junction 
 with Genl. Edward Johnson ^\est of Staunton, marched 
 against Milroy, who was at McDowell. 
 
 The cavalry that accompanied Jackson on this expedition, 
 did little else but capture the enemy's pickets, and at different 
 points blockade the roads leading to Jackson's rear by 
 felling trees across them. 
 
 While Jackson was marching west in search of Milroy, 
 Banks pushed his cavalry advance as far as Harrisonburg. 
 Here, May 7th, quite a spirited skirmish with Ashby's 
 horsemen occurred. 
 
 In his report of this, General Banks says : "The enemy 
 does not show himself except by cavalry. * * * His 
 chief object will doubtless be to prevent a junction of forces 
 on this line with General McDowell." 
 
 Evidently he, ignorant of Jackson's designs, thought the 
 Confederates intended to abandon the Valley. A like 
 impression prevailed at Washington, and when Shields, with 
 his division, was shortly afterwards ordered to cross the 
 ridge and join the forces of General McDowell, Banks was 
 ordered to fall back to Strasburg, so as to be able to leave 
 the Valley on short notice and aid McDowell if necessary. 
 
 When Banks found that he might probably be left alone 
 to confront Jackson, he began to change his opinion as to 
 the designs of Stonewall. He made frequent requests for 
 aid, but nothing could shake the purpose of the Federal 
 administration. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 55 
 
 The demonstrations on McDowell's front created alarm 
 at Washington, and the Federal authorities might almost be 
 accused of leaving Banks in the Valley, as a bait to keep 
 Jackson from uniting his forces with those in front of 
 McDowell. 
 
 Jackson, even while pursuing Milroy, feared that Banks 
 would get away before he returned. But he defeated Milroy 
 and then began to retrace his steps. 
 
 The fruit of Kernstown was now to be plucked by Stone- 
 wall. His audacity there in attacking a force so superior 
 in numbers, had caused his enemies now to suspect him 
 capable of any bold and unusual enterprise. 
 
 General McDowell (May loth) writes that Jackson is in 
 his front. Schenck at Franklin, nearly 100 miles distant, 
 is positive that Jackson is trying to get in his rear, while 
 Fremont is equally sure that Jackson is going west. 
 
 Of course, from these conflicting accounts, the authorities 
 at Washington remained in dense ignorance and fear of 
 Jackson's designs. 
 
 Much of Jackson's success is justly attributed to the 
 secrecy of his movements. His rapid action and closeness 
 of counsel, joined to a bold strategy, had much to do with 
 the mystery that enveloped his actions, but not a little of 
 that secrecy and mystery was due to the impenetrable veil 
 created by the cordon of pickets maintained by Ashby, and 
 the audacious demonstrations of his cavalry. 
 
 This was only possible where there were great activity, 
 and sleepless vigilance on the part of the cavalry detach- 
 ments, joined to their uniform successes over the foe in the 
 numerous skirmishes. 
 
56 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 While Jackson is away beyond the Shenandoah moun- 
 tains, Ashby is busy with the companies left him in screen- 
 ing the movements of his chief. 
 
 May loth Ashby writes from Lacy Springs to Maj. 
 James Barbour, E well's adjutant-general : "You will please 
 inform the General (Ewell) that I have moved to this 
 point on my way from New Market to Luray, but will wait 
 until my companies with General Jackson, expected today, 
 come up. * * * J thought it best not to leave this road 
 until I had followed their column as far as Strasburg, so 
 as to cause them to believe you were behind them upon this 
 road." 
 
 In the last sentence we get a glimpse of Ashby's idea of 
 his duty as the leader of Jackson's cavalry; namely, to so 
 use it that the movement of the main body should be 
 effectually hidden from the enemy. 
 
 Whatever he did was without reference to selfish ends. 
 
 We find him never attempting a brilliant raid for personal 
 glory. Though always close to the foe and worrying them 
 in a thousand ways, it is solely to further what he conceives 
 to be the plan of his commanding officer. 
 
 On Sunday morning, May i8th, Jackson rested after his 
 long march from Franklin at Mt. Solon. Ewell rode across 
 the Valley and joined him here. In the interview that 
 occurred between them it was resolved to go quickly and 
 assail General Banks' army. 
 
 Fearing, if they attacked him by marching down the 
 Valley turnpike, he would retreat to Strasburg and thence 
 to McDowell's army, they determined to head him off by 
 delivering the first blow at Front Royal. 
 
 Success depended on secrecy, and secrecy on the activity 
 and faithfulness of the cavalry in front of Banks. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 57 
 
 So well was the movement hid by Ashby's cavalry that 
 Jackson had reached Front Royal, routed and captured the 
 force there before General Banks heard a word about it. 
 And when a messenger in hot haste brought him the news, 
 it was not credited, so confident was the Federal general 
 that Jackson was on his front. 
 
 Jackson, with his division and that of Genl. Edward 
 Johnson, followed the Valley turnpike to New Market. Here 
 he turned to the right and, passing through New Market 
 Gap in Massanutton Mountain, crossed the Shenandoah 
 River at Columbia bridge and united his column with 
 Ewell's, that had marched down the Luray Valley. 
 
 The Confederates went from Columbia bridge straight 
 towards Front Royal, until within four and a half miles of 
 the town, when they turned from the main road and 
 followed one that approached the place from the south. At 
 Spangler's crossroads the cavalry under Ashby and Flournoy 
 were sent to destroy communications between Strasburg 
 and Front Royal. 
 
 A short distance beyond the river Ashby and Flournoy 
 separated, the former taking a more western course, while 
 Flournoy kept on so as to strike the railroad near Front 
 Royal and come around in the rear of the Federal garrison. 
 
 Ashby moved towards Buckton Station, between Front 
 Royal and Strasburg, a point of importance, and guarded 
 by three companies of Federal infantry. 
 
 Upon discovering his approach, the Federals quickly 
 took shelter in the depot building and the outhouses of a 
 Mr. Jenkins. 
 
 Thus protected they made a spirited defense. Their 
 musket volleys poured into the ranks of the grey horsemen 
 were not without effect, but the continued persistence of 
 
58 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 the mounted men finally ended all resistance. The station 
 was taken and the Federals were captured or driven off. 
 
 The victory, however, was dearly bought, for two of 
 Ashby's best captains fell mortally wounded — Fletcher and 
 Sheetz. 
 
 In the meantime Front Royal had been taken by Jackson. 
 
 The Federal garrison, consisting of Colonel Kenly's First 
 Maryland Infantry and two companies of the New York 
 cavalry, retreated across the North and South Forks of the 
 Shenandoah. A short distance beyond the latter, they were 
 overtaken by Colonel Flournoy's cavalry. The rear guard 
 made but a feeble resistance, then broke and fled. The 
 infantry made a brief stand, but upon Flournoy's men 
 charging among them, they also soon gave way. 
 
 Company B, Captain Grimsly, charged directly up" the 
 turnpike supported by Company E; Colonel Flournoy on 
 the left, and Companies A and K on the right. 
 
 Colonel Kenly made a gallant effort to rally his men in 
 an orchard. Here for a few minutes stout resistance was 
 made, but the progress of the Confederates was not stopped. 
 Charging boldly among the infantry they attacked them 
 furiously with sabre and pistol, Stonewall himself near the 
 front urging them on. 
 
 Colonel Kenly fell badly wounded ; his men broke and 
 fled and the retreat of the Federals soon became a wild 
 rout. 
 
 As the result of this day's fight 750 prisoners were 
 captured ; also two parrot guns and nearly all the enemy's 
 wagon train. 
 
 Jackson camped at Cedarville that ni^ht and waited for 
 the rest of his forces. Ewell's division arrived about dark. 
 Jackson's old division and that of Genl. Edward Johnson, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 59 
 
 weary with their long march from Frankhn, 120 miles 
 distant, got no further than Front Royal. 
 
 Banks was still at Strasburg. A courier despatched from 
 Front Royal had ridden around the cavalry pickets of the 
 Confederates and carried the information that Jackson in 
 heavy force was at Front Royal. 
 
 Banks refused to believe the messenger. 
 
 Firmly convinced that Jackson's main body was still in 
 his front on the turnpike, and that the attacking force at 
 Front Royal was only a raiding body of cavalry, he took 
 no steps to retreat until despatches were received from 
 Winchester from fugitives who had come from Front Royal. 
 
 His persistence in believing that the Confederate main 
 body was south of him was probably due to a demonstra- 
 tion made in that quarter by a small body of the Ashby 
 cavalry under Capt. Sam Myers. With his own company 
 and those of Capt. E. H. McDonald and Capt. William 
 Harness, he had boldly driven in the Federal pickets and 
 erected breastworks on the hills near Strasburg in sight of 
 Banks' army. Moving his troops about from point to point 
 partly in view of the Federals, he created the impression 
 that he was supported by a large force. 
 
 That the demonstration had the effect intended is shown 
 by the fact that even after hearing from Winchester General 
 Banks did not abandon Strasburg until he had sent out a 
 cavalry force towards Woodstock and learned that the 
 driving in of his pickets and the bold display of the Ashby 
 cavalry was a "take in." 
 
 After resting all night at Cedarville, Jackson in the 
 morning set out to find and assail the foe. 
 
 Not knowing which way General Banks would retreat, 
 whether by Strasburg or Winchester, Jackson planned to 
 
6o A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 intercept him by either road. In his official report he says : 
 "In order to watch both directions and at the same time 
 advance upon him if he remained in Strasburg, I deter- 
 mined with the main body of the army to strike the Vahey 
 turnpike near Middletown, a village five miles north of 
 Strasburg and thirteen south of Winchester." 
 
 As the column moved towards Middletown, Ashby led 
 the advance supported by skirmishers from Taylor's brigade, 
 with Chew's Battery and two parrot guns from the Rock- 
 bridge Artillery, 
 
 Ashby was directed to keep scouts on his left in order to 
 prevent Banks from passing unobserved to Front Royal. 
 
 Some time before Genl. George Stuart, temporarily in 
 command of the Sixth and Second Virginia Cavalry, had 
 been sent to Newtown, a village five miles north of Middle- 
 town, to observe the movements of the enemy. 
 
 While Jackson was thus preparing to confront Banks, 
 the latter, whom Jackson describes in one of his letters as a 
 "cautious" man, was making great speed down the turn- 
 pike. It was a race between the fresh troops of the Federals 
 and the footsore Confederates; a race, too, in which the 
 Federals had several hours' start. 
 
 General Banks was long in making up his mind, but the 
 conclusion once formed he acted promptly, and his retreat- 
 ing column moved rapidly. 
 
 By the time Jackson's advance reached Middletown all 
 the Federal infantry had passed and were nearly to Win- 
 chester. 
 
 When near Middletown Ashby discovered that the 
 enemy's cavalry, 2,000 strong, was rapidly retreating, only 
 trains and a large body of cavalry being seen. 
 
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A History of the Laurel Brigade 6i 
 
 Ashby, with a small body of cavalry, ordering three guns 
 of Chew's Battery to follow him, swooped down on their 
 right like an eagle. The guns moved with the cavalry, and 
 unlimbered within a few hundred feet of the retreating 
 colu'm-n, and opened on them with canister. Soon the road 
 was so blockaded with dead men and horses that those in 
 rear could not pass, and an indescribable scene of carnage 
 and confusion ensued. The main body O'f the Federals 
 escaped in detachments across the fields westward. 
 
 General Jackson, in his official report referring to this 
 incident, says : 'Tn a few moments the turnpike, which just 
 before had teemed with life, presented a most appalling 
 spectacle of carnage and destruction. The road was literally 
 obstructed with the mingled and confused mass of strug- 
 gling and dying horses and riders. Amongst the sui'vivors 
 the wildest confusion ensued, and they scattered in disorder 
 in various directions, leaving some 200 prisoners in the 
 hands of the Confederates." 
 
 Ashby then pursued the enemy with the utmost vigor to 
 Newtown, fighting his guns upon the skirmish line, and with 
 the greatest boldness and audacity he pressed the enemy 
 through the whole night. The morning following, he was 
 at the head of Jackson's column, and after the battle of 
 Winchester, followed the enemy on the turnpike until dark. 
 
 Dabney, in his "Life of Jackson," says Ashby went off 
 on an independent expedition towards Berryville, and sub- 
 sequent historians, including Henderson, have fallen into 
 this error. It is thoroughly attested by soldiers who were 
 with him at the time, that, at no time was Ashby anywhere 
 during this particular conflict, except at the head of Jack- 
 son's army on the Valley turnpike. 
 
62 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The Federal column was effectually sundered, the rear 
 retiring towards Strasburg, though not until after a gallant 
 effort was made to cut its way through towards Winchester. 
 
 Jackson halted his force at Middletown until he could 
 ascertain whether the Federal main body had passed or not. 
 Upon learning that it had he pressed on towards Winchester. 
 
 In the battle of Winchester, which occurred May 25th, 
 Ashby, with the few cavalry with him, took position on 
 Jackson's left. 
 
 It has been claimed that the small number of the Ashby 
 cavalry present for duty at this battle was due to the fact 
 that they stopped the pursuit in order to plunder the captured 
 trains. 
 
 This was in part true, but the same may be said of many 
 of the infantry, as Jackson bears witness in his report. 
 
 The true reason was, that Ashby had only a small part 
 of his command with him when he reached Middletown, 
 the greater number of his men being engaged in picketing 
 the roads leading to Jackson's line of march from 
 McDowell, and many were detailed to guard prisoners. 
 After the battle at Winchester, Ashby, notwithstanding his 
 small force, kept up the pursuit to Martinsburg. 
 
 It would seem that a vindication is due to Ashby as to 
 the commonly accepted statement contained in Dabney's 
 "Life of Jackson," and quoted later by Henderson in his 
 "Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War," that at 
 the time of Banks' defeat at Winchester, Ashby was off on 
 an independent expedition, and not present on the turnpike 
 in pursuit, and also as to the alleged plundering of the 
 wagon trains by his cavalrymen. Such vindication is amply 
 found in a letter of Col. R. P. Chew to Rev. Jas. B. Avirett, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 63 
 
 found in his "Ashby and His Compeers," page 269, here 
 quoted in part by permission of the author — 
 
 "Charles Town, W. Va., Jan. i8th, 1867. 
 
 Rev. J. B. Avirett. 
 
 Dear Sir: — * * * With reference to the affair refer- 
 red to by Dr. Dabney, I will give you a statement of the facts 
 as far as my observation and knowledge extend. General 
 Ashby followed the infantry of General Jackson with a detach- 
 ment of his cavalry, a portion of it having been sent down the 
 Shenandoah Valley to confront the enemy at Strasburg. I 
 accompanied him with my guns. He diverged from the Front 
 Royal and Luray Road, and struck the railroad, as you know, 
 at Buckton. I was not with him until I rejoined the head of 
 the army near Cedarville. Here General Ashby, with his cav- 
 alry, my battery, tv/o guns of Poague's Battery and some 
 infantry skirmishers, left the turnpike and pushed for Middle- 
 town. * * * After a short delay, to enable his force to 
 reach its destination at the proper time, he formed his skir- 
 mishers and advanced rapidly across the fields to the lower part 
 of the town. Here he encountered a considerable force of 
 cavalry, and running up his artillery to within 100 yards 
 opened on the Federals with artillery and small arms. The 
 enemy crowded in the turnpike, gave way and retreated in all 
 directions. Ashby dashed in among them, pistol in hand, and 
 captured himself many prisoners. Major Funsten in the mean- 
 time had reached the turnpike below Middletown, perhaps two 
 miles, and forced the retreating cavalry of the enemy towards 
 the Back Road, besides capturing a large wagon train. It was 
 here that our cavalry became dispersed, and the reasons why 
 Ashby failed to have his cavalry in hand next morning, as I 
 have understood them, were these : The cavalry we defeated 
 at Middletown retreated towards North Mountain and Win- 
 chester, scattered, in fact completely routed. Major Funsten 
 prevented those going towards Winchester from pursuing their 
 retreat in that direction, and forced them to retire across the 
 
64 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 hills, as I said before, towards the Back Road. Our cavalry of 
 course pursued, and in following a scattered foe became dis- 
 persed themselves. 
 
 Ashby pushed on with my guns towards Winchester, and 
 when we reached the point where Funsten struck the turnpike, 
 we threw the guns into position, and Ashby with about forty 
 men charged a line of the enemy's infantry between us and 
 Christman's house. 
 
 General Ashby had started from New Market with but a 
 part of his cavalry. They had marched until the horses were 
 exhausted, — without rest day or night ; and when the enemy 
 became dispersed, and fled in the greatest confusion, our cav- 
 alry scattered in pursuit of them. Major Funsten had but a 
 very small detachment when he reached him, and we had 
 passed the wagon train where the plundering was reported to 
 have occurred, and the cavalry were not there, and unless they 
 returned to the wagon train after we passed it, it was the 
 infantry and not the cavalry who got the benefit of the spoils. 
 General Ashby pushed the enemy with his small force of cav- 
 alry and my guns through Newtown, and until dark, when we 
 went into camp to feed our exhausted horses, having pushed 
 the enemy from hill to hill between Middletown and Newtown. 
 
 General Jackson now pressed forward and night found him 
 before the enemy at Winchester. * * * General Ashby 
 was with General Jackson on the morning of the battle of Win- 
 chester, while the latter was engaged in planting his batteries. 
 
 I know nothing of his subsequent action until after the battle. 
 
 I overtook him below Stephenson's depot, dashing upon the 
 enemy whenever an opportunity offered, with a handful of his 
 men. 
 
 I never heard of any independent enterprise of General 
 Ashby, nor do I believe he was anywhere but at the front of 
 the army with a small force of his cavalry. 
 
 The rapidity of General Jackson's movements added to the 
 confusion attending the march of a large army, and prevented 
 our cavalry from re-forming quickly after they had scattered 
 in pursuit of the enemy on different roads and across country. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 65 
 
 I always believed that the matter was misrepresented to 
 General Jackson, and hence his severe criticism of the cavalry. 
 
 It was certainly unfortunate for Ashby as well as the cause, 
 that more of his men were not wnth him on that day, as an 
 excellent opportunity was afforded to dash upon and pursue 
 the enemy. Yet I do not believe he was to blame for their 
 absence. 
 
 It was then popular to say that Ashby exercised no control 
 over his men beyond personal influence, and that there was no 
 discipline in his command. It was said that his successes were 
 gained, not by skillful maneuver, but by the reckless dash and 
 courage of himself and men; but I will do him the justice to 
 say that he could always command more men for duty from 
 the same muster-roll than any cavalry commander under whom 
 I have sinced served. * * * j have served at different 
 times during the war, with almost all the prominent cavalry 
 leaders of the Army of Northern Virginia, and I have never 
 seen one who possessed the ability to inspire troops under fire 
 with the courage and enthusiasm that Ashby's presence always 
 excited. 
 
 He adopted in the beginning of the war the tactics with 
 cavalry by which, later in the war, other cavalry commanders 
 could only secure success ; namely, always to meet the enemy 
 with bold and determined charges, and when they were 
 defeated to press them with the utmost vigor." 
 
 Jackson had ventured far and the Federals were gathering 
 for his destruction. It was necessary to retrace his steps 
 somewhat hurriedly if he wished to save the spoils of 
 victory and avoid defeat, if not destruction. 
 
 The object of the movement which was to arrest the 
 advance on Richmond had been accomplished. Besides, 
 Banks had been badly beaten, and with a loss of one-third 
 of his army had been driven across the Potomac. 
 
 The retreat was more full of peril to Jackson's army than 
 the advance had been, for from the west and east armies 
 
66 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 were marching to cut off his retreat, while from the north 
 his rear would be threatened by a force superior to his own. 
 
 Jackson did not hurry. Four days after the battle of 
 Winchester, on the 29th of May, he laid siege to Harper's 
 Ferry, and occupied the Loudoun heights as if he had con- 
 cluded to move on Washington. 
 
 Next day, on the 30th, he began to retire and was fol- 
 lowed as far as Charles Town by Banks and Saxton with 
 14,000 Federals. By the evening of the 31st, his main body 
 was in Strasburg, where he halted for the rear of his 
 column to close up. 
 
 Fremont, marching from Wardensville and making for 
 the same point, had encountered Ashby. Whatever fault 
 Jackson might find with his cavalry for plundering, he 
 always placed them on guard at the point of greatest 
 danger. 
 
 Ashby was soon supported by Ewell, and the advance of 
 Fremont was arrested. 
 
 Meantime, Jackson's rear column was closed up, and he 
 fell back to Harrisonburg. From that point Jackson retired 
 to Port Republic, which was twelve miles eastward. In 
 this march, it was Ashby's command which, picketing and 
 scouting in all directions, kept Jackson informed as to the 
 movements of the enemy. On Shields' front towards Front 
 Royal hung Ashby's men. In the path too, of Fremont, 
 as we have seen, were they. And in the rear of Jackson 
 nearly all the time. 
 
 On the 20th of June the Sixth and Second Virginia 
 Cavalry were transferred to Ashby's command, and for 
 more than a year the Sixth remained a part of the Ashby 
 brigade. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 67 
 
 On Monday, June the 2nd, Jackson retreated to Mt. 
 Jackson, closely followed by Fremont. The cavalry under 
 Ashby protected the rear, engaging almost constantly in 
 skirmishes with the enemy. 
 
 The Federals evidently wanted vengeance for Banks' 
 disaster, and frequently with great gallantry charged the 
 Confederate rear guard. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 2nd, Jackson crossed the North 
 Fork of the Shenandoah, the cavalry burning the bridge 
 in spite of the efforts of the Federals to prevent it. 
 
 On the 5th Jackson reached Harrisonburg. The next 
 day Fremont, who had been delayed by the burning of the 
 bridge across the North Fork, was close at hand. 
 
 Jackson withdrew towards Port Republic as the head of 
 the Federal column approached., The same evening Ashby 
 was attacked by the Federal cavalry under Percy Wyndham, 
 an English adventurer and soldier of fortune, commanding 
 the First New Jersey Cavalry, who, greedy of Ashby's 
 fame, wished 
 
 "To pluck the budding honors on his crest 
 To weave them on his own." 
 
 He openly avowed his intention of capturing Ashby, and 
 was said to be watching an opportunity to make a successful 
 dash for that purpose. 
 
 Ashby was, however, prepared for them, and as they 
 approached his line of battle drawn up across the road and 
 extending into the fields, some dismounted men in a wheat- 
 field, stationed there for that purpose, fired into the flank 
 of the Federal column. In the confusion which followed 
 in their ranks, Ashby's men charged, capturing Wyndham 
 and the colors of the First New Jersey Regiment, and 
 
68 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 inflicting an acknowledged loss of thirty-six killed and 
 wounded upon the Federals. 
 
 This repulse caused the Federals under General Bayard 
 to come forward with reinforcements of all arms, Ashby 
 anticipating him, asked and received from General Ewell 
 the support of the First Maryland and Fifty-eighth Virginia 
 regiments of infantry. 
 
 In the hotly contested fight which ensued the skirmish 
 line of the Fifty-eighth Virginia was forced back, and 
 Ashby while rallying them, having ordered in the reserve, 
 had his horse shot under him, and rising and leading on 
 foot fell himself, pierced by a bullet, and died almost 
 instantly. His death at the morning tide of his fame, with 
 his face to the foe, and in defense of his beloved country, 
 was such as he would have wished it to be, and in perfect 
 keeping with his heroic ideal. 
 
 Beloved and idolized by his command, the news of his 
 death, which quickly spread among the men, produced 
 general and profound sorrow, which was mingled with a 
 resolve for vengeance. 
 
 While the admiration of Ashby's prowess had extended 
 even to the enemy, yet the news of his death encouraged 
 greatly the opposing Federal cavalry, and was hailed by the 
 Federal authorities as a distinctive loss to the Confederate 
 cause, and, as to the Union side, equal to a Federal victory. 
 
 On June 7th the armies of both Jackson and Fremont 
 remained comparatively quiet. The latter having been 
 roughly handled the day before, its commander was dis- 
 posed to even more than his usual caution and characteristic 
 indecision, and his slowness of motion gave to the wearied 
 Confederates a moment of enjoyable repose. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 69 
 
 But Shields was approaching Port RepubHc from Luray 
 by a road on the east side of the South Fork of the Shen- 
 andoah, skirting the foothills of the Blue Ridge. 
 
 He seems to have believed that Jackson was in full retreat 
 before Fremont, and accordingly moved his forces as 
 rapidly as the unfavorable condition of the road would 
 permit, having Tyler's brigade attended by considerable 
 cavalry, far in advance of his main body. His purpose was 
 to make a dash across the river at Port Republic and destroy 
 the bridge before Jackson could reach there, and thus inter- 
 cept his retreat eastward across the mountain through 
 Brown's Gap. 
 
 The plan was well conceived, and that the execution of 
 it was not a success was more due to the blundering good 
 luck on the part of the Confederates than to a lack of enter- 
 prise and dash on the part of the Federals. 
 
 The cavalry of Shields, with one gim of a light battery, 
 actually had possession of the eastern end of the bridge, 
 Jackson himself having dashed across it in advance of them, 
 leaving most of his staff behind and escaping capture him- 
 self only by a hairbreadth. 
 
 The Federals were driven back by the timely arrival of 
 one gun of a battery near at hand and a battalion of infantry. 
 
 Colonel Munford, who with the Ashby brigade had been 
 operating upon the flanks of Fremont, now arrived and 
 pursued the retreating Federals some distance in the direc- 
 tion of Conrad's Store, capturing many prisoners and much 
 plunder, and occupied the rest of the day in arresting 
 Shields' advance, though the nature of the country did not 
 favor cavalry operations.^ 
 
 ^Account by Genl. T. T. Munford. 
 
70 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Fremont had heard the sound of the brief cannonade at 
 Port RepubHc on the 7th, and supposing Shields had arrived 
 there, on the morning of the 8th put his army in motion and 
 cautiously advanced in that direction, but soon found his 
 progress arrested by the pickets of EwelFs division. 
 
 Jackson had planned that Ewell should hold Fremont in 
 check on the west side of the Shenandoah, while he with 
 his own division would deal with Shields on the east side 
 of the river. 
 
 Ewell, with about 6,000 infantry, five batteries of artil- 
 lery, and 500 cavalry, was opposing his adversary, whose 
 army numbered 10,000 infantry, with eight batteries of 
 artillery, and 2,000 cavalry.^ 
 
 In an all-day battle near Cross Keys, at times fought with 
 great fierceness, Ewell was victorious, having driven back 
 Fremont and camped upon the field. The losses on both 
 sides, killed, wounded, and missing, were 972, of which the 
 Federal loss was 684. 
 
 The cavalry does not appear to have been heavily 
 engaged. 
 
 The next day, June the 9th, was fought perhaps the most 
 hotly contested battle of the Valley campaign, at Port 
 Republic, which, says Henderson (Vol. I, page 385), was 
 the most costly to the army of the Valley during the whole 
 campaign. Out of 5,900 Confederates engaged 804 were 
 disabled. The Federal losses were heavier, being 1,001 
 killed, wounded, and missing. 
 
 The ground was of such nature, being heavily wooded on 
 both sides of the road, that the cavalry could not operate 
 except in pursuit. But the batter}^ of Chew, which always 
 
 ^Figures given by Henderson, Vol. I, page 368. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 71 
 
 accompanied the Ashby cavalry, did fine service. Being 
 ordered from the field of Cross Keys on the morning of the 
 9th, it crossed the river at Port Republic, and came upon 
 the field just as the Stonewall Brigade was being driven 
 back with heavy loss by Tyler's Federal brigade, and under 
 the heavy fire of a Federal battery well and strongly posted 
 on an eminence near the Lewis house. 
 
 The gunners of Chew's Battery promptly got the range 
 of this battery and poured upon it a terrific enfilading fire, 
 crippling the enemy's guns, just at the time that Taylor's 
 brigade of infantry had moved around through the forest 
 and attacked it and its infantry support in front and flank. 
 
 Taylor's brigade charged throug^h the battery and cap- 
 tured it. 
 
 Chew's Battery then moved rapidly to a position near the 
 Lewis house, and opened upon the retreating columns of 
 the enemy, producing great havoc amongst them, and joined 
 in the pursuit for about two miles. 
 
 The cavalry led by Munford now dashed upon the retreat- 
 ing Federals and pursued them for nine miles, when the 
 pursuit was arrested near Conrad's Store by the presence 
 of Shields, who had arrived there with his main force of 
 two brigades, which were deployed in line of battle. 
 
 Fremont, after an ineffectual attempt to aid Shields by 
 throwing a few shells from his batteries east of the river, 
 and witnessing Shields' discomfiture, retired to a point 
 north of Harrisonburg. Shields withdrew to Luray. 
 
 The cavalry brigade continued to watch both armies, the 
 large part with Chew's Battery crossing to the east side of 
 the river for the purpose of observing Fremont. 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 June, 1862 
 
 Jackson marches from Brown's Gap to the Chickahominy — His ingeni- 
 ous ruses to deceive Shields and Fremont — Munford screens Jack- 
 son's movement and follows him with the Second Virginia Cavalry 
 — Genl. Beverly Robertson succeeds in command of Valley cavalry 
 — Reorganization of the Ashby cavalry — Robertson an organizer 
 and disciplinarian — Brigade leaves Valley and joins Jackson near 
 Richmond, July loth, Company B of Twelfth Virginia Cavalry being 
 left in the Valley — Fighting at Gordonsville and Cedar Run — Genl. 
 J. E. B. Stuart leads cavalry in a reconnoissance — Brandy Station — 
 Catlett's Station — Thoroughfare Gap — Sudley Road fight and death 
 of Major Patrick — Second Manassas campaign — Advance into 
 Maryland — Robertson assigned to Department of North Carolina, 
 and Munford again commands the brigade — Poolesville and Cramp- 
 ton's Gap — Affair at Darksville — Capture of Harper's Ferry — 
 Brigade covers Lee's recrossing of Potomac — Raid into Pennsylva- 
 nia — Col. William E. Jones takes command — Various skirmishes 
 in the Valley — White's Battalion attached to brigade — Snickers Gap 
 and Castleman's Ferry — Company D of the Eleventh at Romney, 
 and capture of Capt. E. H. McDonald — General Jones in command 
 of the Valley District — Expedition to Moorefield — Scarcity of forage 
 — Midwinter diversions in the Valley. 
 
 After defeating Shields at Port Republic, Jackson with- 
 drew into Brown's Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and 
 there rested his footsore and battle-worn soldiers until June 
 17th. On that day, receiving orders from General Lee, he 
 broke camp and marched towards the Chickahominy, where 
 he arrived in time to join the commander-in-chief in the 
 famous Seven Days' Battles before Richmond, in which 
 McClellan and his myriads were beaten. and driven with 
 great loss to the cover of 'his gunboats. 
 
 So successfully was the movement of Jackson screened 
 from the doughty Federal generals in the Shenandoah Valley 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 73 
 
 that between the 17th and 28th of June he had made the 
 march from Brown's Gap to near Richmond, 130 miles, and 
 had been successfully participating- in the defeat of 
 McClellan for two days before either Shields, Fremont, 
 Banks, or even the authorities at Washington were aware 
 that he had moved from the scene of his late victory over 
 Shields near Port Republic. 
 
 The success of this movement depended primarily upon its 
 being hidden from the observation and knowledge of the 
 enemy. That duty devolved upon the cavalry and was per- 
 formed with eminent skill and resourcefulness by Col. 
 Thomas T. Munford, who succeeded to the command of 
 Jackson's cavalry after the death of the lamented Ashby. 
 
 Referring to this, says Henderson in his "Stonewall Jack- 
 son and the American Civil War" : "The cavalry, though 
 far from support, was ordered to maneuver boldly to pre- 
 vent all information reaching the Federals, and to follow 
 Fremont as long as he retreated. 
 
 "The bearers of flags of truce were impressed with the 
 idea that the Southerners were advancing with great 
 strength. The outpost line was made as close as possible; 
 no civilians w^re allowed to pass, and the Confederate 
 troopers, in order that they should have nothing to tell if 
 they were captured, were kept in ignorance of the position of 
 the infantry. 
 
 "Jackson's real intention was concealed from every one 
 except Colonel Munford. The officers of his staff fared 
 worse than the remainder of the army. Not only were they 
 debarred from their commander's confidence, but they 
 became the unconscious instruments whereby false intelli- 
 gence was spread. The engineers were directed to prepare a 
 
74 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 series of maps of the Valley; and all who acquired a knowl- 
 edge of this carefully divulged order told their friends in 
 confidence that Jackson was going in pursuit of Fremont. 
 As these friends told their friends without loss of time, it 
 was soon the well-settled conviction of everybody that noth- 
 ing was further from Jackson's intention than an evacuation 
 of the Valley." 
 
 After masking Jackson's eastward movement, Colonel 
 Munford returned from the pursuit of Shields, and receiving 
 orders from Jackson to follow him to the Chickahominy 
 with his regiment, the Second Virginia Cavalry, he turned 
 over command of the Ashby brigade, which had just been 
 reorganized, to Col. Beverly Robertson, a West Pointer, 
 who undertook to inaugurate for it a discipline more in keep- 
 ing with West Point ideals than it had heretofore known. 
 No curtailment of personal liberty either of civilian or soldier 
 is accepted without protest, and it is needless to say that 
 Colonel Robertson's discipline did not make him especially 
 popular with soldiers who had followed Ashby, and looked 
 upon the suggestion of needed discipline as a reflection upon 
 their fighting qualities. So it became the popular sentiment 
 among the men that Robertson was more at drilling than he 
 was at fighting. 
 
 Nevertheless the brigade did some splendid fighting under 
 him in the campaign against Pope, which shortly followed, 
 and for which both the brigade and the commander received 
 high praise in official reports of that campaign. It is well 
 known, however, that the brigade won fame for the com- 
 mander and not the commander for the brigade, and that 
 Robertson, not being a capable commander in the field, was 
 soon after that, at the suggestion of General Stuart, relieved 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 75 
 
 of the command of the brigade and sent to South CaroHna to 
 organize the cavalry for which he was particularly fitted. 
 
 Munford, with the Second Virginia Cavalry, overtook 
 Jackson at Ashland, and led his advance every day in the 
 Seven Days' Battles around Richmond. 
 
 The Ashby brigade, including Chew's Battery, now under 
 Colonel Robertson, being left for a time to observe the 
 movements of the Federals in tlie Valley, moved east of the 
 Shenandoah to near Harrisonburg, Fremont having retired 
 to a short distance north of that place, and Shields occupy- 
 ing Luray. 
 
 Here a partial reorganization of the brigade was under- 
 taken. The twenty-six companies that had composed the 
 command of Ashby were still known as the "Seventh Regi- 
 ment," and though numerically of brigade proportions, had 
 been commanded by only two field officers, Genl. Turner 
 Ashby and Maj. Oliver Funsten. 
 
 Although Ashby had been promoted to the rank of brig- 
 adier-general on May the 27th, the campaign had been too 
 active under him to allow time for reorganization. 
 
 The overgrown Seventh Regiment was now reduced to 
 the ten original companies. Ten other companies composed 
 the Twelfth Regiment, and the remaining companies were 
 formed into the Seventeenth Battalion. 
 
 An election of officers now took place. While the regi- 
 mental officers now elected, were preferred by the men for 
 gallant and skillful services under Ashby, and were most 
 capable and well qualified for commanders, yet, owing either 
 to General Jackson's not recommending them, or to the War 
 Department's arbitrary overruling of the elections for rea- 
 
y6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 sons known only to the officials, they did not receive com- 
 missions. 
 
 The reorganization was completed a few days later 
 between Conrad's Store and Swift Run Gap, when Col. 
 William E. Jones, late of the First Virginia Cavalry, was 
 appointed colonel of the Seventh Regiment. Capt. Richard 
 Dulaney lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. Thomas Marshall 
 major. Col. Asher W. Harman was appointed colonel of 
 the Twelfth; Lieut. Richard Burks, late adjutant of the 
 Second Virginia Cavalry, was appointed lieutenant-colonel, 
 and Capt. Thomas B. Massie major. Capt. William Patrick 
 was appointed major of the Seventeenth Battalion. 
 
 The Second Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Munford. 
 and the Sixth Virginia, under Colonel Flournoy, which had 
 been under Genl. George H. Stuart of Maryland, had been 
 at the request of the officers commanding them, and upon 
 the recommendation of General Ewell. transferred and 
 assigned to Ashby's command.^ 
 
 The brigade, therefore, at this time consisted of the Sec- 
 ond, Sixth, Seventh and Twelfth regiments and the 
 Seventeenth Battalion, all Virginia cavalry, and Chew's Bat- 
 tery of horse artillery. 
 
 Col. William E. Jones of the First Virginia Cavalry, and 
 Col. Beverly Robertson of the Fourth, each having failed of 
 re-election to the command of those regiments, and both of 
 them having been West Pointers, and having been assured 
 of commands in the Confederate Army by the authorities at 
 Richmond, were now assigned to this brigade. Jones as 
 colonel of the Seventh, and Beverly Robertson to command 
 of the brigade with rank of brigadier-general. 
 
 1 Statement of General Munford in a letter to the reviser of this work. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade JJ 
 
 The Second Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Munford, 
 as before stated, was temporarily detached to act with 
 Jackson's division in front of Richmond. 
 
 The success of Lee on the Chickahominy, to which Jack- 
 son had so signally contributed, had the effect of with- 
 drawing Shields, Fremont, and Banks from the Valley, and 
 their armies marching eastward by way of Sperryville and 
 Warrenton, were consolidated into the army of Genl. John 
 D. Pope, a new army sent out to protect Washington, or 
 to co-operate with McClellan in the attempt upon Richmond, 
 as circumstances might require. 
 
 This army was then occupying positions on the upper 
 branches of the Rappahannock River, and numbered 47,000 
 to 50,000 men of all arms. 
 
 With this army were the two cavalry divisions of Bayard 
 and Buford, 6,000 strong, and led by those enterprising 
 Federal cavalrymen. 
 
 Upon the withdrawal of the Federal armies from the 
 Valley, Robertson's brigade was ordered to join Jackson 
 near Richmond, which it did immediately, reaching there 
 about July loth. 
 
 Company B of the Twelfth Virginia, under Lieutenants 
 Milton Rouss and George Baylor, having been left behind 
 to operate in the lower Valley. 
 
 On the 13th of July Jackson, with Ewell's corps, was 
 ordered to Gordonsville to dispute the advance of Pope, 
 which on the 27th of July had been pushed as far as the 
 Rapidan River, the upper fords of which were picketed by 
 a portion of Robertson's cavalry. 
 
 Jackson was soon after reinforced by A. P. Hill's 
 division. 
 
78 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The Robertson brigade, operating upon the front of this 
 advance, was now strengthened by the return of the Second 
 Virginia Cavalry under Colonel Munford. 
 
 For several days prior to the 2nd of August the Con- 
 federate pickets were driven in, but on the 2nd a reconnois- 
 sance in force was made, by the Federals proceeding from 
 Raccoon Ford to Orange Court House. The reconnoiter- 
 ing force consisted of the Fifth New York Cavalry, Colonel 
 De Forest commanding, and the First Vermont, under Col. 
 Charles H. Thomkins, all under command of Genl. S. W. 
 Crawford. 
 
 After driving in the Confederate pickets, the reserve, con- 
 sisting of Company F of the Eleventh Virginia, Captain 
 Dangerfield in command, was pushed to half a mile beyond 
 Orange Court House- 
 Here the Seventh Virginia, under Col. William E. Jones, 
 appeared upon the scene. Throwing out sharpshooters from 
 McGruder's company, the enemy's advance guard was soon 
 driven in, and the Seventh followed in a charge which 
 turned back the head of the enemy's column and created 
 much confusion in his main body. 
 
 The main street of Orange Court House was packed with 
 the contending horsemen, the choice spirits of both sides 
 pushing into the thick of the fight, the timid withdrawing. 
 
 In the meantime Major Marshall, with a squadron, made 
 a flank attack by the railroad depot ; but his own party was 
 soon struck in the flank by a Federal company, that forced 
 back his command and cut off his retreat. His pistols being 
 empty, he tried to cut his way through, but was knocked 
 senseless by a sabre stroke. 
 
 Colonel Jones had by this time come up to the head of the 
 regiment, and shot the Federal trooper, who was about to 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 79 
 
 kill Marshall, but so hard was the resistance that Marshall 
 remained in the hands of the Federals. For while this was 
 going on, another flanking party of Federals had attacked 
 Jones' right and rear. 
 
 Lieutenants Neff and Mohler of Company K wheeled 
 and charged this body, but were followed by about a dozen 
 men only, and the enemy for the moment checked, returned 
 to the charge and drove the rear companies up the plank 
 road, wounding and capturing quite a number. 
 
 The main body of the Seventh, however, kept on their 
 cour9e, driving the enemy through the town ; but soon again 
 returned, having observed in the open field the great super- 
 iority of the enemy in numbers. 
 
 In this fight the Seventh had about 200 men present. 
 The two Federal regiments must have had double that 
 number. 
 
 "To Lieutenant Smith, commanding Company A; Cap- 
 tain McGruder, commanding Company B ; Company C, 
 commanded by Captain Myers at first, and, when he was 
 severely wounded, by Lieutenant Myers ; and to Company D, 
 commanded by Lieutenant Brown," says Colonel Jones in 
 his report, "my thanks are especially due, for noble bearing 
 in the fight. Sergt. Clarence L. Broadus" of Company D is 
 recommended for promotion for distinguished gallantry." 
 
 Colonel Jones acknowledged a loss of ten wounded and 
 forty missing. 
 
 About an hour after the fight the Federals retreated, 
 followed by the Seventh, which being reinforced by the 
 
 ^This gallant soldier returned to his command after the loss of his 
 arm, and continued in the service to the close of the war. He served 
 the first year of the war in the Tenth Virginia Infantry, and in 1862 
 re-enlisted in Ashby's cavalry. — From Jones' Official Report. 
 
So A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Sixth Virginia, under Colonel Flournoy, pursued the 
 Federals vigorously as far as Rapidan Station. 
 
 The action at Orange Court House was soon after fol- 
 lowed by an advance of Jackson's army, which now con- 
 sisted of the divisions of Ewell, A. P. Hill, and his own; 
 that of A. P. Hill having recently arrived. 
 
 Having learned that only a portion of Pope's army was at 
 Culpeper Court House, Jackson resolved to attack it before 
 the arrival of the remainder, and on August 7th moved 
 from Gordonsville for that purpose. 
 
 On the morning of August 8th, the Federal cavalry north 
 of the Rapidan was driven back by ours under Brigadier- 
 General Robertson. 
 
 On the evening of the 8th, the Seventeenth Battalion and 
 a part of the Sixth Regiment marched towards Madison 
 Court House, 
 
 The main force of the Federal cavalry retreated towards 
 Culpeper Court House, making a feeble resistance. A 
 part fell back towards Madison Court House, and were 
 pursued by a portion of the Sixth, under Colonel Flournoy, 
 and the Seventeenth Battalion, under Major Patrick. At 
 several points they attempted to rally, but each time being 
 vigorously charged they broke and finally ran, leaving about 
 twenty wounded and prisoners in the hands of the Con- 
 federates. 
 
 For five miles the chase continued, the Seventeenth Bat- 
 talion and the Sixth Regiment pursuing in the direction of 
 Madison Court House. 
 
 On the 9th was fought the battle of Cedar Run, in which 
 Robertson's cavalry took little part, the main body being 
 stationed on Jackson's left, while Colonel Jones, with the 
 Seventh, who had been sent to Madison Court House, 
 
MAJ. WILLIAM PATRICK 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 8i 
 
 returned towards evening and after dark passed to Jackson's 
 right and front. 
 
 The battle of Cedar Run was still going on.. Jackson 
 was still pursuing Banks, eager to drive him beyond Cul- 
 peper Court House. 
 
 In the darkness, the Seventh charged a body of the 
 Federal cavalry and forced them to take shelter under their 
 infantry. 
 
 A prisoner captured in this charge gave the first informa- 
 tion of Seigel having arrived to reinforce Banks. Upon 
 this being told to Jackson the pursuit was discontinued. 
 
 The following day all the cavalry with Jackson was put 
 under the command of Genl. J. E. B. Stuart. 
 
 Robertson's brigade, which was now added to Stuart's 
 division, consisted of the Second Virginia, Col. T. T. Mun- 
 ford ; the Sixth Virginia, Col. P. S. Flournoy ; the Seventh 
 Virginia, Col. W. E. Jones; the Twelfth Virginia, Col. A. 
 W. Harman, and the Seventeenth Battalion, under Major 
 Patrick. 
 
 On the 20th of August Stuart's command led the advance 
 of Jackson's army in its movement against Pope. 
 
 The Second Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Munford, 
 was ordered to keep on the left of Jackson's army and keep 
 pace with its movements. 
 
 The rest of Robertson's brigade, accompanied by Stuart, 
 marched by way of Stephensburg, a village four miles east 
 of Culpeper, and when nearing Brandy Station encoun- 
 tered a force of Federal cavalry. 
 
 The Seventh Virginia led the Confederate advance and 
 soon engaged the Federals, who after a stubborn resistance 
 were forced back beyond Brandy Station upon their support. 
 
82 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 It was now evident that the enemy was in heavy force, 
 and in fact they had five regiments on the field, the First 
 New Jersey, the Second New York, the First Pennsylvania, 
 the First Maine, and the First Rhode Island. 
 
 General Robertson, with the Sixth, Twelfth, and Seven- 
 teenth battalions, was sent to the left to sweep across the 
 open country and 'flank the enemy's position. 
 
 At first, as Stuart advanced, the enemy fell back along the 
 road towards Rappahannock Station, but about midway 
 between Brandy Station and Rappahannock Station, he 
 made a determined stand in solid columns of squadrons on 
 the ridge, with skirmishers deployed. 
 
 With these the Seventh soon became engaged, and quickly 
 followed with a charge. Immediately opposing the Seventh 
 were the First New Jersey, the Second New York, and the 
 First Pennsylvania. 
 
 Says the Federal general, Bayard, in his report, "As soon 
 as the leading regiment of the enemy came up, they formed 
 and quickly charged with loud shouts and wild yelling. The 
 sudden charge and yells of the enemy seemed to strike panic 
 in the men, so that they soon began running." 
 
 Robertson was now sent for in haste to support the 
 Seventh. He had mistaken the road and borne too much to 
 the left. The enemy, however, did not profit by the delay, 
 and Robertson arrived in time to join in the battle. The 
 remaining regiments were hurled in succession upon the 
 enemy's main body, which fell back and took refuge under 
 the protection of his batteries planted beyond the river. 
 
 "In the action at Brandy Station," says Stuart, "Colonel 
 Jones, whose regiment so long bore the brunt of the fight, 
 behaved with marked courage and determination." The 
 enemy occupying woods and hedgerows with dismounted 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 83 
 
 men, armed with long-range carbines, were repeatedly dis- 
 lodged by his bold onslaughts, while Flournoy and Harman 
 nobly supported the Seventh at the critical moment. 
 
 In this engagement General Robertson acknowledged a 
 loss of three killed and fourteen wounded. He captured 
 sixty-four prisoners, many of whom were wounded. The 
 Federal loss nowhere appears in the reports. 
 
 The armies of Lee and Pope now lay confronting each 
 other on the opposite banks of the Rappahannock. 
 
 On the morning of August 21st, with the apparent design 
 of opening a way for a general advance of the Confederates, 
 Stuart directed Col. T. L. Rosser, commanding the Fifth 
 Virginia Cavalry, to move with his command for Beverly 
 Ford, and to re-seize the opposite bank by a sudden attack. 
 This was successfully accomplished by Colonel Rosser, and 
 enough of the bank was held to make a crossing practicable 
 for the infantry. 
 
 In the meantime Robertson's brigade had crossed at a 
 ford above and prepared the way for an advance. For some 
 reason there was a change of plan, and Stuart's cavalry was 
 withdrawn to the south bank of the Rappahannock before 
 night. 
 
 As the positions of the Confederates on the south bank 
 were commanded by those occupied by the Federals who 
 guarded all the fords, it was determined to seek a more 
 favorable place to cross higher up the river and thus gain 
 the enemy's right. Accordingly, Lee's army on the 21st 
 began marching up the river, Jackson in front. 
 
 On the 23rd Jackson crossed Hazel River and proceeded 
 up the Rappahannock. The same evening a portion of his 
 troops crossed the Rappahannock, but owing to a heavy 
 rain they recrossed on a temporary bridge during the night. 
 
84 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 In the meantime Stuart with his cavalry was engaged in 
 harassing the enemy's rear. On the morning of the 22nd 
 he crossed the Rappahannock at Waterloo Bridge and Hart's 
 Ford, with all of his division except the Seventh and Third 
 Virginia Cavalry and two pieces of artillery. He reached 
 Warrenton in the afternoon and moved in the direction of 
 Catlett's Station with the design of destroying the railroad 
 bridge that crosses Cedar Creek at that point. 
 
 Had the object of the expedition been accomplished, 
 Pope's line of communication would have been sundered, 
 and the importance of success spurred Stuart to go forward, 
 though a terrific thunderstorm drenched his troops and 
 enveloped them with thick darkness. The downpour, too, 
 threatened to make the streams impassable on his return. 
 
 Approaching Catlett's Station under cover of the stormy 
 night, the Federal pickets were captured by the direction of 
 Colonel Rosser, who commanded the advance, and his bold 
 horsemen were soon in the midst of the enemy's encamp- 
 ments. 
 
 Pope's headquarters Vv^ere near by, and they were guided 
 to the spot by a captured negro. Pope himself was away, 
 but many of his official household were there, and most of 
 them with much valuable plunder were taken possession of. 
 Among the captured articles was Pope's despatch book, 
 revealing his plans and describing his embarrassments. 
 
 The destruction of the railroad bridge, the main object of 
 the expedition, was not accomplished on account of the dark- 
 ness and the heavy rain, but Stuart returned with much 
 plunder and 300 prisoners. 
 
 Pope, now aided by the high waters, massing his army 
 between Waterloo Bridge and Warrenton, seemed to defy 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 85 
 
 his foes. But while Longstreet and Hill engaged his atten- 
 tion in front, Jackson began the celebrated flank movement 
 which put him in Pope's rear. 
 
 Crossing the Rappahannock four miles above Hensons 
 Mills on the 25th he reached Salem in the night. Next day, 
 26th, he passed through Thoroughfare Gap and, going 
 through Gainesville, reached Bristoe Station on the railroad. 
 
 Stuart with his command was ordered to take part in 
 Jackson's movement. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 26th he crossed the Rappa- 
 hannock at Hensons Mills, and at Gainesville joined Jack- 
 son's column. To him and his command was entrusted the 
 duty of guarding the two flanks. The main portion was 
 kept on Jackson's right towards the enemy. 
 
 After crossing Broad Run, a few miles above Bristoe 
 Station, the cavalry fronted towards the enemy, still in the 
 direction of the Rappahannock, and covered Jackson's 
 movement on the railroad bridge. When near it the Second 
 Virginia, under Colonel Munford, made a bold dash and 
 captured the station and most of the occupants. 
 
 From this point, by order of Jackson, Stuart, with the 
 portion of Robertson's brigade not on outpost duty, pro- 
 ceeded to Manassas. 
 
 In the meantime, soon after the arrival of the Con- 
 federates at Bristoe Station, a train of cars passed, and 
 escaping capture gave the alarm at all points north. The 
 Federals, therefore, were fully prepared to give the Con- 
 federates a warm reception at Manassas, where there were 
 immense quantities of army stores which were supposed to 
 be securely stacked away. Jackson's tired and hungry men 
 sorely needed these and Stuart was sent to take them, 
 
86 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Trimble's brigade of infantry being also ordered to support 
 him. 
 
 The cavalry advanced until halted by the interior senti- 
 nels, and also being saluted by a fire of canister. On 
 account of the darkness and ignorance of the ground, the 
 cavalry waited until Trimble's command arrived, when the 
 latter advanced and took the station. 
 
 The 27th was spent by the cavalry in chasing fugitives 
 of the enemy's cavalry, and in capturing Pope's stragglers, 
 that like rats leaving a sinking ship, were making their way 
 towards a place of safety. One company — D of the Seven- 
 teenth Battalion, Robertson's brigade — near Manassas cap- 
 tured over 100 of them. 
 
 On the morning of the 28th the main body of Robertson's 
 brigade rendezvoused near Sudley Church. 
 
 Jackson's forces were massed between Sudley Ford and 
 the turnpike on Bull Run. Longstreet was not yet through 
 Thoroughfare Gap, and the enemy was moving in between 
 them to cut off Jackson. 
 
 On the 28th Stuart proceeded with portions of his two 
 brigades towards Thoroughfare Gap, to establish communi- 
 cation with Longstreet. He reached the vicinity of Hay- 
 market, capturing a detachment of the enemy on his way, 
 but went no further, as Haymarket was occupied by a large 
 force of the enemy, and he could see "Longstreet struggling 
 through the gorge."^ He sent a trusty messenger to Long- 
 street, and retired towards evening to rejoin Jackson, who 
 was already engaged with the enemy. 
 
 The next morning, the 29th, he again set out intending, 
 if possible, to reach Longstreet. Soon after leaving the 
 
 ^From Stuart's Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 87 
 
 Sudley Road, his command was fired into from woods on 
 the roadside. It was now discovered that a Federal force 
 was between Jackson and his baggage train. 
 
 Major Patrick/ commanding the Seventeenth BattaHon 
 (afterwards a part of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry), was 
 sent to take care of the baggage. Infantry also was sent to 
 assist him, and some artillery. 
 
 Major Patrick was soon attacked by the enemy, but with 
 a spirited charge drove them off. The loss to the Con- 
 federates was great, for in the charge Major Patrick fell 
 mortally wounded. Says Stuart, "The sacrifice was noble, 
 but the loss to us irreparable." 
 
 In the meantime Stuart, proceeding on his way, met the 
 head of Longstreet's column between Haymarket and 
 Gainesville, and informed Longstreet of Jackson's position. 
 Here he took position with his command on Longstreet's 
 right, and advanced directly upon Manassas, while Long- 
 street pressed down the turnpike to move into position on 
 Jackson's right. 
 
 General Robertson with his brigade had the advance, and 
 soon reported the enemy in front. 
 
 Rosser with the Fifth was soon engaged with the enemy 
 on the left of the road, and Robertson on the right met the 
 enemy moving towards Sudley. This was a critical 
 
 ^Maj. Wm. Patrick, of the Seventeenth Battalion of Virginia Cavalry, 
 was born near Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia, December 22, 
 1822. Was captain of the Augusta Troop when the State of Virginia 
 seceded from the Union, and on that day started for Harper's Ferry. 
 
 This troop was then made Company E, of the First Virginia Cavalry, 
 under Col. J. E. B. Stuart. 
 
 Captain Patrick was commissioned major in the summer of 1862, 
 and assigned to command of the Seventeenth Battalion of Virginia 
 Cavalry, which he commanded with ability until August 29, 1862, on 
 
88 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 moment, for an army corps of Federals was in motion to 
 strike Long-street's flank. 
 
 In order to arrest the Federals, or at least to retard them, 
 Stuart resorted to a ruse, and ordered a number of his men 
 to drag brush along the road for some distance, that the 
 clouds of dust rising, might create the impression upon the 
 Federal commander, that Longstreet with large bodies of 
 infantry was coming to his aid. 
 
 In the meantime three brigades of infantry were sent to 
 reinforce Stuart, and the enemy soon retired in the direction 
 of Manassas. 
 
 During the day Jackson had been fighting against greatly 
 superior numbers, but succeeded in holding his ground until 
 Longstreet arrived and took part in the battle, when the 
 enemy was repulsed at all points. 
 
 Next morning, the 30th, Stuart's cavalry moved to the 
 front and seized an important point of observation, from 
 which the Federals could be seen massing their troops 
 against Jackson's corps. 
 
 Intelligence of this was sent to Lee. About three P. M., 
 after the Federals were repulsed, our whole right and left 
 advanced. Robertson's brigade and the Fifth Virginia 
 pushed forward on the extreme right. 
 
 which day he fell mortally wounded near Sudley Church. It was in 
 the movement of Stonewall Jackson against Pope, known as the second 
 Manassas campaign. 
 
 A Federal force had intervened between Jackson's main body and his 
 baggage train. Major Patrick with his battalion, assisted by some 
 infantry and artillery, was sent to protect the train. He was soon 
 attacked by the Federals, but in a spirited charge, in which he drove 
 back the enemy, he fell mortally wounded, dying on the 2nd of 
 September. 
 
GENL. THOMAS T. MUNFORD 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 89 
 
 Four batteries — Stribbling's, Rogers', Eshleman's, and 
 Richardson's — moved along with the cavalry under the 
 command of Col. T. L. Rosser. Soon they had an enfilad- 
 ing fire upon the enemy's lines which told with fearful 
 effect. 
 
 In the meantime Robertson's brigade had reached the 
 Lewis house on the ridge overlooking Bull Run. The 
 Second Virginia, under Colonel Munford, was in front. A 
 small body of Federal cavalry was seen. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. J. W. Watts of the Second, with one squadron 
 charged and routed it, but before he had gone far discovered 
 Buford's brigade of cavalry drawn up. The rest of the 
 Second now coming up, the whole regiment was soon 
 engaged with the enemy, meeting their charge with a 
 countercharge. 
 
 Here a terrible hand-to-hand fight ensued, and the 
 Federals with greatly superior numbers began to force back 
 the Confederates, when the Seventh, under Capt. S. B. 
 Myers; the Twelfth, under Col. A. W. Harman, and the 
 Sixth, under Colonel Flournoy, coming up to the rescue, the 
 Federals were soon forced from the field, and the Seventh 
 and Twelfth continued the pursuit until the enemy were 
 driven beyond the turnpike at Stone Bridge. 
 
 Says Stuart in his report, "Nothing could have equaled 
 the splendor with which Robertson's regiments swept down 
 upon a force greatly outnumbering them." 
 
 In this fight Colonel Brodhead of the First Michigan 
 was mortally wounded by Lieut. Lewis Harman, adjutant 
 of Twelfth Cavalry. 
 
 Three hundred prisoners with many horses, arms, and 
 equipments were captured The loss in Robertson's brigade 
 was five killed and forty wounded. 
 
go A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Pope was now in full retreat, and Jackson early the fol- 
 lowing morning, leaving Longstreet to bury the dead, fol- 
 lowed in pursuit. 
 
 Stuart, with Fitz Lee and Robertson's brigades, preceded 
 Jackson, harassing the enemy's rear. 
 
 Pope, falling back behind the defenses at Washington, 
 was now let alone, and Lee turned the head of his column 
 towards Maryland. 
 
 While Lee was crossing the Potomac, the Seventh and 
 Twelfth regiments of Robertson's brigade, with the guns of 
 Chew's Battery, were ordered to make a demonstration 
 against the enemy and hold him in check. 
 
 The Federal pickets were encountered near Vienna, and 
 resisting were driven in, suffering a loss of three killed. 
 Quite a brisk skirmish now began between the opposing 
 forces, which lasted until sundown, when Robertson's 
 brigade withdrew. 
 
 On September 4th the brigade lost its commander. Genl. 
 B. H. Robertson was ordered to the Department of North 
 Carolina. "Where," said the general order, "his services 
 are indispensably necessary for the organization and instruc- 
 tion of cavalry troops of North Carolina." 
 
 From this time until the latter part of October the brigade 
 was commanded by Colonel Munford. 
 
 The command of Colonel Munford consisted of the 
 Twelfth, now reduced to 120 men; the Second, numbering 
 200, and the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, under Major Myers. 
 
 The Seventeenth Battalion had been ordered on detached 
 service, while the Sixth had been ordered to stay behind to 
 collect arms and guard the captured property on the field 
 of Manassas. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 91 
 
 On the morning of September 8th Mimford was ordered 
 to Poolesville by Stuart, with instructions to expel the enemy 
 from that place. His advance guard had hardly entered the 
 town, when three regiments of Federals with four pieces of 
 artillery appeared upon the scene, and driving out Munford's 
 pickets pressed towards his main body and charged his 
 most forward gun. 
 
 The Federals also charged the rifle piece supported by the 
 Twelfth, when this regiment, gallantly led by Colonel Har- 
 man, pressed forward and drove them off, inflicting consid- 
 erable damage, and suffering a loss of eight men killed and 
 wounded. 
 
 Munford, however, seems to have been finally worsted in 
 the fight, and fell back to the crossroads, where he could 
 guard the approaches to Sugar Loaf Mountain. This point 
 he held for three days, skirmishing with the enemy. 
 
 On the nth, upon the advance of a Federal division under 
 General Slocum, Munford retired to a point within three 
 miles of Frederick City on the Buckeystown Road. 
 
 The advance now of McClellan's army forced back the 
 Confederate line of cavalry pickets. Munford fell back to 
 Burkittsville pursued all the way by Federal cavalry, who 
 were intent upon capturing the trains guarded by him. The 
 enemy were, however, kept away from these, though not 
 without constant skirmishing. 
 
 The train having safely passed over Crampton's Gap, 
 Munford there halted to dispute the Federal advance, plac- 
 ing three pieces of artillery in position. Having received 
 orders from General Stuart to hold the Gap at all hazards, 
 on the morning of the 14th, reinforced by two small infantry 
 
92 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 regiments, Munford posted his small force so as to make 
 the best defense. 
 
 The infantry took position behind a stone wall at the base 
 of the mountain, Chew's Battery and a section of the Ports- 
 mouth Battery on the mountainside. The cavalry, consist- 
 ing of the Second and Twelfth Virginia, were dismounted 
 and placed on the right and left flanks. 
 
 In a short time the enemy appeared and boldly attacked, 
 hurling upon the position brigade after brigade of infantry 
 until the whole of Slocum's division, assisted by a brigade 
 of Heintzelman's, were engaged in the assault. 
 
 In the meantime two regiments of Mahone's brigade rein- 
 forced the Confederates, and the battle waxed hot and 
 bloody. 
 
 For full three hours this little force of Confederates held 
 the Gap against overwhelming numbers. Then General 
 Cobb arrived with two more regiments to reinforce Munford 
 and to assume command. 
 
 The ammunition of the Confederates, who had been so 
 long engaged, was exhausted. Very soon the Federals press- 
 ing forward entered the Gap and drove the Confederates 
 over the mountain. 
 
 The Federal loss in killed and wounded was over 700, 
 while that of the Confederates was comparatively small; 
 although on the retreat over the mountain many prisoners 
 were captured. For after once the line of defense was 
 abandoned the pursuit was hot and the retreat disorderly. 
 
 Colonel Munford, in his report to General Jackson of the 
 operations of the brigade while under his command, says : 
 "The cavalry fought here (at Crampton's Gap) with pistols 
 against rifles. Captain Chew, as true as steel and ever 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 93 
 
 ready, deserves to be mentioned. Col. O. R. Funsten is a 
 noble man, and General Jones' brigade is second to none I 
 have ever yet seen in point of mettle." 
 
 In a private letter since the war, General Munford writes : 
 "We were ordered from Poolesville, Maryland, to Cramp- 
 ton's Gap, and were closely followed by Slocum's division 
 and Franklin's corps, 30,000 strong. Jackson had been sent 
 to capture Harper's Ferry. Chew's Battery was left with 
 me with a part of the brigade to hold that Gap. General 
 Stuart with Hampton's command went southward along the 
 mountain to co-operate with McLaws, whose division held 
 the Maryland heights. Genl. Howell Cobb of Georgia v/as 
 to support my command. At that time we were cavalry 
 with very few arms but sabres and pistols, and it was simply 
 absurd to expect cavalry to contend with infantry on a 
 mountainside. It was there that Chew's Battery delayed an 
 army several hours, supported by my command, which was 
 poorly supported by Cobb."* 
 
 The defense of Crampton's Gap for three hours, in all 
 human probability, not only enabled Jackson successfully to 
 invest Harper's Ferry and capture it with its garrison of 
 12,520 prisoners, 73 pieces of artillery, 13,000 small arms, 
 several hundred wagons, and great stores ; but had Slocum 
 and Franklin succeeded in forcing the Gap early in the 
 afternoon of the 14th, they would have taken McLaws in 
 reverse with overwhelming numbers, and separated as he 
 
 *It is plain from General Munford's account, and he being in com- 
 mand, with orders to "hold the Gap at all hazards," was in best posi- 
 tion to know — that the cavalry was at great disadvantage, and the 
 infantry having arrived too late to assist, it was the artillery under 
 Captain Chew that delayed the Federal Army three hours at Crampton's 
 Gap. An achievement without parallel in the annals of the war. 
 
94 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 was from Jackson by the Potomac River, might have cap- 
 tured his force and raised the siege of Harper's Ferry, 
 
 The command had been given to Munford by Stuart to 
 hold Crampton's Gap at all hazards. Had he indifferently 
 executed that order, it is impossible to estimate how great 
 and far-reaching a disaster might have befallen the Confed- 
 erate arms. 
 
 The Seventh Regiment had on the loth been ordered to 
 report to General Jackson for operations against Harper's 
 Ferry. 
 
 On the same day Jackson started from Frederick City, 
 and on the nth recrossed the Potomac en route to Harper's 
 Ferry, and drove the Federals out of Martinsburg before 
 him to swell the garrison at Harper's Ferry. 
 
 In this almost bloodless episode, which ended in the cap- 
 ture of the Federal garrison at Harper's Ferry, the Seventh, 
 under Major Myers, accompanied Jackson, helping to mask 
 the movement and otherwise furnishing aid. 
 
 The Seventeenth Battalion, under command of Maj. 
 Thomas B. Massie, and a company of the Twelfth did not 
 participate in the Maryland campaign until after the sur- 
 render of Harper's Ferry, September 15th, 1862. 
 
 On the 30th of September this battalion crossed the Blue 
 Ridge at Snickers Gap, and spent several days scouting in 
 the neighborhood of Winchester. 
 
 On the 7th of September Major Massie took his com- 
 mand on a reconnoissance towards Harper's Ferry, and 
 v/hen near Darksville met with a small force of Federals 
 and charged and pursued them to the neighborhood of 
 Martinsburg. In the charge many prisoners were captured, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 95 
 
 and Massie's command stringing- out in pursuit, lost their 
 proper position in the column. 
 
 On the return, when near Darksville, they were suddenly 
 attacked by a Federal cavalry force. Forming his men as 
 best he might in the streets of Darksville, he gave battle, 
 and after a contest in which several of the Confederates 
 were killed and wounded he was forced to retreat. 
 
 In this skirmish the Federals had a force of five com- 
 panies of cavalry, four companies of infantry, and a section 
 of artillery. 
 
 Colonel Voss, who was in command of the Federals, 
 acknowledged a loss of thirteen wounded. 
 
 Shortly after this skirmish Major Massie and his com- 
 mand joined Jackson at Harper's Ferry, where they occu- 
 pied a position on his flanks, picketing the fords of the 
 Shenandoah and Potomac until the surrender of the place. 
 
 The immense plunder captured at Harper's Ferry would 
 have furnished enjoyment to the victors for several days, 
 but the pressure on Lee in Maryland left no time for a 
 glorification. 
 
 On the 1 6th Jackson's whole army, with the exception of 
 Hill's division, began to retrace their steps to the side of 
 Lee, who was now threatened with an attack from McClel- 
 lan's army. 
 
 Soon the opposing forces gathered and confronted each 
 other near Sharpsburg in Maryland. 
 
 The brigade being posted on the right of Lee's line near 
 the river, did not actively participate in the hard-fought 
 battle of Sharpsburg, Antietam as it is commonly called, 
 although engaging in several skirmishes. 
 
 Lee's army, though more than decimated by the unequal 
 contest of the day before, still defiantly confronted a foe 
 
96 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 who, though conscious of superior numbers, did not again 
 move to the attack. 
 
 During the night of the i8th Lee safely withdrew to the 
 south bank of the Potomac. The cavalry was the last to 
 cross, and Munford's command brought up the rear, 
 making the passage in sight of the Federals and under 
 cover of friendly guns on the south bank. 
 
 The brigade now took position on the Confederate right 
 near Boteler's Ford. Near this ford also was stationed 
 Lee's reserve artillery, supported by two infantry brigades, 
 Armistead's and Lawton's. 
 
 On the evening of the 19th four regiments of Federals 
 crossed at this point and, making a vigorous attack, drove 
 off the Confederate infantry and captured four guns. 
 
 The disaster would have been greater had not Munford 
 covered the retreat of the infantry and artillery with his 
 cavalry. 
 
 Shortly after the 20th of September Lee's whole army 
 returned and took position south of Martinsburg. 
 
 While the jaded infantry was enjoying a well-earned 
 repose, the cavalry kept watch on the front, occasionally 
 engaging in skirmishes with the enemy. 
 
 When the brigade under Robertson crossed the Blue 
 Ridge to operate with Jackson in June near Richmond, 
 Company B of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry 'was left in 
 the Valley, and the services of this company while thus 
 detached, under command of Lieutenants Milton Rouss and 
 George Baylor, won for it a name, which being well sus- 
 tained by its subsequent conduct during the entire war, 
 made it famous throughout the Army of Northern Virginia. 
 
 The operations of the company were chiefly in 'the lower 
 Valley. Shields, Fremont, and Banks having gone east of 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 97 
 
 the mountain to join Pope, the other Federals had with- 
 drawn to points on, and near to the Baltimore and Ohio and 
 the Winchester and Potomac railroads. 
 
 Brigadier-General White occupied Winchester with a 
 considerable force of all arms. General Reddin was occupy- 
 ing Front Royal August loth and some time prior, with a 
 force of 800 infantry of the Third Delaware Regiment, 400 
 cavalry, and a battery of artillery. 
 
 Company B at that time had its camp near Harrisonburg, 
 Lieutenant Rouss being absent on short leave, Lieut. George 
 Baylor, next in command, with thirty men started on a scout 
 in the Luray Valley, and made a dash into Front Royal, 
 which for its rashness and success had few equals in the 
 annals of the war. The account of it is best told as far as 
 practicable in Lieutenant Baylor's own language found in 
 his "Bull Run to Bull Run," page 45 : 
 
 "On the loth of August with thirty men I started on a scout 
 to Luray, expecting to find a small force of the enemy in 
 possession of the town ; but on marching there found the enemy 
 had moved east that morning, and a few stragglers were cap- 
 tured. The night was spent in Luray with our friends. 
 * * * The next morning with twenty-five men I started on 
 the road to Front Royal. We inquired along the road as to 
 the enemy's position, but failed to elicit any further informa- 
 tion than that it occupied Front Royal. About noon on the 
 nth we had reached the vicinity of that town, but had 
 encountered no foe. 
 
 "About one-half mile south of the place, however, we came 
 suddenly upon the enemy's cavalry picket-post, and a charge 
 was immediately ordered. Recklessly we dashed into the town, 
 capturing the cavalry picket reserve, and finding the town 
 occupied by a large infantry force. Our men were soon 
 scattered, pursuing fleeing Yankees in every direction. 
 
98 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "Noticing- a company of infantry forming- in front of the 
 hotel, and about forty men in Hne, I called Henry Beall and 
 Charley Crane to my assistance and we dashed in among them, 
 and drawing my pistol on the officer in command, demanded a 
 surrender. He turned to his men and ordered them to 'ground 
 arms,' an order quickly obeyed. Securing the officer, I 
 directed the men to march out by the Luray Road. 
 
 "Just then another officer appeared on the scene, and he too 
 was made prisoner. General Reddin, who was in command of 
 the force, made his escape on a cart horse. Our handful of 
 men' were soon overwhelmed with prisoners, and I was satis- 
 fied we must beat a hasty retreat. 
 
 "In looking up our boys and getting them together, I found 
 John Terrill and Bob North in among the infantry tents, 
 slashing holes in them with their sabres and ordering the occu- 
 pants to come out. 
 
 "Our situation was critical indeed, and gathering up as many 
 of the prisoners as could hastily be gotten together, our retreat 
 was begun. 
 
 "We left Front Royal with about 300 prisoners, most of 
 them infantrymen, and among them a major and two captains. 
 
 "When about a mile south of the town, the enemy's cavalry, 
 about 300 strong, appeared in our rear. About fifteen horses 
 had been captured from the enemy. On these prisoners were 
 mounted, and with the residue on foot in charge of fifteen men, 
 were started ofif at a rapid pace towards Luray, while with ten 
 men I undertook to cover the retreat. The enemy was held in 
 check for some time, but finally broke our little rear guard and 
 succeeded in releasing the foot prisoners, but those on horse- 
 back were brought off safely. 
 
 "In a running fight of five miles, with countercharges we 
 kept this body of cavalry sufficiently in check to permit the 
 mounted prisoners and guards to keep at a safe distance from 
 recapture. 
 
 "In one of the enemy's charges Private Baker of our com- 
 pany was captured, a countercharge was ordered and Baker 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 99 
 
 was released. In this engagement George Timberlake v.'Z: 
 slightly wounded ; Orderly Sergt. Seth Timberbke, known 
 as the 'Fighting Sergeant,' had his horse Killed, and my horse 
 was wounded in the shoulder and neck, and though losing 
 blood, bore me safely through the conflict. 
 
 "The enemy's loss was ten killed and wounded, and two 
 officers and thirteen men prisoners. The officers 'were Cap- 
 tains Darrell and Baker of the Third Delaware Regiment." 
 
 After this event Company B rested in camp, which was 
 still near Harrisonburg, and on August 26th started on 
 another expedition under command of Lieut. Milton Rouss. 
 
 Leaving a sufficient picket for the post under command 
 of a sergeant. Lieutenant Rouss with thirty men started 
 down the Valley to observe the enemy and follow the lead 
 of opportunity in demonstrations against him. Winchester 
 was at that time occupied by the Federals under Brigadier- 
 General White, with a brigade of infantry, a battery of 
 artillery, and 290 cavalry. 
 
 The neighborhood of Winchester was the objective point 
 of Rouss' expedition, and the point arrived at was midway 
 between Summit Point and Wade's Depot, at each of which 
 places the enemy had a force of eighty infantry and five 
 cavalry. The distance between the two depots is four miles, 
 hence in either direction Rouss' command of thirty men 
 was only two miles from the enemy, with the garrison at 
 Winchester directly between his present position and his 
 camp at Harrisonburg, and a part of that garrison consist- 
 ing of 290 freshly-mounted cavalry. 
 
 At four o'clock P. M. the Potomac Railroad was reached 
 and in a few minutes the sound of the passenger engine was 
 heard.. A quick disposition was made of the force, and 
 obstructions were at once placed on the track to bring the 
 
lOO A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 engne to a halt. When the train had reached within loo 
 yards of tTit oo -trytv'on the command was given to halt, 
 but the frightened engineer took no heed of the command. 
 A pistol fire was at once opened upon the moving train, 
 which came to a standstill just in front of the obstruction. 
 
 The engineer was immediately taken in hand, and some 
 of the men entering the cars made prisoners of the eight 
 Federal soldiers on board. 
 
 The few citizens on board were permitted to proceed on 
 foot towards Winchester. The agent of the Adams 
 Express Company in an attempt to escape was badly 
 wounded in the thigh. 
 
 The express car was full of wines, fruit, and other 
 delicacies which 'the Confederate troopers enjoyed with fine 
 appetites, drinking bumpers of champagne to the health of 
 Jeff Davis, the Southern Confederacy, and to each of their 
 sweethearts by name. 
 
 The United States mail was also secured, and about 
 $4,000 in money that was intended for the Federal pay- 
 master. 
 
 The engine was put under full steam and started towards 
 Winchester, and the cars set on fire and pine laid on to 
 facilitate the burning. The telegraph wire was cut and the 
 line destroyed for 200 yards. 
 
 Sending back the prisoners by Lieutenant Roland with 
 thirteen men, Rouss with Baylor and seventeen men started 
 to capture a small cavalry force at Middleway, some six 
 miles north, in Jefferson county. Upon arriving in sight of 
 the pickets he charged them, (Capturing them, three in num- 
 ber, without firing a shot, and pressed on quickly into the 
 town, where the reserve, fourteen in number, were captured 
 before they had time to mount their horses. 
 
A History of the Lal^vi:.!. I>ri(' ?p.e ioi 
 
 Loaded down with Federal prisoners and plunder, Rouss 
 thought it prudent to return to his encampment, in accom- 
 plishing which he camped for an hour about daylight within 
 five miles of Winchester, having passed within three miles 
 of that place, seeing the Federal camp-fires. 
 
 This bold enterprise caused much excitement among the 
 Federals, and soon thereafter White hastily evacuated Win- 
 chester, leaving four thirty-two pounders, which he first 
 spiked, and burned the carriages; and destroying 70,000 
 pounds of forage and 60,000 rations besides other stores, 
 tools, etc. 
 
 Rouss soon after moved his camp down the Valley, 
 harassing the enemy wherever practicable. 
 
 On the 6th of September the company took active part in 
 the afifair at Darksville, under Lieutenant-Colonel Massie, of 
 which mention has already been made ; he having with him 
 Company I of the Twelfth and a squadron of the Eleventh 
 Virginia Cavalry, at that time consisting of only six com- 
 panies and known as the Seventeenth Battalion. 
 
 On the 7th Company B took position near Charles Town 
 and remained there until the morning of the 13th, when it 
 was attacked by four companies of the First New York Cav- 
 alry, about a mile west of the town, and after a sharp brush 
 the enemy retired. In this encounter Lieutenant Rouss and 
 Private Cary Selden were wounded. 
 
 This company remained on detached service in the Valley 
 until the early part of the winter of 1863, when it was 
 recalled to its place in the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, the 
 brigade at that time being under the command of Genl. Wil- 
 liam E. Jones. 
 
lo?? A MisioRv OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 For six weeks Lee's army, after the battle of Sharps- 
 burg-, remained quiet, recruiting its strength. 
 
 In the meantime Stuart engaged in one of those bold raids 
 that added so much to his fame. 
 
 On the loth of October Stuart with a command consisting 
 of about 1, 800 men, each of his brigades furnishing 600, 
 crossed the Potomac a little above McCoy's Ford. By eight 
 o'clock in the morning the Federals were aware of this 
 movement, but before any resistance could be organized the 
 bold Confederates swept northward, spreading consternation 
 among the thrifty farmers of Pennsylvania. 
 
 On either flank squadrons scoured the country for fresh 
 horses, and in spite of McClellan's army along the Potomac, 
 the chattels of the good citizens of Pennsylvania were appro- 
 priated for the benefit of the Confederacy. 
 
 The first day's march brought the column to Chambers- 
 burg, where the night was passed in the midst of a drizzling 
 rain. 
 
 The news of the raid had been telegraphed from point to 
 point, and in every direction preparations were made by the 
 Federals to intercept Stuart on his return. 
 
 It had proved easy enough to enter the enemy's country. 
 The more difficult task of getting out of it now confronted 
 him. Stuart, however, was equal to the emergency. He 
 determined that the "longest way around was the shortest 
 way home" ; so contrary to all expectations he turned his 
 face eastward instead of westward, proceeding nearly to 
 Gettysburg. At Cashtown he turned southward ; as soon as 
 he crossed the Maryland line, the flankers gathering horses 
 were called in and the column closed up. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 103 
 
 By rapid marching he disappointed all the expectations of 
 the foe. Avoiding his enemy at one point, at another he 
 brushed him aside, reaching Emmitsburg about sundown on 
 the nth. 
 
 There were yet forty-five miles to the Potomac. All night 
 long his command moved at a trot, the artillery keeping up 
 by means of fresh horses, ever ready. By daylight on the 
 Twelfth he entered Hyattstown, twelve miles yet from a 
 place of safety. 
 
 When near Poolesville the Federal cavalry under General 
 Pleasonton were seen, when a sudden charge upon them 
 cleared the road, and marching towards White's Ford he 
 there crossed safely with all his command. The detachment 
 from Munford's command on this raid was under Col. W. 
 E. Jones. It was the second to cross at White's Ford. 
 
 The results of this raid were manifold. Twelve hundred 
 horses were taken from the farmers of Pennsylvania, not 
 to speak of other spoils. Perhaps the most valuable result 
 was that it called into activity many thousands of the Fed- 
 erals, and used up their cavalry in their attempts to find and 
 intercept Stuart. 
 
 Like all of Stuart's raids, however, it taught the Federals 
 the advantage of a well-organized and numerous cavalry 
 force, and stimulated them to increase and better equip this 
 arm of the service. 
 
 While Lee was resting his men, collecting stragglers, and 
 drilling new levies in the lower Valley, the Federals were 
 similarly engaged, and with much greater resources to draw 
 from. 
 
I04 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The authorities at Washington wanted McClellan to move 
 nearer to Washington, across the Potomac, fearing, as they 
 always did, a surprise by way of Manassas. 
 
 McClellan, believing that if he crossed below Harper's 
 Ferry, Lee would again invade Maryland, at first hesitated, 
 but afterwards yielded, having left the important points 
 along the Potomac heavily garrisoned. 
 
 On the 26th of October the Federals began crossing the 
 Potomac in force at Berlin. 
 
 On the 29th the Second and Fifth corps crossed at Har- 
 per's Ferry, and the whole Federal Army, by November the 
 2nd, were moving on both sides of the Blue Ridge south- 
 ward, to get between Lee and Richmond. Before this, how- 
 ever. Harper's Ferry had been occupied by a considerable 
 force of Federals, and their advance was watched, and fre- 
 quently attacked by portions of our cavalry. 
 
 On the 1 6th of October, and for a short time before, Mun- 
 ford's command was occupied in picketing from Walper's 
 Crossroads, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, to Berry's 
 Ferry. 
 
 The Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, under the command of 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Burks, was on picket at Charles Town, 
 and with them Capt. B. H. Smith, Third Company Rich- 
 mond Howitzers, and Lieut. J. W. Carter of Chew's Battery. 
 
 Early in the morning of the i6th a division of Federal 
 infantry and artillery drove in our pickets, and for four 
 hours were held in check by the Confederate force men- 
 tioned. 
 
 Our loss was two killed and five or six wounded ; that of 
 the enemy much greater. 
 
BRIG.-GENL. WILLIAM E. JONES 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 105 
 
 For gallantry in this engagement Colonel Munford com- 
 mends Lieutenant Carter, Colonel Burks, Captain Smith, 
 and Lieut. L. F. Jones. 
 
 The latter part of October, the Confederate Army, in 
 response to McClellan's southern movement, began to leave 
 the Valley and set out for Culpeper Court House. 
 
 Munford's brigade was detached from Stuart's division 
 and ordered to bring up Jackson's rear. 
 
 The Federals having now made the Rappahannock their 
 line and threatening to advance on Richmond, Lee kept 
 Jackson in the Valley to menace their flank if they moved 
 further south. 
 
 While matters were in this condition, on November the 
 8th, Col. W. E. Jones was made brigadier and assigned to 
 the command of the brigade, now called the Second Brigade. 
 
 On November the loth, 1862, it was ordered from army 
 headquarters that Jones' (the Second Brigade) was to con- 
 sist of the Seventh, Twelfth and Sixth regiments, the Seven- 
 teenth Battalion, and White's cavalry. 
 
 In a skirmish at Philamount, on the 9th of November, 
 four men of White's Battalion — Mortimer W. Palmer, R. 
 Henry Simpson, David J. Lee, and Robert A. Ritacor — 
 charged and drove out of the town fifty Federals, capturing 
 two negroes and three wagons from their train. 
 
 On the evening of November 9th, Geary with 2,500 
 infantry marched from Bolivar Heights, and driving the 
 Confederate picket from Halltown, pursued them beyond 
 Rippon. The picket was a portion of the Twelfth Virginia. 
 
 On the 28th of October White's cavalry was organized 
 into a battalion, and its captain, E. V. White, was promoted 
 to major. 
 
io6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Up to this time this command, consisting- of only one com- 
 pany, had been engaged in detached service chiefly, in the 
 counties of Loudon, Va., and Montgomery, Md., and had 
 won quite a reputation for dash and efficiency under its gal- 
 lant leader. 
 
 At this time Major White was recovering from a wound 
 he had received. The battalion was stationed in Snickers 
 Gap. A Federal force, the Eighth New York, under Colonel 
 Davis, attempted to force its way through the Gap, but was 
 driven back. 
 
 On November 3rd another attempt was made upon the 
 Gap with a heavy force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, 
 which was again repulsed with the assistance of Hill's 
 infantry. At this time the main portion of Lee's army was 
 still between Winchester and Martinsburg. 
 
 In this engagement White's men were forced through 
 the gap across Castleman's Ferry, the Federals advancing to 
 the river bank. 
 
 In the meantime, a battery belonging to A. P. Hill's corps, 
 came to the rescue, and delivering a heavy fire upon the 
 Federals massed upon the east bank, killed a great many and 
 drove them in confusion up the mountain. 
 
 The Federal force in this engagement, consisted of forty- 
 six cavalry, 219 of the Fourteenth Massachusetts Infantry, 
 and a part of two other regiments of regulars. Their loss is 
 not exactly reported, but the Fourteenth Infantry lost thirty 
 killed and wounded. Among the rest five officers. 
 
 A few days after this. White went through the Gap and 
 harassing the rear of the Federal column, captured twenty 
 wagons and 102 prisoners. This was followed by other 
 raiding expeditions of White, on the trains and camps of the 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 107 
 
 Federals now moving southward towards Fredericksburg, in 
 which more wagons and provisions were captured. 
 
 On the 28th of November, however, the Federals had their 
 revenge. General Stahl with a considerable force of cavalry 
 crossed the Shenandoah at Castleman's Ferry, and attacked 
 the small company on picket there belonging to White's 
 command. White's camp of sick and dismounted men was 
 but two miles further from the river, the rest of his com- 
 panies being stationed elsewhere. The Federals soon drove 
 the company on picket towards Berryville and pressed them 
 vigorously. 
 
 White, who was sick at a house near the road, joined the 
 rear of his men before the camp was reached, and was soon 
 wounded in the thigh. All attempts to rally the men at the 
 camp proved fruitless, and the retreat was continued beyond 
 Berryville, where the enemy was met by a portion of the 
 Twelfth Cavalry under Major Massie. 
 
 A vigorous charge by the Twelfth gave a serious check, 
 but the victorious Federals advanced on the turnpike as far 
 as the Opequon. 
 
 Colonel Burks, who commanded the Twelfth, reports that 
 Company F, under Lieutenant Randolph, turned out first, 
 and was followed by Capt. E. Sipe, commanding Company 
 H ; Lieutenants Harman and Myers, commanding Com- 
 panies K and C — in all about 100 men. 
 
 The Confederate loss was twenty-seven captured, four 
 wounded and two wagons captured. The Federals acknowl- 
 edge a loss of fifteen killed and wounded, but they claim to 
 have captured forty Confederates and killed and wounded 
 fifty. 
 
io8 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 On the 1 2th of November Maj. E. V. White was sent on 
 a scout with his battahon east of the Bkie Ridge, and was 
 so successful as to win praise from both Stuart and Lee for 
 his boldness and discretion. 
 
 Crossing- at Snickers Gap he went to Hillsboro in Loudon 
 county and captured a picket of twelve infantrymen. Push- 
 ing on towards Leesburg he came up with some Federal cav- 
 alry, which he charged and routed, capturing two and 
 wounding three. 
 
 On the morning of the 14th he came upon the company 
 of Loudoun Guerrillas commanded by Capt. Means. These 
 he charged and drove, pursuing them for five miles, killing 
 one, a lieutenant, and capturing two. 
 
 Hearing that^here was a company of Federals at Pooles- 
 ville, he made for that point with ninety-three men in his 
 command. Here he learned that one-half of the Federal 
 force was out of town and that the remainder was quartered 
 in the town hall. 
 
 Dividing his forces he advanced, attacking the hall from 
 different directions. The garrison fired upon them, killing 
 one man ; but White's men poured in upon them such a well- 
 directed fire, killing and wounding ten, that the rest sur- 
 rendered. 
 
 While marching upon Poolesville he had sent a detach- 
 ment to watch the enemy at Harper's Ferry, which was 
 lucky enough to capture and parole a picket of twenty-six, 
 thus swelling the number of Federals captured on this raid 
 to seventy-seven. 
 
 The brigade during the month of December shifted its 
 headquarters from point to point, according to the avail- 
 
MAJ. EDWARD H. McDONALD 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 109 
 
 ability of forage, but gradually moved southward until about 
 Christmas, when it camped at New Market. 
 
 General Jones, when not on the march, was an indefati- 
 gable organizer. While constantly sending out detached 
 companies to deliver attacks at distant points, he kept the 
 rest of the command constantly drilling and subjected to a 
 rigid discipline, which greatly increased its efficiency. 
 
 On the 1st of December, Company D of the Seventeenth 
 Battalion, under Capt. E. H. McDonald, was sent on a 
 reconnoissance to Moorefield. The primary object being to 
 recruit the company in men and horses, most of the men 
 having homes in Hampshire county. 
 
 Upon reaching Moorefield, and being informed that no 
 enemy was in the neighborhood, the company scattered 
 through the town, and while so disorganized was surprised 
 by a force of 200 Federal cavalry, who captured Captain 
 McDonald and several of his men. 
 
 On December the nth, a portion of the Seventh Virginia, 
 while on picket near Martinsburg, was attacked by a 
 superior Federal force and driven to Darksville, where being 
 reinforced, it in turn drove back the Federals. The latter 
 claimed to have captured thirteen prisoners in this encounter. 
 
 December 29th, 1862, Genl. W. E. Jones was assigned, by 
 order of General Lee, during the absence of Jackson from 
 the Valley, to the command of the Valley District and of all 
 the troops operating in that region not embraced in the 
 Department of West Virginia. 
 
 Of the same date as above was a letter to Colonel David- 
 son at Staunton from Lee, telling him that he had ordered 
 General Jones to gather all the Valley troops and drive the 
 enemy beyond the Potomac. 
 
no A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 This was done in consequence of information stating that 
 Milroy, stationed at Petersburg, was heavily oppressing the 
 people of Mineral county. 
 
 Also a letter to Jones of same date, directing him to drive 
 the enemy out of the valley of the South Branch. 
 
 About the 24th of December, 1862. Jones, then stationed 
 at New Market, hearing that Cluseret had entered the Val- 
 ley at Strasburg and was moving on \Mnchester. followed 
 him with one regiment and a batterv to Kernstown. where 
 a light skirmish occurred, and Jones withdrew to Xew 
 IMarket. 
 
 On the 2nd of Januar}-, 1863. Jones, commanding a force 
 composed of his brigade and Chew's Battery, together with 
 the First Battalion, Maryland Cavalry; First Battalion, 
 Maryland Infantry, and the Mar)-land Batter}-, marched on 
 Mooreneld and reached there on the morning of the 3rd, 
 having marched rapidly in order to surprise and overcome 
 the Federal force at Moorefield before it could be aided by 
 the Federal force at Petersburg. 
 
 Having selected an inferior position for his artillery, the 
 shells from his battery fell short, while those of the enemy 
 reached him. 
 
 In the meantime the Federals from Petersburg came 
 within striking distance and opened upon his rear. The 
 batteries of this force also opened on him with effect, while 
 his shots again failed to reach them. 
 
 The two wings of his command could not unite, but for- 
 tunately, those of the enemy were in a like condition. 
 
 Fearing that the enemy would receive reinforcements 
 from New Creek, he determined to withdraw, which he did 
 after holding his position two hours. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade hi 
 
 A picket of twenty Federals were captured near Moore- 
 field in the morning- by a part of the Seventh under Lieu- 
 tenant \^andiver, and the Sixth and the Seventh, under Col- 
 onel Dulany, captured forty-six more at Petersburg. 
 
 Late at night the two wings of Jones' command united 
 about ten miles above ^loorefield. The following morning 
 an attack was determined upon, but the enemy being rein- 
 forced Jones withdrew, having met with only partial success. 
 
 He had captured in all ninety-nine prisoners, having no 
 loss but two men wounded. 
 
 In his report the following are spoken of with praise : 
 Colonel Dulany. Lieut. C. H. \^andiver, Privates J. W. 
 Kuykendall. and J. S. Hutton, of the Seventh Virginia 
 Cavalry. 
 
 The attack upon ]Moorefield in midwinter though appar- 
 ently fruitless, yet had the effect of alarming the Federals, 
 who thought it the advance of a strong movement down 
 the Valley upon Harper's Ferry. In consequence. Wash- 
 burn on the 8th was ordered to fall back from Moorefield to 
 Romney. twenty miles further north. 
 
 Four days later General ]\Iilroy. who was at Winchester, 
 telegraphed for help against a foe that his own imagination 
 had conjured up, and on the 17th he again telegraphed that 
 Jones with 2.700 infantry was between him and Strasburg, 
 but adds. "I have no fears for this place." and ends in asking 
 for \\'ashburn's two regiments, saying. "It is cruel to keep 
 me here so helpless." 
 
 After his return from ]\Ioorefield General Jones was 
 ordered by General Lee to organize a force in the Valley, 
 including his own. Colonel Davidson's at Staunton, and 
 Imboden's, and endeavor to curtail the operations of the 
 
112 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 enemy if he could not force him to retire. At this time there 
 was a great outcry for this from the people of the lower 
 Valley, on account of Milroy's assessments for the support 
 of his army and of his brutal treatment of the non-com- 
 batants. Jones was, however, much restricted in his move- 
 ments by the scarcity of forage, and midwinter having now 
 arrived, he busied himself preparing for the spring cam- 
 paign, drilling his men and recruiting his forces. He was 
 always, however, wide-awake and did not fail to strike a 
 blow when an opportunity presented itself. 
 
 Early in February the Thirty-fifth Battalion, under com- 
 mand of Lieut. -Col. E. V. White, was detached by General 
 Jackson and sent to arrest certain parties living in Loudoun 
 county, Virginia. 
 
 Milroy still remained at Winchester, strengthening his 
 position and acting the petty tyrant towards the defenseless 
 citizens of that section. He seemed to think that he had mis- 
 sionary as well as military duties to perform. He resorted 
 to every kind of espionage to ascertain the opinion of the 
 women, as well as the male non-combatants, who were at 
 his mercy; and tried by threats and ill treatment of the 
 staunchest Confederates to make proselytes to his political 
 creed. This disgraceful conduct only served to intensify the 
 loyalty of the people to the Southern cause. 
 
 General Jones, while in camp at New Market, devoted 
 his time to fully organizing his command and perfecting 
 them by daily drill in military exercises. 
 
 In January the Seventeenth Battalion, increased by the 
 addition of new companies, was organized into a regiment 
 and was thenceforward the Eleventh Regiment, of which 
 
OLIVER RIDGWAY FUNSTEN 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 113 
 
 Major Funsten, promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy, was put 
 in command. 
 
 He entered upon the work of regimental organization with 
 great zeal, and in a short time the new regiment was strong 
 in numbers and full of an esprit du corps, the effect of which 
 was seen at the first opportunity presented for its display. 
 
 On the morning of February 26th an event occurred 
 which broke the monotony of winter quarters. It was occa- 
 sioned by the adventurous enterprise of Capt. F. A. Bond 
 of Brown's Battalion of Maryland Cavalry on picket near 
 Strasburg. 
 
 Having learned that the Federal picket near Kernstown 
 might be captured, without orders from General Jones, com- 
 manding in the Valley, he attacked the picket and capturing 
 them, made of¥ with his prisoners. 
 
 Apparently enraged at his audacity, about 500 Federal 
 cavalry of the First New York and Thirteenth Pennsylvania 
 regiments followed him, in hot pursuit. From Kernstown to 
 Strasburg, over thirteen miles of frozen turnpike, went 
 pursuer and pursued. 
 
 When the head of the flying column reached the pickets 
 of General Jones they too joined in the flight to some dis- 
 tance beyond Woodstock, still pursued by the wrathful 
 Federals. Here they left the turnpike, and while some of 
 the Federals pursued the flying pickets up the Back Road, 
 which runs parallel with the turnpike, others attempted the 
 capture of the wagon trains then in quest of forage in the 
 neighborhood of Woodstock. They were, however, beaten 
 off by Col. J. Herbert with a portion of the Maryland 
 infantry encamped near by. 
 
114 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 Hardly had they returned to the turnpike when there 
 came in view the head of the Confederate cohimn coming 
 to punish in turn the Federal audacity. These troops had 
 been ordered forward from New Market by General Jones 
 at the first news of the Federal dash, and consisted of a 
 portion of the Eleventh, under Colonel Funsten, numbering 
 about 1 20 men. At the head of the column rode Funsten 
 and Jones. 
 
 Says Colonel Funsten in his report to General Jones : 
 "Led by you we dashed past their rear guard, who occupied 
 an eminence near the road, and charged the rear of the 
 column. So sudden and impetuous was the attack that 
 every attempt, of which there were several, made by their 
 officers to form a line and rally, was unavailing. 
 
 "We pressed them hotly, using both sabre and revolver 
 with good effect, to Cedar Creek bridge, a distance of about 
 twelve miles, where a part of them made a stand. I halted 
 the front of the column preparatory to renewing the charge, 
 my command being greatly reduced by the capture and 
 guarding of prisoners, of whom the number already taken 
 was greater than that with which I made the attack. The 
 casualties in my regiment were two killed and two wounded. 
 It is always a delicate point to discriminate among those 
 who have done their duty faithfully, but I cannot forbear 
 to mention Captains W. H. Harness, E. H. McDonald, and 
 F. A. Dangerfield." 
 
 Not far in the rear of the Eleventh in this mad ride for 
 vengeance thundered the old Seventh. After a hurried 
 march of nineteen miles they came up with the Eleventh at 
 Strasburg, Colonel Dulany in command, and having wnth 
 him about 220 men. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 115 
 
 Says Dulany in his report : "When we reached the high 
 ground beyond Strasburg, we found the enemy had returned 
 and again formed about 300 yards south of Cedar Creek. 
 As we came in sight of each other they seemed to advance 
 slowly towards us, but when we got within 200 yards, our 
 sabres drawn, they wheeled and went at full speed towards 
 the bridge, crossed and again formed to receive us. As 
 only two men could cross the bridge abreast, they could 
 easily have prevented our crossing with their long-range 
 guns, since their position was very strong and higher than 
 the bridge. Changing the direction of our column, we 
 crossed the creek at the ford, some 200 yards below the 
 bridge. 
 
 "As soon as a portion of my command had crossed, the 
 enemy broke, not waiting for us to close with them." 
 
 The retreat now became a race, the best mounted Con- 
 federates taking the lead. He continues : "As we came up 
 v/ith the rear not a man that I saw offered to surrender 
 until driven back by the sabres of our men, or shot. Some, 
 finding we were overtaking them, slipped from their horses 
 and sought refuge in the houses along the road ; and many 
 had thrown their pistols away when captured." 
 
 After capturing about seventy prisoners, many of them 
 wounded, the Seventh halted about a mile and a half beyond 
 Middletown, after a race of twenty-six miles. 
 
 General Jones in his report to Lee says that his men cap- 
 tured 200 prisoners, killing and wounding many more. 
 Some of these were captured by Brown's Battalion which, 
 close behind the Seventh, participated in the chase. For 
 gallantry and wise action on this occasion, General Jones 
 warmly recommended Colonel Funsten to Lee for the 
 vacant colonelcy of the Eleventh Regiment. The sugges- 
 
1 16 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 tion, approved by Lee, was, however, disregarded by the 
 Government, and not long afterwards Col. L. L. Lomax was 
 made colonel of the Eleventh. Being a West Point graduate 
 and a dashing officer, he soon won the confidence of his 
 men. 
 
 The brilliant affair down the turnpike furnished food for 
 entertainment for many days. It had occurred in mid- 
 winter and served to vary the monotony of camp life and 
 the drudgery of the daily drill. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 March, 1863 
 
 Jones' expedition into western Virginia — Weak men and horses left in 
 camp — Inclement weather and swollen streams — Dangerous cross- 
 ing of the Potomac at Petersburg — Heroic assistance of citizens — 
 Rev. Richard Davis — Fight at Greenland Gap — McNeil's Rangers 
 co-operate with Jones — Colonel Harman enters Oakland, destroys 
 railroad bridge — Cranberry Summit — Mountaineers unfriendly and 
 bushwhack our column — Capture of Morgantown — Bridgeport and 
 Fairmont — Destruction of oil wells — A river on fire — Return to 
 the Valley — Results of expedition — Cross the Blue Ridge to join 
 "Jeb" Stuart — A grand review — Battle of Brandy Station. 
 
 The soldiers of the brigade were anxious for another 
 opportunity to enjoy the froHc of a warhke chase, not 
 dreaming that their commander was hatching a scheme that 
 would give them their fill of marching and fighting. 
 
 This was the famous West Virginia expedition. For 
 more than a month before it took place, General Jones was 
 busy studying all the known ways of destroying iron 
 bridges, tunnels, and trestling. 
 
 He was evolving a plan to do such destruction to the 
 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, exposed as it was on account 
 of its tunnels, bridges, and trestling to damage from hostile 
 parties, that for six months at least no troops might pass 
 over it. 
 
 During the month of March he made many trips to 
 Staunton, with the design of perfecting his preparations for 
 the expedition. 
 
 He had communicated his plans to General Lee and gotten 
 his full consent and approval. Forage was gathered from 
 all quarters to get his horses in condition for the long and 
 
1 18 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 tedious march. Frequent inspections were held and the 
 arms as well as horses carefully looked after. 
 
 The soldiers knew instinctively that something serious 
 was impending, but what it really was they were far from 
 surmising. 
 
 Having arranged with Genl. J. D. Imboden and his com- 
 mand, for a concert of action against the Baltimore and 
 Ohio Railroad, Jones determined to move on the 21st of 
 March. 
 
 On the day previous orders were issued to the regimental 
 commanders to have issued eight days' rations and forty 
 rounds of ammunition, and on the 21st to meet him at 
 Brock's Gap. 
 
 The men and horses unfit for a hard campaign were left 
 behind under Colonel Funsten, near Harrisonburg, while 
 Maj. S. B. Myers^ of the Seventh, an experienced and effi- 
 cient outpost commander, was stationed near Strasburg with 
 several well-mounted companies, one from each regiment of 
 the brigade. 
 
 ^Maj. Samuel B. Myers, of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, a native 
 of Pennsylvania, but having become thoroughly identified with all that 
 pertained to the home of his adoption, few men of Southern birth and 
 traditions made greater sacrifices for the cause of the South than he. 
 
 He was the owner and operator of Columbia Furnace in Shenandoah 
 County, Va. Upon the withdrawal of Virginia from the Union, he at 
 once raised a company of cavalry among the sturdy farmers and hearty 
 mountaineers of the Shenandoah region, which was one of the first 
 enlisted in the regiment of Col. Angus McDonald, and was known as 
 Company C of the famous Seventh regiment, from which developed 
 the Ashby Cavalry and Laurel Brigade. He later was promoted to 
 major of the regiment, and after the wounding of Colonel Dulany, 
 and the death of Lieut.-Col. Thos. Marshall he was usually in com- 
 mand of the regiment. 
 
 There was no braver, more sagacious nor enterprising officer in the 
 service than Major Myers. He was severely wounded at Orange Court 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade i 19 
 
 On the 2 1 St the cohimn started. Besides his own brigade 
 General Jones took with him Wicher's BattaHon of mounted 
 riflemen, Brown's BattaHon of cavalry, and the Maryland 
 Battalion of infantry under Colonel Herbert, and what 
 artillery he had. 
 
 At the outset the weather was inclement, and the con- 
 tinual rains made the roads so muddy that the column was 
 forced to move slowly. 
 
 Before the South Branch of the Potomac was reached it 
 was swollen by the downpour, and all idea of crossing it at 
 Moorefield was abandoned. 
 
 This disappointment secured the safety of the Federal 
 force under Colonel Mulligan at Petersburg, which General 
 Jones had hoped to intercept and capture. 
 
 The route now had to be changed, but from Moorefield 
 the wagon train under convoy of Colonel Herbert, together 
 with the artillery, was sent back with orders to return by 
 way of Franklin and gather up the ''surplus bacon" along 
 the route, which order was successfully accomplished. 
 
 After making a detour from the projected route, the 
 column, now relieved of baggage and artillery, reached 
 Petersburg, where the river was found to be still high and 
 
 House and his horse was shot under him. The wonder is he was not 
 killed in battle. He had many narrow escapes and several horses were 
 killed under him. Among others his favorite white charger "Bill." 
 He was stricken with a disease incident to the exposures of the war 
 and died at his home, on the 25th of February, 1865. He was appre- 
 ciated and beloved both by the soldiers of the Laurel Brigade and by 
 the people throughout the Shenandoah Valley. 
 
 During the absence of the Brigade under General James in West 
 Virginia, Major Myers was left in the Valley with three companies of 
 cavalry. With these he planned and executed a successful ambuscade 
 upon the Federals south of Strasburg, in which he killed, wounded and 
 captured a large number. 
 
I20 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 dangerous to cross. Men who would be quick to charge a 
 battery if ordered, were appalled at the rushing, angry- 
 waters. Besides the ford was exceedingly rough unless the 
 exact path was followed. 
 
 Men with weak horses were not forced to attempt the 
 ford, and a few here turned back. A number of citizens 
 of the neighborhood, loyal to the South, and who were 
 familiar with the crossing, having provided themselves with 
 long poles, boldly rode out into the river and took stations 
 at regular intervals along the ford, with their horses' heads 
 directly up stream. They constantly warned the troopers 
 to keep their horses' heads up stream, and when a horse 
 would start down would tap him on the neck with a pole, 
 and thus help to keep him in the ford. 
 
 There was no bantering nor frivolity among the men, 
 each one realizing the danger and the necessity of keeping 
 his horse in the ford. While there were only one or two 
 men actually drowned, there were many narrow escapes, a 
 notable one being that of Sergt.-Maj. James Figgat of 
 the Twelfth, whose horse falling, he was swept off, bui 
 grasping the tail of a trooper's horse nearest him, was towed 
 across in safety. 
 
 The following is General Jones' official report of the 
 incident : "When but a part of the Sixth Virginia, the 
 leading regiment, had crossed one man and horse were 
 drowned and two others narrowly escaped. But for the 
 timely assistance of Messrs. Hattan, Cunningham, and 
 other citizens of Petersburg, and Private Aaron Welton, 
 our loss must have been serious. The bravery and hardi- 
 hood evinced by them on this occasion is worthy of the 
 highest praise. The conduct of the Rev. Mr. Davis, chap- 
 lain of the Sixth, was here conspicuously good. His 
 
MAJ. SAMUEL B. MYERS 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 121 
 
 example, courage, and abiding faith in Providence won the 
 admiration of all." 
 
 After leaving Petersburg the route lay through Greenland 
 Gap. Contrary to information received, this pass was 
 occupied by the enemy, who had constructed entrenchments 
 around a log church. The position could have been turned, 
 but the time consumed would have created delay enough to 
 probably endanger the success of the general plan. Accord- 
 ingly General Jones determined to take the position by 
 assault. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall with a portion of the 
 Seventh was ordered to charge the works supported by Col. 
 R. H. Dulany with the rest of the Seventh. 
 
 The charge was gallantly made. The enemy, apprised of 
 the attempt, were fully prepared and received the bold 
 troopers with a well-directed volley that emptied several 
 saddles. The Seventh, however, pressed forward and the 
 Federals were forced to retreat into the log church and a 
 house near by. With port-holes between the logs they could 
 fire with a sense of security and with great accuracy against 
 an enemy that had no artillery. 
 
 In the charge of the Seventh, Colonel Dulany was 
 unhorsed with a severe wound in the arm, and lay within 
 easy range of the Federal marksmen. The outlook was 
 very unpromising, but General Jones was bent on taking 
 the position. 
 
 Some of the Seventh had gotten past the church and were 
 in the rear of it. The sharpshooters of the Seventh secured 
 the woods and hillside on the left. The mounted riflemen 
 of Lieut.-Col. V. A. Wicher's Battalion, under Captain 
 Chapman, were dismounted and thrown to the right. With 
 great boldness they penetrated close to the building and 
 
122 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 secured the stone works erected by the enemy. A flag was 
 sent out demanding a surrender. Upon this being scorn- 
 fully refused, preparations were made to storm the buildings 
 and, if necessary, to burn or blow them up. 
 
 The dismounted men of Brown's and White's Bat- 
 talions, under their respective leaders, advanced to the 
 assault, while the Pioneer Corps, under Lieut. William G. 
 Williamson, moved forward with torches and powder ready 
 for blowing up the buildings. 
 
 In the charge White's men "crossed a rocky and rapid 
 stream in the face of a galling fire from the enemy in the 
 church, and an enfilading fire from a portion of those con- 
 cealed in a building to the right of the church. They 
 rushed bravely on until they arrived at the church, where, 
 knocking out the chinking and firing through the holes, they 
 soon drove the enemy from one side of the house. 
 
 "In the meantime the Pioneer Corps coming up, broke 
 out the window, set fire to a bundle of straw and threw it in, 
 thus firing the lower part of the building."^ 
 
 Fortunately for the assailants. General Jones had delayed 
 the assault until near dark. This saved the Confederates 
 from a much heavier loss. In the charge only four of the 
 assailing column were killed and eight or ten wounded. 
 General Jones' entire loss was seven killed and twenty-two 
 wounded. The enemy lost two killed and six or eight 
 wounded and eighty prisoners. Four wagons and teams 
 and one ambulance were captured. 
 
 The stubborn resistance of the Federals greatly enraged 
 the Confederates, who had suffered much the greater loss. 
 Some insisted that the prisoners should be killed, but Gen- 
 
 ^Colonel White's Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 123 
 
 eral Jones said : "They fought Hke brave men and did their 
 duty. They shall receive honorable treatment." 
 
 The same evening a "Swamp Dragon," one of a robber 
 gang that was justly charged with atrocious crimes, was 
 brought before him. The captor requested that he might 
 kill him. Said General Jones : "You should never have 
 taken him alive, but since you have brought him to me, he 
 shall be treated as a prisoner of war." 
 
 From Greenland Gap the column advanced towards the 
 North Western Grade. "Upon reaching this Col. A. W. 
 Harman was sent with the Twelfth Virginia, Brown's Bat- 
 talion, and McNeil's Company of Partisan Rangers to burn 
 the railroad bridge at Oakland, Maryland, and to march 
 from there by way of Kingwood to Morgantown. 
 
 "A squadron of the Eleventh, under Capt. E. H. 
 McDonald, was sent from the same point to Altamont, 
 twelve miles east of Oakland, to burn some small bridges 
 and then to follow and join Colonel Harman. 
 
 "The remainder of the force moved on Rowlesburg, 
 arriving at Cheat River about two P. M., April 26th. 
 
 "Having captured the pickets of the enemy and learning 
 that there was a garrison of only 300 men at Rowlesburg, 
 Col. J. S. Green, commanding the Sixth Virginia, was 
 ordered to charge the place, the Seventh, under Colonel 
 Marshall, and the Eleventh, under Colonel Lomax, to form 
 his support. 
 
 "Capt. O. L. Weems of the Eleventh, with eighty sharp- 
 shooters of his regiment and a part of Wicher's Battalion, 
 was sent across the hills from the bridge on the North 
 Western Grade to attack the east end of the railroad bridge 
 at Rowlesburg and to burn it at all hazards."^ 
 
 ^General Jones' Report. 
 
124 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 The attempt on Rowlesbnrg failed, and General Jones 
 deemed it best to move on, leaving the railroad bridge and 
 trestlework unharmed. 
 
 He had now penetrated far into the enemy's country. 
 Forage was scarce and food for his men hard to procure. 
 
 Rumors of advancing columns of the enemy from several 
 directions reached him. The country people were un- 
 friendly, and frequently in the mountain passes his march- 
 ing column was fired into by bushwhackers. 
 
 General Imboden up to this time had failed to unite forces 
 with him or even to communicate with him as to his location 
 and movements. 
 
 Next day Jones moved on to Evansville, and late in the 
 evening learned that Lieut. C. H. Vandiver and a party of 
 eight men had captured the town of Independence and the 
 home guard of twenty men. A force was immediately 
 thrown into Independence and the bridge near by was 
 effectually destroyed. 
 
 "At daylight Harman joined the brigade, bringing the 
 first tidings of his and McDonald's success at Oakland and 
 Altamont."' 
 
 Colonel Harman had moved with his usual celerity upon 
 Oakland, capturing a company of fifty-seven Federals. 
 After destroying the railroad bridge east of the town and 
 the railroad and turnpike bridges over the Youghiogheny 
 River, he moved on to Cranberry Summit, where he cap- 
 tured the guard of fifteen men and destroyed the railroad 
 property. 
 
 In the meantime Captain McDonald with a squadron of 
 the Eleventh had burned the bridges at Altamont, and 
 following up Colonel Harman's line of march was endeavor- 
 
 ^General Jones' Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 125 
 
 ing to overtake him. Harman, however, with scrupulous 
 care was burning all the bridges over which he crossed. 
 Besides, his burning of bridges had roused the mountaineers, 
 and the woods became alive with bushwhackers ready to 
 waylay the now perplexed squadron of the Eleventh. After 
 fording many deep streams and continuously marching, 
 Captain McDonald succeeded in joining Harman. 
 
 April the 27th, the day of the capture of Oakland, being 
 Sunday, and the hour about eleven o'clock A. M., the good 
 people of the town had just turned out for church. The 
 late Hon. William L. Wilson, sometime member of Con- 
 gress from West Virginia, and Postmaster-General under 
 President Cleveland, was a private in Company B of the 
 Twelfth Virginia Regiment, which led the charge into the 
 town. Wilson, than whom there was no braver nor more 
 efficient soldier in the Southern amiy, and who was natur- 
 ally of a jocular and cheery disposition, seeing a young man 
 and young woman together apparently agitated at the 
 sudden appearance of the Confederates, addressed some 
 reassuring remarks to them. 
 
 "Don't you think the Rebels are better looking men than 
 the Yankees?'' said Wilson to the young woman. 
 
 "Not you, anyway, with that moustache the color of 
 buttermilk!" replied the girl. 
 
 The laugh was on Wilson, who had been cultivating with 
 some pride the then budding moustache which in after life 
 contributed in no small degree to his pleasing and striking 
 appearance. 
 
 The whole command reuniting on the 28th of April 
 marched on Morgantown, and arriving there about noon 
 crossed the suspension bridge to the west side of the Monon- 
 gaheia River. Here a halt was made of a few hours. At 
 
126 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 dark the column moved on Fairmont. Approaching the 
 town from the west it was discovered that the hills com- 
 manding the road were occupied by the enemy. By turn- 
 ing to the right the position was flanked and the Con- 
 federates entered the town at a charge pell-mell with the 
 flying Federals. The enemy retreated up the river by both 
 the east and the west banks, uniting with the force of 
 Federals stationed for a guard at the railroad bridge. The 
 Confederates pursued vigorously, and after a brief conflict 
 the Federals on the west bank, numbering 260, raised the 
 white flag and surrendered. 
 
 The prisoners' arms were hardly stacked before a Federal 
 reinforcement arrived on the scene, consisting of artillery 
 and infantry. Their first salutation was a round volley of 
 artillery and musketry which to many of the Confederates 
 was the first indication of their presence. 
 
 Colonel Marshall at once moved his horses under shelter 
 of a hill, and dismounting his men armed them with the 
 captured muskets of the enemy. 
 
 The volleys of the Federals were now quickly returned, 
 and "the reception of the newcomers was soon too warm 
 for a long tarry." 
 
 On the opposite side of the river Colonel Harman, with 
 the Twelfth and the skirmishers from the Eleventh, 
 Brown's Battalion and White's Battalion, pushed the enemy 
 vigorously. The Federal reinforcements on Harman's side 
 were driven off, and he asked for reinforcements to enable 
 him to capture the whole command. "But," says General 
 Jones, "as the bridge was my main object, I preferred to 
 exert my whole energy in its destruction, and to allow the 
 troops who could do me no more harm to escape."* 
 
 ^Jones' Report. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 127 
 
 Under the supervision of Lieutenant Williamson and Cap- 
 tain Henderson the work of destruction now began, and 
 soon after dark the magnificent structure tumbled into the 
 river. The bridge was of iron, three spans, each 300 feet. 
 
 In the charge on the town one piece of artillery was cap- 
 tured by Lieut. B. F. Conard and four men of Company A, 
 White's Battalion. It was afterwards spiked and thrown 
 into the river. 
 
 In this affair General Jones' loss was three wounded ; 
 that of the enemy, twelve killed and many wounded, besides 
 250 prisoners. 
 
 Leaving the wounded in the hands of friends, at dark the 
 command moved on, still indulging in the hope that General 
 Imboden would soon be found. Learning that Clarksburg 
 was occupied by the enemy, the Monongahela was crossed 
 and the Federal force at Bridgeport, five miles east of 
 Clarksburg, was captured, the work being done by the 
 Maryland cavalry under Maj. R. Brown. 
 
 As nothing better offered itself at this point, a bridge to 
 the left of the town was destroyed and a captured train run 
 into the stream. 
 
 The next day an early start was made towards Philippi, 
 and along the march many horses and some cattle were 
 picked up. 
 
 Upon reaching Philippi about noon, the led horses and 
 cattle were sent off to Beverly, and the rest of the command 
 moved towards Buckhannon, where there was constant 
 expectation of falling in with Imboden's command. 
 
 On May the 2nd, a few miles from Buckhannon the first 
 certain intelligence of him was received from one of his men 
 on furlough, who met Jones' column in the road. From 
 
1 28 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 him it was learned that Imboden was at Buckhannon, at 
 which place the two commands soon united. 
 
 A joint movement was now made upon Clarksburg. At 
 Weston, after a rest of two days, the attempt upon Clarks- 
 burg was abandoned and the commands separated, General 
 Imboden going southward, while General Jones went for- 
 ward to destroy the Northwestern Railroad. 
 
 On the 6th of May Colonel Harman, with the Eleventh 
 and Twelfth and Wicher's Battalion, moved on West Union, 
 while with the rest of his command General Jones went to 
 destroy the railroad at Cairo, 
 
 Colonel Harman found the garrison at West Union too 
 strong to be dislodged, but feigning an attack with a part 
 of his force, he diverted their attention, while with the 
 remainder he succeeded in burning the bridges east and 
 west of the town and capturing nineteen prisoners. 
 
 At Cairo General Jones gained an easy victory. The 
 garrison of twenty-one men surrendered without firing a 
 gun. 
 
 The fruits of the victory hardly paid for the trouble of 
 gaining it, the cavalry, already well jaded, having marched 
 eighty miles without unsaddling. 
 
 The command now moved on Oil Town, and the work 
 done there made a lasting impression upon those engaged 
 in it. 
 
 The oil wells were owned mainly by Southern men who 
 had been driven from their homes and their property appro- 
 priated by the Federal Government or by Northern men.""^ 
 This, it appears, was the chief reason for destroying the 
 works. All the oil tanks, barrels, engines for pumping, 
 engine-houses, wagons, etc., were burned. 
 ^General Jones' Report. 
 
COL. RICHARD H. DULANY 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 129 
 
 "The boats filled with oil in bulk burst with a report 
 almost equal to artillery and spread the burning fluid over 
 the river." 
 
 Flowing- over the surface of the meandering streams that 
 led to the river the fiery wave rolled on with the current. 
 Soon as far as the eye could reach the river was on fire, 
 sending up dense columns of black smoke that by contrast 
 increased the brightness of the conflagration. 
 
 General Jones had strict orders from General Lee to 
 respect private property. He did all he could to have these 
 orders obeyed by the troops and never overlooked a violation 
 of them even when circumstances greatly palliated the act. 
 It was hardly to be expected that men traveling through a 
 hostile country, themselves and horses at times almost 
 starved, would wait for permission from the proper 
 authority to gratify their pressing wants. Stores were fre- 
 quently plundered, although General Jones more than once 
 punished those caught in the act ; on one occasion belaboring 
 with his sabre a soldier who had tied behind his saddle a 
 bundle of hoop-skirts. 
 
 Two saw-mills were burned, one at Fairmont that was 
 engaged in making gun-stocks for the Federal Government, 
 and another at Cairo because it would have been used to 
 saw material to repair the damages done to the railroad. 
 
 From Oil Town the command moved to Summerville, 
 where General Imboden and his force were found, and the 
 raiders now turned their faces homeward. The work of 
 destruction had been done. Many cattle had been seized and 
 nearly every trooper returned leading a captured horse. 
 
 In thirty days Jones' command had marched 700 miles, 
 gathering by the way subsistence for man and horse. Some 
 
130 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 twenty-five or thirty of the enemy had been killed, three 
 times that number wounded, and 700 prisoners captured. 
 
 It had burned sixteen railroad bridges and rendered use- 
 less one tunnel, thus for quite a time interrupting the use of 
 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for the Federals ; but what 
 was most important, they had brought back for the use of 
 the Confederacy 1,000 cattle and 1,200 horses. 
 
 The entire loss of the Confederates upon the raid was ten 
 killed and forty-two wounded. 
 
 "Throughout this arduous march," says General Jones, 
 "the men and officers have evinced a cheerful endurance 
 worthy of tried veterans. They have shown skill in glean- 
 ing a precarious subsistence from a country desolated by two 
 years of oppressive tyranny and brutal war that would have 
 won the admiration of the most approved Cossack."® 
 
 General Lee, in his endorsement of General Jones' report, 
 says : "The expedition under General Jones appears to have 
 been conducted with commendable skill and vigor, and was 
 productive of beneficial results. The injury inflicted on the 
 enemy was serious, and he will doubtless be induced to keep 
 troops to guard the railroad that otherwise might be 
 employed against us. General Jones displayed sagacity and 
 boldness in his plans and was well supported by the courage 
 and fortitude of his officers and men." 
 
 On its return the last week in May, the brigade rested a 
 few days in camp at Mt. Crawford, and in the first week in 
 June crossed the Blue Ridge to join the cavalry corps of 
 "Jeb" Stuart near Culpeper Court House. 
 
 ^General Jones' Report. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 131 
 
 On the 5th of June a grand review of all the cavalry of the 
 Army of Northern Virginia was held in the plains between 
 Brandy Station and Culpeper Court House. 
 
 Upon a commanding point from which could be seen the 
 whole corps as it was marshaled for the display, Stuart 
 watched their motions with admiring eye and waited for 
 them to pass in review. 
 
 The soldierly pride of each body from company to brigade 
 was stirred, and as they marched in squadron front past 
 their commander even the horses seemed to know that they 
 were on dress parade. 
 
 Each regiment appeared different from every other, and 
 in turn evinced some peculiarity that evoked admiration 
 from the lookers-on. 
 
 The Carolinians were easily distinguished. They rode 
 with military primness and were mounted on steeds of deli- 
 cately-shaped limbs with glistening eyes and full of fire and 
 motion. At their head rode Wade Hampton, then in the full 
 bloom of manhood and looking every inch the soldier he 
 proved himself to be. 
 
 The Lower Virginians challenged attention by the grace- 
 ful nonchalance of their riding, and the ease with which 
 they moved along, yet having the steady front of veterans. 
 
 The Valley and Piedmont men, of which Jones' brigade 
 was composed, were from the blue-grass section, and the 
 strong, well-limbed horses gave to their squadrons an 
 impression of massive and warlike strength. The riders like 
 centaurs appeared almost one with their steeds. General 
 Jones rode at their head, evidently proud of his command, 
 but with disdainful air, for he hated the "pomp and circum- 
 stance of war." 
 
132 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Among scenes that made good riding conspicuous, and 
 where there seemed to be some enjoyment of glory won in 
 previous battles, not a few missed the lamented Ashby, the 
 recollection of whose surpassing horsemanship brought back 
 so vividly his short but glorious career. 
 
 Stuart's 8,000 horsemen first passed the grandstand at a 
 walk, then rounding their circuit went by at a charge, while 
 the guns of the artillery battalion on an opposite eminence 
 lent to the scene the charms of mimic warfare. 
 
 When the "performances" were ended the men returned 
 to camp, having gained that day much information in 
 regard to the cavalry's strength, and were inspired with 
 additional esprit du corps. 
 
 Many, however, grumbled at the useless waste of energy, 
 especially that of the horses ; and when it was announced a 
 few days afterwards that there was to be another grand 
 review on the 8th, the grumJblers were even more numerous 
 and outspoken. Complaints, however, ceased in a measure 
 when it was learned that Genl. Robert E. Lee was to be pres- 
 ent and witness the review. 
 
 On the appointed day the corps again assembled and 
 marched in review. General Lee, always careful to husband 
 the energies of his troops, would not allow the squadrons 
 to charge nor the artillery to fire, and the ambitious eques- 
 trians had to content themselves with marching at a walk 
 past the grandstand. 
 
 Lee had already begim moving his army northward to 
 enter upon his Gettysburg campaign, and the cavalry was 
 ordered to camp towards the Rappahannock and hold the 
 fords of that river. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 133 
 
 Jones' brigade had particular charge of the road that 
 crossed at Beverly Ford. On the night of the 8th the Sixth 
 Virginia held Jones' front, picketing Beverly Ford and 
 camping near St. James' Church. 
 
 Nearby and somewhat in advance of them the battalion of 
 horse artillery bivouacked ; for orders had already been 
 issued to march at an early hour the next day. 
 
 From this point the river was distant about two miles, 
 and the road for half the distance was shut in by continuous 
 forests until an eminence is reached that commands the 
 country about Beverly Ford. 
 
 Jones' men lay down that night little dreaming that there 
 would be fought on the morrow the greatest cavalry battle 
 of the Civil War, or indeed of modern times, on the very 
 ground where they had passed in the harmless review. 
 There were some, however, who thought the Yankees would 
 soon come over the river to inquire the meaning of all the 
 reviews reported by their scouts. 
 
 In the meantime General Pleasonton. commanding the 
 Federal cavalry, had determined upon making a recon- 
 noissance in force across the Rappahannock, in order to 
 press in Lee's outposts and unmask the position and move- 
 ments of the main army. So, on the 8th of June, while the 
 Confederates were engaged in their pageantry, the Federals 
 were concentrating for an advance next day over the fords 
 of the Rappahannock in the direction of Culpeper Court 
 House. 
 
 Pleasonton's force consisted of three divisions of cavalry 
 and two of infantry, with one reserve cavalry brigade in 
 addition. One column, including the first cavalry division, 
 the reserve cavalry brigade and one brigade of infantry, all 
 
134 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 under the command of Genl. John Buford, crossed at 
 Beverly Ford. The remainder of the force under General 
 Gregg was sent across by Kelly's Ford, about four miles 
 below the railroad bridge, Pleasonton accompanying the 
 column under Buford. 
 
 As no fires were left in the Federal bivouac on the night 
 of the 8th, the Confederates on the south bank of the Rap- 
 pahannock remained in profound ignorance of the designs 
 of the enemy. The rattle of small arms at the ford in the 
 early dawn conveyed the first information of the hostile 
 movement. 
 
 At the head of the advancing Federal column was the 
 Eighth New York Cavalry under the command of Col. B. F. 
 Davis. It was met at the ford by Company A of the Sixth 
 Virginia, under Captain Gibson, and gallantly resisted. 
 Yielding to numbers the company gradually fell back, being 
 favored in their retreat by ditches in the low grounds on 
 either side of the road, which, by preventing an attack 
 towards their flank and rear, confined the assault to the 
 limits of the narrow road. 
 
 In the meantime the Sixth Regiment was aroused. The 
 call to arms was quickly responded to, and in a short time 
 Maj. C. E. Flournoy, hastily getting together about 150 
 men, came rapidly to the rescue. Charging down the road 
 he struck with vigor the head of the Federal column and 
 forced it back for a short distance. 
 
 The fight was at close quarters, and for a short time was 
 fierce and bloody. In a few minutes the Sixth sustained a 
 loss of thirty men, that of the enemy being probably less. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 135 
 
 Yielding to superior numbers, Major Flournoy slowly fell 
 back, the enemy being loath to pursue, as appears from the 
 following incident: 
 
 "Lieut. Owen Allen of Company D, who was in the charge 
 above mentioned, was riding in the rear of Flournoy's retreat- 
 ing column. Seeing a Federal Officer in the road some sev- 
 enty-five yards in front of his column, which was halted, Allen 
 advanced upon him with his horse at a canter. 
 
 "The officer's attention was given to his own men, to whom 
 he was waiving his sword as if to order them forward. 
 Remembering that he had but one shot in his pistol, Allen 
 reserved fire until within swords length of his foe. Per- 
 ceiving his danger. Colonel Davis turned upon Allen with a 
 cut of his sabre, which Allen avoided by throwing himself on 
 the side of his horse, and at the same moment fired and Colonel 
 Davis fell. He met a soldier's fate, and at the hands of one as 
 brave and daring as himself. 
 
 "Sergeant Stone of Company H, Sixth Regiment, and 
 Private G. Larue of Company D now came forv/ard to the 
 assistance of Lieutenant Allen. Others of the enemy advanced 
 at the same moment, when Sergeant Stone was killed almost 
 instantly, and Allen and Larue, finding themselves alone in the 
 presence of a large force, made a hasty retreat to their own 
 lines. "■^ 
 
 In the meantime the Seventh, under Lieut. -Col. Thomas 
 Marshall, had already reached the field and struck the enemy 
 on the left of the Sixth. 
 
 General Jones was with them and had brought the brigade 
 off in such a hurry that many of the men rode bareback into 
 the fight. 
 
 Indeed there was no time for dallying. Not far from the 
 enemy, and far in advance of any support, was the battalion 
 
 ■^McCIellan's "Campaigns of Stuart," page 265. 
 
] 36 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 of horse artillery, which the bold dash of the Confederates 
 alone saved fronu capture. 
 
 As the Seventh approached the enemy on the left of the 
 Sixth, which was charging- down the road, it came under the 
 fire of the enemy's sharpshooters protected by woods. Con- 
 tinuing to advance it dispersed the sharpshooters, and pene- 
 trating the forest some distance encountered a large body of 
 Federals. 
 
 After a brief encounter, in which two men of the Seventh 
 were killed, Marshall was ordered to fall back. Retiring 
 slowly, he, with dismounted men, retarded the Federal 
 advance. 
 
 Two guns of Hart's Battery were now in position in the 
 road and had opened on the enemy. When the Seventh 
 retired these guns were without support, but the gallant 
 artillery covered their own retreat, keeping the enemy at bay 
 with canister. 
 
 The Federals had now been retarded long enough to allow 
 the wagons to move to the rear, and the artillery to be put in 
 position near St. James' Church. 
 
 General Jones formed his line in connection with the 
 artillery, bringing up to their support the Eleventh and 
 Twelfth regiments and the Thirty-fifth Battalion. 
 
 The Seventh had in the fighting gotten far ofif to the left, 
 and for the rest of the day participated with W. F. Lee's 
 brigade in its repulse of the enemy. ^^ ^ '73 . ;,, ,. 
 
 The Sixth veered to the right, and united with Hampton, 
 who had now come up and formed on Jones' right. 
 
 There was now a slight breathing spell on Jones' front, 
 which faced an open field, beyond which was a thick woods, 
 from which Federal sharpshooters delivered a scattering fire, 
 
COL. E. V. WHITE 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 137 
 
 but their heavy columns did not continue to advance. Genl. 
 W. F. Lee was pressing their right flank, while Hampton 
 had partially enveloped their left. 
 
 Jones was now ordered to move forward and press their 
 center. With the Twelfth in front, under Col. A. W. Har- 
 man; the Thirty-fifth Battalion, under Lieut.-Col. E. V. 
 White; and the Eleventh, under Colonel Lomax, on the 
 left, Jones advanced. The edge of the woods held by the 
 enemy smoked with the rifles of hidden sharpshooters as the 
 grey squadrons crossed the open grounds in front of the 
 woods. Just as Harman reached the forest, a murderous 
 volley was poured into his ranks, and Buford's troopers 
 came charging up the road right upon them. 
 
 The head of the Twelfth was shattered, and out into the 
 fields rushed the Federals. The bulk of the Twelfth was 
 still fighting, and the Eleventh and White's battalion rushed 
 into the melee. 
 
 There was now charging and countercharging. Squad- 
 rons cut in two and, again reuniting, turned upon the daring 
 foe. Grey and blue were intermingled ; men were captured 
 and recaptured, and for a brief space the issue was doubtful. 
 
 In the midst of the tumult of battle the Sixth Pennsyl- 
 vania and the Sixth United States Regulars made a most 
 daring charge. Breaking through the fighting squadrons in 
 the open field, they made straight for the Confederate guns 
 at the church. Shrapnel and canister greeted them, but they 
 rode on undismayed, and dashing up to the very muzzles 
 went past the guns. 
 
 Immediately they were attacked on both flanks by Jones' 
 and Hampton's squadrons and driven back; and though 
 
138 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 they suffered heavy loss, they returned as they came, with 
 ranks well closed up. 
 
 Ag-ain there was a breathing spell, and nothing but the 
 dropping fire of the skirmishers on General Lee's front broke 
 the stillness that succeeded the storm. No bluecoats were 
 even in sight. Perhaps they had gone back to the ford and 
 the battle was over. The surgeons were looking after the 
 wounded, and the soldiers were telling of their hairbreadth 
 escapes and boasting of victory. 
 
 But a sound of cannon was heard far to the rear. The 
 reports ceased in number and seemed to be getting nearer. 
 Presently a courier on a foaming horse galloped up to Gen- 
 eral Jones with orders from General Stuart to lead his bri- 
 gade with all speed to Fleetwood Hill, a mile and more to 
 the rear of the position he then occupied. 
 
 Fleetwood Hill was the commanding position of the field 
 contended for. 
 
 Gregg with a full division of cavalry and artillery in pro- 
 portion had crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, and 
 having evaded Robinson's command, was moving rapidly 
 in the rear of Stuart's position in the direction of Brandy 
 Station, and was in cannon shot of Fleetwood Hill, which 
 was then occupied only by one gun of Chew's Battery, a 
 howitzer commanded by Lieut. John W. Carter. This gun 
 being- only supplied with a few rounds of damaged ammuni- 
 tion, could do no execution, but made a brave show of 
 defending the position, and the boldness of Carter created 
 the impression upon Gregg that he was well supported. 
 Hence he delayed to make an immediate attack upon the 
 position with his cavalry, but opened a cannonade upon it 
 with three rifle guns. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 139 
 
 Moments were now precious, and the best description of 
 the situation is given by Maj. H. B. McClellan, chief of 
 staff of Stuart's cavalry corps, in his "Life and Campaigns 
 of Stuart," page 271, here quoted. 
 
 "The nearest point from which a regiment could be sent was 
 Jones' position, one and a half miles distant from Fleetwood. 
 The Twelfth Virginia, Col. A. W. Harman, and the Thirty- 
 fifth Battalion, Lieut. -Col. E. V. White, were immediately 
 withdrawn from his line and ordered to meet this new danger. 
 The emergency was so pressing that Colonel Harman had no 
 time to form his regiment in squadrons. He reached the top 
 of the hill as Carter was retiring his gun, having fired his very 
 last cartridge. 
 
 "Not fifty yards below Col. Percy Wyndham was advancing 
 the First New Jersey Cavalry in magnificent order, in column 
 of squadrons, with flags and guidons flying. 
 
 "A hard gallop had enabled only the leading files of the 
 Twelfth Virginia to reach the top of the hill, the rest of the 
 regiment stretching out behind in column of fours. It was a 
 trying position both to the pride and the courage of this regi- 
 ment, to be put into action in such manner, that a successful 
 charge seemed hopeless. But with the true spirit of a forlorn 
 hope Colonel Harman and the few men about him dashed at 
 the advancing Federals. * * * And now the first contest 
 for the possession of Fleetwood Hill was on, and so stubbornly 
 was this fought on either side, and for so long a time, that all 
 of Jones' regiments and all of Hampton's participated in the 
 charges and countercharges which swept across its face." 
 
 So far McClellan. 
 
 It was Company B of the Twelfth, Lieut. Milton Rouss in 
 command, and only fifteen to twenty men, who first reached 
 the crest of the hill and charged and received the counter- 
 charge of Wyndham and the First New Jersey. 
 
140 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Sergt. George Lewis and Privates Upshur Manning and 
 Warner McKown of Company B were killed and four others 
 of the company wounded in this encounter. 
 
 In referring to this charge, McClellan in a footnote, page 
 272, says : 
 
 "The result of this charge was always a matter of mortifica- 
 tion to this gallant regiment and its leader. It is but just that 
 I should say even at this day, that the whole responsibility 
 rested with me and not with Colonel Harman. The Colonel 
 was not aware of the extreme urgency of the case, and his regi- 
 ment was only advancing at a trot. Seeing this I rode down 
 the hill to meet him and ordered the gallop, and put him into 
 the fight in the disorderly manner narrated. I have, however, 
 i.Iways believed that the circumstances justified the sacrifice of 
 this regiment ; for had Colonel Wyndham obtained undisputed 
 possession of the summit, with time to make arrangements for 
 holding it, the subsequent fighting would probably have had a 
 different result." 
 
 For a moment only the enemy was checked, though por- 
 tions of the Twelfth came gallantly to the aid of their leader. 
 Forced back by the onward sweep of Wyndham's squadrons, 
 the head of the Twelfth was shattered, but fought in the 
 general melee with the supports that came up. 
 
 It was now White's turn. The long gallop had dis- 
 arranged his column, but he paused for a moment to make 
 a hasty formation before assailing the foe. While Harman's 
 assault had failed, it had not been fruitless, for it broke the 
 solidity of the Federal front. Wyndham having his regi- 
 ment in squadron formation, charged en masse to meet the 
 assault of Harman's unorganized handful. The enemy's 
 array was no longer compact. His squadrons in the tumult 
 of battle were separated. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 141 
 
 White, seizing- his opportunity, hurled three of his com- 
 panies under Major Ferneyhough against the foe on his 
 right, and the other two companies he led against a body of 
 troops on his left. 
 
 A part of Hampton's brigade now participated in the con- 
 test for the possession of the hill, and there was charging 
 and countercharging, squadrons broken and again reformed, 
 the gallant spirits on both sides refusing to yield. 
 
 White, having driven off the troops on his left, returned 
 to find the hill again in possession of the Federals. 
 
 Meantime Harman, who had not been idle a moment, 
 having reformed his regiment, united with White in another 
 desperate effort to take the hill. The bluecoats were hard 
 to move, but their steady valof yielded to the impetuous rush 
 of the Confederates. 
 
 Harman, chafing under his recent repulse, raged like a 
 lion in the combat that ensued. Dashing at the leader of 
 the Federal horse, he engaged him in a personal encounter 
 and was severely wounded. 
 
 The brave hearts of the Twelfth and White's Battalion 
 pressed forward, dealing vigorous blows, and the enemy, 
 yielding to the fierce assault, finally gave way and abandoned 
 the hill. 
 
 During the contest for the position the Federals had been 
 greatly aided by a battery posted at the foot of the hill lying 
 eastward. It became necessary now to drive away or cap- 
 ture this battery. White was ordered to charge it. Hastily 
 reforming his men, and reinforced by a company of the 
 Sixth Virginia, he rode at the guns. 
 
 Across an open plain for 300 yards, exposed to a murder- 
 ous fire, the bold horsemen galloped. The cavalry supports 
 
142 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 of the battery delivered steady volleys, while the brave can- 
 noneers poured grape and canister into the ranks of their 
 assailants. As nearer they came the more rapid and deadly 
 were the discharges. 
 
 Could they live under such a fire? The smoke partly 
 obscured the issue, but through the rifts were seen the charg- 
 ing horsemen bearing down upon the foe. Once more the 
 cannons blazed forth, and now, mid flame and smoke. 
 White and his men were seen among the guns. Some fought 
 hand to hand with the brave artillerists, while others dashed 
 at the cavalry supports. These soon gave way and broke in 
 full retreat. But the gunners were unconquered and refused 
 to yield, using their small arms against the cavalrymen. 
 
 White, sending a portion of his men after the broken 
 cavalry supports, with about twenty troopers turned back 
 and galloped to the guns, around which was raging a hand- 
 to-hand conflict. 
 
 "There was no dem.and for a surrender or offer to do so 
 until nearly all the men, with many of their horses, were 
 either killed or wounded."® 
 
 The capture of the guns was not yet accomplished, for 
 help for the gallant artillerists was near at hand. Bodies of 
 Federal horse bore down upon White and almost surrounded 
 hirri. The dearly won prize was wrenched from his grasp, 
 and he was forced to cut his way out through the ranks of 
 the bluecoats to avoid losing heavily. 
 
 Once more the guns were in the hands of the Federals, 
 but most of those who had manned them lay dead or dying 
 near by. Around the now silent guns stood a body of Fed- 
 eral horse. To the right and left the battle was still raging. 
 
 ^White's Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 143 
 
 General Jones, who, as we have seen, remained near St. 
 James' Church with only the Eleventh and his artillery, had 
 been ordered to take part with his troops in the fight at 
 Fleetwood Hill. He reached the field just as White had 
 been driven away from the guns of Captain Martin's battery. 
 
 The Eleventh, under Col. L. Lomax,'' was now ordered to 
 charge. As with well-closed columns it swept across the 
 ridge, a galling fire of small arms greeted it, for the other 
 section of Captain Martin's battery near the Miller house 
 was still intact. 
 
 The fighting of Hampton's regiment had almost by this 
 time cleared the hill east of Stuart's headquarters, and they 
 were still engaged when the Eleventh reached the scene of 
 strife. 
 
 With steady gallop the Eleventh went forv/ard, passing 
 through the guns that White had been compelled to sur- 
 render, taking them and many of the cavalry prisoners.^" 
 
 Now dividing his force, Lomax sent "Capt. E. H. 
 McDonald with a squadron after the fugitives east of the 
 railroad, while with the remainder of his regiment he 
 assailed three regiments of cavalry awaiting him near the 
 depot, which force he completely routed. "^^ 
 
 The fighting around the station and along the railroad 
 east of it was stubborn, and it was not until after repeated 
 charges of the men of the Eleventh that the Federals gave 
 way. 
 
 ^Genl. L. L. Lomax, colonel of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, Laurel 
 Brigade; frequently by seniority in command of the brigade. A dashing 
 and successful officer, promoted to brigadier-general, and later to 
 major-general, commanding a division of Cavalry Corps, Army of 
 Northern Virginia. 
 
 i°Lomax's Report. 
 
 iijones' Report. 
 
144 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Gregg was now totally discomfited, and withdrew his 
 troops, going off, however, at "his own gait" to make con- 
 nection with Buford at Beverly Ford. 
 
 Mention here should be made of a charge of the Sixth 
 that occurred about the same time White was charging the 
 right section of Captain Martin's battery. The Sixth, 
 under Major Flournoy, joined Hampton in his attack upon 
 Gregg's right. Being ordered by Hampton to move quickly 
 in the direction of Brandy Station, while on his way he 
 received orders from General Stuart to cut off 300 Federals 
 who were near the Miller house.^^ 
 
 These he soon routed, but was suddenly attacked in the 
 flank and forced to retire towards the Miller house. Here 
 a Federal battery was discovered, which opened furiously 
 upon the retreating Confederates. 
 
 The gallant Sixth, now almost surrounded, charged the 
 battery, rode up to the muzzles of the guns and captured 
 them. 
 
 Here also the artillerists bravely defended the pieces with 
 their revolvers, and speedily aided by a heavy force of 
 Federal cavalry, drove oft' the men of the Sixth. ^^ 
 
 The Eleventh now went towards Stevensburg to guard 
 against another attack from that direction, while the 
 Twelfth, Sixth, and Seventh regiments were from this time 
 on held in reserve, alternately supporting the artillery at 
 Miller's house and reinforcing Genl. W. F. Lee on our 
 extreme left.^* 
 
 When Jones and Hampton withdrew their brigades to 
 meet Gregg's attack at the Fleetwood house Buford, who 
 
 i-Flournoy's Report. 
 i^Flournoy's Report. 
 i*Jones' Report. 
 
GENL. L. L. LOMAX 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 145 
 
 had marched from Beverly Ford, had apparently nothing 
 in his front to prevent his advancing and attacking Jones 
 and Hampton in their rear. 
 
 Just at that time, fortunately for Stuart, Genl. W. F. Lee 
 was threatening Buford's right flank, and thus prevented a 
 movement which might have proved disastrous to the Con- 
 federate arms. Indeed from the time that Gregg made his 
 appearance beyond Fleetwood Hill and fired his first cannon 
 shots at what he supposed was a Confederate force near 
 Stuart's headquarters, to the time when he was driven from 
 Fleetwood Hill, not much over thirty minutes had elapsed, 
 although Jones and Hampton were more than a mile away 
 when the ominous roar of Gregg's guns first attracted their 
 attention. 
 
 Buford, therefore, had not much time in which to make 
 his arrangements for an advance, menaced as he was by 
 Genl. W. F. Lee, and before anything could be done Gregg 
 was beaten and retiring towards the Rappahannock. 
 
 Stuart now formed a new line, and in the evening there 
 was heavy fighting between Buford's and W. F. Lee's 
 troops, Jones' brigade, except a part of the Seventh, being 
 held in reserve. 
 
 In this battle the Confederates lost 523 officers and 
 enlisted men, while the loss of the Federals was 936. The 
 Confederates captured 486 prisoners, three pieces of artil- 
 lery, and six regimental and company flags. There were 
 on the field or near it, twenty-one Confederate regiments 
 opposed to thirty-four Federal regiments. 
 
 The fighting was mainly done by fifteen regiments, five of 
 which belonged to Jones' brigade. 
 
146 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Of the total Confederate loss in killed, wounded, and 
 missing — 523, the loss in Jones' brigade was 130 killed and 
 wounded, the number missing not known. 
 
 Says General Jones in his report : "My brigade bore the 
 brunt of the action. We ended the fight with more horses 
 and more and better small arms than we had in the begin- 
 ning. We took two regimental colors, many guidons, and 
 a battery of three pieces. We took many prisoners, prob- 
 ably 250, as one regiment, the Eleventh, reports 122."^^ 
 
 i^For the splendid fighting done by the commands of Hampton, W. F. 
 Lee, Fitz Lee, and the horse artillery only incidentally mentioned in 
 this narrative, the reader is refered to "The Campaigns of Stuart's 
 Cavalry," by Maj. H. B. McClellan. While credit Is also given to the 
 Federals for the gallant charges of their cavalry and the stubborn 
 Bravery of their artillerists. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 June, 1863 
 
 A short rest — The Army of Northern Virginia moves northward — 
 Jones' brigade guards the line of the Rappahannock — Federal cav- 
 alry in search of Lee make for the passes of the Blue Ridge — Aldie 
 and Middleburg — Fight at Upperville — Stuart makes famous raid in 
 rear of Federal Army — Jones' and Robertson's brigades lelc to 
 defend passes of the Blue Ridge — Operations of White's Battalion 
 — In Maryland — Sixth Virginia meets Sixth United States Regu- 
 lars near Fairfield and defeats the latter — Joy of victory turned to 
 sadness by news of Lee's failure at Cemetery Ridge — Jones and 
 Robertson hold the passes of Jack Mountain — Jones saves Ewell's 
 wagon train — Buford and Kilpatrick thwarted — Fighting between 
 Hagerstown and Williamsport — Gallant charge of the Eleventh 
 Virginia Cavalry — Funkstown and Boonesboro — Willamsport 
 relieved and Lee's wagon train saved — The Seventh Virginia retali- 
 ates upon Sixth Regulars — Artillery practice upon a flying target 
 — Lee recrosses the Potomac — The brigade ordered south of the 
 Potomac to cover Lee's communications with Winchester — The 
 Twelfth, under Colonel Harman, on detached service near Har- 
 per's Ferry — Capture of Federal picket reserves — Colonel Harman 
 falls into the hands of the enemy — Brigade encamps near Charles 
 Town and engages in reconnoitering and skirmishes — Lee retires 
 up the Valley and crossing the mountains resumes the line of the 
 Rappahannock. 
 
 A short but well-earned rest was enjoyed by Jones' men 
 after the battle of Brandy Station. 
 
 The miovement of Lee's infantry northward soon necessi- 
 tated great activity on the part of the cavalry. 
 
 Ewell was already engaged in the successful movement 
 that ended in the capture of Milroy at Winchester. Long- 
 street followed, crossing the Blue Ridge through Ashby's 
 and Snickers Gaps. 
 
148 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 A. P. Hill's corps brought up the rear, and while it was 
 passing northward, Hampton's and Jones' brigades guarded 
 the line of the Rappahannock. 
 
 On the 17th of June Fitz Lee's brigade, under Col. T. T. 
 Munford, was attacked near Aldie by General Gregg's 
 division of cavalry. 
 
 After a most gallant resistance Munford, in obedience to 
 orders from Stuart, retired towards Middleburg. The 
 enemy had been so severely punished that he did not follow.^ 
 
 Aldie is in a gap in the Bull Run Mountains, and is 
 directly east of Ashby's Gap in the Blue Ridge. A turnpike 
 connects the two points, passing through Upperville and 
 Middleburg. The next mountain pass in the Blue Ridge 
 north of Ashby's is Snickers Gap, fromi which also a road 
 runs to Aldie, making with the turnpike from Ashby's 
 nearly an isosceles triangle, having the twelve miles of the 
 Blue Ridge between the gaps mentioned for its base. The 
 space between is a rich and well-cultivated section of the 
 beautiful Piedmont country of Virginia, with county roads 
 intersecting it. It is well watered by the mountain streams 
 which, with the rolling and sometimes broken plains and 
 numerous stone fences, render it ill adapted for cavalry 
 movements. 
 
 After the retirement of Col. T. T. Munford from Aldie 
 Stuart, with his headquarters on the road from Middleburg 
 to Aldie, stationed his cavalry at different points to com- 
 mand the passes of the Blue Ridge. 
 
 He was threatened by a large cavalry force under General 
 Pleasonton, supported by General Barnes' division of 
 infantry of three brigades. 
 
 ^Mun ford's Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 149 
 
 On the 19th of June General Gregg moved out from Aldie 
 and attacked Stuart, strongly posted a few miles west of 
 Middleburg on the Upperville turnpike. After a stubborn 
 fight Stuart fell back about half a mile and took a new posi- 
 tion, from which the Federals did not attempt to drive him 
 that day. In the evening Jones' brigade arrived and was 
 posted on the road to Union, covering that place, which is 
 north of the turnpike and about five miles from Upperville. 
 
 The next day Jones was reinforced by General ChambHss' 
 brigade. On the morning of the 21st Gregg, now reinforced 
 by Buford's division of cavalry and one brigade of infantry, 
 1,500 strong, advanced on the Union and Middleburg roads, 
 Buford attacking Jones and ChambHss 
 
 Gregg's movement, it seems, was a mere feint to divert 
 Stuart until Buford could brush away Jones and Chambliss 
 and assail the Confederate left flank. 
 
 Jones and Chambliss, however, proved no small obstacle, 
 and Buford, despite his superior numbers, made slow 
 progress. There was sharp fighting along the whole cavalry 
 front, Gregg no longer making a feint, but pushing forward 
 and dealing vigorous blows. 
 
 Stuart, feeling unable to cope with a foe so greatly 
 superior in numbers, fell back slowly before Gregg, and 
 ordered Jones and Chambliss to abandon the Union Road 
 and retire gradually towards Upperville. 
 
 Their contemplated line of retreat was seriously inter- 
 fered with by Buford, who, pressing forward and inclining 
 towards Stuart's left flank, forced Jones and Chambliss to 
 deviate towards the mountain. 
 
 The artillery of both brigades was put in the road and the 
 cavalry on the flanks, Chambliss to the left and Jones to 
 
150 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 the right. In front bearing towards Upperville was a hill 
 which they aimed to reach and thence give battle to the 
 enemy. In this they were anticipated by Buford, who, being 
 on the inside of the circle around the circumference of which 
 the Confederates were marching, reached the hill first and 
 blocked their way. Although the enemy was strongly 
 posted with a stone fence in front, the Confederates immedi- 
 ately assaulted the position. 
 
 From behind a stone fence the Federal dismounted 
 squadrons with their carbines delivered successive volleys, 
 to which the Confederates with their pistols made but an 
 ineffective response. 
 
 Another stone fence along the road prevented Jones' 
 artillery from; getting immediately into position. However, 
 a part of this fence was soon pulled down and Captain 
 Chew, quickly placing his guns into position, opened a gal- 
 ling fire on the foe at close range. His well-aimed shots, 
 crashing into the heads of the Federal regiments, provoked 
 a charge upon his battery. On came the bluecoats in fine 
 style, massed in column and flanked with battle lines of 
 carbineers, who showered bullets among the gunners and into 
 the ranks of their supporting squadrons. The leaden hail 
 fell thick and fast, rattling on the smoking pieces and 
 wounding some of the artillerists. 
 
 Says Colonel Chew, referring to the part performed by 
 his battery in this engagement : "When we reached the hill 
 opposite the position of the enemy a squadron of our cavalry, 
 I think under Captain Hatcher, had let down the fence and 
 charged in the direction of Upperville. Our cavalry was 
 forming on the west side of the road in considerable con- 
 fusion. We put the guns on the east side of the road, but 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 151 
 
 finding this position would not be supported, I had a gap let 
 down in the fence on the west side of the road, and put my 
 guns into position so as to command the gap and the fields 
 in front. 
 
 "The enemy frequently charged up to the stone fence, 
 but it was easy to make the gap so hot with canister that 
 they would not venture across. Our cavalry had formed in 
 the field behind us, and after remaining there for some time 
 commenced to move off towards the Upperville turnpike. 
 The guns were served with deadly effect, and kept the enemy 
 completely in check until we had an opportunity to retire." 
 
 The effect of Chew's guns was apparent. Not less than 
 forty-five horses by actual count had been shot down in one 
 place, at the opening in the fence referred to. The number 
 of killed and wounded Federals is not known, but if in pro- 
 portion to the number of horses the loss must have been 
 heavy. The cavalry made several ineffectual attempts to 
 protect the battery, which all the time seemed in imminent 
 peril, and which retired from the field under the protection 
 of its own discharges. 
 
 Never was the brigade taken at greater disadvantage than 
 in this engagement. Buford had arrived first at a point 
 intersecting Jones' line of march, and assailed him on the 
 left of his marching column in a road parallel with the 
 eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge. The road, as already 
 stated, was between stone fences, which made it impossible 
 for Jones to get his regiments into any sort of formation, 
 and the stone fences beyond in the fields occupied by the 
 enemy furnished protection for his sharpshooters, who fired 
 with deadly effect into the almost helpless Confederate 
 masses. 
 
152 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 The Twelfth, under Colonel Massie, was ordered to pass 
 through a gap in the fence and check the advance of the 
 enemy, but such a heavy fire was concentrated upon the 
 opening that the head of the regiment was shattered and 
 thrown into confusion. Captain O'Ferrall, commanding 
 Company I of the Twelfth, was here desperately wounded.^ 
 Several were killed here and quite a number wounded. 
 
 At this juncture the Eleventh, under Colonel Funsten, 
 was ordered to charge, and a portion of the Seventh, led 
 by Colonel Marshall, charged up to the stone fence to the 
 left of Chew's Battery. This combined attack in a measure 
 retarded the Federal advance, but it was the well-served 
 artillery that repulsed the enemy. 
 
 Chambliss and Jones now together advanced upon the 
 retiring foe and made connection with Stuart's forces, then 
 falling back towards Ashby's Gap. 
 
 In reference to this engagement General Buford says in 
 his report : "The enemy brought four twelve-pounder guns 
 into position, and made some excellent practice on the head 
 of my regiments as they came up. The gunners were driven 
 from their gnns, which would have fallen into our hands but 
 for two impassable stone fences. The enemy then came up 
 in magnificent style from the direction of Snickersville, and 
 for a time threatened me with overwhelming numbers." \'\ '^ ' 
 
 In this fight Jones, who had three regiments on the field, 
 White's being on detached service, lost in the Seventh, five 
 killed and sixteen wounded ; in the Twelfth, two killed and 
 eleven wounded; in the Eleventh, seven killed and twenty- 
 four wounded. 
 
 ^Capt. O'Ferrall survived the war, was elected to Congress and later 
 Became Governor of Virginia. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 153 
 
 The next day the Federals withdrew from Upperville, and 
 Stuart's headquarters were re-established at Rectortown. 
 
 On the 24th Stuart, taking with him all of his cavalry 
 except Robertson's and Jones' brigades, started on his raid 
 in the rear of the Federal Army. Jones and Robertson 
 "were left in observation of the enemy on the usual front, 
 with full instructions as to the following up the enemy in 
 case of withdrawal, and joining our main army."^ 
 
 The reason assigned by Major McClellan in his "Cam- 
 paigns of Stuart's Cavalry" for Stuart's leaving Jones' 
 brigade behind, is that it was the largest in the division, and 
 because Stuart rej^arded Jones as "the best outpost ofificer" 
 in his command. 
 
 On the 29th of June Jones' brigade left Snickersville and 
 united with that of General Robertson at Berryville. The 
 Twelfth Virginia Cavalry had already been sent on picket 
 duty near Harper's Ferry. 
 
 June the 30th a part of this regiment, under Lieutenants 
 Lewis Harman and George Baylor, surprised and captured a 
 Federal cavalry picket reserve in Bolivar, killing one and 
 capturing twenty-one prisoners, among whom were two 
 officers. 
 
 White's Battalion, which had been detached a few days 
 after the fight at Brandy Station, accompanied Ewell's 
 column against Winchester. When about to cross the Blue 
 Ridge, Ewell permitted White to make a raid on Point of 
 Rocks. When near the place White sent Company B, under 
 Lieutenant Crown, to the north side of the town to cut off 
 the retreat of the Federals. Here Lieutenant Crown came 
 
 ^Stuart's Report. 
 
154 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 up with Cole's Battalion and routed it, capturing thirty- 
 seven prisoners. 
 
 In the meantime White had routed Means' command in 
 the town and captured about twenty prisoners, and when 
 Crown returned was engaged in setting fire to two railroad 
 trains that had just arrived. 
 
 After gathering up the spoils of war. White with his bat- 
 talion returned to Loudon and there remained until ordered 
 to join Ewell in Maryland. 
 
 About the 30th of July Jones' brigade, in company with 
 Robertson's, set out for Maryland. The Twelfth Regiment 
 was left near Charles Town to picket towards Harper's 
 Ferry. 
 
 The Sixth, Seventh and Eleventh regiments crossed the 
 Potomac at Williamsport and, going by way of Chambers- 
 burg, reached Cashtown July 3rd. 
 
 Towards evening General Jones, by order of General Lee, 
 moved his command towards Fairfield to take position in the 
 rear of Lee's line of battle. About two miles from Fairfield 
 the Sixth United States Cavalry was met enroute to capture 
 the cavalry division wagon train which, but for the timely 
 arrival of Jones, would have fallen into their hands. 
 
 The two columns met face to face in a lane having on both 
 sides a stout post and rail fence. The country was open but 
 cut up into small fields fenced in a similar manner. Neither 
 party could form any estimate of the force opposed to it, and 
 circumstances forced immediate action. Major Stair, in 
 command of the Federals, upon discovering the Confed- 
 erates, deployed mounted men on his flank, who with their 
 carbines could pour a destructive fire into a column advanc- 
 ing down the lane. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 155 
 
 The Seventh Regiment being- in front, General Jones at 
 once ordered Lieut.-Col. Thomas Marshall to charge the 
 enemy. The command was quickly obeyed, and with its 
 usual dash the Seventh moved towards the foe. But the 
 head of the column soon encountered a terrible fire from the 
 flanking squadrons, those on the right partly concealed and 
 covered by an orchard. 
 
 Shattered and broken the head of the charging column 
 faltered, the men behind it halted, and soon the whole regi- 
 ment returned in spite of the strenuous efforts of some of the 
 officers to force it forward. 
 
 The failure of the Seventh, General Jones' old and 
 favorite regiment, was clearly due to the fire from the 
 mounted men on the flanks, who, being unmolested, shot 
 with deadly effect into the charging column. 
 
 General Jones was greatly disappointed and mortified. 
 Riding up to the Sixth Virginia, who were in the rear over 
 a rising ground out of sight of the repulse of the Seventh, 
 
 he said, "Shall one regiment of Yankees whip my 
 
 whole brigade ?" 
 
 "Let us try them !" cried the men of the Sixth. 
 
 The order was at once given to charge. Forming rapidly 
 and with eagerness to be in front, the Sixth moved off with 
 a steady gallop, with the gallant Colonel Flournoy at the 
 head of the column. Some of the Seventh moved abreast 
 of the column in the field, and to some extent disturbed the 
 mounted bluecoats on the flanks* 
 
 With drawn sabres the grey troopers bore down upon the 
 foe, now flushed with victory and waiting with confidence 
 the onset. 
 
 *Colonel Marshall's Report. 
 
156 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The Clarke Cavalry, under Captain Richards, was in 
 front, and many of the Seventh, smarting under their recent 
 defeat, joined in the charge. 
 
 Again the fire from the mounted men on the flanks told 
 with deadly effect upon the ranks of the assailants. Under 
 it Adjutant Allen and others fell at the head of the charging 
 force. But the Sixth never slackened pace, and its steady 
 advance soon caused dismay among the Federals. 
 
 The leading files of blue began to hesitate and half turn. 
 Officers were seen pressing through the column to the front, 
 making efforts to keep the men steady. 
 
 Major Stair, commanding the Sixth United States Reg- 
 ulars, bravely struggled to stem the tide, as his troops, 
 shrinking from the rush of the Confederates, turned to flee. 
 For a moment there was some resistance, as the head of 
 the grey column plunged into that of the blue. 
 
 The gallant Major Stair fell desperately wounded, with 
 his skull crushed by a sabre cut from Lieutenant Duncan. 
 Capt. G. C. Gram, second in command, was also wounded 
 and captured. 
 
 The Federals now broke into a wild rout, the men of the 
 Sixth riding among them and slaying or capturing at will. 
 
 For a mile the pursuit was kept up, until the village of 
 Fairfield was reached. 
 
 In this fight the Sixth United States Regulars seemed 
 almost annihilated. Their total loss was 242 ; six men killed, 
 five officers and twenty-three men wounded, and five officers 
 and 203 men captured or missing. 
 
 The Seventh Virginia lost three killed and twenty-one 
 wounded. The Sixth Virginia lost three killed and seven- 
 teen wounded. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 157 
 
 During the fight at Fairfield Lee was engaged in an 
 attempt to take Cemetery Hill. The roar of the artillery- 
 supporting Pickett in his desperate charge was still reverber- 
 ating as the Confederates galloped down the lane towards 
 Fairfield, 
 
 After the battle in the evening twilight, as the men talked 
 over their success, the joy of victory was dashed with sad- 
 ness, when it was learned that Lee had failed to take Cem- 
 etery Hill. There were whisperings of retreat during the 
 night. Next day, the 4th of July, Lee's whole army began 
 its march back to the Potomac. Jones' brigade and Robert- 
 son's were ordered to hold the passes of Jack Mountain and 
 keep back Federal raiders from the wagon train. 
 
 In the evening it was reported that the enemy was 
 advancing in force on the Emmitsburg and Waynesboro 
 roads. 
 
 General Jones, fearing that Ewell's train, then on its way 
 to Williamsport, would be attacked, asked leave to go with 
 his command to protect it. He was allowed the Sixth and 
 Seventh regiments, and Chew's battery, but the Seventh was 
 afterwards ordered back and the Fourth North Carolina, 
 under Colonel Fernbee, took its place. 
 
 It rained incessantly all night ; the road was soon badly 
 cut up ; the ruts got deeper and deeper. At many points 
 where mountain streams crossed the road the weaker teams 
 would stall and block the way. Through the mud and 
 darkness the artillery floundered along. Wagons with 
 broken axles abandoned by their drivers had to be passed, 
 and sometimes broken-down ambulances filled with wounded 
 were encountered. 
 
158 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 It being wholly impracticable to push ahead the artillery, 
 or even the cavalry, General Jones went forward with his 
 staff. 
 
 Arriving at the junction of the Emmitsburg road with 
 the one upon which the train was moving towards Williams- 
 port, he found there Capt. G. M. Emack's Company of 
 Maryland, with one gun, opposed to a whole division of 
 Federal cavalry with a full battery. 
 
 "He had already been driven back within a few hundred 
 yards of the junction of the roads. Not half of the long train 
 had passed. 
 
 "This little band of heroes was encouraged with the hope of 
 speedy reinforcements, reminded of the importance of their 
 trust, and exhorted to fight to the bitter end rather than yield. 
 All my couriers and all others with firearms were ordered to 
 the front, directed to lie on the ground, and be sparing with 
 ammunition. The last charge of grape was expended and the 
 piece sent to the rear. 
 
 "For more than two hours less than fifty men kept many 
 thousands in check, and the wagons continued to pass along 
 while the balls were whistling in their midst."^ 
 
 At last the Federals with a cavalry charge swept away 
 resistance and got possession of the road. 
 
 General Jones in the darkness was separated from all his 
 command and made his way through the woods to Williams- 
 port. Here he found everything in confusion, and began to 
 reorganize the stragglers for the defense of Lee's army 
 train. 
 
 The enemy was momentarily expected. But soon a force 
 of Confederate cavalry and infantry arrived and General 
 Imboden took command. 
 
 ^Jones' Report. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 159 
 
 General Jones now made his way back through the 
 enemy's hnes to his brigade on the night of the 5th. In 
 the morning he rejoined his brigade at Leitersburg, and 
 returned with it by way of Smithtown and Cavetown and 
 the old Frederick Road, so as to participate in the attacks 
 on General Kilpatrick at Hagerstown. 
 
 General Kilpatrick, who had pushed Jones and Emack 
 aside at Monterey Gap, captured over 300 prisoners and 
 forty wagons. 
 
 On the 6th he withdrew to Boonesboro. Here it was 
 arranged between Kilpatrick and Buford that the latter 
 should attack Lee's trains at Williamsport, while Kilpatrick 
 kept Stuart back in the direction of Hagerstown. 
 
 Stuart, divining their intentions, attacked the Federals at 
 Hagerstown, and after a stubborn resistance drove them 
 before him. 
 
 But according to the plan prearranged, Kilpatrick retired 
 towards Williamsport with his artillery, having a heavy 
 line of skirmishers on both sides of the road. The fields 
 adjoining were crossed frequently by post and rail fences 
 and afforded shelter for the skirmishers. 
 
 Already the sound of cannon was heard in the direction 
 of Williamsport, and it was evident that unless aid was 
 furnished quickly the trains at Williamsport would fall into 
 Federal hands. 
 
 Stuart at once determined to press the enemy. Cham- 
 bliss' brig-ade of North Carolinians charged, "the Ninth 
 
 and Thirteenth Virginia participating with marked gal- 
 lantry. Robertson's two regiments and Jenkins' brigade 
 kept to the left of the road, moving in a parallel direction 
 with Chambliss. 
 
i6o A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "The column on the flank was now hurried up to attack 
 the enemy in the flank, but the obstacles, such as post and 
 rail fences, delayed its progress so long that the enemy had 
 time to rally along a crest of rocks and fences, from which 
 he opened with artillery, raking the road."*^ 
 
 Jenkins' brigade was ordered to advance, dismounted, and 
 dislodge the enemy. Over the broken and difficult ground 
 Jenkins' men moved forward, driving the foe. Mounted 
 cavalry pressed the retreating ranks of blue, but Kilpatrick 
 brought up fresh squadrons and hurled them upon the lines 
 of the Confederates. Their onset was met by a counter- 
 charge conducted by Col. James B. Gordon, commanding a 
 fragment of the Fifth North Carolina Cavalry. Before his 
 impetuous rush the blue lines fell back in some disorder. 
 
 The Eleventh Virginia, under Colonel Lomax, was now 
 ordered to charge, for a simple repulse was not sufficient. 
 
 The guns of Buford, assailing General Imboden, who was 
 defending Lee's trains at Williamsport, admonished 
 Stuart that partial success would mean defeat, and that 
 nothing but a victory that swept Kilpatrick from his path 
 would save the trains at Williamsport. Kilpatrick, knowing 
 this, aimed above all to gain time and had cunningly placed 
 his guns and squadrons so as to retard the advance of the 
 Confederates. 
 
 When the Eleventh was ordered to charge, two regiments 
 of Federals were drawn up in line across the turnpike and 
 the field to the left, their artillery on the brow of the hill 
 raking the turnpike; their right protected by a stone wall 
 with only one gap in it by which to enter the field. 
 
 ^Stuart's Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade i6i 
 
 The Eleventh was moved parallel with the turnpike until 
 within about 500 yards of the enemy's position, when it 
 turned into the turnpike under a heavy fire from the enemy's 
 battery. 
 
 It then moved slowly until within 200 yards of the enemy, 
 when the command to charge was given.'' 
 
 Right down the straight turnpike, swept by the Federal 
 guns, with drawn sabres rode the Eleventh under the gallant 
 leadership of Colonel Lomax. 
 
 Bullets from the blue line in front ; bombs, grape and 
 canister from the Federal battery tore through their ranks. 
 No line of sharpshooters, no supporting squadrons with 
 their volleys disturbed the Federal gunners. They shot with 
 deliberation and with telling effect. 
 
 Under the terrible fire men and horses fell headlong. 
 Hands that grasped the flashing steel relaxed their hold, and 
 brave hearts that erstwhile swelled with expectation of vic- 
 tory, felt the bitterness of death. Each step forward multi- 
 plied the danger, as with increased rapidity the flaming guns 
 sent forth their missiles of destruction. But nothing could 
 stop the impetuous rush of the grey troopers, as with lifted 
 sabres and battle shouts they plunged through the smoke 
 towards the foe. 
 
 The blue masses in the turnpike did not abide the onset, 
 but turned and fled, leaving many prisoners in the hands of 
 the Confederates. 
 
 Colonel Lomax, discovering two squadrons in the field 
 still in line and moving towards the stone fence, which 
 would afford them, good protection from a charge and from 
 the fire of his men, reformed his regiment and moved back 
 
 ^Lomax's Report. 
 
1 62 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 on the turnpike to the gap. Here again, as at Upperville, 
 the enemy concentrated his fire upon the gap, while many 
 of the Federals, to save their artillery, bravely rushed to the 
 breach as the Eleventh poured through. Near the opening 
 the fight waxed hot and bloody, but once in the field the 
 Confederates pressed forward, driving the enemy before 
 them. 
 
 The Federals now hastily retreated, going by the Downs- 
 ville Road. The siege of Williamsport was raised and Lee's 
 trains were saved. 
 
 In this fight the Eleventh captured lOO prisoners and fifty 
 horses, killing and wounding many of the enemy. 
 
 The next day the Seventh had an opportunity to repay 
 the Sixth United States Regulars for what it had suffered 
 at their hands at Fairfield, and the debt was paid with 
 interest. 
 
 On the road leading to Funkstown the two regiments met, 
 Lieutenant Marshall in command of the Seventh. As before, 
 the Seventh was the first to make the attack, and this was 
 done with so much energy that the regulars broke and fled, 
 pursued for nearly five miles by the Seventh. 
 
 Says Colonel Marshall : "Our column pressed upon them 
 with great rapidity, killing and wounding a number and 
 taking some sixty prisoners." 
 
 The sweets of victory were not unalloyed. In the pursuit 
 the thirst for vengeance carried the head of the column too 
 far. The regiment was stretched for some distance along 
 the road and in disorder. 
 
 The Federals at last rallied, and seeing the small num- 
 bers of their pursuers, turned upon them; and now the 
 Seventh, after repeated efforts to rally, retired hastily, losing 
 nine prisoners and having two men wounded. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 163 
 
 Lieut. Nicholas Nolan, who commanded the regulars in 
 this fight, admits a loss of fifty-nine killed, wounded and 
 missing, of whom ten were killed. 
 
 Near Boonesboro Stuart made a bold demonstration of 
 his cavalry, threatening an advance upon the enemy, in 
 order to cover Lee's retrograde movement. Jones' brigade 
 being in front, encountered the enemy on the Boonesboro 
 Road at Beaver Creek bridge, and pressed them back to the 
 verge of the village.® In this contest, the fighting being 
 mainly on foot, Fitz Lee's and Hampton's brigades partici- 
 pated in a very handsome manner. 
 
 The Federals were forced back from the village to the 
 mountain pass, from which point, with artillery posted on 
 the heights, they prevented Stuart from entering the town. 
 
 There was now a spirited and deafening combat between 
 the artillery of the opposing commands, on ridges facing 
 one another, while in the valley between skirmish lines of 
 dismounted men fought with their long-range gmis. 
 
 Having accomplished his object of putting the enemy 
 upon the defensive, towards evening Stuart withdrew. "The 
 enemy observing this from his mountain perch, tried to 
 profit by it with a vigorous movement on our heels, but was 
 foiled. As the last regiment was passing the bridge over 
 Beaver Creek, a squadron of the enemy more bold than the 
 others galloped forward as if to charge. Steadily a portion 
 of the First North Carolina Cavalry awaited their arrival 
 within striking distance, but before reaching their vicinity 
 the enemy veered off across the fields. 
 
 "Here a Blakely gun of Chew's Battery advantageously 
 posted marked their movement, and although the squadron 
 
 ^Stuart's Report. 
 
164 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 moved at a gallop, never did sportsman bring down flying 
 birds with more unerring aim than the aim of the Blakely 
 firing upon that moving squadron. In vain did it turn to 
 the right and to the left. Each shot seemed drawn to the 
 flying target with fatal accuracy until the enemy, driven 
 by the shots of the Blakely and followed by the derisive 
 shouts of our cavalry, escaped at full speed over the plain."® 
 
 Stuart new fell back slowly, his men encamping the night 
 of the 8th near Funkstown. On the loth and nth Jones 
 retired by the Cavetown Road. On the 13th Stuart with- 
 drew all his cavalry from Lee's front and massed it on the 
 left of the main body of the army, in expectation of a gen- 
 eral advance of the Federal force. During this movement 
 the Eleventh Virginia, under Colonel Lomax, while retiring 
 through Hagerstown was charged by the enemy's cavalry 
 from two streets. These assaults were quickly repulsed by 
 the sharpshooters of the regiment, having suffered a loss of 
 three wounded in the skirmish. 
 
 On the 13th of July Jones' brigade was sent across the 
 Potomac to cover Lee's communications with Winchester. 
 
 It now appearing that the enemy, instead of attacking, 
 was entrenching himself in our front. General Lee deter- 
 mined to cross the Potomac. 
 
 Accordingly, during the night of the 13th the Army of 
 Northern Virginia returned to the south side of the river. 
 Stuart's cavalry, with the exception of Jones' brigade, stayed 
 in the infantry trenches during the night, and crossed 
 the next morning. 
 
 When General Jones with the rest of the brigade was in 
 Pennsylvania, the Twelfth Regiment, under Col. A. W. 
 
 ^Stuart's Report. 
 
COL. ASHER W. HARMAN 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 165 
 
 Harman, remained in the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry, 
 operating against the enemy as occasion offered. 
 
 During the night of the 30th Lieutenants Lewis Harman 
 and George Baylor with forty men attacked the enemy's 
 picket-post near Harper's Ferry and captured one heutenant 
 and nineteen men. 
 
 By July the 2nd the Federals had abandoned Harper's 
 Ferry and the Maryland Heights, but after the battle of 
 Gettysburg, on the 7th, they returned to the Maryland 
 Heights, and on the 14th reoccupied Harper's Ferry. 
 
 Col. A. W. Harman, who had just returned from home, 
 havmg recovered from the wound received at Fleetwood,' 
 went with a squadron on a reconnoissance to Bolivar 
 Heights. 
 
 Taking a squad of six men he went somewhat in advance 
 and to the left of the road. Suddenly the enemy appeared 
 in force and charged. 
 
 Colonel Harman's horse fell, stunning him. He and 
 Lieutenant Eastham and two men from Company B who 
 were with him were captured. The rest of the squadron 
 under Capt. George J. Grandstaff and Lieut. George Bay- 
 lor, who were in the road, bravely met the charge of the 
 enemy and drove him back in confusion, taking twenty-five 
 prisoners.^" 
 
 On the left of the line, guarded by the Twelfth, Maj. 
 J. L. Knott was as usual very active. When the enemy 
 advanced towards Shepherdstown he attacked them and cap- 
 tured thirty-three prisoners. 
 
 On the 1 6th Jones' brigade went into camp near Charles 
 Town. Within the next week there were a few small 
 skirmishes, but nothing worthy of note occurred. 
 
 ^"Col. T. B. Massie's Report. 
 
1 66 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 At this time the Shenandoah from recent rains was much 
 swollen, and the Federals took advantage of it to cross the 
 Potomac and march along the east side of the Blue Ridge, 
 taking possession of the gaps in the mountain as if to get 
 between Lee and Richmond. 
 
 Jones' brigade was ordered to picket the lower Shenan- 
 doah as long as necessary for the safety of Lee's right flank, 
 and then to follow the army. 
 
 Lee now moved up the Valley, and crossing the Blue 
 Ridge, by the ist of September had resumed the line of the 
 Rappahannock. 
 
 By the middle of September the main army had with- 
 drawn behind the Rapidan, 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 September, 1863 
 
 Brigade returns to watch the fords of the Rappahannock — Differences 
 between General Stuart and General Jones — The latter court- 
 martialed and removed to another field of operations — Personality 
 of Jones and attachment of his troopers — Admiration and loyalty 
 of the men soon won by "Jeb" Stuart — Federals under Meade 
 advance towards Culpeper Court House — Hard and continuous 
 cavalry fighting against Buford and Kilpatrick, in which the bri- 
 gade now under command of General Lomax takes prominent part 
 — Capt. Samuel B. Coyner of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry 
 killed — Enemy surround and capture one of Thompson's guns of 
 Chew's Battery — A front and rear fight at Jack's Shop — Successful 
 charge against infantry by Company B of the Twelfth Virginia — 
 Second battle at Brandy Station — Fight at Fauquier Sulphur 
 Springs — Notable exploit at the Rappahannock bridge — Stuart in a 
 tight place at Auburn — Bold dash and escape of his command. 
 
 The Gettysburg campaign was over, and the army, after 
 an active service of three months, was back once more in 
 the section of country from which it had started northward. 
 There was time now for retrospect. The campaign was 
 reviewed by the troops with various conclusions. 
 
 The failure of Lee's magnificent army to take the heights 
 of Cemetery Ridge and win a decisive victory north of the 
 Potomac disheartened some. 
 
 "Never again," they said, "would Lee invade the North. 
 Henceforth the battles must be fought on Confederate soil, 
 and the Southland alone be ravaged by the hand of war." 
 
 If such gloomy forecast appeared to many well founded, 
 they were on this account more resolved to fight harder for 
 success. With them the most distressing feature of the 
 repulse at Gettysburg was the disappointment of Lee. That 
 
i68 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 his army was not regarded as a beaten one was shown by 
 the refusal of the enemy to attack it at Hagerstown. 
 
 It might be that experience had taught the wisdom of a 
 defensive policy, whatever might happen, they were as ready 
 as ever to follow Lee as far north as he might wish to lead 
 them, even to the banks of the Hudson. 
 
 During this short period of rest the time was occupied in 
 recruiting the strength and numbers of the cavalry, and in 
 reorganizing it into brigades and divisions. The whole 
 force' was now divided into two divisions, commanded 
 respectively by Generals Wade Hampton and Fitz Lee; 
 Jones' brigade becoming a part of Hampton's division. 
 
 It was during this period, too, that the brigade was 
 deprived of its much loved commander, Genl. William E. 
 Jones. His removal was due to an unfortunate personal 
 difference between himself and his superior officer, Genl. 
 J. E. B. Stuart. About the ist of September General Stuart 
 ordered him under arrest and preferred charges against him 
 for using disrespectful language to his superior officer. 
 
 The result of the court-martial was that General Jones 
 was removed from the command of his brigade and assigned 
 to duty in southwestern Virginia. It was generally under- 
 stood that the court based its action upon a recognition of 
 the fact that the good of the service necessitated the removal 
 of Jones from under the authority of General Stuart, the 
 incompatibility of their dispositions being apparent. Though 
 the action of the court was unquestionably dictated by a 
 proper regard for the public good and the maintenance of 
 superior authority, yet from force of circumstances it was 
 liable to misconstruction. For some time after, the impres- 
 sion prevailed among the rank and file of the brigade, that 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 169 
 
 their commander had been sacrificed to the animosity of 
 General Stuart. 
 
 A succession of stirring events, however, with the sense 
 of comrade-ship in danger, Stuart's uniform kindness to 
 Jones' old troopers, his quick personal recognition of the 
 men, even the humblest private, coupled with his personal 
 bravery and dashing leadership, soon won for him the 
 admiration and affection of the men. Loyalty to the 
 Southern cause, however, would have attracted them to any 
 commander who would lead them to victory. 
 
 General Jones' connection with the brigade had much to 
 do with the compactness of its organization. His great 
 talent in this respect had been wisely exercised in increasing 
 its efficiency. He looked after everything, and his close 
 attention to details had effected many needed reforms. At 
 first he was regarded as a martinet, but afterwards, when 
 better understood, he was greatly respected and loved by 
 rank and file. 
 
 Totally unlike Ashby, except in his modesty, which almost 
 amounted to bashfulness, with neither superb horsemanship 
 nor martial presence to impress the imagination of his 
 soldiers, yet when the hour for action came the brigade felt 
 itself always strong and ready to do its full part, and con- 
 fident in the courage and ability of its leader. His personal 
 appearance was not suggestive of the dashing brigadier, 
 much less did it aspire to the pomp and circumstance of 
 office. The faded slouch hat was decorated with no nod- 
 ding plume, but while it served to conceal the baldness of 
 his head it partly shaded a strong and noble brow. His 
 features were plain and the expression determined yet 
 kindly. His eyes of steady blue glistened with intelligence, 
 and at times his countenance glowed with a rather cynical 
 
170 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 humor. He was entirely self-adjusted in all his notions and 
 opinions, and his remarks were almost always original and 
 striking. 
 
 In the confusion of ideas brought about by the war, he 
 was not tempted to forget the standard of truth and honesty 
 he had set up for his own guidance. And never was needle 
 truer to the pole, than he, to what he conceived to be his 
 duty. His affection for his troops was deep and strong. 
 He refused to fare better than they, and on the march, when 
 necessary to bivouac in the rain he would not sleep himself 
 under shelter, though a house might be within a few steps 
 of him, but with his oilcloth around him would lie down in 
 the rain or snow among his troopers. His contempt for all 
 kinds of display perhaps made him go too far in the other 
 extreme, especially in the matter of dress. The insignia of 
 his rank, if worn at all, was usually concealed by his coat 
 collar, and he was frequently taken by his own men for a 
 private in the ranks. 
 
 Once, on his West Virginia raid, when the troops were 
 crossing the Gauley River, a soldier who was afoot was 
 anxious to find some way to get over dry-shod., He asked 
 another soldier to assist him. The latter, pointing to 
 General Jones, who was sitting in a skiff near the shore, 
 said, "Maybe that old fellow there will row you across." 
 
 Going up to General Jones he said, "Old man, I will give 
 you a dollar to take me over the river." 
 
 "All right," said the General, "jump in." And he rowed 
 him over, greatly enjoying the joke. 
 
 It was during the session of the court-martial before 
 which General Jones was arraigned, that the Confederates 
 were forced to abandon Culpeper Court House, by a general 
 advance of the Federal Army across the Rappahannock. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 171 
 
 About midnight September 12th, 1863, Stuart received 
 information that General Meade would on the following 
 day make a forward movement. 
 
 Steps were taken to start the baggage trains on the way to 
 the Rapidan as soon as practicable, and every necessary pre- 
 caution was taken to delay the enemy's advance. 
 
 At the first streak of dawn the Federals drove in the Con- 
 federate pickets at the river, and crossing in heavy force 
 about a mile south of the Rappahannock bridge, formed in 
 line of battle. Three divisions of cavalry, followed closely 
 by Warren's corps of infantry, constituted the advance 
 column. They were met at first by Jones' brigade only, 
 commanded by Col. L. L. Lomax. White's Battalion had 
 not yet returned from detached service, and on that day 
 Lomax's command consisted only of the Eleventh, Seventh, 
 Twelfth, and Sixth Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 As the odds against him were clearly overwhelming, 
 Lomax only attempted to retard the enemy as much as his 
 force would permit. No detailed account of the fight is 
 given, as there were no official reports of it from Con- 
 federate sources. The Federal reports, however, warrant 
 the inference that their advance was hotly contested. 
 
 The First Brigade, under Col. H. E. Davies, led the 
 advance. The Confederate outposts were pressed back, as 
 the Federals moved forward, confident in their strength. 
 Upon approaching the railroad there were signs of serious 
 resistance. The enemy was charged by the Seventh Vir- 
 ginia, under Colonel Marshall, and driven back some dis- 
 tance in confusion, but reinforcements pouring to the front, 
 soon the blue lines again advanced. 
 
 The grey troopers were not idle. Colonel Lomax had 
 posted his squadrons at points of advantage, and as soon as 
 
172 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 the enemy's column moved forward, it was met and driven 
 back with a sabre charge. Chew's Battery did effective 
 work, taking positions close to the enemy and sending bombs 
 with unerring aim into his ranks. The enemy, in spite of 
 overwhelming numbers, did not have it all his own way, and 
 Lomax's purpose to delay him for a time was successfully 
 accomplished. 
 
 Retiring from the vicinity of the station, with heavy lines 
 of skirmishers supported by mounted squadrons, and Chew's 
 Battery from different points maintaining a constant fire, 
 Lomax halted on a range of hills northeast of Culpeper 
 Court House. Here, according to Federal accounts, Lomax 
 made a gallant stand with four regiments against the two 
 divisions of Federal cavalry under Buford and Kilpatrick. 
 
 Says General Kilpatrick in his report : "The enemy here 
 made a determined resistance with a battery of artillery and 
 a large force of cavalry." 
 
 The "large force" consisted of no more than the Eleventh, 
 Twelfth, Seventh and Sixth Virginia Cavalry. With these 
 four regiments Lomax held his ground for quite a time 
 against the overwhelming odds. Not until the Federals, 
 swinging around their left threatened the Confederate rear 
 and right, did Lomax abandon his position. 
 
 On the hills south of the Court House another stand was 
 made. Lomax was here joined by W. H. F. Lee's brigade ■^'y 
 under Col. R. L. T. Beal l, and the two brigades for several 
 hours resisted all attempts to drive them from this position. 
 Charge after charge, gallantly made by the Federals, was 
 met with countercharge by the men in grey and repulsed, 
 while the scattered columns of the Federals were torn with 
 shells from Chew's guns. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 173 
 
 Says General Kilpatrick in his report : "I rode over and 
 led the Fifth again into the woods. Here we met with Gen- 
 eral Custer, who was heavily engaged, and did all that men 
 could do to advance. We were, however, overpowered by 
 numbers, and the Second New York was flanked, and its 
 extreme right driven in. At this juncture the affair looked 
 badly and I feared the command would be driven back, but 
 I brought up the First West Virginia Cavalry, the last regi- 
 ment at my command, which had only the day before been 
 supplied with Spencer rifles. Hitherto they had not taken 
 any active part in the engagements, and on my call sprang 
 from their horses and, led by Colonel Richmond, rushed 
 into the woods." 
 
 It will thus be seen from Federal accounts how hotly the 
 ground was contested. Being ''overpowered by numbers," is 
 the usual Federal excuse for the failure of an advance move- 
 ment. 
 
 When it is remembered that the two brigades of Lomax 
 and Lee were confronted by two divisions of Federal cav- 
 alry, the numerous repulses of the Federals must be attrib- 
 uted rather to the valor and skill of the Confederates than to 
 their superiority in numbers. 
 
 It was in one of these hand-to-hand conflicts that the gal- 
 lant Capt. Samuel B. Coyner, commanding Company D of 
 the Seventh Virginia, was killed. 
 
 When it became evident that the small Confederate force 
 could no longer hold the position against Buford's and Kil- 
 patrick's divisions, Stuart, who had taken command, began 
 to withdraw his troops. One gun of Chew's Battery sta- 
 tioned on a hill north of Culpeper Court House, being very 
 near the enemy in a commanding position, had greatly pun- 
 
174 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 ished the Federals. More than once, mounted and on foot, 
 ineffectual attempts had been made to capture it. But as 
 Lomax withdrew a Federal regiment, concealed by a rail- 
 road cut, passed beyond the gun and turning came up in its 
 rear. The squadron supporting the gun, discovering the 
 Federal regiment making for their rear, gave way without 
 resistance, leaving the gun helpless. Captain Chew, discov- 
 ering the situation and seeing the impossibility of saving 
 the gun, started with Lieutenant Thompson to make their 
 own escape. Noticing that the officer leading the charging 
 regiment was far in advance of his command, they bore 
 down upon him, exchanging several shots as they 
 approached. A well-aimed shot from Thompson's pistol 
 unseated the gallant Federal, and seizing the reins of the 
 riderless horse, Thompson led him off as he and Chew in a 
 gallop made good their escape. 
 
 Stuart, having held his position long enough to secure the 
 safety of his trains, fell back towards the Rapidan at his own 
 gait. 
 
 On September the 22nd Stuart had an engagement with 
 the enemy at Jack's Shop in Madison county, that threatened 
 at one time to end in a serious disaster. Of this affair no 
 reports can be found from Confederate sources, while the 
 Federal commander, Genl. John Buford, contents himself 
 with speaking of it as a great Federal success. 
 
 It appears that General Buford, with one division of Fed- 
 eral cavalry, started from Madison Court House September 
 the 22nd on a reconnoissance down the Gordonsville turn- 
 pike, expecting to connect with another division under Gen- 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 175 
 
 eral Kilpatrick, in the vicinity of Jack's Shop, not far from 
 Liberty Mills/ 
 
 Stuart, hearing of Buford's coming, went out from Lib- 
 erty Mills with a portion of Hampton's division and encoun- 
 tered him near Jack Shop. Stuart, hurling regiment after 
 regiment upon the strong columns of the enemy without 
 making much impression. In the midst of this struggle, 
 Kilpatrick's division, with Davies' brigade in front, struck 
 the turnpike just in the rear of Stuart's column.^ 
 
 There was a rush of riders in hot haste informing Stuart 
 of his danger, and the sound of small arms in their rear, 
 soon made the Confederates understand the gravity of the 
 situation. Between the two Federal divisions Stuart was 
 now hemmed in, and naught but a cool head and steady 
 valor could extricate him. 
 
 Colonel Davies had come unexpectedly upon Stuart, and 
 the surprise was mutual. But to the Confederates, who 
 were aware of Buford's hostile presence in their front, it 
 looked as if a trap had been cunningly laid for bagging 
 Stuart and his whole army. 
 
 Stuart, however, was equal to the occasion. Placing the 
 guns of Chew's Battery in an open field, at a point from 
 which could be had a range and view to front and rear, the 
 battery opened in both directions at the same time. The 
 bullets from the sharpshooters of Buford and Kilpatrick 
 now interlapped among the Confederate ranks. The perilous 
 situation of the Confederates was understood by every 
 soldier, but inspired by the coolness and gallant bearing of 
 Stuart, as he quickly made his dispositions, every man 
 resolved to do his best. 
 
 ^From General Buford's Report. 
 ^Davies' Report. 
 
1/6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The task of breaking through Kilpatrick and reopening 
 the way to Liberty ]\Iills was chiefly assigned to Jones' bri- 
 gade, then commanded by Colonel Funsten. A part of this 
 command was dismounted and advanced upon the woods, 
 while the mounted men charged where openings would per- 
 mit. On the left was the Seventh, under Lieutenant- 
 Colonel T^Iarshall; on the right the Eleventh, under ;Major 
 Ball, 
 
 The Twelfth, under Colonel Massie, occupying the center, 
 advanced upon the woods close to the edge of which was 
 a rail fence separating it from the open field. Openings in 
 the fence were quickly made in the face of a heavy fire from 
 the enemy's mounted and dismounted men in the woods. 
 The nature of the ground was such that organization could 
 not be preserved, and soon the men and officers of the 
 diflferent regiments, were mingled almost en masse, and 
 rallied around the person of General Stuart, who urged and 
 led them into action. 
 
 It was fortunate that Stuart met the rear attack of Kil- 
 patrick with such promptness and vigor, for had there been 
 delay sufficient for Kilpatrick to throw his whole force 
 across Stuart's line of retreat, with Buford's strong division 
 pressing his front line, it is hardly possible that Stuart could 
 have escaped from the net set for him without loss of his 
 artillery and a good part of his command. 
 
 The fighting in this engagement was close and fierce with 
 both sabre and pistol, and there were some notable instances 
 of personal adventure and heroism, rewarded aftenvards 
 by General Stuart, with official mention and recommenda- 
 tion for promotion. 
 
 Having swept Kilpatrick from his path and put him to 
 flight, Stuart withdrew from the engagement with Buford ; 
 
w 
 
 LIEUT. B. C. WASHINGTON 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 177 
 
 followed by him, however, almost to Liberty Mills, where 
 he crossed the Rapidan, being there reinforced by Wilcox's 
 division of Confederate infantry. 
 
 The losses in this fight while considerable on both sides, 
 considering the short time they were engaged, are not men- 
 tioned in either the Confederate or Federal reports except 
 that Colonel Davies reports that Major Mclrvin of Kil- 
 Patrick's staff, Captain Hasty of the Second New York, and 
 sixty-nine prisoners fell in the hands of the Confederates.^ 
 
 The severest loss to the Confederates in this engagement 
 was in the death of that splendid soldier, Capt. John H. 
 Magruder, of Company B, Seventh Regiment, who fell in 
 the assault on Kilpatrick's column. 
 
 Thaddeus Baney of Company B, Twelfth Virginia, and 
 Lieut. John Green of the brigade staff, were also among the 
 killed. 
 
 After the affair at Jack's Shop, for two weeks there was 
 comparative quiet along the cavalry front. Many of the 
 men were furloughed to go home and procure fresh horses, 
 while the rest gave themselves up to making the most of 
 their freedom from active service. 
 
 The orchards of Madison county groaned under loads of 
 precious fruit, the pastures were fine and the people kind and 
 hospitable. 
 
 On the loth of October all were again in the saddle near 
 Madison Court House, Colonel Funsten of the Eleventh 
 commanding the brigade. 
 
 ^Major Mclrvin was captured by Private B. C. Washington of Com- 
 pany B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, in a hand-to-hand fight, in which 
 Washington disarmed Mclrvin by a cut across his sabre hand. Wash- 
 ington was promoted to a second lieutenancy for his services at Jack's 
 Shop. 
 
178 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 General Lee had begun his flank movement on Meade's 
 army, and was engaged in what is known as the Bristoe 
 campaign. 
 
 As the success of the movement depended upon its secrecy, 
 the cavalry were expected to screen the march of Lee's 
 infantry. Funsten's command was in front of the column 
 that moved towards Woodville on the Sperryville turnpike. 
 It moved for the most part over blind roads or through the 
 fields, twisting and turning under the shelter of woods and 
 hillocks to avoid observation from the Federal signal-posts 
 on the peaks of the neighboring mountains. 
 
 On the morning of the nth the command had reached 
 and was marching along the road that leads from Sperry- 
 ville to Culpeper. Here it was joined by Stuart, who de- 
 tached the Eleventh, under Lieutenant-Colonel Ball, and 
 sent it towards Rixeyville on the Warrenton Road. Early 
 in the day the Federal pickets were driven in. Their infan- 
 try camps showed that they had just been deserted in great 
 haste, and the column moved forward at a trot. 
 
 When within a few miles of Culpeper Court House a regi- 
 ment of infantry was seen emerging from the skirt of a 
 woods into an open field and moving in the direction of 
 Culpeper Court House. 
 
 Company B of the Twelfth Virginia, under command of 
 Lieut. George Baylor, was in the advance, being that day 
 detached and under the immediate direction of General 
 Stuart for any service he might require. 
 
 As soon as General Stuart saw the Federal regiment, 
 having no other force at hand he directed Baylor to charge 
 it immediately. The enemy had reached the open ground 
 and, forming quickly in line, delivered an irregular volley 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 179 
 
 in the face of the troopers at close range, which, however, 
 overshot them, doing but Httle execution. Having no time 
 to reload and the horsemen bearing down upon them, they 
 fled precipitately, having cast away their knapsacks and some 
 of them their guns. But for an almost impassable ravine, 
 which they had crossed before delivering their fire, a large 
 number of them would have been captured. There were 
 several killed and wounded and a few prisoners taken by 
 such horsemen as crossed the ravine here and there. 
 
 Col. John Esten Cooke, then aide-de-camp to General 
 Stuart, an eye-witness of the charge, says : 
 
 "Never have I seen him (Stuart) more excited. He was 
 plainly on fire with the idea of capturing the whole party. 
 The staff scattered to summon the cavalry, and soon a company 
 came at full gallop. It was the Jefferson Company, under that 
 brave officer Capt. George Baylor. 
 
 " 'Charge and cut them down !' shouted Stuart, his drawn 
 sword flashing as he forced his horse over fallen trees and the 
 debris of a great deserted camp. A fine spectacle followed. 
 As the Federal infantry double-quicked up a slope Baylor 
 charged. As his men darted upon them they suddenly halted, 
 came to a front face as though they were the parts of some 
 glittering machine. The muzzles spouted flame and the cavalry 
 received the fire at thirty yards. It seemed to check them, but 
 it did not. They had come to an impassable ditch. In 
 another moment the infantry broke, every man for himself, and 
 making a detour the cavalry pursued and captured large 
 numbers." 
 
 General Stuart's official report of the incident is as 
 follows : 
 
 "In our rapid pursuit of the enemy we found we had passed 
 an infantry regiment of the enemy which had been on the out- 
 
i8o A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 post and was now marching parallel to our column on our right 
 in the direction of Culpeper Court House. Every effort was 
 made to close up the column, then elongated by pursuit, so as 
 to catch this regiment, but apprehending it would escape, the 
 only cavalry I could lay my hands on was ordered to charge 
 the regiment as soon as it debouched into the open ground. 
 This was gallantly responded to by a company of the Twelfth 
 Virginia under Lieutenant Baylor, and but for an impassable 
 ditch these brave men would have ridden over the enemy and 
 cut them down with the sabre. They charged within twenty 
 or thirty yards of the column and fired a volley into it, but were 
 forced, from the nature of the ground, to retire, which was 
 done without the loss of a man or horse, although the enemy's 
 fire was delivered almost in their faces. The enemy did not 
 further contest the field. They broke and ran, dropping guns, 
 knapsacks and blankets, several of their number being 
 captured." 
 
 Funsten, whose command now consisted only of the 
 Twelfth and Seventh Virginia, gave the front to General 
 Gordon's North Carolina brigade, and the whole column 
 moved forward at a gallop towards Culpeper Court House. 
 
 As the leading files emerged from a dense woods upon a 
 slope in sight and within a half mile of the Court House, 
 they were saluted with well-directed volleys from a battery 
 placed on an eminence near the town. 
 
 A squadron of Federal cavalry now made its appearance 
 and was driven through the town by a gallant charge of 
 Colonel Ferribee's regiment, Gordon's brigade. But it was 
 soon discovered that Kilpatrick's whole division, 4,000 
 strong, was massed east of the Court House in a good 
 position. 
 
 Stuart having only five regiments available, amounting in 
 all to about 1,500 men, concluded not to attack the enemy 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade i8i 
 
 at this point. Turning the head of his column to the left, 
 with Funsten's two regiments leading, the Twelfth in front, 
 he marched rapidly towards Brandy Station and soon got 
 into a road nearly parallel with the one leading from the 
 Court House to the same point. Before reaching this place 
 it was apparent, from great clouds of dust on the right, that 
 heavy masses of the enemy were moving in the same direc- 
 tion. 
 
 Soon, upon passing a belt of timber, the two columns came 
 in full view of each other. 
 
 About a half mile to the right, on higher ground and on a 
 line nearly parallel to Stuart's course, appeared the serried 
 masses of Kilpatrick's column. He, divining Stuart's pur- 
 pose, was going at a rapid gait, giving him in fact a race 
 for the hill at Brandy. The point each was riding towards 
 was nearly three miles off, and each step brought the forces 
 a little nearer each other. As they moved along at a trot, 
 grey and blue sent up shouts of mutual defiance, brandishing 
 their sabres menacingly, and occasionally solitary horsemen 
 rode out from either column and exchanged shots. 
 
 It was a novel situation and a remarkable sight to beliold. 
 The compact masses of Kilpatrick, stretching back as far as 
 the eye could reach, came on in all the panoply of war. The 
 sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky, and its beams glancing 
 from the myriad glittering sabres presented a scene of 
 martial splendor. 
 
 The manifest disparity of the opposing forces was by no 
 means encouraging. In his five regiments Stuart could not 
 have numbered more than 1,400 men. Kilpatrick acknowl- 
 edges an effective strength of 4,000. 
 
1 82 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 To the common soldier, as the endless stretch of the blue 
 masses was surveyed, the odds seemed overwhelming, but 
 Stuart was leading and they were content to follow. 
 
 Upon approaching the inevitable point of contact, Stuart 
 kept rising in his stirrups as if looking for something on the 
 other side of the Federal column, the head of which was now 
 far in advance of his. 
 
 At last, when near the Botts' house, the smoke of a burst- 
 ing shell was distinctly seen above the ranks of the enemy. 
 
 "That's Fitz!" cried Stuart, and immediately ordered a 
 charge. 
 
 The Twelfth was in the advance and, under Col. Thomas 
 E. Massie, led the charge. But the retreating column they 
 were charging seemed to dissolve, and there was exposed to 
 view a battle line of dismounted men confronting them. It 
 was the First West Virginia Regiment, armed with Spencer 
 repeating rifles. From this double line of carbineers flamed 
 continuous volleys that carried death in the ranks of the 
 Twelfth, but the files came pressing on with shouts. Right 
 bravely the West Virginia men stood to their work. They 
 could see what fortunately the men of the Twelfth could not 
 see, blue squadrons assailing the column, charging on the 
 right flank. Nothing, however, could stop the onset of the 
 Twelfth, and before it got within sabre's length the First 
 West Virginia broke in headlong flight, hotly chased by the 
 grey troopers for half a mile. 
 
 In the meantime the Federals were not idle. Observing 
 the charge of the Twelfth, Colonel Davis led two regiments 
 against the two North Carolina regiments supporting the 
 Twelfth Virginia. Taken in flank the troops were thrown 
 into disorder and broken. The pursuing Federals were met 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 183 
 
 by the Seventh Virginia and driven off, the contest drifting 
 all this time towards the neighborhood of Brandy Station. 
 
 While thus engaged there was much confusion. Many of 
 the bombs from Genl. Fitz Lee's batteries fell in the ranks of 
 the Confederates. 
 
 Hearing the shouts of the Twelfth, and seeing the rush 
 of the bluecoats towards the body of men he was attack- 
 ing, he mistook the movement for a Federal reinforcement 
 and was checked rather than encouraged by it.* 
 
 The Federals, still pushing on, soon gained the hill, and 
 planting their batteries raked the approaches to it with shell 
 and shrapnel. 
 
 Stuart, now uniting with Fitz Lee, vigorously assailed the 
 Federal position. The fighting here was chiefly done by 
 Lomax's and Chambliss' brigades. 
 
 "Our dismounted men were several times surrounded by 
 the enemy's cavalry, but were each time rescued by gallant 
 charges of their mounted comrades."^ 
 
 Driven from the woods around Brandy Station the enemy 
 took position with infantry and artillery supports on Fleet- 
 wood Hill. 
 
 Deeming it unwise to assail him here, Stuart forced him to 
 retire by ordering Fitz Lee by a flank movement to threaten 
 his rear. 
 
 He then withdrew, much harassed by our cavalry, and 
 crossed the Rappahannock about sundown. 
 
 The losses sustained by the Twelfth, which had three com- 
 panies detached, and the Seventh, amounted to thirty-three 
 
 *Stuart's Report. 
 f^Stuart's Report. 
 
184 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 killed and wounded. They captured in this fight 200 hun- 
 dred prisoners.^ 
 
 Referring to the first charge upon the Federal column, 
 which was led by himself, Captain Baylor, in his "Bull Run 
 to Bull Run," page 166, says: 
 
 "On the afternoon of October the nth, we reached the 
 Barbour house, overlooking Brandy Station, and found Kilpat- 
 rick's division of cavalry moving back from Culpeper in the 
 direction of the station. It was a magnificent spectacle. Our 
 artillery was not in reach and few of our cavalry up. 
 
 "But General Stuart, being apprised that Fitz Lee had 
 arrived on the opposite flank of the enemy at Brandy Station, 
 ordered the Twelfth, under Colonel Massie, to charge the 
 column and cut off Kilpatrick's retreat. Company B was in 
 front of the regiment, and down the slope it went and reached 
 a point near the station, where it was discovered that the 
 enemy had enveloped us, and it became a race on our part to 
 escape capture. We were so intermingled with the enemy that 
 they could not use their guns and pistols without endangering 
 their own men. Lieutenant Washington and myself were near 
 together on the retreat, and jumping a ditch his horse fell and 
 pinioned him to the ground. As my horse cleared the ditch 
 safely, Washington called for help, but with visions of Forts 
 McHenry and Delaware before me and a host of pursuers 
 behind, I was constrained to leave him to his fate. I escaped 
 and he was taken prisoner, but did not remain long in the 
 enemy's hand, as he appeared next morning in camp, minus 
 horse and arms, having made a miraculous escape during the 
 night." 
 
 General Stuart, in his report, says : 
 
 "The Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Massie 
 commanding, was at the head of the column, and having been 
 
 ^Stuart's Report. 
 
LIEUT.-COL. THOMAS E. MASSIE 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 185 
 
 ordered to charge did so in the most gallant manner, cutting 
 off 1,200 or 1,500 of the enemy, all of whom would have been 
 killed or captured had not the headlong rapidity of the pursuit, 
 added to the difficult character of the ground, so greatly 
 extended the column as to impair for the moment the efficiency 
 of its action. The loss to the enemy in killed, wounded and 
 missing was considerable, the two regiments of Colonel Fun- 
 sten's command alone having taken 200." 
 
 General Kilpatrick, in his report says : "Many gallant 
 charges were made by the division, and many equally gal- 
 lant charges by the enemy repulsed. The division fell slowly 
 back, one brigade after another, in good order, and finally 
 crossed the Rappahannock and went into camp about eight 
 P. M." 
 
 The next morning, October 12th, Colonel Funsten was 
 ordered to march to Rixeyville and move in front of Gen- 
 erel Ewell's column. About two miles from Jeffersonton 
 Ewell was met with, and here the Eleventh Regiment, under 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ball, which had been detached for two 
 days, rejoined the brigade. 
 
 In and around Jeffersonton, strongly posted behind hills, 
 fences, and a stone wall that enclosed a churchyard, were 
 two regiments of Federal cavalry. The Eleventh, dis- 
 mounted, had already made a vigorous assault upon the posi- 
 tion, but had been repulsed with considerable loss. 
 
 Colonel Funsten now sent Colonel Marshall with the Sev- 
 enth to assail the left and rear of the enemy, he himself going 
 with the Twelfth, Lieutenant-Colonel Massie commanding, 
 towards their right and rear. 
 
 About a half mile from Fauquier Springs, in the pines, 
 Colonel Funsten suddenly came face to face with another 
 Federal regiment of Gregg's division. The Twelfth, beino- 
 
i86 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 ordered to charge, quickly responded with pistol and sabre 
 upon the opposing column. Though somewhat surprised, 
 the Federals made a short and stubborn fight, and then 
 retreated towards the river. 
 
 In the meantime Colonel Ball with the Eleventh, having 
 failed in his assault on foot upon the Federal position at Jef- 
 fersonton, now, with his regiment mounted, made a vigorous 
 charge upon his right flank, and succeeded in driving back 
 the cavalry supporting the enemy's sharpshooters. The lat- 
 ter were cut off, but were in part saved from capture by fresh 
 troops coming to their assistance. Ball fell back for a 
 moment, but reforming again, with repeated charges forced 
 the Federals down the road to the point where Funsten was. 
 This Federal force, now uniting with the one in Funsten's 
 front, pressed bravely forward. The Twelfth again charged, 
 aided by a portion of the Eleventh, and a bloody and doubt- 
 ful contest now raged with disorder on both sides, through 
 the piney thickets and heavy timber, and over occasional 
 spots of cleared but rocky ground. 
 
 The shouts of officers and men calling their commands to 
 "stand fast" and "come on," and the cries and oaths of the 
 combatants at close quarters, mingled with the rattle of small 
 arms, intensified this war scene. 
 
 Here Lieutenant Poague of the Eleventh, who in many a 
 previous battle had shown extraordinary gallantry, after 
 performing prodigies of valor, fell mortally wounded. 
 
 The Federals were gradually forced back. Though 
 often rallying and advancing with stubborn courage, at last 
 broken and in full retreat they recrossed the river, leaving 
 many of their dead and wounded and 2CK) prisoners in the 
 hands of the Confederates. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 187 
 
 The Federal version of this affair is given in part by Gen- 
 eral Gregg in his official report. He says : "They charged 
 impetuously in front and on both flanks with infantry and 
 cavalry, and we were driven into the woods, where for half 
 an hour the fight raged furiously. At this juncture informa- 
 tion was brought that the enemy had possession of the road 
 in my rear, and that we were surrounded. This information 
 having found its way to the men, created some confusion, 
 and it became impossible to reform the command, and I was 
 compelled to retire in some confusion, fighting, however, 
 every foot of the ground. It was here that Major Young, 
 Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Lieutenants Cutler and 
 Martin of my staff were wounded." 
 
 Sending now the Seventh and Eleventh Virginia to cross 
 the river higher up, Stuart made arrangements to force a 
 passage at Warrenton Springs. 
 
 The Rappahannock at this point is narrow and deep, and 
 across it was a bridge hardly more than a gangway of planks. 
 On the east or north bank, the land rises gradually for a half 
 mile into a ridge, which at that time was heavily wooded. 
 Between the crest of this ridge and the Springs Hotel, the 
 ground was open, except, that about half way from the river 
 to the top of the hill, was a body of timber running west of 
 and reaching to the Warrenton Road. On the ridge General 
 Gregg, the officer in command of the Federal force, had 
 planted a battery, placing one gun near the river. The 
 northern bank of the river above and below the bridge 
 was lined with sharpshooters, most of them in rifle-pits. 
 
 Under Stuart's personal supervision the Twelfth Regi- 
 ment was ordered to charge the bridge and dislodge the 
 enemy on the other side. Company B of the Twelfth Vir- 
 
i88 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 ginia, under Capt. George Baylor, was to make the dash, 
 the rest of the regiment to follow in supporting distance. 
 Behind the Twelfth and on a wooded eminence, eight guns 
 of General Long's artillery were prepared to support the 
 assault, though this fact was unknown to most of the cav- 
 alrymen. 
 
 At the command to charge Baylor's company, compactly 
 formed, with sabres drawn, moved promptly forward from 
 cover of a wooded knoll, first at a trot and soon quickening 
 into a gallop. Colonel Massie closely following with the rest 
 of the regiment. Immediately the guns from the Federal 
 battery and those of Long opened with a deafening roar. 
 So loud for a few minutes were the discharges of artillery, 
 that the shells bursting over the charging squadrons were 
 hardly noticed, and the smoking carbines of the sharp- 
 shooters, who lined the opposite bank of the river and 
 delivered steady volleys, were almost inaudible. 
 
 Straight for the bridge rode the men of the Twelfth. 
 Upon reaching it at full speed, the front ranks of the 
 advance company being more than midway upon it, it was 
 discovered that the plank flooring at the farther end had 
 been taken up, which made it impassable. Notwithstanding 
 this check, under the steady fire of the enemy, they with- 
 drew quickly from the bridge, and dashing into the river 
 through a disused ford below, were so quickly among and 
 over the rifle-pits that the astonished Federals were driven 
 out and captured in large numbers. 
 
 An account of this charge led by Captain Baylor is given 
 in his "Bull Run to Bull Run," as follows : 
 
 "Pressing on to the river at Warrenton Springs we found 
 the enemy had posted his artillery on an eminence beyond the 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 189 
 
 stream, and placed dismounted men in rifle-pits near the banks 
 of the river to contest our advance. Dismounted men were 
 thrown forward on our side supported by a small force of our 
 infantry. 
 
 "The horse artillery not having come up, General Long of 
 Ewell's corps opened fire with eight guns on the enemy's bat- 
 teries and supporting squadrons. At this juncture General 
 Stuart ordered me to charge with Company B across the river, 
 and drive the enemy from their rifle-pits. 
 
 "I had been for some time a spectator of the futile efforts of 
 the infantry and dismounted men to effect a crossing, and to 
 accomplish this with a cavalry dash struck me as impracticable. 
 But a soldier's duty is to obey, do or die, assured that a bold 
 front is half the battle. * * * Generals Robert E. Lee, 
 Ewell, Stuart, and others were in full view watching the move- 
 ment. It was the occasion of our lives. 
 
 "The order was given, and down the road the company 
 dashed amid a shower of bullets, and reached the bridge over 
 the river to find the flooring torn up. Here we were forced to 
 halt, turn about, and strike for a ford below. This movement 
 was effected without faltering, and soon the river was crossed, 
 and the rifle-pits, with a large number of prisoners in our pos- 
 session'. The rest of the regiment now coming to our aid, the 
 prisoners were secured and turned over to the infantry." 
 
 General Stuart, in his official report, speaking of the inci- 
 dent, says : 
 
 "This little band of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry was 
 worthy of special praise as it was made under circumstances of 
 great embarrassment. Charging first up to the pier of the 
 bridge, it was discovered that it had been taken up, thus expos- 
 ing them to a dangerous fire from the enemy on the opposite 
 side. Nothing daunted in purpose, however, they turned about 
 and took the road to the ford below, which they plunged into 
 in the face of the enemy's fire without halt or hesitation." 
 
1 90 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Maj. H. B. McClellan, assistant adjutant-general of the 
 cavalry corps and Stuart's chief of stafif, who was present, 
 thus describes the charge in his "Campaigns of Stuart and 
 His Cavalry," page 386 : 
 
 "Now the Twelfth Virginia was ordered to charge the 
 bridge. Lieutenant Baylor's company still had the front. 
 Darkness was settling down upon the field. Along a narrow 
 causeway Baylor lead his men in a column of fours. 
 
 "In the face of a sharp fire from the rifle-pits, he reached 
 the very abutment of the bridge before he discovered that the 
 planks had been removed and that a crossing was impossible. 
 He must retrace his steps and try the ford. There was no 
 hesitation nor confusion. 'By fours right about wheel. For- 
 ward !' And in a moment he had descended from the causewa\ 
 and his column was plunging through the narrow ford, where 
 hardly four could ride abreast. It was a gallant sight, and 
 called for wild huzzas from the Confederate infantry, many of 
 whom were spectators of the scene. Up the hill went Baylor, 
 and in a few moments the rifle-pits were cleared of the enemy 
 and the approaches of the bridge were under our control." 
 
 At the close of the Bristoe campaign, as it was called, 
 this company was the recipient of a unique compliment 
 from the commander-in-chief of the Army of Northern 
 Virginia. It was an order from General Lee through Gen- 
 eral Stuart, that a furlough of ten days be given to Com- 
 pany B of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry as a recognition of 
 their gallant conduct. 
 
 Gregg now slowly withdrew, followed by Funsten, 
 whose command bivouacked that night near Warrenton. 
 
 "In the operations of this day the Twelfth Regiment cap- 
 tured between 275 and 300 prisoners, and the Eleventh 150, 
 with their horses, arms and equipments. The casualties in 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 191 
 
 these regiments amounted to three officers killed and 
 wounded."'^ Of the number captured by the Twelfth, forty- 
 seven were taken on the road while moving from the 
 Springs to Warrenton. They had been on picket at points 
 above the Springs, and while falling back came up in the 
 rear of the Twelfth, which they mistook in the darkness for 
 a Federal regiment, and so fell into the hands of the Con- 
 federates. 
 
 On the 13th of October Stuart made a reconnoissance 
 towards Catlett's Station, going by a road that led through 
 the village of Auburn to this point. Sending General 
 Lomax in advance with his brigade, he followed with Fun- 
 sten's and Gordon's brigades, taking also seven pieces of 
 artillery and some ordnance wagons. 
 
 General Lomax, upon reaching Auburn, learned that a 
 large body of Federal infantry were at Warrenton Junc- 
 tion, distant from Auburn about four miles. He at once 
 sent word to Stuart, and halted his command. 
 
 About four o'clock P. M. Stuart arrived at Auburn. 
 Leaving Lomax there to guard his rear, he pushed on with 
 Funsten's and Gordon's brigades towards Catlett's Station. 
 When within two miles of the station he saw large bodies 
 of Federals marching along the railroad eastward. Halt- 
 ing under cover of a piece of woods, he was quietly watch- 
 ing the movement when a messenger rode up post-haste and 
 informed him that the Federals were in possession of 
 Auburn, having driven off Lomax. In point of fact a 
 whole corps of the enemy was falling back on a road that 
 led eastward through Auburn, and Stuart became aware 
 that he was hemmed in between the moving columns of 
 
 ■^Funsten's Report. 
 
192 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Meade's vast army. Hastily retracing his steps he ap- 
 proached Auburn, seeking some way of escape. Finding 
 the road blocked by the Federals and apprehensive of attack 
 in case he should be discovered, Stuart at once moved his 
 command out of the road he was traveling off to the right 
 into a narrow valley between two wooded hills, and halted 
 in close column waiting for developments. Soon night set 
 in and the hungry and tired troops, now fully aware of the 
 situation, with eyes and ears busy, waited and wondered 
 what fate had in store for them. 
 
 The enemy was marching within speaking distance of 
 them, and as they plodded along, stopping now and then 
 to build fires that made their column distinctly visible, they 
 seemed a flowing stream of armed men. 
 
 Stuart's reason for staying so close to the highway was 
 that he hoped to find an opportunity for breaking through. 
 But hours passed and the Federal stream was continuous. 
 All night long the procession of artillery and infantry 
 moved on. 
 
 While thus watching it was of supreme importance to 
 conceal his presence from the enemy. Every kind of noise 
 was forbidden. The men spoke in whispers. Sabres were 
 not allowed to rattle against canteens, and guards were sta- 
 tioned to enforce profound silence. Even the horses seemed 
 to realize the necessity of being quiet, though now and then 
 a hungry mule of the ordnance teams would protest with 
 rising voice against the unpleasantness of the situation, 
 which sound, if heard by the Federals, was no doubt taken 
 to come from their own column. 
 
 The long and dreary night was nearly spent, but to crush 
 out every hope, just at the first grey streak of dawn ap- 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 193 
 
 peared, right close in front a body of Federal infantry 
 halted, stacked arms, and went to making cofifee. There 
 was no alternative now but to prepare for battle. 
 
 During the night Stuart had sent six messengers to 
 inform General Lee of his position. All six succeeded in 
 the attempt by one o'clock at night. These messengers 
 were six privates, who volunteered for this dangerous serv- 
 ice, which required that they should go in and through the 
 Federal column. Their names are Robert W. Good, First 
 Virginia Cavalry; Ashton, Chester, and Sharley of Mc- 
 Gregor's Horse Artillery ; and Privates Crocket Eddins and 
 Richard Baylor of Company B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. 
 Had they been caught in the attempt they would probably 
 have been shot as spies. 
 
 Believing that Lee was aware of his perilous situation, 
 as day approached Stuart listened anxiously for the sound 
 of firearms in the direction of Warrenton; making, how- 
 ever, arrangements if no aid came, by a bold stroke to take 
 care of himself. 
 
 The stars were already fading from the sky when, hear- 
 ing the welcome sound of musketry on the other side of the 
 Federal column, Stuart opened fire on the enemy. His 
 seven guns, under Major Beckham, had been posted so as 
 to be barely concealed by the rising crest of an intervening 
 hill. At the word of command they were quickly advanced, 
 and with simultaneous roar poured canister at close range 
 into the Federal masses in the road. The Federals, amazed 
 at the sudden and close assault, were at first panic-stricken 
 and ran helter-skelter in every direction, but rallied by the 
 officers, soon fell into line. With bold front they now 
 advanced and assaulted the position of Stuart's guns, tak- 
 
194 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 ing advantage of the slope of the hill to get close to the 
 guns before they charged. 
 
 Gordon's brigade remained in the saddle, while Funsten's 
 command was dismounted and posted to support the artil- 
 lery. 
 
 Confident in numbers the Federals pressed forward, but 
 soon recoiled before the cannon fire and the volley of Fun- 
 sten's dismounted men. 
 
 Renewing the attempt with increased numbers they now 
 approached on the left flank, but a gallant charge made by 
 the First North Carolina Cavalry, under Colonel Ruffin, 
 drove them back in confusion. The brave Colonel Ruftin 
 was killed in this charge. 
 
 In the meantime the firing on the other side of the road 
 had ceased, and taking advantage of the check afforded by 
 the bold dash of Rufiin's regiment, Stuart pushed forward 
 and crossed the road with all his command without losing 
 "a wheel." He now retired towards Warrenton, Funsten's 
 brigade bringing up the rear, and striking the route the 
 enemy had lately marched captured many stragglers. 
 
 On the morning of the 15th Stuart pursued the retreating 
 Federal cavalry, which fell back upon infantry supports. 
 
 At Bull Run a stand was made, but, dismounting his 
 men, Stuart attacked en masse with great spirit and soon 
 drove the foe across the Bull Run. Hearing that a wagon 
 train had not yet crossed, Stuart attempted to capture it. 
 Finding the road upon which it moved was covered by a 
 heavy force of Federal cavalry, he ordered Gordon to at- 
 tack it in front while he detoured with Funsten's brigade 
 towards their right flank 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 195 
 
 After a very circuitous route he reached at dark a point 
 only a short distance from the ground where Gordon had 
 been engaging the enemy. The road passed through a 
 dense thicket of pines and was barricaded. 
 
 The Twelfth Regiment being in front, Colonel Massie 
 commanding, was ordered to charge the barricades. This 
 was gallantly done, and the enemy was driven from his 
 strong position to precipitate flight. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 October, 1863 
 
 A new commander — Sketch of Thomas L. Rosser — The Buckland races 
 — Camp at Flint Hill — At Hamilton's Crossing — Night surprise of 
 a Federal camp — Dash upon Meade's wagon trains in the Wilder- 
 ness — Back to Hamilton's Crossing — Hard fight at Parker's Store 
 — Watching Meade — Raid around Meade's army — Night attack 
 upon Sangster's Station and death of Captain Cartmell — Brigade 
 heads for the Valley and crosses the Shenandoah — Joins the force 
 of Early at Mt. Jackson — A Merry Christmas in the Valley. 
 
 While halted at Manassas the brigade received a new 
 commander, General Thomas L. Rosser. To the greater 
 part of the command he was then comparatively a stranger, 
 although known to many through report as a daring and 
 successful soldier. 
 
 The campaign was now nearly closed, and little was done 
 before the men returned to their old camp at Flint Hill, but 
 that little disclosed a mettle and dash in the new chief that 
 reminded the men of the days of Ashby. 
 
 While not possessing those peculiar qualities of Ashby, 
 which both attracted the admiration of his men and won 
 and cemented their individual affections, Rosser in personal 
 appearance, by education and experience, and by a repu- 
 tation for courage and dash already acquired, appealed to 
 their soldierly instincts. Tall, broad-shouldered and mus- 
 cular, with black hair and moustache, dark brown eyes, 
 strong jaw, and a countenance denoting self-confidence, a 
 good horseman and always superbly mounted, the men of 
 
THOMAS L. ROSSER 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 197 
 
 the brigade recognized in their new commander the typi- 
 cal soldier, and transferred their loyalty to him. 
 
 When the Southern States seceded and established the 
 Confederacy, Rosser was a cadet at the West Point Uni- 
 ted States Military Academy from Louisiana, being in 
 April, 1 86 1, a member of the graduating class. The de- 
 mand for officers to command the United States troops 
 caused the Government to issue an order declaring his class 
 graduated by April the 13th, and the members of that class 
 were ordered to Washington. 
 
 Rosser at once determined to resign, and on the 13th of 
 April he and several other Southern men of his class, who 
 afterwards became distinguished soldiers in the Confeder- 
 ate Army, resigned, left West Point and started southward. 
 Meeting with various interruptions, which caused them 
 to take unusual and circuitous routes to the new "Land of 
 Dixie," they at length reached Montgomery, Alabama, and 
 offered their services to the Confederate Government. 
 Their services were immediately accepted and they received 
 commissions. Rosser was made a first lieutenant of Artil- 
 lery and ordered to Wilmington, North Carolina, on re- 
 cruiting service. Eager to be in the field he requested per- 
 mission to attach himself to the staff of General Holmes, 
 and shortly afterwards reached Richmond, where in time 
 he was elected captain in the Washington Artillery. He 
 participated in the first battle of Manassas, but only reach- 
 ing the field towards the close of the fight, he joined in pur- 
 suit of the enemy. 
 
 After that battle, he was assigned to Stuart's command, 
 and first served on outpost duty at Munson's Hill. Going 
 to the assistance of General Robertson at Mechanicsville, 
 
198 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 he participated in that action with unusual boldness and 
 vigor, and being much exposed in pressing the enemy, he 
 was badly wounded. President Davis was present, wit- 
 nessed the fight, and promoted Rosser, on the field, for 
 gallantry, and he received the commission of lieutenant- 
 colonel of artillery on June loth, 1862. 
 
 On the 20th of the same month he was made colonel of 
 cavalry and took command of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 The Fifth Virginia was but poorly armed when Rosser 
 took command, but soon supplied itself at the expense of 
 the enemy in the fight at Catlett's Station, in which it took 
 conspicuous part. 
 
 Here also an incident occurred that came near costing 
 Rosser his life. Some Federal infantry had been captured, 
 and while the fight was going on Rosser was asked, "What 
 shall we do with the prisoners?" To which he carelessly 
 and, not meaning it, replied, "Kill them." One of the prison- 
 ers heard the reply and, taking him in earnest, told the 
 others. Immediately they revolted and began to fight for 
 their lives with stones, fence rails, and whatever came to 
 hand. One prisoner, who still had his bayonet in the 
 scabbard, drawing it threw himself furiously upon Rosser, 
 wounding him in the arm and stabbing his horse. It was 
 not until the mistake was explained and the prisoners 
 assured of protection that they were pacified. 
 
 It was here (Catlett's Station) that Major Von Boi^rke, 
 a Prussian soldier, aide-de-camp to General Stuart, climbed 
 a telegraph pole and cut the wire with his sabre. The fact 
 of his gigantic size and bulk is what is remarkable about 
 the incident. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 199 
 
 During the following week, including the Second Manas- 
 sas campaign, Rosser was assigned to duties that required 
 both unusual skill and audacity. 
 
 On the 30th Rosser was ordered, in conjunction with a 
 part of the Ashby brigade and some artillery, to annoy the 
 flank of the Federal infantry. 
 
 "This was done with splendid effect, Colonel Rosser, a 
 fine artillerist as w'ell as a bold cavalier, having immediate 
 direction of the batteries."^ In this action Rosser com- 
 manded all the artillery in Stuart's command, comprising 
 Eshleman's and Richardson's batteries of the Washington 
 artillery, and Stribbling's and Rogers' batteries. With 
 these he directed an enfilading fire upon the Federal flank, 
 and as they fell back he pressed his advantage w^ith so much 
 eagerness that his batteries were at one time half a mile in 
 advance of the Confederate line. The enemy, seeing their 
 exposed position, attempted by a desperate charge to cap- 
 ture Rogers' battery, which was the most advanced. The 
 battery, however, defended itself by reserving fire until the 
 enemy was within fifty paces, and then discharging 
 deadly volleys of canister into his ranks. 
 
 From Manassas, Rosser with his regiment accompanied 
 Fitz Lee into Maryland, and participated in the Maryland 
 campaign of 1862. 
 
 Here, as well as elsewhere, Rosser with the Fifth 
 Virginia, and generally accompanied by a section of guns, 
 had serious work to do. 
 
 On the 13th of September the Federals pressed eagerly 
 forward into Boonesboro Gap, in the South Mountain, for 
 the purpose of raising the siege of Harper's Ferry. 
 
 ^Stuart's Report. 
 
200 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Says Gen. D. H. Hill, who was defending the Gap : 
 "There were two mountain roads practicable for artillery 
 on the right of the main turnpike. The defense of the 
 farther one had cost Garland his life. It was now entrusted 
 to Col. Thomas L. Rosser of the cavalry, who had reported 
 to me and who had artillery and dismounted sharpshooters. 
 Rosser, Anderson and Ripley held their ground, and the 
 Yankees failed to gain their rear." 
 
 After Lee withdrew from Pennsylvania and the Army of 
 Northern Virginia again resumed its positions along the 
 Rappahannock, Stuart engaged in his Dumfries raid, — 
 December the 28th. Li this Rosser took a leading part. 
 
 Says Stuart, speaking of the passage of the Occoquan : 
 "General Fitz Lee discovered that the northern bank of the 
 stream was occupied by the enemy's dismounted sharp- 
 shooters in force. Without waiting to exchange shots they 
 were gallantly charged by files, the Fifth Virginia, under 
 Colonel Rosser, leading across a narrow, rocky and difficult 
 ford. They crossed the stream and captured or dispersed 
 the whole party." 
 
 Says Fitz Lee in his report : "The charge across the 
 narrow, rocky ford of the Occoquan by file, in spite of the 
 enemy's sharpshooters on the other side, w^as one of the 
 most admirable performances of cavalry I have ever wit- 
 nessed, and great praise is due to Colonel Rosser in this 
 connection." 
 
 With this well-earned reputation General Rosser took 
 command of the brigade, a body of soldiers whose reputa- 
 tion under Ashby, Munford, and Jones was not second to 
 that of their new commander. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 201 
 
 When the head of Stuart's cokimn had nearly reached 
 Bull Run, the further bank of which was held by the enemy, 
 Rosser was ordered to seize McLean's ford. A body of 
 the enemy's infantry was holding it, being- strongly posted 
 on some high ground beyond, and supported by artillery. 
 
 With his men dismounted and deployed as skirmishers, 
 Rosser advanced under a heavy fire and took possession of 
 both sides of the ford. 
 
 The enemy on the high ground remained in position and 
 kept up such a galling fusillade that the Confederates were 
 forced to shelter themselves under the banks of the creek, 
 from behind which they replied to the fire of the enemy. 
 
 Night was now drawing near, and although Rosser was 
 ordered by Stuart to fall back, he wanted to retreat under 
 the cover of darkness. 
 
 The enemy was on the alert, and it was hazardous to 
 leave the friendly shelter of the bank. At a preconcerted 
 signal the men raised a yell as if about to charge, and then 
 retreated rapidly. The ruse was discovered by the Federals, 
 who at once pursued. 
 
 The horses of the brigade had been brought near the 
 creek, and in mounting under fire some confusion occurred. 
 But in crossing the run the Federals also were thrown into 
 some disorder, and Rosser taking advantage of this, with a 
 portion of his men held them in check, until aided by Stu- 
 art in successfully withdrawing. 
 
 Lee was already falling back, while Meade remained 
 near Bull Run ; but the cavalry under Stuart which fol- 
 lowed Lee was pressed by the Federal horse. 
 
 Early on the 19th Hampton's division, to which Rosser's 
 brigade then belonged, was engaged in preventing Kilpat- 
 
202 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 rick's division from crossing Broad Run at Buckland, on 
 the Warrenton turnpike. 
 
 At the same time Fitz Lee was retiring with his division 
 on a Hne parallel to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. 
 At the suggestion of Fitz Lee, Stuart, who was in com- 
 mand of Hampton's division, withdrew before Kilpatrick 
 for the purpose of enticing him to follow upon the turn- 
 pike, so that Fitz Lee could fall upon his rear. 
 
 Kilpatrick fell into the ruse, but with his usual caution 
 left Custer's brigade to hold the ford, while he with the 
 rest of his division followed Stuart within three miles of 
 Warrenton. Here the sound of Lee's guns reached Stuart, 
 and he turned upon the Federals. After some resistance 
 they broke and fled down the turnpike, hotly pursued five 
 miles. 
 
 Custer held the ford at Buckland against Fitz Lee, until 
 most of Kilpatrick's men escaped through the woods, and 
 then withdrew with his artillery. 
 
 The Federal loss was about 250 prisoners and a few 
 wagons and ambulances. The pluck of Custer and the 
 fast riding of Kilpatrick had prevented a much more seri- 
 ous disaster. 
 
 This incident has always been known by the cavalry 
 as the "Buckland Races," it being more of a chase than a 
 fight. 
 
 General Stuart, in his official report of it, says : "The 
 force opposed to us on this occasion consisted of ten regi- 
 ments of cavalry and six pieces of artillery commanded by 
 General Kilpatrick, and I am gratified in declaring the rout 
 of the enemy at Buckland, the most signal and complete 
 that any cavalry has suffered during the war. It is remark- 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 203 
 
 able that Kilpatrick's division seemed to disappear from the 
 field for more than a month, that time being- necessary no 
 doubt to collect the panic-stricken fugitives." 
 
 After their experience at Buckland, the Federal cavalry 
 followed the Confederates in their withdrawal at a respect- 
 ful distance, and the old positions on the Rappahannock 
 and Rapidan were resumed. 
 
 At Flint Hill, in Rappahannock county, the brigade 
 took a short rest, which was much needed and much en- 
 joyed. Provender was abundant, the orchards full of 
 delicious fruit, and the rich autumnal grasses supplied an 
 abundance of milk and butter which the hospitable farmers 
 of the county dispensed to the soldiers. The merry-mak- 
 ings were numerous but soon over. In a short time the 
 command was ordered to break camp, and return again to 
 Hamilton's crossing, about eight miles above Fredericks- 
 burg. Here for several weeks it was engaged in picketing 
 the fords from Germania to Fredericksburg. 
 
 On the 7th of November the Federal army forced a pas- 
 sage across the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford and the rail- 
 road bridge, and resumed its old position near Culpeper 
 Court House. 
 
 General Lee now retired beyond the Rapidan, and pre- 
 pared to go into winter quarters. 
 
 On the 17th of November, Hampton ordered Rosser 
 with his brigade to Chancellorsville. Before sundown Ros- 
 ser was on hand with his troops, who were joyous at the 
 prospect of some relief from the monotony of drill and 
 picket. 
 
 After a few hours' rest, they set out in the night and 
 marched towards Stephensburg, where a Federal regiment 
 
204 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 was stationed. Near daybreak they found the enemy and 
 charged his camp. The darkness and the sudden attack 
 made victory easy. The Federals fled and scattered, leav- 
 ing about sixty prisoners, many horses and the camp 
 equipage in the hands of the Confederates. Hampton's 
 loss was one man killed and two wounded. After load- 
 ing the captured wagons, he retired with deliberation, and 
 recrossed the river unmolested. 
 
 The brigade now again returned to Hamilton's Crossing 
 and resumed the monotonous duty of picketing the fords, 
 though somewhat consoled by their share in the recent 
 spoils of war. 
 
 Scarcely had they gotten comfortably fixed in quarters, 
 when the news of a general advance of the Federals re- 
 called them to the saddle. 
 
 To the surprise of the Confederates, Meade had on the 
 26th crossed the fateful river, and the next day with his 
 whole army was marching up the Plank Road towards 
 Orange Court House. 
 
 Rosser, upon the first report of his scouts, moved his 
 brigade to Todd's Tavern as a good point of observation, 
 and sought opportunity to annoy the enemy's marching 
 column. He did not have long to wait, for on the 27th 
 he learned that the Federals were moving up the Plank 
 Road, and that they had neglected to picket the Brock 
 Road, that crossed Meade's line of march, and led to 
 Todd's Tavern. The tract, through which Meade was 
 marching, was what is known as the "Wilderness." It was 
 an almost uninhabited expanse of country, rendered so by 
 the extreme poverty of the soil, and was covered with 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 205 
 
 stunted trees and an almost impenetrable growth of 
 underbrush. 
 
 On the morning of the 27th, with ranks closed up as 
 much as the narrow road permitted, Rosser moved with 
 caution towards the Plank Road. 
 
 Soon the rattle of the Federal wagon trains was heard, 
 and upon a nearer approach, the confused hum of a march- 
 ing army. 
 
 The advance guard now rode silently forward, the very 
 horses seeming to step softly, and at a given signal from 
 Rosser dashed into the Plank Road, followed by the main 
 body. In an instant the wagon first passing was turned 
 into the Brock Road. Those behind it were made to follow, 
 and soon more than a dozen came thundering along with 
 mules under whip and sabre down the narrow road 
 towards Todd's Tavern. 
 
 In the meantime the hubbub at the crossing, and the 
 sight of the charging Confederates, stampeded the teams 
 that had gotten by, while those coming on, were abandoned 
 by their drivers or wheeled around in an attempt to escape 
 capture. Some were upset, others colliding with the rear 
 ones became hopelessly entangled. The shouts of the terror- 
 stricken teamsters, the frantic efforts of the mules to free 
 themselves, mingling with the noise of the combat, made 
 z scene of indescribable confusion. 
 
 In a few minutes the contest was over. From both direc- 
 tions the Federal infantry advanced to save their trains, 
 which were being snatched from the very midst of the army. 
 Exposed to a fire from opposite quarters, the Confederates 
 beat a hasty retreat, and disappeared in the Wilderness. 
 Not a few wagons had been broken or destroyed on the 
 
2o6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Plank Road, the mules being cut loose and broug-ht out. 
 Of those driven off towards Todd's Tavern, some were 
 burned for fear of recapture, after being rifled of their 
 valuable contents by the troopers. But the net result of 
 the enterprise was a goodly number of mules and wagons 
 and twenty prisoners captured, with the loss of only one 
 man. 
 
 Rosser, after securing his prisoners, moved along a road 
 parallel to the Plank Road, bivouacking that night, in spite 
 of a drizzling rain, almost in sight of the enemy's camp- 
 fires. The next day he rejoined the main body of the 
 cavalry. 
 
 On the following day Stuart, with Hampton's division, 
 made a reconnoissance around the enemy's left, having 
 Rosser's brigade in front. 
 
 The road through the dense forest was muddy, narrow, 
 and rough, and the column in marching was often broken 
 into single files. 
 
 Running across the line of march, was an abandoned 
 railroad bed which was nearly parallel with the Plank 
 Road, and distant from it a few hundred yards. Just 
 beyond it, at Parker's Store, was stationed a Federal camp, 
 and in the roadbed was a Federal picket. The advance 
 guard, Company A of the Seventh, under Captain Hatcher, 
 upon discovering the Federal picket, charged and pursued 
 it, the brigade following closely, with the Seventh Regi- 
 ment in front. Soon the camp of the enemy near the road 
 on the right came in view, and Rosser ordered a charge, 
 himself leading it. But Hatcher had pressed in hot pur- 
 suit of the picket, and the rest of the Seventh, except a few 
 of the front files, was some distance behind, and the entire 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 207 
 
 brigade was strung out in the narrow road on which it was 
 advancing, fully a mile in length. So the action was com- 
 menced without formation, the men engaging in the fight 
 as they came upon the firing line. The enemy poured a 
 volley into these few and for a brief space kept them at bay. 
 But the column soon closed up and the camp was charged 
 and taken with many prisoners. 
 
 The woods was full of tempting articles of plunder, 
 among which were savory breakfasts which had been has- 
 tily abandoned. The cold and hungry Confederates 
 yielded to the temptation, and many broke ranks to gather 
 the spoils of victory. In the meantime the enemy, heavily 
 reinforced with a heavy line of skirmishers on the flanks, 
 made a vigorous effort to recover the field. For full two 
 hours a fierce struggle raged, each side refusing to yield. 
 The action was chiefly between dismounted men, the dense 
 forest growth preventing in large degree the advantageous 
 movement of mounted squadrons. In the road, however, 
 there was frequent charging of mounted men with vary- 
 ing fortune. 
 
 At last, with portions of all the regiments of the brigade, 
 a charge was made down the Plank Road that proved 
 resistless. The Federals, though pressed with sabre and 
 pistol, stood manfully a while, then turned and fled, pur- 
 sued with fury by the Confederates. For several miles the 
 pursuit continued, the Federals losing heavily in killed, 
 wounded, and prisoners. 
 
 The line of dismounted men disappeared before Rosser's 
 front after the rout of the Federal horse. Remaining for 
 
2o8 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 a short time in possession of the field, Rosser at length 
 withdrew with his captures.^ 
 
 The next day at dawn all were in the saddle, confident 
 that Meade would attack Lee's lines; but they were disap- 
 pointed. Meade had come to Mine Run to go into winter 
 quarters, and it did not seem likely that after crossing the 
 Rappahannock he would fear to cross Mine Run. Another 
 night of anxious expectation followed, such as generally 
 precedes a great battle. At dawn, however, the reveille of 
 the enemy was not to be heard, and it was soon learned 
 that Meade had made ofif during the night. 
 
 After following Meade to the banks of the Rappahan- 
 nock, the brigade retraced its steps and on the 5th of 
 December resumed its old position at Hamilton's Crossing. 
 The vicinity of the camp was almost an uninhabited waste. 
 So bare had it been swept by the waves of war, that a few 
 persimmons was all that rewarded the most industrious 
 flanker. Forage was scanty, rations meagre, and the 
 troops exposed in shelter tents, yearned for the full barns 
 and plenteous tables of the Valley. Not a few took solace 
 in the "starvation parties" given by the hospitable citizens 
 of Fredericksburg, where the charms of wit and beauty 
 banished remembrance of their discomforts in camp ; but 
 the most lived in hope that some lucky chance would 
 remove them to the banks of the Shenandoah. Sooner 
 than they thought the hope was realized. 
 
 On the evening of December the i6th, the brigade set 
 out on what is known as the Sangster Station raid, an expe- 
 dition attended not only with some hard fighting but with 
 
 2The casualties among the men of "The Laurel" in this fight were 
 considerable. Among the killed was Richard Baylor of Company B, 
 Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, a private distinguished for his gallantry. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 209 
 
 a great deal of suffering, the horrors of which made a last- 
 ing impression upon every soldier who participated in it. 
 General Lee having heard that one or two regiments of 
 Federal cavalry were moving up the Shenandoah Valley 
 from Winchester towards Staunton, directed Rosser to 
 cross the Shenandoah in the rear of this force and prevent 
 its escape. Accordingly on the i6th of December Rosser 
 with his command marched to Fredericksburg, where he 
 waited until low tide, and then crossed the Rappahannock 
 about twilight. The fording was deep and some of the 
 men had to swim their horses. 
 
 For the first three or four miles the road led through the 
 old camping-ground of Burnside's army. The prospect, 
 indistinct in the gloaming, recalled the fate of that mighty 
 multitude, and the deserted cabins, many of whose last 
 inmates lay buried near, were silent witnesses of the hor- 
 rors of war. The road now led through a barren waste. It 
 was rough and narrow, but the troopers were homeward 
 bound, and for a few hours before drowsiness set in, moved 
 on right merrily. 
 
 Soon the camp-fires of Meade's army were seen on their 
 left, and they could not for a moment forget that they were 
 within the enemy's line. About midnight the column 
 halted and rested until morning, when the march was 
 resumed. Rain now set in, at first a drizzle and then a 
 downpour, drenching the men, swelling the streams, and 
 making the roads sloppy and muddy. Rosser, being appre- 
 hensive, lest some of the streams ahead of him would rise 
 so high as to impede his march, now moved faster. 
 
 All day long through the continuous rain, the men, wet 
 to the skin, pushed on through mud and mire. Three days' 
 
2IO A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 rations had been cooked before starting, but these were 
 now nearly consumed, and the improvident ones had quite 
 exhausted their haversacks. 
 
 The Seventh Regiment was in front, followed succes- 
 sively by the Twelfth, Eleventh, and White's Battalion. 
 Towards night the order came to close up at a trot. Night 
 had already set in when the Occoquan was reached. It was 
 found to be rising rapidly, but a passable ford was found 
 at Wolf Run Shoals. 
 
 Up to this time Rosser, in his anxiety to cross the rail- 
 road without delay, and to hurry on to the Shenandoah 
 before the rain had swollen it past fording, procured a 
 guide who could take him through the country along by- 
 roads, so as to avoid the enemy's outposts. 
 
 The darkness and rain now made him change his plan, 
 and he moved more rapidly, following the road that led to 
 Sangster's Station, where he knew the enemy had a force 
 guarding the railroad bridge. 
 
 Upon nearing this point, he came to the bank of a small 
 stream which was rising rapidly, and evidently very deep. 
 Loud bursts of thunder now accompanied the rain, and the 
 bright flashes of lightning lifted for a moment the thick- 
 veil of darkness from surrounding objects. Beyond the 
 angry-looking stream, right across the path of his advance, 
 was a stockade fort, whose garrison had already discovered 
 him. 
 
 A challenge and a shot from the sentinel on duty, re- 
 minded him that there was no time to examine the ford. 
 
 The Seventh Regiment, commanded by Col. R. H. 
 Dulany, was ordered to cross and attack. The First Squad- 
 ron, under Captain Hatcher, Company A, gallantly 
 
5. 
 I/'' 
 
 A History of the Laurel Brigade 211 
 
 responded, and plunging across the stream dashed at the 
 stockade. 
 
 Up and around it they went, crossing the railroad, the 
 heavy force in the breastworks preventing their return. 
 The rest of the Seventh, blinded by the darkness, passed 
 down the stream without crossing it. 
 
 The Eleventh Regiment, commanded by Lieut-Col. M. 
 Beal, was now ordered to charge. Rosser's stirring appeal 
 to the men was answered with a loud cheer. Forming in 
 close column, they moved steadily across the roaring creek, 
 guided by the lightning flashes and the bursts of flame that 
 came from the foe's receiving volleys. 
 
 "Although by this time, the enemy was thoroughly 
 aroused, and was pouring sheet after sheet of fire into the , j!\ j/ (^"^ 
 head of Beal's column, the gallant old regiment went cheer- 1 
 ing through water, and in a moment was up the hill on the 
 other side — and the stockade was ours."^ 
 
 The brave Captain Cartmell of Company B was at the 
 head of the First Squadron, and was instantly killed. Sev- 
 eral others were wounded, some mortally, though most of 
 the garrison, under cover of darkness, escaped. 
 
 Among the captures was a silver bugle and the flag of 
 the one Hundred and Sixty-fourth New York, a part of 
 which regiment had occupied the fort. The bugle was pre- 
 sented to Hatcher's squadron, and the flag, through Colo- 
 nel Beal and the Eleventh, to the Virginia Military Insti- 
 tute. Afterwards, in 1883, when peace and mutual good- 
 will had returned, the flag, which was very beautiful, was 
 presented, through the corps of cadets, to the Mayor of 
 New York, and by him returned to its old regiment. 
 
 3Rosser. 
 
212 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 After attending to his wounded and dead, Rosser moved 
 on through the rain and darkness towards Upperville. 
 Men and horses were well nigh exhausted, but the enemy 
 was now certainly in the saddle in hot pursuit, and no rest 
 could be taken. 
 
 All night the drenching rain continued. Towards morn- 
 ing it began to turn cold, and the falling drops, turning to 
 sleet, increased the tortures of drowsiness and extreme 
 fatigue. The horses, jaded and hungry, staggered through 
 the mud, now stiffened with cold, while the men with gar- 
 ments frozen, bodies benumbed, and faculties almost palsied 
 with distress, half unconscious, kept their places in the 
 laboring column. 
 
 At sunrise Upperville was reached, and a halt was made 
 to have breakfast and to feed the horses. Here some of the 
 men had to be lifted from their horses, being stiff with cold 
 and their clothing frozen to the saddles. 
 
 After an hour's respite the weary march was resumed. 
 The rain had now ceased, and the clouds lifting, the wel- 
 come sight of the Blue Ridge cheered the hearts of the half- 
 frozen troopers. 
 
 In a few hours they had crossed through Ashby's Gap and 
 were once more upon the banks of the Shenandoah. The 
 swollen, angry river barred their passage, and across its 
 turbid waters lay the promised land, which, in spite of the 
 terrible march, they had come too late to enter. 
 
 Rosser knew that the enemy was close upon his heels, 
 and was apprehensive lest taking advantage of the swollen 
 condition of the river, he would also endeavor to intercept 
 him at Front Royal or Luray. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 213 
 
 He had no choice but to move up the right bank until he 
 found a practicable crossing. Again the weary column 
 moved forward, picking its way over the rough and narrow 
 road that winds along between the river and the mountain, 
 now in worse condition by reason of the recent torrents. 
 
 At last when Front Royal was reached there was a halt, 
 and the men went into camp for the first time in forty- 
 eight hours, having marched in thirty-six hours more than 
 ninety miles. 
 
 Next morning Rosser pushed on, and arrived at Luray a 
 few hours before a division of Federals had passed through 
 Thorton's Gap in his rear. 
 
 The river was still very high, but a crossing was effected 
 with some difficulty at Conrad's Store, and on the 20th of 
 December the brigade reached the army of General Early 
 m the Valley. 
 
 It was now learned that the raiding party which Rosser 
 had started out to capture, had returned to Winchester, and 
 the brigade was permitted to go into camp and take a rest. 
 
 After such a tiresome march, the week's holiday which 
 followed was much enjoyed. The horses were shod, and 
 their strength recruited on the abundant forage of the 
 Valley. 
 
 It was Christmas time too, and in spite of the ruin 
 wrought by war, thanks to careful housewives, many good 
 things remained. The half-starved troopers made the best 
 of their opportunity, and gladly banishing thoughts of 
 "grim-visaged war," yielded themselves to the cheerful fes- 
 tivities of Christmas time. If turkeys were hard to get, the 
 savory sausage of the forehanded farmers was accepted as 
 
214 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 a fair substitute, and the apple, peach, and pumpkin pies, 
 rye coffee, and sorghum molasses, galore, made one think 
 that plenty, if not peace, had again returned to the land. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 January, 1864 
 
 Rosser with Fitz Lee— They make midwinter raid to capture cattle for 
 Lee's army— March down the Patterson Creek Valley— Capture a 
 Federal wagon train— Move towards New Creek— Return to Early 
 in the Valley— Fitz Lee with his division returns to the Army of 
 Northern Virginia— Early and Rosser make the Petersburg raid 
 —Returning, the Laurel Brigade camps at Weyer's Cave — Rest and 
 hilarity— Across the Blue Ridge to catch Kilpatrick— Return to 
 Valley— The camp in Rockbridge county— Recruiting— Grant 
 moves his multitudes— A call from Lee— The Laurel joins Lee in 
 the Wilderness— The 5th and 6th of May— Join Hampton at 
 Shady Grove— Yellow Tavern— Death of Stuart. 
 
 The cavalry being not only the eyes and ears of the army, 
 but also foragers for it, it was not in the nature of things 
 that Fitz Lee's force, being now augmented by the arrival 
 of Rosser's brigade, could long remain idle in camp. An 
 expedition west of the mountains was ordered by Early to 
 secure cattle for the use of Lee's army, and at the same time 
 to capture detached bodies of the enemy and do such 
 damage to his communications on the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad as might be found practicable. 
 
 The expedition under General Fitz Lee started in the lat- 
 ter days of December. The citizens of the Moorefield and 
 South Branch valleys were loyal, with few exceptions, to 
 the Confederacy, and most of them zealous in its cause, 
 and had consequently suffered, both in their persons and 
 substance, from the frequent predatory visits of the Fed- 
 erals. 
 
2i6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 When it was known that the expedition was made for 
 the purpose of procuring beef for Lee's army, it was not 
 long before droves of well-fed steers were on their way to 
 "Dixie." 
 
 Upon arriving at Moorefield, Fitz Lee learned that a 
 Federal force, eight or nine hundred strong, was at Peters- 
 burg and strongly fortified behind entrenchments and 
 abattis. For the want of artillery and because much of 
 the small-arms ammunition had been ruined in the storm, 
 he decided not to attack Petersburg, but to move upon the 
 enemy's line of communication on the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad. 
 
 On the morning of January the 2nd, he marched down 
 the South Branch, and began to cross the Branch Mountain 
 at Mills Gap. Rosser's brigade led the advance, with the 
 Eleventh Virginia in front, followed by the Seventh. 
 
 Upon nearing the top of the mountain, the road was 
 found to be blockaded with fallen trees, and a way had to 
 be opened by axemen. While engaged in this, scouts 
 reported that a Federal wagon train, moving in the direc- 
 tion of New Creek, was approaching the point where the 
 road on which Rosser was marching forked with the 
 Petersburg and New Creek road. 
 
 Rosser at once hurried up his foremost regiments, and 
 the men at many places leaped their horses over the fallen 
 trees in their eagerness to get to the front. 
 
 After passing the top of the gap and rounding a curve 
 in the road, they came in sight of the train, which was 
 moving slowly and in careless security, attended by a small 
 guard of soldiers. There were about forty wagons, six 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 217 
 
 mules to each, loaded, as was afterwards found, with 
 ammunition, hides, and sutlers' stores. 
 
 Rosser ordered the Eleventh, commanded by Maj. E. H. 
 McDonald, to charge the train, and the Seventh, com- 
 manded by Colonel Dulany, to follow closely in support. 
 The column emerged from cover of the woods, and with 
 loud shouts galloped tiown the mountainside. The train 
 quickened its snail-like pace into a run, and then rushed 
 along at a furious speed. In their eagerness to escape, the 
 faster teams tried to pass the slower ones, and then fol- 
 lowed upsets and collisions, mules entangled, kicking to free 
 themselves from harness, and great confusion. It seemed 
 at first an easy capture, the guard in sight making off to 
 the woods. But as the train halted, about seventy-five 
 infantrymen leaped out of the wagons, and running up the 
 hillside beyond the road, began to fire upon the nearest 
 horsemen. They were soon charged by a small portion of 
 the Eleventh, under Major McDonald, and most of them 
 compelled to surrender. Among the captured sutlers' 
 stores were canned goods of every description, which were 
 much enjoyed by the victors. 
 
 Fitz Lee now moved down Patterson's Creek with fora- 
 gers on the flanks gathering cattle and sheep. At Burling- 
 ton more sutlers' stores were captured, and a blockhouse 
 abandoned by the enemy was destroyed. 
 
 After a short delay at Burlington the column moved on 
 to Ridgeville and pitched camp. This place was six miles 
 from New Creek, against which Fitz Lee intended to 
 advance the following day. But a severe snowstorm set in 
 during the night, and next morning Fitz Lee withdrew and 
 returned to the Valley, going by way of Romney and 
 
2i8 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 Brock's Gap to Harrisonburg. He took back with him 
 400 cattle and no prisoners. 
 
 Very soon after his return Fitz Lee with his command 
 rejoined the Army of Northern Virginia. Rosser's brigade, 
 however, remained with Early, then in command of the 
 Valley district. 
 
 After a short rest the brigade participated in another cat- 
 tle expedition across the mountain that proved quite suc- 
 cessful, and the fruitful results of which were due in a 
 great measure to Rosser's skillful handling of his com- 
 mand. 
 
 On January 28th, 1864, General Early, with Rosser's 
 brigade, Thomas' brigade of infantry, all the effective men 
 of Gilmore's and McNeil's Partisan Rangers, and four 
 pieces of McClannahan's Battery, moved from New 
 Market to Moorefield. 
 
 On the 29th Rosser, with the cavalry and artillery, ac- 
 companied by Early, reached Moorefield somewhat in 
 advance of the infantry. Scouts having reported that a 
 large train was on its way from New Creek to Petersburg, 
 Rosser was ordered to cross over the Branch Mountain 
 and capture it. 
 
 Accordingly, on the morning of the 30th, he marched 
 from Moorefield, having besides his own brigade one or 
 two pieces of McClannahan's Battery. 
 
 Moving by way of the Moorefield and Alleghany turn- 
 pike, when nearing the top of the mountain, he found the 
 road to be blocked with fallen trees, and the gap held by 
 a regiment of Federal infantry. Rosser, dismounting the 
 Twelfth Regiment, made a vigorous attack, and soon 
 forced his way through, driving the enemy before him, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 219 
 
 who retired in the direction of Medley to meet the train 
 which was then coming x(p towards Petersburg. 
 
 Upon discovering Rosser's approach the Federals parked 
 their train of ninety-five wagons at Medley, and prepared 
 to defend it. The guard consisted of about 800 infantry 
 and a small body of cavalry, which seemed amply sufficient 
 to keep off an inferior number of Confederate cavalrymen. 
 Rosser at once determined to attack, though having all told 
 not more than 400 men. The Twelfth Regiment, under 
 Colonel Massie, was ordered to go around and fall upon 
 the enemy's rear, and the other regiments, partly dis- 
 mounted, were advanced upon his front and flank. 
 
 The attempt was a bold one. The Federals were in a 
 defensive position, superior in numbers, and at that time 
 dismounted cavalrymen were hardly considered a match 
 for disciplined infantry. 
 
 Encouraged, however, by the confidence of their leader 
 and stimulated by the sight of the rich prize, the Confed- 
 erates moved forward with spirit to the assault. The Fed- 
 erals stood firm and repulsed the first onset, inflicting some 
 loss. Rosser determined to attack again, as by this time 
 a piece of artillery had reached the field, which he ordered 
 to immediately open upon them, and the sight of its burst- 
 ing shells spreading panic among the teamsters, was exhil- 
 arating to the Confederates. 
 
 After one or two salutes from his gun, Rosser renewed 
 the attack. The dismounted men advanced on the enemy's 
 left, while the cavalry, led by Major Meyers, charged in 
 front. The Federals broke and fled in disorder, leaving all 
 their wagons and forty-two prisoners in the hands of the 
 victors. With the retreating Federals the teamsters carried 
 
220 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 off mules belonging to nearly forty wagons, which escape 
 was owing greatly to the fact, as stated by General Ros- 
 ser, that the Twelfth Regiment, from some misunderstand- 
 ing, had failed to get in position in the rear before the 
 retreat began. The wagons were loaded with bacon, sugar, 
 coffee, and other army supplies, and proved to be a very 
 valuable capture. 
 
 In the engagement Rosser lost in killed and wounded 
 twenty-five men. The enemy's loss was greater. Their 
 dead and wounded were left on the field, but the number is 
 not reported. 
 
 On the morning of the ist of February Rosser, now re- 
 inforced by Thomas' brigade of infantry, moved against 
 Petersburg. Upon arriving there, it was found that the 
 Federal force was gone, having abandoned in their haste 
 a considerable quantity of ammunition and commissary 
 stores. 
 
 From Petersburg Rosser, in obedience to orders from 
 Early, moved down Patterson's Creek to collect cattle, and 
 do what damage he could to the Federal communications 
 on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 
 
 After sending Colonel Marshall with the Seventh Regi- 
 ment to hold the gap at Mechanicsburg against General 
 Averill, who was expected from Martinsburg, Rosser 
 marched down Patterson's Creek to its mouth, sending 
 parties out to bring in cattle and sheep. Upon reaching 
 the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at the mouth 
 of the creek, he captured one guard there, and destroyed 
 the railroad bridges over the Potomac, Patterson's Creek, 
 and the canal. With his prisoners and cattle, he now re- 
 traced his steps, moving cautiously to avoid Averill, who, 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 221 
 
 he learned, had forced the gap at Mechanicsburg and got- 
 ten in his rear. 
 
 By taking by-roads at different points, Rosser succeeded 
 in eluding Averill, who, mistaking his purpose, or fearing 
 to come up with him, adroitly kept out of his way v^^hile 
 pretending to pursue him. 
 
 Rosser with all his prisoners, about 1,200 cattle, and 
 other captures reached Moorefield unmolested by the 
 enemy. 
 
 Captain John McNeil also arrived, bringing from beyond 
 the Alleghany 300 cattle. 
 
 General Averill, disappointed on all sides, now ap- 
 proached Moorefield and menaced it. Early recalled 
 Thomas' brigade, which had started for the Valley, and 
 ordered Rosser to withdraw through Moorefield as if in 
 retreat. He thought to draw Averill into the clutches of 
 his infantry, but the wily Federal, whose caution now 
 served him a good turn, refused the bait and halted. Early, 
 after waiting a few hours, set out for the Valley, taking 
 with him fifty of the captured wagons, 1,500 cattle, and 
 500 sheep. 
 
 Stuart's appreciation of what was done by Rosser and 
 his command on this expedition, is shown in the following 
 endorsement of Rosser's report : "The bold and successful 
 enterprise herein reported furnishes additional proof of 
 General Rosser's merit as a commander, and adds fresh 
 laurels to that veteran brigade, so signalized for valor 
 already." 
 
 Upon its return to the Valley the brigade went into camp 
 near Weyer's Cave. Many of the sutlers' stores found in the 
 captured wagon train, had been appropriated by the sol- 
 
222 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 diers, and for several days the new camp was the scene of 
 festive mirth. Brandied cherries, pickled oysters, boned 
 turkey, and other delicious canned edibles, formed a part 
 of the menu, while Boston gingerbread and Goshen cheese 
 were served ad libitum. 
 
 The weather was bright and cool. There were daily 
 visits to Weyer's Cave, not a few picnics, and an occasional 
 horse-race. The luxuries disappeared rapidly, and when 
 the sugar and coffee had been exhausted, the troopers 
 began to yearn for another raid. 
 
 The opportunity soon came. On the evening of the 29th 
 of February the command was again in saddle, and started 
 across the Blue Ridge. 
 
 Kilpatrick and Dahlgren were then making their noto- 
 rious raid on Richmond. Rosser marched rapidly to take 
 part in the pursuit. At the outset the weather was fine, 
 and many of the men not dreaming of a long march, left 
 their overcoats in camp. By night the clouds thickened, 
 the moon and the stars were hid, and a drizzling rain began 
 to fall. By and by a stiff northeaster blew, and before mid- 
 night it began to sleet. The falling drops freezing as soon 
 as they touched horse or man, enveloped each in a sheet of 
 ice. The moon from behind the clouds furnished enough 
 light to make objects visible, and the appearance of the 
 moving horsemen was weird and ghostlike. Hat, coat, 
 equipments, hair, and beard covered with ice, furnished a 
 complete disguise. The horses, too, were masked in glist- 
 ening white, and shivering with cold the men moved on in 
 profound silence, nothing being heard but the steady tramp 
 of the column. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 223 
 
 After an all-night ride Charlottesville was reached. 
 There a short rest was taken, and thence by forced marches 
 the command proceeded, sometimes marching all night, 
 until they went into camp within six miles of Richmond. 
 Kilpatrick was, however, not overtaken, though so closely 
 were his heels dogged, that frequently in the night, the 
 country people insisted that Rosser's men were a part of 
 the enemy. After marching and countermarching for two 
 weeks in vain pursuit of the doubling Federals, a rest of 
 two days was taken at Gordonsville, which was greatly 
 enjoyed in spite of the scarcity of food and forage. 
 
 March the i6th the brigade started back to the Valley, 
 making short marches until by the 31st it was settled in 
 comfortable quarters near Lexington, Virginia. Though 
 the section of country in which the new camp was pitched 
 was rich and as yet untouched by the devastating hand of 
 the enemy, its abundant supplies had been much exhausted 
 to feed Lee's half-starved veterans. The army ration was 
 reduced to a quarter of a pound of meat and one pound of 
 meal a day. The soldiers submitted, though they reserved 
 the right to grumble, and seldom failed when opportunity 
 offered, to supplement the deficiency at the tables of the 
 hospitable farmers in the vicinity. Although food was 
 scarce the air and water were fine, and among a people full 
 of patriotic zeal, ardor for the cause was rekindled. 
 
 Indeed it was a period of happiness for many, who far 
 away from scenes of war, with reviews and dress parades, 
 enjoyed its pomp and circumstance, while giving full range 
 to the enjoyment of the charms of peace. 
 
224 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 It was a season, too, of growth for the brigade. New 
 recruits were added, fresh horses brought in, and the old 
 ones rested, if not fattened. 
 
 With the approach of spring, came rumors of the mov- 
 ing of Grant's vast muhitude. Lee had appealed to the 
 mothers of Virginia to send all the laggards to the field, 
 to help him in the desperate struggle he felt was approach- 
 ing. In response to this, recruits poured in, and the bri- 
 gade got its share of what was called the "new issue." 
 Many of the sick and wounded had recovered and rejoined 
 their regiments, so that the brigade was now much stronger 
 both in quantity and quality of material than it had been 
 since its active campaigns. 
 
 When the flowers of April foretokened, alas, the return 
 of war and a leave-taking from the new-found friends, 
 there was no hanging back now, as formerly, at the pros- 
 pect of quitting the Valley. The trumpet call of Lee had 
 stirred the depths of the Confederate heart. Like the 
 slogan of the Highlands, "Lee needs help!" was the word 
 passed from house to house, and from mountain and plain 
 came the sons of Virginia in response. 
 
 The Valley men were behind none in their eagerness to 
 take part in the decisive struggle; and when on a bright 
 May morning the column descended the slopes of the 
 Blue Ridge and turned towards the banks of the Rappa- 
 hannock, there was a look of firm resolve in the faces of the 
 gallant troopers, which said that they would do their best 
 for Lee and their country. 
 
 May the 4th, 1864, Grant crossed the Rapidan and the 
 Wilderness campaign began. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 225 
 
 After breaking camp at Wolf Town, Madison county, 
 May the 4th, Rosser's brigade moved up and joined Lee's 
 army, passing the infantry in breastworks at Mine Run and 
 encamping on Lee's right. 
 
 From all appearances the morrow promised to be a 
 busy day. 
 
 That night a prisoner captured by some of the Eleventh 
 Regiment was brought into Rosser's camp. Many ques- 
 tions were put to him by some of the soldiers, as to what 
 was thought of Grant, the new commander of the Army of 
 the Potomac. His answers indicated that there was great 
 confidence in Grant's luck and energy. 
 
 "Where is your pontoon train?" said one. To the sur- 
 prise of all he responded, "Grant has no pontoon train." 
 
 "How, then, are you going to get back over the river?" 
 asked another. 
 
 "Grant says," answered the Federal quietly, "that all of 
 his men who go back over the river can cross on a log." 
 
 This, with other trifling incidents that soldiers eagerly 
 seized upon, showed that the Federal army under its new 
 leader, confiding in numbers and Grant's luck, meant 
 serious work. 
 
 Next day, the 5th, the sun rose hot and lurid. The heat 
 of the night had been oppressive and the men poorly 
 refreshed by broken slumbers, were called early into the 
 saddle. 
 
 The command moved down the Catharpin Road, which 
 led to Todd's Tavern. A short distance west of the river 
 Po, a strong force of the enemy was encountered. On both 
 sides of the road it was heavily wooded, and the fight began 
 between dismounted men on the flanks. At first these 
 
226 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 lines were strengthened, and for some time the battle was 
 of an infantry character. It continued to increase in inten- 
 sity, the enemy using his artillery with considerable effect. 
 Soon the enemy began to yield to the impetuosity of the 
 attack. But a Federal battery on a hill sorely annoyed 
 Rosser, who now became impatient to get to close quarters. 
 There was no charging practicable except by fours in the 
 road, and that which was in front and to be overcome was 
 an unknown quantity. Had Rosser been aware that a 
 Federal division, Wilson's, was confronting him, he might 
 have been more cautious. Under the circumstances, there 
 seemed nothing else to do but go forward, and the whole 
 brigade was ordered to advance by fours. The Twelfth was 
 in front under Col. Thomas Massie; next came the Sev- 
 enth, followed by the Eleventh, with \\''hite's Battalion 
 bringing up the rear. 
 
 The Twelfth, with the "Rebel yell," dashed at the solid 
 ranks of the enemy over a barricade of abattis. For a while 
 they stood firm and received the charge. Now it was man 
 to man and hand to hand. Pistol and sabre were busy in 
 slaughter, while the shrieks of the stricken and the shouts 
 of the victors mingled with the roar of battle. 
 
 The fierce onset of the Confederates did not slacken. On 
 pressed the whole brigade, crowding to the front. The 
 Federals gave way and retreated across the river Po. On 
 the other side they made a gallant stand, but the Confed- 
 erates, now flushed with victory, pressed forward, and 
 again drove them, in spite of the efforts of the officers to 
 hold the men in line. 
 
 With great coolness, the enemy kept selecting new posi- 
 tions for their artillery, which enabled him to shell the 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 227 
 
 advancing column, but nothing could keep back the horse- 
 men in the road. 
 
 The Federal retreat, however, was orderly, and at every 
 favorable point the enemy again made efforts to rally. 
 Although the attempts were ineffectual, they were success- 
 ful enough to allow their artillery to withdraw and escape 
 capture. Finally a good position was reached, where there 
 was little timber, and posting squadrons with supporting 
 squadrons on both sides of the road, the Federals poured 
 a deadly fire from carbines into Rosser's advancing column. 
 Most bravely did the Twelfth charge, rally and charge 
 again, but the Federals stood like a rock. 
 
 Rosser now ordered the Seventh and Eleventh to charge. 
 Says Lieutenant Vandiver, who commanded Company F 
 of the Seventh, that day: "At length we reached a point 
 where the enemy had evidently made a stand. Coming to 
 an old field grown up in scattering pines and sumac, we 
 found the Federal cavalry formed. General Rosser stood 
 on a slight eminence to our left, and as the organized sup- 
 porting column emerged from the timber he ordered the 
 charge. My company came up in good shape. It seemed 
 to me that the enemy was then weakening, and in spite of 
 efforts of brave ofiicers to hold them in line, were breaking 
 up. About that time, the Eleventh Regiment, which fol- 
 lowed us, came into the open ground, and Maj. E. H. Mc- 
 Donald led it into action, heading the charge. Our boys 
 joined in, and the body went like a solid shot into the ranks 
 of the Federals, who now broke and ran. Many of them 
 were captured in the pursuit, which was continued for sev- 
 eral miles." 
 
228 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 During this retreat the Federals made several attempts 
 to rally, selecting new positions for their guns, and sta- 
 tioning fresh squadrons of carbineers on the flanks to 
 annoy the oncoming Confederates. 
 
 But the Confederates only halted to reform, and charg- 
 ing the flanking parties drove them away. 
 
 Rosser's men had begun the fight with a scant supply of 
 ammunition, the ordnance train in the march from the 
 Valley not having kept up with the column. As prisoners 
 were taken their ammunition was eagerly seized, but this 
 was not sufficient, and after several hours of fighting some 
 of the men became discouraged. 
 
 White's Battalion was drawn up on one side of the road, 
 and as a regiment of Yankees galloped down in their front 
 Captain Meyers, commanding Company A, turned to Col- 
 onel White and asked, "Colonel, how can we fight those fel- 
 lows with no ammunition? We'd as well have rocks as 
 empty pistols." But the Colonel replied so grimly, "What 
 are our sabres for?" that the men drew their blades with- 
 out further hesitation, and charged square at the Yankee 
 column, which wheeled about and retired faster than it 
 came. 
 
 White's Battalion had been christened by Rosser "The 
 Comanches" on account of the wild and reckless dash with 
 which they usually bore down upon the enemy. 
 
 After pursuing the Federals to the vicinity of Todd's 
 Tavern, Rosser halted and began to retrace his steps. 
 
 Meantime Wilson, reinforced by Gregg's division, 
 assumed the offensive and began to harass Rosser's rear. 
 The skirmishing was slight, but continued until the Con- 
 federates had crossed the river Po. In this fight Rosser's 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 229 
 
 loss was considerable, but not nearly so great as it was the 
 next day ; yet it seems to be remembered with greater pride. 
 It was a sort of duel between a Confederate brigade and a 
 Federal division, in which the former had come out victor- 
 ious. The superiority of the enemy in numbers, clearly 
 seen by the men, instead of dispiriting only roused them to 
 more energetic action. There was, too, a good deal of dis- 
 order on both sides, and more than once the scales of vic- 
 tory were turned by the prowess of a few. 
 
 Whether Gregg came up before Wilson had retired, does 
 not appear. 
 
 General Grant, in his memoirs, says : "During the after- 
 noon, Sheridan sent Gregg's division of cavalry to Todd's 
 Tavern in search of Wilson. This was fortunate. He 
 found Wilson engaged with a superior force under General 
 Rosser supported by infantry, and falling back before it. 
 Together, they were strong enough to turn the tables upon 
 the enemy and themselves become aggressive. They soon 
 drove the Rebel cavalry back beyond 'Corbin's bridge.' " 
 
 Grant was evidently misinformed and, if we are to com- 
 pute the historical value of all the "Personal Memoirs" by 
 the measure of truth in this statement, it would amount to 
 very little. There was no infantry with Rosser and his 
 force was greatly inferior to that of Wilson. It was not 
 known for a long time afterwards, by the men at least, that 
 Gregg had reinforced Wilson, or they would have been still 
 more proud of the work done that day. 
 
 The general impression among the survivors is that then 
 for the first time the command assumed the name of the 
 Laurel Brigade. Whether, as some say, it was due to the 
 fact that several soldiers conspicuous on the field wore lau- 
 
230 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 rel on their hats, or that Rosser, proud of his victory, 
 dubbed the command the "Laurel Brigade," does not ap- 
 pear. Certain it is that from and after that date the name 
 of "Laurel" was first used by the men themselves.^ 
 
 General Wilson, in his official report of this fight on May 
 5 th, says : 
 
 "By eight A. M. the Second Brigade, with the First Vermont 
 Cavalry, Colonel Preston commanding, in advance, had arrived 
 at Craig's Meeting-House. Just beyond they encountered the 
 enemy's cavalry, Rosser's brigade, and after a very sharp fight 
 and several handsome charges, drove it rapidly back a distance 
 of two miles, taking some prisoners. About noon Chapman's 
 ammunition became exhausted, and, fearing to press the pur- 
 suit too far, I directed him to hold the position he then occupied 
 and observe closely the movements of the enemy's troops. 
 Having observed the menacing disposition of the enemy in 
 front of Chapman's brigade, I directed him to collect his dis- 
 mounted men and be prepared to fall back if the enemy should 
 press him too severely. Soon after this, having received rein- 
 forcements, the enemy advanced and compelled Chapman to 
 retire. It was now apparent that the Rebel force was consider- 
 ably superior to ours, and, being short of ammunition, I direct- 
 ed Chapman to fall back rapidly beyond the Meeting-House, 
 and reform in rear of the First Brigade. My headquarters hav- 
 ing been located at Mrs. Faulkner's house, when the Rebels 
 arrived at that place my escort, composed of about fifty men of 
 the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Long, 
 Third Indiana Cavalry, gave them a severe check, and in con- 
 junction with a heavy fire from Pennington's and Fitzhugh's 
 
 iQuite a number of survivors of the brigade insist that the name was 
 given by General Rosser, at an earlier date, in the Valley, which is prob- 
 ably true ; the name, however, was not immediately adopted by the men. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 231 
 
 batteries, enabled everything to withdraw from the main road 
 to the position occupied by the First Brigade. I had scarcely 
 arrived there, however, when I was informed by Colonel Bryan 
 that the enemy had made his appearance, at an early hour in the 
 forenoon, in his rear, on the road to Parker's Store, and that 
 none of my couriers to General Meade had succeeded in getting 
 through. Surprised at this, and fearing for the safety of my 
 command, I immediately determined to withdraw by a blind 
 road by Todd's Tavern to Chancellorsville. I had scarcely 
 taken this resolution, when I perceived that the enemy was 
 pushing rapidly down the Catharpin Road in the same direc- 
 tion. The march was begun at once; the Second Brigade in 
 advance, followed by the batteries and the First Brigade. The 
 Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lieut.-Col. W. P. Brinton 
 commanding, was left to cover the rear. The main column 
 crossed the river Po near its head, and struck the Catharpin 
 Road just beyond Corbin's Bridge. It had scarcely got upon 
 the road when the Rebels made their appearance on the hill 
 west of the bridge. I succeeded in reaching the road with my 
 escort just in time to prevent being cut off. The rear guard 
 found the road occupied by the enemy, but Colonel Brinton 
 made three brilliant and determined charges, breaking the 
 enemy's cavalry ; but finding he could not succeed in getting 
 through without heavy loss, he struck off to the left and joined 
 the division late in the evening. 
 
 "At Todd's Tavern I found Brigadier-General Gregg, with 
 his division, and passing behind him, formed my command to 
 assist in holding the place. Gregg moved promptly out, 
 attacked the enemy, and after a sharp fight repulsed him." 
 
 General Davies of Gregg's division, in his report, says : 
 
 "On the morning of the 5th we marched to Todd's Tavern, 
 and on arriving there relieved the Third Division. We fought 
 until dark and succeeded in driving the enemy. Lost sixty- 
 
232 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 one men, mostly from the First New Jersey and First Massa- 
 chusetts Cavalry." 
 
 Col. John W. Kester, of First New Jersey Cavalry, 
 reports : 
 
 "When we arrived at a village called Todd's Tavern, we met 
 the Third Cavalry Division, commanded by General Wilson, 
 rapidly retreating- before the enemy's cavalry in a very dis- 
 ordered state. General Davies' brigade was immediately 
 thrown forward, and having repidly moved a half mile, we 
 met the advance of the enemy's cavalry pressing forward on 
 the rear of General Wilson. Captain Hart, with the First 
 Squadron, was ordered to charge, which he did with such 
 impetuosity that the enemy in turn was routed, and the gallant 
 First Squadron pressed them back on their main body, until 
 they in turn were met by the charge of a Rebel regiment, which 
 again turned the tide of battle. At this critical juncture, I 
 hastened to his support with three squadrons of my regiment, 
 the remaining two being sent on the flanks. Hastily forming 
 these squadrons in line of battle, the whole line moved forward 
 and gave the enemy such a sharp volley, followed by a rapid 
 fire at will, that they desisted from their charge and endeavored 
 to keep back the advancing line of my regiment, but without 
 success. Forward we moved as steadily as a parade, the Rebels 
 endeavoring to check us with showers of canister, but with no 
 avail ; and they hastily limbered up their guns, and fell back 
 just in time to prevent their capture." 
 
 Maj. John W. Emmett, assistant adjutant-general on staff of 
 Genl. Thos. L. Rosser. This gallant gentleman and officer, so well and 
 favorably known to the men and officers of the Laurel Brigade, was 
 severely wounded in the body in the battle of the Wilderness, on the 
 5th of May, 1864, and again was wounded in the foot in one of the 
 battles with Sheridan in the Valley of Virginia, by which he was 
 disabled for the rest of the war. 
 
MAJ. JOHN W. EMMETT 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 233 
 
 From the foregoing official reports of the Federal offi- 
 cers in command of the opposed forces, it will be seen that 
 the Laurel Brigade, consisting of three regiments, one 
 battalion, and Chew's Battery, had repulsed the whole of 
 Wilson's division, and driven it beyond the Po River, com- 
 pelling Wilson to seek shelter and reform his command in 
 the rear of Gregg's division, which had been sent to his 
 support. It was not until the Laurel Brigade was assailed 
 by the combined forces of Wilson and Gregg, numbering 
 seventeen regiments of cavalry and six batteries, that it was 
 forced to fall back beyond the Po River, 
 
 General Lee, in his report to the Secretary of War, says : 
 "A large force of cavalry and artillery on our right flank 
 was driven back by Rosser's brigade," 
 
 The brigade, in this all-day conflict, had more than sus- 
 tained its previous reputation, and earned the name of 
 "Laurel," by which it was thereafter known. It had opened 
 the ball of the Wilderness campaign, the most noted in the 
 annals of modern warfare, the campaign in which, more 
 than in any other, the marvelous generalship of Robert E. 
 Lee was demonstrated, and had protected the right flank 
 of his army against an overwhelming force of Federal 
 cavalry. 
 
 Its loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 114, the 
 larger part in killed and wounded. It had inflicted upon its 
 antagonist, as admitted by Federal reports, three officers 
 and ninety-four men killed, twenty-seven officers and 389 
 men wounded, and 187 men missing. 
 
 Weary with the hard day's work and the excitement of 
 battle, the men slept an unbroken sleep, little dreaming that 
 
234 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 the morrow would prove for them the bloodiest day of the 
 war. 
 
 At break of day on the 6th all was astir, and by sunrise 
 the bugle called to horse. The sun was just glinting through 
 the pine-tree tops as the column marched out to its place in 
 the battle line. 
 
 Lee's infantry was already engaged, and on the right 
 could be distinctly heard the ceaseless roll of musketry, 
 which rose and fell like the distant roar of a mighty torrent. 
 
 White with his battalion led the advance, with Company 
 A, commanded by Captain Myers, in front. After crossing 
 the river Po, and passing the Chancellor plantation, the 
 brigade entered the open pine country bordering the Wil- 
 derness. Rosser sent orders to White to run over every- 
 thing he came to. "How far must I go?" inquired White. 
 To this the officer bearing the order could not well reply, 
 and at White's suggestion went back for more explicit in- 
 structions. "Tell him," said Rosser, "to drive them as far 
 as he can." In obedience to which. White immediately 
 closed up his ranks and moved briskly forward. Soon the 
 enemy's pickets were encountered and driven rapidly back 
 upon their reserve. White pushed them all before him, 
 the whole brigade following at a gallop. Above the rush of 
 the column could be heard the shouts of the "Comanches" 
 as they dashed upon the flying Federals. 
 
 White, in the ardor of the pursuit, which carried his 
 command some distance in advance of any support, came 
 suddenly upon Federal infantry and dismounted cavalry 
 in a pine forest, who promptly opened upon him with vol- 
 leys of musketry and carbines, inflicting some loss among 
 the "Comanches." 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 235 
 
 He would probably have been pursued by the mounted 
 cavalry, which had reformed, had not Rosser quickly put in 
 the Eleventh to cover his retreat. 
 
 The Eleventh, under Major McDonald, now charged in 
 fine style, and again the pines resounded with the "shout of 
 the captains" and the roar of battle. 
 
 The Federals were now better prepared, and the rattle of 
 the musketry grew louder. The Eleventh pressed on into 
 the pines and turned back the advancing column of Fed- 
 erals, driving them through the pines until it came sud- 
 denly upon Grant's entrenched infantry. Though the Elev- 
 enth had delivered a staggering blow, yet it quailed before 
 the tremendous fire then poured into it, and began to retire. 
 
 Now the Twelfth, under Colonel Massie, tried it, closely 
 followed by the Seventh under Colonel Dulany. Into the 
 pines, murky with the smoke of battle, they charged. Every 
 step forward revealed new bodies of the enemy. The timid 
 recoiled, but a few of the bravest pushed on until forced to 
 retire to avoid capture. 
 
 Rosser now ordered a piece of artillery, which was the 
 first of Thompson's Battery to reach the field, and was com- 
 manded by Lieutenant Carter, to open. Carter hastily 
 pulling down a rail fence, brought his piece at a gallop into 
 the field, and planted it on the rising ground before men- 
 tioned. He delivered his fire into the pines over the heads 
 of the few struggling Confederates who, — at the edge of 
 the woods, still faced the foe. The enemy did not advance. 
 Not a bluecoat rode out of the pines. For a brief space, the 
 broken regiments attempted a stand on the hill upon which 
 Carter's piece was planted. But the Federals had now 
 quickly placed in position to the left of the pines, on a 
 
236 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 slight eminence opposite to Carter, five or six guns. These 
 swept the hills with a terrible fire. Before it went down 
 men and horses, and the ground was strewn with the dead 
 and dying. The horsemen now fell back into a woods 
 behind Carters piece in much confusion. There they halted 
 and began to reform. Rosser hastily strengthened his left 
 with about 150 dismounted men under Maj. E. H. 
 McDonald. 
 
 The enemy lined the ridge-like eminence opposite with 
 infantry or dismounted men, whose continuous volleys, 
 uniting with those of their well-served artillery, swept 
 every part of the Confederate position. A little to the right 
 and rear of Carter's piece, White had gathered about thirty 
 of his men, and a little further to the right was a small por- 
 tion of the Eleventh, probably a dozen men, under Lieut. 
 Isaac Parsons, still facing the foe. Carter stood his ground, 
 answering with great rapidity the Federal shots. Now and 
 then the enemy concentrated his fire on Carter, raining 
 bombs around him. But he and his men, like salamanders, 
 seemed to revel amidst the fire. Enveloped in the smoke of 
 bursting shells the brave gunners worked their pieces. Car- 
 ter encouraging them with cheering words and with shouts 
 of triumph as he saw his well-aimed shots take effect. 
 
 The truth is that the Federal artillery was making great 
 havoc, though the foe could not see it. Most of the bombs 
 aimed at Carter's gun passed over him, so close was he to 
 the enemy, and burst in the woods where the Confederate 
 cavalry regiments were attempting to reform, falling right 
 among them, killing and wounding a great many. 
 
 The care of the dead and dying, and the plunging of the 
 wounded and frightened horses, created unavoidable con- 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 237 
 
 fusion. Under the circumstances, it seemed impossible 
 to form column. Stuart was there, riding among- the men 
 and officers, and calHng upon them to be steady. The 
 ordeal was a terrible one for cavalry, and though apparently 
 deaf to orders amidst the thunder of bursting shells, yet 
 most of the men stood firm. The number of killed and 
 wounded was considerable. 
 
 Meantime Rosser sat on his horse near Carter's gun, 
 expecting every moment to see a regiment of Federal horse 
 burst over the crest of the opposite hill. None came, how- 
 ever, and it was evident that the splendid and well-main- 
 tained charges of the Laurel Brigade, together with the 
 incomparable service of the horse artillery, which had 
 charged with the cavalry, and discharged canister into 
 large bodies of the enemy at close range, had severely 
 punished the Federal cavalry and dampened the ardor of 
 Wilson. 
 
 On the 7th, there was little fighting along any part of 
 Lee's line. White's Battalion had a light skirmish at the 
 bridge over the river Po, in which it defeated an attempt of 
 the Federals to take and hold it. 
 
 Towards evening General Hampton met a reconnoiter- 
 ing force of the enemy, and drove it back. In this engage- 
 ment the brigade participated to some extent. 
 
 On the night of the 7th, Grant began his movement by 
 the left flank towards Spottsylvania Court House, and on 
 the 8th, Lee's infantry began a movement to the right. 
 
 On the morning of May the 8th, Rosser with the Lau- 
 rel Brigade joined Genl. Wade Hampton at Shady Grove, 
 and from that time to the ist of September, the brigade 
 formed a part of Hampton's division. 
 
O' 
 
 238 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 When Stuart fell and Hampton was put in command of 
 the cavalry corps, his division was commanded by Gen- 
 eral Butler of South Carolina. 
 
 The enemy now appeared, May 8th, in full force in front 
 of Hampton's division, then consisting of Young's and 
 Rosser's brigades. By means of the artillery's well-directed 
 fire his advance was soon checked. 
 
 Receiving orders from Lee to attack the enemy vigor- 
 ously, in order to co-operate with Early, who was about to 
 attack their left at Todd's Tavern, Hampton sent Rosser 
 to attack their right and rear, while he with Young's bri- 
 gade pressed their front. Both movements were executed 
 handsomely and vigorously, and the attack was a complete 
 success. The enemy fell back rapidly, abandoning his 
 camp and newly-issued rations. 
 
 The fighting had been mostly against the enemy's infan- 
 try, little or no cavalry having been seen since the 6th. 
 
 This was the first engagement of the Laurel Brigade 
 under Genl. Wade Hampton, and was fought mainly by 
 dismounted men. It was Hampton's favorite method, to 
 use cavalry as mounted infantry and carbineers, wherever 
 the nature of the country, such as that of the Wilderness, 
 made it practicable; the horses being of use primarily for 
 quickness of movement from one point to another, the 
 fighting being done on foot with carbines. By adopting 
 this use of cavalry, Hampton had by several decades antici- 
 pated the universal modern use of mounted soldiers. The 
 introduction of the long-range repeating carbine having 
 rendered the cavalry charge with sabre and pistol almost 
 entirely impracticable and obsolete. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 239 
 
 The cavalrymen realizing the usual success of Hampton's 
 method, especially where there was to be long-maintained 
 opposition to the enemy's infantry, were willing to dis- 
 mount and accepted the use of carbines, which many of 
 them had heretofore despised, preferring to dash in upon 
 the enemy with sabre and pistol. 
 
 The fighting on the 8th being mainly skirmishing with 
 the infantry, most of whom were behind breastworks and 
 abattis, the day was destitute of incidents worthy of men- 
 tion. 
 
 Next day the enemy drove in Hampton's pickets and after 
 a sharp fight obtained possession of the main road leading 
 from Shady Grove to Spottsylvania Court House, and also 
 held the bridge over the river Po. 
 
 On the loth Early was sent to dislodge them. In this 
 attack, which was successful, Hampton's division partici- 
 pated. 
 
 On May the 12th, the great and bloody battle of Spott- 
 sylvania Court House was fought. Hampton took posi- 
 tion on Lee's left, with his sharpshooters in the trenches, 
 and his artillery posted so as to seriously annoy the right 
 flank of the Federals. 
 
 On the 15th, Rosser made a forced reconnoissance as far 
 as the Poor House, in the direction of Fredericksburg, 
 driving in all the cavalry he met, and developing the posi- 
 tion of Grant's right flank. Li this movement the Eleventh 
 was in front and suffered some losses. Among the wounded 
 was Lieut. B. Funsten, adjutant of the regiment. 
 
 On the 1 6th, news came of the fight at Yellow Tavern 
 and the fall of Gen. J. E. B. Stuart. The effect of the news, 
 at first, was greatly to depress the men of the Laurel Bri- 
 
240 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 gade, who had followed the plume of Stuart on many a 
 hard-fought field, and had been extricated by his genius 
 and daring, from frequent situations of imminent peril. 
 But recognizing such fatalities as the inevitable and looked- 
 for incidents of war, they steeled themselves to the per- 
 formance of present duty for sake of the cause, which, with 
 the noble example of Stuart, still remained. 
 
 Grant was now moving rapidly towards Spottsylvania 
 Court House, and Lee's infantry, in order to confront him, 
 moved speedily in the same direction, leaving the Laurel 
 Brigade to protect the left wing of Lee's army. 
 
 Sheridan with his cavalry corps continued his march 
 towards Richmond, and on the 9th had gone around Lee's 
 right with a heavy force of cavalry, and on the nth, 
 was confronted at Yellow Tavern by Stuart with greatly 
 inferior numbers. Sheridan pressed his whole front vigor- 
 ously, while he sent one brigade to make a dash upon Stu- 
 art's left. To this point, as the one of greatest danger, 
 Stuart rode. Before he got there, nearly the whole left had 
 given way, but he found a few men still holding the 
 ground, and these he joined. With these men he fired into 
 the enemy's flank and rear as they passed and repassed him, 
 for they were driven back by the First Virginia Cavalry. 
 As the Federals retired "one man who had been dismounted 
 in the charge, and was running out on foot, turned as he 
 passed the General and discharging his pistol, inflicted the 
 fatal wound."^ While a few still held the enemy in check 
 Stuart was borne from the field in an ambulance. When he 
 noticed the disorganized ranks of his men he cried out: 
 "Go back, go back and do your duty as I have done mine, 
 
 ^McCIellan's "Stuart and His Campaigns." 
 
GENL. J. E. B. STUART 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 241 
 
 and our country will be safe. Go back! Go back! I had 
 rather die than be whipped."^ These were his last words 
 on the battlefield. On the evening of the following day he 
 died. 
 
 Few, if any, of Lee's great captains had won more 
 fame than Stuart, and none was more beloved by the 
 cavalrymen. Perhaps, his most distinguishing character- 
 istic, and the one which endeared him most to the rank 
 and file, was his self-contained and buoyant manner in the 
 presence of the greatest danger, and his personal courage 
 and dash. The brilliant and successful charge, being in 
 the nature of what he expected, often seemed unnoticed by 
 him ; but if there was a repulse or a threatening of disaster, 
 right in the deadly breach was to be seen the waving plume 
 of Stuart, where with burning words and flashing sword he 
 strove to wrest victory from defeat. 
 
 In the bloom of manhood and the noontide of his fame, 
 this brilliant soldier, superb cavalier, and Christian patriot 
 gave to his State the libation of his blood, and his life a 
 noble sacrifice on the altar of his country. 
 
 sMcClellan. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 June, 1864 
 
 Hampton takes command of cavalry — Milford — Haw's Shop — Atlee's 
 Station — Depleted condition of brigade — Scarcity of food and for- 
 age — Grant develops his wearing out policy — Assails Lee's lines of 
 communication — Wilson attempts to cut the Virginia Central 
 Railroad — Fight at Ashland — Heroic act of Maj. Holmes Conrad 
 — Wilson defeated and pursued — Another affair at Haw's Shop — 
 White's Comanches charge Federal breastworks — Hampton sent 
 to meet Sheridan's raiders — Battle of Trevilians — Pursues Sheri- 
 dan to the North Anna — Hard fare for men and horses — Some types 
 of vandals — Skirmishing near White House — Cavalry against in- 
 fantry and gunboats — Hanging on Sheridan's flank — White's Bat- 
 talion detached — Sheridan entrenches at Samaria Church — Is 
 driven out of entrenchments, leaving dead and wounded — Col. 
 Thomas E. Massie of the Twelfth wounded — Pursuit of Sheridan 
 to Charles City Court House. 
 
 On the 19th of June Hampton, taking- with him Rosser's 
 brigade, co-operated with Ewell in his attack on the enemy. 
 Moving around Ewell's left, he drove in some Federal 
 cavalry and succeeded in planting two guns in the rear of 
 the enemy's right flank, which did good service. This good 
 service was rendered by two guns of Thompson's Battery. 
 Their well-aimed shots drew the attention of the enemy, 
 who sent a force of infantry to capture them. At first 
 Thompson checked them with grape and canister, but upon 
 discovering the magnitude of the attacking force, he with- 
 drew, having been ordered by Rosser to do so. Ever since 
 the battle of May the 12th, when Grant suffered such heavy 
 loss in his attempt to break through the Confederate lines. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 243 
 
 there had been a continuous movement of the Federal army 
 towards Lee's right. This necessitated a corresponding 
 movement of the Confederates, 
 
 On the 2 1 St of May, Hampton proceeded towards Mil- 
 ford, and encountered some cavalry at Wright's Tavern, 
 within two miles of Milford. Rosser charged at once and 
 drove them back on a strong force of infantry and artillery, 
 thus developing Grant's movement to Hanover Junction. 
 Placing his division in front of this column Hampton fell 
 back slowly to the Junction, skirmishing with the enemy 
 and checking him at the bridge near the Junction, until re- 
 lieved by infantry. The division was then posted on Lee's 
 left. 
 
 On the 25th and 26th there were heavy rains, which 
 made the roads very muddy. On the 27th, at eleven o'clock 
 in the night, the brigade mounted and marched towards An- 
 derson's Ford, passing through Ashland and camping near 
 Atlee's Station, with the whole division within six miles of 
 Richmond. 
 
 At Atlee's Station Hampton, now commanding all the 
 cavalry, was ordered to ascertain if all the infantry of the 
 enemy had crossed the Pamunkey River. Accordingly, on ^ 
 
 the morning of the 28th, taking with him William H. F. ^^// ,/// 
 Lee's division, Wickham's, Butler's, and Rosser's brigades, 
 he moved towards the enemy and encountered his pickets 
 within two miles of Haw's Shop. These were at once 
 driven in on the main body. 
 
 Rosser's and Wickham's brigades led in the assault and 
 a heavy engagement ensued. Only dismounted men and 
 the artillery were engaged, and the ground was stubbornly 
 contested by both sides, with mutual loss, for some hours. 
 
244 -^ History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 After much bloodshed the Federals gave way but. being 
 hea\nly reinforced, they soon recovered their lost ground, 
 and became the attacking party. 
 
 Hampton hearing from some of the prisoners that Sheri- 
 dan's whole cavalry force, besides a large body of infantry, 
 was opposed to him, determined to withdraw. 
 
 With an aggressive and superior force in his front this 
 was no easy matter, and the difficulty was increased by the 
 too sudden withdrawal of Wickham's brigade, which, being 
 in the line between Rosser's and Butler's brigades, left a 
 gap that exposed their flanks. The enemy was quick to 
 take advantage of this. "Rosser's men being veterans," 
 says Hampton, "withdrew without loss and in perfect order 
 under their able commander," but Butler's troops, many of 
 whom were raw recruits, were not so easily handled. X'^ig- 
 orously attacked on the flank before they had begim to 
 retire, though up to this time they had fought admirably, 
 they now fell into disorder and sufifered heavily. Being 
 without any general officer in command, for Butler was 
 absent from a previous wound, Hampton went in and 
 brought them out. 
 
 The Confederate loss in this engagement was quite seri- 
 ous, though that of the enemy was probably greater. Ros- 
 ser's loss was eight killed and about twenty wounded. 
 
 By this time the number of men fit for duty in the bri- 
 gade was much less than on the 5th of May, though not a 
 few recruits had come to fill up the depleted ranks. More 
 than 300 had been killed, wounded, or captured since the 
 beginning of the campaign. A still greater number of 
 horses had been killed or disabled, and the ranks of the dis- 
 mounted men continued to swell. The scarcity of forage 
 
MAJ. HOLMES CONRAD 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 245 
 
 was severely felt. Little was furnished and the cavalrymen 
 had to rely mainly upon the pastures they chanced to find at 
 the places of temporary rest. Often, after a hard day's 
 fight, they were occupied long- after dark in hunting food 
 and forage. The rations, too, were poor and supplied in 
 scant quantity. 
 
 Grant had already discovered, that the only way to over- 
 come Lee was to destroy his means of subsistence, and 
 accordingly, by means of his numerous and well-appointed 
 cavalry, he began to assail Lee's lines of communication. 
 
 On the 31st of May, Wilson with his division was sent 
 to seize the Virginia Central Railroad and destroy it as far 
 back as possible. 
 
 On the 1st of June this raiding column attacked William 
 F. Lee's command near Hanover Court House, and forced 
 it to fall back towards Ashland. Hampton at once went to 
 his assistance with Rosser's brigade, and struck the rear of 
 the Federals. Having notified W. F. Lee that Rosser 
 would attack as soon as he came up with the enemy, this 
 column was charged as soon as it was discovered and 
 thrown into confusion. Following up his success, Rosser 
 pressed the enemy vigorously, and in a series of brilliant 
 charges, some of which were over dismounted men, he 
 drove Wilson into Ashland, capturing prisoners from eight 
 regiments, about 200 horses and many arms. 
 
 Wilson now made a stubborn stand, posting his artillery 
 in the village of Ashland, and his men behind the houses 
 and the railroad embankment. 
 
 "Meeting Lee on the Telegraph Road near Ashland, I 
 directed him to attack at once. The North Carolina Bri- 
 
246 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 gade was dismounted for this purpose, and in the first vol- 
 ley fired against them, Brig.-Genl. P. M. B. Young, who 
 was temporarily in command of the brigade, received a 
 severe wound. Deprived of the direction of this gallant 
 officer, the brigade failed to dislodge Wilson in the first 
 assault. Lee immediately formed his troops for another 
 attack, whilst I took the Tenth Virginia and a squadron of 
 the Third North Carolina of his division, together with a 
 squadron of the Seventh Virginia, Rosser's brigade, to 
 attack on the right flank."* 
 
 Simultaneously with these assaults Rosser pressed his 
 front. The Federals, though now vigorously attacked, for 
 some time stubbornly held their ground. Hampton's well- 
 formed plan of attack, seconded by the persistent valor of 
 the Confederates, finally forced the enemy to give way at 
 all points, leaving his dead and wounded and many prison- 
 ers in the hands of the victors. 
 
 In the beginning of this action, when Rosser first struck 
 the enemy on his left and rear, the Twelfth was in front 
 under Col. Thomas Massie, the leading squadron consisting 
 of Companies B and I under Lieut. George Baylor. They 
 first reached the led horses and pushed through them until 
 they came up with the marching column. This they struck 
 with so much vigor that the" enemy, surprised and broken, 
 fell back rapidly upon Ashland, where dismounted men, 
 strongly posted in some houses of the village, received the 
 Confederates with a galling fire. In the effort to dislodge 
 these men some lives were lost, and there were many instan- 
 ces of valor that we have no space to record. 
 
 ^Hampton. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 247 
 
 In the fight that now ensued, both the Seventh, under 
 Colonel Dulany, and the Eleventh, under Colonel Beal, bore 
 conspicuous parts. Colonel Dulany had two horses shot 
 under him. At one time during the battle the enemy, hav- 
 ing placed dismounted men with artillery behind the rail- 
 road embankment, poured deadly volleys into the ranks of 
 the Confederates. 
 
 Taking advantage of an apparent confusion in Rosser's 
 brigade, their mounted squadrons made a dash at a column 
 that Rosser was bringing up. The day was hot and the 
 dust fetlock deep. Coming up to within pistol shot the 
 Federals, seeing Rosser's defiant attitude, halted and began 
 firing their carbines. On both sides there was apparent 
 hesitation, the men moving about restlessly instead of 
 remaining in their places ready to obey the word of com- 
 mand. Rosser, as usual, in the forefront, was exhorting the 
 men to prepare to charge; while on the other side, the 
 Federal officers were urging their men to hold firm. The 
 smoke of the small arms, mingled with clouds of dust from 
 the moving horsemen, added to the confusion of the scene. 
 
 At this juncture it was evident that the action of one man 
 might turn the scale of victory. Maj. Holmes Conrad,^ on 
 
 ^Maj. Holmes Conrad, major and inspector-general of the Laurel 
 Brigade, when the State of Virginia seceded, enlisted in a company of 
 cavalry from Frederick County, Va., commanded by Capt. Jas. W. 
 Drake, which was later Company A, of the First Virginia Cavalry. 
 The same day he was made first lieutenant of the company; was made 
 adjutant of the Seventeenth Battalion August, 1862. The Seventeenth 
 Battalion was the nucleus upon which was developed the Eleventh 
 Regiment of the Laurel Brigade. 
 
 In 1864 he was commissioned major and assistant inspector-general 
 of Rosser's Cavalry Division. 
 
 Major Conrad was a familiar figure to the men who were at the 
 front in the battles of the Laurel Brigade. 
 
248 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Rosser's staff, taking in the situation, seized the flag of the 
 Eleventh Regiment and exclaiming, "Men, save your 
 colors !" rode straight at the Federal column. With banner 
 waving he penetrated the first files, and turning to the left 
 he escaped unharmed. Partly from the clouds of dust, and 
 partly from astonishment and admiration of the audacity of 
 Conrad, the foremost Federals failed to assault him. Their 
 attention was immediately engaged by the onset of the 
 grey troopers, who followed closely upon his heels. 
 
 The "Bath Squadron," under Captain Dangerfield of the 
 Eleventh, was in front. Aroused by the desperate valor of 
 Conrad, with a shout they charged, and soon drove the 
 enemy in confusion upon his main body. 
 
 When Wilson withdrew beaten from the field of Ash- 
 land, Hampton pushed him until night, when he drew off. 
 By what route Wilson withdrew in the night is not cer- 
 tainly known, but from Grant's memoirs it is found that he 
 rejoined the Army of the Potomac on the 3rd of June. 
 
 On the same day, Hampton with his division assaulted 
 the enemy strongly posted behind earthworks near Haw's 
 Shop. Dismounting his North Carolina Brigade, under 
 Colonel Baker, and attacking promptly, Lee carried the 
 outer line. In this engagement Rosser with the Laurel Bri- 
 gade seems to have borne a part, though the main work of 
 the day was performed by Lee's North Carolina Brigade. 
 
 On the next day Rosser moved with the brigade to the 
 same point with the purpose of gaining information. Col- 
 onel White with his mounted squadrons was ordered to 
 charge the earthworks. With great gallantry the "Co- 
 manches" rode up to and along the fortifications, discharg- 
 ing their pistols at the enemy. The Federals, astonished 
 
GENL. WADE HAMPTON 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 249 
 
 at the audacity of the Confederate horsemen, abandoned 
 the works, and some of White's men dimbing over, or at 
 points riding through, pursued them for a short distance. 
 So daring a charge excited the admiration of the rest of 
 the brigade, and Rosser's cheers for the "Comanches" 
 were joined in by the whole command. 
 
 There was now for some time a calm along the front. 
 Grant's punishment at Cold Harbor, had strengthened his 
 conviction that Lee's lines could not be broken through, no 
 matter what sacrifice of life he was willing to make in the 
 attempt. What, therefore, bullet and steel could not accom- 
 plish he thought starvation might. He, therefore, planned 
 to menace Richmond with sufficient force to keep Lee's 
 army near by; while, with light marching divisions of 
 infantry and cavalry, he would destroy the railroads, and 
 devastate the country from which Lee drew his supplies. 
 
 The vandal Hunter was at this time in the Shenandoah 
 Valley burning and destroying. News of his outrages had 
 reached the camp of the Laurels, and there was manifested 
 a great desire to go to the defense of their homes. They 
 also had heard of the capture of Staunton, and the death 
 of their former commander, Genl. W. E. Jones. But, there 
 was soon quite enough close at hand, to engage their atten- 
 tion. 
 
 On the 7th of June, "Sheridan was sent with two divi- 
 sions to communicate with Hunter, and to break up the 
 Virginia Central Railroad and James River Canal. "^ The 
 intention, as was evident from papers which fell into the 
 hands of the Confederates afterwards, was that Sheridati 
 should destroy Charlottesville and Gordonsville, with the 
 
 ^Grant's Memoirs. 
 
250 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 railroads near those places, and then unite with Hunter in 
 his attack on Lynchburg. He had with him about 8,900 
 effective men, well mounted. With flanking squadrons 
 scouring the country for fresh horses, he proceeded on his 
 mission of destruction with fine promise of success. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 8th, Hampton with his own 
 division and that of Fitz Lee, and several batteries of horse 
 artillery, was sent to look after this raiding column. The 
 enemy had a day's start. To follow in his wake would have 
 been to invite destruction from famine, unless he could be 
 overtaken before the pursuers' rations gave out, for the 
 track of Sheridan was like that left by a cyclonic hailstorm ; 
 what man and beast did not devour or take away, was 
 burnt or destroyed. He even shot his own broken-down 
 horses. Hampton, therefore, with characteristic foresight, 
 sought by celerity of movement to get ahead of the raiding 
 column and post his force right on its projected line of 
 march. As soon, therefore, as the order was received from 
 Lee, Hampton with his own division moved out at once to 
 get between Gordonsville and the enemy, ordering Fitz Lee 
 to follow as soon as possible. 
 
 Outmarching Sheridan, Hampton got ahead of him, and 
 encamped the night of the loth in Green Spring Valley, 
 three miles beyond Trevilians Station, on the Virginia Cen- 
 tral Railroad. Fitz Lee encamped the same night near 
 Louisa Court House. 
 
 There was a road from this place to Trevilians which 
 Sheridan was expected to march into and along it approach 
 the station. 
 
 Hampton, having learned during the night that Sheridan 
 had crossed the North Anna, determined to attack him at 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 251 
 
 daylight. Fitz Lee was ordered to attack on the road lead- 
 ing from Louisa Court House to Clayton's Store, while 
 Hampton, with his own division, intended to move against 
 the enemy on the road leading from Trevilians Station 10 
 the same point. 
 
 "By this disposition," says Hampton, "I hoped to cover 
 Lee's left and my right flank, and to drive the enemy back if 
 he attempted to reach Gordonsville, by passing to my left, 
 and to conceal my real design, which was to strike him at 
 Clayton's Store after uniting the two divisions." 
 
 At dawn Hampton was ready with Butler's and Young's 
 brigades to go forward, Rosser with his command having 
 been sent to cover a road on Hampton's left. 
 
 Soon a message was received from Fitz Lee that he was 
 moving out to attack, and Butler immediately advanced to 
 engage the enemy, supported by Young. 
 
 According to Hampton's report, the Confederates re- 
 pulsed the enemy and drove him behind his breastworks. 
 According to Sheridan, the contrary was the case. Up 10 
 nine o'clock, at any rate, Hampton pressed the enemy. All 
 seemed to be going well. Fitz Lee was momentarily 
 expected to join on the right, but Custer's dash materially 
 changed the Confederates' plans. Instead of waiting to be 
 pressed by Fitz Lee, Custer, finding an unguarded road 
 leading around Hampton's right to Trevilians Station, fol- 
 lowed it blindly. Coming upon the ambulances, caissons, 
 and led horses of the division, he fell upon them with his 
 accustomed alacrity, and then looked around to see what 
 else he could do. Near him on the right was Thompson's 
 Battery, behind Butler's line, and ignorant of any hostile 
 
252 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 movement in the rear. Custer at once made preparations to 
 take it. 
 
 Says Col. R. P. Chew, commander of the horse artillery, 
 who was present : 
 
 "I had gone to the position occupied by General Butler, to 
 select a position for artillery to aid him in his fight, and return- 
 ing about nine o'clock I met General Hampton, and was 
 informed by him that the enemy was in our rear, and had 
 captured our caissons and led horses, and was told by him to go 
 back and do the best I could with the guns. 
 
 "Butler was at this time hotly engaged in front. I went back 
 rapidly and found Custer's men advancing from the rear to 
 capture the guns. 
 
 "Fortunately a company of South Carolina cavalry was 
 formed near our position, which charged and drove back the 
 enemy. I then moved the guns to a hill north of and facing 
 the station. They were without support. 
 
 "At this stage of affairs Rosser, who was on the Gordons- 
 ville Road some distance off to the left, was quickly recalled by 
 Hampton to oppose Custer. He returnea rapidly, but Custer 
 was now trying to escape with his captures, by going off the 
 Gordonsville Road around Butler and Young and the horse 
 artillery, and getting through on their left." 
 
 From his new position Chew opened fire on the column 
 and drove them back on the station, and by a well-directed 
 fire delayed its escape by crippling the horses and stopping 
 the wagons. After considerable delay Custer again at- 
 tempted to escape by the same route, but Rosser hearing 
 the firing, brought his brigade at a gallop down the Gor- 
 donsville Road, and wheeling to the left struck Custer's col- 
 umn and doubled it back on Fitz Lee, who was coming up 
 on the other side of the station, and who attacking vigor- 
 
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A History of the Laurel Brigade 253 
 
 ously, pushed that part of Custer's column back, recaptur- 
 ing many wagons and taking five caissons. Some idea may 
 be formed of the vigor of Lee's attack from the desperate 
 charge of one company of the Sixth Virginia, known as the 
 Clarke Cavalry, which lost in a single charge upon a Fed- 
 eral battery more than half its number. 
 
 The well-timed assault of Rosser was made in double 
 column, the Eleventh in front on the right of the road, and 
 White in front on the left. 
 
 To the Laurels, success meant more than victory. The 
 enemy had captured the division trains and many prisoners. 
 His presence for a moment in Hampton's rear meant gen- 
 eral disaster. What was to be done, had to be done quickly. 
 Seldom did a duty of heavy responsibility where prompt- 
 ness of decision in the leader, and ready valor in the men 
 was needed, fall upon a command better fitted to perform it. 
 With well-closed ranks and steady gallop, the Laurels fol- 
 lowed Rosser towards the point where the firing indicated 
 the presence of the enemy. A glance at the victorious Fed- 
 erals, accompanied with captured trains and ambulances 
 filled with prisoners, only quickened the rush as the brigade 
 swept with shouts to the rescue. 
 
 The bluecoats, who, following the adventurous Custer, 
 had by a wild dash created a momentary panic in the Con- 
 federates' rear, were now in their turn surprised, and the 
 impetuous charge of the grey troopers soon put Custer to 
 precipitate flight. Wagons, prisoners, and precious plunder 
 were now quickly abandoned, and the marching column 
 soon scattered in many directions. The pursuit of the fugi- 
 tives, many of whom had taken for shelter to the woods, 
 left Rosser's force somewhat diminished. The main body 
 
254 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 of the enemy fell back towards the station, hotly pursued 
 by the Confederates. Here, forming his men with artillery 
 commanding the approaches, Custer stood at bay, while 
 Rosser, putting his regiments in order and gathering his 
 men, made ready to attack him. 
 
 Colonel Chew, who had counted Custer's men as they 
 passed in front of his battery, now informed Rosser that 
 Custer had only about 1,200 men, and that by promptly 
 charging he could capture them. 
 
 Rosser, especially eager to discomfort the vainglorious 
 Custer, ordered White to charge. Just then Hampton rode 
 up and forbade the movement. 
 
 Custer remained at Trevilians assisted, doubtless, by the 
 advance of Sheridan's whole force on Hampton's right 
 flank. 
 
 Butler and Young fell back, and they, with Rosser, were 
 posted by Hampton along a new line to the west of the 
 station and facing Sheridan. 
 
 The enemy in the evening made several attempts to dis- 
 lodge Hampton from his new position, but without success. 
 
 After the repulse of one of these assaults Rosser, still 
 believing that a bold charge would drive Custer from his 
 position, had just begim the perilous task when he was 
 badly wounded.*' This put a stop to the movement. The 
 command of the brigade now devolved upon Col. R. H. 
 Dulany of the Seventh. The remainder of the day was 
 spent in repelling Sheridan's assaults upon Hampton's 
 new line. 
 
 ^Says Hampton in his report, "In the list of wounded was Brigadier- 
 General Rosser, who received a painful wound whilst charging at the 
 head of his brigade." 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 255 
 
 Night closed the scene, and after dark both sides began to 
 entrench preparatory to the next day's decisive struggle. 
 
 At dawn the combatants were in position, and until 
 twelve o'clock stood facing each other. 
 
 Fitz Lee, who on the previous day attacked Custer 
 beyond the station, and recaptured many wagons and pris- 
 oners, now swung around and about twelve o'clock con- 
 nected with Hampton. His division was placed in a 
 position to support Hampton's division in case the enemy 
 attacked Hampton's right. 
 
 About three o'clock Sheridan began a series of heavy 
 assaults. His dismounted men, armed with repeating 
 rifles, had an immense advantage over the Confederate 
 sharpshooters, who had to be content with the ordinary 
 carbines or muskets. Many of their carbines were of Con- 
 federate make, and were nearly as dangerous to the man 
 behind as to the enemy in front. 
 
 As the fighting this day was chiefly on foot, and the 
 woods at places furnished good cover, the incessant fire of 
 the assailing Federals, called for heroic powers of resist- 
 ance on the part of the poorly-armed Confederates. The 
 brunt of the fight fell on Butler's brigade and the horse 
 artillery, and they proved equal to the occasion, repelling 
 with stubborn courage all the assaults of the enemy. 
 
 The nature of the ground prevented much use of the 
 enemy's artillery, while the Confederate position was excel- 
 lent in this respect, though from its being in the open field 
 and near the enemy, the gunners were much exposed to the 
 deadly aim of the sharpshooters. 
 
 A space of only 250 yards was between the lines. The 
 Confederate gunners lay close to the ground, and only rose 
 
256 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 when the Federals charged. The colors of Thompson's 
 Battery were riddled with bullets, and around a single piece 
 nine men were killed or wounded, among them the color- 
 bearer. 
 
 The fighting continued until after nightfall, when the 
 flash of the guns lifting for a moment the veil of darkness, 
 revealed the position of the on-coming enemy. 
 
 In the meantime Fitz Lee, directed by Hampton, rein- 
 forced Butler's left with Wickham's brigade, while he took 
 Lomax's brigade across to the Gordonsville Road, so as to 
 strike the enemy on his right flank. 
 
 Says Hampton with laconic brevity, "This movement 
 was successful." 
 
 Desperately did Sheridan struggle to force Hampton 
 from his path. But with greater resolution did the Confed- 
 erate leader maintain his ground against the superior num- 
 bers of his opponent. 
 
 Under the cover of darkness Sheridan began to retreat, 
 and by morning was far on his way back to Grant's army, 
 leaving behind him his dead and many of his wounded. 
 Grant explains in his memoirs (Vol. H, page 302) that 
 "Sheridan went back, because the enemy has taken posses- 
 sion of a crossing by which he proposed to go west, and 
 because he had heard that Hunter was not at Charlottes- 
 ville." This, however, will hardly explain his hurried re- 
 treat, and the abandonment of his dead and wounded. 
 
 He could not have thought of going to Charlottesville, 
 when it was as much as he could do to give Hampton the 
 slip, and get back to Grant's infantry. This, however, he 
 did without being vigorously pursued by Hampton, though 
 
LIEUT. PHILIP B. WINSTON 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 257 
 
 it was evident that the Federals had retreated very hur- 
 riedly. 
 
 Hampton, in his report, says : 
 
 "In the meantime Fitz Lee reinforced the left with Wick- 
 ham's brigade, while he took Lomax's brigade across the Gor- 
 donsville Road to strike the enemy on his left flank. Sheridan 
 now heavily pressed in front and attacked on the left, fell back 
 htirriedly." 
 
 Sheridan's report is disingenuous, and indeed lacks the 
 internal evidence of truth. For instance, he accounts for 
 the loss of some caissons by saying, *'When the enemy 
 broke they hurried between General Custer's command and 
 Colonel Grigg's, capturing five caissons of Remington's 
 Battery." 
 
 This is perhaps the only instance in the annals of war, 
 where the victor lost caissons because the enemy ran away. 
 
 On the 13th, the brigade with Hampton followed on after 
 Sheridan to the North Anna, and down the river to a point 
 opposite Frederick Hall. 
 
 As an evidence of what the cavalry suffered now for lack 
 of food and forage, the following extracts from the diary 
 of a soldier of the Laurel Brigade will be of interest. 
 
 "May 14th. Lay still all day; no rations. Ewell is at 
 Frederick Hall. 
 
 "15th. Crossed North Anna at Caws Bridge, moved along 
 very slowly, reached our stopping place after dark, and fooled 
 around till late hunting grass. No rations yet. 
 
 "i6th. Drew two crackers and a little meat ; nothing for the 
 horses. Marched all day on the county roads ; borrowed a few 
 rations from another command for us. No com tonight and 
 not a particle of grass ; camped after dark. 
 
258 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "17th. Grazed the horses a little this morning; wagons with 
 corn and rations expected, but no one seems to know anything 
 definite about them. The dust is three inches deep every- 
 where, and the sun broiling hot. 
 
 "i8th. No wagons yet, the men are suffering very much 
 for rations, and have been for several days. Drew plenty of 
 corn. Moved back on Wickham's Farm on the Pamunkey 
 River, where we found the long expected wagons with four 
 days' rations. Two squadrons have been without rations since 
 the 12th."'' 
 
 While Sheridan failed to unite with Hunter, or to do 
 much damage to the Virginia Central Railroad, there was 
 one part of Grant's program for crushing the Confederacy 
 which Sheridan never failed to carry out. That was to 
 ravage the country through which he passed, destroying or 
 carrying off everything possible to be removed. Grant's 
 object, as a war measure, was to starve out the men whom 
 he could not beat in the field, reduce Richmond to the point 
 of starvation, and thus decrease the efficiency of Lee's army. 
 
 Whatever may be said of Sheridan as a fighter, no one 
 can deny that as a ravager he was not wanting in the ele- 
 ments of success. While he had not yet quite mastered this 
 method of restoring the amity of a disunited country, he 
 w^as learning fairly well, from those two past masters in 
 that art. Generals William Tecumseh Sherman and David 
 Hunter. It is fair to say, by way of classification, that the 
 ravaging of Sheridan was somewhat systematic and pur- 
 poseful, being part of an avowed military plan. That of 
 Sherman in his march through Georgia was brutal and 
 wanton; v/hile that of David Hunter in the Valley of Vir- 
 ginia was absolutely heinous and devilish. 
 
 ^From the Diary of Private Joseph L. Sherrard. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 259 
 
 Hampton did not give Sheridan much time to make way 
 with property as he went along, but he did the best he could 
 under the circumstances. He gathered up all the horses 
 his flanking column could find, and when one of his own 
 gave out he had it shot, lest some one of the farmers he had 
 tried to ruin might use the animal to raise a crop for his 
 family. 
 
 On the 20th Hampton reached the vicinity of the White 
 House, and had a small engagement with some infantry 
 and cavalry of the enemy, assisted by their gunboats on the 
 Pamunkey. 
 
 During the night Sheridan crossed over and marched 
 towards the James, with his force much increased by 
 infantry. 
 
 Hampton, after skirmishing with him the best part of 
 the day, withdrew towards evening and encamped at 
 Bottom's bridge, on the Chickahominy. 
 
 Sheridan, who was in full retreat, was acting as rear 
 guard for Grant, who on the night of the 21st began the 
 operation of transferring the Army of the Potomac across 
 the James River, the bulk of which was already on the 
 south side. 
 
 For two or three days Hampton hung on Sheridan's 
 flank, but without accomplishing any serious results. The 
 starved condition of the Confederate horses had greatly 
 reduced the efficiency of the brigade. The sore-backed and 
 broken-down animals were sent to the rear for rest, and 
 with the remainder of the command, a large portion being 
 now dismounted. Colonel Dulany, commanding the bri- 
 gade, had to engage in almost daily fights with the enemy. 
 
26o A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 On the 24th the command was roused up at two o'clock, 
 and lay in a field near Samaria Church until morning. The 
 pickets had been driven in and there was expectations of an 
 advance of the Federals. 
 
 Sheridan, however, had begun to throw up earthworks 
 with the obvious design of holding his ground, and Hamp- 
 ton immediately formed his plan of attack; arranging to 
 have the brigades of Gary and Chambliss to assault in flank, 
 while the rest of his command pressed in front. 
 
 As soon as Gary had engaged the enemy, Chambliss was 
 thrown forward, and by a movement handsomely executed 
 connected with him. At the same moment the whole line, 
 under the immediate command of Maj.-Genl. Fitz Lee, 
 charged the works of the enemy, who, after fighting stub- 
 bornly for a short time, gave way, leaving his dead and 
 wounded on the field. 
 
 This advance of our troops was made in the face of a 
 heavy fire of artillery and musketry, and it was most hand- 
 somely accomplished. 
 
 In the charge of the works, the Eleventh and the Seventh 
 regiments participated, White's Battalion being absent on 
 detached service. 
 
 The Twelfth, being mounted, joined in the pursuit of 
 the retreating Federals, driving them for three miles. In 
 this charge Lieut.-Col. T. B. Massie, commanding the 
 Twelfth, was wounded while gallantly leading his men over 
 the works of the enemy. 
 
 Sheridan was completely routed, and his broken and fly- 
 ing columns pursued to within two and a half miles of 
 Charles City Court House. Hampton captured 157 prison- 
 ers, including one colonel and twelve commissioned officers, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 261 
 
 while a considerable number of Federal dead and wounded 
 was left on the field. Thus foiled and defeated at Tre- 
 vilians, severely punished at the White House, and routed 
 at Samaria Church from a chosen position defended by 
 earthworks, Sheridan very wisely concluded to rejoin Grant 
 as soon as possible. This he speedily did, falling back to 
 the James River under protection of gunboats, and crossing 
 to the south side. 
 
 The loss in Hampton's division was six killed and fifty- 
 nine wounded. 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 June, 1S64 
 
 Hampton marches towards Richmond — Federals cross to south side of 
 James River, and Hampton follows, crossing near Drur\'*s Bluff — 
 Moves below Petersburg — Camp near Reams Station — Intercepts 
 Wilson's raiders, and sharp fight near Sapony Church — Lieuten- 
 ant Vandiver's account of the engagement — Ruffian marauders — 
 Wilson escapes after punishment and loss — A short rest, water- 
 melons and hospitality — Brigade recuperates by return of men 
 from hospitals and horse furloughs — Fitz Lee with his division 
 sent to the Shenandoah "Valley — Hampton kept to hold the lines on 
 Lee's right — Grant creates a diversion on the north side of the 
 James — Hampton ordered to Culpeper, but was recalled when he 
 reached Beaver Dam — Fight at White Oak Swamp — Brigade 
 returns to south side — Monk Neck's Bridge — Hatcher's Run — 
 Reams Station — The newspaper raid — Hampton's cattle raid. 
 
 On June the 25th Hampton withdrew, moving towards 
 Richmond, but following the farm roads lest the dust on the 
 highway might subject his column to a shelling from the 
 gunboats on the James. 
 
 Passing by Frazier's Farm and ]\Ialvern Hill the weary 
 soldiers halted and encamped within five miles of Rich- 
 mond. Xext day they crossed the James near Drury's 
 Bluff. 
 
 On the 27th the brigade moved towards Petersburg. 
 That city was now invested by Grant and was being vigor- 
 ously shelled. The brigade did not pass through the town, 
 but around it. on account of the bombardment. Some of 
 the soldiers ventured to pass through and were astonished 
 to find people going about on the streets as if nothing was 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 263 
 
 going on. Such incessant warfare, bringing grief into 
 almost every home, had inured even the women and chil- 
 dren to its dangers and hardships. 
 
 The trains running out from Petersburg were regularly 
 shelled, but they moved along on schedule time, apparently 
 indifferent to the shots of the Federal artillery. 
 
 After dark the brigade went into camp near Reams 
 Station, on the Weldon Railroad. The horses had nothing 
 but one sheaf of green oats apiece during the day, and were 
 also much jaded with the long and dusty march. 
 
 Early next morning the command moved out and halted 
 in an oat field to feed. It was now known to the soldiers 
 that Hampton was making an effort to intercept a raiding 
 column of two brigades under Wilson which had been 
 destroying a part of the Weldon Railroad and devastating 
 the surrounding country. Wilson v/as known to be on his 
 return and endeavoring to rejoin the army of Grant. The 
 difficulty was to ascertain by which route he was coming. 
 
 Hampton, however, had his plans well laid, and with 
 pickets on all the roads and scouts scouring the country 
 around, the men were ordered to sleep on their arms. There 
 was not much sleep for some of them. The brigade had 
 halted near Sapony Church, and soon after dark picket 
 firing was heard, and every one knew that Wilson v^as try- 
 ing to break by. 
 
 His fiirst assault, which was on a part of the line held by 
 Chambliss' brigade, after some stubborn fighting was 
 repulsed. The Seventh seems to have been the only regi- 
 ment of the Laurel Brigade that participated in the repulse. 
 
 Says Lieutenant Vandiver of Company F, Seventh Reg- 
 iment, who lost an arm in this fight : "Mounting hurriedly 
 
264 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 and forming in line the Seventh went forward at a trot, 
 while the distant picket firing on the road south of Sapony 
 Church told what was going on. The Federals had forced 
 the pickets in at a gallop, and the Seventh was ordered to 
 dismount and fight on foot. The regiment had barely time 
 to get in position on the left of the road and church, in fact 
 it formed under fire. It was then dark, and the bullets and 
 shells went over the heads of the men. The men carried 
 rails and everything movable in reach to make breastworks, 
 and in less than thirty minutes after the dismounted men 
 were in the midst of one of the hottest battles of the cam- 
 paign." 
 
 Lieutenant Vandiver was at that time commanding Com- 
 pany F of the Seventh, being the only officer with the 
 company, Captain Kuykendall and Lieutenant Parker then 
 being prisoners. On account of the absence of the regular 
 commander Lieutenant Vandiver was assigned the com- 
 mand of the second Squadron dismounted. 
 
 The battle raged furiously, and the Federals were so 
 near the Confederate lines that their forms could be seen by 
 the flash of the discharges, and the commands "Forward !" 
 "Close up!" etc., given by their officers were distinctly 
 heard. But they would not advance to closer quarters, 
 although outnumbering the Confederates three to one. The 
 continual discharge of small arms was interspersed with 
 artillery firing, and the shells exploding over the heads of 
 the men caused great confusion among the led horses and 
 mounted men in the rear of our line of battle. 
 
 The attack on Chambliss continued until nearly daylight. 
 At one o'clock, and again at three, the brigade was aroused 
 by the noise of the combat. 
 
MAJ. F. M. MYERS 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 26 
 
 D 
 
 About daylight all was astir and the men formed in line 
 dismounted. Colonel Dulany swung his command around 
 and participated in a vigorous assault on the Federal left 
 flank. They were driven in disorder, many falling into the 
 hands of the Confederates. 
 
 In the meantime White's Battalion went with General 
 Butler to fall upon the enemy's rear; and simultaneously 
 with Chambliss' attack in front and that of Dulany and 
 others on the left flank White's mounted men charged. 
 Pressed in front and flank, the Federals scattered through 
 the pines, and broke away to the right, leaving 800 prison- 
 ers in the hands of the victors. 
 
 The plunder thrown away by the fugitives was of many 
 kinds, and is worthy of notice as indicating, not only that 
 these raiding columns had all the license of pirates, but that 
 plunder was one of the chief objects of their raids. The 
 license to plunder served to swell the ranks of the raiding 
 regiments for the time being with professional marauders 
 and cutthroats. Over the field of flight were found shawls, 
 silk dresses, mantles of velvet, jewelry, and every kind of 
 light valuables to be found in the houses of well-to-do 
 people. 
 
 The war, now that the Confederacy was declining, had 
 become popular with the ruffian classes of the North, and 
 many entered the army for no other purpose than to steal 
 and plunder. 
 
 After pursuing Wilson's column for some eight or ten 
 miles the command returned to Stony Creek. 
 
 On the morning of the 30th the pursuit was again taken 
 up, but Wilson, after running against infantry and cavalry 
 
266 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 in turn, and retreating by way of obscure country roads, at 
 last got by with a remnant of his division and rejoined 
 Grant's army. 
 
 From the 4th of July until the 30th there was little more 
 than picketing. Quiet reigned along the lines and the caval- 
 rymen had time to rest and recruit. The fishing in the 
 streams was fine and the country abounded in melons and 
 luscious fruit. The land of that section appeared sterile to 
 the eye, but nevertheless it furnished bountiful supplies for 
 the table, and in the plain but spacious homes of the land- 
 holding people there was dispensed a generous hospitality. 
 Three weeks of comparative rest did wonders for the men 
 and horses. Many of the sick and wounded had returned. 
 Many of the dismounted had returned from "horse fur- 
 lough" with fresh horses. The improved appearance of 
 the command was noticeable, and once more the men were 
 in good spirits. What if Grant was besieging Richmond, 
 was not Early at the gates of Washington? The vandal 
 Hunter had done his worst in the Valley, and was now with 
 his stolen goods flying through the hills of West Virginia. 
 The dark cloud in Georgia was then no bigger than a man's 
 hand, and few dreamed to what dimensions it would grow 
 before another winter set in. 
 
 The 30th of July was the day selected by Grant for blow- 
 ing up a part of the Confederate works and the capture of 
 Petersburg. 
 
 In order to divert a considerable part of Lee's army 
 away from the south side of the James River, Grant now 
 
 Maj. F. M. Myers, of the Thirty-fifth BattaHon, was formerly 
 captain of Company A, Thirty-fifth Battalion, and afterwards pro- 
 moted to major of the battalion, succeeding Maj. Geo. N. Ferneyhough. 
 He was a courageous and efficient officer. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 267 
 
 began a demonstration on the north side with Hancock's 
 corps and Sheridan's cavah-y. The news of this called most 
 of Lee's cavalry into the saddle, but the collapse of the 
 scheme in a few days restored the soldiers to their camps. 
 Every attempt of Grant to assault Lee's lines ended in com- 
 plete discomfiture. 
 
 In the early part of August Fitz Lee was sent with his 
 division to the Shenandoah Valley, and Hampton with his 
 own division and that of W. F. Lee was left to hold the 
 lines to the right of Lee's infantry. 
 
 On the nth of August Hampton was ordered by Lee to 
 proceed with his division to Culpeper and report to Genl. 
 R, H. Anderson, commanding in that quarter. Lee's object 
 was to threaten the enemy's flank and rear should he move 
 across the Blue Ridge. 
 
 In obedience to command Hampton marched his division 
 northward, passing through Richmond August 13th. At 
 Beaver Dam he received a telegraphic despatch from Lee 
 recalling him. Before daylight on the 14th he began to 
 retrace his steps, and at ten o'clock the next day brought his 
 command to the support of Genl. W. F. Lee, who was then 
 being heavily attacked at White's Tavern, eight miles below 
 Richmond. 
 
 Grant, in order to prevent Lee from sending reinforce- 
 ments to Early, had made another demonstration north of 
 the James. 
 
 W. F. Lee's right was being forced back when Hampton 
 arrived and took a small part in the repulse of the enemy 
 by W. F. Lee's division. It was here that General Cham- 
 bliss was killed while gallantly rallying his men. 
 
268 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 On the morning of the i8th it looked as though serious 
 work was at hand. The bugle called to horse at two o'clock 
 A. M. At seven the brigade moved out, the Eleventh Reg- 
 iment in front. 
 
 Lee had ordered Hampton to attack the enemy in his 
 front. General Fields, commanding the left of the infantry, 
 was directed to co-operate in the movement. 
 
 W. F. Lee's division attacked on the Charles City Road. 
 Butler with his own and Rosser's brigade, under Col. R. H. 
 Dulany, on the left, while Fields with his infantry pressed 
 the enemy in front. Delay occurring in getting the forces 
 in position, the attack was not begun until evening. 
 
 W. F. Lee drove the enemy some distance in his front, 
 and Butler made a most successful attack on his right, when 
 with the assistance of Rosser's brigade, under the command 
 of Col. R. H. Dulany, he drove the Federals from their 
 breastworks and pursued them two miles. There were cap- 
 tured in this afifair 167 prisoners. The Federals during the 
 night withdrew and recrossed the James, and Hampton was 
 accordingly ordered by Lee to return to the south side and 
 re-establish his picket line in front of Reams Station. 
 
 Grant having extended his left flank far enough to get 
 possession of a part of the Weldon Railroad, was now 
 attempting to destroy the part south of him. For this pur- 
 pose Hancock's corps and Gregg's division of cavalry, on 
 the 2 1 St of August, were sent to the neighborhood of Reams 
 Station. 
 
 Hampton's division was moving towards the same point 
 when on the 23rd of August the enemy was encountered at 
 Monk Neck's Bridge, two miles west of the station, on the 
 Rowanty Creek. Butler here attacked them in position and 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 269 
 
 had a severe engagement. He succeeded, however, in driv- 
 ing back the enemy, a division of infantry, and in estabHsh- 
 ing the picket-Hne. 
 
 As this was a pitched encounter between Confederate 
 cavalry and Federal infantry aided by cavalry, in which the 
 latter after a stubborn contest were badly worsted, it 
 deserves full space. But the story can only be told from 
 the standpoint of the Laurels, some of whom speak of the 
 contest with great and commendable pride. 
 
 In this action the brigade was still commanded by Col. 
 R. H. Dulany, General Rosser not having sufficiently 
 recovered from the wound received at Trevilians to resume 
 command. 
 
 On the 23rd the command moved down the Stage Road 
 to meet the enemy. Upon reaching Hatcher's Run there 
 were the usual signs of a recent fight. Broken ambulances 
 and dead horses lined the road. 
 
 Very soon the enemy was found, and the Seventh Regi- 
 ment, which was in front, was forced back. The bulk of the 
 Seventh and Eleventh regiments and a part of the Twelfth, 
 under Lieut. George Baylor, were now dismounted and 
 deployed on each side of the road, White's Battalion and 
 the Twelfth remaining mounted. 
 
 White's First Squadron joined General Butler on his 
 right. The dismounted men of the Eleventh, under Maj. 
 E. H. McDonald, advanced on the left side of the road, 
 while the Seventh, under Col. Thomas Marshall, advanced 
 on the right. 
 
 The movement at first was through a woodland, and the 
 Federals being mounted, retired before the Confederate 
 advance. After following- them for half a mile the latter 
 
270 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 reached the end of the woods, and before them lay an open 
 field across which at a distance of 500 yards, was distinctly 
 seen a line of breastworks occupied by infantry. Halting 
 at the edge of the woods behind a dilapidated rail fence, 
 the Seventh and Eleventh lay down. 
 
 For half an hour the Federals waited for an attack. Then 
 a considerable force, apparently a brigade, moved out and 
 took position on the left of the line occupied by the Elev- 
 enth. The design of the enemy was plainly to execute a 
 flank movement and take the Eleventh in reverse ; but there 
 were no orders to fall back and the Confederates grimly 
 awaited the issue. 
 
 Presently the enemy advanced in heavy force beyond 
 their breastworks to within a short distance of the fence 
 behind which lay the Confederates. A withering fire met 
 them, but they fell flat on the ground and, partly concealed 
 by the grass, poured volley after volley into the thin lines of 
 the dismounted men. Attacked by greatly superior num- 
 bers, and threatened by the brigade of infantry on their 
 left, the Confederates fell back through the woods. Soon 
 they met General Butler bringing up a South Carolina bri- 
 gade. Hastily reforming they resumed their old position 
 under a heavy fire, and the battle raged furiously. 
 
 The flanking brigade of Federals swung around on But- 
 ler's left, and the South Carolinians, pressed in front and 
 flank, after heroic efforts were forced to retire. This neces- 
 sitated the falling back of the Confederate line of dis- 
 mounted men which was under command of Maj. E. H. 
 McDonald. 
 
 The Federal commander, seizing his opportunity, 
 ordered forward a squadron of horse that now rode among 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 271 
 
 the disordered Confederates, and pressed on, endeav- 
 oring to stampede Dulany's reserves. But this proved not 
 so easy a task. Their charge was met with a countercharge, 
 and the beaten Federals in a few moments were seen by the 
 dismounted men returning hotly pursued by the grey 
 troopers, 
 
 Butler, now readjusting his lines, forced the Federals 
 behind their breastw^orks, where they remained. He was un- 
 able to dislodge them without the aid of infantry, although 
 the fighting continued until after dark, heavy volleys of 
 musketry at intervals breaking the stillness of the night. 
 
 The next day was one of comparative quiet. 
 
 The success of Butler at Monk Neck's Bridge suggested 
 to Hampton the feasibility of driving the Federals from 
 their works at Reams Station. His plan of attack was com- 
 municated to General Lee and concurred in. 
 
 General Heth's division of infantry was ordered to co-op- 
 erate with Hampton, and Genl. A. P. Hill was sent to take 
 command of the expedition. 
 
 On the morning of the 25th, Hampton moved out with 
 his two divisions of cavalry under Generals Butler and Bar- 
 ringer. After disposing part of his command so as to cover 
 Hill's advance, with the remainder, including the Eleventh 
 and Twelfth regiments, and White's Battalion, he crossed 
 Malone's Bridge at nine A. M. and drove in the enemy's 
 pickets. Following up these he encountered a heavy force 
 of Federals strongly posted. After a sharp fight the enemy 
 fell back rapidly towards Malone's Crossing, hotly pursued 
 by the Confederates. 
 
 Near Reams Station Federal infantry came up and took 
 the place of their cavalry, while the latter attempted to turn 
 
272 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Hampton's flanks. "In this," says Hampton, "they were 
 foiled and I held my ground steadily." 
 
 Hill, whose advance was masked by some of the cavalry, 
 was not yet ready for the assault. He requested Hampton 
 to retire slowly and draw the enemy after him, so that he 
 with his infantry might take them in rear. This Hampton 
 proceeded to do, but the Federals followed with great cau- 
 tion. 
 
 At five P. M. the boom of Hill's artillery indicated that 
 all was ready, and Hampton at once ordered forward his 
 battle line of dismounted men. Before them were the ser- 
 ried ranks of veteran infantry, with strong works to retire 
 behind; while the enemy's cavalry was threatening their 
 right. Unskilled in the maneuvers of infantry, and know- 
 ing little beyond keeping an even front, the dismounted men 
 moved steadily forward. The sharp volleys of Federal 
 musketry were only answered by the rattle of Confederate 
 carbines, but the grey line kept steadily advancing while de- 
 livering its fire, and soon the bluecoats fell back in con- 
 fusion, seeking safety behind their works at Reams Station. 
 
 Up to this point of the engagement, Hampton's line had 
 been extended across the railroad, occupying both sides. 
 Discovering now that Hill, approaching from the west side, 
 M'as driving the enemy, he moved his force to the right and 
 east side of the railroad. Pivoting his left on this, and with 
 his right far extended, he ordered the line to advance and 
 swing around so as to envelop the enemy's rear. 
 
 Rosser, who had returned to the field the day before, 
 though still suffering from the wound received at Trevil- 
 ians, was in command of his brigade. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 2J}i 
 
 The Eleventh, under Colonel Funsten, and a portion of 
 White's Battalion formed part of a second line supporting 
 Young- on Hampton's right, while the extreme right of the 
 assaulting column was occupied by the Twelfth under Col- 
 onel Massie, the two right companies, B and I, being armed 
 only with pistol and sabre. 
 
 As the advancing line moved on, it was obliged to pass 
 over ground naturally rough and broken, and now made 
 still more difficult of passage by felled trees that had been 
 cut down for purposes of defense. The right was obliged 
 to go forward more rapidly than the center and left, and 
 besides, it encountered a body of the enemy until then unas- 
 sailed, and in position outside of the entrenchments. 
 
 It was now nearly sundown, when amid the roar of can- 
 non, bursting of bombs, and the pattering of the deadly 
 bullets through the foliage, Hampton's line, clambering 
 through the branches and over the trunks of the fallen 
 timber, drove the last line of the enemy behind his fortifica- 
 tions. 
 
 The circle around the enemy was now complete. The 
 Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, on Hampton's extreme right, as 
 it formed anew for the final rush, found itself alongside of 
 the Twelfth Virginia Infantry, that, on Hill's extreme left, 
 had swung around from the opposite side of the works. 
 When it was discovered that there were two Twelfth Vir- 
 ginias side by side salutations were interchanged, and there 
 was not a little bantering and boasting as to which of the 
 two, the Twelfth Infantry or the Twelfth Cavalry, would 
 be the first to reach and scale the ramparts in front of them. 
 It was quite understood that there was to be a contest of 
 valor, and bracing for the struggle, each regiment waited 
 
274 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 anxiously for the command to go forward. The envelop- 
 ing lines were dressed and presented a steady front. The 
 Federal gunners were at their posts, and the last beams of 
 the setting sun glanced along the musket barrels of the 
 awaiting enemy. It was only the stillness that usually 
 heralds the storm-burst. 
 
 Hill opened with deafening roar, and above the din were 
 heard the shouts of his gallant soldiers, and the whole line 
 now moved forward. 
 
 The two Twelfth regiments at the word "Charge !" went 
 forward with noble rivalry, facing undaunted a heavy fire 
 from the Federal artillery. For a brief space the race for 
 glory was an even one; but, when near the works, the 
 Twelfth Infantry halted to deliver its fire before rushing 
 on. The Twelfth Cavalry never stopped, but with cocked 
 pistols in hand, made straight for the breastworks, and 
 leaping over them fairly won the race. The Federals fired 
 one volley and. then throwing down their arms, fled pre- 
 cipitately. 
 
 In the meantime the Seventh Regiment, under Col. R. H. 
 Dulany, had been engaged in masking the advance of Hill's 
 column of infantry. The following is Colonel Dulany's 
 account of the same : 
 
 "I was ordered by General Rosser to report with my regi- 
 ment, Seventh Virginia, to Gen. A. P. Hill near Reams Station 
 August 24th, 1864. When I found General Hill, he told me 
 that he was very anxious that the Federal forces who were 
 entrenched at Reams Station should not know of his presence 
 until he attacked their earthworks, and to that end he wished 
 me to drive in all the cavalry in his front. Not knowing what 
 was before me, I ordered Colonel Marshall to advance with a 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 275 
 
 squadron and attack any forces he came up with. I followed 
 with the rest of the regiment. We had not advanced more than 
 a mile when I heard firing, and Colonel Marshall was brought 
 back badly wounded. I immediately rode to the front, and 
 taking command of the advanced squadrons, charged the 
 enemy and drove them behind their earthworks. We were! 
 so close on their heels that two of my men, unable to control 
 their horses, followed the Federal cavalry into their fortifica- 
 tions. One of the men was Pendleton of Baltimore, the other 
 I do not remember — fell dead in the trenches. I do not recol- 
 lect what other loss was suffered. General Hill was repulsed 
 in his first attack with a heavy loss. 
 
 "On the morning of the 25th Hill ordered me to protect his 
 flanks with the assistance of a portion of Wright's command, 
 while he made his second attack when he carried the earth- 
 works, capturing twenty-six or eight hundred men and six or 
 eight new three-inch rifle-guns. During the fight the Federal 
 cavalry made three efforts to get at his flanks, but we drove 
 them back every time. As Hill sent his prisoners to the rear, 
 the Federal cavalry again attempted a flank movement, and 
 with more stubbornness than at their first attempt. We had a 
 number of the Henry sixteen-shooters recently captured 
 from Wilson's cavalry, and our fire was so rapid that Hill 
 became uneasy, supposing we had run up against infantry, and 
 sent to me an aid to see if we needed any assistance. I asked 
 for two howitzers, which he sent me, and immediately after a 
 portion of General McCowan's command. They came at a 
 double-quick and the General, being a large man, was pretty 
 well blown. He asked me to put his men in position, as he did 
 not know the ground. As the howitzers were all the help I 
 wanted, and I desired my own men to have all the credit of the 
 frequent repulses of the enemy, I told General McCowan, that 
 there was a stream in the woods in our rear, where, if he would 
 take his command, he would be near enough if we required his 
 assistance. After this General Hill ordered me to move for- 
 ward and take possession of the battlefield, to secure the guns 
 
2/6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 and ammunition left by the enemy, and bury the dead. While 
 carrying- out these orders, a squad of Federal cavalry under a 
 flag of truce came, asking permission to bury their dead. I had 
 orders to refuse such applications and they retired." 
 
 General Hill wished to get back to the army before the 
 enemy should know that he had left Reams Station. 
 
 After dark Hampton with seven regiments of his com- 
 mand, including the Twelfth Virginia and White's Battal- 
 ion, remained in the trenches to cover the withdrawal of 
 the infantry. For there was still a force of the enemy out- 
 side of the works in the direction of Grant's army, and 
 there was some apprehension of its attempting to recover 
 the station. 
 
 After a twelve hours' battle an almost sleepless night fol- 
 lowed. The ground in front of the trenches was strewn 
 with dead and dying Federals, and the shrieks of the 
 wounded banished slumber. At midnight a terrific storm 
 burst forth, deluging all with a downpour of rain, and 
 bringing much relief to the wounded. The dreadful patter 
 of the elements with the sharp rattle and deafening roar of 
 the thunder was appalling, and the bright flashes of light- 
 ning, that revealed the ghastly features of the dead and of 
 others in the agonies of death, added to the horrors of the 
 scene. 
 
 During the night the Federals withdrew from the vicin- 
 ity, and next day were followed and harassed by Hampton's 
 cavalry, with which was the Twelfth Virginia. 
 
 While the battle around the station was going on the 
 Seventh, as we have seen from Colonel Dulany's report, 
 had been doing some good work. It had been ordered to 
 report to Gen. A. P. Hill to mask the movement of his in- 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 277 
 
 fantry, which it did by driving in all the Federal cavalry 
 in his front. Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, leading in this 
 attack, was badly wounded, and so vigorous was the charge 
 which was pressed by Colonel Dulany that two of his men 
 rode over the enemy's entrenchments, one of them being 
 killed inside of them. 
 
 On the 24th the Seventh repulsed several bold attempts 
 of the Federals to turn the flanks of Hill, blocking their 
 way at every attack until, foiled and disheartened, they 
 finally withdrew. 
 
 The engagements before Reams Station on the 25th, in 
 which the cavalry did most of its fighting on foot, co-oper- 
 ating and forming parts of the fighting line with the infan- 
 try, a large part of them armed only with pistols and sabres, 
 tended greatly to inspire the infantry with admiration for 
 the dash, and confidence in the staying qualities of the cav- 
 alry, which arm of the service they had heretofore affected 
 to belittle. It was shown that they were capable of attack- 
 ing infantry in entrenched positions with such inferior 
 weapons as carbines and pistols and this, not only on foot, 
 but in some instances mounted. 
 
 There were engaged in this fight on the part of the Con- 
 federates about 8,000 men under command of Genl. A. P. 
 Hill, consisting of McRae's, Cook's, and Lane's brigades, 
 with Pegram's Artillery, and the cavalry division of Hamp- 
 ton and Barringer; while the Federal force under General 
 Hancock was composed of the Second Army Corps, Mills' 
 and Gibb's divisions, fifty regiments, the two cavalry divi- 
 sions of Gregg and Kautz, and the whole supported by 
 Wilcox's division in reserve, numbering from 16,000 to 
 
278 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 20,000 men, the Federals having advantage of fortified 
 positions. 
 
 The victory of the Confederates was decisive, nine guns 
 being captured and some of them turned upon the enemy. 
 According to the official report of General Hill the captures 
 were, "Twelve stands of colors, nine pieces of artillery, ten 
 caissons, 2,150 prisoners, 3,100 small arms, thirty-two 
 horses. My own loss, cavalry, artillery and infantry, being 
 720." 
 
 The Federal official reports on the 26th, of the engage- 
 ments near Reams Station on the 25th, are interesting 
 reading mainly for their inconsistencies, contradictions, 
 and general inaccuracy, though some are wonderfully 
 candid ; Grant being misinformed by his subordinates. 
 
 General Grant reports : 
 
 "City Point, Va., August 26th, 1864, 10 A. M. 
 Major H. W. Halleck, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 I have no report of the casualties yet from operations yes- 
 terday near Reams Station. Orders were given during the! 
 day for General Hancock to return, but being pressed by the 
 enemy he could not do so until night. Frequent assaults were 
 repulsed, but just before night the enemy carried one point of 
 the line and captured eight pieces of artillery. 
 
 The staff officer, who gives the only report I have, thinks the 
 enemy were very severely punished, and that our loss in 
 prisoners will be small. 
 
 During the night General Hancock returned to his place in 
 line without opposition. * * * 
 
 U. S. Grant, 
 Lieutenant-General." 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 279 
 
 August 26th, 1864, ten A. M., Genl. George D. Meade 
 reports to General Grant : 
 
 "Hancock's troops were withdrawn without molestation or 
 being followed. He is now near the Williams house. He 
 reports his command at present unserviceable. A report from 
 General Gregg, commanding cavalry on Warren's left and 
 Hancock's rear, reports the enemy pressing his pickets a little 
 this morning with a view, he thinks, of picking up stragglers." 
 
 At half past twelve P. M. Meade reported to General 
 Grant: "A safeguard that was left on the battlefield 
 remained there until after daylight this morning. At that 
 time the enemy had all disappeared, leaving their dead on 
 the field unburied. This shows how severely they were 
 punished, and doubtless hearing of the arrival of reinforce- 
 ments, they feared the result if they remained." 
 
 Again at one o'clock P. M. Meade despatched to Grant 
 as follows : 
 
 "Since sending my last despatch, I have conversed with the 
 safeguard referred to. He did not leave the field until after 
 sunrise. At that time nearly all the enemy had left, moving 
 towards Petersburg. He says that they abandoned not only 
 their dead but their wounded also. He conversed with an 
 officer, who said that their losses were greater than ever before 
 during the war. 
 
 "The safeguard says he was over a part of the field, and it 
 was covered with the enemy's dead and wounded. He has 
 seen a great many battlefields, but never saw such a sight. 
 Very few of our dead, nearly all of the enemy. 
 
 "All of our wounded are brought off, but our dead unburied. 
 I have instructed Gregg to make an effort to send a party to 
 the field and bury our dead. 
 
28o A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "I should judge from all accounts the enemy will most likely 
 be quiet for some time." 
 
 The absurdity and absolute falsity of the statement of 
 this "safeguard" is so apparent that it is a wonder that 
 Meade should have forwarded it to General Grant and with 
 remarks indicative of his having given credence to it. We 
 have seen from Meade's report to Grant of ten A. M. of the 
 same day, two hours before he forwarded this statement of 
 the "safeguard," that Hancock had fallen back in such con- 
 dition that he reported his command as "unserviceable." We 
 have seen also that after the discomfiture of Hancock, in 
 which he lost 2,724 men, of whom 2,150 were prisoners, 
 nine guns, ten caissons, 3,100 small arms and twelve stands 
 of colors, A. P. Hill, wishing to return unobserved by the 
 enemy to the army near Petersburg, left Col. Richard 
 Dulany with the Seventh Regiment, Laurel Brigade, of 
 Cavalry, to screen his movement, to occupy the field, secure 
 the captures, and bury the dead. 
 
 Colonel Dulany, in his modest report, has said : "While 
 carrying out the order a squad of cavalry under flag of 
 truce came asking permission to bury their dead. I had 
 orders to refuse any such applications, and they retired." 
 
 The people of the North, as well as the Northern Gov- 
 ernment, having raised magnificent armies, supplied with 
 the most modern and approved equipments of war, de- 
 manded, with good reason, that their generals should win 
 victories. In order to satisfy this demand, victories won 
 only by peculiar processes on paper, were very often sub- 
 stituted in the place of real ones in the field. So a first-class 
 official report could easily convert a serious defeat into a 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 281 
 
 victory of very respectable proportions. It was a victory of 
 this kind that General Meade, upon the statement of the 
 "safeguard," reported to General Grant. It is not likely, 
 however, that Grant was enthused with the report of the 
 victory in which he knew that Hancock had fallen back 
 hors de combat, leaving- guns, colors, prisoners, etc., in the 
 hands of the Confederates. 
 
 General Miles, commanding the First Division of the 
 Federal Second Army Corps, says in his report : 
 
 "At five P. M. the enemy drove in the skirmishers of the 
 consolidated brigade, who made feeble resistance, debouched 
 from the woods in front of that and the Fourth Brigade, 
 advancing through the slashing, which was thirty yards wide. 
 At first he was met by a sharp fire from these brigades, part of 
 the First Brigade which fired to the left oblique, and the 
 Fourth New York Artillery to the right oblique. Although he 
 pushed forward with determination he was repulsed at several 
 points, and his organization greatly broken up by the severity 
 of the fire, and the obstacles in his front; but unfortunately, 
 just as his entire repulse seemed certain, a portion of the con- 
 solidated brigade, consisting of the Seventh, Fifty-second and 
 Thirty-ninth New York regiments, broke and fell in confusion. 
 At the same time a break occurred in the same brigade — the 
 One Hundred and Twenty-fifth and One Hundred and 
 Twenty-sixth New York regiments. I stood at the time on 
 the banks of the railroad cut, and saw a Rebel color-bearer 
 spring over our works and down into the cut almost at my 
 feet. But few of the enemy had reached the works, and a 
 determined resistance of five minutes would have given us the 
 victory. 
 
 'T looked for Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg, but not at the 
 moment seeing him, I directed his regiment to rush into the 
 gap and commence firing. Not a minute's time was lost before 
 giving this order, but instead of executing it, they either lay on 
 
282 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 their faces or got up and ran to the rear. I then rode down 
 the Hne of the Fourth Brigade, ordering them to move toward 
 the right and hold the rifle-pits. These troops were then 
 fighting gallantly, their brigade commander, Lieutenant-Col- 
 onel Broady, being conspicuous, encouraging and directing the 
 men. Finding the enemy had gained the angle and flanked my 
 line, I rode to the Twelfth New York Battery and directed 
 Lieutenant Dandy to fire canister at that point, which he did 
 with great effect, working his guns gallantly until the enemy 
 was upon him. His horses were killed, and it was impossible 
 to limber up and draw off his guns in the breaking of the line. 
 The enemy pushed forward, and taking possession of them, 
 turned one of them and opened fire with it upon our troops. 
 "The One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment, Captain 
 Brent commanding, when the assault was made, was directed 
 to attack the enemy in flank and rear. The regiment had 
 changed front and was moved up to within 200 yards and 
 directed to open fire. Captain Martin, division inspector, a 
 very cool and reliable officer, reports that not a shot was fired 
 at it, but the men broke from the ranks and fled in the most 
 disgraceful manner, only two men in the regiment discharging 
 their pieces. The panic had become somewhat general, and it 
 was with the greatest difiiculty that my line could be formed." 
 
 General Gibbon, commanding the Second Division of 
 Hancock's corps, in his official report, states the following : 
 
 "About five P. M., the enemy having placed his batteries, 
 opened a heavy fire, most of which took my part of the line in 
 reverse. Soon afterwards he made his assault on General 
 Miles' line, from which a portion of the First Brigade had 
 been withdrawn to strengthen mine, under the impression 
 that an attack was to be made there. The enemy broke through 
 General Miles' line and, pushing forward his troops, appeared 
 to be for a time carrying everything before him. His fire 
 taking my line in reverse, I shifted my men to the opposite 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 28 -j 
 
 o 
 
 side of the parapets to resist his further advance, but there was 
 checked by the steadiness of a portion of Miles' division, and 
 my division was then ordered forward by General Hancock 
 to attack the enemy and re-take the breastworks. In attempting 
 to obey this order, that portion of the division with me did not 
 sustain its previous reputation, and demoralized, partly by the 
 shelling and musketry firing in its rear, and partly by refugees 
 from other parts of the line, retired after a very feeble effort 
 and very slight fire, in great confusion, every effort of 
 myself and stafif failing to arrest the rout until the breast- 
 works were reached. Soon after this the enemy attacked my 
 line, the men shifted to the inside of the parapet. Besides 
 the fire from the front which, however, was very feeble, they 
 were subjected to a musketry and artillery fire from the right 
 flank, when the enemy turned our guns upon us. The men 
 soon gave way in great confusion, and gave up the breast- 
 works almost without resistance, and were partially rallied in 
 the woods behind the right wing. The result of this action 
 was a source of great mortification to me, as I am confident 
 but for the bad conduct of my division, the battle would have 
 terminated in my favor, even after the enemy had broken 
 through General Miles' line." 
 
 The minuteness and candor of the two foregoing reports 
 indicate their truthfulness, and corroborate the accounts of 
 the engagement made from the Confederate standpoint. 
 
 Genl. Robert E. Lee, in his report to the Secretary of 
 War, says : 
 
 "Gen. A. P. Hill attacked the enemy in his entrenchments 
 at Reams Station, and at the second assault carried the entire 
 line. Cook's and McRae's North Carolina brigades, under 
 General Heth, and Lane's North Carolina brigade of Wilcox's 
 division, under General Conner, v/ith Pegram's Artillery, com- 
 posed the assaulting column. One line of breastworks was 
 
284 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 carried by the cavalry under General Hampton with great gal- 
 lantry, who contributed largely to the success of the day. The 
 loss of the enemy in killed and wounded is reported to be 
 heavy, ours relatively small. Our profound gratitude is due to 
 the Giver of all Victory, and our thanks to the brave officers 
 and men engaged." 
 
 General Lee, in his letter replying to a communication to 
 General Hampton of date August 26th, 1864, says: 
 
 "I am very much gratified with the success of yesterday's 
 operations. The conduct of the cavalry is worthy of all praise. 
 I wished you to be near them because I feared that as Gregg 
 was so much in the background in yesterday's operations, he 
 might be preparing for a raid on the Danville and Southside 
 Railroad."^ 
 
 There was now a few days of rest, but on the ist of Sep- 
 tember Rosser had the men again in the saddle for the pur- 
 pose of making a reconnoissance. This expedition was 
 called by the troopers the Newspaper raid, because it was 
 believed by them that it was made for the purpose of get- 
 ting the latest Northern papers. 
 
 About four miles beyond Reams Station Rosser drove in 
 the enemy's pickets, and the whole brigade galloping in 
 pursuit ran the fugitives into their camp close by the infan- 
 try fortifications. The surprised Federals stoutly defended 
 their camp, and for a brief space there was hot work with 
 pistol and sabre. After securing some prisoners and a good 
 deal of plunder Rosser withdrew. In this charge the Elev- 
 enth was in front and lost two killed and several wounded. 
 It does not appear that a newspaper was secured, nor is 
 
 ^United States War Records, Series I, Vol. XLII. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 285 
 
 there any intimation of the nature of the information 
 expected to be obtained. 
 
 The brigade had continued in camp resting and recuper- 
 ating after the fight at Reams Station until the 14th of 
 September. That morning, with five days' rations in hav- 
 ersacks, the brigade under Rosser started with Hampton on 
 his celebrated Cattle raid. The rest of the column consisted 
 of Maj.-Genl. W. H. F. Lee's division, Bearing's brigade, 
 and 100 men from Young's and Dunnavant's brigades 
 under Colonel Miller of the Sixth South Carolina Regi- 
 ment, and the horse artillery under Col. R. P. Chew. 
 
 The object of the expedition was to capture and secure 
 for the use of Lee's army, a large herd of cattle belonging 
 to the Federals, grazing in security on the James River 
 near Coggin's Point, in the rear of Grant's army. The 
 location of the cattle being well within the enemy's lines, it 
 became necessary to force the lines at the most practicable 
 point. 
 
 Hampton had been well informed as to the exact location 
 of the cattle, and the position and approximate number of 
 the force guarding them, by intelligent scouts under Shad- 
 burn of the Jeff Davis Legion; John G. McCleur of Com- 
 pany B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, being one of them. 
 Upon their information, Hampton selected Sycamore 
 Church, in Prince George's county, as the point at which to 
 make the attack. 
 
 The first night the whole force bivouacked near Wilkin- 
 son's Bridge, over the Rowanty Creek. Early next morn- 
 ing the march was continued. The region through which 
 the expedition passed was flat and marshy. The road 
 wound along through occasional pine forests that helped to 
 
286 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 conceal the strength and design of Hampton's force. Few 
 houses were seen, and almost unperceived they stole along 
 towards Grant's rear. Early in the evening the Black- 
 water was reached at a point where Cook's Bridge, recently 
 destroyed, had stood. 
 
 Hampton purposely took this route because the absence 
 of a bridge averted suspicion of any approach that way. 
 Here he halted and fed, while the engineer corps built a 
 new bridge, finishing it before nightfall. 
 
 At midnight the column crossed over, and each subordi- 
 nate command proceeded to perform the part that had been 
 assigned to it. 
 
 Lee was ordered to move up the Stage Road, drive in the 
 pickets, force back the Federals, and occupy the roads lead- 
 ing from the direction of Grant's army to Sycamore Church. 
 Bearing was to proceed to Cox's Mill and remain there 
 until the attack had been made at Sycamore Church, when 
 he was to charge across and attack the picket on the Min- 
 ger's Ferry Road. 
 
 To Rosser was assigned the duty of carrying the outpost 
 position of the enemy at Sycamore Church, and then to 
 push on and capture the cattle which were corralled about 
 two miles from the church and guarded by another consid- 
 erable force of cavalry. 
 
 When within a mile and a half of the church, Rosser 
 halted and waited until morning. At the first streak of 
 dawn, while darkness yet lingered, the column moved for- 
 ward and the enemy was soon discovered in a strong posi- 
 tion. This was the outpost of the force protecting the cattle, 
 the approaches to it being protected by felled trees and 
 abattis. This position was occupied by about 400 men of 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 287 
 
 the District of Columbia Cavalry, armed with sixteeti- 
 shooter Henry rifles. The narrow roadway leading through 
 the abattis into the camp, which the scouts had reported to 
 be open was now found to be well barricaded, which fact 
 indicated that the Federals had become suspicious of 
 Hampton's approach, and had prepared in a measure to 
 receive him, but were, perhaps, somewhat deceived as to his 
 numbers. 
 
 A squadron of the Eleventh Regiment was ordered to 
 charge, which it did promptly, the men riding up against 
 the barricade, where heavy volleys were poured into them, 
 it being too dark to see the enemy except by the flash of the 
 discharges. A number of casualties occurred as the result 
 of this gallant charge. The horse of Adjutant Funsten was 
 killed, falling across the narrow roadway. A portion of 
 the Seventh Regiment was dismounted and attacked and 
 removed a portion of the barricade in the roadway. 
 
 The Twelfth Regiment was now ordered to charge 
 mounted, the First Squadron, Companies B and I, in front. 
 The opening in the barricade was carried, a number of men 
 and horses being killed there. 
 
 The enemy, covered by darkness and from behind trees, 
 kept up a rapid fusillade with repeating rifles upon the front 
 and flanks of the charging column, the streaks of flame 
 from their guns now and then revealing their forms to the 
 aim of the assailants. Quite a number of them were killed 
 and wounded and about 300 captured, besides a number of 
 horses and ten wagons. They had, however, inflicted a 
 heavy loss upon the brigade. The Seventh, under Colonel 
 Dulany, had three men killed and fifteen wounded ; among 
 
288 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 them Lieut. G. P. Smith of Company A, who fell leading a 
 charge. 
 
 Among the killed and wounded of the Twelfth, were 
 Lieutenant Lucas of Company D and Private Richard Tim- 
 berlake, a gallant soldier of Company B. 
 
 The horse of Orderly-Sergt. Seth Timberlake, known as 
 the "Fighting Sergeant" of Company B, was shot dead, 
 and falling upon him, it required several comrades to 
 remove the animal and extricate the rider. 
 
 The Eleventh also had some losses, as well as White's 
 Battalion, which, however, was mostly in reserve and not 
 engaged until later. 
 
 Daylight had now appeared, and the brigade pushing on 
 without much organization for a mile further, came sud- 
 denly upon a line of cavalry composed of a few squadrons 
 mounted, and in the rear of them the coveted prize — the 
 cattle — in close corral. 
 
 General Rosser, riding at the head of the brigade, 
 directed a soldier to ride in advance and demand the sur- 
 render of the opposing force. 
 
 Private Gary Seldon of Company B, Twelfth Regiment, 
 with a white handkerchief hanging upon the point of his 
 sabre, riding a little in advance, called to the Federals, 
 "General Rosser demands your surrender." The officer in 
 command replied, "Go to h — 1 !" Which defiance was 
 instantly followed by a volley from his men. With a yell 
 the brigade fell upon them. White's Battalion taking the 
 front. The Federals fled in disorder through their encamp- 
 ment, firing into the cattle as they passed and yelling in 
 order to stampede them. A few of the beeves at the farther 
 end of the corral stampeded, but were overtaken and 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 289 
 
 rounded up, not one escaping. The net result of the cap- 
 ture was 2,486 large, fat young steers, 304 prisoners, a 
 considerable number of horses, arms and equipments, 
 including several hundred of the Henry sixteen-shooter 
 rifles. The camps of the enemy were burned, the stores 
 being first secured and brought off in several captured 
 wag'ons. 
 
 The following is an account of the capture of the cattle, 
 written by General Rosser, which appeared in the Philadel- 
 phia Times some time after the war. It was written from 
 memory without consulting any official reports or other 
 data. 
 
 "Our army had been for some time on short rations, and 
 as our cavalry was stronger than that of the enemy, we 
 determined to forage in the rear of the enemy's position. 
 Scouts reported a large herd of beef cattle near Coggin's Point, 
 and on the morning of the 14th of September, General Hamp- 
 ton took Bearing's brigade and mine, and W. H. F. Lee's 
 division, and by making a long detour, crossing the Jerusalem 
 Plank Road at Belcher's Mill, and marching the 14th and 15th 
 and night of the 15th, we halted near daylight on the morning 
 of the i6th, as we were nearing the enemy's line, to dispose 
 of our troops for the attack upon the enemy and the capture 
 of the beeves. W. H. F, Lee was sent off to the left towards 
 Prince George Court House to amuse Gregg and keep him off. 
 Bearing was sent to threaten Cabin Point, and I was ordered 
 to break through the line at Sycamore Church and secure the 
 cattle. 
 
 "These preliminaries all arranged I resumed the march. 
 The moon had set, and although the sky was cloudless, the 
 night in the woods was very dark. My men were ordered to 
 march in silence, but the road was hard, and in the profound 
 stillness of the night the tramp of the horses could be heard a 
 
290 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 long distance, and I knew it would be impossible to surprise 
 the enemy, and therefore made my arrangements to fight. I 
 knew that I would find a regiment of cavalry at Sycamore 
 Church, and I knew that every man of them would be in posi- 
 tion and ready for me on my arrival there, and I brought up 
 the Twelfth Virginia Regiment and gave orders to the com- 
 mander. Major Knott, a very gallant officer, to charge just as 
 soon as he was challenged by the enemy. ^ 
 
 "My guide reported that we were near the church, and I was 
 riding by the side of Knott, telling him how to proceed in the 
 event of his being able to dislodge the enemy, when, as if by 
 the flash of lightning, the front was all ablaze by the flash of 
 musketry, but the gallant Twelfth was not the least staggered 
 by the sudden discharge in its face, but as quick as thought the 
 charge was sounded, and the noble old regiment went thun- 
 dering upon the enemy. But a strong abattis had been thrown 
 across the road, over which cavalry could not pass, and when 
 it was reached the men were dismounted and put to work 
 clearing it away ; and, seeing this, I dismounted the next regi- 
 ment, the Seventh, and ran it up in line as skirmishers, and 
 soon cleared the way for the mounted men of the Twelfth, who 
 were followed by the Eleventh and Twenty-fifth battalions, 
 and before the enemy could mount and escape, or communicate 
 with the guard over the cattle, they were our prisoners. 
 
 "When we captured the regiment at Sycamore Church it was 
 barely light enough to see the road, and leaving a strong guard 
 with the prisoners, I pressed on in search of the cattle. 
 
 "I had proceeded about a mile, when in the dim light of the 
 early morning, I saw a line of cavalry — about two squadrons — 
 drawn up on a hill in front of me. My command was not 
 closed up, and I had to halt for a few minutes, but a portion of 
 White's Battalion coming up, we made a dash at this little 
 
 2C0I. Thomas E. Massie, and not Major Knott, was in command of 
 the Twelfth on this occasion, and received the order referred to by Gen- 
 eral Rosser, and executed it with great gallantry, which the heroic 
 Knott would have done had he been in command. The mistake is ian 
 inadvertence of General Rosser. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 291 
 
 squad, which broke on our approach, and pursuing we soon 
 came upon the beeves. 
 
 "When I came in sight of the beeves they were running 
 rapidly in the direction of the James River. The herders had 
 thrown down the fence of the corral, and by firing pistols and 
 yelling Indian fashion, had stampeded the cattle, and they were 
 running like mad. I ordered the Seventh Virginia, which had 
 just overtaken me, to run their horses until they got in front 
 of the herd, then to turn upon it and stop it. This order was 
 not easily obeyed, for the young steers ran like buffalo, and it 
 was requiring too much of jaded cavalry to force it into a race 
 like this. But after running a mile or so the steers slackened 
 their pace, and the cavalry was thus able to get in front of 
 them, and then to round them up, and quiet them, then turn 
 them about and start them to the pens of their new masters on 
 the Dixie side of the line. When the excitement was all over 
 and the herd was obediently following 'the leader,' I had them 
 counted and found that our haul amounted to 2,486 head, and 
 all fat young steers."^ 
 
 The cattle having been captured had to be taken care of, 
 and moments now were precious, for the overwhelming 
 cavalry force of Grant's army was in striking distance and 
 could intercept Hampton by several roads unless the cap- 
 tures and escort could be hurried past the roads intersecting 
 the line of retreat, and these approaches successfully 
 defended. 
 
 The situation was a dangerous one for cavalry without 
 encumbrance, but to escape successfully with an additional 
 column composed of the cattle, wagons, and prisoners made 
 it more than doubly difficult, and taxed to the fullest both 
 the genius of Hampton and the steadiness and courage of 
 his command. Hampton, however, was equal to the occa- 
 
 ^Taken from the Southern Bivouac, page 417. 
 
292 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 sion, and before making the attack had made his arrange- 
 ments and prepared for almost any contingency. 
 
 W. H. F. Lee and Dearing had attacked the enemy at 
 the opportune time, with success, and had estabhshed 
 themselves at the points they were ordered to secure on the 
 roads leading to Grant's army. 
 
 By eight o'clock A. M. Hampton had secured everything, 
 destroyed the enemy's camps and immovables, withdrawn 
 his forces and started upon the return. 
 
 It is not to be supposed that all the hubbub created so 
 near the main body of the Federal army, in its very rear, 
 only five miles from its base of supply at City Point, and in 
 sight of the gunboats at Cabin Point, and the capture of so 
 much valuable property, had not caused a stir at Grant's 
 headquarters, and that vigorous efforts were not instantly 
 put forth to make a recapture, and punish the Confederate 
 raiders for their insolence and audacity. In this connec- 
 tion, some of the Federal reports and despatches are of 
 interest. 
 
 On the 1 6th General Kautz reports to General Grant: 
 
 "General Hampton has captured all the cattle and taken 
 them away on the road leading south from this point. I shall 
 pursue and endeavor to annoy them as much as possible. 
 About 150 of the First District of Columbia Cavalry have been 
 captured." 
 
 General B. F. Butler to General Grant, September 17th: 
 
 "Yesterday three brigades of Hampton's cavalry turned our 
 left and struck the cattle corral about seven miles below City 
 Point, and captured about 2,000 cattle and our telegraph con- 
 struction party." 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 293 
 
 Grant despatches to General Davies, commanding cav- 
 alry near Williams' house : 
 
 "September i6th. I send you despatch just received from 
 City Point. The Commanding General wishes you to strike 
 the enemy on their return, if they are now in return. 
 
 (Signed) A. A. Humphries, 
 
 Chief of Staff." 
 
 General Davies the same day replies : 
 
 "Major-General Humphries, 
 
 Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac. 
 General: Upon the information in your last communica- 
 tion I will move all the available force of this division down 
 the Jerusalem Plank Road, instructing General Kautz to move 
 out in pursuit with a view of cutting them off betv/een here 
 and the river." 
 
 September 17th General Kautz despatches to General 
 Grant from Baxter's Mills : 
 
 "I have returned thus far from the pursuit of Hampton's 
 forces. I followed him to the Jerusalem Plank Road, and my 
 advance skirmished last night with what I presumed to be his 
 rear guard. I thought it possible it might be Gregg's forces 
 and fell back about two miles. * * * This morning I sent 
 a scout to the Plank Road and found no enemy. * * * f|g 
 drove the cattle more than thirty miles, and very fev/ were left 
 in the road. I was disappointed not to effect a junction with 
 General Gregg's forces." 
 
 It will be seen from the following from Grant to Kautz 
 of the 1 6th that Kautz, besides his division of cavalry, had 
 been reinforced by a brigade or more of infantry. 
 
294 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, 
 Sept. i6tli, 1864. 8.40 A. M. 
 Brigadier-General Kautz, 
 
 Commanding Cavalry Division : 
 Colonel Smyth, commanding- Second Division, Second 
 Corps, is ordered to send you a brigade of infantry immedi- 
 ately, and to hold the remainder of the division ready to fol- 
 low. General Hunt will send you a battery of artillery. * * * 
 
 A. A. Humphries, 
 Major-General and Chief of Staff." 
 
 The success of Hampton in securing- the cattle and 
 defeating the forces sent to intercept him, had to be 
 accounted for by the Federal subalterns to their superiors, 
 especially to the commander-in-chief. Hence Meade 
 attributes it to Hampton's superior numbers, which he 
 estimated to be 6,000. Kautz had it from a reliable citizen 
 that the Confederates numbered 14,000, of whom a large 
 part was infantry. 
 
 From the various reports and despatches relating to the 
 Cattle raid, which fill not less than fifteen pages of Volume 
 XLH. Series I, of the United States War Records, from 
 Vv^hich the foregoing reports and despatches have been 
 taken, it can be shown that, while the Confederate raiding 
 column largely outnumbered the force protecting the cattle, 
 the forces of Gregg and Kautz sent out to intercept Hamp- 
 ton outnumbered his available forces two to one. Besides 
 Hampton's losses in killed and wounded in the attack near 
 Sycamore Church, a considerable number of his troopers 
 were sent with the captured prisoners and cattle, greatly 
 reducing his force opposing Kautz and Gregg, 
 
 While the divisions of Gregg and Kautz had been quickly 
 despatched to intercept Hampton on the Jerusalem Plank 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 295 
 
 Road, this had been expected and prepared for by Hamp- 
 ton, who had ordered Rosser, with the artillery under 
 Chew, to hold that road at a point east of the Weldon 
 Railroad some distance below Petersburg. W. H. F. Lee's 
 division was assigned to protect his rear, Bearing's bri- 
 gade and Miller being ordered to support Rosser. 
 
 Rosser sent White ahead with his battalion to look out 
 for the enemy on the Plank Road. White had hardly got- 
 ten into position before the Federals appeared in heavy 
 force — a whole division. 
 
 White with characteristic audacity blocked the way with 
 an attitude of defiance that suggested that he had strong 
 backing. It was a fine play of bluff. The Federals moved 
 slowly and cautiously forward. W^hite now fighting and 
 falling back, but moving his men from point to point, 
 deceived the enemy as to his numbers. Soon Rosser came 
 up with the rest of the brigade, and the Federals were 
 attacked and driven back. Ordered by Hampton to make 
 a firm stand at Ebenezer Church, Rosser promptly took 
 position there. Behind him about three miles the captured 
 herd was crossing the Plank Road. Everything now 
 depended on his keeping the enemy back. On pressed the 
 Federals in a heavy column with flanking parties. It was 
 Kautz reinforced by the division of Gregg. Their artil- 
 lery, numerous and well handled, swept the road and the 
 adjacent fields with shot and shell, and under cover of this 
 fire their whole line advanced. Rosser with dismounted 
 men on his flanks and mounted squadrons in the road never 
 yielded an inch, but hurled his regiments against them shat- 
 tering the head of the blue column and driving it back some 
 distance. 
 
296 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The Federals, realizing that this was the only opportu- 
 nity to recapture the valuable prize in Hampton's posses- 
 sion, made an effort to break through his line at this point. 
 But Rosser held his ground steadily until reinforced by 
 Bearing and Miller, Lee also having been ordered to form 
 on the right. Colonel Chew had already taken position with 
 his guns, and the Federal artillerists were soon forced to 
 give him their attention. "After a heavy cannonade of an 
 hour he completely silenced the guns of the enemy."^ Being 
 repulsed repeatedly the Federals withdrew after dark. 
 Hampton, fearing a movement towards his left, also retired, 
 and the whole command bivouacked for the night near 
 Wilkinson's Bridge. 
 
 Next day the subdivisions of the raiding column returned 
 to their respective camps, the mighty, bellowing drove of 
 fat beeves that preceded them having already conveyed to 
 the army the news of their brilliant success. 
 
 The expedition had been absent three days, during which 
 time it had marched upwards of 100 miles, defeating the 
 enemy in two fights, and bringing from behind his lines in 
 safety 2,486 cattle, a large amount of captured property, 
 together with 304 prisoners. The Confederate loss was ten 
 killed, forty-seven v/ounded, and four missing. 
 
 Genl. Benjamin F. Butler, on the 17th, sent a despatch 
 to General Meade saying: 
 
 "The cavalry sent in pursuit of the captured cattle have 
 returned, having found all avenues of approach so strongly 
 held by the enemy' as to prevent any attempt on their part to 
 recapture the cattle." 
 
 ^Hampton's Report. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 297 
 
 September the 20th General Grant, in a communication 
 to General Meade, says : 
 
 "General Lee claims in an official despatch that in driving 
 back our pickets they captured ninety men from us. In the 
 cavalry fig-ht he claims to have captured 300 prisoners, a large 
 amount of horses and some arms, besides 2,500 cattle. The 
 ease with which our men of late fall into the hands of the 
 enemy would indicate that they are rather willing prisoners." 
 
 The caution with wdiich Hampton conducted this expedi- 
 tion, his frequent halting of the column waiting informa- 
 tion from his scouts as to the latest situation within the 
 camp of the enemy, the silence enjoined upon the men, and 
 the stealthiness generally that marked his approach, together 
 with the careful assignment of each subdivision of his com- 
 mand, providing as well for his return as for tlie attack, 
 marked him as a cavalry leader of the most commanding 
 genius. While great praise is due to Generals Lee and 
 Bearing, and to Colonel Miller, for their hard fighting in 
 keeping the way open and protected against the vastly 
 superior forces of Kautz and Gregg, yet the most conspic- 
 uous service, the central attack and capture of the cattle, 
 devolved upon the Laurel Brigade, and was duly acknowl- 
 edged by Hampton in the following report : 
 
 "The enemy had a strong position, and the approaches to it 
 being barricaded, he had time to rally in the woods around 
 his camp, where for some time he fought as stubbornly as I 
 have ever seen him do. But the determination and gallantry 
 of Rosser's men proved too much for him, and he was com- 
 pletely routed, leaving his dead and wounded on the field." 
 
298 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The success of the expedition was highly gratifying to 
 Genl. Robert E. Lee, and expressed by him to General 
 Hampton, who in just pride promulgated the following 
 order : 
 
 "General Order No. 2. 
 
 Headquarters Cavalry Corps, 
 Army of Northern Virginia. 
 
 The Major-General commanding takes pride in communi- 
 cating to his command the praise which their recent achieve- 
 ment has won from the Commanding General, who, in 
 acknowledging his report of the successful return of his com- 
 mand from the rear of the enemy's army, says : 'You will 
 please convey to the officers and men of your command my 
 thanks for the courage and energy with which they executed 
 your orders, by which they have added another to the list of 
 im^portant services rendered by the cavalry during the present 
 campaign.' 
 
 To such praise the Major-General Commanding would only 
 add the expression of his own appreciation of the gallantry 
 of his officers and men, whose conduct in battle is all he could 
 desire, and inspires him with pride and perfect confidence in 
 such a command. 
 
 By command of Maj.-Gen. Wade Hampton. 
 
 H. B. McClellan, Assistant Adjutant-General." 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 September, 1864 
 
 The return to the Valley — Tedious march and wornout horses — Eager 
 to avenge the outrages of Sheridan — Federals devastate the 
 Shenandoah Valley — Fitz Lee having been wounded, Rosser com 
 mands the Cavalry Division — Fight at Mill Creek — Toms Brook — , 
 A much-mooted night attempt to surprise and bag Custer — Cedar 
 Creek — Brent's Farm — Fighting on the Back Road — Death of 
 Lieut.-Col. Thomas Marshall — Brigade camps and rests at Fisher's 
 Hill and Timberville — Kershaw's division and Crosby's brigade of 
 cavalry withdrawn from Early's army — Sheridan with superior 
 numbers hesitates to attack Early. 
 
 After the Cattle raid the Laurels had a week of rest, dur- 
 ing which time came the pleasant rumor that the brigade 
 would soon be ordered to the Valley. News that reached 
 camp from that section was depressing. Sheridan was 
 reported as marching through the Valley counties with fire 
 and sword ; and the letters from home telling of the desola- 
 tion made by his soldiers kindled a strong desire among the 
 men to go and defend their firesides and punish Sheridan. 
 
 On the 26th of September orders were issued to prepare 
 to move to the Shenandoah Valley. The preparations were 
 made with much rejoicing. Little attention was given to 
 the details of packing, all being absorbed with the single 
 thought of getting off as soon as possible. 
 
 On the 27th the brigade moved under the command of 
 Col. R. H. Dulany; Rosser and his staff going in advance 
 by rail, via Lynchburg to Staunton. 
 
 N 
 
300 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 By the 30th the column had reached Lynchburg, and 
 thence continuing through Lexington arrived late in the 
 evening of October 5th in front of the enemy at Bridge- 
 water. The march had been a long and hard one. When 
 the brigade went into camp at Bridgewater the ranks had 
 been thinned by the length and fatigue of the journey. 
 
 On the morning of the 6th the troopers awoke somewhat 
 refreshed by deep slumbers, and though needing more rest, 
 the sight of the burning barns and stack-yards banished 
 everything from their minds but thoughts of vengeance. 
 The fires of destruction were partly visible. Clouds of 
 smoke hung across the Valley, extending from the Blue 
 Ridge to the North Mountain, hiding the movements of the 
 incendiaries, but clearly showing the fiendish character of 
 their work. 
 
 Fitz Lee had been badly wounded at Winchester, and 
 was still absent from the field. To his division, consisting 
 of Wickham's and Payne's brigades, the Laurels were tem- 
 porarily assigned, and the whole put under the command 
 of General Rosser, Col. R. H. Dulany taking command of 
 the brigade. 
 
 Rosser found Fitz Lee's division thinned and exhausted 
 by a long and unequal contest with Sheridan's greatly 
 superior force of Federal cavalry. His own brigade was 
 much reduced in numbers by the toilsome forced march 
 from beyond Petersburg, but the men, many of whom 
 lived in the Valley and were now on their native heath, 
 were eager to engage the enemy. 
 
 It was soon discovered that Sheridan was retreating, and 
 the Confederates moved rapidly in pursuit. As they 
 advanced the sight of the burnt barns and stack-yards, and 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 301 
 
 occasionally of dwelling-houses, inflamed them with rage. 
 Groups of houseless women and children, w^ho had been 
 robbed of every means of sustenance, stood near the way- 
 side bemoaning their fate. 
 
 With zeal quickened by such new scenes of desolation, 
 the Laurels galloped forward and late in the evening over- 
 took the rear guard of Custer's cavalry near Brock's Gap. 
 Here a spirited skirmish ensued, and the Federals being 
 worsted withdrew across Dry River. Custer posting his 
 artillery on the high ground on the other side, kept Rosser 
 at bay until night, and then under cover of darkness con- 
 tinued his retreat in company with Sheridan's whole army. 
 
 During the whole night the work of destruction went on. 
 Every kind of provender for cattle and food for men was 
 burnt, while the live stock of every kind was driven off. 
 The burning parties distributed across the Valley swept it 
 with the fire of desolation. Every home was visited, the 
 proud mansion and the humble cottage feeling alike the 
 blasting and savage hand of war. 
 
 At dawn the next morning Rosser's whole force was in 
 the saddle, and straightway began a vigorous pursuit of the 
 enemy. 
 
 To understand the several cavalry actions in which the 
 Laurels participated in the weeks following, some knowl- 
 edge is necessary of the relative positions of the main roads 
 that traverse the Valley between Harrisonburg and Win- 
 chester. Three roads run nearly parallel the whole length 
 of this tract, the Valley turnpike along the eastern border, 
 the Back Road skirting the foothills of the North Moun- 
 tain, and the Middle Road between the two. The last two 
 are hilly and rough, but the Back Road, which occasionally 
 
302 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 hugs the jutting spurs of the North Mountain, is especially 
 so. It was along the latter that Custer retired with the 
 flocks and herds and other movables he had taken from the 
 doomed inhabitants of the burnt district. The broken and 
 steep approaches to the crossings of the mountain streams 
 afforded admirable positions of advantage for defense. 
 
 About three o'clock in the evening Rosser's pursuing 
 column overtook the enemy at Mill Creek, the Laurels 
 under Colonel Dulany in the lead. On the opposite bank of 
 this stream the Federals were discovered in force and 
 strongly posted. Colonel Dulany was ordered to take a 
 part of the Seventh and White's Battalion and cross at a 
 lower ford. This he accomplished without molestation, 
 but it quickly appeared that the flanking column was not 
 unobserved. No sooner had it crossed than it was con- 
 fronted by a body of Federal horse which, though it had 
 come too late to hold the ford, stood ready to block the way 
 of the Confederates. 
 
 Dulany at once ordered a charge. Capt. Dan Hatcher, 
 commanding the First Squadron of the Seventh, led with 
 his customary dash, and executed a movement that quite 
 disconcerted the enemy. While advancing he adroitly 
 turned to the left, then quickly wheeling to the right, struck 
 the Federals on the half flank just as Dulany with the rest 
 of his force charged full in front. The Federals taken by 
 surprise, after a feeble resistance turned and fled up the 
 creek, halting on a hill near their main body. Beyond them 
 could be seen their wagon train and droves of sheep and 
 cattle, a prize worth fighting for. 
 
 White's Battalion, under Captain Myers, now charged 
 the force on the hill, while Rosser, pressing forward his 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 303 
 
 column, with the Eleventh and Twelfth regiments in front, 
 burst across the ford and assaulted the main body. 
 
 The Confederates, eager to get within sword range of the 
 detested barn-burners, rode at them furiously. The Fed- 
 erals fought bravely, but could not withstand men who 
 were seeking vengeance rather than victory. 
 
 The fight that began at Mill Creek lasted until night, 
 being renewed whenever the Federals attempted a rally, 
 and the loss of the enemy was considerable. Darkness 
 coming on, Rosser ceased to pursue, while Custer moved 
 on. 
 
 It was not until noon the next day that the Confederates 
 again overtook the Federals, who, as before, fell back down 
 the Back Road all the way to Toms Brook and across it. 
 Rosser followed Custer more than twenty-five miles beyond 
 New Market, where Early had halted his infantry. 
 
 Beyond Toms Brook Custer doubled and attempted to 
 get in Rosser's rear, having first moved off towards the 
 turnpike. Rosser, already perilously far in Sheridan's rear, 
 divined Custer's purpose, and turned back in time to pre- 
 vent its accomplishment. With a dashing sabre charge 
 Custer's column was again driven off the Back Road, and the 
 Confederates recrossed Toms Brook and went into camp. 
 
 For two days the Confederates had been driving and 
 chasing Custer's detested barn-burners. The Laurels, 
 blinded with rage at the sight of their ruined homes, had 
 struck with savage fury. Lnpelled by a sense of personal 
 injury, they had dashed on counting no odds and taking all 
 risks. Custer's men had repeatedly quailed before their 
 onset, and seemed to severely avoid an encounter with the 
 men whose families had suffered so much at their hands. 
 
304 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 But now that bloody punishment had been inflicted upon 
 the enemy, though a sense of superiority remained, the pas- 
 sion for revenge, somewhat satiated, began to cool ; and 
 when the Laurels first began to retrace their steps, they 
 found occasion for sober thought. That night, when 
 gathered around their camp-fires on the high ground south 
 of Toms Brook, they could not avoid thinking of their situ- 
 ation. All knew the country well, and were not ignorant 
 of the fact that Early with his infantry was twenty-five 
 miles away to the rear, while Sheridan's whole army was 
 camped near by. 
 
 The numerous camp-fires of the Federal cavalry indi- 
 cated, without much if any exaggeration, the greatly 
 superior strength of Sheridan's mounted force. 
 
 Says Pond in his "Shenandoah Valley in 1864": 
 
 "The assurance with which Rosser challenged Custer all the 
 way down from Harrisonburg, showed that he had no concep- 
 tion of Sheridan's mounted strength, though his fatal zeal was 
 probably due in part to the excitement of his men at seeing 
 their barns and houses in flames ; for many of Early's cavalry- 
 men were from this region. Their eagerness to exact retribu- 
 tion brought upon them double mortification and suffering." 
 
 Perhaps the Laurels did feel some pangs of remorse for 
 the bloody retribution they had exacted. At all events they 
 lay down that night with a sense of insecurity, which only 
 yielded to a strong faith in the genius of their fearless 
 commander. Rosser himself was not without misgivings. 
 At one time he thought seriously of withdrawing during 
 the night. Some of his officers tried to pursuade him to do 
 
CAPT. J. W. CARTER 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 305 
 
 so ; but regarding Early's orders as imperative, he deter- 
 mined to stay where he was, thinking that if pressed by an 
 overwhelming force on the morrow, it would be quite easy 
 to retire in good order before an enemy whom he had driven 
 pell-mell for two days. 
 
 At dawn on the morning of the 9th, the Federals were 
 in the saddle and were observed to be moving into position 
 along Toms Brook. 
 
 In the fights of the two preceding days the greatly 
 superior numbers of the enemy had either not been noticed 
 or were disregarded. Now, as scjuadron after squadron de- 
 ployed in full view, the inequality of the contest was mani- 
 fest. Rosser had all told less than 2,000 men, probably not 
 more than 1,500, while opposed to him were at least 4,000 
 Federals, freshly mounted and armed with the Spencer 
 seven-shooter carbines, which were effective at over 1,000 
 yards. 
 
 Wickham's brigade, under Colonel Munford, held Ros- 
 ser's left, resting its right on the Back Road. Near by on 
 the right of this road were posted two pieces of Thomp- 
 son's Battery under Carter, supported by William Payne's 
 small brigade of about 300 men. The right of Rosser's 
 line was held by the Laurel Brigade under Col. R. H. 
 Dulany. The Seventh occupied the center of the brigade 
 line, supporting the dismounted sharpshooters of the 
 Eleventh. On its right was the Twelfth mounted in single 
 battle line, with White's Battalion mounted on its left. 
 
 The fighting began all along the front with little prelim- 
 inary demonstration. Sheridan had ordered General Tor- 
 bert commanding Merrit's and Custer's divisions of cavalry, 
 "to start out at daylight and whip the Rebel cavalry or get 
 
3o6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 whipped himself." The command was imperative for the 
 the Federal horse to assume the offensive, and it went to 
 the work with promptness and activity. A heavy line of 
 sharpshooters advanced, supported by numerous bodies of 
 mounted men. Every opening disclosed moving masses of 
 bluecoats, and soon they advanced, covering the hill slopes 
 and blocking the roads with apparently countless squadrons. 
 
 It needed but a glance at the oncoming foe to start Car- 
 ter's guns to action. The intervening woods at first partly 
 obscured them from view, but at every flash of blue through 
 the trees, Carter sent a shot of defiance. The enemy's guns, 
 greatly superior in number and admirably posted, nov/ 
 challenged his attention, and the Federal horse, taking 
 advantage of this diversion, in dense swarms moved steadily 
 forward. The sharpshooters on both sides were busy, those 
 of the enemy pressing on with confidence. 
 
 On Dulany's front their audacity was severely punished 
 by charges from the Twelfth and White's Battalion, which 
 drove them back in confusion. Confident in numibers and 
 heavily supported, they reformed and again advanced. 
 Meantime they were getting near Carter's guns on Dulany's 
 left. 
 
 While their long and heavy battle line began to envelop 
 Rosser's left flank, held by Wickham's brigade. Carter saw 
 his danger and worked his guns with redoubled energy. 
 
 From several directions mounted and dismounted bodies 
 of the enemy were coming eager to seize the prize, while a 
 superior number of Federal pieces, from positions of secur- 
 ity, sent bomb after bomb at the doomed battery. But 
 Carter never flinched for a moment. Often before his won- 
 derful pluck, and the gallantry of his men, had saved the 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 307 
 
 guns. Perhaps it could be done again, at least they thought 
 it worth the effort, and their well-directed shots made the 
 enemy waver. But Custer had gotten around Rosser's left 
 flank, Wickham's brigade had withdrawn, and the Back 
 Road near by, and to the left of Carter's position, was 
 swarming with bluecoats. 
 
 With a shout the Federal squadrons that had recoiled 
 before Carter's fire renewed their efforts to take his guns, 
 which continued to send grape and shrapnel into their 
 ranks. It was a desperate chance, but the gallant Payne 
 made a heroic effort to save the guns. Straight across the 
 slope, with banner flying and sabres flashing, rode his men 
 right at the crowding Federals, Payne and Rosser in the 
 forefront. It was too late ; the enemy was among the guns, 
 and Payne, almost surrounded, fell back. 
 
 But the Laurels, under Dulany, were holding the enemy 
 at bay. 
 
 White's men, under Lieut. N. Dorsey, had met the onset 
 of the bold Federals with a countercharge. The Eleventh 
 dismounted as sharpshooters, presented a steady front, 
 while the mounted men of the Twelfth repulsed all efforts 
 of the enemy to advance upon them. At this juncture Col- 
 onel Dulany was wounded and had to leave the field, but 
 the Laurels were still facing and threatening the enemy. 
 After the artillery on the left had been taken, and the enemy 
 in pursuit of Munford's brigade were far past their front 
 and towards the rear, nothing remained for Rosser but to 
 retire, which he did after covering the dismounted men 
 until they had gained their horses. 
 
 About this time Captain Emmet, a gallant officer of Ros- 
 ser's staff, was seriously wounded. 
 
3o8 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Custer pushed his advantage vigorously, and was only- 
 prevented from producing a panic by Rosser's coolness in 
 handling his rear guard, which, by dashing charges, repelled 
 the most aggressive of the enemy's advance squadrons. 
 
 About two miles from Toms Brook Rosser attempted to 
 make a stand and retrieve his fortune, but the numbers and 
 activity of the Federals forced him back in some confusion, 
 and he withdrew his division as far as Columbia Furnace. 
 
 In this fight, the greatest loss the Laurels suffered was 
 the two guns of Thompson's Battery, and it was a source 
 of great regret and some mortification to them. Although 
 they were not to blame, they chafed greatly under the dis- 
 aster and were anxious for revenge, while Rosser was still 
 more eager for an opportunity to get even with Custer. 
 
 With this end in view he had his scouts watching Cus- 
 ter's division and making daily reports of his camping- 
 ground. He was waiting for a chance of finding him 
 bivoucking away from Sheridan's infantry. 
 
 At last it seemed as if the longed-for occasion had arrived. 
 Custer was reported to have gone into camp near Old 
 Forge, a point several miles distant from Sheridan's main 
 body, and easily approached without discovery by a column 
 moving along the blind roads at the foot of North Moun- 
 tain. 
 
 Rosser, after obtaining Early's consent, took 500 picked 
 men from his cavalry, and mounting Grimes' brigade of 
 infantry behind them, started out after dark to "bag Cus- 
 ter." It was on the night of the 17th of October, eight days 
 after Toms Brook. 
 
 No moon was shining, and the light of the stars was 
 dimmed by fleecy clouds that floated across the sky. The 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 309 
 
 column seemed to move with muffled tread over the stony 
 road, that wound with snakehke curves around the spurs of 
 North Mountain. Upon reaching the place where it was 
 necessary to turn to the right and cross the low ground 
 towards the enemy's rear, a halt was made. Here Rosser 
 had arranged for a trusty scout to meet him and make 
 further report of Custer's position. The scout was near by, 
 but did not make himself known, for some reason he mis- 
 took the Confederates for Federals, and remained concealed 
 in the bushes by the roadside. This was a disappointment. 
 Rosser moved on cautiously. Upon coming near what was 
 supposed to be Custer's camp, the Confederate force was 
 divided in order that the assault might be made from two 
 directions. When everything was ready, at a given signal, 
 both divisions of the force went forward with a rush, to 
 find Custer gone and nothing but a small picket left in his 
 old camp. This was captured by the force under Rosser, 
 but owing to the darkness, some of the men in the other 
 column, under Colonel Funsten, ignorant of the state of 
 affairs, mistook Rosser's column for the enemy, and a brisk 
 skirmish between them for a short space ensued. A plucky 
 bugler of the Eleventh, noticing the hesitating manner of 
 the men on his side, increased the difficulty by blowing a 
 vociferous charge, for he drowned the voices of the officers 
 commanding the fire to cease. At last, after several were 
 wounded, quiet reigned and the command soon set out for 
 camp. 
 
 On the return the column passed several bluffs from 
 which the outposts of the enemy fired down upon the tired 
 and disappointed raiders. 
 
3IO A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 This bold attempt of Rosser to capture Custer by a night 
 attack, convinced the Federals that the spirit of the Con- 
 federate horse had recovered from the defeat at Toms 
 Brook. The effect, however, as the sequel showed, was a 
 bad one for the Confederates, for it put the enemy on the 
 alert; and when, two days after, Rosser advanced with 
 Early across Cedar Creek, the cavalry on Sheridan's 
 right flank was the only part of Sheridan's army that was 
 not surprised. 
 
 On the memorable 19th, the day that opened with so 
 much promise and closed with so much disaster for the 
 Confederates, Rosser with Wickham's and his own brigade 
 crossed Cedar Creek before daylight, and attacked the 
 enemy's cavalry; Colonel Funsten commanding the Lau- 
 rels, and Colonel Owen of the Third Virginia Cavalry, com- 
 manding Wickham's brigade, which was dismounted. The 
 enemy was in heavy force and fully prepared. Still the 
 vigorous advance of Rosser alarmed the Federal chief of 
 cavalry. "Torbert's first effort was to check Rosser, who 
 appeared on the Back Road and attacked Custer."^ After 
 some hard fighting, mainly done by Owen's dismounted 
 men, Rosser steadily advanced, driving the enemy, who 
 left his camps, killed, and wounded in our hands. 
 
 Early's successful attack had routed Sheridan's infantry, 
 and Rosser pressed forvv^ard on his left until the foot sol- 
 diers of the enemy could be plainly seen flying in great con- 
 fusion down the Valley turnpike towards New Town. In 
 sight of their broken columns Rosser halted, for in front of 
 him was a greatly superior force of Federal cavalry. 
 
 iPond's "Shenandoah Valley," page 23. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 311 
 
 For several hours there was now a profound lull all along 
 the battle front, and many wondered what it meant. 
 
 The brigade with the rest of the division halted massed 
 in squadrons, some in the timber and some in the fields in 
 low valleys. Not a few of the men got off their horses and, 
 exhausted by the morning's work, fell asleep. 
 
 In the meantime the Federals were not idle. The com- 
 plete rout of their left called for reinforcements there. 
 Torbert moved the greater part of his cavalry force thither, 
 leaving only a few regiments in front of Rosser. 
 
 This transfer was, however, unperceived by Early as 
 v/ell as Rosser, and both remained under the conviction that 
 all day long there was an overwhelming force of cavalry in 
 Rosser's front. 
 
 About three o'clock, the ominous stillness was broken 
 by rapid artillery firing near Rosser's front, where Colonel 
 Funsten with the brigade Vv^as resting in careless security. 
 The enemy seemed to be advancing with great confidence. 
 The bombs from their guns fell among Funsten's squad- 
 rons, and were the first intimation of their nearness in 
 force. 
 
 Of course great confusion ensued, and there was mount- 
 ing in hot haste. Rosser assuming that Custer's whole 
 force was moving down upon him, ordered his two brigades 
 to fall back. Colonel Funsten was doing his best to retire 
 in order, but the shrieking bombs were bursting in his half- 
 formed column, and a number of the men broke ranks. 
 Besides a heavy column of the enemy was close at hand, 
 who, at the sight of disorder among the Confederates, 
 were encouraged to come on at a charge. 
 
312 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Maj. E. H. McDonald, commanding the Eleventh, fear- 
 ing a panic might ensue, hastily formed about fifty men of 
 the Eleventh in battle line and, without waiting to receive 
 the onset of the Federals, advanced to meet them, obliquing 
 first to the right so as to take them in flank. 
 
 It looked as if this small Confederate band was inviting 
 destruction. Behind them was the division falling back, 
 before them a force of the enemy ten times their number, 
 actually encouraging them with shouts to come on, so con- 
 fident were they of capturing them. 
 
 But the Federals themselves were in some confusion, a 
 few of the bravest far in advance. As McDonald's men 
 came on in battle line they presented a steady front, 
 increasing their speed when they saw the foremost Federals 
 begin to hesitate. For when the latter stopped, for the 
 rear of their column to close up, the whole column stopped; 
 the men of the Eleventh now pressing on with shouts, the 
 Federals turned and fled and were chased back over the 
 hill upon which was planted their artillery. 
 
 Rosser now withdrew the greater part of his division 
 across Cedar Creek, and when, later in the evening, 
 Sheridan, heavily reinforced, routed Early's infantry, 
 Rosser held the Back Road against Custer's cavalry. 
 
 After dark Colonel Funsten was ordered to hold the 
 infantry trenches at Fisher's Hill. Here the brigade spent 
 the night, and in the morning marched out and formed the 
 rear guard of Early's retreating army. 
 
 Everything now looked extremely blue, and the cavalry 
 were jaded for lack of rest and loss of sleep. 
 
 The enemy, content with his great victory, made but a 
 feeble pursuit. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 313 
 
 At Edenburg his advance column first appeared. Here 
 it halted and, after exchanging" a few shots, turned back. 
 
 About three miles beyond Edenburg the brigade went 
 into camp, and for three weeks afterwards formed a part 
 of Early's cavalry line on Stony Creek. 
 
 In spite of heavy disaster, the indomitable Early began 
 to reorganize his beaten army with renewed hope and 
 energy. A more rigid discipline was enforced, among the 
 cavalry at least, and there were now frequent reviews and 
 inspections. 
 
 On November the 9th, orders were issued to the brigade 
 to be ready to march next morning at daylight, with corn 
 for horses and three days' rations. Sheridan, it seemed, 
 was falling back and Early was about to follow him. On 
 the loth the brigade moved down the Back Road. On the 
 nth Rosser, leaving the Eleventh Regiment at Cedar 
 Creek, marched with the rest of his command towards New 
 Town. Near this place, encountering a force of Federal 
 cavalry, he charged and drove it as far as the Opequon, 
 where a large force of Federal infantry was posted. After 
 a brisk skirmish he withdrew, encamping out of range of 
 the enemy's guns. 
 
 The Eleventh Regiment, under Maj. E. H. McDonald, 
 left a squadron on picket at Snyder's Church. About nine 
 o'clock on the morning of the 12th this squadron was driven 
 in, but the rest of the regiment arrived in time to check the 
 Federals at the ford. 
 
 Being ordered to advance down the Back Road, the 
 Eleventh was just on the point of starting, when a strong 
 column of Custer's command came in view, moving up the 
 road with confidence. 
 
314 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 A sharp fight ensued. The liigh bank on the south side 
 of Cedar Creek furnishing vantage-ground, the Eleventh 
 held the Federals at bay until the Twelfth and Seventh, 
 coming up from the direction of Middle Town, attacked 
 the enemy vigorously on the flank. After a stubborn resist- 
 ance the Federals gave way, and were followed for several 
 miles by the victorious Confederates. 
 
 The Seventh and Twelfth were now withdrawn, and 
 joined Rosser with the rest of his division on the Middle 
 Road, where a formidable body of Federal cavalry was 
 threatening an advance. The Eleventh only was left on 
 the Back Road, Rosser supposing that the main body of the 
 enemy was on the Middle Road, where they appeared in 
 great strength, and threatened to overwhelm him with 
 superior numbers. 
 
 In the Toms Brook fight, Rosser had to contend with 
 Custer's large division and one of Merrit's brigades, but on 
 the 1 2th of November both of these divisions confronted 
 him, each nearly double his own. 
 
 Between Rosser and the Back Road, was a wooded ridge 
 not easily crossed by cavalry. Beyond it was a fair vahey, 
 through the middle of which ran the Back Road, flanked 
 on either side with small, well-cultivated farms ; each house 
 amid a cluster of trees, with garden and orchard attached. 
 
 "While Rosser with his whole division except the Elev- 
 enth remained, observing the heavy force in his front, Cus- 
 ter with his full division advanced up the Back Road. 
 There was nothing to intercept him but the Eleventh, under 
 Maj. E. H. McDonald, which met him about a half a mile in 
 advance of Rosser's left. Hastily disposing his small regi- 
 ment into four squadrons. Major McDonald prepared to do 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 315 
 
 the best he could against a superior force, by deploying- two 
 companies as skirmishers on his flanks, holding the others, 
 formed into three squadrons, across the road. 
 
 Custer m.oved forward with great confidence. To the 
 thin array of Confederate skirmishers he opposed almost 
 a battle line. His numerous squadrons, arranged in eche- 
 lon, extended entirely across the valley, while the road was 
 crowded with his main column. 
 
 The rattling fire of the skirmishers began; the volleys of 
 the Federals answered by the scattering but well-aimed 
 shots of the Confederates. 
 
 The Federals pressed forward, but the Confederates, tak- 
 ing advantage of the trees and outhouses, held their ground 
 with persistent valor. 
 
 Custer's main column now moved forward, the foremost 
 squadrons advancing at a charge. They were met by the 
 Second Squadron of the Eleventh, under Captain Dough- 
 erty. For a brief space the weight of the heavy column and 
 the vigor of the assault seemed resistless. The Confed- 
 erates were borne back, and some had turned to retreat, 
 but the gallant Dougherty recalled them to duty. They 
 now wheeled and turned upon the foe. At their fierce 
 onslaught the Federals gave way. Soon Dougherty was 
 wounded and his men faltered. The Federals, seeing- their 
 hesitation, again pressed forward, and the First Squadron 
 was broken and pursued. But the victory was not yet 
 gained. The brave skirmishers on the flanks were still 
 against great odds, keeping back the enemy. As the Fed- 
 erals galloped forward McDonald hurled at them the First 
 Squadron, commanded by Capt. Foxhall Dangerfield. It was 
 com.posed of two veteran companies from Bath county, men 
 
3i6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 accustomed to victory. Mounted on good horses, these 
 strong-armed and martial sons of the mountains, dashed 
 Hke a thunderbolt at the head of the pursuing column. The 
 bluecoats recoiled before this furious onset, and in spite of 
 the efforts of their brave officers, began to give ground. 
 The Bath men pressed on, dealing deadly blows until the 
 enemy, turning, fled in disorder, carrying along the fresh 
 squadrons sent to their aid. For several hundred yards the 
 Federals were followed. Such was the fury of the assault, 
 that it seemed as if Custer's whole division was about to fall 
 back. The main body in the road appeared staggered and 
 vacillating, while from the squadrons on the flank many 
 men broke ranks, and were beaten back into line by the 
 sergeants with their swords. But it was now evident to 
 Custer how small was the force opposed to his division. 
 Fresh squadrons were put to the front, the broken ones 
 reformed, and the whole division moved forward. The 
 Bath men were pushed back, and though the Third Squad- 
 ron came to their aid, it too was driven, and the Eleventh 
 fell back in disorder. 
 
 In the meantime, Rosser had sent the rest of the brigade, 
 the Twelfth and Seventh, under Funsten, to McDonald's 
 help. They reached the field just as Custer had forced the 
 Eleventh into a hasty retreat. But in passing over the 
 ridge along a blind road crossed by deep gutters, the col- 
 umn broke into single file, at points, and reached the field 
 in bad shape. Custer was already beyond Rosser's left, and 
 they had to make a circuit to get around the enemy and pass 
 to his front. Had Funsten moved directly against their 
 left flank the result might have been different. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 317 
 
 Pennington's whole brigade was now advancing, flushed 
 with success. The gallant Col. Thomas Marshall, ever 
 ready to lead a forlorn hope, at the head of the Seventh, 
 now much scattered, was the first to give aid. With the 
 part of the Seventh that had gotten up he charged the 
 Federals and checked them for a moment. It was like 
 breasting the rush of waters ; the waves rolled around him, 
 and Marshall with a few men at his side was almost sur- 
 rounded. To avoid capture he turned and, after going a 
 few yards, was mortally wounded, amid confusion, much 
 increased by the fall of their colonel. None was more 
 beloved for his virtues ; surely his fall was a heavy blow. 
 
 Colonel Funsten withdrew across Cedar Creek and 
 attempted to hold the ford. The stand made here was suc- 
 cessful, until portions of the Federal force, crossing below 
 and above the ford, attacked both flank and rear. 
 
 While the fight at the Creek was still going on and the 
 enemy was trying to force his way across, Rosser, leaving 
 General Payne to watch the enemy on his front, attacked 
 Pennington's flank and rear with Wickham's brigade. It 
 was commanded by Col. William Morgan, who put his reg- 
 iments into the fight with so much promptness and decision, 
 that Pennington's rear column was soon driven in towards 
 the main body, which was now forcing its way across Cedar 
 Creek, and pushing the Laurels in front of it. As some of 
 Morgan's squadrons swept through the fields and woods 
 towards the Back Road, they fell in with small parties of 
 Federals either skulking or lost, and took many prisoners. 
 
 Rosser himself, while galloping through the bushes, came 
 suddenly upon a tall Federal major, who seemed to rise up 
 out of the earth. Hardly had the Federal given up his 
 
31 8 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 arms, when a shout near by disclosed the fact, that six or 
 seven bkiecoats were coming with lifted sabres to the rescue 
 of the prisoner. They were already unpleasantly near when 
 up rode a body of Morgan's men, until then concealed by a 
 clump of trees, and captured the would-be rescuers. 
 
 Custer's men, pushed by Morgan's brigade, had crossed 
 Cedar Creek, and from the high ground there were keeping 
 off the Confederates. 
 
 But a few minutes before, the Laurels had abandoned the 
 position, owing to the enemy's having crossed below the 
 ford and gotten in their rear. Now the Federals must hold 
 it, to protect Pennington's rear while he was pursuing the 
 Laurels. 
 
 The Fourth Virginia, under Colonel Ovren, attempted 
 with great gallantry to carry the position. From the high 
 bank on the other side the Federals delivered a galling fire, 
 but the Fourth pushed bravely on. Twice at the ford they 
 hesitated under the volleys that came from the enemy 
 securely posted. Once more with loud cheers they rushed 
 forward. The ford was passed and they galloped up the 
 hill, and drove the Federals in wild rout before them. 
 
 Retreating rapidly up the Back Road, Custer's beaten 
 vanguard rejoined his division. It was now nearly dark, 
 and both sides were exhausted. Custer, gathering up his 
 command, made off to the right, and by a mountain road 
 returned to Sheridan. 
 
 This fight was counted by the Federals among Custer's 
 victories, because he drove the Laurels back upon the Back 
 Road. If the punishment inflicted by Wickham's brigade 
 upon Custer be considered, honors were about even. The 
 loss of the Confederates in this affair was trifling in num- 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 319 
 
 bers, but in the death of Colonel Marshall there was a 
 heavy loss not to be expressed in mere numerals. He was 
 one of those rare men, nature's noblemen, who, on account 
 of extreme modesty, seldom shine in time of peace; but 
 when forced into action by a sense of duty, as in time of 
 war, attain often to enviable distinction. In him there was 
 so much goodness blended with aggressiveness and high 
 ability, that he could have shone in any sphere of action. 
 But as a soldier only was he known to the men of the bri- 
 gade, and by common consent he was recognized as the 
 knight without fear and without reproach. Endowed by 
 nature with all the qualities that excite the love and com- 
 mand the admiration of our race, he yet added to these the 
 graces of meekness and Christian charity. Deeply religious, 
 he exemplified the highest type of the Christian soldier. He 
 suffered without murmering; while in word and deed he 
 helped others to bear the hardness of their lot. Whether 
 in camp or field it was his happiness to "go about doing 
 good." To his men, though firm, he was tender and con- 
 siderate, and they repaid him with an affection that had 
 grown with the lapse of time. His absorbing desire was to 
 follow duty's path, and even if he wandered from that 
 straight and narrow way, it was on honor's side, so full of 
 martial spirit was his generous and noble nature. 
 
 After the fight at Brent's house the brigade went into 
 camp at Fisher's Hill, and on the 20th they moved to Tim- 
 berville. 
 
 Early had again fallen back, for which he assigned the 
 following reasons : 
 
 "Discovering that the enemy continued to fortify his posi- 
 tion and showed no disposition to come out of his lines with 
 
320 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 his infantry, and not being willing to attack him in his 
 entrenchments after the reverses I had met with, I determined 
 to retire, as we were then beyond the reach of supplies."^ 
 
 In spite of Early's many disasters Sheridan, though 
 greatly outnumbering him, was still afraid of the audacious 
 Confederate leader. No defeat could break his spirit, and 
 calamity but strengthened his resolution to maintain with 
 desperate valor the unequal struggle. 
 
 About the 20th of November, Early's force was much 
 diminished by the departure of Kershaw's division for Lee's 
 army, and Crosby's brigade of cavalry to Breckenridge; 
 but Sheridan still insisted upon keeping the Sixth Corps of 
 Infantry with him.^ The doughty conqueror of the Valley 
 must, forsooth, still have the odds of nearly three to one in 
 his favor, before daring again to face his oft-beaten oppo- 
 nent. 
 
 ^Early's Memoirs, page 116. 
 
 ^Pond's "Shenandoah Valley," page 247. 
 
LIEUT.-COL. THOMAS MARSHALL 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 November, 1864 
 
 Difficulty of supplying subsistence for Early's army — Plenty beyond 
 the mountains westward — Rosser starts out for New Creek with 
 the Laurels ^nd Payne's brigade — New Creek a Federal strong- 
 hold — Rosser joined by McNeil's Partisan Rangers — McNeil 
 defeats Federals at Parsons Ford — Some unexpected happenings — 
 A council of war — Rosser decides — The surprise — A successful 
 ruse — Capture of New Creek — Homeward bound with captures, 
 flocks, and herds — Brigade camps near Timberville — Moves to 
 near Swopes Depot — Custer with large cavalry force threatens 
 Staunton — Rosser and Payne make night attack on Custer's camp — 
 Back to old camp at Swopes Depot — Lack of forage — Companies 
 detached in order to subsist — Beverly. 
 
 { 
 Small as Early's army was, the difficulty of supplying it 
 
 with food and forage was a serious one, so complete had 
 
 been the devastation made by the Federals. 
 
 Though there was little left for man or beast in the Val- 
 ley below Staunton, it was well known that there was an 
 abundance beyond the North Mountain, especially in the 
 fertile valley of the South Branch of the Potomac. 
 
 On the 26th of November Rosser, with Early's consent, 
 set out for this land of milk and honey. He had with him 
 his own and Payne's brigade and a few of the choice spirits 
 of the cavalry and artillery left behind, among whom were 
 Capt. James Thompson, Maj. Robert Mason, Lieut. Charles 
 Menegrode, and Maj. James Breathed. 
 
 While the open purpose of the expedition was to secure 
 supplies, Rosser intended to try the capture of New Creek. 
 The place is now called Keyser. It is the county-seat of 
 
322 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Mineral county, West Virginia, and is romantically situated 
 at the foot of the Alleghanies, on the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad, about twenty-two miles west of Cumberland, 
 Maryland. 
 
 It is now a growing town of 2,000 inhabitants, and is 
 remarkable for the neatness of its appearance, the number 
 of its cosy dwellings, and the picturesque beauty of its land- 
 scape. Forty years ago the scene was quite different. Then 
 it was a mere railroad station, with a few houses in the 
 vicinity. But it was regarded as a military point of great 
 importance by the Federals. Two forts on commanding 
 hills overlooking the depot were erected, one of them 
 manned with heavy ordnance. A garrison varying from 
 800 to 1,500 men held the place and guarded immense 
 stores of food, forage, and ammunition placed there for the 
 convenience of troops stationed in the counties of Hardy 
 and Hampshire. With mountains on three sides, and its 
 natural strength being increased by military art, it was a 
 most formidable stronghold of which to contemplate the 
 capture with cavalry. 
 
 Its large garrison, and the facility with which reinforce- 
 ments could be poured into it from Maryland, demanded 
 the greatest secrecy in any movement against it. If warn- 
 ing was given, its frowning castles could laugh a siege to 
 scorn, and with their guns sweep out of existence all 
 attacking columns. The position was deemed impregnable. 
 A much greater force than Rosser's under General McCaus- 
 land had previously failed to take it. Fitz Lee not long 
 before had gotten within eight miles of it, and turned back 
 discouraged after learning the character of its defenses. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 323 
 
 Rosser had been watching for an opportunity to try his 
 fortune upon it. Some time before, as a preparatory step, 
 he had sent two rehable scouts, John T. Pearce and James 
 L. WilHams, to spy out the land and bring him a map of 
 the fortifications. Their reports encouraged the hope that 
 a bold dash might succeed ; and when he marched across 
 the mountains, his plans were already matured. Notwith- 
 standing its strong defenses were rather formidable, the 
 place was thought of by Rosser as an object of attack — for 
 he had planned a surprise. 
 
 Moving through Brock's Gap the column reached the 
 vicinity of Moorefield about noon on the 27th. Halting 
 his command at the fork, Rosser with a small force went 
 ahead to Moorefield. Shortly after reaching there, he 
 learned that a body of Federals with one piece of artillery 
 was at Old Fields. With about seventy-five men taken 
 from Captain McNeil's command of partisan rangers and 
 from Company F of Seventh Virginia Cavalry, he moved 
 in the direction of the enemy and soon encountered him 
 at Parsons Ford. 
 
 Captain McNeil with his detachment was sent to pass 
 around the enemy's flank and cut off his retreat through 
 Reynolds' Gap. The movement was soon discovered by 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Fleming, the Federal commander, and 
 resisted. Before the rest of Rosser's men had gotten up, 
 McNeil had beaten the enemy, capturing his piece of artil- 
 lery and twenty men, and chasing the fugitives through 
 Reynolds' Gap. Fleming had under him in the fight, 
 according to his own official report, 120 men. Those who 
 escaped from McNeil rode straight for New Creek. The 
 affair occurred about six o'clock P. M., and by quarter past 
 
324 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 nine P. M. Colonel Latham, commanding at New Creek, 
 twenty-one miles distant, had learned of Fleming's defeat. 
 He at once telegraphed to General Kelly at Cumberland the 
 result of the skirmish. The latter replied, "Put your post 
 in the best possible position for defense, as it is probable 
 that the Rebels will attack you." To this Colonel Latham 
 responded, "I am prepared for them." 
 
 To explain the situation it is necessary to state that an- 
 other scouting party of Federals, under Maj. P. J. Potts, 
 had been sent from New Creek on the 26th of November. 
 On the evening of the 27th, the same day of Rosser's arrival 
 at Moorefield, it camped a few miles north of the town. 
 The next morning Major Potts, learning of the near pres- 
 ence of the Confederates, made off by a mountain path, and 
 after wandering through the mountains, reached New 
 Creek the day after its fall. It does not appear that Rosser 
 was aware of the existence of this scouting party, but the 
 sequel shows that its absence from New Creek had much to 
 do with his successful surprise of the garrison. 
 
 The unlooked-for meeting with Fleming's detachment 
 at Old Fields was discouraging. It was highly probable 
 that before sunrise the enemy at New Creek would be 
 informed of Rosser's arrival at Moorefield, and would make 
 preparations to receive him. Instead, however, of chang- 
 ing Rosser's plans, these unexpected events only made him 
 act with more celerity. He determined to march at once 
 against the enemy. Possibly he might reach New Creek 
 before the fugitives; at any rate he would go forward and 
 see what fortune awaited him. 
 
 Moving his command from Moorefield after dark, he 
 proceeded by way of the Alleghany and Moorefield turnpike 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 325 
 
 to the head of Patterson's Creek. There he followed the 
 road leading down the creek to the northwestern turnpike. 
 When within a mile of Burlington, situated at the junction 
 of the road upon which he was marching and the north- 
 western turnpike, he turned to the left. He had now to fol- 
 low, at times, little more than a bridle-path, which led up 
 Mike's Run to a point on the northwestern turnpike five 
 miles west of Burlington and near Harrison's Gap in the 
 Knobley Mountain. Thus far he had missed all scouting 
 parties, and was within six miles of New Creek station. 
 Here the seriousness of Rosser's design was apparent to 
 all. The men had been marching all night and were 
 exhausted. The sun was just rising, gilding with its beams 
 the lofty peaks of the Alleghanies. The column was still in 
 the woods ; in sight was the turnpike along which at any 
 moment a Federal scouting party might pass. 
 
 A council of war was held. The question was. Had not 
 some of Colonel Fleming's fugitives already reached New 
 Creek and put the Federals on their guard? Such was the 
 opinion of not a few, and Rosser was urged to go back. 
 Captain Pearce, the scout, reasoned that, without doubt 
 some of the escaped Federals had given warning of Ros- 
 ser's being in the neighborhood, but that information, in 
 his opinion, would only make the Federals more careless, 
 for they would think Rosser would not dare to approach 
 the fort, knowing as he must, that they were informed of 
 his being near at hand. This view struck Rosser as a sen- 
 sible one, and offering as it did a fighting chance of captur- 
 ing a famous stronghold, quickly obtained his approval. 
 
 Genl. W. H. Payne, the second in command, always ready 
 to adopt a bold line of action, was of the same opinion. The 
 
326 A History of the Laurzl Brig.ide 
 
 result of the short talk was, that the column vers* soon 
 moved forward across the turnpike towards New Creek. 
 taking a near cut to the New Creek turnpike. 
 
 General Payne with his brigade, consisting of the Fifth, 
 Sixth, and Eighth regiments of \'irginia cavalry, took the 
 front, the Sixth Regiment being in the lead. The Eleventh 
 Regiment, imder Mai. E. H. McDonald, was sent by 
 another road leading down Limestone Branch, and ap- 
 proaching the station from the east. Traveling down it 
 Major McDonald was to strike the Baltimore and Ohio 
 Railroad a half mile east of the station, and after cutting 
 tiie telegraph wire, advance and unite with the main body 
 in the attack on the forts. 
 
 The main body had gone but a short distance, when an 
 accident suggested the means of success. From a conver- 
 sation with a wayside resident, it was discovered that a 
 body of Federal horse had left New Creek on a reconnois- 
 sance. and that their return was hourly expected. It was 
 resolved to make the most of this discovery. In order to 
 mask his approach and deceive the Federal pickets. General 
 Payne put twenty men in blue overcoats in advance under 
 Captain Fitzhugh, They were instructed to go at a walk 
 and, when in sight of the enemy's pickets, to approach them 
 quietly after the manner of friends. These orders were 
 executed with great coolness and admirable judgment by 
 Captain Fitzhugh, 
 
 In a short time the Xe-^ Creek mmpike was reached at 
 a point about four miles from the station. Thence the road 
 led along the bank of the creek, which with very slight 
 meanderings washes the western base of Abraham's Ridge. 
 The road was almost a dead level and nearly straight On 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 327 
 
 the right, the woody banks of the stream served partly to 
 conceal the column; but it was the blue overcoats of the 
 men in front, and the shrewdness of Captain Fitzhugh, 
 that served most to disarm and assure the success of the 
 movement. 
 
 The Union people, living near the line of mardi, came 
 out of their houses to watch the column pass, supposing 
 from the imiform of the advance that it was a body of 
 Federal soldiers, and when the appearance of the main 
 body in grey revealed the truth, it was too late for any of 
 them to get away and give the alarm. Citizens, riding or 
 driving out, and even a small scouting party of Federal 
 horsemen, met the vanguard in the road, and passing it 
 with friendly salutations, rode into the grey cohmm bdund 
 and were "taken care of." 
 
 The same gait of careless assurance, enabled Captain 
 Fitzhugh to ride up to the Federal pickets and capture them 
 without the firing of a gun or of making any loud denxHi- 
 stration. When within a half mile of the town, it was 
 necessary to lay aside the mask and make a dash at the 
 enemy. A part of the command, with the Sixth in front, 
 turned out of the turnpike to the left, and galloped up the 
 bill upon the summit of which was the fort. Its big guns 
 frowned savagely upon the grey horsemen, and though the 
 gunners were away in the town, the sentinels standing by 
 them being plainly seen gave the impression to many that 
 the cannon were about to be fired. A minute's delay and all 
 would have been lost. Steadily the column moved on, 
 Payne and Rosser near the front. \Mien close to the para- 
 pet, the Federal sentinels presented arms in tc^en of sur- 
 render, and Payne, taking off his hat, shouted, "Three 
 
328 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 cheers for the gallant Sixth !" This was given with a will, 
 for already, in the plain below to the right of the garrison, 
 the enemy was seen running in great confusion towards the 
 Potomac. 
 
 When Payne with his column turned out of the road to 
 assail the fort, Rosser ordered another part of his command 
 to move quickly down the road and take Church Hill, upon 
 which was posted Mulligan's Battery of field pieces. For- 
 tunately, a projecting bluff concealed them from observa- 
 tion until within a short distance of the station. Rounding 
 the bluff, the Fifth suddenly appeared, and turning to the 
 left charged up Church Hill, upon the top of which was the 
 Federal battery. Here there was a momentary show of re- 
 sistance. Some of the gunners had made out to load one 
 piece. As the cavalry approached at a gallop the artillery- 
 men fled, but a Federal lieutenant bravely seized the lan- 
 yard, and was about to fire, when Maj. James Breathed, of 
 Stuart's horse artillery, cut him down with his sabre. The 
 whole assault had been so sudden and unexpected that the 
 garrison, though numbering more than 1,000 men of all 
 arms, made no effort to recover from the panic that had 
 seized them, but fled en masse towards the river. Most of 
 the fugitives were captured, but some succeeded in crossing 
 the river, and from the other side opened fire upon their 
 pursuers. 
 
 The number of prisoners taken was about 800, and about 
 400 horses. A great quantity of forage, grain, and ordnance 
 stores was burned. The guns on Fort Hill were spiked, 
 and the four pieces of Mulligan's battery were carried off. 
 The victory was almost a bloodless one. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 329 
 
 Rosser, not content with his rich capture, now sent Maj. 
 E. H. McDonald with the Eleventh Regiment to Pied- 
 mont to destroy the machine shops of the Baltimore and 
 Ohio Railroad located there. 
 
 The place is about five miles west of New Creek station, 
 and at that time was guarded by a small force of infantry. 
 The road leading to it from New Creek followed the course 
 of the railroad, and near the edge of the town passed 
 through the mountain gorge made by the North Branch of 
 the Potomac. 
 
 With a river on one side and a rocky and steep mountain 
 on the other, the pass is easy to defend against a superior 
 force by a small and resolute body. The news of the taking 
 of New Creek had already reached Piedmont, and when 
 Major McDonald got near the town, he found Federal 
 infantry strongly posted in the gorge and ready to receive 
 him. 
 
 Dismounting some of his men he engaged the enemy, and 
 after a sharp fight, in which he lost two men killed 
 and several wounded, he drove the enemy from cover, and 
 pursued him with his mounted squadrons through the town 
 to the Maryland side of the river. 
 
 Turning his attention now to the engines and shops, he 
 burnt many of them, though his men were exposed to a 
 galling fire from the Federals posted on the neighboring 
 hills across the river. 
 
 After the work of destruction was finished, the Eleventh 
 withdrew by a road through the mountains. They camped 
 on the Alleghanies that evening, and learned in the morn- 
 ing that the Federal scouting party under command of 
 Major Potts had passed near them during the night. 
 
33C> A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Rosser, after sending on in advance his prisoners, and 
 many of the captured stores in wagons, without much tar- 
 rying turned his face homeward. FeeHng sure that an 
 effort would be made to intercept him on his return, he 
 sent one regiment forward to hold the narrow pass between 
 Petersburg and Moorefield, and went back by way of 
 Petersburg, and not by Moorefield, as he had come. The 
 regiment sent on to seize the pass between Petersburg and 
 Moorefield, got there before the pursuing column of Fed- 
 erals, and Rosser was thus enabled to move on with his 
 captures at a more leisurely gait, and free from molesta- 
 tion. His foraging parties had with great activity taken 
 advantage of the march upon New Creek to gather up cat- 
 tle and sheep, and Rosser went homeward taking with him 
 a goodly quantity of these, to the relief and joy of Early's 
 army in the Valley. While the capture of New Creek 
 with its strong garrison was a ray of sunshine mid the gen- 
 eral gloom caused by Early's repeated disasters, yet the 
 tidings of victory were not received with near as much 
 pleasure as was the arrival of the flocks and herds. 
 
 Upon their return the Laurels went into camp near Tim- 
 berville, and for a few days enjoyed a rest much needed, 
 with the exception of the necessary picket duty. 
 
 Very soon forage was not to be had. The cattle and sheep 
 brought by the raiders supplied for a short time the wants 
 of the men, but grain and long food had disappeared almost 
 as completely as the pastures which the hard frosts had 
 killed. Some of the horses died in camp from the efifect of 
 starvation.^ 
 
 ^Sherrard's Diary. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 331 
 
 On the 1 6th of December Early broke camp at New Mar- 
 ket and moved back to the vicinity of Staunton, so as to be 
 near the Virginia Central Railroad. 
 
 Rosser's brigade moved to the neighborhood of Swopes 
 Depot, seven miles west of Staunton, some of the compa- 
 nies being left on picket in front of New Market. There 
 seemed to be now some prospect of relief, from hard serv- 
 ice at least, though little from the miseries of want, cold 
 and lack of warm clothing. The winter was severe, and to 
 survive its rigors without sufficient clothing and food was 
 an undertaking of some magnitude. Still the charms of 
 repose were sweetened by thoughts of the recent victory, 
 and the situation was not altogether without crumbs of 
 comfort. 
 
 But hope and fortitude would not feed and clothe the 
 men, nor keep alive the horses, upon which the usefulness 
 of cavalry so much depends. Day by day the brigade was 
 diminishing in numbers. Many went home, by permission, 
 after fresh horses; many took "French leave," not as de- 
 serters, but for temporary absence without furlough. The 
 remnant consoled themselves with the expectation of a short 
 season of rest from their labors. It was soon discovered 
 that Sheridan's 8,000 horsemen, splendidly equipped and 
 armed, would give them little rest. 
 
 On the 19th of December Custer's division, 3,000 strong, 
 advanced from Winchester towards Staunton. Sheridan, 
 spurred on by Grant, was making a grand raid on the Vir- 
 ginia Central Railroad. The main body, consisting of Mer- 
 ritt's and Powell's divisions, crossed the Blue Ridge at 
 Chester's Gap and marched towards Charlottesville. Cus- 
 
332 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 ter's part of the movement was to go to Staunton and 
 occupy the attention of Early. 
 
 On the 20th Early, learning through his signal corps of 
 the Federal advance, with his usual pluck did what he could 
 with the means at his command to foil the enemy. 
 
 In the midst of a hailstorm he moved Wharton's division 
 towards Harrisonburg, and Rosser was ordered to the 
 front with all the cavalry he could collect. Taking what 
 could be mounted of his own and Payne's brigades, Rosser 
 pushed forward through mud and rain and about ten 
 o'clock P. M. went into camp below Harrisonburg. 
 
 There was nothing at all for the horses. Even the 
 rations of straw obtainable at Swopes Depot could not be 
 gotten. 
 
 After a halt of three hours the bugle called to saddle. 
 Roused up at one o'clock the weary troopers mounted their 
 jaded, half-starved horses and, forming column, moved out 
 to seek the enemy. 
 
 Custer had gone into camp near Lacey's Springs, and if he 
 remained undisturbed until daylight, his large and well- 
 mounted division seemed likely to prove more than a match 
 for Rosser's small force. There was nothing to do but to 
 have it out before morning, and Rosser, ever anxious to 
 meet Custer, started on a second expedition to surprise his 
 camp. 
 
 The road, muddy from recent rains, was rendered more 
 so by additional showers; a cold wind blew and the rain 
 froze as it fell. The hats and clothes of the troopers soon 
 'became stiff with ice; while the horses were enveloped in 
 frosty garments; the small icicles hanging from their 
 bodies rattling as they staggered along. The road soon 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 333 
 
 became icy smooth, and the horses not being rough shod, 
 traveled with much difficulty. 
 
 Following the Middle Road the column struggled on. 
 At Krotzer's Spring it turned to the right towards Lacey 
 Spring.^ 
 
 When near Custer's camp Rosser and Payne rode for- 
 ward to reconnoiter. They speedily came in view of the 
 enemy's campfires which, stretching away to a considerable 
 distance, showed that it was impossible with the small force 
 of Confederates present to surprise more than a part of the 
 Federal force. There was, however, no other alternative 
 but to try the chance of battle. Upon returning to the col- 
 umn they found the troops shivering with the cold, but 
 ready to do their best. "Plans were hastily made, and with- 
 out a yell or the sound of a bugle we swept down upon the 
 half-sleeping foe like an avalanche."^ 
 
 The camps first assailed were soon alive with fugitive 
 Federals, but the report of the small arms roused the more 
 distant sleepers, who hastily mounted and formed column. 
 
 A short and sharp fight now occurred, in which the 
 enemy, being worsted, slowly withdrew down the Valley. 
 Rosser, after pursuing a short distance, turned his face 
 homeward, rightly thinking it no small victory to have 
 forced into retreat a body of Federal horse outnumbering 
 his own nearly five to one. 
 
 Custer had started to go to Staunton, but had failed to 
 get within forty miles of it. Upon learning of Custer's 
 discomfiture. Early moved Wharton's division back to 
 Staunton. On the 23rd of December a portion of it was 
 
 ^From Joseph Sherrard's Diary. 
 ^Account by General Rosser. 
 
334 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 sent by rail to Charlottesville. The same day Rosser was 
 ordered to the same point. An all-night march through 
 Rock Fish Gap brought him in its vicinity. Here he 
 learned that the Federals had gone back, and after a day's 
 halt the column moved for their old camp at Swopes Depot, 
 where they arrived on the 26th of December. 
 
 Shortly after Christmas winter set in cold and stormy. 
 The great activity, necessitated by the aggressiveness of an 
 overwhelming, mounted Federal force, had more and more 
 thinned the ranks of the cavalry. 
 
 There was hardly enough of forage to keep the horses 
 from starving, while the men were in miserable quarters 
 and on short rations. Many whole companies were per- 
 mitted to go home and recruit. 
 
 On the 3rd of January the First Squadron of the Elev- 
 enth Regiment went ofif on leave to McDowell, the Second 
 Squadron to Lost River. White's Battalion had already 
 gone, January ist, to their native counties east of the Blue 
 Ridge. Similar leaves were granted to many of the Seventh 
 and Twelfth regiments. So that, by the middle of January, 
 there was but a portion of the brigade left at Swopes Depot, 
 and this was sufTering greatly for the means of subsistence. 
 Rosser, who was still in command of Fitz Lee's division, 
 began to cast about for some sort of relief. The country 
 around him was almost famine-stricken. The people had 
 been drained of their substance to support the soldiery. 
 The Government could do little. It was straining every 
 nerve to maintain Lee's veterans who, in spite of cold, 
 hunger, and constant assaults of Grant's multitudes, formed 
 a wall of defense for the Confederate Capital. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 335 
 
 It was impossible to submit quietly to an environment 
 that threatened to disband his command. As no help was 
 to be expected from others, Rosser must strike a blow for 
 himself. There was much to discourage any thought of 
 campaigning in such a winter. His men were few, half- 
 clothed and badly mounted ; besides despondency was in the 
 air. 
 
 It was plain, indeed, to the thoughtful that the sun of the 
 Confederacy was near its setting, but to the brave hearts 
 that defied fortune, it seemed only under a passing cloud. 
 At the opening of spring, they thought, the gloom would 
 vanish and victory once more perch upon the banner of 
 Lee. 
 
 If the darkening prospect led many to despond and to 
 falter in devotion to the cause of their adoption, in the more 
 dauntless spirits it only awakened heroic constancy, and 
 spurred them on to more daring achievements. 
 
 While seeking an opportunity to damage the enemy and 
 help himself, Rosser through his scouts learned that at Bev- 
 erly, a distant point west of the Alleghanies, was stored a 
 large quantity of army supplies, and that the Federal garri- 
 son there did not exceed 1,000 men. Here was a chance to 
 do something which might bring relief for a time, and for 
 the want of a better opportunity Rosser began to think how 
 he might capture the place. 
 
 Beverly is distant from Staunton, as the crow flies, about 
 seventy-five miles. But the road traverses the steep ranges 
 and winds through the gorges of the Alleghanies. For 
 some distance it led through what was then a war-swept 
 region, that could furnish little means of subsistence to 
 either man or horse, and most of the way over almost im- 
 
336 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 passable roads and across fierce mountain streams. It was 
 blocked up, too, by the snows which for weeks had been 
 falling, and in the gorges drifted to a depth of twenty-five 
 feet. The people who lived along or near the road were as 
 fierce and intractable as the rugged steeps among which they 
 dwelt, and were, moreover, bitterly hostile to the Con- 
 federacy. 
 
 A sober estimate of the difficulties to be overcome did not 
 furnish much reasonable hope for success, but necessity 
 could not listen to judgment, and despair lent courage to 
 hope. 
 
 Having gotten the consent of Genl. Fitzhugh Lee, who in 
 Early's absence was in command of the Valley forces, Ros- 
 ser took steps to prepare for the raid on Beverly. As the 
 work to be done would make great demands upon the pluck 
 and fortitude of those engaged in it, he deemed it wise to 
 enroll for the expedition none but volunteers. A call for 
 these discovered that more men were willing to go than 
 there were horses fit for duty. Some wished to march 
 afoot, but this was not permitted. 
 
 After some necessary delay a force of 300 men was gath- 
 ered from the three brigades of Payne, Munford, and Ros- 
 ser. These were divided into two detachments of 150 men 
 each, commanded respectively by Colonel Cook of the 
 Eighth Virginia Cavalry, and Colonel Morgan of the First 
 Virginia Cavalry, of whom says Rosser, speaking of this 
 diminutive force, "I can safely say that a more intelligent, 
 more gallant, and more reliable 300 than composed my little 
 army of invasion was never assembled in one command." 
 
 With the small force thus made up, a sort of forlorn 
 hope, Rosser started for Beverly. The march was without 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 337 
 
 important incidents except that, being in midwinter, and 
 the weather exceptionally cold, the suffering of the troopers 
 was intense. A deep snow was on the ground, and this was 
 drifted in the mountain passes, in some places, to a depth of 
 twenty-five feet. 
 
 While the direct road to Beverly was probably not over 
 seventy-five miles, the route followed by Rosser was much 
 farther, as his plan was to attack the Federal position from 
 the north, it having been found that the road in that direc- 
 tion was not so well guarded, and also because the Federals 
 would be cut off from their line of retreat. Beverly is loca- 
 ted in Tygarts Valley, through which winds the Tygarts 
 Valley River, and the mountain streams across Rosser's line 
 of march flow into that river. 
 
 The night of the loth of January the command bivou- 
 acked on a mountainside in Devil's Hollow, the road follow- 
 ing the meanderings of a run that flowed into Tygarts Val- 
 ley River, and intersected the Philippi turnpike in the rear 
 of the Federal camp. 
 
 The attack was made before daylight on the morning of 
 the nth, most of the command being dismounted. 
 
 A thin line of battle was formed enveloping the encamp- 
 ment, and advanced over the frozen snow, the noise of the 
 troopers' feet breaking through the crust being the first 
 intimation of the approach of a hostile force. A sentinel 
 near the encampment of huts and tents cried, "Who goes 
 there?" several times. The only response to his challenge 
 was the steady tramp of the advancing line. Thinking that 
 he would fire and alarm the camp, a charge was ordered by 
 the whole force. The mounted squadron dashed through 
 the line and rode boldly up to the tents, demanding the sur- 
 
338 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 render of the occupants. Being utterly surprised there was 
 not much resistance, but some of the more resolute Federals 
 fired at the men entering the doors of the tents, killing one 
 and wounding several Confederates. 
 
 In a few minutes the place was in the hands of Rosser's 
 force, and was quickly sacked by the half-starved Con- 
 federates. 
 
 The capture, however, did not turn out to be as valuable 
 as General Rosser had hoped. The troopers indulged in the 
 bountiful supply of the usual food and luxuries to be found 
 in a Federal garrison ; among them an abundance of liquor 
 which, as may be supposed after the severity of the march, 
 was freely indulged in. 
 
 The captures, according to the report of General Ros- 
 ser, were 580 prisoners, which is corroborated by the Fed- 
 eral report, which admits 572 men and eight officers taken 
 prisoners, six men killed and thirty-two men wounded ; also 
 100 horses, about 600 arms and equipments, and 10,000 
 rations.^ 
 
 The Federal force consisted of the Eighth Ohio Cavalry 
 and the Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, about 1,000 in all. 
 
 The following is the report of the incident by the Federal 
 general, George Crook, commanding that department : 
 
 iln a private diary preserved by Capt. Jno. S. Blackburn, ordnance 
 officer of Payne's brigade, who attended the expedition, it is mentioned 
 that Colonel Cook, a gallant officer commanding the Eighth Virginia 
 Cavalry, lately attached to Payne's brigade, was left at Beverly, badly 
 wounded in a leg, which was amputated. This is the only casualty men- 
 tioned, except the killing of private Hite. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 339 
 
 "Headquarters Department of West Virginia, 
 
 January 25th, 1865. 
 Respectfully forwarded to Headquarters Middle Military 
 Division. 
 Upon hearing of the surprise and capture of Beverly, I sent 
 two trusty staff officers to examine into and report upon the 
 affair. Their report has been forwarded. I herewith forward 
 the report of Colonel Wilkinson, and recommend that Lieut.- 
 Col. R. Yourt, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and Lieut. -Col. L. 
 Furney, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, be dismissed the 
 service for disgraceful neglect of their commands, and for per- 
 mitting themselves to be surprised and the greater portion of 
 their commands captured, in order that worthy officers may fill 
 their places, which they have proved themselves incompetent 
 to hold. 
 
 George Crook, 
 Major-General Commanding." 
 
 The return of the expedition to Swopes Depot, which 
 was necessarily slow on account of the large number of 
 prisoners on foot, was attended with great suffering both 
 to the troopers and to the prisoners, but particularly to the 
 latter, who were taken many of them without overcoats and 
 only partly clad. The frozen feet and hands of quite a 
 number necessitated amputation. 
 
 Genl. Robert E. Lee reports to the Secretary of War as 
 follows : 
 
 "Headquarters, January 15th, 1865. 
 General Early reports that Rosser, at the head of 300 men, 
 surprised and captured the garrison at Beverly, Randolph 
 county, on the nth instant, killing and wounding a consider- 
 able number and taking 580 prisoners. His loss light. 
 
 R. E. Lee. 
 To Hon. J. A. Seddon." 
 
340 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The irony of fate is strikingly illustrated in an incident 
 connected with the affair at Beverly. 
 
 Fontaine Hite, a private of Company D, known as the 
 Clarke Company, of the Sixth Virginia Cavalry, being 
 without a horse, followed the expedition all the way on 
 foot, with the hope of capturing a mount for himself from 
 the Federals at Beverly. He was killed while entering the 
 door of a tent, the only Confederate reported to have been 
 killed in the attack. 
 

ii* 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 
 February, 1865 
 
 The capture of the Federal Major-Generals Crook and Kelly, in the 
 City of Cumberland by McNeil — The capture proposed and planned 
 by John B. Fay, formerly of Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry, 
 but at the time a member of McNeil's partisan company — Fay with 
 Ritchie Hallar reconnoiters in the neighborhood of Cumberland — 
 They locate the sleeping apartments of each of the generals, and 
 the outpost and reserve pickets — The hazards of the undertaking 
 — The surprise and capture— Two future Presidents of the United 
 States narrowly escape— A future judge not so fortunate— Federals 
 pursue but give it up — Prisoners transported to Dixie. 
 
 While this chapter is something of a digression, it con- 
 tains an interesting item of history which, though it cannot 
 properly be claimed as belonging exclusively to the Laurel 
 Brigade, can be claimed in large part by members of the 
 brigade who participated in it, and contributed in a con- 
 spicuous way to its success ; and the chronological order of 
 the history is best preserved by introlucing it here. 
 
 The capture of two distinguished Federal generals — 
 Crook and Kelly — from their quarters in the center of a city 
 of 8,000 inhabitants, guarded with an army of 6,000 to 8,000 
 men, by a handful of Confederate cavalry, was an event 
 that excited the North with astonishment at its audacity, and 
 the South with admiration for its boldness and exultation 
 over its success. 
 
 The account is given in the words of John B. Fay, who 
 planned the enterprise and assisted in the execution of it. 
 Fay was a private in Company F, Seventh Virginia Cav- 
 
\ 
 
 342 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 airy, Laurel Brigade, from August 21st, 1861, until 1863, 
 when he entered the partisan command of McNeil. 
 
 The account was written by him not long after the war, 
 when his memory was fresh as to the details. Mr. Fay's 
 account is corroborated by the Federal reports as far as they 
 relate to it, and the accuracy of it is fully attested by his 
 comrades in the enterprise. 
 
 Says Mr. Fay: 
 
 "Towards the close of the war, about an hour before day- 
 break on the cold, frosty morning of February 21st, 1865, a 
 troop of Confederate cavalry, sixty-five in number, under 
 Lieut. Jesse C. McNeil, having forded the Potomac and sur- 
 prised and captured the pickets, quietly rode into the heart of 
 the City of Cumberland, Maryland, then the headquarters of 
 the military district of West Virginia, captured Major-Gen- 
 erals George Crook and B. F. Kelly, together with the latter's 
 adjutant-general, Thayer Melvin ; and without the loss of a 
 man carried their distinguished prisoners back with them into 
 the Confederate lines. 
 
 "Being a somewhat prominent actor in this affair, and to 
 some extent responsible for its inception and success, and for 
 the special purpose of subserving the truth of history, already 
 violated by several erroneous accounts, I have undertaken in 
 this article to narrate as fully and concisely as my memory will 
 permit, the main incidents of the expedition. 
 
 "To enable the reader to properly understand the condition 
 of affairs at the time, a slight retrospect at the outset will be 
 necessary. 
 
 "The debatable ground which lay between the opposing 
 armies in northern Virginia, both east and west of the Blue 
 Ridge, covered an extensive territory running parallel with the 
 Potomac, and embraced sometimes the breadth of two or more 
 counties southward. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 343 
 
 "During the latter part of the war this region was dominated 
 by three famous partisan leaders, Mosby, Gilmor, and McNeil. 
 Their forces sometimes intermingled, but the operations of 
 Mosby were ordinarily confined to the country east of the 
 Shenandoah, those of Gilmor to the Valley of Virginia ; while 
 McNeil's special field of action lay to the westward along the 
 upper Potomac and the courses of the South Branch. 
 
 "McNeil's command was composed principally of volun- 
 teers from Virginia and Maryland, though nearly every South- 
 ern State, and not a few Northern States, had representatives 
 in its ranks. Aristocrats of the bluest blood and their rough, . 
 unpedigreed comrades, lawyers, preachers, doctors, clerks, 
 mechanics, sturdy farmer lads, college graduates, and hardy 
 mountaineers, mingled in harmony. 
 
 "Moorefield, in the rich valley of the South Branch, was the 
 principal headquarters of this command, and Harrisonburg, 
 in the Shenandoah Valley, its reserved base of operations. In 
 a daybreak attack on a camp of Pennsylvania cavalry at Mt. 
 Jackson bridge on the Shenandoah, in the fall of 1864, Cap- 
 tain McNeil received a dangerous wound and died shortly 
 afterwards. His son, Jesse C. McNeil, an officer of great 
 courage and gallantry, though somewhat excitable and lacking 
 the discretion of his father, was next in command. Some time 
 in February, 1865, Lieutenant McNeil sent for me and, after 
 alluding to a suggestion I had made his father a year before, 
 to capture General . Kelly in Cumberland, informed me that 
 Generals Kelly and Crook were then in that city, and if I 
 thought it practicable and could obtain the necessary informa- 
 tion, he would make the attempt to secure them both as 
 prisoners of war. As my home was in Cumberland, I was per- 
 fectly familiar with the place and its surroundings, and had 
 found no difficulty in getting into it on several previous occa- 
 sions, once remaining a week. I entered zealously into his, 
 project and gave him every assurance of success in case it was 
 properly managed. I was then deputed to take someone, in 
 whom I reposed sufficient confidence, and to go at once to 
 
344 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Cumberland or its vicinity and procure certain information 
 deemed vital to insure complete success. Selecting as my com- 
 rade Ritchie Hallar, a lad from Missouri, not yet out of his 
 teens, we started at once upon our mission. The understand- 
 ing vi^as, that McNeil should have twenty-five well-mounted 
 men prepared to follow us within a day or two, making their 
 way leisurely down the South Branch ; while, in the meantime, 
 I was to secure accurate information as to the situation at 
 Cumberland, and the exact location of the sleeping apartments 
 of Generals Crook and Kelly. 
 
 "Cumberland, which had then a population of 8,000, is sit- 
 uated on the north bank of the upper Potomac, at the con- 
 fluence of that river and Wills Creek, and on the site of old 
 Fort Cumberland. At the time of which I write, six or eight 
 thousand troops were quartered in and around the city, under 
 the immediate command of Brigadier-Generals Hayes, Light- 
 burn, and Duval ; the former since President of the United 
 States. 
 
 "Sheridan's army lay at Winchester, and a considerable force 
 of Federal troops were strongly entrenched at New Creek, now 
 Keyser. The first-named point is southeast, and the second 
 southwest, of Cumberland. These facts show the hazard of 
 a trip to Cumberland, and the liability of being cut off, to 
 which any force of Confederates would be exposed if discov- 
 ered in that vicinity. 
 
 "Hallar and I proceeded with all due despatch, and a few 
 nights after our departure found us about five miles west of 
 Cumberland, on the south bank of the Potomac. 
 
 "After reconnoitering the ford we crossed and sought the 
 humble home of a Celtic friend, which was close at hand. I 
 had implicit faith in this man, and engaged him to procure 
 what information we needed. We then recrossed the river, 
 and by daylight were twenty miles away, taking breakfast near 
 Romney. Selecting that point as a rendezvous, I sent Hallar 
 to intercept McNeil and bring him there that evening. He 
 arrived in time, and in addition to those of his own command 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 345 
 
 had a number of men, probably a dozen, belonging to Com- 
 pany F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry, and Company D, Eleventh 
 Virginia Cavalry, of Rosser's brigade. The men and horses 
 were fed and rested, and the shades of evening saw us on our 
 eventful journey. 
 
 "Our route lay over Middle Ridge and across the valley of 
 Patterson's Creek, through the ridges beyond to the base of 
 Knobley Mountain, where, taking a northeasterly course we 
 came to a narrow gap, seldom used, leading up to open fields 
 on the mountain-top. Over a road encrusted with ice we 
 passed up this gap, and found the fields covered with snow- 
 drifts of uncertain depths, causing us to dismount and lead our 
 struggling horses. 
 
 "Having reached the road passing through a lower gap to 
 the Seymour Farm, we descended the mountain into^ the 
 Potomac Valley, made our way to the river, and this, our 
 rubicon, being crossed, we found our faithful friend on hand 
 with all needed information. At this juncture Lieutenant 
 McNeil led the men into the middle of a neighboring field, and 
 calling together a number of us, proceeded to the residence of 
 S. S. Brady, where we held a little council of war. After 
 stating that there was not sufficient time, before daylight, to 
 enable us to reach Cumberland and carry out our designs there 
 by pursuing the route laid down by me, McNeil proposed that 
 that part of our expedition should be abandoned ; but to pre- 
 vent the trip from being an entire failure, he suggested that 
 we surprise and capture the large picket at Brady's Mill near 
 by. This proposition met with emphatic and almost unani- 
 mous dissent. The prizes for which we had traveled so far 
 were estimated by quality and not by quantity, and we consid- 
 ered a company of infantry but poor compensation for the 
 chance of capturing two major-generals. The attempt to pass 
 quietly through two lines of pickets promised but doubtful 
 results, but that being the only satisfactory alternative we 
 determined to proceed. 
 
346 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "Lieutenant McNeil and Sergeant Vandiver, followed by 
 Sergeant Kuykendall and myself, rode ahead as an advance 
 guard. The rest of the troops, under Lieut. S. S. Welton, 
 keeping close behind. 
 
 "A layer of thin, crusty snow was on the ground, and 
 although it was about an hour and a half before dawn, we 
 could see very well for a short distance. The New Creek or 
 Cresaptown Road skirts the base of Wills Mountain, the rail- 
 road and river being on the right, and all three come close 
 together at the mouth of a deep glen, about two miles from 
 Cumberland, where the road deflects to the left, and winds up 
 through the glen and over the hills to the city ; the railroad 
 reaching the same point along the river bottom. A mounted 
 picket was stationed at the mouth of the glen, and as we 
 reached this point, a solitary vidette was observed standing on 
 the roadside. Upon noticing our approach he gave the formal 
 challenge, 'Halt! Who comes there?' We responded, 'Friends 
 from New Creek.' He then said, 'Dismount one, advance and 
 give the countersign.' When, without a moment's warning. 
 Lieutenant McNeil, putting spurs to his horse, dashed towards 
 the vidette, and as he passed, unable to check his horse, fired 
 his pistol at the man's head. We had nothing to do now but 
 to follow rapidly and secure the picket, whom we found terribly 
 alarmed at the peculiar conduct of his pretended friends. Two 
 of his comrades, acting as a reserve, had been making them- 
 selves as cosy as possible before a few smouldering embers in 
 a fence comer, about 100 yards in the rear, but hearing the 
 commotion in front they hastily decamped, making towards 
 the river. They got no farther than the railroad, for we were 
 soon close upon them, and in response to our repeated threats 
 of shooting, both halted and gave themselves up. They 
 belonged to Company D, Third Ohio, and from one of the 
 pickets, a German, the countersign for the night, 'Bulls Gap,' 
 was extorted under menace of instant annihilation at the end 
 of a halter. Mounting them upon their horses, which were 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 347 
 
 found hitched to the saplings just off the roadside, we took 
 these men into Cumberland. 
 
 "Naturally, our troops had been greatly provoked at the 
 independent action of Lieutenant McNeil in firing, as he did, 
 a shot which might have caused a general alarm and forced us 
 to abandon our project. Sharing in this feeling, I insisted that 
 Sergeant Kuykendall and myself should take the advance in 
 the approach to the next and inner post. This was assented 
 to, and we moved on determined that no more firing should be 
 done on our part unless absolutely necessary. 
 
 "The inner post was fully a mile away, over the high inter- 
 vening hill, and located at the intersection of the road we were 
 on with the old Frostburg turnpike. The picket consisted of 
 five men belonging to the First West Virginia Infantry, who 
 were comfortably seated in a shedlike structure, a blazing fire 
 in front, and busily engaged in a friendly game of cards. As 
 we drew near the circle of light one of the number was 
 observed to get up, reach for a musket, and leisurely advance 
 in front of the fire to meet us. To his formal challenge, Kuy- 
 kendall answered, 'Friends with the countersign.' We kept 
 moving up in the meantime, and when the demand was made for 
 one of us to dismount, noticing an impatient movement among 
 our men behind us, in order to deceive the picket and enable us 
 to get as near as possible before our intended dash was made, 
 I shouted back in a loud voice, 'Don't crowd up, boys. Wait 
 until we give the countersign.' We did not find it necessary to 
 give it, however, as there was an open space around the picket, 
 allovvang them no chance to escape, and we were close upon 
 them. In another instant a swift, forward dash was made and, 
 without a single shot, they were surrounded and captured. The 
 guns and ammunition of these men were destroyed, and they 
 were left unguarded at their posts with strict injunctions to 
 remain there until our return. On its face, this would appear 
 to have been a very unwise thing, but it was the best we could 
 do. We had no intention of returning that way, and we rightly 
 trusted, that before the men could realize the situation and 
 
348 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 get where an alarm could be given, our work in the city would 
 have been accomplished. 
 
 "We were now inside the picket-lines, and before us lay the 
 sleeping city. We halted for a few minutes whilst Lieutenant 
 McNeil hastily detailed two squads of ten men each, who were 
 charged with the direct capture of the generals. Sergt. Joseph 
 W. Kuykendall of Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry, Lau- 
 rel Brigade, a special scout for General Early, a man of great 
 courage and coolness, who had once been a prisoner in Kelly's 
 hands, and had a personal acquaintance with him, was placed 
 in command of the men detailed to secure that general. To Ser- 
 geant Vanaiver, a man of imposing figure, a brave and gallant 
 soldier, was given charge of the capture of General Crook. 
 
 "An interesting fact in connection with this latter squad 
 is that among the number were Jacob Gassman, of the Laurel 
 Brigade, a former clerk of the hotel where General Crook had 
 his headquarters, and whose uncle then owned the building, and 
 Sergeant Charles James Dailey, whose father was landlord at 
 the time, and whose sister Mary is now Mrs. General Crook, 
 and was probably then his fiancee. 
 
 "The duty of destroying the telegraphic communication was 
 placed upon me, and Hallar was detailed as my assistant. 
 These preliminaries being arranged, we moved briskly down 
 the turnpike into Green Street around the Court House Hill, 
 over the Chain Bridge across Wills Creek, and up Baltimore 
 Street, the principal thoroughfare of the city, the men 
 whistling such Yankee tunes as they knew, and occasionally 
 bandying words with isolated guards and patrols whom we 
 passed. Some of our men were disguised in Federal overcoats, 
 but in the dim light no difference could be noted in the shades 
 of blue and grey. 
 
 "Part of the command was halted in front of the St. 
 Nicholas Hotel and Barnum House, now the Windsor Hotel. 
 In the latter General Kelly slept. The rest of the command 
 rode on to the Revere House, now the Lindell, where General 
 Crook reposed in fancied security. Sentries paced up and down 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 349 
 
 the pavement in front of the respective headquarters, but took 
 little notice of our movements, evidently taking us for a scout- 
 ing party coming in to report. Sprigg Lynn, of Kuykendall's 
 squad, was about the first to reach the pavement, where he cap- 
 tured and disarmed the guard, who directed the party to the 
 sleeping apartments of General Kelly. Entering the hotel, 
 the hall of which and rooms occupied by the officers, they 
 found lighted, the party first invaded a room on the second 
 floor. This proved to be that of Adjutant Melvin, afterwards 
 Judge Melvin. They soon aroused this officer, required him to 
 dress and indicate to them the room occupied by his chief. 
 Being informed they immediately entered the General's room, 
 awakened him, told him he was a prisoner, and desired him 
 to make as hasty a toilet as possible. With some nervousness 
 the old general complied, inquiring as he did so to whom he 
 was surrendering. 'To Captain McNeil, by order of General 
 Rosser,' Kuykendall replied. He had little more to say after 
 this, and in a very short space of time he and Melvin were 
 taken down to the street and mounted upon horses, the owners 
 of which gave them the saddle and rode behind. 
 
 "While these things were being done, an almost identical 
 scene was being enacted at the Revere House. The guard there 
 being taken and disarmed, the capturing party ascended the 
 stone steps of the hotel and found the outside door locked. 
 After knocking awhile the door was opened by a small colored 
 boy and the party entered. The boy was terribly alarmed at 
 the brusque manner of the unexpected guests, whom he evi- 
 dently suspected of improper intentions. When asked if Gen- 
 eral Crook was in the hotel he said, 'Yes, sah ; but don't tell him 
 I tol' you !' And he afterwards made the inquiry, 'What kind 
 o' men is you-all, ennyhow?' 
 
 "While Vandiver and Dailey were getting a light in the 
 office below, Gassman went up to No. 46, General Crook's 
 apartment, and thinking the door was locked, knocked at it 
 several times. A voice within ased, 'Who is there ?' Gassman 
 replied, 'A friend,' and was then told to 'Come in.' 
 
350 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 "Vandiver and Dailey had arrived by this time, and all three 
 entered the room. Approaching the bed where the General 
 was lying, Vandiver said in an authoritative tone, 'General 
 Crook, you are my prisoner.' 'What authority have you for 
 this?' inquired Crook. 'The authority of General Rosser, of 
 Fitzhugh Lee's division of cavalry,' said Vandiver in reply. 
 Crook then raised up in bed and said, 'Is General Rosser here ?' 
 'Yes,' said Vandiver, 'I am General Rosser. I have 2,500 men 
 with me, and we have surprised and captured the place.' That 
 settled the matter as far as the bonafide general was concerned. 
 He was intensely surprised at the bold announcement, but 
 knowing nothing to the contrary, accepted Vandiver's state- 
 ment as the truth, and submitted to his fate with as much 
 grace and apparent cheerfulness as possible. Speaking to me 
 afterwards of his sensations at the time, General Crook 
 remarked, 'Vandiver was such a looking person as I supposed 
 General Rosser to be, and I had no reason to doubt the truth 
 of what he said. I was very much relieved, however, when I 
 found out the real situation, and that the city and garrison had 
 not been captured. In a few hours more I would have been on 
 the train going to join Sheridan at Winchester, and I would 
 have preferred being captured en route, and not taken out of 
 bed as I was. But it is one of the fortunes of war. I expect 
 to meet some of my old schoolmates of West Point in the 
 Southern army, and I know I will be treated well.' 
 
 "General Kelly and his adjutant were secured some time 
 before Crook was brought out and mounted, but when this was 
 finally done, and the headquarters and other flags were secured, 
 in a quiet and orderly manner the entire party moved back 
 down Baltimore Street to the Chain Bridge. A large stable 
 was located here, and under the leadership of Dave Barnum 
 this was entered, and a number of fine horses taken, among 
 them Thilippi,' General Kelly's charger. The taking of these 
 horses occasioned some delay, and Lieutenant McNeil, becom- 
 ing impatient, directed me to lead them out of the city at once. 
 Turnina: the column to the left down Canal Street I led it on 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 351 
 
 to the bank which separates the creek and river from the 
 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which has here its western 
 terminus. At the locks, a few hundred yards below, we came 
 unexpectedly upon a dozen or more guards, whom we sur- 
 rounded and captured. We destroyed their guns and equip- 
 ments, but did not encumber ourselves with their persons. 
 
 "From this point the column went at a gallop down the tow- 
 path, and as its front neared the Canal bridge on the road to 
 Wiley's Ford, a mile below town, the men were halted by the 
 picket posted there. The column not halting as ordered, one 
 of the pickets was heard to say, 'Sergeant, shall I fire?' when 
 Vandiver shouted, *If you do I will place you under arrest. 
 This is General Crook's bodyguard, and we have no time to 
 wait. The Rebels are coming and we are going out to meet 
 them.' This explanation seemed satisfactory, for not another 
 word was said. We passed under the bridge beyond the 
 picketpost, the enemy's outpost guard, and across the Potomac 
 once more. 
 
 'McGregor was on his native heath, with McGregor's Clan around him.' 
 
 "We were four or five miles away before we heard the boom 
 of a cannon giving the alarm. But what cared we? Although 
 sixty miles from base and not yet out of danger, not a man 
 among us but felt at his ease. No wonder we felt proud and 
 happy as we rode back that cold winter morning over the snow- 
 clad Virginia hills. Our expedition was a grand success, our 
 every wish was realized. 
 
 "A mounted force from Cumberland in pursuit of us came 
 within view on Patterson's Creek, but kept at a respectful dis- 
 tance in the rear. After passing Romney a few cavalry 
 pressed our rear guard, but after the exchange of a fev/ shots 
 retired. 
 
 "On reaching the Moorefield Valley we came in sight of a 
 battalion of the Ringgold Cavalry, then a part of the Twenty- 
 second Pennsylvania Cavalry, sent from New Creek to inter- 
 cept us. We were on opposite sides of the river in full view 
 
352 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 of each other, and soon our tired horses were being urged to 
 their utmost speed. The Federals were endeavoring to reach 
 Moorefield ahead and cut off our retreat ; while on our side the 
 great desire was to pass through the town with our prisoners 
 and captured flags, and exhibit to our friends and sweethearts 
 there the fruits of our excursion. It soon became evident, 
 however, that the fresher horses of our competitors would win 
 the race. Then at the very moment when prospects of success 
 seemed brightest to our pursuers, to their infinite chagrin, like 
 the clansmen of Roderick on the Highland pass — 
 
 'Down sunk the disappearing band, 
 Each warrior vanished where he stood. 
 In broom or bracken, heath or wood.' 
 
 "Convinced that the town could not be reached and safely 
 passed, McNeil had suddenly ordered his men to enter the 
 woods skirting the road, where, taking a trail well known to 
 us, we passed through the ridge to a point seven miles east of 
 Moorefield, on the South Fork, where we encamped for the 
 night. 
 
 "In the previous twenty-four hours we had ridden ninety 
 miles over mountains and streams, with little rest or food for 
 men or horses, and, as may be imagined, heartily enjoyed the 
 night's repose. 
 
 "Our prisoners received the best possible care, and next day 
 were started for Staunton. The headquarters of General Early 
 was there, to whom they were delivered, and who sent them 
 from thence to Richmond under charge of a squad of their 
 captors. They were fortunate enough to secure an early 
 exchange, and were returned safely back into their own lines. 
 
 "The following are verbatim copies of the only official 
 reports of the affair on record in the War Department at 
 Washington, and have probably never before been published : 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 353 
 
 'Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, 
 February 24th, 1865. 
 Hon. Jno. C. Breckinridge, 
 
 Secretary of War: 
 General Early reports that Lieutenant McNeil with thirty 
 men, on the evening of the 21st, entered Cumberland, captured 
 and brought out Generals Crook and Kelly, the adjutant-gen- 
 eral of the department, two privates, and the headquarters' 
 flag, without firing a gun, though a considerable force is sta- 
 tioned in the vicinity. Lieutenant McNeil and party deserve 
 much credit for this bold exploit. Their prisoners will reach 
 Staunton today. 
 
 R. E. Lee.' 
 
 'Cumberland, Maryland, February 21st, 1865. 
 Major-General Sheridan, 
 
 Winchester, Virginia: 
 
 This morning about three o'clock a party of Confederate 
 horsemen came upon the New Creek Road, about sixty in num- 
 ber. They captured the picket and quietly rode into the town, 
 went directly to the headquarters of Generals Crook and Kelly, 
 sending a couple of men to each place to overpower the head- 
 quarters guard, when they went directly to the room of General 
 Crook and, without disturbing anybody else in the house, 
 ordered him to dress and took him downstairs and placed him 
 upon a horse already saddled and waiting. The same was 
 done to General Kelly. Captain Melvin, A. A. G. to General 
 Kelly, was also taken. While this was being done a few of 
 them without creating any disturbance, opened one or two 
 stores, but they left without taking anything. It was done so 
 quietly that others of us who were sleeping in adjoining rooms 
 to General Crook were not disturbed. The alarm was given 
 within ten minutes by a darkey watchman at the hotel, who 
 escaped from them, and within an hour we had a party of fifty 
 cavalry after them. 
 
 They tore up the telegraph lines, and it required almost an 
 hour to get them in working order. As soon as New Creek 
 
354 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 could be called, I ordered a force to be sent to Romney, and 
 it started without any unnecessary delay. A second force has 
 gone from New Creek to Moorefield, and a regiment of 
 infantry has gone to New Creek to supply the place of the 
 cavalry. They rode good horses and left at a very rapid rate, 
 evidently fearful of being overtaken. I am inclined to believe 
 that instead of Rosser it is McNeil's company. Most of the 
 men of that company are from this place. I will telegraph you 
 fully any further information. 
 
 RoBT. P. Kennedy, 
 Major and A. A. G.' 
 
 "But little remains to be told. Lieutenant McNeil secured 
 at last his long deferred captain's commission, but the war 
 closing soon after, he did not long enjoy his promotion, and 
 some time in May, 1865, in accordance with the stipulations at 
 Appomattox, he surrendered his command for parole. He then 
 returned to the West, where for many years he has been a 
 citizen of Illinois, whilst many of the captors have since passed 
 from time into Eternity, and the survivors are scattered. 
 
 "Though a major-general of volunteers, General Crook's 
 lineal rank in the regular army at the end of the war was 
 captain in the Fourth Infantry. Since then he has risen to the 
 grade of major-general, and is but three removes from full 
 command of the Army of the United States. He is at present 
 in control of the Military Department of the Missouri, and has 
 his headquarters at Chicago. General Kelly, enjoying a sine- 
 cure post in the Civil Service and a modest pension, oscillates 
 between Washington City and the mountains of Maryland, 
 spending part of the year at the Capital and his summers on 
 his farm in the Alleghanies ; and Major Melvin is a distin- 
 guished member of the bar of West Virginia, who, since his 
 creditable career in the army closed, has had the honor of 
 presiding on the bench of the most important circuit court in 
 that young and prosperous State. It was subsequently ascer- 
 tained that there were in the hotel, in rooms not far from that of 
 General Crook, two future presidents of the United States — 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 355 
 
 Brig.-Gen. Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley, the 
 latter a major on the staff of General Crook. Had they, or 
 either of them, been captured, it might seriously have affected 
 the political history of our country. 
 
 J. B. Fay. 
 "July nth, 1893." 
 
 The following members of the Laurel Brigade partici- 
 pated in the raid into Cumberland, several of them enacting 
 the most prominent parts in the capture of the Federal 
 Generals : 
 
 Joseph W. Kuykendall, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cav- 
 alry. 
 
 Jacob Gassman, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 John S. Arnold, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 George Everitt, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 Leslie Davis, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 George F. Cunningham, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cav- 
 alry. 
 
 George Harness Johnson, Company F, Seventh Virginia 
 Cavalry. 
 
 Hiram R. Allen, Company F, Seventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 John Dailey, Company D, Eleventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 Joseph L. Sherrard, Company D, Eleventh Virginia Cav- 
 alry. 
 
 John W. Poling, Company D, Eleventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 John David Parsons, Company D, Eleventh Virginia Cav- 
 alry. 
 
 Joseph A. Pancake, Company D, Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, 
 
 Richard T. Merryman, Company G, Seventh Virginia Cav- 
 alry. 
 
 Jacob Gassman of Company F, Seventh Virginia Cav- 
 alry, v^as one of the party who went to the room of General 
 Crook in the Revere House, being the first to enter. 
 
356 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The number of men in McNeil's party was sixty-five, and 
 was erroneously reported as thirty in the report transmitted 
 to General Lee, and so reported by him to the Secretary of 
 War at Richmond. 
 
 The success of McNeil, in reaching Staunton with his 
 prisoners, is almost as remarkable as the capture, when it 
 is remembered that Sheridan occupied Winchester and 
 vicinity with a large cavalry force, and was much nearer 
 Moorefield than Cumberland ; and that New Creek, also 
 eighteen miles nearer Moorefield than Cumberland, was 
 occupied by a considerable Federal force, including cavalry. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 March, 1865 
 
 After the return from Beverly, Munford's and Payne's brigades ordered 
 east of the Blue Ridge— Wharton's division of infantry and Ros- 
 ser's brigade of cavalry only force left under Early in the Valley 
 to face Sheridan— Government supplies almost fail, and home sup- 
 plies no longer cheer the soldiers— Sheridan lays waste the Valley, 
 and with 10,000 sabres advances — Rosser meets him with 300 men 
 and, aided by high water, retards him at North River— Early with- 
 draws towards Charlottesville, is overtaken, defeated, and his army 
 captured or dispersed near Waynesboro— Rosser attempts to re- 
 capture the prisoners, but fails— Rosser made major-general and 
 Dearing takes command of the Laurel Brigade— The trail of 
 Sheridan— Division under Rosser, not over 1,200 men, moves below 
 Petersburg— Federals capture Five Forks— Rosser's division forms 
 rear guard of Fitz Lee's column— Advancing Federals punished in 
 their onsets— Deep Creek— Brigade, April 5th, with rest of division 
 moves towards Amelia Court House— Soldiers depressed but reso- 
 lute—Desperate charge of Dearing near Amelia Springs— Desperate 
 fighting by great fighters— Federals driven back into Jetersville— 
 Death of Captains Rutherford and Hugh McGuire— High Bridge- 
 Death of Dearing, Knott, Thompson and others and the wounding 
 of many— White takes command of brigade— Appomattox— The 
 last charge— Brigade disbanded near Lynchburg by Colonel "Lige" 
 White— Remnant of the Twelfth Regim.ent under command of 
 Lieutenant Wm. F. Anderson surrenders at Appomattox. 
 
 Not long after the return of the raiding column from 
 Beverly, the cavalry in the Valley was diminished by the 
 removal of Munford's and Payne's brigades to quarters 
 east of the Blue Ridge. To face Sheridan's army there 
 remained only V\^harton's division of infantry and Rosser's 
 brigade of cavalry. 
 
 W^ant of every description, sharpened by the severities of 
 winter, proved a more deadly foe than the armed Federals. 
 
358 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The Government supplies almost failed, and what was 
 almost equally as bad, the customary packages of clothing 
 from the soldiers' homes no longer came to warm the bodies 
 and cheer the hearts of the suffering Confederates. 
 
 Sheridan's policy of destruction had deprived the families 
 of the soldiers, not only of the means of helping their sons 
 and husbands in the field, but of the bare necessities of life. 
 Their cows, fowls, hogs, and sheep, not to speak of horses 
 and cattle, had been killed or driven off; their barns and 
 outbuildings burned, their crops consumed or destroyed, 
 and their winter supplies of food and clothing ruthlessly 
 seized. In many instances their houses had been burned, 
 and within the bare walls of these left standing, were not 
 a few helpless families of old men, women, and children. 
 
 Most of the suffering wives and mothers in their letters 
 suppressed the truth, or at least tried to conceal their des- 
 titution from the absent soldiers, by not writing at all, or 
 by sending as cheerful reports as possible of their condi- 
 tion; but ''camp rumors," and the failure of the home sup- 
 plies, enabled the soldiers to read the truth between the 
 lines. 
 
 In a few instances, the absent breadwinners were earn- 
 estly besought, by oral or written messages, to return home 
 and save their families from destruction. 
 
 To remain idle in winter quarters, while wives and little 
 ones were freezing and starving at home, or perhaps sick 
 and dying from neglect, proved in many cases more than 
 husbands and fathers could bear. Hence it was but natural 
 that, as the grim winter progressed with unabated fierce- 
 ness, Rosser's force continued to diminish in numbers. 
 Amid so many difficulties Rosser kept his men together as 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 359 
 
 best he could, deriving some comfort from the noticeable 
 fact, that the desperateness of the situation had rendered 
 the majority of those who remained with him the more 
 eager for battle, and more determined to do bloody execu- 
 tion when the time for action arrived. He felt confident, 
 too, that upon the first clash of arms most of the absent men 
 would return to their commands. 
 
 When, therefore, about the ist of March word was 
 brought that Sheridan was again moving up the Valley, 
 the report was welcomed as the harbinger of an agreeable 
 change of scene and an opportunity for action. 
 
 Grant had been urging Sheridan for some time to renew 
 his attempts upon Gordonsville and the Virginia Central 
 Railroad. The last effort in that quarter had met with 
 ignominious failure. Sheridan's grand column had been 
 frightened away from Charlottesville by a handful of 
 infantry and militia, while Custer's march upon Staunton 
 with 3,000 sabres had been stopped by a small force under 
 Rosser. But Grant was not satisfied, and with character- 
 istic pertinacity continued to urge Sheridan to move for- 
 ward. Sheridan, who never brought on a battle except 
 where odds were more than two to one in his favor, seemed 
 to have been made timid by his so-called brilliant victories. 
 He appeared now to be waiting until there was no force left 
 in the Valley to oppose him. At last, pushed on by Grant, 
 Sheridan on the 27th of February, 1865, moved up the 
 Valley from Winchester with a superb column of 10,000 
 sabres.^ 
 
 Rosser with about 300 men met him at North River for 
 the purpose of delaying his march until Early's small force 
 
 iPond's "Shenandoah Valley," page 252. 
 
360 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 of Wharton's brigades of infantry could reach a defensible 
 position. Hastily constructing some breastworks near the 
 bridge, he held Sheridan at bay for twenty-four hours, the 
 river being swollen and past fording. Next day, the river 
 had run down, or at any rate, a body of Federal cavalry 
 crossed the river above the bridge and attacked the Con- 
 federates in flank. Sheridan now pushing across the bridge, 
 a sharp fight ensued, that resulted in Rosser's being driven 
 off with a loss of a part of his dismounted men, who were 
 in the temporary breastworks near the bridge. Rosser now 
 fell back towards Staunton, and was ordered by Early to 
 hang on the flanks of the enemy. 
 
 In the meantime Early had withdrawn towards Char- 
 lottesville, and upon hearing of the near approach of Sheri- 
 dan, he halted his command at Waynesboro, and drew them 
 up in battle array on the west side of the river, having the 
 stream in his rear. Here with characteristic serenity he 
 awaited the foe. 
 
 General Custer, who led the Federal advance, did not hes- 
 itate to attack, adopting the plan that at Winchester, Fish- 
 er's Hill, Toms Brook, and Cedar Creek had uniformly 
 brought victory to the Federal standard. Sending three 
 regiments around to assail Early's left flank, with a strong 
 force he attacked in front. Early's men, having little hope 
 of success at the outset against Sheridan's superior num- 
 bers, when they saw the same old movement against their 
 flank, that had so often before proved disastrous, at once 
 despaired of making a successful resistance and threw down 
 their arms. General Early escaped through the bushes, but 
 nearly the whole of his command was made prisoners. 
 
COL. M. D. BALL 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 361 
 
 This was the last of that gallant army that had followed 
 Early so long-, contending nearly always against more than 
 double its numbers, and though often beaten, yet had again 
 and again rallied and met the foe with intrepid front. 
 Under Early's leadership it had invaded Pennsylvania, 
 and had marched with victorious banner to the environ- 
 ments of Washington, creating consternation in the Federal 
 Capital, and alarm for its safety throughout the North. 
 Upon its withdrawal to the Valley, it had been almost con- 
 stantly battling against the army of Sheridan, which was 
 always superior in numbers and equipment. If the per- 
 sistent audacity of Early had served to make fame for 
 Sheridan, among those ignorant of the true conditions, it 
 had revealed to the historian a command composed of 
 heroic Southerners, unconquered by defeat, and unappalled 
 by disaster. 
 
 The common mind measures the merit of a general by 
 the splendor of his victories. To appreciate the conduct of 
 Early and his men, a different and higher standard must 
 be adopted. The leader who fights for glory only, and will 
 not hazard a battle without a double assurance of success, is 
 hardly to be compared to one who, for duty's sake, engages 
 in an unequal combat with hardly a chance for victory. The 
 prime object of Early and his command, was not so much to 
 beat Sheridan, as it was to hold him at bay, and by threat- 
 ening Washington, compel a force greatly superior to his 
 own, to remain detached from Grant's army. This was 
 successfully accomplished. The wonder is not that Sher- 
 idan beat Early so often, as that he took so long to drive 
 him out of the Shenandoah Valley. And if Early often 
 fought with his adversary from a sense of duty and loyalty 
 
362 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 to the Confederate cause, as he appears to have done, his 
 very defeats are more glorious than Sheridan's boasted 
 victories. 
 
 The capture of Wharton's two brigades at Waynesboro 
 virtually closed the campaign in the Valley. Sheridan from 
 Waynesboro moved towards Charlottesville, after sending 
 his 1,100 prisoners back towards Winchester under a guard 
 of about 1,200 cavalry. 
 
 When Rosser saw the long train of prisoners going down 
 the Valley, he determined to try and rescue them. Follow- 
 ing the column with about 300 men, he seized every oppor- 
 tunity to harass the guard. The enemy was on the alert, 
 knowing his intentions. On the night of the 4th of March, 
 near Harrisonburg, Rosser attacked the Federal camp. The 
 attack was repulsed, but in the confusion a few of the pris- 
 oners escaped. Knowing that the Shenandoah was high, 
 Rosser sent detachments ahead to hold the fords as long as 
 they could. For two days the Federals were detained at 
 Meem's Bottom. 
 
 During the evening of March 5th, in order to magnify 
 his force in the estimation of the enemy, and create appre- 
 hension among the guard, as well as to excite the hope of 
 the prisoners, Rosser sent detachments on the flanks, with 
 orders to move continuously over the hill in full view of the 
 enemy. Spies were also despatched to mingle among the 
 captives and persuade them to revolt and co-operate with 
 Rosser when he should make his attempt at rescue. 
 
 In the morning of the 6th, when the Federal column was 
 in the act of crossing the river, Rosser charged the guard. 
 The prisoners, either from indifference or despair, failed to 
 co-operate, and though Rosser again and again attacked, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 363 
 
 all his efforts proved futile. For a short time there was 
 great confusion, but the Federals succeeded in getting* 
 across the river without serious loss, Rosser giving up the 
 hope of rescuing the prisoners, returned to the upper 
 Valley. 
 
 Sheridan was over the ridge on his mission of destruc- 
 tion. There was nothing to do but to follow on his trail. 
 After reaching Charlottesville the Federals had turned 
 towards Lynchburg; one-half of the raiding column of 10,- 
 000 sabres were engaged in tearing up the railroad track, 
 the other in destroying the locks and culverts of the James 
 River Canal. The business was one congenial to Sheridan. 
 He had learned from Grant that the most effectual way of 
 injuring Lee was to devastate Virginia, and he was doing 
 it thoroughly, making his swath of destruction widespread 
 and leaving utter desolation behind him. 
 
 Says Grant in his memoirs : "All mills and factories 
 along the line of his march were destroyed. Negroes had 
 joined his column to the number of 2,000, and they assisted 
 considerably in the work of destroying the railroads and 
 the canal." 
 
 To follow on the trail of Sheridan was difficult. The 
 roads were rendered almost impassable, so badly were 
 they cut up by Sheridan's column owing to the frequent 
 rains. The country w^as stripped bare, and so far as food 
 and forage were concerned it was like traveling through a 
 desert. The havoc and ruin that met the eye at every step, 
 suggested the end of all things, and often the scenes of wan- 
 ton desolation, and the stories of brutal treatment, excited 
 in the Confederate soldiers longing for revenge. 
 
364 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 In the latter part of March, 1865, Brig.-Genl. Thomas L. 
 Rosser was promoted to the rank of major-general, and 
 placed in command of a division composed of his own bri- 
 gade, consisting still of what was left of the Seventh, 
 Eleventh, and Twelfth Virginia regiments and the Thirty- 
 fifth Virginia Battalion, now put under command of Col. 
 James Bearing, who was then made a brigadier-general; 
 and a brigade consisting of the remnants of the Sixteenth, 
 Seventeenth, Twenty-first, and Twenty-second regiments of 
 Virginia Cavalry, under Brig.-Genl. John McCausland. 
 
 The new commander of the Laurel Brigade was a young 
 Virginian not only descended from distinguished Revolu- 
 tionary ancestry, but with a reputation of his own for valor 
 and skill, well earned, through almost four years of con- 
 tinuous service in the Confederate Army. 
 
 Having been appointed to West Point in 1858, he with 
 Rosser and other Southern cadets resigned and tendered, 
 their services to Virginia and the Southern Confederacy. 
 He was at first assigned to duty with the Washington 
 Artillery, served a short time on the stafif of General Beau- 
 reguard; and was later made colonel of cavalry. He was a 
 man of soldierly appearance, and being a courageous and 
 dashing soldier, and withal a man of winning disposition, 
 during his short but eventful career as commander of the 
 brigade, he became greatly endeared to the officers and men. 
 
 On the 1 6th of March Rosser's division reached Hanover 
 Court House, and found there a part of Longstreet's corps 
 on the lookout for Sheridan, who was then near Mangohick 
 Church, on the north side of the Pamunkey. Effort was 
 made to get the Confederate force across the river and put 
 it in Sheridan's front, but the pontoon train failed to arrive 
 
BRIG.-GENL. JAMES DEARING 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 365 
 
 and the bridge of boats and rafts was not complete until the 
 morning of the 17th. A part of Longstreet's corps had 
 already crossed, but the movement was put an end to by an 
 order from Genl. R. E. Lee recalling the whole force to 
 Richmond. 
 
 The division was now ordered to Petersburg, and the bri- 
 gade once more went into camp near the sluggish Notta- 
 way; the division taking position on Lee's extreme right. 
 
 In a few days there was fighting near Dinwiddie Court 
 House between Fitz Lee and Sheridan, and Rosser's divi- 
 sion was ordered to that point. A few days before White's 
 Battalion had rejoined the brigade, but like most of the 
 other commands, it was greatly diminished in numbers. 
 Rosser's division of two brigades hardly numbered 1,200 
 men. 
 
 From Dinwiddie Court House Sheridan was attemptino; 
 to reach Five Forks, by a road leading northwest, for the 
 purpose of menacing Lee's line. 
 
 "My hope," says General Grant in his memoirs, "was 
 that Sheridan would be able to carry Five Forks, get on the 
 enemy's right flank and rear, and force them to weaken 
 their center to protect their right, so that an assault in the 
 center might be successfully made." 
 
 General Lee, knowing the strategic value of this point, 
 was obliged to make a great effort to hold it; and accord- 
 ingly, on the 30th of March, Pickett with five small bri- 
 gades of infantry was sent thither. 
 
 In the meantime General Fitz Lee, now commanding the 
 cavalry corps, with a greatly inferior force was disputing 
 every inch of' ground with Sheridan. 
 
366 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 After an all-night march Rosser's division, on March 
 30th, reached the vicinity of Five Forks, where the main 
 body of the cavalry had gone into camp. The resting spell 
 was short, for about noon on the 31st Fitz Lee moved out 
 to give battle to Sheridan. 
 
 Rosser's and W. H. F. Lee's divisions, followed by 
 Pickett's infantry, moved by a concealed wooded road, to 
 turn and attack the Federal flank, while Munford with Fitz 
 Lee's old division held the lines in front of the enemy. The 
 well-laid plan for surprising and assailing the enerny's 
 flank seems to have been somewhat anticipated by Sheridan. 
 Upon reaching Chamberlin's Creek, it was found that the 
 Federals were on the opposite side strongly entrenched. 
 Nevertheless the Confederates pushed forward, driving the 
 enemy back some distance. The cavalry, dismounted, 
 fought on the right and left of the infantry. 
 
 In the battle Rosser was wounded in the arm, but refus- 
 ing to leave the field, and with his wounded arm in a sling, 
 still continued at the post of duty. 
 
 "In this engagement," says Fitz Lee in his report, "the 
 loss in Rosser's division was serious, but the details are 
 unknown." 
 
 Darkness closed the contest, and Fitz Lee went into camp 
 holding the ground he had won. During the night, hav- 
 ing received the information that his left flank was menaced 
 by a Federal corps of infantry that had come to Sheridan's 
 assistance, Fitz Lee early on the morning of April the ist 
 began to withdraw and again returned to Five Forks. 
 
 Here Pickett drew up his men in line of battle with W. 
 H. F. Lee's and Munford's divisions of cavalry on his right, 
 and one reeriment of Munford's division on his left. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 367 
 
 Rosser was placed just in the rear of the center as a re- 
 serve, Hatcher's Run intervening- between him and our 
 hne.^ 
 
 About three o'clock P. M. a Federal corps of infantry, 
 Warren's, marched up and menaced the Confederate left, 
 and Munford was sent with two small brigades to meet it. 
 Warren's forest of bayonets stretched far beyond the right 
 and left of Munford, enveloping the Confederate position, 
 and with overflowing numbers swept onward. 
 
 Munford after a brave but vain resistance withdrew, and 
 Pickett, now assailed by Sheridan in front and Warren's 
 multitudes on his left flank, was driven rapidly towards the 
 right of his line. "Before Rosser could cross Hatcher's 
 Run, the position at the Forks was seized and held by the 
 Federals, and an advance towards the railroad made. It 
 was repulsed by Rosser."^ 
 
 So sudden and overwhelming was the Federal assault, 
 that masses of infantry poured in between Rosser's division 
 and the main body, and cut off Genl. W. H. F. Lee and 
 Pickett, who were in Rosser's camp at the time, from their 
 commands. Sheridan pressed his advantage, and crowding 
 the Confederates drove them back some miles, the retreat 
 degenerating into a rout. 
 
 Pickett, with only 7,000 of all arms, could hardly hope 
 to successfully resist an army of 26,000 men. 
 
 That night Rosser's division still remained in the rear of 
 Hatcher's Run, and on the following morning, April 2nd, 
 with difficulty withdrew towards Amelia Court House. 
 
 Anderson's division had been sent to aid in holding Five 
 Forks, but taking a circuitous route it did not arrive in time. 
 
 2Fitz Lee's Report. 
 ^Fitz Lee's Report. 
 
368 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Grant, profiting by the weakening of Lee's center, 
 assaulted his works and carried the outer Hne. The roar of 
 the cannon at Petersburg was heard beyond Hatcher's Run, 
 and the news of Lee's disaster soon spread through the 
 army. 
 
 The night of the 2nd Bearing's brigade had encamped 
 near Namozine Church. During the day the Federal pur- 
 suit had not been vigorous, for Sheridan with most of his 
 cavalry had turned towards Petersburg. 
 
 By daylight on the morning of the 3rd Petersburg was 
 given up, and the whole army of Lee began to fall back. 
 The Federals pressed his rear guard closely, and sent out 
 their numerous squadrons to harass the flanks of the retir- 
 ing Confederates. 
 
 At dawn on the 3rd of April, Bearing's brigade with the 
 rest of the Confederates resumed the retreat. 
 
 The news of the disaster at Petersburg had spread 
 through the army and deepened their sorrow for the loss 
 of Five Forks. Now, for the first time, some began to lose 
 confidence in the star of Lee. Though they still deemed 
 him invincible in battle, they could not repress the appre- 
 hension, that even his genius might prove powerless against 
 those grim allies of Grant, famine and general want. 
 
 On the march, at first, Rosser's division constituted the 
 rear guard of the column under Fitz Lee. A continuous 
 skirmish with the enemy was kept up. The road was 
 muddy and the wagons dragged heavily. At points of 
 advantage a stand was made. Sometimes the men dis- 
 mounted and fired from under cover, at others a dashing 
 charge was made, and the confident foe was taught, by the 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 369 
 
 fierceness of the onset, to beware of valor inspired by 
 despair. 
 
 The Federals, however, pressed on with numerous 
 squadrons. 
 
 A regiment of infantry, Colonel Tabb's of Wise's 
 brigade, now aided the rear guard, and the column 
 fell back slowly in the direction of Tabernacle Church, the 
 enemy keeping at a respectful distance. 
 
 Upon nearing Deep Creek a regiment of Rosser's divi- 
 sion was sent out to occupy and hold the bridge. But a 
 Federal force had already been despatched on the same 
 errand. Within a mile of the bridge it was encountered 
 and a sharp fight ensued, in which the Confederates were 
 worsted. 
 
 The whole of Rosser's division and Wise's brigade of 
 infantry now came to the rescue. The Federals stubbornly 
 resisted for a while, but were forced to retire after suffering 
 serious loss. 
 
 After crossing Deep Creek the cavalry went into camp 
 near Tabernacle Church. 
 
 "To give a check to the enemy's rapid advance, at Deep 
 Creek the command was placed in line of battle to take 
 advantage of the defensive position there offered."* 
 
 In the battle that ensued the Eleventh Regiment, under 
 Col. M. D. Ball, and the Twelfth, under Major Knott, par- 
 ticipated gallantly, repulsing the advance along their front. 
 
 From Deep Creek Rosser's division moved back to the 
 Devil's Bridge Road, with orders to cover the rear of the 
 wagon trains belonging to the main army of Genl. Robert 
 E. Lee. 
 
 *Lee's Report. 
 
370 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Over Devil's Bridge the bulk of Lee's army had crossed 
 the Appomattox River to the right bank, and from this 
 point on the line of retreat, the Federal pursuit grew daily 
 more vigorous. The wagon trains were a favorite object 
 of Sheridan's cavalry, as being next in importance to barns, 
 stack-yards, and mills, which had suffered so much at 
 Sheridan's hands. The same old policy of destroying Lee's 
 means of subsistence was kept up to the end. 
 
 Not a few of Lee's wagons, however, were burned by his 
 own orders, the knowledge of which had quite a discourag- 
 ing effect on his soldiers. 
 
 To aid in protecting the trains, Rosser's division was 
 ordered to take position near Pleasant Oaks, on the left of a 
 heavy infantry force under General Anderson. 
 
 x^ll night long the Federals threatened an advance, but 
 the most serious result of their menace, was the loss of sleep 
 it entailed on the part of the Confederates. 
 
 On the morning of the 5th Bearing's brigade, the oldLau- 
 rel, with the rest of the division moved towards Amelia Court 
 House. The suffering of the men for the want of food and 
 rest were now almost unbearable, and their spirits were 
 depressed by the exaggerated rumors of disaster to the in- 
 fantry columns, which spread quickly through the ranks. 
 
 Intense bodily distress, and a prospect of impending dis- 
 aster, filled the minds of many with gloomy forebodings, 
 and over the hearts of even the bravest there flitted the 
 shadows of despair. Yet no outward sign of discourage- 
 ment was given, only the weary troopers inarched on, with 
 an intensified desire for the relief of battle depicted in their 
 Sfrim and care-worn countenances. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 371 
 
 The hopeful ones, however, were easily encouraged, and 
 the promise of better cheer at the next halting place, in a 
 measure sustained their spirits, though like the phantom 
 waters of the desert, the good cheer failed to be overtaken. 
 It was now said that there was an abundance of food and 
 forage at Amelia Court House, and with gladdened hearts 
 the starving Confederates moved on. Upon arriving there 
 some corn-meal was gotten for the men, but there was noth- 
 ing whatever for the horses. 
 
 After a short halt the march was resumed. An order had 
 come for the division to move at once towards Amelia 
 Springs, near which place the Federals were engaged in 
 burning Lee's trains. Moving at a trot the command soon 
 reached Shank's Farm. There were the blackened ruins of 
 the wagons, but the Federals were gone. Fitz Lee, with 
 a cavalry force, had gotten there ahead of Rosser, but too 
 late to prevent the burning of some of the wagons. He had 
 ridden on in hot pursuit, leaving orders for Rosser to join 
 him, following on the road to Amelia Springs. The jaded 
 horses were spurred into a gallop and Fitz Lee was soon 
 overtaken. 
 
 Upon nearing the Springs the enemy was discovered 
 drawn up on a high ridge. ''Ride over them!" was Ros- 
 ser's order to General Bearing after a momentary inspec- 
 tion of the hostile force. Bearing did not wait for a second 
 command, though the enemy greatly outnumbered him. 
 "Forward! Gallop. March!" he cried, and waving his hat 
 he led the way, the gallant spirits of the foremost squad- 
 ron eagerly contending with him for the post of honor. 
 
 The Federals were strongly posted, splendidly armed and 
 mounted, and flushed with victory. Against them came a 
 
yj2 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 greatly inferior force, both horses and men weak from want 
 of food and sleep. Their ammunition was nearly exhausted, 
 but their trusty sabres were sharp and gave a steady gleam 
 as the charging column approached the summit of the 
 ridge. 
 
 The Federals with solid front and stubborn courage 
 received the assault. The Confederates did not pause, but 
 with fiery eagerness dashed onward, piercing the hostile line 
 and using their sabres with great effect ; and the nearest foe- 
 men, appalled at the fury of the onset, began to give way 
 and turn their backs. The disorder spread and soon the 
 whole Federal force broke and fled. Like an avenging 
 nemesis the grey troopers rode among them, doing bloody 
 execution. With great spirit the Federal officers attempted 
 to stem the tide, but the onward rush of the victors seemed 
 resistless. 
 
 Along with Bearing rode many of the choice spirits, offi- 
 cers, and men of the brigade, for as in the charge so in the 
 pursuit, there was a noble emulation of valor. Among the 
 foremost were Captains James Rutherford, Hugh McGuire, 
 and Fox Dangerfield. There, too, with many others were 
 the lions of the horse artillery, Majors James Thompson, 
 James Breathed, and Col. R. P. Chew. 
 
 In the charge the leading regiment was the Eleventh, 
 under Colonel Ball, the foremost company that of Capt. 
 Hugh McGuire. 
 
 The Federals in their retreat, when climbing the hill near 
 Jeters house, were so closely pursued that they left the road 
 and turned into the pines and escaped. 
 
 The Confederates now halted and began to form, in anti- 
 cipation of a hostile movement from Jetersville, for a large 
 
s 
 
 CAPT. HUGH H. McGUIRE 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 373 
 
 body of Federal cavalry was posted there. Soon from this 
 direction a heavy column approached. The odds were 
 great, but once more the grey troopers, McGuire's company 
 in front, dashed forward and turned back the Federal col- 
 umn, driving it pell-mell. 
 
 The violence of the assault gave no opportunity to re- 
 form, and the superior numbers of the enemy only made the 
 unwieldy mass an easier prey for slaughter. The Confed- 
 erates rode among them sabring at will and chased the 
 fugitives back into Jetersville. 
 
 In this action the Federals lost heavily. The loss to the 
 Confederates was small in numbers, but two of their best 
 officers were mortally wounded, Capt. Hugh McGuire of 
 Company E, Eleventh Virginia, and Capt. James Ruth- 
 erford of General Bearing's staff. 'Two of my best and 
 bravest officers," wrote Genl. Fitz Lee. "Two unusually 
 promising men and most superb soldiers." wrote General 
 Rosser, 
 
 By the men of the brigade the loss of Capt. Hugh Holmes 
 McGuire was especially lamented. Being in the early 
 flower of manhood, only twenty-three years of age, of 
 splendid form, of genial and winning disposition, and rashly 
 brave in battle, there were united in him the qualities that 
 never fail to win the admiration and affection of men.^ 
 
 The fight was over for that day at least ; the trains were 
 rescued and the Federals heavily punished, though the 
 cravings of hunger were still unappeased. Perhaps the pain 
 
 s Among the wounded were General Bearing, and Maj. James W. 
 Thompson of the horse artillery, each in the arm, and Capt. Foxhall 
 Dangerfield of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, through the thigh. All 
 of whom, with their wounds bandaged, participated in the next day's 
 fighting, in which the two former met death. 
 
374 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 of long abstinence had much to do \Yith the fierceness of the 
 Confederate charge at Jetersville. 
 
 Says Fitz Lee in his report, "In this encounter thirty of 
 the enemy were killed, principally with sabres, and 150 
 wounded or captured. The gallantry of General Dearing in 
 leading the charge of his command was conspicuous." 
 
 This bloody little victory greatly encouraged the men of 
 the brigade, and though they passed a restless night, spend- 
 ing much of it in search of food and forage, and in caring 
 for their wounded, they arose at dawn stirred with new- 
 hope. Little did they think that to many of their bravest 
 that day would be the last. 
 
 During the night of the 5th Grant's army had been 
 marching in all directions in the endeavor to encompass 
 Lee, who had his main body in and around Amelia Court 
 House. It was Grant's plan, first, to prevent Lee from 
 moving southward and uniting with the army of Johnston, 
 and next, if possible, to end the matter before Lee could 
 move further west. 
 
 The Federals were full of enthusiasm, each man wishing 
 to participate in the overthrow of an army that for four 
 long years had been crowned with victory. 
 
 A part of the plan to head off Lee was to destroy High 
 Bridge over the Appomattox River. For this purpose a 
 considerable body of infantry under General Reid, and a 
 
 Maj. John Locher Knott, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was 
 captain of Company D of the Tv/elfth Virginia Cavalry, and was 
 promoted to the rank of major. He was killed at the desperate fight 
 at High Bridge. He was greatly admired and beloved by the men of 
 the regiment. No truer patriot nor braver soldier served in the Con- 
 federate cause. 
 
MAJ. JOHN LOCHER KNOTT 
 
A- History OF THE Laurel Brigade 375 
 
 squadron of cavalry under Colonel Washburn, had been de- 
 spatched on the morning of the 6th. 
 
 Rosser with his own division and parts of W. H. F. Lee's 
 and Munford's divisions had been ordered by Genl. Fitz 
 Lee to move to Rice's Station, on the Southside Railroad, 
 and report to General Longstreet. As nearly all the roads 
 were occupied by trains and artillery moving in the same 
 direction, the march thither had to be mainly through fields 
 and woods. By means of efficient guides the march was 
 accomplished, and in good time, too, for there was memora- 
 ble service to be rendered there that day by the cavalry. 
 
 On the part of the Federals General Ord had been 
 directed to take possession of all the roads southward 
 between Burkeville and High Bridge. 
 
 "On the morning of the 6th Ord sent Colonel Washburn 
 with two infantry regiments, with instructions to destroy 
 High Bridge and return rapidly to Burkeville station. "° 
 
 Intelligence of the movement reached Longstreet's head- 
 quarters shortly after the arrival of Rosser with the cavalry, 
 and with Longstreet's consent Rosser, after having estab- 
 lished his pickets, and leaving a regiment to support them, 
 marched with the rest of his command to overtake and cap- 
 ture this audacious body of Federals. 
 
 About one o'clock P. M. they were discovered near Wat- 
 son's Farm before they had reached High Bridge. Notified 
 of Rosser's approach, General Reid posted his men in a 
 strong position along the edge of a forest behind a high 
 fence. 
 
 It was of supreme importance that Rosser should attack 
 at once, and the Confederates advanced to the assault. 
 
 "Grant's Memoirs. 
 
376 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Munford's division as well as Rosser's had been greatly 
 reduced by the constant fighting and marching, and Ros- 
 ser's whole force hardly numbered more than 1,200 men. 
 The strength of the enemy is unknown, but was less numer- 
 ically than the Confederate; but their infantry made it 
 stronger in point of fact. 
 
 Munford's division, dismounted, advanced through a 
 body of pines to the edge of a field, on the opposite side of 
 which slightly to the right of Munford's front was General 
 Reid's command, behind a high fence in the edge of the 
 woods. 
 
 Across this field the dismounted men charged under a 
 heavy fire of the enemy's infantry. At the same time the 
 mounted brigades of McCausland and Bearing assaulted the 
 Federal right flank. Against them boldly advanced a body 
 of infantry and cavalry under Colonel Washburn. The 
 approaching columns as they drew near each other did not 
 slacken speed, but rushed on with reckless daring, eager 
 for the trial of strength. 
 
 Washburn, gallantly leading his command, was met with 
 equal gallantry by General Bearing, and now all along the 
 battle front, there was the clash of steel, and the cries of 
 furious combatants mingled with the sound of small arms. 
 The two foremost leaders of either side. Bearing and Wash- 
 burn, closed in a hand-to-hand encounter, supported each 
 by brave followers, who rushed to the rescue of their chiefs, 
 and fought around them with determined valor. Bearing 
 and Washburn had been old schoolmates at West Point, 
 but did not recognize each other. In the general mix-up 
 they were separated before either had hurt the other, but a 
 moment afterwards Washburn fell pierced by a bullet. 
 
MAJ. JAMES THOMPSON 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 377 
 
 Bearing, too, fell near by, mortally wounded by a bullet 
 supposed by him to have come from his own men, but more 
 generally believed to have come from the enemy. Such 
 was the confusion and fury of the conflict the truth cannot 
 be established. 
 
 Bearing fell while in the act of discharging his pistol at 
 General Reid, another schoolmate, who was killed by the 
 shot, neither having recognized the other, and around these 
 fallen officers the waves of battle surged to and fro, until the 
 Federals of the charging column were all either killed, 
 wounded or captured. 
 
 The number of prisoners taken, according to the report 
 of Genl. Fitzhugh Lee, amounted to 780. These were taken 
 over by the proper officers, and the brigade, now under the 
 command of Col. E. V. White, better known as "Lige," of 
 the Thirty-fifth Battalion, went with Rosser back to Rice's 
 Station. 
 
 Among those who fell in this fight, in the early part of 
 it, was th*e gallant Major Knott of the Twelfth Virginia, a 
 modest, brave and efficient officer, exceedingly popular 
 among the officers and men, and whose loss was a sad blow 
 to the cause. 
 
 There also fell the gallant Maj. James W. Thompson of 
 the horse artillery, whose guns being retarded by the impas- 
 sability of the roads, had for two days been fighting with 
 the cavalry and participated in this desperate engagement; 
 the day before, near Amelia Springs he was vv^ounded in 
 the arm. He fell while pursuing fugitives after the onset 
 at High Bridge, wounded in several places, his death wound 
 being through the vertebra of the neck. 
 
378 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 The hand-to-hand conflicts, in this fierce encounter, 
 engaged in by many brave privates as well as officers, are 
 worthy of special mention, which space here forbids. 
 
 From High Bridge Rosser returned to Rice's Station 
 and took position on the right of Longstreet's line, which 
 was in position to resist a threatened advance of the Fed- 
 erals. The night passed without a battle, though through- 
 out its weary hours it was constantly expected. 
 
 The tired soldiers, many of whom were suffering from 
 wounds, slept on their arms. Indeed, during those seven 
 days of retreat sleep was snatched, at odd times, whenever 
 the column halted, and often the exhausted riders yielded 
 to the demands of nature astride their horses in the march- 
 ing column. 
 
 On the night of the 6th the position at Rice's Station 
 was abandoned, and the cavalry under Genl. Fitz Lee 
 moved in the rear of Longstreet towards Farmville, having 
 a rear guard fight with the enemy's advance in the streets 
 of that town ; the effort of the enemy having been to pre- 
 vent Fitz Lee from crossing the Appomattox. Their efforts 
 were so far successful, that Rosser was forced to move up 
 the river about two miles before he could cross, while Fitz 
 Lee with the remainder of his force crossed the bridge of 
 the Cumberland Court House Road. 
 
 Having gotten successfully over, Rosser moved down the 
 river to effect a junction with Fitz Lee. Near the Cum- 
 berland Plank Road he found the enemy about to assail the 
 division under General Munford, and took part in the suc- 
 cessful defense made by Munford. As the Federals pressed 
 on the Laurels, now under White, dashed forward and 
 struck the enemy in flank. 
 
MAJ. FOXHALL A. DANGERFIELD 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 379 
 
 The other brigade of Rosser's division, McCausland's, 
 came gallantly on and joined in the fight. The wooded 
 and broken country soon made the engagement a desultory 
 one, in which detached parties and squadrons charged and 
 fought with mutual loss. The Federals, in the confident 
 expectation of a general victory near at hand, ■ exhibited 
 ijnusual spirit, charging boldly. But the Confederates, 
 though depleted in numbers, fought with the energy of 
 despair. 
 
 In one of the Federal charges Genl. J. Irvin Gregg, their 
 gallant leader, was unhorsed and captured by one of the 
 Seventh Virginia Regiment. 
 
 "The march of the cavalry," says Genl. Fitzhugh Lee 
 in his report, "was resumed towards Appomattox Court 
 House in rear of Longstreet's corps, and continued that 
 
 Foxhall A. Dangerfield was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, 
 at "Westwood," February 8th, 1839. He was descended from dis- 
 tinguished colonial ancestors, his father and mother being cousins, were 
 both grandchildren of Richard Parker, Judge of the General Court of 
 the Colony of Virginia, and later of the Supreme Court of Appeals of 
 Virginia. 
 
 He was the youngest son of eleven children, and removed with his 
 parents to Bath county at an early age ; was educated in most part at 
 the semi-military school of George P. Terrill and at Lewisburg Acad- 
 emy, studied law in the office of his brother-in-law in California, 
 from which State he returned home to defend his native State in the 
 John Brown raid. Later he studied at the law school — now Washing- 
 ton and Lee University. 
 
 In 1861 the law class disbanded, and after taking his legal examina- 
 tion at Staunton, he joined the cavalry company commanded by Capl. 
 A. T. Richards of Bath county, and in 1862. at the reorganization, 
 was elected captain of that company, which was soon after transferred 
 to Ashby's command, as a company of the Seventeenth Battalion, which 
 afterwards was merged into the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 Captain Dangerfield participated in all the engagements of his regi- 
 ment except when absent from wounds or imprisonments. He was 
 wounded at Orange Court House August 2nd. 1862. receiving a severe 
 
380 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 order of march throughout the 8th, followed by a portion of 
 the Federal infantry. Their cavalry, and the remainder of 
 their infantry, pursued the line of railroad from Farmville 
 to Appomattox station. 
 
 "During the evening of April the 8th I received orders 
 to move the cavalry corps to the front, and to report in per- 
 son to the commanding general. 
 
 "Upon arriving at his headquarters I found General Long- 
 street there, and we Vv'ere soon joined by General Gordon. 
 The condition of our situation was explained by the com- 
 manding general to us, as the commanders of his three 
 corps, and the correspondence between General Grant and 
 himself, as far as it had then progressed, was laid before 
 us. It was decided that I should attack the enemy's cavalry 
 at daylight."' 
 
 sabre wound and taken prisoner to the Old Capitol, Washington. Being 
 soon exchanged, and before his wound was healed, he was again in 
 command of his company. 
 
 In the twelve days' fighting in the Wilderness the Bath Squadron, 
 commanded by him, lost heavily. He was severely wounded at Sapony 
 Church. 
 
 In the two days' fighting at Trevilians his squadron was actively 
 engaged and lost heavily. He was shot through the thigh at Amelia 
 Springs, and fought next day in the desperate charge at High Bridge. 
 
 After Appomattox he rode home — 230 miles — notwithstanding his 
 painful wound. 
 
 After the retiring of Col. O. R. Funsten, by seniority M. D. Ball 
 became entitled to the rank of colonel, E. H. McDonald of lieutenant- 
 colonel, and Foxhall A. Dangerfield of major of the Eleventh Cavalry. 
 
 He was known throughout the brigade as a brave and sagacious 
 officer. 
 
 Maj. Holmes Conrad said of him, "The sum of his virtues and graces 
 is just that he wore the white flower of a blameless life, and they that 
 knew him best can appreciate the fragrance and beauty of that life 
 in all its symmetry and perfection. 
 
 ■^Last Official Report of Genl. Fitz Lee, War Records, Series I, Vol. 
 XLVI, page 1298. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 381 
 
 At daybreak on the 9th the cavalry corps, about 2,400 
 men, took position on the right of Gordon's infantry, on the 
 Lynchburg Road, a short distance west of Appomattox 
 Court House, Rosser's division in the center. 
 
 "The attack was made about sunrise and the enemy's 
 cavalry quickly driven out of the way, with a loss of two 
 guns and a number of prisoners."^ 
 
 Rosser's division participated in this the last cavalry 
 charge of the war, the Laurel Brigade led by the dauntless 
 "Lige" White, — and when the Lynchburg Road was 
 reached wheeled about for the purpose of attacking the 
 enemy moving towards Appomattox. 
 
 But soon in the distance white flags were seen, and from 
 the mingling of the blue and grey which followed, it became 
 evident that all was over. 
 
 Rosser now rode off with his command to Lynchburg. 
 The Laurel Brigade— the remnant of it,— upon reaching 
 Lynchburg was disbanded by Colonel White, who informed 
 the men that Lee had surrendered, and that the men of the 
 Laurel Brigade were at liberty either to accept the terms of 
 surrender or to make an effort to join the army of Joseph 
 E. Johnston; as to which, each man would have to decide 
 for himself. 
 
 A considerable part of the Twelfth Regiment under com- 
 mand of Lieut. Wm. F. Anderson of Company G, which 
 had participated in the last charge, did not escape with the 
 brigade towards Lynchburg, but surrendered at Appomat- 
 tox, according to the special terms agreed upon by Generals 
 Lee and Grant, for the cavalry of the Army of Northern 
 Virginia. 
 
 ^Lee's Report. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 MUSTER ROLL OF SEVENTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY 
 
 (LAUREL BRIGADE), ARMY OF 
 
 NORTHERN VIRGINIA. 
 
 Company A. 
 (Furnished by Joshua C. Fletcher.) 
 
 Ashby, Turner, captain, and afterwards colonel of Seventh 
 Virginia, and later brigadier-general, killed near Har- 
 risonburg, June 6th, 1862. 
 
 Ashby, Richard, later captain, succeeding his brother Turner, 
 was killed or rather wounded at Kelley's Island in 1861, 
 and died of his wounds soon after at the house of Mr, 
 Washington. 
 
 Ashby, Vernon, dead. 
 
 Ashby, Luther R., third lieutenant, dead. 
 
 Athey, W. Scott (was Baptist preacher), dead. 
 
 Anderson, Edward, died since the war. 
 
 Barnes, Jacob S., living in Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Blackmore, Robert, died since the war. 
 
 Burns, Milton, living in Fairfax county. 
 
 Brent, Warren, killed at Upperville, June 27th, 1863. 
 
 Brent, William, wounded at Buckton in 1862; died October 
 3rd, 1904. 
 
 Brent, Hugh, wounded at Buckton in 1863 through the neck ; 
 living in Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Brent, James A., transferred to Wicher's Battalion. 
 
 Bruce, Charles, killed at Sapony Church in 1863, Wilson's raid. 
 
 Buckner, Dick, living near Delaplane. Va. 
 
 Cochran, T. B., died since the war. 
 
 Crane, Major, died since the war. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 383 
 
 Cornwell, Silas, died 1862, typhoid fever. 
 
 Carter, George, died since the war. 
 
 Carter, Pitman, killed in the Wilderness in 1864. 
 
 Clem, A. W., blacksmith, dead. 
 
 Chancellor, George, living in Fauquier, near Delaplane. 
 
 Diffendaffer, George, lost sight of. 
 
 Donnelley, John B., died since the war in Washington, D. C. 
 
 Dean, Thomas, drowned in Missouri after the war. 
 
 Darnell, J. B., living at Waynesboro, Va. 
 
 Dawson, Nicholas, living in Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Engle, Bub, Upperville, Va., still living. 
 
 Eastham, Henry, lost sight of; dead. 
 
 Eskridge, H. R., Millbrook, W. Va. 
 
 Flynn, John, died since the war. 
 
 Fletcher, John, captain, was killed at Buckton in 1862. 
 
 Fletcher, Joshua C, second sergeant, badly hurt in a charge in 
 November, 1864; living at Bloomfield, Va. 
 
 Fletcher, Clinton, killed at Greenland Gap, West Virginia raid. 
 
 Foster, William, still living; was a captain in Mosby's Bat- 
 talion at the close of the war. 
 
 Francis, George W., living in Moundsville, W. Va. 
 
 Foley, Oswald, killed at Kelley's Island in 1861. 
 
 Geiman, Jesse C, orderly sergeant, living in Bloomfield, Va. 
 
 Gibson, Gurley, living in Alabama. 
 
 Glasscock, Robert, died since the war. 
 
 Grigsby, Bushrod, died since the war. 
 
 Glasscock, Samuel, died since the war. 
 
 Glasscock, Alfred, third lieutenant, died since the war. 
 
 Glasscock, Thomas, living at Paris, Va. 
 
 Garrison, Bushrod, lost a foot in a threshing machine and died 
 since the war. 
 
 Garrison, Tip, died since the war; was wounded at Kelley's 
 Island. 
 
 Grigsby, Nat., wounded at Upperville, \'a.. June 27th, 1863, 
 and died. 
 
 Gilmore, Howard, lost sight of as joined other commands. 
 
384 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Gilmore, Harry, afterwards captain of a partizan company of 
 
 Maryland. 
 Gilmore, Dick, lost sight of as joined other commands. In 
 
 Soldiers' Home, Pikesville, Md. 
 Holmes, Charles, killed at Greenland Gap, W. Va. ; prisoner, 
 
 recaptured ; died. 
 Hitt, James W., blacksmith for the company, lost sight of; 
 
 dead. 
 Harman, Dr. J. D., died since the war at Hamilton, Va. 
 Harrison, Daniel B., dead ; wounded several times. 
 Hawks, from Texas, killed accidentally. 
 Hathaway, C. H., died during the war. 
 Horner, Dick, dead. 
 
 Hoffman, Wesley, died since the war at Linden, Va. 
 Hughs, Charles, lost sight of. 
 Hackley, James, lost sight of. 
 Hatcher, D. C, captain, living at Rectortown, Va. 
 Hatcher, Harry, sergeant-major, died since the war. 
 Hatcher, William, dead. 
 Hawbaw, George, living. 
 Hefflin, John, lost sight of. 
 Herndon, John, living at Hamilton, Va. 
 Hoffman, Wesley, died since the war at Linden, Va. 
 Jacobs, L. T., living at Hamilton, Va. 
 Jones, Scott, killed at Bolivar Heights in 1861. 
 Jones, Henry, living. 
 Jones, Philip, living. 
 Jeffries, James A., living. 
 Keys, wounded at Buckton in 1862. 
 Kirkpatrick, W. S., lost record of. 
 Kincheloe, John W^., living at Rectortown, Va, 
 Kincheloe, Elisha, no record. 
 Kidwell, Evan, died since the war. 
 
 Ladd, John A., wounded at Kelley's Island ; lost sight of. 
 Leslie, Thomas, died since the war. 
 Long, Pendleton, died since the war. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 385 
 
 Lawler, Robert, died since the war. 
 
 Lake, F. Marion, living in Missouri. 
 
 Lake, Bladen, died with typhoid fever in 1862. 
 
 Lake, Luther, transferred to Eighth Virginia Infantry. 
 
 Larkin, Richard, living in Prince William. 
 
 Marlow, Richard, lost sight of. 
 
 Marlow, John, transferred to White's Thirty-fifth Battalion. 
 
 Massey, Edward, living in Texas. 
 
 McClenigan, S. B.^ died since the war. 
 
 Marshall, R. C, wounded at Trevilians depot. 
 
 McArthur, Hickerson, living in Texas ; wounded at Kelley's 
 
 Island. 
 Marshall, Tom, joined the Twelfth Regiment; transferred to 
 
 Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. 
 Marshall, Polk, joined the Twelfth Regiment; transferred to 
 
 Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. 
 Marshall, James, lost sight of. 
 Martin, Gibson, died since the war. 
 Martin, Thomas, died in 1862. 
 Middleton, John, died since the war. 
 Middleton, Campbell, living at The Plains, Va. 
 Mitler, Proff, lost sight of. 
 Mitchell, James, killed in the Wilderness. 
 Mitchell, John H., died in 1902. 
 Maddox, Webster, died in 1905. 
 Maddox, Weadon, killed at Salem (now Marshall). 
 Owens, Cuthbert, died since the war. 
 O'Forton, Dr., killed at Kelley's Island. 
 Price, John H., Hillsboro, Va. ; dead. 
 Price, James Polk, died since the war. 
 Potterfield, Thomas L., orderly sergeant, lives at Lovettsville, 
 
 Va. 
 Potterfield, W. H. T., killed near Brandy Station, Va. 
 
386 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Known as the Payne Legion. 
 
 Payne, Thomas H., orderly sergeant, died in prison (Point 
 
 Lookout). 
 
 Payne, Richard, Hving near Orleans, Fauquier county, Va. 
 
 Payne, Robert J., killed at Fredericksburg in 1863. 
 
 Payne, Wallace J., killed at Fredericksburg in 1863. 
 
 Payne, Robert B., killed at Fredericksburg. 
 
 Payne, Edward, killed in the Wilderness near Parkers' Store. 
 
 Payne, Wilson, killed at Hawe's Shop. 
 
 Payne, Lafayette, living at Orleans, Va. 
 
 Payne, John T.. killed at Beverly, W. \'a. 
 
 Payne, Upton, living at Orleans. 
 
 Payne, Mason, living at Orleans. 
 
 Payne, Rice, living at Orleans. 
 
 Peyton, Robert E., living near The Plains. 
 
 Pendleton, David, captured at Reams Station and lost sight of. 
 
 Phillips, Evan, living in Fairfax county, Va. 
 
 Phillips, Charles, lost sight of. 
 
 Phillips, John E., lost sight of. 
 
 Packard, William, died since the war. In Point Lookout 
 Prison in 1864. 
 
 Reed, Joseph H., died since the war at Luray, Va. 
 
 Rector, William F., dead. 
 
 Rector, Howard, died since the war. 
 
 Rector, Abner, living near Rectortown, \'a. 
 
 Rector, Columbus, living near The Plains, \'a. 
 
 Rector, Asa, living near Rectortown, Va. 
 
 Rust, H. Clay, transferred to Twelfth Virginia Cavalry ; killed. 
 
 Rust, John R., living near Nineveh, Va. Afterwards first lieu- 
 tenant of Company I, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 Robinson, (Bear), lost sight of; wounded at Brandy Station 
 in 1863. 
 
 Rogers, William (wagoner), died during the war. 
 
 Scanlon, Dade, lost sight of. 
 
 Skinner, William JefT, died in 1901. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 387 
 
 Skinner, Charles, living at Rectortown, Va. ; badly wounded at 
 
 Buckton. 
 Stewart, John W., living in Iowa. 
 Sutton, James, died since the war. 
 Silcott, Landon, died since the war. 
 Selix, Tom, killed at Stevensburg in 1863. 
 Smith, Golden H., died since the war. 
 Smith, Seldon, living in Baltimore. 
 Smith, Horace, living near Rectortown, Va.. 
 Smith, O'Connell, died during the war. 
 Smith, Granville, first lieutenant, killed on the Cattle raid. 
 Smith, Sullivan, second lieutenant, died since the war. 
 Settle, Dr. T. L., Paris, Va. 
 Strother, Lewis, Paris, Va. 
 Smith, Thomas, lost sight of. 
 Strother, John W., Paris, Va. 
 Taylor, Rufus, living near Rectortown. Va. 
 Templeman, James, living near Markham, Va. 
 Triplett, Leonidas, living at Mt. Jackson, Va. 
 Templeman, Robert, living at Orleans, Va. 
 Templeman, Dr. James, died in Baltimore since the war. 
 Turner, William P., captain, died since the war. 
 Turner, Thomas, killed at Ashland in 1864. 
 'iurner, Hezekiah. died since the war. 
 Tibbetts, Albert, killed in 1864 near Edenburg, Va. 
 Utz, J. J., wounded at Orange Court House. 
 Violet, Elizah, killed at Reams Station in 1863. 
 Wigfield, William, living. 
 Wigfield, James, living. 
 Wiggonton, Isaac, living. 
 
 Welsh, F. R., third sergeant, living at The Plains. 
 Welsh, Silvester M., living in King George county, Va. 
 Welsh, S. M., wounded and captured at Boonesville, Md. 
 Wigginton, James, lost sight of. 
 Wilson, William, lost sight of. 
 Wigginton, Isaac, lost sight of. 
 
388 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 At the close of the war there were the following officers : 
 
 Capt. Dan Hatcher, of Rectortown, Va. 
 
 First Lieut. Sullivan Smith, dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. Luther Ashby, Staunton, Va. 
 
 Orderly Sergt. T. L. Potterfield, Lovettsville, Va. 
 
 Second Sergt. J. C. Fletcher, Belmont, Va. 
 
 Corp. Wallace Payne, Fauquier county, Va. 
 
 Second Corp. J. W. Middleton, dead. 
 
 Company B. 
 
 (Furnished by Cyrus Fitscr of Maurertown, Va.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 First Capt. John Q. Winfield, dead. 
 
 Second Capt. J. H. Magruder, killed in Madison county, Va. 
 Third Capt. D. Humphreys. 
 
 Lieut. J. N. Liggett, living in Harrisonburg, Va. 
 First Lieut. S. B. Jordon, wounded May 28th, 1864; dead. 
 First Lieut. J. S. Pennybacker, dead. 
 Lieut. P. P. Kenon, dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. Jacob Acker, wounded August 25th, 1864; dead. 
 First Sergt. Erasmus Neff, dead. 
 
 First Sergt. Henry Mason, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 Second Sergt. Joe N. Riddle, living in Broadway, Va. 
 Second Sergt. S. F. Mullen. 
 Third Sergt. Phineas Stickley, dead. 
 
 Third Sergt. T. W. Funk, living in Rockingham County, Va. 
 Fourth Sergt. Aaron Fitzwaters. 
 Fourth Sergt. Joe Showalter, dead. 
 Fifth Sergt. John W. Moore, living in Broadway, Va. 
 First Corp. D. D. Pennybacker, living in Broadway, Va. 
 First Corp. William F. Bowers, living in Rockingham county, 
 Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 389 
 
 Second Corp. Isaac Richie, killed May 28th, 1864. 
 Fourth Corp, Henry Zirkle, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 Second Corp. Edmund Taylor, living in Rockingham county, 
 Va. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Acker, Peter, living in Indiana. 
 
 Acker, Isaac, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Ashby, Richard, taken prisoner March, 1862; living. 
 
 Alger, Harry, living. 
 
 Bowman, George, killed. 
 
 Bowman, Michael, living in Madison county, Va. 
 
 Barglebaugh, John M., dead. 
 
 Baker, Daniel. 
 
 Burkholder, George E. 
 
 Bull, A. v., killed in 1864 near Turleytown. 
 
 Beam, John, wounded at Mechanicsburg, February, 1864. 
 
 Byrd, Jerry. 
 
 Barks, David, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Bush, Henry, dead. 
 
 Baxter, Jacob T., living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Burns, Jacob, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Barbe, Daniel. 
 
 Barbe, Simon. 
 
 Barbe, Noah. 
 
 Black, Richard, dead. 
 
 Brock, William, dead. 
 
 Brock, Godfrey, dead. 
 
 Beam, Jacob, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Cowell, A. J., living. 
 
 Carpenter, N. H. 
 
 Custer, Isaac, dead. 
 
 Cromer, David R., living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Coffelt, J. D., lost a leg in the battle of Buckton Station. 
 
 Carpenter, John. 
 
390 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Coffman, George C, wounded May 28th, 1864. 
 
 Devier, Giles, living in Harrisonburg, Va. 
 
 Devier, H. K., dead. 
 
 Dyer, A. W., dead. 
 
 Duff, W. J., taken prisoner and took oath. 
 
 Emswiler, Samuel, taken prisoner July 7th, 1863; living in 
 
 Rockingham county, Va. 
 Emswiler, W. P., living in Rockingham county. Va. 
 Emswiler, J. P., dead. 
 Emswiler, Noah, killed near Port Republic. 
 Fulk, John G., killed ; no better soldier in the army. 
 Fulk, George C. 
 Fulk, John G. 
 Fulk, Harry. 
 Fulk, William. 
 
 Fetzer, Cyrus, living in Shenandoah county, Va. 
 Funk, Milton E., dead. 
 
 Funk, Hopkins R., living in Shenandoah county. Va. 
 Funk, James, living in Texas. 
 Funk, William, dead. 
 Frank, Samuel, dead. 
 Funk, A. D., wounded May. 1864. 
 Good, Jacob, living in Texas. 
 Grabill, Cornelius, dead. 
 Grabill, Charles, dead. 
 Grabill, R. C, dead. 
 Hollar, Samuel B., living in Texas. 
 Hulvey, Peter, dead. 
 Haisley, W. T. 
 Horn, Alrazi, dead. 
 Harris, John H., dead. 
 Hupp, Charles T., dead. 
 Hulvey, Jonathan, dead. 
 Hall, Rasin. 
 Jones. Israel, taken prisoner December nth, 1862, near Darks- 
 
 ville, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 391 
 
 Jones, Evan, living in Rockingham county. Va. 
 
 Keyes, Erasmus L. 
 
 Lindamood, Sylvanus, dead. 
 
 Lindamood, James, dead. 
 
 Leacy, John, dead. 
 
 Miller, Isaac. 
 
 Morris, Alfred, taken prisoner July, 1863; living". 
 
 Miller, John, dead. 
 
 Miller, William, dead. 
 
 Minnick, William, living in Broadway, Va. 
 
 Minnick, Levi, dead.- 
 
 Messick, William. 
 
 Mason, Henry, living in Rockingham county. V^a. 
 
 Magruder, John H. 
 
 May, George, honorably discharged October 8th. 1863. 
 
 Muller, George. 
 
 Muller, Emanuel. 
 
 Muller, S. F. 
 
 Moore, George, killed. 
 
 Moore, Samuel, living in Rockingham county. Va. 
 
 Neff, John H.. dead. 
 
 Neff, Michael, living. 
 
 Newham, William P. 
 
 Pennybacker, John S., dead. 
 
 Phillips, John, dead. 
 
 Pennybacker, Isaac, living. 
 
 Pennybacker, B. R. 
 
 Pennybacker, John, dead. 
 
 Richey, Isaac, dead. 
 
 Richey, Frank J., living. 
 
 Rader, Peter, living in Broadway, Va. 
 
 Rader, George, dead. 
 
 Rader, Jacob L., dead. 
 
 Rader, C. S., living. 
 
 Rader, George C. 
 
 Reedv, Isaac. 
 
392 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Ritchie, Solomon, living. 
 
 Sprinkle, William F., living. 
 
 Shoup, John C, killed near Woodstock, Va. 
 
 Shoup, Jacob G., killed at Gettysburg. 
 
 Swanson, William. 
 
 Scott, J. T., living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Stickley, Dan. 
 
 Showalter, Michael. 
 
 Showalter, Abraham, taken prisoner December nth, 1862. 
 
 Simmers, John, dead. 
 
 Silvius, Uriah, dead. 
 
 Turner, Jacob. 
 
 Turner, Moses, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Trumbo, Benjamin, dead. 
 
 Thomas, John, dead. 
 
 Wean, E. J., dead. 
 
 Wean, Noah. 
 
 West, John, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Will, C. B., dead. 
 
 Wood, George M., living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Wean, Abram, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Wean, Jacob, living in Rockingham county, Va. 
 
 Zirkle, David P., living in Shenandoah county, Va. 
 
 Company C. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Samuel B. Myers, wounded at Orange Court House; 
 
 promoted major in 1863. 
 Capt. J. E. Myers, killed May 7th, 1864. 
 First Lieut. Philip Bowers. 
 
 First Lieut. George Murphy, promoted afterwards. 
 Second Lieut. R. Rosenberger, killed. 
 Second Lieut. R. M. Lantz, wounded. 
 Second Lieut. J. E. Allen. 
 Third Lieut. S. G. Clark, wounded. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 393 
 
 Third Lieut. J. R. Miley. 
 Corp. John Myers. 
 Corp. Whiten Bowman. 
 Corp. John Dirting. 
 Corp. Ananias Sheetz. 
 Sergt. D. C. CHnedinst. 
 Sergt. Fadely Lorenzo. 
 Sergt. C. Rosenberger. 
 Sergt. G. C. Rinehart. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 AUison, William. 
 
 Artz, Peter. 
 
 Bradford, William, Q. M., wounded. 
 
 Bird, Hite. 
 
 Bowman, Calvin. 
 
 Brenner, Casper. 
 
 Burke, John T. 
 
 Bowers, Ezra. 
 
 Baker, James, 
 
 Bowman, Daniel. 
 
 Bishop, Thomas. 
 
 Bishop Charles. 
 
 Bird, Samuel. 
 
 Bowers, Harvey. 
 
 Burke, John. 
 
 Bowman, L. B., wounded. 
 
 Bowers, Johnson, killed. 
 
 Bowers, Jacob. 
 
 Bretts, Joseph. 
 
 Cheek, Joseph. 
 
 CHnedinst, Isaac. 
 
 CHnedinst, Augustine. 
 
 CHnedinst, William. 
 
 CHnedinst, A. B., wounded, 
 
 Coffman, Addison, 
 
394 ^^ History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Clark, E., wounded. 
 
 Coffman, A., wounded. 
 
 Crabill, J., killed. 
 
 Conn, W. 
 
 Cook, H. 
 
 Coffman, B. 
 
 Chilcott, Jonathan. 
 
 Coffelt, Joseph. 
 
 Coffelt, Ananias. 
 
 Carper, William, wounded. 
 
 Coffman, E., wounded. 
 
 Dudley, William. 
 
 Day, Robert. 
 
 Day, James, wounded. 
 
 Dellinger. Amos. 
 
 Dellinger, James, killed. 
 
 Dellinger, R. 
 
 Dellinger, Emmanuel, killed. 
 
 Dirting, P. J., wounded. 
 
 Day, John, wounded. 
 
 Estep, Jack. 
 
 Estep, Robert. 
 
 Emswiller, Lemuel. 
 
 Evans, A. J. 
 
 Evans, Samuel. 
 
 Fry, R., wounded. 
 
 Fry, James. 
 
 Fadely, William. 
 
 Foster, James T. 
 
 Font, Enoch. 
 
 Fravel, F. M. 
 
 Fry, Israel. 
 
 Fravel, William. 
 
 Farrow, William, killed. 
 
 Fleming, Harvey. 
 
 Fadely, Eli. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 395 
 
 Fadely, Joseph. 
 Fogle, Harvey. 
 Fry, Joseph. 
 Granstaff, Lem. 
 Gaw, Robert. 
 Griffith, John, killed. 
 Grove, William, wounded. 
 Grechnour, David. 
 Grimm, Franklin. 
 Hanson, Aquilla, wounded. 
 Hollar, Samuel. 
 Hollar, Reuben. 
 Hollar, Mahlon. 
 Hollar, John, wounded. 
 Hollar, William, wounded. 
 Hallar, Robert, wounded. 
 Holtzman, Beverly. 
 Hottel, D. J. 
 Hottel, Isaac. 
 Helsley, Washington. 
 Hanson, William. 
 Kerns, Isaac. 
 Kees, Alfred. 
 Kagey, John. 
 Long, Eli. 
 Lindamood, George. 
 Lutz, William. 
 Lantz, George. 
 Larkins, William. 
 Litten, Eli. 
 Litten, Ben. 
 Lewland, Lemuel. 
 Magruder, John, 
 dinger, William. 
 Pain, J. O. 
 Pullin, Andrew. 
 
396 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Patton, John. 
 Patton, George. 
 Palmer, J. 
 
 Racey, Mat., wounded. 
 Reed, John. 
 
 Riddlemoser, D., killed. 
 Ross, D. 
 Racey, Luke, 
 Ran, Ansben. 
 Russell, T. 
 Russell, M. 
 Ran, James. 
 Ran, John. 
 Ran, David. 
 Ruby, David. 
 Ross, S. 
 Strickler, Abe. 
 Shadwell, H., killed. 
 Shorts, Frederick. 
 Sheets, Isaac, wounded. 
 Sheets, Elias, wounded. 
 Stoneburner, William. 
 Varner, John. 
 Watson, John. 
 
 Company E. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Thomas H. Buck. 
 
 First Lieut. Samuel J. Simpson. 
 
 Second Lieut. W. H. Willis. 
 
 Third Lieut. Walter Buck. 
 
 First Sergt. Edwin G. Buck, served during the entire war. 
 
 Second Sergt. D. M. Cloud. 
 
 Third Sergt. W. M. Cloud. 
 
 Fourth Sergt. J. R. Jenkins. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 397 
 
 First Corp. Henry Heater. 
 Second Corp. W. D. Little. 
 Third Corp. T. M. Ray 
 Fourth Corp. A. A. McKay. 
 
 Privates. 
 Adams, A. 
 Ash, J. H. 
 Bayly, R. B. 
 
 Beaby, L L. ? j ^*>n ^. 3 c r.itu 
 Beren, William. 
 Boone, J. W. 
 Brown, J. M. 
 Brown, J. W. 
 Brown, J. H. 
 Bowling, W. A. 
 Buck, C. N. 
 Buck, W. A. 
 Buck, John N. 
 
 Buck, T. W., killed at Cedar Creek, Nov. 1863. 
 Churchill, W. A. 
 Clapsaddle, Byrd. 
 Clapsaddle, M. A. 
 Cline, H. C. 
 Cline, W. R. 
 Cook, Giles. 
 Cook, Wythe. 
 Cook, Scott. 
 Doran, B. 
 Eastham, Philip. 
 Foster, J. L. 
 Foster, G. A. 
 Garrison, M. L. 
 Grubbs, Nathan. 
 Green, F. W. 
 Heater, John. 
 
398 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Henry, Hugh. 
 Henry, Charles. 
 Houser, W. F. N. 
 Helm, Robert. 
 Irwin, Marcus. 
 Jackson, William. 
 Johnson, John I. 
 Kendrick, J. W. 
 Lacy, Henry. 
 Lacy, J. R. 
 Mitchell, Shipp. 
 
 Naid, George. 
 
 Neville, P. G. 
 
 Neville, J. D. 
 
 Oliver, J. W. 
 
 Orndoff, O. 
 
 Parkins, A. D. 
 
 Putnam, J. K. P. 
 
 Richardson, Marcus. 
 
 Robinson, William. 
 
 Richardson, C. M. 
 
 Rogers, W. A. 
 
 Royston, T. 
 
 Spicer, B. B. 
 
 Steed, F. 
 Steed, W. T. 
 Vaughan, George. 
 Wines, Bur well. 
 Brown, Edward. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 399 
 
 Company F.* ^ 
 
 (As published in the Moore field Weekly Examiner of Deeetii- 
 ber isth, 1904.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. George F. Sheetz. 
 
 First Lieut. Angus W. McDonald. 
 
 Second Lieut. George H. Baker, dead; succeeded by Charles 
 
 H. Vandiver,'^ who lost an arm near Reams Station. 
 First Sergt. John C. Leps, killed. 
 Second Sergt. John Johnson, wounded. 
 Third Sergt. Anthony Cain, dead. 
 Fourth Sergt. James T. Parker. 
 Fifth Sergt. Charles W. Smoot. 
 First Corp. Charles H. Vandiver. 
 Second Corp. J. A. Parrill. 
 Third Corp. C. H. Sisk. 
 Fourth Corp. James Pollick. 
 
 Privates. 
 Allen, Hiram. 
 
 Alexander, Eugene, transferred to artillery in 1862. 
 Allen, Elijah, died in hospital. 
 Arnold, John S.. dead. 
 
 *Lieut.-Col. Thomas Marshall, in his official report of the Seventh 
 Regiment in the Gettysburg campaign (Records of the War of the Re- 
 bellion, Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II), says : "In respect to the conduct 
 upon the field of the officers of this regiment, as far as my observation 
 has extended, it has been active, zealous and gallant. If I may be 
 allowed to mention the case of a single one as peculiarly marked, it 
 would be that of Lieut. C. H. Vandiver, who on every occasion is among 
 the foremost, and who, at the Fairfield fight, with his double-barreled 
 shotgun whipped in a single combat three of the foe, shooting one, 
 capturing a second and putting the third to flight." 
 
 tHe was one of the party who captured Generals Crook and Kelly in 
 Cumberland, Md. 
 
400 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Bane, James A., wounded in Hampton Cattle raid in 1864; 
 
 dead. 
 Bonney, James. 
 Baker, Jacob A. 
 Baker, Henry, died in 1864. 
 Baker, John W., died in 1864. 
 Berry, Samuel, dead. 
 Baker, Levi. 
 Bowers, M. B. Y., dead. 
 Bower, Page. 
 Bowers, Charles I.^ dead. 
 Berry, Samuel. 
 Chancy, Thomas. 
 
 Cupp, Jesse, wounded at Strasburg. 
 Carroll, Zedekiah. 
 
 Cunningham, James H., afterwards second sergeant; dead. 
 Cunningham, George F. 
 Cunningham, James W. 
 Cayner, William. 
 Clark, William F. 
 Cahill, Joseph. 
 
 Cahil, William H., wounded in 1863. 
 Davis, Reuben S. 
 Davis, Samuel R. 
 
 Davis, Charles, killed at Rudes Hill. 
 Davis, Leslie. 
 Dawson, Dory W. 
 Douphit, John, died in 1861. 
 Dignan, Patrick. 
 Everitt, George W. 
 
 Engle, Samuel C, killed at Brandy Station in 1863. 
 Edwards, Robert, wounded. 
 Ervin, W. D., dead. 
 Fay, John B., Washington, D. C. ; planned the capture of 
 
 Generals Crook and Kelly, and directed and helped in 
 
 the execution of the raid. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 401 
 
 Fox, David. 
 
 Gassman, Jacob, wounded in 1863; led the way to General 
 
 Crooks' room in the Revere House, Cumberland. 
 Gill, James. 
 
 Goldsborough, Thomas, died in prison in 1863. 
 Gates, Charles. 
 Grayson, William. 
 Grim, M. V. 
 
 High, Samuel, murdered in 1861. 
 Hig-h, Frederick, murdered in 1862. 
 Heironimus, Jacob. 
 Harness, Adam C, dead. 
 
 Houseworth, William W., afterwards with Third Corps. 
 Harman, Joseph. 
 
 Harmison, M. G., killed at Orange Court House. 
 Harrison, Isaac E. 
 Hollenback, Thomas. 
 Hutton, J. S., dead. 
 Harrison, William B. 
 Heitt, James, dead. 
 Healy, Thomas, dead. 
 Healy, Maurice. 
 Harrison, Thomas. 
 Harlan, Scott, wounded in 1863. 
 Hopewell, John. 
 
 Heltzel, Samuel J., wounded in 1863; dead. 
 Harness, W. W. 
 
 Inskeep, W. V., died from wounds. 
 Inskeep, James, died in 1862. 
 Inskeep, John W. 
 Irvin, Elias L. 
 Johnson, Isaac, died in 1862. 
 Johnson, Robert. 
 Jones, David. 
 Johnson, George H. 
 Kuykendall, Isaac, promoted to captaincy in 1863. 
 
402 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Kuykendall, J. W., dead. 
 
 Kelley, J. T., dead. 
 
 Kelley, Patrick, wounded near Berryville ; dead. 
 
 Kackley, Joseph. 
 
 Kackley, George. 
 
 Lamar, William. 
 
 Liller, Isaac. 
 
 Leise, John W. 
 
 Leise, George. 
 
 Leise, James. 
 
 Liggett, Calvin. 
 
 Lovett, Mortimer M., wounded at Orange Court House. 
 
 Lyons, William. 
 
 Leps, William. 
 
 Moore, Joseph. 
 
 McBlain, Duncan. 
 
 McKee, Smith F. 
 
 MasHn, James. 
 
 Maslin, W. H., dead. 
 
 Marts, Michael. 
 
 McCord, Thomas. 
 
 Mclnturff . 
 
 Mathias, G. W., afterwards fifth sergeant. 
 
 Millison, B. F. 
 
 McCauley, B. F. 
 
 McAloy, Warren. 
 
 Miller, H. C. 
 
 Myers, Samuel. 
 
 Neal, Thomas. 
 
 Ofifutt, Jonathan. 
 
 O'Brian, James. 
 
 Parsons, William L. 
 
 Pugh, John W., died in prison. 
 
 Pugh, John, died at Camp Chase. 
 
 Pugh, James. 
 
 Parrill, James R. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 403 
 
 Parrill, William H. 
 
 Parrill, John C. 
 
 Powers, Daniel. 
 
 Pollock, James. 
 
 Parran, John. 
 
 Pierce, J. T., dead. 
 
 Price, Richard C. 
 
 Pancake, Silas. 
 
 Rine, John J., wounded at Upperville in 1863. 
 
 Rinehart, Chandler H. 
 
 Rine, James H. 
 
 Rolling's, Sanford. 
 
 Seymour, M. 
 
 Shriver, Anthony. 
 
 Shriver, Henry. 
 
 Shriver, John. 
 
 Skelton, W. M. 
 
 Shillenburg, Amos. 
 Stover, John. 
 
 Shaw, John. 
 
 Smith, William. 
 
 Smith, Isaac. 
 
 Short, James. 
 
 Shoemaker, G. W. 
 
 Sherrard, Robert. 
 
 Sisk, C. H.i dead. 
 
 Taylor, James H., wounded at Culpeper Court House. 
 
 Taylor, Rufus. 
 
 Tilden, Robert J., wounded at Romney in 1861. 
 
 Taylor, John W., wounded at Hampton Cattle raid in 1864. 
 
 Taylor, James, wounded at Culpeper Court House. 
 
 Tremon, Eurbrige. 
 
 Throckmartin, W. W. 
 
 Ulum, John. 
 
 Vanmeter, Charles W. 
 
 Vanmeter, R. B. 
 
404 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Van Meter, David P. 
 
 Van Meter, Isaac. 
 
 Van Meter, Milton, killed on September 17th in Hampton 
 Cattle raid. 
 
 Van Meter, Edwin. 
 
 Van Meter, David G., wounded at Fairfield, Pa., in 1863. 
 
 Vance, James. 
 
 Vest, A. J. 
 
 Vest, Charles F. 
 
 Van Horn, John M. 
 
 Williams, J. V. 
 
 Warden, Jacob, promoted to captaincy and sent to Twenty- 
 third Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 Warden, William, died in 1863. 
 
 Warden, James. 
 
 Welch, Robert, dead. 
 
 Welch, Lewis, F. C. W., dead. 
 
 Wright, M. F., surgeon, dead. 
 
 Welton, Aaron. 
 
 Welton, James. 
 
 Wood, James. 
 
 Zell, James A. 
 
 Zell, Robert. 
 
 Reorganization in April, 1862, at Spindles Store, Lony 
 Creek, Page County, Va. 
 
 Capt. George F. Sheets, killed at Buckton Station in 1862. 
 
 First Lieut. George H. Baker, asked to resign. 
 
 Second Lieut. Isaac Kuykendall, made captain at battle of 
 
 Cedar Mountain. 
 Third Lieut. James T. Parker, made first lieutenant. 
 First Sergt. Adam C. Harness. 
 Second Sergt. Charles H. Vandiver, who lost an arm near 
 
 Reams Station. 
 Third Sergt. Anthony Cain. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 405 
 
 Fourth Sergt Charles W. Smoot. 
 
 Fifth Sergt. James Pollick. 
 
 First Corp. James A. Parrill. 
 
 Second Corp. C. H. Sisk. 
 
 Third Corp. Dory W. Dawson. 
 
 Fourth Corp. Hiram Allen. 
 
 Fifth Corp. or Quarter Master Sergt. George Mathias. 
 
 Company G. 
 
 (Furnished by T. J. Young, of Austin, Texas, and others.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Dr. J. F. Mason. 
 
 Lieut. Sturgis Davis, afterwards captain, Baltimore county, 
 
 Md. ; wounded. 
 Second Lieut. Thaddeus Thrasher, killed at Kernstown. 
 Third Lieut. Jeff. Smith, Baltimore county, Md., dead. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Annan, Roger, living in St. Louis. 
 Buck, James, Morgan county, Va., wounded. 
 Brown, B. Bernard, Baltimore, Md., Uving. 
 Brown, Robert, killed on Catharpin Road, Cattle raid. 
 Bouic, J. P., Rockville, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 Boone, Daniel, Frederick county, Md., dead. 
 Brashears, T. P., Frederick county, Md., dead; wounded. 
 Burns, William, Frederick county, Md., dead; wounded. 
 Cross, Lew., Baltimore county, Md., dead; wounded. 
 Crown, Josh., Frederick county, Md., dead; afterwards cap- 
 tain; wounded. 
 Crown, John, Frederick county, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 Crown, Frederick, Frederick county, Md., dead. 
 Clemens, Ridgley, killed at Beverly, W. Va. 
 
4o6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Canter, John, Charles county, Md. 
 
 Contwell, Joseph. 
 
 Caldwell, Edward, Loudoun county, Va., dead ; wounded. 
 
 Carlisle, Charles, killed near Martinsburg. 
 
 Crampton, B. P., afterwards captain until close of the war; 
 
 dead ; wounded. 
 Dunlop, John, Frederick county, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 Dormedy, John, Cumberland, Md., killed. 
 Dorsey, Charles, Howard county, Md. 
 Dorsey, Nick. 
 
 Edwards, William, living in West Virginia, wounded. 
 Emerson, Ridgely, living in West Virginia, wounded. 
 Gilbert, Stevens, living in West Virginia, wounded. 
 Graham, Israel, living in Frederick county, Md., wounded. 
 Grubb, Richard, afterwards captain, killed. 
 Gatch, Thomas, living in Baltimore county, Md., wounded. 
 Gover, William, Loudoun county, Va., dead. 
 Green, John, Charles county, Md. 
 Gilmor, Harry, Baltimore county, Md., afterwards colonel ; 
 
 wounded. 
 Gittings, Edward, Frederick county, Md., dead. 
 Gilmore, Howard, Baltimore county, Md., dead. 
 Howell, Rodney, afterwards lieutenant, dead ; wounded. 
 Higgins, James, Cumberland, Md., killed. 
 Higgins, Henry, Cumberland, Md., killed. 
 Hughes, Irving, Howard county, Md., killed. 
 Hannon, Henry, Charles county, Md., dead. 
 Hilleary, Clarence, Frederick county, Md., living; wounded at 
 
 Fairfield, Md. 
 Hilleary, Thomas, Frederick county, Md., living. 
 Lee, Edmund, Jeflferson county, W. Va., dead ; wounded. 
 Hoax, Robert, Loudoun county, Va., dead ; wounded. 
 King, Thompson, Anne Arundel county, Md., living ; wounded- 
 Kemp, William, Baltimore county, Md., killed. 
 Keller, Ab., Allegany county, Md., killed. 
 Knott, Frank, Frederick county, Md., killed. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 4^7 
 
 Merriman, Richard, Baltimore county, Md., wounded. 
 Motter, Jake, Frederick county, Md., wounded. 
 Miller, William, Washington county, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 Money, Ephraim, died at Point Lookout. 
 Marshall, Humphrey, Kentucky, dead. 
 Minor, Fairfax, Loudoun county, Va., dead. 
 Marlow, Robert, Frederick county, Md., dead. 
 Mooney, William. 
 
 Norris, James, Baltimore county, Md., dead. 
 Orrison, Town, Loudoun county, Va., dead ; wounded. 
 Orndorf, Jim, Jefferson county, W. Va., wounded. 
 Osbum, Joseph, Loudoun county, Va., living ; wounded. 
 Owens, Charles, Anne Arundel county, Md., afterwards cap- 
 tain; wounded. 
 Paul, William. 
 Peyton, Henry. 
 
 Philpott, Blanchard, afterward third lieutenant; wounded. 
 Rate, Charles, Charles county, Md., dead; wounded. 
 Rench, Charles, Washington county, Md., dead. 
 Ridge, Emerson. 
 Ritenour, W. H. 
 Russell, Dr. Charles, Loudoun county, Va. 
 
 Singleton, Thomas, Montgomery county, Md., living in Wash- 
 ington ; wounded. 
 
 Sakers, Sam, Maryland, killed. 
 
 Staub, R. P. H., Virginia, dead. 
 
 Shepperd, Thomas, Baltimore county, Md., wounded. 
 
 Shepperd, Abe, Jefferson county, W. Va. 
 
 Smith, Clapham, afterwards third lieutenant, dead ; wounded. 
 
 Stocks, Thomas, Loudoun county, Va., wounded. 
 
 Stoaks, Brad., Frederick county, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 
 Stone, William, Washington City, living, wounded. 
 
 Trapnell, Joseph, Frederick county, Md., now at Charlestown, 
 W. Va. 
 
 Thomas, James H., Frederick county, Md., killed. 
 
 Thomas, Charles, Charles county, Md., killed. 
 
4o8 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 White, E. v., Loudoun county, Va., later colonel ; wounded. 
 Welsh, Warner, Frederick county, Md., afterwards, captain; 
 
 wounded. 
 
 Wagner, Charles, Baltimore City, wounded. 
 
 Wakenight, William, Washington county, Md., now at Har- 
 risonburg, Va. ; wounded. 
 
 Wilson, C. P., Frederick county, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 
 West, Eugene, Frederick county, Md., dead ; wounded. 
 
 West, J. P., Frederick county, Md., living; wounded. 
 
 Young, Doric, Loudoun county, Va., living; wounded. 
 
 Young, T. J., Austin, Ark. 
 
 Company H. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. I. C. Sharp, killed October 9th, 1864. 
 First Lieut. Jacob Sharp, killed at Gettysburg. 
 Second Lieut. Durich Pennybacker. 
 
 NON-COM MISSIONED OFFICERS. 
 
 First Sergt. Benjamin Pennybacker. 
 Second Sergt. Phineus Stickley, wounded. 
 Third Sergt. John Folk, killed. 
 First Corp. William Hesley. 
 Second Corp. Daniel Stickley. 
 Third Corp. Jacob Good. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Altafer, J. M. 
 Bowman, Michael, dead. 
 Bowman, Edward, dead. 
 Black, Richard. 
 Brock, Godfrey. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 409 
 
 Brock, William. 
 
 Bean, William, company cook. 
 
 Deppo, Phil. 
 
 Deppo, David. 
 
 Diddier, Hiram. 
 
 Dinkle, Enoch, killed at Gettysburg. 
 
 Ettinger, David. 
 
 Finnegan, Richard. 
 
 Fitzwaters, Isaac, killed. 
 
 Hesley, Milton. 
 
 Harner, George. 
 
 Holtsinger, Andrew. 
 
 Harlow, Samuel. 
 
 Jordan, John. 
 
 Jordan, Samuel. 
 
 Moore, Joseph, killed in Cattle raid. 
 
 Mead, 
 
 Moffit, Willis, quartermaster. 
 
 Miller, 
 
 Mulhere, Bernard. 
 
 Manley, George, wounded October 9th, 1864. 
 
 Orelock, Sampson. 
 
 Pence, John, wounded and died. 
 
 Pennybacker, Ide, wounded. 
 
 Roads, 
 
 Ready, 
 
 Rador, Cortus. 
 
 Rice, Joseph, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Shultz, William. 
 
 Simmers, 
 
 Swanson, 
 
 Stanley, 
 
 Sandy, William. 
 
 Showalter, Henry. 
 
 Tappan, Y., wounded in Cattle raid. 
 
 Wiseman, John. 
 
4IO A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Wilson, 
 
 Windell, James. 
 Whisman, John. 
 
 Company I. 
 
 (Furnished by J. H. Flemming, of Dayton, Va.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. E. H. Shans, killed accidentally in Rockingham county. 
 First Lieut. Noah D. Roudabush, died of typhoid fever in 
 
 Hampshire county. 
 Second Lieut. A. C. Lincoln. 
 Third Lieut. Rease. 
 
 Third Lieut. Jacob Michael, succeeded Rease. 
 Third Lieut. Moses O'Brian, succeeded Michael. 
 
 After Reorganization. 
 Capt. A. C. Lincoln. 
 
 First Lieut. Derick Rader, discharged on account of ill health. 
 Second Lieut. John Crawford. 
 
 Third Lieut. John W. Hughes, commanded the company the 
 last two years of the war and deserved much credit. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Armentrout, Abraham. 
 
 Armentrout, David. 
 
 Archer, Peter. 
 
 Bryan, Robert. 
 
 Bryan, Jeremiah, fourth corporal. 
 
 Bazle, Moses. 
 
 Bowman, Benjamin. 
 
 Bowman, Jacob. 
 
 Bowman, Michael, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 41 1 
 
 Browii;, Isaac. 
 
 Bush, Henry. 
 
 Bush, Erasmus. 
 
 Bull, Henry. 
 
 Black, Samuel. 
 
 Baldwin, James. 
 
 Baxter, Frank. 
 
 Cook, John. 
 
 Detrick, Jackson. 
 
 Detrick, Harvey. 
 
 Desser, John. 
 
 Desser, Milton. 
 
 Depoy, Isaac. 
 
 Depoy, Philip. 
 
 Depoy, Henry, dead. 
 
 Dinkle, Allen. 
 
 Dinkle, Enos, third sergeant; dead. 
 
 Dinkle, John. 
 
 Flemming, John. 
 
 Flemming, H. F. 
 
 Flemming, J. H., first corporal. 
 
 Flarity, John. 
 
 Foster, Frank. 
 
 Gyer, John. 
 
 Grannels, Christopher. 
 
 Gills, William. 
 
 Gills, Daniel. 
 
 Garland, William, third corporal. 
 
 Gaither, James. 
 
 Good, William. 
 
 Good, Jacob. 
 
 Hayes, John W. 
 
 Homan, Washington. 
 
 Homan, William. 
 
 Holland, Jerry. 
 
 Hess, Abraham, fourth sergeant. 
 
412 A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 
 
 Hinton, John. 
 
 Harrison, William. 
 
 Harrison, David. 
 
 Harrington, Henry. 
 
 Hume, Benjamin. 
 
 Hoover, Jacob. 
 
 Joseph, Moses. 
 
 Joseph, John. 
 
 Joseph, Strother, killed on Blackwater Cattle raid. 
 
 Kearney, James H. 
 
 Kerigan, Henry. 
 
 Kelly, David. 
 
 Lee, Jack, killed at Upperville. 
 
 Latham, James. 
 
 Laymen, Reuben. 
 
 Loker, Marion. 
 
 Lincoln, David. 
 
 Loftes, Arch. 
 
 Loftes, Ralph. 
 
 Landis, George. 
 
 Landis, Robert. 
 
 Landis, Washington. 
 
 Laymon, Philip, killed at Appomattox. 
 
 McDorman, Samuel. 
 
 McDorman, John. 
 
 Michael, R. T., killed at Cedar Creek. 
 
 Maupin, Horace. 
 
 Morris, Henry. 
 
 Morris, George, dead. 
 
 Morris, P. 
 
 McKey, Edv^ard. 
 
 Odevi^alt, John. 
 
 Pirkey, E. 
 
 Pirkey, Henry. 
 
 Planger, Jacob. 
 
 Planger, Jacob, Jr. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 413 
 
 Planger, John, second sergeant. 
 
 Roudabush, William R. 
 
 Pennybaker, Joseph. 
 
 Reedy, George. 
 
 Richards, James, second corporal. 
 
 Robinson, John, quartermaster. 
 
 Robinson, John, Jr. 
 
 Robinson, William, wounded at Cedar Creek. 
 
 Robinson, Richard. 
 
 Ray, David. 
 
 Ray, Joseph. 
 
 Rhodes, Preston. 
 
 Rader, Peter. 
 
 Rader, John, killed at the Wilderness. 
 
 Rinehart, John. 
 
 Riley, Owen. 
 
 Riley, Michael, first sergeant. 
 
 Smith, Samuel. 
 
 Scott, George. 
 
 Simpson, Thomas. 
 
 Turner, James. 
 
 Terrill, William. 
 
 Terrill, St. Clair. 
 
 Thomas, Samuel. 
 
 Thomas, Michael. 
 
 Webster, George. 
 
 Webster, William. 
 
 Webster, Robert. 
 
 West, D. 
 
 Winegard, John. 
 
 Whisman, James. 
 
 Whisman, Charles. 
 
 Wood, George. 
 
 Whitmore, Frank. 
 
 Whitmore, John. 
 
414 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Company K, 
 
 {Compiled by John L. SchaefFer, Quicksburg, Va.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 First Capt. William Miller, died in Baltimore. 
 
 Second Capt. H. R. T. Koontz, killed near Mt. Jackson, Va. 
 
 (date forgotten). 
 Third Capt. J. G. Neff, wounded three times, twice severely ; 
 
 living in Mt. Jackson, Va. 
 First Lieut. J. A. Mohler, sabre cut in forehead ; died in Texas 
 
 since the war. 
 Second Lieut. Naason Basye, wounded three times ; living in 
 
 West Virginia. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Albright, John, first man killed in company. 
 
 Alger, Nathaniel, badly wounded in east Virginia; dead. 
 
 Alger, John, died since the war. 
 
 Andes, Dilmon J., living near Moores Store, Va. 
 
 Bayse, Jonas, dead. 
 
 Bridagum, Isaac. 
 
 Baker, Milton O., living. 
 
 Bolinger, Adam, dead. 
 
 Brumbaugh, Green S., Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 
 Bridges, Marian F., near New Market, Va. 
 
 Branner, Philip, dead; wounded. 
 
 Bird, William Wirt, died since the war. 
 
 Bird, P. M. S., living near Mt. Jackson, Va. 
 
 Barr, Joseph. 
 
 Barb, David A., died from wounds received in battle. 
 
 Barb, Amos S., died near Alum Springs. 
 
 Barb, Elias, not long in service, detailed. 
 
 Barb, David (of Henry), died in Romney in 1861. 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 415 
 
 Coile, Samuel, dead. 
 Coile, Cain, dead. 
 
 Cave, John H., whereabouts unknown. 
 Cave, Benjamin F., whereabouts unknown. 
 Cave, Noah, whereabouts unknown. 
 Cook, CorneHus, Hving near Columbia Furnace. 
 Clem, William B., died in New Market, Va., in 1907. 
 Clem, Ammon W., company blacksmith, dead. 
 Dingledine, Adam, died from wound in battle. 
 Drummond, William, dead. 
 Drummond, Jacob, dead. 
 Estep, Jesse, living near Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Estep, William, dead. 
 Estep, George, near Cabin Hill, Va. 
 Estep, Moses, West. 
 Eckard, John. 
 
 Elbon, Lorenzo D., killed at Greenland Gap, W. Va. 
 Fansler, George W., dead. 
 Fansler, Siram, Orkney Springs. 
 
 Funkhouser, John H., wounded in battle ; living near Moore- 
 field, W. Va. 
 Funkhouser, Jacob H., Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Funkhouser, William, wounded ; died in 1902. 
 Funkhouser, Simon, dead. 
 
 Funkhouser, David, company cook, died in January, 1906. 
 Funkhouser, Isaac, Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Funkhouser, Christ. B., died in 1907. 
 Funkhouser, Samuel H.^ Indiana. 
 Funkhouser, Peter, killed in battle. 
 Feller, Mahlon G., Washington, D. C. 
 Foltz, Nathaniel S., Forestville, Va. 
 Foltz, Joseph, dead. 
 Foltz, Samuel J., dead. 
 Fadely, Daniel. 
 Frye, William, dead. 
 Fry, Jacob. 
 
41 6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Frye, Reuben, Parkersburg, W. Va. 
 
 Filtzmoyer, Lemuel, wounded in east Virginia. 
 
 Fisher, Joel S., Maryland. 
 
 Garber, Joseph J., Forestville, Va. 
 
 Getz, John, died February 3rd, 1901. 
 
 Getz, Samuel D., died February 12th, 1907. 
 
 Good, John W., Hagerstown, Md. 
 
 Good, Jacob. 
 
 Griffith, Mark, killed in ea"st Virginia. 
 
 Hottel, David H., Woodstock, Va. 
 
 Hottel, Nathaniel (Dock), Ohio. 
 
 Hepner, Dice, killed at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Hepner, John J., dead. 
 
 Hepner, Jacob L., wounded twice severely ; living near Orkney 
 
 Springs, Va. 
 Hepner, James. 
 
 Hepner, Gideon, detailed ; near Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Hepner, Henry, wounded at Cedar Creek; Oregon. 
 Hanson, William, died from wound. 
 Hanson, Samuel, dead. 
 Harpine, Jonathan J., dead. 
 Harpine, Silone, Moores Store, Va. 
 Hansbarger, J. Lemuel, Conicville, Va. 
 Haun, Joseph, Indiana. 
 Higgs, Noah, dead. 
 Higgs, Frank L., West Virginia. 
 Hollar, Robert S., Kansas. 
 
 Hottinger, David (Dwarf), not long in service. 
 Kibler, William, Woodstock, Va. 
 Kipps, Jacob, killed in skirmish. 
 Kipps, Adam, dead. 
 
 Kipps, Lewis, joined company; war closed before he reported. 
 Keller, Amos, Mount Olive. 
 Keller, Ananias, Toms Brook^ Va. 
 Kelley, Bryan T., dead. 
 Lonas, J. Benton, killed in east Virginia. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 417 
 
 Lambert, Joseph, wounded ; Woodstock, Va. 
 
 Lichliter, A. J., sabre cut, August 2nd, 1863, at Orange Court 
 
 House, Va. 
 Lichliter, CorneHus B., Powel's Fort, Va. 
 Long, Benjamin F., accidentally killed himself. 
 Matthews, Robert L. 
 Middleton, John, dead. 
 Mclnturff, J. B., Strasburg, Va. 
 Mclnturff, A. P., Strasburg, Va. 
 McMullen, David, Reliance, Va. 
 McWilliams, Reuben, dead. 
 McWilliams, David, dead. 
 Moomaw, Samuel, killed in east Virginia. 
 Moomaw, David, Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Moomaw, George W.^ near Hudson's Crossroads. 
 Moomaw, Jesse, dead. 
 Mohler, William A., died in Texas in 1900. 
 Mohler, Thomas J., Timberville, Va. 
 Moore, William P., Forestville, Va. 
 Neff, J. Michael, teamster, near New Market, Va. 
 Nesselrodt, Job. S., Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Nesselrodt, A. J., dead. 
 Overholser, Samuel P.^ west. 
 Orndorff, Philip, wounded ; dead. 
 Orndorff, George W., Toms Brook, Va. 
 Orndorff, John H., not long in service. 
 Peer, John W., Saumsville, Va. 
 Peer, Joseph, Saumsville, Va. 
 Pennywitt, Reuben, dead. 
 Pence, William A., wounded twice in battles. 
 Pence, John W., company cook, died October 14th, 1906. 
 Pence, John M., Forestville, Va. 
 Pence, Harrison, died October nth, 1901. 
 Pence, Samuel, Forestville, Va. 
 Pence, Adam, ambulance corps ; Forestville. 
 Pence, Michael J., died August 2nd, 1906. 
 
4i8 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Pence, Milton, died May loth, 1900. 
 
 Peters, Amos, died at Mt Clifton. 
 
 Prophet, Jacob, cook, died January 17th, 1903. 
 
 Rinker, Israel R., dead. 
 
 Rau, Samuel, dead. 
 
 Ritter, Joseph, shot in mouth. 
 
 Rude, William S., wounded at Trevilians station. 
 
 Reedy, John, dead. 
 
 Reedy, David S., Mount Olive. 
 
 Ryman, David, wounded; dead. 
 
 Ryman, Thomas J., Kansas. 
 
 Rickard, John, wounded at Gettysburg. 
 
 Sheets, Will, dead. 
 
 Showalter, John H., Moores Store, Va. 
 
 Shutters, David, killed in skirmish near Timberville. 
 
 Shutters, Christopher, Forestville. 
 
 Straub, Frederick. 
 
 Steinhart, John, sabre cut, August 3rd, 1863, at Orange Court 
 
 House. 
 Stickley, Joseph, dead. 
 Stickley, George, killed in Meems Bottoms. 
 See, John C, died from wounds received in battle. 
 See, Craigen, dead. 
 
 Snarr, John H., wounded in east Virginia. 
 Smootz, Harvey, company commissary, dead. 
 Swartz, John, Missouri, 
 Schaeffer, John L., sabre cuts, August 2nd, 1863, at Orange 
 
 Court House. 
 Schaeffer, George W., Quicksburg. 
 Sibert, John M., dead. 
 Tussing, Henry, near Orkney Springs, Va. 
 Webb, Henry, eastern Virginia. 
 Webb, Isaac, detailed. 
 Webb, Jacob, dead. 
 Webb, Reuben, Illinois. 
 Wakeman, John. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 419 
 
 Walker, Levi, dead. 
 
 Wunder, Henry S., Mt Jackson. 
 
 Will, John, near Moores Store, Va. 
 
 Walters, Lemuel, not long in service. 
 
 Zehring, John, badly wounded at Cedar Creek. 
 
 Zehring-, William, killed in east Virginia. 
 
 Zehring, Jacob, killed at Gettysburg. 
 
 Zehring, Samuel, wounded in battle. 
 
 Zehring, George W., wounded in battle. 
 
 Zirkle, A. J., dead. 
 
 Zirkle, Silone, near Mt. Jackson, Va. 
 
 Zirkle, J. Michael, Forestville. 
 
 Five officers, 170 privates, sergeants and corporals. 
 
MUSTER ROLL OF ELEVENTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY 
 
 (LAUREL BRIGADE), ARMY OF 
 
 NORTHERN VIRGINIA. 
 
 Company A. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. A. J. Turner, dead, Luray, Va. 
 First Lieut. J. B. Seibert. 
 Second Lieut. L. F. Wilson, killed. 
 First Sergt. J. W. Satterfield, Seattle. 
 Second Sergt. B. Runk, killed. 
 Third Sergt. Thad, Britner, killed. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Betts, James, dead, Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 
 Butler, John, Bunker Hill, W. Va. 
 
 Cross, J. W., Berkeley Springs. 
 
 Cross, D. W., Hedgesville, W. Va. 
 
 Cross, J. A., Bunker Hill, W. Va. 
 
 Callan, Neal. 
 
 Crane, George. 
 
 Doran, Joseph. 
 
 Fooks, J. D. 
 
 Hedges, F. F., killed. 
 
 Harris, C. T. 
 
 Hodson, Louis, Winchester, Va. 
 
 Jenkins, James, killed. 
 
 Kitchen, Charles. 
 
 King, R. A. , 
 
A History OF THE Laurel Brigade 421 
 
 Lillard, Hall, Madison county. 
 
 Mowery, John, killed. 
 
 McNamar, Michael, Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 
 Mingle, John, dead. 
 
 Miller, Henry, dead. 
 
 Miller, Samuel, dead. 
 
 Norman, Matthew, Berkeley Springs. 
 
 Patterson, John, killed. 
 
 Patterson, James, Bunker Hill. 
 
 Patterson, Frank, Bunker Hill. 
 
 Post, James. 
 
 Pifer, George, Bunker Hill. 
 
 Royce, William, Hampshire county. 
 
 Ritter, J. W., killed. 
 
 Ritter, Abe. 
 
 Rockwell, G. W. 
 
 Swagard, Louis. 
 
 Sperry, William, dead. 
 
 Strode, Joseph, dead. 
 
 Smith, Frank, dead. 
 
 Sayles, William T., Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 
 Wilson, T. G., dead. 
 
 Company B. 
 
 (Furnished by T. K. Cartmell.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. William H. Harness, resigned ; Capon Springs, W. Va. 
 
 First Lieut. S. H. Alex, died after the war. 
 
 Second Lieut. Charles J. Lobb, died after the war. 
 
 Third Lieut. James Wilson. 
 
 First Sergt. M. B. Cartmell, promoted to captaincy; killed 
 
 December 17, 1863. 
 Second Serg^. Christian Hoffman. 
 
422 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Third Sergt. John Wilson, Beverly, W. Va. 
 
 Fourth Sergt, Isaac McKeever, detailed ordnance sergeant; 
 
 died. 
 Fifth Sergt. George B. Larrick, wounded 1862; Lexington, 
 
 Va. 
 First Corp. H. W. Halterman. 
 Second Corp. Benjamin Longacre. 
 Third Corp. C. J. Longacre. 
 Fourth Corp. William Branson. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Albin, James. 
 
 Amick, Henry, killed. 
 
 Ashenfelter, David. 
 
 Bean, Joseph, Beans Settlement, Hardy county, W. Va. 
 
 Berry, J. W. 
 
 Beohm, T. S. 
 
 Bovinger, George. 
 
 Crites, Daniel. 
 
 Crites, William. 
 
 Custard, St. Clair. 
 
 Cook, Abner, accidentally wounded. 
 
 Clem, James H. 
 
 Crawford, L. W. 
 
 Cofifman, W. W. 
 
 Combs, Armstead. 
 
 Cartmell, Thomas K., detailed for secret service, commissioned 
 
 captain ; Winchester, Va. 
 Cunningham, D. C. 
 Culdice, William. 
 Cleaver, George. 
 Demond, Edward. 
 
 Daugherty, James H., promoted to captaincy; killed. 
 Dyer, J. W. 
 Early, James O. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 423 
 
 Fon, Geoige. 
 Fisher, J. P. C. 
 Fitzwater, 
 
 Fishel, David. 
 
 Fitzwater, Levi. 
 
 Hardy, John. 
 
 Halterman, Jacob. 
 
 Harper, WilHam, lost leg; Postoffice, Lost City, W. Va. 
 
 Halterman, Michael. 
 
 Halter, John. 
 
 Hulver, Isaac, badly wounded when Captain Cartmell was 
 
 killed ; Postoffice, Lexington, Mo. 
 Hutton, Daniel M. 
 Hudson, Thomas. 
 Hawes, Jasper. 
 
 Heiskell, Joe Dan, Romney, W. Va. 
 Judy, Enoch, Moorefield, W. Va. 
 Ketterman, Aaron. 
 
 Lloyd, William, killed as scout when with T. K. Cartmell. 
 Lloyd, Robert, captured as scout when with T. K. Cartmell; 
 
 never heard from. 
 Ketterman, Abraham. 
 Ketterman, Gabriel. 
 Lynch, John W. 
 Lyons, William. 
 Mayhew, James. 
 Mungold, Solomon, scout. 
 Miller, Ambrose. 
 McDermott, Henry. 
 
 McKeever, William, died 1900, Wardensville, W. Va. 
 McKeever, H. C, died 1900, Wardensville, W. Va. 
 May, James M. 
 Neff, Mortimer, W. 
 Newhouse, Thomas, captured. 
 Orndorff, Morgan. 
 Orndorff, Henry J. 
 
424 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Pownell, David, absent without leave. 
 
 Parsons, Adam, 
 
 Pratt, John, detailed in Jackson Corps. 
 
 Pratt, Job H. 
 
 Pains, John, absent from wounds received in battle. 
 
 Reed, H. J., Postoffice, Opequon, Va. 
 
 Riffey, Harvey. 
 
 Smith, Reuben. 
 
 Sherman, Noah. 
 
 Snyder, Martin V. 
 
 Sager, Jacob. 
 
 Sulser, John T. 
 
 Sine, Bazil. 
 
 Sine, Elijah. 
 
 Sine, Benjamin, absent with leave; sick. 
 
 Smith, Joseph, absent with leave ; sick. 
 
 Saroil, John, sick. 
 
 Smith, David. 
 
 Smith, Daniel. 
 
 Thorpe, Benjamin F. 
 
 Teetes, Levi. 
 
 Violet, W. H. 
 
 Van Meter, David, killed when Captain Cartmell was killed 
 
 near Fairfax Station. 
 Vameter, Isaac. 
 Wilson, George. 
 Witzel, Jacob. 
 Webb, Thomas. 
 Painter, Absolom. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 425 
 
 Company C. 
 
 (Furnished by I. N. Beery.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. John R. Pendleton, dead. 
 
 First Lieut. E. S. Mitchell, died September 3, 1907; Timber- 
 
 ville, Va. 
 Second Lieut. John Pauley, living; Illinois. 
 Third Lieut. Edwin Pendeton, killed in Wilderness fight, Va 
 First Sergt. John Famkin, living; Clarksburg, W. Va. 
 Second Sergt. Hally Bragoiner, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Aubry, Polk, West Virginia. 
 
 Beery, L N., Harrisonburg, Va. 
 
 Bush, Charles, Linville, Va. 
 
 Bennett, Joshua, Linville, Va. 
 
 Bush, Samuel, dead ; Linville, Va. 
 
 Bull, Henry, dead; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Bailey, Henry, dead; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Beam, Abraham, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Clem, Ashford, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Cline, Henry, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Clem, Frank, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Cook, Joseph. 
 
 Durrow, Marion. 
 
 Eversole, Peter, dead. 
 
 Erman, James, Harrisonburg, Va. 
 
 Faught, Joseph L, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 
 Feller, John L., living; Woodstock, Va. 
 
 Fink, Noah, 
 
 Gray, Richard, dead; Berryville, Va. 
 
426 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Hulvy, George, living; Harrisonburg, Va. 
 
 Holsinger, Phil, living; Tenth Leagon, Va. 
 
 Holsinger, John, living; Tenth Leagon, Va. 
 
 Lonthan, James L., died since the war. 
 
 Hess, Harvey. 
 
 Jones, Thomas. 
 
 King, Wilson, dead; Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Miaphes, Charles, killed at surrender. 
 
 Nazlerod, William, killed at surrender; Rockingham county, 
 
 Va. 
 Nane, Joseph, living at Broadway, Va. 
 Tennington, Harvey. 
 Thomas, Perry. 
 
 Roudabush, William, living in Indiana. 
 Roadcap, Jacob, dead.. 
 
 Roadcap, Harvey, living in Brocks Gap, Va. 
 O'Roark, Charles. 
 
 Reed, Abraham, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 Reedy, Joseph, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 Ritchie, Philip, dead ; Rockingham, Va. 
 Ritchie, Simon, dead ; Brocks Gap, Va. 
 Showalter, B. F., living ; Brandy Station, Va. 
 Showalter, G. W., dead ; Mt. Crawford, Va. 
 Shaner, G. W., dead ; Edom, Va. 
 Shipe, Joseph, dead ; Harrisonburg, Va. 
 Snyder, D. C, Berryville, Va. 
 Smith, Harrison, living; Forestville, Va. 
 Smith, Thomas. 
 Spencer, Edward. 
 Smith, Henry. 
 
 Sprinkel, Calvin, living; Brocks Gap, Va. 
 Sanger, Levi, Sangersville, Va. 
 Somers, Reuben, Brocks Gap, Va. 
 Taylor, Henry. 
 Vanmeter, James, living; Berryville, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 427 
 
 Vanmeter, Isaac, Berry ville, Va. 
 
 Vandiver, John. 
 
 Wilson, George R. 
 
 Walters, William, living; Shenandoah county, Va. 
 
 Witting, Harry. 
 
 Wetzel, Simon. 
 
 Zetty, Daniel, living at Melrose, Va. 
 
 Company D. 
 
 (Furnished by E. H. McDonald.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. E. H. McDonald, promoted to major, then to lieutenant- 
 colonel of regiment; Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 First Lieut. William Taylor, promoted to captain ; Ridgeville, 
 W. Va. 
 
 Second Lieut. John Blue, promoted to first lieutenant ; Rom- 
 ney, W. Va. 
 
 Third Lieut. Isaac Parsons, promoted to second lieutenant; 
 died since the war. 
 
 First Sergt. Joseph Seward, promoted to third lieutenant; 
 Afton, Va. 
 
 First Sergt. John D. Parsons, Shaw, Kans. 
 
 Second Sergt. Amos Robinson, dead. 
 
 Third Sergt. R. B. Kidd, dead. 
 
 Quartermaster Sergt. Samuel Bane, Ballington, W. Va. 
 
 Company Sergt. Conrad Nomstat, Ballington, W. Va. 
 
 Corp. Uriah Lease, dead. 
 
 Corp. James Ream, killed at Jacks Shop. 
 
 Corp. Lem. Nixon, dead. 
 
 Corp. George Holt, dead. 
 
428 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Adams, John, dead. 
 
 Abbee, Frederick, died in prison. 
 
 Abbee, Philip, dead. 
 
 Brady, Isaac T., promoted to corporal ; dead. 
 
 Brill, Mathias, killed at Darksville. 
 
 Brown, Frank, Shutz Mills, W. Va. 
 
 Bowers, John W., Fort Worth, Tex. 
 
 Brown, Richard, died in prison. 
 
 Barnet, Frank, killed in battle. 
 
 Brown, John. 
 
 Bobo, J. W. 
 
 Carder, Charles. 
 
 Carder, Frederick. 
 
 Carroll, John, killed at Hanover Junction. 
 
 Carroll, Jed. 
 
 Chressap, Robert, killed at Moorefield. 
 
 Chapman, Charles. 
 
 Clayton, Charles. 
 
 Conrad, Charles, died since the war. 
 
 Conrad, Holmes Y., promoted to sergeant-major of regiment; 
 
 Winchester, Va. 
 Casler, John O., Oklahoma. 
 Clary, Thad. 
 Clary, Dick. 
 
 Dailey, Benjamin, twice wounded ; Moorefield, W. Va. 
 Davie, James, killed in Hampshire county. 
 Duvall, George, killed at Brandy Station. 
 Davie, John. 
 Davis, Morris. 
 
 Dailey, John, Piedmont, W. Va. 
 Davis, Randolph, Soldiers' Home, Richmond, Va. 
 Fridle, Samuel. 
 Feshel, S. 
 Grove, J., a very gallant soldier; killed in the Wilderness. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 429 
 
 Huddleson, Henry, Charlottesville, Va. 
 
 Huddleson, Healey. 
 
 Hanas, Stephen. 
 
 Hunot, E., Romney, W. Va. 
 
 Holt, G., killed in Hampshire county. 
 
 Inskeep, J. V. 
 
 Hartman, Ike. 
 
 Haines, Jasper. 
 
 Houser, Henry. 
 
 Kelley, John. 
 
 Leese, Uriah. 
 
 Lx)vett, C. S. 
 
 Light, Edward, killed near Richmond. 
 
 McDonald, William N., promoted to captain of ordnance. 
 
 Moorehead, William, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Moorehead, Robert, badly wounded; Missouri. 
 
 Murphy, Frank. 
 
 Myers, Frank, captured at Darksville. 
 
 Pancake, Joseph A., Staunton, Va. 
 
 Pancake, S. 
 
 Pancake, John S., Romney, W. Va. 
 
 Parsons, James D. 
 
 Poland, John W. 
 
 Poland, Amos. 
 
 Pownell, Jasper. 
 
 Parsons, William M. 
 
 Robinson, Joel. 
 
 Rudolph, Simon, badly wounded at Reams Station. 
 
 Rudolph, John, died in prison hospital. 
 
 Ruse, John M. 
 
 Riley, Charles, died since the war. 
 
 Senoff, Herman, died in prison. 
 
 Sivell, John. 
 
 Spurline, Luke. 
 
 Swartz, Edward, Missouri. 
 
 Seymour, Dan, killed near Petersburg, W. Va. 
 
430 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Seymour, John N. 
 
 Shingleton, Abe, killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Shingleton, Elisha. 
 
 Shelley, James, killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Smith, James, Winchester, Va. 
 
 Seibert, Charley. 
 
 Stewart, John, died at Camp Chase. 
 
 Starns, John. 
 
 Taylor, Dudley, promoted to corporal. 
 
 Taylor, John. 
 
 Taylor, Enos, died in prison. 
 
 Taylor, D. K. 
 
 Taylor, Rufus, captured near Culpeper Court House; Davy, 
 
 W. Va. 
 Uston, John, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 Wolfe, Isaac, killed at Brandy Station. 
 White, Thomas. 
 Watkins, H. M. 
 
 Watkins, Charles, killed near Hagerstown. 
 Washington, Edward, Romney, W. Va. 
 
 Company E. 
 
 {Furnished by William F. Hottel.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Joseph T. Hess. 
 
 Capt. J. L. Hooff. 
 
 Capt. H. H. McGuire, mortally wounded at Amelia Springs. 
 
 Lieut. J. W. Brent. 
 
 Lieut. G. W. Hottel, wounded and captured ; Lincoln, Neb. 
 
 Lieut. William Hockman, killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Lieut. G. W. Spiker, killed at Spottsylvania. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 431 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Agnew, Oscar. 
 
 Baker, Daniel, dead. 
 
 Baker, G. W., killed at Jacks Shop. 
 
 Baker, Henry, wounded at Brandy Station ; Keyser, W. Va. 
 
 Baker, Nicholas, dead. 
 
 Borden, D. M., dead. 
 
 Borden, A. P., dead. 
 
 Borden Joseph, dead. 
 
 Bly, Mason, wounded at Amelia Springs ; dead. 
 
 Bly, Richard, killed at Jacks Shop. 
 
 Brown, J. W., killed at Spottsylvania. 
 
 Beaver, J. E., dead. 
 
 Buck, Bruce, dead. 
 
 Bushony, Isaac. 
 
 Barrenger, Joseph. 
 
 Booth, C. S. 
 
 Booth, John F., Lebanon Church, Va. 
 
 Boyer, Bent. 
 
 Boyer, J. A. 
 
 Bell, R. R, Strasburg, Va. 
 
 Bell, 
 
 Bowman, J. K. 
 
 Cooper, William, dead. 
 
 Crabill, L. C, killed near Strasburg, Va. 
 
 Crabill, O. H., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 Crabill, Hal. 
 
 Crabill, Benjamin. 
 
 Crabill, Jacob. 
 
 Crabill, D. G., bugler of regiment. 
 
 Coffman, Walter, killed at Fisher's Hill. 
 
 Collins, Carson. 
 
 Chase, Daniel. 
 
 Dodd, R. D., dead. 
 
 Dewar, J. J., dead. 
 
432 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Dickenson, James. 
 
 DeHaven, Martin. 
 
 Eberly, Jacob. 
 
 Eberly, Joseph, 
 
 Eberly, Isaac, dead. 
 
 Effenger, William. 
 
 Fauver, Noah. 
 
 Funkhouser, Amos, dead. 
 
 Feely, William H., Thomas, W. Va. 
 
 Feeley, John, Lebanon Church, Va. 
 
 Feeley, Silas, Lebanon Church, Va. 
 
 Green, James. 
 
 Green, Zack. 
 
 Glaize, G. W., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 Grove, S. M., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 Hottel, William F., wounded at Brandy Station; Winchester, 
 
 Va. 
 Hammond, Lav.rrence, dead. 
 Hammond, John, Fisher's Hill, Va. 
 Huffman, A. J., dead. 
 Hinkins, G. A., Strasburg, Va. 
 Hinkins, J. H., Strasburg, Va. 
 Hodges, John. 
 Hefline, James. 
 Hess, L. Dow, dead. 
 Hyde, D. B., dead. 
 
 Harrison, Howard, wounded ; disabled for service. 
 Holmes, H. W., dead. 
 Holmes, James, dead. 
 Hironemoss, Hutch, dead. 
 Holler, John, dead. 
 Holler, George, dead. 
 Holler, John A., Edenburg, Va. 
 Hockman, J. W. 
 Hoover, William, dead. 
 James, Samuel. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 433 
 
 Kerns, Ephraim, dead. 
 
 Killmer, James. 
 
 Luttral, Archibald. 
 
 Lynn, G. B., Winchester, Va. 
 
 Lynn, James, died in prison. 
 
 Luke, WilHam. 
 
 Luthohz, Robert, Strasburg, Va. 
 
 Lee, G. W., dead. 
 
 Lee, Samuel, killed at Jacks Shop. 
 
 Miller, William, first, Lebanon Church, Va. 
 
 Miller, William, second, Winchester, Va. 
 
 Miller, J. F. 
 
 Miller, J. H. 
 
 McGlincy, R. P., dead. 
 
 McCloud, James. 
 
 Mort, Jerry, killed by Brown. 
 
 Maphis, George. 
 
 Pangle, Abe, Lebanon Church, Va. 
 
 Pangle, William E., killed near Woodstock, Va. 
 
 Pangle, Joseph. 
 
 Pingley, D. M., Lebanon Church, Va. 
 
 Pogue, R. L., dead. 
 
 Rudy, Isaac, dead. 
 
 Rutherford, J. A. 
 
 Rutherford, Tom, first. 
 
 Rutherford, Tom, second. 
 
 Reedy, Abe, dead. 
 
 Rhyne, John, dead. 
 
 Ridenour, Alfred, dead. 
 
 Stover, David, dead. 
 
 Smith, James, dead. 
 
 Sheets, Daniel, dead. 
 
 Scroggins, J. E., dead. 
 
 Sonner, J. H. 
 
 Sonner, J. W., dead. 
 
 Showalter, Tom, dead. 
 
434 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Shambaugh, Cline, Lincoln, Neb. 
 
 Shambaugh, Charles. 
 
 Sievers, G. W. 
 
 Swisher, J., Salem, Va. 
 
 Shotts, Mark, killed in the Wilderness. 
 
 Shafer, Theodore, killed at river, Mt. Jackson. 
 
 Snyder, Henry, dead. 
 
 Snyder, John. 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 St 
 
 ckley, D. H., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 ckley, William, dead. 
 
 ckley, Benjamin, dead. 
 
 ckley, G. W., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 ckley, D. E., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 ckley, David E., Strasburg, Va. 
 
 ckley, J. H. 
 
 ckley, P. D. 
 
 ckley, Josiah, dead. 
 
 ckley, Walter, killed at Brandy Station. 
 Sensenuey, E. D. 
 Omps, James, dead. 
 Beach, Jacob. 
 Biers, Charles. 
 Whitington, Gershem, dead. 
 Whitington, Joseph, dead. 
 Wright, Milton, dead. 
 Warner, Philip. 
 Welch, Samuel. 
 Welch, James. 
 Welch, Joseph. 
 Watson, Samuel. 
 Watson, Jacob, dead. 
 Watson, Benjamin. 
 Winegood, John, dead. 
 Winegood, Joseph, dead. 
 Windle, William, dead. 
 Williams, J. J., dead. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 435 
 
 Company F. 
 
 (Furnished by Lieut. A. C. L. Gatewood.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 First Capt. A. G. McChesney, died since the war. 
 
 Second Capt. A. J. Ware, died since the war. 
 
 First Lieut. Henry McClintic, Midland, Tex. 
 
 Second Lieut. A. C. L. Gatewood, Linwood, W. Va. 
 
 Brevet Second Lieut. H. M. Poage, killed in 1863. 
 
 Brevet Second Lieut. S. A. Bonner, killed at the Wilderness, 
 
 May 6th, 1864. 
 First Sergt. E. L. Beard, Academy, W. Va. 
 Second Sergt. A. S. Bratton, Millboro, Va. 
 Third Sergt. Jonathan Wise, killed at Sailors Creek, April, 
 
 1865. 
 Fourth Sergt. Joseph Silvers, color sergeant, died from wounds 
 
 received October, 1863. 
 First Corp. Lewis Payne, Covington, Va. 
 Second Corp. J. S. Dickinson, Millboro Springs, Va. 
 Third Corp. William G. Payne, Covington, Va. 
 Fourth Corp. Michael Mustoe, died since the war. 
 Quartermaster Sergt. J. P. McDonald, died since the war. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Anderson, Samuel, Mountain Grove, Va. 
 
 Acord, George, killed in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Ailstock, Robert, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Beard, Moffett, died since the war. 
 
 Beard, John G., Academy, W. Va. 
 
 Beard, W. W., Academy, W. Va. 
 
 Beard, J. J., died since the war. 
 
 Banner, S. A., killed second day's fight in the Wilderness. 
 
436 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Bratton, W. A., killed on Cattle raid near City Point, Septem- 
 ber, 1864. 
 Bratton, J. F., Cleeks Mills, Va. 
 Bradshaw, J. B., McDowell, Va. 
 Burster, David, died since the war. 
 Burnside, James, died since the war. 
 Callison, J. C, whereabouts unknown. 
 Chandler, Samuel, Braxton county, W. Va. 
 Chandler, David, Braxton county, W. Va. 
 Cleek, George W., Cleeks Mills, Bath county, Va. 
 Cleek, D. G., died since the war. 
 Cochran, Clark, Academy, W. Va. 
 Cochran, G. B., Academy, W. Va. 
 Criser, John S., Warm Springs, Va. 
 Criser, R. J., dead, Covington, Va. 
 Dean, William, whereabouts unknown. 
 Douglass, Calvin, whereabouts unknown. 
 Douglass, B., whereabouts unknown. 
 Dunlap, James R., Missouri. 
 Edmiston, Andrew, died since the war. 
 Edmiston, Matthew, Washington. 
 Edmiston, Richard, Missouri. 
 Eagle, Newton, McDowell, Va. 
 Estes, William, Albemarle county, Va. 
 Frazier, James A., Rock Alum Springs, Va. 
 Fry, William, died since the war. 
 Gibson, Lewis, dead ; Kansas. 
 
 Ginger, George, accidentally killed at Gordonsville. 
 Grose, Henry, killed May 6th, 1864, at the Wilderness. 
 Gwinn, J. S., whereabouts unknown. 
 Gwinn, J. K. P., whereabouts unknown. 
 Gwinn, William, whereabouts unknown. 
 Gillespie, Joseph G., died since the war. 
 Hamilton, Charles, killed near Woodstock, Va. 
 Hamilton, J. E., California. 
 Hamilton, J. A., Kerrs Creek, Va. 
 
A History of the Lauezl Brigade 437 
 
 Hickman, L. W., Hen.r.jKt, W. Va. 
 Hodge, James, Warm Springs, \'a. 
 Jordan, John, Millboro, \'a. 
 Jordan, James, whereabouts tmknown- 
 Jordan, William, died since the war. 
 Keyser, James, whereabouts unknown- 
 Ke}-ser, D. W. C, whereabouts unknown- 
 Keyser, Hezekiah, whereabouts unknowm. 
 Kennison, Davis, Academy, W. Va. 
 Kennison, J. L., Academy, W. Va. 
 King, A. C, whereabouts unknown. 
 King, Spatswood, Rich Patch, A'a. 
 Landes, Joseph, Mountain Grove, Va. 
 Lockridge, David, died since the war. 
 Lockridge, Stephen, Highland count^^ Va. 
 Martin, W. A-, MissourL 
 McElwee, John, died since the war. 
 McElwee, D. B., Driscol, W. Va. 
 McElwee, B. D., Green Bank, W. Va. 
 McElwee, Francis, HuttonsviHe. W. Va. 
 McCarty, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 McChesne}-, James Z., Charleston, W. Va. 
 
 McDonnald, G. W., died since the -war. 
 
 McNeil, A. G., died since the war. 
 
 Maffett, W. B., died since the war. 
 
 Maffett, George H., Parkersburg, W. Va. 
 
 Moore, W. H., Covington, Va. 
 
 Mustoe, David, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Mustoe, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Mayse, Anderson, died since the war. 
 
 O'Meara, James, died since the war. 
 
 Pa}-ne, W. H., whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Pa}-ne, J. EL, Warm Springs, Va. 
 
 Porter, A. S., MiHboro, Va. 
 
 Pauturff, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Price, Henrv, died since the war. 
 
438 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Revercomb, George, Highland county, Va. 
 
 Revercomb, Archie, killed at the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Revercomb, John, Highland county, Va. 
 
 Revercomb, C. T., Clifton Forge, Va. 
 
 Rosser, John, killed at the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Snead, William, Alleghany county, Va. 
 
 Snead, Robert, Alleghany county, Va. 
 
 Stewart, J. H., died since the war. 
 
 Sittington, Alex. H., died since the war. 
 
 Shultz, John, died since the war. 
 
 Surber, M. P., Clifton Forge, Va. 
 
 Swarts, Samuel, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Swartz, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Swarts, Lewis, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Thomas, David, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Thomas, Charles, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Thomas, Samuel, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Thomas, George, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Tinsley, W. H., whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Tinsley, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 True, Thomas, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Thompson, Henry, Missouri. 
 
 Wallace, C. R., Williamsville, Va. 
 
 Wave, G., whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Wave, O., whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Williams, E. B., Healing Springs, Va. 
 
 Williams, Thomas, Healing Springs, Va. 
 
 Williams, E. T., Healing Springs, Va. 
 
 Wilfong, Jacob. ' 
 
 Wilkinson, James, died since the war. 
 
 Windom, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Woods, P. A., died since the war. 
 
 Quartermaster Sergt. J. P. McDonald died after the war. 
 
 Color-bearer Joseph Silvers was killed in the lower Valley in 
 1864. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 439 
 
 Company G. 
 
 (Furnished by George T. McClintic.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Foxhall A. Dang-erfield, wounded at Orange Court 
 House, August 2nd, 1862; sabre cut on head and shot 
 in left shoulder and captured. Wounded at Upperville, 
 June, 1863, at Baltimore and Ohio roundhouse; near 
 New Creek, in 1864, and near Amelia Springs, April 5, 
 1865 ; living at Lexington, Ky. 
 First Lieut. Joseph Mayse, wounded at Jacks Shop in 1864; 
 
 lost eye; died 1905. 
 Second Lieut. Archibald M. McClintic, wounded at Orange 
 Court House, August 2nd, 1862, and at Ashland, 
 August, 1864; Fincastle. 
 Brevet Second Lieut. John A. Warwick, wounded May 5th, 
 
 1863, at the Wilderness— Spottsylvania ; died 1901. 
 First Sergt. William H. Hopkins, wounded at Upperville in 
 
 June, 1863 ; died Millboro, Va. 
 Second Sergt. Jasper C. Lewis, wounded at Orange Court 
 House, and received three wounds in Hampton's Cattle 
 raid in Nottoway county, Va., 1864; Green Valley, Bath 
 county, Va. 
 Third Sergt. George T. McClintic, wounded at Orange Court 
 
 House; Midland, Tex. 
 Fourth Sergt. Robert J. Glendy, wounded in Cattle raid, 1864; 
 
 Pulaski county, Va. 
 Color Sergt. Joseph Silvers, wounded and died after the war. 
 First Corp. William P. Thompson, killed near Rapidan sta- 
 tion. Orange county, Va., August 2nd, 1862. 
 Second Corp. Fendall C. Donnella, mortally wounded in 1864 
 in Hampton Cattle raid on Blackwater River; died in 
 hospital in North Carolina. 
 Third Corp. Zorobabel Ailstock, wounded ; died after the war. 
 
440 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Fourth Corp. William H. Anderson, wounded, sabre tierce 
 through arm, Orange Court House, August 2nd, 1862, 
 and captured; died at Covington, Va., in 1901. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Ailstock, C. F., survived the war; history unknown. 
 
 Ailstock, Jordan, survived the war ; history unknown. 
 
 Archie, Robert, died in 1862. 
 
 Armstrong, Peter, lost ; supposed killed on Jones' raid in West 
 Virginia, April, 1863. 
 
 Armstrong, Dr. J. M., survived the war; last known residence, 
 Knox county. Mo. 
 
 Burger, Samuel C, wounded May 6th, 1864, in the Wilder- 
 ness — Spottsylvania ; died in Bath county, Va., in 1900. 
 
 Burger, David, died after the war in Bath county, Va. 
 
 Burns, Presley F., wounded ; died after the war. 
 
 Burns, John. 
 
 Bishop, George. 
 
 Booth, , killed in West Virginia, where he had gone for 
 
 a fresh horse. 
 
 Brattan, William R., killed. 
 
 Brattan, J. Mitchell, Millboro Springs, Va. 
 
 Brattan, James, died during the war. 
 
 Brodkin, Ami, lost record of. 
 
 Cleek, Eli, Warm Springs, Va. 
 
 Cleek, James G., Warm Springs, Va. 
 
 Crizer, John, died in 1863. 
 
 Crizer, Thomas J., died in Pocahontas county, W. Va., in 1903. 
 
 Crizer, W. H. 
 
 Crizer, Lewis. 
 
 Curry, Andrew, wounded, believed still living; Sunrise, Bath 
 county, Va. 
 
 Cade, Balis, Baptist minister; living at last report in Rich- 
 mond, Va. 
 
 Cosby, Benjamin G., died after the war near Millboro, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 441 
 
 Cosby, John, Millboro, Va. 
 
 Cosby, David, died during the war. 
 
 Cauley, Lee, survived the war ; history unknown. 
 
 Coffee, Henry, Lynchburg. 
 
 Donovan, Stephen, wounded ; Hving at Warm Springs, Va. 
 
 Dean, William, died in 1862. 
 
 Ervin, James, killed May 6th, 1864, in the Wilderness— Spott- 
 
 sylvania. 
 Eagle, Newton, history unknown. 
 Friel, James, history unknown. 
 
 Purr, , lived in Augusta county, but probably dead. 
 
 Gendy, Robert, wounded, living in Pulaski county, W. Va. 
 
 Glendy, Benjamin, wounded. 
 
 Glendy, John, died after the war. 
 
 Glendy, Thomas, died after the war. 
 
 Green, William, mortally wounded and died near Upperville, 
 
 Va., in 1863. 
 Gladwell, John W., survived the war ; according to last account 
 
 living in Highland county, Va. 
 Gayheart, Joseph, history unknown. 
 Holcomb, Joseph, wounded. 
 
 Hook, Elisha, died in Alleghany county, Va., after the war. 
 Husk, Thomas J., last heard of resided in Highland county, Va. 
 Hoover, David, living at Healing Springs, Va. 
 Hively, Thomas J., died during the war. 
 Jackson, Peyton, living at Covington, Va. 
 
 Johnson, , history unknown. 
 
 Keister, William R., wounded ; died after the war in Highland 
 
 or Augusta county, Va. 
 Kincaid, Joseph B., died during or soon after the war. 
 Karnes, William H., wounded, lost leg; died after the war. 
 
 Kemp, , history unknown. 
 
 King, Alexander, living at Iron Gate, Va. 
 
 Lockridge, Cooper, wounded ; drowned after the war in Cow 
 
 Pasture River, Bath county, Va. 
 Lockridge, John, wounded in leg ; living in Bath county, Va. 
 
442 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Lange, Henry C, killed, February, 1863, in Maurertown fight. 
 
 Lange, John, wounded. 
 
 Law, Aaron, wounded and died of wounds (I think). 
 
 Law, Benjamin, wounded ; living at Warm Springs, Va. 
 
 Law, James, died after the war. 
 
 Law, Stephen, living near Staunton, Va. 
 
 Lynch, W. L., died after the war; many years a Methodist 
 Episcopal minister. 
 
 Langridge, Richard, living in Lewiston, Mo. 
 
 McClintic, Adam, killed November 12th, 1864, in charge at 
 Brent's house, near Cedar Creek, Frederick county, Va. 
 
 McClintic, William S., wounded May 6th, 1864, in the Wilder- 
 ness and on Cattle raid — Blackwater River; died after 
 the war. 
 
 McClintic, John S., wounded; living in Monroe City, Mo. 
 
 McClintic, Robert, killed at Pattersons Creek in the winter of 
 1863. 
 
 McClintic, Andrew B., died after the war. 
 
 McClintic, James, history unknown ; said to be living in Mon- 
 tana. 
 
 McDannald, D. Crockett, died in 1862. 
 
 McDannald, William C. 
 
 McDannald, William R., died after the war. 
 
 McMath, Samuel S., died after the war. 
 
 Mayse, Allan C, died after the war. 
 
 Mayse, Charles F., living in Bath county, Va. 
 
 Mayse, George, wounded ; living at Austin, Tex. 
 
 Mayse, Thomas, history unknown. 
 
 Oliver, C. H., wounded ; living at Ollie, Va. 
 
 Oliver, Joseph, died during the war. 
 
 Price, Andrew G., captured ; died in prison. 
 
 Payne, Charles, living in Missouri. 
 
 Phillips, Thomas, living in W. Va. 
 
 Phillips, William, bugler; living in W. Va. 
 
 Richy, Joseph, died after the war. 
 
 Richy, William, living at Warm Springs, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 443 
 
 Reynolds, William H., survived the war ; history unknown . 
 
 Rogers, Stephen, survived the war, history unknown. 
 
 Simpson, George, living at Millboro, Va. 
 
 Simpson, John. 
 
 Simpson, William. 
 
 Shumate, John K., living ; manager of transportation and ani- 
 mal trainer. Sells' Circus. 
 
 Smith, Charles, survived the war. 
 
 Smith, James, wounded ; survived the war. 
 
 Smith, Stuart, survived the war. 
 
 Taylor, Almond C, survived the war. 
 
 Thompson, Benjamin, killed May 6th, 1864, in the Wilderness 
 — Spottsylvania. 
 
 Thompson, Charles, wounded; died in 1906 near Healing 
 Springs, Va. 
 
 Thompson, George, wounded ; died after the war. 
 
 Thompson, Mason, died during the war. 
 
 Thompson, William, killed at Rapidan station, August 2nd, 
 1862. 
 
 Thomas, Charles, living at Hot Springs, Va. 
 
 Thomas, Jacob, killed. 
 
 Thomas, Samuel, wounded; survived the war. 
 
 Williams, Erasmus. 
 
 Williams, Anthony G. 
 
 Williams, Harvey. 
 
 Williams, James, living at Lewiston, Mo. 
 
 Williams, Lewis, died after the war in Salem, Va. 
 
 Winthrow, Jack, living at Millboro Springs, Va. 
 
 Wallace, Andrew, killed at Patterson's Creek, W. Va., in 1865. 
 
 Wallace, Christopher, survived the war. 
 
 Warwick, J. W., Jr., living at Huntersville, W. Va. 
 
 Woodzell, B. F., living in Bath county, Va. 
 
 Woodzell, William, survived the war. 
 
 Wilkinson, Robert S., survived the war ; Warm Springs, Va. 
 
 Young, George, killed in West Virginia raid in 1863. 
 
444 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Company H. 
 
 (Furnished by H. 0. Pierce.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. A. M. Pierce, died since the war. 
 
 First Lieut. Joseph Sherrard, died since the war. 
 
 Second Lieut. Braxton, went to foreign war. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Marker, Amos E., wounded ; prisoner in Camp Chase ; 
 
 Opequon, Va. 
 Wireman, John. 
 
 Orndorff, Ananias, Hving on Cedar Creek. 
 Keiffer, James. 
 
 Frye, Al, Hving in Shenandoah county. 
 Frye, B. F., Mountain Falls, Va. 
 Lichliter, Daniel, died since the war. 
 Fauver, John, died since the war. 
 Fauver, Samuel, killed during the war. 
 Ashwood, Joseph, Lenora, Va. 
 Shell, Samuel, living on Cedar Creek. 
 Orndorff, Lemuel. 
 
 Orndorff, Phineas, died since the war. 
 Conner, Morgan, living on Cedar Creek. 
 Conner, James, living about Halltown. 
 Whetzel, James, Clearbrook, Va. 
 Clark, James, Braddock Distillery, Cumberland, Md. 
 Frye, Joseph Presley, died since the war. 
 Himmelwright, Joseph, Star Tannery. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 445 
 
 (Furnished by R. M. Cooper.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. A. M. Pierce, wounded ; now dead. 
 
 First Lieut. Joseph H. Sherrard, wounded ; now dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. A. C. Braxton. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Bowman, John, Wheatfield, Shenandoah county, Va. 
 Clarke, James, prisoner ; Cumberland, W. Va. 
 Crosin, Randolph. 
 Conner, Morgan, Zepp, Va. 
 Conner, James, Zepp, Va. 
 Cauplin, P. 
 
 Cooper, R. M., wounded at Amelia Springs just before sur- 
 render ; Bloom, Shenandoah county, Va. 
 Dinkel, Peter, Winchester, Va. 
 Eskridge, Heck, Gravel Springs. 
 Fauver, Samuel, killed ; forgot name of place. 
 Fauver, John, prisoner ; died since the war. 
 Frye, Joseph P., killed in valley. 
 Frye, A. N., living at Woodstock, Va. 
 Frye, James, living at Winchester, Va. 
 Green, J. B., prisoner; New Orleans. 
 Huff, John, living at Gravel Springs. 
 Himelright, Joseph M., wounded; Star Tannery, Va. 
 Himelright, James, dead. 
 
 Linaburg, Martin, living at Stephens City, Va. 
 Orndorff, Ananias. 
 Orndorff, Setz, dead. 
 Orndorff, Joseph B., dead. 
 Orndorff, Amos, dead. 
 Orndorff, M. 
 
446 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Orndorff, Lemuel, don't know if living or not ; postoffice, Zepp, 
 
 Va. 
 Shell, Samuel, wounded near some church; Zepp, Va. (I 
 
 think). 
 Smith, Sandy, dead. 
 
 Smith, William, Wheatfield, Shenandoah county, Va. 
 Whetzel, James, living at Clearbrook, Va. 
 White, Ira, killed at the Wilderness. 
 Wilson, Martin. 
 Wimer, Jack. 
 
 Company I. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. M. M. Ballj wounded. 
 
 Lieut. William H. Kirby, killed. 
 
 Lieut. Alfred Moore, severely wounded ; dead. 
 
 Lieut. William H. Reid, dead. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Alexander, B. 
 
 Alexander, D. 
 
 Ball, Charles H., severely wounded prior to 1864; returned 
 and served to Appomattox; 171 1 Oxford St., Philadel- 
 phia, Pa. 
 
 Ball, John H., killed at Jeffersonton. 
 
 Ball, John T., wounded; Washington, D. C. 
 
 Ball, Lewin T,, Lewinsville, Va. 
 
 Ball, M. M., wounded ; captain at close of war. 
 
 Ball, Summerfield, killed 1864, Nances Shop. 
 
 Ball, William S., wounded on November 12th, 1864; United 
 States Treasurer's Office, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Ball, WilHam W., dead. 
 
 Bell, B. A. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 447 
 
 Bell, G. H. 
 
 Billings, Edward. 
 
 Billings, William, severely wounded on raid in West Virginia. 
 
 Burke, T. T. 
 
 Butler, W. B. 
 
 Carrigan, J. P. 
 
 Catlett, H. C. 
 
 Cleveland, H. C. 
 
 Casliman, T. 
 
 Clump, John, wounded. 
 
 Cockrell, Seth, wounded on October 7th, 1864. 
 
 Cooksey, J. W. 
 
 Cooney, Patrick, wounded in Cattle raid in 1864. 
 
 Dodd, Markus. 
 
 Donatini, L. G., died in service. 
 
 Estes, 
 
 Everson, Doyle. 
 
 Fairfax, John. 
 
 Fenton, J. B. 
 
 Ford, W. E. 
 
 Grigsby, P. C. 
 
 Grigsby, T. M., not with company after capture in Alexandria. 
 
 Gheen, G. 
 
 Harding, G. 
 
 Harrison, George H. 
 
 Heath, J. B., did not return after capture in Alexandria. 
 
 Hughes, John T. 
 
 Hughes, L. T. 
 
 Hughes, D. 
 
 JefTeries, Richard, dead. 
 
 Kirby, Asbury, wounded; Falls Church, Va. 
 
 Kirby, George F., wounded; dead. 
 
 McCartney, wounded. 
 
 McClannahan, John. 
 
 McClung, 
 
 McCorkle, 
 
448 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Morter, 
 
 Nelson, James W., killed. 
 
 Nelson, Joseph, died in service. 
 
 Perry, Alex, Conway, Fla. 
 
 Ratcliffe, C. W., did not return after capture in Alexandria. 
 
 Reid, E. C, wounded; Washington, D. C. 
 
 Ritenour, David. 
 
 Rutler, G. W. 
 
 Smith, A. M. 
 
 Smith, F. M. 
 
 Saunders, Plunk. 
 
 Stalcup, Joshua, dead. 
 
 Speaks, J. H., did not return after capture in Alexandria. 
 
 Summers, 
 
 Thompson, Joseph, wounded in ann and breast; Ash Grove, 
 
 Va. 
 Taylor, John S. 
 Toole, Patrick. 
 Toole, John. 
 
 Utterback, William H., severely wounded. 
 Ward. Joseph. 
 
 W i'liams, R., died in service. 
 Winn, John, killed. 
 
 Company K. 
 
 {Furnished by D. C. Snyder.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 ^ ieut. William Powell, unknown. 
 
 Second Lieut. Jack Smith, Upperville, Va. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Chappell, Georg-e, Bluemont, Va. 
 ^rish, Donk, unknown. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 449 
 
 Furr, Frazier, Bluemont, Va. 
 Furr, Harris, Bluemont, Va. 
 Grimes, George, unknown. 
 Grimes, Joseph, unknown. 
 Moore, James, Bluemont, Va. 
 Moore, Joseph C, Bluemont, Va. 
 Murphy, J. T., Leesburg, Va. 
 Murphy, Moses B., unknown. 
 Powell, Lute, unknown. 
 Powell, Watt, unknown. 
 Pyles, William, Millwood, Va. 
 Shell, Alfred, Bluemont, Va. 
 Shafer, John T., Bluemont, Va. 
 Smith, George, Bluemont, Va. 
 Smith, Jackson, Bluemont, Va. 
 Stickles, Jno. M., Bluemont, Va. 
 Stickles, Henry, Bluemont, Va. 
 Thompson, William, Bluemont, Va. 
 Tomblin, James, Bluemont, Va. 
 Wiley, James, Bluemont, Va. 
 Willingham, George, unknown. 
 
MUSTER ROLL OF TWELFTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY 
 
 (LAUREL BRIGADE), ARMY OF 
 
 NORTHERN VIRGINIA. 
 
 Col. Assher W. Harman, of Staunton, Va., wounded at Fleet- 
 wood Hill, near Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863; long 
 time a prisoner of war; now dead. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Thomas E. Massie, of Warren county, Va. ; several 
 times wounded, once severely; now living in Rappa- 
 hannock county, Va. 
 
 Major John Locher Knott, of Jefferson county, Va., wounded; 
 afterwards killed at High Bridge. 
 
 Adjt. Lewis Harman, of Staunton, Va., afterwards commis- 
 sioned captain of Company I ; but short time in com- 
 mand, being soon after captured and held a prisoner 
 to near end of the war. 
 
 Company A. 
 
 (Furnished by A. L. Oshourn and James IV. McGarry.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 First Capt. Isabel, dead. 
 
 Second Capt. John Henderson, dead. 
 
 Third Capt. James W. Glenn, Shenandoah Junction, W. Va. 
 
 Fourth Capt. W. H. Morrow, dead. 
 
 First Lieut. Jacob Engle, dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. Samuel M. Engle, dead. 
 
 Third Lieut. Charles Owen, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 James Osborn, dead. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 451 
 
 First Sergt. James A. Langdon, New York. 
 Corp. J. Corbin Blackford, killed. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Ashby, John, whereabouts unknown, 
 
 Blake, George V., Brucetown, Va. 
 
 Billmyer, William, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Blue, Joseph G., Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 
 Blue, John, Leetown, W. Va. 
 
 Barner, C. Eldrige, Middleway, W. Va. 
 
 Bolus, Thomas, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Brown, Joe, Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Burns, Isaac, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Brown, Thomas, dead. 
 
 Barringer, Frank, dead. 
 
 Belt, Adam S., dead. 
 
 Butt, J. W., Tennessee. 
 
 Barrett, Charles, dead. 
 
 Briscoe, William, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Boyer, George, dead. 
 
 Cameron, William H., dead. 
 
 Coyle, Joseph H., killed. 
 
 Coyle, Jerome B., Leetown, W. Va. 
 
 Coyle, L M., killed. 
 
 Cincindiver, James, Ridgeway, W. Va. 
 
 Cincindiver, George, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Coleman, John, killed. 
 
 Cockrill, Thomas, dead. 
 
 Colbert, John, killed. 
 
 Cincindiver, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Cincindiver, Samuel, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Cramer, Robert, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Dillow, Joe, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Dooley, Lewis, Columbus, O. 
 
 Dorn, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
452 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Doran, Matthew, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Dailey, John, Dailey, W. Va. 
 
 Dailey, Richard, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
 
 Driscol, Daniel, killed. 
 
 Dixon, George, Halltown, W. Va. 
 
 Dorsey, Patrick, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Engle, Benjamin, Bakerton, W. Va. 
 
 Engle, Henry, Engles, W. Va. 
 
 Engle, Brent, Ohio. 
 
 Engle, William, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Foreman, Ferry, St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 Frith, John, dead. 
 
 Foreman, Charles, Missouri. 
 
 Geisling, Harrison, Ellicott City, Md. 
 
 Gheisling, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Gainor, Patrick, Texas. 
 
 Glassford, Alexander, dead. 
 
 Garrison, Lewis, dead. 
 
 Grove, Henry, killed. 
 
 Hicks, John, killed. 
 
 Hess, J. Frank, Shenandoah, Va. 
 
 Homer, Sandy, Gaylord, Va. 
 
 Homer, Thomas, Shenandoah, Va. 
 
 Homer, William, killed. 
 
 Hosier, James, dead. 
 
 Hughes, Thomas, Maryland. 
 
 Harrold, Elihu, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Hiser, John, killed. 
 
 Jones, George, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Jones, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Keller, John, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
 
 Kimmell, John, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
 
 Kimmell, Isaac, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
 
 Kane, Maurice, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Kerfoot, P., dead. 
 
 Lance, James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 453 
 
 Loyns, Jeff., whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Lattimer, T., dead. 
 
 Manuel, Thornton, Duffields, W. Va. 
 
 Manuel, John, dead. 
 
 Manuel, Columbus, dead. 
 
 McGlone, Edward, dead. 
 
 McCann, Patrick, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Manuel, Lucien, Culpeper, Va. 
 
 Manuel, Jasper, Duffields, W. Va. 
 
 Moore, Vincent, Kearneysville, W. Va. 
 
 Moore, Albert, Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Mercer, Fenton, dead. 
 
 McSherry, William, Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 McWinkle, J., dead. 
 
 Morgan, Samuel, killed. 
 
 McGarry, James W., Shenandoah Junction, W. Va. 
 
 Miller, James, dead. 
 
 Niceley, A. D., Kansas. 
 
 Noland, Charles, killed. 
 
 Nelson, Isaac, Winchester, Va. 
 
 O'Bannon, Hiram, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 O'Bannon, Alfred, dead. 
 
 O'Connell, Patrick, dead. 
 
 Piper, William, dead. 
 
 Piper, James, dead. 
 
 Painter, Lewis, killed. 
 
 Painter, Jacob, killed. 
 
 Painter, James, dead. 
 
 Pearl, Burt, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Rockenbaugh, John W., dead. 
 
 Roberts, Samuel. 
 
 Roberts, William, dead. 
 
 Ramey, Michael, killed. 
 
 Reed, Benjamin, Tennessee. 
 
 Ramey, Isaac, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Sager, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
454 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Staley, Parin, Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 
 Seldon, Carey, transferred to Company B ; living at Washing- 
 ton, D. C 
 
 Spater, Charles, dead. 
 
 Shepherd, William, dead. 
 
 Shipway, Thomas, dead. 
 
 Staub, Lewis, dead. 
 
 Staub, Jessie, killed. 
 
 Small, A. S., Barton, Md. 
 
 Souders, F. B., dead ; Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Skinner, William, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Thompson, Charles, dead. 
 
 Thompson, Josiah, dead. 
 
 Trist, John, Louisiana. 
 
 Taylor, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Whittington, Daniel, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Whittington, James W., transferred to Company B ; where- 
 abouts unknown. 
 
 Wiltshire, Charles B., killed. 
 
 Wiltshire, Dr. James G., transferred to Mosby's Battalion ; 
 Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Wright, W. H., Iowa. 
 
 Whittington, John Newton, dead. 
 
 Webster, Dallas, Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Whittington, James C, Jefferson county, W. Va. 
 
 Wagley, William, dead. 
 
 Way, Harrison A., whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Yull, Stephen, dead. 
 
 Zombro, George, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Company B. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. R. W. Baylor, badly wounded. 
 
 First Lieut. Milton Rouss, wounded ; captured at Brandy Sta- 
 tion; some time in prison. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 455 
 
 Second Lieut. George Roland, left the service. 
 
 Second Lieut. B. C. Washington, wounded three times; twice 
 
 a prisoner. 
 Third Lieut. George Baylor, wounded. 
 Orderly Sergt. S. W. Timberlake, wounded ; several horses 
 
 shot under him; was called "The fighting Sergeant." 
 Second Sergt. J. H. Conklyn. 
 Third Sergt. C. W. Trussell. 
 Fourth Sergt. W. C. Frazier, wounded. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Aisquith, E. M. 
 
 Aisquith, W. M., dead. 
 
 Anderson, Isaac, wounded. 
 
 Alexander, Charles, dead. 
 
 Alexander, Herbert, died from effects of imprisonment. 
 
 Averill, William, killed. 
 
 Baylor, Richard C., killed at Parkers Store. 
 
 Baylor, Robert W., Jr., killed in Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Bartlett, Joseph, wounded. 
 
 Baker, William H., wounded. 
 
 Baney, Thaddeus, killed at Jacks Shop. 
 
 Barringer, James. 
 
 Beall, H. D. Noted scout ; belonged to Baltimore Sun edi- 
 torial corps; captured near Lexington, Va., and held in 
 prison till end of the war. 
 
 Bell, Daniel, wounded. 
 
 Berry, Charles, wounded ; dead. 
 
 Bonham, Edward. 
 
 Butler, J. D. 
 
 Conklyn, C. C. 
 
 Chamberlain, Lucien. 
 
 Crane, C. L. 
 
 Castleman, Robert, wounded; dead. 
 
 Cooke, B. W. 
 
456 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Coleman, John, wounded. 
 
 Conrad, Morris. 
 
 Conrad, J. M. M. 
 
 Crane, Joseph, dead. 
 
 Crane, J. C, wounded. 
 
 Cookus, Robert. 
 
 Creaton, George, wounded ; dead. 
 
 Coyle, J. W., dead. 
 
 Craighill, R. T., wounded. 
 
 Dovenberger, Daniel, wounded. 
 
 Easterday, Joseph. 
 
 Easterday, John. 
 
 Eddins, H. C, wounded in Cattle raid. 
 
 English, W. D., wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Faughnder, Daniel, wounded. 
 
 Faughnder, Fenton. 
 
 Fry, J. D. 
 
 Gallaher, J. H., wounded ; dead. 
 
 Gallaher, Edward, dead. 
 
 Gallaher, J. S., dead. 
 
 Gordon, Abraham, wounded. 
 
 Gibson, W. H., dead. 
 
 Grantham, J. S., dead. 
 
 Henderson, Charles E., wounded. 
 
 Henderson, Robert, dead. 
 
 Hilbert, John, dead. 
 
 Hilbert, George. 
 
 Howell, John. 
 
 Huyett, R. D.. killed ; refused to surrender. 
 
 Hoffmaster, J. W. 
 
 Hutchinson, Dr. Julian, dead. 
 
 Hunter, H. C, dead. 
 
 Isler, C. H., killed at Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863. 
 
 Johnson, Charles G. 
 
 Lackland, E. M., dead, 
 
 Lewis, B. F. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 457 
 
 Lewis, J. L. 
 
 Lewis, Elisha. 
 
 Lewis, George, killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Lewis, David, killed. 
 
 Locke, William, killed at Yellow Tavern. 
 
 Manning, C. J. 
 
 Manning, G. U., killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Manning, William P., wounded, June 9th, 1863. 
 
 Manning, F. J., wounded ; dead. 
 
 Manning, A. D. 
 
 Myers, Thomas. 
 
 Mason, William S. 
 
 McKnown, Warner, killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 McCluer, John. 
 
 Moore, Monrose, killed. 
 
 Nicely, Charles. 
 
 North, Robert, dead. 
 
 Rouss, C. B., dead ; enlisted from patriotic duty at the last call 
 of Lee. A fine fighter ; was a successful New York mer- 
 chant; gave $100,000 to the fund for a Southern battle 
 abbey, and spent his fortune freely to relieve needy 
 Confederate soldiers. 
 
 Ranson, Thomas D., of Staunton, Va., was wounded at Mc- 
 Dowell and Cross Keys while lieutenant in Fifty-second 
 Virginia Infantry. He joined Company B as a private ; 
 was a noted scout for Generals Stuart and R. E. Lee ; 
 wounded and taken prisoner at Tom's Brook, and held 
 until June, 1865. 
 
 Ranson, B. B. 
 
 Randall, James, dead. 
 
 Redman, T. B. 
 
 Rowland, J. H. 
 
 Strider, Isaac H., wounded. 
 
 Starry, Tustin. 
 
 Sadler, L. L., dead. 
 
 Selden, W. C, wounded. 
 
458 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Smith, John W., killed in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 Tearney, Leo. 
 Thompson, William S. 
 Timberlake, George, wounded. 
 Timberlake, Richard, killed in Cattle raid. 
 Timberlake, Stephen. 
 Timberlake, J. H., wounded ; dead. 
 Timberlake, J. L., wounded. 
 Timberlake, T. W., wounded. 
 Timberlake, Harry. 
 Trussell, J. T. 
 Trussell, E. C, dead. 
 Trussell, Moses. 
 Terrill, Philip, killed. 
 Terrill, J. U. 
 
 Washington, George, wounded ; dead. 
 
 Washington, J. C., died in Fort McHenry, prisoner of war. 
 Wysong, R. L, wounded ; dead. 
 Willis, Beale. 
 
 Willis, Albert, died during the war. 
 Willis, Frank, dead. 
 
 Wilson, William L., member of Congress and Postmaster- 
 General in Administration of Cleveland. 
 Wiltshire, J. C, killed. 
 Whittington, Benjamin, dead. 
 Wolfe, John W. 
 Wright, Samuel, killed. 
 Workman, John, killed. 
 Wingard, George, wounded. 
 Yates, John O.^ dead. 
 Young, Mason E. 
 Zombro, J. W., dead. 
 Zombro, T. B., killed. 
 Zombro, J. D, 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 459 
 
 Company C. 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. John H. Ford, wounded at Poolesville, Md., and at 
 
 Jacks Shop. 
 First Lieut. W. H. Myers. 
 
 Second Lieut. Joseph R. Wood, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 Third Lieut. Richard Sydnor, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 First Sergt. R. S. D. Heironomus, wounded at Jacks Shop by 
 
 sabre cut and in several other fights. 
 Second Sergt. Edgar Davis. 
 Third Sergt. George Chenowith. 
 
 Fourth Sergt. Thomas M. Eddy, wounded at Berry ville, Va. 
 First Corp. Henry Huntsberry. 
 
 Second Corp. T. J. Jackson, killed in the Wilderness. 
 Third Corp. George Hilliard, wounded at Culpeper Court 
 
 House. 
 Fourth Corp. Marshall McDonald. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Adams, John D., wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Ashwood, Thomas. 
 
 Ashwood, Eli. 
 
 Brumback, Jacob. 
 
 Brumback, Joseph. 
 
 Baylis, Milton, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Bowers, Frank. 
 
 Brown, James. 
 
 Baker, William. 
 
 Baker, John. 
 
 Brown, Joseph. 
 
 Baker, Henry. 
 
 Bennett, Peter. 
 
 Beemer, John. 
 
460 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Brumback, Dallas. 
 
 Bell, John. 
 
 Bell, Henry. 
 
 Bell, Joseph. 
 
 Copenhaver, Morgan. 
 
 Colsten, John T., wounded at Reams Station. 
 
 Carter, Charles, wounded in the Wilson raid. 
 
 Carter, Joseph. 
 
 Crisman, Jacob, wounded at Jacks Shop. 
 
 Dififendiver, Benjamin. 
 
 Dugans, 
 
 Dugans, 
 
 Daugherty, William, died from exposure in Beverly raid. 
 
 Everhart, Newton. 
 
 Everhart, Jackson, killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Eddy, Theodore. 
 
 Everhart, Thomas. 
 
 Fenwick, William. 
 
 Fenwick, Ignatius, wounded at Beverly. 
 
 Fry, Marshall. 
 
 Fry, Jesse. 
 
 Fugerson, Charles. 
 
 Fugett, George. 
 
 Flowers, Frank. 
 
 Ginn, C. H. 
 
 Glaze, Henry, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Grove, Josiah. 
 
 Heitt, J. T., wounded at Port Republic; dead. 
 
 Herbert, William. 
 
 Hunter, George. 
 
 Huntsberry, Jacob. 
 
 Hilliard, Jacob. 
 
 Harris, Sulton, killed at Reams Station. 
 
 Jenkins, John, mortally wounded near Richmond. 
 
 Jones, Charles, wounded near Richmond. 
 
 Kaufman, G., dead. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 461 
 
 Kramer, William, wounded at Second Manassas. 
 
 Keefer, Frederick. 
 
 Loge, Jacob. 
 
 Lupton, John, killed at Edenburg. 
 
 Leopard, William. 
 
 McDonald, Samuel, wounded. 
 
 McDonald, James. 
 
 McDonald, Joseph. 
 
 Miller, Dudley. 
 
 Miller, Robert, wounded. 
 
 Marker, J. M. 
 
 Marshall, Edward. 
 
 Meade, James. 
 
 Pitman, Archie. 
 
 Pitman, John. 
 
 Pitman, Joseph. 
 
 Pitzer, Charles. 
 
 Pitzer, Alexander. 
 
 Patterson, Newton. 
 
 Patterson, Henry, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Pitcher, William. 
 
 Perry, Joseph. 
 
 Piper, Calvin, wounded at Patterson's Creek and killed at 
 
 Winchester. 
 Piper, William. 
 
 Rudolph, Joseph, killed in the Wilderness. 
 Rudolph, N. 
 Roderick, Thomas. 
 Russell, J. W. 
 Reed, W. E. 
 Shank, Henry C. 
 Shull, Briscoe. 
 Snapp, Sydner. 
 Shrout, Lewis. 
 Shroad, David. 
 Shroad, George. 
 
462 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Sperry, W. S. 
 
 Stump, Calvin. 
 
 Sydnor, Fauntleroy. 
 
 Sydnor, Cyrus. 
 
 Strieker, Robert. 
 
 Shepherd, I. N., badly wounded at Brandy Station. 
 
 Sharley, John. 
 
 Tanquary, Henry. 
 
 White, John. 
 
 Wright, Joseph. 
 
 Wisecarver, A. 
 
 Yolle, J. P., wounded badly at Kernstown. 
 
 Yeakley, Martin. 
 
 Company D. 
 
 (Furnished by A. L. Osbourn.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. H. W. Kearney, wounded ; dead. 
 
 First Lieut. George Engle, dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. J. W. James, wounded ; Wyoming, Jones county, 
 
 Iowa. 
 Third Lieut. Benjamin Lucas, killed in Cattle raid. 
 First Sergt. Charles Haines, wounded ; Waynesboro, Va. 
 Second Sergt. John Allen, dead. 
 Third Sergt. J. W. McCleary, wounded ; dead. 
 Fourth Sergt. G. W. Watson, prisoner; Parkersburg, W. Va. 
 Fifth Sergt. Andrew Higgins, dead. 
 First Corp. James Allen, Summit Point, W. Va. 
 Second Corp. J. W. Coffinbarger, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 Third Corp. E. C. Deck, dead. 
 Fourth Corp. A. L. Osbourn, prisoner; Shenandoah Junction, 
 
 W. Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 463 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Athey, James, prisoner; Coffeeville, Kans. 
 
 Adams, W. A., dead. 
 
 Andrews, John, dead. 
 
 Andrews, Daniel, prisoner; Louisiana, Mo. 
 
 Brubaker, Isaac, dead. 
 
 Brantner, George, dead. 
 
 Bane, Garrett, dead. 
 
 Burley, P. 
 
 Banks, Washington, dead. 
 
 Badger, John. 
 
 Backus, H. C., prisoner; dead. 
 
 Bowers, George W., dead. 
 
 Barnhart, George, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Caton, George W., prisoner ; dead. 
 
 Conrad, Nathaniel, Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Conrad, Alexander, wounded; Harrisonburg, Va. 
 
 Cook, George, killed. 
 
 Cook, James, prisoner; dead. 
 
 Clymer, Daniel, killed. 
 
 Clymer, Frank, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Chambers, L M., dead. 
 
 Currie, Charles, wounded ; dead. 
 
 Dickson, J. C, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Dodson, Thomas, killed. 
 
 Deck, Frederick, prisoner ; Spencer, O. 
 
 Elliott, Charles, killed. 
 
 Engle, Benjamin, prisoner; Alva, Wyo. 
 
 Furrey, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Furrey, Martin, Keameysville, W. Va. 
 
 Fraley, David, wounded ; Molers Crossroads, W. Va. 
 
 Fraley, James, Snyders Mills, W. Va. 
 
 Flanagan, William, dead. 
 
 Farnsworth, John B., Summit Point, W. Va. 
 
 Frazier, James, dead. 
 
464 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Gall, George, wounded; whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Gay, James, dead. 
 
 Hipsley, Thomas, wounded ; prisoner ; dead. 
 
 Hicks, J. W., killed. 
 
 Hess, Charles, wounded ; dead. 
 
 Henkle, D. Grove, wounded; dead. 
 
 Higgins, Owen, wounded; whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Hayslett, William, Middleway, W. Va. 
 
 Hayslett, John, Middleway, W. Va. 
 
 Hagley, George H., wounded ; Charlestown, W. Va. 
 
 Hough, Mason, wounded ; dead. 
 
 Hendricks, Daniel W., Uvilla, W. Va. 
 
 Hendricks, Tobias, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 
 Hendricks, J. M., wounded ; Molers Crossroads, W. Va. 
 
 Hoffman, David, killed. 
 
 Hoffman, George, dead. 
 
 Hoffman, John, dead. 
 
 Hanby, William, dead. 
 
 Hudson, Charles, dead. 
 
 Hastings, Daniel B., dead. 
 
 Herr, E. G. W., dead. 
 
 Hartman, George, prisoner; dead 
 
 Holmes, David C, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Heckroach, William, dead. 
 
 Halpin, Robert, dead. 
 
 House, Samuel, dead. 
 
 James, James W., Wyoming, Iowa. 
 
 Johnson, William, killed. 
 
 Johnson, E. C, dead. 
 
 Johnson, George, wounded ; Leetown, W. Va. 
 
 Kilmer, Harry, dead. 
 
 Knott, Charles H., dead. 
 
 Kephart, W. H. H., dead. 
 
 Kephart, Jacob, Duffields, W. Va. 
 
 Keys, J. Richard, dead. 
 
 Keys, James, dead. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 465 
 
 Kisner, Joseph, dead. 
 
 Knott, George S., Molers Crossroads, W. Va. 
 Lewis, John, prisoner; dead. 
 Lewis, David, prisoner; dead. 
 
 Leopold, Andrew, prisoner; executed as a spy by order Gen- 
 eral Dix. 
 Licklider, John C., dead. 
 
 Licklider, Frank, wounded ; whereabouts unknown. 
 Licklider, Joseph Seiss, wounded ; Roanoke, Va. 
 Loudon, John, prisoner ; Molers Crossroads, W. Va. 
 Lambert, Charles O., Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 Melvin, William, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 Morningstar, Charles, killed. 
 Minghinna, Joseph, Martinsburg, W. Va. 
 Moore, George, dead. 
 Melvin, James, Halltown, W. Va. 
 More, Bart, whereabouts unknown. 
 Moler, D. Griff, dead. 
 Moler, Rollin, prisoner ; killed. 
 Moler, Raleigh, Uvilla, W. Va. 
 Moler, George, dead. 
 Moler, Jacob S., Bakerton, W. Va. 
 Moler, H. Clay, dead. 
 Moler, William, Bakerton, W. Va. 
 Moler, Newton, wounded ; prisoner ; Bolivar, W. Va. 
 Morgan, Frank, dead. 
 Mackin, Patrick, prisoner; Richmond, Va. 
 Merritt, Henry, Ilchester, Md. 
 McBee, William, dead. 
 
 McGarry, James W., prisoner; Shenandoah Junction, W. Va. 
 Nichols, Lewis, Halltown, W. Va. 
 Osboum, George, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 Osbourn, James B., wounded, Shenandoah Junction, W. Va. 
 Osbourn, R. L., prisoner ; wounded ; Leetown, W. Va. 
 Ogden, John J., Parkersburg, W. Va. 
 Polly, Samuel, dead. 
 
466 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Patten, James, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
 
 Prather, Charles, dead. 
 
 Prather, Dent, prisoner; Leetown, W. Va. 
 
 Pretzman, Wallace, dead. 
 
 Roberts, Robert, wounded; dead. 
 
 Roberts, James, Leetown, W. Va. 
 
 Reed, Samuel, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Ronemous, George, dead. 
 
 Reinhart, Phil, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 
 Reinhart, William, wounded; prisoner; Shepherdstown, W. 
 
 Va. 
 Ritter, James, dead. 
 
 Rutherford, Thomas, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 Roe, George, dead. 
 Smith, William, Bolton, Miss. 
 Smith, George, wounded; Charlestown, W. Va. 
 Strider, Howard, prisoner; dead. 
 Simpson, John T., wounded ; Airmont, Va. 
 Shirley, James, dead. 
 
 Swimley, H. Harrison, Summit Point, W. Va. 
 Swimley, J. Samuel, Brucetown, Via. ; wounded twice. 
 
 Shewbridge, John H., dead. 
 
 Staley, William, prisoner; Selma, Gal. 
 
 Slavin, John, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Show, Gollin, Shepherdstown, W. Va. 
 
 Snyder, James, killed. 
 
 Snyder, John, dead. 
 
 Ware, Richard, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Wright, James, dead. 
 
 Watson, William, killed. 
 
 Watson, Eph, wounded; Leetown, W. Va. 
 
 Welch, Michael, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Watson, Bart, Middleway, W. Va. 
 
 Whittington, James, Duffields, W. Va. 
 
 Wintermoyer, William, dead. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 467 
 
 Wilson, John, dead. 
 
 Zombro, Isaac, Middleway, W. Va. 
 
 Company E. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. James Marshall. 
 First Lieut. J. C. McKay. 
 Second Lieut. Thomas Marshall. 
 Second Lieut. James Marshall. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Bowman, W. H. 
 
 Conrad, W. B. 
 
 Bowman, Allen. 
 
 Berryman, W. A. 
 
 Strother, John A. 
 
 Boyd, M. A., Clarke. 
 
 Amiss, J. B., Winchester, shoemaker. 
 
 Cullers, L. H. 
 
 Bolen, A. R., dead. 
 
 Brewer, J. W., Shenandoah. 
 
 Berryman, George, killed. 
 
 Berryman, Thomas, killed. 
 
 Bowman, John. 
 
 Bauserman, W. I{. 
 
 Brown, J. W. 
 
 Bushong', James. 
 
 Bushong, Calvin. 
 
 Bushong, E. M. 
 
 Bushong, Mark. 
 
 Biedler, Jacob. 
 
 Berryman, W. A. 
 
 Brannan, A. J. 
 
468 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Crabill, Silas, New Market. 
 
 Castillo, John. 
 
 Derflinger, James, Winchester, Va. 
 
 Delinger, John, Middletown, Va. 
 
 Fox, Sidney. 
 
 French, James H. 
 
 Forsyth, William, dead ; Winchester, Va. 
 
 Green, E. A., dead; Winchester, Va. 
 
 Garrett, R. M., Galveston. 
 
 Hottle, Nathaniel, Frederick, Va, 
 
 Hyde, Peter S., Piedmont, W. Va. 
 
 Hall, David. 
 
 Hall, Jeff. 
 
 Hall, Elijah. 
 
 Hall, Wesley. 
 
 Hockman, Henry. 
 
 Jenkins, Gabriel. 
 
 Johnson, Joseph. 
 
 Kelley, Patrick. 
 
 Knight, George, Winchester, Va. 
 
 Keiser, Edwin. 
 
 Kern, Hy. 
 
 Legg, Bushrod. 
 
 Lambert, William. 
 
 Lichliter, Wayman. 
 
 Lake, A, 
 
 ^^SS' J- B., Georgetown, D. C. 
 
 Miller, David. 
 
 Mills, Robert. 
 
 Mills, John. 
 
 McDonald, George. 
 
 Mclnturff, James. 
 
 Marshall, James. 
 
 Marshall, Thomas. 
 
 Marshall, Charles. 
 
 Marshall, Alfred. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 469 
 
 Maddox, R. B. 
 Maddox, C. J. 
 Maddox, J. W. 
 Maddox, W. B. 
 Maddox, J. N. 
 Maddox, T. S. 
 McKens, H. 
 Mills, Charles. 
 Majers, Hy. Coleman. 
 Pence, Lemuel. 
 Painter, W. H. 
 Pickrell, Hy. C. 
 Pickrell, George. 
 Rucker, Samuel. 
 Rouzee, Benjamin. 
 Riley, R. V. 
 Ryman, Isaac. 
 Ryman, George. 
 Smith, Ch. 
 Smith, John. 
 Smith, A. M. 
 Silmond, Richard. 
 Shipe, Jacob. 
 Strickler, Abram. 
 Strickler, Martin. 
 Smoot, Philip. 
 Sealves, George. 
 Sealcock, George. 
 Wright, A. M. 
 Wright, Silas. 
 Williams, William. 
 
 Company F. 
 
 This company was composed for the most part of Mary- 
 landers. Its first captain was Harry Gilmore, and the next 
 
470 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 James Clarke. First lieutenant, Warner Welsh; second lieu- 
 tenant, Maury Hurst, of Jefferson county, Virginia; orderly 
 sergeant, Samuel Hansburger, of Harrisonburg, Va. The 
 company was not strong numerically, but was composed of 
 splendid fighting men, and it is unfortunate no record of its 
 brilliant achievements on detached service and with the brigade 
 has been obtainable, and that no roll of officers and men seems 
 to have been preserved. Harry Gilmore in his book, "Four 
 Years in the Saddle," devoted almost every page of it to his 
 own personal exploits, mentions Company F only once, and 
 does not mention the name of officer or private as having 
 served in it. Private John H. Cook, whose residence is not 
 given, and W. H. Richardson, of Austin, Tex., are the only 
 privates reported. The latter was wounded in the Wilderness, 
 was promoted to first lieutenant in a company of the Second 
 Maryland Battalion, in which he served until the surrender. 
 
 Company G. 
 
 A partial roll of this company is furnished by Lieut. W. F. 
 Anderson, of Covington, Va. : 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. A. M. Willis. 
 First Lieut. A. C. Swindler. 
 Second Lieut. W. F. Anderson. 
 Third Lieut. John Eastham. 
 
 At the reorganization Willis resigned and A. C. Swindler 
 was made captain ; W. F. Anderson, first lieutenant ; Eastham, 
 second lieutenant, and W. H. Brownell, third lieutenant. Lieu- 
 tenant Anderson, a most gallant officer, was practically the 
 commander of this company throughout the war, from Buck- 
 ton Station to Appomattox. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 471 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Samuel J. Spindle, dead. 
 
 Sergt. Samuel Van Horn, dead. 
 
 Sergt. R. J. Wood. 
 
 Turner, Jordan. 
 
 Turner, Thomas. 
 
 Carter, F. Pendleton. 
 
 Howard, H. R. 
 
 Anderson, H. B. 
 
 Dodson, William. 
 
 Dodson, Lloyd. 
 
 Dodson, Stephen. 
 
 Finchams, Jack. 
 
 Pierce, Brock. 
 
 Hackley, James. 
 
 Priest, Mason. 
 
 Dearing, James A. 
 
 Fincham, Fidler. 
 
 Grigsby, Elijah. 
 
 Kirby, Thomas. 
 
 Schwartz, Thomas. 
 
 Schwartz, John. 
 
 Partlow, Leonard. 
 
 Jenkins, Mat. 
 
 Rosson, John. 
 
 Fogg, Joseph. 
 
 Baggarly, Charles. 
 
 Weakley, James K. 
 
 Byers, . 
 
472 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Company H. 
 Officers, 
 
 Capt. Emanuel Sipe, wounded in Wilderness, May, 1864; Val- 
 ley, October, 1864; held at Fort Delaware three months; 
 made lieutenant-colonel in 1864 and placed in command 
 of Seventh Virginia Cavalry; captured in 1865 by Sheri- 
 dan's army. 
 
 First Lieut. E. C. Randolph, wounded at Brandy Station, 
 1863, and at Cold Harbor. 
 
 Second Lieut. Joseph Kratzer, taken prisoner and held at 
 Point Lookout and at Charleston, 
 
 Third Lieut. John R. Simpson, resigned January, 1863. 
 
 Fourth Lieut. J. W. Keller, resigned August, 1863. 
 
 Second Lieut. Casper H. Arehart, killed near Ashland, Va., 
 first day of June, 1864. 
 
 Third Lieut. O. P. Horn, wounded in battle near Richmond, 
 Va., captured and held a prisoner at Fort Delaware; 
 promoted lieutenant late in the war. 
 
 First Sergt. W. H. Arehart. 
 
 Second Sergt. Daniel Garber. 
 
 Third Sergt. John Altoflfer. 
 
 Fourth Sergt. John A. Ary, 
 
 Fourth Sergt. John W. Huffman, wounded in the second bat- 
 tle of Manassas, 
 
 First Corp. Martin Holsinger, wounded and died in hospital, 
 October, 1863. 
 
 Second Corp. Thomas J. Perry, wounded at Little Washing- 
 ton, and held prisoner until after the war. 
 
 Third Corp. Jacob Baker. 
 
 Fourth Corp. Samuel Crann. 
 
 Third Corp. Abraham Brunk. 
 
 Fourth Corp. Solon M. Bowman, late in the war. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 473 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Altaffer, J. M., Independence, Kans. 
 
 Altoffer, Joseph, dead. 
 
 Altoffer, William. 
 
 Altoffer, Martin, dead. 
 
 Alford, Robert. 
 
 Arehart, Nason, died from an injury received from a horse in 
 
 1865. 
 Adams, George W. 
 Arehart, W. Harvey. 
 Brown, John M. 
 Brannaman, Milkiah. 
 Baker, Isaac, died since the war. 
 Baker, Samuel, died since the war. 
 Brooks, John, died since the war. 
 Brooks, Hess. 
 
 Bateman, Elijah, died in hospital in 1864. 
 Bouman, David H., died in 1897. 
 Bouman, Casper. 
 Bouman, J. W. 
 Bouman, Socrates. 
 Bouman, John S. 
 Bouman, Ephraim. 
 Bouman, Berryman T. 
 
 Bowman, Franklin M., wounded at Cedar Creek in 1864. 
 Bare, John S. 
 Bare, David. 
 Bowman, Alpheus M., Salem Via.; captured March i, 1865; 
 
 held until war closed. 
 Bowman, Paul C. 
 
 Bright, John, died in hospital in 1864. 
 Bowman, S. S., wounded at High Bridge in 1865. 
 Cool, Littington, captured at Cold Harbor; held as prisoner 
 
 until after the war. 
 Carpenter, W. J. 
 
474 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Crann, John S. 
 
 Clatterbuck, William. 
 
 Dundore, Samuel. 
 
 Dundore, David. 
 
 Dinkle, Calvin. 
 
 Banner, David, killed in the battle of the Wilderness in 1864. 
 
 Dovel, Lucious. 
 
 Ettinger, William, died since the war. 
 
 Fifer, Jerry, died since the war. 
 
 Fitch, Buck. 
 
 Frankum, Walker. 
 
 Frankum, John. 
 
 Fately, Sylvanus. 
 
 Gowl, Daniel, wounded at Brandy Station in June 9th, 1863. 
 
 Gowl, Peter. 
 
 Gowl, William. 
 
 Grandstaff, Branson, died since the war. 
 
 Glovier, Madison. 
 
 Glovier, J. H. 
 
 Groves, William H., wounded at Buckton Station. 
 
 Holsinger, John D., died since the war. 
 
 Holsinger, Samuel, died since the war. 
 
 Holsinger, Peter P., captured at Berryville, Va. 
 
 Holsinger, Abraham, died since the war. 
 
 Huffman, Joseph H., died since the war. 
 
 Hile, Samuel, died in hospital in 1864. 
 
 Hinegardner, Jacob. 
 
 Holsinger, Silas J. 
 
 Hawkins, W. H. 
 
 Hawkins, Jacob, died since the war. 
 
 Hidecker, William, died in hospital in 1863. 
 
 Jones, Adam, died in 1863. 
 
 Jimison, John W., died since the war. 
 
 Jennings, Dallas, wounded twice and died since the war in 
 
 Texas. 
 Keller, Phillip, died since the war. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 475 
 
 Lacky, Robert. 
 
 Loker, Thomas, died since the war. 
 
 Lairy, John, wounded near Woodstock. 
 
 Long, Cooney. 
 
 Long-, Samuel. 
 
 Myres, E. P. 
 
 Moore, John H., died in hospital in 1863. 
 
 Maston, John. 
 
 May, Joseph F. 
 
 Miller, Jacob, died since the war. 
 
 McLaughlin, Joseph. 
 
 Moyers, Jacob, died in 1863. 
 
 Naras, Patrick, wounded at Fairmont and held prisoner until 
 
 after the war. 
 Neff, Washington L., died in hospital at Harrisonburg in 1864. 
 Orebaugh, William H. 
 Oaks, Dick, died since the war. 
 Painter, Allen, died since the war. 
 Painter, Robert. 
 Painter, Romannus. 
 Phillips, John. 
 
 Phillips, Nathaniel, killed in battle of the Wilderness. 
 Plecker, William. 
 Pitt, Samuel. 
 Painter, Uriah. 
 
 Ryman, Samuel A., wounded near Cedar Creek. 
 Roller, Henry, wounded twice and died in 1907. 
 Roller, Emanuel, wounded and died in 1907. 
 Roller, Peter. 
 
 Rinker, Erasmus, died since the war. 
 Ritchie, Polk. 
 Ritchie, Dallas. 
 
 Ritchie, George, died since the war. 
 Ritchie, Joseph. 
 Rice, Bram. M. 
 Rice, Joseph. 
 
4/6 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Strickler, B. F., wounded at Wilderness Tavern and died since 
 
 the war. 
 Slusser, Samuel, wounded in battle of the Wilderness in 1864. 
 Slusser, William, died in 1863. 
 Saufley, Joseph, died after the war. 
 Saufley, William. 
 Sherman, D. W. 
 Sho waiter, Samuel. 
 Stover, Jacob. 
 
 Sylvius, Moses, wounded and died since the war. 
 Spader, John, died in 1906. 
 Smith, Allen. 
 Trobough, John. 
 Treavy, J. C. 
 
 Will, William A., died since the war. 
 Will, Nason. 
 
 White, Milton, died since the war. 
 Whitesell, Jacob, killed at Hawe's Shop in 1864. 
 Wine, John. 
 Wine, William. 
 Wilberger, David. 
 Smith, Billy. ) 
 
 Marshall, Thomas. I Colored. 
 Smith, Noah. \ 
 
 This company was highly complimented by Genl. J. E. B. 
 Stuart for its gallantry and efficiency. It was especially noted 
 for its fine dismounted fighting. 
 
 Company I. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Charles T. O'Ferral, transferred and promoted to a 
 colonelcy; congressman from Virginia and Governor of 
 the State. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 477 
 
 First Lieut. Granville Eastham, desperately wounded at 
 Brandy Station; dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. John R. Rust, wounded ; had six horses shot 
 under him ; this splendid officer served from the begin- 
 ning of the war under Ashby to the end; his only 
 absence being 60 days in prison. 
 
 First Sergt. John W. Ashby, killed at Appomattox in last 
 charge in 1865. 
 
 Second Sergt. James Grubbs, wounded in the Wilderness, May 
 5th, 1864. 
 
 Third Sergt. Peter F. Cooley, wounded in the Wilderness, 
 May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Fourth Sergt. Joseph R. Coomes. 
 
 First Corp. Horace M. Wade. 
 
 Second Corp. Bushrod Rust, wounded in the Wilderness, May 
 5th, 1864. 
 
 Third Corp. John W. Strother. 
 
 Fourth Corp. John W. McKay. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Ash, George A., wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 Ash, Buckner, wounded near Petersburg in Reams Station 
 
 fight. 
 Ashby, Lewis. 
 
 Ashby, Russell, killed at Appomattox in last charge ; recruit. 
 Baker, Jonas, wounded in the Wilderness in 1864. 
 Biggs, Elias. 
 Black, Henry A. 
 Black, Benjamin F., wounded in the Wilderness, IVIay 5th, 
 
 1864. 
 Breedlove, Samuel. 
 Brown, John T. 
 Burk, Thomas. 
 Costello, Edward. 
 Chapman, J. A. 
 
47^ A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Cooley, Samuel C. 
 
 Cooley, Smith, wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Coverstone, Lewis. 
 
 Crawley, 
 
 Cunningham. John F. 
 
 Davis, A. C, wounded ; died in prison. 
 
 Eichelberger, D. S. 
 
 Furgeson, Abner, wounded. 
 
 Flynn, James A., killed at Cranberry Summit, in Jones' raid 
 
 in West Virginia. 
 Green, Casper W. 
 Heiflebower, Edward, color-sergeant, badly wounded at 
 
 Brandy fight. 
 Harrison, William H. 
 
 Holmes, William F., killed in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 Haskins, William A., wounded at Buckland. 
 Haskins, Daniel. 
 Johnson, Thomas. 
 Kem, Henry R. 
 
 Lake, Enoch A., wounded at Jacks Shop. 
 Lake, John H., wounded at Upperville. 
 Long, Isaac, wounded at Toms Brook. 
 Muman, William. 
 
 Massie, Edward G., made sergeant-major of brigade. 
 McKay, Joseph. 
 Mitchell, L Ship. 
 Oliver, John B. 
 
 Oliver, Alfred, killed at Jacks Shop. 
 Page, Thomas D. 
 
 Palmer, Robert, wounded at Brandy Station. 
 Payne, Edward S., wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 Petty, Thomas W. 
 Petty, George N. 
 Powers, John W. 
 
 Putnam, W. R. F., wounded in Trevilians fight. 
 Reid, John R. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 479 
 
 Reid, George W., killed in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Rice, Benjamin F. 
 
 Ridgeway, Joseph, wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Ridgeway, Nev/ton, wounded at Trevilians. 
 
 Reiley, J. W. 
 
 Reiley, J. M. 
 
 Ruley, William A. 
 
 Robinson, James T., wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Ruffner, Benjamin F,, died since the war. 
 
 Russell, 
 
 Santmyers, D. M. 
 
 Sherrard, William. 
 
 Seibert, George W. 
 
 Stokes, Newton, wounded. 
 
 Stout George, wounded at Brandy Station. 
 
 Strother, George W. 
 
 Strother R. F., wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Strother, John I. 
 
 Strother, William, killed in the Wilderness, May 5th. 
 
 Strother, James W. 
 
 Strother, Lewis, wounded at Brandy Station. 
 
 Tally, John, wounded at Brandy Station. 
 
 Tolbert, Charles W., badly wounded in the Wilderness, May 
 
 5th. 
 Templeman, James, wounded at Poolesville, Md., in 1863. 
 Thornhill, Philetus, wounded at Brandy Station. 
 Turner, James C., killed in the Wilderness, May 5th. 
 Vermillian, James. 
 
 Warwicks, John, wounded at Buckland. 
 White, James W. 
 Woodward, Thomas E. 
 Yuille, A. C. 
 Yuille, A. B. 
 Yuille, Thomas. 
 
MUSTER ROLL OF THIRTY-FIFTH VIRGINIA CAV- 
 ALRY (WHITE'S BATTALION), LAUREL 
 BRIGADE, ARMY OF NORTHERN 
 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Colonel Commanding Elijah \'. White, of Leesburg, Va., sev- 
 eral times severely wounded; died January nth, 1907. 
 
 Major George N. Femeyhough, of Washington, D. C, resigned 
 in 1864. 
 
 Major F. M. Myers, succeeding Ferneyhough ; was formerly 
 captain of Company C ; died October 19th, 1906. 
 
 Company A. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. F. M. Myers, wounded at Mount Clifton. October 7th, 
 
 1864; died October, 1906. 
 First Lieut. William F. Barrett, captured at Brandy Station, 
 
 June 9th, 1863; died since the war. 
 Second Lieut. R. C. Marlow, wounded at Trevilians ; died 
 
 since the war. 
 Third Lieut. B. F. Conrad, lost leg in the Wilderness; died 
 
 since the war. 
 First Sergt. Thomas S. Grubb, killed at Toms Brook, October 
 
 9th, 1864. 
 Second Sergt. Edward L. Bennett, lost leg at Trevilians. June 
 
 nth. 1864; died since the war. 
 Third Sergt. John Dove, wounded at Waterford, August 27th, 
 
 1862. 
 Fourth Sergt. George F. Everhart, wounded in the Wilder- 
 ness, May 5th, 1864; living at Waterford, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 481 
 
 Fifth Sergt. Charles F. Galloway, wounded at Brandy Station, 
 
 June 9th, 1863 ; living at Warrenton, Va. 
 First Corp. William H. H. Moreland, living. 
 Second Corp. J. W. Whaley, Herndon, Va. 
 Third Corp. E. H. Tavenner, wounded at Toms Brook ; dead. 
 Fourth Corp. J. J. Jenkins, Dranesville, Va. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Anderson, Colmore. 
 Barker, Rufus C. 
 
 Bicksler, John F., wounded. May 5th, 1864; dead. 
 Ballenger, Benjamin F. 
 Bales, Charles A. 
 Buzzard, O. ^I. 
 
 Barrett, C. Boyd, wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th ; South 
 Dakota. 
 
 Brown, 
 
 Brown, William, killed at Monks Xeck in 1864. 
 
 Bugsard, Lycurgus, killed at Glenmore in 1864. 
 
 Conner, Joseph E., dead. 
 
 Carper, Philip W., wounded at Brandy Station; Dranesville, 
 
 Coe, Aurelius. 
 
 Cuizen, William T., dead. 
 
 Conrad, Jonathan T., dead. 
 
 Curry, William F., dead. 
 
 Crumbaker, Samuel W., killed in the Wilderness, May 6th, 
 
 1864. 
 Chadwell, John R. 
 Cook, Alfred M. 
 
 Craig, George \\'., wounded at High Bridge; Middleburg, Va. 
 Cockerill, A. J. 
 Debutts, John. 
 Dove, Joseph. 
 Darr, James W. 
 
482 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Douglas, John. 
 
 Douglas, Samuel E., killed. 
 
 Douglas, Edward. 
 
 Douglas, James R., killed at Neersville, Va., February, 1865. 
 
 Douglas, Theodore, killed. 
 
 Douglas, Ross. 
 
 Drish, Edwin, killed at Leesburg, July, 1864. 
 
 Donohoe, Legrand. 
 
 Ellmore, John D. 
 
 Ellmore, George. 
 
 Edwards, William, killed at Trevilians, June nth, 1864. 
 
 Foley, Fenton, wounded at Greenland Gap. 
 
 Freeman, James, wounded at Brandy Station. 
 
 Fletcher, John W., wounded at High Bridge, April 6th, 1865. 
 
 Fletcher, James H., teamster. 
 
 Fletcher, John T., teamster. 
 
 Grubb, H. 
 
 Grubb, T., killed at Toms Brook. 
 
 Galloway, Charles. 
 
 Galloway, William. 
 
 Garrett, Albert T. 
 
 Householder, William O., wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Hayes, Brook, killed at Waterford. 
 
 Herndon, Joseph, killed in the Wilderness in 1864. 
 
 Goard, John, wounded at Mount Clifton in 1864. 
 
 Howard, John, wounded at Enon Church in 1864. 
 
 Harding, Richard. 
 
 Harding, Albert. 
 
 Harper, James W., living in the West. 
 
 Flibbs, Henry C. 
 
 Horseman, William H. 
 
 Hancock, James W. 
 
 Hutchenson, John R. 
 
 Hummer, Braden. 
 
 Hummer, Henry O., killed at Parkers Store, November, 1863. 
 
 Hutchinson, George C. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 483 
 
 Jenkins, Samuel, killed at Poolesville in 1862. 
 
 Jacobs, George W., Leesburg, Va. 
 
 Jones, Edward F., wounded at Edwards Ferry in 1863. 
 
 Kilgore, Mortimer. 
 
 Kidwell, James E., Leesburg, Va. 
 
 Kabrich, Peter J., mortally wounded at Waterford in 1862. 
 
 Kane, Doc. 
 
 Kyle, William P., wounded at Brandy Station. 
 
 Keighn, Samuel, dead. 
 
 Kephart, John, wounded in the Wilderness. 
 
 Kephart, Jasper C. 
 
 Leslie, Benjamin F., killed at High Bridge in 1865. 
 
 Lewis, Thomas R. 
 
 Lewis, John. 
 
 Lyon, William L. 
 
 Lee, Edgar A. 
 
 Lee, John F. 
 
 Lee, William W., dead. 
 
 Lee, James E. 
 
 Luckett, William H. 
 
 Lee, David J., dead. 
 
 Lee, George, wounded at High Bridge. 
 
 Mock, G. 
 
 Moore, Henry R., killed in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Mario w, John H., wounded at Sapony Church in 1864. 
 
 McCauley, John F. 
 
 Mobberly, John W., murdered in Loudoun in 1865. 
 
 McFarland, William A., Hamilton, Va. 
 
 McFarland, Henry C, wounded at Brandy Station in 1863. 
 
 McFarland, Richard. 
 
 Myers, Thomas J., dead. 
 
 Myers, Charles P., wounded at Thornton's Mill in 1863. 
 
 Minor, Fairfax C. 
 
 Miller, George, courier for General Rosser. 
 
 Muse, John W. 
 
 McDonough, W. W., wounded in the Wilderness in 1864. 
 
484 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 O'Neal, James W. 
 
 O'Niel, Edward. 
 
 Orrison, John W. 
 
 Oxley, E. R., dead. 
 
 Pettingall, D. C, wounded at Thornton's Mill in 1863. 
 
 Presgraves, Samuel T.^ killed at Monks Neck in 1864. 
 
 Presgraves, Philip. 
 
 Polland, James E. 
 
 Pickett, Enoch F. 
 
 Palmer, Mortimer M. 
 
 Price, Joseph. 
 
 Prince, Daniel L., killed at Brandy Station. 
 
 Richards, Lewis. 
 
 Ryan, James M., dead. 
 
 Riley, James. 
 
 Ryan, Henry C. 
 
 Ryan, William. 
 
 Robertson, Jacob R., wounded at Glenmore in 1862. 
 
 Snoots, William, wounded at the Wilderness in 1864. 
 
 Sellman, Henry. 
 
 Sheeves, W. M. J. 
 
 Spates, T. G., wounded at Greenland Gap ; Hillsboro, Va. 
 
 Shugars, C. H. 
 
 Stephenson, John, wounded at Snickers Gap in 1862; dead. 
 
 Simpson, Henry. 
 
 Survick, George W., dead. 
 
 Sloper, John T. 
 
 Smith, James B. N., dead. 
 
 Sampsell, Henry G. 
 
 Sinclair, John H. 
 
 Simpson, John F., dead. 
 
 Saffer, B. F., dead. 
 
 Tribby, James W. 
 
 Tribby, John T. 
 
 Tipper, Thomas C., killed in the Wilderness, May 12th, 1864. 
 
 Titus, William, wounded at Toms Brook ; dead. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 485 
 
 Tavenner, Edward, Leesburg, Va. 
 
 Van Devanter, T. H., Wheatland, Va. 
 
 Wenner, C. C. 
 
 Walker, Charles C. 
 
 Walker, William T. 
 
 Walker, John. 
 
 Whaley, C. M. C. 
 
 Whaley, Charles A. 
 
 Wycoff, A. C, wounded in Wilderness ; taken prisoner October 
 
 19, 1864. 
 White, John W., wounded at High Bridge. 
 Wooten, D. 
 
 Company B. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. G. W. Christwell, Montgomery county; dead. 
 
 First Lieut. J. R. Crown, Frederick county; dead. 
 
 Second Lieut. Nicholas Dorsey, Frederick county; dead. 
 
 Third Lieut. S. C. White, dead. 
 
 First Sergt. H. O. Sellman, Leesburg, Va. 
 
 Second Sergt. G. Henderson. 
 
 Third Sergt. William Fitch, Montgomery county. 
 
 Fourth Sergt. Charles Green, Montgomery county. 
 
 Fifth Sergt. Alonzo Sellman, Montgomery county; wounded 
 
 in the Wilderness ; dead. 
 First Corp. Frank Williams, Poolesville, Md. 
 Second Corp. John Craft, Washington, D. C. 
 Third Corp. Robert T. Dade, Illinois. 
 Scholl, C. E., Indiana. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Allen, , Virginia. 
 
 Alridge, Robert, Virginia. 
 
 Butler, Charles E., Montgomery county. 
 
486 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Butler, George, Virginia. 
 
 Bezant, William T., Frederick county. 
 
 Beall, Thomas, Frederick county. 
 
 Brisnan, John, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Brady, Edward, Frederick county. 
 
 Boswell, William, Loudoun county, Va. 
 
 Carlyle, David, Gaithersburg, Md. 
 
 Carlyle, William, Montgomery county. 
 
 Coberth, David, Washington. 
 
 Crown, John O., Berryville, Va. 
 
 Crown, Frederick, dead. 
 
 Cantwell, Michael, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Christwell, William, Adamstown, Md. 
 
 Christwell, Edward, afterwards made first lieutenant. 
 
 Cecil, 
 
 Davis, James, Virginia. 
 
 Davison, John, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Dade, Lee, Leesburg, Va. 
 
 Darne, William. 
 
 Durham, James, dead. 
 
 Elgin, John O., Virginia. 
 
 Eader, Charles, Frederick county. 
 
 F^der, Lewis, Frederick county. 
 
 Fitzsimmons, Nicholas, Frederick county. 
 
 Gordon, , Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Grahame, William, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Gallager, , Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Heffner, Stephen, Loudoun county, Va. 
 
 Hays, R. P., Dickerson, Md. 
 
 Hays, Brook, killed ; Montgomery county. 
 
 Harewood, Thomas, Adamstown. 
 
 Herbert, William, wounded at Brandy Station ; dead. 
 
 Harding, Abraham, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Jones, Benjamin, Dickerson, Md. 
 
 Key, Daniel, wounded at Parkers Store ; dead. 
 
 Lamar, Ab., wounded at Lovettsville ; Frederick county. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 487 
 
 Lowrey, James, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Martin, Pinkney, dead ; Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Magaha, Joseph. 
 
 McCormick, , killed at Mount Clifton in 1864; Mont- 
 gomery county. 
 
 Morris, John, wounded at High Bridge ; dead. 
 
 Morris, George, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Maxwell, John, Frederick county. 
 
 Needhammer, Lewis, wounded at Toms Brook ; dead ; Balti- 
 more, Md. 
 
 Oden, William, wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th ; dead ; 
 Frederick county. 
 
 O'Boyle, Charles, Point of Rocks, Md. 
 
 O'Boyle, James, dead. 
 
 Orme, Henry, wounded at Toms Brook ; Missouri. 
 
 Orme, Lindley, New Mexico. 
 
 Price, Elias, wounded at Parkers Store; Montgomery county. 
 
 Phillips, Crome, wounded at Trevilians ; dead ; Montgomery 
 county. 
 
 Peters, Thomas, wounded at Brandy Station ; Frederick 
 county. 
 
 Peter, J. P. C, Culpeper, Va. 
 
 Pyles, Thomas, Montgomery county. 
 
 Pyles, Frank, Montgomery county. 
 
 Smith, Rice, dead; Montgomery county. 
 
 Smith, Charles, wounded at Moorefield, W. Va. ; dead ; Mont- 
 gomery county. 
 
 Shehan, William, wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th ; dead ; 
 Baltimore, Md. 
 
 School, John, Indiana. 
 
 Stewart, Henry, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Stone, William, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Stallings, Richmond, Montgomery county. 
 
 Tabler, John, Frederick county. 
 
 Thomas, Edwin, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Thomas, Frank, Frederick, Md. 
 
488 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Thomas, Jacob, Montgomery county. 
 
 Thomas, L., Montgomery county. 
 
 Trundle, Joseph, Kansas. 
 
 Thomas, Byron, wounded at Toms Brook ; dead. 
 
 Taylor, Martin, wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th; dead. 
 
 Van Bussum, New Jersey. 
 
 Veirs, Boling, Missouri. 
 
 Veirs, Elijah, wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th; dead; 
 
 Montgomery county. 
 Veirs, William S., Montgomery county. 
 Vinson, Joseph, Missouri. 
 White, J. C, Montgomery county. 
 White, Thomas, Montgomery county. 
 White, William, dead ; Montgomery county. 
 White, S. C, afterwards third lieutenant ; dead. 
 Welsh, Edward, killed at Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863. 
 Yingling, Zadoe, Frederick county. 
 
 Company C. 
 
 (Furnished by Dr. J. E. Copeland, Round Hill, 
 Loudoun County, Va.) 
 
 Officers. 
 
 {Organized and mustered into service on October 28th, 1862, 
 
 by Col. Bradley T. Johnson.) 
 
 Capt. Richard B. Grubb, formerly of Company A, Eighth 
 Virginia Infantry, killed at Waterford, Va., August 7th, 
 1863. 
 
 Second Capt. William Flavins Dowdell, formerly orderly ser- 
 geant Company A, Sixth Virginia Cavalry ; died March 
 30th, 1888, in Loudoun county, Va. 
 
 First Lieut. Samuel E. Grubb, formerly of Loudoun cavalry, 
 Sixth Virginia; wounded and captured at Hillsboro, 
 Va., January, 1865; died in Texas, August 4th, 1867. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 489 
 
 Second Lievit. Thomas W. White, formerly Heutenant-colonel 
 of Fifty-sixth Regiment, Virginia Militia; captured and 
 exchanged; joined Company C; killed in the Wilder- 
 ness, May 8th, 1864. 
 
 Orderly Sergt. William Hilt Grubb, living at Hamilton, Lou- 
 doun county, Va. 
 
 Second Sergt. John Early Thompson, formerly of Company 
 C, Seventeenth Virginia Infantry ; wounded in leg at 
 Frazier's Farm in 1862; served through the war; living 
 at Round Hill, Va. 
 
 Third Sergt. Silas Copeland, sabre wound in shoulder at 
 Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863 ; dead. 
 
 Fourth Sergt. Eben Simpson, wounded at Toms Brook, Oc- 
 tober 9th, 1864; died since the war. 
 
 Fifth Sergt. Joseph S. Hart^ wounded at Brandy Station, June 
 9th, 1863. 
 
 First Corp. Rodney Matthews, color-sergeant ; wounded at 
 High Bridge, April 6th, 1865 ; lost right arm below 
 elbow ; living at Hillsboro, Va. 
 
 Second Corp. William Flavius Beans, living in Missouri. 
 
 Third Corp. James M. Foster, wounded at Greenland Gap, W. 
 Va., February 25th, 1863. 
 
 Fourth Corp. E. Fletcher Potts, formerly first lieutenant of 
 Company A, Eighth Virginia Infantry; living in 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Armstrong, William H., Missouri. 
 
 Beans, Aaron T., formerly of Company A, Eighth Virginia 
 
 Infantry ; wounded ; dead. 
 Beans, Elwood H., wounded at Toms Brook, October 9th, 
 
 1864; dead. 
 Best, E. J., transferred to artillery. 
 Birkby, Collins T., dead. 
 Beans, William H., formerly of Company A, Eighth Virginia 
 
 Infantry ; living at Round Hill, Va. 
 
490 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Boling, John, died in St. Louis since the war. 
 
 BoHng, WilHam D., died at Germantown, Montgomery county, 
 
 Md., since the war. 
 Burress, Thomas, Maryland. 
 Clendening, WilHam T., wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th, 
 
 1864; stiff arm; died at Hillsboro, Va., since the war. 
 Clendening, John J., killed in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 Carlisle, John H., died in Arkansas since the war. 
 Campbell, E. T., from Mississippi infantry; transferred to 
 
 artillery. 
 Chamblin, George, wounded at Phillip Derry's, near Neers- 
 
 ville, Va. ; died since the war. 
 Chamblin, John M., formerly major of One Hundred and 
 Thirty-second Regiment, Virginia Militia; living at 
 Philomont, Va. 
 Chamblin, Richard, died since the war. 
 Compton, J. Booten, living in Page county, Va. 
 Compton, Burrell, moved to Missouri since the war. 
 Copeland, James R., Mexican War veteran; died May 29th, 
 
 1901. 
 Copeland, Dr. James Edward, living at Round Hill, Va. 
 Canada, Thomas. 
 
 Davisson, John William, formerly second sergeant of com- 
 pany, Eighth Virginia Infantry; wounded in shoulder 
 at High Bridge, April 6th, 1865 ; living at Atlanta, Ga. 
 Dorrell, James A., living at Round Hill, Va. 
 DeButts, Welby, formerly of Sixth Virginia Cavalry; living 
 
 at Welbourne, Va. 
 Davis, Edgar. 
 
 Davis, William H., discharged with leave. 
 Douglas, John, killed in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 Elmore, George, living at Purcellville, Va. 
 Elmore, John H., died near Ketoctin Baptist Church, Lou- 
 doun county, Va., March 14th, 1906. 
 Elgin, Thomas G., wounded at Toms Brook, October 9th, 
 1864; living at Leesburg, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 491 
 
 Follin, Richard, wounded in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 FolUn, J. N. 
 
 FolHn, Ira, Hving in Fairfax county, Va. 
 
 Fouche, Sydney, wounded at Greenland Gap, W. Va., Feb- 
 ruary 25th, 1863; dead. 
 Foster, James M., wounded at Greenland Gap; dead. 
 Fritts, William, wounded at Glenmore, Loudoun county, Va., 
 
 October 21st, 1862; living near Charlestown, W. Va. 
 Fritts, James, living at Charlestown, W. Va. 
 Fogg, Elias W., formerly of infantry, living at Shenandoah 
 
 City, Page county, Va. 
 Grubb, John Caden, killed at Waterford, Va., August 7th, 
 
 1863. 
 Grubb, Joseph M., living in Missouri. 
 Grubb, Rev. James W., pastor Methodist Episcopal Christian 
 
 Science, Christiansburg, Va. 
 Gooding, J. Edward, died in Ohio in 1906. 
 Gooding, William D., wounded at Brandy Station, June 9th, 
 
 1863; killed at Hillsboro, Va., January, 1865. 
 Graham, James M., Maryland ; living in Florida. 
 Hood, James, wounded at Glenmore, Loudoun county, Va., 
 
 October 21st, 1862; living at Purcellville, Va. 
 Hood, Smith, died of typhoid fever at Hillsboro, Va., February 
 
 28th, 1863. 
 Hammerley, John W., wounded at Brandy Station, June 9th, 
 
 1863 ; living at Hillsboro, Va. 
 Houser, John H., living at Areola, Loudoun county, Va. 
 Hough, James W., died at Middleburg, Va., 1865, on return 
 
 from prison. 
 Hough, Thomas E., dead. 
 Howell, Benton D., living at Leesburg, Va. 
 Hart, Joseph S., wounded at Brandy Station ; dead. 
 Henderson, Charles. 
 
 Jett, William, living at Rileysville, Page county, Va. 
 Jenkins, Norval, formerly of Company A, Eighth Virginia 
 Infantry ; died at Hillsboro, Va. 
 
492 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Jenkins, Reuben, living at Bakerton, Jefferson county, Va. 
 Jones, William R., formerly of Sixth Virginia Cavalry ; living 
 in Oregon. 
 
 Kilgour, J. Mortimer, Maryland; major Quartermaster De- 
 partment ; dead. 
 
 Keith, E. J. 
 
 Kilgour, Franklin, Maryland ; living at Rockville, Md. 
 
 Keyes, Landon H., living in Iowa. 
 
 Keith, William. 
 
 Lay, Craven C, living at Hillsboro, Va. 
 
 Matthews, Rodney, wounded at High Bridge. 
 
 Moran, Thomas J., dead. 
 
 Morrison, James, died at Front Royal, Va., since the war. 
 
 Morrison, Richard, living in Rappahannock county, Va. 
 
 Marion, Gabriel, from infantry ; living in Missouri. 
 
 Murphy, J. Franklin, living at Bluemont, Va,,- 
 
 Moffet, Thomas J., living at Herndon, Va. 
 
 Milburn, John, wounded at Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863; 
 died at Purcellville, Va., since the war. 
 
 McDaniel, James W., formerly of Company A, Eighth Vir- 
 ginia Infantry ; wounded at Manassas ; dead. 
 
 Murphy, J. F. 
 
 Neer, N. Frank, living at Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Orrison, George, living at Morrisonville, Loudoun county, Va. 
 
 Price, Joseph, company quartermaster; living at Berryville, 
 Va. 
 
 Price, Charles D., died at Alma, Page county, Va. 
 
 Potts, William C, living at Hillsboro, Va. 
 
 Pierson, John S., living in Fairfax county, Va. 
 
 Purcell, Frank, formerly of Company A, Eighth Virginia In- 
 fantry ; died at Purcellville, Va., in 1906. 
 
 Roach, Philip, drowned in Potomac River, near Washington, 
 D. C, since the war. 
 
 Roberts, John D., living at Milford, Page county, Va. 
 
 Scanlin, Patrick, died at Washington, D. C, since the war. 
 
 Simpson, Thomas P., living at Round Hill, Va. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 493 
 
 Sexton, John W., member of Seventeenth Virginia Infantry, 
 wounded at Bull Run, July i8th, 1861 ; honorably dis- 
 charged. 
 
 Touche, Sidney, wounded at Greenland Gap ; dead. 
 
 Thompson, William Hugh, mortally wounded in the Wilder- 
 ness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Thompson, Malcolm, living at Bailey's Crossroads, Fairfax 
 county, Va. 
 
 Thompson, Magnus S., wounded near Berryville, Va., Novem- 
 ber 1st, 1862; Washington, D. C. 
 
 Torreyson, Thomas N., color-sergeant, wounded in the Wilder- 
 ness, May 6th, 1864; dead. 
 
 Taylor, Maitland, wounded, shot through breast in the Wilder- 
 ness, May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Tollen, Richard, wounded in the Wilderness ; dead. 
 
 Taylor, B. C., Maryland. 
 
 Tribsett, William H., formerly of Mississippi infantry ; died of 
 yellow fever in Vicksburg, Miss., in 1878. 
 
 Turner, Creed, died in Fairfax county, Va., May i8th, 1906. 
 
 Turner, William, a boy from Valley of Virginia; died in 1866. 
 
 Triplett, W. H. 
 
 Triplett, Manley, wounded in the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864. 
 
 Tavenner, Jonah, died at Philomont, Va., since the war. 
 
 VanPelt, N. Brown, living at Burks Mill, Augusta county, Va. 
 
 Wilson, , wounded at Waterford, Va., August 7th, 
 
 1863; killed in Maryland September, 1863. 
 
 Wilson, William, wounded; prisoner from September ist, 
 1864, to February ist, 1865. 
 
 Wood, Gip S., Rappahannock county, Va. 
 
 White, John J., wounded by sabre at Glenmore, Loudoun 
 county, Va., October 21st, 1862; afterwards quartermas- 
 ter with rank of major; died at Atlanta, Ga. 
 
 White, Robert Hunter, dead; Georgetown, D. C. 
 
 White, Josiah Robert, living at Hillsboro, Va. 
 
494 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Company D. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 First Capt. Trayhern. 
 
 Second Capt. Anderson, succeeding Trayhern ; Rock- 
 
 ville, Md. 
 
 First Lieut. Spangler. 
 
 Second Lieut. Samuel Baker. 
 
 Company E. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. John Grabill, living at Woodstock, W. Va. ; wounded 
 
 and prisoner for two years. 
 First Lieut. H. M. Strickler, Methodist preacher of Baltimore 
 
 Conference; wounded April 2nd, 1865. 
 Second Lieut. A. C. Grubbs, whereabouts unknown. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Brumback, Isaac N., killed at Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863. 
 Mclnturf, Marcus, killed at Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863. 
 Hockman, Philip A., killed in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 Burnett, George, killed in the Wilderness, May 20th, 1864. 
 Rogers, , killed in the Wilderness, May 20th, 1864. 
 
 Company F. 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. Marcellus French, succeeded Captain Ferneyhough, who 
 
 became major. 
 First Lieut. Watts, killed at Brandy Station, June 9th, 
 
 1864. 
 First Lieut. Charles A. James, whereabouts unknown. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 495 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Grogan, , killed at Greenland Gap, April 25th, 1863. 
 
 Broy, , killed in the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. 
 
 Rhodes, , killed at Hawes Shop. 
 
 Sinclair, Charles, killed at Toms Brook, October 9th, 1864. 
 
MUSTER ROLL OF CHEW'S BATTERY (LAUREL 
 BRIGADE), ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Capt. R. P. Chew. 
 First Lieut. James W. Thompson. 
 Second Lieut. James H. Williams. 
 Third Lieut. John W. Carter. 
 Fourth Lieut. E. L. Yancey. 
 Orderly Sergt. A. J. Souder. 
 First Sergt. George Phillips. 
 Second Sergt. John Kagey. 
 Third Sergt. Stephen Miller. 
 Fourth Sergt. George Everley. 
 First Corp. George M. Neese. 
 Second Corp. Carthage Kendall. 
 Third Corp. Gregory Britner. 
 Fourth Sergt. Newton Keyes. 
 Fifth Sergt. Samuel Williams. 
 Sixth Sergt. Frank Riely. 
 Seventh Sergt. Samuel Everley. 
 Eighth Sergt. Mark Rodeffer. 
 Commissary Sergt. William Shaffer. 
 Quartermaster Sergt. John Chew. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 Allen James. Asberry, Frank. 
 
 Ambler, John. Atkinson, R. C. 
 
 Anderson, George. Baker, Samuel. 
 
 Anderson, William. Bird, Derrick. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 497 
 
 Brook, J. A. 
 Brooks, E. C. 
 Brady, George. 
 Brady, Louis. 
 Brownoiigh, J. W. 
 Baker, Samuel. 
 Blair, James. 
 Brown, Bailey. 
 Brown, Charles. 
 
 Boston, 
 
 Bowly, E. Devereaux. 
 Boyd, Philip W. 
 Bliss, A. 
 Butts, Samuel. 
 Buck, Willie. 
 Burgess, A. Bealle. 
 Callahan, George. 
 
 Carpenter, 
 
 Carr, J. B. 
 Cline, Samuel. 
 Cooper, 
 
 Conrad, Charles F. 
 Conrad, Frank E. 
 
 Crawford, 
 
 Dabney, 
 
 Davis, Thomas. 
 Davis, George. 
 Davis, Henry. 
 
 Dennis, 
 
 Dawson, 
 
 Deahl, Henry. 
 Deck, William. 
 Deck, Morgan. 
 Deck, J. 
 
 Dingledine, Jacob. 
 Dash, George. 
 
 Edmunds, 
 
 Farris, Moses. 
 
 Fiser, Jacob. 
 
 Fisher, Isaac, v.- -*~-*3feuj(^ 
 
 Fitzsimmons, Matthew. 
 
 Few, Samuel. 
 
 Fravel, Henry. 
 
 Fravel, J. W. 
 
 Furry, William. 
 
 Furry, Van. 
 
 Frazier, William. 
 
 Furry, Robert. 
 
 Fultz, Joe. 
 
 Fultz, Reuben. 
 
 Fry, Jesse. 
 
 Gillock, John. 
 
 Good, Anthony. 
 
 GoUaday, Perry. 
 
 Green, John. 
 
 Holliday, B. T. 
 
 Hammer, Junius B. 
 
 Henry, J. W. 
 
 Haas, Isaac. 
 
 Hoshour, Robert. 
 
 Homrick, James. 
 
 Homan, Hiram C. 
 
 Higgs, 
 
 Helsley, 
 
 Henkel, Al. 
 Huff, George. 
 Huff, H. 
 Hare, John. 
 Hoof master, George. 
 Hill, William. 
 Johnson, T. D. 
 Jolliffe, John. 
 
498 
 
 A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 Jones, 
 
 Kapeharte, 
 
 Kag-ey, Joseph. 
 Kagey, Benjamin. 
 Kolhenhousen, Luther. 
 Knisely, G. 
 Knisely, H. 
 Kerr, Upsher. 
 Lakin, Charles. 
 Long, Benjamin. 
 Longerbeam, Abe. 
 Longerbeam, Charley. 
 Longerbeam, George. 
 Longerbeam, John. 
 Lyon, John D. 
 Loveday, John. 
 Lyman, William R. 
 Lindsay, John. 
 
 Landon, 
 
 Marstella, William. 
 Matheny, Randolph. 
 Magruder, William. 
 McVicar, Charles W. 
 
 McWilliams, George. 
 
 McGuire, William P. 
 
 Miller, Cal. 
 
 Miller, A. 
 
 Miller, F. Thomas. 
 
 Miller, William. 
 
 Mosher, Frank. 
 
 Morrill, Louis D. 
 
 Nelson, 
 
 Noland, L. 
 
 Noland, C. C. 
 
 Nisewander, Abe. 
 
 Nisewander, George. 
 
 Oakes, R. 
 O'Roark, J. C. 
 O'Roark, J. 
 
 Purl, 
 
 Pierce, John. 
 Pifer, Jacob. 
 Painter, George. 
 Powell, P. 
 Powell, Raleigh. 
 Phillips, Reuben. 
 Procter, John. 
 Procter, Noah. 
 Ramey, W. H. 
 Rinker, Fenton. 
 Roderick, Philip. 
 Rodeffer, John. 
 Rodeffer, Samuel. 
 Rodeffer, Theodore. 
 Roberts, Stephen. 
 Roberts, John. 
 Reed, Edward. 
 Rivercomb, H. 
 Rivercomb, W. 
 
 Stickley, Laban. 
 
 Stuart, George. 
 
 Suddith, Edward. 
 
 Supinger, Lemuel B. 
 
 Stuart, John. 
 
 Stribbling, Frank. 
 
 Shaffer, Amos. 
 
 Shaffer, Ferd. 
 
 Shaffer, J. 
 
 Taylor, 
 
 Teawalt, William. 
 
 Thornton, R. A. 
 
 Thornton, J. R. 
 
A History of the Laurel Brigade 
 
 499 
 
 Thuma, Chap. 
 Thompson, William. 
 Thompson, Pern. B. 
 
 Venable, 
 
 Vourhees, George. 
 Wiltshire, James G. 
 Whitmire, Lewis. 
 Williamson, Levi. 
 Williams, Andy. 
 Williams, John. 
 Williams, John J. 
 Williams, T. Clayton. 
 
 Weymer, John. 
 Wooton, John R. 
 Wunder, Reuben. 
 
 Wheeler, 
 
 Wharton, Isaiah. 
 Whitaker, 
 
 Wright, James. 
 
 Wickes, William. 
 
 Wright, S. 
 
 Ware, Nim., color-bearer. 
 
 Zea, Mart. 
 
 Zirkle, A. P. 
 
 Note. — It is unfortunate that there is no record of the large 
 number of gallant men who were killed and wounded in this 
 Battery. 
 
 Every reasonable effort has been made to secure complete 
 rolls of the companies, by notice in the Virginia papers, in the 
 Confederate Veteran and by circulars. Notwithstanding the 
 following rolls are missing: Company D, of the Seventh; C 
 and K, of the Eleventh, and F and K, of the Twelfth. 
 


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