i^),.

m-i'

mw,'u:-y

CbiS. /ST)

la

¦A

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS
(IF
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES,
TO HIS WIFE,
WRITTEN WHILE IN ACTIVE SERVICE IN THE ARMY
OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
TOUhmiKl! \\ ITU
SOME PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR,
WRITTEN BY HIM AFTER ITS CLOSE, ETC.

COMPILED FROM ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS,
OF RALEIGH, N, C.

KAl.KKiH, N, (.-.:
M.Kinll WILLIAMS ,10 Ctl.. inMLISlFKUS. lii>OKSKLLKK^ HTl'.
ISSt,

^^

•5-^^

PREFACE.

The matter contained in the succeeding pages was
never intended for publication. It represents a short
sketch of incidents, and participation in the late war, by
the late Ma.toe-General Bryan Grimes, and extracts
from letters to his wife, written from the camp, and on
the fields of battle, and such other matters of record and
interest as have seemed to me fit and proper to be inserted
therein. General Grimes had for years after the surrender
determined to write out his recollections of the war,
solely for the benefit, pleasure and curiosity of his chil
dren and their posterity, to be read in after years, with
no view whatever of their publication, but simply to be
kept as a matter of record in his family. He had
commenced this work, as shown in his original manu
script, and, as far as he had executed it, it is printed in
the following pages.
In his letters to his wife, he gave briefly an account
of what almost daily tran,spired, and being written on
those respective days, was fresh in his recollection, and
may be received as strictly authentic. His known integ-

4 x^reface.
rityand truthfulness will need no corrobration of what
he has written or related.
These sketches and incidents demonstrate the charac
ter, honor, chivalry — the obligation of duty, and love
of country, of a true citizen and a brave soldier. They
present a truthful and impartial history, and will be
read with interest and gratification by his friends and
surviving comrades in war, and with this view they are
thus publicly presented.
It will be observed that in one or two places discon
nected notes appear, indicating clearly his intention to
I'efer to them at some other time, and to extend more
fully their subject-matter. I have thought proper to
have them printed just as they appear, and as they are
written in the original manuscript.
It will also be seen that mention has been once or
twice made of his horse "Warren." His affection for
this animal ^\'as very great. He had been released from
all work since the war, except now and then his own
occasional riding, and the best attention had been given
him. I have frequently heard him say, that however
much he might need the money, he would not part with
him for thousands of dollars in gold. This old Avar-
horse died only a few weeks ago, at the age of twenty-
eight, and in accordance to the General's known wishes,

I'REFACK. O
was buried as carefully and as decently as a human
being, near the spot where his dead master now ixvts.
Ma.ior-Gkneral Bryan ({uuiks was born at
(ji-imesland, in the county of Pitt, on the ,<outh side of
Tar Kivci-, about eight miles from the town of Wash
ington, N. C, on the 2d day of Noyember, LS2S. He
receiyed a good acadciuical education, and entered C1ia.]iel
Hill in June, 1S44, and graduated in June, 1848. In
about a year after lea\'ing college, his father gave him
the plantation upon which he lived up to the time of his
(Icatli, and wlicrcon his fauiily now reside. He had no
desire for political life, and with tlie exception of a few
(lays he was a member of the Convention of 1861 —
known as tlu' Secession Convention — he led the quiet
life of a farmer, combining industry and good judgment,
from his early maidiood to the close of his life.
lie was on the 9th day of April, 1851, married to
Mii^s Elizabeth Hilliard, daughter of I)r. Thomas Davis,
of Franklin county, who died on the 7th dav of Novem
ber, IS;")?. The only living issue of this marriage is a
daughter, tlic wife of Saiuucl F. Mcn-decai, E,sq., of
Raleigli, N. C. On the loth day of September, 1863,
lie was again married to JNIiss Charlotte Emily, daughter
of the late Hon. John 11, Bryan, of Raleigh, N. C., who,
with eiglit children, now survives him.

6 PREFAt'K.
Mv relations to Genkkae Grimes forbid me to speaU
in sucli extended terms of praise as my feelings would
dictate to .speak of one of the truest and bra\est of men.
For honesty of purpose— for devotion to principle — for
firmness of friendship — for honor in all things — for
faithfulne.'^s to all promises and obligations, and for
true, genuine courage, he stood on the day of his death
the peer of any living human being.
On Saturday evening of the 14th of August, while
returning from tlie town of ^yas!lington, when at Bear
C'reek, within Uvt> miles of his home, he was, just at
sunset, shot from an ambush by AVni. Parker, a con
cealed assa.ssin, and almost instantly killed. A little
boy, about ten years old, a neighbcn-'s son, was his only
companion, to whom he said, " I am shot, and will die,"
and immediately thereafter fell slowly to the foot of tlie
buggy and expired. Several buck-shot struck the ribs
and the top of the buggy, but only one shot took effect
on his person, which passed through the thick jiart of
his leit arm and lodged deep in the heart.
That evening's sun just sinking into darkness, left its
frowning shadows upon this terrible dectl. Its morning
rays fell upon a household saddened by affliction, and
,saw the mother and her children still bending over the
lifeless form. Its midday brightness, on the succeeding

PREFACE. Y
day, rested upon the large and solemn assemblage
gathered at the homestead, to render the last and only
tribute of respect and affection. The end was soon
over, and the tomb received all that remained of him
who would have made any sacrifice to maintain his
honor, and who did freely peril his life for his State and
for his section.
The rounding mound marks now, and will continue
to mark, the resting-place of one who, in life, bore the
type of God's highest creation — the attribute of a
Creator's mightiest perfection,
"An honest man the noblest work of God."
To the living and the dead of the Fourth Regiment of
North Carolina State Troops, who so gallantly served
the Confederacy in the Army of Northern Virginia, the
following lines are fitly dedicated.
PULASKI COWPEK.
Eai.eiqh, N. C, Ariui, 11, 1883.

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS
OF
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES.

An account of his own recollections of the war, and a brief account
in part of his own participation therein, by the late Major-Gen-
ERAL Bryan Grimes, taken from his original manuscript. — Ex
tracts taken from letters to his wife from the fields of battle. — His
own account of the last fight at Appomattox. — General Orders. —
Reports. — Other interesting matter, &c., &c.
I returned from Europe in the midst of the great
political excitement over the election of Lincoln to the
Presidency, and about the time of the secession of South
Carolina from the Union, and became deeply interested
in the action of the South ; and, upon the bombardment
of Sumpter by Beauregard, had gone down there for the
purpose of witnessing the fight, but was too late to see
the capitulation.
Thence I went to ^Montgomery, the then seat of govern
ment, and from there to Pensacola, to witness the threat
ened attack of Bragg at that point. After remaining
there a few days, and seeing no prospect of the bombard
ment, I visited New Orleans, and came up the ^Mississippi
river to Tennessee, and was on the train with the first
troops sent from Alabama to Richmond, and happened
to occupy a seat immediately in front of Andrew John
son, afterwards President of the L^nited States, and then

10 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
heard the first groans given in contempt of his treachery
to the South, which were repeated at every station, when
it was made known that he Avas on board the train.
On returning home to North Carolina, I found myself
a candidate for the Convention which had been called
by the Legislature during my absence, to which Con
vention I was elected without opposition. The election
was on the 13th May, and I proceeded at once to
Raleigh, and signed the Ordinance of Secession on the
20th May, 1861, and whilst a member, advocated the
most extensive war measures. In a short time after the
organization of the ten regiments of "State Troops"
raised for, and by request of the Confederate govern
ment, I was offered by Governor Ellis the Lieutenant-
Colonelcy of the Eighth Regiment, or the majority of
the Second Cavalry, or majority of the Fourth Regi
ment, which latter I accepted. I felt my deficiency of
a knowledge of military tactics, and Colonel George B.
Anderson, a graduate of West Point, was Colonel of the
Fourth Infantry, whilst the others were officered by in
experienced civilians like myself, and I preferred a
subordinate position with an efficient officer to higher
rank with officers without experience. In consequence
of this appointment I resigned my seat in the Conven
tion and revisited my home for three days to arrange

MAJOR-GENERAL BEY AN GRIMES. 11
my business matters, and then reported to the command
ing officer of my regiment, which was organized at camp
near Gar\-sburg, where the regiment remained drilling
until ordered forward, July 20th, 1861, to Richmond,
to be in supporting distance to be called to ^Manassas in
case of need, and arrived at Mana.-.s;is 29th July, 1861,
a few davs after Bull Run and ^Manassas fights, when the
change of habits induced a serious attack of sickness.
I received permission to visit the Bull Run mountains
to recuperate. After a short absence I retiumed to my
command, and remained with the regiment until tlie
evacuation of ]Manas-a-. under General Joseph E. John
ston, in March, 1862, then in command of my regiment,
as Colonel Anderson was in command of the post of
Manassas and the troojis in that section. Camped on
Clark's mountain, near the Rapidan river, until April
8th, when the command wa- ordered to Yorktown,
which point was reached on the 9th. Accompanied
Colonel Andei-son when he reported to Greneral Rains
for duty, and after assignment t(_i certain posts, civilian
like, suoorestetl to General Rains that the reofiment be
n()t divided for duty as he instructed, but kept intact,
and a smaller regiment placed where these post^ were
intended, not wishing to be left in separate command,
the Lieutenant-C'olonel being absent.

12 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Here, for the first time, I became acquainted with the
fire of the enemy, and was assigned the post of com
mander of the picket line, which I .sustained until the
evacuation on the night of the 3d of May, when I was
left in charge of the picket line of infantry, with
instructions to keep up, as usual, the firing throughout
the night and retire about dawn, which was very peril
ous, as torpedoes had been planted on all the roads and
streets leading into Yorktown, and my picket had to be
kept outside of the enemy's fire. About the middle of
the day I regained my command, and encamped with
them near Williamsburg for the night, and next day
asked leave of absence to visit the venerable institution,
"William and Mary's College," during which visit the
fight commenced, and carried off by the excitement, I
followed the sounds of strife until in the midst of the
battle, and never realized my danger until I saw several
officers and couriers of General Johnston killed, think
ing that there was no great danger so long as I was no
nearer the strife than the commanding General, it then
being a prevalent idea, which was afterward exploded
on our side, that the general officers never occupied
posts of danger. Seeing the flag of my regiment advan
cing, I rode up to go in with it, and remarked to Colonel
Anderson, " I hope you have not required my services."

MAJOR-GENEEAL BRYAN GEIMES. 13
And then in the only severe and abrupt manner used
towards me before or after, I was informed that my
conduct was unmilitary, and my proper position was
with my regiment.
The participation of the Fourth Regiment in this battle
was slight, and the Brigade Commander being placed in
command of the field of battle, the command of the
brigade devolved upon Colonel Anderson, and that of
the regiment upon me, when Colonel Anderson remarked
that he would take advantage of my knowledge of the
field of battle, I. having been present during most of the
engagement and knew the localities, and thus riding
over the field, we continued until near daylight, when
we were withdrawn. This night, though in May, was
one of the most disagreeable of my army experience, a
heavy, penetrating mist, nearly freezing the men to the
bone, when all would huddle together for the natural
warmth of their bodies, and when my horse became the
centre for the regiment, around which they collected,
the first few attracted by the animal heat from the horse's
body, until they formed a complete mass of men.
From thence the army retired slowly, but always on
the alert, to the Chicahominy river. While there an
alarm of the approach of the enemy caused the tents to
be all struck and wagons sent toward Richmond, leav-

14 EXTEAGTS OF LETTERS OF
ing the army tentless and comfortless in the midst of a
cold, drizzling rain. When taking po.ssession of a rice-
tierce, or hogshead, which I shared Avith Colonel Ander
son, I became perhaps the most comfortable of all that
host, as all comfort goes by comparison.
I was then ordered with the regiment near Rich
mond, and ordered to report to General Garland (Col
onel Anderson being in temporary command of Feather-
stone's Brigade), but was AvithdraAvn and returned to
Colonel Anderson in time to participate in the battle of
Seven Pines, on May 31st, 1862, Avhich engagement I
entered into with twenty-five officers and five hundred
and twenty non-commissioned officers and privates. All
the officers were killed or wounded except myself, Avith
four hundred and sixty-tAvo men killed and Avounded.
I attacked the fort and redoubt, AA-here my horse's head
Avas blown off, and falling so suddenly as to catch my
foot and leg under him. The regiment seeing me fall,
supposed I Avas killed or Avounded, and began to falter
and Avaver, AA'hen I, still pinned to the earth by the
weight of my horse, Avaved mv sword and shouted for
ward ! forAvard ! Whereupon some of my men came
to my assistance and pulled the horse off, \vhen see
ing the flag upon the ground, the flag-beiirer and all
the color-guard being killed or wounded, I grasped

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GEIMES. 15
it and called upon them to charge! which they did,
and together Avith others, captured the fortifications.
Here, John Stikeleather, from Iredell (Company K,
Fourth N. C. State Troops), came up and requested to be
allowed to become the standard-bearer, promising to
bear it with credit to himself and the regiment so long
as strength and life lasted. After a few moments the
enemy began to rally in rear of their tents, and upon
my calling General Garland's attention to the fact, I Avas
ordered by him, in Colonel Anderson's absence, to take
possession of a Avood near by and begin firing upon
them. In double-quicking across an open space of arable
land to get to the cover of these Avoods, I perceived
that the enemy Avere engaged in throAving uj) an earth
work to my right, when giving the command by the
right flank, I charged the works, taking many prisoners,
and fired upon the enemy for the remainder of the day.
That night I slept between General Garland and Colonel
Anderson on one horse-blanket and covered by another,
surrounded by dead and AVOunded, both men and animals.
The next day was not actively engaged, but retired
that night, the enemy having been heaAdly re-inforced.
From then until the 26th of June there were daily
skirmishes along the lines, when on that day we passed
the Chicahominy near Mechanicsville, and although

16 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
not actively engaged, M^as held under terrific infantry
fire, and commanded to support other troops and artil
lery, we remained in that position until near daylight,
when we were ordered off to report to General Hill, by
his special orders. Whereupon he directed me to " charge
that battery," which Avas the only obstacle on the road to
Cold Harbor. I asked General Hill if he was aware that
I had no officers, and only about sixty men, Avhen I Avas
told to hold myself in readiness to charge, if others who
were ordered forward a second time, failed to take it. I
deployed my men on the line and instructed them to fire
upon any of these troops Avho failed to move forward to
the charge. They Avere then successful, but found other
impediments further on, whereupon General Hill deter
mined to accomplish his purpose Avithout further sacrifice
of life, by a circuitous route, caused them to abandon
their position, and marched us doAvn to near Cold
Harbor, where we again found the enemy in our front.
Here General Hill, seeing a battery and not being positive
whether they were Jackson's men, expected at that point,
or the enemy, ordered a flag forward to be Avaved,
when I took the flag of the Fourth Regiment and gal
loped my horse towards the battery, the enemy opening
with the Avhole battery on the line in column in my rear.
I Avas on the extreme left of the long continuous line of

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEY AN GEIMES. 17
battle and kept the enemy in check, until late in the after
noon there came an order to charge ! and forward they
Avent. My horse Avas killed and I continued on foot,
driving the enemy from his breastworks, through his
camps, taking his artillery and supplying myself with
another horse. Here I captured a fine St. Bernard dog,
which was protecting the corpse of a Colonel of a Penn
sylvania regiment, who, upon inspection, was found to
have on steel breasf-plates, which had protected him so
long as his face Avas to the fire, but upon retreating, had
received a mortal Avound in the rear.
This dog ("General") became the pet of the regiment,
and remained with it for over two years, when in pur
suit of Hunter in the Valley of Virginia in 1864, he
succumbed to the hard marching, broke down and was
lost, not having the endurance of men. That night
heard the rumbling of wagons and artillery and the
tramp of troops, until in the morning it was found that
the enemy had crossed the Chickahominy. Here, for
the first time, I had the honor of being introduced to the
great Jackson, and I now have the mess-chest upon
which he joined us at dinner, dining from the contents
of a sutler's Avagon captured the day previous.
Crossed the river at Grapevine bridge and pursued
the enemy as far as the White Oak, when, against the
3

18 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
consent and protest of General Anderson, who had been
made Brigadier, I was detailed by General Hill to take
charge of the captured stores and prisoners, and report
at Richmond with them, General Anderson saying " that
although small in numbers. Colonel Grimes' regiment
is the key-stone of my brigade." I remained around
Richmond until about the middle of July, when an
attack of typhoid fever compelled me to visit Raleigh
and recruit my health. My visit home was of short
duration, returning in time to the army to take a part in
the first invasion of Maryland and the battles previous
to the cro,ssing of the Potomac.
I recall the circumstance near Savage Station of a man
perfectly rigid in death, with his musket up to his face,
and in the act of taking aim ; burning of the trains —
pile of metallic coffins — Catholic priests — a Federal sol
dier claiming exceptional kindness on account of his
being a native of North Carolina, &c. My command
did not participate much in the battle of Second Manas
sas, but were in the field and assisted in driving the
enemy beyond Centreville, when the line of march Avas
taken up for Maryland, and reached Leesburg 4th Sep
tember, and on the 5th, Avhen crossing the Potomac at
White's Point, near Edwards' Ferry, I receiA'ed a verv
severe hurt from the kick of a horse, which incapaci-

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 19
tated me for active duty, not being able to either walk
or ride, but had myself carried in an ambulance, in anti
cipation and hopes of a speedy recovery. Here we were
encamped near Frederick City for several days, and then
moved up to the vicinity of Hagerstown. On the 14th
the command was called upon to proceed down the turn
pike to Middletown, near the pass over South Mountain,
Avhen, seeing an engagement with the enemy was ineA'i-
table, I had myself placed upon my horse and took the
command of my regiment, and was first sent with the
command to the left of the turnpike and subsequently
Avithdrawn and ordered with another regiment to proceed
to the assistance of General Garland, then engaged on
the right. In advancing, was met by the corpse of that
gallant officer being brought off the field. Here the fight
continued all day. Here my horse was killed under me
on the mountain, and to my own and the surprise of my
men, I commanded my troops in the battle until night
fall, when I threw myself down to rest by my brigade
commander. General G. B. Anderson^ who, seeing me so
exhausted after the excitement of the day, insisted upon
my going to the rear, and called up four litter-bearers
and had me carried to the hospital, upon reaching which
I encountered a new danger, as the enemy Avere threat
ening the wagon trains, and in consequence, as a matter

20 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
of safety, the wounded who were able to be moved with
out danger were ordered to be transported across the
Potomac at Williamsport, where a few of the enemy's
cavalry intercepted a portion of the train and turned
them down the wrong road, and had by this means
secured very many of our wagons and ambulances, before
the trick was discovered, and then there Avere not more
than half a dozen Avagons intervening between the wagon
carrying me and the road which led into the enemy's
lines. Together with others of the wounded and wag
oners, we drove the enemy off, and I was safely landed
once again on Virginia soil, having crossed the river near
Williamsport. The next two days, kept with the train and was car
ried to Shepardstown, Avhere I remained, being unable to
report to my command, which was then engaged in battle
at Boonsboro, where my friend and mess-mate. General
G. B. Anderson, received the wound from which he sub
sequently died after returning home. The regiment,
with General T>. H. Hill's command, went into quarters
on the Opequon, near Bunker's Hill, in  county, I
having to be sent to Winchester on account of the serious
nature of the injury to my leg, as amputation began
seriously to be talked of. Here and at camp I remained
until in November, and would have asked for a furlough
but for the ride, &c.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GEIMES. 21
I reported for duty, though not recovered (and still
have an indentation in the bone from the injury), when
General Hill relieved Colonel Cristie, who had been
assigned to the command of Anderson's Brigade, and
put me in charge.
[Here follow notes just as they appear in the original
manuscript.j (Notes. — Railroad at Charlestown near Harper's
Ferry — Berryville, Shenandoah, Paris, Fisher's Gap,
Reily, Madison C. H., Guiness Station — Dec. 1st — Dec.
3d — Port Royal 20 miles below Fredericksburg — Dec.
13th — night of 14th placed in front line — dead horses —
request not to be relieved — bunching horses — Hedge —
cries of wounded — saw enemy retreating eventually —
informed General Hill — said, mistake — freezing — Gen
eral Jackson coming up — sent forward to see where the
enemy were — look of disappointment and chagrin — in
the matter of flag — relieved of brigade command by
Brigadier-General Ramseur — left Fredericksburg in
command of Fourth N. C. at peep o' day May 1st —
detailed and deployed as skirmishers — Jackson — " Press
Them!" — Creek — lines encountered on hill where the
enemy Avere entrenched, and on flank May 2d— Rodes
in front, attacked the enemy, commanded by Siegel in
person.)

22 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
The command was reorganized and perfected in drill
and then assigned to destroy the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad from Charlestown, the site of the execution of
the notorious Kansas ruffian, John BroAvn, who was
executed at this point, Avithin two miles of Harper's
Ferry. The work was done effectually at night by tear
ing up the cross-ties and putting them in large piles of
twenty to .thirty, and then crossing the iron rails over
them and piling a few ties on top of each end of the
rails, and just before daylight setting fire to them — tlje
Avhole at once— the fire so warping the rails as to unfit
them for use.
We were then encamped for some time near Berryville,
until  crossed the Potomac, after the removal
of McClellan from command, when Ave crossed the Shen
andoah, breaking ice for the passage of the men, who
had to wade, one bitter cold day, over the river to meet
the enemy, who were reported as advancing on Paris.
Here, for the first time, General R. E. Rodes, one of the
bravest and best officers of the Confederate army, took
temporary charge of the division which subsequently
became so distinguished as "Rodes' Division" in the
history of the Army of Northern Virginia. Here
occurred a misunderstanding betAveen General Rodes
and myself, which continued until the spring of 1864,

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 23
and then ended by a gentlemanly and chivalrous action
on the part of General Rodes. The circumstances were
as follows : Not knoAving that General Rodes was in
command of the division, and supposing that General
Rodes, like myself, was in sole command of his own
brigade, I came up Avhen the troops were crossing the
river, and expressing my opinion to General Rodes as to
the severity of the order forbidding the men to remove
their pants, or shoes, which I thought ought to be done
so as to enable the men to be dry after crossing, when
the exercise would in a short time warm them up. Gen
eral Rodes said in a sharp tone he saw nothing hard in
the order, and that I had better go to the river and see
it obeyed, that he was in command of the division, and
the order emanated from him. The order was reluc
tantly obeyed, and after crossing the Shenandoah, as the
men had necessarily straggled out of ranks, I ordered a
temporary halt to enable the troops of my command to
close up and recover their proper position in line. In
the meantime General Rodes, riding to the front, upon
seeing me, asked why I disregarded General Jackson's
Order No. — , requiring the arms to be stacked at all
halts. The explanation was giA^en and the men ordered
to stack arms. General Rodes then instructed me to
await where I was and allow the artillery to pass him.

24 BXTEACTS OF LETTERS OF
Hour after hour passed, and no artillery came up.
Finally General Rodes .sent a courier to know Avhat
detained me. I sent word to him that I was Avaiting
for the artillery. He then sent back, ordering me for
ward. Upon reaching the small toAvn of Paris, about
two miles distant, as I approached. General Rodes was
stai;ding on the piazza of the hotel, and enquired in a
A-ery cro.ss manner, "What has kept you so long?" My
reply was, "Obeying your order." "What was that
order?" "To let the artillery pass me." "When you
saw that no artillery came up, you should have come on,
as the enemy are advancing." I replied, " You had
just reproved me for not obeying General Order No. — ,
and if you had not countermanded your order to aAvait
the arrival of the artillery, I should have remained
there until General Hill resumed command." He then
placed himself by my side, and went on to place the
command in position, and said, " Halt your men here."
" When I gave the command ' Order arms,' preparatory
to stacking arms," he said, "you need not stack arms."
My reply was, "It is General Jackson's order, and you
have just reproved me for its violation, and I shall do
it." He then ordered us forward about a mile to await
the advance of the enemy. We had several slight skir
mishes Avith the enemy's cavalry, and then marched

JIAJOR-GENERAL BEYAN GEIMES. 25
parallel with the Federal troops across the mountain at
Fisher's Gap, thence down near Madison C. H. to
Orange C. H., and thence down the plank-road to
Guiness Station, Avhich we reached on the 1st of Decem
ber, 1862, and on the 3d Avere moved to Port Royal,
tAventy miles below Fredericksburg, Avhere Ave had the
first snow of any depth of the winter, and remained
here protecting the river until the night of the 12th,
Avhen the enemy effected a crossing at Fredericksburg
and Ave were marched all night, and reached Hamilton
Crossing about day, and were placed in the reserA^e on
the extreme right of Jackson's line, and consequently
the right of the Confederate forces, where we suffered
considerably from the artillery of the enemy. Towards
the evening of the 13th, AAdien the first charge by the
Federal troops was made, the brigade was moved for-
Avard to support the troops in the trenches, and took the
front line. The cries of the wounded in the hedged, old
field in our front, where the enemy had charged, Avas
heart-rending and sickening — pleading prayers to the
Almighty for mercy, and begging for water to quench
their thirst, Avhich was continued all night. The expected
charge of next day was deferred, and feeling anxious to
meet the enemy, the officers of the command petitioned
General D. H. Hill to allow us to remain in the front
4

26 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
line until the enemy did advance. Then was given us
the tusk of burying the horses belonging to the artillery
that had been killed, to prevent the aAvful stench, not
knoAving how many days Ave Avould ha\'e to keep in line
of battle. We found it a difficult task and not easily
accomplished. During this night kncAV there Avas com
motion among the enemy, and could see a light in the
distance flash up and then again be darkened, and inferred
that the enemy were moving to their right, and that the
light was obscured as the troops passed, and flashed out
at the interval betAveen the passage of one regiment and
the head of another, and sent to report the circumstance
to General D. H. Hill, whose reply was that I need not
be uneasy, they were not going to retreat until after
another effort, and to be ready for their charge in the
morning. Before the next morning Ave Avere up, every man at
his post, awaiting the expected charge. The fog hung
low, and Ave waited impatiently for it to rise and shoAV
us the 2:)lain below. When I saw the enemy Avere not
in sight, I then Avent forA\'ard some fcAV hundred yards
to reconnoitre, and in the meantime sent Avord to Gen
eral Hill that the enemy had disappeared from my front.
General Hill sent my report to General Jackson, and
had himself only been there a few minutes, Avhen Gen-

AtA.IOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 2(
eral Jackson, accompanied by General Lee, rode up to
this spot, the highest eminence on that part of the field,
and asked, " AV^ho says the enemy have gone?" General
Hill replied, "Colonel Grimes," then turning to me,
General Jackson said, " How do you knoAv ?" I replied,
" I haA^e been down as far as their picket line of the day
previous, and can see nothing of them." He said,
" MoA^e your skirmish line as far as the line, and see
Avhere they arc." There Avas a look of deep chagrin
and mortification, very apparent to the obserA^er, on the
countenance of each, though nothing of the sort was
expressed in Avords. The brigade that I then com
manded AA'as composed of the Thirtieth, Colonel Parker;
Fourteenth, Colonel Bennett; Fourth Regiment (my
own) State Troops, Second Regiment State Troops, under
Colonel Bynum. We then Avent into Avinter quarters,
near Corbin's, and picl^eted the Rappahannock from
Prestonburg to  by Taylor's house. Opposite
Taylor's house there Avere ladies, Avho constantly tried to
signal us the moA'ements of the enemy, particularly Avhen
Hooker nioA'ed on in April following.
During the month of February Avas relicA'cd of the bri
gade command by Brigadier-General Ramseur. Obtained
a furlough for a short time and A-isited home, and upon
returning Avas occupied in drilling and disciplining the

28 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Fourth Regiment, which regiment Avas not excelled in
the army of Northern Virginia, and was noted for its
esprit du corps.
On Friday, the 1st of May, before the break of day,
we Avere on the march down the old Fredericksburg road,
towards Chancellorsville, to meet Hooker's army, which
had just crossed the Rapidan and was striking out for
General Lee's rear. On this march, for the first time, Gen
eral Jackson appeared in full military costume, and con
veyed by his personal appearance an idea of the great
military hero he was. My regiment and a Mississippi
command were detailed for the purpose of feeling the
enemy, and Avere deployed to drive them in when found,
my left resting on the road and acting as an extended
skirmish line. General Jackson rode down the turn
pike with the artillery, and whenever necessary, would
have it to unlimber and feel the Avoods in our front, and
Avould then ride along my line, and upon much resistance
being shown by the enemy, Avould say in suppressed
tones, "Press them. Colonel."
In this manner, without halting, aac marched down
near their main body, driving them from every position,
several of their regiments lea\nng their knapsacks piled
up Avhere they had been thrown off Avhen called out to
oppose our onward march. Upon crossing a creek and
mill-pond, driving the enemy before us, all Avet, tattered

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 29
and torn, marching OA'er the broAV of the opposite hill,
the whole line of the main army opened fire upon us. If
they had reserved their fire until we had gained the sum-
rait, my command would have been annihilated. As it
Avas, they were so astounded by the suddenness of this
alarming fire, that they began to fall back in confusion,
Avhen I rallied them, ordered them to " lie down," as Ave
were protected by the eminence upon the hill above, and
Avent forAvard to reconnoitre in person, when I saAV that
Ave had come upon a large force entrenched. Made
a report of these facts to General Jackson, and was
ordered to hold my position until relieved, which was
done about 12 o'clock that night. We then went doAvn
near the turnpike to bivouac for the night. About 8
o'clock, after noticing Generals Lee and Jackson in close
conference for some time, we took up that long march
for the flank movement, which resulted so seriously to
the Confederate cause by the loss of General Jackson,
though successful in an unprecedented degree in the
result of the movement. After a long, tedious and cir
cuitous route to get in the rear of Hooker's army, about
3 o'clock on Saturday evening, the 2d of May, we were
in position, with Rodes' Division in front, and unex
pectedly to them, fell upon Seigel's Corps, that was in
reserve, and drove them back for miles upon their lines
behind the entrenchments, attacked them and carried

30 EXTEACTS OF LETTERS OF
the line of earth-works, took the enemy's camp baggage,
the meals, and coffee, then boiling hot on the fire, Avhich
we found very refreshing, and just at dark, Avhen Ave
supposed the fighting over, and Avas in the act of eating
ray supper by an enemy's camp-fire and from his larder,
A'cry unexpectedly a brisk fire comraenced, and in a few
minutes cannonading, the enemy raking the Avoods and
plank-road with grape and canister. Fearing the enemy
Avere about to charge, I called upon my troops to occupy
the breast-work Avhich Ave had captured an hour pre\'ious,
and be prepared for the attack.
After getting in position, near the plank-road, I Avent
up the road to see if I could hear anything to account
for the sudden firing, when I met a party bearing a litter
ofl" the field, and enquired Avho it was. Some one said
" Lieutenant Sumter," and upon going a step or tAvo
further, I encountered General Rodes, who informed me
that the Avounded officer was none other than General
Jackson, but he thought it advisable that it should be
concealed from the troops, for fear of disheartening them,
in A'iew of the serious AA^ork ahead of us in the morning.
We lay doAvn behind the breast-Avorks and rested for the
night. Sunday, May 3d, Chancellorsville. Before daybreak
this morning Ave Avere called upon to hold ourselves in
readiness to support other troops when needed, as in con-

MA,JOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 31
sideration of our having borne the brunt of the fights for
the tAvo previous days, others Avere to take the advance.
We rested just in rear of the  Brigade, a brigade
of previous good reputation, Avhich occupied the breast
works captured by us the day previous. A staff officer
rode up and directed, by command of General J. E. B.
Stuart (who had assumed command after General Jack
son Avas wounded), the officer in command of this brigade
to advance and charge the eneray. General Ramseur and
myself being on the plank-road and hearing the order
given. This brigade commander declined to move for
ward his command except by order of his division com
mander. General Ramseur then said to this staff officer,
" Give me the order and I will charge." I remonstrated
Avith him, saying, as we had done the fighting of the two
previous days, let this brigade move forAvard and we
would support them. General Ramseur said no, repeated
his offer to advance, when this officer said, "Then you
make the charge. General Ramseur." General Ramseur
then turned to me, saying, "Let us hurry back. Call
your men to attention !" which I did upon reaching the
command, when he ordered three regiments of his bri
gade to advance, the other regiment being detached to
protect our right. The command " Foi'Avard !" Avas
given, and we moved up to the earth- work occupied by

32 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
this brigade, and had to climb over these men now lying
doAvn behind it for protection, and over the breast-Avorks,
and again form in line of battle. Our men A\'ere entirely
disgusted at their coAvardly conduct, and I, myself, put
my foot on the back and head of an officer of high rank,
in mounting the Avork, and, through very spite, ground
his face in the earth. I .heard one exclaim, "You may
double-quick, but you will come back faster than you
go." Mine, the Fourth Regiment, Avas on the left of
the command, and our left rested on the plank-road.
The command Avas given, and Ave ad\'anced in a "double-
quick." The Fourth Regiment and three companies of
the Second Regiment never halted or fired until Ave had
taken the enemy's Avorks in our front, bayoneting Fed
eral soldiers on the opposite side of the earth-work. The
hill across the ravine was covered by many batteries of
artillery, from forty to fifty guns, Avhich had been scour
ing the AVOods through Avhich we had just passed Avith
grape and canister. Seeing their infantry driA^en from
their works, they abandoned this artillery. The enemy
made three distinct attempts to retake this Avork, form
ing their men in column by taking advantage of a ravine
just beyond the turnpike, but each time Avere driven
back with severe loss, our men acting Avith great cour
age, enthusiasm and determination.

MAJOR-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 33
The artillerists seeing only a small portion of the line
held, noAV rallied again to their guns and opened upon
us. About the same time, ray attention was called to
my right and rear, Avhere I saw large numbers of the
enemy fast closing up our line for retreat (the right of
Ramseur's Brigade having halted to deliver their fire
upon encountering the enemy Avhere they were engaged,
while we had taken the breast-work). Seeing these Fed
eral troops in my rear, I gave the order to abandon the
captured works and fall back to the protection of the
earth-Avork still occupied by this (  ) brigade, through
whose coAvardice avc had suffered so severely. We
crossed to the right "of the plank-road, and got back to
our line in the best manner possible. In this charge
my sword was severed by a ball, my clothes perforated
in many places, and a ball embedded in my SAVord-belt and
the scabbard, and I received a A'ery severe contusion on
the foot; and upon reaching the earth-work from which
we had first started, I had only sufficient strength to get
over, and lost consciousness from exhaustion and pain.
One of my Own ambulance corps seeing my condition,
came to my relief, and from a canteen was pouring Avater
over my head when I was recalled to my senses by the
voice of General R. E. Rodes, our division commander,
inquiring, "What troops are these?" The commanding
5

34 EXTEACTS OF LETTEES OF
officer who had refused to advance when ordered by Gen
eral Stuart's staff officer, said the  Brigade. Gen
eral Rodes said, "Why have you not joined in the
charge?" The reply was, "We have had no orders to
advance." Under the stimulus of this falsehood, I
fully aroused and pronounced it a base lie; that I had
heard the order given myself, and repeated his reply.
Whereupon, General Rodes took out his pistol, rode up
to this officer, presented the muzzle to his head, and,
Avith an epithet of odium, told him to forward his men,
or he Avould bloAV his brains out. He then gave the
command, and this {'  ) Brigade moA-ed forAvard, and,
Avithout firing a gun, reached the breastworks that
we had taken, and found the Federal forces had CA^acu-
ated the hill, and safely carried off all their artillery
posted there. If these troops had moved fomvard in
obedience to orders, and encountered the eneray, Ave
Avould haA'e ad\'anced quickly to their support and cap
tured the principal part of Hooker's artillery. As it
was, Ave met with terrific slaughter in my command, and
failed to take the artillery. This closed the fighting at
Chancellorsville for the infantry.
I Avas taken upon a litter to the hospital, Avhere my
contused foot was attended to. The next day I rode
over the Avoods Ave had charged through, and examined

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GRIMES. 35
the works we had taken, and found scores upon scores
of the enemy's dead, around and in front of the work,
doubtless killed by my comraand and the three compa
nies of the Second Regiment. Forty-six officers and
men out of less than three hundred (Fourth Regiment)
were buried near this breastAvork the nesft day.
This charge was as gallant, noble and self-sacrificing as
the world-renowned charge at Balaklava of the " immor
tal six hundred." Here Polk, my faithful servant, Avas
tempted by the offer of |500 to sell the forage that had
been procured by him for my horse, but could not be
bought off.
From here Ave returned to near "Hamilton's Cross
ing," and turned into the woods to recover from our
severe trials of the several previous days, and reorgan
ized, examined, and recommended for appointment, and
accustomed our new officers to comraand. Here we passed
the time in drilling, until about the first of June, when
we took up our march for Pennsylvania. We crossed
the Shenandoah near Front Royal on the 12th of June,
and attacked the enemy at Berryville.
Note. — Servant — Caval ry — -Camp — Squirrel — AY i 1 -
liamsport — HagerstoAvn — Dr. McGill, &c.

36 EXTRACTS OF LETTEES OF

EEPOET of THE FOUETH EEGIMENT.
In compliance Avith orders, I have the honor of sub
mitting the following report of the part taken by the
Fourth Regiment North Carolina State Troops in the
engagements around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On
Wednesday, July 1st, Ave Avere encamped near Heidel-
burg, and were under arms and on the march by sunrise.
About 4 p. M. arrived near the battle field and formed in
line of battle, being on the left of our brigade. After
waiting a few minutes, were ordered to advance in line
of battle, which was soon countermanded, and we then
moved by the right flank. After proceeding a few hun
dred yards, this regiment, together Avith the Second
Regiment, was recalled by Major-General Rodes and
fronted on a hill to repel any attack from that quarter,
as at that time there were indications of an advance on
the part of the enemy. This position Avas parallel Avith
the road down which the other tAVO regiments of our
brigade had moved. After a very few minutes, the
enemy not advancing, and a brigade of theirs heretofore
obliquing to the left instead of advancing towards us,
General Rodes ordered me, with the Second Regiment, to
advance. After getting from under cover of the hill, we

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 37
were exposed to a severe, galling and enfilading fire from
a wood to our right, which compelled me to change front
towards the right. We then advanced upon the enemy,
joining our brigade, and driving them in great confu
sion, and, but for the fatiguing and exhausting march of
the day, Avould have succeeded in capturing a very large
number of prisoners. As it Avas, we captured more by
far than the number of men in our command, but the
trotips were too exhausted to move rapidly, as they other-
Avise would have done. We were the first to enter the
town of Gettysburg, and halted to rest on the road
leading to Tomsfield.
We remained in that position during that night and
Thursday. On Thursday evening, about dark, Ave
advanced to make a night attack upon the enemy's
Avorks, but when we had approached to within a fcAV
hundred yards, and drawing the fire of their pickets,
which wounded several of my men, we were recalled and
placed on a road, where we remained until 3 o'clock
Saturday morning, at times subjected to severe cannon
ading. We Avere then taken to the crest of hills in our
rear, which position we retained until Sunday morning,
when Ave were withdrawn. Appended is a list of
casualties during this engagement. (Omitted).

38 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Too much cannot be .said in praise of both officers and
men of my command, all conducting themseh-es most
admirably. I am, Major, Very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Bryan Grimes,
Col. Fourth N. C State Troops.
Summary of Notes. — Left Garysburg 20th July,
1861. Arrived at Manassas 29th July — remained until
March, 1862. At Yorktown 9th April, 1862. Position
outside of fortifications evacuated 3d May, 1862. Sup
ported other troops at Williamsburg May 5th, but not
actively engaged. Seven Pines — lost three hundred and
seventy-four killed and Avounded at ScA^en Pines.
Crossed Potomac at Cheek's Ford, near Leesburg, 7th of
September — -encamped near Frederick City, Maryland.
Recrossed the Potomac 1 9th of September, at Shepherds-
town. Remained in the Valley, encamped at Bunker
Hill, Winchester, Front Royal and Strasburg. Crossed
the "ridge" three times.
Chancellorsville — forty-six killed, one hundred and
fifty-seven Avounded and fifty-eight taken prisoners, out
of three hundred and tAventy-seven carried into action.

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 39
Remained at Hamilton's Crossing until 3d of June.
On the 9th, Avent to the support of our cavalry at
Brandy Station, but not engaged. Went to Valley,
crossed mountains and river at Front Royal. Assisted
in driving the eneray from fortifications at Berryville
and Martin,sburg. Crossed the Potomac Avith the
advance at Williamsport, Maryland, on 15th June, 1863.
Next day adA^anced to HagerstoAvn, acting as provost
guard of the city during the stay of the enemy in the
vicinity. From there, via Greencastle, Chambersburg and
Shippensburg, went to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, eighteen
miles from Harrisburg, the capital of the State, where
Ave went on picket duty. Thence to Gettysburg via
Heidelburg. Assisted in covering retreat. Recrossed
the Potomac 14th July, 1863. Stopped at Darksville,
then came to Front Royal, formed line of battle, resisted
enemy's advance by that route. WithdrcAV by Luray
road, crossed the mountains at Snicker's Gap, thence to
Orange Court House. Sent to Morton's Ford to prevent
the enemy crossing. On 9th October, 1863, ordered to
Orange Court House, and went by Madison Court
House to flank the enemy near Culpepper. Enemy
made formidable resistance at Warrenton Junction and
 , Avhich Avas overcome, and on the 14th the regiment
reached Bristoe's Station, tore up and destroyed railroad

40 EXTEACTS OF LETTEES OF
track, and fell back to Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahan
nock. After remaining there several days, returned to
Morton's Ford, on the Rapidan riA'er.
(October 17th, 1863, Catlett's Station. We fought
several hours on Wednesday, 14th inst., a running fight.
Loss from North Carolina greater than from any other
State. Drove the enemy beyond Centreville. Now-
tearing up bridges and destroying railroads. In a fcAv
days fell back to original position. October 20th,
returned home to make arrangements about Avithdrawing
ray name as candidate for Congress. NoA'cmber 17th,
returned to the army and took command of the brigade.
General Ramseur being absent).
[Copy of Letter to the Voters of the Second Congressional District of
North Carolina.]
Having been repeatedly solicited, both through the
public channels of communication as Avell as by private
letters from numerous and influential gentlemen from
the different counties composing the district, also from
troops in the field, urging me to announce myself as a
candidate to represent the Second District in our next
Congress, I feel called upon, under such circumstances,
to assure my friends of my proper appreciation of their
kind preference, and state that if my felloAV-citizens see
fit to elect me, I shall esteem it a high honor to become

MAJOE-GENEEAL BRYAN GRIMES. 41
their representative, and shall dcA^ote ray entire energies
earnestly to the discharge of the important duties of
such a responsible position, seeking at all times, by
every honorable means in the poAver of the government,
to restore the blessings of peace once again to our dis
tressed land ; and my chief aim shall be to the accom
plishment of that end, but fully impressed that no terras
should be considered for our interest that do not recog
nize our complete and eternal separation from the North,
and acknoAvledgment of our independence; and I regret
exceedingly, since alloAving my name to come before the
public as a candidate for their suffrages, that it is not
Avithin ray power to meet my friends face to face before
the election and express my vicAvs on the most moment
ous topics of the day, so pregnant Avith mighty conse
quences to the success of our cause; but I Avill publish
in a fcAV days my opinions on these subjects, as my duties
in the field will not admit of ray absence from the com
mand during the present indications of an engagement
Avith the enemy. Yours very respectfully,
(Signed) Bryan Grimes.
[Abont October, 1863.]

42 EXTRACTS OP LJiTTEUH OF
[Copy of lettiT withdrawing from t-iindidacy of representing Second Con
gressional District of N'oitli Ciirolina.]
To the Voters of the Second Conyrcssional
District of North Carolina:
Some time since, contrary to my Avishcs, I announced
myself as a candidate to represent the Second Con
gressional District in our next Congress. Preferring to
remain in actiA'c service in the field until peace and our
independence is secured, and believing that I can render
more effective aid in attaining that end in my present
position, I haA'e, under the circumstances, concluded to
AV'ithdraAV ray name, trusting that my friends Avill aj)pre-
ciate the motiAes A\-hich induce me to this step, assuring
them that at some future time I Avill cheerfully assume
any trust or responsibility that they may see fit to require
at my hands. Very respectfully yours,
(Signed) Bryan Grimes,
Col. Fourth X. C. Troops.
[Copy of a letter to Colonel .John A. A'oung, of Charlotte, who was at one time
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth Regiment, and a member of the North
Carolina Ijegislature when this letter w as written.]
Morton's Ford, A^\., December 6, 1863.
Ml/ Dear Colonel: You have learned through the
papers that we haA'c been at the Yankees again, or rather
it Avould be more proper to say that they have again
taken up their "OuAvard to Richmond," but after a short

MA.IOR-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 43
time and a few volleys of musketry they did not move
on quite so cxi)editiously and confidently, and upon
examination of our works and defenses, concluded to
" change front face to the rear," which Avas done, and
that hurriedly, much to our chagrin, for our men had
ncA'er felt more confident of victory than on that occa
sion. Our position was equally as strong, if not more
so, than that at Fredericksburg, Avliich you remember
you considered almost impregnable. Upon the discov
ery that they had disappeared, our brigade pursued, Avitli
the old Fourth Regiment in the lead, as usual, taking up
a gi:)odly number of stragglers — the meanest in appear
ance that we have e\'er encountered yet, being the loAvest
scum of the Yankee foreign population. It was really
a source of congratulation and encouragement to sec that
they were reduced to such straits for filling their ranks.
One good soldier, I know, must be equal to ten such
specimens of the genus homo. Not one in tAventy of
those Ave captured were natives of the United States. It
was reported by these prisoners that General AVarren's
Corps Asas ordered to attack, but refused to do so.
I have just written a brief history of the Regiment
(Fourth North Carolina State Troops), Avhich you can
see l)y calling on C!aptain Foote, iidjutant-General, offi
cer in charge of the " Roll of Honor." I give you leave

44 EXTRArrs of lettees of
to call for it and revise and correct it, and embellish it,
if you wish it. IModcsty forbids my saying near as
much as I could htiA-e done in praise of it. By calling
soon, you can read it before Captain Foote has transcribed
it on his books. In reference to other enclosures AAdiich
I ha\'e had forwarded to him, you will perceive that our
loss from disease and the casualties of battle exceed five
hundred. I don't knoAV if any other regiment can
shoAv such a record. Our regiment is noAv in tolerably
fair trim, but not such as it used to be.
Bye-the-bye, there has been a piece of music composed
and dedicated to the old Fourth. I sent a copy to Mrs.
Grimes. Call and have her to sing it for you. I Avish
you to make her acquaintance. You Avill find her at her
father',s, Mr. Brytm. ******
I learn tliat your Legislature is disposed to be frac
tious and intractable, like it Avas last winter. Can't you
correct it? John, your son, is still at Richmond under
the charge of the surgeons ; I hope, though, not danger
ously ill, but will be able to report shortly. Of course
you hear from him frequently. *****
My paper has run out, so has a legislator's patience, I
fear, so good-bye. Truly your friend,
(Signed) Bryan Grimes.
To Colonel John A. Young, Charlotte, N. C.

major-general BRYAN GRIMES. 45
[.V copy of a request made of our Representatives in Congress.]
We, the undersigned, officers of the Confederate States
Army from the State of North Carolina, desire to call
the attention of our Representatives to the unjust and
arbitrary manner of selecting general officers, and earn
estly request that you call attention of the Senate to this
matter before the present appointments are confirmed by
that body. We believe there are instances Avhere officers
of great Avorth and skill, and of unexceptionable habits,
and who had recommendations from general officers of
high standing, under Avhora they had served, have been
overslaughed, their juniors, who Avere not superior to
them in military skill or deportment, being appointed
over them upon the recommendation of a single general
officer. In some instances lieutenant-colonels, upon the
recommendation of a single general officer, have been
appointed over many colonels serving in the same bri
gade or diA'ision, some of Avhora had received recom
mendations from general officers under Avhom they had
served, and had also been mentioned in official reports
for distinguished gallantry in battle. We believe this
system of appointment to be unjust, and calculated to
injure our cause; that it places the reputation of an officer
at the mercy of his immediate superior, AA'ho, from favor
itism or other impure motive, may injure his military

4() EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
standing bv the recommendation of the apj)ointnient of
a junior over him.
AVe Avould, therefore, suggest that resolutions to the
following effect be submitted before these appointments
are confirmed :
That all appointments to brigadier-generalship, now
for confirmation of officers Avho A\'ere not entitled to
expect such promotion by seniority, i. e., Avho were not
next in rank to the vacant position; that the number of
battles in which such officer has been engaged exercising
a commission at least equal to the command next below
that to which he has been appointed; also, how often
and by Avhom such officer has been reci^mraendcd for
promotion, and in what battles he has been complimented
in official reports for distinguished conduct, be laid before
the Senate for information. That the same be shown of
those officers from this State amongst Avhtise troops the
vacancy is .to be filled Avho ha\'e been passed oA-er bv
such appointments. That the selection of the lower
grade of general officers be not confined to the brigade
or division in Avhich such A'acaucy t)ccurs, unless all other
thing are equal, then the brigade or division to have
preference, but Avhenever a vacancy occurs amongst the
troops of a particular State, the selection for promotion
to be made from all the troops of that State serA-ing in

MAJoR-GENEEAL BRYAN GRIMES. 47
the army in which the \-acancy occurs. We would state
that the AA'ar Department ha- adopte<:l a svstem ot pro
motion for all grades below that of general, which we
think ju-t and efficient : That an officer cannot be pro
moted oA-er his ^niors unless thev have been examined
bv a board and failed to pass their examination, or any
especial act of conspicutius gallantry entitles him lo such
promotion. It is not sufficient t<:) shoAv that the officer
Avho^ promotion is asked for has behaved in battle with
great skill and gallantry, but some special act must be
-stated. Whil-t we do nc>t desire to limit the selection of gen
eral officers so much, as is necessary Avith the lower
grades, Ave do desire that the appointment of juniors OA-er
^nii'irs .shall not be made Avithout cause.
i."^igne<li. E. C. Brabble, Colonel Thirty-second Regi
ment X. C. Troops; J. J.Ikedell, Ji^i/o/-
Fifty-third Regiment X. C. Troops ; JuNlU>
D.ANIEL, Brigadier-General ; James H.
AA'iHiii. Lieutenant- Colonel Fourth X. C. >'.
Troops; Wm. R. Cox. Colorul Stx-ond
X. C. Infantry; F. M. Parker, Colonel
Thirtieth X. C. Troops; Bryan Gmimf,-.
Colonel Foudh X. C. Statu Troops.

48 extracts of letters of
April, 1864. Recoraraended for Brigadier-General
by Generals Daniel, Raraseur and Rodes.
[Original Copy.]
Orange Couet House, Va., April 24, 1864.
Geneeal S. Cooper, Adjutant and Insjjector- General:
AA^e feel it to be our dutA' as North Carolina officers,
and Avith a high sense of the good of the serA'ice, to
recoramend Colonel Bryan Grimes, Fourth North Caro
lina Troops, for promotion to the command of the bri
gade about to be formed of the First, Third, Fifty-fifth
and another North Carolina regiment. AVe do also
recommend for this position Colonel AV. R. Cox, Second
North Carolina.
Colonel Grimes is among the senior colonels from our
State. He has commanded his regiment from the battle
of "Seven Pines" through all the battles in Avliich the
Army of Northern A'^irginia has participated, except
" Sharp,sburg," when he Avas disabled, and "First Fred
ericksburg," Avhen he commanded the brigade of Avhich
he was senior colonel. In the official reports of all
their actions. Colonel Grimes' conduct is highly spoken
of by his senior officers. In battle. Colonel Grimes is
conspicuous for skill and gallantry. He commanded for
several months (from Maryland to Fredericksburg) the
¦brigade now commanded by Brigadier-General Ramseur.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GEIMES. 49
As a disciplinarian. Colonel Grimes has fcAv superiors.
He is ever zealous in the performance of military duty
and in providing for and taking care of his men.
AVe believe the claims of Colonel Grimes and Colonel
Cox to be A'ery strong : by the appointment of either,
the good of the service will be secured.
AVe, therefore, earnestly recommend their claims to
His Excellency the President for promotion.
(Signed) S. D. Ramseue,
Brigadier- General.
(Signed) Junius Daniel,
Brigadier- General.
Headquarters Rode.s' Division,
April 27th, 1864.
I take pleasure in endorsing Colonel Grimes' claims
to promotion. He has served with me in this division
since its formation at YorktoAvn, and shoAvn himself,
under all circumstances, to be a good and reliable officer.
He is a thorough gentleman, brave to a fault, invalua
ble in an action, and his habits are worthy of imitation.
Respectfully forwarded.
(Signed) R. E. Rode,s,
Major- General.

50 extracts of letters of
GoLDSBORO, N. C, March 10th, 1863.
Colonel Bryan Grimes entered the service as Major of
the Fourth North Carolina Regiment, and for more than
a year had the admirable training of the lamented Gen
eral G. B. Anderson, Avho Avas colonel of that regiment.
Colonel Grimes led the Fourth Avith most distin
guished gallantry at "Seven Pines," and in all the sub
sequent battles of the year 1862, except Shai-psburg,
when he Avas ill. He has been in many pitched battles,
and has behaA-ed most gallantly in them all. I think
that he has seen more serAace than any colonel from
North Carolina. His gallantry, ripe experience, admi
rable training, intelligence and moral Avorth, constitute
strong claims for promotion.
(Signed) D. H. Hill,
Major- Gen eral.
[Extracts from Letters to his AVife.]
Enemy crossed at Germania Ford IMay 4th and 5th,
1864. Would not only take bhick prisoners, but no
white. May 6th. — AVhipped the enemy like fury last evening.
6th. — Have whipped them badly. Burnside's Corps,
particularly, stampeded like sheep. Some of our troops
did not behave so Avell as expected, permitting the enemy

MAJOR-(iENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 51
to break lines, or falling back in confusion. General
Lee took command in person. With Avaving hat in
hand, charged, driving helter-skelter. Our brigade suf
fered slightly. Charged Burnside's Corps, Avhich broke
and ran before A\e got a good chance at them; Indians,
also, Avho did no serA'ice.
Six o'clock. Saturday morning. — Enemy are moving.
vSharp-shooters feeling to sec if they be in position, but
hear nothing from them. Sjioils immense ; looks bright
for Confederacy.
May 7th. — Enemy active, but nothing accomplished
by them; regarded as badly Avhipped and demoralized.
Walker Anderson killed. Colonel AA'ery mortally
wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel DaAadson prisoner, Hay
wood A\'ounded.
May 9th. — AVell, but greatly exhausted; was only
slightly wounded in instep of left foot. AVill keep on
duty. Are getting the best of fights.
Battle field of Spottsyh'unia, May 11th. — By grace of
God am still spared. The Yankees haA'e been punished
severely. AVe uoav haA'e good breastAvorks, and Avill
slay thera worse than ever. Major Iredell killed yester
day; shot through the head Avhile bravely rallying his
regiment. May 14th. — On Thursday the eneray attacked Major-

52 extracts of letters of
General Johnson's line, breaking through, capturing him
self and Brigadier-General Stuart of Maryland, together
with two thousand prisoners and twenty cannon. About
5 o'clock A. M., Ramseur's Brigade were ordered up to
check the enemy, who were pressing our men, and kept
them at bay for about two hours, when we Avere ordered
to charge ; drove them (Ramseur's Brigade alone) back to
the captured works, rested a feAv minutes, and Ramseur
having been shot in his right arm, and not able to keep
up, and seeing no one to apply to, and seeing the neces
sity for speedy action, I ordered a second charge, myself
leading them, and by the very boldness of the move'
recovered the entire works and all the guns, capturing
many prisoners and killing more Yankees than the bri
gade numbered men. They made repeated efforts to
retake Avorks, but Ave successfully repulsed everv attack
and held possession until 4 o'clock a. m. Fridav, Avhen
Ave Avere ordered to move out, Avhich we did just before
day. General Lee rode down in person to thank the
brigade for its gallantry, saying " we deserA^ed the thanks
of the country; Ave had saved his army." General Daniel
Avho Avas engaged on our left, Avas seriously Avounded, and
yesterday morning, at his request, I Avas assigned to his
brigade. He died last night. He Avas an excellent offi
cer, and although I probably gained a brigade by his

MAJOE-GENEEAL BRYAN GEIMES. 53
death, I would have preferred to remain -m statu quo
rather than his services should be lost to the country.
North Carolina has suffered seriously.
May 16th. — My escapes are regarded as miraculous
when account is taken of number killed, particularly as
I never order my men to perform any duty attended
with danger without sharing it with them.
May 17th. — Little fighting. Yesterday enemy moved
forward to move hospital with fifteen hundred wounded,
Avhich they carried to Fredericksburg. Loss to North
Carolina has been very great. Many most gallant offi
cers killed. General Daniel had been recommended by
General Lee for Major-General.
May 18th. — -Yankees charged in front but were
repulsed. Considerably strengthened. Grant continues
to run them against us. They can't hold out much
longer. May 19th. — Enemy have disappeared; have orders to
be prepared to move so as to meet them. This is the
fifteenth day since Ave have met them. Have been fight
ing more or less every day. If they would retire beyond
the river and give us a breathing spell, it Avould be
decidedly advantageous. Nearly all are fagged out and
need rest.

54 extracts of letters of
May 20th. — We made a flank moveraent last evening
and had a very sharp fight Avith the enemy. Two of
the "Old Guard " killed— Gus. Byers and Taylor. The
old Fourth lost .sixty-five killed and Avounded. Daniel's
Brigade behaved most gallantly, conducting itself most
excellently. The bullets fell thick and heavy around
me and araid it all my life has again been spared.
May 22d, Hanover Junction. — A\'e reached here to
day after a most fatiguing jaunt, the enemy attempt
ing to flank us as we moved down.
May 25th. — Yankees still continue obstinate and still
continue to ru.sh cm to their doom, as more of them did
yesterday Avhen they came on ray line. AVe drove them
with considerable .slaughter, losing but fcAv in Daniel's
Brigade, Avho bore the brunt of the fighting. Have uoav
been in line of battle forty-eight hours.
May 31st. — Yesterday a hard day; the exertion I
made and the fatigue undergone almost suj)erhuraan.
Again this diA'ision was called upon to make a flank
moA^ement. AVhipped thera, but at considerable loss to
Daniel's Brigade. At lea.st three-fourths of the killed
and Avounded Avere from this brigade. There is no doubt
of its being a fine body of men and will do credit to my
command. Major Smith was killcil, and Lieutenant
Lemay, of Raleigh.

AIA.TOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 55
June 6th, 1864. — ^Received commission as Brigadier-
General, Avhich, according to General Rodes' request,
bore date of 19th of iMay, 1864, on which occasion, on a
flank movement near Fredericksburg, towards the rear
of Grant's army, I handled the brigade with such effi
ciency that General Rodes approached me soon after the
battle, and shaking me by the hand, said: "You have
saved Ewell's Corps, and shall be promoted, and your
commission shall bear date from this day." After
remaining in position sufficiently long for the wounded
and stragglers to come up, retired to position of the
corps in the morning. My raijk is permanent, so direct
your letters hereafter to Brigadier-General Grimes.
June 7th. — Another flank moveraent last evening;
did not amount to much. Last night came to this spot,
near Richmond, and for the first time in thirty odd days
have come in the woods to encamp, massed by regiments.
Have heretofore rested on our arms in line of battle.
June 8th. — Had orders to be prepared to raove at day
light, but are still here near Cold Harbor. My old regi
ment made application to be transferred to this brigade,
which I hope will be granted. I have an affection for
them, having been associated with them so long.
June 13th, near Southana RiA'er. — Marched over
thirty miles to-day over sandy road. Everything and

56 extracts of letters of
everybody exhausted. Left Cold Harbor at 2 o'clock
a. m. Appears as if avc are going to the A^alley of Vir
ginia. Are now on the Charlottesville road. Must
either be after Hunter or going into Maryland. I pray
God that it will end more successfully than the other
iuA'asion. June 15th, near Gordons ville. — Stopped here to camp
for night. Think we Avill move up the A^alley.
June 18th. — In the morning Ave take the cars for
Lynchburg, after a most fatiguing and oppressiA'e march.
During General Rodes' absence to visit his Avife, I have
command of the diAdsion.
June 21st, 1864, Top of Blue Ridge. — Have been
pursuing Yankees at such a rapid gait, haA'en't had time
to write. Been almost without rations ; hard marching,
and nothing to eat. Start before day, not stop till dark,
except to rest for ten minutes. We moA-e immediately.
June 22d, Salem, Va. — Since leaving Richmond have
scarcely rested any to invigorate our exhausted energies,
and with it all a deficiency of rations. For the duration
of forty-eight hours my brigade did not have a mouth
ful of bread, and but little flesh; A'ery little straggling
and very little complaining. Occasionally, Avhen Gen
eral Rodes or Early passed the line, the cry Avas, " Bread,
bread, bread ;" but through it all, avc made a forced inarch

major-general BRYAN GRIMES. 57
for the last day, and arrived too late to inflict much dam
age on the enemy, AAdiich was A'ery annoying, as avc
expected to get supplies from them, but instead found
only empty Avagons and Avorthless provisions. At L3'nch-
burg the ladies sent us supplies of good edibles for the
general officers. At Liberty I Avas iuA'ited out to break
fast, Avhich I enjoyed very much.
(NoTE.^-July, 1864. — He returned home on sick fur
lough, being so completely Avorn out from fatigue and
hardship as to bring on a severe attack. AVas in hospi
tal in Lynchburg a few days before leaving for Raleigh.
AVas quite unAvell when he returned, and had surgeon's
certificate of unfitness for duty, but imagined that duty
called him back to the army.)
Staunton, August 6th. — ArriA'ed here sooner than I
expected. Found Polk and my horse Warren, Avho had
been sent home to be taken care of, Avaiting for me.
Shall leave early in the morning for Winchester. Learn
that our troops moA'cd into Maryland Thursday.
New Market, August 8th. — Have stopped for dinner.
I have found a very agreeable travelling companion in
Captain Burrill, a first cousin of General Lee. With
out his company this horseback ride of one hundred
miles Avould have been verA' loneh'.

58 EXTRACTS OF LETTEES OF
Auo-ust 10th, North Fork of Shenandoah River. —
Have learned that our troops have retui-ned, and are
encamped at Bunker Hill, Avhere I Avill rejoin them to
night. Stevenson's Depot, August 12th. —My surmises that
they Avould not remain long at Bunker Hill are correct,
and the indications are that Ave Avill not stay here long,
but cannot conjecture in Avhat direction avc Avill move.
General Early outgenerals all of us. No one can guess
Avhen he is going to move, or where he Avill next bring
up. The Yankees begin to think him ubiquitous.
Strasburg, August 13th. — Have been expecting a fight
ever since I rejoined my coramand last Wednesday, but
have had none as yet. We have, through strategic moA'e-
ments, fallen back frora Bunker Hill to this place. Have
been sick, but am better. Have felt so badly, I regret
ted having gone contrary to advice in returning so soon.
^Vugust 14th. — The enemy are A'cry quiet to-day.
This morning Ave drcAV up to attack them, but they fell
back, and we quietly returned to our rest in the Avoods.
Strasburg, August 15th. — Another day of rest and
free from fighting. Had a delightful serenade from my
old command.
Strasburg, August 16th. — -Another quiet day, and
from indications, think it inav be several weeks before

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 59
Ave have an engagement; for the enemy, as Avell as our-
.seh'es, are erecting breastAvorks. General Anderson
Avill join us, Avhen, as we Avill be tolerably strong, avc
may strike a blow at them.
August 18th, near AV'inchester. — Again have we
driven the enemy frora position, and folloAved thera to
this place, they still falling back, and not shoAving much
fight. Their numbers are double ours. We Avere joined
by General Anderson's force this morning; also a divis
ion of cavalry. Could not write yesterday, was on the
march all day. Noav two o'clock, and have not broken
my fast. Am invited out to dinner, Avhich I accept with
pleasure. Bunker Hill, August 19th. — The enemy continue to
fall back, and avc have pressed until reaching the present
position. What is General Early's intention, I can't say.
Bunker Hill, August 20th. — We have an admirable
camp, but haA'c had nothing but beef and flour, not even
hog meat or salt, to help along. AVe remain here a dav
or tAvo to threaten the eneray. I received orders this
morning, Avhen it Avas thought the enemy Avere advan-
<'ing, to make a big shoAV of fight and bluff them off, if
possible; but if they came in force, to hold them a little
while, to give the others time to retreat, and then fall
back.

60 EXTEACTS OF LETTERS OF
Charlestown, Va., August 21st. — I have had to-day a
good many killed and Avounded, Ave being in advance,
but have not had all my command engaged. The enemy
have a large force between us and Harper's Ferry, Avhich
Early is demonstrating upon, and is contesting the
ground most .stubbornly. This is a mere feint to frighten
them and cover some important move on our part. I
have no idea Ave will fight here, for the enemy outnum
ber us three, to one, and Early knows two Avell the
importance of preserving his army.
Charlestown, August 22d. — My experience to-day has
been varied. Early this morning we pitched into the
Yankees and drove them through CharlestoAvn to their
position on Boliver heights, Avhere they are Avatching us
and occasionally throwing a shell at us. I have com
raand of the front line, and this morning, Avhile visiting
the picket line, as soon as they spied us their artillery
opened upon us, which passed within a fcAV feet of my
horse. August 23d, near Harper's Ferry. — Amid the fight
ing, have escaped injury so far. Find e\'erything more
plentiful here than in any part of the A-alloy, and the
people anxious to conduce to our pleasure by every
means in their power. They are loyal to the backbone.
Charlestown, August 24th. — .\_iiotlier day spent be-

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 61
tween CharlestoAvn and Harper's Ferry, the enemy occa
sionally demonstrating, and about 12 o'clock to-day their
cavalry charged our picket line and drove them in, and
for the first time in many a day, I doubled-quicked to
reach my command in time to form line of battle, so as
to give them a fitting reception. At the time I Avas
visiting a neighboring brigade, but reached my OAvn and
formed line of battle before any other troops. After
remaining in line half an hour, found there AA'as no use,
and returned to our resting-place.
August 27th, Ijcestown, hear Shepardstown, Va.^
Have been so busy for two days have not had time to
write. Wednesday avc left CharlestoAvn and advanced
towards Shepardstown. When about half way the
enemy's cavalry attacked Breckinridge's command,
which caused a halt, when Rodes' Division came up, my
brigade being in ad\'ance, Ave formed line of battle, thrcAV
out one regiment as skirmishers, and advanced upon
them, driving them before us. AVe chased them for
upwards of tAvo hours, many of the men fainting frora
exhaustion. We drove them entirely from the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad and beyond the turnpike, Avhen avc
halted to rest, and found ourselves two miles in advance
of any other troops, Avhen at the beginning Ave Avere the
third division in the line. And again that morning, Avhen

62 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
near Shepardstown, and the others had halted for our
approach, Ave came upon the enemy and folloAved them
until they crossed the Potomac. AVhenever we are able
to get them in a run, I feel, really, like a boy, and enjoy
the .sport immensely. After halting, as we supposed for
the night, and I had engaged supper for self and staff,
Ave received orders to move on the Martinsburg pike,
Init I could not leave without that supper, as I had eaten
nothing since sunrise that morning. About 10 o'clock
that night, reached the ground allotted to us, and after
placing men in position, laid doAvn and slept as quietly
as an infant.
Bunker's Hill, August 29th. — Am Avell.
August 30th. — Still at Bunker's Hill, quiet.
August 31st. — Severe march and skirmishing.
September 1st, 1864. — At 8 a. m. we Avere called out
and moved doAvn the road a fcAV miles, Avhen Ave encoun
tered the Yankee cavalry and pu.shed on, driving them
through Martinsburg, leaving large quantities of pork,
corn, oats, clothes, shoes, boots, etc. I enjoyed the sport,
and after driving them ten miles beyond jMartinsburg,
came back to camp Avithout the loss of a single man, and
fcAV Avounded. AVe inflicted a right sox'crc punishment
upon the enemy, besides a big fright. They thought wc

:\[AJOE-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 63
Avere on the route to AVilliamsport, Maryland. My
brigade Avas the only one Avhich Avent beyond the tOAvii,
the others being halted on the edge of town.
Camp near AVinchester, September 4th. — We are
having quite a stirring time, and gi\'ing the Yankees a
hot time, and doing a great deal of marching ourseh'es.
September 6th, 1864, Stevenson's Depot. — AVe have
moved doAvn in the direction of Berryville, Avhere Ave
formed to attack the enemy, but found them so strongly
entrenched, after skirmishing for a couple of hours, we
retired for the night, Avhen avc reached camp Avet, and
exhausted, and hungry, Avithout a wagon or tent to shel
ter us frora the rain, spent the night all exposed and
Avoke up next raorning drenched to the skin. About
ten o'clock, began to retire from the front of the eneray,
and moved doAvn toward this point, Avhere we started
from the day before. AVhen Avithin a couple of miles,
learned that the enemy Avas betAveen us and our encamp
ment, and driA'ing our cavalry before them. My bri
gade being in advance, formed and prepared to fight.
Charged them at double-quick, and had a most exciting
chase, breaking them in every effort they made to make
a stand and drove them until night came on and pre
vented further pursuit. This fight Avas during one of
the severest rains that I have ever seen fall. Tom

64 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Devereux had his horse killed under him, and kept up
Avith me on foot until I ordered him to .stop. Both he
and Tuck Badger behaA'e remarkably well under fire.
September 7th, 1864, Stevenson's Depot. — Weather
terrible. No orders to move to-day.
September 10th, 1864, Stevenson's Depot. — The
Aveather continues very rainy. We are hoAV A'ery much in
need of clothes and shoes, there being at least tAvo hun
dred barefooted and half-naked men in my command.
Am using CA'cry exertion to get them clothed, but Avith
all our rags and nakedness, can put up a most beautiful
fight. The men go into action Avith spirit, and I feel
like a boy after being in a fight a feA\' minutes. To
morrow we break up camp and again go to Bunker Hill.
General Early has been very successful in all his man
oeuvres. September 11th, 1864, Bunker Hill. — AA"e haA'e again
changed. Are now nearer the Potomac than on yester
day. Expect to move again to-day. Had to drive the
enemy frora this point so A\-e could take possession. I
learn that the enemy's loss Avas very heavy IMonday
Avhen my brigade charged them.
SteA'enson's Depot, September 13th, 1864. — AVe are
under marching orders. Frora the report of artillerv it

MAJOR-GENEEAL BRYAN GRIMES. 65
A\'ill be up the valley, as the eneray appears to be advan
cing in that direction. The nights are very cold ; find
two or three blankets comfortable.
Stevenson's Depot, September 16th and 17th. — Had
a serenade last night given by the band of the "Old
Fourth Regiment," Avhich I appreciate as a mark of
respect and esteem from my old comraand. Anderson's
Division returned to Richmond. Only our original
force left.
Strasburg, September 20th, 1864. — Yesterday we had
a most terrible fight at Winchester, and Ave were very
roughly handled by the enemy. We lost a great many
men, and our troops did not behave Avith their usual
valor. AVith great exertion on my part and that of my
staff, mine did better than any other, but that Avas not as
well as I desired. General Rodes Avas killed. Captain
London, Captain Stitt and Lieutenant Barnes, of my
staff, were wounded. The horse of one of my couriers
(SherAvood Badger) and ray oavu horse killed under me,
and for nine hours was under heavy fire, men falling
around rae almost every instant. Have been as near
exhausted as a man could well be, not slept ten hours in
forty-eight. It Avas the most trying day of the war to
rae, when after what I supposed Avas a victory, I saAv

9

66 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
the eneray break over our cavalry and dash in rear of
our troops and cut and hack away at them. Am truly
thankful for my safety.
Strasburg, September 22d. — Requested Lieutenant
Barnes to telegraph you, for fear the report current in the
rear of my being killed might reach you. It was a most
terrible day. In the beginning Ave drove the enemy and
killed many, and could have driven them into Harper's
Ferry but for the troops on our left. Our cavalry first
gaA'e way, our infantry Avere flanked, then there Avas a
general fall back. Raraseur has been assigned to this
division and Pegram to Ramseur's old command. Gen
eral Rodes' place cannot be supplied. He is a serious
loss to the Confederacy. Captains London, Stitt and
Lieutenant Barnes are a great loss to me; their aid Avas
invaluable. Lieutenant Howard was mortally wounded
and fell into the hands of the enemy.
New Market, September 24th. — Have been so busy
no time to write. Am Avell and safe after most fatiguing
and dangerous fighting for five days. My escapes have
been miraculous.
Camp near Port Republic, September 25th. — We have
reached a place of safety, after one of the most harassing
weeks of dnxiety ever spent by me, less on my OAvn
account than that of others. It has been fight all day
and retreat all night. Am completely exhausted.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAJV^ GRIMES. 67
Near Port Republic, September 26th. — A week this
morning since we left camp on September 19th at Steven
son's Depot, when, in less- than one hour, encountered
the enemy, and, forming line, attacked him ; drove some
distance, inflicting most tetrible punishment upon him,
and then halted.
Everything up to 4, o'clock in the afternoon looked
bright and promised well for a complete victory. The
enemy had turned their Avagons back to Harper's Ferry
about 4 o'clock, then their cavalry charged our cavalry,
which Avas on the left of our .infantry, which gave way
in confusion, and their forces came doAvn on the left and
rear of our column, AA'hen the troops began to give way
in that quarter. About which time I received orders to
SAving back and front them frora that direction, alloAving
the right of my brigade to remain stationary. Upon
coming into the open field, I perceived everything to be
in the most inextricable confusion— horses dashing OA'er
the field, cannon being run to the rear at the top of the
horses' speed, men leaving their command and scatter
ing in confusion. My men seeing this state of things,
began also to show symptoms of alarm, which I in a
great measure checked, threatening to bloAV the brains
out of the first man who left ranks, and succeeded in
quieting them down and keeping them under control.

68 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Then directed my attention to arresting the flight of
others, and many a felloAV felt the full Aveight of my best
bloAvs from my sword. During this time the Yankee
cavalry was dashing among them, cutting and hewing
right and left- We then attempted to fall back sloAvly,
confronting them and fighting every inch of the ground,
which was done through to Winchester and some four
miles south of that point. The ladies of AVinchester
came out in the streets when the stampede first began
and formed across the streets and entreated the stragglers
to return, but without success. I have already told you
about having my horse killed under me, and my escapes
from death on that day appeared marvelous, for from
ten o'clock in the morning until after eight at night, I
was in the thickest of the fight. Captain London, poor
fellow, was shot, and caught by me as he fell. Captain
Foster was killed the same day. That night Ave inarched
until about 2 o'clock, when we lay doAvn and slept until
about 4, at Avhich time we were again on the road and
reached Strasburg about 12 m. on Tuesday, cooked up
rations, and slept off our fatigue of the previous twenty-
four hours. I have never exerted myself so much in my
life and my voice was completely gone; could scarcely
speak above a whisper. I was as sore as a boil all over,
and had to have Polk (his body servant) to rub me over

major-general BRYAN GEIMES. 69
with liniment. On Wednesday we erected breastAvorks,
and prepared for the advance of the enemy, and felt very
secure of holding the position of the command in front.
AVere busily engaged day and night up to about one
o'clock Thursday the 2 2d, when they attacked our skir
mishers and drove them in; did not attack the line of
battle. About 3 o'clock we perceived two columns mov
ing up the side of the mountain to our left, when the
cavalry was again fronted. I then urged upon Ramseur,
who commanded our cliAasion, to send a brigade or two
over to their assistance, knowing that the cavalry would
run if attacked, but he declined to do so until he could
communicate Avith General Early, and then sent Cox's
Brigade, but alas ! it was too late. During that hour I
suffered more than I've ever done in my life. My
anxiety for the fate of the army was intolerable. I
deployed three of my regiments to protect my flank in
case of an attack, which about 4 o'clock came like an
avalanche. The cavalry breaking, my skirmish line
presented but a feeble resistance. The enemy attacked
me on ray left flank, front and rear at the same time. I
remained, fought until Ramseur came up and told rae to
save my brigade if possible. The colors of the United
States troops were then in less than a hundred yards of
me. I moved off by my right flank, firing to the front

70 EXTEACTS OF LETTEES OF
and left as I marched. Thinking that Ave were going to
fight in the trenches, had sent my horse to a hollow for
protection. A Avhile before this time I had fallen, in
walking down the trenches, and sprained my ankle, and
was able to hobble along, but very slowly. Through a
mistake, my horse had been carried from the place that I
had ordered him, and I found myself afoot Avhen I
ordered the troops to leave. As we marched by the
flank we were firing to the right, left and rear. Upon
attempting to put my men in position in line, I found it
almost an impossibility, on account of the nearness of
the eneray, and that I would be left behind to fall into
the hands of the Yankees. Just tlien a cannon-ball cut
down two horses in a caisson, and the drivers Avere
engaged in getting the others loose from their harness.
Two Avere loosened, and the drivers had mounted them
before I could get up, and others Avere cutting out the
two which remained. To procure one of these horses
was a matter of life and death with me, and, wiiile one
of these artillerymen Avas cutting aAvay, I vaulted into
the saddle and told him to hurry up — that I must have
that horse. He didn't take time to parley Avith me, but
ran off, leaving the horse still fastened by one trace to
the horse that had been killed ; I out Avith my knife and
began to cut away, when another driver, who had bv

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 71
this time disentangled his horse, loosened this trace for
me, and I put spurs to my horse. The Yankees Avere
then not over fifty yards from me, and I had an open
field of tAVO hundred yards to run the gauntlet through,
with but few other objects in vieAv for them to shoot at.
My escape was almost miraculous. On my way I found
Colonel Winston, broken down, and took him behind
me. Overtook my troops and formed into line; made
several short stand.s, but the troops on all sides were too
much demoralized to make a successful fight, and it was
fall back all the time, and I was carried along in the
current only by order, when I found no support. This
state of things continued up to 9 o'clock that night,
when we finally checked the enemy, and travelled all
night, until we reached Mount Jackson, where Ave rested
several hours. Forming line of battle, we kept the
enemy in check until dark, when we continued our
retreat to Rudes' Hill, near New Market, and about 9
o'clock next morning the enemy again began to press.
AVe remained until 12 o'clock, when we found that they
were flanking us in the same manner that they had done
on the two previous occasions, and General Early then
began to withdraw us in line of battle, Avhich Avas very
successfully done until about night, Avhen we withdrew
to Brown's Gap and Port Republic, the place of one of

72 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Jack,son's great victories. Here Ave were called upon
next day to go out and drive off their cavalry, which we
did, inflicting considerable loss upon them.
Weir's Cave, September 28th. — Moved around a good
deal yesterday, but halted for the night near where we
started in the morning, except Ave were on the north side
of the Shenandoah. It is reported that the enemy are
falling back to the Potomac.
Waynesboro, September 29th. — Yesterday, had a most
disagreeable march, not arriving in camp until 4
o'clock this morning, travelling all night in the rear of a
wagon train to protect it from Yankee caA'alry, Avho were
threatening on all sides. Troops beginning to recover
from last week's misfortunes; in tolerable fighting trim,
and anxious to retrieve their lost reputation.
Waynesboro, October 1st, 1864. — Yesterday was a
day of rest — very essential to our comfort, for our
energies were about exhausted. The enemy is reported
to be falling back down the valley, Avhich I hope is so,
unless we had an opportunity of thrashing him.
Mount Sydney, October 2d. — Nothing of interest.
Mount Sydney, October 8d. — The enemy is slowly
retiring, and we are foUoAving him up; but Early will
profit by past experience and not risk too much.
Mount Sydney, October 4th, 1864. — Another day of
rest, and what was quite as much needed, a good dinner.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 73
The gentleman with whom we dined was ransomed by
his Avife and daughters paying all their jeAvelry and
silver, and the house redeemed by payment of forty dol
lars in gold. Enemy near Harrisburg fcAV miles from
here. Mount Sydney, October 6th. — This is our fourth day
of rest, and have made use of it to recruit my exhausted
energies. Have been drilling my men, for I knoAv the
necessity of drilling and discipline to make good sol
diers, as I am anxious that those under my coramand
should be.
Harrisonburg, October 7th. — Again on the march, fol
lowing the eneray.
Camp near New Market, October 9th. — It is proba
ble we will remain in our present position for some time.
Eneray been driven beloAV Stra,sburg, and as they de
stroyed everything on their retreat, we have not the
AvhercAvithal to subsist our army on. Country a perfect
desolation. All stock and provisions destroyed.
New Market, October 10th. — Ordered down the turn
pike to meet the enemy. Having gone four miles, Avere
ordered to return to camp.
New Market, October 11th. — Just received orders to
cook tAVO days' rations and be ready to move at sunrise
in the morning. 10

74 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Near Woodstock, October 13th. — Are moving towards
Strasburg. Enemy reported as lower doAvn the Valley.
Near Strasburg, October 14th. — Yesterday afternoon,
attacked the enemy; gained quite a little victoiy.
Near Strasburg, October 15th. — Stationary. Nothing
of importance.
Near Strasburg, October 1 6th. — Enemy quiet on other
side Cedar creek.
Near Strasburg, October 17th. — Yesterday, reported to
General Rosser (ca\'alry general). About dark, mounted
my men behind his, took a by-path over the mountains,
over the most rugged roads I ever travelled. About 3
o'clock, came up in rear of Yankee camp. Dismount
ing my men, prepared to charge them. We had been
informed a cavalry division were encamped at this
place, but found only forty men, every one of Avhom Ave
captured with their horses. Had a pleasant time.
Near Strasburg, October 18th. — Enemy remarkably
quiet. New Market, October 20th. — Yesterday morning, after
marching all night, flanked the enemy in their position,
Avhipping them badly, and driving them from their
breastworks, capturing tAventy-odd pieces of artillery,
driving them several miles. Our left Aviug shamefully
gave Avay, Avhich necessitated the draAving in of our

MAJOR-GENEEAL BRYAN GRIMES. 75
lines, which was done in considerable confusion. At
that time the Yankee cavalry charged and completely
routed our men. It Avas impossible to check the flight,
officers and men behaving shamefully. Twice the Yan
kees got between me and the route I had to travel, Avhich
rendered it necessary for me to take the woods to avoid
capture. About 7 o'clock, arrived at a place on Fisher's
Hill, AA'here Ave halted to endeavor to gather up the strag
glers and rearrange our troops. After resting a few
hours, fell back to this place. It Avas the hardest day's
work I ever engaged in — trying to rally the men. Took
our flags at different times, begging, commanding, entreat
ing the men to rally — would ride" up and doAvn the lines,
beseeching them by all they held sacred and dear, to
stop and fight, but without success. I don't mean my
brigade only, but all. The demoralization was too great.
All my exertions were of no avail. I Avas riding a horse
captured in our night attack upon the caA'alry, which I
mentioned in my letter of last Monday, and had him
killed by a shell early in the engagement, Avhile on his
back, the .shell not missing my leg tAVO inches. After
wards found a horse on the field, rode him the remain
der of the day. He also was struck, but not much hurt.
Had a ball to strike me on the leg, but so slightly that
the blow was scarcely perceptible, the ball having

76 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
expended its force. General Ramseur was wounded
mortally, and fell into the hands of the enemy. Gen
eral Battle, of Alabama, severely wounded. The only
salvation for this army and the country Avill be to inflict
severe punishment on all who fail to discharge their
duty. There will be a general court-martial this after
noon, and all delinquents will be tried.
Camp near New Market, October 22d. — I am now in
command of Rhodes' old Division — very busily engaged
all my time in correcting abuses that have crept into the
department during the long and arduous campaign —
inspecting camp, attending drills, and hope if we are
alloAved a few weeks to discipline these troops, to haA'e
them as good and efficient as they were in their best days.
New Market, October 23d, 24th and 25th.— Still
quiet. Busily engaged reorganizing.
October 26th — Enemy quiet for the present. Don't
knoAV how long it will last. Have no idea when we Avill
go into winter quarters.
New Market, October 27th to 31st. — Employed in
drilling and disciplining troops. All haA'e the greatest
confidence in General Early. No blame can be attached
to him for our failures. Simply Avant of discipline
among the troops.

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 77
[Report of the part taken by Rhodes' Division in the action of October
19th, 1864.]
Headquaetees Rhodes' Division,
October 31st, 1864.
Capt. Sam'l J. C. Mooee, A. A. G.:
Captain: In obedience to orders from corps head
quarters, I haA'e the honor of submitting the following
report as the part taken by Rhodes' division in the
action on the 19th October, 1864:
About dark on the evening of the 18th the division
moved from camps on Fisher's Hill and was halted for
an hour or more near the pike, in order that Major-
General Gordon, in command of the force, who was to
move to the enemy's rear, could communicate with Lieu-
tenant-General Early.
This halt was caused, as I unofficially learned, in con-
eequence of information received that the enemy were
fortifying that evening on their left flank. About 8 P.
M. the march was resumed, and, after passing the stone
bridge, filed to the right and passed by a circuitous route
around the base of Fort Mountain, by a blind path,
where the troops had to march in single file. The order
of march was Gordon, Rhodes, Pegram. Upon reach
ing the Shenandoah where crossed by the Manassas Gap
Railroad, the column was halted and massed for the rear

78 EXTEACTS OF LETTERS OF
to close up. So soon as this Avas done, about 1 A. M.,
Ave again moved forward, foUoAving the track of the rail-
until near Bucktown Station, Avhere Ave again halted for
an hour and a half. Availing the arrival of the cavalry,
Avho crossed the river in advance and drove the enemy's
pickets. About 4:30 a. m. the infantry commenced crossing
the Shenandoah near Colonel BoAvman's house, in two
columns. The passage was effected Avith great rapidity
and in good order, though the rear necessarily had to
double-quick for some distance to close up. The order
of march Avas as follows: Battle, Cook, Cox, Grimes.
On arriving within a half a mile of the Valley Pike,
Battle's Brigade Avas formed parallel Avith the same, and
moved forward in line of battle. The other brigades
continued moA'ing by the flank for about three hundred
yards, when they Avere faced to the left and ordered for*
Avard, changing direction to the right. Battle soon struck
the Eighth Corps of the enemy, and charging, gallantly
drove them in great confusion, but Avas himself seriously
Avounded while nobly leading his brigade, the command
of Avhich then dcA'olved on Lieutenant-Colonel Hobson,
Fifth Alabama. Cook and Cox continued to advance,
SAvinging to the right, driving the eneniA- in their front
with but slight resistance for upAvard of half a mile.

ma.ioi!-(;i:nei!ai. bryan grimks. 79
Avhen General Cox reporting that he was flanked on the
left, a temporary halt Avas made until re-iuforccments
were scut forward, Avlieii these tAA'O brigades again
adA'anccd, Cook capturing ,'<cveral cannon, caissons,
ammunition, wagons, t^-c.
This moveraent left a wide interA'al between Cook's
right and Battle's left, which AA'as subsequently filled by
Pcgram's Division. In the meantime Grimes' Brigade
Avas recalled from the left and moved by the right flank
through the abandoned camp of the Eighth Corps, which
had been completely routed, and facing to the front,
adA'anccd to the pike, connecting Avith Battle's right.
This formation was perfected about sunrise.
The enemy being then in position on a small creek to
die left of the Pike, Avith their artillery on a high ridge
in their rear, and firing into our line of battle, but tln^
smoke and fog obscured the troojis so that tlieir fire A\"as
inaccurate. Here Alajor-General Ramseur had skir
mishers throANU to the front and to the right, driving die
sliarp-sliootei"s of the enemy from Aliddletown. The
division rcmaiiuHl liere pcrhajis half an hour, until a bat
tery was brought into position on the rigjit of the pike,
Avhen (Tcuoral Rani.scur again ordered ;ui ad A'ance, Avdiich
AA'as made in good order, and Avitli ;i gallantry never
exceeded. In this adA'ance Battle's Brig-adc ciiarged a

80 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
battery in its front, capturing in addition to six guns
many prisoners and a flag. The Sixth Corps was found
posted on a hill in rear of this battery, and made a most
stubborn resistance. Grimes' Brigade was ordered for
ward and charged thera most gallantly, but being greatly
overlapped on both flanks, was forced to fall back and
reform after advancing as far as the cemetery. At
this time there was an interval of three -hundred yards
between this and Battle's Brigade. Colonel Smith's
Brigade, of Wharton's Division, Avas brought into action
on Grimes' right and charged the same Avooded hill, but
Avas likewise repulsed, Avhen Wofford's Brigade, of Ker
shaw's Division, which had been ordered to report to
Major-General Ramseur, arrived on the ground and Avas
posted behind a stone fence to the right of Grimes, it not
being thought advisable to move against the strong posi
tion of the enemy.
The artillery Avas at this time, 8 A. m., massed on the
hills near the pike, and the infantry remained quiet until
by a concentrated fire from the artillery the Sixth Corps
Avas dislodged from its position, Avhere they had erected
temporary breastworks of rails, stones, &c. Upon this
hill the division was reformed, cartridge-boxes refilled,
and rested upAvards of an hour. During this time skir
mishers Avere advanced and found that the enemy had

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 81
again made a stand at the edge of the Avoods, about three
fourths of a mile in advance. We then moved forward
and joined our left to Kershaw's right, halting in the
road leading from Middletown and at right angles to the
pike. Here again we halted, perhaps for an hour, and
then moved forward in echelon by brigade from the left,
which was occupied by Cook Avith Cox's Brigade in
reserve, and took position behind a stone fence. During
this time the enemy were firing from their artillery,
engaging ours on the hill in our rear. Our skirmishers
all the while were engaged with those of the enemy, who
had driven in our left, but in turn Avere repulsed by our
line of battle. In this po.sition Grimes' Brigade was
about one hundred yards to the right and rear of Battle's,
with an interval of from two to three hundred yards
between his right and Pegram's left. At 3:30 P. M. our
skirmishers were driven in and the enemy advanced their
line of battle. Grimes' Brigade was " double-quicked "
upon tlie line with Battle to meet this advance on the
part of the enemy, and Cox moved up on a line with
Cook and to his left, which advance was repulsed most
gallantly, the enemy fleeing in disorder and confusion,
tiirowing down their arms and battle flags in their retreat.
The musketry on our left still continued to increase, and
at the time our troops were cheering at this repulse of
11

8,2 EXTRACTS OP LETTERS OF
the enemy, the line on our left AA-as seen to give back,
and the troops to retreat without any organization. Gen
eral Ramseur then ordered the different brigades of this
division to fall back and form on a stone fence two
hundred yards in rear, which was promptly done, and
the advance of the enemy in 4)ur front prevented.
AVhile holding this position, the gallant and chivalrous
General Ramseur was mortally wounded and brought
from the field. The troops on the left had by this time
entirely given away, and were running to the rear in
great confusion. The enemy were then in front and to
the left and rear of the left flank of this division, when
they began to fall back in the same disorderly manner
as those on the left.
Our organization up to this time was intact. Upon
the order being given to retire, did so, but the stampede
on the left was caught up, and no threats or entreaties
could arrest their flight. Great and repeated exertions
Avere made by the officers of the higher ranks to ciieck
the men, but all their exertions Avere unavailing.
Upon reaching the south side of Cedar Creek, a few,
perhaps to the number of two hundred, from Cook's and
Grimes' Brigades, formed on the right of the Pike near
Hupp Hill, but when the stream of stragglers came
running over the hill, with the cry that the cavalry

MAJOR-GENERAL BEYAN GEIMES. 83
were across the ci"eek, and prepared to charge, these few
likeAvise scattered, and could not be kept together. Up
to the hour of 4 P. M., the troops of tliis division, both
officers and men, with a few exceptions, behaved most
admirably, and were kept well in hand, but little plun
dering, and only a feAV. shirking their duty. After that
hour, all was confusion and disorder. The brigade
commanders conducted themselves, each and all, with
great coolness and judgment, and are deserving of espe
cial mention, using all possible efforts to check their
troops, but without success.
The death of the brave and heroic soldier. General
Ramseur, is not only a lo.ss to this division, but to his
State and the country at large. No truer or nobler
spirit has been sacrificed in this unjust and unholy Avar.
The conduct of the officers composing the staff of
this division cannot be too highly lauded for their gal
lantry and efficiency: Major Peyton for the coolness and
promptne.ss with which he conveyed orders on the field;
Major Hutchinson for his efficiency, who was captured,
escaped from the enemy, and again captured late in the
evening; Captain Randolph displayed his usual daring;
Major AVhiting, In.spector, rendered signal service by
preventing all straggling and plundering; and Lieuten
ant Richmond, A. D. C, for his assistance and alacrity
in transmitting orders.

84 BXTEAOrS OF LETTERS OF
For the conduct of others who deserve especial men
tion, you are respectfully referred to reports of brigade
commanders herewith transmitted.
I am. Captain,
Very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Bryan Grimes,
Brig. Gen. Commanding Division.
[Further Extracts fiom Letters to his Wife.]
Near NeAV Market, November 1st 1864. — ^The dudes
of camp are suspended to-day for the purpose of com
memorating our respect and attachment for our two late
commanders, Rodes and Ramseur. I could not partici
pate in the meeting, owing to a summons from General
Early to meet all division commanders, which detained
me six hours.
Camp near New Market, November 2d to 4th. — I
am still here. It has rained inces.santly for tAvo days.
Am busy reorganizing Rodes' Division, which I sdll
command. New Market, November 5th. — No ucavs from the
enemy. They are still near Strasburg. Our move
ments depend on theirs. If they re-inforce Grant, Ave
Avill demonstrate in order to draAv them back.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 85
Headquarters Rodes' Division, November 6th. — Yes
terday, moved camp to present position, Avhere Ave have
abundance of \A'ood and water. The mountains are
covered with snoAV this morning — very hard on bare
footed and half-naked men;
November 7th. — Weather continues bad.
November 8th and 9th. — Still at 'New Market. Yes
terday, at Early's headquarters, learned the enemy had
thirty-six thousand effective men for the field ; more than
three times our number. At recent fights they must have
had at lea.st five to one. If not for their cavalry, we could
soon drive their infantry out of the valley. When the
history of the war is written, and the disparity of the
forces engaged is considered, we will come out with
honor; and if justice is done, it will be shown that we
have done our duty.
Learned that after election in the United States, that
their troops would be moved to some other quarter.
They are still fortifying Winchester.
Camp near New Market, November 10th. — ^We leave
here to-day to demonstrate against the enemy, to cause
them to return Avith their troops to prevent re-inforcement
of Grant. If we accomplish that, it will be all that can
be expected of us.

86 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
November 12th. — Have again adA'anced, and are be
tween MiddletOAvn and Winchester. Enemy falling
back — don't .seem disposed to fight.
November 13th — We found the eneray, and General
Early having accomplished his purpcse, retired last
night, and are on our Avay to our old camp.
November 14th. — Have just reached our old camp.
Too tired to write. For five days h.ive been eating
both meals at night — one before day in the morning,
the other after dark.
November 15th to 19th. — Still at Ncav Market.
Weather bitterly cold.
November 20th to 22d. — Weather still continues bad,
but with a good chimney to ray tent, keep tolerably com
fortable. General Early does not speak of going into
winter quarters.
Headquarters Rodes' Division, near Ncav Market,
November 23d. — Yesterday morning, just before day.
General Early sent me Avord that the enemy were ad
vancing, and to take my command out to meet them.
The ground was covered with snow, but in half an
hour we AA'ere under arms and on the way to meet them.
After going about seven miles down the turnpike to
Rudes' Hill, found that our cavalry had been driven
through Mount Jackson and the enemy had crossed the

AFA-IOR-GENERAL BRYAN GEIMES. 87
north fork of the Shenandoah and were advancing rap
idly. I rode foi'AA'ard, reconnoitered, put my men in
position and attacked them. There were about four
thousand of them, all cavalry. AVhen we struck them
they made a bold stand and attempted to charge, but
Ave pressed the shot into them .so steadily and rapidly
that they could not stand it, and began to retreat in dis
order, Avhen I pre-sed all the harder and drove them
five miles, routing them every time they attempted to
make a stand. My men Avere pretty well used up with
fatigue Avhen I discontinued the pursuit and returned to
camp cold, hungry and broken down, after my men had
marched and waded twenty-four miles.
Headquarters Rodes' Division, November 24th and
28th. — AVe are here with the thermometer down about
twenty degrees and the coldest nights imaginable. Hope
we Avill go into Avinter quarters soon.
Headquarters Rodes' Division. — Yesterday, had a
long ride and returned after dark, but feel that I Avill
have accomplished a good thing if the Yankee caA'alry
venture another reconnoi.ssance to find out where we are.
Our object is to get in their rear and cut off all * *
and as there will be but one ford to the river by which
they can rejoin their command, all arrangements are
made to get possession of that ford by taking a circuit-

88 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
ous route with our division while the others demon
strated in front. But if they don't advance in ten days,
we will miss an opportunity to inflict a severe blow
upon their cavalry. Provisions and forage are scarce.
Some of our troops have had unground corn issued to
them. Headquarters Rodes' Division, November 30th. —
Everything quiet, with only a rumor that General Ros
ser had Avhipped the enemy at Moorefield. When he
returns it is thought we will go into winter quarters.
Headquarters Rodes' Division, December 2d. — Gen
eral Rosser's success was quite brilliant, destroying two
bridges, tAvo hundred Avagoas, nine locomotive .engines,
besides immense amount of quartermaster's and commis
sary stores, and capturing nine pieces of artillery, five
hundred prisoners, one thousand horses and mules, and
several hundred beef cattle. This is the expedition I
wrote you about in former letter.
Headquarters Rodes' Division, near New Market,
December 3d. — I think it probable that we aaIII reach
the point at which Ave are to winter about the 10th of
this month.
December 4th. — Still at New Market.
December 6th. — We are again disappointed in receiv
ing no orders to prepare for Avinter quarters. All man-

jMAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 89
ner of conjectures are rife. I think General Eearly is
actuated simply and solely by what he considers the
good of the serA'ice, and is awaiting definite information
of the enemy, and contrary as it Avould be to my wishes,
if we could accomplish any commensurate good, would
be willing again to go down the valley and attack Sheri
dan, and if necessary, stay there, although it would inter
fere with my long-cherished desire to spend a quiet win
ter, but in my present position the public interest is to
be considered before private preference, and the higher
a man rises in the military serA'ice the fcAver privileges
can he enjoy, for he cannot ask indulgence when he feels
the good of the country will be jeopardized, and as I am
noAV commanding a division, will have to remain here
until some one else comes to fill the place.
Near New Market, December 8th. — Two of our divis
ions, Gordon's and Pegram's, left yesterday. I presume
some important move is on hand. The enemy have sent
one of their corps from our front.
Headquarters Rodes' Division, December 10th — This
morning the whole surface of the earth is covered with
snow two inches deep.
Near New Market, December 13th. — Have orders
to proceed to Richmond to-morrow morning — expect to
reach there Friday or Saturday.
12

90 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Richmond, December 16tli. — Arrived here early this
morning, and am waiting orders from General Lee.
Headquarters Rodes' Division, near Petersburg, De
cember 18th. — We have arrived at our destination, and
are located about three miles from Petersburg, and hope
to-day to be able to make arrangements for the winter.
Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,
December 29, 1864.
Circular (Confidential).
General : I desire that you Avill avail yourself of
the present period of inactivity to reorganize and re
cruit the troops in your command as far as practicable.
Ascertain what regiments, if any, it would be advan
tageous to consolidate, and how such vacancies as may
exist among the officers can iiest be filled. In CA'cry
case in which you may think the officer to be promoted
unsuitable for the new grade, you will forAvard a report
as tt) his qualifications, in order that he may be brought
before an examining board.
The difficulty of filling A'acancies properly during
active operations, and the importance of habituating the
officers Avho are to be promoted to the duties of their

MAJOE-GENEEAL BRYAN GEIMES. 91
new positions, render it proper that there should be no
delay. Very respectfully. Your obedient serA'ant,
(Signed) R. E. Lee, General.
Official:
V. Dabney, a. a. Gen.
To Beig.-Gen. Geimes, Commanding Division.
Januaey 6, 1865.
Geneeal Geimes :
General Pickett has been directed to send one brigade
to the north side. This thins his line somewhat. You
may have to move up to support him. He has been
informed that should occasion require that he should
have assistance, and should he require it of you, that
you would be instructed to move up at once without
waiting for orders from here. Please govern your
action accordingly.
By order of General Lee:
(Signed) W. H. Taylor, A. A. G.
To Beig.-Gen. Geimes, Commanding Division.

92 extracts of lettees of
Headquarters Pickett's Division,
January 7, 1865.
General:
General Pickett has just received a telegram from
General Lee stating that a brigade from your division
has been ordered to relieve our right brigade (Tovey's)
early in the morning, so as to enable it to occupy the
line formerly held by General Corse. The General de
sires me to say to you that great caution would have to
be observed to prevent the movement of the troops
from being seen from " the tower " ; that it Avill proba
bly be best to delay relieving the picket until after dark
to-morrow night. He advises that you send as large a
brigade as possible, as General Tovey's line at present
covers a great deal of ground. He suggests also that
the officer Avho relieves this brigade had better see
Colonel Florivree, who is in command at this time, as
early as possible in the morning, to make such arrange
ments as Avill most effectually secure the movements of
the men from being observed by the enemy.
I am, General, Very respectfully,
(Signed) E. R. Baird, A. D. C.
To Beig.-Gen. B. Grimes, Commanding Division.

majoe-geneeal beyan geimes. 93
PIeadquarters a. N. Va.,
January 7, 1865.
General :
General Lee bids me say that he Avishes you to-raor-
row morning to move one of your brigades to the posi
tion now occupied by General Pickett's right brigade
'on the Bermuda Hundreds line.
His object is to relieve that brigade, so that it can be
removed to another point. You will find comfortable
huts on the line, which the brigade will occupy. In all
military operations the commanding officer of the bri
gade will report to General Pickett Avhile on his line.
General Gordon has been notified of this order.
I am, very respectfully.
Your, obedient servant,
(Signed) C. S. Venable,
Lieiit.-Col. and A. D. C.
To Brig.-Gen. Bryan Grimes, Com. Division.
Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,
January 30, 1865.
To Brig.-Gen. Bryan Grimes, Comdg. Division :
General: The General commanding desires you to

94 EXTRACTS OF LETTEES OF
have your division prepared to move promptly in the
morning, should you receive orders to that effect.
Have CA'crything in readiness to move Avithout delay.
It may be necessary to send you to the north side of
the James river.
Very respectfully,
(Signed) W. H. Tayloe, A. A. G.
February 5, 1865, 11 p. m.
General Grimes:
The enemy's cavalry have not passed beyond Din
widdle Court House. They advanced to that point and
then retired.
The General says you need not go up the road. He
wishes you to remain where you are, or near, anyAvhere
near it. Your men can be made comfortable for the
night. If they cannot be made comfortable, you Avill
move down the Boydton plankroad until you can get to
some wood. If you move, report your location Avhen
you halt. Respectfully,
(Signed) W. H. Taylor, A. A. G.

majoe-geneeal beyan geimes. 95
Headquaetees Second Coeps,
February 15, 7 p. M.
Colonel :
The note from General Ransom's headquarters in re
lation to movements of troops is received. If there is
an accumulation of force on this flank by the enemy,
Avith a view to serious move against the S. S. R. R., this
Aveather may delay it, but I should be glad to have
Grimes' Division keep in readiness to join me should
the commanding General think proper to have him
report to me in case of a battle.
I am. Colonel, Very respectfully,
(Signed) J. B. Gordon,
Major-General Commanding.
To Col. Tayloe, A. A. G.
[Endorsed as follows :]
General Grimes :
A movement of trains loaded Avith troops, to the
enemy's left, was reported this evening, and you had
better keep your division prepared to move. Though
it may not be necessary, it is advisable to be ready.
Very respectfully,
W. H. Taylor, .4. A. G.
February 15, 1865.

96 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
[Further extracts from letters to his wife.]
February 15th. — Remained in camp near Petersburg
until about the middle of the month. Request from
General Gordon to have Grimes' DiA'ision report to him
in ease of battle. Received my commission as Major-
General February 15th, 1865.
Sutherland's Depot, February 24th, twelve miles from
Petersburg. — Left camp and came here, as there was a
prospect of a fight, but the heavy rains have delayed it.
February 26th.— Still at Sutherland's Depot. In
accepting the appointment of Major-General, I hope I
shall never bring discredit upon myself. The higher
the position the more there is expected, and, like all
others Avho have done their duty in this war, haA'e made
enemies, but care little for them, provided I can per
form my duties satisfactorily to my superior officers and
for the good of the country.
Sutherland's Depot, March 1st. — Have been riding
all day in order to learn the different roads in the sur
rounding country, and laying off new ones to enable me
to move with rapidity to any point Avhen my services
may be required.
Sutherland's, March 2d. — Nothing of interest. Still
stuck in the mud.

MAJOR-GENERAL BEYAN GEIMES. 97
March 3d and 5th.^Roads still in such bad condi
tion that they are almost impassable.
March 7th and 8th.— Still at Sutherland's. Had a
serenade last night — the only thing to break the monot
ony. Weather still continues bad.
March 9th.— Sdll quiet.
March 10th. — This is the day set apart by the Presi
dent for thanksgiving and prayer, but the weather is so
l)ad no service can be held out of doors.
March 12th. — Am worn out from fatigue and want
of sleep. Received orders at 2 a. m. to leave for Dun-
lap's before daylight. At 4 a. m. began the march, and
upon nearly reaching the pontoon received another dis
patch countermanding the order. There was a rumor
that Sheridan's raiders were moving on Richmond, and
that caused the move.
Petersburg, March 14th, 1865. — ^Yesterday received
orders to come to Petersburg and relieve Bushrod John
son's Division, which I did, completing my march about
12 o'clock last night. Suffered terribly from sick, ner-
A'ous headache, attributed to a glass of Avine I took with
General Lee, who noticed that I looked pale and
fatigued, and recommended a glass of Avine ; and as this
was something very unusual with him, concluded I
would take it, and suffered in consequence.
13

98 EXTEACTS OF LETTERS OF
This morning was up early examining everything on
my line. AVent to each picket post, and at some points
so close you could almost see the Avhites of the Yankees'
eyes. The Yankee lines are in full view, and at night
there is constant firing between the pickets.
Petersburg, March 16th, 17th, 22d, 25th.— Tele
graphed this morning of my Avelfare. This morning
we charged the enemy's works and captured them,
taking tAvelve to fifteen pieces of artillery and a good
many prisoners, but after taking their Avorks they con
centrated a large number of cannon upon us, besides
several times our number of infantry, and Ave were
obliged to succumb, after fighting two and a half hours,
and retire to our breastworks. My loss Avas heavy, being
four hundred and seventy-eight officers and men. Lieu
tenant Barnes wounded. As usual, I captured a horse
to ride during the fight, as I could not get mine over the
breastworks. It Avould have done your heart good to
hear the men cheer as I rode up and down the line urg
ing them to do their duty, but Avould to Heaven this
carnage Avas over and I permitted to retire from such
scenes and live a quiet and domestic life.
Petersburg, March 27th. — Am Avell; trust you did
not hear the report of my being killed. When General
Gordon saAv me, he seemed A'cry much surprised ; said

JtAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GEIMES. 99
he had just sent a flag of truce to recover my body, but
I was pleased to knoAv I had brought myself off safe.
¦March 28th.— Still at Petersburg.
Petersburg, March 29th. — Lieutenant Barnes is doing
remarkably well. General Cook had his arm badly
broken, and fears are entertained that it Avill have to be
amputated. March ... — Our troops were to attack the enemy this
morning at Burgess' Mills, and I trust that they may
whip them. For once I am out of it, and not among
the attacking party.

100 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
War Depaetment, Richmond, June 1, 1864.
Sir: You are hereby informed that the President, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, has
appointed you
Brigadier-GenerAl
in the Provisional Army, in the service of the Confed
erate States, to rank as such from the Nineteenth day
of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
Immediately on the receipt hereof, please to com
municate to this Department, through the Adjutant and
Inspector-General's office, your acceptance or non-
acceptance of said appointment, and Avith your letter of
acceptance return to the Adjutant and Inspector-Gen
eral the OATH herewith enclosed, properly filled up,
subscribed and attested, reporting at the same time your
age, residence, when appointed, and the State in Avhieh
you were born.
Should you accept, you will report for duty to Gen
eral R. E. Lee, to command Daniel's late Brigade.
James A. Seddon,
Secretary of War.
To Brig.-Gen. Bryan Grimes, Com., A-c, P. A. C. S.

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GRIMES. 101

Headquarters
Department Northern Virginia,
[Extract.]
Special Order ]
No. — . j
III. Brigadier-General Bryan Grimes is assigned to
the command of Daniel's old Brigade, Rodes' Division,
Second Array Corps.
By coramand of General R. E. Lee:
W. H. Taylor, A. A. General.
To Brig.-Gen. Grimes, Commanding, &c.

102 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
C^ONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
War Department, Richmond, February 23, 1865.
Sir : You are hereby informed that the President, by
and Avith the advice and consent of the Senate, has
appointed you
Major-General
in the Provisional Army, in the service of the Confed
erate States, to rank as such from the Fifteenth day of
February, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
Immediately on receipt hereof, please to communicate
to this Department, through the Adjutant and Inspector-
General's office, your acceptance or non-acceptance of
said appointment, and Avith your letter of acceptance
return to the Adjutant and Inspector-General the oath
herewith enclosed, properly filled up, subscribed and
attested, reporting at the same time your age, residence,
Avhen appointed, and the State in Avhich you Avere born.
Should you accept, you Avill report for duty to Gen
eral R. E. Lee, to command the late General Rodes'
DiA'ision, A. N. A^.
John C. Breckinridge,
Secretary of War.
To Maj.-Gen. Bryan Grimes, FA. C. S.

major-general BRYAN GRIMES. 103

Headquarters
Department Northern Virginia.
[Extract.]
Special Order "j
No. 55. j
XV. Major-General Bryan Grimes, P. A. C. S., is
hereby assigned to the command of Rodes' old Division,
Second Corps, and Avill report accordingly.
By command of General R. E. Lee:
W. H. Taylor, A. A. General.
To Maj.-Gen. Bryan Grimes, Commanding, &c.
Through General Gordon.

104 extracts of letters of

Neae Washington, N. C,
November 5, 1879.
Major Jno. W. Moore:
Dear Sie: In compliance with your request, I here
with transmit my recollections of the circumstances
attending the last days of the existence of the Army of
Northern Virginia, embracing several days previous to
the final surrender at Appomattox Court House.
On the night of Sunday, April 1, 1865, my division
occupied a portion of the defences around the city of
Petersburg, my left resting on Otey's Battery, near the
memorable Crater, my right extending to the dam on a
creek beyond Battery Forty-five, Ramseur's old Brigade
of North Carolinians, being commanded by Colonel AA".
R. Cox, Second North Carolina, holding appointment as
temporary brigadier; on their right Archer's Brigade of
Virginia Junior Reserves ; Grimes' old Brigade of North
Carolinians, commanded by Colonel D. G. Gowan, of the
Thirty-second North Carolina; Battle's Brigade of Ala-
bamians, commanded by Colonel Ilobson, of Fifth Ala
bama; Cook's Brigade of Georgians, commanded by
Colonel Nash, extending to the left in the order above
named, numbering for duty about two thousand two
hundred muskets, covering at least three and a half

MAJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GEIMES. 105
miles of the trenches around Petersburg, with one-third
of my men constantly on picket duty in our front, one-
third kept awake at the breastworks during the night,
with one-third only off duty at a time, and they required
always to sleep Avith their accoutrements on and upon
their arms, ready to repel an attack at a moment's
warning. About 10 o'clock on the night of April 1, 1865, the
cannonading from the artillery and mortars in my front
became unusually severe, and about 1 1 o'clock the Fed
erals charged, capturing my- picket line, which consisted
of pits dug in the earth for protection from sharp
shooters, and occupied by my soldiers, A'arying in dis
tance from one hundred and fifty to three hundred yards
in front of our main breastworks. I took measures
immediately to re-establish this line, which was success
fully accomplished, and our pits re-occupied. About
daylight of the 2d the enemy again drove in our pickets
and charged Rune's salient at the point where Battle's
Brigade was posted, carrying the Avorks for a few hun
dred yards on each side of that point, doubling and
throwing Cook's Brigade back a short distance. I hur
ried the commands of Colonels Cowand and Archer to
the point of attack as rapidly as possible, charging the
enemy, Avho were in possession of and protected by our
14

106 EXTEACTS OF LETTEES OF
traverses and bomb-proofs (Avhich Avere erected to pre
vent our line being enfiladed, and also as a place of refuge
from their perpendicular mortar fire), and continued
gradually to gain traverse after traverse of our captured
works. I then secured four pieces of artillery, which were
placed in our second line of works, whose services Avere
iuA'aluable in checking the advance of the enemy, thus
confining them by grape and canister to this particular
point at the salient, preventing their advancing to attack
our lines in flank or rear; Cook and Battle holding them
in check on the left, and Cowand and Archer on the right
of the captured works, their only point of egress being
exposed to the fire of the artillery.
I regret my inability to recall the names and thus
give honorable mention to those gallant artillerists Avho
rendered me such effective service.
During the forenoon  Brigade, under command
of Colonel  , reported to me for duty, and were
placed near the artillery in this second line of earth
works (Avhieh had been constructed to fall back upon in
ca,se of disaster to our first line). My dispositions Avere
soon made to attack the enemy simultaneously at all
points — Cowand and Archer on the right, Cook and Bat
tle on the left, who were to drive them from the protec-

MAJOE-GENEEAL BRYAN GRIMES. 107
tion of their traverses. Colonel  commanded in
front with a heavy line of skirmishers, connecting his
left with Cook and his right with CoAvand. My four
pieces of ardllery poured grape and canister into the
enemy, and I gave the signal for the infantry advance,
when a general charge was made, but through a direct
violation of orders on the part of Colonel  , this
attack only partially succeeded, capturing that portion
of the line alone upon which the skirmishers advanced.
Colonel  having changed the direction of attack,
and charged the point assigned to the skirmishers on the
right, thereby leaving a space of three hundred yards
unassailed. There is no doubt in my mind if Colonel
 had attacked with vigor at that time, we could
have driven the enemy entirely from our Avorks. After
the lapse of an hour, during which time the enemy were
heavily re-inforced, I ordered another attack from the
second line, in Avhich Colonel  participated, but by
again diverting his brigade in the direction of Cowand's
Brigade, instead of towards the salient, the enemy were
dislodged frora only a small portion of the lines.
Subsequently sixty men of Johnston's North Carolina
Brigade, under command of Captain Plato Durham,
recaptured Fort Mahone, which for an hour had been so
covered by our fire as to forbid their shoAving themselves.

108 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
In taking this fort a large number of prisoners were
captured; so many, in fact, that when I first saw them
skulking behind the earthworks for protection against
the fire of their oavu men, I feared it was a ruse on the
part of the enemy to surprise us, they having secreted
themselves for safety in this work, and we in our charge
had taken the only outlet.
After this no general attack was made, though we
continued slowly but gradually to drive them from
traverse to traverse.
About nightfall the enemy occupied some two hun
dred yards of our breastworks. Through no inefficiency
or negligence on the part of the officers and men were
the works carried, but OAving to the weakness of the
line, its extreme length, and the Avant of sufficient force
to defend it, for they acted most heroically on this trying
occasion. Only one unwonnded man (an officer) did I see
seeking the rear, and he one whom I had the previous
day ordered under arrest for trafficking with the enemy
(exchanging tobacco for coffee). Him I hailed and in
quired where he was going, when he recalled his arrest
the previous day, from which I immediately released
him and sent him back to his comraand.
I had a verbal conference with General Lee and after
wards officially reported ray inability to hold this point

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 109
against any vigorous attack. In consequence of this
report, Lieutenant-Colonel Payton, the Army Inspector,
was sent the day before to examine this line, who coin
cided with my views and so reported to General Lee.
On an average throughout, the space from man to man
was at least eight feet in the line of trenches. I doubted
not that with a reserve of five hundred men I could have
driven the enemy from any point which they might
capture, and repeatedly urged that such an arrangement
be made, knowing well that the enemy, by concentrating
a large force on any given point, could press their way
through the line, and my only salvation was in having
the means at hand to drive them back before large num
bers could enter. Our left was the post of greatest
danger — there should the reserve have been placed; but
General Lee informed me that every available man was
on duty, and I must do the best I could.
On Sunday night of the 2d, we had orders to abandon
the works, and without the knowledge of the Federals,
Ave withdrew to the north side of the Appomattox riA'er,
following the Hickory road to Goode's bridge, where we
recrossed the Appomattox, proceeding towards Amelia
Court House, which we reached on the morning of the
5th. Wednesday Ave remained stationary in line of
battle, confronting the enemy until about dark, when we

110 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
followed the army, taking up the rear, being very much
impeded on the march by the Avagon train and its most
miserable management, which, as I apprehended, would
cause us some disaster. The enemy showed themselves
on Thursday, about 8 A. M., in our rear and on our left
flank, when near Amelia Springs, and in a short time be
gan to press us vigorously.
I then formed Cox's and Cowand's Brigades in line
of battle, with a heavy skirmish line in front to impede
their progress and to cover our rear, sending Battle%
Cook's and Archer's Brigades forward for one-half mile
to form there, across the road, in line of battle, in order
to allow CoAvand and Cox to retreat safely when the
enemy had deployed and prepared to attack ; our right
flank being protected by a North Carolina brigade of
cavalry, under General Roberts. In this manner, alter
nating the brigades throughout the day, we continued
to oppose the enemy and retreat, endeavoring to protect
the lagging wagon train, which Avas successfully done
up to about 4 p. M., Avhen Ave approached Sailor's Creek,
and upon the ridge running parallel Avith that stream we
made the final stand of the day, the Avagons becoming
blocked up at the bridge crossing this stream. At this
point General Lee ordered rae, if possible, to hold this

ILWOE-GENEEAL BRYAN GREXTE^. Ill
line of hilLs until lie could have artillery pnt in pjsirion
on the oppi'site hills over the creek parallel with these
I occupied. The enemy poshed on rapidlvj attacking iis with vei-v
great pertinacity. We here repeatedly repulsed their as
saults, but by turning both of our flanks they sux^ieded in
not only dislodging but driving us across the creek in
confusion. Abont now the artillery from the heights 'yyyi-
pied by General Lee opened upon the enemy, and rhe
sun being doiim they did not cross the creek. After we
broke, pers :>nally I was so pressed that the space between
the two wings of the enemy was not over two hundred
yards, when I sought safety in retreat. I galloped t'-
the creek (the bridge being in their possession i where
the banks were very precipitous, and for protection itom
their murderous fire, concluded to jump my hors^ ia,
riding him through the water, and etfei?t my escape by
abanfloning hira on the other side, the bullets of the
enemy whistling aroand me like hail all the while. By
great good fortune, the opposite banks proving not -"
precipitous, and my horse seeming to appreciate the sitn-
ation, clambered up the height, starting off in a run,
thus securing my safety. This same animal, Warren,
I still own and treasure for his past service^. That
night we took the road for Farm ville, crossing the

112 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
Appomattox at High Bridge, posting guards on the
south side, thus collecting all stragglers and returning
them to their commands.
The next morning (Friday) avc continued our march
down the railroad and formed line of battle on the
Lynchburg road, still endeavoring to preserve that "im
pediment of Csesar's" — the wagon train — marching by
the left flank through the woods parallel to the road
traveled by the M'agon train, and about one hundred or
so yards distant from the road. Upon reaching the
road and point that turns toAvards Lynchburg from the
Cumberland road, three of my brigades, Cook's, Cox's
and Cowand's, had crossed the Cumberland road and
were in line of battle, and at right angles with Battle's
and Archer's Brigades, who were still parallel with the
Cumberland road. Heavy firing was going on at this
point, Avhen General Mahone came rushing up and
reported that the enemy had charged, turning his flank,
and driving his men from their guns and the works
Avhich he had erected early in the day for the protection
of these cross roads. I then ordered my three brigades.
Cook's, Cox's and Cowand's, at a double-quick on the
line, Avith Battle and Archer, charging the enemy and
driving them avcII off from Mahone's Avoi'ks, recaptur
ing the artillery taken by them and capturing a large

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 113
number of prisoners, and holding this position until
sent for by General Lee, who complimented the troops
of the division upon the charge made and the service
rendered, ordering me to leave a skirmish line in ray
front, and that Fields' Division would occupy my posi
tion; I to hurry with all possible dispatch to the road
which inter.sected the Lynchburg road, as the enemy's
caA'alry were reported to be approaching by that road.
We reached this road, halting and keeping the enemy
in clieck until the wagons had passed, and then continued
the march parallel with the road traveled by the wagon
train, continuing thus to march until night, when we
took the road following to protect the trains.
On Saturday, the 8th, no enemy appeared, and we
marched undisturbed all day^ Up to this time, since
the evacuation of Petersburg, we had marched day and
night, continually followed and harassed by the enemy.
The men were very much jaded and suffering for neces
sary sustenance, our halts not having been sufficiently
long to prepare their food, besides all of our cooking
utensils not captured or abandoned were where we could
not reach them. This day Bushrod Johnson's Division
was assigned to and placed under my coramand, by
order of General Lee. Upon passing a clear stream of
water and learning that the other division of the corps
15

114 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
had gone into C"amp some two or three miles ahead, I
concluded to halt and give my broken down men an op
portunity to close up and rejoin us, and sent a message to
General Gordon, commanding the corps, making knoAvn
my whereabouts, informing him I would be at any point
he might designate at any hour desired.
By dark my men Avere all quiet and asleep. About
9 o'clock I heard the roar of artillery in our front, and
in consequence of information received, I had my com
mand aroused in time and passed through the town of
Appomattox Court House before daylight, where, upon
the opposite side of the town, I found the enemy in my
front. Throwing out my skirmishers and forming line
of battle, I reconnoitered and satisfied myself as to their
position, and awaited the arrival of General Gordon for
instructions, who, awhile before day, accompanied by
General Fitz Lee, came to my position, Avhen Ave held a
council of war. General Gordon was of the opinion
that the troops in our front were cavalry, and General
Fitz Lee should attack. Fitz Lee thought they were
infantry, and that Gordon should attack. They dis
cussed the matter so long that I became impatient, and
said it was somebody's duty to attack, and that immedi
ately, and I felt satisfied that they could be driven from
the cross-roads occupied by them, which was the route

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 115
it was desirable our wagon train should pursue, and that
I Avould undertake it; whereupon Gordon said, "AVell,
drive them off." I replied, "I cannot do it with my
division alone, but require as.sistance." He then .said,
"You can take the other two divisions of the corps."
About this time it was becoming sufficiently light to make
the surrounding localities visible. I then rode down and
invited General Walker, who commanded a division on
my left, composed principally of Virginians, to ride with
me, showing him the position of the enemy and explain-
ing to him my views and plan of attack. He agreed
with me as to its advisability. I did this because I felt
that I had assumed a very great responsibility when I
took upon myself the charge of making the attack. I
then made dispositions to dislodge the Federals from
their position, placing Bushrod Johnson's Division upon
my right, with instructions to attack and take the enemy
in the flank, while my division skirmishers charged in
front, where temporary earth-works had been thrown up
by the enemy, their cavalry holding the crossings of the
road with a battery. I soon perceived a disposition on
their part to attack this division in flank. I rode back
and threw their right so as to take advantage of some
ditches and fences to obstruct the cavalry if they should
attempt to make a charge. In the meantime the cavalry

116 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
of Fitz Lee were proceeding by a circuitous route to
get in rear of them at these cross-roads. The enemy
observing rae placing these troops in position, fired upon
rae with four pieces of artillery. I remember well the
appearance of the shell, and how directly they came to
wards me, exploding and completely developing me in
smoke. I then gave the signal to advance, at the same
time Fitz Lee charged those posted at the cross-roads,
Avhen my skirmishers attacked the breastworks, which
were taken without much loss on my part, also captur-
ing several pieces of artillery and a large number of
prisoners, I at the same time moving the division up to
the support of the skirmishers in echelon by brigades,
driving the enemy in confusion for three-quarters of a
mile, beyond a range of hills covered with oak under
growth. I then learned from prisoners that my right
flank was threatened. Halting my troops, I placed the
skirmishers, commanded by Colonel J. R. Winstim,
Forty-fifth North Carolina Troops, in front, about one
hundred yards distant, to give notice of indication of
attack. Placed Cox's Brigade, which occupied the
right of the division at right angles to the other
troops, to watch that flank. The other diA'isions of the
corps (Walker and Evans) were on the left. I then
.sent an officer to General Gordon announcina: our sue-

MAJOE-GENEEAL BRYAN GRIMES. 117
cess, and that the Lynchburg road was open for the
escape of the wagons, and that I aAvaited orders. There
upon I received an order to Avithdraw, which I declined
to do, supposing that General Gordon did not under
stand the commanding position Avhich my troops occu
pied. He continued to send me order after order to the
same effect, Avhich I still disregarded, being under the
impression diat he <lid not comprehend our favorable
location, until finally I received a message from him,
with an additional one as coming from General Lee, to
fall back. I felt the difficulty of Avithdrawal Avithout
disaster, and ordered Colonel J. R. Winston, command
ing the skirmish line which had been posted in my front
on reaching first the«e hills, to conform his moA'eraents
to tho.se of the division, and to raove by the left flank
so as to give us notice of an attack from that quarter.
I then ordered Cox to maintain his position in line of
battle, and not to show himself until our rear was one
hundred yards distant, and then to fall back in line of
battle, so as to protect our rear and right flank frora
assault. I then instructed Major Peyton, of my staff,
to start the left in motion, and I continued with the rear.
The enemy, upon seeing us move off, rushed out from
under cover Avith a cheer, Avhen Cox's Brigade, lyiug
concealed at the brow of the hill, rose and fired a volley

118 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF
into them, which drove them back into the woods, the
brigade then following»their retreating comrades in line
of battle unmolested. After proceeding about half the
distance to the position occu[)ied by us in the morning,
a dense mass of the enemy in column (infantry) appeared
on our right, and advanced, Avithout firing, towards the
earth- works captured by us in the early morning, when
a battery of our artillery opened with grape and canister,
and drove them under the shelter of the Avoods.
As my troops approached their po.sition of the morn
ing, I rode up to General Gordon and asked Avhere I
should form line of battle. He replied, "Anywhere you
choose." Struck by the strangeness of the reply, I
asked an explanation, whereupon he informed me that
Ave would be surrendered. I expressed very forcibly my
dissent to being surrendered, and indignantly upbraided
him for not giving me notice of such intention, as I
could have escaped Avith my division and joined General
Joe Johnston, then in North Carolina. Furthermore,
that I should then inform my men of the purpose to
surrender, and that whomsoever desired to escape that
calamity could go with me, and galloped off to carry
this idea into effect. Before reaching my troops, how
ever. General Gordon overtook me, and placing his

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 119
hand upon my shoulder, asked me if I were going to
desert the army, and tarnish my own honor as a soldier ;
that it would be a reflection upon General Lee, and an
indellible disgrace to me, that I, an officer of rank,
should escape under a flag of truce, which was then
pending. I was in a dilemma, and knew not what to do,
but finally concluded to say nothing on the subject to
my troops.
Upon reaching them, one of the soldiers inquired if
General Lee had surrendered, and upon answering I
feared it AA'as a fact that we had been surrendered, he
cast away his musket, and holding his hands aloft, cried
in an agonized voice, " Blow, Gabriel, bloAv ! My God,
let him bloAV, I am ready to die!" We then Avent be
yond the creek at Appomattox Court House, stacked
arms amid the bitter tears of bronzed veterans, regret
ting the necessity of capitulation.
Among the incidents ever fresh in my memory of
this fatal day to the Confederacy is the remark of a
private soldier. When riding up to my old regiment
to shake by the hand each comrade who had followed
me through four years of sufl'ering, toil and privation,
often Avorse than death, to bid them a final, affectionate,
and, in many instances, an eternal farcAvell, a cadaver-

120 EXTRACTS OP LETTERS OF
OUS, ragged, bare-footed man grasped me by the hand,
and, choking AA'ith .sobs, said : "Good-bye, General ; God
bless you ; we Avill go home, make three more crops, and
try them again." I mention this instance simply to show
the spirit, the pluck, and the faith of our men in the
justice of our cause, and that he surrendered more to
grim famine than to the prowess of our enemies.
That day and the next the terms of surrender Avere
adjusted; the folloAving day our paroles signed and
countersigned, and on Wednesday, April 12th, 1865,
we stacked arms in an old field, and each man sought
his home as best he might.
I have given in the above a simple, true and unvar
nished statement of facts, occurring during the dying
struggles of the Army of Northern Virginia, in so far
only as I was an eye-witness and participant in those
events; Avith no view to laud my own achievements, or
seeming to seek an undeserved honor, or to take the
least sprig of laurel from another's brow, but simply in
the interest of the truth of history.
I assert that I was at Appomattox, and that I com
manded my own division at Appomattox; and General
Gordon, the corps commander, bears me out in this
assertion, and, moreover, states that T volunteered my

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 121
services, and did make the last charge made by the in
fantry at Appomattox.
Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
Bryan Grimes,
Major-General in late P. A. C. 8.

Raleigh, N. C, December 20, 1879.
To General Bryan Grimes.
My Dear Sir: I owe you 'a thousand thanks for
your full and extremely valuable letter. It explains
many things I did not understand before, and will
greatly add to the vindicfition of the North Carolinians
as to the last sad hours of the Array of Northern Vir
ginia. Pray excuse ray delay in acknowledging your
great kindness, and, believe me.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) J. W. Mooee.

16

122 EXTEACTS OF LETfEES OF
[General Grimes' Reply to Letter of Charles C. .Jones, .Jr., April 16, 1872.]
Accept my sincere thanks for your book, and although
as you say local in its character, have derived great
pleasure in its perusal. The mention of General Col
quitt's name recalled some associations Avith it. One
was that, upon reaching Yorktown, April 9th, 1862, we
relieved the Sixth Georgia Regiment and established
ourselves in Colonel Colquitt's "hole in the ground"
Avith a tent over it, and in a few days found one of the
attendants of close quarters, and my person covered be
fore we ever dreamed of such pests. Another reminis
cence is having a Bible (in my library uoav) picked up
on the night of our retreat from Yorktown, I having
been detailed to bring off the pickets. I enclose you
autographs of Generals Ramseur and Daniel, Avith his
approval upon application for leave of absence Avhile
near Orange Court House; also a paper addressed to
Colonel Taylor, I suppose upon which I made this
application. I have fragments and skeletons of reports
made of different engagements — Gettysburg, last few
days of the war, from breaking of our lines at Peters
burg to the morning of surrender at Appomattox Court
House, and some others. The last infantry charge by
the Army of Northern Virginia Avas made by my divis-

M.VJOE-GENEEAL BEYAN GRIMES. 123
ion, as General Gordon, our corps coniraander, will
substantiate. The form of parole for General John
ston's troops Avas taken from my papers, borrowed by
Colonel Wherry, General Scofield's Adjutant-General or
Aid-de-Camp, to guide Schofield in adjusting this mat
ter. By-the-by, Generals Sherman, Schofield, Terry,
Bevis, et id omne genus, had a champagne drinking in
Raleigh just after Johnston's surrender, and sent this
same Colonel Wherry over to invite me to join them,
which I most indignantly declined. That evening Ave
heard of Lincoln's assassination. Reminiscences of the
past crowd upon me, and however pleasant, or rather
unpleasant, may not prove agreeable to you, and if I do
not halt, will exhaust my paper before I have given you
information asked for. You can procure all informa
tion relatiA'e to General Ramseur from Captain Rich
mond (Aid-de-Camp to General R.), Milton, N. C. I
wrote to Mr. Richmond a few weeks .ago, and received
no reply. If you do not hear from him, then address
Hon. D. Schenck, Lincolnton, N. C., who married Gen
eral R.'s sister. Ramseur married his first cousin (Rich
mond's sister). Hon. E. Conigland, Halifax, N. C,
will cheerfully giA'e you all information relative to his
brother-in-laAV, General Daniel. William E. Anderson,
President Citizens National Bank, Raleigh, can tell you

124 EXTRACTS OF LETTEES OF
everything about his brother. General G. B. Anderson.
You ask nothing of my dear friends and relatives, J. J.
Pettigrew and L. O'B. Branch, the first killed at Fall
ing Waters upon the retreat from Pennsylvania, the
latter at Sharpsburg. You perhaps regard Pettigrew as
a South Carolinian. We claim him. He is a native,
and was educated in this State, was Colonel of a North
Carolina regiment, and commanded a North Carolina
brigade at the time of his death. Rev. W. S. Pettigrew,
Henderson, N. C, will give you all the particulars rela
tive to him, and Mrs. L. O'B. Branch, Raleigh, or son,
W. A. B. Brach, Washington, N. C, Avill take plea.sure
in communicating all facts relative to General Branch.
There is General Pender, whose widow and brother IIa'c
in Tarboro, N. C. Pender I kncAV but slightly, only
after the war commenced, the others Avere life-long ac-
quaintances and friends from childhood. I think it
probable I shall revisit New York on the -Ith or 5th of
May, and stop at the St. Nicholas. I can, if of service
to you, send you a roster of all the regiments and field
officers from North Carolina.
Very respectfullj' yours,
Beyan Geimes.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 125
[Letter from General J. B. Gordon.]
Neav Yoek, May 6, 1872.
General Bryan Grimes, X. C.
My Dear Geneeal: Yours asking my recollection
of the participation of your division in the last day's
battle of Appomattox Court House would have been
answered before I left my home in Georgia but for cir
cumstances beyond my control. It is a source of pleas
ure to me not only to do this, but also to express my
sincere appreciation of your valuable services during that
portion of the war when it was my fortune to command
the Second Corps Army Northern Virginia, to which
your division was attached. When I was first placed in
command of the corps, in the fall of 1864, at or near
Petersburg, you Avill remember that you were detached
from the other divisions and did not join them until a
.short time before the attack upon General Grant's lines
in front of Petersburg. You participated in the battles
then and during the terrible days and nights which fol
lowed prior to and after the breaking of our lines by
Grant's army, as well as upon the retreat. But it is of .
the last fight of the Army of Northern Virginia in
which you bore so conspicuous a part at Appomattox
Court House that you ask my recollections. It would

126 EXTllACTS OF LETTEES OF
be difficult, my dear General, to forget your anxiety to
get your division well up and compact on the evening
of the 8th of April, the day preceding that last battle
and the final surrender of the army, as well as your
assurance to me that, if alloAved to rest and gather up
your broken down men, you would be on hand at any
time during the night of the 8th or morning of the 9th
to take jiart in any movement Avhich might be ordered.
]My consent, you will remember, was obtained that you
should go into camp and rest your men, but before day
on the morning of the 9th of April, you were at the
front ready to participate AA'ith your division in the last
effort ever to be made by the army of General Lee.
The plan agreed upon at the council of Avar held at
General Lee's headquarters during the night of the 8th,
between General Lee, General Pendleton, commanding
the artillery, General Fitz Hugh Lee, commanding the
cavalrv. General Longstreet and myself, avIio commanded
the two Avings of his army, was this : My command,
consisting of about one-half of the arniA', Avith the caA'
alry, was to attack the enemy's cavalry in front of
Appomattox Court House, and attempt to cut a way
out, and Long.sfreet and the artillery not engaged with
my command and the wagon train AA'as to follow. It
Avas supposed that nothing more than the enemy's caA'-

MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GElJIES. 127
airy Avas in our front, and though largely outnumbering
the Avhole of my command and the cavalry of General
Lee, yet it Avas supposed, as the result proved, that
Sheridan's cavalry could be beaten back. It Avas during
the preparation for this final move in the early morning
of the 9th, that you offered to make the attack in front.
Your division, Avith the other troops, Avere placed in
line, while General Fitz Hugh Lee's cavalry moved to
our right. The attack AA'as made and proved eminently
successful, resulting in the capture of the enemy's AVorks
which he had temporarily throAvii up in our front, and
the taking of six pieces (I think) of his artillery. You
were not halted for a considerable time, but pressed
steadily forAvard to the front, until I ordered you to
rear, upon receiving intelligence from General R. E.
Lee that a flag of truce was in existence betAveen him
self and General Grant, and upon the appearance and
advance of heaA'y bodies of infantry upon both our
flanks. Your iudisposidon to retreat then, and your
anxiety to go on, AA'as manifest; but I kncAV more of the
situation than you did, and in accordance Avith the
understanding at the counsel of war the night previous,
the appearance of these large bodies of the enemy's in
fantry, and the impossibility of General Longstreet's
moving up, the constanUy increasing distance between
us, and the pressing of the enemy's force into this space.

128 EXTEACTS OF LETTERS OF
it Avas necessary for me to notify General Lee of the
situation then, and these circumstances rendered resist
ance for any positive advantage useless, and loss of life
by our brave men of no avail.
On the receipt of the note from General Lee, I
ordered you to the rear, and notified General Sheridan
of the existence of a " flag of truce," who insisted upon
the separate surrender of my command to him, Avhich I
refused. It was at this time you asked me what the
meaning was of my instructions to you to put your men
in any position you could select, and suggested that I
¦permit you to return to the front. It was very painful
to announce to you and to the troops the surrender of
the army, and when you Avere made aware of it, you
expressed your regret that I had not informed you while
you Avere in front, that you might have made the effort
to escape with your command.
I was touched. General, by your indisposition to meet
this dreaded ordeal, as I was by the grief, the anguish
of all our brave men, but it was all over — all AA'as done
that could be done by the army, and any escape of small
bodies of troops would have been charged as treachery
on General Lee's part toAvard General Grant, from Avhose
overwhelming forces it was impossible uoav to extricate
the remnant of the "Army of Northern Virginia." This

MA.IOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 129
occasion was the most trying one of all our lives; but.
General, the ungenerous effort to humiliate us since the
Avar, by the strong arm of power, has made upon my
heart, and doubtless upon yours, a more ineffaceable im
pression than all else connected with our past history.
AVe were entitled to honorable, magnanimous legislation
by the general government; but the purposes of the
party in power have seemed to be only to irritate b}'
proscriptive laws, and drive us to desperation by the
support of those forced in power over us, who in the
name of laAv haA'e robbed us, in the name of liberty have
inaugurated the rule of the bayonet, arrested and im
prisoned the innocent, and gloated in the oppression of
our citizens.
May the God of righteousness bring us deliverance.
Most truly your friend,
(Signed) J. B. Gordon.
To Major-General Grimes, N. C.

On page 95 of Colonel Walter H. Taylor's book, en
titled " Four Years Avith General Lee" (Avhich book is
noAv in General Grimes' library), the first section is
marked thus % and reads as follows :
17

130 extracts of letters of
"General Lee witnessed the flight of the Federals
through Gettysburg and up the hill beyond. He then
directed me to go to General Ewell and to say to him
that from the position which he occupied he could see
the enemy retreating over those hills without organiza
tion and in great confusion, that it was only necessary
to press " those people " in order to secure possession of
the heights, and that, if possible, he wished him to do
this. In obedience to these instructions, I proceeded
immediately to General Ewell and delivered the order
of General Lee; and after receiving from him some
message for the commanding general in regard to the
prisoners captured, returned to the latter and reported
that his order had been delivered."
All around the margin of this page appears the fol-
loAving in pencil, and written in General Grimes' own
handwriting :
" I was in the lead and saw the fir.st pieces of artillery,
two in number, rndking for this hill. The enemy Avere
routed and retreating in great confusion. General Ram
seur, with my regiment in advance, Avas rushing up
and following the enemy, and, without the slightest
doubt in my mind, could have captured these guns and
occupied the hill, but an officer of rank rode up and
advised that we await re-inforcements, Avhich was done,

major-general BRYAN GRIMES. 131
and Ave were drawn back to the main street of Gettys
burg, and there remained, without firing a shot the
whole of the evening — several hours of daylight."
General Ramseur says in his report of the battle of
Gettysburg (see Southern Historical Papers. — C):
"The enemy Avas pushed through Gettysburg to the
heights beyond, Avhen I received an order to halt and
form line of battle in a street in Gettysburg running east
and Avest.
"To Colonel Parker, Thirtieth North Carolina;
Colonel Bennett, Nineteenth North Carolina; Colonel
Grimes, Fourth North Carolina, and Major Hurt,
Second North Carolina, my thanks are due for skill and
gallantry displayed by them in this day's fight."
General Grimes received a copy of Moore's History
of North Carolina only a few days before his death, and
had but little opportunity to examine it, and had only
read disconnected parts of it.
On page 170, Vol. II, in the two last lines of said
page, he makes the following corrections: Erases
"Twelfth, Colonel Daniel," and writes "Fourteenth,
Colonel R. T. Bennett "; and erases " Twentieth, Colo
nel T. F. Toon," and writes " Thirtietlj, Colonel F. M.
Parker."

132 hxtuacts oI'' luttF/HH oI''
On page 190, Vol. II, on the left margin of .said
page, appears the following, wriKcn also in pencil, in
his own handwriting :
"I coimiiaiidcil .Anderson's lirigadc at this batde,
consisting of the Sc^cond, ^^)urth, I<\iiirlccnlh and Thir
tieth Rc^gimcuts of N. C. Troojis. "Bryan (iuiMKs."
On |)agc 259, Vol. II, Major Moore, in describing
(Jeneral Lee leading the charge in person at the battle
of Spottsylvania Court House, places die dale of this
charge in ])<!i'son by General Lee on IIk! morning of the
10th of May.
On di(^ right: margin of said pagi^ is Avrillen in pencil :
" It was on the (ith May diat Geiiei'al Lee led the charge
in person."
On ])age 260, Vol. II, Major Moore .says: " Conspi-
eiioiis in this charge was tlu; youthful and slender form
of l>rigadier-(i(^n(Tal Stephen D. iiamseiir, ol' Lincoln
I'onnty, North (iarolina." On the lel'l margin of said
jiagc is written in pencil : "This i liarge was led Iin' Gen
eral Bryan (Jriiiies, commanding Ramseur's Hrigade,
RamscMir being disabled by a wound."
*******

AIA.IOR-GKNEIJAL BRYAN GRIMKS. 133

I \hout the tuno tho printing of this book was n.-arly comploteii, the follow-
in.« was found in n hook in General Grimes' lihniry, in his own li.^nij-
"ritins, and siven here ex.ietly as it is written. — 0.]
EavcH's Corps, compo.<ed of Rodes, Early and John
son's commands, surprised General Milroy. A\'e drove
the enemy's cavalry from die summit, and ousted them
to intercept the retreat of the enemy from AVinchester.
Captured the cavalry camp at Berryville. AVe moved
doAvn to ^Martinsburg and drove the enemy into and
through the town, talking several pieces of artillery and
seven hundred prisoners. Then moved up and crossed
die Potomac River at A\'illiamsport. Occupied Cham
bersburg on 23d of June, 1863. AVas Provost Mar
shal of HagerstOAvn. There avc spent several days, and
then moved to Chambersburg. Insidious tiilk of man
of Company .V ; turned him over to his oavu men for
punishment. Sent to Carlisle, Avithin eight miles of
Harrisburg, on picket duty. Headquarters in brick
house. Woman's remark about Quartermaster. Regi
ment quartered in a very large house. Saw the Perry
militia coming out Avith their high sugar-loaf hats. Put
a portion of my picket in ambush, alknving militia to
pass, surprising them in front and shooting in their rear.
Supplied my men Avith their hats, Avhich fell off in their

134 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.
confusion. Their stampede through Harrisburg, through
the wheat fields. Here tasted for the first time Planta
tion Bitters, taken from the pocket of a dead Federal.
AVe stampeded all of them, about five hundred. Killed
and Avounded many. Captured many horses without
liaA'ing a man wounded. Were nearer Harrisburg than
perhaps any troops except cavalry scouts. Severity of
orders against plundering the inhabitants. Punishment
of men Avho went in a house and took jcAvelry. The
rest of our brigade occupied the U. S. Barracks. Move
toAvards Gettysburg. Rode in ambulance all the time,
except when expecting an engagement, owing to injury
on my foot.

* 5- ^ J- T«

1*

%

\

^•^ ^

L
-rfjr:
Ml ^ il H '¦.np*
f
1%
-J.
.,^'?c:'
c ¦»
('
3' 1 »
'i^
^-^j /j^gt^ if-t' ^ - ^'^\.rk \
6 W ' ,«
„ 1 -". 4$^