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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01085 6497
THE CONFEDERATE CAPITAL
ANT
HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE
MRS. A. V. WINKLER
We live in deeds, pot years; in thoughts. not breaths: In feelings, not in depres on a dial. We shor'l count time by heurethrobs. ILa most lives W. thinks most. feels the noblest, acts the best."
AUSTIN EUGENE VON BORCKMANN
F 8349 . 92 35
1625138
COPYRIGHTED, 1891.
TO THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
OF HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, WHOSE DEEDS OF HERO- ISM ARE EMBLAZONED UPON THEIR SOUTH-LAND'S HIS- TORY IN LETTERS OF BLOOD AND GOLD; WHOSE LAUREL WREATHS OF GLORY ARE ENTWINED WITH THE ROSES AND LILIES OF THE APPRECIATION OF A GRATEFUL PEOPLE-A PRECIOUS HERITAGE TO THEIR DESCEND- ANTS-THIS VOLUME IS DEDI- CATED BY THE
AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
The student of American history will notice that is the very foundation of the government there were two political parties, each struggling for supremacy, the one advocating that al power must rest in the central government; the other that each State tras a sovereign in its own right to control the destiries of its own people. One party thought the "Union was one and indi- visible." the other, that States had a right, whenever werried of the Union, to secede from the compact, by the consolidated will of the people.
This right was not questioned, and had such strong adherents as John Randolph, of Virginia, Jno. C. Calhoun. of South Caro- lina, and others, who were not considered traitors because they openly expressed this belief
The sovereignty of a State was admitted until the days of Daniel Webster, when he awoke the echoes of the United States Senate by declaring that "in the Constitution it is the people who speak and not the States."
Slavery had been introduced into the colonies first as an act of humanity to some Africans brought on a vessel to Jamestown who were literally starving when received there. When tound to be available for tilling the soil, the slave trade was opened and the traffic became legitimate throughout the United States. As the Northern States did not find siavery profitable, it was gradually abolished.
The relation of master and slave grew closer as the years went on in the South, and each worked to the other's interest, ties being formed in the order of living and working which seemed indis- soluble.
The abolition of slavery began to have its advocates at the North. Much discussion about settling the new territories, and allowing slave-holders to retain their property therein invested, often descended from their ancestors, was the result. Many com- promises were made; the line of Mason and Dixon vas estab- lished, the'subject agitating the best minds of both rival sections --- slavery, the great bone of contention, that right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.
The abolition party grew in power and wealth, violating their contracts with their Southern neighbors. Books were written which, in a graphic, imaginary style, depicted the horrors of our institutions, and a great wave of sentiment overspread the North, overlooking all the care of the helpless, all the responsibility, a's
VI
PREFACE.
the Christian education amongst the most refined, cultivated people of the land, lifting the race from the state of cava sep com which they were rescued when brought to the south az i solo as slaves: an'l casting a stigma upon our people as lost to all sease of the wants of common humanity.
This distorting of the subject, this denying ofindividual sights, incensed the whole South as to clearly infinite that when so much was misunderstood, coupled with the desire which animated their ancestors, that no other than the Anglo-saxon race should rule this land: that freedom of the negro meant universal suffrage, and the introduction of a dangerous element into politics. there seemed no other help for the evils of the land than to qalatly and peaceably dissolve a Union which had grown into a disagreeable relationship, and could no longer be continued in harmony.
War was declared, the whole people rushed to battle; the South was overpowered, laid down her arms, and, after years of peace, has arisen, phoenix-like, from the ashes of despair, glowing with new life and energy. This record has been written as a pleasing task to commemorate what a brigade and people endured and suffered in behalf of the "Lost Cause," which goes down to pes- terity with its wonderful romance, exciting the admiration of future generations, and stamping their ancestors as heroes, if tinsuccessful, as grand as the "Tenth Legion of Cæsar, " cr Cld Guard of Napoleon.
The Confederacy is an ideal conception of the past. that flashed as a meteor of scintillating brilliancy across the world's Estizon, sinking beneath the clouds of defeat in a flash of never-ending glory.
With great care the following record has been collected by one who was a resident of the capital city, and united by sacred ties with Hood's Texas Brigade.
"Breathes there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land ? Whose heart has ne'er within him burned As home his footsteps he hath turned From wandering ou a foreign strand ?
If suich there breathe, go mark him well ; For him no minstrel tantures swell ;
High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; Despite these titles, power and pelf, The wretch concentred all in self. Living sh Il forfeit his fair renown,
And doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from which he sprung Unwept, unhonored, and unsung."
Hood's Texas Brigade Association was organized at Houston,
VII
PREFACE.
May 14, 1872, Col C. M. Winkler. President; Gen. J. B. Robert- son, Vice- Presid ut; Major Robert Burns, Secretary, which posi- tion the latter has held ever since.
The lamented Col. Thos. M. Jack, of Galveston, once at re- union at that place, uttered the sentiment of the entire State when he said:
"If the voice of Texas could be expressed, she would say, These are my sons! I am the mother of Hood's brigade."
At the fourth meeting, June 27, the anniversary of the battle of Gaines' Farm, was selected as the time most appropriate for annual assembling, and has thus been kept over since.
At the second reunion, at Barton Springs, Austin, plans were inaugurated for collecting data, looking towards the publication of a history of the brigade. Gen. J. D. Robertson, in a glowing speech, advised every member to contribute something of his knowledge for this purpose, saying: "We hope this will be done. as a History of Hood's Brigade would make a most valuable and interesting volume to every Texas library." Committees were appointed, but very little was ever done.
It was suggested to the author to write up a personal remin- iscence of life at Richmond during the days of the Confederacy, in connection with Hood's Brigade. In hours of leisure. several chapters had been completed, when, in 1832, the publication of Texas Prairie Flower was undertaken, aud within the pages of this literary journal first appeared the articles now comprising the Confederate Capital and Hood's Brigade.
After the reunion at Crockett. in 1883. the Historical Commit- tee. of which Capt. W. C. Walsh is chairman, placed in our hands the work of collecting, arranging and preparing all possi- bie information upon the subject, the agreement being that the whole should be under the supervision of the committee, and subject to their approval.
Books of reference used have been Pollok's History of the War; Stevens' War Between the States; Advance and Retreat. by General Hood; Jones' Life of General Lee; Life of General Jackson: Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, by Jer- ferson Davis; Swinton's Army of the Potomac; Ely's Journal ( Federal); Federal and Confederate Records issued by Congress, and Rev. N. A. Davis' work, issued during the war, at Rich- mond, "From Texas to Maryland;" clippings from Federal and Confederate newspapers, verbal statements of members of the brigade, articles when possible to be obtained, jottings from note-books and private letters, have all been woven into the record, with the earnest desire to make the whole as correct as possible, and no individual effort has been spared to accomplish that end.
VIII
PREFACE.
We are under special : Migations to each member of the His- torical Committee, who have been just in all withism, un vearied in their enthusiasm and interest. and sensilis of the weight of responsibility placed upon them by comrades.
After many disappointments, this publication is an outcome of the kindness and liberality of Hou. G. T. jester, one of the last recruits of Company I, 4th Texas Regiment, who was ce route to join the Virginia army when General Lee surrendered, and Captain James Garitty, of the roth Louisiana Regiment, army of Northern Virginia, patriotic citizens of Corsicana. Texas. The engravings are the gifts of Byrd Warwick, of Richmond, Virginia, brother of Colonel Bradfare Warwith, who fell at the moment of victory at Gaines' Farm, and Dr. C. S. Morse, Clerk of Supreme Court, Austin, Texas, a young acasirer of the deeds of brave men. Col. C. S. Venable, University of Virginia. Aid to General Lee, gave important stetercents as eye-witness of the charge at the Wilderness, and members of the brigade and per- sonal friends throughout the State have grandiy aided in rescuing from oblivion much that otherwise would have been lost.
It was impossible to obtain, at the late date. a muster roll of the Ist Texas Regiment, and with the consent of the committee, that of the 4th and 5th Regiments has been omitted from the appendix. The names of all who surrendered at Appomattox are given, from an authentic list puidisbed by the Southern His- torical Society of Paroles of the Army of Northern Virginia, pre- sented by W. Ellis Jones, Richmond, Virginia.
The work is sent forth with belief in its success and satisfac- tion to all interested.
A. V. W.
Under a resolution adopted by Hocd's Texas Brigade Asscola- tion, at Livingston, Texas, on June 27. 18.1. the undersigned, as members of the Historical Committee of the brigade, have read and carefully examined the manuscript of a history of Hood's Brigade, by Mrs. A. V. Winkler, and to hereby approve and endorse the same in behalf of the brigade, as being as cortest and accurate a history of the old comstrand as can now be written from the data and memoranda available. The story of Hoed's Texas Brigade, its marches, battles, privatio is and triumphs. is so closely interwoven with that of the Southern Capital that the history of one would be incomplete without the ciber.
HAYWOOD ERAMAN, JOHN H. WOUTTENS, BEN. S. BAKER, J. M. SMITHER, W. C. WALSH, Historical Com. Hood's Brigade Association.
ORIGINAL CAPTAINS.
ORIGINAL CAPTAINS OF COMPANIES OF HOLD'S TEXAS BRIGADE, AND WHERE TROCAS WERE RAISED.
FIRST TEXAS REGIMENT.
Co. A-Capt. H. H. Black, Jeferson. Marion county. Co. B -- Capt. D. D. Moore, Livingston, Folk county. Co. C-Capt. A. G. Dickerson, Houston Hiszis county. Co. D-Capt. A. J. Clopton. Jefferson, Marion county. Co. F -- Capt. F. S. Bass, Marshall, Harris county. Co. F-Capt. P. A. Work, Woodville, Tyler county. Co. G-Capt. Dr. Jno. R. Wood ward, Palestine, Anderica cosaty
Co. HI-Capt. A. T. Rainey. Palestine, And wann county.
Co. I -- Capt. D. E. Currie. Crockett, Houver county. Co. K-Capt. B. F. Benton, San Augustire. Sin Augustice Co. Co. L-Capt. A. C. McKeen, Galveston, Ga. estou county.
FOURTH TEXAS REGIMENT.
Co. A -- Capt. J. C. G. Key, Goliad, Goliad county. Co. B-Capt. B. F. Carter, Austin, Travis county. Co. C -- Capt. W. P. Townsend, Owensville. Robertson county. Co. D -- Capt. j. P. Bayne, Seguin, Guadalupe county. Co. E-Capt. E. D. Ryan, Waco. Melennas county. Co. F --- Cant. E. D. Cunningham, San Antonio Bexar county.
Co. G-Capt. W. J. Hutcherson Anderson. Grimes cinaty. Co. H-Capt. P. P. Porter, Hurtsoble, Walker couaty. Co. I -- Capt. C. M. Winkler, Corsicana. Navarro cosasy. Co. K -- Capt. W. H. Martin, Athens, Henderson coxas.
FIFTH TEXAS REGMIENT.
Co. - Capt. B. A. Botts, Houston, Harris county, Co. B- Capt. J. B. Upton, Colorado count :. Co. C-Capt. C. M. Whaley, Leon county. Co. D --- Cant. R. M. Powell, Montgomery county. Co. E-Capt. J. D. Rogers, Washington county. Co. F-Capt. King Bryan, Washington county. Co. G-Capt. Jeff Rogers, Cancion, Milas county. Co. H-Capt. J. C. Cleveland, Liberty county. Co. I -- Capt. J. B. Robertson, Washington county. Co. K-Capt. J. K. Turner, Polk county.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Richmond in 1859. Consternation caused by John Brown's raid usel Harper's Ferry. Departure of troops for the scene of action. G. . ernor Wise's action in bringing the prisoner to justice. Formation of military companies all over the State of Virginia, Threatening of a: irrepressible conflict between North and South. Feeling of jusecari- to pervading all classes Return of Southern students from Ner York and Philadelphia schools of medicine. President Lincoln s nomination considered a menace to Southern institutions. Secession of South Carolina, the Cotton States and Texas. Virginia's conves- fin to consider the question of following their example. Hesitat .:: to take the decisive step. President Lincoln's requisition noon Vi- gimta for her quota of 75.000 men to coerce the States back into the U'idos. Virginia passes the act of secession. Fall of Fort Sumter. Illumination of Richmond and torchlight procession in honor of the tvo events. Impressions of the hour
CHAPTER II.
I
Colonel Robert E. Lee's record in the United States army. His resis- nation, to throw his fortunes with his native State and Southern: cause, His sacrifice of ancestral home at Arlington He: hts involved. Governor Letcher, with consent of the Convention, tenders him the command of State troops. Work of drilling raw recruits Arrival of Kershaw's South Carolina regiment. The heroes of Fort Sumter re- ceived with open arms by the people of Richmond. Ladies devotes their time in making soldiers' riformis. President Lincoln's blockade of Southern ports. Advancement of prices for necesstries of life. Removal of the Confederate seat of government from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond. General Lee's resignation of command of State troops, other officers of the Confederate government sutranking 4.1. Provi ling for munitions of war and supplies for the army. Children catching the inspiration of the times.
CHAPTER III.
Battle of Bethel. Funeral of Henry Wyatt, the first martyr of the south. Arrival at Richmond of Washington Artillery and Dreux's Battalion from New Orleans. Colonel Zulukowsky'> regiment from the levees of New Orleans, afterwar Is known as "Tigers." te of Rich Mountain. Drivery of General Garnett. Suffering of the !Hiers. Northern sentiment. Refusal of the -th regiment. Ne York, to fight against the people of Richmond, after their fratern reception at the removal of President Monroe's remains from New York to Richmond, when they served as guard of honor.
5
XII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
Confede: Le zione Chre of the sick others. How We Have: met by the women of Richmond. First battle of Jimnassus sion for wounded - risepers. The LiVs. Civilians Fraured .. . ... sas. Action of Uilen Termales of the city. at St. John's church yard. Release of those captured merely as : - D- tators of a farce .
2:3
CHAPTER V.
Effect of the war upon the aged. Volunteering of the youth, Plans for furnishing the troops with arms and munitions of war. President Davis. General McClean viol in o rosand of :. Fei- eral troops. General scott's discomfiture. The er. siment of Texas soldiers for the Army of Virginia. Their arrival 4: Richniss : cal welcome by the President, Selection (: Colonel He'd to c : mand the 4th Texas regiment, Sketch of officers. Major Warwick, of Richmond. Colonel Robertson, of Texas. Organization complete . . 29
CHAPTER VI.
Sickness among the Texans. Kindness of the la ties of Rismoal. Appreciation of Congress and the Present for their efforts :. bebalf of the sick. Removal to General Toleston's amy at Yemi.ces. Union with the 1st Texas regiment. Sketch of Chienel WS other officers. Organization of the Texas brigale. Gener .: "af !! the first brigadier to command. Colonel Hood's dissipline of the ch regiment. Texans spoiling for a sigh :. Skirmish with the enewly. Hope of foreign interference. Departure of Masos and Shiel for England and France, to negotiate with those powers. Feeling at Richmond and the South when their mission fatted . Sy
CHAPTER VII.
General Jackson's movement early in January ING. His record is a military man. Exchange of prisoners exciting attention. C.zfeder. ate policy strictly dotensive. General MeCieltang clan of strimmer campaign. Moving his base of creations. Maria of the Texas briga.le. Appointment of Colonel Heat us bris . Her-gener. :. The men present their commander with a horss. Apreciation of General Hood. Brigade known afterwards as . Hood's Texas Drigide. . . . - 5
CHAPTER VIII.
Norfolk Navy-vard. Construction of Confederate irca-clads. Fight in Hampton Roads between the Confederate vesse. Virginia and Federi. Cumberland. Meeting with the Monitor. Fecha at the Sith with regard to the naval engagement. General Hickson in the valley of Virginia. Turner Ashby, the great cavalrymas Evacuates of the Peninsula. Texans regularly under fire, first at Eltham's Landin while acting as rear guard to Johnston s army. They save the rear of the army, and the whole of the baggage."
CHAPTER IX.
Line of march of the Texas brigade across the C't kaboming. Gglers to evacuate Norfolk and Portsmouth. Destruction of the Viryuna, the
CONTENTS.
LoBynation of the p Fears m kommen de cases at bruge's Man Attack 1 fleet of gan-boats. A decided repose. kishto.
rdthis is the impending strite. Cire for the sz ard wo: Ho pitals improvised. Scenes of hospital life. . 62
CHAPTER X.
Guteral Jackson's operations in the valley of Virginia Battle of Seven Dnes. Movements of the Texans. General Johns: p = == etal Lee assumes command of Confederate forces 3: 30 Army known henceforth as "Army of NeWer: VFF of the people at change of comm inders. Com opinions with regard to plan of campaign. General _:: ing off General Whiting's division to join Tycks ::. The I. denly to make a junction with General Lee. division. bottle of Mechanicsville. Ickson contests with Ge .: Lee's fine at Cold Harbor. Battle of Gaines' Form. Hobisb: turns the time of battle. General Hood's report of the day's work. General Jackson's report of the charge of the 4th Texas regiment. Burial of the dead. Removal of the wounde i. Confederates outacking ready for another day's conflict
CHAPTER XI.
Geographical position of armies near Richmond. Disa lvantages of the Confederates, Battle of Savage Station. Pursait c: 2. Cellar. Bat- tle of Malvern Hill. MeCltlan driven under cover of his sas-boats. Failure of his campaign at the North and in Rarose. Important re- sults of "Seven Days fights." Dreadful scenes in city Hospitals. Meagre resources for accommodating the thousan is of woundsfan 1 suffering. Woman would have been unwort! Perked in such au extremity. Burial of the dead. Texis hosts: estakissed a: Richmond. Chaplain's efforts in behalf of the visur ted. Ir. Lug- day .
CHAPTER XII.
Feeling at the North with regard to MeClellan's want of success. Call for three hundred thousand I mien, and a new comitanter. Mar- General Pone selected. Change of base to the Kar Thannock Fler. Record of the new favorite. General Jackson's s'outs of the Texans. Battle of Freerian's Ford. at Thorsach- Fare Gap. Second battle of Manassas. Braveryof en! Hood in command of several briggles Textes and other Chi- federates supplying themselves with clothing. Gen ral Lee splan to cross the l'otomac into Maryland General Hood date : under arrest. Texans refuse to fight at Bu mes wro Gap unless it Hort- re-
Stored. General Lee orders General Hail to his Stasm of the men, again assisting to save the day. Ferry. Lee and Jackson unite at Sharpsbarz. mation to Marylanders.
imand.
95
XIV
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Position of Sharpsburg. Disposition of the troop General Listor division commander, woundel. General Him.l skes his ;... Perilous Ication of the Texans. Two corps enrichit Hood's fault. Terrible slaughter on both sides. Texans disting with the mselves in baptism of fire and blood. Results of the bottle. General Lee with- draws his army across the Potomac. Mcclellan trorrippled to ren :" the attack, Northern papers assert. General Lee's retreat a intestar. piece. Review of campaign. Geit ral Lee's app reciation of the Tex ans. General Hood's address to the division. G teral Lee compl- ments his men. Food appointed major-general. Compliments of Europeans to Southern bravery. World still nentrs :. English min- ister asks relaxation of blockade. Southern conscription act. Re- flections upon continued faith of the South.
105
CHAPTER XIV.
Plans for filling the Confederate treasury. Depreciation of currency. The means women had to resort to to make money. The clothing b .:- reau. Work on plantations Faithfulness of slaves to their mistresses. Capture of Galveston a shock to the Texas brigade, Review of troops. Flag of 4th Texas. Ist Texas flag. Ban Is of the brigade. Corps again on the march. Colonel Robertson, of the 5th Texas, at . pointed brigadier-general. Bare-ide appointed to the command of the Federal army. Supplies of clothing sent the Texans. Burnside at- tempts an on to Richmond. Battle of Fredericksburg. Federale re- cross the river. General Lee fights behind bre :stworks first at Fre ... ericksburg. Suffering of the people of that place. Assistance of the soldiers. Emancipation proclamation. Galveston recaptured. l'e- light of the Texas brigalle. Hood's division detached and sert to Suffolk. General Hooker in command of the Federal army. Hoof's division recalled, but arrives too late for Chancellorsville. General Lee's regret at Hood's absence. IIS
CHAPTER XV.
Position of General Lee at Chancellorsville. Wounding of General Jackson by his own men. Death of the great chieftain. Honors to the dead at Richmond and along the road to Lexington. Grief of the people and army. General Lee proposes to change his base to Northern soll. Passage of the Potomar. Excitement at Washington. Arrival in Pennsylvania. General Meade's position at Gettys1 15. Position of the Confederates. General Howl wounded. General Lee compelled to retire. Successful passage of the Potomac. Disapp ant ment of the whole country at the disastrous result. General Lee as- sumes the responsibility of the campaign . 131
CHAPTER XVI.
Longstreet's corps detached from General Lee's army and sent to Gen- eral Bragg. Battle of Cho Kunaugh Conduct of the Texas. Wounding of General Hool. Kowecrans retreats to Chattar . 33. reorganizes his arany and forthes. Extract, from private letter- soldiers of Hong's Spiced Coarse Care of the men. They ;. serving with the Army of Northern Virginia.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVII.
Avneral wymi success Rosecrans at Chiatt. :: Bragg at Missionary Ridge. I onestreet's corps went off on aner - dition against Knoxville. Extracts from private lesers. Longshot oBanencation with Being stered. Siege of Erville. communication with Bristol to Virginia. Subsist . bis army OLX' country of East Tennessee. Suffering of the lon from cold, int at 1 wait of shoes. General Robertson protests against march !! barefootel men through the snow. He is relieved of his commit oud court-martialed. Brilliant affair at Sabine Pass, Texas, inspiring news. General john Gregg placed in command of the Texas br- gule. General Robertson is reprimanded by the court-martial. and transferred to the Trans.Mississippi Department. Stories of returnei prisoners. A military execution. Major-General Fell in comuns .. of the division. Probability of Longstreet returning to the Virginta army. Movements in that direction. Satisfaction of the men. tial spirit still undiminished. Lincoln's peace proclamation. Negre troops in the Feleral army. New conscription laws passed by the Confederate Congress. ERorts to exchange prisoners. Female s; les in Richmon 1. Dahlgren's raid. His repulse and death . 1.49
CHAPTER XVIII.
General Grant takes command of the Army of the Potomac. Plans for crushing out the rebellion. Battle of the Wilderness. Gallant action of the Texas brigade. Battle of Spottsylvania Court House. General Sheridan's raid. Death of General J. E. B. Stuart .. Grant moves eastward followed by Gonend Lee. Battle of Colli Harbor. Fearful slaughter of Federals. The men refuse to attack. Grant crossest: the south side of James. General Butler's plan to reach Richmond by the back door. General Lee concentrates at Petersburg. Genera: Early is sent to the Valley with the 2nd Army Corps. Experience of the Texas brigade in the trenches of Petersburg. Early's success a the Valley. Field's and other divisions movel north of the Javies. Springing of the mine at Petersburg. Slaughter at the Crater. Grant attacks north of the James. Repulsed handsomely by cavalry and infantry 153
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