USA > Virginia > Prince Edward County > Prince Edward County > A history of Prince Edward County, Virginia: from its formation in 1753, to the present > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
Wm. A. Walton, became 1st Sergeant and was killed at Sharpsburg. James L. Waddell.
(NOTE: Fayette H. Davis, one of the signers of this petition, died in 1920, and was buried in Farmville cemetery.)
107
History of Prince Edward County
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY COURT December Term 1898
On motion of the petitioners; W. H. Ewing, J. F. Wal- ton, and H. W. Edmunds, and it appearing that the Muster Roll of Company K, 3rd Regiment, of Virginia Cavalry, Fitz Lee's Division, C. S. A., has been published for two succes- sive weeks in the "Farmville Herald," and the Court being satisfied that the copy of said Muster Roll is as perfect as practicable to be made, doth order the same to be recorded as the law directs. Teste : W. H. THACKSTON, Clerk.
Captain, John I. Thornton, elected Lieutenant-Colonel in 1862. Killed at the battle of Sharpsburg, 1862, while in com- mand of the 3rd Regiment.
1st Lieutenant, Peyton R. Berkeley, elected to Captain in 1862. Resigned 1863.
2nd Lieutenant, H. I. Parrish. 2nd Lieutenant at or- ganization; promoted to be "Aid De Camp," with rank of Captain; afterward Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel of 16th Virginia Infantry.
2nd Lieutenant, F. D. Redd. Retired at re-organizaion in 1862.
2nd Lieutenant, Richard Stokes. Retired in 1862.
1st Sergeant, E. N. Price, wounded at Five Forks in 1865.
2nd Sergeant, Jno. H. Knight, promoted to be 1st Lieu- tenant in 1863; Captain in 1864, wounded at the "White House."
: 3rd Sergeant, R. B. Berkeley. Transferred to Medical Department in 1863.
4th Sergeant, Frank H. Scott.
1st Corporal, L. M. Penick. 2nd Corporal, R. W. Dalby.
3rd Corporal, A. B. Cralle.
: . 4th Corporal, Daniel I. Allen.
108
History of Prince Edward County
Drury L. Armistead. Orderly for General Joseph E. Johnston.
Henry A. Allen.
Charles B. Anderson.
Frank C. Anderson.
H. Threat Anderson.
Charles I. Anderson.
Wesley W. Anderson.
M. L. Arvin, captured in the Valley.
James A. Baker.
John W. Baker, wounded at Front Royal in 1863, and Spottsylvania in 1864.
James A. Bell, elected Lieutenant in 1862; resigned in 1863.
Clifford A. Bondurant, wounded at Kelly's Ford in 1863. Samuel J. Bondurant.
John J. Bondurant, discharged.
Samuel W. Bondurant, put in substitute.
W. A. Binford.
George Booker.
J. Horace Booker.
William D. Booker.
A. A. Bragg, Quarter-Master Sergeant of the Company. William Brooks.
Samuel A. Bruce.
William A. Bruce, orderly for Colonel Owen. John Chaffin.
William T. Crafton.
John R. Cunningham, wounded at Kelly's Ford and dis- abled.
Charles E. Clark. Charles W. Crawley. John M. Daniel.
John P. Dickinson.
R. M. Dickinson, transferred to Infantry and promoted.
History of Prince Edward County 109
W. P. Dupuy, wounded at Buckland in 1863, and Tom's Brook in 1864.
Henry W. Edmunds, wounded and disabled at Kelly's Ford in 1863.
F. L. Elliott.
T. L. Elliott.
John W. Elliott.
R. C. Elliott, promoted to Sergeant and killed at Haws Shop in 1864.
William W. Evans, wounded at Front Royal in 1864.
W. H. Ewing, wounded at Front Royal in 1864.
John J. Ewing.
Charles Flournoy.
John J. Flournoy, wounded and discharged in 1863.
. Thomas Flournoy, transferred.
Rolin Foster.
George W. Foster.
George Fowlkes.
James D. Fowlkes.
Lafayette Garrett, teamster.
J. H. Guthrie.
Johnson Harvey, killed at Sailor's Creek in 1865. W. J. Harvey, transferred to Q. M. Dept.
A. A. Haskins, promoted to Lieutenant in 1863.
Thomas E. Haskins, promoted to Orderly Sergeant in 1862.
John Z. Holladay.
George Hunt.
John C. Hunt, orderly to General Stuart and killed at Gettysburg.
Joby Hunt, wounded and lost a leg.
John Jenkins.
E. T. Jeffress, disabled and discharged.
Frank Jenkins.
John S. Kelley, a substitute. Captured in 1864.
.
110
History of Prince Edward County
E. S. Lockett.
Goodrich Ligon, died of camp fever in 1862.
.R. V. Ligon.
George Nicholas, a substitute and deserted.
Charles Martin, professor at Hampden-Sidney. Pro- moted to Q. M. Dept.
H. I. Meredith, captured at Boonsboro in 1862. Elected Lieutenant in 1863.
R. A. Miller.
B: M. Moseley.
W. H. Morton.
Charles R. Moseley, transferred to Infantry.
F. J. Penick, wounded at Charles City in 1864.
Daniel Price.
B. H. Ragsdall.
C. E. Redd, put in substitute.
John A. Redd.
John H. Redd.
Joseph T. Redd, discharged.
J. Wesley Redd.
R. L. Redd.
W. M. Richardson.
James C. Rowlett, wounded at Five Forks in 1865.
John D. Richardson.
Junius C. Rowlett, lost a leg at Front Royal in 1864.
S. S. Rowlett.
Edwin Scott, killed on Picket near Newport News in 1861.
Lafayette Scott, wounded at Kelley's Ford in 1863.
James C. Spencer, killed in Charles City county in 1864.
N. B. Spencer.
J. D. Spencer.
L. A. Starling.
P. B. Sublett.
Charles B. Spencer.
111
History of Prince Edward County
Nat. Thackston,. captured at Williamsport in 1863; wounded at. Trevillians in 1864 ..
A. K. Todd. W. C. Trueheart.
Charles Venable.
A. R. Venable, transferred to Q. M. Dept., and pro- moted to Captain.
John F. Walton.
L. D. Walton.
R. H. Walton.
R. H. Watkins, elected to Lieutenant in 1862; to Captain in 1863; wounded at Aldie in 1863; at Tom's Brook in 1864; disabled and retired.
Marcus West.
Oscar Wiley, transferred, 1861.
Jack C. Williams.
James H. Wilson, killed at Haws Shop in 1864.
Ed Witt, captured the same day he enlisted.
A. C. Womack.
A. W. Womack, discharged.
D. G. Womack.
Eugene Womack, killed at Tom's Brook in 1864.
W. W. Womack, discharged.
Frank L. Womack.
Willie W. Wootton.
Samuel T. Wootten, wounded at Louisa Court House. Thomas Watson.
Jimmy Womack, discharged.
112
History of Prince Edward County
Note: (The following series of articles regarding the experiences of Co. F, 18th Va. Regiment, in the war between the States, were written by "Captain" S. W. Paulett, of Farmville, Prince Edward county, known locally as the "Old Reb," who served throughout the war in that unit, and were published in the Farmville "Herald" during 1897. They form a most interesting, and at the same time a most valuable, history of that Company, and are well worth preserving.)
PLEASURES AROUND THE CAMP-FIRE- INTERESTING EXPERIENCES
Thinking it might be interesting to many of my old, as well as young friends, it has often occurred to me to write in my feeble way, an account of some of the scenes and in- cidents through which I passed, and was an actor, during my four years' service in the so-called "Rebel Army."
Today my mind seems ill at ease. I find it drifting back to the scenes of long ago; ever and anon I catch a faint glimpse of some little incident happening along our line of march, or while in camp. At this time one in particular looms up which I think will interest some of your many readers. Returning from North Carolina in May, 1863, my division, (Pickett's) was ordered to cross the Blackwater, sur- round, and make an effort to capture Suffolk, Va. We re- mained there a few days, when we were ordered to Peters- burg, and thus began the long and weary march across the State of Virginia, and to Gettysburg, Pa. The incident re- called, and which I wish to portray, occurred while in camp near Hanover Junction. We had, on that day, made quite a long and weary march, and were glad indeed, to see the head of our column file left and enter a maple woods, where we would camp for the night. No one but those who par- ticipated in these stirring times have any idea how light- hearted the old Rebs were, both in camp and on the march. While many had their fun, yet Bob Miller, otherwise known
113
History of Prince Edward County
as "Hootsy B," and the writer, alias, "Bonsy," were said to be the life of our company, being ready at all times, and in all places, to carry out some devilment to relieve the te- dious hours as they passed.
Now, in our company, there was a well-known character by name of Obediah East, who was always ready for fun and frolic, and also one of our best soldiers. It was on this in- dividual we had set our hearts on this occasion. I can recall him now, with his short-stem pipe, sitting quietly by him- self near his shake-down, before retiring to obtain the much needed rest all old soldiers know so well how to enjoy. Sit- ting thus, and anticipating the good night's rest, he is startled by the approach of two striplings, namely, Bob and Sam. Obediah knows something is up. The two quiet- ly take their seats just opposite him, and they too light their pipes and begin to smoke. Not a word has been spoken. Obediah becomes restless, uncomfortable; he is satisfied we are there for a purpose; he can stand it no longer; so he jumps up and says: "Fetch take it all, what did you two little devils come here for?" "To give you a gentle army drag tonight, old boy," is the reply. "I am blamed if you do. I's gwine to set up all night." "All right, if you can stand it, we can." So silence once more falls on the three, while others are watching to see what the two little devils are up to. The striplings hold the fort. After many hours, Obediah falls back and draws his blanket closely about him.
The two little devils are now wide awake and all atten- tion, awaiting the sound they knew was soon to follow, Soon the snore, deep and loud, is heard; the time has come; the little ones are up and ready for the fun. "Hoots," says Sam, "get him by the other leg." Hoots gets his hand under the blanket, when he is startled by Obediah saying, "Take your hand outen dar, I ain't sleep yet." So the boys fall back and bide their time, knowing full well the time will come, for Obediah is tired and sleepy.
114
History of Prince Edward County
Another hour has passed and Obediah begins to twitch, squirm, and cry out. We now know the time has come, and throwing the blanket off, we each take a leg and start on the run down the hill toward the river, Obediah following like greased lightning in our wake, and making every effort to break away, but the two little devils have him good and fast, and take him nearly to the river and drop him a hundred yards from the starting point. We then ran for our lives, fully expecting rock, stick, and oath; we are surprised to hear Obediah crying in a loud voice: "Fetch take it all, I am d-n glad you dragged me, I had one of them blamed things on me," meaning he had a night-mare, which he was subject to all during the war.
Mr. Editor, of such is army life, and it affords old soldiers much pleasure to review the many pleasant hours spent around the camp-fires. But as we review them, they all remind us of the solemn fact that the story of our lives will soon be finished. Since 1865 how rapidly have our com- rades, who sat with us around those camp-fires, passed out into the shadowy night. 'Tis a sad thought, yet true. The ranks are thinning. Soon the last survivor of those times will be gone out; darkness will fall; and that scene of tre- mendous activity, and terrible reality to us, be only as a silent memory of the past.
Now my old comrades, you who may read this, penned by one of your kind, let it remind you as we linger on the bor- der land, and as we assemble around our last camp-fire with the sunset in our faces, we may listen in silence and hear the ripple of the mystic river over which we soon must pass, and, as with our noble leader, Stonewall Jackson, and with the faith that ever shone brightly with him, we may say as he did, "Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees."
Fraternally, the old Reb.
S. W. PAULETT, Co. F, 18th Va. Regiment.
-
115
History of Prince Edward County
THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG AND OTHER THRILLING INCIDENTS INTERESTINGLY NARRATED
With your permission, and for the benefit of your many readers, 'I will continue to give some of my recollections of the war.
June, 1863, found us in camp near Hanover Junction. At this time the Federal Army under General Hooker, re- occupied the heights opposite Fredericksburg, where it could not be attacked except under very great disadvantage, so our great and notable leader determined not to await the pleasure of "Old Fighting Joe," but to draw him out from his impregnable position.
General Lee determined, if possible, to free Virginia, for a time at least, from the presence of the enemy, to trans- fer the theatre of war to the northen soil, and, by selecting a favorable time and place, to take the reasonable chances of defeating his adversary in a pitched battle. To that end. and in pursuance of that design, General Lee, early in the month of June, moved his army northward by way of Cul- pepper, and thence to, and down the valley of Virginia, to Winchester.
The army had now been reorganized, designated the first, second, and third corps, and commanded respectively by Lieut .- Gen'ls Longstreet, Ewell, and A. P. Hill. On the 12th of June, the second corps being in advance, crossed the branches of the Shenandoah, near Front Royal. Coming in contact with the enemy under General Milroy, he proceeded in his usual manner to attack, gave them a good thrashing, captured a great many, and the remnant sought safety be- hind the works at Harper's Ferry. General Ewell, with three divisions, crossed the Potomac in the latter part of June, and, in pursuance of General Lee's orders, traversed Mary- land, and advanced into Pennsylvania. General Hill, whose
116
History of Prince Edward County
corps were the last to leave the line of the Rappahannock, followed with his three divisions in Ewell's rear. My division, (Pickett's) was attached to the first, or Longstreet's, corps, and it is of this particular division which I shall deal in this paper.
Breaking camp at Hanover Junction, the division was formed and headed for Culpeper C. H., from which point we moved by way of Ashby's and Snicker's Gaps into the Valley. By this move we covered the movements of the second and third corps which had preceded us. Here we left General Stuart the task of holding the Gaps of the Blue Ridge moun- tains with his corps of cavalry, and we passed down the Val- ley and into Williamsport, when we crossed the Potomac into Maryland. Here an incident, which I recall, occurred.
Just after the battle of Fredericksburg, a substitute be- longing to Co. E, 18th Regiment, deserted. He was cap- tured, brought back, court-marshalled, and ordered to be shot. This man's name was Rhiley. For some cause the sentence of the court had not been executed up to this time, but we knew Rhiley would be shot before sunset on this day. After crossing the river, the head of the division was turned to the right into an open field where it was formed into three sides of a square, and the orders given, parade, rest, and we waited the coming of the doomed man. Soon the band struck up the dead march, and from the right was seen approaching, 1st, the band; 2nd, the coffin borne by four men; 3rd, Rhiley; 4th, and last, the detail of twelve men who constituted the firing party. This procession, and in this order, marched around the three sides of the square until they reached the fourth, or open side; here they halted. Now was seen the stake to which the prisoner would be tied. The officer in command advanced and taking Rhiley by the hand, he conducted him to the stake, ordered him to kneel so that his back rested against the stake, he was then tied and blind-folded. The firing party now advanced to within
117
History of Prince Edward County
ten paces and made ready to do their duty. Guns were load- ed and capped, the officer gave the command, "ready" -. At this Rhiley raised his head and said, "Good-bye boys, aim at my heart." At the command "fire" the guns spoke out in no uncertain sound and Rhiley had passed in his checks. The grave had already been prepared, his body was placed therein and we camped for the night.
The next day we passed through Hagerstown and headed for Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, which place we reached on or about the 27th of June. Here we remained until the morn- ing of the 2nd day of July. The battle of Gettysburg be- gan on the 1st, but we knew nothing of this, as General Hill, with the 3rd corps, held our advance in that direction, and was concentrating his corps at Cashtown, with Heath's di- vision thrown forward toward Gettysburg. Just about break of day on the morning of the 2nd, the long roll sounded in our camps, ranks were formed, rolls called, and we moved through Chambersburg and on to Gettysburg. It was a hard march, as we were moving rapidly forward to aid the 2nd and 3rd corps then engaged with our old enemy, the army of the Potomac, commanded by General George C. Meade; fighting Joe Hooker having been relieved and laid on the shelf. Owing to a wagon train belonging to the 3rd corps cutting in ahead of us and the pike being filled with beef cattle which had been captured and sent to the rear, our march was retarded. Thus delayed, we did not reach the field as quickly as we otherwise would have done. We camped near Gettysburg and cooked rations, but began the march again long before day on the morning of the 3rd. I would say between 6 and 8 o'clock we arrived at, and took up our position, along, Seminary Ridge. The division was placed in line of battle as follows: Kemper's brigade on the right; Garnett's (my brigade) on the left; Armistead's brigade just in rear of the two first, and in supporting distance. Our 4th brigade; Corse's; was left in Virginia.
118
History of Prince Edward County
After the boys had been lined up they were ordered to lie down. At this time, everything was so quiet none but those who would participate in this death grapple would have thought there was a hundred men within a mile. Yet along those lines there were, of the Yankee army, one hun- dred and five thousand men, and of General Lee's army, sixty-two thousand. Just think of it, the audacity of 62,- 000 men making that glorious and daring attack on 105,000, and on ground of their own selection! Yet the charge was made and failed. General Meade was afraid to follow up his success. Notwithstanding our failure on the 3rd, General Lee held the field all day on the 4th in absolute quiet, and withdrew from their front without serious molestation. Gen- eral Sickles testified before the committee on the conduct of the war, that the reason the Confederates were not followed up was on account of differences of opinion whether or not the Federals would retreat, as it was by no means clear in the judgment of the corps-commanders, or of the General in com- mand, whether they had won or not. If we had had 75,000 men there would have been no doubt in General Meade's mind as to who had won. :
But to resume my story, being always of an inquistive turn of mind, and wishing to know all that was going on in sight, I took occasion during this lull, to view the ground and surroundings. I tell you the sight was not an encour- aging one .! In our immediate front, say distant three-fourths of a mile, was that strong position, known in history as Cemetery Heights. This position, though strong by nature, had been made. doubly so by the erection of breast-works, behind which men of all arms, and in great numbers, were stationed to slap the life out of us gentle Rebs as we crossed that open field, without shelter to hide the size of a man's head. Now, look to our right, and there stands Little Round Top. Mountain; a giant indeed, crowned with ar- tillery and infantry, ready as we advanced, to pour death
119
History of Prince Edward County
and destruction into our ranks. After taking a general sur- vey, and noting the difficult and dangerous path we must travel in order to reach those Yanks, my heart almost failed me, and my hair and hat began to rise as I thought, "Can we win?" Then turning to the company, I said: "This is going to be a heller, prepare for the worst." Oh, no; this remark created no laugh !. The boys had looked and seen for themselves! They knew that many of us had answered our last roll-call, and no doubt asked themselves, "Is it me?" or "Is it I," but none can tell. Soon the signal gun is fired, and never before or since, has such artillery thunder been heard. This continued for about two hours, then came down the line the simple word, "Attention"; the boys sprang to their feet, reeling from the effects of the hot July sun, but soon they became steady, and the line was ready to face and charge the mighty host of men and guns on Cemetery Heights. At this time Gen. Pickett rode in front of our bri- gade, (he having been our former commander) and raising hmiself in his stirrups, he pointed to the Heights, and said : "Boys, you see that battery; I want you to take those guns. Remember you are Virginians." Forward! The line moved out at quick step. Passing through our line of artillery, we made for the Heights. Our line being in full view from the start, the Yanks opened on us with round shot, then shell. Nearing the Emmittsburg road Little Round Top on our right, having enfilade fire, opened with shell, which tore great gaps in our line; sometimes as much as 30 feet of men would go down from the effect of one shell! Did the boys falter? No; the order would come: "Close to the right, boys," and, continuing the advance, the gap would be closed ! A few yards farther on, and the batteries in front opened with grape and cannister, mowing the boys down by the hundred. Does this stop the living? No; the advance con- tinnes, but the worst is yet to come. Their infantry had reserved their fire until we were within 30 yards of their
120
History of Prince Edward County
works, then with round shot and shell, grape and cannister, pistol and musket; it seemed that heaven and earth had come together with a mighty crash; the earth trembled; men fell to rise no more; and in a few moments the pride of Virginia manhood had burned their last powder!
Official report puts our loss at 3,333 men! The Farm- vill Guard had the following killed and wounded: Killed- Bryant; Elam; Davis; Hooton; Hunt; Setzer; and Wor- sham. Wounded-Captain Z. A. Blanton; East; Gilliam; Paulett, J. T .; Paulett.S. W .; Wicker; and Walthall. Here I was captured with others of my company, and carried to the rear of the Yankee army, so, for the present, my con- nection with the army of northern Virginia had ceased.
A few days ago Bob Miller met me on the street and asked if I remembered what passed between us on the field just after being captured. I told him no. He said he came up to me while we were under fire of our own guns, then shelling the Heights, and asked me what had become of the boys, and I replied: "Hootsy, damned if I know." This to shown how utterly unconscious of fear boys became in war. Here I will close this, and if you so desire at some future time, I will narrate some of my prison experiences.
121
History of Prince Edward County
LIFE IN THE YANKEE PRISONS-THE HARDSHIPS INTERESTINGLY RECALLED
FARMVILLE, VA., MAY 25, '97.
In compliance with my promise in my last communica- tion, I will now take up the thread of my story, and relate some of my experiences while a prisoner of war.
In my last I stated that I was captured in Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, and that for the nonce my connec- tion with the army of Northern Virginia had ceased in the field.
On the night of July 3rd, after the battle, I, with many others who had been captured, was taken to the rear of the Federal army and put in camp, now strongly guarded by both infantry and cavalry. General Kilpatrick, a Yankee cavalry officer, rode in our midst and proclaimed in a very excited manner, that we must keep quiet, and that any at- tempt to escape would be met with death on the spot. Un- der the circumstances, this was hardly necessary, inasmuch as were tired and worn out by hard fighting and marching.
On the morning of the 4th, we were formed in line and ordered to march, guarded by their cavalry. Some hours' march brought us to a small town some distance in the rear of the Yankee army. Here we found General Stuart had been the day before with some of his cavalry. Owing to this fact, the cavalry guarding us became very uneasy, for fear that General Stuart would make a sudden dash and re- capture us. The Old Rebs were highly elated at the prospect and prayed as they marched that Stuart would come, but our hopes were vain; it was not to be.
122
History of Prince Edward County
The next point reached, as I remember, was Westmin- ister, Maryland, at which place we arrived during the after- noon of the 4th. Here, for the first time, we were given something to eat. We were marched into an open field sur- rounded by a high fence, outside of which the guards were stationed. I made a raid and succeeded in stealing a large ham, which we enjoyed very much. The rain was now coming down in torrents; no shelter; no blankets; no oil clothes; we were indeed in a pitiable condition as we stood in this weather, looking as best we could while the rations were issued. A worse looking set of men I never in all my life beheld. Tired and worn; ragged and dirty; wet and hungry; surrounded by our enemies, and gazed at by the curious town people who had left their comfortable homes in order to see what we Rebs looked like, was a sad sight and engen- dered feelings long to be remembered. Here we remained during the night of the 4th, sleeping in the mud and mire like so many hogs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.