USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > A history of the Laurel brigade, originally the Ashby cavalry of the Army of northern Virginia and Chew's battery > Part 2
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
At the breaking out of the war, Col. Angus W. McDon- ald,1 repairing to Harper's Ferry, offered his services in defense of his State and of the Southern Confederacy to General Harper, the commanding officer. Although then sixty-two years of age, Colonel McDonald being a West Point graduate, and having served in the army of the United States, earnestly desired to do what he could for the South. General Harper accepted his offer and com- mitted to him the important duty of guarding the bridges and fords along the Potomac.
The troops assigned to him for this purpose was a com- pany of cavalry commanded by Capt. Turner Ashby, from Fauquier county, Virginia. Dividing it into small detach- ments, he organized parties who scouted along the border, and sometimes disguised as citizens, actually entered Washington City.
This service was exacting but attractive on account of its comparative freedom from restraint, and the oppor- tunities it afforded for personal adventure.
1Col. Angus W. McDonald, born in 1799, at Winchester, Virginia, was over sixty years old at the breaking out of the Civil War, and just returned to his home from London, whither he had gone as Commis- sioner of Virginia for information relative to the settlement of the disputed boundary between Maryland and Virginia. A graduate of West Point in the artillery corps, he was assigned by Gen. Kenton Harper, in command at Harper's Ferry, to the duty of guarding the fords and bridges of the Potomac below that point.
Among the troops assigned to him. was the cavalry company of Capt. Turner Ashby, whose energy, daring, and soldierly traits so won the admiration of Colonel McDonald that, when authorized by President Davis to raise a regiment of cavalry, he recommended Captain Ashby as lieutenant-colonel of his command. After a few months of active service, being compelled by acute rheumatism to resign his command, Colonel McDonald was assigned by General Jackson to the command of the post at Winchester, and after its evacuation to that of Lexing- ton, Virginia. Upon the approach of the Federal army under General
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
Encouraged by applications for enlistment in his com- mand, from new companies, Colonel McDonald asked and obtained from the Confederate Government, permission to raise an independent regiment for border service.
Upon his recommendation and probably with Ashby's knowledge and consent, the latter was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and Dr. Oliver Funsten major of the new command, that was soon afterwards known as the Seventh Regiment of Virginia Cavalry.
The necessary complement of companies was gradually obtained, and by the assiduous efforts of Colonel McDonald, the regiment was soon armed and equipped.
The organization of the Seventh was consummated on the 17th of June, 1861.
Because of the distinguished services rendered by this regiment before it was incorporated into the Laurel Bri- gade, a roll of the original regimental officers and company commanders is worthy of the special place here given to it.
Hunter, having no troops for its defense, he retreated with his son Harry, aged sixteen, to what he supposed a place of safety near Buck- hannon, where they were captured after a gallant resistance, in which Colonel McDonald was wounded.
He was treated in the most inhuman manner by General Hunter and his officers, and compelled to ride in an ammunition wagon without springs from Lynchburg to Charleston; afterwards confined in the Atheneam Prison at Wheeling, West Virginia, handcuffed like a com- mon felon. While there he received great kindness from the Sisters of Charity, and the picture here inserted is a copy of one he had taken for them-the basket in his hand showing their last gift to him as he was leaving to be exchanged.
Arriving in Richmond November 7th, 1864, he rapidly declined from the effects of his ill treatment, and died December Ist. He was laid to rest in Hollywood with a son, Capt. C. W. McDonald, who was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor. His only brother, Col. E. C. McDonald, died in the Confederate service, and six sons enlisted in the army, two of whom were severely wounded and in prison during the war
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REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
Angus W. McDonald of Winchester, Va Colonel. Turner Ashby of Fauquier Co., Va. Lieutenant-Colonel.
Oliver M. Funsten of Warren Co., Va Major.
Angus W. McDonald, Jr., of Hampshire Co., Va Adjutant.
Dr. A. P. Burns, Surgeon.
Rev. J. B. Avirett of Frederick Co., Va Chaplain.
Capt. T. P. Pendleton of Clarke Co., Va., Asst. Quartermaster. Capt. John D. Richardson of Clarke Co., Va ........ Commissary.
CAPTAINS OF COMPANIES.
Richard Ashby of Fauquier Co., Va. Company A.
J. Q. Wingfield of Rockingham, Va Company B.
S. D. Myers of Shenandoah Co., Va Company C.
Macon Jorden of Page Co., Va Company D.
Walter Bowen of Warren Co., Va Company E.
George F. Sheetz of Hampshire Co., Va Company F.
Frank Mason of Maryland. Company G.
A. Harper of Shenandoah Co., Va Company H.
Shands of Rockingham Co., Va Company I.
William Miller of Shenandoah Co., Va Company K.
The regiment engaged in active service from the day of its organization.
The headquarters of the Seventh was located at Romney, a central point from which to watch the Federal movements in West Virginia, and to operate upon the line of communi- cation afforded by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The first service engaged in was the destruction of the super- structures of this road. So thoroughly was the work done, that scarcely a bridge, culvert, or water station remained on that part of the road extending from Piedmont to the Big Cacapon, a distance of sixty miles.
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
As the war thickened, border duty became more onerous, and it soon devolved upon the Seventh to guard the Con- federate frontier from Harper's Ferry to the head waters of the Potomac, a distance of 125 miles.
The Federal authorities had distributed numerous bodies of troops along this border; and the presence of these menaced the northern frontier with constant raids. The Union men on both sides of the line gave much trouble, carrying information to the Federals and suggesting plun- dering expeditions, for the purpose often, of gratifying private malice. Some of these overzealous "patriots" were particularly offensive, and their arrest and removal were deemed necessary. It was in an attempt to arrest one of these that Capt. Richard Ashby was killed. He was Col. Turner Ashby's younger brother and had succeeded him in the command of his old company.
Captain Ashby was the handsomest and most soldierly figure in his regiment, being more robust-looking and more commanding in appearance than even his elder brother. His death, especially the heroic features of it, made a pro- found and lasting impression upon his comrades; while the effect upon his brother Turner was transforming.
It was on the morning of the 26th of June, that Captain Ashby was ordered by his brother to take a small detach- ment of his company and arrest a certain obnoxious citizen, who was believed to be a spy. Failing to find the man at his home, Captain Ashby kept a path straight on, leading towards the Federal lines which extended along the track of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At a place suitable for the purpose, the Federals, as if in anticipation of his further advance, had carefully prepared an ambuscade. A volley from a neighboring wood was the first intimation
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of the enemy's presence, and this was immediately followed by the charge of an overwhelming body of mounted Federals. Discovering his disparity of force, which con- sisted of only eleven men, Captain Ashby ordered a retreat. The retreat soon became disorderly, and Captain Ashby, who was some distance in the rear of his retreating com- mand, was thrown to the ground by his horse falling in an unsuccessful attempt to leap a cattle-stop. He was soon surrounded by the enemy at close quarters, but without thought of surrender, he fought them single-handed as they swarmed around him intent only upon his destruction. At last, wounded in many places, he fell and, while prostrate, received additional wounds; one man stabbing him in the abdomen with his bayonet. Here he was left for dead, the enemy for some reason retreating.
Captain Ashby, having rallied sufficient strength, dragged himself to the shelter of a neighboring tree, where he was afterwards found.
In the meantime Col. Turner Ashby, with a detachment of his command, scouting in the neighborhood, arrived by . merest accident in time to avenge his brother. Learning from a young lady that firing of small arms had been heard in the direction his brother had taken, he at once galloped to his aid. Discovering the bloody place where he had fallen and full of forebodings, he rode on in search of the foe. The Federals had retired to Kelly's Island in the Potomac. Ashby seeing them from the Virginia shore, dashed into the stream and called upon his men to charge. A volley that emptied two saddles greeted them as they pressed through the current and gained the bank.
"At them with your knives, men!" cried Ashby, whom grief for his brother had rendered furious.
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The contest was most unequal, but the fiery rush of Ashby and his men made up for the lack of numbers, and after a short and bloody fight the Federals gave way before them and fled.
Among the articles captured in the fight were Captain Ashby's spurs and horse. The sight of these convinced Colonel Ashby that his brother had been killed, for it does not appear that any information was obtained from Federal prisoners, if any were taken.
Search was now made for the body, which, mangled and pierced with eight wounds, was at last found. It was soon discovered that life was not extinct, and the wounded captain was carried to the house of Col. George Washing- ton, where, though kindly cared for, he died after seven days of intense suffering.
The fight at Kelly's Island and the death of Richard Ashby were events of no small importance, occurring as they did in the beginning of the war. The heroic example of the dead soldier in his terrific death struggle, his brutal treatment at the hands of the victors, and the subsequent punishment by Colonel Ashby, formed exhaustless topics around the camp-fires. Thoughts of vengeance were the more readily indulged in, now that the valor of Colonel Ashby had shown what true prowess might accomplish.
In a letter to his family after the death of his brother, Colonel Ashby wrote: "His country has lost the services of a brave man with a strong arm, which he proved upon his enemies in losing his life. He was buried with all the honors of war, and never was greater respect paid to the memory of one man."
About the 15th of July, 1861, the forward movement of the Federal Army under General Patterson, across the
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Potomac, caused the Seventh Regiment to be ordered to Winchester. At this point the scattered companies gathered from the Potomac frontier, on the 19th of July. Already on the 18th fighting had begun at Manassas.
Joseph E. Johnston, who commanded the army at Win- chester, secretly moved his troops by a forced march to Piedmont and thence by rail to Manassas, deceiving General Patterson, who still believed the Confederate Army to be in his front at Winchester, and by rendering timely aid to General Beauregard, gained for the Confederacy the battle of Bull Run-the first great battle of the war.
The border cavalry were ordered to co-operate in the movement, but the Seventh reached Bull Run the day after the battle. Thence after a short rest it was ordered to Staunton, and soon back again to resume its old position along the Potomac frontier.
Colonel McDonald, with a portion of the regiment, re-established his headquarters at Romney, while Ashby, with the remainder, held the right of the border line, with his headquarters at Charles Town.
The work of destroying the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad went on, with occasional skirmishing with scouting parties of the Federals.
Early in September, General Geary, commanding the Federals near Harper's Ferry, crossed the Potomac and seemed about to march further southward. Colonel Ashby, assisted by 400 militia and two new companies of cavalry under Captains R. W. Baylor and John Henderson, con- fronted the foe at Bolivar Heights near the Ferry. After a spirited skirmish, Ashby retired to the next commanding eminence, known as School-House Hill. During the night
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
Geary recrossed the Potomac and the next day Ashby took possession of Harper's Ferry.
On the 24th of September a serious brush with the enemy occurred near Romney. A Federal force gathered from Cumberland and Piedmont, making a night march, attempted to surprise Colonel McDonald's camp. The attempt was anticipated, and before the Federals reached Romney they were met in Mechanic's Gap of the South Branch Mountain and driven back. With creditable per- sistency, another gap further down the mountain was passed, and the enemy having crossed the South Branch River, advanced upon Romney. Their road led them through a narrow pass called Hanging Rock, where the way has the river on one side and an almost perpendicular wall of rock on the other. From the summit of the cliff, Col. E. H. McDonald, with thirteen Hampshire militiamen, threw down rocks among the Federals and created a panic among them. After firing a few volleys, the column retreated in great confusion, the cavalry, in their eagerness to escape, riding over the infantry, and forcing many into the river.
The repulse, however, did not deter the Federals from making a third attempt. Moving further down, they successfully crossed the mountain barriers and threatened the rear of the Confederates. Colonel McDonald now evacuated Romney and the Federals took possession of the town.
Next morning, having learned that the enemy were pil- laging the country around Romney, and were somewhat disorganized and scattered, Colonel McDonald advanced upon them.
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
The Federals, apprised of his coming, hastily withdrew to the South Branch bridge, which they attempted to hold. A gallant charge of Confederate horse drove them from this position and forced them into a disorderly retreat. Assisted by the Hampshire militia, under Colonels E. H. McDonald and A. Munroe, the cavalry continued the pursuit through the gap and, following close upon the heels of the fugitives, harassed them until they reached New Creek Station (now Keyser), a fortified position on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, having suffered considerable loss.
About a month later, on the 26th of October, another more formidable attempt was made to occupy the South Branch Valley. Romney was considered a place of con- siderable strategic importance, especially to the Federals. From it as a center, fifty miles of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad could be reached in a short day's march. Hence the small force of Confederates at Romney was regarded as a constant menace to the only direct railroad communi- cation between Washington and the West. Its only support was at Winchester, forty miles off, while within an average distance of twenty miles along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were stationed considerable bodies of Federal troops. In a few hours it would have been quite easy to concentrate a force strong enough to march upon and occupy Romney. The failure of their first expedition was attributed by the Federals to lack of numbers sufficient to impress and overawe the population.
On the 24th of November, a heavy Federal force of all arms under General Kelly advanced upon Romney. Colonel McDonald was advised of its coming and of its superior strength. There was no hope of his being able to hold Romney; but he determined, in retiring, to make resistance
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
wherever the advantages of position gave opportunity to punish and cripple the foe.
Six miles west of Romney the invading column was first confronted and opposed. Thence back through Mechanic's Gap to the South Branch bridge, the Confederates withdrew, disputing the Federal progress. On the Romney side of the bridge Colonel McDonald determined to make a stand, notwithstanding he had only a force of about 400 against more than 2,000 of the enemy. The place, however, was admirably suited for a small force to inflict a serious blow upon a large one. The high ground that, like a mountain barrier, shuts in the river valley is near to and commands the bridge and the road to Romney. About a half mile from the bridge, where the road turns and ascends through a slight defile, is Cemetery Hill, from a point on which a piece of artillery may sweep the road to the bridge.
On the high ground near the bridge a part of the com- mand under Major Funsten was posted, with a howitzer. Colonel McDonald himself, with the reserve and a rifle gun, occupied Cemetery Hill.
At the approach of the Federals, their great superiority in numbers was plain to all. An artillery fire from both sides began, while a column of infantry attempted to force a passage through the bridge. This was driven back by a well-directed fire from Funsten's men. In the meantime a squadron, of Federal cavalry had succeeded in fording the river and appeared unexpectedly on the Confederate flank. The sight of them and the formidable display of infantry coming to their support, made it apparent that further defense was futile. Major Funsten's command at once abandoned the high ground and retreated. The Federal horse, encouraged by this, charged in pursuit. The
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
retreat soon became a rout and then a stampede. The fugitives broke through the reserve and carried it along with them. Soon the wagon trains, two miles in the rear, were reached by the Federal horse and captured, as were also both guns.
The Federal victory, though a bloodless one, was com- plete. Romney was taken and possessed by the Federals, and until the end of the war remained virtually in their possession.
Jackson, in the following December, retook and held it for a short time, but his expedition thither proved how untenable it was.
The logic of war is inexorable. As the commanding officer receives the most praise when a victory is gained, so he chiefly bears the penalty of defeat. Even where others are to blame, there is no difference in the result. Disaster breeds a want of confidence, and this in turn portends more calamity. The situation was painfully clear to Colonel McDonald. The good of the service demanded a change, and the majority of the men were clamorous for the leader- ship of Ashby.
In an interview with Jackson, Colonel McDonald asked to be relieved from the command of the Seventh. The request was acceded to, and he was placed in charge of the artillery defenses at Winchester.
It is not hard to discover why the hearts of the men of the Seventh were set upon Lieutenant-Colonel Ashby, and why they were clamorous for his leadership; for being in the flower of young manhood, he combined in the highest degree those attributes of the born soldier which ever attract men of similar mould. In person, while little above the average height, his form was well shaped, erect, sinewy, and
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
graceful. His features were regular, clear-cut, and deter- mined; his eyes black and rather deep-set for his age, and his swarthy complexion was almost hidden under a heavy, flowing black beard of unusual length. Harnessed in the accoutrements of a Southern cavalry officer, and mounted on his milk-white charger, which he sat with the ease of the hereditary horseman, he was a figure needing only to be seen to attract the wonder and admiration of both friend and foe. His manner in repose was modest, gentle and approachable.
It was when the duties of a soldier aroused him to action, that the transformation took place that made him the most impetuous and daring cavalry leader in the Confederate service.
His loyalty to his State and to the Southern cause was intense and almost romantic. Their enemies were his enemies, and it was his motto to attack and destroy them whenever they showed themselves; and when they did not show themselves to hunt for, locate and harass them with impetuous onsets.
Such in brief was the soldier who now succeeded to the . command of the Seventh.
Ashby established his regimental headquarters near Charles Town, and continued with his troops to picket the Potomac frontier as far west as the border of Hampshire; for Romney still remained in possession of the Federals.
On the IIth of November, 1861, under special authority of the Secretary of War, there was organized a battery of artillery, which, becoming as it did a most important factor in the achievements of Ashby's command, is worthy here of special mention, as to its organization and services and subsequent assignments.
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
It was organized with thirty-three men and the following officers: R. P. Chew, captain; Milton Rouse, first lieuten- ant; J. W. McCarty and James Thompson, second lieuten- ants. The company had three pieces of artillery; one a rifle gun called the "Blakely," one howitzer, and one six inch rifle gun. At the suggestion of General Ashby the men were all mounted, and this was the first mounted battery of flying artillery organized in the Confederate Army. It served throughout the Valley campaign under Stonewall Jackson, and accompanied the brigade of Ashby at the front of its advances, retarding the enemy in its retreats through all that marvelous campaign.
Its officers were cadets of the Virginia Military Institute. Educated as soldiers, young and daring, it was natural enough that a battery commanded by them would render most effective service and attain a worthy distinction. So it was that "Chew's Battery" soon earned for itself a name and reputation second only to that of the Ashby command.
This company served after the death of Ashby and Jackson with the battalion of Stuart's Horse Artillery, and perhaps was engaged in more skirmishes and battles than any battery in the Confederate Army. The membership of the company increased rapidly after its first organization, and included during the war a membership of 197 men. Lieutenants Rouse and McCarty, who participated in its organization, resigned and joined the cavalry in 1862, where they distinguished themselves for gallantry, dash, and courage. Thompson was then elected first lieutenant, and James W. Williams and J. W. Carter second lieuten- ants. Captain Chew was in 1864 promoted to the command of Stuart's Horse Artillery, when Thompson succeeded
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A HISTORY OF THE LAUREL BRIGADE
Chew as captain of the battery, and E. L. Yancey became the second lieutenant.
On March Ist, 1865, the Stuart Horse Artillery was reorganized into five battalions of two batteries each, when Chew was made lieutenant-colonel and Thompson was pro- moted to major, Carter succeeding Thompson as captain. As successive captains of Chew's Battery both these men served with great distinction.
When Jackson struck Banks' column at Middletown, this battery charged with the cavalry, and under the direction of General Ashby engaged in the close pursuit of the enemy, and it was perhaps the first battery in the service to inaugu- rate this peculiar and effective mode of fighting.
At Upperville, when the brigade under Genl. William E. Jones, while in marching column and without order of battle, was attacked at right angles to its line of march by the Federal cavalry, and thrown into temporary confusion, this battery under Captain Chew dashed to the front and, firing canister at close range into the head of the Federal advance, produced such havoc as to arrest it for a time, and saved the brigade from what might have been a serious disaster.
On the 6th of May, 1864, when Genl. Thomas L. Rosser attacked Wilson's division on the Catharpin Road, the beginning of the battles of the Wilderness, this battery charged with the Eleventh Cavalry, doing great execution and aiding greatly in the defeat of the enemy. Afterwards this method of fighting became a distinctive feature of the fighting of the Confederate horse artillery, the batteries being often found in the charging column of cavalry or abreast with the skirmish line.
GENL. TURNER ASHBY
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This battery served in the Maryland and Gettysburg campaign and in the great battles between Lee and Grant from the Rapidan to Richmond, and took a conspicuous part in the battle of Trevilians and in the numerous battles of the Army of Northern Virginia around Petersburg to Appomattox.
Genl. Thomas T. Munford, who took command of the Ashby brigade at Cross Keys, after the fall of Ashby, in a letter to W. McVicar, a private of Chew's Battery, of date June 12th, 1906, says: "Chew's Battery was Ashby's pet, and under the gallant Chew it was as much Ashby's right arm as Ashby was the right arm of Jackson. Indeed the fame of this battery extended throughout the Army of Northern Virginia, and the attestations to its distinguished service are too numerous for present mention."
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