USA > Virginia > Augusta County > Augusta County > Annals of Augusta county, Virginia, from 1726 to 1871 > Part 50
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On March 29th, the price of sugar in Staunton was thirty-three and one third cents a pound. Salt could not be bought at any price. Supplies were again going out to our military force on the Alleghany mountain.
News of the battle of Kernstown, near Winchester, was received on the 25th, and for several days afterward there were various conflicting reports from that quarter. The troops composing Jack- son's command were all Virginians,-that is, Virginia regiments. They did not exceed 3,500 in number, it was said. The wounded Confederates were brought to Staunton, including Colonel John Echols.
About April Ist, General Edward Johnson's force at the Alle- ghany mountain was withdrawn to the Shenandoah mountain. Under date of April 3rd, the diary says (the writer having recently been in Highland) that the withdrawal of the army "has caused a great
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panic in Highland, Bath, and Pendleton counties. Many of the peo- ple were flying to get away from the Yankees. It was really painful to witness the anxiety of the women. * * * Recruits and re- turned furloughed soldiers are going down (to Jackson) from here every day in large numbers."
Monday night, April 14 .- The town was full of rumors this morn- ing,-one, that 4,000 Yankees, commanded by Fremont, were at Mc- Dowell, Highland county ; another, that a Yankee army of 20,000 was crossing the Blue Ridge from Culpeper, to get in the rear of General Jackson at New Market ; a third, that we had captured the whole Federal army near Corinth, Mississippi.
Tuesday night, April 15 .- It is evident that General Jackson is about to make some important movement. He sent np last night for ambulances, and the sick soldiers are to be removed from Harrison- burg. The general belief is, that Jackson, if worsted in another battle, or pressed by overwhelming numbers, will retire to the base of the Blue Ridge, near Waynesborough. Staunton cannot be defended. Upon the further advance of the enemy up the Valley, Johnson must leave the Shenandoah mountain and unite with Jackson. These events may occur in the next week.
Thursday morning, April 17 .- Just a year ago the two volunteer companies of this place started to Harper's Ferry. The war then began, as far as we were concerned. What momentous events have occurred since then ! In Virginia, the battles of Bethel, Hainesville, Manassas, Drainesville, Laurel Hill, Cheat River, Carnifax Ferry, Greenbrier River, Alleghany Mountain, Kernstown, and innumerable skirmishes. Out of the State, Springfield, Lexington, Boston Moun- tain, Fishing Creek, Fort Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, Pittsburg, etc., etc. At this time there are nearly a million of men in the field, in- cluding both sides. The enemy is coming nearer and nearer to Staunton. Large portions of the State are devastated.
CHAPTER XXI.
SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR-1862-'3.
On Thursday night, April 17, 1862, the report came that Jackson was attacked that morning by thirty-five thousand men and one hun- dred cannon, and was in full retreat toward Staunton. At that time there were in Staunton clothing for ten thousand or twelve thousand soldiers, ammunition, cannon and other arms, besides the ordinary quartermaster and commissary stores. On the 19th, it being under- stood that General Jackson had ordered the evacuation of Staunton, the convalescent patients at the liospital and a portion of the military stores were sent by railroad to Charlottesville. The money, etc., of the Staunton banks, the records of the courts, etc., were also sent to Charlottesville. At the same time, General Johnson's command, in his absence, fell back from the Shenandoah mountain to the village of Westview, in Augusta. It turned out, however, that Jackson had given no orders for these movements, and a degree of confidence was speedily restored. But by the 24th, some of the enemy had appeared on North mountain, at Buffalo Gap, and also at Jennings' Gap. On the 28th the enemy occupied Harrisonburg, "and helped themselves to whatever they wanted." There were conflicting reports as to the movements of Jackson and Ewell, but it was evident that they had withdrawn from about Harrisonburg toward the Blue Ridge.
On Saturday, May 3, the news came that Jackson was crossing the Blue Ridge at Brown's Gap, leaving Ewell at Swift Run Gap, and the way open for the enemy from Harrisonburg to Staunton. Sunday, May 4, was a day full of rumors and excitement. Among other re- ports, it was stated that 10,000 of the enemy were advancing upon Jolinson, at Westview, seven miles west of Staunton. In the after- noon, however, several trains of railway cars arrived from the east, crowded with soldiers. Pickets were immediately posted on all the roads leading from town toward Harrisonburg, and no one was allowed to go in that direction. General Jackson and his staff arrived, on horseback, before night, and it was soon found that the army had en- tered the Valley again, through Rockfish Gap. Train after train ar- rived on Monday, and a part of the command came on foot. Jackson's
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old brigade, (known as "Stonewall ") encamped two miles east of town. In the evening the town was full of country people, who were permitted to come in, but not to go out. On Tuesday, the 6th, we had news that the Federal army at Harrisonburg, had started down the Valley, in a hurry, the day before ; we also learned that Johnson's command had moved westward, but where to we did not know.
Wednesday night, May 7 .- Jackson's army started to-day, all the First brigade (except the Fifth regiment), and the artillery, passing through town, and marching towards Buffalo Gap. We are entirely at a loss to know the destination of the command ; but presume it will soon turn and move down the Valley. The force which has passed through since Sunday, numbers at least 10,000 ; and this is exclusive of Johnson's brigade, which is from 4,000 to 5,000 strong.
A portion of Ashby's cavalry, about 800, passed through town in the afternoon, and camped on the Buffalo Gap road.
Thursday night, May 8 .- General Johnson surprised the Federal scouts,-some two hundred cavalry,-on yesterday at Ryan's, in the Pastures, killing from six to ten (variously reported), and capturing two. They left their tents behind them. *
* Cannonading was heard to-day from early morning till 4 o'clock P. M., in the direction of the Shenandoah mountain. * * J. D. Imboden has arrived with authority to raise companies for guerilla service in western Virginia.
On Friday morning, May 9th, tidings came of the battle of Mc- Dowell, in Highland county. A number of the wounded in the battle were brought in on the 10th, and also the corpses of eight or teu of the slain. "These poor fellows were from Georgia, and their com- rades are sending the remains home."
Sunday night, May 11 .- Jackson's recent movements, which were so incomprehensible to us, are now all explained. On last Sunday we heard that 8,000 or 10,000 of the enemy were threatening Johnson at Westview, only seven miles from Staunton. This proved untrue, and we became incredulous as to reports of any Federal troops advancing from the northwest. It turns out, however, that the enemy in con- siderable force were advancing from the direction of Romney, through Pendleton county, and no doubt with the expectation of assailing Johnson by surprise and overwhelming him. Jackson being advised of their movement, countermarched as he did to reinforce Jolinson, and coming upon the enemy suddenly at McDowell, scattered them to the four winds. * * "Yankee shinplasters," or sutler's tickets, are very abundant in Staunton.
Friday night, May 16 .- Part of Jackson's army is at Stribling's Springs. Some of the cavalry is in town.
The command moved down the Valley on Tuesday morning, the 20th.
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Tuesday morning, May 27 .- Yesterday morning we had news that Jackson had routed the enemy under Banks, and chased them beyond Winchester, taking 2,000 prisoners, and capturing all their military stores.
Wednesday, May 28 .- A number of Staunton people have gone to Winchester to buy goods, having heard that the town was well supplied with many articles very scarce here. An order has come for all the wagons in the county and adjoining counties to go down to re- move the captured stores.
Some four thousand prisoners, captured in the lower Valley, were taken to Charlottesville, without passing through Staunton. On the 29th there were about thirteen hundred sick and wounded soldiers in the military hospital here.
Monday night, June 2 .- Intelligence of the renewal of the battle near Richmond on yesterday. Seventy-five thousand men on each side engaged. *
* The whole Federal army on the Richmond side of the Chickahominy. Five hundred of our men drowned ; some say, however, that the drowned men were Federal soldiers. * Two * hundred and seventy-five wagons expected to-morrow with the stores captured at Martinsburg.
Wednesday, June 4 .- It seems to be true that Jackson has retired far up toward Harrisonburg, before a large force of the enemy. * * A large number of wagons, sent down the Valley to bring up the captured stores, returned to-day, many of them empty. The enemy pressed too closely for us to bring off all the supplies. Upward of 3,000 Federal prisoners were at Mt. Crawford to-day waiting till a bridge could be built across North river.
Thursday, June 5 .- A day of rumors. WVe heard that the Federal prisoners at North river (Mt. Crawford) had refused to come across. Then it was said they were not at the river, but at Harrison- burg. The first report was next repeated. Imboden started down about 2 o'clock with his three small cannon and two larger pieces. Many laborers, white and black, went also to aid in building the bridge. Late in the afternoon we heard that Shields (Federal) was at or near Port Republic, that our men had burnt the bridge across the Shenandoah at that point, and that Shields would probably advance upon Staunton by way of Mt. Meridian. Next it was circulated that Jackson had come through Harrisonburg and gone towards Port Republic to attack Shields, and that large reinforcements had come over to Jackson from Gordonsville.
Friday, June 6 .- Jackson's army is at Port Republic. The enemy under Fremont, are said to be near Harrisonburg, variously estimated fro111 17,000 to 40,000. Shields is on the east side of the Shenandoah with from 10,000 to 18,000 men.
On the 7th, we heard " the sad news that Ashby had been killed near Harrisonburg."
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On Sunday evening, the Stli, we had the first tidings of the battle of Port Republic. A body of demoralized Confederate cavalry dashed into town, proclaiming that our army was defeated. They were put under arrest by Major A. W. Harman, acting commandant of the post. Further news of the battle was received on the gtlı. Many soldiers of the two regiments from Augusta were wounded, and one, (Doom), was killed.
Monday night, June 9 .- A report this morning that Fremont was routed yesterday and Jackson was assailing Shields to-day. * * The cannonading was heard in town till past 9 o'clock and then ceased. About 10 o'clock a courier arrived with intelligence that Jackson had ordered a retreat across the Blue Ridge. This news flew through town and caused great depression of spirits. About 11 o'clock another courier arrived with the report that Fremont was hastily retreating to- wards Harrisonburg, blockading the road behind him, and that Shields was in a fair way of being captured. Of course there was universal rejoicing. In the afternoon, however, it was ascertained that Fremont had not retreated, but was still on the field with, (ac- cording to one report), 60,000 men. It was stated at the same time that Jackson had defeated Shields this morning. Late in the evening several citizens and one or two wounded soldiers arrived from the army. Shields was driven back with a reported loss of 500 men and eight cannon, while Fremont's army was drawn up on the west side of the Shenandoah, unable to give any assistance. Jackson crossed the river this morning to attack Shields and destroyed the bridge so that Fremont could not follow. It is impossible for me to record the inci- dents related, or to describe the scenes in town.
Wednesday night, June 11 .- A rumor this morning that the Yan- kees were coming this way, crossing North river at Mt. Crawford, and another, that Fremont was retreating. From 9,000 to 11,000 rein- forcements are on the way to Jackson.
Thursday night, June 12 .- A report this morning that Fremont was marching up North river with a view this way. At the same time it was said he liad 40,000 men, while Jackson's effective force amounted to only 15,000. During the day there were vague riumnors that the Federal army had passed through Harrisonburg, going down the Valley. Late in the afternoon these last rumors were confirmed by persons from Harrisonburg. The Yankees went off last night in haste, burning their baggage and committing many depredations upon the property of our people. They even destroyed tlie gardens as far as they could. It is reported that their whole number was 15,000- that is, Fremont's column.
A letter from a Michigan girl to her brother, a soldier in the Fed- eral army, picked up down the Valley, begs the latter to beware of poisoned springs.
Friday night, June 13 .- Many Federal soldiers are said to be wandering in the woods, and some have been brought in every day
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since the battle, (of Port Republic). Twenty of them surrendered to one of our inen.
Saturday night, June 14 .- Six or seven railroad trains full of soldiers arrived this evening from Richmond,-General Whiting's command. * * For several days past it has been reported that Andrew Johnson, the Union Governor of Tennessee, was assassinated at Naslıville. Also that Butler, the Federal general in command at New Orleans, was killed.
Sunday, June 15 .- More troops arrived to-day by railroad. Four regiments left town this morning, moving down the Valley turnpike, viz : the Eleventh Mississippi, Sixth North Carolina, Fonrtl Alabama, and Fourth Texas. These regiments constitute Whiting's brigade. Many of them are good-looking young men, although roughly clad, as usual. They all seem glad to get up to this region.
Tuesday night, June 17 .- Many troops arrived yesterday and others to-day. Whiting's brigade and others are encamped on tlie Valley turnpike three miles from town. There are large encamp- ments on the hills to the left of the Middlebrook road, near the rail- road, and a small one on a hill north of town. A Texas brigade is here to which the Staunton Artillery is attached. * * Soldiers are constantly going from house to house applying for something to eat. They threaten us with famine, and to-night I was obliged to refuse a request for supper, lodging, and breakfast for five who applied in a batch. The commissary is well enough supplied, but the men like something better than camp fare. The more respectable soldiers fare worse than others, as they do not forage to the same extent.
Wednesday night, June 18 .- To the surprise of everybody, the troops near town began to move off this morning in the direction of Waynesborongh. The Texas brigade (Hood's), started at 5 o'clock, A. M. Whiting's brigade retraced their steps through town between 8 and 9 o'clock, and marelied down the Waynesborough road. Sever- al artillery companies moved in the same direction. Lawton's brigade, several detached regiments, two or three artillery and two or three cavalry companies were still abont town late in the afternoon ; but at 6 o'clock two railroad trains, full of soldiers, were getting ready to start. * We hear that Jackson's whole command was to-day moving to Waynesborough, to cross the Blue Ridge. General Jack- son was in town nearly all day, but no one found out the purpose of the movements mentioned. There was a large number of wagons in connection with the various brigades. Many of our regiments are very much reduced in numbers. One company of the Forty-fourth Vir-
ginia had, a few days ago, five officers and six privates.
*
*
A
member of the Thirty-first regiment, from northwest Virginia, came into our office this evening, and meeting there an acquaintance from the same region, told with great glee that in the Monday's fight near Port Republic, he had shot the major of the First Virginia regiment in the Federal service. He manifested a savage joyousness in relating the fall by liis hand of his fellow-townsman. * * Brown sugar now sells by the barrel at 45 cents a pound ; bacon 30 cents.
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Thursday night, June 19 .- Everybody wondering to-day the cause of Jackson's movement across the Blue Ridge. Some suggest that lie is going to Richmond, intending to fall upon Mcclellan's rear. * * Several persons arrived to-day from Buckhannon, Upshur county, having come through without interruption. That route has been closed for more than a year.
Saturday night, June 21 .- Still no intelligence from any quarter. % * Twenty-five or thirty Yankee prisoners were in the court-house yard this evening, having been brought up from Harrisonburg. All but three wounded, and all but three Dutch.
Monday night June 23 .- We have scarcely had a rumor to-day. Neither railroad trains nor mails from Richmond for several days. Several thousand cavalry in the Valley. No other troops.
Tuesday, June 24 .- No railroad train yet, and all the news we have had from the east for about a week has been brought by persons traveling on horseback.
On the 26th and 27th we heard heavy cannonading, indicating a conflict near Richmond.
Friday, June 27 .- The battle was renewed this morning, and at the last account, (by telegraph), was raging all along the line. At least one hundred thousand men are arrayed on each side. What multi- tudes are now passing into eternity, and how many more are at this moment writhing in pain on the bloody ground !
Monday afternoon, June 30 .- The battle near Richmond was con- tinued on yesterday. Cannonading distinctly heard in this place. We have no details of the fight since Friday, but telegrphic dispatches re- ceived to-day state that the Federal army was retreating towards James River. The reports are encouraging for our side. Eight mem- bers of the Staunton Guard wounded, besides the captain, Burke. Three of the Staunton Artillery reported killed.
Wednesday morning, July 2 .- Very heavy and rapid cannonading was kept up yesterday evening till long after dark. We heard it dis- tinctly at our house. [The distance by air line is about a hundred miles.] A telegraphic dispatch between 9 and 10 o'clock last night stated that the enemy was defeated again on Monday, and that there was every prospect of capturing, or routing, the whole army. But the newspaper accounts never come up to the telegraphic reports. The battle has been raging for a week. The railroad train came through from Richmond yesterday.
Friday morning, July 4 .- * I am certain of this only, that the enemy has been repulsed, losing several thousand mnen in killed, wounded and prisoners, and some cannon, etc .; and that our loss is also heavy.
Monday morning, July 7 .- A great variety of reports from Rich- mond since Friday, but no reliable intelligence. At one time we hear that the greater part of the Federal army is surrounded and will cer- tainly be captured, [there was a rumor yesterday that 50,000 had
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been taken], and immediately afterwards it is asserted that it has effected its escape. The latter I believe to be true. McClellan has, no doubt, at last reached a position on James river, where his trans- ports aud gunboats are, his columns a good deal shattered, but not seriously reduced in numbers. We have about five thousand prison- ers, (besides the wounded left on the field), including one Major- General and four or five Brigadiers. No estimate has yet been made of the slain.
Tuesday, July 8 .- Yesterday a poor woman who lives in town heard that her husband, a soldier in the Fifty-second regiment, had been killed. Her wailings, which were kept up for an hour or two, were most distressing.
Monday, July 14 .- For several days we have had no intelligence in regard to tlie war, from any quarter. Yesterday afternoon, how- ever, a report came by railroad that the Yankees were in considerable force at Culpeper Courthouse.
Thursday, July 17 .- The town as quiet all this week as if no war were raging in the land. No railroad train since Monday, and 110 news from any quarter. Brown sugar selling in Staunton at 75 cents a pound. No coffee liere for sale, but selling elsewhere at $2 a pound.
Friday, July 25-A report this morning of skirmish at Luray yesterday, in which we captured twenty-five inen, ten wagons, etc. * * To all appearance Richmond is more closely invested now than before the late battles.
Monday, July 28-The prisoners, etc., captured at Luray arrived last evening. Jackson has been collecting his forces in the neighbor- hood of Gordonsville. He is said to have about 15,000, but receiving reinforcements. His ranks very much reduced by sickness, "absence without leave," etc.
Friday Morning, August I .-- This morning, while sitting in my office, I heard a sound of lamentation. Upon going ont I found the noise proceeded from an upper room in the courthouse. A negro woman informed me that it was a soldier crying because he had to go to the war ! He was brought in under the conscript act. Poor fellow ! Although I pitied him, there was something very ludicrous in his wailings. Several inen and women stood in the street, some laughing and others denouncing the recruit .*
Saturday, August 9 .- According to report, Jackson's army is pressing towards Culpeper Courthouse, the enemy falling back. Federal officers are said to be rigidly enforcing Pope's order in the lower Valley, requiring all persons over fourteen years of age to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, or move outside the Federal lines, with their clothes only.
* The ancient Romans would not have considered the lamentations of the young recruit at all ridiculous. Julius Cæsar relates that even the veterans of his Tenth Legion bewailed aloud and shed tears when ordered to march against the Germans.
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News of the battle of Cedar Mountain was received on August roth, but, as usual, reliable details were not obtained till several days afterwards. Several railroad trains with wounded soldiers arrived on the 12th and 13th, among them fifty Federal soldiers. A young man named Baylor, of this county, was killed, and William H. Gamble lost an arm.
Monday, August 11 .- Passing the court-house yard a while ago, I observed a number of persons standing before several "blue jackets" stretched upon the grass. These latter turned out to be deserters from the Yankee army in the lower Valley. A dozen of them arrived here last evening.
Wednesday August 13 .- Twenty-one deserters from the Federal army came in to-day.
Monday, August 18 .- We hear that troops are pouring in to both sides on the line of the Rapidan. * * There is a great stir among persons liable to military service under the conscript act.
Wednesday, August 20 .- A number of Marylanders, who have come off in consequence of the draft ordered by the Federal Govern- ment, have arrived here. Quite a cavalcade of them came into town a while ago. The railroad trains again used for army transportation; we have liad no regular mails for a week.
Friday, August 29 .- We hear of vigorous movements in north- west Virginia by our rangers, etc. Imboden has Soo men now, and Jenkins more than 2,000. They have been joined by large numbers in consequence of the Federal draft.
Monday, September 1 .- Many rumors for several days past, but no reliable intelligence. A report last night that a battle occurred on Friday at Manassas.
This was the bloody battle of "Second Manassas." Among the slain were William S. H. Baylor, Colonel of the Fifth regiment ; Edward Garber, Captain in the Fifty-second regiment ; William Patrick, Major of cavalry ; Preston Byers and others from Augusta county .*
* Colonel Baylor was the only son of Jacob Baylor, Esq., and was born in 1831. He was educated at the Staunton Academy and Washington College, Lex- ington, and studied law at the University of Virginia. For some years he was Commonwealth's Attorney for the town of Staunton. When killed he was in command of the Stonewall Brigade, and it is said would soon have been com- missioned Brigadier General if he had lived.
Major Patrick, son of Mr. Charles Patrick, was born on South River, Augusta, in 1822. He was a farmer, an intelligent gentleman, and a gallant soldier.
Captain Garber was a son of Mr. Albert J. Garber of Staunton, and a young man of great promise, as was Preston Byers.
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By September 8, the Confederate army was in Maryland, and recruits were again passing through Staunton. Jackson captured Harper's Ferry with many prisoners, etc., and the battle of Boonsboro was fought.
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