USA > Virginia > Augusta County > Augusta County > Annals of Augusta county, Virginia, with reminiscences illustrative of the vicissitudes of its pioneer settlers > Part 28
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The * * jailor of this county informs me that the Union men brought from Bev- erley when our army retreated from that place, and since then confined in our jail, are in miserable plight-some of them half naked. There are twenty-one of them. We continue to hear sad accounts of the sick- ness at Monterey. Eight deaths there yesterday or the day before.
Clothing and other necessaries were soon provided for the prisoners referred to above.
Saturday, September 7 .- * * Last night sixteen prisoners were brought down on the western train, most of them Ohio volunteers. One of them had neither hat, shoes, nor stockings, and his feet looked white and tender. I sent him a pair of shoes and a pair of stockings, somewhat worn, but better than none. * *
* We had an illustration
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yesterday evening of the difficulty of getting true accounts of military operations. On the arrival of the western train the baggage master told A. F. Kinney that Wise's troops had recently killed four hundred of the enemy, with only a small loss on our side. I did not believe that, but on my way home I encountered Richardson, who came down on the train, and he informed me that John H. McCue, just from the region where Wise is, had come in with him, and told him that Wise had a fight in which fifty of the enemy were killed, with no loss on our side, and that the sixteen prisoners brought down were taken in that affair. I have learned this morning that there is no truth in either story, yet neither of the persons mentioned would tell a falsehood. The prisoners were taken by Floyd.
Wednesday, September 11 .- The Fifty-second regiment left town about 2 o'clock yesterday. Main street was lined with people for an hour or two beforehand. One of the soldiers, who was detailed as wagon-guard, sat on a stone by Morris's corner, and his wife clung to him to the last. She was greatly distressed, but he appeared unmoved. Seven of the companies are from this county, viz : Skinner's, Long's, McCune's, Lambert's, Hottle's, John Lilly's (late Mason's), and Dab- ney's ; and three from Rockbridge, viz: Miller's, Morrison's, and Wat- kins's.
Monday, September 16 .- We have been agitated for several days past by rumors from General Lee's command, without being able to obtain any definite information. The express has not come in since Friday morning. Saturday night one or more persons arrived with the corpse of a Georgia soldier, and stated that an attempt made by our force at Greenbrier river against the enemy on Cheat mountain had failed.
Wednesday, September 18 .- Many rumors from the northwest current for several days past-one, that General Lee had reached Huntersville ; another, that he had captured fourteen cannon, and afterwards lost six ; another, that four hundred of his men had been killed ; another, that the enemy had routed a body of our men at Petersburg, in Hardy county. None of these are authentic. * * Twenty-six wagons were sent out on yesterday, six to-day.
Friday, September 20 .- A train of wagons has just arrived from Greenbrier river, bringing the remnant of Captain Bruce's company, Twentieth regiment. Thirty odd men are left of about ninety who went out a few months ago. The regiment was at Rich Mountain when the disaster occurred there, and is completely broken up. Many of the men were captured by the enemy, some disabled by wounds, many died of disease, and some, I presume, killed. Most of the men left of Bruce's company go into the hospital.
The Confederate army operating in northwest Virginia de- pended for subsistence almost entirely upon supplies collected at Staunton, and transported thence in wagons. Most of the wagons 19
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thus employed were hired, or "pressed," for the purpose, the owners being paid $4 a day for a four-horse team and driver, and $2.50 for a two-horse team, &c. The government, however, owned a large number of horses and wagons, and for these drivers only were hired. On September 24th, thirty-two wagons were sent out, and thirty-six on the 25th. Thirty wagons went out on the 28th, loaded for Monterey and Huntersville.
Friday, October 4 .- An express boy, riding in great haste, arrived to- day at the Quartermaster's office. He brought news that 5,000 of the enemy attacked our force, 2,500 to 3,000, at Greenbrier river [on the Staunton and Parkersburg turnpike, in Pocahontas county] yesterday morning, and were repulsed with heavy loss, after a fight of three or four hours. The Fifty-second regiment did not get up in time to parti- cipate in the battle.
On October 17 there were seven hundred and fifty patients in the Staunton hospital, and notice had been received to prepare for five hundred more from Greenbrier river.
Thursday, October 24 .- The Fifty-eighth Virginia regiment has at last started west. It has been here for many weeks. Most of the com panies are from Bedford county. The ranks are thin from sickness, &c.
Eighty-one wagons with army supplies were started to Mon- terey on October 21, and others on the 2d of November.
Thursday, November 7 .- Yesterday was election day for president of the Confederate States, members of Congress, etc. There was no opposition to Jefferson Davis for the presidency. The refugees from the Wheeling district, who voted here for congressman, under the Governor's proclamation, seemed more interested and excited than any other persons. At the courthouse they gave Russell three votes and Kidwell two.
November 11 .- Salt is now held here at $18 a sack. Baldwin was elected to Congress in this district. Have not heard the result in the Wheeling district. John N. Hendren was elected a member of the State Convention in Baldwin's place.
Thursday, November 14 .- The North Carolina regiment, Colonel Lee, which passed through Staunton some months ago, returned to-day on the way to Manassas. The men generally look rather soiled and badly. The ranks, however, are not as much reduced as I would have expected. From the manner in which the men ran over the town to procure bread I presume they were suffering from hunger. They carried their bread, cakes, etc., in very dirty hands. They came down by railroad, and went on after a delay of two or three hours. Other regiments from the west are expected in a day or two to go to Manassas or Winchester.
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During the latter part of November, Staunton was crowded with soldiers, generally stragglers from the northwestern army. Many regiments were moving from the mountains, and officers and men seemed to think it not improper to come on in advance. The diary remarked on the 28th : "The whole northwestern army seems demoralized."
Monday night, December 2 .- After vibrating on the road near Mc- Dowell, Highland county-one day ordered forward, and the next back-the troops lately at Greenbrier river, or a part of them, have proceeded towards Manassas by way of Harrisonburg. Last Saturday it was reported that a large body of the enemy was advancing this way from Cheat Mountain, and another approaching Monterey from Peters- burg, in Hardy county, while a third force was marching upon Win- chester. * * We are sending large quantities of supplies to Mon- terey and other points, for the troops left in that region.
December 11 .- Several trains of empty wagons have gone out to bring away the army stores which have accumulated at various points in Highland county since last spring. War is a costly business. Five teams from the lower part of Rockingham cost more than $250, eleven days' hire, probably more than the lading was worth.
Saturday night, December 14 .- The town was startled this morning by the news of a battle, yesterday, on the Alleghany, an express having arrived during the night. It is stated that two deserters from our side informed the enemy of the very small force (under General Edward Johnson) we now have on the mountain, which induced the Federal general to collect all the men he could for an assault upon our camp. . The enemy had, it is said, 5,000, while we had 1,200 effective men. The former were repulsed with a reported loss of eighty killed. Our loss is given as twenty killed and eighty wounded. The fight lasted several hours. *
* Notwithstanding the Yankees are thus aggressive, the movements still indicate that all our troops are to be withdrawn from Pocahontas and Highland. The town was full of wagons to-day-some having arrived from the west with supplies taken out heretofore with vast labor and expense; and others going out empty, to bring back similar loads.
Monday night, December 16 .- The streets as full of soldiers to-night as ever. Guards with fixed bayonets constantly walking about. * * Teams going and coming all the time, and a constant rush of team- owners, wagon-masters, teamsters, &c. Old or broken down horses are coming in from the army in droves nearly every day, and better ones are sent out as fast as they can be procured. Since dark a crowd of worn out artillery horses arrived from Huntersville.
The Virginia Hotel stables, in Staunton, were destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning, December 18, and forty-seven or
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forty-eight horses were burnt up-most of them belonging to individuals, and the remainder to the government.
By the 25th of December, army supplies were going by wagon from Staunton to Winchester. Many teams from Buckingham and Appomattox counties had been pressed into service.
December 26 .- Money was never so plentiful. Confederate States treasury notes, State treasury notes, bank notes of all sorts and sizes, and "shinplasters" issued by corporations and anybody who chooses. Gold and silver coin are never seen.
Friday night, January 3, 1862 .- We had exciting news to-day from almost every quarter. At 2 o'clock an express arrived from the Alle- ghany mountain, beyond Monterey, with intelligence that the Federal ists in large force were at Greenbrier river, and also at, or near, Huntersville. An attack was anticipated, and reinforcements were requested. We hear that large reinforcements have been moving up to-day from Richmond towards Centreville, beyond Manassas, in antici- pation of an attack from the enemy in that quarter. General T. J. Jackson has moved with his division from Winchester towards Romney, and we hear of skirmishing in that region. One or two regiments passed yesterday evening, by railroad, for the Greenbrier region, from which our troops were lately withdrawn.
During the months of January and February the diary is full of the reports about Mason and Slidell, the Burnside expedition, the Confederate expedition to Romney, the disaster at Roanoke Island, the fall of Fort Donelson, &c., &c. ; but there is little of local interest, or pertaining to the annals of the county. News came on February 16th of a splendid victory at Fort Donelson- ten thousand men and one hundred cannon captured. This was contradicted on the 17th, and on the 18th we had tidings of the fall of Donelson. On the 19th the diary says : " It is impossible to describe the state of feeling in the community-the depres- sion and anxiety." Things looked brighter on the 20th, but on the 22d everything was gloomy again. There was no salt in town for sale, and persons were going round to borrow a little for table use. Authentic intelligence from Tennessee was not re- ceived till the 24th, and then it was said the Confederate loss at Fort Donelson was from twelve thousand to fifteen thousand men; but in a day or two the number was reduced to seven thousand.
Wednesday night, March 5 .- For a week or two past we have had rumors that our army stores were to be removed from Manassas, Cen-
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treville, &c., to Gordonsville, where extensive store houses have been erected. Many wagons, moreover, have been impressed in Albemarle and other eastern counties to go to Manassas. This morning forty four-horse government wagons started from Staunton for the same place. There was a rumor this morning that Winchester would be evacuated in a day or two by our troops, but stage-passengers, who afterwards arrived, contradicted it.
Monday night, March 10 .- The Richmond newspapers bring a pro- clamation of the Governor, calling upon the militia to go at once to various points named, and report to our generals. The militia of this county are to report at Winchester. The Confederate authorities have called for 40,000 men from Virginia, and cannot wait the operation of the act lately passed by the Legislature.
Thursday, March 13, 1862 .- Intelligence came last night that the enemy have occupied Winchester, General Jackson having withdrawn his army.
Sunday night, March 16 .- Jackson's army, when last heard from, was at Woodstock. A portion of the rolling stock of the Manassas Gap railroad arrived yesterday over the turnpike.
The militia of the county having been called out again to re- inforce General Jackson, they assembled in Staunton, and on March 17 proceeded down the Valley. The ranks of the com- panies were very thin, nearly all the able-bodied men of the county being in the army already. The diary states that " when Company A, One-Hundred-and-Sixtieth regiment, was ordered into line, - - marched out, solitary and alone. He was afterwards joined by several others."
Wednesday night, March 19 .- About 2 o'clock to-day seventy odd men were brought in, having been captured by our cavalry scouts in Pendleton or Hardy. Ten or eleven of these are from this county, and the remainder from Rockingham. They were endeavoring to make their way in small parties to Ohio, to escape military duty. Some, if not all of them, are simple-hearted, inoffensive people, belonging to the Dunkard church, whose tenets forbid going to war. They will be sent to Richmond to-morrow, and are confined to-night in the courthouse, every door and window being guarded by a sentinel. *
* There is something pitiful in the case of these people, flying as they were to escape conscription, and being taken like partridges on the mountains. The whole crowd had a pocket pistol between them, and no other arms.
Thursday night, March 20 .- Early this morning I met Sam Baskin, who had just returned from Jackson's army. He said the enemy had mustered 70,000 strong at Winchester, but after laying a double-track railroad to Strasburg, had gone off, leaving only 3,000 men behind. Soon afterwards I met Sandy Garber, just arrived also. He said the
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enemy had seventeen regiments at Winchester, and that none of them except pickets had been out of the town in this direction. Such are the contradictory reports constantly brought to us.
Saturday night, March 22 .- * * * While in the country yester- day I could but observe the quietude of the scene. The cattle in the barn-yard, the sheep in the field, and all nature seemed perfectly com- posed. What a contrast to the rage of men! Coming home, I met a man and asked him the latest news. "Nothing special," he replied ; " not many getting off, but I did." The ruling thought with him was about the "Board of Exemption " from military duty.
March 23 .- One of the Augusta militia, who was discharged and sent home, gives the following account of things: "The army seemed to be in a high state of enjoyment, but glad to receive the reinforcements from this county. The volunteers-the men composing the army -- were dressed in every conceivable style. Some wore slouched hats, some caps of their own manufacture, and others the old-fashioned high-crowned beavers. They were, however, uniformly dirty. Many wagons were employed in bringing the army stores from Mount Jack . son to New Market. The loads were emptied in great haste and the teams hurried back for more, as the enemy were approaching. The people of the country round were flying with what property they could carry off, some having their chickens tied on the wagons. But the men, old and young, were coming to the army with their guns. The hurry and tumult were kept up nearly all night. The next day (21st), the Augusta militia were marched down near Mount Jackson, meeting our army coming this way, and quartered on the Meem farm. The cavalry were between them and the enemy, who had advanced to Woodstock, and a battle was considered certain. The next morning (22d), our army was suddenly put in rapid motion toward Woodstock in pursuit of the retreating enemy."
On March 29, 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 com- posing Jackson'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 1, General Edward Johnson's force at the Alle- ghany mountain was withdrawn to the Shenandoah mountain. Under date of April 3, the diary says (the writer having recently
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been in Highland) that the withdrawal of the army " has caused a great panic in Highland, Bath, and Pendleton counties. Many of the people were flying to get away from the Yankees. It was really painful to witness the anxiety of the women. *
* Recruits and returned 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 Fed- eral army near Corinth, Mississippi.
Tuesday night, April 15 .- It is evident that General Jackson is about to make some important movement. He sent up last night for ambu- lances, and the sick soldiers are to be removed from Harrisonburg. 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, &c., &c. At this time there are nearly a million of men in the field, including both sides. The enemy is coming nearer and nearer to Staunton. Large portions of the State are devastated.
CHAPTER XIV.
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 hundred cannon, and was in full retreat toward Staun- ton. At that time there were in Staunton clothing for ten thou- sand or twelve thousand soldiers, ammunition, cannon and other arms, besides the ordinary quartermaster and commissary stores. On the 19th, it being understood that General Jackson had ordered the evacuation of Staunton, the convalescent patients at the hospital 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 Char- lottesville. At the same time, General Johnson's command, in his absence, fell back from the Shenandoah mountain to the vil- lage 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's Gap. On the 28th the enemy occupied Harri- sonburg, "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 excite- ment. Among other reports, it was stated that 10,000 of the
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enemy were advancing upon Johnson, at Westview, seven miles west of Staunton. In the afternoon, 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 entered the Valley again, through Rockfish Gap. Train after train ar- rived on Monday, and a part of the command came on foot. Jackson's 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 Harri- sonburg, 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 Pas- tures, 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 9, tidings came of the battle of Mc- Dowell, in Highland county. A number of the wounded in the battle were brought in on the roth, and also the corpses of eight or ten of the slain. "These poor fellows were from Georgia, and their comrades 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
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1 became incredulous as to reports of any Federal troops advancing from the northwest. It turns out, however, that the enemy in considerable force were advancing from the direction of Romney, through Pendleton county, and no doubt with the expectation of assailing Johnson by sur- prise and overwhelming him; Jackson being advised of their move- ment, countermarched as he did to reinforce Johnson, 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.
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 remove 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 hospitals 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, how- ever, that the drowned men were Federal soldiers. * * Two hundred and seventy-five wagons expected to-morrow with the stores captured at Martinsburg.
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