Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 57

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607

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November Ist had come; and the army en- camped along the murky waters of Bull Run, was preparing for Winter quarters. Rumors had been afloat for several days that Jackson was to leave for other fields; and many conjectures arose as to what his old brigade would do. All expected it to follow the General; but on the 4th November, the order was read that he had been assigned to the Shenandoah Valley District, embracing all the country between the Blue Ridge and the Alleganies. He ordered the bri- gade to assemble; and taking position in their

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CARTMELL'S HISTORY

midst, he addressed them in these memorable words: "I am not here to make a speech, but simply to say farewell. I first met you at Har- pers Ferry, and I cannot take leave of you with- out giving expression to my admiration of your conduct from that day to this, whether on the march, in the bivouac, or on the bloody plains of Manassas, where you gained the well-deserved reputation of having decided the fate of battle. Throughout the broad extent of country through which you have marched, by your respect for the rights and property of citizens, you have shown that you are soldiers not only to defend, but able and willing to defend and protect. You have already won a brilliant reputation through- out the army of the whole Confederacy; and I trust in the future, by your deeds in the field, and by the assistance of the same kind Provi- dence who has hitherto favored our cause, you will win more victories and add lustre to the reputation you now enjoy. You have already gained a proud position in the future history of this our Second War of Independence. I shall look with great anxiety to your future move- ments; and I trust whenever I shall hear from the First Brigade on the field of battle, it will be of still nobler deeds achieved, and higher reputation won." Men who were present on that occasion tell us now, that no pen can pic- ture the scene as the General cast the reins of his bridle upon his horse's neck, and waved his long arm over his head, and uttered with deep emotion these closing words: "In the Army of the Shenandoah you were the First Brigade; in the Army of the Potomac you were the First Brigade; in the second corps of the Army you are the First Brigade; you are the First Bri- gade in the affections of your general, and I hope by your future deeds and bearing, you will be handed down to posterity as the First Brigade in this our Second War of Independence. Fare- well!" With a wave of the hand, he seized the bridle rein and galloped out of sight, followed by cheers mingled with tears. The Brigade was left to learn a new lesson of submission to fate.

We will follow Jackson to Winchester and briefly tell what he found and what he did, to lay the foundation of the historic Valley cam- paigns. One might suppose that the General would have felt affronted by this transfer, hav- ing witnessed the transformation of Brigades into Divisions, and then into two corps, forming the Army of Northern Virginia, with Genl. Joseph E. Johnston as Commander, and sent to a district to command the remnants of militia regiments and a few companies of cavalry, that had roamed with free rein for months, know- ing no master but their peerless Ashby. But a study of the situation shows that Jackson felt

otherwise, judging from his letters to Mrs. Jack- son. He was pleased at the prospect of being in closer touch with the Western mountains, where he longed for an opportunity to afford relief to the oppressed people. Word had reached the General that all Southern sympathizers found in the march of Federals through West- ern Virginia, were persecuted, and hundreds were fugitives from homes he had known from his childhood. It must be remembered that several repulses had been given the Confederate forces defending the country from the Potomac to the Kanawha. Genl. R. E. Lee had gone to infuse his spirit into the dispirited forces and sections, and stem the tide of invasion. He had barely inaugurated a system of defense after the Con- federates had been driven from their positions, when Mr. Davis recalled him to Richmond to assume command of the situation near the Con- federate capital, and also to go to the army in South Carolina. Jackson's new field was at- tractive, by reason not only of the grandeur of the Great Valley stretched out in its placid communities of patriotic women and loyal old men, reaching far away into the mountain sec- tions clamoring for relief, but for the gateway offered to the South for the threatening inva- sions of the country bordering the West lines of Washington. Jackson saw this, and urged Genl. Johnston to spare him a detachment to form a nucleus for the army he proposed to organize for such demonstrations. About the middle of November, Genl. Johnston assented and sent the First Brigade to Winchester, where they arrived on the 18th and formed their camps around the old town. Officers and men took ad- vantage of their close touch with the enthusi- astic citizens, and mingled too freely to conform to the ideas of discipline held by their inflexi- ble commander. War was no sport for him; and he required the old Brigade to obey an order issued, requiring officers and men to pro- cure passes to and from the town, under pen- alty of arrest. The regimental officers joined in a protest, which resulted in such reproofs from Headquarters, that perfect discipline soon held sway. While the Brigade had been a pet with Jackson, they learned slowly how necessary for the spoiled child was correction. Jackson on his arrival in Winchester, stopped at the old Taylor hotel on Main Street. He was assigned two rooms for Headquarters : One, No. 23, he chose for his private use, the adjoining room for his official family, yet to be formed. Col. Preston his Adjutant General, was in strict harmony with his Chief; Capt. A. S. Pendleton, Chief of Staff and Sandy Jackson aide, with bluff Major Mike Harmon Quarter Master, and the quiet but untiring Maj. C. S. Hawks, Commissary, and with Rev. Dr.

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Pendleton, Colonel and Chief of Artillery. The official board was complete. Many applications poured in for positions on the staff; many were unnoticed; others were pigeon-holed for consid- eration. The Adjutant General's office was trans- ferred to Col. L. T. Moore's residence on North side of Peyton Street, situated on the hill due West from old Fort Loudoun. The General fol- lowed and had his official office in the room on the right of the main entrance across the hall, where the Adjutant General's office was held until the Spring of 1862. Genl. Jackson changed his home after the arrival of Mrs. Jackson and child, and found a more congenial abode in the delightful home of Rev. Dr. James R. Graham on N. Braddock Street, who was pastor of the Kent Street Presb. Church. The Quarter Mas- ter's Department was on East side of Market Street, the present site of the Baker & Co. ware- houses. On the opposite side, in the old Krebs property, Maj. Hawks established the commis- sariat. Every member of this board applied him- self to aid the commander in every effort for organization of the army, that was destined to perform imperishable deeds of valor. Everything seemed in harmony. The Autumn was exception- ally good for such work. December brought no evidence of approaching Winter, except in the varied hues of foliage adorning every wooded hill-top. With such favorable conditions, none should wonder at the desire which took hold upon the General commanding the Valley Dis- trict, and prompted active movements for a Win- ter campaign. The border line West of Bath, reaching out towards Cumberland was inviting. By a surprise, that whole section might be re- covered from the grasp of the enemy, Kelly · be captured at Romney, and possibly Cumber- land taken,-thus striking dismay to the hearts of President and cabinet at Washington, result- ing in alarm to McClellan, and putting him on the defensive; while Johnston could enter Mary- land West of Washington, and with Jackson to join him, the North would be plunged into a vortex of despair, that possibly would end the war by foreign nations recognizing the Southern Confederacy as entitled to rights' as a successful belligerent power. This comprehended a prod- igy, it is true; but Mr. Davis and Genl. Lee agreed as to the scheme, although doubting its feasibility. Yet they were willing for this bold spirit to test his pinions in the proposed flight,. and readily acquiesced in his request for the with- drawal of Loring's Army from Monterey, West- ern Virginia, and Col. Edw. Johnston from Camp Allegany. Jackson, so authorized, hastened to put in shape the border from Romney to the Southwest, by replacing the volunteer troops with militia, so that all experienced soldiers could

concentrate at Winchester. To this end, the .

writer was dispatched with necessary orders to Brig. Genl. Boggs, residing at Franklin, Pen- dleton County; and having delivered sealed or- ders as well as verbal instructions, to proceed to Genl. Loring's and Edw. Johnson's Headquar- ters and deliver them sealed orders relating to their retirement from their positions. This done, to return by way of the picket lines from Frank- lin via Petersburg and upper end of Patterson Creek Valley, and report in person to Genl. Jack- son if the outposts were guarded by the militia in compliance with his orders. (This is more fully mentioned in personal sketch of T. K. Cart- mell.) Pending the transfer of the Western Virginia troops to Winchester, and prior to the issue of these orders, much correspondence passed between Jackson and Johnston, all of which was submitted to the government at Rich- mond, and fully considered. This is interesting reading, but must be passed by for the pres- ent. During the first week in December, a detail was made from the Stonewall Brigade, to ac- company Ashby and a squadron or two of his cavalry to make a night raid on Dam No. 4 of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, where it was expected that great artery from the coal fields could be destroyed, and transportation of grain and coal seriously interrupted. The undertaking was hazardous and fruitless. One man was killed and several wounded. While the Confed- erates were hammering away on the locks, the constant fire of the Federals from protected positions, forced Ashby to abandon the effort, and the command returned to Winchester. The next two weeks, Federal scouting parties were routed near Shepardstown and N. Mountain De- pot West of Martinsburg, and a brisk fight oc- curred between the cavalry and an infantry post near Sir John's Run. The Federals were all safely fortified on the North side of the Potomac at every picket post. Genl. Banks was at Fred- erick City, Md., with his army of 16,000 men, occupying every important point as far West as Cumberland; but seldom did any venture on the Virginia side East of Green Spring Station on the B. &. O. Kelly was at Romney with about 5,000, and Genl. Rosecranz at Clarksburg with an army of at least 20,000, disposed by di- visions and brigades from that point to the roads leading to Staunton, some of which were being guarded and held by Loring and Col. Edw. Johnson. Genl. Jackson was satisfied his pro- posed advance along the lines of the upper Poto- mac would check all movements of Rosecranz, and thus relieve that portion of Western Vir- ginia, and make it safe for Col. Edw. Johnson to leave his post to militia; and he relied on this gallant officer and his seasoned brigade to

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lend much aid in his mountain movements. But at the last moment, he was informed from Rich- mond that Col. Johnson could not leave his position. Genl. Loring arrived at Winchester on Christmas Day, with a depleted division. Men had been furloughed and sick leaves granted, that reduced the fighting strength of this brave band. Splendid soldiers came with Loring, and seemed satisfied at their reception. The General appeared sullen and pompous. The Valley men were suspicious of him. He acted more like the commanding general than did the austere Jackson; and some thought he might rank the

latter, and dreaded the consequences. But few days determined the question. Orders still emanated from Jackson's Headquarters. Regi- mental officers were informed a movement was on foot, and must be conducted with great se- crecy. Banks had been reinforced from Wash- ington, with instructions to reconnoitre the Lower Valley via Williamsport, and ascertain what was intended by Jackson and his reinforcements. Rose- cranz was instructed to contract his lines and be ready for some new move of the Rebels in the Valley. Jackson being apprised of these changes, prepared to strike the enemy's line at some weak point, and send a shock to Washington that would disturb all their well-laid plans. The first of January, 1862, found Jackson's army of 9,000 all told (See O. R.) fully equipped for a march. The columns headed towards Bloom- ery over the Gainsboro Turnpike. Many wild conjectures went through the lines. Ashby and his cavalry were in advance to clear the roads of spies, and to keep a line of communication open from the front. The day was one that can never be forgotten by those who saw the grand column move away. The skies were clear, the air soft and warm like the June days-hav- ing continued so for ten days. Men felt bur- dened with their uniforms; overcoats and

blankets were discarded; and away they went. The General and his staff mounted their horses on the lawn near the Col. Moore house. The writer handed him several private letters after he had mounted, and received from him further orders concerning the care of the loose papers left in his office, and directions to send official mail through the regular channels; but to send his private mail not marked official, by courier. The writer returned to the Provost Marshal's

Office (now occupied by Mr. A. J. Tavenner,

atty., in the Bantz building near the C. H.) which was the office of Capt. Wm. L. Clark when he entered the service. There he read instructions from the General to provide ample accommodation for prisoners of war, guarding them with details from the militia detachments, and "to separate civilians from captured sol-

diers." Some of these old war papers have been preserved; and at no distant day the writer hopes to publish them in connection with sketches that cannot appear in this volume, owing to the personal features pertaining to individual actors.) The history of this campaign has been often told in attractive style; and the incidents are fresh in the memory of hundreds of the sur- vivors. We will briefly state the prominent fea- tures, and make no effort to enumerate the mis- takes of the sorely-tried men on that wintry march in the mountains. The first day's set- ting sun found the columns scaling the sandy

ridges over three roads-all to converge near Bath or Hancock on the Potomac. On those mountain ranges, the troops began to feel that June air was changing to that of November; and without tents or rations, bivouacking on Big Sandy was a dismal performance. A night of discomfort followed, with a dawn black with snow-clouds; and fierce winds rushing through pine forests, gave promise of suffering. Another day of struggle passed; and when the 3rd of January came, it found the army in bad plight, and unable to get their wagon trains up. The

enemy having discovered their advance, the Gen- eral grew impatient; and it could be seen he felt the disappointment. Old soldiers who re- turned from that campaign, said people must not think Old Jack never loses his temper; for when he and old Mike Harmon met in the road, and explanations were demanded why Harmon failed to get the wagon trains up with rations, etc., for the suffering men, the old cap was raised from the brow, his face flashed fire through the snow-flakes, and for once the cussin' quar- ter master was subdued. Until late in the day of Jany. 3rd, Jackson felt sure he would sur- prise the large post at Hancock on the North side of the Potomac. But an unfortunate inci- dent occurred. A squadron of cavalry struck a new picket post near Berkeley Springs (Bath), and routed instead of capturing them, as had been planned for the regular post on the South side of the river. The alarm was given; Han- cock was apprised, and prepared for a cavalry skirmish, not knowing yet that an army was coming. Jackson urged men forward as soon as he discovered the enemy flushed; but it was impossible to get the infantry and artillery up in time to carry out his plans. Another night had to be spent in the open, without blankets and rations. All efforts to surround the large post that night had to be abandoned. Even yet the enemy was not fully apprised that an army was near at hand. Three regiments of Federal infantry on the South side felt undisturbed un- til morning, when they discovered Confederate infantry on both flanks, and at once took in the

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situation. Their post was abandoned with a the 10th a line of march was taken up in the goodly supply of stores. The large garrison crossed the river on boats, and virtually escaped without loss, save 21 prisoners. They were the only prisoners the provost marshal at Winches- ter received from that expedition. All of this was done in a blinding snow-storm. Confed- erates bewildered by the storm, wandered aim- lessly over strange roads, and utterly failed to reach the post in time to fire a gun on the retreating foe. As the converging lines entered the post, they found a glad surprise-supplies of rations, blankets and Winter quarters full of nick-nacks of the Federals who had just left. The capture was regarded by the men with great delight. Here they reveled all day and during the night. Not so with the General. He was suffering from the failure of one of his plans. Of course, the Hancock defeat electrified every other post from Banks' Headquarters at Fred- erick to Kelly's at Romney, and the post at Cumberland. General Jackson realized what this meant ; but the tired and hungry men were en- grossed with the unexpected spoils.

Early the next morning, the 5th, the Confed- erate camps were called to arms, and marched through the deep snow to the river, to take ac- tion to overawe the large force in and around the village of Hancock on the opposite side. Jack- son demanded surrender. The Federals refused, whereupon the Federal commander was given two hours to remove women and children. Then several guns were put in position and the town was thrown into confusion by some shells land- ing in their streets. This shelling was greatly exaggerated by the Federal commander in his report, and of how he returned the fire, com- pelling the Confederate fire to cease. The truth is, he simply held on without firing a gun until reinforcements poured in from every quarter that night. Jackson reopened fire next morning, and several infantry regiments were sent to destroy the railroad bridge over Great Capon, and the railroad track. This was all accom- plished, and all communication cut between out- lying posts. This was too late, however, for Romney had been informed before the tele- graph line was cut; and large scouting parties were sent from that point, which fell upon some militia picket posts on the Northwestern Turn- pike and routed them. This enabled Kelly to frame a report for his war department that out-rivals any that went from that border line. Jackson left Bath on the 7th, having sent the wagon trains ahead loaded with the spoils, all taking a Southwest course, halting at Unger's Store. The icy roads required a change in the shoes of the teams, and several days were spent in fitting the horses for further movement. On

direction of Romney; the army dragging its way over the worst roads it had encountered. For miles the ice and snow were barriers; and when the head of the column scaled the last mountain and beheld the deserted Valley below, word was sent back to Jackson. Romney was evacuated- Kelly gone. The column was allowed to biv- ouac on the mountain sides, for nightfall was near, and the descent to Romney was dangerous. The cavalry . was sent on to occupy the place, which they found full of abandoned stores. The next five days were used up in efforts to put new life into the troops, so that detachments of artillery and infantry could support the cavalry in raids on other points of the great line of com- munication over the B. & O. Railroad, to Wash- ington, and inflict untold damage to the Fed- eral forces on their line for full 150 miles. But Jackson soon discovered that Loring's sullen obedience to orders from the commanding gen- eral, had produced discontent in the Loring squadrons, bordering on mutiny. Hundreds of them had been allowed, if not encouraged, to desert the expedition. This state of feeling found its way around the camp-fires; and it was hazardous to proceed further in execution of the original plan. Subsequent events proved that had he been loyally supported by sore- headed Loring, grand results would have fol- lowed. Writers of war history give Jackson credit for conceiving the first strategic move- ment on Washington. By this one feint upon the enemy's long line, the Washington govern- ment was compelled more than once to weaken the army of the Potomac on the eve of im- pending battle, by the withdrawal of troops to watch reported movements in the Shenandoah Valley. Jackson saw the effect on his old bri- gade, of their contact with the depleted regi- ments of Loring, and determined to cease ac- tive operations. On the 24th of Jany., he sum- med up his losses and his captures, and sent his official report to Richmond, giving a con- cise review of his expedition and causes of fail- ure. Never once did he charge Loring's lack of service as a cause. Some friends of the latter have striven to show that Jackson had been dis- courteous, and forgot that Loring was entitled to command by right of seniority of rank. The expedition only lost 4 men killed and 28 wounded.

Jackson left Loring and his regiments to hold the post at Romney, while he returned to Win- chester with the First Brigade, his artillery, and Ashby with three-fourths of his cavalry. This was necessary to make demonstrations on the Potomac near Martinsburg, where Banks had sent a threatening force. Several companies of seasoned militia and two companies of cavalry

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were left at Romney, subject to his orders. Loring soon proved his unfitness to hold such an outpost subject to the orders of Jackson, who was now practically disregarded by Loring and his demoralized remnants of what had been a splendid brigade before disaffection took hold upon them. The truth must be told-Loring and his men were not at Bull Run and Manassas. They could not appreciate the genius of Jack- son, that soon eclipsed such men as Loring.

The old Brigade went into tents North of Winchester, and soon began to make themselves comfortable. Stragglers and sick-leave men were coming in, and the First Brigade men were in a mood to tell stories of their hardships on the famous Winter march. Not a word of cen- sure ever escaped their lips. The old town of Winchester hailed their return with shouts of joy. No blame for any. The post was assuming its old war-like appearance. The militia wel- comed the return; for Genl. Carson with two independent companies of cavalry, felt the bur- den of defending the border growing too heavy for comfort.

Loring was left at Romney with all the com- forts the grand little mountain city could be- stow, his men occupying the warm Winter quar- ters Kelly's men had left, besides abundance of supplies of every kind; we find in O. R., Vol. V., p. 1053, one of his letters, dated Jany. 26, 1862, addressed to Mr. Benjamin, Secretary of War, full of complaint of the "hardships found in maintaining a dangerous and useless post, liable to be retaken by the enemy, who had ap- peared in his front." Jackson had no intima- tion of this, until the 30th, when he received this message from the Secretary of War: "Our news indicates that a movement is making to cut off General Loring's command: order him back immediately." Naturally Jackson was af- fronted by this preemptory order; and he has- tened a reply dated Headquarters Valley Dis- trict, Winchester, Va., Jany. 31, 1862, "Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War,

"Sir :- Your order, requiring me to direct Genl. Loring to return with his command to Winches- ter immediately, has been complied with.

"With such interference in my command, I cannot expect to be of much service in the field, and, accordingly, respectfully request to be ordered to report for duty to the Superin- tendent of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, as has been done in the case of other professors. Should this application not be granted. I respectfully request that the Presi- dent will accept my resignation from the army." (O. R., Vol. V., 1053.) Loring and his officers who had filed complaints against their comman- der, betrayed their weakness and unfitness for

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 57

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920 Publication date: 1909 Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.] Number of Pages: 607

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607