USA > Virginia > Virginia before and during the war > Part 6
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Lizzie tearfully surrendered him to what she believed to be the cause of his country, and Mr. and Mrs. Campbell had been forced to admit that no alternative was left but ignoble submis-
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sion to wrong or secession. Willie was fully aware of the fearful odds against the South, in case of war, and was not of that foolish class of people who boasted that one Southern man was equal in fight to three Yankees, but he was young and sanguine and was willing to fight any odds rather than tamely surrender what he believed to be the rights of his State and section. His father had tried to convince him that there was nothing to be gained by se- cession and a dissolution of the Union, that circumstances so bound the States together that a permanent separation was im- practicable, and even if against all probability, the independence of the seceded States should be secured, slavery would cease to exist, and that in the Union was the proper place to contend for right. He was of as firm will as his farther, and determined to share the fortunes of his native State.
In the war now about to commence, the seceding States had a militia of 1,450,000, and the adhering States 5,500,000. It is true, the secessionists were largely aided by men from Kentucky, Missouri and Maryland, but this aid was counterbalanced by the disaffection in West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and other States. They had but few manufactures, no navy, 110 money, and no credit. The history of the world scarcely pre- sents an example of so well contested a conflict under such dis- advantages. The presence of the negroes among them was a source of weakness and not of strength, and in the closing periods of the war, they were of considerable advantage to the Unionists ' as soldiers.
Willie set himself to work in raising a fine company of cav- alry in his county, every man furnishing his own horse. He succeeded in enlisting for one year a fine company of young men with very superior horses. In order to take Tom Jones along, he made him a present of a fine young horse. He was unani- mously elected Captain, and his friend, Alfred Williams, First Lientenant, and John Stoval, Second Lieutenant. Young Peter Nelson was in the ranks. Being nearly all men of intelligence and education, they learned the drill rapidly. It was a proud day
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for Lizzie when she saw them drill, in their little village, prepar- ing to depart with their fine new uniforms, every man sitting his horse as a practiced rider. She had never seen so fine look- ing a man as Willie, as he rode in front, with his bright sabre drawn, on the largest and finest horse in the company. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell looked on with pride, but with sadness, as they thought how soon that fine young form might be laid in the dust marred by ghastly wounds.
On their departure the company went rapidly north to join General Garnett who had been sent with a small army to try to rouse the people of the Northwestern Counties to the defense of the State against Mcclellan. But, alas! the people were apathetic or sympathized with the enemy, and he received but few acces- sions to his force. Captain Buford's company and a company of cavalry from Greenbrier County, in what is now West Virginia, with about five hunddred infantry constituted the command of General Porterfield on the Upper Potomac. These troops were attacked, on the 2nd of June, by a large detachment of McClel- lan's army and fell back to Laurel Hill, where they were joined by Garnett, who left a strong detachment under Colonel Pegram, on Rich Mountain. All these troops had been sent by Governor Letcher with a special intent of defending the people and form- ing a nucleus around which they might rally. But they did not rally, and instead of aiding the State troops furnished guides showing the safest way for attacking Pegram's strong position.
On the IIth of July the men under Garnett perceived a horseman riding towards them at great speed. On his arrival. they perceived that his neck and bosom were covered with blood. He was a messenger from Colone! Pegram telling that he was attacked by an overwhelming force and asking for aid. Many shots had been fired at this man while running the gauntlet of the enemy's line, only one taking effect, cutting the skin of the back of the neck. This was Waddy S. Bacon, a Virginian. aid to Colonel Pegram. He was a soldier of fortune, a remarkable man. He served in the Mexican war when a youth, then went to Cali-
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fornia, where he made and lost a fortune. He then joined Walk- er's Nicaraugua expedition and was one of the officers condemned to be shot by the English, but released at the last moment. He survived the four years' service in the war in which he was now engaged, being desperately wounded in one of the last battles near Petersburg. After the war he again tried his fortune in the mines of the far West was unsuccessful, and returned to Virginia to marry the woman to whom he had been long engaged. He is now a peaceful farmer, a member of the Methodist Church.
Pegram was driven from his position and most of his men captured, and Garnett was attacked next day and killed whilst attempting to rally his men. Nearly all his infantry were cap- tured or killed and the Greenbrier cavalry were scattered in every direction. Buford had drilled his men almost to perfection and held them well together. When he saw that all was lost and they were surrounded by the enemy, his command was, "men, keep in close column and follow me, charge." Sitting firmly on his powerful horse and wielding his sabre with stalwart arm he bore down all opposition and broke through the enemy's lines, losing only one of his gallant band. Such early disaster seemed calcu- lated to dampen the ardor of these fiery young men. but their leader was a man of undaunted and firm character. He spoke cheerfully and encouragingly to them and inspired them with hopes of better success on a larger field. He stopped not his retreat until he reached General Johnston's camp at Winchester, whence he was sent on by him with a few more cavalry to join General Beauregard at Manassas. The infantry were conveyed to that point by rail.
On reaching his destination, he was placed under the com mand of Captain Lay, who was commanding a squadron of horse, and took part in that great battle. This little body bore itself with great gallantry and efficiency, whenever there was an oppor- tunity for cavalry to act, and Buford's name was mentioned with honor in the report of his commander.
At a late hour of the day of the battle, a small number of the
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enemy were observed to be unbroken. Captain Lay was com- manded to charge them. On this they commenced breaking, but one officer, a captain, stood his ground. Buford, who was in ad- vance of all the command, rode up and compelled him to surren- de :. This officer, looking up as he surrendered his sword, ex- claimed, "Buford, as I live." He was immediately recognized by Buford, who replied, "Heath, you was the last man of my ac- quaintance I was expecting to meet " A loose horse was secured and Heath placed upon it, his word of honor being pledged not to try to escape. Permission was given by the commanding officer to release him from restraint, on parol, Buford vouching for him.
On the night after the battle, Buford hearing that Lamont was badly wounded, went to the building where he lay, accom- panied by Heath and Dr. Stoval, who had hastened to the scene of action where his son was engaged. Here they found Lamont desperately, and, it was thought fatally, wounded, and about twenty other young men more or less badly.
Young Captain Davis, a nephew of the President, had just expired. They had been here but a short time, when no less a person than President Davis arrived. He was much affected at the death of his nephew, and tears were seen to roll down his furrowed cheeks. On his turning to speak words of cheer and comfort to the wounded, Lamont replied that it was sweet to die in such a cause. But he did not die. The old doctor was a man of consummate skill, and told them that with careful nursing he would pull through. It was arranged that Buford should give him all the time he could spare, and Heath agreed to stay with him all the time, as long as it might be necessary.
. There was great rejoicing at the victory, and many thought the war would soon close. Many volunteer companies went home, among them Buford, but he accepted the position of cap- tain in the regular Confederate forces, and Tom Jones, who would not leave him, joined the army as corporal. In about a month Buford, accompanied by Heath and Lamont, who was as yet very feeble, paid a visit to the old Buford homestead. Mrs. Campbell
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was much affected on seeing her brother, and exclaimed, "O, brother, how could you join in trying to subjugate and ruin us?"
Heath replied, "Sister, dear, that was farthest from my thoughts. I came to do you good, believing that your State would submit early and I thought my presence might be of service to my friends. However, I have been cured of my delusion and. must make the most of my situation. I have come to the con- clusion that there will be a long war, and that I am better suited to the law than fighting, and if I get away will not return again in hostile array." He kept his word, and on being exchanged re- turned home, taking letters of introduction to Judge Buford, with whose family he soon became intimate. Dropping soldiering, he rose to eminence in his profession and to prominence as a Demo- cratic politician. He carried a letter from Lamont to Letitia as- suring her of the steadfastness of his affection for her and faith in her fidelity to him.
The intercourse of Willie and Lizzie was of mingled pleasure and pain. His life was so bound up in her that he could but con- template their parting with grief. She loved him as her life, and was very poor, but would not have detained him at her side if she could. Before the departure of this company, John Preston, who had been present in the battle in Col. Carson's Washington County regiment, paid them a short visit. He still displayed that reckless character that had characterised him when a boy. He was exultant over the great victory, affirming that they would whip out the Yankees in a short time. He did not gain the es- teem of either Lamont or Heath, who were thorough gentlemen. and who, notwithstanding they had been opposed in battle, soon became fast friends. Although a discerning person might easily perceive the attachment of Willie and Lizzie, and doubtless Pres- ton was aware of it, he paid Lizzie very marked attention which was coldly received by her. This caused a resentment on his part which he long cherished, being of a disposition not to soon forget any wound to his vanity.
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CHAPTER XVII.
After the battle of Manassas, the two opposing armies lay inactive for many months. This was very trying to Buford. He had soon formed the acquaintance of Gen. Early, an old friend of his father, and received a captain's commission in the Twenty- fourth Virginia Regiment, a. part of his brigade. Gen. Early, like Judge Buford, had been a strong union man, and in the con- vention of which he was a member, was one of the minority vot- ing against the ordinance of secession, but when his State was attacked, was one of the first to take up arms in her defense. Be- ing assigned to the defense of the valley, he was only engaged during the summer in some unimportaut skirmishes.
In March, 1862, Buford paid a visit to his old home. That part of Virginia was free from the tread of armies and remained so almost to the last. Everything was going on in the old way, though people were beginning to be pinched for want of money; and sugar and coffee were getting to be very scarce. A large area had been sown in wheat, and preparation was going on for a large corn and sorghum crop. The old disused looms and spin- ning wheels were repaired, and the women were busy making . cloth. The people were hopeful and prepared to make great sac- rifices. James Campbell had not joined the army as a soldier, but was employed by the Government in the commissary depart- ment of his section and was frequently absent from home, so that the two, Mrs. Campbell and Lizzie, were often left with no white man for a protector but the overseer whose residence was more than half a mile distant. But they were women with brave hearts, and the two younger ladies had learned to shoot with gun and pistol.
Early in April Captain Buford received a peremptory suin- monis to join his command. He instantly obeyed, and his brigade was sent to the peninsula and placed in D. H. Hill's division. Here, his regiment, in conjunction with the Fifth North Carolina,
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made one of the most daring charges in the history of the war. Gen. Early had been so badly wounded that he had to leave the field. Near Williamsburg some works had been thrown up by Gen. Magruder, and were called Fort Magruder. The enemy now occupied a position near these works, which had been abandoned by the Confederates. They had a strong battery of artillery. The two regiments spoken of under the command of Col. McCrae, of North Carolina, attacked them and drove them, al- though twice their number, to the shelter of their works, and would have captured them if they had been reinforced instead of
being recalled. In their retrograde movement about a hundred of them, including Buford's friend, Lieut. Alfred Williams, were taken prisoners. In speaking of this affair to Dr. Cullen, left in charge of the Confederate wounded, Gen. Hancock said, these two regiments deserve to have the word immortal inscribed on their banners. Buford was highly commended for his gallantry by his commander, and from this time began to be well known in the armies of the Confederacy. He was engaged continuously in the retrograde move until a stand was finally made before Richmond. After the dreadful seven days fight, in which his di- vision, brigade and regiment all took a conspicuous part, he was promoted to the rank of Major. But hardship, exposure and the miasma of the swamps were too much for even his strong consti- tution, and he became dangerously ill. After many days of un- consciousness, after a long sleep, he recovered the use of his fac- ulties, and, much to his surprise, saw Lydia Nelson sitting near engaged in sewing. He said nothing, being puzzled as to where he was, and did not realize his situ tion until he saw Tom Jones come in dressed in Confederate uniform. This faithful friend had obtained permission to narse him. On his addressing him in a rational manner, Tom was much rejoiced. He exclaimed, "why Willie, I believe you will come out of this all right." Tom was punctiliously correct when on duty, but when off addressed his superior as familiarly as when they were boys.
Miss Nelson, when the war broke out, was employed as a
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teacher in a public school in Indiana at a good salary ; but then, believing it be her duty to aid her own people, she left to become a hospital nurse. In his delirium Buford frequently called upon Lizzie, and Miss Nelson relinquished all hope of gaining his af- fection. Her hand had been sought by a young merchant of In- diana, and she had been partly influenced in rejecting him by a lingering affection for Willie Buford, and partly because Mr. Ed- wards was not in sympathy with the action of her State, she be- ing thoroughly in sympathy with the political opinions of her father .. She had nursed her patient with the tenderest care, and was greatly rejoiced, when, on the arrival of the doctor, she was assured that the crisis was passed, and that, without an accident, he would soon be well. Malarial diseases yield more readily to proper medicine than any other maladies of so grave a character, and in the young and vigorous, frequently leave no trace behind. So Buford was convalescent in a few days and went home on a furlough, accompanied by Tom.
On the train there were but were but few passengers, so they could converse uninterruptedly: Buford observed, "do you know, Tom, that although we have gained a great victory, I begin to fear that we will ultimately fail. I begin to see signs of exhaus- tion on our part, and the battle of Shiloh and the opening of the Mississippi River to the gunboats of the enemy has laid bare a great deal of our territory. I sometimes think I was wrong in urging you and others to embark in the cause of the Confederacy, as I had a better opportunity to know the great power and re- sources of the North." Tom replied, "I shall never blame you, whatever may happen. I do not know much of politics and his- tory and all that, but I believe our cause is just, and intend to fight the Yankees as long as I can tote a gun." "Well," he re- plied, "we are embarked together on this voyage and must stick to the ship to the end."
On their arrival at honre, they found the people much elated over the repulse of the enemy at Richmond and disposed to lion- ize them both. Tom received invitations to visit at houses where
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he had never been, as it was generally known that he had con- ducted himself with great bravery, and had obtained the position of sergeant, and Major Buford was regarded as the pride of the County. They were beginning to be pinched in their living, but had as yet suffered. no real privations .. James Campbell got home only a few days before them, as he bore arms for a short time on the south side of James River, but had been engaged in no gen- eral battle. Tom's father had reformed, been restored to the church, and was hard at work. Mrs. Campbell and Lizzie were very hopeful and rejoiced at Willie's brilliant career. Mrs, Campbell was a thorough Southern woman in feeling and con- tributed all in her power to the success of her cause. She exer- cised a great influence over her husband, who had greatly im- proved himself by reading and was now one of the leading men of his section.
When it was ascertained that Major Buford was recovered, he received a commission to raise a troop of cavalry, as the army was in great need of that arm to repel numerous raids that were now being made. He succeeded in raising and mounting three hundred men. Tom was permitted to exchange into his com- mand. It was learned that John Preston was a captain under Mosby, and Lamont was a prisoner. Buford received a letter from his father, which had been sent to Mr. Campbell. In it was no word of reproach for his action, but an exhortation to conduct himself as an honorable man in the path he had chosen. He had prospered in business beyond his expectation. He also wrote that Letitia was now gone to visit Lamont, in prison, acconi- panied by Heath.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Pope had now taken command of Federal army in Northern Virginia and conducted it in a manner far different from McClel- lan. The last named General did not interfere with private property and did not interrupt private citizens who were living
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peaceably. Pope, on the other hand, inaugurated a reign of ter- ror wherever-he went. He supplied his army by pillage, arrested and shot peaceable men on the slightest pretext, and destroyed their property. He issued an order similar to the one issued by Burbridge in Kentucky, copied from the Turkish custom. By this order, all persons not of approved loyalty to the United States Government, living within five miles of the place where any outrage was committed on a Union man, were held responsi- ble and were compelled to make restitution or be punished by military law. This order, so atrocious in its character, could not he enforced in Kentucky, as that State adhered to the Union, and the order had the abhorence of all parties, and has made the name of Burbridge detestable in his State to this day. Burbridge and Pope are considered to have been tyrants and despots. If their acts are censurable, as cruel and opposed to the usages of modern war, they should not bear the blame alone.
There was a man behind them and above them responsible for their acts. Abraham Lincoln is considered by many of the American people as almost a God; and many persons differing, widely from him politically are disposed to look on him as a great and good man. He was successful, and was murdered whilst speaking many kind words about a conquered people. But we should not be carried away by sentiment ; we should estimate his character by his acts, as we estimate the character of Bonaparte or Cromwell. . He was Commander-in-chief of the armies, and knew daily of the acts of Pope and Burbridge. He was clothed with absolute power, and with a stroke of the pen could have stopped their atrocious proceedings, yet history records no word of censure, from him, of their acts. Pope enforced his orders in full, wherever he was able, and sent out bodies of horse in every direction. Buford was sent to encounter these, and performed many brilliant exploits. He rescued many homes from pillage, frequently coming upon the enemy in their acts of depradation. As Jackson hastened to meet Pope, the marauders were driveu in before him.
The name of Valley of Virginia is given to that section lying: between the Blue Ridge and the main Alleghany range north of the James River. It is watered by the Potomac and it's tribu- taries. In it are low grounds and level stretches of land as rich as any in the world. Before the war it was a very prosperous. country. Its agricultural products were mostly grain and hay ; and stock raising was carried on to a considerable extent. The people differed widely in manners, customs and speech from those of Southern Virginia. It was originally settled by Protestant Irish, mostly Presbyterians, and by Dutch and Germans, gener- ally Dunkards and Lutherans. They were generally good and prosperous farmers, intent on improving their lands and increas- ing the fertility of their soil. It is said that here the first red clover was sown in America. Many of the country people were very ignorant, but there were country gentlemen highly edu- cated, and the towns of Lexington, Staunton and Winchester were noted for their intelligence and refinement. There were comparatively few slaves in this section. There was a large Union element among the people; but after the act of secession, they were generally loyal to the State. There being here so much grain and cattle, it was very important for the Confederates to hold this country. The Southern soldiers here, at this time, fared well, the people being willing to divide their substance with them. Although they had been greatly harrassed, yet they had not been overtaken by that sweeping desolation that after- wards befell them.
One evening, Buford's command encountered a considerable body of cavalry on the farm of a Mr. McCue, who were loading their wagons with corn, hay and bacon. They charged upon then, scattering them in every direction and taking their wagons and a few prisoners. After their pickets were placed, the men took shelter in a large barn, and Buford and some of his officers accepted an invitation to spend the evening with the family. The old gentleman had three sons with Jackson, in whom he had the most unbounded confidence, and was very hopeful as to the suc-
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cess of the Southern cause. His two young daughters chatted gaily and sang and played on the piano, so that an observer un- acquainted with the circumstances surrounding them, looking on this peaceful scene, would not suppose that they were living in
the midst of a tragedy, and standing, as it were, on the verge of a . precipice. As the officers left, one of them remarked, "I think I hear the distant tramp of horses, and should not wonder if the enemy reinforces and attacks us before day." When all is still, the sound made by cavalry on the march can be heard by the at- tentive ear at a great distances. Buford placed his ear near the ground, and after a few minutes, replied, "You are right, and we inust prepare to receive them, but I do not think they will attack before delight. We must let the men sleep awhile, and we must keep watch until it is time to awaken them." Accordingly they went around to all the pickets and gave them warning to be very careful. Before day, the men were quietly aroused, the horses saddled and bridled, and all the men were placed in position in the barn, and in places protected by the sheds near it. On the first dawn of day, the pickets discharged their guns and ran in, and they were soon followed by full three hundred cavalrymen in full charge, who fully expected to surprise their enemy, but in- stead of this, were mnet by a destructive fire from a hidden foe. Seeing the situation at a glance, the commander issued an order to retreat. Buford would not permit a pursuit, not knowing the strength of the enemy. Although very daring, he was a very prudent commander. The dead and wounded were left to the care of Mr. McCue and his laborers
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