USA > West Virginia > Monroe County > A history of Monroe county, West Virginia > Part 14
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XVI
ANNALS OF THE WAR OF 1861
Quotations from the County Order-Books.
N this chapter the order-books relate their own version of the events of the war period. Extracts on the more important matters are given for the interval be- tween the beginning of 1861 and the end of Virginia's authority in this county.
1861
John Chewning licensed to keep a house of private entertainment.
G. C. Landcraft succeeds William Connell as jailor, the latter having had a long term of service.
Special court, April 29. "for the purpose of putting the county in a proper state of defense in the present crisis." Voted unanimously that $10,000 be appropriated to put the county in defense, equipping volunteers, and paying for the support of destitute families. James M. Byrnside ap- pointed agent to get a loan of $10,000. Ordered that volunteers, including musicians, be allowed $1.50 a day for 10 days, the same to be paid out of this loan. George W. Hutchinson to disburse the said fund on draft from commanding officer.
Captains Samuel C. Waite, Irvin B. Hull, Hugh A. Lynch, and George N. Brown, with five men each, assigned, May 20, to patrol duty. On this day, Edward Hennessy and John Greeves were naturalized as citizens of the United States.
Byrnside to pay one dollar to each member of Beirne's Volunteer Com- pany for each day of drill, not exceeding 10 days, Date of organization of company, May 20.
Thomas F. Parke's hotel license is $73.33.
Captains John H. Nickell and L. C. Thruston assigned to patrol duty.
It appearing, June 17, that there are four companies of volunteers or- ganized in this county, and that perhaps another will be formed in a short time, all members of which will have to be drilled before they are mustered into the service of the state, ordered that each member be paid $1.25 a day for 10 days.
Byrnside reported on loan and was allowed to pay Robert L. Shanklin $120.72 for boarding the Centerville Rifle Company while drilling.
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A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
Captain Waite authorized to buy a drum.
Thomas E. Dickson, George W. Hutchinson, A. M. Hawkins, James W. Johnson, William Adair, Richard V. Shanklin, and James K. Scott are commissioners to furnish necessary supplies to such families of volunteers as are proper subjects of relief.
Levy, $6348.27. Rate per capita, $2.75.
Of the levy, $3600 to be a "depositum" to meet payment of $3000 on county bonds. But this order was annulled July 15, when $1.20 per tithe was set aside for the purpose, and 60 cents per $100 on personalty and . land to meet principal and interest on loan of $10,000 was ordered.
Lewis Ballard and William Smith indicted for instigating others to establish a usurped government, etc. Lewis and Jeremiah Ballard plead not guilty and give recognizance in bond.
Justices present, July 15:
John E. Alexander
James W. Johnson
Robert C. Brown
Jesse Jones
Michael Beamer
William L. Lewis
E. M. Brown
William Lynch
James Carpenter
John Maddy
William Ellis
Abner Neel
Jehu Hank
Archibald Pack
Samuel Hamilton
Rufus Peck
John H. Hansbarger
William L. Peck
A. R. Humphreys
William Scott
John H. Vawter
The justices took an oath of fidelity to the Commonwealth and appointed a regular police force, any member of the same being authorized to take before a justice any person he has cause to suspect has violated any state law, such as tampering with slaves, or aiding and abetting the government of the United States, or any officer or agent thereof in any invasion of this commonwealth, or any of its citizens acting under the proper authori- ties thereof, or any person who shall by letter or otherwise communicate to the United States government, or any officer or agent thereof, directly or indirectly, any information touching the action of the commonwealth or its authorities.
Captains assigned to patrol duty, November 18, with three or four men each :
John E. Alexander
John A. Nickell
Henry Ballard
James M. Nickell
Thomas Biggs
Caperton Right
Washington Brown William S. Ruddell
James H. Burdette
Richard Watts
Wilson Watts
Lewis A. Shanklin became justice, December 15, vice Fleshman.
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ANNALS OF THE WAR OF 1861
1862
John Echols appointed agent for Monroe to sell, assign, or transfer bond, number 13, C. S. A. to Monroe county, $1500 of same being redeem- able January 1, 1867, with interest at eight per cent. Date of bond, De- cember 17, 1861.
One Taylor, a slave, for burning the barn and washhouse of Moses Arnold, the property being worth $200 and the slave $500, was ordered transported out of Confederate territory.
An unusual number of deaths lately and no one to act as administrator. Eight indictments for the illegal retailing of liquor-March 18.
Monroe and Greenbrier being declared under martial law, A. T. Ca- perton recommended for provost marshal, upon request by General Heth. John Echols to deal as aforesaid with bond 104 for $2200, dated March 18, 1862, and redeemable after January 1, 1864.
May 19 :- Ordered that Monroe issue notes to the amount of $10,000, in denominations of 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, and 100 cents, said notes to read : "The county of Monroe will pay the bearer - cents, redeemable in current funds at the clerk's office of the said county," pursuant to the pro- visions of an Act of the General Assembly passed March 29, 1862, entitled, "An Act to provide a currency of notes of less denomination than five dollars." George W. Hutchinson to sign and number these notes.
Pursuant to Act of Assembly for 10,000 bushels of salt, John M. Rowan appointed agent to arrange with Stuart, Buchanan and Company for the purchase, the salt to be delivered at Union and James Swinney's. Rowan gave bond in $2000 and was to be allowed his necessary expenses. Dis- tribution of salt to be at the rate of 20 pounds per inhabitant for the year, and the price-to allow for waste-to be 25 per cent above cost.
Levy, $2092.43. County expenses cover three pages of items. Appro- priated for roads, $79; for patrolling, $173.84. No fox bounties.
August 21: County notes issued to the amount of $9374.
November 17: "An alarming scarcity of the necessaries of life resulting from the withdrawal of a large amount of the labor of the county, an un- precedented drouth, and the presence among us for a considerable period of time of the army of this department, and fearing that there will be great want and distress! upon the part of families of soldiers now in the service," an appropriation in small notes to the extent of $15,000 ordered. A. A. Chapman, A. T. Caperton, and G. W. Hutchinson ordered to com- municate with the Confederate States for whatever supplies the said gov- ernment can furnish, and to address the commanding general of this de- partment, asking him if possible not to impress any further supplies. Com- mittee appointed to purchase and distribute supplies, and to make diligent examination into the condition and necessities of the families of the county as well as the prospects and resources of supplies. Said committee thus constituted :
.
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A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
First District: James Carpenter, Abner Neel.
Second District: John A. Nickell, Wilson Watts.
Third District: John W. Reaburn, A. M. Hawkins.
Fourth District: Z. A. Woodson, Oliver Skaggs.
Fifth District: James K. Scott, Green Riles.
Sixth District: William Adair, Archibald Pack.
Seventh District: James Swinney, Riley B. Cook.
November, 17: Rowan, salt agent, to be paid $1000 out of the sale of small notes.
Salt distributors not to sell to anyone who has provided himself with Kanawha salt.
December, 15: Five free male negroes chosen to work as laborers in Army of Southwestern Virginia, per order of Quartermaster General of said Department. Sheriff to notify them to report to Major Thomas P. Lewis at Salt Sulphur by January 5, 1863.
Order for assessment of damages to Richard and Joseph Dickson by state troops under Colonel Swan.
1863
A. A. Chapman provost marshal.
Committee appointed last November to buy at once supplies for those unable to procure them and in need. Committee now to draw upon the clerk for funds and to buy upon the best terms possible. Supplies also furnished to those without them but able to pay.
February 16: Leave given the Confederate government to take the saltpeter from under the floor of courthouse. William Connell to super- vise this work.
March 16: Certain citizens of North Carolina offering to supply cotton yarns to persons not speculators, this county being unable to get such yarns except at extortionate prices, and John McCreery being willing to purchase from said factories without fee or reward, he was therefore appointed.
April 20: Surveyor and his deputy both absent.
Committee being unable to obtain the necessary supplies for needy fam- ilies, impressment of the same is ordered.
Thomas E. Dickson qualified a justice, having been commissioned in place of John E. Morgan.
May 18: G. W. Hutchinson, clerk, reported $2000 spent for cotton pur- chased by McCreery, and $4500 spent for salt; also that $25,000 had been issued in notes of 10 cents to one dollar, face value.
Levy, $5500. Tithables, about 2423. Spent on roads, $6.
William Adair and James M. Nickell appointed to go to the factories of North Carolina and purchase 2500 bunches of spun cotton and 5000 yards of cotton cloth; or as much thereof as they can, and on the best terms they can secure, and distribute in such quantity as will meet the
163
ANNALS OF THE WAR OF 1861
absolute necessities of each family, and for such price as the county shall pay for same. The clerk is to turn over to them his unappropriated funds, and they are also to borrow from the Bank of Virginia, now at Christians- burg. The court to pay off this loan in 120 days.
The board of prisoners fixed at $1.25 a day.
Amos A. Hansbarger granted tavern license at Union for $159, the liquor retailed to be drunk only on premises.
June 15: 40 road overseers appointed.
The order for cotton reaffirmed as to Nickell, he to buy 9000 yards of cotton goods, or as much thereof as he can, and in paying for the same, he is authorized to borrow for 90 days on the credit of the county; also au- thorized to buy cotton yarn and 200 sacks of salt.
Many attachments issue about this time.
July 20: Harrison Woodram appointed salt depositary and agent.
Cotton order again affirmed. Citizens unable to supply themselves with cotton to have enough to meet actual needs.
September 21: Salt depot ordered at Rollinsburg, with Daniel H. Kes- ler agent.
Of the cotton and yarn purchased, one-half to be delivered at Union and one-half at Salt Sulphur, and to be distributed at a price that will cover costs. One bale yarn allowed each family for its exclusive use. Of cloth, two yards allowed each person over five years old: one yard to each one under five.
Felonies somewhat frequent.
Salt depot at Jesse Jones's.
December 21: The following committee appointed to purchase food, clothing, etc., as per "Act for the relief of indigent soldiers and their fam- ilies":
First District: Thomas E. Dickson and Thomas M. Crosier.
Second District: George Kouns and John A. Nickell.
Third District: George W. Reaburn and A. M. Hawkins.
Fourth District: J. W. Johnson and Z. A. Woodson.
Fifth District: Henry Milburn and James K. Scott.
Sixth District: Joseph Ellis and Lewis E. Symms.
Seventh District: Riley B. Cook and James Swinney.
J. M. Byrnside agent to redeem the small notes issued by the county. G. W. Hutchinson allowed $42 for removing county records. Prison board raised to $2.
1864
March 22: Committee of seven to enroll all the able-bodied free male negroes-between the ages of 18 and 50-in the Confederate service as per Act of Assembly.
April 18: J. M. Byrnside to buy raw cotton, cloths, and yarn, and cotton and wool cards for the people, the amount of such not to exceed $75,000 at any one time. Bond of $100,000 executed.
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A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
"It being represented to the court that there is at this time general suffering on the part of poor families in this county, and that there are persons within the county having a supply of provisions but who withhold the same, it is therefore ordered that the commissioners for the respective districts make diligent inquiry, and upon ascertaining that there are pro- visions which can be spared, they are to represent such cases to the. sheriff, whose duty it shall be to seize and impress the same, if a purchase cannot be made." Further ordered that John McCreery be appointed a commis- sioner for the purchase of supplies anywhere, either within the limits of the state or without, for the poor families of the county, and that if money cannot be furnished for that purpose, he is authorized to borrow upon the credit of the county, executing the obligation of the county for such case or cases, and the said McCreery is further authorized and directed to make diligent inquiry for any provisions which may be withheld, and upon ascertaining where there are such, he shall call upon the sheriff, whose duty it shall be to take possession of the same, upon the power to impress, if they cannot be procured upon other terms. Further ordered that Gen- eral Chapman be appointed to open a correspondence with the commanding federate Secretary of War is requested to permit the supplies to be thus families of soldiers in the county who are in a suffering condition.
June 20: Sheriff allowed 10 per cent in the collection of levy.
A bushel and a half of salt to each individual ordered.
Levy, $1801. Expenditures mainly to keep the county government go- ing. Appropriated for roads, $1; for foxes, $7.50.
July 19: All civil business continued to next court.
Charges authorized at Lewis E. Shanklin's ferry :- man and horse, 50 cents; wagon and two horses, $2; wagon and four horses, $3.
In collecting taxes, sheriff may give credit for negreos taken by the enemy or lost to owner since last June court.
J. M. Rowan to buy 3000 bushels salt and pay for same on credit of county.
In compliance with circular letter from the recorder of the Virginia forces, order for a committee of one from each county "to make a record of the wrongs committed within their respective districts by our vandal Yan- kee foe, and tories and traitors, preparing narratives carefully, sustaining each item by proper and sufficient evidence, and putting it into such shape that it can be readily referred to."
October 17: Indigent agents to receive or take from all persons detailed for farming purposes one-half the supplies they have promised in their petitions for detail and receipt therefor. If this is refused, impressment may follow.
November 21: Ordered certified that at least one-half the supplies-as per paragraph above-will be necessary to indigent families. The Con-
165
ANNALS OF THE WAR OF 1861
federate Secretary of War is requested to permit the supplies to be thus used.
Salt distributors allowed $1 per sack for their services.
Rowan to buy 214 more sacks of salt.
Secretary of War replies that the commissioners are entitled to pur- chase from detailed men one-half their product. The commissioners con- strue this to mean one-half the surplus after deducting for the support of the families of the detailed men from the whole product stated in his bond. This causes nothing to be received from such persons in this county. The commissioners think the intention is one-half the product less support, and Secretary of War is to be written to accordingly. Indigent families can- not otherwise be supported. Secretary is asked to accept one-third the tithe of supplies due the government.
1865
January 16: Commissioners of supplies to purchase potatoes, turnips, cabbages, and beans, in addition to supplies heretofore authorized.
March 20: Order to impress wagons to convoy county cotton from rail- road depot to this place.
April 30: Smallpox in county.
May 15: Last session under Virginia. Parker, Nickell, Kouns, and Neel present. Four business settlements attended to. Families of George Foster and Jane Bland to be furnished bread and meat till further order of court.
XVII
A WAR DIARY
URING the war of 1861 the Reverend S. R. Houston was living at Union in the house now occupied by A. S. Johnston. Doctor Houston was an observant, schol- arly man who had traveled abroad. His diary relates day by day the occurrences at home and the thoughts of the people. It mentions their hopes and their fears. It gives the rumors, some- times grossly incorrect, which floated in from a distance. It men- tions the tidings, often distorted, which were read in the newspapers. A very important feature of the diary is that it is calm and judicial in tone and does not display the rancor which is so often seen in wartime utterances, both North and South. This circumstance much enhances the historical value. Only the matters of more gen- eral interest are given in the quotations below.
1860
November-
7-Bell and Everett majority in this county, 176; in Greenbrier, 495.
16-The affairs of the South yet more threatening; the people crazy with excitement. "Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad." I fear this will be exemplified in the precipitance of our Southern brethren.
19-Some speeches from A. T. Caperton, John Echols, and Tristram Patton on the present state of the Union and in reference to what action Western Virginia should take at the present time. Some advised inaction, others thought it best to condemn the precipitance of the South. No reso- lutions submitted.
30-Newspapers full of accounts about the excitement in the cotton states. A dissolution of the Union seems to be inevitable! Then what?
December-
3-Demons at the North and South seem bent on our ruin as a nation. I have not yet entirely despaired of the Republic. Some great good is to come out of this terrible convulsion, I think.
15-Dined with Major Echols, A. T. Caperton, and Dr. Waddell. Talked a great deal about the unhappy state of our country. Civil war
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A WAR DIARY
and perhaps servile war seemed to us all extremely probable. Trade is paralyzed. Thousands thrown out of employment threaten to plunder in the cities for bread.
25-Can't do much these Christmas times. Heard that the captain of our patrol had received letters warning him of an intended insurrection on the part of the negroes.
30-The forts at Charleston have been seized by the people. The gov- ernment, it is thought, will now be obliged to assert its claims by the sword.
1861
January-
1-Our beloved country is in fearful peril. There is every appear- ance of a rapidly approaching civil war, and all unite in the belief that it will be awfully desolating if it occurs; that there will be a perfect disintegration of the nation and our glory as a people will perish. Every- body seems oppressed with sadness. Many devout prayers are being daily offered up.
4 The day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer recommended by the President we have tried to observe.
5-There seems to be such a preparation for civil war everywhere. 7-Lincoln's inauguration may be resisted.
19-Some little hope that our national difficulties may yet be adjusted and that no fratricidal blood shall flow.
20-Four speeches by lawyers today to a great crowd of people in the courthouse on the unhappy state of the country. It is distressing to think that a civil war may be the result of the present tremendous agitation. The people in this community seem ready to fight if the rights of the South be denied.
February-
4-Caperton and Echols elected without opposition. Flour $8.
13-Political affairs more hopeful. Peace conference progressing har- moniously, it is said.
18-There will in all probability be a Southern Confederacy estab- lished.
March-
1-Oh, that a kind God would interfere to calm the political caldron which for so long has been casting up mire and dirt.
4-Mr. A. Lincoln has this day been inaugurated president of the once United States. We are anxious to know the spirit of his inaugural.
6-It has come to us today. It breathes a warlike spirit. He de- clares his determination to collect the revenue and hold the forts in the seceded states. I fear consequences of a most fearful character must come.
168
A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
What our convention will now do we are anxious to see. They will prob- ably pass an ordinance of secession at once, and then unite with the already Confederated States.
11-Newspapers contain the same unhappy intelligence-disunion !
18-Major Echols gave the people a full account of the proceedings in our Legislature and Convention. No secession ordinance to be passed. This is as it should be. The border states are to determine in convention what they as a body will do. The major was a good deal interrupted by J. H-, who evidently had more feeling than knowledge.
April-
7-Our political troubles engage the attention of the people too much.
17-Fort Sumter taken without the loss on either side of a single man! What a kind providence! Is not this a token for good?
18-The Presidents, Lincoln and Davis, have both issued their proc- lamations, calling out the forces of their respective confederacies. Our convention has passed an ordinance of secession. The other border states will doubtless follow. Then there will be a united South against a united North. And I trust that as the folly of undertaking to subjugate fifteen states is patent, the war cannot last more than a few months at most. Very great excitement extending among the people.
21-People too much excited by war news to think on, spiritual subjects.
22-Several secession flags raised here today, one by the high school students, and some speeches made. There was far too much noise for my taste. Profound seriousness should mark our conduct.
24-The sound of war is rousing all around us. A letter from William at Washington College says that three companies have left Lexington.
25-Superior court met today. Several exciting speeches delivered on the war. All are unanimous in the belief that the North must be resisted to the last extremity. Many rumors afloat. It is said a New York regi- ment has been cut to pieces between Annapolis and Washington and 600 killed-needs confirmation. A letter from Rutherford says a company of volunteers formed of seminary students is drilled every day.
26-The excitement today is great. A Home Guard is being formed in which I have enlisted. Special prayers for George Edgar, the son of one of our number, who was before Fort Pickens.
27-Rumored that Fort Pickens is taken by the South with a loss of 1000 men. It is thought that the South has already made an assault on Washington. An insurrection among the negroes on the Kanawha is ap- prehended. In other places free negroes are enlisting in the Southern army.
28-Two confederacies will now undoubtedly be formed, and after the war has terminated it will be long before the great questions of strife can be settled.
29-Our 25 magistrates met today. Companies of about 100 infantry
LEAH (MANN) BALLARD Wife of Baldwin Ballard
BALDWIN BALLARD At the Age of 94 Years
DR. SAMUEL R. HOUSTON, D. D. Presbyterian Pastor at Union for 4+ Years
OLIVER BEIRNE The County's Wealthiest Citizen and Largest Land Owner
A WAR DIARY 169
and 75 cavalry have been formed. Much enthusiasm. The ladies meet daily to make uniforms, caps, etc., etc. Last Saturday a Home Guard was formed of men over 45. About 35 have already enlisted. It is expected that a guard of some 50 or 60 men will be formed in each magisterial dis- trict. Great excitement. Much going to and fro. We feel that we have justice and righteousness and truth on our side.
30-The demands on either side cannot be easily or readily acceded to. Our Home Guard to drill every Saturday. No uniform but a scarf. Rifles if we have them. About 70,000 volunteers have offered their ser- vices to Governor Letcher.
May-
2-The cloud over our unhappy land is evidently gathering blackness. New York Tribune advises the driving off of the people of Virginia and Maryland and the distribution of their lands and other property among the invading forces ! !! )
3-We don't hear much about what the South is planning to do. Every- thing is kept secret.
6-Glad to hear that it is the policy of our government to act strictly on the defensive. Great enthusiasm prevails in this county. The people are wild with excitement throughout the state.
7-The state rapidly being put into a posture of defense. The sense of security will then be a comfort to all our families.
8-The people of the North think our design is to overthrow this government, and that our efforts if successful must necessarily bring about anarchy or a military despotism. Hence all are united in effort and prayer to subjugate the South.
9-The volunteer company ordered into camp at Staunton. A com- pany of 58 mounted riflemen has been raised in the lower end of the county under Captain Fleshman. The cavalry company has failed to make up its number. Great activity in town fitting out the volunteers to leave on Monday.
11-How sad the countenances of mothers, wives, and sisters. 27 young men leave our little village. 100 in all leave our community.
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