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 Articles Indexed by TopicAugusta County : Franklin and Augusta Military Units5th Virginia Infantry | 52nd Virginia Infantry | Staunton Artillery | 3rd Battalion Valley Reserves | McClanahan's Battery | Provost Guard Note: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading. |
The Vindicator, June 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 7:
"Meeting of the Officers of the late Fifth Regiment of Va."
The Fifth Regiment, from
Augusta, met at Harper's Ferry and passed resolutions praising Col. W.S.H. Baylor, its former
commander, and expressing its disagreement with the action taken by the State Convention to
replace Col. Baylor.
The Spectator, July 9, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"Brilliant Victory--Gallantry of the Augusta Volunteers."
Praises the 5th Virginia Regiment,
composed of
Augusta volunteers, for a victory against a superior force of Union
troops.
The Spectator, July 9, 1861, p. 1, c. 3:
"For the Spectator."
Letter from an unnamed soldier that details the activities of the
West Augusta Guard.
The Spectator, July 9, 1861, p. 1, c. 4:
"Letter from Col. J. M. Heck, to Major M.G. Harman."
Letter from Camp Garnett that
includes details of a skirmish and a report of the
"Augusta boys" under the command of Capt. Lilley and Capt. Sterrett.
The Spectator, July 16, 1861, p. 1, c. 3:
"For the Spectator."
Letter praises the valor of Capt. Grinnan's "Ready Rifles."
The Spectator, August 27, 1861, p. 1, c. 5:
"The Fifth Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Manassas."
An account of the Fifth Regiment's
role in the Battle of Manassas.
The Spectator, December 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"Battle on Top of Alleghany."
Details a battle in western Virginia involving Augusta
troops.
The Spectator, February 4, 1862, p. 1, c. 3:
"Gen. Jos. E. Johnston's Official Report."
Quotes from the official report of Gen. Johnston's
command from the time he went to Harper's Ferry until the conclusion of First Manassas. These
excerpts highlight the key role played by the Stonewall Brigade.
The Spectator, March 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"The Laurel and Myrtle--War and Love."
Calls attention to a personal ad from two of Gen.
Jackson's soldiers who are looking for female companions.
The Spectator, May 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Bloody Battle and Glorious Victory."
Item reports battle at Chancellorsville and death of
Gen. Thomas L. "Stonewall" Jackson. The paper does not have the names of the men from the
52d Virginia who have been wounded. However, it has been informed that there were nine killed
and one hundred and eleven wounded from the 5th Virginia.
The Spectator, July 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"The Stonewall Brigade."
Recounts the heroic efforts of the soldiers serving under the late
General Jackson's brigade at the capture of Winchester. Interestingly, this article, like others,
notes the extreme measures troops would take to capture a rival's flags.
The Vindicator, October 30, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"The 5th Va. Regiment."
On last Monday the enemy tried to stop Confederate soldiers from
carrying off railroad iron near Bealington Station, causing a fight in which veterans of the
Stonewall Brigade, the 4th and 5th Virginia Regiments, were engaged.
The Spectator, November 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"For the Spectator."
A letter from Camp Stonewall Brigade alerts the readers to the actions
of two gentlemen from Staunton (names not disclosed) who recently arrived at camp with
packages for various soldiers. Despite the fact that these gentlemen had solicited packages and
announced that they would deliver them without charge, upon arrival at the camp they charged
the soldiers exorbitant prices for carrying the goods to the camp.
The Spectator, February 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"For The Spectator: Information Wanted!"
Asks why it is that quartermasters and
commissaries enjoy special privileges, and why some men are sitting at home instead of
fighting.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Stonewall Brigade."
Expresses shock at a recent report that two hundred Stonewall
Brigade soldiers are without socks and shoes. Suggests that the citizens of Augusta County
would have provided these supplies had they been notified of the shortage earlier.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"For The Spectator."
Brigadier General Walker from the Stonewall Brigade thanks two
Augusta County residents for donating socks and shoes, and asks that more follow their example
and come to the aid of his troops.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6:
"For the Spectator."
Members of Co. E, 5th Va. Infantry express concern and disappointment
about a recent case in which a widow of a 5th Infantry soldier was charged an exorbitant price for
a coffin by a greedy cabinet maker.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"Hard Fight--The "Stonewall Brigade" Defeated--The Fight Renewed And The "Stonewall
Brigade" Successful."
Provides narration of latest come-from-behind success of the
Stonewall Brigade in a snowball fight. The author assures Augusta residents that the soldiers'
morale is fine.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"For The Spectator. A Sketch From Life."
Suggests that it is the treasonous speculator, not
the hard-working soldier in the field who deserts because he is concerned about his family, who
really deserves death.
The Spectator, April 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"Wanted."
Two members of Company F, 5th Virginia Regiment, seek young ladies interested
in opening correspondence, with the possibility of matrimony to follow.
The Spectator, April 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"For The Spectator."
A member of Company D, 5th Va. gives update on camp life, including
religious worship, and condemns the disloyalty of speculators at home.
The Spectator, May 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Battle Between Lee And Grant."
States that during recent fighting in Spotsylvania
County, the South had 2,000 men fall wounded or dead, while the Yankees lost 20,000. Notes
that 926 soldiers of the Stonewall Brigade are missing after the fighting, while 30 officers in the
brigade were killed, wounded, or reported as missing.
The Spectator, May 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"The Fighting Renewed On Tuesday."
Gives a narration of the events surrounding the battle
in Spotsylvania.
The Spectator, May 17, 1864, p. 2, c. 6:
"Interesting Letter."
Prints letter written on May 10 by a soldier in Northern Virginia. Gives
account of the "gallant" maneuvers of the Stonewall Brigade.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "War
News."
The editor reports the particulars of the engagement three miles below Winchester
last Monday between General Early's forces and the enemy. Among those killed on the
Confederate side was Colonel Funk of the 5th Virginia Infantry. Major Newton from the same
regiment was wounded, and Captain James Bumgardner and Lieutenant William Galt of the 52nd
regiment are reported missing.
The Vindicator, October 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 2: "War
News."
Among the war news summarized by the editor this week is a report from New
Market that General Early attacked and beat General Sheridan Wednesday morning at or near
Cedar Creek. No other information is available at this time.
The Vindicator, October 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "The Battle of
Bell Grove."
The editor offers a summary of the battle between General Early and General
Sheridan near Cedar Creek on Wednesday, October 19, 1864. In spite of Confederate losses, the
enemy cannot claim victory.
The Vindicator, October 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "Gen'l Early's
Address to His Army."
Reprints the text of General Early's address to the army of the Valley
on October 22, 1864, in which he criticizes them for abandoning their position and plundering the
enemy's camp. Their actions, Early claims, caused the men to fail to achieve what would have
been "one of the most brilliant and decisive victories of the war."
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 1:
"Stonewall Brigade."
The Stonewall Brigade is in need of warm clothes for the winter. The
editor calls for donations and for female readers to coordinate the campaign to receive
contributions.
The Vindicator, March 31, 1865, p. 1, c. 6:
"For the Vindicator.
A meeting of non-commissioned officers and privates of the 5th Virginia
Infantry convened to consider petitioning the Confederate Congress to permit the Stonewall
Brigade to reorganize. The gathering called Preston Todd to the chair and A. J. Deakins to be
secretary. The group adopted resolutions stating their opinion that consolidating their brigade
with any others would be inexpedient and injurious, that they are so greatly reduced in number
that they can no longer maintain their reputation as the Stonewall Brigade, and that they should be
reorganized into a Stonewall Regiment. Further, they endorse the attempts by the peace
delegation from the Confederacy and pledge their support of General Lee.
The Spectator, September 3, 1861, p. 1, c. 3:
"The Complaints of 'Phil.'"
Addresses the complaints of a writer from Rockbridge
named Phil who complains that Augusta is receiving a disproportionate
amount of recognition in the way of appointments and accolades in the
52nd Regiment. The writer implies that appointments are heaped upon
the already titled and wealthy of Augusta.
The Spectator, September 10, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"The 52nd Virginia Regiment."
Reports the imminent departure of the 52nd from
Staunton.
The Spectator, December 17, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"Another Victory."
Report of a battle in western Virginia involving the 52nd
Regiment, which claims as members several Augusta County companies. The
battle, a Confederate victory according to the Spectator, will
certainly be misreported by the Northern press, says the Spectator.
The Spectator, December 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"Battle on Top of Alleghany."
Details a battle in western Virginia involving Augusta
troops.
The Vindicator, February 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 7:
"Head Quarters, Camp Staunton."
Letter, dated December 1862, from Col. M. G. Harman of
the 52nd Regiment, Virginia Volunteers, requesting that families and friends send men in this
regiment overcoats and blankets from home. He also appeals to citizens of Bath, Augusta, and
Rockbridge counties to furnish 200 pairs of socks for men in the regiment and to offer
information on any deserters.
The Spectator, May 12, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Bloody Battle and Glorious Victory."
Item reports battle at Chancellorsville and death of
Gen. Thomas L. "Stonewall" Jackson. The paper does not have the names of the men from the
52d Virginia who have been wounded. However, it has been informed that there were nine killed
and one hundred and eleven wounded from the 5th Virginia.
The Vindicator, November 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"To the Friends of the 52nd Virginia Regiment."
Colonel James H. Skinner of the 52nd
Virginia Regiment writes to friends of the regiment that Sergeants J. S. Maupin and J. F. Messerly
will be in Staunton at the Quartermaster's Office on November 11-13 to receive articles of
clothing that friends wish to send to the men in the regiment and to receive contributions from the
aid societies of the county. The approaching winter increases the need for additional clothing.
The Spectator, January 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"For The Spectator: An Appeal From The Army For Books."
Asks that the ministers of
Staunton churches--Rev. Messrs. Baker, Latane, Taylor,
Dice, and Miller--encourage their congregations to donate books to the 52nd Virginia Regiment,
in order to help the soldiers pass the time during the winter.
The Spectator, January 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"Presentation of a New Flag to the 52d Va. Regiment."
Tells about the ceremonies
surrounding the presentation of a new Virginia flag to the 52nd Virginia Regiment.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"For The Spectator."
A member of the 52nd Virginia Infantry voices his determination to
remain in the service, despite the refusal of other soldiers to reenlist.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"For The Spectator."
Prints a copy of resolutions adopted by Company D of the 52nd
Virginia regiment that express those soldiers' determination to remain in service to the
Confederacy until the end of the war.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "War
News."
The editor reports the particulars of the engagement three miles below Winchester
last Monday between General Early's forces and the enemy. Among those killed on the
Confederate side was Colonel Funk of the 5th Virginia Infantry. Major Newton from the same
regiment was wounded, and Captain James Bumgardner and Lieutenant William Galt of the 52nd
regiment are reported missing.
The Vindicator, October 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 2: "War
News."
Among the war news summarized by the editor this week is a report from New
Market that General Early attacked and beat General Sheridan Wednesday morning at or near
Cedar Creek. No other information is available at this time.
The Vindicator, October 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "The Battle of
Bell Grove."
The editor offers a summary of the battle between General Early and General
Sheridan near Cedar Creek on Wednesday, October 19, 1864. In spite of Confederate losses, the
enemy cannot claim victory.
The Vindicator, October 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "Gen'l Early's
Address to His Army."
Reprints the text of General Early's address to the army of the Valley
on October 22, 1864, in which he criticizes them for abandoning their position and plundering the
enemy's camp. Their actions, Early claims, caused the men to fail to achieve what would have
been "one of the most brilliant and decisive victories of the war."
The Vindicator, February 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 2:
"For the Vindicator."
The Camp Pegram Brigade of the 52nd Virginia Regiment assembled
on February 2, 1865, and adopted resolutions reaffirming their commitment to the Southern cause
and their dedication to achieving victory. C. B. Coiner, Captain, is the commanding officer.
The Spectator, July 2, 1861, p. 1, c. 2:
"Letter from Capt. Imboden."
Imboden's letter explains an accident that occurred in camp
and the resulting casualty.
The Spectator, December 3, 1861, p. 1, c. 2:
"'Staunton Artillery.'"
Notice of the location and services of the Staunton Artillery
by a Richmond Dispatch correspondent.
The Spectator, January 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"A Daring Dash."
Describes a raid by the Partisan Rangers.
The Vindicator, January 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"Staunton Artillery."
Captain A. W. Garber of the Staunton Artillery is seeking fifty more
recruits. The editor encourages readers to consider the Staunton Artillery first when selecting the
service to join. The Staunton Artillery is well-esteemed because of the efficiency of its first
appearance at first Manassas and because of its record of victory in other "desperately contested
engagements."
The Vindicator, May 20, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"Staunton Artillery."
The Staunton Artillery, under the command of Captain Garber of
Staunton, maintains the high reputation it earned in First Manassas with its performance recently
at Spotsylvania Court House. The Richmond Howitzers left their guns, and General Lee called
for volunteers to replace them. The Staunton Artillery volunteered, operated the Howitzer
Battery and two others, and worked so efficiently that General Lee noticed the performance.
The Vindicator, December 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "The
Staunton Battery."
A writer reports that the Staunton Battery has returned home for the
winter after many battles in the Valley and suggests that the people of Augusta amply supply and
entertain them in the holidays and winter ahead.
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 2:
"For the Vindicator."
The writer thanks Mrs. Col. W. H. Harman for the socks she knitted
for members of the Staunton Artillery and thanks the editor for exercising discretion in refusing to
publish his previous letter. The writer, upon reflection, confesses that his letter was premature
and unjust and thanks the citizens of Staunton and Augusta County for their contributions, even
though the Staunton Artillery did not receive them.
The Vindicator, February 3, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"For the Vindicator: Meeting of the Staunton Artillery."
The Staunton Artillery convened at
their camp near Fishersville on February 1, 1865. They adopted resolutions affirming that the
same spirit that motivated them in 1861 was still strong, that they refused to fail in the cause, that
they refused to accept any peace agreement that did not recognize Southern independence, that
they thanked the women of Augusta County for the bountiful meal prepared for the Artillery on
January 28, and that they pledged their commitment to fight another four years to defend liberty if
necessary.
The Vindicator, February 3, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"For the Vindicator."
The Staunton Artillery, under the command of Captain A. W. Garber,
assembled in Staunton last Saturday to be treated to a dinner held at the American Hotel and then
to hear speeches by General Early and Colonel William H. Harman.
The Spectator, November 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Fight in Greenbrier. Home Guards."
On November 6th, near Greenbrier, a greatly
outnumbered Confederate force under Gen. Echols and Col. Wm. L. Jackson fought heartily, but
had to retreat in the face of a determined attack. The enemy troops under the command of
General Averill next moved towards Staunton until their forces were blocked by Gen. Imboden
near Covington. The presence of a large enemy troop in the area led to the mustering of the Home
Guard units at Staunton. The 3rd Battalion Valley Reserves suffered severe losses.
The Vindicator, April 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"To the Reserves."
The editor alerts the readers to the orders, published in another column,
of Brig. General J. D. Imboden calling for the organization of Reserve troops. The editor notes
that applications for details or exemptions should go to Imboden's headquarters instead of to the
Conscript Bureau in Richmond, a procedure particularly appealing to the people of Augusta
County since Imboden is so familiar with the needs of the area. In the same regard, those with
flimsy excuses will likely not receive exemptions because Imboden will know the situations of true
need.
The Vindicator, July 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "Calling out the
Reserves."
The editor states his concern over the recent calling out of the Reserves of the
Valley. Most of them are farmers who have been ignoring their corn crops, which they planted at
top capacity in order to salvage as much of their wheat crops as possible in the few weeks since
the Reserves were disbanded. Since only white labor is available locally, the corn crop will suffer
even more if white farmers are called to service. The editor is certain that the Commandant of
Conscripts for Virginia is unaware of the labor situation in the area.
The Spectator, April 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"The 'Reserves.'"
Announces the formation of five Augusta County reserve companies among
men between ages 45 and 50, and between 17 and 18.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2: "'We Publish
in To-day's Issue . . .'"
The editor calls the attention of readers to the notice published
elsewhere ordering the registration of all persons between the ages of 17 and 50 not currently
serving with the Confederacy or in the reserves. The editor assumes this process is to review all
exemptions and detail assignments. He calls for "speedy compliance" and requests that the
registration office be open at all hours so that farmers, during this particular season, will not have
to leave their fields for long.
The Vindicator, December 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 2: "'Gen. R.D.
Lilley . . .'"
General R. D. Lilley has been assigned to command the Reserve forces in the
Valley. Lilley has been active in the war since it began and lost an arm in the battle at Winchester.
The Reserves have an able leader in Lilley.
The Spectator, November 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"For the Spectator."
An anonymous letter seeks to alert the public to the contribution of
McClanahan's Battery and the 62nd. Va. Infantry under the command of Col. Smith in the recent
capture of Charlestown.
The Vindicator, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"Lieut. Carter Berkely."
Lieutenant Carter Berkely of Captain McClannahan's Battery under
General Imboden's command is in Staunton recruiting for his company. The editor recommends
signing up with this company because it is a mounted battery, it has "excellent and accomplished
officers," and it is likely to operate in the Valley, near where most men live.
The Vindicator, February 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"Soldier Killed."
Lt. David Ream of the 18th Virginia Cavalry shot and killed Casper
Phenenger, a member of Captain McClanahan's Battery, at dusk on February 11 near the Virginia
Hotel in Staunton. Phenenger was intoxicated and ignored or did not hear Ream's order to halt.
Ream shot him from behind, and he fell from his horse and died within a few minutes. A civil trial
will elicit the facts in the case. Both men were said to be excellent soldiers.
The Spectator, April 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"The 25th and 31st Regiments."
Reports that the 25th and 31st regiments passed through
Staunton. Some soldiers got drunk and rowdy and were subsequently placed in the
guardhouse. A scrap between the soldiers and the Guard of the
Provost Marshall was narrowly averted.
The Spectator, March 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"P[r]ovost Guard."
Reports that the local Provost Marshal is interested in finding recruits
between the ages of 45 and 50. The article says this would be good move for those eligible, since
it would allow them to remain near their homes and families.
The Spectator, April 19, 1864, p. 1, c. 2:
"Notice. Office Provost Marshal."
Notice dated March 10, 1864, calls on men between ages
45 and 50 to apply for service in the local Provost guard.
