Union Regiments by State

West Virginia

Source: The Union Army, Vol. II. Madison, Wisconsin: Federal Publishing Company, 1908.


Military Affairs in West Virginia
1861-65

Although the war furnished the opportunity for the partition of Virginia, the real cause for the separation had existed from the earliest days of the Republic. In 1781, when the boundaries of the several states were being determined, there were some in Congress who contended that the Allegheny mountains should form the political as they did the natural western boundary of Virginia, and for more than half a century before the outbreak of the Civil war the question of a division had been agitated at intervals. The people west of the mountains had come chiefly from the northern and eastern states and had little in common with the aristocratic "First Families of Virginia" who inhabited the eastern portion of the state. In the system of taxation and internal improvements the tendency had been to discriminate against the west, partly through the selfishness of the eastern section, and partly because the mountains formed a natural barrier to the construction of canals and railroads into the western counties. Consequently there were no commercial relations between the east and west. In addition to this the people of the west were not so firmly wedded to the institution of slavery as were their eastern brethren. In i860 the white population of the state was 1,o97,393, and the slave population 40o,887. In the forty-eight western counties, which later became the State of West Virginia, there were 334,921 whites and only 12,771 slaves. Thus it will be seen that, in the establishment of the new state, Virginia lost nearly one-third of her white population and less than one-thirtieth of her slaves. In the presidential election of i860 the electoral vote of the state was given to John Bell, the candidate of the American party, which represented the conservative element of the country, and believed in dealing with the slavery question in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and the laws. In that election the combined vote of Lincoln, Douglas and Bell was nearly 20,000 greater than that of Breckenridge, the avowed slavery candidate, showing that a large majority of the people of Virginia was in favor of the Union, though there was also a strong sympathy with the slave states.

All watched with deepest interest the action of the Southern states with regard to the secession of South Carolina, and as events unfolded all seemed to realize that Virginia, as a border state, would be placed in a critical position if war should become inevitable. The prevailing opinion was that she should stand as a mediator between the North and the South, while an aggressive minority insisted that she should cast her destinies with the South and abide by the result. This minority brought a tremendous pressure to bear upon Governor John Letcher to convene the legislature in extra session, as that body was the only one that had the authority to call a state convention to determine Virginia's policy, and he issued a proclamation for the legislature to assemble at Richmond on January 7, 1861.

In his message at the opening of the session Governor Letcher opposed a state convention to consider the question of secession, and suggested measures that he thought would secure a peaceable adjustment of the differences between the North and South, though he declared: "A disruption is inevitable, and if new confederations are to be formed, we must have the best guarantees before we can attach Virginia to either." He further declared that he would regard any attempt of the Federal troops to pass through Virginia for the purpose of coercing any Southern state as an act of invasion, which would be repelled. After a week of heated debate a bill was passed providing for a state convention to assemble in Richmond on February 13, delegates to which were to be elected on the 4th. The people were also to vote at this election on the proposition as to whether the work of the convention should be submitted to popular vote before it became effective. On this question the majority in favor of submission was overwhelming—110,000 in favor of it to about 45,000 against it—thus showing that less than one-third of the electors were at that time secessionists. A still greater proportion of Union men was seen in the delegates to the convention. Out of the 152 members, 85 had voted for Bell, 35 for Douglas, and 32 for Breckenridge, the last named probably representing the radical secession sentiment.

John Janney, of Loudoun county, was chosen president of the convention, and upon taking the chair made a short address, of which the historian Willey says: "The spirit of patriotism and reverence for the old flag, which prompted the address, were as fervent before this 'Secession Convention' as if it were a Fourth of July audience. That it met with a cordial response from a majority of the delegates cannot be doubted, and that the sentiments were sincere and earnest on the part of the speaker, his whole course during and after the convention, established." But, if the secessionists were in the minority, they were the better organized and worked with greater unity of purpose than did the Unionists. On the very first day of the convention a resolution was passed appointing a committee of five to invite John S. Preston, commissioner from South Carolina; Henry L. Benning, commissioner from Georgia; and Fulton Anderson, commissioner from Mississippi, to seats in the convention, or to deliver any messages they might have from their respective states. The commissioners above named were all adroit and skillful orators, and their addresses to the convention crystallized the secession sentiment, raised the enthusiasm of the lukewarm delegates, and carried a number of those who were hesitating over to their side. A single sentence from the address of Mr. Preston is sufficient to show the spirit that was moving the convention to join the Confederacy. He said, in part: "My people believe the Union unnatural and monstrous. There is no human force—no sanctity of human touch—that can reunite the people of the North with the people of the South. That can never be done unless the economy of God is changed." Copies of the addresses were printed and distributed broadcast for the purpose of arousing public opinion, which would in turn influence the action of the convention. The scheme was well conceived and worked to perfection. The revolutionary element came to the surface; speeches were made in favor of the new Confederacy; bands of music paraded the streets and serenaded the champions of secession; United States flags were hauled down and Confederate colors hoisted in their places, and all possible means were employed to overcome the "submissionists," as the Union delegates were termed.

Thus matters stood when Fort Sumter was fired upon, and on April 16 the convention went into secret session. Newspaper reporters and correspondents were excluded, additional doorkeepers were appointed, and the delegates and officers of the convention were required to take a solemn oath not to make known to the public the action of the secret session. On the following day, still behind closed doors, the convention passed the ordinance that severed Virginia's connection with the Union by a vote of 88 to 55, one excused and 8 not voting. The convention had been stampeded into doing a thing which none thought probable when it was first assembled. The injunction of secrecy has never been removed, but the papers belonging to George W. Brent, delegate from Fairfax county, which were made public after his death, disclose what was done and give the vote in full. Among the 55 who voted against secession was found the names of John Janney, president of the convention, and Jubal A. Early, afterward famous as a Confederate major-general. It is fortunate and important to the truths of history that so much of the proceedings of this convention have been preserved. As soon as the ordinance was passed the Union delegates began to withdraw, leaving the secessionists to have their own way, a condition of which they were not slow to avail themselves. Notwithstanding the people had voted in favor of submitting the work of the convention to popular vote, and the time of such election had been fixed as the fourth Thursday in May, the convention on April 25 passed an ordinance ratifying a temporary union with the Confederacy, and on the same day formally adopted and ratified the constitution of the Confederate States.

All pretense of a fair submission of the question to popular vote was finally abandoned. On May 16, ten days in advance of the time for the election, Senator James M. Mason published a letter, which was copied in nearly all the newspapers, and which clearly indicated the spirit of intolerance by which the people of Virginia were controlled. One short paragraph from this letter will be conclusive: "If it be asked what those shall do who cannot in conscience vote to separate Virginia from the United States, the answer is simple and plain. Honor and duty alike require that they should not vote on the question, and if they retain such opinions they must leave the state."

But 92 delegates signed the secession ordinance, and of these only two or three were from west of the mountains. The western delegates left Richmond on April 21. Although under a bond of secrecy some of them had written to their constituents, apprising them in a general way of the gravity of the situation, and their arrival home was the signal for a general uprising. Public meetings were held in almost every county, at all of which a solemn protest was made against the secession of the state. On April 17, immediately upon the passage of the so-called ordinance of secession, Governor Letcher addressed a letter to Andrew Sweeney, mayor of Wheeling, the largest city in the western part of the state, informing him of the fact and ordering him to seize the custom house, post office, and all public buildings and records in the name of the "sovereign state of Virginia." Mayor Sweeney replied that he had "seized upon the public buildings and records in the name of Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States, whose property they are." On the 22nd, the day after the western delegates left the capital, a meeting was held at Clarksburg. It was convened through the influence of Francis H. Pierpont of Morgantown, John S. Carlile, the delegate from Harrison county, and many other prominent men, and at this meeting the first steps were taken toward the formation of a new state, though it was not so expressed at the time. A series of resolutions, denouncing and repudiating the action of the state convention, were adopted, and the people were recommended to "appoint five delegates from among their wisest men, to meet in Mass Convention at Wheeling on May 13, to consult and determine upon such action as the people of Northwestern Virginia should take in the present fearful emergency." Before the date set for the mass convention Henry A. Wise was sent by the Confederate government with an armed force into the western counties for the purpose of overawing them into submission and holding that section for the Confederacy. As his army marched down the Kanawha valley it created great alarm and many of the Union men of that region fled to Ohio for safety. Preparations for the convention went on, however, and when the delegates assembled at Washington hall in the city of Wheeling on May 13, it was found that 26 counties were fully represented. As the convention had been called without the sanction of any legally constituted authority it was powerless to act in a way that would bind the people to any course it might adopt. The affirmative policy of the delegates was therefore not very well defined, but on the negative side all were a unit in one thing they would not do, and that was to ratify the action of the Richmond convention committing the state to the Confederacy.

As soon as the convention was organized a committee on State and Federal relations, consisting of one delegate from each county, was appointed. This committee was deluged with various plans and resolutions offering solutions to the vexed problem that then confronted the country, but the one that seemed to meet with the most favor was the resolution offered by Mr. Carlile. and which was as follows: "Resolved, That the committee on State and Federal relations be instructed to report an ordinance declaring that the connection of the counties of this state, composing the 10th and 11th Congressional districts, to which shall be added the county of Wayne, with the other portion of this state is hereby dissolved, and that the people of the said counties are in the possession and exercise of all the rights of sovereignty which belong and appertain to a free and independent state in the United States and subject to the constitution thereof; and that said committee be instructed to report a constitution and form of government for the said state, to be called the State of New Virginia; and also that they report a declaration of causes which have impelled the people of said counties thus to dissolve their connection with the rest of the state, together with an ordinance declaring that said constitution and form of government shall take effect and be an act of this day when the consent of the Congress of the United States and of the legislature of the State of Virginia are obtained as is provided for by section 3 article 4 of the constitution of the United States."

A long chapter might be written concerning the debate that followed the introduction of this resolution, but in the present instance it is sufficient to say that Mr. Carlile's plan was finally rejected as being too radical and revolutionary. After recommending that another convention be assembled in Wheeling on June 11, and the appointment of a committee of five to make the necessary arrangements therefor, the mass convention adjourned "amidst a blaze of enthusiasm, cheers for the Union, and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner."

The June convention assembled in the same hall in which the mass convention had been held, 35 of the western counties being represented by 77 delegates, and was organized by the election of Arthur I. Boreman, of Wood county, as president, and George Cranmer, of Ohio county, as secretary. As soon as the organization was completed each county delegation came forward and took the following oath: "We solemnly declare that we will support the constitution of the United States and the laws made in pursuance thereof, as the supreme law of the land, anything in the ordinance of the convention that assembled in Richmond on February 13 last to the contrary notwithstanding, so help us God." Two schemes were immediately proposed—one providing for the formation of a new state after the Carlile plan, and the other of reorganizing the state government of Virginia, the loyal counties assuming that they constituted the state. The latter plan prevailed, and on June 13 the convention issued an address setting forth the objects to be attained. As this address forms the basis for the establishment of the State of West Virginia it is given in full.

"A Declaration of the People of Virginia, Represented in Convention, at the City of Wheeling, Thursday, June 13, 1861.

"The true purpose of all government is to promote the welfare and provide for the protection and security of the governed; and when any form of organization of government proves inadequate for, or subversive of this purpose, it is the right, it is the duty of the latter, to alter or abolish it. The Bill of Rights of Virginia, framed in 1776, reaffirmed in 1830, and again in 1851, expressly reserves this right to a majority of her people. The act of the general assembly, calling the convention which assembled in Richmond in February last, without the previously expressed consent of such a majority, was therefore a usurpation; and the convention thus called has not only abused the powers nominally intrusted to it, but, with the connivance and active aid of the executive, has usurped and exercised other powers, to the manifest injury of the people, which, if permitted, will inevitably subject them to a military despotism.

"The convention, by its pretended ordinances, has required the people of Virginia to separate from and wage war against the government of the United States, and against the citizens of neighboring states, with whom they have heretofore maintained friendly social and business relations.

"It has attempted to subvert the Union founded by Washington and his copatriots, in the former days of the republic, which has conferred unexampled prosperity upon every class of citizens, and upon every section of the country.

"It has attempted to transfer the allegiance of the people to an illegal confederacy of rebellious states, and required their submission to its pretended edicts and decrees.

"It has attempted to place the whole military force and military operations of the Commonwealth under the control and direction of such confederacy, for offensive as well as defensive purposes.

"It has, in conjunction with the state executive, instituted, wherever their usurped power extends, a reign of terror intended to suppress the free expression of the will of the people, making elections a mockery and a fraud.

"The same combination, even before the passage of the pretended ordinance of secession, instituted war by seizure and appropriation of the property of the Federal government, and by organizing and mobilizing armies, with the avowed purpose of capturing or destroying the capital of the Union.

"They have attempted to bring the allegiance of the people of the United States in direct conflict with their subordinate allegiance to the state, thereby making obedience to their pretended ordinances treason against the former.

"We, therefore, the delegates here assembled in convention to devise such measures and take such action as the safety and welfare of the loyal citizens of Virginia may demand, having maturely considered the premises, and viewing with great concern the deplorable conditions to which this once happy Commonwealth must be reduced unless some regular adequate remedy is speedily adopted, and appealing to the Supreme Ruler of the universe for the rectitude of our intentions, do hereby, in the name and on behalf of the good people of Virginia, solemnly declare that the preservation of their dearest rights and liberties, and their security in person and property, imperatively demand the reorganization of the government of the Commonwealth, and all acts of said convention and executive, tending to separate this. Commonwealth from the United States, or to levy and carry on war against them, are without authority and void; and that the offices of all who adhere to the said convention and executive, whether legislative, executive or judicial, are vacated."

On the 19th the convention passed an ordinance providing for the election of a governor, lieutenant-governor and attorney general by the convention, as well as a council of five members "to consult with and advise the governor respecting such matters pertaining to his official duties as he shall submit for consideration, and to aid in the execution of his official orders." Members of the legislature elected the previous year were to retain their seats, provided they took the oath prescribed by the convention, and the general assembly was directed to meet in Wheeling on July 1. The next day the convention completed its work by the election of Francis H. Pierpont, of Marion county, governor; Daniel Polsley, of Mason, lieutenant-governor; and James S. Wheat, of Ohio county, attorney-general. The governor's council was composed of Peter G. Van Winkle, of Wood; Daniel Lamb, of Ohio; William Lazier, of Monongalia; William A. Harrison, of Harrison; and J. T. Paxton, of Ohio. When these appointments were made the convention adjourned to meet again August 6, following. On July i the legislature met pursuant to the call of the convention. Governor Pierpont, in his message, announced that he had informed President Lincoln of the acts and aims of the people of West Virginia, and had received the assurance of such support from the Federal government as could be given within the limit of constitutional authority. On the 9th the general assembly completed the reorganization of the state government by the election of L. A. Hagans, secretary of state, Samuel Crane, auditor, and Campbell Tarr, treasurer. R. M. T. Hunter and James M. Mason, United States senators from Virginia, having resigned their seats upon the passage of the secession ordinance, Waitman T. Willey and John S. Carlile were chosen to fill the vacancies. Their credentials were presented in the senate on the 13th by Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, and after some debate they were duly admitted, the upper house of Congress thus recognizing the reorganized government of Virginia. So far the plan of reorganizing the state government had worked admirably, but it was soon to be changed by the adjourned session of the state convention which met at Wheeling on August 6. Of this session Willey says: "It was tacitly understood that the primary object of the second session was the formation of a new state. The adjournment was to afford time to mature the plans, stimulate public sentiment in its favor, and provide for complying with all the formal requirements of law." On the 20th an ordinance was passed, creating the "State of Kanawha," fixing its boundaries, and providing for an election upon the fourth Thursday of October, at which the people should vote upon the question. At the same time delegates were to be elected to a constitutional convention. If the majority of the voters favored the establishment of a new state the constitutional convention was to meet in Wheeling on November 20, but if the majority should be against the formation of a new state the delegates elected were not to assemble. This ordinance passed the convention by a vote of 50 to 28, and at the election in October the new state proposition received 18,408 votes in the affirmative, only 781 being cast in the negative.

The constitutional convention met at Wheeling on November 26 and continued in session until the new constitution was completed. By the provisions of this organic law the following counties became unconditionally parts of the new state: Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Logan, McDowell, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mercer, Monongalia, Monroe, Nicholas, Ohio, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood and Wyoming. In addition to the above 44 counties Berkeley, Frederick, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Morgan and Pendleton were to become a part of the new state when the people of those counties ratified the constitution by a popular vote. All except Frederick did this, and subsequently became attached to West Virginia.

The first movement of troops in West Virginia, as confirmed by the statement of General McClellan, was as follows: "On the afternoon of May 20, 1861, I received at Camp Dennison, Ohio, confirmation of the movement of the secessionists to destroy the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. I at once ordered by telegraph Colonel B. F. Kelley, 1st Virginia volunteer infantry, then in camp at Wheeling, and other regiments to move from Parkersburg. The regiment commanded by Colonel Kelley was the first to march to the defense of the state." General T. A. Morris entered western Virginia with a body of Union troops from Ohio and Indiana, defeated the Confederates at Philippi on June 3, and drove them back toward the mountains. This was the first battle of the Civil war, and it drew forth an address from Governor Letcher to the people of northwestern Virginia, under date of June 14, in which he said in part: "Virginia has asserted her independence. She will maintain it at every hazard. She is sustained by the power of ten of her sister Southern states, ready and willing to uphold her cause. Can any true Virginian refuse to render assistance? Men of the northwest, I appeal to you, by all the considerations which have drawn us together as one people heretofore, to rally to the standard of the Old Dominion. * * * I have sent for your protection such troops as the emergency enabled me to collect, in charge of a competent commander. I have ordered a large force to go to your aid, but I rely with the utmost confidence upon your own strong arms to rescue your firesides and altars from the pollution of a reckless and ruthless enemy. The state is invaded at several points, but ample forces have been collected to defend her. * * * The troops are posted at Huttonsville. Come with your own good weapons and meet them as brothers." This appeal met with but slight favor in the western section of the state, most of those able to bear arms flocking to the Union standard. In July General McClellan defeated the Confederates at Rich mountain and Carrick's ford; General Rosecrans defeated Floyd on the Gauley river in August; Wise abandoned the Kanawha valley; and the victory over General R. E. Lee at Cheat mountain in September restored the Federal authority in western Virginia.

The constitution as framed by the Wheeling convention was submitted to a vote of the people on April 3, 1862, and resulted in its adoption by a vote of 18,862 to 514. The legislature of the reorganized state government met on May 6, and gave its formal consent to the establishment of the new state as required by section 3, article 4, of the Federal constitution. The name Kanawha, suggested by the convention, was dropped, and on May 29 Senators Willey and Carlile presented in the senate of the United States the application for the admission of the State of West Virginia. Considerable debate followed. The constitution submitted to Congress as the basis of admission was silent on the subject of slavery, and an effort was made to have the state admitted as a free state. An amendment, proposed by Senator Willey, providing that from and after July 4, 1863, all slave children born in the state should be free, and that all slaves within the state, "who shall at the time aforesaid be under 21 years of age, shall be free when they arrive at the age of 21," was adopted, subject to the approval of the people of the state, and in this amended form the bill passed the senate on July 14. It did not pass the house until December 9, 1862, and then a heavy pressure was brought to bear upon President Lincoln to have him veto it, but after carefully weighing the arguments on both sides he gave it his official approval on the last day of the year. The constitutional convention was reassembled on February 12, 1863, and indorsed the Willey amendment, which was submitted to the people at a popular election on March 26 and ratified by a vote of 28,321 to 572. On April 20 President Lincoln issued his proclamation declaring West Virginia admitted after 60 days from that date.

The constitutional convention had made provision that, if a majority of the people voted in favor of the Willey amendment, an election should be held on May 28, for state officers and members of both branches of the legislature. The office of lieutenant-governor was abolished by the new constitution, and the election in May resulted in the choice of the following state officers without opposition: governor, Arthur I. Boreman; secretary of state, J. E. Boyers; auditor, Samuel Crane; treasurer, Campbell Tarr; attorney-general, A. B. Caldwell; judges of the supreme court, R. L. Berkshire, W. A. Harrison and J. H. Brown. The inauguration of these officers took place at Wheeling on June 20, with imposing ceremonies, and West Virginia on that date assumed her station in the galaxy of American Commonwealths. The legislature assembled on the same date to grapple with a number of important problems that presented themselves for consideration. Senator Willey was reelected and P. G. Van Winkle was chosen to succeed John S. Carlile. The legislature of the restored government of Virginia had provided the new state with revenue by enacting that all fines, forfeitures, confiscations, uncollected taxes, etc., within the counties composing West Virginia, should belong to that state. Governor Boreman remained the governor of the state during the remainder of the war, being reelected in October. 1864, without opposition.

Of all the loyal people of the North none are more deserving of eulogy than the rugged mountaineers of West Virginia. With the spirit of patriotism of the Revolutionary fathers they braved the contumely of the First Families of the Old Dominion and cast their destinies with the Federal government. Born amid the stirring scenes of internecine strife, the state weathered the storm, and after a lapse of nearly half a century of peace and progress it can be safely said that her founders builded better than they knew. In the several calls for troops during the war the total quota of West Virginia was 34,463 men. In response to these calls she furnished 17 regiments and 2 companies of infantry; 7 regiments and 2 companies of cavalry, and 8 batteries of artillery—a total of 32,068 men who were mustered into the United States service, besides several organizations controlled by the state authorities and employed wholly within her borders. On every field where the West Virginians met the enemy they rendered a good account of themselves, and the names of Kelley, Thoburn, Capehart, Wells, Duval, Powell, McGee, Showalter, Daum, Graham, Carlin, and a host of others, are indelibly enrolled among the heroes of the Republic.

Page 299


RECORD OF WEST VIRGINIA REGIMENTS

NOTE.—Owing to a lack of reliable data, the names of the officers and date of muster out of some of the West Virginia regiments could not be accurately ascertained. Where it was possible this information has been supplied, but in several cases the list of officers is no doubt incomplete.

First Infantry.—Colonels, Benjamin F. Kelley, Joseph Thoburn, Isaac H. Duval; Lieutenant-Colonels, Henry B. Hubbard, Jacob Weddle; Majors, Isaac H. Duval, Jacob Weddle, Edward W. Stephens. This regiment was organized at Wheeling under the first call for volunteers and was mustered in May 24, 1861, for three months. It was composed of men from Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties and was probably the only regiment organized during the war where the government deemed it unsafe to send arms and equipments. Some of the Brooke county men, well known for their loyalty, secured through Governor Andrew of Massachusetts the arms, which were delivered at Wellsburg under a personal bond and afterward turned over to the regiment at Wheeling. The regiment went to the front without cartridge boxes, knapsacks, haversacks or uniforms, opening the Baltimore & Ohio railroad from Wheeling to Grafton, where it joined the forces under General Morris. It fought at Philippi, the first battle of the war, where Colonel Kelley was wounded; was engaged in several minor skirmishes; five companies were with General McClellan on the Rich mountain campaign; another detachment was with Colonel Tyler in the operations against General Wise, and the remainder of the three months' service was occupied in railroad guard duty. It was mustered out August 28, 1861, but was reorganized for three years by Colonel Thoburn and mustered in November 14, 1861. It fought at Blue's gap, under General Lander, and after his death at Paw-paw tunnel was transferred to the 3d brigade, Shields' division, with which it served in the Shenandoah Valley in the spring of 1862. In July it became a part of the 4th brigade, Ricketts' division, McDowell's corps, and fought at Cedar mountain, in the operations along the Rappahannock river, at Thoroughfare gap and in the second battle of Bull Run. In October, 1862, it was sent to Wheeling to recruit, after which it was sent to North mountain, and in March, 1863, was attached to the 2nd brigade, 1st division, 8th corps. In July it joined General Kelley's command and operated against the Confederates in Maryland and West Virginia until January, 1864. In February, 1864, it was sent to Wheeling on veteran furlough, afterward taking part in General Sigel's Shenandoah Valley campaign. Subsequently it was with Gens. Hunter and Crook in the movements against Lynchburg and in the Shenandoah Valley and in the summer and fall of 1864 was with General Sheridan's Army of West Virginia, with which it fought at Winchester, Cedar creek, Berryville, Charlestown, Halltown, the Opequan, Fisher's hill and again at Cedar creek in October, where Colonel Thoburn, then commanding the 1st division of the Army of West Virginia, was mortally wounded. On October 29, the regiment was sent to Cumberland, Maryland, whence the non-veterans were sent to Wheeling to be mustered out and the remaining portion was consolidated into a battalion of four companies under Lieutenant-Colonel Weddle. On December 10, 1864, this battalion, by order of the war department was consolidated with the 4th West Virginia infantry, forming the 2nd West Virginia veteran infantry, which was stationed at Cumberland, Maryland.

The 1st veteran infantry was formed November 9, 1864, by the consolidation of the 5th and 9th infantry, with William H. Enochs, colonel; John S. P. Carroll, lieutenant-colonel; James P. Waymer, major, and served in Virginia until mustered out July 21, 1865.

Second Infantry.—Colonels, George R. Latham, John W. Moss; Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert Moran; Majors, James D. Owens. Thomas Gibson, Henry C. Flesher. This regiment was organized in July, 1861, the companies being mustered in as they were formed and hurried to the front. Cos. A, B, C, D, E, F and G took part in the three months' campaign in West Virginia and about August 1 were concentrated at Beverly. It was engaged by detachments, scouting in the counties of Barbour, Tucker. Randolph and Pendleton, engaging in numerous skirmishes with the guerrilla bands that infested the country, and always with success. From Beverly it was sent to reinforce General J. J. Reynolds at Elk Water in May, 1862, and arrived just in time to defeat the enemy, who had Reynolds almost surrounded. It next served under General Milroy about Cheat mountain, Monterey and Bull Pasture mountain, where it fought with its accustomed valor and aided materially in the defeat of the Confederates. With General Fremont it was engaged at Cross Keys and Port Republic, and afterward with Pope's army at Cedar mountain. The winter of 1862-63 was passed at Beverly, the regiment having been separated from Milroy's command, and it was there attacked by Gen Imboden in April, 1863. After a stubborn resistance against overwhelming odds for several hours it fell back to Buckhannon. During the remainder of 1863 it was engaged in various expeditions and on January 26, 1864, was changed to the 5th West Virginia cavalry by order of the war department.

The 2nd veteran infantry was formed December 21, 1864, by the consolidation of the ist and 4th regiments, with Jacob Weddle, lieutenant-colonel and Benjamin D. Boswell, major. It was mustered out July 16 and 18, 1865, in accordance with orders from the war department.

Third Infantry.—Colonels, David T. Hewes, George R. Latham; Lieutenant-Colonels, Francis W. Thompson, Rufus E. Fleming; Majors, Charles E. Swearingen, Theodore F. Lang, Harrison W. Hunter, Peter J. Potts, Andrew J. Squires, Thomas E. Day. This regiment was organized at Wheeling, Clarksburg and Newburg in June and July, 1861, and was mustered in for three years. It was engaged in the operations in western Virginia; was concentrated at Elk Water under General Milroy; fought at McDowell; was with General Fremont at Cross Keys and Port Republic; joined the army under General Pope and was engaged at Cedar mountain, Kelly's ford, Lee's springs, Waterloo bridge, and the second battle of Bull Run; was divided into detachments in October, 1862, and was not again concentrated until April, 1863. In June, 1863, it was changed to mounted infantry, and served on various expeditions until January 26, 1864, when it was changed to the 6th cavalry (q. v.).

Fourth Infantry.—Colonels, Joseph A. J. Lightburn, James H. Dayton; Lieutenant-Colonels, William H. H. Russell, John L. Vance; Majors, John T. Hall, Henry Grayum. The 4th infantry was organized at Point Pleasant from June to September, 1861, and was mustered in for three years. Its early service was in Wayne county, where it passed the winter, and the summer of 1862 was spent in the Kanawha valley in numerous skirmishes, Colonel Lightburn having command of the district. On December 29, 1862, it was brigaded with the 30th, 37th and 47th Ohio infantry and ordered south to join the Army of the Tennessee. At Young's point, Louisiana, January 21, 1863, it was assigned to the 2nd division, 15th corps, with which it continued until after the fall of Vicksburg. In the assault of May 18, on the Vicksburg fortifications, its colors were "torn to rags by bullets, both color sergeants killed, and all the color guard but one killed or wounded." It continued with the 15th corps (Sherman's) in the siege of Jackson; then moved to Chattanooga; fought at Missionary ridge; was with the expedition to relieve General Burnside at Knoxville; was ordered back and on January 7, 1864, reached Larkinsville, Alabama. In February, 1864, it took part in a raid into Alabama and marched 175 miles. In March the veterans received their furloughs and when they reported for duty on May 1, were ordered to join General Hunter for the movement against Lynchburg. With the Army of West Virginia it took part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign, being engaged at Winchester and Cedar creek in July and August, and was highly complimented by the division commander. It also fought at Snicker's ferry and Berryville. At the expiration of the original term of enlistment the non-veterans were mustered out and the veterans and recruits were consolidated with the 1st West Virginia infantry in December to form the 2nd veteran infantry.

Fifth Infantry.—Colonels, John L. Zeigler, Abia A. Tomlinson; Lieutenant Colonels, Stephen P. Calvin, William H. Enochs; Majors, Ralph Ormstead, Lorenzo A. Phelps. This regiment was organized at Ceredo during the first half of September, 1861, and was mustered in for three years. No detailed account of its services is available, but it is known that it served in West Virginia and Virginia until the expiration of the term of enlistment, the non-veterans being mustered out in September, and October, 1864, and the veterans and recruits consolidated with the 9th infantry to form the 1st veteran regiment, under Special Orders No. 391, dated November 9, 1864.

Sixth Infantry.—Colonel, Nathan Wilkinson; Lieutenant-Colonels, John F. Hoy, Larkin Peirpont; Majors, John B. Frothingham, John H. Showalter, Larkin Peirpont, Edward A. Bennett. The 6th infantry was organized by authority of the war department and was mustered into the U. S. service from August to Dec, 1861, for the purpose of guarding the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in the state. During the years 1862 the companies were moved about from place to place as their services were needed. Cos. A and G were attacked at Weston in August by General Jenkins and compelled to retire with a loss of 6 men wounded; part of the regiment under command of Captain Mattingly of Co. G—124 officers and men—was attacked by Colonel Jackson with 700 infantry, 75 cavalry and a piece of artillery at Bulltown in October, but the enemy was repulsed after a fight which lasted for several hours; in McCausland's attack on the Union forces at New creek in August Cos. A, G and L were engaged, and the report says they "behaved with conspicuous gallantry, losing 2 men killed and 4 wounded." The non-veterans were mustered out at the expiration of the original term of enlistment and the veterans and recruits were retained in service until June 10, 1865, when they were mustered out by order of the war department.

Seventh Infantry.—Colonels, James Evans, Joseph Snyder; Lieutenant Colonels, John G. Kelley, Jonathan H. Lockwood, Isaac B. Fisher, Francis W. H. Baldwin; Majors, Isaac B. Fisher, James B. Morris, Marcus Fetty. This regiment was organized at Wheeling and Grafton from July to October, 1861, and was mustered in for three years. Its early service was in Virginia and West Virginia, dispersing wandering bands of the enemy, guarding the railroads, etc. It fought at Romney, Bloomery gap, and in numerous minor skirmishes, and on April 2, 1862, was relieved from railroad duty and ordered to Winchester, where it was assigned to provost duty under Major Lockwood. It was next engaged in several tiresome marches in the Shenandoah Valley, and on July 2 reached Harrison's landing on the James river in time to cover the rear of McClellan's army as it fell back from Malvern hill. It remained with the Army of the Potomac; covered Pope's retreat from Centerville to Chain bridge; distinguished itself at Antietam and Fredericksburg, in both of which actions it was in the first line of battle; participated in the battle of Chancellorsville; arrived at Gettysburg on the evening of July 1, 1863, and played a prominent part in the two days' engagement that followed. In all these actions it lost severely, but was always at its post of duty. After Gettysburg it rested at Elk run, Virginia, until in September, when it moved on the Bristoe campaign and the Mine Run fiasco. In February, 1864, it fought at Morton's ford, immediately after which the veterans went home on furlough. The regiment rejoined the Army of the Potomac in time for the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, in which it was engaged at the Wilderness, Po river. Ny river, Spottsylvania, the North Anna river, Totopotomy, and Cold Harbor, losing heavily during the campaign. It was in the first assaults on the works at Petersburg; was engaged at Deep Bottom; at the explosion of Burnside's mine; and as a compliment to the gallantry of the members at Reams' station the regiment was furnished with the Henry repeating rifle. It was in action at Hatcher's run and on the Boydton plank road; was present at the fall of Petersburg; pursued Lee's army to Appomattox, and was present at the surrender. During these later movements the regiment consisted of a battalion of four companies under Lieutenant-Colonel Baldwin, the non-veterans having been mustered out at the expiration of the term of enlistment. The battalion was mustered out July 1, 1865.

Eighth Infantry.—Colonel, John H. Oley; Lieutenant-Colonels, Lucien Loeser, John J. Polsley; Majors, Hedgeman Slack, William Gramm, Edgar B. Blundon. This regiment was organized in the Kanawha valley in the fall of 1861, with Charleston as the headquarters, and was mustered in for three years. It was assigned to General Fremont's army in April, 1862, was brigaded with the 60th Ohio and placed under the command of Colonel Cluseret. In the pursuit of Stonewall Jackson up the Shenandoah Valley the brigade had the advance and at the battle of Cross Keys occupied the center of the line. The regiment was complimented by General Fremont in special orders for gallantry during the action. It next moved with General Sigel to the relief of General Banks at Cedar mountain, and was with General Pope in his campaign in eastern Virginia. It was then assigned to General Milroy's command and returned to West Virginia. In November, 1862, it was cut up into detachments and posted at various places until June, 1863, when it was ordered to Bridgeport to be drilled as mounted infantry. It was assigned to Averell's brigade and operated against "Mudwall" Jackson around Strasburg, Franklin, Monterey, Huntsville, etc., losing heavily in the engagement at Rocky gap in August. It fought with Averell in the several engagements about Huntersville, Hillsboro and Droop mountain, after which it participated in the raid to Salem. On January 27, 1864, the designation of the regiment was changed to the 7th cavalry and its subsequent history will be found under that head.

Ninth Infantry.—Colonels, Leonard Skinner, Isaac H. Duval; Lieutenant Colonels, William C. Starr, John S. P. Carroll; Majors, Isaac H. Duval, Benjamin M. Skinner, Leonard Skinner. The formation of this regiment was commenced in September, 1861, by K. V. Whaley. The first company organized was stationed at Guyandotte, Virginia, where it was attacked by the Confederates under Jenkins in November and all were killed, wounded or captured except 3 or 4 men. Soon after this other companies were formed and the regiment was completed about the last of February, 1862, when it was mustered in for three years. From that time until the following September it was stationed at various places in the Kanawha valley. It was then assigned to General Milroy's command, with which it remained until May, 1863, when it was ordered to the Kanawha valley. It fought at Cloyd's mountain and in May, 1864, joined General Crook, with whom it took part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign until November 9, 1864, when it was consolidated with the 5th regiment to form the 1st veteran infantry. A list of the battles in which it took part eludes Cloyd's mountain, New River bridge, Lexington, Lynchburg, Carter's farm, Winchester (2), Martinsburg, Halltown, Berryville, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek.

Tenth Infantry.—Colonels, Thomas M. Harris, Morgan A. Darnall; Lieut-Colonels, Moses S. Hall, Lewis M. Marsh; Majors, Daniel Curran, Henry H. Withers. The 10th regiment was recruited in the latter part of 1861. the first companies being assigned to duty under General Rosecrans, then in command of the Frontier Department. Its organization was not completed until May, 1862, when it was attached to the command of General Milroy, and took part in the operations of that army during the remainder of the year. In May, 1863, it was ordered back to West Virginia and attached to the brigade commanded by General Averell. The first action of the regiment as a body was at Beverly, in July, 1863, where it was attacked by the enemy under Colonel W. L. Jackson, and notwithstanding the regiment was greatly outnumbered it held Jackson at bay for two days, when reinforcements arrived and the Confederates were routed. It fought at Cloyd's mountain, where it was highly complimented by General Averell for its gallantry, and afterward was with that officer in several raids and expeditions. In the campaign against General Early in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864, it was in action at Snicker's ferry, Winchester, Berryville, the Opequan, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek. After Sheridan's victories in the Valley it joined the Army of the James and continued in the operations about Petersburg and Richmond until the close of the war. It was mustered out August 9, 1865.

Eleventh Infantry.—Colonels, John C. Rathbone, Daniel Frost, Van HL Bukey; Lieutenant-Colonels, John C. Rathbone, Van H. Bukey, William H. H. King, James L. Simpson; Majors, George C. Trimble, James L. Simpson, Michael A. Ayres. The organization of the nth regiment was commenced in October, 1861, and toward the latter part of Cos. B and C, organized in Wirt county, were armed and placed on duty against guerrillas in that part of the state. About 200 men of the regiment were attacked at Spencer in September by 1,000 Confederates under General Jenkins and all, including Colonel Rathbone, were captured and paroled. In October a part of the regiment took part in the signal repulse of Colonel Jackson's forces at Bulltown, and various other engagements occurred in which a portion of the nth participated. It was then with Averell in several of his raids and expeditions; was with General Hunter in his march to and retreat from Lynchburg; and then joined the Army of West Virginia for the Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1864. Colonel Frost was killed at Snicker's ferry in July, and Colonel Bukey took command. A list of battles in which the nth took part includes Cloyd's mountain, New River bridge, Lexington, Lynchburg, Snicker's ferry, Winchester, Martinsburg, Berryville, the Opequan, Fisher's hill, Strasburg and Cedar creek. The original members who did not reenlist were mustered out as their terms expired and the regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, was retained in service until June 17, 1865, when it was mustered out pursuant to orders from the war department.

Twelfth Infantry.—Colonels, John B. Klunk, William B. Curtis; Lieutenant-Colonels, Robert S. Northcott, Richard H. Brown; Majors, William B. Curtis, Francis H. Pierpont, William Burley, Richard H. Brown. This regiment was organized at Camp Willey, Wheeling, August 30, 1862, and was mustered in for three years. The next day it was ordered to Clarksburg, then threatened by General Jenkins. It then operated by detachments until November, when seven companies under Colonel Klunk accompanied General Milroy's expedition through Pocahontas, Pendleton and Highland counties. They were joined at Monterey, Virginia, later in the month by the other three companies under Major Pierpont, which had been engaged against guerrillas about Elk Water and Huntersville. The regiment returned to Beverly, but was soon ordered to Petersburg, West Virginia, where it joined Cluseret's brigade of Milroy's army, and continued with that brigade until after Milroy's defeat at Winchester in June, 1863, where the regiment lost heavily in killed, wounded and captured. From August to October, 1863, the regiment was at Martinsburg and in November moved to Maryland heights. It took part in Wells' expedition up the Shenandoah Valley in December, after which it was stationed at Cumberland, Maryland, until April, 1864. It moved with General Sigel's army up the Valley again and fought at the battle of New Market in May. In July and August it was with General Crook in the campaign against Early; fought at Snicker's ferry, Winchester, and Cedar creek; and with the 1st division. Army of West Virginia, joined the Army of the Potomac in Dec, 1864, where it continued until mustered out June 16, 1865.

Thirteenth Infantry.—Colonel, William R. Brown; Lieutenant-Colonels, James R. Hall, Milton Stewart; Majors, William P. Rucker, Albert F. McCown, Lemuel Harpold. Eight companies of this regiment were organized at Point Pleasant, October 10. 1862, and were mustered in for three years. Just a month later Cos. A, B, D and G were ordered to Winfield. Virginia, where they remained until January 28, 1863, when they were sent to Coalsmouth, West Virginia In March, 1863, four companies—A, B, D and H—were attacked by General Jenkins at Hurricane bridge. A demand for surrender was refused and after a fight of 5 hours Jenkins withdrew his force of 1,000 men, leaving a number of dead and wounded on the field. The regiment remained in the Kanawha valley until the Morgan raid in July, when it was ordered to Gallipolis, Ohio, thence to Pomeroy. It fought some of Morgan's men at Buffington island, and then continued the pursuit until Morgan surrendered. In the latter part of 1864 Co. K was organized and joined the regiment, and soon after Co. I, which completed the organization. The 13th was with General Hunter in his movement on Lynchburg; took part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign in 1864; fought valiantly at Winchester, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, where Lieutenant-Colonel Hall was killed while leading the regiment into action. The regiment was mustered out June 22, 1865. During its term of service it marched 1,437 miles and traveled by rail and steamboat 538 miles.

Fourteenth Infantry.—Colonels, Andrew S. Core, Daniel D. Johnson; Lieutenant-Colonels, Chapman J. Stuart, George W. Taggart; Major, Shriver Moore. The 14th was organized at Camp Willey, Wheeling, in August and September, 1862, and was mustered in September 16. The regiment was concentrated at Clarksburg on the 18th and in November moved to New creek, where it was assigned to the 5th brigade, 1st division, 8th army corps. Co. A and a company of the 23d 11l. infantry fought and defeated a superior force under the Confederate General Jones at Greenland gap in April, 1863, inflicting terrible punishment upon the enemy, who finally surrendered. In Dec, 1863, it was in the movement to McDowell, Virginia, the object being to create a diversion in favor of General Averell, then on his Salem raid. It was next in the expedition of General Crook against the Virginia & Tennessee railroad; fought at Cloyd's mountain, Dublin depot and New River bridge; defeated Colonel Jackson in Montgomery county; returned to Meadow bluffs, and there joined General Hunter for the movement against Lynchburg. In July, 1864, it reached Parkersburg, where Hunter received orders to proceed at once to the Shenandoah Valley. In the Valley campaign it was in action at Winchester, Carter's farm, Kernstown, Martinsburg, second battle of Winchester, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek. In Dec, 1864, the regiment was ordered to Martinsburg for duty along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. It was mustered out June 28, 1865.

Fifteenth Infantry Colonels, Maxwell McCaslin, Milton Wells; LieutenantColonels, Milton Wells, Thomas Morris, John W. Holliday; Majors, John W. Holliday, Fenelon Howes. This regiment, consisting of nine companies, was organized at Wheeling and was ordered to the front October 16, 1862. The remainder of the year was passed in guarding the line of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. In February, 1864, the tenth company was organized and joined the regiment, which in April was ordered to join General Crook in the Kanawha valley for the expedition against the Virginia & Tennessee railroad. After this expedition it moved with General Hunter against Lynchburg, returning to the Kanawha valley, and was then ordered to the Shenandoah Valley, where it became a part of the Army of West Virginia in the operations against General Early. A list of the battles in which it was engaged up to the close of the year 1864 includes Cloyd's mountain, New River bridge, Middlebrook, Lynchburg, Snicker's ferry (where Lieutenant-Colonel Morris was killed while leading the regiment), Winchester (2), Halltown, Berryville, Fisher's hill, Cedar creek, and some minor engagements. In Dec, 1864, it joined the Army of the James, in front of Richmond and Petersburg, and completed its service with that organization. It was mustered out June 14, 1865.

The Union Army Sixteenth Infantry.—Colonel, James T. Close; Lieutenant-Colonel, Samuel W. Snider; Major, Barnet C. Armstrong. This regiment was organized at Washington, D. C., in August and September, 1862, to serve for three years. Co. A was captured on the night of August 27, while on railroad guard duty between Alexandria and Manassas. In the spring of 1863 the regiment was assigned to the 2nd brigade, Abercrombie's division, defenses of Washington, where it served until mustered out June 10, 1863, by order of the war department.

Seventeenth Infantry.—Colonel, Charles H. Day; Lieutenant-Colonels, John S. McDonald, William T. Head; Majors, Charles H. Day, Frank L. Hicks. This regiment was organized at Wheeling in August and September, 1864, to serve for one, two and three years. It was ordered to join General Crook in the latter part of September, but was stopped at Grafton and sent to the forces under General Kelley, when it operated in the region west of Hancock, Maryland, and Sleepy creek. In February, 1865, it was assigned to the 1st brigade, 2nd division, Department of West Virginia, where it served until mustered out June 30, 1865. Independent Infantry Battalion.—Captain Perry G. West. This battalion of two companies was organized at Wheeling between October 1, 1862, and January 9, 1863. It served in West Virginia during the term of enlistment and was mustered out in April and May, 1865.

Miscellaneous Infantry.—In addition to the organizations given above, several companies were organized for service in their respective localities. The most notable of these were Boggs' scouts, Bond's and Brown's companies, Gould's, Mann's and Ramsey's militia, Wilkinson's state guards, Martin's loyal company, Exempts' battalion, Boothsville, Pendleton county and Swamper's home guards, and Ziegler's militia. Each and all of these rendered efficient service in guarding the state against forays of the enemy, thus allowing the regularly enlisted troops to go to the front.

First Cavalry.—Colonels, Henry Anishansel, Nathaniel P. Richmond, Henry Capehart; Lieutenant-Colonels, Nathaniel P. Richmond, John S. Krepps, Joseph Darr, Charles E. Capeheart; Majors, John S. Krepps, Josiah Steele, Benjamin F. Chamberlain, William C. Carman, Harrison H. Hagans, Harvey Farabee. The formation of this regiment was begun at Clarksburg and Morgantown in July, 1861, and was completed on November 25, when it was mustered in for three years. As soon as it was mustered in it started for the front. Its history is identical with the histories of the Army of West Virginia and the Army of the Potomac. Up to the close of 1864 it had taken part in 75 battles, including Cross Keys, Port Republic, Cedar mountain, the second Bull Run. Chantilly, South mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Brandy Station, the cavalry fight at Stevensburg, Lynchburg, Carter's farm. Kernstown, Winchester, Fisher's hill, Rude's hill. Cedar creek and Gordonsville. In the Shenandoah Valley campaign it was in the 2nd brigade, Averell's cavalry division, Colonel Capehart commanding the brigade and Major Farabee the regiment. It was with General Sheridan in the raid to Petersburg in February, 1865, after which it served in the Army of the Shenandoah under General Merritt until mustered out July 8, 1865, the non-veterans having been mustered out some time before as their terms expired.

Second Cavalry.—Colonels, William M. Bolles, John C. Paxton, William H. Powell; Lieutenant-Colonels, Rollin S. Curtis, David Dove, John J. Hoffman, James Allen; Majors, Henry Steinback, James Allen, John McMahan, Charles E. Hambleton, Charles Anderson, Patrick McNally, Edwin S. Morgan. The 2nd cavalry was mustered in November 8, 1861, for three years and spent the winter fighting the guerrillas in the border counties of the state and in the Kanawha valley. Early in January, 1862, it joined General Garfield in Kentucky, and the regiment fought together for the first time at Paint creek, where Humphrey Marshall was so signally defeated. It then returned to Virginia, where part of the regiment reported to General Cox at Flat-top mountain and the remainder joined General Duffle for the Lewisburg expedition. During the summer and fall of 1862 and all of 1863 the regiment was on duty in the state, and in May, 1864, was attached to the 3d brigade of Averell's cavalry division for the raid on the Virginia & Tennessee railroad. It was then with General Hunter on the Lynchburg campaign, after which it served in the Shenandoah Valley, taking part in the actions at Bunker Hill, Stephenson's depot, the Opequan, Fisher's hill, Mount Jackson, Brown's gap and Weyer's cave. During this campaign Colonel Powell was promoted to brigadier-general "for conspicuous gallantry and ability as an officer." After the defeat of General Early in the Valley campaign it joined the Army of the Shenandoah in front of Petersburg and Richmond, where it continued until the close of hostilities as a part of Capehart's brigade, Averell's division. It was mustered out June 30, 1865.

Third Cavalry.—Colonels, David H. Strother, John L. McGee; LieutenantColonels, John L. McGee, John S. Witcher; Majors, Seymour B. Conger, Lot Bowen, John L. McGee, John S. Witcher, Charles E. Anderson, Charles W. White, John S. Hurst. The organization of this regiment was commenced in Dec, 1861, and was not completed until April. 1865. The companies composing it did not serve together until early in the summer of 1864. The regiment or some portion of it was engaged at Gainesville, Aldie, Catlett's station, Dumfries, Beverly ford, Kelly's ford, along the Rapidan river, Chancellorsville, Middleburg, Upperville, the first and second days at Gettysburg, Williamsport, Boonsboro, Falling Waters, Brandy Station, Culpeper, on the Mine Run campaign, and numerous skirmishes arising out of scouting expeditions. At Moorefield the gallant Major Conger was killed while leading the regiment into action. The men were mustered in for periods of one, two and three years, and were mustered out as their terms expired, the last of the regiment being mustered out June 30, 1865.

Fourth Cavalry.—Colonels, Joseph Snider, James H. Dayton; Lieutenant Colonel, Samuel W. Snider; Majors, Charles F. Howes, Nathan Goff, Jr., Arza M. Goodspeed, James A. Smith. This regiment was organized at Parkersburg and Wheeling in July and August, 1863, and was mustered in for six months. From August to December it was in the 3d brigade. 2nd division, Department of West Virginia, stationed at Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Grafton. In October, 1863, one battalion under Major Howes had a skirmish at Salt Lick bridge. In January, 1864, it was ordered to New creek and temporarily attached to Colonel Thoburn's brigade. It was in action at Medley, where Major Goff was captured. From April 4, 1864, it was with the 1st and 2nd West Virginia cavalry, 15th West Virginia infantry and Carlin's battery in Thoburn's brigade until it was transferred to the forces under General Kelley and stationed in the district west of Sleepy creek. It was mustered out at different dates from March 6 to June 23, 1864, by reason of expiration of service.

Fifth Cavalry.—This regiment was originally organized as the 2nd infantry, and was changed to cavalry January 26, 1864. (For roster of officers, etc., see 2nd infantry.) After it was changed to a cavalry regiment it was quartered at Martinsburg, West Virginia. until April, 1864, when it joined General Crook for the expedition, which resulted in the victory at Cloyd's mountain and the destruction of the Virginia & Tennessee railroad. It was next in Hunter's movement against Lynchburg, after which the original members who had not reenlisted were mustered out, and on November 28, 1864, the veterans were consolidated with the 6th cavalry.

Sixth Cavalry.—This regiment was first formed as the 3d infantry, under which the early history of the organization, roster of officers, etc., will be found. It was changed to the 6th cavalry on January 26, 1864, after which it was engaged in the Salem raid, and was then stationed at Martinsburg until April, when it moved to Beverly. In the meantime a new company had been added to the regiment under Captain J. S. Hyde. Some time in August, 1864, the nonveterans were mustered out and the remaining members were consolidated into a battalion of six companies, with which the 5th regiment was afterward consolidated under the designation of the 6th cavalry. For lack of arms and equipments it was not very active in the field, almost the entire command being captured by the Confederate General Rosser at New creek for that reason. It was mustered out June 10, 1865.

Seventh Cavalry.—The early history and roster of officers of this regiment will be found under the title of the 8th infantry, by which designation it was first known, the change to the cavalry arm of the service being made January 27, 1864. About the time the change was made 400 of the regiment reenlisted and were granted the usual veteran furlough of 30 days. They reassembled again on April 20, with about 250 recruits, and the regiment joined General Crook's raid on the Virginia & Tennessee railroad in May. It fought at Cloyd's mountain and New River bridge, after which it joined General Hunter for the movement against Lynchburg. The remainder of its service was in Virginia, chiefly in the Shenandoah Valley, and it was mustered out August 1, 1865.

Battery A.—Captains, Philip Daum, George Furst, John Jenks. This battery was organized at Wheeling, June 28, 1861, to serve for three years. Its service was chiefly in Virginia and West Virginia, though no official list of the engagements in which it took part has been published in orders. Captain Daum was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and "Daum's battery," as it was generally known was always ready to do its part toward winning a victory, whenever and wherever it was called into action. It was mustered out July 27, 1865.

Battery B.—Captains, Samuel Davey, Ernst M. Rosafy, John V. Keeper. This battery was organized at Ceredo, October 1, 1861, and was mustered in for three years. Like Battery A, no official list of its engagements has been published in orders, but it is known that it served chiefly in Virginia and West Virginia during its term of service, .and is frequently mentioned in the official reports with commendation. It was transferred to Battery E. February 13, 1865, and was mustered out with that organization.

Battery C—Captains, Frank Buell. Wallace Hill. No official list of the battles in which this battery participated has been published in orders. It was organized at Wheeling March 30, 1862, and mustered in for three years. Under Lieutenant Hill, afterward captain, the battery rendered efficient service at the second battle of Bull Run and at Gettysburg, as well as a large number of engagements in Virginia and West Virginia. It was mustered out June 28, 1865, by order of the war department.

Battery D.—Captains, John Carlin, Ephraim Chalfant. This battery was organized at Wheeling by Captain Carlin, and was mustered into the U. S. service August 20, 1862. It joined the forces under General Milroy, and one section was in action at Moorefield in January, 1863. In June the entire battery was engaged at Winchester, where 2 men were wounded and 83 captured. In April, 1864, it joined General Sigel and took part in the battles of New Market and Piedmont, after which it moved with General Hunter on the Lynchburg campaign. The reports of its subsequent service are somewhat meager, though it continued to serve in Virginia and West Virginia until mustered out June 27, 1865, by order of the war department.

Battery E.—Captain, Alexander C. Moore. This battery, known as the "Upshur artillery," was organized at Buckhannon, Upshur county, in August, 1862, to serve for three years. While at Buckhannon it was engaged against the Confederates under General Jenkins before it was mustered into the U. S. service. With General Kelley's division it was at Williamsport and North mountain in the summer of 1863, and participated in the engagements at Snicker's gap, Kernstown, Winchester, Bunker Hill, Berryville, and Martinsburg in 1864. It was mustered out June 28, 1865.

Battery F.—Captains, Thomas A. Maulsby, George W. Graham. Battery F was originally organized as Co. C, 6th West Virginia infantry in August, 1861, and was changed to the artillery arm of the service in March, 1863, by order of the secretary of war, when it was recruited to the maximum of an artillery company and placed in charge of a 6-gun battery. It fought at Martinsburg in July, 1863, where Captain Maulsby was wounded. Under Captain Graham it took part in the operations of Gens. Sheridan and Crook in the Shenandoah Valley, fighting valiantly at Bunker Hill, Winchester, and several minor actions. On September 14, 1864, it was consolidated with Battery A.

Battery G.—Captains, James D. Owens, Chatham T. Ewing. This battery was organized at Wheeling June 13, 1861, to serve for three years. No official list of its engagements has been published in orders, though its service was chiefly in Virginia and West Virginia. It was mustered out June 22, 1864, by reason of expiration of service.

Battery H.—Captain, James H. Holmes. This battery was organized at Maryland heights January 4, 1864, and was mustered in for three years or during the war. During the summer it was active in Virginia, and in November a large part of the battery was captured at New creek. No official list of the battles in which it took part is to be found in orders. It was mustered out July 11, 1865.


THOMAS HUDSON McKEE

Thomas Hudson McKee, secretary of the Whitney Land Company, of Washington, D. C., was associated with the early events of West Virginia, having made his home in Brooke county from early boyhood until the opening of the Civil war, when he enlisted in 1861, in the first loyal regiment of Virginia volunteer infantry. During the first sixteen months of her service he rose from private to first lieutenant, receiving his commission on the day he was twenty years old. He has served both houses of the national Congress in many ways as an official, having been journal clerk of the house for eight years. Captain McKee, as he is known in the national capital, has earned a place among the political writers of the nation by his contributions to the literature of the Republican party, and his books on fiscal and historical questions are recognized as standard works. He has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of West Virginia, is thoroughly in touch with her history, and has revised that portion of this work that pertains to "Military Affairs in West Virginia."