Lt. William McKinley at the Second Battle of Kernstown

On July 24, 1864, Lt. William McKinley, later the 25th President of the United States, served on the staff of Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, who later became the 19th President. As the Union lines collapsed, Hayes rallied his brigade on Pritchard’s Hill, which is now preserved by the Kernstown Battlefield Association. Hayes looked around and saw that one of his regiments, Col. William Brown’s 13th West Virginia was standing firm on the east side of the Valley Pike, valiantly battling the overwhelming numbers of John C. Breckinridge’s attacking division. It was apparent that Brown’s regiment would be cut off and captured if it did not withdraw soon. So intent in battling the Confederates in their front, the West Virginians remained unaware of their plight.

Hayes saw their plight and sent Twenty-one year old Lt. William McKinley of Niles, Ohio to order Brown to fall back before disaster hit. McKinley mounted his “wiry little bob-tailed horse,” and raced down the hill toward the Mountaineers in the McCardle Orchard. As he neared the bottom of the hill, a rebel shell struck the ground under his horse and exploded, sending dirt, debris and smoke high into the air and hiding “Billy McKinley” from view. Hayes and the crowd atop Pritchard’s Hill thought that they had seen the last of their young favorite, but in a flash McKinley galloped out of the smoke, dashed across the field and successfully warned Col. Brown. Brown fired one last volley, and then the 13th West Virginia fell back down the Valley Pike toward Winchester, stopping every now and then to turn and deliver a volley into the following Confederates.

It is almost comical, but McKinley’s Civil War career has come to be defined by his monument at Antietam which honors his role as a commissary who brought coffee to the 23rd Ohio on the evening of September 17, 1862. He displayed true valor on several battlefields throughout 1864, and his service during the Civil War was honorable in all respects.

Lt. William McKinley @ 2nd Kernstown

The Staff of Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan

Looking for some help to Identify the men of Sheridan’s staff. So far here is what I have come up with.

Updated thanks to some help from Stefan and JD and my own continued detective work. Thanks.

Sheridan’s Staff – June 1864

Top Row Standing on Porch:

Capt. Joseph O’Keeffe,  Capt. Michael V. Sheridan,  Lt. Col. Frederick Newhall, Unknown, Maj. George “Sandy” Forsyth, Capt. Louis Carpenter, Unknown, Capt. James F. Wade

Standing on Top Step:

Might this be Col. C. R. Smith of the 6th PA Cav? Sheridan had him on his staff.

Bottom Row:

Unknown, Capt. Thomas W. C. Moore, Col. James “Tony” Forsyth, Gen. Sheridan

All officers to the right of Sheridan are unknown at this time. Any help you can provide in identifying any of these officers is greatly appreciated. It is interesting to try and figure out and one can go back and forth on id’s. For example, Sheridan’s brother Michael could be one of two men. If you look at a picture of MVS twenty years later, the second man from the left in top row seems to be the proper id. However, it was said that he looked just like Phil. Looking at General S’s photograph as a lieutenant in the Regular Army in the 1850′s, the third man from left on the top row is a convincing choice.

Stones River: A Wounded Soldier’s Account of the Suffering

I had wanted to share some sources that I have found over the years in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. I’ve not been able to keep up with it, but before we get to far away from the Stones River/Murfreesboro time frame, I wanted to share some accounts that I have on that battle which has always been of much interest to me.  Although I live in Virginia and have done all of my writing on Virginia campaigns and battles, I cut my teeth reading about the Western Theater, so I have a latent interest that needs further cultivation.

Gallipolis Journal, January 22, 1863

 

FROM L. D. CARTER.

 

Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 5, 1863.

 

J am compelled to occupy rather a precarious position in writing to you lhat is, on my back. I am in the Hospital at Murfreesboro. Getting along finely. I was wounded on the second day of this month by a cannon ball, or rather a shell bursting on my back and hip, which bruised me badly. I was wounded amidst the hardest of the battle, about five o’clock in the evening and laid on the battlefield till about 10 o’clock that night, unable to move. I waa injured considerably more by the men running over me after I was hurt and aside from all this, the weather was vary cold and raining I thought that I had gone through the flint mill before, but I bad undergone nothing until the present affair, which was the most horrible sight I ever witnessed, or ever expect to.

 

I think I shall be able to join my regiment in the course of two weeks, or at least I want to in order to get satisfaction out of the rebels. I had my horse shot from under me on the 31st December, and then fell into the hands of the rebels, but escaped from them on New Year’s morning. This was before I was hurl. My flesh is not broken only in one place, which is slight, but my bruise is tolerably bad. Capt. Ross was slightly wounded, and a number more of his Company, of whom I will give the names in my next. Our regiment suffered terribly, the loss being one hundred and seventy-five in killed and wounded- – Every house in Murfreesboro and surrounding neighborhood is used for hospital purposes and I believe all are being eared for as well as could be expected. It would be useless for me at present to attempt to give you an idea of the whole proceedings here during the late hard fought battles, but shall try to give you an abstract idea in my next, which will be soon. You can form so idea how the troops suffered here during the whole affair, which lasted seven days. We were short of rations, or hadn’t time to prepare them, without tents, the rain pouring down in torrents, and were freezing the principal part of the time. I shall rite no more at present, as I think it doubtful If you can read what I have already written. I have no ink, and am compelled to use a pencil.

 

Yours,

 

Lorenzo D. Carter

 

Lt. Co. I, 18^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

The Battle of Cool Spring, July 18, 1864: Perspective of Col. Joseph Thoburn, Commander of U.S. Forces on the Ground

I received a mailer today from the Civil War Trust announcing its effort to preserve 1,500 acres of what is to me one of the most pristine and beautiful battlefields in Virginia. The battlefield is best known as Cool Spring but it is also referred to as the Battle of Snicker’s Gap or Castleman’s Ferry. This field is nestled among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and christened by the sparkling waters of the Shenandoah River as it meanders toward Harper’s Ferry, the serene setting of this evocative field takes visitors back in time to July 18, 1864 to experience that “Right smart little fight” as the soldiers called it where Jubal Early repelled an attempt by U.S. Generals Horatio Wright and George Crook to damage Early’s rear guard. As always, the men in the ranks paid the price. To help spread the word about this preservation opportunity and to increase awareness of the battle itself, I thought that I would share

Col. Joseph Thoburn, 1st West Virginia Infantry.

the journal entry of Col. Joseph Thoburn, the combat leader of the U.S. forces that crossed the river in hopes of surprising Early’s rearguard but instead found themselves surprised in turn by Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes’ crack division. Thoburn’s casualty figures are skewed but the account is terrific. Actual losses were about 400 on either side.

From the Journal of Col. Joseph Thoburn:

Snickers Gap_, Va.

July 19th,    Moved forward through the Gap yesterday about 1 P.M.  I was put in command of Sullivan’s old Division and the 3rd Brigade of Crook’s, and was directed by Gen. Crook to proceed by a circuitous and hidden route to a fording, one and a half miles down the river and effect a crossing, move up the other side and drive the enemy from the upper ford on the Berryville Road. The impression then was that the main body of the enemy had retreated leaving only a rear guard to dispute our passage of the river. On reaching the fording we round the enemy occupying the opposite bank with a strong picket of about 150 or 200 men. By making a rapid dash across the river the picket was driven away without loss to us. We captured a Capt. and eleven men. The captain was a staff officer on Gen. [Armistead] Long’s staff.

From the prisoners, information was gained that 2 divisions of Early’s army were within one mile of the ford and the remainder of the command not farther than 4 miles distant. This news was sent back to Genl. Crook and a position was taken near the river bank and a strong skirmish ‘line was sent forward about half a mile. A line of rebel skirmishers surrounded ours a half mile farther out. In this manner we lay for about one hour when their skirmish line advanced in very heavy force and our line fell back. Behind their skirmish line a heavy column advanced upon our right flank.

About one thousand of the dismounted Cavalry broke and ran across the river. A panic was created by this and a great portion of several regiments fol­lowed them in wild disorder. A portion of the line towards the right was entirely deserted and for a short time we were on the verge of disaster. But two regts [116^th and 123^rd Ohio] from the left were double quicked to the right and the enemy were checked and finally driven beck. Two other attempts were made to dislodge us, but both were repulsed.

About dusk I rec’d. orders to recross the river which was done in good order. Our loss was comparatively light considering the character of the contest which was very stubborn and determined. The men were protected by the embankment of a road that ran along the river bank and under a large bluff. The total killed and wounded will not exceed perhaps 200. The loss of the enemy is much greater, probably three times as much. We are resting today very quietly. The 6th Army Corps and a portion of the 19th is here.  No attempt is being made to cross again to the other aide of the river.  What the enemy is doing, we know not. The way is open for him to again destroy the railroad at Martinsburg. If they are disposed to do this it will not be difficult to accomplish for our force at that place and HarpersFerry is not large. Genl. Crook has added the 3rd Brigade of his old Division to Sullivan’s Division and has given me command of the whole. This arrangement will probably not last longer than the present pursuit of the rebels for after that Genl. Crook may be returned to the Kanawha with his old command.

For more details on the Battle of Cool Spring and Jubal Early’s Summer Campaign in the Shenandoah Valley see my book Shenandoah Summer: The 1864 Valley Campaign.

 

Bradley Johnson and John McCausland

Brig. Gen. John McCausland

One thing I love about blogging, is that I can sit down and share some brief thoughts on small elements of Civil War history. My recent visit to Moorefield has prompted me to reflect on the problems that Brig. Gen. John McCausland experienced with subordinate Brig. Gen. Bradley Johnson at Moorefield.

First some background: Johnson had significant experience serving in Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. His prior attachment to that army and his membership in that most peculiar class of Confederate known as the Marylander have elevated his historical reputation well above his actual military accomplishments.
In the 1864 Valley Campaign, he proved careless on several occasions. He laxity on July 16, 1864 allowed a small force of Union cavalry to attack Early’s wagon train at the Purcellville Wagon Raid. That same evening, he failed to post pickets and a small Union force attached his camp and put his entire brigade to flight. Then we have Moorefield.

It is clear that McCausland warned Johnson of Averell’s approach several hours before the attack came. Johnson did not pass the warnings on to his regimental commanders. As a result, they and their men were sound asleep when Averell attacked after his Jessie Scouts “relieved” Johnson’s pickets. Johnson barely evaded capture.

When word of the debacle reached Early’s HQ in the Shenandoah Valley, Jed Hotchkiss related that the only wish there was that Johnson had been captured along with the hundreds of other Confederates at Moorefield. To be fair, McCausland had poorly positioned his command, with his two brigades separated by the South Branch of the Potomac River, a poor choice. But Johnson’s lax security finally caught up with him and cost Jubal Early more than 400 horsemen, 600 precious horses and a battery of horse artillery.

If you are interested in learning more about McCausland, Johnson, Moorefield and its impact on Jubal Early’s Valley Campaign, I cover it in detail in my 2007 Book Shenandoah Summer. See the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Shenandoah-Summer-1864-Valley-Campaign/dp/0803218869/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1354159215&sr=8-5&keywords=patchan

The Battle of Moorefield

As part of my Thanksgiving break, I had the opportunity to stop in Moorefield, West Virginia and films some takes for filmmaker Jon Averill. He is a distant relative of Brig. Gen. William Woods Averell, the Department of West Virginia’s great cavalry raider in 1863 and 1864.

In August of 1864, Brig. Gen. John McCausland’s force of two brigades of Confederate cavalry camped near Moorefield to rest after his infamous raid which resulted in the burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While McCausland had about 2,600 men in his force, Averell tracked him down with no more than 1, 500 Union horsemen, from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York.  Averell’s scouts dressed in Confederate uniforms and relieved Confederate pickets and captured a southern patrol heading out of Moorefield early on the morning of August 7. Then they charged into the Confederate camps and routed Brig. Gen. Bradley Johnson’s command encamped around Willow Hall, driving it back across the South Branch of the Potomac River.

At the river the 14th Virginia Cavalry charged out of McCausland’s camp on the south bank of the river and a wild saber and pistol fight occurred in mid-stream. Averell’s horsemen soon put McCausland’s brigade to flight and the entire force was routed. Averell captured more than 400 prisoners and four pieces of artillery. The defeat shattered the core of Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early’s Cavalry at the very time that U. S. Grant was sending Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan to the Shenandoah Valley.

Prior to Moorefield, McCausland’s brigade had rendered good serv

ice at the battles of

Jon Averill, Scott Patchan, Nick Korolev, and Rick Byrd at Reynold’s Gap. Averell’s Cavalry passed through this narrow gap on its way to attack McCausland’s Cavalry at Moorefield. (Photo courtesy of Jon Averill)

Monocacy and Second Kernstown. Johnson’s brigade had previously improved itself under its former commander, Brig. Gen. William E. Jon

es who was killed at the Battle of Piedmont on June 5, 1864. What progress these troops had made, was lost in the demoralizing defeat at Moorefield. I

n many ways, Moorefield was a preview of what was to come in the Shenandoah Valley. There is one significant qualifier – Sheridan’s Cavalry in the Valley

overwhelmed their Southern counterparts through sheer force of numbers. Averell had used stealth and lightning quick strikes to achieve victo

ry not only at Moorefield, but also at Rutherford’s Farm (Stephenson’s Depot) on July 20, where he routed Confederate Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur. Ramseur had more

than 4,000 men in his force while again Averell was outgunned, having only 2,600 to take into the fight.

Update on My Projects

We are in the final stages of production for my tome on the Battle of Opequon Creek, entitled “The Last Battle of Winchester.” Hal Jesperson has produced an awesome set of 22 maps to accompany the work along with dozens of photographs of participants and places (both modern and contemporary). It won’t be long before it hits the shelves at your favorite bookstore.

Once this project is completed, I will be shifting gears to complete a volume on “Hunter’s Raid on Lynchburg” for the History Press. Have uncovered a lot of new material on this campaign. The narrative will pick up with Hunter’s advance from Staunton and cover engagements and activities at Lexington, Buchanan, Lynchburg, Liberty (Bedford), Hanging Rock (Salem-Roanoke County) and the harrowing retreat through West Virginia. If you are aware of any good sources from participants on the campaign please let me know. Thanks.