An Encyclopedia of Early Civil War Virginia
James Humbles, a freeman of mixed ancestry, served with distinction in the 1st Virginia Cavalry in 1861. Spared & Shared has an extensive collection of transcribed Civil War Era letters across multiple websites. While searching for letters from 1861, I came across this one from Philip Henry Powers, 1st Virginia Cavalry, to his wife shortly…
The following appeared in our inaugural issue of the Brass Bugle, Spirit of ‘61’s free monthly newsletter, to address questions our readers may have regarding Spirit of ’61, our mission, and website. If you have any questions not covered here, please contact us via email at dispatches@spirit61.info or post a comment. Q: Why only cover…
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Brass Bugle, Spirit of ‘61’s free monthly newsletter. The American Civil War was truly a war of brother against brother, and no state experienced that more profoundly than Virginia. As the nation tore apart in the spring of 1861, Virginians were forced to pick a side: stand with…
Continuing our exploration of Virginia militia raised in the early months of the American Civil War, today we're examining Artillery companies (batteries) enrolled in April 1861. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Paymaster General’s Office tally of all Virginia volunteer companies prior to July 1, 1861, fifteen artillery companies were enrolled in April. Precisely determining which…
Continue reading ➞ Virginia Artillery Units Enrolled in April 1861
Recently, we posted Statement Showing the Number, by Companies, of the Virginia Volunteers who Entered Service Prior to July 1, 1861, highlighting the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Paymaster General’s Office tally of all Virginia volunteer companies prior to July 1, 1861. It contains valuable information that, when compared to other sources, can help piece together the…
Continue reading ➞ Virginia Cavalry Units Enrolled in April 1861
In January 1862, the Commonwealth of Virginia's Paymaster General’s Office published a tally of all Virginia volunteer companies prior to July 1, 1861. It tabulated 402 infantry companies, 78 cavalry companies, and 55 artillery batteries. This did not include the Wise Legion and Floyd’s Brigade, which were commissioned by the Confederate government. The purpose of…
In dispelling a myth about the origin of the Civil War, this author created one of his own. In 2017, the American Civil War Museum in Richmond published an article in its Myths & Misunderstandings series that contained erroneous information about the Commonwealth of Virginia's stance toward the Federal Government prior to its secession. In…
Continue reading ➞ Did Virginia Submit a list of Demands to Remain in the Union?
Connecticut-born James Harmon Ward (1806-1861) was a dyed in the wool Yankee steeped in his region's maritime tradition. He graduated from the American Literary Scientific and Military Academy at Norwich, Vermont in 1823 and entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman. His varied naval career included interdicting illegal slave traders off the African coast and…
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891) grew up in Abingdon, Virginia, son of Judge Peter Johnston, Jr. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1929, in the same class as Robert E. Lee. He left the Army for a brief period, then re-joined as a first lieutenant and served with distinction in the…
Philip St. George Cocke (1809–1861) was born along the James River in what is today Fluvanna County, Virginia to John Hartwell and Ann Blaws Barraud Cocke. As a member of Virginia's planter class, he was educated at the University of Virginia and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1834. He briefly…
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