An Encyclopedia of Early Civil War Virginia
The Doyle brothers see the elephant in 1861 Guest Post by Steve Litteral, featured in Issue 2 of the Brass Bugle. If you have traveled through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, then you know it is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The surrounding ancient rolling hills have seen men fighting men…
Welcome to issue #2 of the Brass Bugle, Spirit of ‘61’s 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 their state,…
When sources are lacking, historians attempt to fill in the blanks, but we can use deduction to arrive at the most likely answer. The 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry, otherwise known as Hansbrough's Battalion, was a small unit consisting of four companies led by Lt. Col. George W. Hansbrough. It formed shortly after the Action at…
Following the Union occupation of Philippi, Virginia in early June 1861, a black soldier was accused of shooting down an elderly man in cold blood. Who was he, and how did he end up in the Union army so early in the war? A few days ago, we wrote about James Humbles, a freeman of…
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…
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