Thursday, April 25, 2013

The "Brent Rifles" a/k/a Company K, Mississippi 38th Infantry: Sergeant William F. Stovall, my 2nd cousin 5x removed

General Earl Van Dorn's "Army of Tennessee" Flag


The Mississippi 38th Infantry Regiment was organized in Jackson, Mississippi in May of 1862.  Its men were recruited from the Counties of Holmes, Tishomingo, Alcorn, Wilkinson, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Marion.  Company K was also known as the "Brent Rifles" and was raised in Pike County, Mississippi.  Fleming W. Adams was elected as Colonel of the Mississippi 38th.  Shortly after its organization, the Unit was ordered to join General P.G.T. Beauregard's Army of the Mississippi at Corinth, Mississippi.   On May 29th, Beauregard ordered the Army of Mississippi to pull back to Tupelo.  Disease began to run rampant in the Mississippi 38th, so much that they were ordered to Columbus, Mississippi on July 1, 1862 to gather new recruits.  By August, the Regiment was back up to full strength, containing approximately 963 men.  The Unit was attached to Colonel John D. Martin's Brigade of Brigadier General Lewis Henry Little's Division in Major General Sterling Price's Army of the West. 



Brigadier General Lewis Henry Little

In September of 1862, Colonel Martin's Brigade consisted of the 36th, 37th & 38th Mississippi, and the 37th Alabama Infantry Regiments.  On September 19th, the Brigade took part in the Battle of Iuka, Mississippi.  General Little ordered Colonel Martin to advance the 37th and 38th Mississippi Infantry Regiments on the right, directly behind General Louis Hébert's command.   Due to their proximity behind Hébert's troops, the 37th and 38th were ordered not to return fire.  The Regiments were tasked with taking a Union Artillery Battery in their front.  Sometime during the battle, Colonel Fleming Adams was wounded.  Due to his injury, Adams was deemed "unfit for duty".  His first battle in the Civil War was also his last.  In his only post battle report, Colonel Adams said:  "My command never fired a shot, because I had been so ordered, but it was under a very heavy fire, and acted, with but few exceptions, with coolness and courage."

Following Colonel Adams injury, Lieutenant Colonel Preston Brent assumed command of the Regiment.  In his after battle report dated September 23, 1862, Lieutenant Brent stated: "The regiment advanced gallantly to the charge until it reached the top of a hill in full view of the enemy's battery, when it was halted and ordered to lie down."  Although the Regiments never fired, they were under heavy fire the entire time they were engaged.  Following the Battle of Iuka, Lieutenant Colonel Brent reported a loss of 4 killed, 1 mortally wounded, and 2 wounded, including Colonel Adams.   Little's Division suffered greater casualties during the Battle of Iuka.  At approximately 5:45 pm, while sitting on his horse behind the front line, Brigadier General Lewis Henry Little was struck in the head by a bullet and was killed instantly.  


Battle of Corinth, Miss., October 4, 1862. Hand-colored lithograph by Currier and Ives, 1862.

Following the Battle of Iuka, General Sterling Price's 17,000 troops linked up with General Earl Van Dorn's 10,000 troops and moved in the direction of Cornith. Mississippi, where a large Federal force under the command of General William S. Rosecrans lay waiting.  The Confederates were tasked with disrupting Federal communications and supplies.  On October 3, 1862, the combined Confederate force under the leadership of the more senior officer, Earl Van Dorn, attacked the Federal position at Corinth. 



Major General Earl Van Dorn


On the first day of fighting, the Confederates succeeded in driving the Federal army from the rifle pits they were occupying.  The Confederates exploited a gap in the Union line and pressed the Federals to fall back to their inner fortifications.  Colonel Martin's Brigade charged the outer works of the Federal line at an angle where they were exposed to an enfilading fire from musket and cannon.  Several members of the Brigade were killed in the charge, including Colonel Martin. 

On the second day of fighting, the combined Confederate force continued to press the Federals back, storming Federal Batteries Powell and Robinett.  As fierce hand-to-hand combat ensued, Confederates briefly incurred into the town of Corinth before being repulsed.   After Federal counter charge helped recapture Battery Powell, General Van Dorn ordered the Confederates to retreat.  Van Dorn's army was spared due to Rosecrans decision not to immediately pursue.  The Mississippi 38th Infantry Regiment suffered 4 killed and 4 wounded in the Battle of Corinth. 



Brigadier General Louis Hébert


Following the Battle of Corinth, the Mississippi 38th was sent to Snyder's Bluff on the Yazoo River, just north of Vicksburg. Mississippi where they were they were placed under the command of Brigadier General Louis Hébert in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana.  Other Regiments in Hébert's Brigade included:  the 3rd and 21st Louisiana, 36th, 37th, and 43rd Mississippi Infantry Regiments and the 7th Mississippi Battalion.  Due to their proximity north of Vicksburg, the Brigade didn't participate in the early battles of the Vicksburg Campaign.  Following the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Champion's Hill, the Brigade would finally enter the action. 

Hébert's Brigade remained on the Yazoo Bluff until May 17, 1863, when they were ordered to report to the front lines of Vicksburg.  On May 18th, the Mississippi 38th took up a position covering the Jackson and Graveyard roads.  On May 22nd, Ulysses S. Grant ordered a Federal assault on the Confederate works that covered the Jackson road and the Stockade redan.  The Mississippi 38th played a part in repulsing the attack, suffering only light casualties.  Captain William Larkin Faulk of Company B mentioned the events of May 22nd in his personal diary:  "Heavy artillery firing during the night and up to 8 o’clock this morning.  7 o’clock p.m. – The enemy made a desperate charge on line commencing at 10:30 o’clock and was kept up around the lines until dark.  The enemy made tremendous exertions to force our lines but with God’s assistance, we have been able to hold it."

The Mississippi 38th was moved to the right flank of the Louisiana redan on June 2, 1863 and was positioned between the 3rd and 21st Louisiana Infantry Regiments.  On June 25th, Federal forces blew up mines under the redan.  According several sources, the Confederates occupying the redan had prior knowledge of the potential mine blast and were able to get to a safe distance before the mine exploded. 



Illustration of the mine explosion on June 25, 1863


The explosion on June 25th caused only light damage to the redan.  Members of the Mississippi 38th were said to have been engaged in both fighting and repairing the redan at the same time.  Captain Faulk of Company B wrote about blast in his personal diary:  "The enemy attempted to blow up the parapet of the 3rd Louisiana and partially succeeded, and threatened us with a charge.  We remained in the ditches all night."


Siege of Vicksburg. The fight in the crater of Fort Hill after the Union explosion June 25, 1863. Courtesy Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Following the unsuccessful attempt at destroying the Louisiana redan, Grant ordered a new mine to be dug.  A second explosion occurred on July 2nd, this time taking out most of the redan.  However, Federal forces were still unable to overtake the Confederate position and were pushed back with heavy losses. 

On July 3, 1863, after a nearly month and a half long siege, Confederate Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton sent a note to Grant to request terms for a formal surrender.  Grant initially took the stance that caused his nickname and demanded an "unconditional surrender" but later reconsidered, not wanting to feed the nearly 30,000 hungry Confederates in Union Prison Camps.  Grant offered parole to the Confederate forces, with the condition that they never again take up arms against the United States. 

On July 4th, the Mississippi 38th stacked arms in front of the works they had so gallantly defended.  The men then marched toward the rear of their camp and were paroled.   Captain Faulk of Company B wrote in his diary:  "Another meeting of the officers on each side about 10 o’clock last night and still another about three o’clock this morning, the result of which was our surrender at 10 o’clock today. How humiliating it si for us to be compelled to submit to such an enemy, and that too on the 4th of July; but we have done all that men could do – we held them 48 days on very scant rations and we would have continued to hold the place had our rations held out. The Feds and our men are mixing together and talking good humoredly."  During the Vicksburg Campaign, the Mississippi 38th suffered 35 killed and 39 wounded.  The Mississippi 38th was reassembled at the Parole Camp in Enterprise, Mississippi where they remained until they were officially exchanged in December of 1863.



Picture of the Louisiana redan taken shortly after the fall of Vicksburg


In January of 1864, by order of Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk, the Mississippi 38th was mounted and became a Cavalry unit.  The Regiment was consolidated with the Mississippi 14th Infantry Regiment and the Mississippi 3rd Cavalry.  



Colonel Hinchie P. Mabry


The consolidated Regiment was assigned to Colonel Hinchie Parham Mabry's Mississippi Cavalry Brigade.  The other Units in Mabry's Brigade were the 4th, 6th and 14th Mississippi Cavalry Regiments.  The Brigade was engaged in operations against Federals around Yazoo City up until June of 1864 when they were ordered to North Mississippi to prepare for the Union invasion of that region. 

Mabry's Brigade arrived in Okolona, Mississippi on June 13, 1864.  Upon their arrival, they were assigned to the command of Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest.   Confidence in their new commander was high.   Forrest had just returned from one of his greatest victories at the Battle of Brice's Crossroads on June 10th. 


General Nathan Bedford Forrest - Library of Congress


Forrest's victory at Brice's Crossroads caused the Federal Army to shift their strategy.  Union General William T. Sherman was engaged in Georgia during the Federal defeat.  Sherman's supply line solely depended on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad.   If Forrest could disrupt the supply line, Sherman's Georgia Campaign could grind to a halt.   Sherman now seemed poised to try and handle the threat from Forrest.  On June 16, 1864, Sherman issued the following order to Major General James B. McPherson, who was the Commander of the Department of the Tennessee:

"I wish you to organize as large a force as possible at Memphis, with Generals A. J. Smith or Mower in command, to pursue Forrest on foot, devastating the land over which he has passed or may pass, and make him and the people of Tennessee and Mississippi realize that although a bold, daring, and successful leader, he will bring ruin and misery on any country where he may pause or tarry.  If we do not punish Forrest and the people now, the whole effect of our past conquests will be lost."

Federal Major General Andrew J. Smith was tasked to command the mission to destroy Forrest.  On July 5, 1864, he led a force of nearly 14,000 men and 24 pieces of artillery out of La Grange, Tennessee and headed south into Mississippi.  Forrest's Corps included roughly 7,500 Cavalry, 2,100 dismounted Cavalry who served as Infantry and about 20 pieces of artillery.  

On July 9th, Mabry's Brigade moved from Saltillo to Ellistown, Mississippi, which was about 15 miles Northwest of Tupelo.  Upon their arrival, the Brigade was temporarily assigned to Brigadier General Abraham Buford’s Division.  Many Regiments in Buford's Division were engaged with Federal forces

Mabry's Brigade performed a blocking maneuver on July 11th to prevent the Federals from taking Okolona.  The Brigade was held in reserve during the skirmishing at Pontotoc on July 12th.  The Federals began to shift their interest and head for Tupelo.  Mabry's Brigade, with Forrest at its head, began to press the rear guard of the retreating Federal army.  Forrest ordered Mabry to force his way into the town of Pontotoc.  Mabry's Brigade led a tremendous charge into the town, pushing aside two Federal units. 

The Federal column continued to push towards Tupelo.   The Mississippi 38th continued its pursuit of the retreating Federals until roughly 2:00am on the morning of July 14th, when Mabry's Brigade pulled up to the town of Harrisburg and found the Federal Army drawn up in a line of battle, preparing to receive an attack.

The Federal position was very formidable, running nearly a mile an a half along the crest of a ridge that provided an excellent view of the surrounding landscape.   Mabry's Brigade faced an uphill challenge.  Not only would they have to attack uphill, they would also be subjected to heavy musket and artillery fire.  The Mississippi 38th dismounted and was deployed on the extreme Confederate left.  Just after 8:00 am on the morning of July 14th, the Confederates were ordered to attack.  As the Mississippi 38th cleared the woods and moved out in the open, they were immediately targeted by Federal cannoneers.  Shot and shell began to tear holes in the Confederate line.   The Regiment regrouped and continued their advance on the Federal line.  When they began to advance with 300 yards of the Federal position, Infantry fire began to pour into their ranks.  Colonel Mabry's after battle report stated:  "I immediately ordered a charge, but the heat was so intense and the distance so great that some men and officers fell exhausted and fainting along my line, while the fire from the enemy’s line of works by both artillery and small-arms was so heavy and well directed that many were killed and wounded.  These two causes of depletion left my line almost like a line of skirmishers." 

Although they incurred heavy casualties, the Mississippi 38th pressed on.  When the unit reached within about 60 yards of the Federal line, many of the men who had survived the intense Union fire sought protection in a small depression in the ground.  After exhausting every round of ammunition, the men began to fall back.  Reinforcements from Colonel Tyree Bell's Tennessee Brigade began to draw attention away from the Mississippi 38th.  Once the coast was clear, the Mississippi 38th withdrew from the field of battle.  Their casualty count for the Battle of Tupelo was 21 killed, 51 wounded and 3 missing.  The casualties of the Mississippi 38th were the highest in the Brigade. 

The Regiment participated in the action at Concord Church on December 1, 1864.  On January 2, 1865, they skirmished at Lexington and Verona.  From February through May of 1865, the Mississippi 38th took part in the final Campaign in Alabama during Wilson's Raid.  Their last major engagement of the war was at Sipsey Bridge on March 29, 1865.  The Mississippi 38th surrendered with General Richard Taylor on May 4, 1865 at Brewersville, Alabama. 


My 2nd cousin 5x removed, William F. Stovall fought in nearly every engagement that the Mississippi 38th participated in.


William F. Stovall was born in Marion County, Mississippi on March 8, 1843.  He is my 2nd cousin 5x removed.  His older brother Robert D. Stovall, served in the "Quitman Guards" a/k/a Company E, Mississippi 16th Infantry Regiment.  William enlisted as a Corporal in the "Brent Rifles" a/k/a Company K, Mississippi 38th Infantry Regiment on April 26, 1862 at the age of 19. 


1st Muster Roll for William


Sometime before July 1of 1863, William was promoted to Sergeant.  He was captured and taken prisoner on July 4, 1863 during the Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi. 


POW Roll for William showing rank of Sergeant

On July 8, 1863, William received formal parole from Federal authorities, vowing not to take up arms against the United States again. 


William's Parole Paper

Following his parole, William returned to duty and was listed as present and accounted for through June 30, 1864.  No further records are in his service file. 


Last Muster Roll for William

On February 9, 1922, William Stovall was listed as living at the Old Soldiers Home in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

1922 Letter regarding William's Civil War Service

William F. Stovall lived an additional 60 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died on July 12, 1935 at the Old Soldiers Home in New Orleans, Louisiana.   His burial location is not known at the time of this entry.

Here's my relation to William:

William F. Stovall (1843 - 1925)
is your 2nd cousin 5x removed
Thomas Peter Stovall (1814 - 1899)
father of William F. Stovall
Drury Stovall (1770 - 1858)
father of Thomas Peter Stovall
Josiah Stovall Sr. (1749 - 1798)
father of Drury Stovall
Rebecca Stovall (1772 - 1852)
daughter of Josiah Stovall Sr.
Phoebe Blackwell (1812 - 1860)
daughter of Rebecca Stovall
Martha Anne Currin (1834 - 1917)
daughter of Phoebe Blackwell
Phebe Lucy Daniel (1862 - 1946)
daughter of Martha Anne Currin
Valeria Lee Moss (1890 - 1968)
daughter of Phebe Lucy Daniel
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Valeria Lee Moss
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce

Thursday, April 18, 2013

6 Influential Confederates: The Evans Brothers from Marion, South Carolina My 3rd cousins 5x removed

Brigadier General Nathan George "Shanks" Evans


Nathan George "Shanks" Evans was born in Marion, South Carolina on February 3, 1824.  He is my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  Nathan received his primary education at Marion Academy before briefly enrolling at Randolph-Macon College.  While attending Randolph-Macon, Nathan received an appointment from John C. Calhoun to attend the United States Military Academy at Westpoint, where he graduated with high honors in 1848.  At Westpoint, his distinctive, spindly, knock-kneed legs caused his classmates to nickname him “Shanks”.  Upon his graduation, he entered the Cavalry, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in the Second Dragoons.  From 1850-1853, Nathan served in the frontier of New Mexico, where he began a famous career as an Indian fighter.  In 1856, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.  His Second Dragoons saw much action against the hostile Comanches in the region.  In a battle with hostile Comanches on October 1, 1858, he killed two of their chieftains in bloody hand-to-hand combat.  For this action he was voted a "handsome sword" by the South Carolina Legislature. 



Nathan George Evans early in his military career


Nathan resigned his commission in the United States Army in February of 1861.  He bid farewell to his Colonel, Robert E. Lee and headed for Montgomery, Alabama, where he was commissioned as a Major in the Confederate States Cavalry.  Evans was then commissioned as Adjutant-General of the South Carolina Army.  He was present during the siege on Fort Sumter in April of 1861 where he commanded the Confederate forces on James Island. 

Following the Battle of Fort Sumter, Evans was promoted to the rank of Colonel.  He followed General Beauregard to Virginia where he had a small field command in the first encounter at Blackburn's Ford.  Evans commanded the Seventh Brigade in Beauregard's Army during the First Battle of Bull Run a/k/a First Manassas, which included the 4th South Carolina Infantry Regiment, Major Chatham Roberdeau Wheat's "Louisiana Tigers" Infantry Battalion, Terry's Squadron of Cavalry and section of Latham's Artillery Battery.  His Brigade was posted on the Confederate left, guarding the Stone Bridge over the Bull Run stream.



First Battle of Bull Run, chromolithograph by Kurz & Allison


From his position, Evans quickly detected that his men were the target of a large Federal outflanking maneuver.  Evans made a bold decision to move most of his men away from the spot they were originally tasked to defend without waiting for orders from the Confederate Command.  Evans' Brigade moved North approximately one mile and took position on high ground north of Young’s Branch of the Bull Run.  This position allowed the Brigade to repel the Federal attack. 

Evans bold move allowed his men not only to repel the Federal attack, but to also make a brief pursuit of the Federal invaders.  His position was eventually reinforced by Confederate General Bernard Bee.  With the aid of Bee's troops, Evans' Brigade moved back across the Bull Run toward the Henry House where Stonewall Jackson's troops provided protection.  He was said to have been everywhere during the battle, followed by aide who carried a small barrel of Evans' favorite whiskey on his back. 

His quick action without waiting for orders helped secure a Confederate victory.  Following First Bull Run, General Beauregard commended Evans' "dauntless conduct and imperturbable coolness".   He was given command of a brigade of Mississippi and Virginia troops and assigned to guard the upper fords of the Potomac River above Washington, D.C. 


Death of Col. Edward D. Baker at the Battle of Ball's Bluff, by Currier and Ives


In October of 1861, a Federal force commanded by Colonel Edward D. Baker crossed the river near Leesburg, Virginia.  On October 21, 1861, Baker's Federals clashed with Evans' troops at the Battle of Ball's Bluff.  During the Battle, Colonel Baker was shot and killed.  Evans' Brigade succeeded in inflicting great loss and driving the Federals into the Potomac.  For his actions during the battle, Evans was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. 

In 1862, Evans was given command of a Brigade that consisted of the 17th, 18th, 22nd, and 23rd  South Carolina Infantry Regiments, and Holcombe’s Legion of South Carolina Troops.  His brigade was originally tasked with defending the seacoasts of the Carolinas, but due to the endless shortage of Southern manpower, the Brigade was ordered to remain in Virginia.   Evans' Brigade participated in Second Manassas, South Mountain and Sharpsburg.  During the Battles of South Mountain and Sharpsburg, Evans temporarily commanded the Division.   Following the Battle of Sharpsburg, Evans was assigned to Eastern North Carolina where he was tasked with opposing a major Federal raid on Kinston and Goldsboro. 

It is known that General Evans fancied a drink every now and then.  Reports of his aide following him into battle with a small barrel of whiskey are widely known.  Evans was tried for drunkenness during the Battle of Kinston and was subsequently acquitted. 

In the Summer of 1863, Evans' Brigade was assigned to General Joseph E. Johnston's Army during the Vicksburg Campaign.  Following the Confederate evacuation of Vicksburg, Evans returned to Charleston, South Carolina, where he began a feud with his superior officer, General Roswell S. Ripley.  Ripley had Evans tried for disobedience of orders, of which he was acquitted.  Despite his acquittal, Beauregard still viewed Evans as a liability.  His reputation for being fond of alcohol now preceded him.  Beauregard decided not to return Evans to his command.  Evans complained that the efficiency of his Brigade was being ruined, to which Beauregard replied "I am sorry to have to add that no distribution or dispersion of the regiments of this brigade, as commanded by General Evans, would diminish its efficiency."  Beauregard's report of the Brigade was found to be far from satisfactory. 

Evans was finally given back command of his Brigade in April of 1864. As he was preparing to take his Brigade North to participate in the Petersburg Campaign, Evans was seriously injured in a carriage accident in Charleston.  The command of Evans' Brigade was passed to Brigadier General Stephen Elliott.  Although Evans eventually recovered from his injuries, he was never returned to his command. 

General Elliott gallantly led a group of Confederates during the Battle of The Crater on July 30, 1864.  During this battle, Evans' younger brother Asa Louis Evans led a group of Georgians during a charge.  Evans' former Brigade suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of the Crater. 

General Evans now held a lesser position in the Confederate War Department in Richmond, Virginia.   He accompanied Jefferson Davis during the Confederate evacuation of Richmond in April of 1865, travelling with the president as far as Cokesbury, South Carolina. 

Evans lived an additional 3 years following the end of the Civil War.  He became a High School Principal in Cokesbury and then in Midway, Alabama, where he died on November 30, 1868, probably from the effects of the carriage accident.  He was 44 years old at the time of his death.  Evans body was returned to Cokesbury, South Carolina where he was buried in the Tabernacle Cemetery.  

Robert E. Lee's son, General William Henry Fitzhugh Lee once wrote of Evans:

"Shanks" Evans, as he was so called, was a graduate of the military academy, a native South Carolinian, served in the respected old Second Dragoons, and was a good example of the rip-roaring, scorn all-care element which so largely abounded in that regiment. Evans had the honor of opening the fight (First Manassas), we might say fired the first gun of the war."



Historical Marker at Tabernacle Cemetery


Grave of Brigadier General Nathan George "Shanks" Evans

**An interesting side note, Nathan Evans' son, John Gary Evans was the youngest Governor in South Carolina State history.


Governor John Gary Evans

John Gary Evans was born in Cokesbury, South Carolina on October 15, 1863.  He is my 4th cousin 4x removed.  After the death of his father in 1868, John lived with his maternal uncle, Martin Witherspoon Gary, who was also a Brigadier General for the Confederacy during the Civil War.  He was educated in the secondary school in Cokesbury before enrolling in Union College in Schenectady, New York.  His uncle's death in 1881 forced him to withdraw from College due to financial constraints.  John eventually graduated in 1883.  He was admitted to the Bar in Aiken, South Carolina in 1887.  In 1888, John was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives at the age of 25.  Four years later, in 1892, he was elected to the South Carolina Senate.  In 1894, at the age of 31, he was elected as the 85th Governor of South Carolina.  John served only one term as Governor.  Following his Governorship, he made several unsuccessful attempts to be elected to the United States Senate.  He served as three time delegate to the  Democratic National Conventions in 1900, 1912 and 1916.  In 1914, he became the chairman of the South Carolina Democratic State Executive Committee and from 1918 to 1928 was the National Democratic Committeeman from South Carolina.  Evans won a term to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1922 from Spartanburg and served on the judiciary and rules committees.  On June 27, 1942, Evans died and was buried at Willowbrook Cemetery in Edgefield.


Grave of Governor John Gary Evans


William Edwin Evans was born in Marion, South Carolina on December 17, 1835.  He is also my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  William graduated high in his class at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.  As a Midshipman in the Navy he visited Japan shortly after its Ports were opened to the world.  He also visited many of the Ports and Capitals of Europe.

Following his graduation, he was commissioned as Master in the United States Navy, serving a short time prior to the outbreak of the Civil War.  William did as most Southern men in the United States Army did, resigning his commission on February 2, 1861,  following the secession of his native State of South Carolina.  He was then commissioned in the Navy of the newly-formed Confederate States on March 26, 1861, as 1st Lieutenant and assigned to duty on board C. S. Cruiser Sumter.




The first Man-of-War to get to sea under the Confederate flag was the CSS Sumter.   She was a steamer of 500 tons, and had formerly been the Spanish steamer Marquis de Habana.  To get ready for the war, she was strengthened, a berth deck was put in, the spar deck cabins removed, and she was armed with an 8-inch shell gun, pivoted amidships, and four light 32-pounders on her broadside.  On April 18, 1861, Commander Raphael Semmes was given command, with the following officers: Lieutenants. John M. Kell, Robert T. Chapman, John M. Stribling, and William E. Evans;  Paymaster Henry Myers; Surgeon. Francis L. Galt; Midshipmen William A. Hicks, Richard F. Armstrong, Albert G. Hudgins, John F. Holden, and Joseph D. Wilson; Lieutenant of Marines B. K. Howell;  Engineers Miles J. Freeman, William P. Brooks, Matthew O'Brien, and Simeon W. Cummings;  Boatswain Benjamin P. Mc-Caskey;  Gunner J. O. Cuddy; Sailmaker W. P. Beaufort, Carpenter William Robinson, and Captain's Clerk W. Breedlove Smith.


CSS Sumter, Ship's Officers on Deck, William E. Evans seated on left


On June 30, 1861, the Sumter sailed from the mouth of the Mississippi River, and was chased by the United States steamer Brooklyn before safely making it to sea.  Captain Semmes cruised along the south side of the island of Cuba, taking eight prizes, before embarking to Cienfuegos.  From there he cruised down the Spanish mainland, and on the 13th of November anchored at St. Pierre, Martinique.  There he was blockaded by the United States ship Iroquois for nine days.  On the night of November 23rd he swiftly made his escape and crossed the Atlantic to Cadiz, where he arrived on January 4, 1862, again taking several prizes on the way.  Not being permitted to coal, he proceeded to Gibraltar, which port he reached on the 19th of January. Here he was blockaded by the United States vessels Tuscarora, Kearsarge and Chippewa, and it was decided to lay the ship up.  In her brief career, the Sumter captured 7 vessels, of which 2 were ransomed, 7 were released in Cuban ports, 2 were recaptured, and 6 were burned.




William was then ordered to embark with Admiral Semmes on the C. S. Cruiser Alabama, but was detained in England by a severe illness until she had cleared port; subsequently he served as 1st Lieutenant on the C. S. Cruiser Georgia, and in 1864 was elevated to the rank of commander of that vessel.

The Georgia was bought at Dumbarton, Scotland, for the Confederate government. She was commissioned off Ushant in April, 1863, by Commodore William Maury, with the following list of Officers: Lieutenants. R. T. Chapman, Evans, Smith, and J. H. Ingraham;  Passed Midshipman Walker;  Midshipman Morgan;  Paymaster Curtis, Surgeon Wheeden, and Chief Engineer Pearson.  She cruised in the Atlantic, ran over to the coast of Brazil, and then to the Cape of Good Hope.  On the 28th of October she anchored at Cherbourg, having taken 9 prizes. There Commodore Maury turned over the command to Lieutenant Evans.

Upon her sale by the Confederate Government, Captain Evans, was given one of the fleet little craft which did such valuable service as blockade runners of Southern ports and made many cruises, successfully eluding the watchful squadrons of the United States.  His last voyage was through the blockade of Wilmington harbor, North Carolina, which port he succeeded in reaching during a heavy gale by running between the Federal cruisers lying almost abreast within the harbor, evading the consequences of his daring by the fact that in firing upon him, his enemies would have sunk their sister ships.

After the end of the war, Captain Evans went to Charleston, South Carolina and later to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was engaged in business, but suffering a severe injury, which caused concussion of the brain, he returned to South Carolina much impaired in health.

The following account, written by his distinguished friend and commander, giving some idea of Captain Evans' attractive personality, is taken from "Service Afloat," by Admiral Raphael Semmes, C. S. N., 125:

"Lieut. William E. Evans, the fourth and Junior Lieutenant of the ship (Sumter), is not more than twenty-four years of age, slim in person, of medium height, and rather delicate looking, though not from ill health. His complexion is dark, and he has black hair and eyes. He has a very agreeable, riante expression about his face, and is somewhat given to casuistry, being fond of an argument, when occasion presents itself. He is but recently out of the Naval Academy, at Annapolis, and like all new graduates, feels the freshness of academic honors. He is a native of South Carolina, and a brother of Gen. Evans, of that State, who so distinguished himself, afterwards, at the battle of Manassas, and on other bloody fields."

Biographical Sketch of William Edwin Evans

William Edwin Evans lived an additional 28 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Marion, South Carolina in 1893 at the age of 58.  He is buried in the Old Town Cemetery in Marion, South Carolina


Grave of William Edwin Evans



Asa Louis Evans was born in Marion, South Carolina on April 10, 1834.  He is also my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  Asa practiced law in Marion, South Carolina until the outbreak of the Civil War.  He originally enlisted as First Sergeant in Company E, South Carolina 1st Infantry Regiment on January 5, 1861 for a six month period. 


1st Muster for Asa

Asa fulfilled his six month obligation and was mustered out of Company E on July 9, 1861 in Richmond, Virginia. 


Muster-out Roll for Asa


Following his brief stint in the 1st South Carolina Infantry Regiment, Asa again volunteered his services to the Confederacy and received an appointment as Adjutant on the staff of his older brother Brigadier General Nathan George Evans.  Asa now held the rank of Captain.  He was actively engaged in all of the campaigns of the latter and retained his commission after the retirement of General Evans, serving on the staff of General Stephen D. Elliott, who succeeded the command of Evans' Brigade.  Asa served with conspicuous gallantry at the battle of "The Crater", at Petersburg, Virginia on July 30, 1864,  leading the attack at the head of a Company of Georgians, whose commanding officers had been killed.  For his performance he received the highest commendation in General Elliot's after battle report.  After the conclusion of the war he returned to Marion and resumed his law practice until the Radicals Reconstructionists came into power.  Asa retired to his plantation on the western side of the Pee Dee River, where he resided for many years.  He returned to Marion to become the Deputy Clerk of Court.  A position that he held until suffering almost total blindness.  Asa was also Clerk of the Senate of the State of South Carolina for many years.  He lived an additional 40 years following the end of the Civil War.  Asa Louis Evans died in Marion, South Carolina on March 11, 1905 at the age of 70.  He is buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, South Carolina


Biographical Sketch of Asa Louis Evans


Grave of  Captain Asa Louis Evans



Chesley Daniel Evans was born in Marion, South Carolina on January 10, 1817.  He is also my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  Chesley was educated at Marion Academy and the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in 1840.  He read law and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1843, practicing in his home County of Marion.  In 1860, Chesley was chosen by his County as a delegate to the Convention which framed the Ordinance of Secession, and his name is subscribed to that famous document.


Signature of Chesley Daniel Evans

During the Civil War, Chesley was an Officer of the Reserve Guard of Marion, and saw duty in the latter years along the coast. 

Biographical Sketch of Chesley Daniel Evans


Chesley Daniel lived an additional 32 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Marion, South Carolina on May 29, 1897 at the age of 80.  He is buried in the Old Town Cemetery in Marion South Carolina.


Grave of Chesley Daniel Evans



Dr. James Evans was born in Marion, South Carolina on September 12, 1831.  He is also my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  James was also educated at Marion Academy.  He entered the South Carolina Military Academy in the class of 1853 at the age of seventeen.  Due to friction between his class and the Academy, James and other members of his class were expelled.  James returned home and began working as an engineer on the Cheraw & Darlington Railroad Company.  James also worked on the Charleston & Savannah Railroad before moving to Carroll County, Mississippi to teach school.  Following a brief stint in teaching he joined a corps of engineers who were building the Little Rock & Napoleon Railway.  In 1857 The Governor of Arkansas appointed James as State Civil Engineer and tasked him with building the great levees along the Mississippi, Arkansas, and Red River fronts. 


Dr. James Evans

In the Spring of 1859, James entered the University of Pennsylvania to pursue the study of medicine.  He graduated with a degree in medicine in the Spring of 1861.  James intended to set sail for Europe by way of New York, but after learning of the events in Charleston Harbor, he returned South to volunteer his services for the Confederacy.  James learned of the military build up in Virginia and made his way to Manassas in time to offer his medical expertise on the field of battle.  Following the battle, James was placed in charge of the Division Hospital at Leesburg, Virginia.  In Leesburg, James would meet his future wife.  James was soon detailed from his service at Leesburg and made and assistant at a Confederate Hospital in Adams Run, South Carolina.  There he assisted Dr. Fred Giddings.  During his service at Adams Run, he suffered a severe attack of hemorrhagic fever.  Following his recovery, he was promoted to the rank of Major of the South Carolina 3rd Regiment of Volunteers.  The 3rd South Carolina was attached to Kershaw's Brigade, McClaw's Division, Longstreet's Corps, Army of Northern Virginia for the duration of the war. 

Following the war, James returned to Marion County where he purchased a modest plantation where he resided until moving to Florence, South Carolina in 1877.  In 1887, James was elected President of the South Carolina Medical Association and at the expiration of his term was appointed by the Governor as a member of the State Board of Health.  James wrote numerous articles which were published in various medical journals.  He was also a member of the United Confederate Veterans, United Confederate Surgeons and South Carolina Chapter of Sons of the Revolution.

James lived an additional 44 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died while on vacation in Clifton Springs, Ontario County, New York on July 15, 1909 at the age of 77.  His body was returned to Florence, South Carolina and was laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery.


Grave of Dr. James Evans


Beverly Daniel Evans was born in Marion, South Carolina on February 6, 1826.  He is also my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  Like his brothers, Beverly was also educated at the Marion Academy, where he gained an appreciation for the Classics.  Following his graduation, he studied law and was a school teacher.  Beverly was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in Charleston in January of 1847.   In 1852, Beverly left South Carolina and relocated to Sandersville, Georgia.  In Georgia, he resumed his law practice.  



Colonel Beverly Daniel Evans


At the outbreak of the Civil War, Beverly joined the "Washington Rifles" as a 2nd Lieutenant and became Captain of the Company.  He eventually attained the rank of Brevet Colonel of the 2nd Regiment of Georgia State Troops, the Regiment he served with through out the war.  Following the war, Beverly returned home to Sandersville, Georgia and again took up his law practice.  He survived and additional 32 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Sandersville, Georgia on March, 21, 1897 at the age of 71.  He is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia.


Grave of Colonel Beverly Daniel Evans


Due to the fact that all of these men were brothers, I am only listing one relationship chart.

Here's my relation to Brigadier General Nathan George "Shanks" Evans:

Nathan George "Shanks" Evans (1824 - 1868)
is your 3rd cousin 5x removed
Jane Beverly Daniel (1795 - 1861)
mother of Nathan George "Shanks" Evans
Martha Julia Daniel (1763 - 1839)
mother of Jane Beverly Daniel
Chesley Daniel (1730 - 1814)
father of Martha Julia Daniel
James Daniel (1707 - 1760)
father of Chesley Daniel
Josiah Daniel (1744 - 1811)
son of James Daniel
William Ford Daniel (1774 - 1848)
son of Josiah Daniel
L. Chesley Daniel (1806 - 1882)
son of William Ford Daniel
William Henry "Buck" Daniel (1827 - 1896)
son of L. Chesley Daniel
Phebe Lucy Daniel (1862 - 1946)
daughter of William Henry "Buck" Daniel
Valeria Lee Moss (1890 - 1968)
daughter of Phebe Lucy Daniel
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Valeria Lee Moss
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The "Hartwell Infantry" a/k/a Company C, Georgia 16th Infantry Regiment: 2nd Lieutenant Elias Sanders Dyer, my 2nd cousin 4x removed


Original Tintype of  2nd Lieutenant Elias Sanders Dyar
 
The Georgia 16th Infantry Regiment a/k/a the "Sallie Twiggs" Regiment was organized by my 4th cousin 7x removed, Howell Cobb in the Summer of 1861.  It's men were raised from the Counties of Madison, Elbert, Gwinnett, Habersham, Jackson, and Hart.  Howell Cobb had previously served as Secretary of the Treasury under President James Buchanan from 1857 - 1860, and also as the 40th Governor of the State of Georgia from 1851 - 1853.  Cobb also served as the acting Head of State for the Confederate Government for a two week period before Jefferson Davis was elected President. 



Howell Cobb


The Georgia 16th Infantry Regiment had many brave soldiers, however two of its men rose rapidly through the ranks of the Confederate Army.  Howell Cobb began his Confederate military career as Colonel of the Georgia 16th and rose to the rank of Major General.  He is the highest ranking known ancestor in my family.   Howell and his brother Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb have both been the focus of previous entries. 


George Good Bryan

George Goode Bryan began his career as a Captain of the Georgia 16th before being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.  Bryan eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier General.  The Georgia 16th was also known as the Sallie Twiggs Regiment in honor of his daughter, Sallie Twiggs Bryan, who was born in 1859. 

Following the organization of the Regiment, the Georgia 16th was transferred to Richmond, Virginia via railroad.  When the unit arrived in Richmond, their quarters were affectionately named "Camp Cobb" in honor of their Colonel.  Below is an excerpt from the September 25, 1861 "Richmond Dispatch"  describing the morale, shape and discipline of the Regiment:



Camp Cobb--16th Regiment Georgia Volunteers.

"--We were much gratified by a visit yesterday to the camp, at the old Fair Ground, of the 16th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, commanded by the Hon. Howell Cobb, President of Congress. A finer body of men, or a cleaner or better regulated camp, we have rarely seen. Although a few weeks ago a considerable number of this regiment were sick with the measles and remittent fever, we are happy to say that now, with very few exceptions, the entire strength of the regiment is fit for duty. The rapid improvement in the health of this corps is, we believe, mainly attributable to the rigid enforcement, by the Colonel and his officers, of the wise rule providing for the sick in camp, and only removing to the hospitals and private houses such cases as could not properly be attended to in the camp hospital, and to the extreme attention paid to the cooking of the soldiers' food, and the cleanliness of all parts of the camp.
During a somewhat protracted visit, we did not hear a single profane expression, nor a word which could offend the cars of the most sensitive. We found the men cheerful and happy, the officers courteous and obliging; the tents airy, scrupulously near, and well pitched, and the general arrangements for the comfort and good order of the regiment worthy of all commendation.
We understand that the stand of colors voted by Congress at its last session to the corps commanded by its President, is now ready, and will shortly be formally presented by the President of the Confederate States. From what we have seen of this fine body of Georgians, and from what we have heard of their moral and physical discipline, we can predict that they will prove themselves worthy of the proud distinction which the Congress has conferred upon them in the person of their able and popular Colonel."


General Howell Cobb


On February 13, 1862, Howell Cobb was appointed Brigadier General.  The Georgia 16th was now a part of Cobb's Brigade.  Following Cobb's promotion, George Goode Bryan was promoted to Colonel of the Regiment.  Cobb's Brigade was attached to General Layfayette McLaw's Division in Major General James Longstreet's First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. 

Cobb's Brigade participated in the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles from June 25 - July 1, 1862, where they aided the Army of Northern Virginia in successfully defending the Confederate Capital.  The Brigade also saw action at Second Manassas on August 28 - 30, 1862, which resulted in another Confederate victory very near the ground that was in the first major battle of the war in June of 1861. 

On September 14, 1862, Cobb's Brigade played a key role in the fighting at Crampton's Gap during the Battle of South Mountain.  It was in this battle that Elias Sanders Dyer was captured by Federal troops and taken prisoner.  Crampton's Gap was located at the southernmost point of the Battle of South Mountain.  A small group of Confederate Cavalrymen and a small portion of General McLaw's Division were tasked with defending the Brownsville Pass and Crampton's Gap.  A group of about 500 Confederates in a thin line  was deployed behind a three quarter-mile-long stone wall at the eastern base of Crampton's Gap.  As 12,000 Federal soldiers approached, Cobb's Brigade arrived at a critical time to delay a Union advance through the gap.  As the Union numbers grew, they began to overpower the outnumbered Confederates.  Roughly 400 men from Cobb's Brigade were captured as prisoners of war. 

Below is General Cobb's Post Battle Report that followed the Battle of Crampton's Gap:

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Opequon Crossing, September 22, 1862.
       
     GENERAL: On the 13th instant I was ordered by you to take and hold possession of Sandy Hook, near Harper's Ferry; which was done, without serious opposition. On the 14th my command was ordered by you to return to our former camp, at Brownsville. This order was received about 1 o'clock p.m., and the brigade was immediately marched to that point, reaching there about 4 p.m. I had been in camp about an hour when I received a message from Colonel Munford, at Crampton's Gap, distant about 2 miles, recommending the removal of my command to that point, as the enemy were pressing the small force at the gap. I immediately ordered my two strongest regiments to march to their support. Before, however, the head of the column had filed into the road I received a message from Colonel Parham, who was in command of Mahone's brigade at the gap, to the effect that the enemy was pressing him hard with overwhelming numbers, and appealing for all the support I could bring to him. I immediately ordered the remaining two regiments to march, and accompanied the command in person. As I was marching the last of the column, I received a message from you, through your assistant adjutant-general (Major Mcintosh) that I must hold the gap if it cost the life of every man in my command. Thus impressed with the importance of the position, I went forward with the utmost dispatch. When I reached the top of the mountain, I found that the enemy had been repulsed and driven back in the center and had been pursued down the other side of the mountain by Mahone's brigade. I soon discovered, however, that the enemy, by their greatly superior numbers, were flanking us both upon the right and left. Two of my regiments were sent to the right and two to the left to meet these movements of the enemy. In this we were successful, until the center gave way, pressed by fresh troops of the enemy and increased numbers. Up to this time the troops had fought well, and maintained their ground against greatly superior forces. The Tenth Georgia Regiment, of General Semmes' brigade, had been ordered to the gap from their position at the foot of the mountain, and participated in the battle with great courage and energy. After the lines were broken, all my efforts to rally the troops were unsuccessful. I was enabled to check their advance by momentary rallies, and, the night coming on, I made a successful stand near the foot of the mountain, which position we held during the night, and until a new position was taken about day-dawn the next morning, in the rear of Brownsville, which position was held until the surrender of Harper's Ferry. General Semmes' brigade and Wilcox's brigade, under the command of Colonel Cumming, of the Tenth Georgia Regiment, had been ordered, the former by General Semmes, the latter by yourself, to my support. They came up to the position I occupied during the night; they could not have reached me sooner. The whole number of troops engaged on our side did not exceed 2,200, whilst the force of the enemy was variously estimated from 10,000 to 20,000 men. It could not have been less than 10,000 and probably reached 15,000.
       It is impossible for me to report the casualties, as the fate of only a few of the large number missing is certainly known. Of the number who went into the battle there are now missing and unaccounted for over 800. The larger portion of this number is believed to be prisoners, as we were flanked on both the right and the left by the enemy, and, thus surrounded, our men were compelled to surrender. For the most successful rally made on the retreat from the crest of the mountain I was indebted to a section of the Troup Artillery, under Lieutenant [Henry] Jennings. They had been ordered forward, and had reached a point where, under the terrific fire of the enemy, their pieces were placed in position, and, by their prompt and rapid firing, checked for a time the advance of the enemy. One of the pieces was brought off safely; the other was lost by an accident to the axle. When I reached the gap I found both Colonel Munford and Colonel Parham active and energetic in the discharge of their duty, which continued to the end of the fight. Shortly after the lines were broken, and I was endeavoring to rally the troops, General Semmes appeared on the field, and, at great exposure and with great coolness and courage, gave me his cordial aid and co-operation. All of the members of my staff were on the field, and did all that could be done under the circumstances. One of them, Col. John B. Lamar, of Georgia, volunteer aide, whilst near my side, earnestly rallying the men, received a mortal wound, of which he died the next day. No nobler nor braver man has fallen in this war. There were many other acts of personal courage which circumstances prevent me from mentioning at present. The remnant of my brigade marched with the rest of your division from Harper's Ferry, and was engaged in the battle of the 17th, at Sharpsburg. I was necessarily absent for two days from the command, and reached it the morning after the battle, and the present absence of the officer then in command of this brigade prevents a report at this time of that day's operation.
       Accompanying this report is a list of the killed, wounded, and missing, made out with as much accuracy as practicable under existing circumstances.

I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
HOWELL COBB,
Brigadier-General

Cobb's Brigade continued to participate in the Maryland Campaign, fighting at Sharpsburg on September 17, 1862.  Due to his capture at Crampton's Gap, Elias Sanders Dyer did not participate in the battle.  Dyer was paroled by his Union captors in November of 1862.  He returned to the Georgia 16th in time to participate in the Confederate victory at Fredericksburg in December of 1862.  Following the Battle of Fredericksburg, Longstreet's Corps went in to winter quarters. 

In October of 1862, Brigadier General Howell Cobb was detached from the Army of Northern Virginia and sent to the District of Middle Florida.  Cobb was promoted to Major General in 1863 and placed in command of the District of Georgia and Florida.  

On November 1, 1862, Howell Cobb's brother, also my 4th cousin 7x removed, Colonel Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb was promoted to Brigadier General.  The command of Cobb's Brigade now passed to his younger brother.  With another Cobb in command, the Brigade was able to keep its name. 



General Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb

Brigadier General Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb commanded the Brigade for just over one month.  He was wounded in the thigh by a Union Artillery shell or minie ball while inside the Stephens house near the Sunken Road on Marye's Heights on December 13, 1862 during the Battle of Fredericksburg.  He bled to death within minutes from damage to his femoral artery.  Brigadier Generals Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb and James Johnston Pettigrew are the highest ranking known ancestors in my family to have died from wounds received in the Civil War. 



Brigadier General Goode Bryan


Following the death of General Thomas R. R. Cobb, Colonel George Goode Bryan assumed command of Cobb's Brigade.  Colonel Bryan led the Brigade during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1 - 3, 1863.  During the Battle, the Georgia 16th were among the troops poised to attack a perceived weak spot in the Federal Line near Little Round Top, however the troops were recalled by General Longstreet and remained in reserve.  Bryan was convinced that if his troops had been allowed to attack, they could have moved forward and won the battle.  Bryan was promoted to Brigadier General on August 29, 1863. 

Following the Battle of Gettysburg, the Georgia 16th followed Longstreet's Corps into the Western Theater but were not engaged in the Battle of Chickamauga.  The Unit did participate in the Knoxville Campaign in November of 1863, taking part in the Battle of Campbell's Station on November 16th and the Battle of Fort Sanders on November 29th.  Following the Knoxville Campaign, the Brigade returned to Virginia where they went into winter quarters. 

Back in Virginia, the Georgia 16th participated in the Battle of The Wilderness from May 5 - 6, 1864.  This battle took place on the land just west of the Battle of Chancellorsville, which had taken place a year earlier.  On May 5th, Longstreet's First Corps were stationed at Gordonsville where they guarded the rail lines.  Gordonsville was approximately 25 miles away from the dense forest of Spotysylvania known as theWilderness.  Federal Generals Grant and Meade didn't want to engage the Confederates in the Wilderness because the dense forestry would negate the Union Army's superior numbers and artillery.   Those were the very reasons that Robert E. Lee wished to fight there.  The Confederate Second and Third Corps fiercely engaged the Federals on May 5th.  On May 6th, numerous reinforcements from Longstreet's First Corps arrived and filled in the Confederate gap in the line.  As the sun was setting on May 6th, Longstreet was struck in the neck by friendly fire.  Command of the First Corps was now ceded to Major General Richard Anderson. 

The Unit also participated in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House from May 8 - 21, 1864.  On May 7th, Robert E. Lee ordered Anderson to move the First Corps to Spotsylvania Court House, predicting that Ulysses Grant's Federals would also converge on that area.  Lee was correct in his assumption.  The First Corps arrived at Block House Bridge and were informed that General J.E.B. Stuart's Cavalry were holding off elements of Warren's V Corps off near Brock Road and needed reinforcements.  Anderson deployed the Brigades of Henegan and Humphreys to aid Stuart.  Stuart immediately deployed them along the crest of Laurel Hill, where they succeeded in holding off the Federal advance.

A courier from Major General Fitzhugh Lee's force arrived with news that Lee was engaging Federal Brigadier General James H. Wilson's cavalry near the court house.  Anderson immediately deployed the Brigades of Bryan and Wofford, who aided Lee in fending off the Federal Cavalrymen.  The First Corps spent the majority of the Battle fending off repeated Federal assaults on Laurel Hill.  They were not engaged at the fighting near the "Bloody Angle". 

It is not known whether Elias Sanders Dyer was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness or the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, only that he was mortally wounded in May of 1864.


Elias Sanders Dyar


Elias Sanders Dyar was born in Hart County, Georgia in 1830.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed.  According to family sources, he preferred to be called Sanders.  Prior to the Civil War, he served as a Deacon of the Hartwell Baptist Church, Marshal of the Town and Deputy Sheriff of Hart County.  Sanders volunteered for the Confederate Army on July 13, 1861.  He was elected 2nd Lieutenant of the "Hartwell Infantry" a/k/a Company C, Georgia 16th Infantry Regiment. 


Roster showing Sanders' election as 2nd Lieutenant

Two of his younger brothers also served in the Confederate Army.  Joel Hunter Dyar, Jr. served as a Private in Company C, Phillip's Georgia Legion.  Elisha Marion Dyar served as a Private in Company A, Phillip's Georgia Legion. 

Sanders was captured by Federal troops at Crampton's Gap, Maryland on September 14, 1862, three days before the bloody battle at Sharpsburg.  He was held prisioner at Fort McHenry, Maryland for just under two months, being sent to Fortress Monroe, Virgina where he was paroled on November 10, 1862.


POW Roll showing parole at Fortress Monroe

Sanders was critically wounded at either the Battle of the Wilderness or The Battle of Spotsylvania in May of 1864.  His Regiment participated in both battles and Confederate records don't reference which particular battle he was wounded in. 


Report showing Sanders admission to General Hospital at Camp Winder

He was then admitted to the first division General Hospital at Camp Winder in Richmond, Virginia, where he died from infection from these wounds on June 6th, 1864.  Elias Sanders Dyar was 34 years old at the time of his death. 


Register showing Sanders Death


He is buried in Soldiers Section U, Grave 540 in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.  At the time I originally wrote this entry, Sanders did nott have a headstone to mark his grave.  


Final Resting Place for Elias Sanders Dyer.  The small stone marks grave 538.  Sanders is two graves up the row. 



New Marker for Elias Sander Dyar

I'm happy to say that Elias has recently received his proper Confederate Headstone.

Here's my relation to Sanders:

Elias Sanders Dyer (1830 - 1864)
is your 2nd cousin 4x removed
Joel Hunter Dyer (1794 - 1863)
father of Elias Sanders Dyer
Malvina Lavonia Wheeler (1760 - 1820)
mother of Joel Hunter Dyer
William Wheeler (1725 - 1780)
father of Malvina Lavonia Wheeler
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
son of William Wheeler
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
son of Benjamin Wheeler
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
son of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
son of Christopher Columbus Wheeler
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Benjamin Elliott Wheeler
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce