The Virginia 4th Cavalry, My 2nd Great Granduncle, William Archer Vaden And Eight Officer Cousins

Williams Carter Wickham's Hat Badge

The Virginia 4th Cavalry was organized at Sangster's Cross Roads in Prince William County, Virginia on September 19, 1861.  Its members were recruited from Prince William, Chesterfield, Madison, Culpeper, Powhatan, Goochland, Hanover, Fauquier, and Buckingham Counties along with the city of Richmond.  Interestingly enough, I am related to all of the Colonels who served in this regiment.   Normally I don't dig as far as I have with some of these relationships, but when going down the genealogy rabbit hole, I kept finding connections to the officers of this regiment.  I guess that's one of the benefits of being able to trace back to some fairly early Virginia colonists.  

My 5th cousin 4x removed. Beverly Robertson was the regiment's first Colonel.  My 5th cousin 6x removed, Williams Carter Wickham was the regiment's first Lieutenant Colonel.  My 8th cousin 6x removed, William Henry Fitzhugh Payne was the regiment's first Major.  Each of these men rose through the ranks and held the rank of Brigadier General before the end of the war.  

This unit was one of the most distinguished cavalry regiments in the Army of Northern Virginia.  Three Brigadier Generals rose from its ranks.  The regiment would have produced a fourth had the war not ended suddenly in April of 1865.  The fourth would have been my 2nd cousin 6x removed, William Beverley Wooldridge, who was the regiment's last Colonel.  His recommendation for Brigadier General had already been submitted to the Confederate authorities for approval.   

The unit participated in every major battle and campaign which involved the Army of Northern Virginia.  Specific battles include the Battle of Williamsburg, the Seven Days' Battles, the Second Bull Run and Maryland campaigns, Fredericksburg, Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Upperville, Gettysburg, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, Wilson's Wharf, Haw's Shop, and Bethesda Church. The 4th also went on to fight in the Shenandoah Valley with my 3rd cousin 5x removed General Jubal Early.  They also fought around Appomattox.   The regiment disbanded on the Lynchburg road, never handing over their colors nor stacking their arms in submission. 

The Virginia 4th Cavalry was composed of ten companies.  The Chesterfield Light Dragoons were organized in 1851.  The companies from Goochland, Hanover, Warrenton and Richmond were formed in the fall of 1859 during John Brown's raid on the Federal Armory at Harper's Ferry.  John Brown's raid was also a factor in the organization of the companies from Madison and Powhatan counties.  The company from Buckingham county was the last to join the regiment and was formed in March of 1862 for three years of service in the Confederate army.

Williams C. Wickham was instrumental in organizing the Hanover Light Dragoons.  The Black Horse Troop was organized by William Henry Fitzhugh Payne.  

Flag of the Virginia 4th Cavalry, Company E "Powhatan Troop"

As the bells of secession began to ring in Virginia, her militia units began to formally gather to await their call to duty.  The companies that would go on to form the Virginia 4th Cavalry acted independently in the Spring of 1861.  The Black Horse Troop took part in the occupation of the gun works at Harpers Ferry on April 16, 1861.  The following day, Virginia voted to secede from the Union.  The Prince William Cavalry was ordered into service that same day by Governor John Letcher.  

Confederate troops began to converge around Manassas Junction in early May of 1861.  The Powhatan Troop was the first unit to arrive.  They were quickly joined by the Black Horse Troop on May 9th.  When General P. G. T. Beauregard arrived at Manassas, the Powhatan Troop was assigned to be his body guard.  The Black Horse Troop was assigned similar duty with General Milledge Luke Bonham.  The Chesterfield Light Dragoons also arrived on the field on May 9th.  The Goochland Light Dragoons and The Governor's Mounted Guard were not far behind.  The Prince William Cavalry spent early May on picket duty in Prince William County.  They joined with the group towards the end of May.  

The first land engagement of the war with fatal casualties took place at the Battle of Fairfax Court House on June 1, 1861.  A Union scouting party skirmished with the local militia in the village of Fairfax, Virginia.  Federal cavalry patrols under Lieutenant Charles H. Tompkins had been frequent in the area.  Their goal was to estimate the Confederate forces in the vicinity.  The Federals surprised a small Confederate rifle company under the command of Captain John Q. Marr and took a few prisoners.  Captain Marr rallied his unit but fell mortally wounded.  Civilian ex-governor of Virginia, William "Extra Billy" Smith assumed command of the Confederate forces and forced the Federal retreat.  The casualty counts were small, but they were the first official casualties of the war.  The final count was 1 killed, 4 wounded and 3 captured for the Union and 1 killed, 2 wounded and 5 captured for the Confederates.

The Federal Army of Northeastern Virginia, commanded by General Irvin McDowell, left the defenses of Washington, D. C. and began their march south on July 16, 1861.  They numbered roughly 35,000 men.  They were headed to Manassas where the Confederate forces had converged.  A show down was looming.  The Confederate forces at Manassas were under the command of General P. G. T. Beauregard.  He had roughly 22,000 men in his command.

The Confederate forces withdrew from Fairfax Court House on July 17, 1861 around 8:30 a.m..  The Hanover Light Dragoons commanded by Captain Williams Carter Wickham, the Chesterfield Light Dragoons commanded by Captain William B. Ball and the Black Horse Troop commanded by William Henry Fitzhugh Payne were among the Confederate cavalry that covered the retreat.  

On July 18th,  McDowell tasked Division commander Brigadier General Daniel Tyler to find a place to ford across Bull Run Creek.  Tyler advanced toward Centerville and was informed by local residents that the Confederates under the command of Milledge Luke Bonham had retreated from the town and were headed in the direction of Blackburn's Ford.  The ford crossed the Bull Run by Centerville road between Manassas and Centerville.  Tyler's Federals attempted to cross the ford many times but were repulsed each time by the brigades of James Longstreet and Jubal Early.  The battle ended with an artillery duel which lasted until nightfall.  Tyler and his command retreated back to Centerville.

While Bonahm's troops were involved at the Battle of Blackburn's Ford, The Powhatan Troop under the of command of Captain John F. Lay escorted General Beauregard to Mitchell's Ford.  Lay would later resign his captaincy to join General Beauregard's staff.   The action at Blackburn's Ford subsided near nightfall.  The next day, Lay's Powhatan Troop escorted Stonewall Jackson's troops from Manassas Junction to Bull Run.   They were also involved in escorting General Joseph E. Johnston up from the Piedmont.  

First Battle of Bull Run, Kurz & Allison 1889

Irving McDowell began ordering Federal divisions towards Manassas as early as 2:30 a.m. on the morning of July 21, 1861.  His objective was to attack the Confederate left flank.  General Tyler began a diversionary attack on the Stone Bridge on the Confederate left while two other Federal divisions demonstrated against the Confederate center and right, while yet another two Federal divisions marched around the Confederate left flank to attack the Confederate rear.  Confederates spotted the Federal flanking column and sent reinforcements to Matthews Hill.  They were driven back to Henry House Hill where they formed a new Confederate defensive line using brigades from General Joseph E. Johnston's army.  The Confederate forces held against repeated Federal attacks during the afternoon.  A Confederate counterattack on the Federal left flank forced McDowell to retreat back to the defenses of Washington, D. C.

During the Battle of First Manassas, Captain William Willis Thorton's Prince William Cavalry was positioned at Mitchell's Ford on the Confederate extreme right.  Due to their location on the battlefield, they remained inactive during the battle.  Captain Robert Utterback's Little Fork Rangers were divided into two units for the entire day.  Half of Utterback's command was assigned to General Beauregard's headquarters and had the honor of escorting President Jefferson Davis to the battlefield in the late afternoon.   The other half of Utterback's company was detached with Captain Lay's command.  

Captain Lay's Powhatan Troop started their day by escorting General Beauregard to Mitchell's Ford.  From there Lay moved west to the Lewis House.  His men served as couriers and guides for Beauregard's command throughout the day.  Captain Lay was instrumental in assisting to rally the Confederate troops as they broke under the onslaught of the Federal numbers.  Later in the day, the Southern cavalry was ordered to pursue the fleeing Federals.  Captain Lay's company was at the front, pursuing the bluecoats as far as Centerville.  As darkness fell, the Powhatan Troop withdrew.  Captain Lay reported, "My officers were cool and composed, ready promptly to obey all orders; most of them under fire repeatedly during the day; some of them constantly with the general in his exposure."  

The Goochland Dragoons and The Governor's Mounted Guard were at the extreme right at Union Mills.  They saddled up at 5:00 a.m. and remained ready for action all day.  There was no attack on their position and they did not engage with the Federals during the day.  

Captain Wickham's Hanover Light Dragoons were held in reserve at Manassas until very late in the day when they were ordered to press the Federal retreat.  Lieutenant William Brockenbrough Newton of Company G described the unit's action stating, "The time for us to act had arrived.  Our whole body of cavalry...now rushed like the wind to the front.  It was indeed a brilliant spectacle...The whole line resounded with a continued cheering...Our company was in the front, and I was in front of my platoon, when, after crossing the swamp, we cam suddenly on a detachment of the enemy concealed in the bushes, with their pieces levelled.  The Colonel ordered the charge and the boys rushed on."  During the Federal pursuit, Company G lost three of its men .  

Captain Payne's Black Horse Troop also began the Battle of First Manassas as a reserve unit.  As the Federals began their retreat to Centreville, The Black Horse Troop and the Chesterfield Light Dragoons charged into the mass of blue infantrymen at Cub Run.  Captain Payne wrote that his company was more than a full "mile in front of any other arm of the service at the time."  The bridge at Cub Run broke from the weight of Federal artillery units attempting to cross it.  This provided a great opportunity for a charge.  The Confederate troopers rushed forward throwing the retreating Federals into even more confusion.  The Federals abandoned several pieces of field artillery, many wagons and several carriages.  The Confederates continued the charge to Centreville where they encountered rallied Federal infantry and artillery.  The Southern horsemen withdrew from their pursuit and focused their efforts on capturing fourteen cannons, thirty wagons and forty horses left at Cub Run.  

The companies that went on to form the Virginia 4th Cavalry proved their worth of the field at Manassas.  They acted as guides and couriers, escorted both the commanding General and the President of the Confederacy and assisted in successfully driving the bluecoats from the field.  

On July 22nd , the Southern cavalry began to converge back at Mitchell's Ford.  Some of the men had been in the saddle for almost 24 hours.  The troopers continued to perform picket duty and reconnaissance along the Potomac.  Captain Payne's Black Horse Troop travelled to within six miles of Washington, D. C, pursuing straggling bluecoats.  The cavalrymen made their headquarters at Camp Frontier, appropriately named for their region of responsibility, which was the front line of the Potomac River.  The men would remain at Camp Frontier for the next eight months.  

The Virginia 4th Cavalry was officially born on September 4, 1861 with Confederate Special Order No. 248.  Fifteen days later the men of Prince William, Chesterfield, Madison, Culpeper, Powhatan and Warrenton all assembled at Sangster's Cross Roads.  The Governor's Mounted Guard and The Hanover Light Dragoons joined later in September.  The Goochland Light Dragoons reported for duty in October.  

The Prince William Cavalry, now known as Company A, spent October of 1861 on detached duty with General Jubal Early.  Around this same time General Earl Van Dorn was unsuccessful in keeping  The Black Horse Troop as his personal escort.  His official request was denied.  Both companies rejoined the regiment at Camp Frontier.  

Sketch of Pohick Church, 1862 by Union soldier Robert Sneden

On October 4, 1861, the Virginia 4th Cavalry was attacked at Pohick Church in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Pohick Church was built in 1774 and was the home church of founding fathers George Mason and George Washington.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry fired several volleys into the attacking Federals before withdrawing down the Telegraph Road.  The unit reported no casualties but lost five horses in the action.  

The Battle of Ball's Bluff took place on October 21, 1861.  Captain William B. Ball of the Chesterfield Light Dragoons, also known as Company B, commanded the Virginia 4th Cavalry during this engagement.  His command included The Chesterfield Light Dragoons, The Madison Invincibles, also known as Company C, and The Powhatan Troop, also known as Company E.  Captain Ball dismounted his troopers before a high fence near the Federal front and opened the attack.  Fierce fighting occurred for a half an hour.  The bluecoats were driven back into a thickly wooded area as the Confederate horsemen were reinforced.  By 6:00 p.m. the Federals were driven back across the Potomac, suffering severe casualties.  

The Virginia 4th Cavalry spent the Fall of 1861 at Camp Frontier.  Many of the companies provided detached service for other units in the area.  It seems there was high demand for these companies due to their men being very familiar with the area they were serving in.  The Prince William Cavalry, also known as Company A, spent the month of December assigned to Brigadier General William Henry Chase Whiting's Brigade.  

The regiment was back together again by January of 1862.  Colonel Beverly Roberson moved the Virginia 4th Cavalry to Camp Ewell, which was about two miles below Manassas.  The troopers performed picket duty along the Ox Road in Fairfax.  The cavalrymen remained at Camp Ewell through February and in to March.  On March 9th, the Confederate army began to move.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry acted as the rearguard as the Confederates moved south.  As March came to a close, the Southern forces hurried to the Peninsula to meet the gathering Federal threat that was concentrating around Fort Monroe, which was located at Old Point Comfort on the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry again covered the rearguard action during this movement.  

In early April of 1862, the regiment was ordered to proceed to Yorktown.  Colonel Robertson set up camp about halfway between Yorktown and Williamsburg.  On April 25, the regiment was reorganized for the war.  It reported 450 effectives and was one of the largest regiments in James Ewell Brown Stuart's cavalry corps.  Before the election of commanders, Private John Garland Taylor of Company A wrote, "I do not like the regimental officers nor have I seen a man who does.  The col. is very cross and contrary."  Colonel Robertson lost election for colonel because he was considered too stern a disciplinarian.  Lieutenant Colonel Williams Carter Wickham was elected Colonel.  

Major General J.E.B. Stuart

The Virginia 4th Cavalry served in Major General James Ewell Brown Stuart's Cavalry Corps.  J.E.B. is my 6th cousin 6x removed through the Perkins family.  Stuart was known for his mastery of reconnaissance and the use of his cavalry in support of offensive operations.  Stuart was the epitome of a modern day chivalrous knight, often sporting a red lined gray cape, yellow sash, slouch hat cocked to the side with an ostrich plume, and a red flower on his lapel.  He was more than just a cavalry leader, he was Robert E. Lee's eyes and ears in the field.  

J.E.B. Stuart was born at his family's plantation "Laurel Hill" in Patrick County, Virginia on February 6, 1833.  He was known to his friends as J.E.B. from the initials of his given name.  Prior to the war, J.E.B. attended Emory & Henry College.  Stuart also attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in the class of 1854.  

Young J.E.B. Stuart

It is said that he grew his famous mustache and beard to hide his chin, which he didn't particularly care for.  He served with the U.S. Army in Texas and Bleeding Kansas.  He also participated in the capture of John Brown at Harper's Ferry.  When Virginia seceded from the Union, he shortly followed, resigning his commission as a Captain in the U.S. Army to serve in the Confederate Army.   He entered the Provisional Army of the Confederacy as a Captain.  He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on May 10, 1861 and sent to Harper's Ferry under the command of Stonewall Jackson.  

On July 16th, J.E.B. was appointed Colonel of the 1st Virginia Cavalry.  On July 21st he received command of an entire Brigade of Confederate horsemen just in time to participate in the Battle of First Manassas.  Stuart and his horseman attacked the Federals far right flank.  He fought gallantly and participated in the pursuit of the retreating bluecoats.  He was promoted to Brigadier General on September 24th.   During the winter of 1861-1862, he commanded the cavalry of General Joseph E. Johnston's Army of the Potomac, which would later garner the name Army of Northern Virginia.  

He and his horsemen participated in the Peninsula Campaign.  Stuart pushed the limits of 1860's cavalry tactics.  His famous "ride around McClellan" resulted in 165 captured Federal soldiers, 260 horses and mules and various quartermaster and ordinance supplies.  He was promoted to Major General on July 26, 1862 and commanded all the cavalry in the Army of Northern Virginia.  

The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia has an excellent exhibit that features many of Stuart's war-time personal effects. 

Full view of J.E.B. Stuart exhibit

Closer view of slouch hat, sabre, pistol, gauntlets and holster

Closer view of Stuart's cavalry boots and rifle

General J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11, 1864.  He died the following day.  Stuart is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.  Below are pictures I took on the weekend of September 29, 2012.



Grave of General J.E.B. Stuart, Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia

Closeup of Stuart's marker

Here's my relationship to J.EB. Stuart

The first action that the Virginia 4th Cavalry saw as a regiment was covering the Confederate withdrawal from Yorktown to Williamsburg.  Their movement began on the evening of Saturday, May 3rd as the horsemen occupied the Confederate fortifications left vacant by the infantry.   Cold, hard rain poured continuously for days hampering the Confederate movement.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry, along with two other cavalry units acted as the rearguard until the infantry could make their way to Fort Magruder.   

Federal General George Brinton McClellan, the commander of the newly formed Army of the Potomac ordered his new chief of cavalry, George Stoneman Jr., to pursue the retreating Confederates.  Colonel Wickham made his stand about four miles outside of Williamsburg on the Telegraph Road between King's and Queen's creek.  Wickham and the Virginia 4th Cavalry held back the Federals until an artillery barrage forced his withdrawal to Fort Magruder around 3:00 p.m. on May 4th.

Federal pressure continued to mount.  Suddenly, Union troops took over an outer redoubt of the fort.  Wickham was ordered at once to charge.  The Confederate horsemen fell upon the enemy so quickly that they not only drove the Federals back down the road, but they also captured a Federal battery.  Colonel Wickham was seriously wounded in the countercharge and the regimental colors were captured.  During the vicious hand-to-hand combat that ensued, Wickham received a sabre wound through his side.  Musician Daniel F. Ball came to Wickham's aid and struck down the Yankee that had wounded his Colonel.  Despite his severe wound, Colonel Wickham remained saddled until the bluecoats were beaten back.  Major William Henry Fitzhugh Payne assumed command and ordered the regiment to fall behind the earthworks at Williamsburg, where they camped for the night.  

An artillery duel, lasting several hours, opened up the next morning.  Major Payne ordered the men into formation and began moving down the Telegraph road until they met a force carrying a Virginia flag.  Major Payne and Captain William B. Newton of Company G raced forward to identify the regiment.  Payne became suspicious and ordered his men to charge.  Captain Newton believed them to be friendly and pleaded for another moment to confirm their identity.  As he rode up to investigate, the men closed their ranks around him.  They were bluecoats and the Captain was captured.  The Federals fired a volley at the Virginia 4th.  Major Payne fell wounded, having been shot in the face,  

Captain Robert E. Utterback of Company F assumed command.  The regiments surgeon, Edmund S. Pendleton hurried to Payne's side and prevented him from bleeding to death.  Payne remarked "There was hardly an instant from the time I fell until the time I was put in the ambulance that the chances of death to both of us were not a thousand to one."  During the Confederate withdrawal, Major Payne was left behind due to the severity of his wound and captured.  A Yankee surgeon fashioned a mask made of rubber that held Payne's cheek and jawbones together while they healed. Thankfully by August, he would be exchanged and after a short respite at home, he would rejoin the regiment wearing the rubber mask. 

Following this brief but fierce skirmish, the regiment fell behind the Confederate fortifications and moved their position further to the right.  The unit had fought with vigor over the last three days but two of its key officers had been severely wounded.  The regiment continued to fall back towards Richmond, participating in rearguard actions.  Rain fell constantly, slowing the Confederate movement.  By May 21st, the regiment was encamped at Hanover Court House performing picket duty in the Pamunkey River region.  

As the Battle of Fair Oaks raged around them from May 31 - June 1, 1862, the Virginia 4th was stationed at Ashland, Virginia where they rested and recruited fresh men and horses.  Private James Keith of Company H penned a letter dated June 5th stating "For three weeks we were constantly in the presence of the enemy with nothing to eat sometimes for two days in succession, going to bed at ten o'clock.....waking at three in the morning and hardly leaving our horses till long after night."

Although still a Federal prisoner, Major Payne was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on June 9, 1862.  Captain Robert E. Utterback of Company F was promoted to Major.  On June 11th, J. E. B. Stuart was ordered to make his infamous "Ride Around McClellan."  The entire regiment would not be put to use due to its lacking a field officer, however four companies under the command of Captain Utterback were temporarily assigned to the Virginia 1st Cavalry while Captain Wooldridge of Company B took two companies temporarily detailed to the Virginia 9th Cavalry.  

Mort Kunstler's "Stuart's Ride Around McClellan"

As dawn broke one the morning of June 12th, the Confederate troopers set out from their Richmond encampment on the Brook turnpike.  They headed north, riding twenty two miles to Louisa Court House where they were instructed to make camp without fires near Winston's Farm.  On the morning of June 13th, they made their way to Hanover Court House.  The Confederates encountered a small Federal garrison, which they scattered immediately.   They proceeded to Haw's Shop.  Captain Wooldridge's command acted as the advance guard under Colonel William Henry Fitzhugh "Rooney" Lee as they chased the bluecoats for nearly two miles.  After crossing Totopotomoy Creek, the lead squadrons charged up the road toward Old Church, resulting with the bluecoats fleeing in confusion and fear.  Following the brief skirmish, the Virginia 1st Cavalry with Captain Utterback's squadron took the lead and charged uncontested into the Federal camp, taking what they could and burning the rest.  

Captain Wooldridge and his two companies were ordered to proceed to Garlick's Landing with some of the Virginia 9th Cavalry.  They were tasked with destroying any Federal supplies they found.  Following a brief skirmish with a small Federal force, the Confederate troopers torched two schooners and a wagon train and made off with numerous horses and mules as well as Federal prisoners.  The detachment then caught up with Stuart at Tunstall's Station.  After razing the station, the Southern horsemen moved south around twilight on the evening of June 13th.  The Confederate troopers reached Talleysville at about 9:00 p.m. and took a 3 and a half hour rest to allow the column to close up.  From there the men headed south towards Forge Bridge.  

When the Confederates arrived they found the Chickahominy impassable.  The bridge had been burned by the retreating Federals.  The troopers rebuilt the bridge with discarded timber and were able to cross safely.  By 1:00 p.m. on June 14th, the Confederate troopers along with 165 Yankee prisoners, 260 horses and mules and a large sum of Federal weapons and supplies, were across the river and moving towards Richmond.  After a full days ride, the men camped for the night at Buckland.  The Federal horsemen had been one step behind them the entire time, but all in all Stuart's ride was an amazing success.  It confirmed that McClellan's flank was open and vulnerable.  Colonel W. H. F. "Rooney" Lee gave high laurels to Captain Wooldridge's squadron stating "They participated [in the attack] and gallantly dispersed a body of cavalry that formed on Garlick's farm."  After a brief respite in Richmond, the Confederate troopers travelled to Ashland and established themselves at Camp Stuart.  There were 393 effectives present for duty.  

Southern horsemen were more superior to their Federal counterparts, at least early on in the war.  Many Southerners were farmers and had been familiar with horses since their early youth.  Many depended on riding horses as their primary form of transportation.  In the more urban and industrial North, riding behind the horse in a buggy or wagon was the primary form of transportation.  This gave Southerners an early edge when it came to cavalry operations.  

On June 24th, Captain Francis W. Chamberlayne of Company I,  who was acting commander of the regiment, ordered the men to draw three days rations and prepare to move the next day.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry was ordered to join General Stonewall Jackson and screen his advance.  On June 27th, the unit reached Cold Harbor around 2:00 p.m. where they encountered Federal Colonel Richard H Rush's Pennsylvania 6th Cavalry, also known as "Rush's Lancers" for their early use of 9-foot lances.  The 700 Federal troopers formed a battle line 300 yards long.  The Confederate troopers charged, when they were within 500 yards, the Lancers levelled their pikes.  As they got within 50 yards of the bluecoats, the Southern horsemen fired their rifles and scattered the Pennsylvanians.  

The troopers from the Virginia 4th Cavalry fought on Stuart's left and were hotly engaged throughout the day.  As they were drawn up on a hill preparing to charge a Federal battery, the Union guns delivered a salvo and forced them into open ground.  Private Clarence Warwick from Company I was hit by solid shot in the chest and killed.  Captain Phillip Williams of Company A was supporting the Gallant Pelham's battery when his horse was killed and he was "shot in the left arm below shoulder, shattering the bone and entering the chest."   After a thorough search for the enemy, the troopers returned to the battlefield where they bivouacked for the night.  

Stuart's cavalry was ordered to proceed to White House Landing to harass any Federals that remained at McClellan's supply depot.  They could hear explosions and see fire burning in the distance the entire night.  When they reached the depot, they found most of the supplies burned but salvaged as many items as they could.  All of a sudden, the men noticed a Federal gunboat coming up the Pamunkey.  The USS Marblehead steamed ahead towards the Confederates.  From behind an embankment the troopers fired on the Federal sharpshooters stationed onboard the Marblehead.   John Pelahm's howitzers also fired at the Marblehead, driving her back down the Pamunkey.  The Southern horsemen returned to the White House and feasted on the remaining supplies. 

USS Marblehead

Another important event transpired on June 29th.  Colonel Williams Carter Wickham was at his home, Hickory Hill, recovering from the wound he sustained at Williamsburg, when Federal General William H. Emory's troops stormed into the house and captured him.  Because of his condition, he was paroled on the oath that we would not bear arms until his exchange.  Colonel Wickham gave his work and was left at home to recuperate.  He was exchanged in August for Federal Lieutenant Colonel Thomas L. Kane of the Pennsylvania "Bucktails" who was related to his wife.   By early September, Lieutenant Colonel Payne would also return to duty.  

On June 30th, the Virginia 4th Cavalry headed toward Forge Bridge but was driven off by sharp Federal cannonade.  Also that day, a portion of the regiment on duty with the North Carolina 1st Cavalry, clashed with Union cavalry along the Quaker Road just north of Malvern Hill.  After driving in the enemy pickets, the troopers withdrew under a heavy barrage of canister.  The Confederates suffered nine casualties before withdrawing.  The men spent most of July 1st in the saddle following McClellan's retreat to the James River.  They reached Malvern Hill as the battle was dying down.  

The Virginia 4th Cavalry spent the next few weeks scouting the Federal lines.  A detachment under the command of Lieutenant Benjamin Thomas Yager participated in a night attack on five Federal transport wagons.  The unit captured an entire Federal company including one captain, one lieutenant and fifty seven enlisted men.  During this time the regiment had been commanded first by Colonel Stephen Dill Lee and then by Lieutenant Colonel William T. Martin of Mississippi due to still missing its regimental field officers.   

Following the Seven Days Battles, the regiment moved to Hanover County with Stuart's Cavalry Corps.  The unit drilled and rested between picket duty along the Chickahominy River.  On July 10th, the regiment reported 893 effectives present for duty.  A detachment of the Virginia 4th Cavalry joined the Virginia 9th Cavalry on a mission to arrest deserters and disloyal citizens in Gloucester County.  The unit moved quickly through King William and King and Queen counties and destroyed the pier facilities at Gloucester Point on July 22.  They were unable to burn the wharf because of harassment from a Federal gunboat.  Before their return to camp on July 26th, they rounded up eighteen deserters.

On July 28, 1862, the Cavalry Division of the Army of Northern Virginia was created under the command of J. E. B. Stuart.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry was assigned  to the brigade of my 5th cousin 6x removed Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lee.  The brigade consisted of the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th Virginia Cavalry and James Breathed's Battery of Horse Artillery.  Colonel Robertson was ordered to North Carolina to recruit and train new cavalry regiments.  

Fitzhugh Lee

Fitzhugh "Fitz" Lee was the nephew of Robert E. Lee and the son of Sydney Smith Lee, who served as a Captain in the Confederate States Navy.   He was born at Clermont in Fairfax County, Virginia on November 19, 1835.  Fitz graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1856.  Prior to the Civil War, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment (later the 5th Cavalry Regiment), which was commanded by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston.  His uncle, Robert E. Lee was the regiment's Lieutenant Colonel.  He distinguished himself by his gallant conduct against the Comanches in Texas and was severely wounded in a skirmish in Nestcutunga, Texas in May of 1859.  In May of 1860, he was appointed instructor of cavalry tactics at West Point.  He resigned his commission upon Virginia's secession. Following the war, he was the 40th Governor of Virginia, serving from January 1, 1886 to January 1, 1890.  Fitz Lee died in Washington, D. C. on April 28, 1905 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

Fitzhugh Lee's Grave

Here's my relation to Fitzhugh Lee:

Following the reorganization of Stuart's cavalry, the Virginia 4th Cavalry had 916 men on its rolls,  however only 348 enlisted men were present for duty.  On August 4th, J. E. B. Stuart and Fitz Lee's regiments left Hanover and traveled towards Fredericksburg to counter Federal raids that were coming out of the area.  They arrived at Port Royal on August 5th and after a brief skirmish, captured twelve Federal horsemen.  Federal General John Gibbon responded by sending 6,000 bluecoats out of Fredericksburg down the Telegraph Road on a raid against the Central Railroad.   They encountered Stuart's cavalry near Thornburg.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry was still without a regimental commander .  Colonel Wickham was still home recuperating from his wound.  Lieutenant Colonel W. H. F. Payne was still in Federal captivity.  The regiment remained under the temporary command of  Colonel Stephen Dill Lee.  The Confederate troopers attacked the rear of the Federal force, causing the enemy to collapse.   Colonel Lee reported that the Virginia 4th Cavalry "behaved with great gallantry."  After capturing eleven wagon teams, fifteen Federal cavalrymen and horses and one hundred Enfield muskets, Stuart's forces withdrew back to camp at Hanover Court House.  

Colonel Wickham returned to the regiment in August.  He had been exchanged for Federal Lieutenant Colonel Thomas L. Kane of the Pennsylvania "Bucktails" who happened to be related to his wife. The men broke camp at Hanover on Friday August 15th and moved toward the Rapidan River.  On August 20th, Fitz Lee, along with the 3rd, 4th and 9th Virginia Cavalry regiments, crossed the Rapidan and proceeded to Ely's and Kelly's Fords on the Rappahannock, skirmishing with bluecoats the entire way.  The Confederates attacked Federal General John Pope's rearguard at Kelly's Ford and took several Federal prisoners and regimental colors before withdrawing.  Fitz Lee's men rejoined the army at Brandy Station on August 21st.  

Pope's headquarters and supply base was located at Catlett's Station on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad.  Stuart and approximately 1500 of his troopers arrived there around midnight on August 23rd to disrupt the Federal supply line.   Stuart ordered the Virginia 4th Cavalry to destroy the railroad bridge.  Due to heavy downpours and enemy sharpshooters with excellent aim, the unit failed to destroy the bridge.  The information learned from the locals was correct, there was only a token Federal guard at the railroad bridge.    

Stuart had revenge on his mind.  A few days earlier, he and his staff officers had been surprised by a detachment of Federal cavalrymen while napping on a porch.  Although Stuart managed to escape, his cape and favorite ostrich plumed hat became Federal souvenirs.  Stuart was ready to return the favor.  At 10:00 A.M. the Confederate troopers set out on their mission.  As they neared their target, they splashed through unguarded fords and captured the Federal pickets.  Stuart ordered his troops to charge.  The Confederate cavalrymen broke through the Federal line with a violent saber attack.

Stuart's horsemen made off with 400 prisoners, 500 horses, $500,000 in Federal greenbacks and $20,000 in gold.  The Confederates put hundreds of tents and wagons to the torch and looted as many supplies as they could, including General John Pope's hat, cloak and frock coat which were sent back to Richmond for public display as Stuart's war trophies.  

Catlett's Station where Stuart made a raid and captured Pope's Baggage

As the sun came up on the morning of August 25, 1862, Company H was ordered to proceed from Brandy Station to Manassas as Stonewall Jackson's advanced guard.   The Black Horse Troop made it as far as Salem, Virginia before camping there for the night.  The regiment was able to catch a few winks of shut eye before a bugle sounded reveille around 1:00 a.m. on the morning of August 26th.  The Confederate troopers got in the saddle and rode towards Amissville.  They crossed the Rappahannock at Henson's Mill and proceed towards Salem where they finally caught up with the rear of Stonewall Jackson's army.   Stuart finally overtook Jackson at Gainesville around 4:00 p.m.  The united Confederate column set out to strike the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Bristoe Station.  Jackson and Stuart reached Bristoe Station during the afternoon of August 26th and proceed to wreck two trains and tear up several miles of tracks.  Jackson detached Brigadier General Isaac Ridgeway Trimble's brigade along with some cavalry support, which included Colonel Wickham's regiment, to capture the Union supply depot at Manassas Junction.  After a night march, Trimble attacked the small Federal garrison.  Colonel Wickham's horsemen charged through the Federal lines around midnight.  Manassas Junction was captured in roughly thirty minutes.  The bluecoats were completely overwhelmed.   The Confederates captured 300 prisoners, 175 horses, 200 new tents and 8 Federal cannons.    

On August 27th, Stuart ordered Fitz Lee to proceed to Fairfax Court House with the Virginia 4th, 3rd, and 9th Cavalry and cut off the Federal retreat.   Captain Joseph R. Anderson's Governor's Mounted Guard, also known as Company I was ordered to destroy the bridge crossing Cub Run.  They encountered a Federal picket of approximately 50 men and drove them off quickly.  Captain Anderson's troopers withdrew at the sight of a large group of Federal reinforcements.  

Stonewall Jackson ordered Lieutenant Colonel W. H. F. Payne and 30 of his Black Horse Troop to proceed towards Gainesville on the morning of August 29th in an effort to hurry Generals Lee and Longstreet to the battlefield at Manassas.  During the Battle of Second Manassas, the Virginia 4th Cavalry remained in reserve until the battle was over.   Very similar to their actions on the same battlefield a year before, the Confederate troopers pressed the Federal retreat as hard and as long as they could.  Darkness and hard rain ended the Confederate pursuit.   Stonewall made specific mention of Captain Randolph and Lieutenant Payne in his after battle report stating "For the thorough and efficient manner in which this duty was discharged, and for the valuable service rendered generally while attached to my headquarters, I desire to make special mention of this company and its officers."   Lieutenant Colonel W. H. F. Payne was detached from the regiment and given temporary command of the North Carolina 2nd Cavalry.  In this capacity he defended the town of Warrenton, Virginia where 3,000 wounded Confederate soldiers were recuperating.  

After the Battle of Second Manassas, Robert E. Lee sought to move his army north and invade Maryland.  Captain Robert Lee Randolph and the Black Horse Troop accompanied Stonewall to Frederick City, Maryland.  The remainder of Colonel Wickham's regiment moved into Maryland via Edwards Ferry.  Fitz Lee's cavalrymen converged in Frederick on September 11th.  On September 14th, the Virginia 4th Cavalry crossed the Catoctin Mountains at Hamberg and rested until about 4:00 p.m.  Suddenly the men heard firing from the direction of South Mountain.  The Confederate troopers rode up just in time to cover the Confederate withdrawal down the mountain.  Captain Charles Old and his Powhatan Troop made a valiant charge into the Federal line.  This charge checked the Federal advance and allowed the cavalrymen to screen the infantry's march to Boonsborough.  

After safeguarding the infantry's march, the Virginia 4th Cavalry began to withdraw towards Sharpsburg on September 15th.  They made their camp atop Nicodemus Ridge.  On September 16th Fitz Lee ordered his troopers to turn the enemy's right.  Their approach was contested hotly by Federal artillery.  Finding the Federal position to strong, the cavalrymen withdrew to cover the Confederate left.  The Virginia 4th cavalry saw no action during the Battle of Sharpsburg.  The unit served as couriers and aides.  The War Department's marker for Fitz Lee's brigade on the Antietam Battlefield reads: "The 3rd, 4th and 9th Virginia Cavalry of Lee’s Brigade reached the field late in the afternoon of the 15th and took position on the extreme left of the Confederate Army… On the night of the 16th the Brigade was massed near the river in support of the Horse Artillery. The 1st Cavalry, detached on the 10th, rejoined on the morning of the 17th and the Brigade took position on the left of Jackson’s Command, which it assisted in resisting the Union advance. On September 18th and 19th the Brigade covered the withdrawal of the Army of Northern Virginia to the south bank of the Potomac." 

Fitz Lee's Brigade Marker at Antietam

Fitz Lee's brigade covered the Confederate army's retreat into Virginia on September 18th. They were the last of the Confederate forces to cross into Virginia. J. E. B. Stuart made his headquarters near Charlestown and ordered his troopers to protect the Potomac front. The regiment reported 768 men on September 30th, the number of effective men numbered 411.

The Virginia 4th Cavalry spent the month of October patrolling the Potomac and skirmishing with Federal patrols. As Robert E. Lee moved his army back to the Rapidan-Rappahannock line, J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry covered the left. Fitz Lee's brigade totaled less than 1000 mounted men. The Virginia 4th reported an aggregate total of 878 men with 467 of those being present for active duty on October 29th. Colonel Wickham's regiment made up almost have of the brigade.

The unit crossed the Blue Ridge mountains by way of Snicker's Gap on October 30th and made camp in the vicinity of Upperville, Virginia. Wickham's cavalry skirmished with a bluecoat regiment at Mountsville on October 31st. The Confederates took the upper hand and captured 70 Federal prisoners and 2 Federal standards. The Confederate horsemen drove the Federals down the Snicker's Gap Turnpike. Wickham's Virginia 4th Cavalry took the lead as they got closer to Aldie. A fierce fight briefly ensued as the Federals were driven deep into the town. The Confederates had to withdraw due to heavy artillery fire and the threat of Federal reinforcements. Colonel Wickham and his troopers set up camp in Union.

Early November of 1862 found the Virginia 4th Cavalry patrolling Fauquier, Stafford and Price William counties. On November 3rd Confederate scouts spotted a column of Federal cavalry moving towards Upperville. The Virginia 4th Cavalry fought vigorously to protect A. P. Hill's Infantry as the moved through Ashby's Gap. The Confederate troopers dismounted and fired from behind stone fences and downed rails before withdrawing. Their actions slowed the Federal advance, but came at a heavy cost as Colonel Wickham was wounded in the neck by a shell fragment. Captain William Beverly Wooldridge took temporary command of the regiment and ordered the men to hold the mountain pass until all Confederate forces could pass safely to Front Royal.

On November 4th, the Virginia 4th's picket line was captured by Federal forces at Piedmont. Stuart's force encountered the Federals at Barbee's Crossroads. Barbee's Crossroads had been a safe haven for the wounded from both Battles of Manassas. The regiment fought on the right of the Confederate flank until withdrawing to Orleans around noon. Captain Woodridge ordered the men to camp for the night. The next day they proceeded to Waterloo Bridge, which they burned after crossing.

The regiment spent the latter part of November performing picket duty and foraging around the Rappahannock. Adjutant Peter James Fontaine reported the health of the regiment as being "remarkably good" despite their days of continuous fighting and riding. Fontaine would later serve as Assistant Adjutant General to Brigadier General Wickham.

During the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13th, the Virginia 4th Cavalry covered Stonewall Jackson's right flank near Hamilton's Crossing. Hamilton's Crossing was the crossing of the Old Mine Road over the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad. The railroad was threatened by long range Federal artillery fire. Due to the location of the Federal advance on Mayre's Heights, the Virginia 4th Cavalry did little fighting during the battle.

Stuart's Christmas Raid by John Paul Strain

Following the decisive Confederate victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Lee's army went into camp south of the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg. Lee met with Stuart on Christmas day and ordered him to lead a raid on the rear of the Federal Army of the Potomac, currently encamped in Stafford County. Lee directed Stuart to "penetrate the enemy's rear, ascertain if possible his position & movements, & inflict upon him such damage as circumstances will permit." Stuart gathered 1,800 of his best horse soldiers and set off on the following morning to look for Federal supply depots and trains. Stuart ordered Fitz Lee's brigade to move toward the Telegraph Road between Dumfries and Aquia. On December 28th, Lee's troopers encountered a group of Federals at Greenwood Church. A brief, but fierce skirmish ensued. The Confederates killed 8 to 10 Federals, destroyed their camp and captured around 100 prisoners. Men from the Virginia 4th Cavalry burned the bridge over the Accotink.

On the morning of December 29th, Stuart's cavalry proceeded to Burke's station along the Orange & Alexandria Railroad in Fairfax County. The Southern troopers captured the unprotected station and telegraph office with no resistance. Stuart and his scouts read several Federal dispatches that gave them valuable information on current Federal positions. Before leaving the station, Stuart sent a message to Federal Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs stating "General Meigs will in the future please furnish better mules; those you have furnished recently are very inferior." Now that the Federals were alerted to Stuart's whereabouts, he had to find a safe exit for his men. Instead of traveling south toward the Occuquan River, Stuart decided to proceed north towards Fairfax Courthouse, which was busting at the seems with Federals. Stuart ordered rails and timbers to be removed from the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. He also ordered Fitz Lee to take a dozen men and burn the trestle bridge that crossed Accotink Creek.

Stuart and his horsemen rode towards the Little River Turnpike which was just east of the Fairfax Courthouse. Stuart decided to test the Federal strength by attacking the town. By this time, the Federals had been reinforced and were prepared for the Southern raiders. The Confederates could see that the earthworks surrounding the town were full of Federals. Heavy Federal fire forced the Confederates to withdraw. Stuart ordered his men to make campfires to give the impression they were camping for the night. The Confederate cavalrymen then rode west to Frying Pan. They left Fairfax County and headed further west into Loudoun County and proceeded to Middleburg on December 30th. The Virginia 4th Cavalry along with the rest of Fitz Lee's brigade returned to their camp near Fredericksburg on New Years Day 1863. Stuart's raid captured a few hundred prisoners, some horses and mules, a dozen wagons and a large quantity of arms and equipment.

In January of 1863, the Virginia 4th Cavalry reported a total of 775 men with 400 being present for duty. On January 30th, Company I was officially disbanded with Special Orders No. 30. The officers' commissions were ordered vacated and the men were reassigned to whichever company they selected.

Fighting Joe Hooker

Meanwhile, there was a new Federal sheriff in town.  Following the Union defeat at Fredericksburg, Lincoln removed Ambrose Burnside from command and appointed Joseph Hooker to command the Federal Army of the Potomac effective January 26, 1863.  Hooker had a reputation as a fierce fighter, something that his predecessors had lacked.  During the winter and spring of 1863, he would establish himself as an outstanding administrator as well.  He reinvigorated and revitalized the Army of the Potomac making several adjustments and improvements during this time.  Hooker stated "I have the finest army on the plant.  I have the finest army the sun ever shone on...If the enemy does not run, God help them.  May God have mercy on General Lee, for I will have none."

Fitz Lee's brigade proceeded to Culpeper Court House on February 9th to relieve Wade Hampton's horsemen from picket duty along the Rappahannock. On February 18th, Lieutenant Colonel W. H. F. Payne returned to the regiment from his detachment with the North Carolina 2nd Cavalry. Due to Colonel Wickham's absence due to illness, Payne would command the unit for much of the next month.  

On February 25, 1863, Fitz Lee led a force of 400 troopers in a raid near Hartwood Church in Stafford County.  The Federal cavalry was fruitless in their pursuit of Lee's cavalry and lost 150 prisoners from the division of Federal Brigadier General William W. Averell.  Averell was one of Fitz Lee's closest friends during their days at West Point.  Fitz Lee sent a message across the Rappahannock to his old friend stating "I wish you would put up your sword, leave my state, and go home.  You ride a good horse, I ride a better.  If you won't go home, return my visit and bring me a sack of coffee."

The 1st of March found the Virginia 4th Cavalry breaking their camp at Spotsylvania Court House and proceeding towards Culpeper Court House to observe the Federal right flank. Warmer weather meant a new season of campaigning. On March 16th, a division of Federal cavalry began moving towards Culpeper. Fitz Lee gave the orders to cook three days worth of rations and be ready to march at midnight.  The horsemen headed for Kelly's Ford, which was about 25 miles upstream from Fredericksburg, where they felled trees and set up Confederate sharpshooters to oppose any Federal crossing.

Kelly's Ford Battlefield and Cavalry Fight

On March 17th, Averell led 2,100 Federal cavalrymen across the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford.  Their aim was to attack the Confederate forces that had been harassing them all winter.  What culminated was the largest purely cavalry fight east of the Mississippi River to date.  Fitz Lee's brigade only numbered around 800 effectives at this time so he was essentially at a 2 to 1 disadvantage.   The horsemen took turns charging each others lines.  Averell's men established control of the southern bank of the river.  They formed their line behind a stone fence.  A ditch in front of the wall prevented the Confederates from charging through.  Fitz Lee ordered his men to ride into the face of then enemy, fire a volley and then wheel about to withdraw and form for another attack.  The battle raged until late afternoon with neither side ever gaining a significant advantage.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry was the tip of the spear for the final Confederate charge.  The Confederate troopers charged at the Federals, stopped and dismounted to tear down a fence, and then continued into the Federal line.  In the face of superior numbers and artillery fire, the Confederates were forced to withdraw.  Averell's Federals withdrew from the field around 5:30 p.m., citing exhaustion from men and horses.  He left two Confederate officers  that had been wounded and captured  with a sack of coffee and the follow message from Averell, "Dear Fitz, Here's your coffee.  Here's your visit.  How do you like it?"

The Battle of Kelly's Ford was inconclusive. Confederate forces were able to achieve a tactical victory due to Averell's withdrawal from the field.   If anything, it proved to be a significant moral victory for the Federal forces.  This was the first battle in which the Federal cavalry held their own against their Confederate counterparts.  The Confederates also suffered a huge loss with the death of the gallant Major John Clay Pelham, who served as the Chief of Stuart's Horse Artillery.  Pelham was struck in the head by a fragment from an exploding Federal artillery shell while leading a cavalry charge.  The Virginia 4th Cavalry suffered 2 men killed, 17 wounded and 16 captured during the battle.  The regiment also suffered 15 horses killed, 16 wounded and 10 captured.  Official reports praised the regiment specifically mentioning Sergeant William J. Kimbrough of Company G.  He was the first to pull down the fence and continue the charge.  Despite being sabred twice, shot and captured, he escaped and walked back 12 miles to rejoin the regiment.  Fitz Lee's report stated "I particularly noticed Lieutenant Colonel W. H. F. Payne, of the 4th, unmindful of his former dreadful wound, using his sabre with effect in hand-to-hand conflict."  Lieutenant Colonel Payne would not stay with the regiment much longer.  On March 20th, while in camp, he was again given command of the North Carolina 2nd Cavalry.  

By the end of March, the regiment numbered around 900 men with only 373 being present and accounted for for duty.  In April, Colonel Wickham ran for a seat in the Confederate Congress as a representative from Richmond..  Surprisingly, he was elected by a large majority without ever visiting his district.  The seat remained vacant until the fall of 1864 when Wickham resigned his general's commission to take his seat in the Second Confederate Congress.  

The 4th Virginia Cavalry spent most of the month of April performing picket duty along the Rappahannock from their camp near Culpeper Court House.   On April 18th, Lieutenant Alexander Dixon Payne and seven other members of the Black Horse Troop were captured by Federal pickets in a skirmish at Orleans, Virginia.  He would be back with the regiment one month later, being exchanged on May 18th.  

Fitz Lee's brigade proceeded back to Culpeper on April 20th, setting up camp outside the court house on the Rixeyville road.  They performed picket duty along the Rappahannock for the next week.  

Beverly Randolph Mason

Beverly Randolph Mason  was born in Okeley, Fairfax, Virginia on September 1, 1864.  He is my 5th cousin 4x removed.  He enlisted as a Private in Company H  "The Black Horse Troop" on September 9, 1861 at the age of 26.  He was on detached duty as Commissary Sergeant from September through October with Brigadier General William Henry Talbot Walker's 1st Brigade, 4th Division of the Potomac District of the Department of Northern Virginia.  Beverly effectively supplied food and supplies to his command.  When Walker resigned in October of 1861, Beverly went on detached duty with Brigadier General Richard Taylor from October through December.  

Beverly performed Commissary duties for the Virginia 4th Cavalry and was promoted to the rank of Captain.  Later he attained the rank of Major while serving as assistant Commissary Officer for Williams Carter Wickham's Brigade, Fitzhugh Lee's Division of Cavalry.  Mason was promoted to Quartermaster in 1864.

After the war, Beverly taught for a brief time at the United States Military Academy at West Point.  He returned to Virginia and taught math and Latin at the Norwood Institute.  Mason relocated to Washington, D.C. where he founded a school for young ladies known as the Gunston Hall School, named for the homestead of his great grandfather George Mason.  Mason died in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 1910 at the age of 75.  He is buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.  

Grave of Beverly Randolph Mason

Here's my relation to Beverly:

Captain Alexander Dixon Payne

Alexander Dixon Payne was born at 'Clifton', Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia on September 30, 1837.  He is my 7th cousin 4x removed.   The above picture can be found on the Wikipedia page for the 4th Virginia Cavalry.  I originally thought he may be the brother of William Henry Fitzhugh Payne due to the same surname and similar looks, however Alexander and William are first cousins through their fathers, who I am not related to.  I'm related to Alexander through the Fauntleroy family.  

Prior to the war, Alexander studied law at William & Mary, graduating first in the class of 1856.  He enlisted in Company H, "The Black Horse Troop" as a 3rd Lieutenant on April 25, 1861 at the age of 23.  He was elected 2nd Lieutenant on September 19, 1861.  Alexander continued to rise through the ranks of the Black Horse Troop, being elected 1st Lieutenant on April 25, 1862.  He was detached on duty with the Provost Marshall in July and August of 1863.  He was commended by Stonewall Jackson for his efforts during Second Manassas and Antietam.  Alexander was captured by Federals on April 18, 1863 near Fredericksburg and was imprisoned at Orleans, Virginia until being exchanged on May 18, 1863.  

A letter penned by Susan Emeline Jeffords Caldwell to Lycurgus Washington Caldwell dated April 17, 1863 mentions one of his exploits during the war stating "Lieutenant Payne rode in town Thursday with a Yankee Lieutenant, having captured him on the other side of the river.  On coming to the River they found the river too high to cross, so they would have to swim.  Lieutenant Payne made the first attempt and would have been drowned had not the Yankee Lieutenant jumped in and saved him.  (How generous!  Noble hearted Yankee he was indeed, one with a soul has been left in our midst.)"

Alexander was promoted to Captain of The Black Horse Troop on September 1, 1863.  He had a horse killed from under him at Waynesboro on September 29, 1864.  He was reimbursed $3500 from the Confederate Government.  Confederate cavalrymen provided their own horses during the war.  He saved the Regimental colors at the Battle of Appomattox on April 9, 1865.  After the war, Alexander returned home to 'Clifton".  He practiced law in Warrenton and was elected as a Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly.  He was also elected as Mayor of Warrenton for three terms.  

Alexander Dixon Payne Later In Life

Alexander Dixon Payne died at 'Clifton', Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia on March 3, 1893 at the age of 55 years old.  His first cousin, William Henry Fitzhugh Payne eulogized him at his funeral.  He is buried in the Warrenton Cemetery in Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia.

Grave of Alexander Dixon Payne

Here's my relationship with Alexander Dixon Payne:

William Henry Fitzhugh Payne

William Henry Fitzhugh Payne was born in Midland, Fauquier County, Virginia on January 27, 1830.  He is my 8th cousin 6x removed.  Normally I don't dig that far into the family tree but when I discovered I was related to all of the other Colonel's in the regiment, I had to see if I could make a connection.   Turns out William and I are related through the Martiau family.  Prior to the war, Payne attended the Virginia Military Institute for one year before leaving to study law at the University of Virginia.  

When Virginia seceded from the Union, he immediately joined the Provisional Army of Virginia and took part in the occupation of Harpers Ferry.  He was promoted to Captain of the "Black Horse Cavalry" which eventually became the Virginia 4th Cavalry in September of 1861.  Payne was elected as the regiment's first Major on September 17th.  He fought in the Peninsula Campaign and commanded the regiment during the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862 where he was severely wounded and captured.  J.E.B. Stuart reported that Payne received "a very severe, and fear mortal wound in the face."  He survived his wounds and was exchanged on August 15th.  

By September of 1862, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and named acting commander of the North Carolina 2nd Cavalry.  During this time he defended Warrenton, Virginia where 3,000 wounded Confederates were recuperating.  He returned briefly to the Virginia 4th Cavalry in February of 1863, acting as commander until March 20th, when he returned to the North Carolina 2nd Cavalry.  That regiment's Colonel, Sol Williams, returned to duty on June 6th, but was killed 3 days later in the Battle of Brandy Station.  Payne resumed command of the regiment.  

He fought with the North Carolina 2nd Cavalry during the Chancellorsville Campaign.  During the subsequent Gettysburg Campaign, he was badly wounded and captured at the Battle of Hannover on June 30, 1863.  He was sent to Johnson's Island, Ohio and was not exchanged until May 8, 1864.

He was promoted to Brigadier General on November 1, 1864 and led a brigade of Cavalry in Jubal Early's Valley Campaigns of 1864.  He also participated in the defense of Petersburg.  On April 1, 1865, he was again badly wounded, this time at the Battle of Five Forks.  He evaded capture for two weeks, until Federal soldiers caught him near Warrenton on the night of April 14th.  He was again sent to Johnson's Island, but was again exchanged on May 29th.  

Payne remained unreconstructed after the war, stating "I am a true Confederate today as I was when I first rode from Warrenton to Manassas.  I think the greatest calamity that has befallen the country is the wreck of the Confederacy."   He practiced law and served in the Virginia State Legislature in 1879 and 1880.  In the 1890's, Payne was the General Counsel for the Southern Railway Company.  

William Henry Fitzhugh Payne Later In Life

William Henry Fitzhugh Payne died in Washington, D.C. on March 29, 1904.  He is buried in the Warrenton Cemetery.

Grave of William Henry Fitzhugh Payne

Here's my relationship to William:

Robert Lee Randolph

Robert Lee Randolph was born at his family's plantation, "The Grove" in Fauquier County, Virginia  on November 18, 1835.  He is my 5th cousin 4x removed.  His father, Charles was first cousins with Robert E. Lee.  Prior to the war, he attended the University of Virginia where he studied law.   Robert enlisted in the Confederate Army as a First Lieutenant and was elected to Captain on September 19, 1861.  His first horse of the war was shot from under him at Pohick Church On October 4, 1861.  

Muster Roll Showing Robert's Election as Captain

Robert was re-elected Captain on April 25, 1862.  He was on detached duty in December of 1862 to help recruit new members for the Regiment.   Company H or the "Black Horse Cavalry" of the Virginia 4th Cavalry served as bodyguard, escort and scout for Stonewall Jackson.  As Robert was Captain of the Company, he served as chief of Jackson's bodyguard.  Robert was promoted to Major on September 4, 1863.

Muster Roll Showing Robert's Promotion to Major

Robert was appointed to Lieutenant Colonel on February 11, 1864.  

Register showing Robert's Appointment to Lt. Col.

Unfortunately he would not serve as Lieutenant Colonel for very long.  He was killed by a Federal sharpshooter while leading a Cavalry charge at Meadow Bridge on May 12, 1864 while defending Richmond.  He was 28 years old at the time of his death.  Ironically, his commission for Brigadier General was being made at the time of his death. He was buried the Randolph Family Cemetery in Casanova, Fauquier County, Virginia.

Grave of Robert Lee Randolph

Here's my relationship to Robert Lee Randolph:

Beverly Holcombe Robertson

Beverly Holcombe Robertson was born on "The Oaks" plantation in Amelia County, Virginia on June 5, 1827.  He is my 5th cousin 4x removed.  Prior to the war, Beverly attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in the class of 1848.  After graduation he was assigned to the 2nd Dragoons and saw service on the Western Frontier under then Colonel Philip St. George Cooke (the future father-in-law of J.E.B. Stuart.  At one point he was engaged to Cooke's daughter, Flora, who would eventually wed J.E.B. Stuart after calling off her engagement to Robertson.  

After Virginia seceded from the Union, he was reported to have pro-Confederate sentiments.  He tendered his resignation to the U.S. Army, but was instead dismissed on August 8, 1861 "having given proof of his disloyalty."  This charge was amply supported by his accepting a Captaincy in the Confederate Adjutant General's department to rank from March 16, 1861.  In the Autumn of 1861, he helped form the Virginia 4th Cavalry and was elected Colonel on September 4th.  

Robertson commanded the Virginia 4th Cavalry during Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign.  He became Jackson's Cavalry Commander after the death of Turner Ashby.  On April 25, 1862, the regiment was reorganized.  Beverly lost re-election as Colonel due to his harsh disciplinary actions.  He was promoted to Brigadier General on June 9, 1862 and defended the Shenandoah Valley during the Seven Days Battles.  During this time, he reorganized the valley cavalrymen into a fighting brigade, imposing discipline on them that had lacked during Ashby Turner's command.  

Robertson performed good service, leading the raid that captured Federal General John Pope's headquarters wagon at the Battle of Catlett's Station.  He led a brilliant Cavalry charge against Federal General John Buford's brigade on August 30th at the Battle of Second Manassas, capturing 300 Federals.  

General Robertson was ordered to North Carolina on September 5, 1862 to organize and train new Cavalry regiments.  In North Carolina, he commanded the Confederate forces at the Battle of White Hall.  His regiment of 212 soldiers faced a force of more than 20,000 Federals.  He and his men prevented the bluecoats from crossing the Neuse River, which potentially saved the town of Goldsboro.

He returned to Virginia in the Spring of 1863 to command a small Brigade of Cavalry consisting of the North Carolina 4th and North Carolina 5th Cavalry Regiments.  His Brigade played an important part in the Confederate victory at the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863.  

During Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North, he fought in Stuart's delaying actions in the Loudoun Valley at Middleburg and Upperville.  During the Gettysburg Campaign, while J.E.B. Stuart disappeared into the Federal rear, Robertson and his Brigade remained with the main army.  The brigade was engaged in several skirmishes and small battles and was reduced to just over 300 men.  Robertson and his cavalrymen covered Lee's retreat following the Battle of Gettysburg, suffering heavy losses during the campaign.  

After entering Virginia during Lee's retreat, Robertson became a vocal opponent to Stuart's performance during the Gettysburg Campaign by leaving Robert E. Lee blind.  Robertson requested to be transferred out of Stuart's command.  An angry Stuart immediately approved the transfer.  Robertson was named commanded of the Second District of South Carolina, which guarded the coast between Savannah and Charleston.  He thwarted a Federal attempt to take John's Island, South Carolina in July of 1864.  

He participated with William J. Hardee's defense of Savannah and Charleston.  He ended the war as part of Joseph E. Johnston's Army of Tennessee, fighting in the Carolinas Campaign at the Battle of Averasboro and the Battle of Bentonville in March of 1865.  

Robertson settled in Washington, D.C. after the war and operated a successful insurance and real estate business.  He died on November 12, 1910 at the age of 83.  He is buried in the Robertson family cemetery at Rock Castle Farm in Gills, Amelia County, Virginia.  

Grave of Beverly Holcombe Robertson

Here's my relationship to Beverly:

Charles Britton Vaden was born in Chesterfield County Virginia September 9, 1837.  He is my 3rd cousin 5x removed.  He enlisted as a First Sergeant in Company B also known as the "Chesterfield Light Dragoons" on April 23, 1861 at the age of 23.  He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on April 16, 1862.

Roster Showing Charles' Promotion

Unfortunately Charles was sickly and missed quite a bit of time with the Regiment.  He resigned on October 24, 1862 due to disability.  According to his letter of resignation he had severe bronchitis and other issues with his lungs.

Charles' Letter of Resignation

Charles managed to regain his health.  He lived for an additional 49 years following the end of the war.  He died in Richmond, Virginia on July 6, 1914 at the age of 76.  He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.

Charles B. Vaden's Grave

Here's my relationship to Charles:

William Archer Vaden was born in 1837 in Manchester, Chesterfield, Virginia.  He is my 2nd Great Granduncle.  My Great Grandfather, also William A. Vaden, was named after him.  William enlisted as a Private in Company B also known as the "Chesterfield Light Dragoons" of the Virginia 4th Cavalry on April 21, 1862.  He was 25 years old at the time of his enlistment.  

William A. Vaden's 1st Muster Roll.

William was transferred to the Confederate Navy on May 21, 1864.  He would participate in the naval defenses of Richmond on the James River.  

Muster Roll showing transfer to Confederate Navy

A copy of a letter William wrote to the Confederate States Pay Master has survived.   In this letter, William gives the authorization for his mother, Sarah A. Vaden, to collect his pay while he is away on military duty.  This letter was dated June 7, 1864 and was written on board the CSS Virginia II, which was the flagship of James River Fleet.  

William's letter to the Confederate Pay Master

The CSS Virginia II was a Confederate ironclad ram measuring 197 x 47.6 x 14 feet.  She had a top speed of 10 knots and was armed with 2 8-inch guns and 2 6-inch Brooke rifled guns.   She was originally laid down in April of 1862 at the William Graves shipyard in Richmond, Virginia and was named for her famous predecessor, the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia which had wreaked havoc at the Battle of Hampton Roads in March of 1862.  Funding for the ship was largely raised by the Richmond chapter of the "Ladies Aid and Defense Society."  Their estimated contributions were more than $30,000.  Scare materials led to a delay in construction.  She was launched on June 29, 1863.  A witness commented that "she glided into the water like a thing of life amid the prolonged cheers of the spectators."  Unfortunately she suffered from further fitting-out delays and was not fully commissioned until May 18, 1864.  She originally intended to carry 6" of armor, but because of shortages , she carried 5" and 3" randomly affixed to her side and stern.  Only her forward facing surfaces were plated with adequate thickness of iron.  

CSS Virginia II and Her Crew

Fifty two year old Commander Robert Baker Pegram, CSN, was her captain.  Pegram was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on December 10, 1811.  He is the uncle of my 5th cousins 4x removed Brigadier General John Pegram, Major James West Pegram and Colonel William Ransom Johnson Pegram.  His brother, James West Pegram, married Virginia Evans Johnson, who is my 4th cousin 5x removed.  

The CSS Virginia II first saw action on June 21, 1864 as the flagship of Commodore John K. Mitchell, CSN, during the engagement between the Confederate James River Fleet and Federal ships at Trent's Reach near Howlett's Bluff.  During this engagement she fired 26 shots at the Union navy from 12:30 to 6:11 p.m.  An errant chain from the nearby CSS Richmond became entangled in her propeller and she could no longer contribute to the battle.  Commodore Mitchells after battle report describes the CSS Virginia II's actions.

The ship (the Virginia II) was about proceeding to take a more eligible position near Howlett's, when it was discovered that the piston was deranged; on removing the cylinder head, a chisel was found in the cylinder, which, but for the timely discovery, mighty have caused serious damage.  The engine was in good condition for service again in the late afternoon, but too late as to time and tide for taking up the desired position.

On August 13, 1864, the CSS Virginia II participated in an attack on Union forces that were beginning to construct a larger canal at Dutch Gap.  The Canonicus-class monitor, USS Saugus and her gunboats joined the battle but could not effectively train their guns.  They did manage to fire two shots that struck the CSS Virginia II.  On August 17th, she participated in the capture of Signal Hill.  Battle reports state she shelled the Union defenses from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. before finally ceasing fire.  

The CSS Virginia II and the James River Fleet took place in attack on Union Major General Benjamin Butler's Army of the James at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison from September 29th through October 1st.  Once again, she suffered difficulty that delayed her entrance into the battle.  One of the guns onboard had just been replaced.  In her haste to leave the dock, the supply ship Gallego became entangled in her anchor chain, causing the Gallego to sink.

On the morning of October 22nd, while routinely patrolling the James River, the squadron discovered that the Union Army had completed their fortification of Cox Hill.  To cover the retreat of the vulnerable Confederate wooden vessels, the CSS Virginia II approached the Federal battery, followed by two additional ironclads, and affected a retreat upstream to Chaffin's Bluff.  During this engagement, the Virginia II's smokestack was riddled by Federal shells.  This engagement helped determine the effectiveness of the ironclad's armored casemates against the close-range rifled cannon fire.  The results were impressive.  She withstood seven direct hits by 100-pound shells which scarcely damaged her plating.  

The Virginia II, along with the Fredericksburg and Richmond, steamed down to Fort Brady, near Trent's Reach on December 7, 1864.  The Confederate ironclads exchanged fire with the fort's battery until nightfall.  

The CSS Virginia II saw her final action between January 23-24, 1865.  The James River Fleet, including ironclads CSS Richmond and CSS Fredericksburg, along with five smaller vessels, made a second unsuccessful attempt to circumvent the obstructions and mines at Trent's Reach.  Their object was to break through the blockade and attack the Federal supply depot and headquarters of General Ulysses S. Grant.   The Confederate fleet had received a reliable report that there width enough for passage through due to a freshet of melting ice on the James.  To avoid the risk of collision, the gunboats and tenders were lashed to the starboard sides of the ironclads.  The Virginia II had the gunboats CSS Nansemond and CSS Torpedo, along with the torpedo boat CSS Scorpion in tow.   She passed through the Union batteries at Fort Brady sometime after 8:00 p.m.  Errant steering too close to the shore by the Virginia II accidentally beached the Torpedo.  The captain of the Nansemond untied his ship from the Virginia II and attempted to free the Torpedo.   The Virginia II and the rest of the James River Fleet continued on and reached the obstructions at Trent's Reach.  

When the James River Fleet arrived, the Virginia II accidentally ran aground.  The smaller vessels tried for over three hours to free her.  Only two small ships made their way through the obstructions.  The remainder of the ships were either run aground or trying to help those that had.  As the sun rose over the James, most of the Confederate fleet was in full range of the Federal fortifications at Battery Parsons.  The fleet endured Union cannonade until the tide rose high enough to allow them to finally retreat.  As the Virginia II was making way, the Federal fleet arrived.  The double-turreted monitor USS Onodaga was able to pierce her armor with its guns.  The Confederate fleet hastily retreated upriver until they were safely under the cover of Confederate Battery Dantzler, which was heavily fortified with two 7-inch Brooke rifles, two 10-inch Columbiad guns and two siege mortars.  The Confederate fleet made another attempt that night, but the bluecoats had erected large "Drummond lights" that illuminated the area around the mine field, allowing the batteries to fire nearly as accurately at night as they had during the day, causing another withdrawal.

As the James River Fleet withdrew, the CSS Hampton managed to get her screw propeller in the Virginia II's anchor chain.  The Union guns continued to bombard the fleet until they could get untangled.  The Virginia II ran around again before making it to the safety of Chaffin's Bluff.  Six of her crew members were killed and as many were wounded from the action.  The Virginia II suffered heavy battle damage that required extensive repairs.  She was struck by cannon fire seventy times, destroying her smokestack.  Her engines became faulty and her iron plating and underlying wooden framework were also damaged.  

Shot-riddled Smokestack From CSS Virginia II

The repair work on her had just been completed when the Virginia II, as well as the other ships in the James River Fleet, were ordered to be destroyed by their commander, Admiral Raphael Semmes.  This order was made to prevent their capture by the steadily advancing Federal forces.  On April 3, 1865, the James River Fleet was intentionally scuttled.  The ships were set on fire and exploded when the fire reached their powder magazines.  The Virginia II never left the confines of the James River.  She lies badly broken under nearly twenty feet of silt and  partially beneath the opposite shoreline from Drewry's Bluff.

Blowing Up of the James River Fleet on the night of the Evacuation of Richmond

Remains of the CSS Virginia II on the Right.  The Paddlewheel is from the CSS Jamestown

Following the Civil War, William Archer Vaden relocated to Charleston, South Carolina and became a mariner.  He was  apparently was well versed in operating a steamship from his time in the Confederate Navy.   The 1880 US Federal Census lists William as Captain of the Steamboat "Falcon".   William married Mary Catherine Bonneau in Charleston, South Carolina in 1866.  They had seven children together.   William Archer Vaden died sometime after 1906, presumably in Charleston, South Carolina.   His burial location remains unknown.  

Here's my relation to William:

William Archer Vaden (1837 - 1897)

is your 2nd great grand uncle

Austin L. Vaden (1807 - 1860)

Father of William A.

George Patterson Vaden (1840 - 1892)

Son of Austin L.

William A. Vaden (1885 - 1916)

Son of George Patterson

Robert William Lewis (1913 - 1990)

Son of William A.

Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )

Daughter of Robert William

Chip Stokes

Williams Carter Wickham

Williams Carter Wickham was born in Richmond, Virginia on September 21, 1820.  He is my 5th cousin 6x removed.  Williams spent much of his youth at Hickory Hill plantation in Hanover County, about 20 miles north of Richmond.  Williams came from impressive stock.  His maternal 2nd great grandfather was General Thomas Nelson, Jr. who signed the Declaration of Independence and served as Governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War.   Another ancestor was Robert "King" Carter, who served as acting Royal Governor of Virginia and was one of the wealthiest landowners in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.  Through the Carter family, Wickham's mother was a first cousin with Robert E. Lee.  Wickham studied law at the University of Virginia and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1842.  He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1849 and to the Virginia Senate in 1859.

In late 1859, as a response to John Brown's Raid on the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Wickham helped recruit a cavalry company in Hanover County which became the "Hanover Light Dragoons" and accepted a Captain's commission.    

In 1861, Henrico County voters elected Wickham as a one of their delegates to the Virginia Secession Convention.  He was a staunch Unionist and voted twice against the articles of secession.  It wasn't until Lincoln's election and Virginia's secession that Wickham and his company threw in their lot with the Confederacy.  In September of 1861, Virginia Governor John Letcher appointed Wickham Lieutenant Colonel of the Virginia 4th Cavalry.  The regiment participated in the Peninsula Campaign.  During a Cavalry charge at the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862, Wickham was badly wounded by a saber thrust.  He went home to heal, where he was captured by a Federal patrol on May 29th.  Wickham was promoted to Colonel of the Regiment effective July 28, 1862 while still in Federal captivity.   He returned to the Regiment in August.  

During the Maryland Campaign, he was again wounded, this time by an Artillery shell to the neck.  He made a quick recovery and was back with the Virginia 4th in time to participate in the Battle of Fredericksburg.  He also participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Brandy Station.  Wade Hampton blamed the failures of Wickham's Virginia Fourth Cavalry at Brandy Station for the death of his brother Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hampton.  

Despite Hampton's criticism of Wickham, he was promoted to Brigadier General on September 9, 1863 and given command of his cousin Fitzhugh Lee's old Brigade.  As a result of the September 9th reorganization, Fitzhugh Lee was promoted to Major General and was now his Division Commander.   Wickham's Brigade fought with distinction at the Battles of Buckland Mills and Bristoe Station.  He helped smash the command of Federal General Judson Kilpatrick's Cavalry in his raid on Richmond in February of 1864.  

Wickham and his command fought in the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Beaver Dam and Yellow Tavern.  At the Battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11, 1864, a mortally wounded J.E.B. Stuart's final order was "Order Wickham to dismount his Brigade and attack."   

In August of 1864, Wickham and his Brigade were sent to join Jubal Early's Army of the Valley in the Shenandoah.  They covered the retreat at the Third Battle of Winchester on September 9, 1864.  They also participated in the Battle of Fisher's Hill on September 22nd.  During the Battle of Fisher's Hill, Wickham blocked an attempt by Federal Major General Philip Sheridan to encircle and destroy the Confederate forces of Jubal Early.  Wickham then proceeded to attack the Union Cavalry at Waynesboro, Virginia and forced them to retreat to Bridgewater, Virginia.  Wickham resigned his commission on October 5, 1864 and took his seat in the Second Confederate Congress, to which he had been elected while in the field.  

Williams Carter Wickham's Reunion Flag

After the war, Wickham became a Republican and became President of the Virginia Central Railroad and later President of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.  He was a member of the Electoral College in 1872m voting for Ulysses S. Grant.  Williams Carter Wickham died from a heart attack in Richmond on July 23, 1888 at the age of 67 years old.  

Williams Carter Wickham Later In Life

He is buried in his family plot in Hickory Hill Cemetery in Ashland, Hanover, Virginia.  

Williams Carter Wickham's Grave

In 1891, a statue of Williams Carter Wickham by Edward Virginius Valentine was installed in Richmond, Virginia's Monroe Park.  The statue remained in place for 129 years prior to being toppled during the George Floyd riots in June of 2020.

Judy Smith's Photograph of the Williams Carter Wickham Statue Prior to Destruction

Here's my relationship with Williams Carter Wickham:

Grove Shaft Ruins, Midlothian Coal Mine

William Beverly Wooldridge was born in Midlothian, Chesterfield County, Virginia in 1822.  He is my 2nd cousin 6x removed.  He came from a long line of Wooldridges that had owned and operated the Midlothian coal mines since the early 1700's.  Prior to the war, William attended the University of Virginia.  William enlisted in Company B. "The Chesterfield Light Dragoons" on April 23, 1861.  

William's First Muster Roll

William performed detached service in December of 1861 and again in February of 1862.  He was promoted to Captain on January 1, 1862.  He was re-elected as Captain on April 25, 1862.

Roster Showing William's Election to Captain

William was promoted to Major on September 1, 1863.

Roster Showing William's Promotion to Major

William was wounded in the leg by a minie ball on May 8, 1864 during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.  His wound was so severe, it resulted in amputation of the leg.  

Report Showing William's Injury and Amputation

While William was in the hospital recovering from his amputation, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on May 12, 1864 as a result of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lee Randolph.  

Recommendation from General Wickham for Wooldridge's Appointment to Lt. Col

Roster Showing William's Promotion to Lt. Col

William was the Regiment's final Colonel, having been promoted on November 1, 1864.  

Recommendation from General Wickham for Wooldridge's Appointment to Colonel

Roster showing William's Appointment as Colonel

William had a near meteoric rise through the ranks of the Virginia 4th Cavalry.  Had the war not ended in April of 1865, he would have followed all the Colonels of this Regiment by being promoted to Brigadier General.  The paperwork for his promotion was drafted on April 9, 1865.  Following the war, William returned home to his estate Midlothian.  He continued operating the Midlothian coal mines until the mid 1870's

The Wooldridge Estate 'Midlothian" built in 1745

Colonel Wooldridge died in Midlothian, Chesterfield County, Virginia on March 15, 1881 at the age of 59.  He is buried in Maury Cemetery in Richmond.  Interestingly enough, Wooldridge rests in the plot next to my 2nd Great Grandfather, George Patterson Vaden, brother of William Archer Vaden.

Grave of William Beverly Wooldridge

Here's my relation to William: