From:  The Civil War CD-ROM , Guild Press

Woolfolks in the War Between the States

 

Woolfolks in the War Between the States............

Capt. Pitchegru Woolfolk, CSA, Woolfolk's battery, Ashland (Va.) Artillery.....

Lt. James Woolfolk, CSA, Woolfolk's battery, Ashland (Va.) Artillery.....

Lieut. CoL Alexander .M. WOOLFOLK, USA, 1st Cavalry, Missouri State Militia...............

Rev. Mr. Woolfolk ,CSA......

Captain A.C. Woolfolk, USA, Assistant Quartermaster............

Woolfolk Plantation, LA..........

Woolfolk farm, VA.

Major Woolfolk, CSA, TN

Pvt. George Woolfolk, CSA, VA

 

Capt. Pichegru Woolfolk.Jr., CSA, Woolfolk's battery, Ashland (Va.) Artillery

Lt. James Woolfolk, CSA, Woolfolk's battery, Ashland (Va.) Artillery

 

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LI/2 [S# 108]

Confederate Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Maryland, Eastern North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia (Except Southwestern), And West Virginia.--#18

XI. Capt. P. Woolfolk, jr., with his company Virginia artillery, with its battery, will immediately proceed to Manassas, Va., and report for duty to General J. E. Johnston, commanding.

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XI/2 [S# 13]

PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN--SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES
No. 200. -- Organization of the Confederate forces during the engagements around Richmond, Va.(*)

Artillery.

MaJ. JOHN J. GARNETT.

Brown's battery, Wise (Va.) Artillery.

Hart's battery, Washington (S.C.) Artillery.

Lane's (Georgia) battery.(+)

Moody's (Louisiana) battery.

Woolfolk's battery, Ashland (Va.) Artillery. (++)

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY CORPS,
Near Richmond, July 21, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part performed by the several portions of my command and by myself in the recent successful movements of our army against the enemy:

The duty at the outset assigned me was to see such good use made of the artillery on the Richmond side of the Chickahominy as to hold the enemy in check should he advance against our weakened lines, while our more active force was attacking his right beyond the stream. To this I was directed to give my constant and unremitting attention, and, as a preliminary, instructed to have the Reserve Artillery posted on the different fronts, where it could be conveniently and rapidly brought into action when necessary.

My arrangements were accordingly made, and early dawn of June 26 found the Reserve Artillery distributed thus: Maj. Charles Richardson, with two batteries of his battalion (those of Ancell and Milledge), on the heights near Mechanicsville Bridge; two batteries (those of Lane, from Lieutenant-Colonel Cutts' battalion, and of Woolfolk, from Major Richardson's battalion) some distance down the Chickahominy, near Mrs. Price's house, where they had been for many days on duty, with the guns directed by Major Garnett, under fire— often severe— from the enemy's batteries; Maj. William Nelson, with his battalion, the batteries of Huckstep, Kirkpatrick, and R. C. M. Page, advanced on the Nile-mile road to co-operate with the force near Dr. Garnett's farm; Maj. H. P. Jones, with his battalion, the batteries of Clark, Peyton, <ar13_534>and Rhett, temporarily assigned as a division reserve to General D. H. Hill and accompanying his command; Lieutenant-Colonel Cutts, with three batteries of his battalion (those of Ross, Price, and Blackshear), advanced on the Williamsburg road to strengthen General Huger where his right had been engaged with the enemy on the previous day, and Col. J. Thompson Brown, with several batteries of his regiment, constituting the remaining reserve, stationed near the fork of the Nine-mile road, whence they could speedily move in any direction.

With a command thus necessarily diffused I could give only general direction to the whole and occasional personal supervision to each portion. I am happy, however, to be able to testify that each, in proportion to opportunity, performed well its part, and was sincerely disappointed when opportunity proved but slight. They all came more or less into requisition during the varied and protracted contest, and some rendered peculiarly gallant and valuable service. The particulars will be briefly given in the sequel, and are more fully exhibited in the reports of the several commanders, herewith submitted.

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...

Meanwhile a sharp artillery contest commenced between some of our batteries on Dr. Garnett's field and those of the enemy behind their breastworks, bringing numerous shells about our position. This contest was most gallantly waged on our side under the general direction of Lieut. Col. S. D. Lee, and participated in with great spirit by Captains Lane and Woolfolk, and by Captain Kirkpatrick and Lieutenant Massie, with a portion of Huckstep's battery, the two latter being specially commanded by Major Nelson, whose calm and cheerful courage under a very hot fire was of utmost service to our inexperienced men in their post of extraordinary exposure. The other portions of Major Nelson's command were also greatly exposed, though favored with no opportunity of returning fire.

 

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Saturday, June 28, my first care was directed to getting into position at Dr. Garnett's guns of sufficient power to silence the enemy's heavy batteries. Major Richardson's two large guns were ordered forward, and preparations made for the immense Blakely rifle, which it was found could not be adjusted for use earlier than the following morning. Having again visited General Huger's front and found nothing new, I returned and remained at Mrs. Price's, while Lane's, Dabney's, and Woolfolk's guns dislodged the enemy from his stronghold near Golding's.

This day having passed with no decisive information on our side the Chickahominy as to many events the other side, and there being with us no little suspense, the President about sunset requested me to bear <ar13_536>for him a confidential message to the commanding general. This, with its sequences— arrangements with division commanders, by General Lee's order, for having the enemy's movements vigilantly watched that night— kept me at work till past 1 o'clock.

Fever supervening disabled me on the 29th, so that the day was necessarily passed by me as a quiet Sabbath. Portions of my command were, however, quite actively engaged, under arrangements already described, in pursuing, with other forces, the retreating enemy.

 

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Our loss in the several contests of the occasion was-in Major Jones' battalion, 5 men killed and 24 wounded; 13 horses disabled and 2 wheels destroyed.

In Colonel Brown's regiment— 1 man wounded and 2 horses killed.

In Lieutentant-Colonel Cutts' battalion (Lane's company)— 3 men killed and 5 wounded; I horse killed.

In Major Richardson's battalion (Woolfolk's company)— 1 man killed and 3 wounded.

In Major Nelson's battalion— 1 man killed and 1 wounded (though 7 struck) and 4 horses disabled, making a total of 10 men killed and 34 wounded and 20 horses disabled.

 

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 W. N. PENDLETON,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Artillery.

  General R. E. LEE,

 Commanding.

 

 

HDQRS. SECOND BATT., PENDLETON'S ARTILLERY CORPS,
Camp near Richmond, Va., July 12, 1862.

GENERAL: In obedience to your order of 11th instant, requiring me to furnish you with a report showing the operations of my command from the 26th ultimo to the present time, I have the honor to submit the following, with the accompanying reports of the captains of the several batteries in my battalion, which will more explicitly give the information you desire, as I was necessarily separated from portions of my command at different times during the occurrences therein named:

You are aware that for about ten days previous to the 26th ultimo I had been on outpost service with two of my batteries on the Mechan-icsville road near the Chickahominy River, and that my other battery, Captain Woolfolk's, was on duty at Price's farm, under Colonel Lee (chief of artillery General Magruder's division), with whom it remained until the morning of the 3d instant, when relieved by you and ordered to my camp.

 

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In leaving my old camp on the Mechanicsville road near the tollgate, on the morning of the 1st instant, I ordered Captain Woolfolk (senior captain) to take charge of and move the camp down on the Williamsburg road near Fulton's hill, you having ordered me to take a position more convenient to the scene of operations. <ar13_540>

It is doubtless proper to add that two drivers and four homes from each of the batteries of Captains Ancell and Milledge had been, by General A. P. Hill's orders, sent to join Capt. D. G. McIntosh's battery. One of these men, Private Robinson, of Captain Milledge's company, was slightly wounded, and one of the horses sent from Captain Ancell's battery died.

Before concluding I beg leave to say that the soldierly bearing, energy, and general good conduct of the officers and men under my command afford me the liveliest gratification and satisfaction, and in awarding praise I cannot discriminate in favor of some of them without doing injustice to others, inasmuch as all of my orders were obeyed with great alacrity and cheerfulness.

I would add that Dr. Semple, surgeon of my battalion, was always at his post of duty and performed his part most satisfactorily.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 CHARLES RICHARDSON,

Major, Commanding.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XI/2 [S# 13]

PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN--SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES
No. 218. -- Report of Lieut. James Woolfolk, Ashland (Va.) Artillery, of operations June 26-July 1.

HDQRS. Co. A, 2D BATT., RES. ARTY., July 11, 1862.

SIR: In pursuance of your orders I have the honor to make the following report of the service of this battery from June 26:

At this date we were on picket duty at Mrs. Price's house, opposite the New Bridge, 7 miles from Richmond. We were then under the <ar13_542>command of Colonel Lee, and attached to [Third] Brigade, Colonel Anderson commanding, in General Jones' division, to whom we reported June 14. Nothing occurred on the 26th except a little harmless shelling from the enemy's batteries (four in number), stationed opposite to us on the north side of the Chickahominy.

On the afternoon of the 27th we were ordered, together with two of Captain Lane's guns, all under the conduct of Colonel Lee, against a strong work of the enemy some three-quarters of a mile to our right and front. We were brought into position in an open field about 600 yards from the enemy's works, when we opened upon him with shell and spherical case from our howitzers (two 12-pounders) and with shell and shot from our rifled pieces (two 3-inch guns). We fired very rapidly, receiving in reply an incessant fire from the enemy's battery, composed, as we afterward learned from prisoners, of thirteen breech-loading guns, sustaining at the same time an enfilading fire from their sharpshooters. After an engagement of about thirty minutes we were ordered to retire, having sustained a loss of 1 man killed and 3 wounded. Of the effect of our fire I have no means of knowing, except from the report of prisoners, who stated that their loss was heavy in killed, wounded, and in destruction of property.

On Saturday, the 28th, our two rifled pieces were detached to proceed down the New Bridge road, and, in company with a portion of Lane's and Dabney's batteries, to shell the enemy at long range. This duty was performed with fine effect, the enemy breaking and running in every direction.

On the 29th we were ordered, under the command of Major Garnett and temporarily in support of General Toombs' brigade, some 3 miles down the road, on the south side of the Chickahominy, but no requisition was made upon us for active service, and on the next day, June 30, we were relieved and sent back to camp to recruit, men and horses being very much broken down.

Of the conduct of the men of this command I feel it my duty to report that they behaved, with two exceptions, with marked coolness and gallantry.

With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

 JAMES WOOLFOLK,

 First Lieut., Comdg. Ashland Arty., Co. A, 2d Batt., Res. Arty.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XI/2 [S# 13]

PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN--SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES
No. 273. -- Report of Maj. John Jr. Garnett, Chief of Artillery, of the actions at Garnett's and Golding's Farms, engagement at Fair Oaks Station (Peach Orchard, or Allen's Farm), and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR RICHMOND, VA.,
July 23, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of the artillery attached to your division in the engagements of June 27, 28, and 29, and July 1.

There were attached Captains Moody and Woolfolk to General Toombs' brigade, and Captains Brown and Hart to Colonel Anderson's.

 

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In the two engagements of this day Captain Hart lost— killed, Private Henry F. Cohen; mortally wounded, Daniel M. Shepherd and Charles Schroter; severely wounded, Lieut. J. Cleveland, Private Porter, and 7 horses killed or rendered unserviceable.

On Monday the batteries moved with the division, and on Tuesday none were engaged,.if I except Captain Hart, who was able to fire but a few rounds.

Captain Woolfolk was relieved from duty with General Toombs' brigade on Monday, June 30, and was engaged only on Friday, 27th, when he behaved very handsomely and his battery did excellent service.

In concluding this report I cannot commend too highly the conduct of the officers and men, who, when under the terrible fire of the enemy's <ar13_695>batteries at Garnett's farm and at the railroad, showed that calmness and intrepidity characteristic of men who won for themselves the hearty "well-done" of their commanders at Manassas Plains. I allude particularly to Captain Brown, of the Wise Artillery. Captain Hart is also entitled to the highest praise, and showed himself to be an accomplished artillerist as well as a gallant soldier.

I an sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 JOHN J. GARNETT,

 Major and Chief of Arty., First Division, Army of the Potomac.

 General D. R. JONES,

Commanding First Division, Army of the Potomac.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XI/2 [S# 13]

PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN--SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES
No. 293 -- Report of Col. Stephen D. Lee, chief of Artillery Magruder's division, of operations June 25.-July 1 including the action at Garnett's Farm, engagement at Peach Orchard, and battles of Savage Station and Crew's Farm, or Malvern hill.

CAPTAIN: I had the Honor a few days since to receive your note directing me to render a report of the services of the artillery at Garnett's farm, near New Bridge, at Savage Station, and at Crew's farm. The different batteries of the division performed arduous picket duty on Garnett's farm from about June 12 to June 29, at which date the enemy vacated his lines and the division started in pursuit. Previous to June 29 the batteries under fire and engaged with the enemy were, first, Woolfolk's, Lane's, and Moody's batteries, at Mrs. Price's house, overlooking the New Bridge. These batteries were engaged several times, firing on the working parties of the enemy at the bridge, causing them to desist from their work, and in every instance they drew the fire of the enemy's batteries from the opposite side of the river, which, being long-range guns, we could not reach. The above-named officers, with their commands, behaved with coolness and gallantry, and on these several occasions lost several men killed and wounded.

 

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 14 [S# 14]

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VIRGINIA, FROM MARCH 17 TO SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.

CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#11

Second Battalion Reserve Artillery.

Maj. CHARLES RICHARDSON.

Capt. J. J. Ancell's company.

Capt. John Milledge's (jr.) company.

Capt. Pichegru Woolfolk's company.

 

 

General PENDLETON:

GENERAL: I think so far as the number of pieces is concerned there is sufficient, but several of the batteries are not efficient; for instance, Page's, Young's, and W. Jones batteries together constitute but one battery of six pieces. Page has not sufficient men to man his guns (three pieces). Richardson has two 32-pounder gams, not suited for field service. Jordan's battery has three 32-pounder howitzers and one 12-pounder gun. The above mentioned batteries, with Moody's and Read's, <ar14_687> constitute the reserve artillery (twenty-two pieces), of which I consider only Moody's, Read's, and Jordan's batteries efficient for field service. I would like another battery, or have Woolfolk's battery replaced by heavier guns, so I could consider that battery as one of my reserve batteries. I should mention that each brigade of Magruder's division has a battery, generally four pieces. If all the guns in the division were well manned I consider what I have ample but they are not. There should be several heavy pieces (like Captain Dabney's) at Mrs. Price's, and they would replace all the small pieces.

Yours, respectfully,

 S. D. LEE,

 Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.

GENERAL.: I would suggest a fuller report than the blank you sent me this evening, at least to include the men for duty and serviceable and unserviceable horses.

 S. D. LEE,

 Lieutenant-Colonel.

O            Officers.         D            12-pounder guns

M        Men.            E            Parrott rifles

A         32-pounders.            F            3-inch rifles

B         24-pounder howitzers.            G            6-pounder guns

C         12-pounder howitzers            H            Horses

 

                                                                                                                                                                       

Captain                       O            M            A            B            C            D            E            F            G            H                     Brigade                      Efficiency      Station

Carlton [Henry H]        5            121            ....            ....            2            ....            ....            ....            2            73                    General Cobb's Good               Right Nine-mile road, near General Jones' headquarters

Jordan [Tyler C.]       3            60            ....            3            ....            1            ....            ....                    57                    General Cobb's Good               Left of Nine-mile road, in traverse for, Mrs. Price's farm

Read [John P. W.]      3            73            ....            ....            2            ....            ....            ....            2            59                    General Cobb's Good               Right of Nine-mile road, in redoubts in advance of Burnt Tavern

Brown [J. S.]                4            87            ....            ....            2            ....            ....            ....            2            64                    Colonel Anderson's            Good               Left of Nine-mile road, in woods near Mrs. Price's farm

Cosnahan [Joseph B.]            1            31            ....            ....            ....            1            ....            ....                    15                    Colonel Anderson's            Good               Left of Nine-mile road, in traverse fort, Mrs. Price's farm

Lane [John]                  2            34            ....            ....            ....            1            1            ....                    28                    Colonel Anderson's            Good               Mrs. Price's farm

Kemper [Del.]              ....            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....                    ....                    General Toombs'            Very good   

Page [T. Jeff.]               3            26            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....            1            1            38                    General Toombs'            ..............          Left of Nine-mile road in clover field, beyond New Bridge road

Richardson [L. W.]      4            48            2            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....                    40                    General Toombs'            Good               Redoubt at Burnt Tavern

Ritter [W. B.]               1            43            ....            ....            ....            ....            1            ....            3            48                    General Toombs'            Good               Left of Nine-mile road, Mrs. Price's farm

Woolfolk [Pichegru, jr.4            61            ....            ....            2            ....            ....            ....                    53                    General Toombs'            Good               Mrs. Price's

Young [E. R.]               4            51            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....            ....            2            34                    General Toombs'            Good               Left of Nine-mile road in clover field, beyond New Bridge road

Manly [Basic C.]       3            95            ....            ....            2            ....            ....            ....            3            45                    General Semmes'            Good  

Moody [George V]            3            106            ....            ....            2            ....            ....            ....            2            93                    General Semmes'            Very good   

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/1 [S# 27]

SEPTEMBER 3-20, 1862.-The Maryland Campaign.
No. 213.--Report of Lieut. Col. P. T. Manning, Chief of Ordnance, of the number of guns and caissons lost, &c., in the Maryland Campaign.

Lee's Battalion Artillery.--Captain [T. C.] Jordan's battery, one 12-pounder howitzer caisson. Captain [A. B.] Rhett's battery, one 12-pounder howitzer limber. Captain [W. W.] Parker's battery, rear chests 12-pounder howitzer caisson. Captain [G. V.] Moody's battery, one forge in Potomac. Captain [Pichegru] Woolfolk's [jr.] battery, one 12-pounder howitzer and limber. Captain Moorman's battery, two 10-pounder Parrott guns and rear carriage of caisson. Captain Maurin's battery (Pryor's brigade), one 10-pounder rifle (Parrott) and caisson. One caisson was destroyed by the enemy's shell during the fight.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/1 [S# 27]

SEPTEMBER 3-20, 1862.-The Maryland Campaign.
No. 214.--Report of Col. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding artillery battalion, of the battle of Sharpsburg.

The action commenced about 3 a.m. on the morning of the 17th, between the skirmishers. Woolfolk's,(*) Parker's, and Rhett's batteries were placed in position in front of the church, on the right of the Sharps-burg and Hagerstown pike, and opened on the enemy at daylight. These batteries were compelled to fire over our infantry, but fired with effect. A continuous fire was kept up until about 8.15 a.m., when the enemy gave way and our firing ceased as our infantry followed in pursuit. The batteries above mentioned while engaged were exposed to an enfilade fire of about twenty rifle guns from across the Antietam, two batteries in their front, and the fire of the infantry of the enemy, most of the time about 500 yards distant. They suffered very heavily and had exhausted most of their ammunition.

I should have mentioned that two guns of Jordan's battery, under Lieutenant Bower, were sent to an advance position under Capt. John S. Taylor, but had to retire, owing to their exposed position and the fire of several batteries against them. About this time I ordered Rhett's battery to the rear for ammunition, and Parker's and Woolfolk's batteries to move slightly to the rear to refit, many horses and men being killed. They could only move the pieces by leaving portions of the caissons, so many of the horses had been disabled.

About this time, 9 a.m., Moody's battery, which had been engaged near the center of our line, arrived and reported, and I placed it in position on the ground previously occupied by Parker's battery. General Hood's division, which followed the enemy when he gave way, not being supported, was compelled to fall back before their overwhelming numbers. The enemy having gained his rear, and occupying a position almost between his retiring troops and Moody's battery, his troops fell back so sullenly, and were so near to the enemy, that it was impossible to use the battery. This being the case, I advanced two guns of Moody's battery some 300 yards into a plowed field, where I could use them. They remained in this position and did good service for about fifteen minutes, under Captain Moody and Lieutenant [John B.] Gorey. This section was exposed to a most galling infantry fire, and retained its position until the infantry on its right and left retired, when I ordered it to the rear. The gallant Lieutenant Gorey was killed, being shot in the head by a Minie-ball as he was sighting his piece for its last discharge. The section with which he was serving was not his own, but, seeing it was going to an exposed position, he asked permission to accompany it. A more gallant officer was not in our service.

Our troops having to fall back rapidly, my guns were, by direction of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill, retired to the ridge of hills across the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown turnpike, and between the church and Sharpsburg, and fired for a short time. General McLaws' division arriving at this time, and, going into action, I moved the battalion about a mile from the field, to refit. It was now about 10 a.m.

About 3 p.m., the batteries having refitted and replenished with ammunition, I again moved to the from with twelve guns, all that could <ar27_846> be manned, and received orders from one of General Longstreet's aides to take position in front of the village of Sharpsburg, to the right and left of the turnpike, relieving Colonel Walton, of the Washington Artillery, of New Orleans. Four of Moody's guns were placed on the right of the village; two of Parker's and two of Jordan's were placed at the left; Rhett's two pieces were placed on a ridge to the left of the village, on the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown pike. These guns, in their respective positions, did good service. Those in front of the village were exposed to a heavy fire of artillery and infantry, the sharpshooters of the enemy being within 200 yards of them during the entire evening. The guns of Moody's battery, in connection with Squires' battery, of the Washington Artillery, of New Orleans, repelled some six or eight attempts of the infantry of the enemy to take our position. At one time their infantry was within 150 yards of our batteries, when, by a charge of our supporting infantry, they were driven back. Two guns of Moody's battery, with Garnett's brigade, drove the enemy from the ridge to the left of the village after they had taken the ridge from our troops. The guns retained their position in front of the village till our troops were driven into the village on the right, when, by direction of General Garnett, they withdrew. The enemy were afterward repulsed from the village, and the hill for a short time was re-occupied by Capt. Thomas [H.] Carter's battery. It was now near dark, and the hill was held but by a few infantry.

Captain Eubank's battery not being with me, I am not prepared to speak from personal observation of his action, but General Toombs informed me that he and his company did good and gallant service.

The officers and men of my battalion behaved with the utmost gallantry. During the entire time engaged they were exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy, as is shown by the list of casualties inclosed; but of about 300 men who went into action, 86 casualties occurred and 60 horses were disabled.

In the morning, the battalion was engaged during the severe fight before our re-enforcements came up on the left, and was the only artillery engaged with General Hood's division. In the evening, it was engaged in front of the village and on the right, where the fight was heaviest. I regret to state that Captain Woolfolk's battery lost a gun on the field. It was on the left in the morning, when our lines gave way before the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. The 4 horses, 2 drivers, and 4 cannoneers at the piece were disabled, and it was with difficulty that the battery could be moved. I do not attach any blame to the captain. The piece could not be recovered, owing to the proximity of the enemy, though several attempts were made.

Capt. John S. Taylor, Confederate States Artillery, temporarily attached to my staff, was killed in the morning while gallantly discharging his duties. He was entirely fearless, and always sought the post of danger, and his example did much toward inspiring his daring in all around him.

Though, generally, all behaved well, I will particularly mention the following as having attracted my attention by distinguished gallantry: Capts. George V. Moody, Parker, and [Pichegru] Woolfolk, jr.; Lieutenant Elliott, commanding Rhett's battery; Lieutenants Gilbert and Fickling, Rhett's battery; Lieutenant Parkinson, Parker's battery (severely wounded in the leg); Lieutenant [J.] Sillers, Moody's battery; Sergeants Conroy, Price, and Corporals Gaulin and Donoho, Moody's battery. I would also mention Lieutenant Maddox, of Colonel [A. S.] Cutts' battalion of artillery, who had two guns under my command, and <ar27_847> behaved with great gallantry. My adjutant, Lieut. W. H. Kemper, Alexandria Artillery, was of great assistance to me, and exhibited gallantry and coolness in an eminent degree.

Inclosed is a list(*) of casualties.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 STEPHEN D. LEE,

Colonel Artillery, C. S. Army, Commanding Battalion.

  Maj. G. MOXLEY SORREL,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Right Wing.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]

Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From September 3 To November 14, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3

4. Capt. G. Washington Nelson's battery (Hanover Artillery), the <ar28_650> men and horses not being wisely managed, although Captain Nelson has served with as distinguished gallantry as any officer in the Confederate Army. For cool intrepidity and heroic daring--indeed, for the most genuine fidelity and chivalry--Capt. Wash. Nelson is unsurpassed. He has earned high eulogiums on the battle-field, and yet he is not, in some respects, adapted to take care of a battery, nor are his lieutenants, though one of them (Lieutenant Fontaine) is a good officer to be provided for. Captain Nelson would make a splendid aide or cavalry officer, and as such is earnestly recommended. His men, numbering 60, had better be assigned--20 to Captain Kirkpatrick's company, Major Nelson's battalion, and 40 to Captain Woolfolk's company, Col. S. D. Lee's battalion, thus to join neighbors and friends.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31]

DECEMBER 11-15, 1862.--Battle of Fredericksburg, Va.
No. 269.--Report of Col. J. B. Walton, commanding Battalion Washington Artillery, of Louisiana.

At 5 p.m., after having been engaged four hours and a half against overwhelming odds of the enemy, I was compelled to relinquish the post of honor to Woolfolk's and Moody's batteries, Alexander's battalion, having one gun disabled, and having exhausted all the canister, shell, and case shot, and nearly every round of solid shot in the chests. More could not be supplied in position in time, the train being several miles distant.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31]

DECEMBER 11-15, 1862.--Battle of Fredericksburg, Va.
No. 270.--Report of Lieut. Col. E. P. Alexander, commanding Battalion Reserve Artillery.

 

At dawn on the 11th instant, on the firing of the signal guns, I moved from camp, and posted Captain Rhett's heavy battery in pits, which he had prepared on the hill south of the Plank road, overlooking the en-the country in front and the opposite bank of the river at a distance of 1½ miles. Captain Parker's two rifles were placed in pits which he had built near Stansbury's house, commanding the entire flats in front and the opposite bank of the river. His howitzers were concealed behind Stansbury's house in most admirable positions for opposing any advance of the enemy on the north of the town. These batteries maintained these positions during the whole occupation of the city by the enemy. The batteries of Captains Jordan, Moody, and [Pichegru] Woolfolk, [jr.,] were held, concealed in rear of the plateau back of Stansbury's house, ready to move out upon it at the appearance of the enemy's infantry, or to any other point of our line needing re enforcements. The cannoneers of Captains Jordan's and Woolfolk's batteries were meanwhile employed, concealed by the mist, in making small pits on the most favorable points of the plateau, and eventually finished eight in addition to those already there, which would have cost the enemy <ar31_576> severely had he attempted any advance north of the town. This disposition of my batteries remained unchanged during the 11th and 12th.

On the 12th, our infantry having evacuated the town, Captain Rhett's and Captain Parker's batteries opened their rifles occasionally at the position of the principal pontoon bridges of the enemy, Captain Rhett also enfilading two of the principal streets. These fires invariably elicited prompt and heavy responses from the enemy, from which, however, our pits saved us nearly all damage.

On the morning of the 13th, this firing was continued, aided by three 12-pounder guns of Captain Moody's battery, in a new position north of the Plank road, opposite Captain Rhett, whence the street leading to the pontoon bridge could be enfiladed. This latter fire at once attracted a reply from every battery of the enemy in reach, and caused us slight loss. Captain Moody, however, still held the position, sheltering his men when not firing. The enemy shelled this position not only all day, but every day of their occupation of the city afterward, whence I infer that our fire must have caused them much annoyance. I afterward made pits in this position for guns with Captains Moody's and Rhett's cannoneers, but they were only completed on the morning of the enemy's evacuation.

At 3.40 p.m. the 13th, I received an order to relieve the Washington Artillery on Marye's Hill, their ammunition being nearly exhausted. I at once hastened there with Captain Woolfolk's battery, Captain Moody's 12-pounder guns, and two guns of Captain Jordan's battery, and occupied the pits under a heavy fire, which caused three-fourths of my entire loss while galloping up. The enemy were already within 300 yards, and seeing the Washington Artillery leave after so protracted and gallant a defense, cheered and pressed on heavily, aided by three batteries which opened from the edge of the town and their line of heavy guns on the opposite bank. Disregarding the latter, we poured a rapid and murderous fire on the former and their advancing infantry, under which and the accurate aim of our veteran infantry beneath us, they were soon driven to shelter behind the houses of the town. About dark the remaining section of Captain Jordan's battery was brought up, one gun replacing a damaged gun of Captain Maurin's in a pit left of the Plank road, and the other remaining near, under the control of General Ransom, for any emergency. About 7 p.m. the enemy, said to have been Sykes' division of regulars, again advanced under cover of darkness until opened on by our infantry below. My guns opened with canister and case shot at the flashes of their muskets, and this their last repulse was said to have been the bloodiest.

At dawn on the 14th, my only remaining guns in reserve--Moody's two 24-pounder howitzers and one rifle of Captain Jordan's--relieved the remainder of Captain Maurin's battery in the pits left of the Plank road, and two 12-pounder guns of Captain Moody's, and two 6-pounder guns of Captain Woolfolk's were relieved by brigade batteries, being out of ammunition. On the 14th, we fired but few shots, and only at bodies of the enemy's infantry, being compelled to economize ammunition.

On the night of the 14th, Captain Parker discovered a position enfilading the canal valley in front of the town, and two pits were constructed at it, which I occupied before day with Moody's 12-pounder guns. When the fog lifted, the reserves of the enemy's pickets could be seen lying flat on their faces in the valley--in the language of General Burnside, "holding the first ridge." A few well-directed shots by Captain Moody soon, however, broke this hold, and all who could not find fresh shelter fled in confusion to the city, under the the of our sharpshooters and several guns immediately in their rear. This, with a single <ar31_577> shot in the brick tannery, broke up entirely the annoying fire of sharpshooters, under which we suffered considerably the day before, and for the rest of the day we worked openly in our pits, and fired at all bodies of infantry appearing in town, unannoyed. That night the town was evacuated.

My especial thanks are due to Maj. J. R. C. Lewis for his cool and efficient co-operation in the execution of all orders. The left of our line of batteries was under his special supervision for the last two days. I desire also to express here my highest appreciation of the gallantry and efficiency of Captains Jordan, Rhett, Moody, Woolfolk, and Parker, before attested on many a hard-fought field and fully corroborated on this.

Captain [J. L.] Eubank, with the remaining battery of my battalion, is absent on detached service. Dr. [H. V.] Gray, surgeon; Captain [P. A] Franklin, quartermaster, and Lieutenant [George D.] Vaughan, commissary, managed their respective departments to my entire satisfaction.

My adjutant, Lieut. T. Henderson Smith, carried and executed my orders under all circumstances with coolness and judgment.

My especial thanks are also due to Confederate States Cadet Joseph C. Haskell, of South Carolina, who volunteered me his services and rendered me indispensable assistance in the supervision of so extensive a command. I beg leave to recommend him to the War Department for promotion.

Lieutenants [James] Sillers, [Alexander] Wilson, [Dent] Burroughs, [William D.] Terrell, and [James] Woolfolk are mentioned in high terms by their captains, as are also Sergeant [J. L.] Cisco, of Moody's, and Private [William H.] England, of Woolfolk's battery. The latter, unfortunately, was killed.

I was personally impressed with the bearing of Lieut. J. Donnell Smith, of Jordan's battery, commanding a section in the attack on the evening of the 13th. Corporal [James A.] Logwood, of this company, a most gallant soldier, whom I also noticed particularly, was wounded, I fear mortally, in the night attack.

Our entire loss was 1 killed, 10 wounded, and 15 horses. One thousand and eighty rounds of ammunition were expended.

I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 E. P. ALEXANDER,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Battalion.

 Maj. G. MOXLEY SORREL,

[Assistant] Adjutant-General, First Corps.

[Addenda.]

Return of casualties in Alexander's artillery battalion at the battle of Fredericksburg.

[Compiled from nominal list.]

Command.            Enlisted men             Enlisted men   Aggregate      Remarks

 killed.             wounded.            .

Jordan's battery             ....                    1                      1                      Mortally, Dec 13

Moody's battery ....                    2                      2                      December 13.

Parker's battery             ....                    2                      2                      December 11.

Woolfolk's battery 1                      5                      6                      December 13.

 Total                          1                      10                    11                   

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/1 [S# 39]

APRIL 27-MAY 6, 1863.--The Chancellorsville Campaign.
No. 314.--Reports of Col. E. P. Alexander, C. S. Artillery, commanding Artillery Battalion, First Army Corps, and Acting Chief of Artillery, Second Corps.

These guns, by order of General Lee, were left in position on Marye's Hill, under Lieutenant Brown. About 1 p.m. the general advance toward Chancellorsville commenced. Captain Jordan's battery, detached, was sent with the advance infantry on the turnpike. The rest of the battalion--comprising [George V.] Moody with four guns, [Pichegru] Woolfolk jr. with four guns, Parker with two guns, and Lieutenant [O. B.] Taylor with four guns-moved at the head of the infantry column under General Jackson on <ar39_821> the Plank road. Captain Jordan was engaged very obstinately on the turnpike, and suffered in both men and horses, but eventually broke the enemy's infantry by his effective firing, and drove off a six-gun battery which engaged him at short range. On the Plank road the rest of the battalion was slightly engaged, the enemy falling back before our advance, and by night we held the ground immediately in front of his fortified position at Chancellorsville. In this advance Lieut. James Woolfolk rendered conspicuous service, accompanying our advance skirmishers with a howitzer.

 

[skipped]

 

About 9 a.m., the enemy's firing being still kept up and proving very annoying, I endeavored to drive him off with Captain Moody's battery. <ar39_822> Captain Parker's battery, and a 24-pounder howitzer of Captain Woolfolk's; seven guns in all. They took position in front of enemy's batteries, and opened, assisted by the guns in the pits. The enemy returned the fire of the guns on the field from their pits, and opened two new batteries on our right, against which none of our guns could be brought to bear. The duel was kept up for a half hour briskly, when, finding that the enemy were too well sheltered in the pits to be run off (though his fire was much reduced), and his two batteries on the right of our pits punished them severely, exploding two ammunition chests and destroying a third, while we could make no reply to them, I ordered the firing to cease.

It was discovered in the meantime that the enemy had evacuated their line of battle behind Mine Run, and our work was consequently useless. I accordingly withdrew the guns not in pits to camp; those in the pits remained silent under occasional but most accurate shots from the enemy until dark, when Captain Jordan withdrew them successfully.

During the day one of Lieutenant Taylor's guns had a wheel shot off, but another was immediately substituted. Lieutenant Brown's section of Parker's battery was captured on Marye's Hill, where it was left by order, as heretofore stated, after a severe and gallant fight, protracted until after the enemy's flag was within our works, and in which there is evidence that they suffered loss. The bodies of 1 of the men and 7 of the horses were found where it fought.

Our total loss is 6 killed, 35 wounded, 21 prisoners and missing, and 46 horses killed, disabled, and captured.

I am, major, very respectfully, yours,

 E. P. ALEXANDER,

Colonel, Commanding Battalion.

 Maj. G. MOXLEY SORREL,

Assistant Adjutant-General, First Corps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/2 [S# 40]

Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From January 26 To June 2, 1863.

CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#1

Major J. R. C. LEWIS.

Eubank's battery, four guns.

Jordan's battery, four guns.

Moody's battery, four guns.

Parker's battery, four guns.

Rhett's battery, four guns.

Woolfolk's battery, four guns.

 

 

ARTILLERY RESERVE.

Col. J. B. WALTON.

Alexander's Battalion.

Col. E. P. ALEXANDER.

Ashland (Virginia) Artillery:

Capt. P. Woolfolk, jr.

Lieut. James Woolfolk.

Bedford (Virginia) Artillery, Capt. T. C. Jordan.

Brooks (South Carolina) Artillery, Lieut. S.C. Gilbert.

Madison (Louisiana) Light Artillery, Capt. George V. Moody.

Virginia Battery, Capt. W. W. Parker.

Virginia Battery, Capt. O. B. Taylor.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/2 [S# 44]

JUNE 3-AUGUST 1, 1863.--The Gettysburg Campaign.
No. 464.--Report of Col. E. Porter Alexander, C. S. Army, commanding battalion Reserve Artillery.

 

Just before the enemy ceased his fire, annoyed by his obstinacy, I <ar44_430> had ordered up my two remaining batteries, [T. C.] Jordan's and [P.] Woolfolk, jr.'s. These, arriving on the ground just as the infantry charge was made, joined in it, under the immediate command of Maj. James Dearing, who had volunteered his services to me. Major Huger also followed with the four batteries under his control as soon as the teams could be disencumbered of killed and wounded animals (for his loss had been serious), and occupied the enemy's original position, in time to seriously annoy their retreat to the mountain, and to assist the infantry in causing them to abandon several guns at its foot. From this new position a spirited duel now ensued with their new line, which our infantry attacked in vain, and was kept up till dark, shortly before which our infantry fell back, and the enemy, who attempted to pursue, were checked and driven back by our fire.

Sleeping on the field that night, and replacing ammunition, at dawn I again placed the whole battalion in position for the attack upon the enemy's new line. In this attack, my battalion bore its full share, and suffered heavy loss, fighting again under Major Huger, excepting Woolfolk's battery, which was detached under Lieut. James Woolfolk, Captain Woolfolk having been wounded severely in his gallant charge the evening before. During the afternoon, the batteries all maintained their respective positions, part of the time without infantry support, and driving off the enemy's sharpshooters with canister. They were withdrawn from the field only when it was entirely abandoned by our infantry--Captain Taylor and Lieutenant Woolfolk only withdrawing at midnight.

During the next day, the battalion remained near and in rear of its original position on the 2d until 4 p.m., when it marched to Black Horse Tavern, ready to take its place in the column.

It marched from the latter place on the 5th, and proceeding via Fairfield and Monterey Springs, encamped at Hagerstown on the evening of the 6th.

On the 10th, we were ordered into position at Downsville, to resist a threatened attack of the enemy, advancing in force.

On the 11th, we constructed pits for all the guns on the line of battle at this place, and remained in them until the night of the 13th, when, with the rest of the army, we crossed the river, and encamped the next day on the Martinsburg pike, near Hainesville, and, on the 15th, marched to Bunker Hill.

Marching from the latter place on the 20th, via Front Royal, Gaines' Cross-Roads, and Sperryville, we encamped again near Culpeper Court-House on the 24th.

The sum total of the losses in my battalion during the period covered by this report are as follows: In the battle of Gettysburg, July 2 and 3, killed, 19; wounded, 114; missing, 6; total, 139 men. There were also 2 killed and 3 wounded of a detachment of 8 gallant Mississippians at Captain Moody's guns, who volunteered to help maneuver them on very difficult ground. Horses killed and disabled in action, 116. Many of my wounded sent to Cashtown fell into the hands of the enemy there. On the night march across the Potomac, 8 men missing. Deserted near Martinsburg, 3 men. Upset near the pontoon bridge and thrown into the river, by order to clear the passage to the bridge, one limber of 24-pounder howitzer caisson. Destroyed in action, one 12-pounder howitzer, two 12-pounder howitzer carriages, and six wheels. The howitzer, however, was brought off In a wagon. <ar44_431>

I cannot speak too highly of the ability and soldierly qualities, both on the field of battle and no less creditably on forced marches by day and night, over terrible roads and with scarcely half teams, by the officers of my battalion; nor of the splendid courage and tenacity of both officers and men under as deadly a fire as has often been faced; nor of the cheerfulness with which the men endured the fatigue, exposure, and short rations which often fell to their lot, the latter, I fear, being necessarily incidental to the make-shift arrangements by which rations are supplied to them.

I very respectfully recommend for special merit and gallantry, Majors Huger and Dearing; Capts. T. C. Jordan, G. V. Moody, P. Wool-folk, jr., W. W. Parker, O. B. Taylor, and W. W. Fickling; Lieutenant Gilbert, commanding Brooks' artillery until severely wounded; Lieut. J. Donnell Smith and Lieutenant [James] Sillers, temporarily commanding their respective batteries or detached sections, and Lieutenant [F. M.] Colston, ordnance officer. Under Assistant Surgeons [H. V.] Gray and [Aristides] Monteiro, Captain [P. A.] Franklin, quartermaster, and Lieutenant [George D.] Vaughan, commissary, the arduous duties of their respective departments were creditably performed.

Captains Jordan, Moody, and Fickling, and Lieutenant Woolfolk, commanding Woolfolk's battery, decline specifying any of their brave commands for praise, on the grounds that where all so well deserve it, it would be invidious to particularize. Captain Parker speaks highly of the behavior of Lieutenant [George E.] Saville, in particular, and First Sergeant [E. S.] Wooldridge. Captain Taylor also praises the behavior of Corpls. W. P. Ray and Joseph T. V. Lantz, both of whom were killed on the field while behaving most gallantly.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 E. P. ALEXANDER,

Colonel, Artillery.

 Lieut. Col. G. MOXLEY SORREL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVI/1 [S# 67]

MAY 4-JUNE 12, 1864--Campaign from the Rapidan to the James River, Va.
No. 274. --Report of Brig. Gen. William N. Pendleton, C. S. Army, Chief of Artillery.

On the 9th, our line being established, most of the artillery was posted along its entire course and protected by slight earth-works: Cabell's battalion on the left flank, four Napoleons, under Major Gibbes, occupying the left of the line of battle, the remaining guns being on an interior or second line upon higher ground, so as to cover and assist the front line. Haskell's battalion and Woolfolk's battery, of Huger's battalion, on the second line, to Cabell's right, and Huger's five batteries close up to the enemy on the front line, crossing the Todd's Tavern road. Farther to the right Page's and Braxton's guns were in position, with the infantry (Second Corps) on the intrenched line of battle. On this part of the line, as at the Wilderness, dense woods prevented the effective use of much artillery. A portion of Hardaway's and Nelson's guns occupied the line much farther to the right on the left of the Court-House opening, Cutshaw's being in reserve. As the artillery of the Third Corps arrived in the course of this day it was posted on the line still farther to the right--Poague's guns on the left of the front to be occupied by this corps, Pegram's next, crossing the Fredericksburg road a <ar67_1043> few hundred yards from the Court-House, and Cutts' on the extreme right, in advance of the road to Massaponax Church. Lieutenant-Colonel Pegram advanced with a section of Ellett's battery and cooperated with the cavalry in pressing back the enemy until our line was established. McIntosh's battalion remained with Mahone's division near the crossing of the Po River by the Shady Grove road to guard the left flank of our army, and Richardson's battalion was held in reserve. Along the left wing and left center there was on this day continual skirmishing. Our artillery, however, fired but little and almost entirely at the enemy's infantry.

 

 

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLVI/3 [S# 97]

CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, FROM MARCH 16, 1865, TO JUNE 30, 1865.--#2

Major Leyden may be promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and this will leave six majors to be promoted. There are now unassigned Parker and Dance. Give Dance to Stark and Parker to Huger or Haskell (either would be glad to get him; probably he had better stay with Huger; I recommend that). I then recommend Moody for major for Haskell (Haskell asks it); Garden, major for Hardaway; Lamkin and Woolfolk, majors for Leyden, unless there is a vacancy in Light-foot's battalion, in which case Lamkin might go to this and Woolfolk and one of Leyden's captains for Leyden. I am anxious to get some new material in Leyden's command, and both Woolfolk and Lamkin are well adapted to it. I approve of Colonel Hardaway's promotion, but don't see how it can be done unless we consolidate that and one of Marmaduke Johnson's, which would be, I think, advantageous. Hard-away well deserves it and it would make a fine battalion under one of the best officers in the army. I send herewith a formal recommendation of the officers above unencumbered with the discussions above.

Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

 E. P. ALEXANDER,

 Brigadier-General of Artillery.

 

 

 

 

Lieut. CoL Alexander .M. WOOLFOLK, USA, 1st Cavalry, Missouri State Militia

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIII [S# 19]

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, THE INDIAN TERRITORY, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST FROM APRIL 10 TO NOVEMBER 20, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. -- #16

LEXINGTON, MO., 0ctober 17, 1862.

 Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS:

Lieutenant-Colonel Woolfolk has just returned, with 225 men and two pieces of artillery. He drove the rebels, from 700 to 1,000 strong, across Johnson County. They are in precipitate retreat out of the State. The crisis is past here; we do not need any reenforcements now. There will soon be peace here.

 JAMES McFERRAN,

 Colonel, Commanding.

-----

 

SEDALIA.

Lieut. CoL A.M. WOOLFOLK comd'g.

1st Cavalry, Missouri State Militia (four companies).

3d Indiana Battery.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIII [S# 19]

MAY 24, 1862.--Expedition to Spring Hill, Mo.
Report of Lieut. Col. Alexander M. Woolfolk, First Missouri Cavalry (Militia).

CHILLICOTHE, MO., May 25, 1862.

MAJOR: On Saturday night, the 24th instant, I started from this place with Company G and a detachment from Company K on a scout, for the purpose of breaking up a band of jayhawkers in the vicinity of Spring Hill, Mo. The band is supposed to number some 60 or 70 men, and is reported to be under the leadership of the notorious Joe Kirk and Charles Cooper. They have hitherto defied all attempts of the military to arrest them, and have on one or two occasions fired on small parties of soldiers, having killed and wounded some 10 or 12 men in this manner.

We started from this place at 10 o'clock at night, while Companies A and B, Captains McGhee and Folmsbee, started from Breckenridge, Mo., at the same hour, and entered the Spring Hill country from the west. The detachment commanded by myself succeeded in capturing Joe Kirk, John Cooper, jr., and James Hall, while the detachment from Breckenridge, led by Adjutant Doyle, captured Charles Cooper. My detachment, it is believed, also wounded Dan. Hall, one of the band, who succeeded in escaping. We also captured three horses, supposed to be contraband, and took three navy revolvers. The parties captured are supposed to be the leaders of the band, and it is hoped that this portion of Missouri will now have peace.

Each one of the parties captured has been in the rebel army, and has been in the habit of returning from the army at certain intervals only to be the terror of all loyal men. Charles Cooper, sr., was arrested at the commencement of the rebellion in Missouri, took the oath, and afterward joined the rebel army, being a captain in the Confederate service.

It is said that it can be proved that Joe Kirk was the leader of a party that fired into the cars, and also was seen with the band that fired upon and wounded some United States soldiers in the vicinity of Spring Hill last summer.

Several horses have recently been taken from Union men in the neighborhood of Spring Hill, and these parties are supposed to have taken them. Conservative men of all parties insist that these men should be retained in military custody during the continuation of the rebellion. We have taken them in custody at this place, and will dispose of them as you think proper.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 ALEX. M. WOOLFOLK,

 Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

 Maj. JAMES RAINSFORD,

 Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIII [S# 19]

JULY 30, 1862.--Skirmish at Clark's Mill, Chariton County.
Report of Lieut. Col. Alexander M. Woolfolk, First Missouri Cavalry (Militia).

LACLEDE, MO., August 2, 1862.

 GENERAL: On Monday night, the 28th instant, an express came to me from Major Mullins, at Brunswick, requesting immediate re-enforcements, as he was credibly informed that a force of 400 guerrillas would attack his camp that night or in the morning. General Price, now on parole in Chariton County, had given the information. I immediately started with the fragment of two companies now at this station, calling on the recently organized militia to guard the post in my absence.

After marching all night we reached Brunswick at sunrise and found camp undisturbed, but hourly expecting an attack. I immediately sent out scouts in all directions, who returned with information that a guerrilla force was encamped east of Chariton River, about 3 miles from«13 R R--VOL XIII»<ar19_194> Keetsville. I at once started in pursuit with 212 men, consisting of Captain Wilkerson's company (F), a fragment of Company K, and detachment of Companies C and D, under command of Lieutenants Couch and Wyckoff, and 60 militia, recently organized, under the command of Captain Moberly.

We crossed the Chariton and marched some 15 miles up the river in pursuit of the enemy, and about dusk on Wednesday evening our advance guard met their advance near Clark's Mill, in Chariton County. I was informed that they were 80 strong, and they were just emerging from the forest lining the banks of the Chariton when we met them. They fired a volley upon us, and then a portion of them dashed into the prairie, while the remainder fell back into the forest. Our men immediately pursued them, firing a volley upon the fleeing foe. Major Mullins, with 60 men, had been sent by me across the country for the purpose of intercepting their retreat, and the guerrillas upon the prairie found themselves completely headed off in their attempt to escape. Many of them endeavored to effect their escape into the forest, and some succeeded. My orders were to show no quarters, and it being too late to fire with any accuracy, my men closed in upon them and shot them down with their revolvers. All the while concealed assassins were firing heavily on us from the forest, but their shot whistled harmlessly over our heads.

When we had dispersed and slaughtered all we could find upon the prairie it was 11 o'clock at night, and so dark that we could not distinguish friends from enemies. On this account I regarded it as too hazardous to plunge my men into the thick forest on the Chariton, and I was satisfied, too, that we could not find the enemy, concealed and scattered as they were. Our men had eaten nothing since breakfast, and I had to march them 5 miles to obtain forage and provisions.

We left 8 of the enemy dead upon the field, and wounded several, who escaped. We captured 2 of the horses of the men slain and killed and wounded 2 others.

Fortunately none of my men were injured, although balls pierced the hats and clothing of several.

I required the neighboring rebels to bury their dead, and pursued our march the next morning, but without meeting any other parties of guerrillas. I think we have given them a tremendous fright in the vicinity of East Chariton, as they all fled from that locality. An hour's daylight would have enabled us to capture the entire company. All my men and officers behaved gallantly. I returned here yesterday evening.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 ALEX. M. WOOLFOLK,

Lieutenant-Colonel First [Mo. S. M.] Cavalry.

  Brigadier-General LOAN,

 Missouri State Militia.

 

 

HEADQUARTERS, Breckenridge, Mo., August 16, 1862.

I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant 14 men of the First Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, under Lieutenant Goodbrake, and 21 militia, under Captain Vickers, making in all 35 men, near Cravensville, in Daviess County, Mo., were fired upon from the brush by 85 guerrillas, under Davis and Kirk. The engagement lasted for about an hour and a half, and resulted in the defeat of the guerrillas, with a loss of 6 killed and 10 wounded, 15 horses, and 10 guns. We had 3 severely and 2 slightly, wounded. Our wounded are all doing well and will recover.

On the 6th a notorious guerrilla and outlaw named Wicklin was shot, and on the 7th a notorious guerrilla named Daniel Hale was also shot by our troops in the forks of Grand River. The guerrillas in the <ar19_208> forks of Grand River were scattered in all directions by troops from this post. On the 9th [8th] Lieutenant-Colonel Woolfolk, with about 400 men, attacked Porter's band, of about 1,500 men, on Panther Creek, near where the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad crosses the Chariton River, and after an engagement of six hours night put a stop to the conflict. In this engagement it is reported that Porter lost 20 killed and 50 wounded, and Lieutenant-Colonel Woolfolk had 2 killed and 10 wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Woolfolk will make a detailed report of this engagement to your headquarters.

On the night of the 9th [8th] I joined Lieutenant-Colonel Woolfolk, with 130 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson, of the Fifth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, and two 6-pounders, under Lieutenant Caldwell, and 30 men of the First Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. Early in the evening, after the engagement, Porter began his retreat north along the Chariton. Our men were on the march about 2 o'clock the next morning in hot pursuit, and came up with Porter's rear at Walnut Creek, where they had prepared an ambuscade for our reception. A few rounds of canister put them to flight and we continued in pursuit. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon we came up to his rear guard, at Sears' Ford, up the Chariton River, where an engagement took place, in which we had 1 killed and 10 wounded of the First Regiment of Cavalry; 7 of the First Infantry, and 3 of the Fifth Regiment of Cavalry, all Missouri State Militia, among them Captain Peery, of the First Regiment, and Sergeant-Major Linville, of the Fifth.

Porter's loss is unknown, but must have been considerable. One we know was mortally wounded, and an eye-witness represented the ground they occupied as bloody, and indicated that many had been killed or wounded in the fight and removed.

We turned back from the Chariton, not being able to get our artillery and ammunition over the river, and, our men being exhausted, we reached Laclede on the night of the 12th instant, and on the next morning joined General Loan and began the pursuit of Poindexter.

All officers and men constituting my command behaved with great gallantry and energy, and it would be invidious, if not impossible, to discriminate where all did their whole duty so nobly.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Your obedient servant,

 JAMES McFERRAN,

Colonel, Commanding First Regiment Cavalry, Mo. S. M.

 Maj. JAMES RAINSFORD,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Joseph, Mo.

 

 

 

 

O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME IV [S# 117]

UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM JUNE 13, 1862, TO NOVEMBER 30, 1862.--#16

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 1.

HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD,
Laclede, August 14, 1862.

Col. James McFerran, of the First Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia; Col. Odon Guitar, of the Ninth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia; Lieut. Col. Alex. M. Woolfolk, of the First Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia; Maj. Alexander W. Mullins, of the First Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, and Capt. Joseph D. N. Thompson, of the Fifth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, are hereby appointed a commission to inquire into and determine the case of Calvin J. Sartain(*) and of such others as may be laid before the commission. Lieut. George W. Thompson will act as judge-advocate.

The commission will convene forthwith at Laclede.

 BEN. LOAN,

 Brigadier-General, Missouri State Militia.

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 2.

HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD,
Laclede, Mo., August 15, 1862.

In pursuance of the annexed finding of facts, and the recommendation therein contained, it is hereby ordered that the said Calvin Sartain at the hour of 4 p.m. this day be shot to death.

Lieutenant-Colonel Woolfolk, of the Fifth Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, will cause to be made the necessary detail of men to execute this order.

Captain Shelton, of Company F [D], of the Fifth [First] Regiment Missouri State Militia, will superintend the execution.

 BEN. LOAN,

 Brigadier-General, Missouri State Militia.

 <ar117_397>

[ Inclosure. ]

The undersigned officers having investigated the charges against Calvin Sartain, find as follows, viz:

That a military commission(*) held in Columbia, Mo., did find the said Calvin Sartain guilty of firing upon the steam-boat White Cloud. Military commission passed sentence of death against said Calvin Sartain, which sentence was approved by Major-General Halleck.

We further find that the said Calvin Sartain escaped from the military authorities at Saint Louis and for some time afterwards avoided the military authority by lying in the brush; that about three weeks ago the said Sartain in company with others aided in raising a company for the Southern Army in Missouri, of which company he was a third lieutenant; that two weeks since the said Sartain united his company to the command of the notorious Poindexter and has been acting with him until the 13th of August, 1862, when he was captured by the military authorities near Laclede.

We further find that all the foregoing acts of the said Sartain were committed north of the Missouri River and within Federal lines. We, the undersigned officers, having found the above facts do believe that the public safety requires that sentence heretofore passed against the said Sartain be carried into execution.

 JAMES McFERRAN,

Colonel First Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

 ODON GUITAR,

Colonel Ninth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

 ALEX. M. WOOLFOLK,

 Lieutenant-Colonel First Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

 ALEX. W. MULLINS,

Major, First Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

 JOSEPH D. N. THOMPSON,

 Captain, Fifth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

 GEO. W. THOMPSON,

Lieutenant and Judge. Advocate.

 

A Guide-Index to the Official Records Of The Union And Confederate Armies

Volume V, Trans-Mississippi And Pacific Coast Theaters of Operations 1861-65
Section M--Comprehensive Index Of Recognized Military Operations--MISSOURI

Chariton Bridge, not named in atlas 152:A-3 (probably where the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad crosses Chariton River, as indicated in textual compilation at 19:208)

-----skirmish at, Aug. 3 [8 or 9?], 1862, 19:Ev4. Union troops engaged per battle lists (b) 6th Mo. S.M. Cav., Co. G (2 men wounded) (a) same regt. NOTE:This entry was based on the corresponding entry in battle list (a), which, in turn, appears to have been derived from a record of events on a regtl. return for the 6th Mo. S.M. Cav. The record of events contains a brief reference indicating that Cos. G and H "were engaged in the action at Chariton Bridge with the rebels under the rebel commander Porter, " with two men of Co. G severely wounded, but there is no clear indication of the date. The recognized dating of Aug. 3 may have been derived incorrectly from the account, as there seems to be no other corroborating evidence of a skirmish at that time. Regtl. papers for the 6th Mo. S.M. Cav. contain several unpublished accounts of a skirmish of Aug. 9, evidently fought at the Chariton Bridge by Cos. G and H, in conjunction with troops of the 1st Mo. S.M. Cav., under Lt. Col. Alexander M. Woolfolk. This skirmish may be synonymous with the separately recognized "Skirmish at Panther Creek Aug. 8 [9?], 1862" and "Skirmish near Stockton, Macon County, Aug. 8 [9?], 1862" (SEE UNDER both designations). If so, the entry is both misdated and duplicative.

Chariton County, not named in atlas 152:B--2/3 (vicinity of Keytesville)

-----skirmish at Clark's Mill [in], July 30, 1862. SEE UNDER "Clark's Mill, Chariton County."

 

 

 

Rev. Mr. Woolfolk ,CSA

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIII/1 [S# 34]

JUNE 14-24, 1863.--Sanders' raid in East Tennessee.
No. 5.--Report of Lieut. Col. Milton A. Haynes, C. S. Artillery.

It is not out of place for me to say that Col. E. D. Blake, chief of conscripts and for the day commander of all volunteer infantry, contributed by his zeal and well-known courage to the honorable result.

Among many citizens who reported to me that day for duty, I must not forget to mention Hon. Landon C. Haynes, Hon. William H. Sneed, Hon. John H. Crozier, Rev. James H. Martin, and Rev. Mr. Woolfolk, and many others who do not desire me to mention their names. With such compatriots and such fellow-soldiers a man might willingly at any time meet the foe.

Our loss was 2 officers and 2 enlisted men killed, and 4 enlisted men wounded. Loss of enemy, 45.

I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,

 MILTON A. HAYNES,

 Lieut. Col., Provisional Army Confederate States, Comdg. Arty.

 Major [VICTOR] VON SHELIHA,

Acting Chief of Staff.

 

 

Captain A.C. Woolfolk, USA, Assistant Quartermaster

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/3 [S# 52]

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM AUGUST 11, 1863, TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#12

SAINT Louis, September 2, 1863.

 Major-General ROSECRANS:

I ordered Captain Woolfolk, of Cairo, to ship by river 40 freight cars to Louisville. He answered that he had no boats. I then telegraphed <ar52_298> Captain Jenkins at Louisville, requesting him to provide transportation. I do not hear from him. They can be shipped by rail if necessary.

 CHAS. PARSONS,

 Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM OCTOBER 20, 1863, TO OCTOBER 31, 1863.(*)
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#4

The following dispatch was sent by Colonel Parsons on the 24th to the quartermaster at Paducah:

General Allen directs that the ferry-boat Blue Beard be ordered up the Tennessee by the first convoy, to report to General Sherman. Convoy will probably leave Cairo to-day.

I have no doubt that the boat has gone from Paducah, although the fact has not yet been reported. Captain Woolfolk, at Cairo, was instructed immediately after the receipt of your dispatch to send the first ferry-boat he could possibly procure to Eastport, and to direct that the first freight boats that went up to Eastport should be used for ferrying in the meantime, if required. I will hear more on the subject to-day. There was no ferry-boat here.

 ROBT. ALLEN,

Chief Quartermaster.

 

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIV/1 [S# 61]

MARCH 10-MAY 22, 1864.--The Red River (Louisiana) Campaign.
No. 59.--Reports of Col. Thomas W. Humphrey, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, of operations March 16-April 15.

 

Mr. Thaddeus Sederburg, the head pilot on the steamer Sioux City, disgracefully deserted the pilot-house when the first shell was fired, leaving Captain Woolfolk (of whose coolness and bravery I cannot speak in too high terms) alone at the wheel. The second pilot, Mr. Lewis Allen, at the time below, went to the pilot-house. While the boat was under fire, the chief engineer did his full duty. The steamer Black Hawk was also fired upon with artillery and musketry from the same point, three of the shells striking her. One man wounded, but not of Company A. The steamer Meteor was also fired upon by the same battery, one shot entering the pilot-house. None of Company C wounded. Company I was ordered to steamer John Warner, and from her to steamer Universe, receiving while on the latter below Campti, on the 14th instant, a heavy fire of musketry from the west bank of the River; no casualties. The various transports reached Grand Ecore during the afternoon of the 14th and on the 15th instant.

Total casualties, 1 killed and 11 wounded. I take this opportunity to manifest my appreciation of the coolness and bravery displayed by the officers and men of my regiment under such trying circumstances, and feel that they are true soldiers and may be relied upon in any emergency.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 THOMAS W. HUMPHREY,

Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

 Lieut. JOHN M. READ,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLVII/2 [S# 99]

UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA (FROM FEBRUARY 1), SOUTH CAROLINA, SOUTHERN GEORGIA, AND EAST FLORIDA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1865, TO MARCH 23, 1865.(*)--#9

I would also acknowledge the very valuable assistance rendered by Capt. Arthur Edwards, assistant quartermaster; Capt. J. H. Wilson, assistant quartermaster; Capt. A. C. Woolfolk, assistant quartermaster, and Capt. Gus. Artsman, assistant quartermaster, at their respective posts of duty.

Herewith I transmit copies of all orders, instructions, communications, and reports of the superintendents of the several roads, forming a complete record of the movement.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 LEWIS B. PARSONS,

 Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

 

 

CINCINNATI, OHIO, January 13, 1865.

 Capt. A. C. WOOLFOLK,
Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo, Ill.:

How many and what boats could you furnish on from twelve to twenty-four hours' notice, with ten days' stores, fuel for 500 or 600 miles? What boats are in the Tennessee or Cumberland? Answer, Louisville, care General Allen, as particularly as practicable. How many cars could you furnish at Cairo on the same notice if necessary?

 LEWIS B. PARSONS,

 Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

-----

13.]

CAIRO, ILL., January 14, 1865.

 Colonel PARSONS:

(Care General Allen.)

I can furnish transportation for the 10,000 men asked for by General Allen, without material damage to freighting up Cumberland. The Kennett, Brilliant, Marmora, Decatur, Des Moines, and some others in Cumberland. Izetta and others in Tennessee. I am assured by railroad agent that there will be no trouble about ears. Let inc know in time. Is this the same as General Allen's?

 WOOLFOLK.

 

 

LOUISVILLE, KY., January 13, 1865.

 Capt. A. C. WOOLFOLK,
Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo:

I want steamers to transport 10,000 men from Eastport, Tenn., to this place. Can I obtain them from Cairo without stopping the transportation of forage? Answer immediately.

 ROBERT ALLEN,

Brigadier-General.

General ALLEN:

I can furnish boats for the troops required. It may take a little time to get their crews together.

 A. C. WOOLFOLK.

 

LOUISVILLE, January 14, 1865--12 m.

 Capt. A. C. WOOLFOLK,
  Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo, Ill.:

Send all the boats you can to Paducah by Monday morning early; have an abundance of fuel on board; will require but small crew.

Colonel Parsons will be at Paducah to-morrow night. Advise me immediately the boats you send and the number of troops they will carry. No animals, wagons, or artillery to be moved.

 ROBERT ALLEN,

Brigadier-General.

CAIRO, January 18, 1865.

 Colonel PARSONS:

I send you the Florence for towing purposes. Will send you the Lockwood as soon as I can get her ready, and others as rapidly as possible. The Emperor will be at Paducah this a.m., I think, out of the Cumberland and possibly some others. I will report from time to time.

 WOOLFOLK,

 Assistant Quartermaster.

 

CAIRO, ILL., January 18, 1865.

 Colonel PARSONS,
Paducah:

The Denning, Lockwood, and Julia are the only boats that are in port that can be gotten out with any kind of dispatch. I think I can get them to you by midnight. If any other boats get in from below I will send you one or two more there. There should be boats out of the Cumberland, as the Emperor was reported to have left Nashville yesterday morning. The Decatur, Kennett, and others are due. If possible let the Emperor and barge come on, as General Allen seems to be hurrying forage to Eastport, and she has another barge waiting her here. The Pringle is also to be at Paducah going up loaded and may possibly be used to return troops from above. Please let me know precisely how you are fixed and what is the best you can do with.

 WOOLFOLK,

 Assistant Quartermaster.

 <ar99_236>

69.]

PADUCAH, January 18, 1865.

 Capt. A. C. WOOLFOLK,
Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo, Ill.:

I have ordered the Emperor to Cairo as you desire, though she has part of a lead for Eastport. Load her as soon and as fully as you can. She leaves at once. Can't you take the Florence for Eastport? The Pringle has gone up the river.

 LEWIS B. PARSONS,

 Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

-----

70.]

CAIRO, ILL., January 18, 1865--10 a.m.

 Col. LEWIS B. PARSONS:

The Julia, Lockwood, and Maria Denning are getting ready, but cannot possibly be at Paducah before to-morrow morning. The Florence will leave in half an hour.

 A. C. WOOLFOLK,

 Assistant Quartermaster.

 

 

PADUCAH, January 18, 1865.

 CAPTAIN OF STEAMER EMPEROR,
Paducah, Ky.:

Owing to the large number of boats necessarily taken to move the Twenty-third Army Corps and to the urgent demands of General Allen for the transportation of forage from Cairo to Eastport, you will proceed from this point to Cairo, and there take as soon as possible a lead of forage and proceed at once to Eastport, on your regular trips between Nashville and Eastport. This diversion to Cairo, if due diligence is used, should not interfere with your weekly trips as required by General Donaldson. Captain Woolfolk will delay you as little as possible in obtaining your lead.

By order of Quartermaster. General:

 LEWIS B. PARSONS,

 Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

 

ODIN, January 19, 1865.

 Capt. A. C. WOOLFOLK,
Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo, Ill.:

Missed connection. Advise Captain Wilson and request him to send me all the news here until 8 o'clock to-night.

 LEWIS B. PARSONS,

 Colonel and Chief of Rail and Ricer Transportations.

 

 

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LII/1 [S# 109]

Union Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Southwestern Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West Florida, And Northern Georgia, From January 1, 1861, To June 30, 1865.--#23

 

The depot at Memphis was ably conducted by Capt. A. R. Eddy and, subsequently, Col. R. E. Clary; at Cairo by Capt. A. C. Woolfolk, Bowling Green by Capt. D. Healy, officers who deserve well of their country. The clothing branch at Saint Louis, first under Capt. S. E. Meigs and subsequently under Capt. R. S. Hart, you will find makes a highly satisfactory exhibit in the quantity of the clothing as well as in the quality of the work. The clothing branch at this depot, under Capt. G. A. Hull, military storekeeper, has likewise a praiseworthy record.

Capt. A. C. Woolfolk, assistant quartermaster, in charge of transportation at the important post of Cairo during nearly the whole war;

 

Woolfolk Plantation, LA

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIV/1 [S# 61]

MAY 30-JUNE 5,1864.--Expedition from Morganza to the Atchafalaya, La., and skirmishes near Livonia and Morganza
No. 3.--Reports of Col. Edmund J. Davis, First Texas Cavalry (Union), commanding Cavalry Forces.

 

On the next morning at about 10 a.m., by direction from headquarters Nineteenth Army Corps, I again started down the Fordoche and Grossetete, leaving the Third Maryland with General Lawler. We reached Woolfolk's plantation the same evening and camped there, driving away a small picket of the enemy. The next morning a drive of 3 miles brought us to the Rosedale draw-bridge over the Grossetete, which we crossed, and went by what is called the plank road to the Mississippi River, reaching this at 2 p.m., near Lobdell's Landing.

 

Woolfolk farm, VA

 

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVI/1 [S# 67]

MAY 4-JUNE 12, 1864--Campaign from the Rapidan to the James River, Va.
No. 197. --Reports of Col. Thomas C. Devin, Sixth New York Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, including operations May 4--July 2.

June 10, marched to Good Hope Church, at which point the Seventeenth Pennsylvania was ordered to proceed to a point on the right flank where a rebel hospital was said to be located. Marched from Good Hope Church to Woolfolk's farm, 5 miles from Trevilian Station, where the brigade encamped.

June 11, the pickets of the brigade were attacked at daylight, but the enemy (a small party)were driven off. Shortly after the Reserve Brigade advanced toward Trevilian and my command was ordered to follow. The Reserve Brigade soon became heavily engaged, and I was ordered to send one regiment in support. The Ninth New York was deployed and advanced on the right of the main road, connecting on its right with the First New York Dragoons, and on the left with a small detachment of Second Regulars (30 men). I was now ordered to send in the Fourth New York on the left of General Merritt's line. The regiment was deployed, <ar67_841> connecting on the right with First Regulars and on the left with Colonel Gregg's brigade. The First Regulars being soon after withdrawn from the left, the Fourth New York was ordered to move to the right and connect with the road. Heaton's battery having been sent to the extreme left, three squadrons of the Sixth New York were ordered to support it. One squadron of the Sixth had been sent to communicate with General Custer, and one squadron in rear of the division trains.

 

 

Major Woolfolk, CSA, TN

 

 

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LII/2 [S# 110]

Confederate Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Southwestern Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West Florida, And Northern Georgia.--#12

UNION CITY, TENN., April 1, 1862.

 General POLK,  General CHEATHAM, and Colonel PICKETT:

GENTLEMEN: Perhaps it may not be amiss for me to give you some of the particulars of the Lincolnitish advent into this city. On yesterday morning at early breakfast time, and before our cavalry had time to finish their morning repast, Mr. Charley Gibbs came in haste from his house and gave information that the enemy were in force making their way to our camps. The enemy were so close upon his heels that neither cavalry nor infantry had time to make any preparation for battle and a general flight took place, and many of the cavalry did not have time to saddle their horses and ran and left them tied. The infantry took to their heels. The flight became general. The enemy fired many volleys of musketry. They had but four pieces of light artillery and discharged them several times. None of our men killed or wounded. Two horses were killed on the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Tillman deserves a good deal of praise for his endeavors to rally and form his fleeing soldiers. He three times formed two companies of American-born soldiers in line of battle away from the field. The Irish element of his command would not and did not form in line of battle, but fled precipitately in such directions as offered the greatest safety to themselves. What went with the cavalry I cannot tell. One wagon and team was taken by the enemy, that I know of. I think about thirty horses and mules fell into their hands. From the best that I could see I think between thirty and forty of our men fell into their hands. The whole affray did not last over one hour or one hour and a half before they all left. The last that I saw of Colonel Pickett he was making speed to the field of battle. What became of him and Major Woolfolk after they passed me toward the field I cannot tell. The enemy, I think, could not have been over 1,500 or 2,000 all told.

 

[skipped]

 

Respectfully, yours,

 A. D. CUTLER.

P. S.--No private property interfered with.

 

Pvt. George Woolfolk, CSA, VA

 

O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME VI [S# 119]

UNION AND CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM JUNE 11, 1863, TO MARCH 31, 1864.--#21

WAR DEPARTMENT,Richmond, November 13, 1863.

 Brig. Gen. S. A. MEREDITH,  Agent of Exchange:

SIR: I have before me a printed order of General Burnside, 570. 153, dated Cincinnati, September 18, 1863, by which two prisoners, Maj. Lee W. Long, C. S. Army, and Private George Woolfolk, C. S. Army, are ordered "to be shot unto death" on the 30th of October, 1863. The order is made "subject to the approval of the President of the United States." Major Long is charged with being "secretly within the lines of the D. S. forces." Substantially the same charge is made against Woolfolk. It appears that so much of the specification in the case of Major Long as averred  that he denied his character and employment as a soldier was found by the court not to be true.

I will thank you to inform me at an early date whether these parties have been tried on these charges; whether they have been found guilty, and whether the sentence has been or is to be carried into effect. As this charge of "being secretly within the lines of the U.S. forces" seems to be made a matter of life and death, I will thank you also to inform me what your authorities consider "being secretly within the lines of the U.S. forces."

Do your lines include all Kentucky and Tennessee? Do you consider that any portion of Confederate territory not actually occupied by your forces is "within the lines of the U.S. forces?"

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

 RO. OULD,

 Agent of Exchange.

 

 

 

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