The Confederate capital and Hood's Texas Brigade

Front matter

LIBRARY OF

AND

HOOD'S TEXAS BRIGADE

Preface

The student of American history will notice that in the very foundation of the government there were two political parties, each struggling for supremacy, the one advocating that all power must rest in the central government; the other that each State was a sovereign iu its own right to control the destinies of its own people. One party thought the ' 'Union was one and indivisible," the other, that States had a right, whenever wearied of the Union, to secede from the compact, by the consolidated will of the people.

This right was not questioned, and had such strong adherents as John Randolph, of Virginia, Jno. C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, and others, who were not considered traitors because they openly expressed this belief.

The sovereignty of a State was admitted until the days of Daniel Webster, when he awoke the echoes of the United States Senate by declaring that "in the Constitution it is the people who speak and not the States."

Slavery had been introduced into the colonies first as an act of humanity to some Africans brought on a vessel to Jamestown who were literally starving when received there. When found to be available for tilling the soil, the slave trade was opened and the traffic became legitimate throughout the United States. As the Northern States did not find slavery profitable, it was gradually abolished.

The relation of master and slave grew closer as the years went on in the South, and each worked to the other's interest, ties being formed in the order of living and working which seemed indissoluble.

The abolition of slavery began to have its advocates at the North. Much discussion about settling the new territories, and allowing slave-holders to retain their property therein invested, often descended from their ancestors, was the result. Many compromises were made; the line of Mason and Dixon was established, the subject agitating the best minds of both rival sections — slavery, the great bone of contention, that right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.

The abolition party grew in power and wealth, violating their contracts with their Southern neighbors. Books were written which, in a graphic, imaginary style, depicted the horrors of our institutions, and a great wave of sentiment overspread the North, overlooking all the care of the helpless, all the responsibility, all

VI PREFACE.

the Christian education amongst the most refined, cultivated people of the land, lifting the race from the state of savagery from which they were rescued when brought to the South and sold as slaves; and casting a stigma upon our people as lost to all sense of the wants of common humanity.

This distorting of the subject, this denying of individual rights, incensed the whole South as to clearly indicate that when so much was misunderstood, coupled with the desire which animated their ancestors, that no other than the Anglo-Saxon race should rule this land; that freedom of the negro meant universal suffrage, and the introduction of a dangerous element into politics, there seemed no other help for the evils of the land than to quietly and peaceably dissolve a Union which had grown into a disagreeable relationship, and could no longer be continued in harmony.

War was declared, the whole people rushed to battle; the South was overpowered, laid down her arms, and, after years of peace, has arisen, phoenix-like, from the ashes of despair, glowing with new life and energy. This record has been written as a pleasing task to commemorate what 3. brigade and people endured and suffered in behalf of the "Lost Cause," which goes down to posterity with its wonderful romance, exciting the admiration of future generations, and stamping their ancestors as heroes, if unsuccessful, as grand as the "Tenth Legion of Caesar," or Old Guard of Napoleon.

The Confederacy is an ideal conception of the past, that flashed as a meteor of scintillating brilliancy across the world's horizon, sinking beneath the clouds of defeat in a flash of never-ending glory.

With great care the following record has been collected by one

who was a resident of the capital city, and united by sacred ties

with Hood's Texas Brigade.

"Breathes there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said,

This is my own, my native land?

Whose heart has ne'er within him burned As home his footsteps he hath turned

From wandering on a foreign strand ?

If such there breathe, go mark him well ; For him no minstrel raptures swell ; High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim ; Despite these titles, power and pelf, The wretch concentred all in self, Living shall forfeit his fair renown, And doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust from which he sprung Unwept, unhonored, and unsung."

Hood's Texas Brigade Association was organized at Houston,

PREFACE. VII

May 14, 1872, Col. C. M. Winkler, President; Gen. J. B. Robertson, Vice-President; Major Robert Burns, Secretary, which position the latter has held ever since.

The lamented Col. Thos. M. Jack, of Galveston, once, at reunion at that place, uttered the sentiment of the entire State when he said:

"If the voice of Texas could be expressed, she would say, These are my sons! I am the mother of Hood's brigade."

At the fourth meeting, June 27, the anniversary of the battle of Gaines' Farm, was selected as the time most appropriate for annual assembling, and has thus been kept ever since.

At the second reunion, at Barton Springs, Austin, plans were inaugurated for collecting data, looking towards the publication of a history of the brigade. Gen. J. B. Robertson, in a glowing speech, advised every member to contribute something of his knowledge for this purpose, saying: "We hope this will be done, as a History of Hood's Brigade would make a most valuable and interesting volume to every Texas library." Committees were appointed, but very little was ever done.

It was suggested to the author to write up a personal reminiscence of life at Richmond during the days of the Confederacy, in connection with Hood's Brigade. In hours of leisure, several chapters had been completed, when, in 1882, the publication of Texas Prairie Flower was undertaken, and within the pages of this literary journal first appeared the articles now comprising the Confederate Capital and Hood's Brigade.

After the reunion at Crockett, in 1883, the Historical Committee, of which Capt. W- C. Walsh is chairman, placed in our hands the work of collecting, arranging and preparing all possible information upon the subject, the agreement being that the whole should be' under the supervision of the committee, and subject to their approval.

Books of reference used have been Pollok's History of the War; Stevens' War Between the States; Advance and Retreat, by General Hood; Jones' Life of General Lee; Life of General Jackson; Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, by Jefferson Davis; Swinton's Army of the Potomac; Ely's Journal (Federal); Federal and Confederate Records issued by Congress, and Rev. N. A. Davis' work, issued during the war, at Richmond, "From Texas to Maryland;" clippings from Federal and Confederate newspapers, verbal statements of members of the brigade, articles when possible to be obtained, jottings from note-books and private letters, have all been woven into the record, with the earnest desire to make the whole as correct as possible, and no individual effort has been spared to accomplish that end.

VIII PREFACE.

We are under special obligations to each member of the Historical Committee, who have been just in all criticism, unwearied in their enthusiasm and interest, and sensible of the weight of responsibility placed upon them by comrades.

After many disappointments, this publication is an outcome of the kindness and liberality of Hon. G. T. Jester, one of the last recruits of Company I, 4th Texas Regiment, who was en route to join the Virginia army when General Lee surrendered, and Captain James Garitty, of the 10th Louisiana Regiment, army of Northern Virginia, patriotic citizens of Corsicana, Texas. The engravings are the gifts of Byrd Warwick, of Richmond, Virginia, brother of Colonel Bradfute Warwich, who fell at the moment of victory at Gaines' Farm, and Dr. C. S. Morse, Clerk of Supreme Court, Austin, Texas, a young admirer of the deeds of brave men. Col. C. S. Venable, University of Virginia, Aid to General Lee, gave important statements as eye-witness of the charge at the Wilderness, and members of the brigade and personal friends throughout the State have grandly aided in rescuing from oblivion much that otherwise would have been lost.

It was impossible to obtain, at this late date, a muster roll of the 1st Texas Regiment, and with the consent of the committee, that of the 4th and 5th Regiments has been omitted from the appendix. The names of all who surrendered at Appomattox are given, from an authentic list published by the Southern Historical Society of Paroles of the Army of Northern Virginia, presented by W Ellis Jones, Richmond, Virginia.

The work is sent forth with belief in its success and satisfaction to all interested. A. V. W

Under a resolution adopted by Hood's Texas Brigade Association, at Livingston, Texas, on June 27, 1891, the undersigned, as members of the Historical Committee of the brigade, have read and carefully examined the manuscript of a history of Hood's Brigade, by Mrs. A. V Winkler, and do hereby approve and endorse the same in behalf of the brigade, as being as correct and accurate a history of the old command as can now be written from the data and memoranda available. The story of Hood's Texas Brigade, its marches, battles, privations and triumphs, is so closely interwoven with that of the Southern Capital that the history of one would be incomplete without the other.

Haywood Brahan,

John H. Woottens,

Ben. S. Baker,

J. M. Smither,

W C. Walsh, Historical Com. Hood's Brigade Association.

ORIGINAL CAPTAINS. IX

ORIGINAL CAPTAINS OF COMPANIES OF HOOD'S

TEXAS BRIGADE, AND WHERE TROOPS

WERE RAISED.

FIRST TEXAS REGIMENT.

Co. A — Capt. H. H. Black, Jefferson. Marion county.

Co. B — Capt. D. D. Moore, Livingston, Polk county.

Co. C — Capt. A. G. Dickerson, Houston, Harris county.

Co. D — Capt. A. J. Clopton, Jefferson, Marion county.

Co. E — Capt. F. S. Bass, Marshall, Harrison county.

Co. F— Capt. P. A. Work, Woodville, Tyler county.

Co. G — Capt. Dr. Jno. R. Woodward, Palestine, Anderson county

Co. H — Capt. A. T. Rainey, Palestine, Anderson county.

Co. I — Capt. D. E- Currie, Crockett, Houston county.

Co. K — Capt. B. F. Benton, San Augustine, San Augustine Co.

Co. L — Capt. A. C. McKeen, Galveston, Galveston county,

FOURTH TEXAS REGIMENT.

Co. A— Capt. J. C. G. Key, Goliad, Goliad county.

Co. B — Capt. B. F. Carter, Austin, Travis county.

Co. C — Capt. W P Townsend, Owensville, Robertson county.

Co. D — Capt. J. P. Bayne, Seguin, Guadalupe county.

Co. E — Capt. E. D. Ryan, Waco, McLennan county.

Co. F — Capt. E. D. Cunningham, San Antonio, Bexar county.

Co. G — Capt. W J. Hutcherson, Anderson, Grimes county.

Co. H— Capt. P. P Porter, Huntsville, Walker county.

Co. I — Capt. C. M. Winkler, Corsicana, Navarro county.

Co. K — Capt. W H. Martin, Athens, Henderson county.

FIFTH TEXAS REGIMENT.

Co. A — Capt. B. A. Botts, Houston, Harris county. Co. B — Capt. J. B. Upton, Colorado county. Co. C — Capt. C. M. Whaley, Leon county.

Co. D — Capt. R. M. Powell, Montgomery county- Co. E — Capt. J. D. Rogers, Washington county. Co. F — Capt. King Bryan, Washington county. Co. G — Capt. Jeff Rogers, Cameron, Milam county. Co. H — Capt. J. C. Cleveland, Liberty county. Co. I — Capt. J. B. Robertson, Washington county. Co. K— Capt. J. K. Turner, Polk county.

Chapter I

Richmond in 1S59. Consternation caused by John Brown's raid upon Harper's Ferry, Departure of troops for the scene of action. Governor Wise's action in bringing the prisoner to justice. Formation of military companies all over the State of Virginia. Threatening of an irrepressible conflict between North and South. Feeling of insecurity pervading all classes. Return of Southern students from New York and Philadelphia schools of medicine. President Lincoln's nomination considered a menace to Southern institutions. Secession of South Carolina, the Cotton States and Texas. Virginia's convention to consider the question of following their example. Hesitation to take the decisive step. President Lincoln's requisition upon Virginia for her quota of 75,000 men to coerce the States back into the Union. Virginia passes the act of secession. Fall of Fort Sumter. Illumination of Richmond and torchlight procession in honor of the two events. Impressions of the hour !

Chapter II

Colonel Robert E. Lee's record in the United States army. His resignation, to throw his fortunes with his native State and Southern cause. His sacrifice of ancestral home at Arlington Heights involved. Governor Letcher, with consent of the Convention, tenders him the command of State troops. Work of drilling raw recruits. Arrival of Kershaw's South Carolina regiment. The heroes of Fort Sumter received with open arms by the people of Richmond. Ladies devoting their time in makng soldiers' uniforms. President Lincoln's blockade of Southern ports. Advancement of prices for necessaries of life. Removal of the Confederate seat of government from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond. General Lee's resignation of command of State troops, other officers of the Confederate government outranking him. Providing for munitions of war and supplies for the army. Children catching the inspiration of the times. 8

Chapter III

Battle of Bethel. Funeral of Henry Wyatt, the first martyr of the South. Arrival at Richmond of Washington Artillery and Dreux's Battalion from New Orleans. Colonel Zulukowsky's regiment, from the levees of New Orleans, afterwards known as "Tigers." Battle of Rich Mountain. Bravery of General Garnett. Suffering of the soldiers. Northern sentiment. Refusal of the 7th regiment, New York, to fight against the people of Richmond, after their fraternal reception at the removal of President Monroe's remains from New York to Richmond, when they served as guard of honor 14

XII CONTENTS.

Chapter IV

Confederate money. Care of the sick soldiers. How the emergency was met by the women of Richmond. First battle of Manassas. Provision for wounded prisoners. The Libby. Civilians captured at Manassas. Action of Union females of the city. Burial of a civil prisoner at St. John's church yard. Release of those captured merely as spectators of a farce 20

Chapter V

Effect of the war upon the aged. Volunteering of the youth. Plans for furnishing the troops with arms and munitions of war. Trials of President Davis. General McClellan placed in command of the Federal troops. General Scott's discomfiture. The enlistment of Texas soldiers for the Army of Virginia. Their arrival at Richmond and welcome by the President, Selection of Colonel Hood to command the 4th Texas regiment. Sketch of officers. Major Warwick, of Richmond. Colonel Robertson, of Texas. Organization complete 29

Chapter VI

Sickness among the Texans. Kindness of the ladies of Richmond. Appreciation of Congress and the President for their efforts in behalf of the sick. Removal to General Johnston's army at Dumfrees. Union with the 1st Texas regiment. Sketch of Colonel Wigfall and other officers. Organization of the Texas brigade. General Wigfall the first brigadier to command. Colonel Hood's discipline of the 4th regiment. Texans spoiling for a fight. Skirmish with the enemy. Hope of foreign interference. Departure of Mason and Slidell for England and France, to negotiate with those powers. Feeling at Richmond and the South when their mission failed 39

Chapter VII

General Jackson's movement early in January, 1862. His record as a military man. Exchange of prisoners exciting attention. Confederate policy strictly defensive. General McClellan 's plan of summer campaign. Moving his base of operations. March of the Texas brigade. Appointment of Colonel Hood as brigadier-general. The men present their commander with a horse. Appreciation of General Hood. Brigade known afterwards as "Hood's Texas Brigade." 45

Chapter VIII

Norfolk Navy-yard. Construction of Confederate iron-clads. Fight in Hampton Roads between the Confederate vessel Virginia and Federal Cumberland. Meeting with the Monitor. Feeling at the South with regard to the naval engagement. General Jackson in the valley of Virginia. Turner Ashby, the great cavalryman. Evacuation of the Peninsula. Texans regularly under fire, first at Eltham's Landing, while acting as rear guard to Johnston's army. "They saved the rear of the army, and the whole of the baggage." 52

Chapter IX

Line of march of the Texas brigade across the Chickahominy. Orders to evacuate Norfolk and Portsmouth. Destruction of the Virginia, the

CONTEXTS. XIII

naval pride of the South. Indignation of the people. Fears of the evacuation of Richmond. Determined stand of the citizens. Hastycompletion of defenses at Drury's Bluff. Attack of Drury's Bluff by a fleet of gun-boats. A decided repulse. Richmond alive with preparations for the impending strife. Care for the sick and wounded. Hospitals improvised. Scenes of hospital life. 62

Chapter X

General Jackson's operations in the valley of Virginia. Battle of Seven Pines. Movements of the Texans. General Johnston wounded. General Lee assumes command of Confederate forces at Richmond. The army known henceforth as "Array of Northern Virginia." Delight of the people at change of commanders. Comparison of historians' opinions with regard to plan of campaign. General Lee's ruse of sending off General Whiting's division to join Jackson. The latter suddenly to make a junction with General Lee. Texans with Whiting's division. Battle of Mechanicsville. Jackson connects with General Lee's line at Cold Harbor. Battle of Gaines' Farm. Hood's brigade turns the tide of battle. General Hood's report of the day's work. General Jackson's report of the charge of the 4th Texas regiment. Burial of the dead. Removal of the wounded. Confederates bivouacking ready for another day's conflict 72

CHAPTER XL

Geographical position of armies near Richmond. Disadvantages of the Confederates. Battle of Savage Station. Pursuit of McClellan. Battle of Malvern Hill. McClellan driven under cover of his gun-boats. Failure of his campaign at the North and in Europe. Important results of "Seven Days fights." Dreadful scenes in city hospitals. Meagre resources for accommodating the thousands of wounded and suffering. Woman would have been unworthy had she failed in such an extremity. Burial of the dead. Texas hospital established at Richmond. Chaplain's efforts in behalf of the wounded. Dr. Lunday 81

Chapter XII

Feeling at the North with regard to McClellan's want of success. Call for three hundred thousand men, and a new commander. Major- General Pope selected. Change of base to the Rappahannock river. Record of the new favorite. General Jackson's activity. Whereabouts of the Texans. Battle of Freeman's Ford. Fight at Thoroughfare Gap. Second battle of Manassas. Bravery of the Texans. General Hood in command of several brigades. Texans and other Con-

^-federates supplying themselves with clothing. General Lee's plan to cross the Potomac into Maryland. General Hood placed under arrest. . Jtexans refuse to fight at Boonesboro Gap unless General Hood is restored. General Lee orders General Hood to his command. ^Enthusiasm of the men, again assisting to save the day. Jackson at Harper's Ferry. Lee and Jackson unite at Sharpsburg. General Lee's proclamation to Marylanders. . 93

XIV CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII

Position of Sharpsburg; Disposition of the troops. General Lawton, division commander, wounded. General Hood takes his place. Perilous location of the Texans. Two corps engaged in Hood s front. Terrible slaughter on both sides . Texans distinguish themselves in a baptism of fire and blood. Results of the battle. General Lee witndraws his army across the Potomac. McClellau too crippled to renew the attack, Northern papers assert. General Lee's retreat a master-piece. Review of campaign. General Lee's appreciation ot the texans. General Hood's address to the division. General Lee compliments his men. Hood appointed major-general. Compliments of Europeans to Southern bravery. World still neutral. English minister asks relaxation of blockade. Southern conscription act. Reflections upon continued faith of the South. 105

Chapter XIV

Plans for filling the Confederate treasury. Depreciation of currency. The means women had to resort to to make money. The clothing bureau. Work on plantations. Faithfulness of slaves to their mistresses. Capture of Galveston a shock to the Texas brigade. Review of troops,- Flag of 4th Texas. 1st Texas flag. Bands of the brigade. Corps again on the march. ^Colonel Robertson, of the 5th Texas, appointed brigadier-general. Burnside appointed to the command of the Federal army. Supplies of clothing sent the Texans. Burnside attempts an on to Richmond. Battle of Fredericksburg. Federals recross the river. General Lee fights behind breastworks first at Fredericksburg. Suffering of the people of that place. Assistance of the soldiers. Emancipation proclamation. Galveston recaptured. Delight of the Texas brigade. Hood's division detached and sent to Suffolk. General Hooker in command of the Federal army. Hood's division recalled, but arrives too late for Chancellorsville. General Lee's regret at Hood's absence. 118

Chapter XV

Position of General Lee at Chancellorsville. Wounding of General Jackson by his own men. Death of the great chieftain. Honors to the dead at Richmond and along the road to Lexington. Grief of the people and army. General Lee proposes to change his base to Northern soil. Passage of the Potomac. Excitement at Washington. Arrival in Pennsylvania. General Meade's position at Gettysburg. Position of the Confederates. General Hood wounded. General Lee compelled to retire. Successful passage of the Potomac. Disappointment of the whole country at the disastrous result. General Lee assumes the responsibility of the campaign 131

Chapter XVI

Longstreet's corps detached from General Lee's army and sent to General Bragg. Battle of Chickamauga. Conduct of the Texans Wounding of General Hood. Rosecrans retreats to Chattanooga, reorganizes his army and fortifies.- Extracts from private letters of soldiers of Hood's brigade. Coarse fare of the men. They prefer serving with the Army of Northern Virginia

CONTENTS. XV

Chapter XVII

General Grant succeeds Rosecrans at Chattanooga. Grant attacks Bragg at Missionary Ridge. Longstreet's corps sent off on an expedition against Knoxville. Extracts from_private letters. Longstreet's communication with Bragg severed. Siege "of "Knoxville. Opens communication with Bristol to Virginia. Subsisting his army on the country of East Tennessee. Suffering of the men from cold, hunger and want of shoes. -^General Robertson protests against marching barefooted men through the snow. He is relieved of his command and court-martialed. Brilliant affair at Sabine Pass, Texas, inspiring news. U&eneral John Gregg placed in command of the Texas brigade. General Robertson is reprimanded by the court-martial, and transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Department. Stories of returned prisoners. A military execution. Major-General Field in command of the division. Probability of Longstreet returning to the Virginia army. Movements in that direction. Satisfaction of the men. Martial spirit still undiminished. Lincoln's peace proclamation. Negro troops in the Federal army. New conscription laws passed by the Confederate Congress. Efforts to exchange prisoners. Female spies in Richmond. Dahlgren's raid. His repulse and death 149

Chapter XVIII

General Grant takes command of the Army of the Potomac. Plans for crushing out the rebellion. 'Battle of the Wilderness. Gallant action of the Texas brigade. Battle of Spottsylvania Court House. General™" Sheridan's raid. Death of General J. E. B. Stuart. Grant moves eastward followed by General Lee. Battle of Cold Harbor. Fearful slaughter of Federals. The men refuse to attack. Grant crosses to the south side of James. General Butler's plan to reach Richmond by the back door. General Lee concentrates at Petersburg. General Early is sent to the Valley with the 2nd Army Corps. Experience of the Texas brigade in the trenches of Petersburg. Early's success in the Valley. Field's and other divisions moved north of the James. Springing of the mine at Petersburg. Slaughter at the Crater. Grant attacks north of the James. Repulsed handsomely by cavalry and infantry v. 163

CHAPER XIX.

Texas brigade at the Phillips House. Visit to the camp of the brigade. Impressions of a soldier's life. Chaperones a gay crowd of girls from Richmond. General Grant crosses troops to the north side. Fight at Phillips House. Hasty retreat from pleasant quarters. Fall of Fort Harrison. Fight on Darbytown and New Market roads. General Gregg killed. Rescue of bis body. Imposing funeral at Richmond. Fight on Williamsburg turnpike. Reverse of Confederates in the Valley. Sheridan defeats Early with heavy loss. Fearful devastation of the country, "leaving nothing a crow could subsist upon." Grant's and Lee's army go into winter quarters. Unsuccessful in the field, Grant tries reduction of the Confederates by starvation. Life near camp again resumed 187

Chapter XX

Life in winter quarters. Resources for entertaining visitors..^ .-Religious services. Kindness of soldiers. General Lee's appreciation of the

-^VI CONTENTS.

Texas brigade. General Gary's stratagem to deceive the Federals- Exchange of prisoners discussion. The position of the South on treatment of prisoners North clamoring for peace. Commissioners visit Richmond. President Davis' peace commissioners stopped at Hampton Roads. General Lee's efforts to secure peace

Chapter XXI

President Davis recommends to Congress the employment of slaves in the Southern army. General Lee declines being made commander-in-chief of the armies of the Confederacy. Wrangling in Congress over General Johnston's removal. Gloom hanging over the Confederate capital. Death of President Davis' son. Administration criticised. Humorous remarks of General Lee. Dress of the period. Women's fancy-work and amusements. Woman ever true. Colonel Powell's romantic marriage at Baltimore. Subsistence of the army. Love and confidence in General Lee. His peculiarities. Declines the offer of the city council of Richmond to purchase for him a home. 223

Chapter XXII

Desertions in the ranks. General Hood still the idol of Texans. Extracts from private letters. Presentation of golden stars from a lady in Texas to bravest privates of the Texas brigade. Review of troops by President Davis, Generals Lee, Longstreet and others. Health of the soldiers. Eulogy to private soldiers. Fight at Hatcher's Run. Disasters in the Valley. Sheridan's raid. General Lee confers with regard to evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg. Decides to attack Fort Stedman. Friends advise leaving Virginia. General Grant attacks General Lee. Leaving winter quarters. Confederates repulsed at Five Forks. Death of General A. P. Hill. General Lee's message to President Davis that Richmond must be evacuated. Texas brigade the last to leave the lines north of the James river. Retreat from Petersburg. Richmond at evacuation. Consternation of the people. Departure of government officials. Burning of Confederate stores and private property. Plundering by the rabble. Federal troops enter Richmond. Proclamation to the people. Wild frenzy of delight at the North .,. . 238

Chapter XXIII

Prophesy of the Richmond Enquirer. General Lee on the retreat. General Grant and Lee correspond. General Lee still hopeful. Grief when all hope fled. Asks General Grant's terms. The two generals meet. Surrender of the "Army of Northern Virginia." The two central figures at Appomattox. Texas brigade throwing up fortifications when news of the surrender reaches them. General Lee's farewell address to his troops. Grief of his men. His sorrow at the loss of the cause. Eulogy of Jefferson Davis. Eulogy of General Lee. Close of the record of the "Confederate Capital and Hood's Texas Brigade." . 257

Chapter I

Richmond in 1859 — Consternation Caused by John Brown's Raid upon Harper's Ferry — Departure of Troops for the Scene of Action — Governor Wise's Action in Bringing the Prisoner to Justice after the Insurrection was Quelled — Formation of Military Companies all over the State of Virginia— Threatenings of an Irrepressible Conflict between North and South — Feeling of Insecurity Pervading all Classes — Return of Southern Students from the New York and Philadelphia Schools of Medicine — President Lincoln's Nomination by the Republican Party Considered a Menace to Southern Institutions —Secession of South Carolina, the Cotton States and Texas — Virginia's Convention to Consider the Question of Following their Example — Hesitation to Take the Decisive Step — President Lincoln's Requisition upon Virginia for her Quota of 75,000 Men to Coerce the States back into the Union — Virginia's Prompt Action in Passing the Act of Secession — Fall of Fort Sumter — Illumination of Richmond and Torchlight Procession in Honor of the Two Events — Impressions of the Hour.

October 15th, 1859, dawned clear and cloudless in the city of Richmond, Virginia. Her streets were filled with well-dressed citizens and beautiful, refined ladies, wending their way to the various churches which adorn the "seven-hilled city," to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and the little ones sported along on their way to Sabbath-school. Even tired man drew his breath easier, for the burden of the week was rolled away, and the hazy atmosphere of the Indian summer brooded deliciously over all surrounding objects, making the blood course evenly and joyously through the veins of every one.

Little did the people think that there was approaching danger hovering in the exquisite beauty diffused by nature, or that wicked men were meditating, even theu, the overthrow of the country.

Our peculiar institution, slavery, had become a thorn in the side of many, but we only desired to be let alone, to preserve the property which had descended from father to son, until the slaves, whose interests were so interwoven with those they served, seemed related by the strongest ties of affection.

This day, long to be remembered in the annals of the South, John Brown spent perfecting his plans for a raid upon Harper's Ferry At the hour of midnight he took possession of the armory and government works with an armed force of picked comrades, and struck terror to the hearts of the inhabitants of the quiet village, all unconscious of the danger, until it burst upon them. Several men lost their lives, but John Brown and his men remained in possession of the arsenal and works.

Monday morning, as soon as the facts were ascertained, the news was telegraphed to Richmond, and a call was made by the Governor for volunteers to suppress the insurrection. The Richmond Grays and Blues, two militia companies, went promptly to the scene of action.

The Blues traced their organization back to^the days of 1776, and had never disgraced their colors.

Before reaching Harper's Ferry, Col. Robert E. Lee had been sent down from Washington with government troops and had routed the invaders, capturing John Brown and such of his men as were not killed, landing him safe in jail at Charlestown for trial for his life.