The life of Lieutenant General Richard Heron Anderson of the Confederate States army

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Preface

The duty assigned the Author by the family of General Anderson and by his comrades of Camp Dick Anderson, U. C. v., of preparing this Life of the heroic patriot and soldier, has proved to him one of intense personal gratification. He had had the privilege of some association with General Anderson, during his sojourn in Charleston, and thought he appreciated his worth and nobility, but after the study necessary for this work, he realizes that he had not the faintest conception of the grandeur of the man, or the vast importance his services had been to his Country. Markedly, at two critical periods, his skill as a General, saved the Army of Northern Virginia from crushing disaster and several times he contributed essentially to its success. If this work will win for him the fame his glorious achievements so richly deserve it will have accomplished its object, and the Author be amply rewarded.

The Author acknowledges his indebtedness for many of the facts herein, to various publications bearing upon the War's history, particularly "The War of the Rebellion Records." He having been most kindly assisted by, earnestly thanks for the advice and information generously given by many, prominently by Gen. Thos. T. Munford, Rev. Dr. J. H. McNeilly, Maj. Edward N. Thurston, Mrs. W. L. Saunders, Col. J. P. Nicholson and Judge and Mrs. J. T. Goolrick.

Contents

Chapter. Page.

I. Ancestry, Family and Home 9

II. His Career Up to 1861 18

CHAPTER I. Ancestry, Family and Home

We, of the South, dearly love family associations and warmly cherish their influences on the individual and upon the social life of a community. While we are ready to recognize the merits and award full credit to the self made man, yet deep down in our hearts we would honor him rather the more if he had a well known pedigree. All men who rise to distinction in life's struggle are "self made", their success being accomplished by their own personal sacrifice and efforts ; neither blood nor inheritance can make a man great. Yet it does rather please us to know that the man, in addition to his self developed qualities, has a distinguished lineage. We well know that such pedigree does not ensure manly achievements, however much social eminence it may give. It is not proposed to defend this idiosyncracy, but as our readers are apt to be mostly in and of the South, possessing such bias, it will not be irrelevant to commence the Story of the Life of General Richard H. Anderson with a brief resume of that of his forbears and of his contemporaneous family and other early surroundings.

But to correctly learn a man's real personality it is certainly advisable, if not absolutely necessary, to be acquainted with the circumstances and influences which contributed to the formation of his character. We are all, during our lo LIFE OF GEN. RICHARD H. ANDERSON

entire lives, influenced by our surroundings. So there is an appropriateness, as well as the above referred to idiosyncracy, to warrant our yielding to our Southern peculiarities.

Genl. Anderson came of a line, many of whom were fighters and all men of eminent individuality. Their achievements were impressed upon him by the traditions, the relics and the mementoes of their heroic past, gathered and sacredly preserved at the old family homestead. So we naturally expect, as the tale of his life work is unfolded to find him not only a fighter, but a good fighter and brave and skillful General.

To those who read only for the interest of the story, or for the study of War Problems, this may not be very attractive. Let such then skip and pass on to the next Chapter. But to the student, or reader, who really desires to learn what influences made Genl. Anderson the man he was, this will not be amiss ; — they will require this information. Environments go far towards the making of the man and knowing such, one can form a more correct appreciation of Genl. Anderson.

In the life of our country, two great revolutions have swept over it, each fraught to it, with decisive destinies. The first freed the Colonies from the rule of English royalty and established them as a Confederacy of State Sovereignties. The second consolidated this State Federation into a cohesive centralized Nation. While neither rose to the dazzling distinction of Washington, Lee, Lincoln, or Grant, yet the Richard Anderson, of each Revolution, was a distinguished figure of his times. The Richard Anderson of the First, and the Richard H. Anderson of the Second. The first a Captain of the 7th. Regiment of the Maryland Line, and the Second, his grandson, far more eminent, a Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army. The former transmitted to the latter, those traits and characteristics which won him the soubriquet of "Fighting Dick Anderson".

ANCESTRY, FAMILY AND HOME ii

Both contended for the same lofty principles — freedom and the right of self-government.

The record of the Revolutionary Richard Anderson, shows that he also deserved the same soubriquet, of "Fighting Dick", as did his grandson. At the battle of Germantown, when the Company of which Richard Anderson was First Lieutenant, was charging Chew's House, the Captain shrunk behind a tree. The Colonel rode up and called "who commands this company?" Lieut. Anderson replied that he did, and led them in the charge through a heavy fire of Artillery and musketry. Ere he retreated from the field Col. Gunby, Lieut. Anderson and one other officer, alone remained of their Regiment, the rest having been either killed, wounded or captured. He was promoted for his gallantry to be Captain and subsequently brevetted, Major. Again he showed his coolness and gallantry at the Battle of Cowpens. There an order was given to seize the British Artillery, and Capt. Anderson made the first capture of a gun. He planted the end of his espantoon forward into the ground, and making a flying leap landed squarely upon the gun. The gunner was just in the act of firing when the gallant Captain ran his sword through him.

Capt. Anderson had been promoted Nov. 15th. 1777, and his commission bears the signature of John Jay, afterwards Chief Justice of the United States. He wore this commission tied around his neck thereafter, so that if taken prisoner, he could prove his rank and his entitlement to treatment befitting such rank. On the parchment were blood stains from wounds received at the Battles of Camden and at Guilford. At the Battle of Monmouth Court House he fought with intrepidity under Col. John Gunby, of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, while the heroic friend of America, Lafayette, led the van.

At the disastrous Battle of Green Swamp or Camden, "Capt. Anderson was severely wounded, and owed his life to his Colonel who passing by, had the wounded man placed behind him on his own horse and with this incumbrance, at the head of his Regiment, Col. Gunby led on his men to another charge. * * * Arriving at the swamp, which was difficult of passage, and believing he had received his death wound, Capt. Anderson entreated his commander not to endanger his own life by continuing to carry him on horseback, but Col. Gunby replied that they had lived or died together, and having reached the other side in safety, committed the exhausted Captain to the care of two officers."

The fighting blood in the Anderson family, was further enriched by the marriage of this valiant Revolutionary hero to Ann Wallace, a descendant of the famous Wallace of Scotland. Our "Fighting Dick" was true to this inherited gallantry and was a true scion of a race of fighting men.

The son of Col. Richard Anderson, Dr. William Wallace Anderson, moved to Statesburg, S. C. in 1810. He married Mary Jane Mackenzie, who was the adopted daughter of Thomas Hooper. The Hooper family, during Colonial and Revolutionary days owned and resided at the historic mansion, Hill Crest, in the High Hills of Santee, between Camden and Sumter. After his marriage Dr. Anderson occupied this beautiful place as his home, and thereafter it was known as the "Anderson place."

When the Confederate War broke out Dr. Anderson was far too aged to give his personal services to the cause, but he was devotedly loyal to it. He once said, "I will risk everything I am worth in support of my adopted State, through every trial and every danger." He sent his laborers to work on the fortifications around Charleston. In acknowledgment of this vajued aid he was presented with a walking cane made from a piece of the Flag Staff at Fort Sumter, which was at the Fort when it was captured in April, 1861. And he gave to the cause of Southern Independence three Sons — and three such sons !

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The children of this Dr. W. W. Anderson, of Hill Crest, were Mary Heron, (Gen.) Richard Heron, Edward Mackenzie, (Dr.) William Wallace, Mary Hooper, Franklin and John Benjamin. His second wife was Elizabeth Waties, a daughter of Judge Waties, from which union there was no issue.

Genl. R. H. Anderson married Sarah Gibson, daughter of Hon. John B. Gibson, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. She died in Charleston, S. C, August nth, 1872. Their children were Richard Gibson, who died in his early manhood and Sarah Galbraith, who married Wm. DeSaussure Blanding, who is now deceased. Mrs. Blanding and her three daughters are now (1917) residing in Lexington, Ky. The General's second wife was Martha Mellette, who survived him.

Edward Mackenzie Anderson was killed at his brother's side while serving on his Staff at the Battle of Williamsburg, Va., on the Peninsula. He was unmarried.

Dr. William Wallace Anderson, the General's brother, was a physician and eminent scientist. In 1849 he entered the United States Army as a Surgeon and served at various posts in Texas and New Mexico. "He had inherited his father's taste for natural history and scientific study and development. While on his western tour of duty he became deeply interested in making a collection of rare plants and birds. His finest specimens of birds were sent to the Smithsonian Institute. That these contributions were of unusual value is shown by letters received from Prof. Spencer T. Baird. * * * As a voluntary observer for many years, his meterological records were of great service to the Weather Bureau at Washington * * * He dwelt amongst the people of his own Southland, the exemplification of the highest qualities of Christian grace and manhood. Passing beyond the portals into the higher life in his eighty-seventh year, of him it can be truly said 'He did justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with his God.' "

He was stationed at San Antonio, Tex., the post being commanded by Col. Robert E. Lee, at the time South Carolina seceded. He resigned, during the spring of 1861, and at once offered his services to the Southern Confederacy. He first served under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in Virginia, then in Tennessee and Mississippi, and was Medical Director to Genl. Pemberton at Vicksburg. Oct. 16, 1863, he was assigned to duty as ''Medical Inspector with superintendence of Vaccination of the Armies, Hospitals and Camps of Instruction of the Confederate States." Finding the territory too extended, Nov. 2nd. the War Department at his suggestion restricted his labors to the States of North and South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He continued in this position until the close of the War, ranking as Major, the highest grade given in the Medical Corps of the Confederacy.

He married Mary Virginia, daughter of Gen. Thomas Childs, of Massachusetts. Their children, Elizabeth Waties, now Mrs. Mark Reynolds, Ann Catherine, now Mrs. W. L. Saunders, William Wallace, Mary Virginia, now Mrs. W. B. Nelson, and Benjamin Mackenzie. Mr. W. L. Saunders, who married Ann Catherine, now owns and with his wMfe and family, resides at Hill Crest, the old Anderson homestead.

To Mrs. W. L. Saunders' love for and high admiration of her Uncle, Gen. R. H. Anderson, is due this effort to preserve his memory and perpetuate his fame. For years she has kept his memory green. Her indomitable persistence and loyal devotion has brought about this publication to revive his fame from a forgetfulness, which his modesty and retiring disposition allowed. General Anderson's aim in life was to do — not to write or speak of what he did ; to accomplish great deeds, but never to seek the

ANCESTRY, FAMILY AND HOME 15

worldly commendation or reward they so richly deserved ; he believed that duty well done was its due reward. So excessive was he in this modesty that he was not just to himself. Fortunate it is for his fame, that he had a loving niece, who appreciating his grandeur, has devoted her efforts to placing him on that lofty pinnacle, his brilliant achievements warrant. Fortunate that this niece had not only the desire, but the ability to do this, and to enthuse others to aid her and thus accomplish her noble aims.

Mary Hooper Anderson, the sister of the General, married Col. Frederick Lynn Childs, a most distinguished Ordnance Officer of the Confederacy. His services were invaluable. In the manufacture of the munitions of war, he accomplished as much, if not more, than any other man in the Confederacy. For over two years he was stationed at Charleston, S. C, in command of the Arsenal, at which were twenty-five workshops and a foundry. He directed also eight or ten establishments in other places in the State. Like his brother-in-law, General Anderson, he was modest, retiring and devoted, first and all the time, to his duty.

Writing to his wife he said, "Colonel Gorgas has answered my letters as usual, 'of more service where I am than I could be in the field,' hopes that the War Department will not be unmindful of my services." He wanted service in the field, and naturally chafed when his juniors in the old Army were made Generals. He again writes "yet I must plod on as a Captain, and console myself with being useful. I would rather try to win promotion in the field. To think of our children reading the history of this revolution without seeing my name mentioned in it. However, I shall work a little longer ; there is one more thing I want to see done for the defence of old Charleston Harbor, and that is to have furnaces made at Forts Sumter and Moultrie for firing molten iron into the Federal vessels when they come next fall." This was a most original idea, and i6 LIFE OF GEN. RICHARD H. ANDERSON

were it not evolved from the brain of an experienced engineer it might be called chimerical. How many seemingly more impracticable inventions have we lived to see accomplished and in every day use. It was not wilder then than a Cannon throwing a bolt of a ton's weight and many miles, the telephone, the wireless telegraph, and the marvellous production of electric machinery.

Hill Crest, the Anderson Homestead, in the "High Hills of Santee," Sumter County, South Carolina, is on the old historic highway from Charlotte to Charleston. Along this road, in the piping days of peace, passed the products of the up-country — wagons filled with corn, cotton and pi-ovisions, great rolling hogsheads of tobacco, droves of hogs, sheep, cattle, all moving to the markets of Charleston, the emporium of the State. By its tortuous lengths, in War times, with colors flying, marched the British troops of Lord Cornwallis. and again, the American patriots under General Greene ; bloody Tarleton leading his Scarlet Legions, and Marion and Sumter sweeping by with their ragged, but glorious Partisans.

To the side of the road, just opposite a lovely valley of General Sumter's historic estate, rises a majestic knoll, gently sloping to its oak crowned crest, on which stands a grand old mansion. Many of the very trees on the lawn are vested with traditionary lore. The old house is in a good state of preservation, replete with associations, relics, legends of days of yore, — Colonial, Revolutionary, Indian, War of 1 812, Mexican War and Confederate. Its doors are always wide open with gracious hospitality. Its ample proportions and spacious rooms mellowed by the lights and shadows of chivalric history, impart to it an atmosphere of dignity and of romance. During the Revolution, it was at one time occupied by Lord Cornwallis, as British Headquarters, and afterwards by Generals Greene and Sumter of the American Army. On one of the doors of the Hall is u

ANCESTRY, FAMILY AND HOME 17

the mark from the blow made with the butt end of a musket of a British soldier, and near it the letters C. A. carved by a soldier of General Greene's Army, showing that the Continental Army subsequently occupied the Mansion. Each child of the family has sipped from General Washington's spoon ; has handled most carefully the wax candle, almost black with age, taken from the stores of Lord Cornwallis after his surrender at Yorktown; has reverently turned the precious leaves of General Childs' Bible (which was lost during the siege of Fort Erie in 1814, and found at Fort Niagara in 1816) ; and gazed with deep admiration at the elaborately embroidered priest's robe, the gift of Nuns in Mexico, for General Child's kind protection, given them during the American occupation. The swords, and sashes and epaulets of generations of warriors bear witness to the bravery of the men of the family, prominent, always amongst those who have made American history, gave us and preserved for us the freedom of our Country. All an inspiration to patriotic duty ! Is it any wonder, that nursed amongst such an inheritance, surrounded by such inspiriting influences and inspired by such thrilling memories, that our General Anderson proved an ardent patriot, a pure man and a gallant soldier?

CHAPTER II. His Career Up to i86i

Richard H. Anderson was born at Hill Crest, Sumter County, South Carolina, October 7, 1821, in the noted "High Hills of Santee." In his boyhood days he led the life of the country lad of the more opulent planting class, not having the necessity for manual labor. When not engaged in his books and in the training of his intellectual faculties, he was riding, hunting, shooting or engaged in other out door sports. His gentle, unselfish nature endeared him to his companions. The younger boys, with high admiration, looked up to "Old Dick" as he was familiarly called by them. One of them, who in mature manhood rose to distinction in this State, recalled his firing his first shot at a bird, the gun resting on "Old Dick's" shoulder. Soubriquets generally fit characteristics and the affectionate "Old Dick" showed that in youth his companions recognized that entire reliability and geniality, which marked him through life.

In his seventeenth year, July 1, 1838, he entered the United States Military Academy, having secured his appointment through Hon. Joel R. Poinsett, and graduated on the completion of his course, July 1, 1842. His career in the Academy was evidently a good all round one, meeting generally all requirements. It would be safe to guess, however, that he gave the larger share of his attention

HIS CAREER UP TO 1861 19

to the study of military science and practice of tactics. He was a good horseman ; all Southern boys of his standing were trained to that in their earliest years ; so in his Army life he was frequently assigned to duty at the Army Schools of Cavalry practice. Somewhat like Longstreet, his class mate, whom he however stood ahead of, his standing on the merit roll gave no promise of the distinguished position he achieved when War brought out what was in the man. College Class standing is no standard by which to measure ability to win success in the contests of life.

Several of his class, like himself, rose to distinction. Among them during the War, on the Federal side, were Generals Rosencranz, Pope and Sykes, and on the Confederate side were Generals Longstreet, D. H. Hill, A. P. Stewart, Van Dorn, McLaws and G. W. Smith. In the next class, that of 1843, was the most distinguished General of the United States Army and President of our Country, Ulysses S. Grant. Anderson was in the Academy three years with him. Two classes ahead of x\nderson's, produced Generals Halleck, Sherman and Thomas. During his career at West Point, Cadet Anderson was thus associated with a number of men whose names have been written high on the roll of fame. Of the class graduating just when Cadet Anderson matriculated, were Generals Beauregard and McDowell, each of whom commanded one of the hostile Armies, which met at Manassas. In that class also were Generals Bragg and Hardee. In the great struggle of 1861-5, contemporaries at West Point were opposed to each other. Bragg fought Rosencranz from Murfreesboro to Chickamauga, and Beauregard won over his classmate Mc- Dowell at Bull Run.

An author once wrote, that when writing of Army Campaigns, he always found it best in order to thoroughly comprehend them, to first study the characters of the commanding officers. This being necessary in reviewing, how much more so was it in directing. What a rare chance the old Army Officers, in fighting out the great War between the States, had in knowing each other, from association at West Point and in the Army. They could thus judge what each others visible movements meant, and what their antagonists were apt to do under known circumstances. General Sherman rejoiced when he heard of General Joseph E. Johnston's removal from the command of the Confederate Army opposing him, and of General Jno. B. Hood's being placed in command. The career of General Hood with that Army fully justified General Sherman's rejoicings. Sherman must have relied at least to given measure, upon his judgment of the characteristics of his opposing Commanders, to have been the very best strategist, on the Union side, during the War. As a strategist, and it is said with all deference to the magnificent military accomplishments of General Grant, he was his superior. Compare the campaign of Sherman from Dalton to Atlanta, with Grant's from the Rapidan to Petersburg. Both used flanking movements. Sherman's Army only slightly outnumbered Johnston's but Grant's was double Lee's. Sherman's losses up to Atlanta were not heavy. Grant sacrificed 65,000 men, more than Lee's whole Army, before he reached his goal. The results were about the same. Sherman accomplished with little, Grant with tremendous loss. Grant's inhuman method was to wear out his opponent by attrition. In butchering his own men he killed some of the enemy. His men could be replaced, Lee's could not be. This was a dead sure way of winning, and the only plan which ever met success, but it was neither strategy nor generalship. O, the pity ! that Sherman had not continued his career as the great strategist, instead of seizing the torch of the incendiary and making war upon the defenceless women and children of Georgia and the Carolinas. But like Grant's policy, it too was effective. Inhuman and revolting as were

HIS CAREER UP TO 1861 2l

Sherman's torch and Grant's attrition, together they ended the war.

On graduation R. H. Anderson was appointed Brevet Second Lieutenant First Dragoons. He served at the Cavalry School for Practice, at Carlisle, Penn., in 1842. During the years 1843 to 1845 he was on frontier service. The Christian White Brother had not yet dispossessed the native Indian of all his lands. Constant contest was inevitable whilst this "benevolent assimilation" was progressing. The stronger party fought for conquest, the weaker in defence of their homes. So the Army had to be used, but its use was no reflection individually upon the Officers or men. In about two hundred years after the first white man had planted his foot on Virginia's shores, a large portion of the country's immense territory had been forcibly wrested from its original owners and within three hundred years, we had it all. Lieutenant Anderson simply performed his duty to his Flag and to the government it represented. All responsibility for this crime rests upon the shoulders of the entire people, not of any political party or the Army, for all joined hands in driving the poor Indian from his home.

Lieutenant Anderson took part in the occupation of Texas by forces of the United States, He had then been promoted to be Second Lieutenant, in the Second Dragoons, his company being commanded by Captain W. J. Hardee, who subsequently rose to the rank of Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army. In a measure, we treated the Spanish Mexican race as we had done the Indian. They could not stand against the civilization of the Anglo Saxon. The American citizens peacefully entered that part of Mexico, which is now Texas, and there settled. When they became strong enough, they overthrew the Mexican domination and made Texas a free Republic. As soon as the politicians — or as they are all now dead — statesmen, at Washington could agree, Texas was admitted into the Union — quietly assimilated. Of course the Mexicans resented this and resorted to the usual human method of settling disputes — fighting. It showed a most patriotic and noble spirit, but little discretion. The United States was the big boy, and all he had to do was to spank the little fellow and take all the marbles out of his pockets. The struggle brought out many noble qualities on both sides — and some which had best be buried. As the victors had the writing of the history, none but the good, on our side, appears. Of that good, there was ample in gallantry and skill to make us proud of those splendid armies which planted the Stars and Stripes upon the Hall of the Montezumas.

During the Mexican War, Lieutenant Anderson was always at the front with his Company. He took part in the Siege of Vera Cruz, skirmish of La Hoya, Battles of Contreras and Cherubusco, skirmish at San Augustine, Battle of Molino del Rey, and in the operations resulting in the capture of the City of Mexico. His gallantry in the affair at San Augustine was so conspicuous that the United States Government conferred upon him the Brevet of First Lieutenant "for gallant and meritorious conduct in an affair with the enemy at San Augustine."

In recognition of his loyal and devoted services throughout the Mexican War, the State of South Carolina presented Captain Anderson with a very handsome sword. This was decided upon at the Annual Session of the Legislature of 1857, when the following resolutions were passed by the Senate and House of Representatives. They were offered by Senator Moses, in the Senate.

"Whereas : The State of South Carolina recognizes with pride and gratification the military services of her son, Captain Richard H. Anderson, of the United States Army, in the late War with Mexico, as displayed in all the conflicts with the enemy, commencing at Vera Cruz, and terminating with the capture of the City of Mexico.

HIS CAREER UP TO 1861 23

"And whereas: It is the high and grateful privilege and duty ol a State to manifest, by a proper expression, its appreciation of her heroic and patriotic sons, —

"Be it tlierefore. Resolved: : That the Governor be requested lo procure a sword, with proper and suitable devices, and present the same in the name of the State, to Captain Richard H. Anderson, as an expression of its appreciation of his gallant and meritorious services."

The sword was inscribed: "South Carolina to Captain Richard Heron Anderson, a memorial of gallant conduct in service at Vera Cruz, Cherubusco, Molina del Rey, Mexico." The hilt of the sword is surmounted with a head of Calhoun, and at the top of the scabbard a shield of gold, bearing the Coat of Arms of South Carolina.

The receipt of the Sword was acknowledged in the following letter:

Camp Floyd, Utah Territory,

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter enclosing a copy of the resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives of the General Assembly of South Carolina, which conferred upon me the high distinction of its commendation and rewarded my military service by the gift of a sword.

It is with unalloyed pleasure and deep gratification that I receive this token of remembrance and approbation from my native State, and it is with just pride that I welcome so unlocked for and flattering a recognition.

It also affords me great happiness to remember that this high honor has been bestowed upon me for service in a campaign to the successful and glorious termination of which the heroic Palmetto Regiment so gallantly contributed. Twenty-one years ago I left my home to enter the Military Academy of the United States. Since that time I have revisited my native State only at long intervals, but my affection for it has not been diminished by my absence. I have been led, by my services to our common country, into almost every quarter of her wide and magnificent domain ; but I have no where found a land to prefer to our beloved State, nor have I ceased throughout all my wanderings to entertain the hope that at some future day I may find a home and a resting place upon its soil.

The feelings and reflections which your letter excites are all additional incentives to me to prove myself not unworthy of the commendation and regard so generously bestowed ; to cherish attachment to the Government and institutions of my country ; to preserve a high admiration for the noble patriotism of the great statesman whom you name; to be guided by his wisdom and to emulate the stainless purity of his private life.