[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, formerly a Sgt, Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), now with the Hampton Legion]

                        Monday May 26th 1862
Rode to Capt Whites this morning &
got our Ambulance & Drivers, also drew
forage for three days.  Maj Wray, Lieuts Phillips
Wray & others of the staff joined us today at
Mrs Taylors – Rode to town & purchased
some arrow-root tea & sugar for Mullie
whom I went to see in the Evening & persuaded
him to come into town to Mr Harveys. he
is quite feable [sic] & sick – gave him my horse to
ride & I walked – Heard today of Stonewall
Jacksons great victory at Winchester & of his
movement towards Maryland – Andersons Army
from Gordonsville is now at Hanover Ct H & we
are expecting the great battle very soon.  Hampton’s
brigade left camp this Evening for New Bridge.
Heard today that they were going to run Mullie
for Major of the Legion – saw Henry Conner
this Evening – he is with the legion – Mr H [Harvey] Came in
from the farm at 9 o’c, a few m. after us –
                Retire 10 ½

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154

Greensboro, Ala.  May 25th 1862.

Gen J[ohn Hartwell] Cocke.

Dear Sir,

In a recent com-
munication to your servant Lucy
you request that I shall continue
to preach at the Church near
your house.  It will give me pleas-
ure in doing the will of my heaven-
ly Father to comply with your
wishes, as long as I remain in
the neighborhood. But as my
school is very small and the
prospects of my obtaining bread
for my family in this community
is very poor, I do not know that
I shall remain here.  I certainly
shall not, if I can find employ-
ment elsewhere, by which I can
make a living.
I failed to preach for two or three

appointments, as I received no
intimation from you that it
was your desire for me to contin
ue them.
There is a great revival, I am
informed among the servants on
many of the plantations, and I
trust the Lord in His goodness
is leading many of these poor
creatures to a knowledge of the
truth in spite of the indifference
of many of their masters to
their spiritual interests.

I shall be pleased t hear
from you, and I pray that God
may give you the consolations
of his Truth and that your
last days may be your best
days—-

Respectfully
C.E. Brame

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Sunday
May 25

Rainy to-day. Mr James came into the
orderly’s tent and held short services
after which we sung awhile. Got a book
(Evenings with Bunyan), and read considerable
On the whole enjoyed the Sabbath very
well for the situation

MSS 11293

[letter written on captured Union stationery with a red and blue vignette depicting an officer reviewing troops and the caption THE WAR FOR THE UNION “Stand by me, and I’ll stand by you.” GEN. McCLELLAN]

Sunday, May 25th
1862
In a field on the road-
side 4 1/2 miles above Win-
chester on the Martinsburg
Turnpike–Bivouack of
Rockbridge Artillerty–1st Brigade–Army of the Valley

Mrs. Wm. M. Blackford
Lynchburg,
My Dear Mother
A kind and ever
merciful God has given us a signal
and most gratifying victory over that
portion of the army of invasion left
in this quarter.  I am further thankful
to be able to tell you that both Berke
ley and myself, after exposure to dangers
to which those at Kernstown were small,
are safe and well.  It is true Berkeley has
a bruise on his shoulder from a fragment
of shell which gives him some pain,though but
a very slight injury comparatively—

[page 2]
I am not well to day, owing to our re-
cent long marches, loss of rest Etc., and
cannot go into particulars as I would
like to do about the events of the
last 3 days which have been in the
highest degree creditable to the general-
ship of Jackson and the valour of his army.
In the battle at Front Royal Thursday Friday
evening the enemy’s force was driven
off and all their shoes captured.  Be-
sides this there were taken from 5
to 800 prisoners–The 1st. Md. (Yankee)
Regt. was fairly met and captured by the
1st Md. (Confederate). This was extremely
gratifying to our Maryland soldiers &
is at once a singular coincidence and a
thing highly creditable to that gallant
command.  Yesterday the army pressed
on in two columns upon the enemy,
striking off by two different roads lea-
ding to the Valley Turnpike. They fled
incontinently leaving scores of wagons am-
bulances Etc. in the road and leaving

[page 3]
behind them every sign of a precipitous
flight. We pursued them the whole
afternoon down the Valley, taking the
pike at Middletown.  After night of course
our progress was of course very gradual.
I reserve all detailed accounts for
a future letter–About sunrise this morning we
went into action.  The engagement
lasted about 2 hours or 2 1/2, though
our battery was not in position
more than half this time.  Our
position was one of extraordinary
exposure and I believe our company
lost more than any other command
engaged.  We had from 20 to 25 killed
and wounded–Robert. McKim of Balt.
(Ran’s first cousin) is killed–& a man
from Rockbridge named Agner–Jno. M.
Gregory, Jr. (son of Judge G. & an M.A. of the U-
niversity my year one of the best men) is thought
mortally wounded as well as several
others, I fear.  Some of our best men suffered
I shall send a detailed list of our casualties
to the Richmond Dispatch.

[page 4]
The enemy enfiladed the position of our
battery with rifled guns and had infantry
playing on us besides.  It was truly fearful.
the enemy
They ^ were finally routed in the completest
manner by a charge of Infantry and
went off at doublequick.  The
whole affair is decisive, and a
event of the Manassas type—
We shall probably have as the
result of the last 2 or 3 days
work not far short of 2000
prisoners-  Thanks be to God
for this victory!  The enemy’s force
at Front Royal there probably did
not exceed 10,000 tho’ I dont know exactly
Our reception as we dashed through
Winchester was enough to make a
man weep–It was as enthusiastic
as could be: no house but what was
vocal with congratulations: handkerchiefs
waving–C.S. flags flying etc.  More par-
ticulars as soon as I can write more fully
I have a great deal to tell.  Our spoils are
very large–Gen. Jackson the hero of the day.
hereabouts the troops very enthusiastic about him
L.M. Blackford

[cross hatched on the left side of page 4]
Charles Minor & Charles Trueheart safe
Berkeley sends his love to you all–A large force
of cavalry–several regts. perhaps–are in hot
pursuit of the Enemy.

MSS 4763

[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]

Sunday, May 25

I must record the events of this blessed day, though contrary to custom,  We were roused by the deadly roar of cannons, apparently between this and Winchester.  Dr. H. went off with pistol and instruments.  Mr. Jones also went, so Uncle John officiated as parson. About the middle of the day we heard of the entire rout of Bank’s army.  They seemed smitten by a sudden panic, hardly firing a shot.  The fight commenced at the toll gate at the juncture of this and the White Post roads.  They tried to set fire to the town.  Several of their fires were extinguished by the citizens. The 21st North Carolina Regt commanded by Col. Kirkland commenced the fight and suffered very much.  They were led by treachery into an ambush of the enemy behind a stone fence.  Tonight I heard a voice calling for Tom.  I ran out to the door thinking it was Fez but to my joy found my long absent brother Archie. He had gone nearly to Martinsburg in the pursuit of the cowardly Yankees and then returned, impatient to be at home once more.  the Yankees ran like greyhounds, throwing away their clothing as it became cumbrous.  Brother Archie picked up six silver teaspoons and some towels which they had stolen.  The trunks broken open by our soldiers were filled with silk dresses, china ornaments and all manner of bijouterie.  Our troops pursued them to Martinsburg where the Yankees drew up their artillery to cover the retreat of the main army.  Oh what joy to be free once more!

MSS  9759

Cam[p] 4 Miles from Win
chester on Martinsburg
Road Sund[ay] 25” [May] 1862
My own dear Wife
   We have to day won the greatest
& most decisive victory of the
war.  day before yesterday our
advance engaged the enimy [sic] at
Front Royal.  having surprised
them, they were easily routed
& we captured all their sup-
plies & 700 prisoners.  our loss
was small.  The next day we
started for Strasburg dividing
our forces so as to attack them
at different points & succeeded
in overtaking Banks retreating
column, cut it in two parts
took a large number of prisoners
& baggage & compelled them to
burn a good many wagons

[page 2]
& provisions.  tired and broken down
as we are were we pursued them
all night resting one hour at day
light.  The vilages [sic] along the
road were illuminated & the
ladies wild with excitement
waving their handkerchiefs &c  a
little after day we resumed
our march & very soon the
Artillery commenced operations
in Front & Genl Ewel [sic] on the
right of Winchester opened at
the same time.  about one
mile from Winchester, not far
from our old camp groun[d]
the enimy [sic] was strongly posted
& our advanced forces already
engaged.  I was sent with my
regiment alone to our left
enimys [sic] right with orders
to seize & hold a woody hill
in front of the Yankees lines

[page 3]
we marched near a half mile
under heavy fire of shell & rifle
balls.  I gained the position
but not without some loss
& advanced as skirmishers
Capt Coffmans Co who got
behind trees & rocks & firing
with deliberate aim did them
great damage.  while reconoiter
ing [sic] the enimies [sic] position I
drew their fire on me, but
was protected by a Higher Power
The fireing [sic] on me was so heavy
that Col Fulkerson came in
person to support me and
formed on my left.  but just
then Genl Taylor came up
with [his] 3500 men command
forming on my right but
not having room extended one
of his regiments in front of me.
I did not like this & Col Fulker

[page 4]
son then giving the order
we advanced quickly to Taylors
left & with loud shouts the
whole line charged bayonets
& routed the Yanks most beautiful
ly.  Similar charges were made
on other positions of the enimy [sic]
& thus the battle was won.
  the Yankeys flew precipitately
& in confusion & we pursued
chasing them through Win-
chester amid the shouts & applause
of the ladies.  Capt Coffman
& Mr Kisling my Adjutant
behaved most gallantly as
did the regiment.  I am proud
of them.  I don’t know my
loss.  I think I have two killed
one is John Helphenstine of H.B.
I dont know the other.  Capt
Mauck is wounded in the foot
I dont think my loss is over

[page 5]
15 killed & wounded, but I
will try & send a list if I
can get one before sending
this  I am now 5 miles from
the battle ground & am too
so tired I cant go & see
after them in person but I
have sent a detail for the pur-
pose & both Surgeons are
with them.  I cant tell you
the extent of our victory, we
are still pursuing, taking pris-
oners & capturing arms &c
I dont know when you
will get this but I am
writing it to send by first
chance.
  Love to all my darling
   your most affectionate
  ETHWarren
I saw Hillary late last night
& Jim & George since the fight
[the following was written sideways in the bottom left margin of page 5]
all are safe

[page 6]
  I cant get a list of
wounded only one was killed
Helphenstine

“advance engaged the enimy at Front Royal”, lines 4 & 5 – 9 – ‘Warren described the fight of other units in the Confederate army at the Battle of Front Royal, 23 May 1862; the 10th VA Infantry did not participate.’


“Banks”, line 13 – Nathaniel P. Banks, Union general, commanded the Department of the Shenandoah.  As a result of the large amount of supplies captured in the aftermath of the Battle of Winchester No. 1, 25 May 1862, the Confederates derisively referred to him as ‘Commissary’ Banks.’


“Genl Ewel”, page 2, line 11 – ‘Richard S. Ewell, Confederate general, commanded a division in Jackson’s Valley Army.’


“I was sent with my regiment”, page 2, line 18 – ‘Beginning with these words, Warren described the service of the 10th VA Infantry in the Battle of Winchester No. 1, 25 May 1862.’


“Capt Coffmans Co”, page 3, line 6; page 4, line 13 – ‘Isaac G. Coffman, Captain, Company B, 10th VA Infantry.

“Col Fulkerson”, page 3, line 14; page 3, line 22 & page 4, line 1 – ‘Samuel V. Fulkerson, Colonel, 37th VA Infantry, temporarily commanded Taliaferro’s Brigade.’


“Genl Taylor”, page 3, line 17; page 4, line 2 – ‘Richard Taylor, Confederate general, commanded the Louisiana Brigade.’


“Mr Kisling”, page 4, line 14 – ‘Whitfield G. Kisling, 1st Lieutenant, Regimental Adjutant, 10th VA Infantry.  He received his appointment to this position 15 May 1862.’


“John Helphenstine”, page 4, line 19; page 6, line 3 – “John H. Helphenstine, Private, Company B, 10th VA Infantry.  He was 18 years old at the Battle of Winchester where he was shot in the head and killed in action.  Originally buried on the field, he body was disinterred and reburied in Woodbine Cemetery, Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, in March 1866.’


“H.B.”, page 4, line 19 – ‘Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia.’


“Capt Mauck”, page 4, lines 20 & 21 – ‘Robert C. Mauck, Captain, Company C2, 10th VA Infantry.  Mauck was 44 years old when he was shot in the foot at the Battle of Winchester No. 1, 25 May 1862.  After an attempt to save his wounded limb, he underwent an amputation of the leg at the Staunton Hospital on 9 July 1862.  Complications arose and he died on 11 July.  He was buried in Woodbine Cemetery, Harrisonburg.’


“I dont think my los is over 15 killed & wounded”, page 4, line 22 & page 5, line 1 – ‘Warren was very close to the actual number of casualties.  In fact, the regiment suffered a total of twelve casualties at the Battle of Winchester No. 1, 25 May 1862: one killed in action, one mortally wounded in action, ten wounded in action.  Specifically, one casualty was suffered in Company B, three in Company C2, five in Company F, and three in Company K2.’


“both Surgeons”, page 5, line 9 – ‘Warren referred to both the assistant-surgeons serving with the regiment: John A. Morson and Thomas L. Taylor.’


“ETHWarren”, page 5, signature – ‘Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.’


“Hillary”, page 5, note line 1 – ‘Brother of Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder (Warren’s wife) John Hilary Magruder, Private, Company B, 7th VA Cavalry.’


“Jim”, page 5, note line 2 – ‘Brother of Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder (Warren’s wife) James W. Magruder, Sergeant, Company K, 2nd VA Cavalry.’


“George”, page 5, note line 2 – ‘Brother of Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder (Warren’s wife) George S. Magruder, Corporal, Company C, 13th VA Infantry.’


[transcription and annotation by John P. Mann, IV]


MSS 7786-g

Camp Near Hole in the Ridge Va  May 25 1862

Dear Sister

Yours of the 16th Inst is recd with pleasure
at the knowledge of your good health & progress
in your studies, and pleasantness of you situation
and associations. We are now pleasantly encamped
within 14 miles of Richmond having arrived
here by short & easy marches as it is very
warm weather & exceedingly rainy, & the provision
trains can hardly get along, so that the progress of
the army must be necessarily slow.  I have known
the wagons to start out in the morning to go for
rations and only proceed a mile or two the
whole day on account of the road being
so full of teams, artillery, troops &c, and the
road being very bad & sometimes it takes a long
time to get a few teams through.  Most of
the way there is but one road so you will very
readily perceive the utter impossibility of making
a rapid advance even if no enemy retarded
the progress.  Those at the north who so bitterly
assail our able commander know but
little of the labor and time required to transport
so large an army over the almost impassable
roads of such a swampy country

[page 2]
Anyone not familiar with such matters can form no
idea of the difficulties to be encountered.  I notice
that McClellan is gaining somewhat in favor at the
North and I predict for him at the close of this
war as brilliant a reputation as can be found in
the history of this war.  His popularity in the army now
is unbounded & every officer & soldier under his com-
mand has the most implicit confidence in his ability
& the ultimate success of his plans.
We have been talking for the past week of being in
Richmond in a day or two but have not yet reached
there.  What the plans of the Secesh army are I fail
to comprehend unless it be to disband entirely &
abandon the state of Vir entirely & perhaps its cause.
I learn that the road to Richmond is clear till within
4 or 5 miles of the city & that no Rebels are to be seen
in that direction.  If there are any this side of Richmond
they must be between the Chickahominy & James rivers
more to the east.  We are now north of the West Point
R.R. & not far from the Pamunky River, on the
right wing of the Peninsula Army and will probably
push upon this side of the Chickahominy.
The news we get continues to be good and seem
to augur a speedy termination of the Rebellion
My health is first rate & enjoy the march “On
to Richmond” very well, and shall probably date
my next letter from that place.  I intend to
be at Lewiston at your coming anniversary

[page 3]
and if such is the case through the mercies of Providence
will be an interested listener to your exercises.
I rec’d a letter from Mother a few days ago
which I have answered.  I hope she may recover
from her illness and enjoy again the blessing
of health.  I expect some of us will soon hear from
Joseph.  I feel quite anxious to know of his where-
abouts, though as to his safety I have not very great
fear, but it is hard to tell what does happen in war
times.
On our last march 4 miles, we passed through the
best part of the country since we have been on the
Peninsula.  It appears to be settled and cultivated
and many of the citizens at  home attending to
their business.  One man I had a talk with myself who
claims to be a Union man and got clear of the rebel
army on account of being over age.  He says he has a
son nearly 18 whom they were after several times but
he kept hid in the woods so that did not find him.
He represents the Confederate army as discouraged &
heartily sick of soldiering & thinks they will not fight
much more in these parts.  Says he was in Richmond
about two weeks since & heard a great deal said against
Jeff. Davis and the Southern Confederacy. These state-
ments seem to be confirmed from other sources & show
that the righteous cause of Secession is in a precarious situation.
But I will close hoping you will be happy & prosperous &
still pray for me Your aff’nate Brother A.S. Davis

[page 4]
Enclosed you will find a copy
of the proceedings between Mr G[?] M[?]
A minister in Brussells showing in
what high esteem our Reg.
is held by persons abroad.

Allen Seymour Davis of the 1st Minnesota Regiment


MSS 11338

Corinth Miss   25 May 1862
My dear Little Nannie:
                                          Since writing to our Mother[,] Clark has
been quite easy and has steadily improved under close
attendance by Dr. Brodie, who prescribes nothing but Brandy
toddies and an occasional dose of Morphine – He exam-
-ines & dresses the wound daily, using (after washing the sores)
only fresh lint & new bandages – Clark complains of no
soreness bout the Chest, and granulations progressing
finely – He sits propped up in the bed – sometimes stands
for a moment on the floor & though he feels almost
able to start home says he will not go until Brodie
says so – We will probably leave here in the cource of
a week or ten days, going by Rail Road to Mobile, thence
to Montgomery by steam-boat, at which last place
I shall be glad to hear from your Father with
instructions as to the Cotton investment, if he is
still in the notion of buying at 8 cents or less –
When I was at Montgomery a great many holders were
moving their Cotton by Rail Road & other means to the
country; but a larger portion was being concentrated
for burning. At that time (as yet I presume) it could
have been had for 7 ½  cents pr. lob. I hope the enemy
may not occupy Mobile before we are ready to start
for Montgomery – In that event we will have to go
by stage from Meredian Miss 40 miles across to Selma Ala.
          The whole Army here marched out day
before yesterday to cut off a portion of the

[page 2]
left wing of the enemy’s army about four miles
from this; but the scheme was abortive because Gen.
Van Dorn missed the way & did not get in posi-
-tion at the right time – The troops were in fine
condition & eager for a fight; having just been ad-
-dressed by Revd. Mr. Palmer of N. Orleans, on the
subject of the late disreputable order of Genl Butler
at New Orleans –
          During his prostration Clark has been favored
in almost every way – Numerous nice friends – call
to see him & tender contributions to his comforts, and
the weather being all the time cool seems to have
had reference to his case –
          If I did not know that I am perfectly
welcome to my place at Capt. Cummins’ table I
should feel as an intruder –
          Give my love to all at home & tell
the  Capn. he must be a good boy –
                                  Your Own                                      
                                              Choctaw
P.S. – On my arrival at Montgomery I will enquire
at the Post Office & Telegraph Office for
communications from the Colonel –

William King of the Saltville Artillery

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6682

                   Camp 3 miles from
                             Richmond
                                  Sunday May 25/62
     My Dear Wife
                             A week has passed
without the usual and ever welcome
letter having reached me.  I wrote
a few lines when in Richmond a
day or two since  enclosing some money
which I hoped has reached you before
this.  Our Camp has been changed since
I last wrote to within 3 miles of
Richmond.  We are in daily expectation
of a great battle which may commence
at any moment.  .  Such an one as it
will be no can conjecture, but we
earnestly hope that a death blow
may be struck, to the invaders of our
soil.  I have been much worried
since I returned to camp.  Upon
leaving for home I was requested
to leave my India Rubber Coat and

and blanket.  Upon my return I was
to my utter astonishment told that they had
been lost.  Cureton promised me surely
that he would take care of the
blanket.  I find the only sure way
to do in Camp is to look to
yourself.  All my officers are sick
and have been since my return.
This makes duty a little harder
on me.  A fight occurred yesterday
within seven miles of Richmond, but
we cannot learn any particulars.
I do not at all fancy our new
Colonel.  He thinks from the way he
acts that there never was such an
officer before.  Every “dog” will certainly
have his day.
                       I wish I could spend
the pleasant Sabbath afternoon with
you and the children.  Nothing would
so revive my feelings, as the presence
of the loved ones.
                       I am truly sorry

to hear of the death of Jimmie
Elliott.  When in Richmond I could
learn nothing of him or his father.
The news reached Camp last evening
which is the first that we have
known of him within a month.
The health of the Company is still good
but I am sorry to say that another
inconvenience has arisen in Camp.
That is the body “buggers”.  My Company
is nearly or quite rid of them since
the new clothing has been received.
I hope you will not have spent all
your funds before the new supply rea-
-ches you.  Hoping to receive a letter
soon,  I will close,  Give much love to all
home folks and friends and accept
much pure affection from
             Your true and loving husband
                               J.M. Phinney
              Write me all the news

[This is the last letter written by Captain James M. Phinney.  On May 31 he was killed at the Battle Seven Pines]


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12661