Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes Robert E. Lee concerning Breckinridge's May, 1864, attempts to link up with General Imboden and repel a Union advance on Staunton.
Union General David Hunter writes to Ulysses S. Grant in late 1864 to explain the problems he had in the Valley the previous summer. He mentions a falling out with William Averell at Staunton.
Union General William Averell writes General Benjamin F. Kelley on the January, 1864, strategic situation in the Shenandoah Valley. He mentions that Confederate General Jubal Early has established headquarters at Staunton.
Union General William Averell writes General Benjamin F. Kelley on January, 1864, scouting reports from the Shenandoah Valley. Averell mentions that Confederates captured parts of his force and moved them through Staunton.
Union cavalry general Wesley Merritt reports to Captain E. B. Parsons that two Confederate divisions moved to Gordonsville and Staunton in January, 1864.
Army of the Potomac commander George G. Meade reports to General in Chief Henry Halleck on the disposition of forces in the Shenandoah Valley in January, 1864. Meade reports that Confederates under Early advanced down the Valley to raid the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad while maintaining a line of retreat to Staunton.
Union General Andrew Humphreys writes to General Alfred Pleasonton regarding Confederate deserters captured by Wesley Merritt who reported that two Confederate divisions moved to Gordonsville and Staunton in January, 1864.
Union General William Averell reports to General Benjamin F. Kelley on intelligence gathered from two refugees who passed through Richmond and Staunton in January, 1864. The refugees discussed the bad conditions in Richmond, and reported seeing wagons filled with leather bound for Staunton.
Union Colonel R. S. Rodgers reports on two refugees who passed through Staunton in January, 1864, and informed Federal soldiers of Confederate troop locations.
In mid-1863, Lee sent General James Longstreet's corps west to strengthen Confederate efforts in Tennessee. In this January, 1864, letter, Longstreet writes Lee regarding plans for campaigning in the coming year, and preparations for Longstreet's return east. He asks that supplies be ready at Staunton or Gordonsville for use upon his arrival in Virginia.
Robert E. Lee's aide-de-camp Charles Venable orders General Jubal Early to move to Staunton to take control of Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union General John Sedgwick reports to General In Chief Henry Halleck on January, 1864, troop movements. Sedgwick reports that Confederate General Henry Heth's division had been in Staunton for Christmas.
Procuring shoes proved one of the most serious of the Confederate army's supply problems. In this January, 1864, letter, Robert E. Lee discusses many of the problems involved in maintaining an adequate supply of leather, including speculation and low production resulting from impressment. Lee hopes the needed leather can be purchased with either specie or hides, but he suggests putting the quartermasters at Staunton in charge of impressment, should it prove necessary.
The Shenandoah Valley provided a rich source of food and supply for a Confederate army at times hard pressed to procure adequate provisions. In this January, 1864, letter, Robert E. Lee orders General Jubal Early, commanding at Staunton, to send expeditions into the countryside for the purpose of procuring cattle.
In January, 1864, Confederate Topographical Engineer Jedediah Hotchkiss and his assistants set up office in Staunton, VA, to carry out orders to map the Shenandoah Valley. In this letter to General Jubal Early, Hotchkiss reports on his progress in surveying and mapping Augusta, Bath, Allegheny, and Rockbridge Counties.
Col. J. H. S. Funk commanded the Fifth Virginia Infantry. He reports being hotly engaged with the enemy.
Robert E. Lee writes General Samuel Jones in February, 1864, concerning the defense of western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Lee discusses mapping the countryside near Staunton, enlisting civilians in the army, and dealing with deserters.
Union Colonel and Chief of Secret Police R. A. Crawford reports on intelligence gathered from a Confederate soldier who deserted while stationed near Staunton, VA, in January, 1864. The soldier gives Crawford information on troop positions, and the likelihood of mass desertion from the Confederate ranks.
Confederate General Sam Jones reports to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper in February, 1864, on actions in East Tennessee and western Virginia. Jones mentions one regiment that engaged in a long march from Staunton, leaving the men's shoes and clothes in tatters.
Army quartermaster's, because of their direct access to military supplies, had plenty of temptations toward corruption, and were often accused of indiscretions when supplies ran low. In this February, 1864, letter, Robert E. Lee writes General Alexander Lawton to explain his reasons for revoking an order that allowed quartermasters to purchase supplies for their families. Lee reasons that doing so would help remedy the Confederates' increasing supply problem. Lee also refers to the public prejudice toward commissary officers.
In February, 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early commanded troops in the Shenandoah Valley. In this letter, Early writes from Staunton to Robert E. Lee concerning actions and movements in his jurisdiction. Early mentions being in Staunton to oversee his engineers' preparations for defense of western Virginia. Early also mentions his desire to return east to join Lee after a furlough.
Confederate General Jubal A. Early, commanding in the Shenandoah Valley in February, 1864, writes a letter expressing his poor opinion of General John D. Imboden's cavalry command. Early mentions the murder in the streets of Staunton of one of Imboden's sergeants as partial justification.
Confederate artillery colonel Henry Cabell writes Artillery Chief William Pendleton concerning the February, 1864, positions and conditions of his forces. Pendleton mentions a gun that had been sent to Staunton to replenish a battery weakened after the battle of Gettysburg.
Union General Jeremiah C. Sullivan writes General Benjamin F. Kelley in February, 1864, to propose a cavalry raid in the Shenandoah Valley, perhaps as far as Staunton.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley reports to Army Headquarter's Chief of Staff George W. Cullum concerning General William Averell's December, 1863, raid in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. During the raid, Union forces threatened Staunton in order to prevent Confederates from focusing all their strength on Averell.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley reports that a refugee observed Confederate General John Imboden moving west through Staunton with his troops in this February, 1864, letter.
Confederate General John Imboden reports to General Jubal Early on the February, 1864, movements of his cavalry. Imboden discusses plans to move to Augusta County.
Union General William Averell writes General Benjamin Kelley in February, 1864, to report that a deserter came into Union lines from the Staunton area. Averell gathered intelligence on Confederate troops strengths and locations from the deserter.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley forwards a March, 1864, Union dispatch to Chief of Staff Cullum. The dispatch reports that 14 armed Confederate deserters from the Staunton area entered Union lines. The deserters had planned to fight their way out of the Confederacy from their place of refuge, Mount Solon, Augusta County.
Union General Andrew Humphreys reports to General Meade on information gathered by a scout in March, 1864. The scout reported Confederate General Thomas Rosser's brigade to be stationed near Staunton.
General Robert E. Lee writes Secretary of War James Seddon in March, 1864, to recommend, for the purpose of Valley defense, the organization into regiments of the minutemen of the counties bordering the Allegheny Mountains. Lee suggests that Staunton serve as headquarters for Augusta and Bath counties.
Confederate General John Imboden writes Robert E. Lee in March, 1864, to discuss the possibility of a Union raid on the Shenandoah Valley. Imboden fears that Staunton may be one of the targets.
Col. J. H. S. Funk commanded Paxton's brigade of the Army of Northern Virginia, which included the 5th Virginia Infantry. Funk reports that the brigade fought behind breastorks and suffered severe losses.
In March, 1864, three refugees from Staunton, Gabriel Hirsch, Lizzie Hirsch, and Lizzie Haggaden, passed into Union lines. Union General Jeremiah Sullivan forwards Captain William Boone's write-up of the information the refugees provided. Boone reports that he was told that Confederate General Thomas Rosser left Staunton, leaving only a provost guard. The refugees also discussed the lack of food in the Confederacy, meat prices, discontent among civilians, and Unionist sentiment in the Shenandoah Valley. The refugees also asserted that Staunton was second in importance only to Richmond because Lee received most of his supplies from the Valley. Boone speculates that capture of the town and disruption of the railroad would deal the Confederacy a major blow.
Union General Franz Sigel forwards U. S. Army Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas intelligence gathered on March, 1864, Confederate actions in the Shenandoah Valley. Sigel's sources report that Confederate troops were collecting forage near Staunton in preparation for a raid into West Virginia. Troops in the Staunton area moved west for the same purpose.
May, 1864, Confederate General Orders providing for the formation of Maryland regiments. The orders establish Camp Maryland at Staunton, VA, for the purpose.
Col. H. P. Jones commanded the Artillery Battalion of the Army of Northern Virginia which included the Staunton Artillery. Jones reports that the artillery fired on the enemy in his works and on enemy re-enforcements.
Ulysses S. Grant writes General Franz Sigel with orders for an April, 1864, advance in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Grant orders Sigel to cut the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, and also provides instructions should Sigel need to go to Staunton.
General Ulysses S. Grant writes General Franz Sigel with orders for an April, 1864, advance in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Grant warns Sigel that the Confederates have a large force at Staunton preparing to meet any Union movements.
Confederate General John Echols writes General John Breckinridge concerning efforts to impress supplies in April, 1864. Echols mentions the lack of foodstuffs in the Valley, and reports having to send to Staunton to borrow food.
Robert E. Lee writes Jefferson Davis to inform him of April, 1864, Union movements. Lee mentions the possibility of a raid on Staunton by Union cavalry under William Averell.
In April, 1864, the Army of the Potomac under Meade, and overseen by Grant, prepared to invade Virginia and advance on Richmond. In this letter, Robert E. Lee writes General John C. Breckinridge to inform him of these developments, as well as his suspicions that Union General Averell might launch a raid on railroads around Staunton in conjunction with Meade's advance.
R. L. Poor writes Confederate General John C. Breckinridge from Staunton to report on Union troop movements.
In April, 1864, Union forces in western Virginia prepared to advance in conjunction with Grant's spring campaign. In this letter, Franz Sigel reports on preparations in western Virginia, and the locations and strengths of the Confederates facing him. He informs Grant that Confederate deserters who entered Union lines from Staunton report that General Jubal Early took command in Staunton.
This April, 1864, Confederate War Department Circular establishes guidelines for conscription of men claiming to be Maryland citizens. The War Department asks that any in the Confederacy be sent to report at Camp Maryland, Staunton, VA.
General George Crook writes General Franz Sigel regarding April, 1864, plans to advance on Lynchburg. He asks if he should retreat toward Staunton if his force is endangered.
Lee's aide-de-camp Charles Marshall writes General J. E. B. Stuart in April, 1864, to warn him of a suspected Union raid on either Staunton or the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.
These April, 1864, Confederate Special Orders send General Arnold Elzey to Staunton to take command of the Maryland Line.
This April, 1864, dispatch, musters a battalion of Confederate cavalry into service and sends it to Camp Maryland at Staunton.
Union General Franz Sigel writes General Julius Stahel regarding plans for an April, 1864, advance. Sigel plans to take Staunton, where he will await reinforcements.
Union General Franz Sigel writes to General Grant with information taken from Confederate prisoners in April, 1864. Sigel reports that Confederate General Elzey, commanding at Staunton, received authorization from Lee to reinforce his command. The prisoners also discuss other Confederate troop movements.
Confederate General John Echols writes General John C. Breckinridge in April, 1864, to inform him that a large Union force is gathering at Beverly, West Virginia, with the intention of moving on Staunton.
In April, 1864, Union forces prepared to move in northern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, and the West as part of General Grant's overall strategic plan. In this letter, Robert E. Lee writes Jefferson Davis to inform him of the situation, including his suspicion that Generals Averell and Sigel planned a raid on Staunton or the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.
In April, 1864, Confederate forces in the Valley and northern Virginia prepared to meet simultaneous Union advances. In this letter, Confederate General John Imboden writes to General John C. Breckinridge to report on the situation, including Imboden's preparations to defend Staunton and the rest of the Valley.
Union General Franz Sigel writes General Grant concerning Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley during May, 1864. Sigel speculates that Confederate General Elzey has moved from Staunton to Woodstock.
In May, 1864, Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley prepared to advance in conjunction with General Grant's offensive in the east. In this letter, Robert E. Lee warns General John C. Breckinridge of these developments, and expresses the opinion that Union General William Averell planned to capture Staunton.
Union General Franz Sigel writes General Grant concerning General Crook's May, 1864, plans for the Valley. The plans involve a demonstration at Staunton, where the Confederates threaten to concentrate troops.
General Grant writes Franz Sigel with plans for May, 1864, movements in the Shenandoah Valley. Grant suggests that Sigel send men to Lynchburg to return to Staunton where they can pick up supplies.
Union General Franz Sigel writes General Max Weber concerning May, 1864, plans for an advance in the Shenandoah Valley. He estimates the number of Confederates between Staunton and Strasburg.
Francis Smith, superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, writes Confederate General John C. Breckinridge in May, 1864, to offer the services of the cadets during any campaigning in the Shenandoah Valley. Smith also mentions General John Imboden's efforts to set up a telegraph line between Staunton and VMI for close contact and planning.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes General John Echols on the possibility of a May, 1864, Union advance on Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden writes Robert E. Lee in May, 1864, to discuss preparations for defense of the Shenandoah Valley, including Staunton. He mentions plans to arm reserves in Augusta County.
Robert E. Lee writes Jefferson Davis in May, 1864, concerning possible Union advances on the Peninsula and toward Staunton.
Confederate Thomas Ransom reports to J. E. B. Stuart on May, 1864, Union movements in the Shenandoah Valley. He reports that Union General William Averell's force is threatening Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden sends a letter through Staunton to General John C. Breckinridge reporting May, 1864, Federal troop movements in the Shenandoah Valley.
Jefferson Davis writes General John C. Breckinridge to urge him to combine with General Imboden to stop a May, 1864, Union advance on Staunton.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes Robert E. Lee concerning May, 1864, preparations to defend Staunton, VA, against a Union advance.
Robert E. Lee writes General John C. Breckinridge concerning the defense of Staunton against a possible May, 1864, Union advance.
These May, 1864, Confederate Special Orders muster Major H. W. Gilmor's partisans into service as cavalry, and send them the Camp Maryland, Staunton, VA.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge reports to General Braxton Bragg that he is moving his troops to Staunton under orders from General Lee in May, 1864.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge sends a letter through Staunton to General John Imboden concerning the May, 1864, movement of troops.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes General Jenkins that he is moving his men to Staunton in early May, 1864.
Union General Franz Sigel writes the Adjutant General concerning May, 1864, Confederate movements in Virginia. He reports on a Confederate cavalry retreat toward Staunton.
Confederate Adjutant General Samuel Cooper writes General William E. Jones in May, 1864, to ask him to move troops to Staunton.
Confederate Adjutant General Samuel Cooper writes General William E. Jones in May, 1864, to request that General Vaughn's brigade be sent to Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden writes to General John C. Breckinridge concerning May, 1864, movements and their relation to the defense of Staunton.
Union Colonel T. M. Harris writes Colonel Wilkinson with May, 1864, Confederate movements. Harris reports that Confederate General John Imboden has moved to Staunton.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes from Staunton to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper concerning May, 1864, action in the Shenandoah Valley.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes from Staunton to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper concerning May, 1864, Union movements in the Shenandoah Valley.
In early May, 1864, Confederate General John Echols made his way to Staunton with his men. In this dispatch, Echols remarks on the lack of corn in the vicinity. He asks General John C. Breckinridge to send a train filled with supplies for the troops.
Confederate General Gabriel Wharton writes General John C. Breckinridge in May, 1864, to report his progress toward Staunton.
Confederate General John McCausland writes to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper on May, 1864, fighting in West Virginia. McCausland reports that General John C. Breckinridge can send him no help from Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden reports to General John C. Breckenridge, stationed at Staunton, on May, 1864, action in the Shenandoah Valley.
In May, 1864, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute went to reinforce Staunton against an expected Union attack. In this dispatch, Francis Smith, director at the Institute, writes John C. Breckinridge to tell him how many troops he can expect. Smith also itemizes the supplies and ammunition he is sending to Staunton with the cadets.
General Robert E. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia which included the 5th Va. Inf. Lee reports on the enemy breaking through the Confederate line.
Confederate Assistant Adjutant General H. L. Clay forwards a May, 1864, telegram to Robert E. Lee. The telegram ordered Confederate General John C. Breckinridge, commanding at Staunton, to move his troops to Lynchburg.
In May, 1864, Union General Franz Sigel planned an advance up the Shenandoah Valley to threaten Staunton. In this dispatch, Sigel sends the U. S. Army Adjutant Confederate telegrams captured at Woodstock that reveal the strength of the Confederate force at Staunton.
Confederate Assistant Adjutant Charles Stringfellow writes General John C. Breckinridge, commanding at Staunton, regarding May, 1864, troop movements in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes from Staunton to Braxton Bragg in May, 1864, to discuss movements in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union Secretary of War Edwin Stanton writes General Grant notifying him of the appointment of major-generals in May, 1864. Stanton also discusses troop positions, and reports Confederate General John C. Breckinridge at Staunton.
Union Secretary of War Edwin Stanton writes General Grant informing him of May, 1864, troop locations in the Shenandoah Valley. Stanton reports that Confederates under General John C. Breckinridge are at Staunton.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes Adjutant General Samuel Cooper concerning troop movements in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley during May, 1864. Breckinridge seeks to avoid leaving Staunton vulnerable to attack.
Confederate quartermaster H. M. Bell writes General John C. Breckinridge, commanding at Staunton, concerning General Lee's May, 1864, request for corn. Lee asks Bell to borrow corn from citizens in the Lynchburg, Staunton, and Charlottesville areas. If the citizens refuse to part with the corn, Lee authorizes Bell to impress it. Bell also reports that he will send much of Breckinridge's supplies to Lee, as Breckinridge can subsist his horses on the good grass in the Staunton area.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley notifies Colonel Harris of May, 1864, Confederate movements toward Staunton.
Confederate Major H. M. Bell, quartermaster at Staunton, reports to General W. H. Richardson on the part played by the VMI cadets in May, 1864, fighting at New Market.
General Ulysses S. Grant writes Henry Halleck in May, 1864, to ask that General Franz Sigel be sent to Staunton to destroy the road there, and prevent the flow of more Confederate supplies from the town.
Union General Henry Halleck responds to General Grant in May, 1864. He says that despite Grant's request that General Franz Sigel advance on Staunton, Sigel was actually retreating with his men to Strasburg.
In this May, 1864, dispatch, Union Assistant Adjutant D. C. Wager orders General Franz Sigel to attack Staunton and destroy the railroad there in order to disrupt Lee's flow of supplies.
Union General Franz Sigel writes General Benjamin F. Kelley on May, 1864, movements and fighting in the Shenandoah Valley. Sigel asks Kelley to ask General Crook to operate against Staunton with the purpose of destroying the railroad.
In this May, 1864, dispatch, Union General Benjamin F. Kelley asks Colonel Youart to notify General Crook of General Sigel's wish that Crook move on Staunton to destroy the railroad.
Confederate General William E. Jones writes Adjutant General Samuel Cooper concerning May, 1864, troop movements. Jones mentions the transfer of General Vaughn's brigade to Staunton.
Confederate General William Jones replies to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper concerning the movement of Vaughn's brigade to Staunton in May, 1864.
In this letter to General Benjamin F. Kelley, Union General Franz Sigel estimates the number of Confederate troops in the Staunton area in May, 1864. He asks Crook to operate against Staunton.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes from Staunton to Colonel McCausland concerning May, 1864, troop movements.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes from Staunton to Robert E. Lee in May, 1864, to announce preparations for defense of the Valley.
Union General Franz Sigel reports to Assistant Adjutant Wager on the May, 1864, battle at New Market. He also mentions his orders that General Crook operate in the direction of Staunton.
Robert E. Lee writes in May, 1864, to Confederate General John C. Breckinridge, commanding at Staunton, to ask for cavalry reinforcements.
Confederate General John Imboden writes General John C. Breckinridge in May, 1864, concerning action in the Shenandoah Valley. Imboden reports ordering the VMI cadets to Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden writes General John C. Breckinridge, commanding at Staunton, concerning May, 1864, Union troop movements.
Confederate General John Imboden writes General John C. Breckinridge concerning May, 1864, Union troop movements. Imboden also asks for reinforcements.
General Ulysses S. Grant informs Henry Halleck in May, 1864, that Lee's army is receiving its supplies via the road running through Staunton. As a result, Grant hopes General David Hunter can take the town.
In May, 1864, Union General David Hunter advanced in the Shenandoah Valley in conjunction with Grant's drive toward Richmond. In this letter, Grant writes Henry Halleck to discuss plans for the Valley. He mentions the importance to Lee's army of supplies arriving on the branch road from Staunton, and the consequent need to capture that town.
General Grant writes General in Chief Henry Halleck with May, 1864, plans for an advance in the Valley led by General David Hunter. Grant hopes that Hunter can attack Staunton and disrupt the supplies flowing to Lee on the railroad from that town.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley writes General Franz Sigel to notify him of General William Averell's May, 1864, victory over Confederates at Goshen, on the General Railroad, twenty-one miles from Staunton.
Union General Henry Halleck writes General David Hunter on May, 1864, operations in the Shenandoah Valley. Halleck mentions the importance of Staunton as a Confederate base of supply.
Union General David Hunter writes the Army Assistant Adjutant in May, 1864, to report an advance ordered on Staunton.
These May, 1864, Confederate Special Orders send Quartermaster Charles Snowden to Staunton to report for duty.
Robert E. Lee writes Colonel McCausland in May, 1864, to warn him of a possible Union raid on Staunton. Lee suggests good uses for the Staunton guns.
Union colonel G. H. Sharpe writes General Andrew Humphreys concerning Confederate troop movements in May, 1864. Sharpe reports that a captured prisoner detailed his unit's departure from the Valley on the railroad from Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden writes Adjutant General Samuel Cooper to request guns and horses from Staunton to help him stop a May, 1864, Union advance.
Captain John McEntee reports the Valley clear of enemies up to Staunton in May, 1864.
Union General David Hunter writes Henry Halleck in May, 1864, to report his plans of linking up with General Crook at Staunton.
Union Colonel T. M. Harris reports to General Benjamin Kelley that Confederate troops passed through Staunton on their way to join Lee in May, 1864.
Confederate General John Imboden writes to General William E. Jones to ask for help in stopping a Union advance toward Staunton in May, 1864.
Union General George Crook writes to report his May, 1864, progress toward Staunton, VA. Crook reports his intention to get supplies from the countryside, but orders many items to be sent to meet him at Staunton.
Confederate General John Imboden writes General Lee in June, 1864, on defense of the Valley in the face of a Union offensive. Imboden reports that there is no artillery or ammunition left at Staunton.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley writes Assistant Adjutant T. A. Meysenburg in May, 1864, to report that Valley militia had been called out and ordered to gather at Staunton.
These June, 1864, Confederate Special Orders put General Edwin Lee in command at Staunton, Virginia. Lee is charged with the town's defense against advancing Federals.
This June, 1864, notice from Lee discusses Confederate General Echols relief from command due to sickness, the need for an active commander in the Valley, and the expected arrival of General W. E. Jones in Staunton.
Union General Henry Halleck writes General Grant on the overall strategic situation in June, 1864. He mentions General Crook's intention to join General David Hunter at Staunton, among other movements.
Union Assistant Adjutant T. A. Meysenburg writes General Max Weber in June, 1864, to alert him that a train is on its way to Staunton.
The railroad running out of Staunton served as a crucial supply route for Confederate armies in Virginia. In this June, 1864, letter, General Grant writes General George Meade discussing orders for a cavalry raid to Charlottesville and Gordonsville. Grant orders that the cavalry go as far west as Staunton, destroying rails all the way.
Confederate Cavalry General John C. Vaughn reports from Staunton to Robert E. Lee on the June 5, 1864, battle near Staunton, VA, in which General William E. Jones lost his life. Vaughn expresses doubt that he can hold Staunton after the defeat.
Confederate Cavalry General John C. Vaughn reports to Secretary of War James Seddon on the June, 1864, defeat at the Battle of Piedmont. Vaughn says that he cannot hold Staunton.
Confederate Colonel Edwin Lee reports to Robert E. Lee on the June 5, 1864, defeat at the battle of Piedmont. Lee expresses his fear that Staunton will fall to the Union army.
General Grant writes General Meade in June, 1864, concerning cavalry operations in Virginia. Grant expresses his wish that the cavalry destroy railroad tracks as far as Staunton.
Union General Ulysses S. Grant orders General David Hunter to join in destroying the Virginia Central Railroad in June, 1864. Grant orders Hunter to proceed east from Staunton through Charlottesville.
Confederate General John Vaughn writes Secretary of War James Seddon in June, 1864, to inform him of the dire situation in the Shenandoah Valley. He says that he believes Staunton cannot be held.
Confederate Cavalry General John C. Vaughn reports to General Braxton Bragg on the June 6, 1864, aftermath of the Battle of Piedmont. Vaughn reports the Union occupation of Staunton.
Union Assistant Secretary of War Charles Dana informs Secretary of War Edwin Stanton of June, 1864, reports in the Richmond newspapers of Union General David Hunter's victory over Confederates in the Staunton area. The Confederate General, William E. Jones, reportedly lost his life in the battle.
Union General Benjamin Butler notifies General Grant of General David Hunter's victory over Confederate William E. Jones, and the subsequent occupation of Staunton.
Union Colonel William Ely reports from Staunton in June, 1864, on an engagement fought by the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers.
Confederate Cavalry General John C. Vaughn reports to General Braxton Bragg on the June 7, 1864, aftermath of the Battle of Piedmont, and the fall of Staunton.
Union General David Hunter's Assistant Adjutant issues orders for the cavalry from occupied Staunton, VA, in June, 1864.
In this June, 1864, dispatch, Union General Benjamin F. Kelley writes Colonel T. M. Harris on Union movements in the Shenandoah Valley. He mentions Generals Hunter and Crook's plans to link up at Staunton.
John Tyler, riding with Lee's staff in June, 1864, reports to Confederate General Sterling Price on the fighting he has witnessed during the spring and the summer. Tyler gives accounts of the Wilderness Campaign, his impressions of Grant and Lee, and changes in strategy due to the loss of Staunton.
Union General Benjamin Butler writes Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to notify him of General David Hunter's June, 1864, victory over Confederates under William E. Jones, and the subsequent occupation of Staunton.
Union Colonel Jacob Campbell reports from Staunton on the actions of the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry in the June, 1864, Battle of Piedmont. The Union victory there resulted in the death of Confederate General William E. Jones, and the capture of Staunton.
Union General David Hunter writes from Staunton to the U. S. Army Adjutant in June, 1864. Hunter reports on the Union victory at Piedmont, and the linking of Crook's and Averell's forces.
Union Assistant Adjutant Charles Halpine writes from Staunton to Colonel Moor of the Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry on the expiration of the regiment's term of service in June, 1864. Halpine mentions the role the Twenty-eighth played in the Battle of Piedmont.
In early June, 1864, Union troops took control of Staunton, Virginia. In this dispatch, Union General George Crook's Assistant Adjutant writes from Staunton to the Second Infantry Division, West Virginia Department. He complains that troops have been disregarding orders by seizing the goods of private citizens.
In early June, 1864, Union forces occupied Staunton, VA. In this dispatch, the Union Provost Marshall stationed in Staunton notifies General William Averell of guidelines for troops while in and near town. Averell is asked to post guards to prevent marauding, see that all soldiers entering town have a pass, and to send officers with men coming to town to shoe their horses.
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes General Braxton Bragg announcing his June, 1864, arrival in Lynchburg. He speculates that Union General William Averell is headed toward Staunton.
Confederate General Braxton Bragg writes General John C. Breckinridge concerning June, 1864, fighting in the Valley. He reports no Union movements from Staunton.
Confederate General John C. Vaughn writes General John C. Breckinridge on May, 1864, Union movements in the Shenandoah Valley. Vaughn reports that Union Generals Crook and Averell linked up at Staunton.
In early June, 1864, Union troops took Staunton, VA. In this dispatch, Confederate General John C. Breckinridge writes Colonel George Crittenden with plans for a possible counter-attack.
In June, 1864, Union troops under General David Hunter advanced up the Shenandoah Valley. In this report, Hunter discusses his advance, his victory at Piedmont, and the capture of Staunton. Hunter reports capturing and paroling sick and wounded Confederates, capturing supplies, burning buildings, and destroying railroads in town.
Union Secretary of War Edwin Stanton writes General Sherman to notify him of General David Hunter's June, 1864, victory at the battle of Piedmont, and the subsequent occupation of Staunton. He reports that Confederate forces took to the mountains between Staunton and Charlottesville.
William T. Sherman replies to June, 1864, news of the capture of Staunton, which he rates as one of the most militarily important towns in Virginia.
Union Assistant Secretary of War Charles A. Dana writes Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in June, 1864, with information obtained from a refugee from Richmond. The refugee discussed the poor condition of Richmond, the capture of Staunton, and the death of the Confederate General defending the town.
Union Assistant Secretary of War Charles A. Dana writes Edwin M. Stanton with the details of David Hunter's June, 1864, victory near Staunton, VA.
Union General David Hunter writes from occupied Staunton to reassign General Julius Stahel who received a wound at the June, 1864, Battle of Piedmont.
In early June, 1864, Union forces occupied Staunton, VA. In this dispatch, Union cipher clerk R. R. McCaine writes from Staunton to Washington telegraph manager Thomas Eckert. McCaine reports on operations in Staunton. He mentions the expected arrival of an ordnance train, the destruction of the railroad, and the burning of all railroad buildings in the town.
Union General David Hunter's Assistant Adjutant Charles Halpine issues orders from occupied Staunton, VA, concerning June, 1864, reorganization of army and cavalry regiments.
Union General David Hunter's Assistant Adjutant P. G. Bier issues orders from occupied Staunton in June, 1864, concerning preparation for further advances in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union General David Hunter's Assistant Adjutant P. G. Bier issues June, 1864, orders from occupied Staunton concerning the movement of a prisoner train to West Virginia.
Union General William Averell writes from occupied Staunton, asking that cavalry regiments in the rear be reorganized for service during June, 1864, operations in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union Assistant Adjutant James Botsford writes from occupied Staunton to notify General William Averell of Confederate forces in the area during June, 1864, campaigning in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union Colonel J. M. Schoonmaker writes from occupied Staunton to Captain Will Rumsey on Confederate positions during the June, 1864, fighting in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union General David Hunter writes from occupied Staunton in June, 1864, requesting that ammunition be sent up.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley writes Colonel T. M. Harris to say that General Hunter reportedly took Staunton in June, 1864.
Union Assistant Adjutant T. Melvin writes Major J. P. McIlrath to announce the June, 1864, capture of Staunton.
Confederate Colonel George B. Crittenden writes General John C. Breckinridge concerning the availability of troops for movements toward Staunton in June, 1864.
Confederate Colonel George Crittenden writes to General John C. Breckinridge in June, 1864, concerning the movement of troops to Staunton.
Union General William Averell's Assistant Adjutant Will Rumsey issues orders from occupied Staunton reorganizing regiments and reassigning commanders in June, 1864.
Union Provost Marshall George Sharpe writes General Andrew Humphreys to discuss Confederate positions, and the supply situation in the army. Sharpe mentions the June, 1864, capture of Staunton, the results it had on Union supply, and the subsequent capture by Confederates of a Union wagon train near Gordonsville.
Union General James Wilson writes General Andrew Humphreys to report on Confederate General John C. Breckinridge's June, 1864, move to Staunton.
General Grant writes Union General in Chief Henry Halleck to announce the meeting of Generals Crook and Averell at Staunton in June, 1864.
Confederate General Braxton Bragg forwards a June, 1864, dispatch to General John C. Breckinridge detailing fighting near Staunton and Lexington.
Confederate judge John Brockenbrough writes Secretary of War James Seddon updating him on June, 1864, fighting in the Valley. Brockenbrough reports Union General William Averell's advance from Staunton.
Union forces briefly occupied Staunton, VA, in early June, 1864. In this letter, Confederate Reserve Colonel Kenton Harper reports that after the Federal departure, Staunton's slaves began acting badly. He suggests sending troops to the town to aid and protect the citizens.
Union General Franz Sigel writes the U. S. Adjutant General to report that Confederates under John C. Breckinridge are on the way to Staunton in June, 1864.
Union General Julius Stahel reports on his June, 1864, return to West Virginia from Staunton. Stahel had been sent to organize troops for the front.
Confederate General Arnold Elzey reports to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper on his efforts to form the Maryland Line at Staunton, Virginia. He reports that the troops are in a state of disarray.
Union Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton writes General David Hunter to congratulate him on the capture of Staunton, VA.
In early June, 1864, Union troops captured Staunton, Virginia. By the 15th, Confederate Colonel Edwin Lee returned to the town. In this letter to Confederate Assistant Adjutant General J. Stoddard Johnston, Lee reports how he discovered sick and wounded Federals in the Staunton hospital, and worked quickly to parole them before Union troops arrived.
Union General Phil Sheridan reports to Army of the Potomac Chief of Staff Andrew Humphreys on June, 1864, cavalry action in the central Virginia. Sheridan mentions Union General David Hunter's operations in the Staunton area, including destruction of the railroad.
Union General Julius Stahel writes Major William P. Rucker in June, 1864, to tell him not to travel to Staunton.
Confederate General Jubal Early writes General John C. Breckinridge on the June, 1864, situation in the Shenandoah Valley. Early reports that no enemy forces are near Staunton.
Confederate General Jubal Early writes General John C. Breckinridge concerning reports that Union troops are returning to Staunton in June, 1864. Early asks Breckinridge to send out military and civilian scouts to ascertain the truth of the rumors.
In early June, 1864, Federal troops under David Hunter launched a large scale raid in the Shenandoah Valley. After defeating the Confederates at the Battle of Piedmont, the Union army captured Staunton, VA. They did not stay long, however. By June 17, Confederate Colonel Edwin Lee returned to Staunton to take command. In this report, Lee, who had taken command at Staunton just prior to the evacuation, discusses the abandonment of the town, and his efforts to rebuild his command upon his return. Lee itemizes and assesses the value of the supplies saved before the retreat, as well as the buildings and goods destroyed by the Federals. He reports how he entrusted a prominent citizen of Staunton with distributing to townspeople goods that could not be saved in the retreat. Lee also discusses the parole of sick and wounded prisoners captured at the Staunton hospital, and efforts to rebuild the railroad with the help of C. R. Mason, a prominent citizen.
Union General Henry Halleck writes Ulysses S. Grant in June, 1864, with information gathered from a deserting Confederate engineer officer. Halleck reports to Grant on Lee's troop strength, and says that all destroyed railroad track has been repaired. According to Halleck, trains ran regularly from Richmond to Staunton and Charlottesville.
By mid-June, 1864, Union forces that had advanced into the Shenandoah Valley returned to West Virginia. In this letter, Union Captain E. B. Gere reports that before his withdrawal he had heard that Confederate troops were in the vicinity of Staunton, which had been briefly held by the Union.
By mid-June, 1864, the Union advance into the Shenandoah Valley had faltered. In this dispatch, Union Captain E. B. Gere reports to General Stahel that Confederate troops were in the vicinity of Staunton, which had been briefly occupied by the Union.
Union forces briefly occupied Staunton, VA, in early June, 1864. By mid-June, however, they had withdrawn, as evidenced by this letter in which Union General Franz Sigel reports that General David Hunter had found the town occupied by Confederate troops.
Union General Henry Halleck reports to Grant that Confederate forces have been sighted at Staunton in mid-June, 1864. Union forces had briefly occupied the town, but withdrew as Union General David Hunter's advance ended.
Union forces briefly occupied Staunton in early June, 1864. When the Federals evacuated the town, some sick and wounded were left in the hospital. In this letter, Arthur I. Boreman, governor of West Virginia, asks Union General Franz Sigel for permission to send supplies to sick and wounded Union prisoners in Staunton.
Union Colonel A. Moor writes General Franz Sigel on the Twenty-eighth Ohio's June, 1864, march from Staunton along with prisoners, refugees, contrabands, sick, and wounded.
Lewis Harvie, President of the Danville and Richmond Railroad, writes Confederate Secretary of War James Seddon in June, 1864, to express his fear that Federal troops will be able to take the railroad. He reports on the inadequate defenses at Staunton and other places.
Robert Ould writes Confederate General W. M. Gardner with a list of the Confederacy's Prisoner of War depots. Ould mentions Staunton as one of the towns holding prisoners of war.
Union general Benjamin Kelley reports to West Virginia governor Arthur Boreman on June, 1864, action in the Shenandoah Valley. Sigel reports that Unionist citizens in the area reported seeing Confederate troops between Lynchburg and Staunton.
Robert E. Lee writes Jefferson Davis in June, 1864, to discuss the overall strategic situation. He mentions plans for the Valley, including Early's actions in Staunton and the lower Valley. Lee expresses fear about his army's supply situation as it faces Grant's Federals. Also of interest is Lee's opinion of the Union's African American troops.
Confederate General Jubal Early writes to General Nicholls to report that the Augusta reserve artillery is stationed in Lynchburg in June, 1864. Early states that he has disbanded the reserves, and suggests sending the Augusta artillery home.
Confederate superintendent of the Virginia Central Railroad, H. D. Whitcomb, writes Secretary of War James Seddon in June, 1864, concerning efforts to rebuild the road after a Union raid. Whitcomb mentions repairs needed in the Staunton area, and the possibility of supplying Richmond with grain once the road reopens.
Union Assistant Adjutant T. A. Meysenburg reports to General Max Weber that General Stahel was ordered to Staunton in June, 1864.
In June, 1864, Union forces under David Hunter advanced on Staunton, Virginia. Confederate officers attempted to scrape together a force to meet the advance, and resorted to calling to the front all men detailed for niter and mining duty. James Jones, captain of the