The 'No man's land' - Alexandria, Arlington (ex-Alexandria County), Annandale-VA

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members--

Northern Virginia, especially immediately south of Washington City (Washington, DC) seemingly was a 'no man's land.'

Few raids by Mosby occurred around Annandale and in some parts of Alexandria County--(Now called Arlington), in Virginia -- more 'activites' seemed to be towards Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax Station and Fairfax Court House--

Do any of you good informed folks know anything more?

Just some thoughts.

M. E. Wolf

[Post Script]-- I have been going through the Official Reports of the Rebellion and, I have had some surprises --

It seems that Little River Turnpike was one of the most travelled routes from the Alexandria City docks/wharfs--that sent supplies into the Union Army during both battles of Manassass/Bull Run. Quite a bit of raids took place on the many railroad stations as well.
After the surrender at Appomattox -- General Meade made camp, along with many troops at Bailey's Crossroads; which has been mis-spelled Baile's Corner, Bailey's Corner, etc.;
Arlington Mill was busy for the Union Army as well; as the need for milled grains to create food for the troops was a great need. Further, General Longstreet and General JEB Stuart got as far as Munson Hill - near Fort Ramsey; the outter defenses of Alexandria--though connected to the Defenses of Washington/Federal City...And, Colonel Gamble, of Buford's Cavalry, was stationed a lengthy period of time in the Annandale area, commanding the Cavalry in the Virginia sector. His fellow Colonel, Devin --who was there at Gettysburg with Gamble; he rose to the rank of General, as well as Merritt. (I think Gamble should have been promoted much earlier). Major Mosby; the bain of the area got on General Winfield Scott Hancock; to whom was transferred to the "Defenses of Washington" and head of them--really was ready to 'get 'em' and came close through Colonel Gamble.

M. E. Wolf

[whitworth]

Because of naval superiority, the U.S. controlled most of Virginia, that bordered the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, down to Norfolk.

After the secession, one of Virginia's leading citizens, wrote his concern to Gen. Robert E. Lee concerning this area.
Son, after secession, there were areas of Virginia that were indefensible by the Confederacy. For a time, even Lee's daughter was behind Union lines in Prince George County, Virginia, as I recall.

Virginia, by mere secession, gave up control of over 1/3 its state, almost from the first cannon barrage.



SPRING BANK, VA., NEAR ALEXANDRIA, May 5, 1861.*
General R. E. LEE, the Military Forces of Virginia, Richmond, Va.:

DEAR SIR: I had the honor of your acquaintance in your youth, and I am sure you will recognize me in my old age. I beg, therefore, most respectfully, to ask your attention, as the commander-in-chief of the military forces of Virginia, to the condition of things on this exposed frontier. We cannot disguise from ourselves that the country is in a state of war. Not only are our ports blockaded and our navigable waters held by armed vessels, but the forts on our limits are filled with troops, while armed thousands are encamped on our border, and these thousands are not regular and disciplined soldiers, but fanatics and lawless ruffians ready for every outrage and violence. My residence, as you will possibly recollect, being so near the place of your nativity, is within that crescent formed by the Potomac in its course from Fort
Washington to the late Federal city. The chord of this arc for half its distance is constituted by the most direct highway leading through Alexandria to Fredericksburg, and which passes by my door, and which chord is nowhere more than a mile from the navigable waters of the Potomac. Within this territory below Alexandria we have but a very sparse white population, and more than half of that being now Yankee settlers. Since the secession of Virginia all or nearly all of their young men have fled to Lincoln’s camp, unwilling to take up arms in defense
of the State. Of our native population we have not half a dozen men subject to militia duty; the rest are old men, women, and children, with many slaves to watch over and our houses to guard. We have not men enough of any age sufficient to form even a patrol to look out for and warn us of impending danger or stop our slaves should they abscond.
Surrounded on three sides by the Potomac and its tributaries, we are completely open to the incursions of marauding parties at all times, and thus likewise affords the greatest facility to the escape of our slaves.
We are directly in the track of invasion, should it be attempted. Though there have been stationed at Alexandria for weeks past some hundreds of troops, their guards have never been extended in this direction beyond the limits of the town ****her than the northern side of Hunting Creek bridge, and there has never been at any time, as far as I can learn, even a patrol of horse and foot anywhere, either along the roads or shores below Alexandria. With the Kansas ruffians and murderers brought to Washington and the hordes of Northern outcasts constituting the armed assemblage there and in its vicinity, the whole navigation of the river and its tributaries under their control, we must naturally look for incursions and depredations on this defenseless region. The violence, outrage, and murder perpetrated lately in Washington under the very eyes of the Government on men even suspected of Southern sentiments is a warning of what we may constantly anticipate here. I therefore most respectfully but earnestly call your attention to our situation. It is not for me to presume to even intimate a suggestion as to military movements, but I am sure you will cheerfully recognize our claim to protection.
With great respect and esteem, yours,
G. MASON.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Whitworth,

I do agree with you and also the reference to Mr. G. Madison's correspondence.

I have been enjoying the "Official Records" in which, tells me many things that get missed because they didn't have a 'big bang' affect/effect like a good many bigger battles -- all things are important.

Here is something I got from the "Official Records," which was a delightful nugget-
HEADQUARTERS POTOMAC DEPARTMENT,
Culpeper Court-House, May 6, 1861 - 10 p. m.
For the information of the commanding general-in-chief, I herewith transmit a copy of the letter of instructions sent by me on the 5th instant, by an express, "by rail," to Colonel Taylor, commanding at
Alexandria. I report, in this connection, that I know the fact that Colonel Taylor received that letter of instruction upon the arrival of the messenger at Alexandria, on the 5th instant, by the regular train form this place on the morning of that day. Mr. F. G. Skinner, now here, and who was on the 5th instant in Alexandria, is my authority for the above statement; and Mr. Skinner tells me that he saw that letter of instruction in the hands of Colonel Taylor, and discussed with him the purport of it prior to the movement of the troops out of Alexandria on the afternoon or evening of that day (yesterday). I this day sent by telegraph to the commanding general-in-chief a full abstract of the only letter or communication I have received from Colonel Taylor alluding to or explaining the movement of the troops out of Alexandria. Nor have I been able, form any other source, except that furnished me by the arrival of Mr. Skinner, direct from Alexandria, by the train of this morning, to learn the cause of that movement; and, so far as I am informed up to this moment, there was no proper or justifiable cause whatsoever for any such movement. After waiting for further intelligence and receiving none, and duly considering and weighing all the circumstances and bearing of that movement with the information before me, I have ordered the return of the troops, as communicated by telegram, a duplicate of which has just been transmitted to the general-in-chief.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
PHILIP ST. GEO. COCKE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Potomac Department.
Colonel R. S. GARNETT,
Adjutant-General, Richmond, Va.
[Inclosure.]
CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., May 5, 1861.
Colonel TAYLOR, Commanding at Alexandria, Va.:
SIR: You will not move the troops out of Alexandria unless pressed by overwhelming and irresistible numbers; and even then you should retire to Manassas Junction, to hold that point, assist in obstructing and breaking up the road between that point and Alexandria, harassing the enemy should he attempt to use the road, and not retire ****her in the interior unless overpowered and forced, as a last extremity, to so retire. You will use your cavalry and infantry in this connection, and, under these orders, which I have full authority from headquarters at Richmond for giving to you, keep up your communications with the various parts in your rear, so as to call every resource to your aid and support in making a gallant and fighting retreat, should you be forced to it, and can stand at all without danger of uselessly sacrificing your command.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
PHILIP ST. GEO. COCKE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Potomac Department.
HEADQUARTERS POTOMAC DEPARTMENT,
Culpeper Court-House, Va., May 7, 1861.
SIR: Shall I arrest Colonel Taylor for disobedience of order and unsoldier-like conduct, in having evacuated Alexandria, under the circumstances,
now fully developed to you and myself by the inclosed papers? I shall await your orders in this particular connection.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
PHILIP ST. GEO. COCKE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Potomac Department.
Major-General LEE, Commander-in-Chief.
[Inclosure.]
CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., May 7, 1861 - 6.45 a. m.
Colonel R. S. GARNETT, Adjutant-General:
SIR: After writing you last night, and having previously ascertained during the day and up to 10 o'clock p. m. last night that I could not communicate with the command of Colonel Taylor after Colonel Terrett left Alexandria, to go to him at Springfield, because, after several attempts, through the telegraph operator at Alexandria, to send a dispatch through various persons, none of whom could be found in Alexandria, and when the operator finally advised me that not one single man connected with the military had been left to speak to me through the wires, I immediately determined to send one of my aides, Giles B. Cooke, to put myself in communication with Colonels Taylor and Terrett; and, accordingly, Mr. Cooke left me at 2 o'clock last night, by an extra train, bearing copies of the telegrams which I had failed to put through to Colonel Terrett, because of his departure from Alexandria for Springfied, no one having been left at Alexandria in whom I could confide and through whom I might have transmitted it; and bearing also a letter of instructions sent by me to Colonel Terrett, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. Mr. Cooke will proceed to Alexandria with dispatch, after having communicated with Colonel Terrett, and will once more enable me to have one person at least in Alexandria with whom I can converse through the wires. He is instructed to give me information upon which I can rely the moment of his arrival at Alexandria.
Very respectfully,
PHILIP ST. GEO. COCKE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS POTOMAC DEPARTMENT.
Colonel TERRETT,
Commanding Troops at or near Alexandria, Va.:
SIR: I have endeavoring up to this moment to communicate with you by telegraph, through Alexandria, and learn through the operator there that not one single military man has been left at that end of the wire. I send Mr. Cooke, my second aide, by extra train, to put me in communication with you and your command, and to convey to you the substance of telegrams which have ben stooped in Alexandria in the hands of the operator. By these you will find that I am not informed of any circumstance whatsoever that could have furnished just and sufficient cause, of any cause at all, of the movement of the troops out of Alexandria; and, as all my orders from headquarters, and all my own purposes in accordance therewith, and my late order to Colonel Taylor, enjoined the holding of the troops in Alexandria until absolutely driven out by force of arms, and even then to retire fighting, if possible without endangering the unnecessary destruction of your force, I must there fore now order that the troops return to Alexandria, if it be practicable, and if any movement of the enemy has taken place unknown to me, and which would render that return impracticable and really dangerous, and if, as I believe, no such movement has taken place, return the troops to the position they occupied with as little deadly as possible. If, however, there has been any new and treating movement by the enemy unknown to me, and which in your judgment may render it impracticable of imprudent to return to Alexandria, communicate the fact to me, and, in the mean time, exercise a sound discretion as to your acting.
By order of Philip St. George Cocke, brigadier-general, commanding:
GILES B. COOKE,
Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES,
Richmond, Va., May 8, 1861.
Colonel P. ST. GEORGE COCKE, Commanding Potomac Division:
COLONEL: I am instructed by Major-General Lee to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 6th instant, with accompanying papers, in relation to the evacuation of Alexandria, asking whether you shall arrest Colonel Taylor, Virginia Volunteers. The general commanding directs that you will not arrest Colonel Taylor, but require from him an explanation.
Respectfully, &c.,
J. M. BROOKE,
Virginia Navy, Acting Aide-de-Camp.

No. 2. Report of Lieutenant Colonel A. S. Taylor, Va. Vols., transmitted by General Cocke.

HEADQUARTERS POTOMAC DEPARTMENT,
Culpeper Court-House, Va., May 13, 1861.
Major-General Lee, Commander-in-Chief:
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the reply of Colonel A. S. Taylor to my call on him, at your suggestion, for a statement of the causes and reasons which induced him to evacuate the post of Alexandria on Sunday, May 5, as reported by me to headquarters some time since.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
PHILIP ST. GEO. COCKE,
Commanding Potomac Department.
[Inclosure.]
CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., May 9, 1861.
SIR: I have just received your communication of this date, calling upon me, by order of the general-in-chief, to give in writing my "reasons" and "causes" why I retired from Alexandria with the troops under my command.
On the first place, because of the inefficient condition of a large proportion of the troops and my exposed and indefensible position. Under my command there were two companies of raw Irish recruits, numbering about one hundred and twenty privates in both, armed with the altered flint-lock muskets of 1818, and without cartridges or camps; Captain Devaughn's company (Mount Vernon Guards), eighty-six privates armed with the new musket - fifty-tow men without accouterments and fifteen without arms, and very little ammunition; Captain Simpson's company of rifles, numbering in all fifty-three, and well armed with the mince rifle, and about nine rounds of ammunition complete; Captain Herbert's company of rifles, numbering eighty-five, rank and file, armed with the mince rifle, and with an average of five rounds of cartridges and four of camps; Captain Ball's company of cavalry, numbering forty privates, armed with carbines and sabers, and with a very limited amount of ammunition; Captain Powell's company of cavalry, numbering about thirty, and twenty-two horses, no arms or equipments of any kind except a few of Colt's revolvers. In the second place, the men were becoming almost useless from home influences. All but Captain Simpson's company belonged to Alexandria (and were necessarily scattered over the city), and it would have been impossible to have assembled the command at any particular point in time to have defended itself with the slightest possibility of success, or even to have made anything but a disastrous and demoralizing retreat in the face of an enemy.
In the third place, I was possessed of, apparently, such reliable information that the Government at Washington would occupy Alexandria on the 6th or 7th instant, and knowing that a large force was being concentrated at Fort Washington and that two steamers were anchored off Mound Vernon, I was induced to suppose that from that point an attempt would be made, in concert with a force from Washington City, to hem in my small and inefficient command, and thereby the services of good material be lost to my State and our cause.
I inclose herewith an order,* which was obtained secretly by Mr. J. D. Hutton, who was formerly employed in the War Department, and which shows the intention of the Federal Government as to Alexandria. The foregoing are my reasons and the causes for retiring to Springfield, and, in addition to which, from that position I could the more successfully assist in breaking up and destroying the road.
Very respectfully,
A. S. TAYLOR,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Virginia Volunteers.
Colonel P. ST. GEORGE COCKE,

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

NOTE: The Union Steamer's name is "Pawnee."

[Jamieva]

Mosby operated more in Fairfax and Loudon counties, especially Loudon as it runs you right into the mountains and all the passes etc.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Jamieva,

Colonel Mosby operated everywhere and anywhere there was something to raid and disrupt the Federal Forces.

He sure was a 'character,' [chuckles] Lt. General US Grant had put a $5,000.00 reward on Mosby's head because he was such a 'rebel rascal' and created a good reputation in a way. Anyway, it is nice to know that Colonel Mosby after the Civil War became good friends with General Grant and enjoyed swapping stories.

Mosby later practiced law in Georgetown and continued his friendship with Grant, even up to his death; to which Mosby in his writings--regretted his passing.

Now, it needs to be said -- that the World War II television series "Rat Patrol,'' was something that was carried from Mosby's raiders--the small group and 'hit and run' tactical raids. He was successful at it.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf