Wakefield ancestors

kirkifer

Cadet
Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Hello group.

I am taking my teenage sons to Gettysburg in June 2016. Conducting a little research, it looks like my Great, great grandfather, James M Wakefield, who lived in Pickens Co., Alabama, rode with the 12th Mississippi Cavalry and was later transferred to the 7th Alabama Cavalry. I believe he saw action mostly in the Western theater.

His brother, M. F. Wakefield, also from Pickens County, was in the 5th Alabama Infantry, supposedly also known as Pickens Blues. That is confusing to me... It almost sounds like a federal unit. Anyway, he supposedly was with the Army of Northern Virginia at many engagements and was wounded at some point. He survived the war and is buried in Austin, Texas at the State Cemetery. What I would love to do is walk in the very same spot that these men did. That is where history really comes alive for me.

If anyone can offer me any guidance I would certainly appreciate it.
 
Welcome from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pickens Blues was more than likely the name of a pre-war militia unit that was incorporated into the 5th Alabama Infantry. The 5th Alabama was part of O'Neal's Brigade, Rodes' Division, Ewell's (Second) Corps at Gettysburg. They were primarily engaged on July 1 northeast of Gettysburg near Oak Ridge (See attached map).
battle-of-gettysburg-oak-ridge-july-1.jpg
 
As far as his brother goes, according to http://civilwarintheeast.com/confederate-regiments/alabama/5th-alabama-infantry/

The regiment fought on Oak Ridge on July 1 and at Culp’s Hill on July 2 and 3. It was commanded by Colonel Josephus Marion Hall, and brought 24 officers and 293 men to the field. It lost 26 men killed, 116 wounded, and 67 missing. Lieutenant J.N. Robertson was captured.

From the brigade monument at Gettysburg:

July 1. Soon after arriving at this position three regiments attacked the Union flank, the 5th Regiment being ordered to guard the wide interval between the Brigade and Doles’s Brigade in the valley on the left and the 3rd Regiment joining Daniel’s and afterwards Ramseur’s Brigade. The three regiments were repulsed with heavy loss but the entire Brigade took part in the general attack soon made by the Confederates which finally dislodged the Union forces from Seminary Ridge.

July 2. The Brigade in position all day in or near the town but not engaged.

July 3. The 5th Regiment lay in the southern borders of the town firing upon the Union artillery with their long range rifles. The other regiments moved to Culp’s Hill to reinforce Johnson’s Division.

July 4. Moved to Seminary Ridge. At night began the march to Hagerstown.
 
Wow, thanks! Is there anyway to confirm that M.F. was there?

Also, I have read that the fighting on the first day was near the railroad cut. I see the railroad on the map, I am just curious how close this area is to public land?
 
...His brother, M. F. Wakefield, also from Pickens County, was in the 5th Alabama Infantry, supposedly also known as Pickens Blues. That is confusing to me... It almost sounds like a federal unit...

It wasn't until after the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) in July, 1861 that uniform color began to be regularized and even then it never achieved anything like real "uniformity". Many militia companies both North and South were known as Blues because that was the prevailing uniform color of the pre-war U.S. Regular Army. Conversely, there were also many on both sides called Grays because ever after the War of 1812 that was regarded as the prevailing color for militia units.

Welcome to the forums!
 
Hello group.

I am taking my teenage sons to Gettysburg in June 2016. Conducting a little research, it looks like my Great, great grandfather, James M Wakefield, who lived in Pickens Co., Alabama, rode with the 12th Mississippi Cavalry and was later transferred to the 7th Alabama Cavalry. I believe he saw action mostly in the Western theater.

His brother, M. F. Wakefield, also from Pickens County, was in the 5th Alabama Infantry, supposedly also known as Pickens Blues. That is confusing to me... It almost sounds like a federal unit. Anyway, he supposedly was with the Army of Northern Virginia at many engagements and was wounded at some point. He survived the war and is buried in Austin, Texas at the State Cemetery. What I would love to do is walk in the very same spot that these men did. That is where history really comes alive for me.

If anyone can offer me any guidance I would certainly appreciate it.

http://www.archives.alabama.gov/civilwar/index.cfm

*******************************************************************

Gettysburg after battle report:

Report of Col. J. M. Hall, Fifth Alabama Infantry.

Near Hagerstown, Md.,
July 9, 1863.
Lieut.: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters,
I have the honor to submit the following report of the action of the
Fifth Alabama Regt. since leaving Grace Church, Va.:

The regiment left camp, near Grace Church, Caroline County,
Va., June 4, and arrived at Culpeper Court-House on the 7th.

On June 9, it was moved to support Maj.-Gen. Stuart, then
engaging the enemy's cavalry near Brandy Station, but the enemy
was driven back before the regiment was engaged.

On June 10, the line of march was resumed, and on the 13th the
command reached Berryville, in the Valley of Virginia, when the
enemy posted there fled on the approach of our troops.

On the next day, the command was moved forward, and arrived
at Martinsburg about dark. The enemy stationed at Martinsburg
moved off before the infantry became engaged.

On the 15th, the command moved to Williamsport, and rested four
days; then moved forward through the following places at the times
respectively specified: Hagerstown, Md., June 19; Greencastle, Pa.,
June 22; Chambersburg, Pa., June 24; Shippensburg, Pa., June
26; Carlisle, June 27.

The regiment reached Gettysburg, Pa., by way of Petersburg from
Carlisle, Pa., July 1, where the enemy was actually encountered
for the first time at the battle of Gettysburg. The brigade was
moved in line of battle, the movement commencing about 2 miles
from the town, the right resting nearer to and in the direction of the
enemy. The brigade moved 1 1/2 miles at a right wheel; hence the
Fifth Alabama Regt., being on the left of the brigade, was compelled
to move very rapidly--frequently at a run. It is but just to
state that the ground was very rough. In places the regiment moved
through full-grown wheat, in others over plowed ground, through
orchards, gardens, over wood and stone fences, which, with the rapidity
of the march, fatigued the men, causing many of them to
faint from exhaustion.

When within 500 yards of the enemy, the four regiments on my
right were ordered forward, and the Fifth Alabama Regt. was
halted in reserve, to protect the right flank of Gen. Doles and the
left flank of that part of Rodes' brigade which was then advancing.
After resting in this position a half hour, orders were sent to me to
advance on the enemy, composed of two heavy lines of infantry in
front and a line of sharpshooters, supported by infantry and artillery,
on my left flank. The enemy in front was engaged by the right
wing, the left having been thrown back at right angles with the rest
of the line, to engage the flanking party. The regiment fought in
this position until I was informed that the troops on the right were
falling back, when I ordered a retrograde movement to the position
I previously occupied. This was done the more conscientiously because
the odds opposed were very great, and my command was under
a front and enfilading fire, with no support, and suffering a very
severe loss.

After the enemy was driven through the town, the command was
posted in rear of the railroad, which position was held, though subject
to a constant and severe shelling, until late on the evening of
July 2, when the command was ordered forward to support a line of
battle in front. This movement was prosecuted until orders came
to fall back on the Cashtown road; that is, the regiment occupied
that street in Gettysburg which is a continuation of the Cashtown
road. This position was occupied all night, the men lying on their
arms.

The next morning all of the brigade was ordered to Gen. Edward
Johnson, excepting the Fifth Alabama Regt., which was reserved
to guard the streets of Gettysburg. At 3 p. m. I was ordered
to report to Gen. Doles. Was posted on his left, and remained
in line of battle until 12 o'clock at night, when I received orders to
report to my brigade, which had then returned to Rodes' division.

On the morning of July 4, the march was resumed, and the command
reached Hagerstown, Md., without any further engagement.

I would respectfully state that the general conduct of my command
was all that I could desire. I would beg to mention the names of
the following officers, who were conspicuous for their gallantry and
courage: Capt. T. M. Riley, in command of the right wing; Capts.
E. B. Moseley and J. M. Gilchrist; Lieuts. Burton Goode, John A.
Kirkland, E. P. Jones, and J. F. Christian. Adjt. C. I. Pegues
acted with conspicuous gallantry.

Many brave men were killed. Lieut. [Albert J.] Wilcox, a
most gallant officer, was killed on the field. The entire loss was--



Officers and men. K. W. M. T.
Officers................... 1 11 3 15
Enlisted men............... 20 110 64 194

Total*................. 21 121 67 209

K=Killed. W=Wounded. M=Missing. T=Total.

Respectfully, &c.,

J. M. HALL,
Col., Comdg. Fifth Alabama Regt.

Lieut. S. H. Moore,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Rodes' Brigade.

-----------


Reports of Maj. Eugene Blackford, Fifth Alabama Infantry.

Darkesville, W. Va.,
July 17, 1863.
Lieut.: I have the honor to make the following report of
the action of the corps of sharpshooters under my command during
the battle of July 1, 2, and 3:

The corps was deployed 2 miles from Gettysburg, with the left
resting upon the Heidlersburg pike. After receiving instructions
from Gen. Rodes to keep connected with those on my right, and
feel for Gen. Early's advance on the left, I moved steadily forward
upon the town, driving in the cavalry vedettes, posted in the
road and on commanding hills. About half a mile from the suburbs,
a large force of cavalry was observed in line, with a heavy line of
men dismounted as skirmishers. The former charged us twice, but
were easily repulsed. After an hour or more of active skirmishing,
the enemy's infantry advanced in force through the town, and, under
cover of a cloud of skirmishers, moved upon our batteries. The right
company of my command annoyed these very much, holding their
position steadily until our infantry came up. Against the center
there was no movement by any force heavier than a double line of
sharpshooters, whom our men invariably drove back, charging them
once in gallant style.

On the extreme left, the enemy advanced in three lines, and drove
in my men there posted behind the trees. These retired, firing from
tree to tree until they met Gordon's brigade advancing, after which
they were rallied on the center at the sound of my bugle. The whole
command then moved up the pike, and, passing through the town,
took up its position on the left of Ramseur's brigade, then lying in
the Fairfield road. After dark, I reported to the colonel commanding
brigade.

July 2, about 9 o'clock, my corps was deployed in front of the
Fairfield road, where it remained until dark, when I took position in
the suburbs of Gettysburg, as near the enemy's lines as possible, the
men being sheltered in the houses.

At daybreak on the 3d, we opened fire upon the enemy's artillery
and skirmishers, and upon their lines of battle whenever they advanced,
as they frequently did. This must have annoyed the enemy
very seriously, as the average number of rounds fired was not less
than 200, at ranges varying from 300 to 500 yards. The Northern
papers confess that their gunners could not stand to their guns, and
that the officers were picked off by rebel sharpshooters. One battery
near us, after firing several shots at us, was removed out of our
sight.

Our loss was not more than 20 killed and wounded. No list of
casualties is inclosed, as they have been returned on the lists of the
respective regiments.

Abundant supplies of ammunition were obtained by sending details
through the town to collect cartridge-boxes.

At daylight on the 4th, I was ordered to fall back through the town,
and deploy in front of the new line of battle on the hills to the west.
This was accomplished just before sunrise.

Though all acted so well that I scarcely like to make a distinction,
yet I must call your attention to the conduct of Sergt. Christopher
Clark, commanding the company from the Fifth Alabama Regt.
He handled his company throughout with great skill and courage,
and would well fill a commission.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

EUGENE BLACKFORD,
Maj. Fifth Alabama, Comdg. Battalion of Sharpshooters.

Lieut. S. H. Moore,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Rodes' Brigade.

-----
 
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1st Sergeant Martin F. Wakefield was at the Battle of Gettysburg. The following is some further information on him.


Wakefield, Martin F., New Co. H, 1st Sergeant. He was enlisted as a Private in the Pickensville Blues at Pickensville, Alabama, on April 20, 1861, by Captain Sydney N. Ferguson. He appears on the Company Muster Rolls for May to October 1861 listed as “Present”. He appears on the Company Muster Roll for November – December 1861 listed as “Absent – Sick in Hospital at Culpeper Court House.”

By February 1, 1862, he had been promoted to 1st Sergeant of his Company. He was wounded at the Battle of Seven Pines on May 31, 1862.[1] He was the Orderly Sergeant of Company H on June 14, 1862.[2]

He was listed as “Missing” after the Battle of Boonsboro on September 14, 1862. He appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War sent for exchange from Fort Delaware, Delaware, to Aikens Landing, Virginia, on October 2, 1862. He was declared exchanged on November 10, 1862. His name appears on a Receipt Roll for clothing dated October 8, 1862, to March 31, 1863, listed as “In Hospital”.

He was captured at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863. He appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War paroled at the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, forwarded to Washington, D.C., on May 4, 1863, and sent to City Point, Virginia, on May 10, 1863, for exchange. The following is from a diary of a comrade: "On May 11, 1863, most of the enlisted men that had been captured during the battle were called out from their barracks and the slow and tedious process of calling roll started. A strong guard from the city had been brought out and had formed in two lines. As each rebel’s name was called he was marched down between the lines. After about two hours, the roll was completed and the men were marched off towards the boat landing. They traveled down Pennsylvania Avenue past the Willard Hotel. Citizens crowded along the street to see them pass, but the Federal officers would not allow them to make any remarks or insults. Once at the landing, the men boarded the “State of Maine” for their trip to City Point, Virginia. They departed at 2:00 P.M. with over 700 Confederates on board. Two days later, on May 13, 1863, having arrived at City Point, Virginia, late the previous evening, the men aboard the “State of Maine” disembarked and boarding awaiting train cars. At about noon, just as they arrived in Petersburg, several cars ran off the track. Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt. The men were marched through town and two miles beyond to the Model farm where the Camp of Paroled Prisoners was located. He was among a group of men that were allowed to go down to the canal for a wash, but slipped into Richmond and went to the Bollingbrook Hotel and had supper. Afterwards, they went to a ten pin bowling parlor and bowled until bedtime. They returned to the hotel and spent the night there. The other men were Samuel Pickens, George Nutting, of Company D, Cruse Coleman of Company E, Sam Hood of Company H, and Sergeant Jones of Company K, 2nd North Carolina Regiment."[3]

He was in command of his Company after the Battle of Gettysburg due to the loss of all the Commissioned Officers.

He appears on a Register of the Wayside and Receiving Hospital, or General Hospital No. 9 in Richmond, Virginia, listed having been admitted in the Alabama Hospital No. 1 on October 29, 1863. He appears on a Receipt Roll for clothing at the Alabama Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, dated November 12, 1863.

He was wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 19, 1864. He appears on the Company Muster Roll for July – October 1864 listed as “Absent – Wounded in Hospital, Richmond.” He appears on a Hospital Muster Roll of sick and wounded soldiers in 2nd Division at General Hospital, Howard’s Grove, Richmond, Virginia, dated December 31, 1864.

He is buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.


[1]Mobile Register & Adv. – June 10, 1862

[2] Compiled Service Record of Willis Davis

[3]Diary of Samuel Pickens

I can provide a detail account of the movement of the 5th Alabama Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg, if you are interested. It is several pages and likely too long to post in it's entirety on this message board.
 
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Hello group.

I am taking my teenage sons to Gettysburg in June 2016. Conducting a little research, it looks like my Great, great grandfather, James M Wakefield, who lived in Pickens Co., Alabama, rode with the 12th Mississippi Cavalry and was later transferred to the 7th Alabama Cavalry. I believe he saw action mostly in the Western theater.

His brother, M. F. Wakefield, also from Pickens County, was in the 5th Alabama Infantry, supposedly also known as Pickens Blues. That is confusing to me... It almost sounds like a federal unit. Anyway, he supposedly was with the Army of Northern Virginia at many engagements and was wounded at some point. He survived the war and is buried in Austin, Texas at the State Cemetery. What I would love to do is walk in the very same spot that these men did. That is where history really comes alive for me.

If anyone can offer me any guidance I would certainly appreciate it.

I see where your ancestor was captured at Chancellorsville

*********************************************************************************

Chancellorsville, VA after battle report:


Report of Col. J. M. Hall, Fifth Alabama Infantry.

SANTEE, CAROLINE COUNTY, VA.,
May 8, 1863.
CAPT.: In obedience to an order from headquarters, I have the
honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in
the recent battles of Chancellorsvile, of the 2d and 3d instant:

Early on the morning of the 29th ultimo, I received orders to march the
regiment to the road near Grace Church, where it was halted until the
brigade was formed. We then moved to Hamilton's Crossing, and were
stationed in a pine thicket to the right of that place, remaining in line of
battle until next morning, when we were ordered to occupy some
rifle-pits still farther to the right. Soon afterward we took a position a
short distance in rear of the rifle-pits, where we bivouacked until 2 a.
m. of the 1st instant. We then marched to the Plank road leading from
Fredericksburg to Orange Court-House, halted for a short while, and
moved in line of battle toward our forces, then engaged in a skirmish
with the enemy. Remaining in ice several hours, we were again moved
to the Plank road, marched 2 miles up it, and halted for the night.

At sunrise, May 2, we resumed our march; were formed in line of
battle in rear of Chancellorsville about 2,30 p.m., and about 5,30 p.m.
we were ordered to advance and drive the enemy before us.

Pressing on, we soon immediately carried. Discovering the enemy in
some intrenchments on my right where he was making a suborn
resistance, the regiment was wheeled to the right his a right flank
turned, and his rear gained, when he fled precipitately, under a most
destructive fire.

Lieut.-Col. [E. L.] Hobson, whose daring courage led him
always to the front, was severely, wounded while rushing on these
works. Having no other field officer with me at the time (Maj.
[Engene] Blackford being in command of the sharpshooters), the senior
captain (W. T. Renfro) was placed in command of the right wing and
the pursuit continued. About half a mile farther we carried some very
strong log works. Here many prisoners were captured, 225 being taken
in one body by part of the regiment led by Capt. Renfro, among them
Col. [Warren W.] Packer, Fifth Connecticut Regiment, and a
lieutenant-colonel. Darkness preventing farther pursuit, the regiment was
marched to the rear, and reformed with the rest of the brigade, resting
for the night at the works captured near the white house.

In this flight all acted well, both officers and men vying with each other
in doing their whole duty. I would, however, respectfully mention the
gallant conduct of Capt. T. M. Riley, Company C; Adjutant [C. J.]
Peques, and Sergeant-Maj. [Alfred G.] Ward; also, Sergt. Adam
Swicegood and Corporal [A. M.] Ballard, Company E, and Private
James Arrington, Company D. All of these men act with the most
undaunted courage, coolness, and skill.

The following is the report of Capt. T. M. Rilley, who was in
command from the time that the gallant and chivalrous Renfro fell,
mortally wounded.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. HALL,
Col., Cmdg. Fifth Alabama Regt.

Capt. H. A. WHITING, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Rodes' Brigade.

-----------


No. 373.
Report of Capt. T. M. Riley, Fifth Alabama Infantry.

MAY 8, 1863.
SIR: [The following is the] report for Sunday, May 3:

About 6 a. m. of the 3d instant, this regiment, commanded by Col.
Hall, was formed with the rest of the brigade in the third or rear line,
and, moving forward about a mile asunder a heavy fire from the
enemy's artillery, we passed the second line, then lying behind the log
works in the woods. About this time the fearless Col. [E. A.]
O'Neal, who commanded the brigade, was wounded, which placed
Col. Hall, in command of the brigade and Capt. Renfro in
command of this regiment. We now overtook and passed the next or
first line of battle, which threw the brigade in front. Moving forward a
short distance, the enemy was discovered directly in our front, and we
immediately opened fire upon him, being somewhat protected by an
elevation in the earth, the right wing firing at the cannoneers and horses
then occupying the
earthworks to the right of the Plank road, the left at a line of the enemy
on the left of the road and immediately in its front, not more than 75
paces distant.

This firing was kept up for about thirty minutes, when the enemy
slackened his fire. The line in front of our left began to fall back, and
the artillery in front of our right limbered up for a retreat. We were
now ordered forward to occupy the works, when Capt. Renfro, while
bravely leading the advance and calling on the men to follow, fell,
mortally wounded. Being the senior officer, I now assumed command of
the regiment, and, moving forward witch this, the Twenty-sixth
Alabama, and a part of some other regiment, was soon in possession of
the works, with several pieces of artillery, and firing on the retreating
enemy. We had occupied them but a short time when it was discovered
that the brigade on our left (said to be Iverson's) had fallen back, and
that the enemy, pressing upon our left flank, had nearly surrounded us.
We fired a few rounds, but, seeing that they were too numerous for our
small force, we retired, discovering about this time that the enemy on
our right, now in our rear, was being driven back.

At this time a battery (said to be Capt. [William P.] Carter's) opened
upon the enemy on our left, and I ordered the men to fire into them on
the right, in order to create as much confusion in their ranks as
possible, which was promptly obeyed by ail who heard the command.
By this means we made our escape, passing directly through the
enemy's lines. Going to the rear, we formed with the troops advancing
to the attack, but were a second time driven back, as before, from our
left, not being sufficiently supported.

The regiment, which had lost many captured in these conflicts, besides
those killed and wounded, was formed on the left of the road with the
remainder of the brigade, to support the troops in front, but as the
enemy soon after retreated, our services were not again that day. Late
in the day we were marched to Chancellorsville, and formed in line
near that place, where we remained until the enemy had recrossed the
river, when we were marched back to our old camp near Grace Church,
which place we reached on the night of the 6th instant.

In this engagement officers and men acted so gallantly that it might be
unjust to particularize the conduct of any individual.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. M. RILEY,
Capt. Company C, Cmdg. Regt.

Capt. H. A. WHITING,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Rodes' Brigade.

Source: Official Records Series I. Vol. 25. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 39




*******************************************************************
 
Hello group.

I am taking my teenage sons to Gettysburg in June 2016. Conducting a little research, it looks like my Great, great grandfather, James M Wakefield, who lived in Pickens Co., Alabama, rode with the 12th Mississippi Cavalry and was later transferred to the 7th Alabama Cavalry. I believe he saw action mostly in the Western theater.

His brother, M. F. Wakefield, also from Pickens County, was in the 5th Alabama Infantry, supposedly also known as Pickens Blues. That is confusing to me... It almost sounds like a federal unit. Anyway, he supposedly was with the Army of Northern Virginia at many engagements and was wounded at some point. He survived the war and is buried in Austin, Texas at the State Cemetery. What I would love to do is walk in the very same spot that these men did. That is where history really comes alive for me.

If anyone can offer me any guidance I would certainly appreciate it.
Welcome to CivilWarTalk.
You might find some info at this site:
http://tommcknight.com/civilwar/ArmisteadsCalvary/ArmisteadCalvaryHomePage.htm
 
WOW !!!

Just amazing information. I am getting really excited about the trip and look forward to seeing where an ancestor marched and fought.
 
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