Company E, 12th Virginia Cavalry, CSA.

RedRover

Sergeant Major
Joined
Dec 16, 2019
Hello, I am interested in any information on Company E, 12th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, CSA, 1862-65.

I have lots of information already, and have been updating (and a little correcting) Mr. Frye's 1988 biographical roster. I've read all the various narrative histories of the 12th by Frye, Baylor, and O'Ferrall, besides the Laurel Brigade History (1907). There is even a brief unit history of Co. E by Corporal Edward A. Green, but I am always looking for more regarding Company E, like letters, diaries, etc. They are particularly valuable as the unit's records are incomplete to say the least...

My second-Gr. grampa was Private James Marshall of that company (James Markham "Polk" Marshall, 1845-1914). He was one of three James Markham Marshalls in the company; four if you count their cousin James Markham Marshall Ambler.

Most of the company were from Warren County and the Shenandoah Valley generally...

I know there are some letters out there by Elijah Jackson Hall of this company, but have been unable to find out who may have copies/originals at present. Also hard to find information of Captain Jesse Clay McKay of Warren County.

Best,

Jesse Marshall,
Hernando, FL.
 
any information on Company E, 12th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, CSA, 1862-65.

From the OR:

Twelfth Virginia Cavalry


2nd Manassas, VA after action report:

No. 198.

Report of Col. A. W. Harman, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of
skirmish at Lewis' Ford.

OCTOBER 6, 1862.
COL.: At Manassas, on August 30, about 4 p. m., I was ordered, with six
companies of my regiment (A, C, D, E, F, and H), to support the Second
Virginia Cavalry. I found the enemy occupying the hill to the right of the
Lewis house, with the First [West] Virginia Cavalry, supported by a New
York and the First Michigan Cavalry, drawn up about 200 yards in their
rear. I charged the regiment on the hill and drove them back on their
support, which were in quick succession broken and driven back in complete
disorder. I pursued them over the run and as far as the pike near the stone
bridge, capturing many prisoners, among them Col. Brodhead and Maj.
Atwood, of the First Michigan Cavalry, the former severely wounded.

My loss was 6 men wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. W. HARMAN,
Col. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.

Col. T. T. MUNFORD,
Comdg. Robertson's Brigade.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXIV.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. PAGE 752-16
[Series I. Vol. 12. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 16.]



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

Gettysburg after battle report:

Report of Col. A. W. Harman, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of
engagement at Brandy Station.

June 10, 1863.
Gen.: In the engagement of yesterday, my regiment was engaged
nearly the whole day. In the morning, we were engaged on
the Beverly Ford road, at which point the enemy was repulsed,
losing his colors and a good many prisoners.

After this engagement, I was ordered with my regiment to move
in the direction of Brandy Station. Before getting to the latter place,
I encountered the enemy in large force, and did not succeed in repulsing
him until re-enforcements arrived. My sharpshooters were
engaged during the remainder of the day.

My loss in both officers and men was quite severe.

The following is a list of the arms and horses captured on yesterday:


Colt's army pistols.......................................... 68
Sharps rifles................................................ 40
Sabers....................................................... 50
Horses....................................................... 39

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. W. HARMAN,
Col. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.

Brig. Gen. W. E. Jones,
Comdg. Jones' Brigade.

-----------


Report of Lieut. Col. T. B. Massie, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.

July 30, 1863.
Gen.: The battle of Brandy coming under your own supervision,
it is necessary to report only the list of casualties, which you
will find inclosed, amounting to 55 [54?] killed, wounded, and captured.

On June 16, we marched from Brandy Station, and the morning
of the 21st found us on picket at the pot-house, Loudoun County.
The enemy crossed Goose Creek, and pushed forward his sharpshooters,
when I received an order from you to retire. Arriving
near Upperville, I received your order to charge the enemy, to save
the battery. The regiment charged to a stone fence, through which
there was but one small gap, upon which the infantry and cavalry
of the enemy poured a destructive cross-fire.

I therefore ordered the regiment to retire, which was done in good
order, with the loss of 2 killed and 11 wounded. Among the latter
was Capt. [C. T.] O'Ferrall, of Company I, severely wounded
while rallying his squadron under the heavy fire. It is proper to
state that I had but seven companies in the engagement, Companies
G, H, and C being off on other duty.

On June 25, I received your order to establish a picket line fronting
Harper's Ferry. It was executed that evening.

On the night of the 30th, Lieut.'s [S.] Hammon and [G.] Baylor
asked permission to capture the enemy's picket. It was granted,
and they took 40 men with them. The affair was well planned and
gallantly executed, and resulted in the capture of 1 lieutenant and 19
men, and 1 killed. No casualties on our side. But 1 Yankee escaped.

By 1 o'clock of July 1, the enemy had blown up his magazine on
this side of the river, and retired to the Maryland Heights.

This position they evacuated on the night of the 2d, leaving a considerable
quantity of commissary, quartermaster's, and ordnance
stores, which were saved, and turned over to the regimental quartermaster
and yourself.

On the 5th, Lieut. [J. R.] Wood, of Company C, with 6 men,
scouted to Frederick City, Md., where he found the enemy in force,
but succeeded in capturing a picket of 8 men. He captured also 1
negro and 10 horses. He was closely pursued for 6 or 8 miles, yet
lost but 1 man captured.

The enemy reoccupied the Maryland Heights on the 7th, and crossed
the river on the 14th instant. Col. Harman, just returned from
home, where he had been recovering from a wound received at
Brandy, took a squadron to go to Bolivar Heights, to reconnoiter.
Taking a squad of 6 men, he went to the left of the road, and was
charged by the Yankees. His horse fell, stunning him, and he was
captured. Lieut. [Jackson] Eastham and 2 men of Company B
were also captured with him. The squadron (Capt. [George J.]
Grandstaff and Lieut. Baylor commanding), being still in the
road, received the principal charge of the enemy, and repulsed it,
capturing 25 men, 1 lieutenant, and 1 major, out of a party of 54.

Maj. [J. L.] Knott, with Capt. [H. W.] Kearney's company (D),
was very active on the left of the line, and, when the enemy advanced
on Shepherdstown, captured 33 prisoners, including 1 surgeon and 1
lieutenant, and also one large four-horse wagon and team belonging
to headquarters Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, U. S.
Army.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. B. MASSIE,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg.

Gen. W. E. Jones,
Comdg. Jones' Brigade.

ADDENDA.

List of Casualties* in the Twelfth Cavalry on the 9th instant.+

Officers and men. K. W. M. T.
Company A:
Commissioned officers...................... .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men............................... .... 3 1 4
Company B:
Commissioned officers..................... .... .... 1 1
Non-commissioned officers................. 1 .... .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. 2 4 2 8
Company C:
Non-commissioned officers................. .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. 1 3 .... 4
Company D:
Enlisted men.............................. .... 4 2 6
Company E:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Non-commissioned officers................. .... 2 .... 2
Enlisted men.............................. 2 1 1 4
Company F:
Enlisted men ............................. .... 3 1 4
Company G:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Non-commissioned officers................. .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. .... .... 1 1
Company H:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Non-commissioned officers................. .... .... 1 1
Enlisted men.............................. .... 3 1 4
Company I:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. .... 2 .... 2
Company K:
Enlisted men.............................. .... 2 2 4
Total................................. 6 34 13 53

T. B. MASSIE,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.
June 13, 1863.

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

__________

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part II. Reports. Serial No. 44

 
From the OR:

Twelfth Virginia Cavalry


2nd Manassas, VA after action report:

No. 198.

Report of Col. A. W. Harman, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of
skirmish at Lewis' Ford.

OCTOBER 6, 1862.
COL.: At Manassas, on August 30, about 4 p. m., I was ordered, with six
companies of my regiment (A, C, D, E, F, and H), to support the Second
Virginia Cavalry. I found the enemy occupying the hill to the right of the
Lewis house, with the First [West] Virginia Cavalry, supported by a New
York and the First Michigan Cavalry, drawn up about 200 yards in their
rear. I charged the regiment on the hill and drove them back on their
support, which were in quick succession broken and driven back in complete
disorder. I pursued them over the run and as far as the pike near the stone
bridge, capturing many prisoners, among them Col. Brodhead and Maj.
Atwood, of the First Michigan Cavalry, the former severely wounded.

My loss was 6 men wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. W. HARMAN,
Col. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.

Col. T. T. MUNFORD,
Comdg. Robertson's Brigade.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXIV.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. PAGE 752-16
[Series I. Vol. 12. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 16.]



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

Gettysburg after battle report:

Report of Col. A. W. Harman, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, of
engagement at Brandy Station.

June 10, 1863.
Gen.: In the engagement of yesterday, my regiment was engaged
nearly the whole day. In the morning, we were engaged on
the Beverly Ford road, at which point the enemy was repulsed,
losing his colors and a good many prisoners.

After this engagement, I was ordered with my regiment to move
in the direction of Brandy Station. Before getting to the latter place,
I encountered the enemy in large force, and did not succeed in repulsing
him until re-enforcements arrived. My sharpshooters were
engaged during the remainder of the day.

My loss in both officers and men was quite severe.

The following is a list of the arms and horses captured on yesterday:


Colt's army pistols.......................................... 68
Sharps rifles................................................ 40
Sabers....................................................... 50
Horses....................................................... 39

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. W. HARMAN,
Col. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.

Brig. Gen. W. E. Jones,
Comdg. Jones' Brigade.

-----------


Report of Lieut. Col. T. B. Massie, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.

July 30, 1863.
Gen.: The battle of Brandy coming under your own supervision,
it is necessary to report only the list of casualties, which you
will find inclosed, amounting to 55 [54?] killed, wounded, and captured.

On June 16, we marched from Brandy Station, and the morning
of the 21st found us on picket at the pot-house, Loudoun County.
The enemy crossed Goose Creek, and pushed forward his sharpshooters,
when I received an order from you to retire. Arriving
near Upperville, I received your order to charge the enemy, to save
the battery. The regiment charged to a stone fence, through which
there was but one small gap, upon which the infantry and cavalry
of the enemy poured a destructive cross-fire.

I therefore ordered the regiment to retire, which was done in good
order, with the loss of 2 killed and 11 wounded. Among the latter
was Capt. [C. T.] O'Ferrall, of Company I, severely wounded
while rallying his squadron under the heavy fire. It is proper to
state that I had but seven companies in the engagement, Companies
G, H, and C being off on other duty.

On June 25, I received your order to establish a picket line fronting
Harper's Ferry. It was executed that evening.

On the night of the 30th, Lieut.'s [S.] Hammon and [G.] Baylor
asked permission to capture the enemy's picket. It was granted,
and they took 40 men with them. The affair was well planned and
gallantly executed, and resulted in the capture of 1 lieutenant and 19
men, and 1 killed. No casualties on our side. But 1 Yankee escaped.

By 1 o'clock of July 1, the enemy had blown up his magazine on
this side of the river, and retired to the Maryland Heights.

This position they evacuated on the night of the 2d, leaving a considerable
quantity of commissary, quartermaster's, and ordnance
stores, which were saved, and turned over to the regimental quartermaster
and yourself.

On the 5th, Lieut. [J. R.] Wood, of Company C, with 6 men,
scouted to Frederick City, Md., where he found the enemy in force,
but succeeded in capturing a picket of 8 men. He captured also 1
negro and 10 horses. He was closely pursued for 6 or 8 miles, yet
lost but 1 man captured.

The enemy reoccupied the Maryland Heights on the 7th, and crossed
the river on the 14th instant. Col. Harman, just returned from
home, where he had been recovering from a wound received at
Brandy, took a squadron to go to Bolivar Heights, to reconnoiter.
Taking a squad of 6 men, he went to the left of the road, and was
charged by the Yankees. His horse fell, stunning him, and he was
captured. Lieut. [Jackson] Eastham and 2 men of Company B
were also captured with him. The squadron (Capt. [George J.]
Grandstaff and Lieut. Baylor commanding), being still in the
road, received the principal charge of the enemy, and repulsed it,
capturing 25 men, 1 lieutenant, and 1 major, out of a party of 54.

Maj. [J. L.] Knott, with Capt. [H. W.] Kearney's company (D),
was very active on the left of the line, and, when the enemy advanced
on Shepherdstown, captured 33 prisoners, including 1 surgeon and 1
lieutenant, and also one large four-horse wagon and team belonging
to headquarters Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, U. S.
Army.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. B. MASSIE,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg.

Gen. W. E. Jones,
Comdg. Jones' Brigade.

ADDENDA.

List of Casualties* in the Twelfth Cavalry on the 9th instant.+

Officers and men. K. W. M. T.
Company A:
Commissioned officers...................... .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men............................... .... 3 1 4
Company B:
Commissioned officers..................... .... .... 1 1
Non-commissioned officers................. 1 .... .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. 2 4 2 8
Company C:
Non-commissioned officers................. .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. 1 3 .... 4
Company D:
Enlisted men.............................. .... 4 2 6
Company E:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Non-commissioned officers................. .... 2 .... 2
Enlisted men.............................. 2 1 1 4
Company F:
Enlisted men ............................. .... 3 1 4
Company G:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Non-commissioned officers................. .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. .... .... 1 1
Company H:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Non-commissioned officers................. .... .... 1 1
Enlisted men.............................. .... 3 1 4
Company I:
Commissioned officers..................... .... 1 .... 1
Enlisted men.............................. .... 2 .... 2
Company K:
Enlisted men.............................. .... 2 2 4
Total................................. 6 34 13 53

T. B. MASSIE,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry.
June 13, 1863.

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

__________

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part II. Reports. Serial No. 44

Thanks!

From Mr. Frye's 1988 regimental history, I get the impression the documents you have shared here are the only official reports that have been found for the 12th. With 55 (reported) casualties at Brandy Station, the outfit was literally "'decimated."

Best,

Jesse Marshall,
Hernando, FL
 
RedRover : Are you related to Lt. James Marshall of Co E, 12th Va Cav? He is identified as one of the wounded on Lt Col T.B. Massie's report of casualties at Brandy Station, June 9, 1863 [ https://catalog.archives.gov/id/63336549 ].

One of my ancestors also served in the 12th Va Cav - Pvt John Baker - was in Co G or Co K. However, his index cards in the Compiled Military Service Records were filed with the 12th Va Infantry by mistake. All of the index card information within the CMSR originated from Union prison rolls or POW lists.

John was captured in June, 1863 and was imprisoned at Camp Chase and Johnson's Island - there are records for him in these POW camps' enrollment registers. One card, based upon a POW record at Johnson's Island says he deserted and turned himself in to Gen. Milroy at Winchester on June 13, 1863; it goes on to say that Milroy administered the oath of allegiance to him and then transported him to Wheeling (WV) where he was arrested and sent to Camp Chase.

I kind of doubt that Milroy would have had the time to administer any loyalty oaths - June 13th was the beginning of the Battle of 2nd Winchester and Milroy was busy trying to hold off Confederate attacks while he attempted to evacuate his command from the city. June 13 was probably the date that John was recorded upon his arrest at Wheeling.

I have not been able to find any report, roster, or casualty list in the Confederate records that describes John's enlistment in the regiment nor, the circumstances of his capture - or desertion.

Have you been able to find any detailed memoirs or reports of the 12th Va Cav's activities from when they returned to the Valley from the Jones-Imboden raid in western Virginia up to the Battle of Brandy Station (~May 20 thru June 9, 1863).

Thanx.
 
Hello, I am interested in any information on Company E, 12th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, CSA, 1862-65.

I have lots of information already, and have been updating (and a little correcting) Mr. Frye's 1988 biographical roster. I've read all the various narrative histories of the 12th by Frye, Baylor, and O'Ferrall, besides the Laurel Brigade History (1907). There is even a brief unit history of Co. E by Corporal Edward A. Green, but I am always looking for more regarding Company E, like letters, diaries, etc. They are particularly valuable as the unit's records are incomplete to say the least...

My second-Gr. grampa was Private James Marshall of that company (James Markham "Polk" Marshall, 1845-1914). He was one of three James Markham Marshalls in the company; four if you count their cousin James Markham Marshall Ambler.

Most of the company were from Warren County and the Shenandoah Valley generally...

I know there are some letters out there by Elijah Jackson Hall of this company, but have been unable to find out who may have copies/originals at present. Also hard to find information of Captain Jesse Clay McKay of Warren County.

Best,

Jesse Marshall,
Hernando, FL.

I have a lot of material on the regiment and on the brigade as well including a memoir called riding with Rosser. Also, I can provide the big picture in some of the battles. Please contact me via email

Bryce
[email protected]
 
I have a lot of material on the regiment and on the brigade as well including a memoir called riding with Rosser. Also, I can provide the big picture in some of the battles. Please contact me via email


under a different line of inquiry on this site some of us are studying the May 5 and May 6 1864 fights that the regiment was engaged in during the battle of the wilderness.

bryce
[email protected]
 
RedRover : Are you related to Lt. James Marshall of Co E, 12th Va Cav? He is identified as one of the wounded on Lt Col T.B. Massie's report of casualties at Brandy Station, June 9, 1863 [ https://catalog.archives.gov/id/63336549 ].

One of my ancestors also served in the 12th Va Cav - Pvt John Baker - was in Co G or Co K. However, his index cards in the Compiled Military Service Records were filed with the 12th Va Infantry by mistake. All of the index card information within the CMSR originated from Union prison rolls or POW lists.

John was captured in June, 1863 and was imprisoned at Camp Chase and Johnson's Island - there are records for him in these POW camps' enrollment registers. One card, based upon a POW record at Johnson's Island says he deserted and turned himself in to Gen. Milroy at Winchester on June 13, 1863; it goes on to say that Milroy administered the oath of allegiance to him and then transported him to Wheeling (WV) where he was arrested and sent to Camp Chase.

I kind of doubt that Milroy would have had the time to administer any loyalty oaths - June 13th was the beginning of the Battle of 2nd Winchester and Milroy was busy trying to hold off Confederate attacks while he attempted to evacuate his command from the city. June 13 was probably the date that John was recorded upon his arrest at Wheeling.

I have not been able to find any report, roster, or casualty list in the Confederate records that describes John's enlistment in the regiment nor, the circumstances of his capture - or desertion.

Have you been able to find any detailed memoirs or reports of the 12th Va Cav's activities from when they returned to the Valley from the Jones-Imboden raid in western Virginia up to the Battle of Brandy Station (~May 20 thru June 9, 1863).

Thanx.
Hello Dave,

My apology for the late reply. Yes, Lt. James Markham Marshall of Company E is a distant kinsman. His cousin Captain James Markham Marshall, was captain of Company E, and their cousin Private James Markham Marshall of Co. E was my ancestor. Company E was something of a family affair evidently.

I sympathize with you regarding the dearth of information regarding Private John Baker. After several years of reading carefully, I must admit that the regiments of the "Laurel Brigade" never became adept at military paperwork, or were well organized in a military way. I believe this was purposeful. When General Jones took command at the close of 1862 he noted the men were yet wild and indisciplined... with many coming and going as they saw fit (called "going on a flank..."). John Opie notes what an incredibly rough bunch these cavalry lads were... fist-fights and other rough-and-tumble was not uncommon in camp! Keeping records the military way by the company officers (who were elected to their posts by their men) would have forced them to show most of their men A.W.O.L. or worse. At the fight at Poolesville, MD in Sept. '62 for example, there were only 75 men present out of several hundred on the rolls!

As the veterans recalled, per Ashby's example, they considered themselves all gentleman volunteers, and if a man gave his word he would return, that was good enough!

After General Jones was relieved of command, Gen. Lunsford Lomax was briefly placed in command later in '63.
In his book Bull Run to Bull Run, George Baylor of Co. B noted Lomax valued discipline over valor, and the “noble, high-born spirits” of the valley horsemen, “accustomed to the lenient authority prevailing among the volunteer soldiery, naturally rebelled…” Baylor attributed the bad results of the Culpeper fighting that fall in large measure due to the unpopularity of Lomax. In other words the boys were unwilling to risk their lives for him. [Baylor, 154-156.]

Lomax’s error was trying to brand as deserters the men going off on their “flanks.” The general once commented such men might be shot, and Captain Baylor was satisfied that if the he did any such thing he would not be long on the earth himself. Lomax was shortly removed before the balance of the brigade went home. To salvage the situation Col. Oliver Funsten of the 11th​ Virginia Cavalry, a “gentleman by birth and education” was put in charge, and the men encouraged to return to the ranks without punishment. [Baylor, 156.]

Crisis was averted by replacing Lomax with the gallant and less particular General Thomas L. Rosser...


AS regards the lack of records for Mr. Baker: Reading some Virginia Cavalrymen's memoirs, one notices reference to men riding with companies in which they never were legally enlisted, either for age restrictions, or because they were not sold on which outfit to join (I believe Alexander Hunter and John N. Opie mention in their memoirs trying out a couple companies by riding with them before deciding to join one). Notice in McDonald's history of the Laurel Brigade the rosters compiled by the veterans include many men who were never legally enlisted/recorded with these units. That book does record a "John Baker" as a private in Captain Ford's Company C, with no other notices.


After the raid into West Virginia, by May 25 General Jones’ brigade was camped at Mt. Crawford, and it was evidently quite a sight. Men were dividing the captured horses for their own use, and trading and securing the vast quantity of booty brought out of the raid. This included every sort of sutler’s stores, “from tooth brushes and calico to heavy cloths, clothing, shoes, boots, etc.” The 12th​ Virginia Cavalry had come out with a large supply of “variegated calico” fabric, and soon were bedecked in excellent shirts made up from it. The regiment was called the "calico twelfth" thereafter.

From my notes, they shortly after joined Stuart's Cavalry corps in Culpepper, just before the Battle of Brandy Station, June 9. The regiment left the battlefield area for Rixeyville on June 16...

Now, as regards the reference to Baker's taking the oath, that was not uncommon. Many thousands of Confederates did so. Attached below is a clipping from the Providence Evening Press, Providence, RI, June 9, 1863, regarding the Confederates seeking pardon through the oath of allegiance that summer.

Best, Jesse Marshall.

RebOath.JPG
 
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