50th VA. INFANTRY

[JCK]

Does anyone here know anything about the 50th? My Great Grandfather and his brothers were in the 50th.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. Someone will probably chime in. What were the names? Information on Google?

 

[Hussar Yeomanry]

Welcome from the UK

I assume you have already seen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50th_Virginia_Infantry

It's not a great article but a start. Additionally I can tell you a little about the 50th at Gettysburg. They were in (John) Jones Brigade (Johnson's Division of Ewell's 2nd Corps.) As a result under Lt. Colonel Slayer they end up assaulting the very wooded Culps Hill towards the end of Day 2 and again in the morning of Day 3. In doing so they take approximately 40% casualties and they weren't a large unit by that time anyway c.240-250 men.

 

[JCK]

My GGfather and 5 brothers survived. Must have been hiding. LOL

 

[JCK]

Thanks, I knew they were capture at Fort Donaldson then exchanged. My mother told me this. She remembered him. She was born in 1917.

 

[Hussar Yeomanry]

My GGfather and 5 brothers survived. Must have been hiding. LOL

May already have 'gone home'.

Desertion was already by Gettysburg a problem, especially as there are suggestions that Jones Brigade was not exactly a happy place. The 50th are likely to have been no exception for they lost c.115 at Chancellorsville (8 dead) a few months previously. Furthermore John M. Jones is brand new to command at Gettysburg for his predecessor (also a General Jones... though a different one) was replaced due to (perceived?) incompetence.

As a sidenote and in testament to the seriousness of the fighting John Jones was badly injured during the assault on Culps Hill at Gettysburg.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

Does anyone here know anything about the 50th? My Great Grandfather and his brothers were in the 50th.

Welcome ! I believe they had a few men from neighboring East Tennessee.

50th Virginia Infantry

"The Bloody Half Hundred" was organized in July 1861 from units recruited in Lee, Wise, Washington, Tazewell, Smyth, Grayson, Carroll, Pulaski, Patrick, Amherst and Nelson counties. The regiment's initial ten infantry and three cavalry companies assembled at Wytheville, part of Gen. John B. Floyd's Brigade. Ravaged by disease, the 50th battled at Cross Lanes, Carnifex Ferry and Gauley Bridge in Floyd's unsuccessful fall-1861 effort to control the Kanawha Valley. In that mountain campaign, marked more by constant marching over terrible roads in horrendous weather than by fierce combat, disease exacted huge losses that forced the regiment to temporarily consolidate with the 51st Virginia. In early 1862 the 50th fought bravely with heavy casualties at Fort Donelson, Tennessee. Escaping the surrender there, the regiment trekked 260 miles to Chattanooga where most of the men, after re-enlisting, were furloughed in March. Reassembled in early May, parts of the 50th fought at Princeton and Lewisburg before the regiment reorganized in late May. The unit joined Gen. William Loring's fall-1862 campaign that captured Charleston, W.Va., but ended in retreat to the Narrows of the New River. With little respite, the 50th moved to reinforce Confederate forces on the Blackwater River in southeastern Virginia. There, 1863 began with a small, bloody affair at Kelly's Store near Suffolk. Returning briefly to southwestern Virginia in March, the 50th soon transferred east to Jones' Brigade in Stonewall Jackson's Second Corps. Fierce battles at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg hurt the 50th badly and a less-than-optimal performance at Payne's Farm closed the year's fighting. Bloodied heavily again at the Wilderness in early May 1864, the regiment fought briefly but well before being overwhelmed while defending the salient near Spotsylvania Court House. Reduced to a company-sized fragment, the 50th battled as part of the Second Corps with Gen. Jubal Early in the Shenandoah Valley and at Washington, D.C. In October 1864, after transfer to Gen. Gabriel Wharton's division, the 50th stood fast during the rout at Cedar Creek and remained in the Valley when the Second Corps returned to Petersburg in December. In March 1865, the debacle at Waynesborough ended the war for most of the 50th. Survivors continued serving with Gen. John Echols until his army disbanded near Christiansburg in April 1865. During nearly four years of war, more than 24 percent of "The Bloody Half-Hundred" died in battle, from disease or from Union prison conditions.



No. 409.

Report of Maj. L. J. Perkins, Fiftieth Virginia Infantry.

CAMP NEAR CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA.,
May 7, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the report of the part taken by
this regiment in the several battles commencing on Saturday, May 2.

About 10 a. m., Saturday, this regiment, under the command of Col.
Alexander S. Vandeventer, moved from the United States Furnace [?]
with the balance of Lieut. Gen. T. J. Jackson's command, and
moved in rear of the enemy, about 5 miles from Chancellorsville, Va.,
about 4 p.m., when we formed in line of battle. The Fiftieth Virginia
Regt. formed on the right of Brig. Gen. J. R. Jones'
brigade, and were ordered to move upon the enemy, and soon came in
contact with him, after marching through a dense wood, and opened fire
upon him. Marching steadily forward, we drove him to his breastworks,
where he made a stubborn resistance, but we continued forward, and he
was soon put to flight, and at this point we captured a number of
prisoners.

At this juncture I wish to commend particularly Capt. William S.
Hannah, Company G, and Color Sergeant Joseph H. Pickle, Company
D, for their gallantry--and all, officers and men, moved forward in their
country's defense. At this point Capt. Hannah first laid his hands on
the enemy's battery, and Sergeant Pickle planted his colors over it.

Still moving forward about 1 mile, and driving the enemy before us,
darkness coming upon us, we were compelled to abandon our pursuit,
and, while forming our men, were exposed to a severe shelling. We
remained in line of battle during the night, but no demonstration was
made upon our line by the enemy.

Early next morning our lines were again subjected to a heavy fire of
grape, canister, and shell from the enemy's batteries planted on the hill
at Chancellorsville, causing some casualties. Our men stood their ground
unflinchingly for nearly two hours, when we were again ordered to the
front, and were participants in the gallant charges made upon the almost
impregnable works of the enemy on the Chancellor heights, each time
driving him from his selected position, and the second time entirely
dislodging him and driving him from his works.

In charging the heights, the brave Capt. Hannah (mentioned before for
his gallant conduct in the fight the evening previous) was no less
conspicuous in the fight of to-day. While leading the regiment on the
hill, he received three severe and dangerous wounds, and near the same
time the brave Pickle received a wound, and was compelled to retire.

Frank W. Kelly, senior captain of the regiment, deserves a high
compliment for his untiring energy and bravery in assisting in
commanding the regiment in the terrible strife, and the officers and men
deserve the highest praise for their coolness and undaunted courage.

L. J. PERKINS,
Maj., Cmdg. Fiftieth Virginia Regt.

Capt. SAMUEL J. C. MOORE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Jones' brigade.

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


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

Gettysburg after battle report:

Report of Lieut. Col. L. H. N. Salyer, Fiftieth Virginia Infantry.

July 6, 1863.
Sir: On the 1st of this month, after a very long march, this regiment
arrived at Gettysburg, Pa., and with the brigade bivouacked
on the left of our lines and about a mile from the lines of the enemy,
under shelter of some low hills.

On the next day (July 2), early in the afternoon, I was ordered by
Gen. Jones to move to the support of a battalion of artillery
commanded by Maj. Latimer, which was then on the point of engaging
the enemy. I hurried forward to the position assigned us,
but heavy firing had commenced before I reached the point we were
to occupy, and by the time we got in position the opposing batteries
were in full play. It soon became evident that our batteries were
suffering very much, and that they could not long continue the contest;
however, Maj. Latimer held his ground till several of his
pieces had been silenced by the loss of the gunners, &c., when he
ordered the guns to the rear. We rendered him good services in
assisting his cannoneers with their pieces.

Here we had a private killed, and a second lieutenant and one private
wounded.

It was now determined to attack the enemy upon their own ground,
and in the line of battle this regiment occupied the right of the brigade,
which was also the right of our lines on that portion of the
field. The enemy occupied a very strong position, being the crest of
a range of wooded, craggy hills. To reach their lines, we were compelled
to advance for half a mile through open fields, at the same time
receiving the fire from their batteries and skirmishers; but our whole
line moved forward in handsome order. About sunset we came to
close range, and till long after dark the fighting was kept up with
great fury. We tried again and again to drive the enemy from their
position, but at length we were compelled to fall back, worn down
and exhausted, but not till every round of cartridge had been discharged.
At one time we were within a few feet of their works, but
the fire was so heavy we could not stand it.

It may be well to state here that when we fell back we carried
every one of our killed and wounded with us to the base of the hill.
This night we slept at the base of the hill, about 300 yards from the
enemy's lines.

The day following (July 3) was spent without any important operations
on our part, we barely skirmishing some little. On the night
of the 3d, we withdrew from the contest entirely.

Our loss is 15 killed, 67 wounded, and 17 missing.*

The regiment as a body behaved exceedingly well, and fully sustained
the reputation they have heretofore won; but in the line of
officers there was not in one or two instances that high and chivalrous
bearing which I would like to see exhibited. However, while
I am sorry to say that one or two of the officers did not behave so
well as they ought, yet the others conducted themselves exceedingly
well.

Maj. L. J. Perkins conducted himself with his usual courage, and
deserves much praise for his conduct.

To the senior captain (F. W. Kelly) I am also much indebted for
his constant and laborious services. To Second Lieut. Isaac Weston,
Company B, who received a severe blow on the head, but would
not leave the field, much credit is due. He was in the command
of his company, and well sustained the true bearing of the Southern
officer.

Private A. F. Senteo, Company H, detailed with the ambulance
corps, rendered most excellent service in carrying the wounded away
from the field. In one or two instances he, with friends of the
wounded, brought them from the immediate vicinity of the enemy's
lines.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. H. N. SALYER,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. 50th Va. Regt., 2d Brig., Johnson's Div.

Capt. Reuben Cleary,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

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

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

Report of Col. Alexander S. Vandeventer, Fiftieth Virginia Infantry.

DECEMBER 4, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part
taken by my regiment in the late battle at Bartlett's Mill, November
27:

After marching from the fortifications on the Rapidan a distance
of 4 miles, the regiment was formed in order of battle on the road,
and advanced upon the enemy at 3 p. m. Moved from the road
through a large skirt of woods in the direction of the enemy.
Emerged from the woods into an extensive cleared field, on the
opposite side of which the enemy was discovered. Our lines moved
rapidly, and coming within range of the enemy opened fire upon
him. The men attacked with much coolness and deliberation, and,
under a terrific fire of musketry, advanced to within short range of
the enemy. The fire was continuous until the regiment was ordered
to retire a short distance, which was accomplished in good order.
At one time the fire of the enemy was so heavy as to cause some
confusion, but the exertions on the part of the officers soon restored
order.

With but few exceptions the men and officers behaved with becoming
gallantry. The regiment was principally commanded by Lieut.
Col. L. H. N. Salyer, whose conduct during the engagement was that
of a man of true courage.

During the engagement, Capt. Francis W. Kelly was detached
from his company to act as major. He displayed great coolness and
exhibited every mark of a brave man.

At nightfall the regiment retired to a new position, bringing off
the dead and wounded.

The loss of the regiment during the engagement was 1 man killed,
4 wounded, and 3 missing.

Very respectfully,

A. S. VANDEVENTER,
Colonel, Commanding Fiftieth [Virginia Infantry].

Capt. ROBERT D. EARLY.
Assistant Adjutant-General.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 861-48 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLI.
[Series I. Vol. 29. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 48.]

 

[Hussar Yeomanry]

Aha. You have it as Lt. Col Salyer. My source suggests Slayer which I guess is a typo.

Sigh.

Makes appropriate notes.

And Thank You.

 

[JCK]

GGfather was from Grayson county VA. I am also related to the Perkins family as mentioned above.

 

[Legion Para]

 

[Legion Para]

https://moconfederacy.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/85C86952-F8EB-43EE-B5A4-902665651872


Description Pattern: Army of Northern Virginia battle flag; wool, cotton. 1940s Fowler-Richey conservation.

Stars: Thirteen white cotton, 5-pointed.

Border: 2 inches white wool on 3 sides, 2 1/4 inches white canvas on hoist edge.

Attachment: Eyelets.

Unit Designation: "50 VA" stenciled in yellow paint on obverse.
Battle Honors: In black paint, "CROSS LANES.", "CARNIFAX.", "KELLY'S FARM.", "CHANCELLORSVILLE.", "GETTYSBURG.", "FORT DONALDSON.", and "PRINCETON."

Material textile (wool, cotton)

Dimensions H-44.5 W-45.5 inches

Owned John N. Opel

Owner Regiment 50th Virginia Infantry

Event Battle of the Wilderness

Provenance Flag of the 50th Virginia Infantry. Captured at the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864 by Pvt. John N. Opel, 7th Indiana Infantry.

"Confederate Battle Flag of a (the 50th) Va Regiment, captured in the Wilderness by Private John H. Opel, Co. G 7th Indiana Volunteers 1st Brigade 4th Division 5th Army Corps." (from "Record of Rebel Flags Captured by Union Troops After April 19, 1861", National Archives, RG 94)

 

[Jimklag]

Welcome, @JCK , from the Railroads and Steam Locomotives forum.

 

[Legion Para]

https://ranger95.com/civil_war/virginia/infantry/50va_inf/50th_inf_regt.html


50th Infantry Regiment Roster:

A-B C-E F-H I-L M-O P-R S-V W-Z

50th Infantry Regiment was organized in July 18 6 1, with ten companies and three companies of cavalry temporarily attached. During September one of the cavalry companies was disbanded and the other two transferred to the 8th Regiment Virginia Cavalry. The unit was reorganized in May 1862, with nine companies. It moved to Tennessee and in February 1862 was captured at Fort Donelson. After being exchanged, it was assigned to the Department of Western Virginia and fought at Carnifax Ferry. Later the 50th served in J. M. Jones', G. C. Wharton's, and Forsberg's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. It participated in numerous conflicts from Chancellorsville to Cold Harbor, moved with Early to the Shenandoah Valley, and fought its last battle at Waynesborough. The regiment reported 10 killed and 40 wounded at Fort Donelson, and there were 8 killed and 110 wounded at Chancellorsville. More than forty percent of the 240 engaged at Gettysburg were disabled, and it sustained heavy casualties in the fight at The Wilderness. During April 1865, it disbanded. The field officers were Colonels Thomas Poage, Alexander W. Reynolds, and A. S. Vandeventer; Lieutenant Colonels William W. Finney and Logan H. N. Salyer; and Majors Lynville J. Perkins and C. E. Thorburn.

 

[Legion Para]

Attention Moderators (@bdtex): Could you please move this thread to the Regimental Histories Forum. Thank you.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome @JCK from South Florida

 

[JCK]

Found him. Jacob T. Mink Company D

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

"Confederate Battle Flag of a (the 50th) Va Regiment, captured in the Wilderness by Private John H. Opel, Co. G 7th Indiana Volunteers 1st Brigade 4th Division 5th Army Corps." (from "Record of Rebel Flags Captured by Union Troops After April 19, 1861", National Archives, RG 94)

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6403540/john-nicholas-opel

 

[Tom Elmore]

50th Virginia at Gettysburg:

Primary source accounts on the regiment during the Gettysburg campaign are very scarce. John D. Chapla, author of a regimental history, had access to a letter dated 16 June 1863 from Lieutenant William A. Smith of Company I. Chapla also noted that Joseph H. Pickle was a color sergeant at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Pickle was promoted to Ensign on 28 April 1864, dated to 20 April, and was killed at the Wilderness on 5 May 1864.

The only battle comment, also found in Chapla's book, concerns Private Andrew Jackson Lewis of Company K, who was "trapped behind a stump one whole day. He would put his hat on his gun and hold it up. As along as the Yankees fired … he did not venture out, but would return fire from behind the stump."

On the evening of July 2, the 50th was the far right regiment in Jones' attack against the northern face of Culp's Hill, with no friendly troops connecting with their right flank. They squared off against the Iron Brigade, particularly the 7th Indiana, which was as large as the rest of the brigade combined after the latter's hard fighting on July 1. The 33rd Massachusetts was sent forward from the base of Cemetery Hill and was poised to inflict great harm upon the 50th Virginia's exposed right flank, however, the dusk advance of Avery's North Carolina brigade from the outskirts of town compelled the 33rd to fall back quickly, sparing the 50th from further damage. On July 3, the brigade lay relatively inactive behind a convenient stone wall positioned 250-350 yards northeast from the summit of Culp's Hill, with the 50th on the right being furthest away from the Federal lines.

Field and Staff:
Lieutenant Colonel Logan Henry Neal Salyer, present.
Major Lynville J. Perkins, wounded July 2, succeeded by Captain F. W. Kelly.
Quartermaster (Captain) John Buchanan Whited, present.
Quartermaster Sergeant John T. Hubble, killed during the retreat to Virginia.
Surgeon O. F. Baxter, present.

Companies:
A – Lee County; Captain John J. C. Johnson, possibly present.
B – Lee County; Captain Elisha C. Burchett, present until "deserted to the enemy" on July 1.
C – Captain Francis W. "Frank" Kelly commanding, acting major from July 2; Second Lieutenant William T. East from Five Oaks, VA was wounded and captured and sent to Johnson's Island, Ohio.
D – Grayson County.
E – "Smyth Grays," Smyth County; 1st Lieutenant John F. Buchanan commanding.
F – 1st Lieutenant Granville T. Sale commanding.
G –
H – "Wise Yankee Catchers," Wise County; Captain Jonas A. Lipps commanding.
I – Pulaski County; Captain Stephen Hubbard Stone commanding.
K –

Sources:
-John D. Chapla, 50th Virginia Infantry, Virginia Regimental Histories Series
-Compiled Service Records
-Confederate Military History, Extended Addition, vol. IV, Virginia, p. 1191 (Capt. S.H. Stone)
-Virginia Historical Society, ed. by R. A. Brock (prisoners at Johnson's Island)

 

[JCK]

Thanks ever !body, learn a lot

 

[JCK]

GGF was with the 50th when they disbanded.