.J 
 
Glass. 
 Book. 
 
 
/ 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS ""-^^^^ 
 
 MAJOR-GENl BRYAN GRIMES, 
 
 TO HIS WIFE, 
 
 WRITTEN WHILE IN ACTIVE SERVICE IN THE ARMY 
 OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 SOME PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR, 
 
 WRITTEN BY HIM AFTER ITS CLOSE, ETC. 
 
 COMPILED FROM ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS 
 
 By PULASKI COWPER, 
 
 OF RALEIGH, N. C. 
 
 RALEIGH, N. C. : 
 
 Edwards, Broughton & Co., Steam Printers and Binders, 
 
 1883. 
 

 
PREFACE. 
 
 The matter contained in the succeeding pages 
 was never intended for pubHcation. It represents a 
 short sketch of incidents, and participation in the late 
 war, by the late Major-General Bryan Grimes, 
 and extracts from letters to his wife, written from 
 the camp, and on the fields of battle, and such other 
 matters of record and interest as have seemed to 
 me fit and proper to be inserted therein. 
 
 General Grimes had for years after the sur- 
 render determined to write out his recollections of 
 the war, solely for the benefit, pleasure and curiosity 
 of his children and their posterity, to be read in 
 after years, with no view whatever of their publica- 
 tion, but simply to be kept as a matter of record in 
 his family. He had commenced this work, as shown 
 in his original manuscript, and, as far as executed, 
 it is printed in the following pages. 
 
 In his letters to his wife, he gave briefly an 
 account of what almost daily transpired, and being 
 written on those respective days, was fresh in 
 his recollectfon, and may be received as strictly 
 
4 PREFACE. 
 
 authentic. His known integrity and truthfulness 
 will need no corroboration of what he has written 
 or related. 
 
 These sketches and incidents demonstrate the 
 character, honor and chivalry — the obligation of 
 duty, and love of country, of a true citizen and a 
 brave soldier. They present a truthful and impar- 
 tial history, and will be read with interest and grati- 
 fication by his friends and surviving comrades in 
 war, and with this view they are thus publicly pre- 
 sented. 
 
 It will be observed that in one or two places dis- 
 connected notes appear, indicating clearly his inten- 
 tion to refer to them at some other time, and to 
 extend more fully their subject matter. I have 
 thought proper to have them printed just as they 
 appear, and as they are written in the original man- 
 uscript. 
 
 It Vv-ill also be seen that mention has been once 
 or twice made of his horse " Warren." His affec- 
 tion for this animal was very great. He had been 
 released from all work since the war, except now 
 and then his own occasional riding, and the best 
 attention had been given him. I have frequently 
 heard him say, that however much he might need 
 the money, he would not part with him for thou- 
 
PREFACE. 5 
 
 sands of dollars in gold. This old war horse died 
 only a few weeks ago, at the age of twenty-eight, 
 and in accordance with the General's known wishes, 
 was buried as carefully and as decently as a human 
 being near the spot where his dead master now 
 rests. 
 
 Major-General Bryan Grimes was born in 
 the county of Pitt, on the south side of Tar River, 
 about eight miles from the town of Washington, N. 
 C, on the 2nd day of November, 1828. He received 
 a good academical education, and entered Chapel 
 Hill in June, 1844, and graduated in June, 1848, In 
 about a year after leaving college, his father gave 
 him the plantation upon which he lived up to the 
 time of his death, and whereon his family now re- 
 side. He had no desire for political life, and with 
 the exception of the few days he was a member of 
 the Convention of 1861 — known as the Secession 
 Convention — he led the quiet life of a farmer, com- 
 bining industry and good judgment, from his early 
 manhood to the close of his life. 
 
 He was on the 9th day of April, 1851, married 
 to Miss Elizabeth Hilliard, daughter of Dr. Thomas 
 Davis, of Franklin county, who died on the 7th 
 day of November, 1857. The only living issue of 
 this marriage is a daughter, the wife of Samuel F. 
 
6 PREFACE. 
 
 Mordecai, Esq., of Raleigh, N. C. On the 15th 
 day of September, 1863, he was again married to 
 Miss Charlotte Emily, daughter of the late Hon. 
 John H. Bryan, of Raleigh, N. C, who with eight 
 children now survives him. 
 
 My relations to GENERAL Grimes forbid me to 
 speak in such extended terms of praise as my feel- 
 ings would dictate to speak of one of the truest and 
 bravest of men. For honesty of purpose — for de- 
 votion to principle — for firmness of friendship — for 
 honor in all things^for tiuthfulness in all things — 
 for faithfulness to all promises and obligations, and 
 for true, genuine courage, he stood on the day of 
 his death the peer of any living human being. 
 
 On Saturday evening of the 14th of August, 
 1880, while returning from the town of Washington, 
 when at Bear Creek, within two miles of his home, 
 he was, just at sut-set, shot from an ambush by a 
 concealed assassin, and almost instantly killed. A 
 little boy, about ten years old, a neighbor's son, was 
 his only companion, to whom he said, " I am shot 
 and will die," and immediately thereafter fell slowly 
 to the foot of the buggy and expired. Several 
 buck-shot struck the ribs and the top of the buggy, 
 but only one shot took effect on his person, which 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 7 
 
 passed through the thick part of his left arm, and 
 lodged deep in the heart. 
 
 That evening's sun, just sinking into darkness, 
 left its frowning shadows upon this terrible deed. 
 Its morning rays fell upon a household saddened 
 by affliction, and saw the mother and her children 
 still bending over the lifeless form. Its midday 
 brightness, on the succeeding day, rested upon the 
 large and solemn assemblage gathered at the home- 
 stead to render the last and only tribute of respect 
 and affection. The end was soon over, and the 
 tomb received all that remained of him who would 
 have made any sacrifice to maintain his honor, and 
 who did freely peril his life for his State and for his 
 section. 
 
 The rounded mound marks now, and will con- 
 tinue to mark, the resting place of one who, in life, 
 bore the type of God's highest creation — the attri- 
 bute of a Creator's mightiest perfection, 
 
 " An honest man the noblest work pf God." 
 
 To the living and the dead of the Fourth Regi- 
 ment of North Carolina State Troops, who so gal- 
 lantly served the Confederacy in the Army of 
 Northern Virginia, the following lines are fitly dedi- 
 cated. 
 
 PULASKI COWPER. 
 
 Raleigh, N. C, April gth, 1883. 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS 
 
 MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 
 
 An account of his own recollections of the War, and a brief account 
 in part of his own participation therein, by the late Major-Gen- 
 ERAL Bryan Grimes, taken from his original manuscript. — Ex- 
 tracts taken from letters to his wife from the fields of battle. — 
 His own account of the last fight at Appomattox. — General Or- 
 ders. — Reports. — Other interesting matter, &c., tS;c. 
 
 I returned from Europe in the middle of the 
 great political excitement over the election of Lin- 
 coln to the presidency, and about the time of the 
 secession of South Carolina from the Union, and 
 became deeply interested in the action of the South ; 
 and upon the bombardment of Sumpter by Beaure- 
 gard, had gone down there for the purpose of wit- 
 nessing the fight, but was too late to see the capitu- 
 lation. 
 
 Thence I went to Montgomery, the then .seat 
 of government, and from there to Pensacola, to 
 witness the threatened attack of Bragg at that 
 point. After remaining there a few days, and seeing 
 no prospect of the bombardment, I visited New 
 
 • • 
 
lO EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Orleans, and came up the Mississippi river to Ten- 
 nessee, and was on the train with the first troops 
 sent from Alabama to Richmond, and happened to 
 occupy a seat immediately in front of Andrew- 
 Johnson, afterwards President of the United States, 
 and then heard the first groans given in contempt 
 of his treachery to the South, which wires repeated 
 at every station, when it was made known that he 
 was on board the train. 
 
 On returning home to North Carolina, I found 
 myself a candidate for the Convention which had 
 been called by the Legislature during my absence, 
 to which Convention I was elected without oppo- 
 sition. The election was on the 13th May, and I 
 proceeded at once to Raleigh, and signed the Ordi- 
 nance of Secession on the 20th May, 1861, and 
 whilst a member advocated the most extensive war 
 measures. In a short time after the organization of 
 the ten regiments of " State Troops" raised for, and 
 by request of the Confederate government, I was 
 offered by Gov. Ellis the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of 
 the 8th Regiment, or the majority of the 2nd Cav- 
 alry, or majority of the 4th Regiment, which latter 
 I accepted. I felt my deficiency of a knowledge of 
 military tactics, and Col. Geo. B. Anderson, a grad- 
 uate of West Point, was Colonel of the 4th Infantr}% 
 
 • X 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. i i 
 
 whilst the others were officered by inexperienced 
 civilians like myself, and I preferred a subordinate 
 position with an efficient officer, to higher rank with 
 officers without experience. In consequence of this 
 appointment I resigned my seat in the Convention 
 and revisited my home for three days to arrange my 
 business matters, and then reported to the com- 
 manding officer of my regiment, which was organ- 
 izing at camp, near Garysburg, where the regiment 
 remained drilling until ordered forward, July 20th, 
 1861, to Richmond, to be in supporting distance 
 to be called to Manassas in case of need, and ar- 
 rived at Manassas 29th July, 1861, a few days after 
 Bull Run and Manassas fights, when the change of 
 habits induced a serious attack of sickness. 
 
 I received permission to visit the Bull Run 
 mountains to recuperate. After a short absence I 
 returned to my command, and remained with the 
 regiment until, the evacuation of Manassas under 
 Gen. Jos. E. Johnston in March, 1862, then in com- 
 mand of my regiment, as Col. Anderson was in 
 command of the post of Manassas and the troops 
 in that section. Camped on Clark's mountain, near 
 the Rapidan river, until April 8th, when the com- 
 mand was ordered to Yorktown, which point was 
 reached on the 9th. Accompanied Col. Anderson 
 
12 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 when he reported to Gen. Rains for duty, and after 
 assignment to certain posts, civn'Han like sugges^-ed 
 to Gen. Rains that the regiment be not divided for 
 duty as he instructed, but kept intact, and a smaller 
 regiment placed where these posts were intended, 
 not wishing to be left in separate command, the 
 Lieutenant-Colonel being absent. 
 
 Here for the first time I became acquainted with 
 the fire of the enemy and was assigned the post of 
 commander of the picket line which I sustained 
 until the evacuation on the night of the 3rd of May, 
 when T was left in charge of the picket line of in- 
 fantry, with instructions to keep up as usual the 
 firing throughout the night, and retire about dawn, 
 which was very perilous, as torpedoes had been 
 planted on all the roads and streets leading into 
 Yorktown, and my picket had to be kept outside of 
 the enemy's fire. About the middle of the day I 
 regained my command, and encamped with them 
 near Williamsburg for the night, and next day asked 
 leave of absence to visit the venerable institution, 
 " William and Mary's College," during which visit 
 the fight commenced, and carried off by the excite- 
 ment, I followed the sounds of strife until in the 
 midst of the battle, and never realized my danger 
 until I saw several of^cers and couriers of Gen. 
 
MAIOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 
 
 13 
 
 Johnston killed, thinking that there was no great 
 danger so long as I was no nearer the strife than the 
 commanding General, it then being a prevalent idea, 
 which was afterwards exploded on our side, that the 
 General ofKicers never occupied posts of danger. 
 Seeing the flag of my regiment advancing, I rode up 
 to go in with it and remarked to Col. Anderson, " I 
 hope you have not required my services." And 
 then in the only severe and abrupt manner used to- 
 wards me before or after, I was informed that my 
 conduct was unmilitary, and my proper position was 
 with my regiment. 
 
 The participation of the 4th Regiment in this 
 battle was slight, and the Brigade Commander being 
 placed in command of the field of battle, the com- 
 mand of the Brigade devolved upon Col. Anderson 
 and that of the regiment upon me, when Col. An- 
 derson remarked that he would take advantage of 
 m}^ knowledge of the field of battle, I having been 
 present during most of the engagement and knew 
 the localities, and thus riding over the field we con- 
 tinued together until near daylight, when we were 
 withdrawn. This night, though in May, was one of 
 the most disagreeable of my army experience, a 
 heavy penetrating mist, nearly freezing the men to 
 the bone, when all would huddle together for the 
 
H 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 mutual warmth of their bodies, and when my horse 
 became the centre for the regiment, around which 
 they collected, the first few attracted by the animal 
 heat from the horse's body, until they formed a com- 
 plete mass of men. 
 
 From thence the army retired slowly, but always 
 on the alert, to the Chicahominy river. While there 
 by an alarm of the approach of the enemy, the 
 tents were all struck and wagons sent toward Rich- 
 mond, leaving the army tentless and comfortless in 
 the midst of a cold drizzling rain, when taking pos- 
 session of a rice-tierce, or hogshead, which I 
 shared with Col. Anderson, I became perhaps the 
 most comfortable of all that host, as all comfort 
 goes by comparison. 
 
 I was then ordered with the regiment near Rich- 
 mond, and ordered to report to Gen. Garland, Col. 
 Anderson being in temporary command of Feather- 
 stone's Brigade, and withdrawn and returned to Col. 
 Anderson in time to participate in the battle of 
 Seven Pines on May 31st, 1862, which engagement 
 I entered into with 25 officers and 520 non-com- 
 missioned ofificers and privates. All the officers 
 were killed or wounded except myself, with 462 
 men killed and wounded. I attacked the fort and 
 redoubt where my horse's head was blown off, and 
 
MATOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIxVTES. 
 
 15 
 
 falling so suddenly as to catch my foot and leg 
 under the horse. The regiment seeing me fall, sup- 
 posed I was killed or wounded, and began to falter 
 and waver, when I, still penned to the earth by the 
 weight of my horse, waved my sword and shouted 
 forward ! forward I Whereupon some of my men 
 came to my assistance and pulled the horse off, 
 when seeing the flag upon the ground, the flag- 
 bearer and all the color-guard being killed or 
 wounded, I grasped it and called upon them to 
 charge ! which they did, and together with others 
 captured the fortifications. Here John Stikeleather, 
 from Iredell, (Company K, 4th N. C. State Troops), 
 came up and requested to be allowed to become the 
 standard-bearer, promising to bear it with credit to 
 himself and the regiment so long as strength and 
 life lasted. After a few moments the enemy began 
 to rally in rear of their tents, and upon my calling 
 Gen. Garland's attention to the fact, I was ordered 
 by him in Col. Anderson's absence, to take pos- 
 session of a wood near by, and begin firing upon 
 them. In double-quicking across an open space of 
 arable land to get to the cover of these woods, I 
 perceived that the enemy were engaged in throwing 
 up an earthwork to my right, when giving the com- 
 mand by the right flank I charged the works taking 
 
1 6 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 many prisoners, and fired upon the enemy for the 
 remainder of the day. That night I slept between 
 Gen. Garland and Col. Anderson on one horse- 
 blanket and covered by another, surrounded by dead 
 and wounded, both men and animals. 
 
 The next day was not actively engaged, but re- 
 tired that night, the enemy having been heavily re- 
 inforced. From then until the 26th of June there 
 were daily skirmishes along the lines, when on that 
 day we par<sed the Chicahominy, near Mechanics- 
 ville, and although not actively engaged, was held 
 under terrific infantry fire, and commanded to sup- 
 port other troops and artillery, and remained in that 
 position until near daylight, when we were ordered 
 off to report to Gen. Hill by his special orders. 
 Whereupon he directed me to " charge that battery," 
 which was the only obstacle on the road to Cold 
 Harbor. Whereupon I asked Gen. Hill if he was 
 aware that I had no officers, and only about sixty 
 men, when I was told to hold myself in readiness to 
 charge, if others who were ordered forward a second 
 time failed to take it. I deployed my men on the 
 line and instructed them to fire upon any of these 
 troops who failed to move forward to the charge. 
 They were then successful but found other impedi- 
 ments further on, whereupon Gen. Hill determined 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIxMES. \y 
 
 to accomplish his purpose without further sacrifice 
 of life, and by a circuitous route caused them to 
 abandon their position, and then marched us down 
 to near Cold Harbor, where we again found the 
 enemy in our front, whereupon Gen. Hill, seeing a 
 battery and not being positive whether they were 
 Jackson's men expected at that point or the enemy, 
 ordered a flag forward to be waved, when I took the 
 flag of the 4th regiment and galloped my horse to- 
 wards the battery, when they opened with the whole 
 battery on the line in column, in my rear, and here 
 I was on the extreme left of the long continuous 
 line of battle and kept the enemy in check, until 
 late in the afternoon there came an order to charge ! 
 and forward they went. My horse was killed 
 and I continued on foot, driving the enemy from, 
 his breastworks through their camps, taking their 
 artillery and supplying myself with another horse. 
 Here I captured a fine St. Bernard dog, which was 
 protecting the corpse of a Colonel of a Pennsyl- 
 vania regiment, who upon inspection was found to 
 have on steel breast plates, which had protected him 
 so long as his face was to the fire, but upon retreat- 
 ing had received a mortal wound in the rear. 
 
 This dog (" General ") became the pet of the 
 regiment, and remained with it for over two years, 
 
l8 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 when in pursuit of Hunter in the Valley of Vir- 
 ginia in 1 864 he succumbed to the hard marching, 
 broke down and was lost, not having the endurance 
 of men. That night heard the rumbling of wagons 
 and artillery and the tramp of troops, until in the 
 morning it was found that the enemy had crossed 
 the Chickahominy. Here, for the first time, I had 
 the honor of being introduced to the great Jackson, 
 and I now have the mess-chest upon which he joined 
 us at dinner, dining from the contents of a sutler's 
 wagon captured the day previous. 
 
 Crossed the river at Grapevine bridge and pur- 
 sued the enemy as far as the White Oak, when 
 against the consent and protest of Gen. Anderson, 
 who had been made Brigadier, 1 was detailed by 
 Gen. Hill to take charge of the captured stores and 
 prisoners, and report at Richmond with them. Gen. 
 Anderson saying " that although small in numbers 
 Colonel Grimes and regiment is the keystone of my 
 brigade." I remained around Richmond until about 
 the middle of July, when an attack of typhoid fever 
 compelled me to visit Raleigh and recruit my health. 
 My visit home was of short duration, returning in 
 time to the army to take a part in the first invasion 
 of Maryland and the battles previous to the crossing 
 of the Potomac. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. ig 
 
 I recall the circumstance near Savage Station of a 
 man perfectly rigid in death, with his musket up to 
 his face, and in the act of taking aim ; burning of 
 the trains — pile of metallic cofifins — Catholic Priests — 
 a Federal soldier claiming exceptional kindness on 
 account of his being a native of North Carolina, &c. 
 My command did not participate much in the bat- 
 tle of Second Manassas, but were in the field and 
 assisted in driving the enemy beyond Centreville, 
 when the line of march was taken up for Maryland, 
 and reached Leesburg 4th September, and on the 
 5th, when crossing the Potomac at White's Point, 
 near Edwards' Ferry, I received a very severe hurt 
 from the kick of a horse, which incapacitated me 
 from active duty, not being able to either walk or 
 ride, but had myself carried in an ambulance in an- 
 ticipation and hopes of a speedy recovery. Here 
 we were encamped near Frederick City for several 
 days, and then moved up to the vicinity of Hagers- 
 town. On the 14th of September the command 
 was called upon to proceed down the turnpike to 
 Middletown, near the pass over South Mountain, 
 when seeing an engagement with the enemy was in- 
 evitable, I had myself placed upon my horse and 
 took the command of my regiment, and was first 
 sent with the command to the left of the turnpike. 
 
20 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 and subsequently withdrawn and ordered with 
 another regiment to proceed to the assistance of 
 Gen. Garland, then engaged on the right. In ad- 
 vancing was met by the corpse of that gallant ofifiicer 
 being brought off the field. Here the fight con- 
 tinued all day. Here my horse was killed under me 
 on the mountain and to my own and the surprise of 
 my command I commanded my troops in the battle 
 until nightfall, when I threw myself down to rest 
 by my brigade commander, Gen. G. B. Anderson, 
 who seeing me so exhausted after the excitement of 
 the day, insisted upon my going to the rear, and 
 called up four litter bearers and had me carried to 
 the hospital, upon reaching which I encountered a 
 new danger, as the enemy were threatening the 
 wagon trains, and in consequence as a matter of 
 safety the wounded who were able to be moved 
 without danger were ordered to be transported 
 across the Potomac at Williamsport, where a few of 
 the enemy's cavalry intercepted a portion of the 
 train and turned them down the wrong road, and 
 had by this means secured very ma:ny of our 
 wagons and ambulances, before the trick was dis- 
 covered, and then there were not more than half a 
 dozen wagons intervening between the wagon car- 
 rying me and the road which led into the enemy's 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 2 1 
 
 lines. Together with others of the wounded and 
 wagoners the enemy were driven off and I was safely 
 landed once again on Virginia soil, having crossed 
 the river near Williamsport. 
 
 The next two days kept with the train and was 
 carried to Shepardstown where I remained, being 
 unable to report to my command, which was then 
 engaged in battle at Boonsboro, where my friend 
 and mess-mate, Gen. G. B. Anderson, received the 
 wound from which he subsequently died after re- 
 turning home. The regiment with Gen. D. H. Hill's 
 command went into quarters on the Opequon, near 
 
 Bunker's Hill, in county, I having to be sent 
 
 to Winchester on account of the serious nature of 
 the injury to my leg, as amputation began seriously 
 to be talked of. Here and at camp I remained 
 until in November, and would have asked for a fur- 
 lough but for the ride, &c. 
 
 I reported for duty though not recovered (and 
 still have an indentation in the bone from the in- 
 jury), when Gen. Hill relieved Col. Gristle, who had 
 been assigned to the command of Anderson's 
 Brigade, and put me in charge. 
 
 [Here follow notes just as they appear in the orig- 
 inal manuscript.] 
 
22 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 (Notes. — Railroad at Charlestown near Harper's 
 Ferry — Berryville, Shenandoah, Paris, Fisher's Gap, 
 Reily, Madison C. H., Guiness Station — Dec. ist — 
 Dec. 3rd — Port Royal 20 miles below Fredericks- 
 burg — Dec. 13th — night of 14th placed in front 
 line — dead horses — request not to be relieved — 
 bunching horses — Hedge— cries of wounded — saw 
 enemy retreating eventually — informed Gen. Hill — 
 said mistake — freezing — Gen. Jackson coming up — 
 sent forward to see where the enemy were — look of 
 disappointment and chagrin — in the matter of flag — 
 relieved of brigade command by Brig.-Gen. Ram- 
 sour — left Fredericksburg in command of 4th N. 
 C. at peep o' day May ist — detailed and deployed 
 as skirmishers — Jackson — " Press Them " ! — Creek — 
 lines encountered on hill where the enemy were en- 
 trenched, and on flank May 2nd— Rodes in front at- 
 tacked the enemy commanded by Siegel in person.) 
 
 The command was reorganized and perfected in 
 drill and then assigned to destroy the Baltimore and 
 Ohio railroad from Charlestown, the site of the ex- 
 ecution of the notorious Kansas Rufifian, John 
 Brown, who was executed at this point within two 
 miles of Harper's Ferry. The work was done 
 effectually at night by tearing up the cross-ties and 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 23 
 
 putting them in large piles of twenty to thirty, and 
 then crossing the iron rails over them and piling a 
 few ties on top of each end of the rails, and just 
 before day-light setting fire to them — the whole at 
 once — the fire so warping the rails as to unfit them 
 for use. 
 
 We were then encamped for some time near 
 
 Berryville until crossed the Potomac after 
 
 the removal of McClellan from command, when we 
 crossed the Sljenandoah, breaking ice for the passage 
 of the men, who had to wade one bitter cold day 
 over the river to meet the enemy who were reported 
 as advancing on Paris. Here, for the first time. 
 General R. E. Rodes, one of the bravest and best 
 officers of the Confederate army, took temporary 
 charge of the division which subsequently became 
 so distinguished as " Rodes Division " in the history 
 of the Army of Northern Virginia, Here occurred 
 a misunderstanding between Gen. Rodes and my- 
 self, which continued until the spring of 1864, and 
 then ended by a gentlemanly and chivalrous action 
 on the part of Gen. Rodes. The circumstances 
 were as follows : Not knowing that Gen. Rodes was 
 in command of the Division, and supposing that 
 Gen. Rodes like myself was in sole command of his 
 own brigade, came up when the troops were cross- 
 
24 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 ing the river, and expressing my opinion to Gen. 
 Rodes as to the severity of the order forbidding the 
 men to remove their pants, or shoes, which I thought 
 ought to be done so as to enable the men to be dry 
 after crossing, when the exercise would in a short 
 time warm them up. Gen. Rodes said in a sharp tone 
 he saw nothing hard in the order and that I had 
 better go to the river and see it obeyed, that he was 
 in command of the division, and the order emanated 
 from him. The order was reluctantly obeyed, and 
 after crossing the Shenandoah, as the men had 
 necessarily straggled out of ranks, I ordered a tem- 
 porary halt to enable the troops of my command to 
 close up and recover their proper position in line. 
 In the meantime Gen. Rodes riding to the front, 
 upon seeing me, asked why I disregarded Gen. 
 Jackson's order, No. — , requiring the arms to be 
 stacked at all halts. The explanation was given 
 and the men ordered to stack arms. Gen. Rodes 
 then instructed me to await where I was and allow 
 the artillery to pass him. Hour after hour passed, 
 and no artillery came up. Finally Gen. Rodes sent 
 a courier to know what detained me. I sent word 
 to him that I was waiting for the artillery. He 
 then sent back ordering me forward. Upon reach- 
 ing the small town of Paris, about two miles distant. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 25 
 
 as I approached Gen. Rodes was standing on the 
 piazza of the hotel, and enquired in a very cross 
 manner, " What has kept you so long?" My reply 
 was, "Obeying your order." "What was that 
 order?" "To let the artillery pass me." "When 
 you saw that no artillery came up, you should have 
 come on, as the enemy are advancing." I replied, 
 " You had just reproved me for not obeying Gen- 
 eral Order No. — , and if you had not counter- 
 manded your order to await the arrival of the artil- 
 lery, I should have remained there until Gen. Hill 
 resumed command." He then placed himself by 
 my side, and went on to place the command in posi- 
 tion and said, " Halt your men here." " When I 
 give the command ' Order arms ' preparatory to 
 stacking arms," he said, "you need not stack arms." 
 My reply was, " It is Gen. Jackson's order, and you 
 have just reproved me for its violation, and I shall 
 do it." He then ordered us forward about a mile 
 to await the advance of the enemy. We had sev- 
 eral slight skirmishes with the enemy's cavalry, and 
 then marched parallel with the Federal troops across 
 the mountain at Fisher's Gap, thence down near 
 Madison C. H, to Orange C. H., and thence down 
 the plank road to Guiness Station, which we reached 
 on the 1st of December, 1862, and on the 3rd were 
 
26 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 moved to Port Royal, twenty miles below Fred- 
 ericksburg, where we had the first snow of any 
 depth of the winter, and remained here protecting 
 the river until the night of the I2th, when the enemy 
 effected a crossing at Fredericksburg, and we were 
 marched all night, and reached Hamilton Crossing 
 about day, and were placed in the reserve on the 
 extreme right of Jackson's line, and consequently 
 the right of the Confederate forces, where we suf- 
 fered considerably from the artillery of the enemy. 
 Towards the evening of the 13th, when the first 
 charge by the Federal troops was made, the brigade 
 was moved forward to support the troops in the 
 trenches, and took the front line. The cries of the 
 wounded in the hedged old field in our front, where 
 the enemy had charged, was heart-rending and sick- 
 ening — pleading prayers to the Almighty for mercy, 
 and begging for water to quench their thirst, which 
 was continued all night. The expected charge of 
 next day was deferred, and feeling anxious to meet 
 the enemy, the officers of the command petitioned 
 Gen. D. H. Hill to allow us to remain in the front 
 line until the enemy did advance. Then was given 
 us the task of burying the horses belonging to the 
 artillery that had been killed to prevent the awful 
 stench, not knowing how many days we would have 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 27 
 
 to keep in line of battle. We found it a difificult 
 task and not easily accomplished. During this 
 night knew there was commotion among the enemy, 
 and could see a light in the distance flash up and 
 then again be darkened, and inferred that the enemy 
 were moving to their right, and that the light was 
 obscured as the troops passed, and flashed out at the 
 interval between the passage of one regiment and 
 the head of another, and sent to report the circum- 
 .stance to Gen. D. H. Hill, whose reply was that I 
 need not be uneasy, they were not going to retreat 
 until after, another effort, and be ready for their 
 charge in the morning. 
 
 Before day next morning we were up, every man 
 at his post, awaiting the expected charge. The fog 
 hung low, and we waited impatiently for it to rise 
 and show us the plain below. When I saw the en- 
 emy were not in sight, I then went forward some 
 few hundred yards to reconnoitre, and in the mean- 
 time sent word to Gen. Hill that the enemy had dis- 
 appeared from my front. Gen. Hill sent my report 
 to Gen. Jackson, and had himself only been there a 
 few minutes, when Gen. Jackson, accompanied by 
 Gen. Lee, rode up to this spot, the highest eminence 
 on that part of the field, and asked, "Who says the 
 enemy have gone?" Gen. Hill replied, "Col. 
 
28 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Grimes," then turnincr to me, Gen. Jackson said, 
 " How do you know ?" I replied, " I have been down 
 as far as their picket line of the day previous, and 
 can see nothing of them." He said, " Move your 
 skirmish line as far as the line, and see where they 
 are." There was a look of deep chagrin and morti- 
 fication, very apparent to the obsever, on the coun- 
 tenance of each, though nothing of the sort was ex- 
 pressed in words. The brigade that I then com- 
 manded was composed of the 30th, Col. Parker ; 
 14th, Col. Bennett ; 4th Regiment (my own) State 
 Troops, 2nd Regiment State Troops under Col. 
 Bynum. We then went into winter quarters, near 
 Corbin's, and picketed the Rappahannock from Pres- 
 
 tonburg to by Taylor's house. Opposite 
 
 Taylor's house there were ladies, who constantly 
 tried to signal us the movements of the enemy, par- 
 ticularly when Hooker moved on in April following. 
 
 During the month of February was relieved of 
 the brigade command by Brigadier-General Ram- 
 seur. Obtained a furlough for a short time and 
 visited home, and upon returning was occupied in 
 drilling and disciplining the 4th Regiment, which 
 regiment was not excelled in the army of Northern 
 Virginia and was noted for its esprit du corps. 
 
 On Friday, the ist of May, before the break of 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 29 
 
 day, we were on the march down the old Fredericks- 
 burg road towards Chancellorsville to meet Hooker's 
 army, which had just crossed the Rapidan and 
 striking out for Gen. Lee's rear. On this march, 
 for the first time, Gen. Jackson appeared in full mil- 
 itary costume, and conveyed by his personal ap- 
 pearance an idea of the great military hero he was. 
 My regiment and a Mississippi command were de- 
 tailed for the purpose of feeling the enemy, and 
 were deployed to drive them in when found, my left 
 resting on the road and acting as an extended 
 skirmish line. Gen. Jackson rode down the turn- 
 pike with the artillery, and whenever necessary 
 would have it to unlimber and feel the woods in our 
 front, and would then ride along my line and upon 
 much resistance being shown by the enemy, would 
 say in suppressed tones, "Press them. Colonel." 
 In this manner, without halting, we marched 
 down near their main body, driving them from every 
 position, and several of their regiments leaving their 
 knapsacks piled up where they had been thrown off 
 when called out to oppose our onward march. 
 Upon crossing a creek and mill-pond, driving the 
 enemy before us, all wet, tattered and torn, and 
 marching over the brow of the opposite hill, the 
 whole line of the main army opened fire upon us. 
 
30 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 and if they had reserved their fire until we had 
 gained the summit, my command would have been 
 annihilated. As it was, they were so astounded by 
 the suddenness of this alarming fire, that they began 
 to fall back in confusion, when I rallied them, ordered 
 them to "lie down," as we were protected by the 
 eminence upon the hill above, and went forward to 
 reconnoitre in person, when I saw that we had come 
 upon a large force entrenched. Made a report of 
 these facts to Gen. Jackson, and was ordered to 
 hold my position until relieved, which was done 
 about 12 o'clock that night, and we then went down 
 near the turnpike to bivouac for the night. When 
 about 8 o'clock, after noticing Generals Lee and 
 Jackson in close conference for some time, we took 
 up that long march for the flank movement which 
 resulted so seriously to the Confederate cause by 
 the loss of Gen. Jackson, though successful in an 
 unprecedented degree in the result of the move- 
 ment. After a long, tedious and circuitous route to 
 get in the rear of Hooker's army, about 3 o'clock 
 on Saturday evening, the 2nd of May, we were in 
 position with Rodes' Division in front, and unex- 
 pectedly to them, fell upon Seigel's Corps that was 
 in reserve, and drove them back for miles upon their 
 lines behind the entrenchments, attacked them, and 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 31 
 
 carried the line of earthworks, took the enemy's 
 camp baggage, the meals, and hot coffe then boiling 
 hot on the fire, which we found very refreshing, and 
 just at dark when we supposed the fighting over, and 
 was in the act of eating my supper, by an enemy's 
 camp-fire and from his larder, then unexpectedly a 
 brisk fire commenced, and in a few minutes cannon- 
 ading, the enemy raking the woods and plank-road 
 with grape and canister. Fearing the enemy were 
 about to charge, I called upon my troops to occupy 
 the breastwork which we had captured an hour pre- 
 vious, and be prepared for the attack. 
 
 After getting in position, and near the plank- 
 road, I went up the road to see if I could hear any- 
 thing to account for the sudden firing, when I met 
 a party bearing a litter off the field, and enquired 
 who it was. Some one said " Lieutenant Sumter," 
 and upon going a step or two further I encountered 
 Gen. Rodes, who informed me that the wounded 
 officer was none other than Gen. Jackson, but he 
 thought it advisable that it should . be concealed 
 from the troops for fear of disheartening them in 
 view of the serious work ahead of us in the morn- 
 ing. We lay down behind the breastworks, and 
 rested for the night. 
 
 Sunday, May 3rd, Chancellorsville. Before day- 
 
32 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 break this morning we were called upon to hold our- 
 selves in readiness to support other troops when 
 called upon, as in consideration of our having borne 
 the brunt of the fights for the two previous days, others 
 were to take the advance. We rested just in rear of 
 the Brigade, a brigade of previous good reputa- 
 tion, which occupied the breastworks captured by us 
 the day previous, A staff ofifiicer rode up and directed 
 by command of Gen. J. E. B. Stuart (who had assumed 
 command after Gen. Jackson was wounded) the 
 officer in command of this brigade to advance and 
 charge the enemy. Gen. Ramseur and myself being 
 on the plank-road and hearing the order given. 
 This brigade commander declined to move forward 
 his command except by order of his division com- 
 mander. Gen. Ramseur then said to this staff 
 officer, " Give me the order and I will charge." I 
 remonstrated with him, saying as we had done the 
 fighting of the two previous days, let this brigade 
 move forward and we would support them. Gen. 
 Ramseur said no, repeated his offer to advance, 
 when this officer said, " Then you make the charge. 
 Gen. Ramseur." Gen. Ramseur then turned to me, 
 saying, " Let us hurry back. Call your men to at- 
 tention !" which I did upon reaching the command, 
 when he ordered the three regiments of his brigade 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 33 
 
 to advance, the other regiment being detached to 
 pretect our right. The command " Forward !" was 
 given, and we moved up to the earthwork occupied 
 by this brigade, and had to climb over these men 
 now lying down behind it for protection, and over 
 the breastworks, and again form in line of battle. 
 Our men were entirely disgusted at their cowardly 
 conduct, and I, myself, put my foot on the back 
 and head of an officer of high rank in mounting the 
 work, and through very spite, ground his face in the 
 earth. I heard one exclaim, " You may double 
 quick, but you will come back faster than you go.'' 
 Mine, the 4th Regiment, was on the left of the com- 
 mand, and our left rested on the plank-road. The 
 comrriand was given and we advanced in a "double 
 quick." The 4th Regiment and three companies of 
 the 2nd Regiment never halted or fired until we had 
 taken the enemy's works in our front and bayonet- 
 ting Federal soldiers on the opposite side of the 
 earthwork. The hill across the ravine was covered 
 by many batteries of artillery, from forty to fifty 
 guns, which had been scouring the woods through 
 which we had just passed with grape and canister. 
 Seeing their infantry driven from their works, they 
 abandoned this artillery. The enemy made three 
 
 distinct attempts to retake this work, forming their 
 5 
 
34 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 men in column by taking advantage of a ravine just 
 beyond the turnpike, but each time were driven 
 back with severe loss, our men acting with great 
 courage, enthusiasm and determination. 
 
 The artillerists seeing only a small portion of the 
 line held, now rallied again to their guns and opened 
 upon us. About the same time my attention was 
 called to my right and rear where I saw large num- 
 bers of the enemy fast closing up our line for retreat, 
 (the right of Ramseur's Brigade having halted to 
 deliver their fire upon encountering the enemy where 
 they were engaged, while we had taken the breast- 
 work). Seeing these Federal troops in my rear, I 
 gave the order to abandon the captured works and 
 fall back to the protection of the earthwork still occu' 
 pied by this (— — ) Brigade, through whose cowardice 
 we had suffered so severely. We crossed to the right 
 of the plank road, and got back to our line in the best 
 manner possible. In this charge my sword was sev- 
 ered by a ball, my clothes perforated in many places, 
 and a ball embedded in my sword belt and the scab- 
 bard, and I received a very severe contusion on the 
 foot ; and upon reaching the earthwork from which 
 we had first started, I had only sufficient strength to 
 get over, and lost consciousness from exhaustion 
 and pain. One of my own ambulance corps seeing 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 35 
 
 my condition, came to my relief, and from a canteen 
 was pouring water over my head when I was recalled 
 to my senses by the voice of Gen. R. E. Rodes, our 
 Division Commander, inquiring, " What troops are 
 these?" The commanding ofificer who had refused 
 to advance when ordered by Gen. Stuart's staff offi- 
 cer, said the Brigade. Gen. Rodes said, 
 
 " Why have you not joined in the charge ?" The re- 
 ply was, " We have had no orders to advance." 
 Under the stimulus of this falsehood, I fully aroused, 
 pronounced it a base lie ; that I had heard the order 
 given myself, and repeated his reply. Whereupon, 
 Gen. Rodes took out his pistol, rode up to this officer, 
 presented the muzzle to his head, and, with an epi- 
 thet of odium, told him to forward his men, or he 
 would blow his brains out. He then gave the com- 
 mand, and this ( ) Brigade then moved forward, 
 
 and, without firing a gun, reached the breastworks 
 that we had taken, and found the Federal forces had 
 evacuated the hill, and safely carried off all their ar- 
 tillery posted there. If these troops had moved 
 forward in obedience to orders, and encountered the 
 enemy, we would have advanced quickly to their 
 support, and captured the principal part of Hooker's 
 artillery. As it was, we met with terrific slaughter 
 
36 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 in my command, and failed to take the artillery. 
 This closed the fighting at Chancellorsville for the 
 infantry. 
 
 I was taken upon a litter to the hospital, where 
 my contused foot was attended to. The next day 
 I rode over the woods we had charged through, and 
 examined the works we had taken, and found scores 
 upon scores of the enemy killed, around and in front 
 of the work, doubtless killed by my command and 
 the three companies of the 2nd Regiment. Forty- 
 six officers and men out of less than 300 (4th Regi- 
 ment) were buried near this breastwork the next day. 
 
 This charge was as gallant, noble, and self-sacri- 
 ficing as the world-renowned charge at Balaklava of 
 the immortal " six hundred." Here Polk, my faith- 
 ful servant, was tempted by the offer of $500 to sell 
 the forage that had been procured by him for my 
 horse, but could not be bought off. 
 
 From here we returned to near " Hamilton's Cross- 
 ing," and turned in the woods to recover from our 
 severe trials of the several previous days, and re- 
 organized, examined, and recommended for appoint- 
 ment and accustom our new officers to command. 
 Here we passed the time in drilling until about the 
 first of June, when we took up our march for Penn- 
 sylvania. We crossed the Shenandoah near Front 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 37 
 
 Royal on the 12th of June, and attacked the enemy 
 at Berryville. 
 
 Note . — Servant — Cavalry — Camp — Squirrel- — 
 Williamsport — Hagerston — Dr. McGill, &c. 
 
 REPORT OF THE FOURTH REGIMENT. 
 
 In compliance with orders, I have the honor of 
 submitting the following report of the part taken by 
 the 4th Regiment N. C. State Troops in the engage- 
 ments around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On Wed- 
 nesday, the 1st of July, we were encamped near 
 Heidelburg, and were under arms and on the march 
 by sunrise. About 4 p. m. arrived near the battle- 
 field, and formed in line of battle, being on the left 
 of our Brigade. After waiting a few minutes, were 
 ordered to advance in line of battle, which was soon 
 countermanded, and then moved by the right fllank. 
 After proceeding a few hundred yards, this Regiment, 
 together with the 2nd Regiment, were recalled by 
 Maj. Gen. Rodes and fronted on a hill to repel any 
 attack from that quarter, as at that time there were 
 indications of an advance on the part of the enemy. 
 This position was parallel with the road down which 
 the other two Regiments of our Brigade had moved. 
 After a very few minutes, the enemy not advancing, 
 
38 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 and a Brigade of theirs heretofore obliquing to the 
 left instead of advancing towards us, Gen. Rodes 
 ordered me with the 2nd Regiment to advance. After 
 getting from under cover of the hill, we were exposed 
 to a severe, galling and enfilading fire from a wood 
 to our right, which compelled me to change front 
 towards the right. We then advanced upon the 
 enemy, joining our Brigade, and driving them in 
 great confusion, and but for the fatiguing and ex- 
 hausting march of the day would have succeeded in 
 capturing a very large number of prisoners. As it 
 was, we captured more by far than the number of 
 men in our command, but the troops were too ex- 
 hausted to move rapidly, as they otherwise would 
 have done. We were the first to enter the town of 
 Gettysburg, and halted to rest on the road leading 
 to Tomsfield. 
 
 We remained in that position during that night 
 and Thursday. On Thursday evening about dark 
 we advanced to make a night attack upon the ene- 
 my's works, but when we had approached to within 
 a few hundred yards, and drawing the fire of their 
 pickets, which wounded several of my men, we were 
 recalled and placed on a road, where we remained 
 until 3 a. m. Saturday morning, at times subjected 
 to severe cannonading. We were then taken to the 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 39 
 
 crest of hills in our rear, which position we retained 
 until Sunday morning, when we were withdrawn. 
 Appended is a list of casualties during this engage- 
 ment. (Omitted.) 
 
 Two much cannot be said in praise of both officers 
 and men of my command, all conducting themselves 
 most admirably. 
 
 I am, Major, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed) Bryan Grimes, 
 
 Col. A^Ji N. C. State Troops. 
 
 Summary of Notes. — Left Garysburg 20th July, 
 
 1 86 1. Arrived at Manassas 29th July — remained 
 until March, 1862. At Yorktown 9th April, 1862. 
 Position outside of fortifications evacuated 3rd May, 
 
 1862. Supported other troops at Williamsburg May 
 5th, but not actively engaged. Seven Pines — loss 
 374. killed and wounded at Seven Pines. Crossed 
 Potomac at Cheek's Ford, near Leesburg, 7th of 
 Sept. — encamped near Frederick City, Md. Re- 
 crossed the Potomac 19th of Sept. at Sheperdstown. 
 Remained in the Valley encamped at Bunker Hill, 
 Winchester, Front Royal, and Strasburg. Crossed 
 the " ridge" three times. 
 
40 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Chancellorsville — 46 killed, 157 wounded and 58 
 taken prisoners out of 327 carried into action. Re- 
 mained at Hamilton's Crossing until 3rd of June. 
 On the 9th went to support of our cavalry at Brandy 
 Station, but not engaged. Went to Valley, crossed 
 mountains, and river at Front Royal. Assisted in 
 driving the enemy from fortifications at Berryville 
 and Martinsburg. Crossed the Potomac with the 
 advance at Williamsport, Md., on 15th June, 1863. 
 Next day advanced to Hagerstown, acting as Provost 
 Guard of the city during the stay of the enemy in 
 the vicinity. From there via Greencastle, Chambers- 
 burg and Shippensburg, went to Carlyle, Penn., where 
 we went on picket duty eleven miles from Harris, 
 burg, the capital of the State. Thence to Gettys- 
 burg via Heidelburg. Assisted in covering retreat. 
 Recrossed the Potomac 14th July, 1863. Stopped 
 at Darksville, then came to Front Royal, formed line 
 of battle, resisted enemy's advance by that route. 
 Withdrew by Luray road, crossed the mountains at 
 Snicker's Gap, thence to Orange Court House. Sent 
 to Morton's Ford ^to prevent the enemy crossing. 
 On 9th Oct., 1863, ordered to Orange C. H., and 
 went by Madison C. H. to flank the enemy near Cul- 
 pepper. Enemy made formidable resistance at War- 
 renton Junction, and , which was overcome, and 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 41 
 
 on the 14th the Regiment reached Bristoe's Station, 
 tore up and destroyed railroad track, and fell back to 
 Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock. After remaining 
 there several days, returned to Morton's Ford on 
 the Rapidan river. 
 
 (Oct. 17th, 1863, Catlett's Station. We fought 
 several hours on Wednesday, 14th inst., a running 
 fight. * Loss from North Carolina greater than from 
 any other State. Drove the enemy beyond Centre- 
 ville. Now tearing up bridges and destroying rail- 
 roads ; in a few days fell back to original position. 
 October 20th, returned home to make arrangements 
 about withdrawing my name as candidate for Con- 
 gress. November 17th, returned to the army, took 
 command of the Brigade, Gen. Ramseur being 
 absent.) 
 
 (Copy of letter to the Voters of the 2nd Congressional District of 
 North Carolina.) 
 
 Having been repeatedly solicited both through 
 the public channels of communication as well as by 
 private letters from numerous and influential gentle- 
 men from the different counties composing the Dis- 
 trict, also from troops in the field, urging me to an- 
 nounce myself as a candidate to represent the 2nd 
 District in our next Congress, I feel called upon, un- 
 der such circumstances, to assure my friends of my 
 6 
 
42 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 proper appreciation of their kind preference, and 
 state that if my fellow-citizens see fit to elect me, I 
 shall esteem it a high honor to become their repre- 
 sentative, and shall devote my entire energies ear- 
 nestly to the discharge of the important duties of 
 such a responsible position, seeking at all times, b}' 
 every honorable means in the power of the Govern- 
 ment, to restore the blessings of peace once again to 
 our distressed land ; and my chief aim shall be to the 
 accomplishment of that end, but fully impressed that 
 no terms should be considered for our interest that 
 do not recognize our complete and eternal separation 
 from the North, and acknowledgment of our inde- 
 pendence ; and I regret exceedingly, since allowing 
 my name to come before the public as a candidate for 
 their suffrages, that it is not within my power to 
 meet my friends face to face before the election and 
 express my views on the most momentous topics of 
 the day, so pregnant with mighty consequences to the 
 success of our cause ; but I will publish in a few days 
 my opinions on these subjects, as my duties in the 
 field will not admit of my absence from the com- 
 mand during the present indications of an engage- 
 ment with the enemy. 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 (Signed) BRYAN Grimes. 
 
 [About October, 1S63.] 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 43 
 
 (Copy of letter withdrawing from candidacy of representing 2nd 
 Congressional District, N. C.) 
 
 To tfie Voters of the 2nd Congressional 
 
 District of North Carolina : 
 Some time since, contrary to my wishes, I an- 
 nounced myself as a candidate to represent the 2nd 
 Congressional District in our next Congress. Pre- 
 ferring to remain in active service in the field until 
 peace and our independence is secured, and believ- 
 ing that I can render more efTective aid in attaining 
 that end in my present position, have under the cir- 
 cumstances concluded to withdraw my name, trust- 
 ing that my friends will appreciate the motives 
 which induce me to this step, assuring them that at 
 some future time I will cheerfully assume any trust 
 or responsibility that they may see fit to require at 
 my hands. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 (Signed,) Bryan Grimes, 
 
 Colonel ^th N. C. Troops. 
 
 (Copy of a letter to Col. Jno. A. Young, of Charlotte, who was at 
 one time Lieutenant-Colonel of the 4th Regiment, and a member 
 of the North Carolina Legislature when this letter was written.) 
 
 Morton's Ford, Va., December 6th, 1883. 
 Aly Dear Colonel : You have learned through the 
 papers that we have been at the Yankees again, or 
 
44 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 rather it would be more proper to say that they 
 have again taken up their " Onward to Richmond," 
 but after a short time and a few volleys of musketry 
 they did not move on quite so expeditiously and 
 confidently, and upon examination of our works and 
 defenses, concluded to "change front faced to the 
 rear," which was done and that hurriedly, much to 
 our chagrin, for our men had never felt more confident 
 of victory than on that occasion. Our position was 
 equally as'strong, if not more so, than that at Freder- 
 icksburg, which you remember you considered almost 
 impregnable. Upon the discovery that they had 
 disappeared, our Brigade pursued with the old 4th 
 Regiment in the lead, as usual, taking up a goodly 
 number of stragglers — the meanest in appearance 
 that we have ever encountered yet, being the lowest 
 scum of the Yankee foreign population. It was 
 really a source of congratulation and encouragement 
 to see that they were reduced to such straits for 
 filling their ranks. One good soldier, I know, must 
 be equal to ten such specimens of the gefius homo. 
 Not one in twenty of those we captured were natives 
 of the United States. It was reported by these 
 prisoners that Gen. Warren's Corps was ordered to 
 attack, but refused to do so. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 45 
 
 I have just written a brief history of the Regi- 
 ment (4th N. C. State Troops) which you can see by 
 calling on Capt. Foote, Adjutant General, of-ficer in 
 charge of the " Roll of Honor." I give you leave to 
 call for it and revise and correct it, and embellish it, 
 if you wish it. Modesty forbids my saying near as 
 much as I could have done in praise of it. By call- 
 ing soon you can read it before Capt. Foote 
 has transcribed it on his books. In reference to 
 other enclosures which I have had forwarded to him, 
 you will perceive that our loss from disease and the 
 casualties of battle exceed five hundred. I don't 
 know if any other Regiment can show such a record. 
 Our Regiment is now in tolerably fair trim, but not 
 such as it used to be. 
 
 Bye-the-bye, there has been a piece of music com- 
 posed and dedicated to the Old Fourth. I sent a 
 copy to Mrs. Grimes. Call and have her to sing it 
 for you. I wish you to make her acquaintance. 
 You will find her at her father's, Mr. Bryan. * * 
 *******! learn 
 that your Legislature is disposed to be fractious and 
 intractable, like it was last winter. Can't you cor- 
 rect it ? John, your son, is still at Richmond under 
 the charge of the surgeons, I hope, though, not dan- 
 gerously ill, but will be able to report shortly. Of 
 
46 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 course you hear from him frequently. * * * 
 * * * *->,** My paper 
 
 has run out, so has a legislator's patience, I fear, so 
 good-bye. 
 
 Truly your friend, 
 (Signed,) Bryan Grimes. 
 
 To Col. John A. Young, Charlotte, N. C 
 
 [A copy of a request made of our Representatives in Congress.] 
 
 We, the undersigned, officers of the Confederate 
 States Army from the State of North Carolina, de- 
 sire to call the attention of our Representatives to 
 the unjust and arbitrary manner of selecting general 
 officers, and earnestly request that you call atten- 
 tion of the Senate to this matter before the present 
 appointments are confirmed by that body. We be- 
 lieve there are instances where officers of great 
 worth and skill, and of unexceptionable habits, and 
 who had recommendations from general officers of 
 high standing under whom they had served, have 
 been overslaughed, their juniors, who were not su- 
 perior to them in military skill or deportment, being 
 appointed over them upon the recommendation of 
 a single general officer. In some instances lieuten- 
 ant-colonels, upon the recommendiation of a single 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 47 
 
 general officer, have been appointed over many- 
 Colonels serving in the same Brigade or Division, 
 some of whom had leceived recommendations from 
 general officers under whom they had served, and 
 had also been mentioned in official reports for dis- 
 tinguished gallantry in battle. We believe this sys- 
 tem of appointment to be unjust, and calculated to 
 injure our cause, that it places the reputation of an 
 officer at the mercy of his immediate superior, who, 
 from favoritism or other impure motive, may injure 
 his military standing by the recommendation of the 
 appointment of a junior over him. 
 
 We would therefore suggest that resolutions to 
 the following effect be submitted before these ap- 
 pointments are confirmed: 
 
 That all appointments to brigadier-generalship, 
 now for confirmation of officers who were not en- 
 titled to expect such promotion by seniority, i. e., 
 who were not next in rank to the vacant position ; 
 that the number of battles in which such officer 
 has been engaged exercising a commission at least 
 equal to the command next below that to which he 
 has been appointed ; also how often and by whom such 
 officer has been recommended for promotion, and 
 in what battles he has been complimented in official 
 
48 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 reports for distinguished conduct, be laid before the 
 Senate for information. That the same be shown 
 of those officers from this State amongst whose 
 troops the vacancy is to be filled who have been 
 passed over by such appointments. That the selec- 
 tion of the lower grade of general officers be not 
 confined to the Brigade or Division in which such 
 vacancy occurs, unless all other things are equal, 
 then the Brigade or Division to have preference, but 
 whenever a vacancy occurs amongst the troops of a 
 particular State, the selection for promotion to be 
 made from all the troops of that State serving in the 
 army in which the vacancy occurs. We would state 
 that the War Department has adopted a system of 
 promotion for all grades below that ,of general, 
 which we think just and efficient. That an officer 
 cannot be promoted over his seniors unless they have 
 been examined by a board and failed to pass their 
 examination, or any especial act of conspicuous gal- 
 lantry entitles him to such promotion. It is not 
 sufficient to show that the officer whose promotion 
 is asked for has behaved in battle with great skill 
 and gallantry, but somQ special act must be stated. 
 Whilst we do not desire to limit the selection of 
 general officers so much, as is necessary with the 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 49 
 
 lower grades, we do desire that the appointment of 
 juniors over seniors shall not be made without 
 cause. 
 (Signed,) E. C. Brabble, 
 
 Colonel T,2d Regiment N. C. Troops. 
 
 J. J. Iredell, 
 Major 53^ Regiment N. C. Troops. 
 Junius Daniel, 
 
 Brigadier- General. 
 James H. Wood, 
 Lieutenant-Colonel \th N. C. S. Troops. 
 Wm. R. Cox, 
 Colonel 2nd N. C. Infantry. 
 F. M. Parker, 
 Colonel 2,0th N. C. Troops. 
 Bryan Grimes, 
 Colonel 4th N. C State Troops. 
 
 April, 1864. Recommended for Brigadier Gen- 
 eral by Generals Daniel, Ramseur and Rodes. 
 
 (Original Copy.) 
 Orange C. H., Va., April 24th, 1864. 
 
 Gen. S. Cooper, A. & I. General : 
 
 We feel it to be our duty as North Carolina offi- 
 cers, and with a high sense of the good of the ser- 
 vice, to recommend Col. Bryan Grimes, 4th N. C. 
 7 
 
50 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Troops, for promotion to the command of the Brig- 
 ade about to be formed of the ist, 3rd, 55th and an- 
 other North Carohna Regiment. We do also recom- 
 mend for this position Col. W. R. Cox, 2nd North 
 Carolina. 
 
 Col. Grimes is among the senior Colonels from 
 our State. He has commanded his Regiment from 
 the battle of " Seven Pines" through all the battles 
 in which the Army of Northern Virginia has partici- 
 pated, except " Sharpsburg," when he was disabled, 
 and " 1st Fredericksburg" when he commanded the 
 Brigade of which he was senior Colonel. In the ofifi. 
 cial reports of all their actions. Colonel Grimes' con- 
 duct is highly spoken of by his senior ofBcers. In 
 battle Colonel G. is conspicuous for skill and gal- 
 lantry. He commanded for several months (from 
 Maryland to Fredericksburg) the Brigade now com- 
 manded by Brig. Gen. Ramseur. As a disciplinarian 
 Col. Grimes has few superiors. He is ever zealous 
 in the performance of military duty, and in provi- 
 ding for and taking care of his men. 
 
 We believe the claims of Col. Grimes and Col. 
 Cox to be very strong — by the appointment of either, 
 the good of the service will be secured. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 51 
 
 We, therefore, earnestly recommend their claims 
 to his Excellency the President for promotion. 
 (Signed) S. D. Ramseur,, 
 
 Brigadier- General. 
 (Signed) JUNIUS Daniel, 
 
 Brigadier-General. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, April 27th, 1864. 
 I take pleasure in endorsing Col. Grimes' claims 
 to promotion. He has served with me in this Divis- 
 ion since its formation at Yorktown, and shown him- 
 self under all circumstances to be a good and relia- 
 ble oflficer. He is a thorough gentleman, brave to a 
 fault, invaluable in an action, and his habits are 
 worthy of imitation. Respectfully forwarded. 
 (Signed) R. E. Rodes, 
 
 Major- General. 
 
 GoLDSBORO, N. C., March loth, 1863. 
 Col. Bryan Grimes entered the service as Major of 
 the 4th North Carolina Regiment, and for more than 
 a year had the admirable training of the lamented 
 Gen. G. B. Anderson, who was Colonel of that Regi- 
 ment. 
 
 Col. Grimes led the 4th with most distinguished 
 gallantry at " Seven Pines," and in all the subsequent 
 
52 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 battles of the year 1862 except Sharpsburg (when he 
 was ill). He has been in many pitched battles, and 
 has behaved most gallantly in them all. I think 
 that he has seen more service than any Colonel from 
 North Carolina. His gallantry, ripe experience, ad- 
 mirable training, intelligence and moral worth con- 
 st-itute strong claims for promotion. 
 
 (Signed) D. H. Hill, 
 
 Major- General. 
 
 (Extracts from letters to his Wife.) 
 
 Enemy crossed at Germania Ford May 4th and 
 5th, 1864. Would not only take black prisoners, but 
 no white. 
 
 May 6th. — Whipped the enemy like fury last even- 
 ing. 6th. Have whipped them badly. Burnside's 
 Corps particularly stampeded like sheep. Some of 
 our troops did not behave so well as expected, per- 
 mitting the enemy to break lines, or falling back in 
 confusion. Gen. Lee took command in person. 
 With waving hat in hand, charged, driving helter 
 skelter. Our Brigade suffered slightly — charged 
 Burnside's Corps, who broke and run before we got 
 a good chance at them ; Indians, also, who did no 
 service. 
 
 6 o'clock Saturday morning. — Enemy are moving. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 53 
 
 Sharp shooters feeling to see if they be in position, 
 but hear nothing from them. Spoils immense — 
 looks bright for Confederacy. 
 
 May 7th. — Enemy active, but nothing accom- 
 plished by them ; regarded as badly whipped and 
 demoralized. Walker Anderson killed. Col. Avery 
 mortally wounded, Lieut. Col. Davidson prisoner, 
 Haywood wounded. 
 
 May 9th. — Well, but greatly exhausted ; was only 
 slightly wounded in instep of left foot. Will keep 
 on duty. Are getting the best of fights. 
 
 Battle field of Spottsylvania, May nth. — By grace 
 of God am still spared. The Yankees have been 
 ■punished severely. We now have good breastworks, 
 and will slay them worse than ever. Major Iredell 
 killed yesterday ; shot through the head while 
 bravely rallying his Regiment. 
 
 May 14th, — On Thursday the enemy attacked 
 Major-General Johnson's line, breaking through, cap- 
 turing himself and Brigadier-General Stuart of Mary- 
 land, together with two thousand prisoners and 
 twenty cannon. About 5 o'clock A. M., Ramseur's 
 Brigade were ordered up to check the enemy, who 
 were pressing our men, and kept them at bay for 
 about two hours when we were ordered to charge, 
 drove them (Ramseur's Brigade alone) back to the 
 
54 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 captured works, rested a few minutes, and Ramseur 
 having been shot in his right arm and not able to 
 keep up, and seeing no one to apply to, and seeing 
 the necessity for speedy action, I ordered a second 
 charge, myself leading them, and by the very bold- 
 ness of the move recovered the entire works and all 
 the guns, capturing many prisoners and killing more 
 Yankees than the Brigade numbered men. They 
 made repeated efforts to retake works but we suc- 
 cessfully repulsed every attack and held possession 
 until 4 o'clock A. M. Friday, when we were ordered 
 to move out, which we did just before day. Gen. 
 Lee rode down in person to thank the Brigade for 
 its gallantry, saying, " we deserved the thanks of the 
 country, we had saved his army." Gen. Daniel who 
 was engaged on our left was seriously wounded and 
 yesterday morning, at his request, I was assigned to 
 his Brigade. He died last night. He was an ex- 
 cellent officer, and although I probably gained a 
 Brigade by his death, I would have preferred to re- 
 main in statu quo rather than his services should be 
 lost to the country. North Carolina has suffered 
 seriously. 
 
 May i6th. — My escapes are regarded as miracu- 
 lous when account is taken of number killed, par- 
 ticularly as I never order my men to perform any 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 55 
 
 duty attended with danger without sharing it with 
 them. 
 
 May 17th. — Little fighting. Yesterday enemy 
 moved forward to move hospital with 1500 wounded 
 which they carried to Fredericksburg. Loss to 
 North Carolina has been very great. Many most 
 gallant officers killed. Gen. Daniel had been recom- 
 mended by Gen. Lee for Major-General. 
 
 May 1 8th. — Yankees charged in front but were 
 repulsed. Considerably strengthened Grant con- 
 tinues to run them against us. They can't hold out 
 much longer. 
 
 May 19th. — Enemy have disappeared ; have or- 
 ders to be prepared to move so as to meet them. 
 This is the fifteenth day since we have met them- 
 Have been fighting more or less every day. If they 
 would retire beyond the river and give us a breath- 
 ing spell, it would be decidedly advantageous. 
 Nearly all are fagged out and need rest. 
 
 May 20th. — We made a flank movement last 
 evening and had a very sharp fight with the enemy. 
 Two of the " Old Guard " killed — Gus Byees and 
 Taylor. The old Fourth lost sixty-five killed and 
 wounded. Daniel's Brigade behaved most gallantly, 
 conducting itself most excellently. The bullets fell 
 
56 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 thick and heavy around me and amid it all has my 
 life again been spared. 
 
 May 22d, Hanover Junction. — We reached here 
 to-day after a most fatiguing jaunt. The enemy at- 
 tempting to flank us as we moved down. 
 
 May 25th. — Yankees still continue obstinate and 
 still continue to rush on to their doom, as more of 
 them did yesterday when they came on my line. 
 We drove them with considerable slaughter, losing 
 but few in Daniel's Brigade, who bore the brunt of 
 the fighting. Have now been in line of battle forty- 
 eight hours. 
 
 May 31st. — Yesterday a hard day; the exertion 
 I made and the fatigue undergone almost superhu- 
 man. Again this Division was called upon to make 
 a flank movement. Whipped them but at consid- 
 erable loss to Daniel's Brigade. At least three- 
 fourths of the killed and wounded were from this 
 Brigade. There is no doubt its being a fine body 
 of men and will do credit to my command. Major 
 Smith was killed and Lieutenant Lemay of Raleigh. 
 
 June 5th, 1864. — Received commission as Brig- 
 adier-General, which, according to Gen. Rodes' re- 
 quest, bore date of 19th of May, 1864, on which oc- 
 casion on a flank movement near Fredericksburg, 
 towards the rear of Grant's army, I handled the 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 57 
 
 Brigade with such efficiency that Gen. Rodes ap- 
 proached me soon after the battle, and shaking me 
 by the hand, said : " You have saved Ewell's Corps, 
 and shall be promoted, and your commission shall 
 bear date from this day." After remaining in posi- 
 tion sufficiently long for the wounded and stragglers 
 to come up, retired to position of the Corps in the 
 morning. My rank is permanent, so direct your 
 letters hereafter to Brig.-Gen. Grimes. 
 
 June 7th. — Another flank movement last evening ; 
 did not amount to much. Last night came to this 
 spot near Richmond, and for the first time in thirty 
 odd days have come in the woods to encamp, massed 
 by regiments. Have heretofore rested on our arms 
 in line of battle. 
 
 June 8th. — Had orders to be prepared to move 
 at daylight, but are still here near Cold Harbor. 
 My old Regiment made application to be transferred 
 to this Brigade, which I hope will be granted. I 
 have an affection for them, having been associated 
 with them so long. 
 
 June 13th, near Southana River. — Marched over 
 thirty miles to-day over sandy road. Everything 
 and everybody exhausted. Left Cold Harbor at 2 
 o'clock A. M. Appears as if we are going to the 
 Valley of Virginia. Are now on the Charlottesville 
 
58 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 road. Must either be after Hunter or going into 
 Maryland. I pray Christ that it will end more suc- 
 cessfully than the other invasion. 
 
 June 15th, near Gordonsville. — Stopped here to 
 camp for night. Think we will move up the Valley. 
 
 June 1 8th. — In the morning we take the cars for 
 Lynchburg, after a most fatiguing and oppressive 
 march. During Gen. Rodes' absence to visit his 
 wife, I have command of the Division. 
 
 June 2 1st, 1864, Top of Blue Ridge. — Have been 
 pursuing Yankees at such a rapid gait, haven't had 
 time to write. Been almost without rations — hard 
 marching, and nothing to eat. Start before day, not 
 stop till dark, except to rest for ten minutes. We 
 move immediately. 
 
 =* June 22nd, Salem, Va. — Since leaving Richmond 
 have scarcely rested any to invigorate our exhausted 
 energies, and with it all a deficiency of rations. For 
 the duration of forty-eight hours my Brigade did not 
 have a mouthful of bread, and but little flesh — very 
 little straggling and very little complaining. Occa- 
 sionally, when Gen. Rodes or Early passed the line, 
 the cry was, " Bread, bread, bread ;" but through it 
 all, we made a forced march for the last day, and 
 arrived too late to inflict much damage on the enemy, 
 which was very annoying, as we expected to get sup- 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. z^g 
 
 plies from them, but instead found only empty wag- 
 ons and worthless provisions. At Lynchburg the 
 ladies sent us supplies of good edibles for the Gen- 
 eral ofificers. At Liberty I was invited out to break- 
 fast, which I enjoyed very much. 
 
 Note. — July, 1864, I returned home on sick 
 furlough, being so completely worn out from fatigue 
 and hardship as to bring on a severe attack. Was 
 in hospital in Lynchburg a few days before leaving 
 for Raleigh. Was quite unwell when I returned, 
 and had surgeon's certificate of unfitness for duty, 
 but imagined that duty called me back to the army. 
 
 Staunton, August 6th. — Arrived here sooner than 
 I expected. Found Polk and my horse Warren, who 
 had been sent home to be taken care of, waiting for 
 me. Shall leave early in the morning for Winches, 
 ter. Learn that our troops moved into Maryland 
 Thursday. 
 
 New Market, August 8th. — Have stopped for 
 dinner. I have found a very agreeable travelling 
 companion in Captain Burrill, a first cousin of Gen- 
 eral Lee. Without his company this horseback ride 
 of one hundred miles would have been very lonely. 
 
6o EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 August loth, Nort Fork of Shenandoah River.- — 
 Have learned that our troops have returned, and are 
 encamped at Bunker Hill, where I will rejoin them 
 to-night. 
 
 Stevenson's Depot, August I2th. — My surmises 
 that they would not remain long at Bunker Hill are 
 correct, and the indications are that we will not stay 
 here long, but cannot conjecture in what direction 
 we will move. General Early out-generals all of us. 
 No one can guess when he is going to move, or 
 where he will next bring up. The Yankees begin to 
 think him ubiquitous. 
 
 Strasburg, Aug. 13th. — Have been expecting a 
 fight ever since I rejoined my command last Wednes- 
 day, but have had none as yet. We have through 
 strategic movements fallen back from Bunker Hill 
 to this place. Have been sick, but am better. Have 
 felt so badly, I regretted having gone contrary to 
 advice in returning so soon. 
 
 August 14th. — The enemy are very quiet to-day. 
 This morning we drew up to attack them, but the}^ 
 fell back, and we quietly returned to our rest in the 
 woods. 
 
 Strasburg, Aug. 15th. — Another day of rest and 
 free from fighting. Had a delightful serenade from 
 my old command. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 6 1 
 
 Strasburg, Aug. i6th. — Another quiet day, and 
 from indications think it may be several weeks 
 before we have an engagement ; for the enemy, 
 as well as ourselves, are erecting breastworks. Gen- 
 eral Anderson will join us, when, as we will be tol- 
 erably strong, we may strike a blow at them. 
 
 August 1 8th, Near Winchester.— Again have we 
 driven the enemy from position, and followed them 
 to this place, they still falling back, and not show- 
 ing much fight. Their numbers are double ours. 
 We were joined by Gen. Anderson's force this morn- 
 ing ; also a Division of Cavalry. Could not write 
 yesterday, was on the march all day. Now 2 o'clock, 
 and have not broken my fast. Am invited out to 
 dinner, which I accept with pleasure. 
 
 Bunker Hill, Aug. 19th. — The enemy continue to 
 fall back, and we have pressed until reaching the 
 present position. What is Gen. Early's intention I 
 can't say. 
 
 Bunker Hill, Aug. 20th. — We have an admirable 
 camp, but have had nothing but beef and flour, not 
 even hog meat or salt, to help along. We remain here 
 a day or two to threaten the enemy. I received orders 
 this morning, when it was thought the enemy were 
 advancing, to make a big show of fight and bluff 
 them off, if possible ; but if they came in force, to 
 
62 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 hold them a little while, to give the others time to 
 retreat, and then fall back. 
 
 Charlestown, Va., August 2ist. — I have had to- 
 day a good many killed and wounded, we being in 
 advance, but have not had all my command en- 
 gaged. The enemy have a large force between us 
 and Harper's Ferry, which Early is demonstrating 
 upon, and are contesting the ground most stub- 
 bornly. This is a mere feint to frighten them and 
 cover some important move on our part. I have no 
 idea we will fight here, for the enemy outnumber us 
 three to one, and Early knows two well the im- 
 portance of preserving his army. 
 
 Charlestown, August 22d. — My experience to- 
 day has been varied. Early this morning we pitched 
 into the Yankees and drove them through Charles- 
 town to their position on Boliver heights where they 
 are watching us and occasionally throwing a shell 
 at us. I have command of the front line, and this 
 morning while visiting the picket line as soon as 
 they spied us their artillery opened upon us, which 
 passed within a few feet of my horse, 
 
 August 23rd, near Harper's Ferry. — Amid the 
 fighting have escaped injury so far. Find every- 
 thing more plentiful here than in any part of the 
 valley, and the people anxious to conduce to our 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 63 
 
 pleasure by every means in their power. They are 
 loyal to the backbone. 
 
 Charlestown, August 24th. — Another day spent 
 between Charlestown and Harper's Ferry, the enem}' 
 occasionally demonstrating, and about 12 o'clock 
 to-day their cavalry charged our picket line and 
 drove them in, and for the first time in many a day 
 I doubled quicked to reach my command in time 
 to form line of battle, so as to give them a fitting 
 reception. At the time I was visiting a neighboring 
 Brigade, but reached my own and formed line of 
 battle before any other troops. After remaining in 
 line half an hour found there was no use and re- 
 turned to our resting place. 
 
 August 27th, Leestown, near Shepardstown, Va. 
 Have been so busy for two days have not had time 
 to write. Wednesday we left Charlestown and ad- 
 vanced towards Shepardstown. When about half 
 way the enemy's cavalry attacked Breckinridge's 
 command, which caused a halt, when Rodes' Divis- 
 ion came up, my Brigade being in advance, we 
 formed line of battle, threw out one Regiment as 
 skirmishers, and advanced upon them, driving them 
 before us. W^e chased them for upwards of two 
 hours, many of the men fainting from exhaustion. 
 We drove them entirely from the Baltimore and 
 
64 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Ohio Railroad and beyond the turnpike, when we 
 halted to rest and found ourselves two miles in ad- 
 vance of any other troops, when at the beginning we 
 were the third Division in the line. And again that 
 morning, when near Shepardstown, and the others 
 had halted for our approach, we came upon the 
 enemy and followed them until they crossed the 
 Potomac. Whenever we are able to get them in a 
 run, I feel really like a boy and enjoy the sport im- 
 mensely. After halting, as we supposed for the 
 night, and I had engaged supper for self and staff, 
 we received orders to move on the Martinsburg 
 pike, but I could not leave without that supper, as 
 I had eaten nothing since sunrise that morning. 
 About 10 o'clock that night reached the ground 
 allotted to us, and after placing men in position, 
 laid down and slept as quietly as an infant. 
 
 Bunker's Hill, August 29th.— Am well. 
 
 August 30th. — Still at Bunker's Hill quiet. 
 
 August 31st. — Severe march and skirmishing. 
 
 September ist, 1864. — At 8 A. M. we were called 
 out and moved down the road a few miles when we 
 encountered the Yankee cavalry and pushed on, 
 driving them through Martinsburg, leaving large 
 quantities of pork, corn, oats, clothes, shoes, boots, 
 &c. I enjoyed the sport, and after driving them ten 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 65 
 
 miles beyond Martinsburg, came back to camp with- 
 out the loss of a single man, and few wounded. 
 We inflicted a right severe punishment upon the 
 enemy, besides a big fright. They thought we were 
 on the route to Williamsport, Md. My Brigade was 
 the only one which went beyond the town, the 
 others being halted on the edge of town. 
 
 Camp near Winchester, September 4th. — We are 
 having quite a stirring time, and giving the Yankees 
 a hot time, and doing a great deal of marching our- 
 selves. 
 
 September 6th, 1864, Stevenson's Depot. — We 
 have moved down in the direction of Berryville, 
 where we formed to attack the enemy, but found 
 them so strongly entrenched after skirmishing for a 
 couple of hours we retired for the night, when we 
 reached camp wet, and exhausted, and hungry, with- 
 out a wagon or tent to shelter us from the rain, 
 spent the night all exposed and woke up next morn- 
 ing drenched to the skin. About ten o'clock began 
 to retire from the front of the enemy, and moved 
 down toward this point, where we started from the 
 .day before. When within a couple of miles learned 
 that the enemy was between us and our encamp- 
 ment, and driving our cavalry before them. My 
 Brigade being in advance formed and prepared to 
 9 
 
66 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 fight. Charged them at double quick, and had a 
 most exciting chase, breaking them in every effort 
 they made to make a stand and drove them until 
 night came on and prevented further pursuit. This 
 fight was during one of the severest rains that I 
 have ever seen fall. Tom Devereux had his horse 
 killed under him, and kept up with me on foot until 
 I ordered him to stop. Both he and Tuck Badger 
 behave remarkably well under fire. 
 
 September 7th, '64, Stevenson's Depot. — Weather 
 terrible. No orders to move to-day. 
 
 September loth, 1864, Stevenson's Depot. — The 
 weather continues very rainy. We are now very 
 much in need of clothes and shoes, there being at 
 least two hundred barefooted and half naked men 
 in my command. Am using every exertion to get 
 them clothed, but with all our rags and nakedness 
 can put up a most beautiful fight. The men go into 
 action with spirit, and I feel like a boy after being 
 in a fight a few minutes. To-morrow we break up 
 camp and again go to Bunker Hill. Gen. Early has 
 been very successful in all his manoeuvres. 
 
 September nth, 1864, Bunker Hill. — We have, 
 again changed. Are now nearer the Potomac than 
 on yesterday. Expect to move again to-day. Had 
 to drive the enemy from this point so we could take 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. ^y 
 
 possession. I learn that the enemy's loss was very 
 heavy Monday when my Brigade charged them. 
 
 Stevenson's Depot, September 13th, 1864. — We 
 are under marching orders. From the report of ar- 
 tillery it will be up the Valley, as the enemy ap- 
 pears to be advancing in that direction. The nights 
 are very cold, find two or three blankets comfortable. 
 
 Stevenson's Depot, September i6th and 17th. — 
 Had a serenade last night given by the band of the 
 "Old Fourth Regiment," which I appreciate as a 
 mark of respect and esteem from my old command. 
 Anderson's Division returned to Richmond. Only 
 our original force left. 
 
 Strasburg, September 20th, 1864. — Yesterday we 
 had a most terrible fight at Winchester, and we were 
 very roughly handled by the enemy. We lost a 
 great many men, and our troops did not behave with 
 their usual valor. With great exertion on my part 
 and that of my staff mine did better than any other, 
 but that was not as well as I desired. Gen. Rodes 
 was killed. Capt. London, Capt. Still and Lieut. 
 Barnes, of my staff, were wounded. The horse of 
 one of my couriers and my own horse killed under 
 me, and for nine hours was under heavy fire, and 
 men falling around me almost every instant. Have 
 been as near exhausted as a man could well be, not 
 
68 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 slept ten hours in forty-eight. It was the most try- 
 ing day of the war to me, when after what I sup- 
 posed was a victory, I saw the enemy break over 
 our cavalry and dash in rear of our troops and cut 
 and hack away at them. Am truly thankful for my 
 safety. 
 
 Strasburg, September 22d. — Requested Lieut. 
 Barnes to telegraph you for fear the report current 
 in the rear of my being killed might reach you. It 
 was a most terrible day. In the beginning we drove 
 the enemy and killed many, and could have driven 
 them into Harper's Ferry but for the troops on our 
 left. Our cavalry first gave way, our infantry were 
 flanked, then there was a general fall back. Ram- 
 seur has been assigned to this Division and Pegram 
 to Ramseur's old command. Gen. Rodes' place can- 
 not be supplied. He is a serious loss to the Con- 
 federacy. Capts. London, Still and Lieut. Barnes 
 are a great loss to me ; their aid was invaluable. 
 Lieut. Howard was mortally wounded and fell into 
 the hands of the enemy. 
 
 New Market, September 24th. — Have been so 
 busy no time to write. Am well and safe aftermost 
 fatiguing and dangerous fighting for five days. My 
 escapes have been miraculous. 
 
 Camp near Port Republic, September 25th. — We 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 69 
 
 have reached a place of safety, after one of the most 
 harassing weeks of anxiety ever spent by me, less 
 on my own account than that of others. It has 
 been fight all day and retreat all night. Am com- 
 pletely exhausted. 
 
 Near Port Republic, Sept. 26th. — A week this 
 morning since we left camp on September 19th at 
 Stevenson's Depot, when, in less than one hour, en- 
 countered the enemy, and, forming line, attacked 
 him ; drove some distance, inflicting most terrible 
 punishment upon him, and then halted. 
 
 Everything up to 4 o'clock in the afternoon looked 
 bright, and promised well for a complete victory. 
 The enemy had turned their wagons back to Har- 
 per's Ferry about 4 o'clock, then their Cavalry 
 charged our Cavalry, which was on the left of our 
 Infantry, which gave way in confusion, and their 
 forces came down on the left and rear of our column, 
 when the troops began to give way in that quarter. 
 About which time I received orders to swing back 
 and front them from that direction, allowing the 
 right of my Brigade to remain stationary. Upon 
 coming into the open field, I perceived everything 
 to be in the most inextricable confusion — horses 
 dashing over the field, cannon being run to the rear 
 at the top of the horses' speed, men leaving their 
 
70 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 command, and scattering in confusion. My men 
 seeing this state of things began also to show symp- 
 toms of alarm, which I in a great measure checked, 
 threatening to blow the brains out of the first man 
 who left ranks, and succeeded in quieting them down 
 and keeping them under control. Then directed my 
 attention to arresting the flight of others, and many 
 a fellow felt the full weight of my best blows from 
 my sword. During this time the Yankee Cavalry 
 was dashing among them, cutting and hewing right 
 and left. We then attempted to fall back slowly, 
 confronting them and fighting every inch of the 
 ground which was done through to Winchester and 
 some four miles south of that point. The ladies of 
 Winchester came out in the streets when the stam- 
 pede first began and formed across the streets and 
 entreated the stragglers to return, but without suc- 
 cess. I have already told you about having my 
 horse killed under me, and my escapes from death 
 on that day appeared marvelous, for from ten o'clock 
 in the morning until after eight at night, I was in 
 the thickest of the fight. Capt. London, poor fel- 
 low, was shot, and caught by me as he fell. Capt. 
 Foster the same day was killed. That night we 
 marched until about 2 o'clock when we lay down 
 and slept until about 4, at which time we were again 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 71 
 
 on the road and reached Strasburg about 12 M. on 
 Tuesday, cooked up rations, and slept off our fatigue 
 of the previous twenty-four hours. I have never 
 exerted myself so much in my life and my voice was 
 completely gone ; could scarcely speak above a 
 whisper. I was as sore as a boil all over, and had 
 to have Polk (his body servant) to rub me over with 
 liniment. On Wednesday we erected breastworks, 
 and prepared for the advance of the enemy, and 
 felt very secure of holding the position of the com- 
 mand in front. Were busily engaged day and night 
 up to about one o'clock Thursday the 22d, when 
 they attacked our skirmishers and drove them in ; 
 did not attack the line of battle. About 3 o'clock 
 we perceived two columns moving up the side of 
 the mountain to our left, when the cavalry was 
 again fronted. I then urged upon Ramseur, who 
 commanded our Division, to send a Brigade or 
 two over to their assistance, knowing that the cav- 
 alry would run if attacked, but he declined to do so 
 until he could communicate with Gen. Early, and 
 then sent Cox's Brigade, but alas! it was too late. 
 During that hour I suffered more than I've ever 
 done in my life. My anxiety for the fate of the 
 army was intolerable. I deployed three of my regi- 
 ments to protect my flank in case of an attack. 
 
72 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 which about 4 o'clock came like an avalanche. The 
 cavalry breaking, my skirmish line presented but a 
 feeble resistance. The enemy attacked me on my 
 left fliank, front and rear at the same time. I re- 
 mained, fought until Ramseur came up and told me 
 to save my Brigade if possible. The colors of the 
 United States troops were then in less than a hun- 
 dred yards of me. I moved off by my right flank, 
 firing to the front and left as I marched. Thinking 
 that we were going to fight in the trenches, had sent 
 my horse to a hollow for protection. A while before 
 this time I had fallen in walking down the trenches 
 and sprained my ankle, and was unable to hobble 
 along but very slowly. Through mistake my horse 
 had been carried from the place that I had ordered 
 him, and I found myself afoot when I ordered the 
 troops to leave. As we marched by the flank we 
 were firing to the right, left and rear. Upon at- 
 tempting to put my men in position in line, I found 
 it almost an impossibility, on account of the near- 
 ness of the enemy, and that I would be left behind 
 to fall into the hands of the Yankees. Just then a 
 cannon ball cut down two horses in a caisson, and 
 the drivers were engaged in getting the others loose 
 from their harness. Two were loosened and the 
 drivers had mounted them before I could get up, 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 73 
 
 and others were cutting out the other two. To 
 procure one of these horses was a matter of life and 
 death with me, and while one of these artillerymen 
 was cutting away, I vaulted into the saddle and told 
 him to hurry up, that I must have that horse. He 
 didn't take time to parley with me, but ran off, 
 leaving the horse still fastened by one trace to the 
 horse that had been killed, and I out with my knife 
 and began to cut away, when another driver who had 
 by this time disentangled his horse, loosened this 
 trace for me, and I put spurs to my horse, and the 
 Yankees then not over fifty yards from me, and I 
 had an open field of two hundred yards to run the 
 gauntlet through, and but few other objects in view 
 for them to shoot at. My escape was almost miracu- 
 lous. On my way I found Col. Winston broken 
 down and took him behind me. Overtook my 
 troops and formed into line, made several short 
 stands, but the troops on all sides were too much 
 demoralized to make a successful fight, and it was 
 fall back all the time, and I was carried along in the 
 current only by order when I found no support. 
 This state of thing continued up to nine o'clock 
 that night, when we finally checked the enemy, and 
 travelled all night long until we reached Mt. Jack- 
 son, where rested several hours forming line of bat- 
 10 
 
74 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 tie, and then kept the enemy in check until dark, 
 when we continued our retreat to Rudes* Hill, near 
 New Market, and about 9 o'clock next morning the 
 enemy again began to press. We remained until 
 12 o'clock, when we found that they were flanking 
 us in the same manner that they had done on the 
 two previous occasions, and Gen. Early then began 
 to withdraw us in line of battle, which was very 
 successfully done until about night, when we with- 
 drew to Brown's Gap and Port Republic, the place 
 of one of Jackson's great victories. Here we were 
 called upon next day to go out and drive off their 
 cavalry, which we did, inflicting considerable loss 
 upon them. 
 
 Weir's Cave, September 28th. — Moved around a 
 good deal yesterday, but halted for the night near 
 where we started in the morning, except we were on 
 the north side of the Shenandoah. Reported the 
 enemy are falling back to the Potomac. 
 
 Waynesboro, September 29th. — Yesterday had a 
 most disagreeable march, not arriving in camp until 
 four o'clock this morning, travelling all night in the 
 rear of a wagon train to protect it from Yankee 
 cavalry, who were threatening on all sides. Troops 
 beginning to recover from effects of last week's mis- 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 75 
 
 fortunes ; in tolerable fighting trim, and anxious to 
 retrieve their lost reputation. 
 
 Waynesboro, October ist, 1864.- — Yesterday was 
 a day of rest very essential to our comfort, for our 
 energies were about exhausted. The enemy are re- 
 ported to be falling back down the Valley, which I 
 hope is so, unless we had an opportunity of thrash- 
 ing him. 
 
 Mount Sydney, October 2nd. — Nothing of in- 
 terest. 
 
 Mount Sydney, October 3rd. — -The enemy slowly 
 retiring and we following him up, but Early will 
 profit by past experience and not risk too much. 
 
 Mount Sydney, October 4th, 1864. — Another day 
 of rest and what was quite as much needed, a good 
 dinner. The gentleman with whom we dined was 
 ransomed by his wife and daughters paying all their 
 jewelry and silver, and the house redeemed by pay- 
 ment of $40 in gold. Enemy near Harrisburg few 
 miles from here. 
 
 Mount Sydney, October 6th.— This is our fourth 
 day of rest, and have made use of it to recruit my 
 exhausted energies. Have been drilling my men, for 
 I know the necessity of drilling and discipline to 
 make good soldiers, as I am anxious that those 
 under my command should be. 
 
4- 
 
 76 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Harrisonburg, October /th. — Again on the march 
 following the enemy. 
 
 Camp near New Market, October 9th. — It is 
 probable we will remain in our present position for 
 some time. Enemy been driven below Strasburg, 
 and as they destroyed everything on their retreat, 
 we have not the wherewithal to subsist our army on. 
 Country a perfect desolation. All stock and pro- 
 visions destroyed. 
 
 New Market, October loth. — Ordered down the 
 turnpike to meet the enemy. Having gone four 
 miles, were ordered to return to camp. 
 
 New Market, October i ith. — Just received orders 
 to cook two days' rations and be ready to move at 
 sunrise in the morning. 
 
 Near Woodstock, October 13th. — Are moving 
 towards Strasburg. Enemy reported as lower down 
 the Valley. 
 
 Near Strasburg, October 14th. — Yesterday after- 
 noon attacked the enemy, gained quite a little 
 victory. 
 
 Near Strasburg, Oct. 15th. — Stationary. Nothing 
 of importance. 
 
 Near Strasburg, Oct. i6th. — Enemy quiet on other 
 side Cedar Creek. 
 
 Near Strasburg, Oct. 17th. — Yesterday reported to 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 77 
 
 Gen. Rosser (Cavalry General). About dark mounted 
 my men behind his, took a by-path over the moun- 
 tains, over the most rugged roads I ever travelled. 
 About 3 o'clock came up in rear of Yankee camp. 
 Dismounting my men, prepared to charge them. We 
 had been informed a Cavalry Division were en- 
 camped at this place, but found only forty men, 
 every one of whom we captured with their horses. 
 Had a pleasant time. 
 
 Near Strasburg, Oct. i8th. — Enemy remarkabl)- 
 quiet. 
 
 New Market, Oct. 20th. — Yesterday morning, 
 after marching all night, flanked the enemy in their 
 position, whipping them badly, and driving them 
 from their breastworks, capturing twenty-odd pieces 
 of artillery, driving them several miles. Our left 
 wing shamefully gave way, which necessitated the 
 drawing in of our lines, which was done in consider- 
 able confusion. At that time the Yankee Cavalry 
 charged and completely routed our men. It was 
 impossible to check the flight, officers and men be- 
 having shamefully. Twice the Yankees got between 
 me and the route I had to travel, which rendered it 
 necessary for me to take the woods to avoid capture. 
 About seven o'clock arrived at a place on Fisher's 
 Hill, where we halted to endeavor to gather up the 
 
78 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 stragglers and rearrange our troops. After resting 
 a few hours, fell back to this place. It was the 
 hardest day's work I ever engaged in — trying to rally 
 the men. Took our flags at different times, beg. 
 ging, commanding, entreating the men to rally — 
 would ride up and down the lines, beseeching them 
 by all they held sacred and dear, to stop and fight, 
 but without any success. I don't mean my Brigade 
 only, but all. The demoralization was too great. 
 All my exertions were of no avail. I was riding a 
 horse that I captured in our night attack upon the 
 cavalry which I mention in my letter of last Monday, 
 and had him killed by a shell early in the engage- 
 ment, while on his back, the shell not missing my 
 leg two inches. Afterwards found a horse on the 
 field, rode him the remainder of the day. He also 
 was struck, but not much hurt. Had a ball to strike 
 me on the leg, but so slightly that the blow was 
 scarcely perceptible, the ball having expended its 
 force. General Ramseur was wounded mortally, and 
 fell into the hands of the enemy. General Battle, 
 of Alabama, severely wounded. The only salvation 
 for this army and the country will be to inflict severe 
 punishment on all who fail to discharge their duty. 
 There will be a general Court Martial this afternoon, 
 and all delinquents will be tried. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 79 
 
 Camp near New Market, Oct. 22d. — I am now in 
 command of Rodes' old Division — very busily en- 
 gaged all my time in correcting abuses that have crept 
 into the department during the long and arduous 
 campaign — inspecting camp, attending drills, and 
 hope if we are allowed a few weeks to discipline these 
 troops, to have them as good and efificient as they 
 were in their best days. 
 
 New Market, Oct. 23rd, 24th and 25th. — Still 
 quiet. Busily engaged re-organizing. 
 
 October 26th. — Enemy quiet for the present. 
 Don't know how long it will last. Have no idea 
 when we will go into winter quarters. 
 
 New Market, Oct. 27th to 31st. — Employed in 
 drilling and disciplining troops. All have the great- 
 est confidence in General Early. No blame can be 
 attached to him for our failures. Simply want of 
 discipline among the troops. , 
 
 (Report of the part taken by Rodes' Division in the action of Octo- 
 ber 19th, 1864. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, October 31st, 1864. 
 Capt. Sam'l J. C. MoORE, A. A. G.: 
 
 Captain : In obedience to orders from Corps 
 Headquarters, I have the honor of submitting the 
 
8o EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 following report as the part taken by Rodes' Divis- 
 ion in the action on the 19th October, 1864 : 
 
 About dark on the evening of the i8th the Di- 
 vision moved from camps on Fisher's Hill and was 
 halted for an hour or more near the pike, in order 
 that Maj.-Gen. Gordon in command of the force, 
 who was to move to the enemy's rear, could commu- 
 nicate with Lieut.-Gen. Early. 
 
 This halt was caused, as I unof^cially learned, in 
 consequence of information received that the enemy 
 were fortifying that evening on their left flank. 
 About 8 P. M. the march was resumed and after 
 passing the stone bridge filed to the right and passed 
 by a circuitous route around the base of Fort Moun- 
 tain, by a blind path, Avhere the troops had to march 
 in single file. The order of March was Gordon, 
 Rodes, Pegram. Upon reaching the Shenandoah, 
 where crossed by the Manassas Gap Railroad, the 
 column was halted and massed for the rear to close 
 up. So soon as this was done, about i A. M., we 
 again moved forward, following the track of the 
 railroad until near Bucktown Station, where we 
 again halted for an hour and a half waiting the ar- 
 rival of the cavalry, who crossed the river in advance 
 and drove in the enemy's pickets. 
 
 About four and half A. M. the infantry com- 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 8 1 
 
 menced crossing the Shenandoah near Col. Bow- "^ 
 man's house in two columns. The passage was 
 effected with great rapidity and in good order though 
 the rear necessarily had to doublequick for some dis- 
 tance to close up. The order of march was as fol- 
 lows : Battle, Cook, Cox, Grimes. On arriving within 
 a half a mile of the Valley Pike, Battle's Brigade 
 was formed parallel with the same, and moved for- 
 ward in line of battle. The other Brigades con- 
 tinued moving by the flank for about three hundred 
 yards, when they were faced to the left and ordered 
 forward changing direction to the right. Battle soon 
 struck the Eighth Corps of the enemy, and charging, 
 gallantly drove them in great confusion but was 
 himself seriously wounded whilst nobly leading his 
 Brigade, the command of which then devolved on 
 Lieut.-Col. Robeson, 5th Alabama. Cook and Cox 
 continued to advance, swinging to the right, driving 
 the enemy in their front with but slight resistance 
 for upward of half a mile, when Gen. Cox reporting 
 that he was flanked on the left, a temporary halt 
 was made until reinforcements were sent forward, 
 when these two Brigades again advanced. Cook 
 capturing several cannon, caissons, ammunition, 
 wagons, &c. 
 
 This movement left a wide interval between 
 II 
 
82 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Cook's right and Battle's left, which was subse- 
 quently filled by Pegram's Division. In the mean- 
 time Grimes' Brigade was recalled from the left and 
 moved by the right flank through the abandoned 
 camp of the Eighth Corps, which had been com- 
 pletely routed, faced to the front, and advanced to 
 the pike, connecting with Battle's right. This 
 formation was perfected about sunrise. 
 
 The enemy being then in position on a small 
 creek to the left of the Pike, with their artillery on 
 a high ridge in their rear, and firing into our line of 
 battle, but the smoke and fog obscured the troops 
 so that their fire was inaccurate. Here Major-Gen. 
 Ramseur had skirmishers thrown to the front and 
 to the right driving the sharpshooters of the enemy 
 from Middletown. The Division remained here per- 
 haps half an hour, until a battery was brought into 
 position on the right of the Pike, when Gen. Ram- 
 seur again ordered an advance, which was made in 
 good order, and with a gallantry never exceeded. 
 In this advance Battle's Brigade charged a battery 
 in its front, capturing in addition to six guns man}- 
 prisoners and a flag. The Sixth Corps was found 
 posted on a hill in rear of this battery, and made a 
 most stubborn resistance. Grimes' Brigade was or- 
 dered forward and charged them most gallantly, but 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 83 
 
 being greatly overlapped on both flanks was forced 
 to fall back and reform after advancing as far as the 
 cemetery. At this time there was an interval of 
 three hundred yards between this and Battle's 
 Brigade. Colonel Smith's Brigade of Wharton's 
 Division was now brought into action on Grimes' 
 right and charged the same wooded hill, but was 
 likewise repulsed, when Wofford's Brigade of Ker- 
 shaw's Division, which had been ordered to report 
 to Major-Gen. Ramseur, arrived on the ground and 
 was posted behind a stone fence to the right of 
 Grimes, it not being thought advisable to move 
 against the strong position of the enemy. 
 
 The artillery was at this time, about 8 A. M., 
 massed on the hills near the Pike and the infantry 
 remained quiet until by a concentrated fire from the 
 artillery the Sixth Corps was dislodged from its po- 
 sition, where they had erected temporary breast- 
 works of rails, stones, &c. Upon this hill the Divis- 
 ion was reformed, cartridge boxes refilled and rested 
 upwards of an hour. During this time skirmishers 
 were advanced and found that the enemy had again 
 made a stand at the edge of the w'oods, about three 
 fourths of a mile in advance. We then moved for- 
 ward and joined our left to Kershaw's right, halting 
 in the road leading from Middletown and at right 
 
84 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 angles to the Pike. Here again we halted perhaps 
 for an hour, and then moved forward in echelon by 
 Brigade from the left, which was occupied by Cook 
 with Cox's Brigade in reserve, and took position be- 
 hind a stone fence. During this time the enemy 
 were firing from their artillery, engaging ours on the 
 hills in our rear. Our skirmishers all the while were 
 engaged with those of the enemy and who had 
 driven in our left, but they in turn were repulsed by 
 our line of battle. In this position Grimes' Brigade 
 was about one hundred yards to the right and rear 
 of Battle's with an interval of from two to three 
 hundred yards between his right and Pegram's left. 
 At half past three P. M. our skirmishers were driven 
 in and the enemy advanced their line of battle. 
 Grimes' Brigade was "doublequicked " upon the line 
 with Battle to meet this advance on the part of the 
 enemy, and Cox moved up on a line with Cook and 
 to his left, which advance was repulsed most gal- 
 lantly, the enemy fleeing in disorder and confusion, 
 throwing down their arms and battle flags in their 
 retreat. The musketry on our left still continued 
 to increase and at the time our troops were cheering 
 for this repulse of the enemy, the line on our left 
 was seen to give back, and the troops to retreat 
 without any organization. Gen. Ramseur then or- 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 85 
 
 dered the different Brigades of this Division to fall 
 back and form on a stone fence about two hundred 
 yards in rear, which was promptly done, and the ad- 
 vance of the enemy in our front prevented. While 
 holding this position, the gallant and chivalrous 
 Gen. Ramseur was mortally wounded and brought 
 from the field. The troops on the left had by this 
 time entirely given way, and were running to the 
 rear in great confusion. The enemy were then in 
 front and to the left and rear of the left flank of 
 this Division, when they began to fall back in the 
 same disorderly manner as those on the left. 
 
 Our organization up to this time was intact. 
 Upon the order being given to retire, did so, but the- 
 stampede on left was caught up, and no threats or 
 entreaties could arrest their flight. Great and re- 
 peated exertions were made by the officers of the 
 higher ranks to check the men, but all their exer- 
 tions were unavailing. 
 
 Upon reaching the south side of Cedar Creek, a 
 few, perhaps to the number of two hundred, from 
 Cook's and Grimes' Brigades, formed on the right 
 of the Pike near Hupp Hill, but when the stream of 
 stragglers came running over the hill, with the cry 
 that the cavalry were across the creek, and prepared 
 to charge, these few likewise scattered, and could 
 
86 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 not be kept together. Up to the hour of 4 P. M. 
 the troops of this Division, both ofificers and men, 
 with a few exceptions, behaved most admirably, and 
 were kept well in hand, but little plundering, and 
 only a few shirking their duty. After that hour, all 
 was confusion and disorder. The Brigade com- 
 manders conducted themselves, each and all, with 
 great coolness and judgment, and are deserving of 
 especial mention, using all possible efforts to check 
 their troops, but without success. 
 -f- The death of the brave and heroic soldier, Gen- 
 
 eral Ramseur, is not only a loss to this Division, but 
 to his State and the country at large. No truer or 
 nobler spirit has been sacrificed in this unjust and 
 unholy war. 
 
 The conduct of the officers composing the staff 
 of this Division cannot be too highly lauded for 
 their gallantry and efficiency: Major Peyton for the 
 coolness and promptness with which he conveyed 
 orders on the field ; Major Hutchinson for his effi- 
 ciency, who was captured, escaped from the enemy, 
 and again captured late in the evening; Captain 
 Randolph displayed his usual daring ; Major Whi. 
 ting, Inspector, rendered signal services by prevent- 
 ing all straggling and plundering; and Lieut. Rich- 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 8/ 
 
 mond, A. D. C, for his assistance and alacrity in 
 transmitting orders. 
 
 For the conduct of others who deserve especial 
 mention, you are respectfully referred to reports of 
 Brigade commanders herewith transmitted. 
 I am, Captain, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed) Bryan Grimes, 
 
 Brig. Gen. Couiviand'g Division. 
 
 (Further Extracts from Letters to his Wife.) 
 
 Near New Market, November ist, 1864. — The 
 duties of camp are suspended to-day for the purpose 
 of commemorating our respect and attachment for 
 our two late commanders, Rodes and Ramseur. I 
 could not participate in the meeting, owing to a sum- 
 mons from General Early to meet all Division Com- 
 manders, which detained me six hours. 
 
 Camp near New Market, November 2d to 4th.— 
 I am still here. Jt has rained incessantly for two 
 days. Am busy re-organizing Rodes' Division, which 
 J still command. 
 
 New Market, November 5th. — No news from the 
 enemy. They are still near Strasburg. Our move- 
 
88 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 ments depend on theirs. If they reinforce Grant, 
 we will demonstrate in order to draw them back. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, November 6th. — 
 Yesterday moved camp to present position, where 
 we have abundance of wood and water. The moun- 
 tains are covered with snow this morning— very hard 
 on barefooted and half naked men. 
 
 November 7th. — Weather continues bad. 
 
 November 8th and 9th. — Still at New Market. 
 Yesterday at Early's Headquarters learned the enemy 
 had 36,ocxD effective men for the field. More than 
 three times our number. At recent fights they must 
 have had at least five to one. If not for their cav- 
 alry, we could soon drive their infantry out of the 
 Valley. When the history of the war is written, and 
 the disparity of the forces engaged is considered, we 
 will come out with honor; and if justice is done, it 
 will be shown that we have done our duty. 
 
 Learned that after election in the United States, 
 that their troops would be moved to some other 
 quarter. They are still fortifying Winchester. 
 
 Camp near New Market, November loth. — We 
 leave here to-day to demonstrate against the enemy, 
 to cause to return with their troops to prevent rein- 
 forcement of Grant. If we accomplish that, it will 
 be all that can be expected of us. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 89 
 
 November i2th.-^Have again advanced, and are 
 between Middletown and Winchester. Enemy fall- 
 ing back — don't seem disposed to fight. 
 
 November I3th.^ — We found the enemy, and 
 General Early having accomplished his purpose, re- 
 tired last night, and are on our way to our old camp. 
 November 14th. — Have just reached our old camp. 
 Too tired to write. In five days have been eating 
 both meals at night— one before day in the morning, 
 the other after dark. 
 
 November 15th to 19th. — Still at New Market. 
 Weather bitterly cold. 
 
 November 20th to 22d. — Weather still continues 
 bad, but with a good chimney to my tent keep tol- 
 erably comfortable. General Early does not speak 
 of going into winter quarters. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, near New Market, 
 November 23d. — Yesterday morning just before day 
 Gen. Early sent me word that the enemy were ad- 
 vancing and to take my command out to meet them. 
 The ground was covered with snow but in half an 
 hour we were under arms and on the way to meet 
 them. After going about seven miles down the 
 turnpike to Rudes' Hill found that our cavalry had 
 been driven through Mount Jackson and the enemy 
 
 had crossed the north fork of the Shenandoah and 
 12 
 
90 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 were advancing rapidly. I rode forward, recon- 
 noitered, put my men in position and attacked them. 
 There were about 4000 of them, all cavalry. When 
 we struck them they made a bold stand and at- 
 tempted to charge, but we pressed the shot into 
 them so steadily and rapidly that they could not 
 stand it, and began to retreat in disorder, which I 
 pressed all the harder, and drove them five miles, 
 routing them every time they attempted to make a 
 stand. My men were pretty well used up with 
 fatigue when I discontinued the pursuit and re- 
 turned to camp cold, hungry, and broken down after 
 my men had marched and waded twenty-four miles. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, November 24th 
 and 28th. — We are here with the thermometer down 
 to about 20 deg. and the coldest nights imaginable. 
 Hope we will go into winter quarters soon. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division. — Yesterday had 
 a long ride and returned after dark, but feel that I 
 will here accomplish a good thing if the Yankee 
 cavalry venture another reconnoissance to find out 
 where we are. Our object is to get in their rear and 
 cut ofT all * * * and as there will be but 
 one ford to the river by which they can rejoin their 
 command, and all arrangements are made to get 
 possession of that ford by taking a circuitous route 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. gi 
 
 with our Division while the others demonstrate in 
 front. But if they don't advance in ten days, we 
 will miss an opportunity to inflict a severe blow upon 
 their cavalry. Provisions and forage are very scarce. 
 Some of our troops have had unground corn issued 
 to them. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, November 30th. — 
 Everything quiet with only a rumor that Gen. 
 Rosser had whipped the enemy at Moorefield. 
 When he returns, it is thought we will go into win- 
 ter quarters. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, December 2d. — 
 Gen. Rosser's success was quite brilliant, destroying 
 two bridges, two hundred wagons, nine locomotive 
 engines, besides immense amount of quartermaster's 
 and commissary stores, and capturing nine pieces of 
 artillery, 500 prisoners, 1000 horses and mules, and 
 several hundred beef cattle. This is the expedition 
 I wrote you about in former letter. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, near New Market, 
 December 2d. — I think it probable that we will reach 
 the point at which we are to winter about the loth 
 of this month. 
 
 December 4th. — Still at New Market. 
 
 December 6th. — We are again disappointed in 
 receiving no orders to prepare for winter quarters. 
 
92 EXTRAf TS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 All manner of conjectures are rife. I think Gen. 
 Early is actuated simply and solely by what he con- 
 siders the good of the service, and is awaiting defi- 
 nite information as to the intention of the enemy, 
 and contrary as it would be to my wishes, if we 
 could accomplish any commensurate good, would be 
 willing again to go down the Valley and attack 
 Sheridan, and if necessary stay there, although it 
 would interfere with my long cherished desire to 
 spend a quiet winter, but in my present position the 
 public interest is to be considered before private 
 preference, and the higher a man rises in the mili- 
 tary service the fewer privileges can he enjoy, for 
 he cannot ask indulgence when he feels the good of 
 the country will be jeopardized, and as. I am now 
 commanding a Division, will have to remain here 
 until some one else comes to fill the place. 
 
 Near New Market, December 8th. — Two of our 
 Divisions, Gordon's and Pegram's, left yesterday. I 
 presume some important move is on hand. The 
 enemy have sent one of their Corps from our front. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, December loth. — 
 This morning the whole surface of the earth is cov- 
 ered with snow two inches deep. 
 
 Near New Market, December 13th.- — Have or- 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 93 
 
 ders to proceed to Richmond to-morrow morning- 
 expect to reach there Friday or Saturday. 
 
 Richmond, December 16th. — Arrived here early 
 this morning, and am awaiting orders from Gen. 
 Lee. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Division, near Petersburg, 
 Dec. 1 8th. — We have arrived at our destination, 
 and are located about three miles from Petersburg, 
 and hope to-day to be able to make arrangements 
 for the winter. 
 
 Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, 29th Dec, 1864. 
 Circular {Confidential^ 
 
 General : I desire that you will avail yourself 
 of the present period of inactivity to re-organize and 
 recruit the troops in your command as far as prac- 
 ticable. 
 
 Ascertain what regiments, if any, it would be ad- 
 vantageous to consolidate, and how such vacancies 
 as may exist among the officers can best be filled. 
 In every case in which you may think the ofificer to 
 be promoted unsuitable for the new grade, you will 
 forward a report as to his qualifications, in order that 
 he may be brought before an examining board. 
 
 The difficulty of filling vacancies properly during 
 active operations, and the importance of habituating 
 
94 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 the officers, who are to be promoted, to the duties 
 of their new positions, render it proper that there 
 should be no delay. 
 
 Very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed) R. E. Lee, Gcnl. 
 
 Official : 
 
 V. Dabney, a. a, Gcnl. 
 Brig. Gen. Grimes, Coinmand' g Division. 
 
 6th January, 1S65 
 
 Gen. Grimes: 
 
 General Pickett has been directed to send one 
 Brigade to the north side. This thins his line some- 
 what. You may have to move up to support him. 
 He has been informed that should occasion require 
 that he should have assistance, and should he re- 
 quest it of you, that you would be instructed to 
 move up at once without waiting for orders from 
 here. Please govern your action accordingly. 
 By order of Gen. Lee : 
 
 (Signed) W. H. Taylor, 
 
 A. A. G. 
 Brig. Gen. Grimes, Connnand'g Division. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 95 
 
 Headquarters Pickett's Division, Jan. 7th, 1865. 
 
 General : 
 
 General Pickett has just received a telegram from 
 General Lee stating that a Brigade from your Di- 
 vision has been ordered to relieve our right Brigade 
 I eV^^ (Tovey's) early in the morning, so as to enable it to 
 occupy the line formerly held by General Corse. 
 The General desires me to say to you that great 
 caution would have to be observed to prevent the 
 movement of the troops from being seen from " the 
 Tower;" that it will probably be best to delay re- 
 lieving the picket until after dark to-morrow night. 
 He advises that yoy send as large a Brigade as pos- 
 sible, as General Tgtvc y's line at present covers a 
 great deal of ground. He suggests also that the 
 officer who relieves this Brigade had better see Col- 
 onel Floetvree, who is in command at this time, as 
 early as possible in the morning, to make such ar- 
 rangements as will most effectually secure the move- 
 ments of the men from being observed by the enemy. 
 I am. General, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 (Signed) E. R. Baird, A. B.C. 
 
 To Brig. Gen. B. Grimes, Co^mnand' g Division. 
 
g6 .EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Headquarters A. N. Va., Jan. 7th, 1865. 
 
 General : 
 
 General Lee bids me say that he wishes you to- 
 morrow morning to move one of your Brigades to 
 the position now occupied by General Pickett's right 
 Brigade on the Bermuda Hundreds line. 
 
 His object is to relieve that Brigade, so that it 
 can be moved to another'point. You will find com- 
 fortable huts on the line, which the Brigade will oc- 
 cupy. In all military operations the commanding 
 officer of the Brigade will report to General Pickett 
 while on his line. General Gordon has been notified 
 of this order. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed) C. S. Venable, 
 
 Lieut. Col. & A. D. C. 
 Brig. Gen. Bryan Grimes, Command^ g Division. 
 
 Headquarters Army Northern Virgiania, 30th Jan., 1S65. 
 Brig.-Gen. Bryan Grimes, Commanding Division : 
 
 General: The General Commanding desires 
 you to have your Division prepared to move promptly 
 in the morning should you receive orders to 'that 
 effect. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 97 
 
 Have everything in readiness to move without 
 delay. 
 
 It may be necessary to send you to the north 
 side of the James river. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 (Signed,) W. H. Taylor, A. A. G. 
 
 II P. M., 5th February, 1865. 
 
 Gen. Grimes : 
 
 The enemy's cavalry have not passed beyond 
 Dinwiddle C. H. They advanced to that point and 
 then retired. 
 
 The General says you need not go up the road. 
 He wishes you to remain where you are, or near, 
 any where near it. Your men can be made com- 
 fortable for the night. If they cannot be made 
 comfortable, you will move down the Boydton plank- 
 road until you can get to some wood. If you move, 
 report your location when you halt. 
 Respectfully, 
 (Signed,) W. H. Taylor, A. A. G. 
 
 Headquarters Second Corps, Feb. 15th, 7 o'clock P. M. 
 
 Colonel: The note from Gen. Ransom's Head- 
 quarters in relation to movement of troops is re- 
 ceived. If there is an accumulation of force on 
 
 this flank by the enemy with a view to serious move 
 13 
 
98 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 against the S. S. R. R. this weather may delay it, 
 but I should be glad to have Grimes' Division keep 
 in readiness to join me should the Commanding 
 General think proper to have him report to me in 
 case of a battle. 
 
 I am, Colonel, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 (Signed,) J. B. GORDON, 
 
 Major-Gcncral Coiinnanding. 
 To Col. Taylor, A. A. G. 
 
 [Endorsed as follows.] 
 
 Gen. Grimes : 
 
 A movement of trains loaded with troops to the 
 
 enemy's left was reported this evening, and you had 
 
 better keep your Division prepared to move. Though 
 
 it may not be necessary, it is advisable to be ready. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 W. H. Taylor, A. A. G. 
 
 15 th February, 1S65. 
 
 [Further extracts from letters to his wife.] 
 
 February 15th. — Remained in camp near Peters- 
 burg until about the middle of the month. Request 
 from Gen, Gordon to have Grimes' Division report 
 to him in case of battle. Received my commission 
 as Major-General 15th February, 1865. 
 
MAtOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 
 
 99 
 
 Sutherland Depot, F'ebruary 24th, 12 miles from 
 Petersburg. — Left camp and came here as there 
 was a prospect of a fight, but the heavy rains have 
 delayed it. 
 
 February 28th. — Still at Sutherland's Depot. In 
 accepting the appointment of Major-General, I hope 
 I shall never bring discredit upon myself. The 
 higher the position the more there is expected, and 
 like all others who have done their duty in this war, 
 have made enemies, but care little for them, pro- 
 vided I can perform my duties satisfactorily to my 
 superior officers and for the good of the country. 
 
 Sutherland's Depot, March ist.— Have been 
 riding all day in order to learn the different roads in 
 the surrounding country, and laying off new ones to 
 enable me to move with rapidity to any point when 
 my services may be required. 
 
 Sutherland's, March 2d.^ — Nothing of interest. 
 Still stuck in the mud. 
 
 March 3d and 5th. — Roads still in such bad con- 
 dition that they are almost impassable. 
 
 March 7th and 8th.— Still at Sutherland's. Had 
 a serenade last night — the only thing to break the 
 monotony. Weather still continues bad. 
 
 March 9th. — Still quiet. 
 
 March loth. — This is the day set apart by the 
 
 L.ofC. 
 
lOO EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 President for thanksgiving and prayer, but the 
 weather is so bad no service can be held out of 
 doors. 
 
 March 12th. — Am worn out from fatigue and 
 want of sleep. Received orders at 2 A. M. to leave 
 for Dunlap's before daylight. At 4 A. M. began the 
 march and upon nearly reaching the pontoon, re- 
 ceived another dispatch countermanding the order. 
 There was a rumor that Sheridan's raiders were 
 moving on Richmond, and that caused the move. 
 
 Petersburg, March 14th, 1865. — Yesterday re- 
 ceived orders to come to Petersburg and relieve 
 Bushrod Johnson's Division, which I did, completing 
 my march about 12 o'clock last night. Suffered ter- 
 ribly from sick nervous headache, attributed to a 
 glass of wine I took at General Lee's, who noticed 
 that I looked pale and fatigued, and recommended 
 a glass of wine, and as this was something very un- 
 usual with him, concluded I would take it, and suf- 
 fered in consequence. 
 
 This morning was up early examining everything 
 on my line. Went to each picket post, and at some 
 points so close you could almost see the whites of 
 the Yankees' eyes. The Yankee lines are in full 
 view, and at night there is constant firing between 
 the pickets. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. iqi 
 
 March i6th, 17th, 22d, 25th, Petersburg. — Tele- 
 graphed this morning of my welfare. This morning 
 we charged the enemy's works and captured them, 
 taking twelve to fifteen pieces of artillery, and a 
 good many prisoners, but after taking their works 
 they concentrated a large number of cannon upon 
 us, besides several times our number of infantry and 
 we were obliged to succumb after fighting two and 
 a half hours, and retire to our breastworks. My 
 loss was heavy, being 478 officers and men. Lieut. 
 Barnes wounded. As usual I captured a horse to 
 ride during the fight, as I could not get mine over 
 the breastworks. It would have done your heart 
 good to hear the men cheer as I rode up and down 
 the line urging them to do their duty, but would to 
 heaven this carnage was over and I permitted to re- 
 tire from such scenes and live a quiet and domestic 
 life. 
 
 Petersburg, March 27th. — Am well, trust you 
 did not hear the report of my being killed. When 
 Gen. Gordon saw me, he seemed very much sur- 
 prised. Said he had just sent a flag of truce to re- 
 cover my body, but I was pleased to know I had 
 brought myself off safe. 
 
 March 28th.— Still at Petersburg. 
 
 March 29th, Petersburg. — Lieut. Barnes is doing 
 
I02 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 remarkably well. Gen. Cook had his arm badly 
 broken and fears are entertained that it will have to 
 be amputated. 
 
 March — . Our troops were to attack the enemy 
 this morning at Burgen's Mills, and I trust that they 
 may whip them. For once I am out of it, and not 
 among the attacking party. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 103 
 
 War Department, 
 Richmond, June i, 1864. 
 Sir: 
 
 You are hereby informed that the President, by 
 and with the advice and consent of the Senate, has 
 appointed you 
 
 In the Provisional Army in the service of the Con- 
 federate States, to rank as such from the NINE- 
 TEENTH day of MAY, one thousand eight hun- 
 dred and sixty-four. 
 
 Immediately on receipt hereof please to commu- 
 nicate to this Department, through the Adjutant 
 and Inspector General's of^fice, your acceptance or 
 non-acceptance of said appointment, and with your 
 letter of acceptance return to the Adjutant and In- 
 spector General the OATH herewith enclosed, prop- 
 erly filled up, subscribed and attested, reporting at 
 the same time your Age, Residence, when appointed, 
 and the State in which you were Born. 
 
 Should you accept, you will report for duty to 
 Gen. R. E. Lee, to command late Daniel's Brigade. 
 
 James A. Seddon, 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Bryan Grimes, Comd 'g, &c., P.A.C. S. 
 
104 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 HEADQUARTERS 
 
 Department Northern Virginia. 
 [Extract.] 
 
 Special Order ) 
 
 No. — . \ 
 
 , III. Brigadier-General Bryan Grimes is assigned 
 to the command of Daniel's old Brigade^, Rodes' 
 Division, 2nd Army Corps. 
 
 By command of Gen. R. E. Lee: 
 
 W. H. Taylor, A. A. General. 
 Brig. Gen. Grimes, Command' g, &c. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 105 
 
 War Department, 
 Richmond, February 23d, 1865. 
 Sir: 
 
 You are hereby informed that the President, by 
 and with the advice and consent of the Senate, has 
 appointed you 
 
 In the Provisional Army in the service of the Con- 
 federate States, to rank as such from the Fifteenth 
 day of February, one thousand eight hundred and 
 sixty-five. 
 
 Immediately on receipt hereof please to commu- 
 nicate to this Department through the Adjutant and 
 Inspector General's ofifice your acceptance or non- 
 acceptance of said appointment, and with your let- 
 ter of acceptance return to the Adjutant and In- 
 spector General the OATH, herewith enclosed, prop- 
 erly filled up, subscribed and attested, reporting at 
 the same time your Age, Residence, when appointed, 
 and the State in which you were Born. 
 
 Should you accept, you will report for duty to 
 Gen. R. E. Lee to command the late Gen. Rodes' 
 Division A. N. V. 
 
 John C. Breckenridge, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 Major-Gcn. Bryan Grimes, P. A. C. S. 
 H 
 
I06 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 HEADQUARTERS 
 Department Northern Virginia. 
 
 [Extract.] 
 
 S-PEciAL Order ) 
 
 No. 55- S 
 
 XV. Major-General Bryan Grimes, P. A. C. S., is 
 hereby assigned to the command of Rodes' old 
 Division, 2nd Corps, and will report accordingly. 
 
 By command of Gen. R. E. Lee : 
 
 W. H. Taylor, A. A. General. 
 
 To Maj. Gen. Bryan Grimes, Command' g, &c. 
 Throupfh Gen. Gordon. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 107 
 
 Near Washington, N. C, Nov. 5th, 1879. 
 
 Major Jno. W. Moore, 
 
 Dear Sir : In compliance with your request, 1 
 herewith transmit my recollections of the circum- 
 stances attending the last days of the existence of 
 the Army of Northern Virginia, embracing several 
 days previous to the final surrender at Appomattox 
 Court House. 
 
 On the night of Saturday, April i, 1865, my Di- 
 vision occupied a portion of the defences around 
 the city of Petersburg, my left resting on Otey's 
 Battery, near the memorable Crater, my right ex- 
 tending to the dam on a creek beyond Battery 45, 
 Ramseur's old Brigade of North Carolinians being 
 commanded by Col. W. R. Cox, 2nd North Carolina, 
 holding appointment as temporary Brigadier ; on their 
 right Archer's Brigade of Virginia Junior Reserves, 
 Grimes' old Brigade of North Carolinians, com- 
 manded by Col. D. G. Cowand, of the 32d North Caro- 
 lina, Battle's Brigade of Alabamians, commanded by 
 Col. Hobson of 5th Alabama, Cook's Brigade of 
 Georgians commanded by Col. Nash, extending to 
 the left in the order above named, numbering for 
 duty about 2,200 muskets, covering at least three and 
 a half miles of the trenches around Petersburg, with 
 one third of my men constantly on picket duty in 
 
I08 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 our front, one third kept awake at the breastworks 
 during the night, with one third only off duty at a 
 time, and they required always to sleep with their 
 accoutrements on and upon their arms, ready to re- 
 pel an attack at a moment's warning. 
 
 About lo o'clock on the night of April i, 1865, 
 the cannonading from the artillery and mortars in 
 my front became unusually severe, and at about 11 
 o'clock the Federals charged, capturing my picket 
 line, which consisted of pits dug in the earth for 
 protection from sharp shooters, and occupied by my 
 soldiers varying in distance from 150 to 300 yards in 
 front of our main breastworks. I took measures 
 immediately to re-establish this line, v/hich was suc- 
 cessfully accomplished, and our pits re-occupied. 
 About daylight of the 2nd the enemy again drove 
 in our pickets and charged Rune's salient at the 
 point where Battle's Brigade was posted, carrying 
 the works for a few hundred yards on each side of 
 that point, doubling and throwing Cook's Brigade 
 back a short distance. I hurried the commands of 
 Cols. Cowand and Archer to the point of attack as 
 rapidly as possible, charging the enemy who were 
 in possession of and protected by our traverses and 
 bomb proops (which were erected to prevent our 
 line being enfiladed, and also as a place of refuge 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 109 
 
 from their perpendicular mortar fire), and continued 
 gradually to regain traverse after traverse of our 
 captured works. 
 
 I then secured four pieces of artillery which were 
 placed in our second line of works, whose services 
 were invaluable in checking the advance of the 
 enemy, thus confining them by grape and canister 
 to this particular point at the salient, preventing 
 thejr advancing to attack our lines in flank or rear ; 
 Cook and Battle holding them in check on the left, 
 and Cowand and Archer on the right of the cap- 
 tured works, their only point of egress being exposed 
 to the fire of the artillery. 
 
 I regret my inability to recall the names and 
 thus give honorable mention to those gallant artil- 
 lerists who rendered me such effective service. 
 
 During the forenoon Brigade, under com- 
 mand of Col. , reported to me for duty and 
 
 were placed near the artillery in this second line 
 of earthworks (which had been constructed to 
 fall back upon in case of disaster) to our first line. 
 My dispositions were soon made to attack the 
 enemy simultaneously at all points — Cowand 
 and Archer on the right, Cook and Battle on 
 the left, who were to drive them from the pro- 
 tection of their traverses. Col. commanded 
 
I lo EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 in front with a heavy line of skirmishers connecting 
 his left with Cook and his right with Cowand. My 
 four pieces of artillery poured grape and canister 
 into the enemy, and I gave the signal for the in- 
 fantry advance, when a general charge was made, 
 but through a direct violation of orders on the part 
 
 of Col. , this attack only partially succeeded, 
 
 capturing that portion of the line alone upon which 
 
 the skirmishers advanced. Col. having changed 
 
 the direction of attack, and charged the point as- 
 signed to the skirmishers on the right, thereby leav- 
 ing a space of three hundred yards unassailed. 
 There is no doubt in my mind if Col. had at- 
 tacked with vigor at that time, we could have driven 
 the enemy entirely from our works. After the lapse 
 of an hour, during which time the enemy were 
 heavily reinforced, I ordered another attack from 
 
 the second line in which Col. participated, but 
 
 by again diverting his Brigade in the direction of 
 Cowand's Brigade, instead of towards the salient, 
 the enemy were dislodged from only a small portion 
 of the lines. 
 
 Subsequently sixty men of Johnston's North 
 Carolina Brigade, under command of Capt. Plato 
 Durham, recaptured Fort Mahone, which for an 
 hour had been so covered by our fire as to forbid 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. i i i 
 
 their showing themselves. In taking this fort a 
 large number of prisoners were captured ; so many 
 in fact, that when I first saw them skulking behind 
 the earthworks for protection against the fire of 
 their own men, I feared it was a ruse on the part of 
 the enemy to surprise us, they having secreted 
 themselves for safety in this work, and we in our 
 charge had taken the only outlet. 
 
 After this no general attack was made, though 
 we continued slowly but gradually to drive them 
 from traverse to traverse. 
 
 About nightfall the enemy occupied some two 
 hundred yards of our breastworks — through no in- 
 eflficiency or negligence on the part of the ofificers 
 and men were the works carried, but owing to the 
 weakness of the line, its extreme length, and the 
 want of sufficient force to defend it, for they acted 
 most heroically on this trying occasion. Only one 
 unwounded man (an officer) did I see seeking .the 
 rear, and he one whom I had the previous day or- 
 dered under arrest for trafficking with the enemy (ex- 
 changing tobacco for coffee). Him I hailed and in- 
 quired where he was going, when he recalled his ar- 
 rest the previous day, from which I immediately 
 released him and sent him back to his command. 
 
 I had a verbal conference with Gen. Lee and 
 
112 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 afterwards officially reported my inability to hold 
 this point against any vigorous attack. In conse- 
 quence of this report, Lieut.-Col. Peyton, the Army 
 Inspector, was sent the day before to examine this 
 line, who coincided with my views and so reported 
 to Gen. Lee. On an average throughout the space 
 from man to man was at least eight feet in the line 
 of trenches. I doubted not that with a reserve of 
 five hundred men I could have driven the enemy 
 from any point which they might capture, and re- 
 peatedly urged that such an arrangement be made, 
 knowing well that the enemy by concentrating a 
 large force on any given point could press their way 
 through the line, and my only salvation was in 
 having the means at hand of driving them back be- 
 fore large numbers could enter. Our left was the 
 post of greatest danger, there should the reserve 
 have been placed ; but Gen. Lee informed me that 
 every available man was on duty, and I must do the 
 best I could. 
 
 On Sunday night of the 2nd we had orders to 
 abandon the works, and without the knowledge of 
 the Federals we withdrew to the north side of the 
 Appomattox river, following the Hickory road to 
 Goode's bridge, where we recrossed the Appomattox, 
 proceeding towards Amelia C. H., which we reached 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 113 
 
 on the morning of the fifth. Wednesday we re- 
 mained stationary in line of battle, confronting the 
 enemy until about dark, when we followed the 
 army, bringing up the rear, being very much im- 
 peded on the march by the wagon train and its most 
 miserable mismanagement, which, as I apprehended, 
 would cause us some disaster. The enemy showed 
 themselves on Thursday about 8 o'clock A. M. in 
 our rear and on our left fllank when near Amelia 
 Springs, and in a short time began to press us 
 vigorously. 
 
 I then formed Cox's and Cowand's Brigades in 
 line of battle, with a heavy skirmish line in front to 
 impede their progress and to cover our rear, sending 
 Battle's, Cook's and Archer's Brigades forward for 
 one half mile to form there, across the road, in line 
 of battle, in order to allow Cowand and Cox to re- 
 treat safely when the enemy had deployed and pre- 
 pared to attack ; our right flank being protected by 
 a North Carolina Brigade of cavalry under General 
 Roberts. In this manner alternating the Brigades 
 throughout the day we continued to oppose the 
 enemy and retreat, endeavoring to protect the lag- 
 ging wagon train, which was successfully done up to 
 about 4 o'clock P. M., when we approached Sailor's 
 
 Creek, and upon the ridge running parallel with that 
 15 
 
114 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 stream we made the final stand of the day, the 
 wagons becoming blocked up at the bridge crossing 
 this stream. At this point Gen. Lee ordered me if 
 possible to hold this line of hills until he could have 
 artillery put in position on the opposite hills over 
 the creek parallel with those I occupied. 
 
 The enemy pushed on rapidly, attacking us with 
 very great pertinacity. We here repeatedly repulsed 
 their assaults, but by turning both of our flanks they 
 succeeded in not only dislodging but driving us 
 across the creek in confusion. About now the ar- 
 tillery from the heights, occupied by Gen. Lee, 
 opened upon the enemy, and the sun being down 
 they did not cross the creek. After we broke, 
 personally I was so pressed tlTat the space between 
 the two wings of the enemy was not over two hun- 
 dred yards when I sought safety in retreat. I gal- 
 loped to the creek (the bridge being in their pos- 
 session) where the banks were very precipitous, and 
 for protection from their murderous fire concluded 
 to jump my horse in, riding him through the water 
 and effect my escape by abandoning him on the 
 other side, the bullets of the enemy whistling around 
 me like hail all the while. By great good fortune 
 the opposite banks proving not so precipitous and 
 my horse seeming to appreciate the situation, clamb- 
 
:major-general bryan grimes. 115 
 
 ered up the height, starting off in a run, thus secur- 
 ing my safety. This same animal, Warren, I still 
 own and treasure for his past services. That night 
 we took the road for Farmville, crossing the Appo- 
 mattox at High Bridge, posting guards at the south 
 side, thus collecting all stragglers and returning 
 them to their commands. 
 
 The next morning (Friday) we continued our 
 march down the railroad and formed line of battle 
 on the Lynchburg road, still endeavoring to preserve 
 that " impediment of Caesar's " — the wagon train — 
 marching by the left flank through the woods par- 
 allel to the road traveled by the wagon train, and 
 about one hundred or so yards distant from the 
 road. Upon reaching the road and point that turns 
 towards Lynchburg from the Cumberland road, 
 three of my Brigades, Cook's, Cox's and Cowand's, 
 had crossed the Cumberland road and were in line 
 of battle, and at right angles with Battle's and 
 Archer's Brigades, who were still parallel with the 
 Cumberland road. Heavy firing was going on at 
 this point, when Gen. Mahone came rushing up 
 and reported that the enemy had charged, turning 
 his flank, and driving his men from their guns and 
 the works which he had erected early in the day for 
 the protection of these cross roads. I then ordered 
 
Il6 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 my three Brigades, Cook's, Cox's and Cowand's at a 
 doublequkk on the line, with Battle and Archer, 
 charging the enemy and driving them well off from 
 Mahone's works, recapturing the artillery taken by 
 them and capturing a large number of prisoners and 
 holding this position until sent for by Gen. Lee, 
 who complimented the troops of the Division upon 
 the charge made and the service rendered, ordering 
 me to leave a skirmish line in my front and that 
 Fields' Division would occupy my position, I to 
 hurry with all possible dispatch to the road which 
 intersected the Lynchburg road, as the enemy's cav- 
 alry were reported to be approaching by that road. 
 
 We reached this road, halting and keeping the 
 enemy in check until the wagons had passed, and 
 then continued the march parallel with the road 
 travelled by the wagon train, continuing thus to 
 march until night, when we took the road following 
 to protect the trains. 
 
 On Saturday the 8th no enemy appeared, and 
 we marched undisturbed all day. Up to this time 
 since the evacuation of Petersburg we had marched 
 day and night, continually followed and harrassed 
 by the enemy. The men were very much jaded and 
 suffering for necessary sustenance, our halts not 
 having been sufficiently long to prepare their food. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 117 
 
 besides all of our cooking utensils not captured or 
 abandoned were where we could not reach them. 
 This day Bushrod Johnson's Division was assigned 
 to and placed under my command by order of Gen. 
 Lee. Upon passing a clear stream of water and 
 learning that the other Division of the Corps had 
 gone into camp some two or three miles ^ead, I 
 concluded to halt and give my broken down men an 
 opportunity to close up and rejoin us, and sent a 
 message to Gen. Gordon, commanding the Corps, 
 making known my whereabouts, informing him I 
 would be at any point he might designate at any 
 hour desired. 
 
 By dark my men were all quiet and asleep. About 
 nine o'clock I heard the roar of artillery in our front 
 and in consequence of information received I had 
 my command aroused in time and passed through 
 the town of Appomattox C. H. before daylight, 
 where, upon the opposite side of the town, I found 
 the enemy in my front. Throwing out my skirmish- 
 ers and forming line of battle, I reconnoitered and 
 satisfied myself as to their position, and awaited the 
 arrival of Gen. Gordon for instructions, who awhile 
 before day, accompanied by Gen. Fitz. Lee, came 
 to my position when we held a council of war. 
 Gen. Gordon was of the opinion that the troops in 
 
Il8 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 our front were cavalry and Gen. Fitz Lee should at- 
 tack. Fitz Lee thought they were infantry and that 
 Gordon should attack. They discussed the matter 
 so long that I became impatient, and said it was 
 some one's duty to attack, and that immediately, 
 and I felt satisfied that they could be driven from 
 cross roads occupied by them, which was the route 
 it was desirable our wagon train should pursue, and 
 that I would undertake it ; whereupon Gordon said, 
 "Well, drive them off." I replied, " I cannot do it 
 with my Division alone, but require assistance. He 
 then said, "You can take the other two Divisions of 
 the Corps." About this time it was becoming suf- 
 ficiently light to make the surrounding localities vis- 
 ible. I then rode down and invited Gen. Walker, 
 who commanded a Division on my left composed 
 principally of Virginians, to ride with me, showing 
 him the position of the enemy and explaining to 
 him my views and plan of attack. He agreed v/ith 
 me as to its advisability. I did this because I felt I 
 had assumed a very great responsibility when I 
 took upon myself the charge of making the attack. 
 I then made dispositions to dislodge the Federals 
 from their position, placing Bushrod Johnson's 
 Division upon my right, with instructions to attack 
 and take the enemy in flank, while my Division 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 
 
 119 
 
 skirmishers- charged in front where temporary earth- 
 works had been thrown up by the enemy their cav- 
 alry holding the crossings of the road with a bat- 
 tery. I soon perceived a disposition on their part 
 to attack this Division in flank. I rode back and 
 threw their right so as to take advantage of some 
 ditches and fences to obstruct the cavalry if they 
 should attempt to make a charge. In the mean- 
 time the cavalry of Fitz Lee were proceeding by a 
 circuitous route to get in rear of them at these cross 
 roads. The enemy observing me placing these 
 troops in position fired upon me with four pieces of 
 artillery. I remember well the appearance of the 
 shell, and how directly they came towards me, ex- 
 ploding, and completely enveloping me in smoke. I 
 then gave the signal to advance, at the same time 
 Fitz Lee charged those posted at the cross roads> 
 when my skirmishers attacked the breastworks 
 which were taken without much loss on my part, 
 also capturing several pieces of artillery and a large 
 number of prisoners, I at the same time moving the 
 Division up to the support of the skirmishers in 
 echelon by Brigades, driving the enmy in confusion 
 for three quarters of a mile beyond a range of hills 
 covered with oak undergrowth. Lthen learned from 
 prisoners that my right flank was threat g ed. Halt- 
 
120 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 ing my troops I placed the skirmishers, commanded 
 by Col. J. R, Winston, 45th N. C. Troops, in front 
 about one hundred yards distant, to give notice of 
 indication of attack. Placed Cox's Brigade, which 
 occupied the right of the Division at right angles to 
 the other troops to watch that flank. The other 
 Divisions of the Corps (Walker and Evans) were on 
 the left. I then sent an officer to Gen. Gordon an- 
 nouncing our success and that the Lynchburg road 
 was open for the escape of the wagons, and that I 
 awaited orders. Thereupon I received an order to 
 withdraw, which I declined to do, supposing that 
 Gen. Gordon did not understand the commanding 
 position which my troops occupied. He continued 
 to send me order after order to the same effect 
 which I still disregarded, being under the impres- 
 sion that he did not cemprehend our favorable loca- 
 tion, until finally I received a message from him 
 with an additional one as coming from Gen. Lee to 
 fall back. I felt the difificulty of withdrawal without 
 disaster, and ordered Col. J. R. Winston, command- 
 ing the skirmish line which had been posted in my 
 front on reaching first these hills, to conform his move- 
 ments to those of the Division, and to move by the 
 left flank so as to give us nptice of an attack from 
 that quarter. I then ordered Cox to maintain his 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 121 
 
 position in line of battle, and not to show himself 
 until our rear was 100 yards distant, and then to fall 
 back in line of battle, so as to protect our rear and 
 right flank from assault. I then instructed Major 
 Peyton, of my staff, to start the left in motion, and 
 I continued with the rear. 
 
 The enemy, upon seeing us move off, rushed out 
 from under cover with a cheer, when Cox's Brigade, 
 lying concealed at the brow of a hill, rose and fired 
 a volley into them, which drove them back into the 
 woods, the Brigade then following their retreating 
 comrades in line of battle unmolested. After pro- 
 ceeding about half the distance to the position oc- 
 cupied by us in the morning, a dense mass of the 
 enemy in column (Infantry) appeared on our right, 
 and advanced without firing towards the earthworks 
 captured by us in the early morning, when a Battery 
 of our artillery opened with grape and cannister, and 
 drove them under the shelter of the woods. 
 
 As my troops approached their position of the 
 morning, I rode up to General Gordon and asked 
 where I should form line of battle. He replied, 
 " Anywhere you choose." Struck by the strange- 
 ness of the reply, I asked an explanation, whereupon 
 he informed me that we would be surrendered. I ex- 
 pressed very forcibly my dissent to being surrendered, 
 16 
 
122 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 and indignantly upbraided him for not giving me 
 notice of such intention, as I could have escaped 
 with my Division and joined Gen. Joe Johnston, 
 then in North CaroHna. Furthermore, that I should 
 then inform my men of the purpose to surrender, 
 and that whomsoever desired to escape that calamity 
 could go with me, and galloped off to carry this idea 
 into effect. Before reaching my troops, however, 
 General Gordon overtook me, and placing his hand 
 on my shoulder, asked me if I were going to desert 
 the army, and tarnish my own honor as a soldier; 
 that it would be a reflection upon General Lee, and 
 an indelible disgrace to me, that I, an officer of rank, 
 should escape under a flag of truce, which was then 
 pending. I was in a dilemma, and knew not what 
 to do, but finally concluded to say nothing on the 
 subject to my troops. 
 
 Upon reaching them, one of the soldiers inquired 
 if General Lee had surrendered, and upon answering 
 I feared it was a fact that we had been surrendered, 
 he cast away his musket, and holding his hands aloft, 
 cried in an agonized voice, " Blow, Gabriel, blow ! 
 My God, let him blow, T am ready to die !" We 
 then went beyond the creek at Appomattox Court 
 House, stacked arms amid the bitter tears of bronzed 
 veterans regretting the necessity of capitulation. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 123 
 
 Among the incidents, ever fresh in my memory, of 
 this fatal day to the Confederacy, is the remark of a 
 private soldier. When riding up to my old regiment 
 to shake by the hand each comrade who had fol- 
 lowed me through four years of suffering, toil, and 
 privation often worse than death, to bid them a final 
 affectionate, and, in many instances, an eternal fare- 
 well, a' cadaverous, ragged, barefooted man, grasped 
 me by the hand, and choking with sobs, said : 
 " Good-bye, General ; God bless you, we will go 
 home, make three more crops, and try them again." 
 I mention this instance simply to show the spirit, 
 the pluck, and the faith of our men in the justice of 
 our cause, and that he surrendered more to grim 
 famine than to the prowess of our enemies. 
 
 That day, and the next, the terms of surrender 
 were adjusted : the following day our paroles signed 
 and countersigned; and on Wednesday, April 12th, 
 1865, we stacked arms in an old field, and each man 
 sought his home as best he might. 
 
 I have given in the above a simple, true, and un- 
 varnished statement of facts, occurring during the 
 dying struggles of the Army of Northern Virginia, in 
 so far, only as I was an eye-witness and participant 
 in those events ; with no view to laud my own 
 achievements, or seeming to seek an undeserved 
 
124 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 honor, or to take the least sprig of laurel from an- 
 other's brow, but simply in the interest of the truth 
 of history. 
 
 I assert that I was at Appomattox, and that I 
 commanded my own Division at Appomattox ; and 
 General Gordon, the Corps commander, bears me 
 out in this assertion, and, moreover, states that I 
 volunteered my services, and did make the last 
 charge made by the Infantry at Appomattox. 
 Very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Bryan Grimes, 
 Major-Gencral in late P. A. C. S. 
 
 Raleigh, N. C, December 20th, 1S79. 
 
 To Gen. Bryan Grimes, 
 
 My Dear Sir : I owe you a thousand thanks 
 for your full and extremely valuable letter. It ex- 
 plains many things I did not understand before, and 
 will greatly add to the vindication of the North 
 Carolinians as to the last sad hours of the Army of 
 Northern Virginia. Pray excuse my delay in ac- 
 knowledging your great kindness, and believe me, 
 Very truly yours, 
 (Signed) J. W. MooRE. 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIiMES. 125 
 
 General Grimes' Reply to Letter of Chas. C. Jones, Jr., April 
 16, 1872. 
 
 Accept my sincere thanks for your book, and 
 although as you say local in its character, have de- 
 rived great pleasure from perusal. The mention of 
 Gen. Colquitt's name recalled some associations with 
 it. One was that upon reaching Yorktown, April 
 9th, (1862,) we relieved the sixth Georgia Regiment 
 and established ourselves in Col. Colquitt's "hole in 
 the ground" with a tent over it, and in a few days 
 found one of the attendants of close quarters, and 
 my person covered before we ever dreamed of such 
 pests. Another reminiscence is having a Bible (in 
 my library now) picked up on the night of our re- 
 treat from Yorktown, I having been detailed to 
 bring off the pickets. I enclose you autographs of 
 Generals Ramseur and Daniel, with his approval upon- 
 application for leave of absence while near Orange 
 Court House ; also a paper addressed to Col. Taylor, 
 I suppose upon which I made this application. I 
 have fragments and skeletons of reports made of 
 different engagements — Gettysburg, last few days of 
 the war, from breaking of our lines at Petersburg to 
 the morning of surrender at Appomattox Court 
 House, and some others. The last infantry charge 
 by the Army of Northern Virginia was made by my 
 
126 EXTRA" TS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 Division, as General Gordon, our Corps commander, 
 will substantiate. The form of parole for General 
 Johnston's troops was taken from my papers, bor- 
 rowed by Col. Wherry, Gen. Schofield's Adjutant 
 General or Aid-de-Camp, to guide Schofield in ad- 
 justing this matter. By-the-by, Generals Sherman, 
 Schofield, Terry, Bevis, ct id onine genus, had a cham- 
 pagne drinking in Raleigh just after Johnston's sur- 
 render, and sent this same Col. Wherry over, to in- 
 vite me to join them, which I most indignantly de- 
 clined. That evening we heard of Lincoln's assassina- 
 tion. Reminiscences of the past crowd upon me, and 
 however pleasant, or rather unpleasant, may not 
 prove agreeable to you, and if I do not halt will ex- 
 haust my paper before I have given you information 
 asked for. You can procure all information relative 
 to General Ramseur from Capt. Richmond, (Aid-de- 
 Camp to Gen. R.,) Milton, N. C. I wrote to Mr. 
 Richmond a few weeks ago, and received no reply. 
 If you do not hear from him, then address Hon. D. 
 Schenck, Lincolnton, N. C, who married Gen. R.'s 
 sister. Ramseur married his first cousin (Richmond's 
 sister), Hon. E. Conigland, Halifax, N. C, will 
 cheerfully give you all information relative to his 
 brother-in-law, General Daniel. William E. Ander- 
 son, President Citizens National Bank, Raleigh, can 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 127 
 
 tell you everything about his brother, Gen. G. B. 
 Anderson. You ask nothing of my dear friends 
 and relatives, J. J. Pettigrew and L. O'B. Branch, 
 the first killed at Falling Waters upon the retreat 
 from Pennsylvania, the latter killed at Sharpsburg. 
 You perhaps regard Pettigrew as a South Caro- 
 linian. We claim him. He is a native, and was 
 educated in the State, was Colonel of a North Car- 
 olina Regiment, and commanded a North Carolina 
 Brigade at time of his death. Rev. W. S. Petti- 
 grew, Henderson, N. C, will give you all particulars 
 relative to him, and Mrs. L. O'B. Branch, Raleigh, 
 or son W. A. B. Branch, Washington, N. C, will 
 take pleasure in communicating all facts relative to 
 Gen. Branch. There is Gen. Pender whose widow 
 and brother live in Tarboro, N. C. Pender I knew 
 but slightly, only after the war commenced, the 
 others were life-long acquaintances and friends from 
 childhood. I think it probable I shall revisit New 
 York on the 4th or 5th of May and stop at the St. 
 Nicholas. I can, if of service to you, send you a 
 roster of all the Regiments and field ofificers from 
 North Carolina. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 Bryan Grimes. 
 
128 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 [Letter from Gen. J. B. Gordon.] 
 
 New York, May 6th, 1872. 
 
 Gen. Bryan Grimes, N. C. : 
 
 My Dear General : Yours asking my recollec- 
 tion of the participation of your Division in the last 
 day's battle at Appomattox C. H. would have been 
 answered before I left my home in Georgia, but for 
 circumstances beyond my control. It is a source of 
 pleasure to me not only to do this but also to ex- 
 press my sincere appreciation of your valuable ser- 
 vices during that portion of the war when it was 
 my fortune to command the 2nd Corps Army North- 
 ern Virginia, to which your Division was attached. 
 When I was first placed in command of the Corps 
 in the Fall of 1864 at or near Petersburg, you will 
 remember that you were detached from the other 
 Divisions and did not join them until a short cime 
 before the attack upon Gen. Grant's lines in front 
 of Petersburg. You participated in the battles then 
 and during the terrible days and nights which fol- 
 lowed prior to and after the breaking of our lines 
 by Grant's army, as well as upon the retreat. But 
 it is of the last fight of the army of Northern Vir- 
 ginia in which you bore so conspicuous a part at Ap- 
 pomattox C. H. that you ask my recollections. It 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 129 
 
 would be difficult, my dear General, to forget your 
 anxiety to get your Division well up and compact 
 on the evening of the 8th of April, the day preced- 
 ing that last battle and the final surrender of the 
 army, as well as your assurance to me that if al- 
 lowed to rest and gather up your broken down men, 
 you would be on hand at any time during the night 
 of the 8th or morning of the 9th, to take part in any 
 movement which might be ordered. My consent 
 you will remember was obtained that you should go 
 into camp and rest your men, but before day on the 
 morning of the 9th of April, you were at the front 
 ready to participate with your Division in- the last 
 effort ever to be made by the army of Gen. Lee. 
 
 The plan agreed upon at the counsel of war held 
 at Gen. Lee's Headquarters during the night of the 
 8th betweeii Gen. Lee, Gen. Pendleton commanding 
 the artillery. Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee commanding the 
 cavalry, Gen. Longstreet and myself who com- 
 manded the two wings of his army, was this: My 
 command, consisting of about one half of the army, 
 with the cavalry, was to attack the enemy's cavalry 
 in front of Appomattox C. H., and attempt to cut 
 a way out, and Longstreet and the artillery not en- 
 gaged with my command and the wagon train, was 
 
 to follow. It was supposed that nothing more than 
 17 
 
I30 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 the enemy's cavalry was in our front, and though 
 largely outnumbering the whole of my command 
 and the cavalry of Gen. Lee, yet it was supposed, as 
 the result proved, that Sheridan's cavalry could be 
 beaten back. It was during the preparation for this 
 final move in the early morning of the 9th, that you 
 offered to make the attack in front. 
 
 Your Division with the other troops were placed 
 in line while Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee's cavalry moved 
 to our right. The attack was made and proved emi- 
 nently successful, resulting in the capture of the 
 enemy's works which he had temporarily thrown up 
 in our front, and the taking of six pieces (I think) 
 of his artillery. You were not halted for a consid- 
 erable time but pressed steadily forward to the front, 
 until I ordered you to rear, upon receiving intelli- 
 gence from Gen. R. E. Lee that a flag of^truce was 
 in existence between himself and Gen. Grant, and 
 upon the appearance and advance of heavy bodies 
 of infantry upon both our flanks. Your indisposi- 
 tion to retreat then, and your anxiety to go on, was 
 manifest ; but I knew more of the situation than 
 you did, and in accordance with the understanding 
 at the counsel of war the night previous, the ap- 
 pearance of these large bodies of the enemy's in- 
 fantry, and the impossibility of Gen. Longstreet's 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 131 
 
 moving up, the constantly increasing distance be- 
 tween us, and the pressing of the enemy's force into 
 this space, it was necessary for me to notify Gen. 
 Lee of the situation then, and these circumstances 
 rendered resistance for any positive advantage use- 
 less, and loss of life by our brave men of no avail. 
 
 On the receipt of the note from Gen. Lee I or- 
 dered you to the rear, and notified Gen. Sheridan of 
 the existence of a " Flag of Truce," who insisted 
 upon the separate surrender of my command to him, 
 which I refused. It was at this time you asked me 
 what the meaning was of my instructions to you to 
 put your men in any position you could select, and 
 suggested that I permit you to return to the front. 
 It w.as very painful to announce to you and to the 
 troops the surrender of the army, and when you 
 were made aware of it, you expressed your regret 
 that I had not informed you while you v-re in front, 
 that you might have made the effort to escape with 
 your command. 
 
 I was touched. General, by your indisposition to 
 meet this dreaded ordeal, as I was by the grief, tlie 
 
 anguish of all our brave men, but it was all over 
 
 all was done that could be done by the army, and 
 any escape of small bodies of troops would have 
 been charged as treachery on Gen. Lee's part to- 
 
132 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 ward Gen. Grant, from whose overwhelming forces 
 it was impossible now to extricate the remnant of 
 the " Army of Northern Virginia." This occasion 
 was the most trying one of all our lives ; but, Gen- 
 eral, the ungenerous effort to humiliate us since the 
 war, by the strong arm of power, has made upon my 
 heart, and doubtless upon yours, a more ineffaceable 
 impression than all else connected with our past his- 
 tory. We were entitled to honorable, magnanimous 
 legislation by the General Government ; but the 
 purposes of the party in power have seemed to be 
 only to irritate by proscriptive laws, and drive us to 
 desperation by the support of those forced in power 
 over us, who in the name of Law have robbed ws,, in 
 the name of Liberty have inaugurated the rule of 
 the Bayonet, arrested and imprisoned the innocent, 
 and gloated in the oppression of our citizens. 
 
 May the God of Righteousness bring us deliv- 
 erance. 
 
 Most truly your friend, 
 
 (Signed) J. B. Gordon.' 
 
 Major-Gcn. Grimes, A''. C. 
 
 On page 95 of Col. Walter H. Taylor's book en- 
 titled " Four Years with General Lee," (which book 
 
MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 
 
 13: 
 
 is now in Gen. Grimes' library,) the first section is 
 marked thus :}; and reads as follows: 
 
 " General Lee witnessed the flight of the Fed- 
 erals through Gettysburg and up the hills beyond. 
 He then directed me to go to General Ewell and to 
 say to him, that from the position which he occu- 
 pied he could see the enemy retreating over those 
 hills without organization and in great confusion, 
 that it was only necessary to press "those people " 
 in order to secure possession of the heights, and 
 that, if possible, he wished him to do this. In obe- 
 dience to these instructions, I proceeded immedi- 
 ately to General Ewell and delivered the order of 
 General Lee ; and after receiving from him some 
 message for the commanding general in regard to 
 the prisoners captured, returned to the latter and 
 reported that his order had been delivered." 
 
 All around the margin of this page appears the 
 following in pencil, and written in Gen. Grimes' own 
 handwriting: 
 
 " I was in the lead and saw the first pieces of ar- 
 tillery, tw^o in number, making for this hill. The 
 enemy were routed and retreating in great confusion. 
 Gen. Ramseur, with my regiment in advance, were 
 rushing up, and following the enemy, and without 
 the slightest doubt in my mind, could have cap- 
 
134 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 tured these guns and occupied the hill, but an officer 
 of rank rode up and advised that we await rein- 
 forcements, which was done, and we were drawn 
 back to the main street of Gettysburg, and there 
 remained, without firing a shot the whole evening — 
 several hours of daylight." 
 
 Gen. Ramseur says in his report of the battle of 
 Gettysburg, (see Southern Historical Papers. — C.) : 
 
 " The enemy was pushed through Gettysburg to 
 the heights beyond, v/hen I received an order to halt 
 and form line of battle in a street -in Getty.sburg 
 running east and west. 
 
 " To Colonel Parker, 30th North Carolina; Col- 
 onel Bennett, 19th North Carolina ; Colonel Grimes, 
 4th North Carolina, and Major Hurt, 2nd North 
 Crrolina, my thanks are due for skill and gallantry 
 displayed by them in this day's fight." 
 
 General Grimes received a copy of Moore's His- 
 tory of North Carolina only a few days before his 
 death, and had but little opportunity to examine it, 
 and had only read disconnected parts of it. 
 
 On page 170, Vol. H, in the two last lines of said 
 page he makes the following corrections: Erases 
 "Twelfth, Colonel Daniel," and writes, " Fourteenth, 
 
MATOR-GENERAL BRYAN GRIMES. 
 
 135 
 
 Col. R. T. Bennett ;" and erases " Twentieth, Col. T. 
 F. Toon," and writes " Thirty-seventh, Col. F. M. 
 Parker." 
 
 On page 190, Vol. II, on the left margin of said 
 page, appears the following written also in pencil in 
 his own handwriting: 
 
 " I commanded Anderson's Brigade at this bat- 
 tle, consisting of the 2nd, 4th, 14th and 30th Regi- 
 ments of N. C. Troops. Bryan Grimes." 
 
 On page 259, Vol. II, Major Moore in describing 
 Gen. Lee leading the charge in person at the battle 
 of Spottsylvania C. H., places the date of this charge 
 in person by Gen. Lee on the morning of the loth 
 of May. 
 
 On the right margin of said page is written in 
 pencil : " It was on the 5th May that Gen. Lee led 
 the charge in person." 
 
 On page 260, Vol. II, Major Moore says: "Con- 
 spicuous in this charge was the youthful and slender 
 form of Brigadier-General Stephen D. Ramseur, of 
 Lincoln county, North Carolina." On the left mar- 
 gin of said page is written in pencil : " This charge 
 was led by Col. Bryan Grimes, commanding Ram- 
 seur's Brigade, Ramseur being disabled by a wound." 
 
136 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS OF 
 
 [About the time the printing of this book was nearly completed the 
 following was found in a book in Gen. Grimes' library, in his own 
 handwriting, and is given here exactly as it is written. — C] 
 
 Ewell's Corps, composed of Rodes, Early and 
 Johnson's commands, surprised Gen. Milroy. We 
 drove the enemy's cavalry from the summit, and 
 ousted them to intercept the retreat of the enemy 
 from Winchester, Captured the cavalry camp at 
 Berryville. We moved down to Martinsburg and 
 drove the enemy into and through the town, taking 
 several pieces of artillery and 700 prisoners. Then 
 moved up and crossed the Potomac river at Wil- 
 liamsport. Occupied Chambersburg on 23rd of June, 
 1863. Was Provost Marshal of Hagerstown. There 
 we spent several days, and then moved to Cham- 
 bersburg. Insidious talk of man of Company A ; 
 turned him over to his own men for punishment. 
 Sent to Carlisle within eight miles of Harrisburg on 
 picket duty. Headquarters in brick house. Woman's 
 remark about Quartermaster. Regiment quartered 
 in a very large house. Saw the Perry militia coming 
 out with their high sugar-loaf hats. Put a portion 
 of my picket in ambush, allowing militia to pass, 
 susprising them in front, and shooting in their 
 rear. Supplied my men with their hats, which fell 
 off in their confusion. Their stampede through 
 
.MAJOR-GENERAL BRYAN (JRIMES. i^^y 
 
 Harrisburg, through the wheat fields. Here tasted 
 for the first time Plantation Bitters, taken from the 
 pocket of a dead Federal. We stampeded all of them, 
 about 500. Killed and wounded inan}-. Captured 
 many horses without having a man wounded. Were 
 nearer Harrisburg than perhaps any troops except 
 cavalry scouts. Severity of orders against plunder- 
 ing the inhabitants. Punishment of men who went 
 in a house and took jewelry. The rest of our Brig- 
 ade occupied the U. S. Barracks. Move towards 
 Gettysburg. Rode in ambulance all the time, ex- 
 cept when expecting an engagement, owing to in- 
 jury on my foot. 
 
ERRATA, 
 
 Page I, line i6, should read, "as far as he had executed it." 
 Page lo, line 7, should read, "were repeated " in jilace of "wires 
 
 repeated." 
 
 Page 15, line 4, should read, " pinned "• instead of "penned." 
 Page 52, line 22, should read, "which l^roke and ran" for "who 
 
 broke and run." 
 
 Page 67, line 21, should read, " Capt. Stitt " instead of " Still." 
 Page 67, line 23, should read, " one of my couriers (Sherwood 
 
 Badger.)" 
 
 Page 68, line 18, should read, "Capt. Stitt" instead of "Still." 
 Page 72, line 13, should read, "able to hobble along" instead of 
 
 " unable," &c. 
 
 Page 80, line 16, should read, " march" for " March." 
 Page 117, line 6, should read, " Divisions " for " Division." 
 There are a few typographical errors which will readily suggest 
 
 themselves to the reader. 
 
 LftV;>'^1 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 012 193 140 
 
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