Confederate Topographical Engineer Jedediah Hotchkiss kept a journal from August to the end of December, 1864. In it, he details his role in campaigns in Maryland and the Shenandoah Valley. Hotchkiss discusses events in Staunton, VA, as well, including troop movements in the vicinity, the evacuation of the town in October, personal business, dinner with Major M. G. Harman who had served as Staunton's quartermaster, and Harman's efforts to select winter camps in Augusta County.
Union General Phil Sheridan writes to Chief of Staff Henry Halleck to report on his March, 1865, expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Sheridan details the Union entrance into Staunton, and the Confederate property destroyed in the town and its vicinity.
Union Colonel Sharpe writes J. C. Babcock in January, 1865, regarding Confederate troop positions. He reports General Jubal Early is at Staunton.
Union General Phillip Sheridan writes to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to report the January, 1865, return from Staunton, VA, of two scouts. The scouts reported that talk in Staunton centered on the possibility of a Confederate withdrawal from Virginia.
Union Major H. C. Rized writes to Colonel N. Wilkinson concerning a January, 1865, Confederate raid on Beverly. Rized reports that the Confederates made off to Staunton with the prisoners.
George Sharpe writes Union General George Meade with intelligence on January, 1865, conditions in Confederate Richmond. Among other things, Sharpe remarks on the importance to the capital of supplies such as lead arriving on the railroad from Staunton.
John C. Babcock writes Union General George Meade in January, 1865, with information regarding Confederate troop locations and organization. He reports that General Jubal Early is in Staunton with his command.
Union General Phil Sheridan writes to Chief of Staff Henry Halleck in January, 1865, concerning arrangements to provide for the destitute citizens of the Shenandoah Valley between Staunton and Winchester. Sheridan wishes to distribute rations among the civilians.
Union General Phil Sheridan reports to General George Crook in January, 1865. He discusses the return of scouts from Staunton bearing news of a possible Confederate raid.
Union General Phil Sheridan reports to General George Crook on January, 1865, Confederate movements in western Virginia and the Valley, including the Staunton area.
Confederate General Jubal Early writes from Staunton to General Lee in January, 1865, concerning the movement of Union troops. He also expresses his negative opinion of Confederate independent, irregular commands such as Mosby's raiders.
Union Major Robert P. Kennedy forwards information on February, 1865, Confederate troop positions to Colonel John Oley. The letter includes detailed information about troops in the Staunton area.
Confederate deserter John Johnson reports to Union officers on February, 1865, Confederate troop strengths, and the attitude among the ranks. He describes deserting after getting a sick furlough and taking the train to Staunton.
Confederate Sargeant S. A. Dunning gives a statement to Union officers on the February, 1865, disposition of Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Dunning mentions a stage that runs daily from Staunton to Mount Jackson. Dunning also mentions the condition of Valley citizens.
Union General Phil Sheridan writes General George Crook to inform him of February, 1865, Confederate cavalry positions and movements. Sheridan reports that General Thomas Rosser's command is in the Staunton area.
As the end of the war neared, supply problems in the Confederacy became more and more critical. In this February, 1865, letter, Confederate General William Pendleton discusses a plan proposed by Colonel Michael Harman of Staunton to obtain good horses for the artillery. Harman and Pendleton wish to give civilians worn-out army horses in exchange for good horses. Pendleton also mentions Harman's farms and a stage line in Staunton.
General Grant forwards Chief of Staff Henry Halleck an intelligence report concerning February, 1865, conditions in Richmond, VA. The report mentions "men of Staunton" planning to run the blockade to save themselves.
Union General Phil Sheridan writes General Grant in February, 1865, to inform him of the situation in the Shenandoah Valley, including movements in the Staunton area.
Confederate General L. L. Lomax writes to General Jubal Early in February, 1865, to inform him that he is sending Colonel Dunn to Staunton for trial after Dunn attempted to detach his men from Lomax's command.
James Forsyth reports to Union General Phil Sheridan on February, 1865, conditions in the Shenandoah Valley. He discusses movement of Confederate troops in the Staunton area, and the overall sentiment in favor of peace in the Valley.
Union General James Wilson reports on summer and early fall, 1864, fighting in the Valley. Wilson discusses capturing prisoners and stores at Staunton, and destroying all that could not be carried off. He also mentions destroying the Gordonsville and Staunton Railroad.
Union General Phil Sheridan reports to General George Crook that men of Confederate General John Imboden's command moved to Staunton in February, 1865.
Robert E. Lee reports to Confederate Secretary of War Breckinridge on a February, 1865, raid on Cumberland Maryland that resulted in the capture of two Union generals and two privates. Lee reports that the prisoners are being taken to Staunton.
Confederate General Jubal Early writes General John Echols from Staunton in February, 1865, to ask about the size and scope of his command for the coming campaigns.
Army of Northern Virginia Artillery Chief William Pendleton reports on the role the artillery played in August-December, 1864, fighting. Pendleton describes refitting and reorganizing some commands at Staunton for use in the August, 1864, offensives in the Shenandoah Valley. He also mentions sending troops into winter quarters near Staunton in December.
Confederate General William Pendleton reports on actions during the second half of 1864. He mentions the arrival and refitting of troops in Staunton during June.
Brig. Gen. William N. Pendleton was of the Army of Northern Virginia which included the Staunton Artillery. Pendleton provides an overview of the battle and in particular notes the bloody fighting on the 10th.
Union General Wesley Merritt's Assistant Adjutant J. Spreadbury makes arrangements to send troops to the rear, via Staunton, with Confederate prisoners taken in March, 1865.
Union General Wesley Merritt's Assistant Adjutant J. Spreadbury issues orders from Staunton, Virginia, concerning care for the horses during a March, 1865, cavalry expedition in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock writes Chief of Staff Halleck to discuss a March, 1862, scouting report. The report details Confederate movements in the Staunton area.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock notifies General Grant of rumors of General Sheridan's March, 1865, entrance into Staunton.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock reports to Chief of Staff Henry Halleck on Confederate troop locations provided by a deserter from the Staunton area in March, 1865.
Confederate Colonel David G. Cowand reports on the actions of the Thirty-second North Carolina Infantry between June and December, 1864. Cowand discusses marching through the Shenandoah Valley, moving into Maryland, and fighting in the Valley after returning to Virginia. Cowand mentions camping near Staunton and leaving from the town on trains for Richmond.
E. O. C. Ord forwards General Grant a March, 1865, telegram announcing Sheridan's capture of Staunton and other movements in the Shenandoah Valley.
Union General Wesley Merritt reports on March, 1865, operations in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Merritt gives details of destruction of stores near Scottsville, and the condition of roads from Staunton to Waynesborough.
Union General William Emory writes to General Winfield Scott Hancock to inform him of the results of a March, 1865, victory at Fishersville, near Staunton.
Union Cavalry Colonel John Thompson reports on a March, 1865, expedition to bring Confederate prisoners from Waynesborough to Winchester. Thompson passed through Staunton with the troops, ordering the town's citizens to provide food for the prisoners. When they only could scrape together a "poor pittance" Thompson reports taking food from the town asylum for the men's subsistence. Thompson also discusses military actions in the Valley and the Staunton area.
Union General Phil Sheridan reports to General Grant on March, 1865, operations in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia. Sheridan reports the destruction of railroad bridges around Staunton.
Union Major Charles Otis reports to William Russell on a March, 1865, expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Otis reports taking in Confederate deserters, one a Staunton hospital clerk, and getting information on movements in the area.
General Grant writes General Sherman in March, 1865, to discuss the movements and strategies of the Union armies in the field that Spring. He reports on Sheridan's plans to advance to Staunton and destroy the Virginia Central Railroad.
Union Cavalry Colonel Charles Fitzhugh reports on a February-March, 1865, expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Fitzhugh discusses entering Staunton, and destroying supplies in the area. He itemizes in detail the goods and buildings destroyed in and around the town.
Union Major Charles Brown reports on a March, 1865, scouting expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Brown reports hearing rumors that Confederate General Thomas Rosser was preparing a raiding force at Staunton.
Union General George Custer reports on a February-March, 1865, expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. He discusses action in and around Staunton.
Lieut. Gen. Richard S. Ewell commanded the Second Army Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia which included the 5th Va. Inf. Ewell writes about an extended, bloody battle.
Lieut. Gen. Richard S. Ewell commanded the Second Army Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia which included the 5th Va. Inf. Ewell reports battling a numerically superior force.
Union Cavalry Colonel Peter Stagg reports on February-March, 1865, actions in the Shenandoah Valley. Stagg reports entering Staunton and destroying a nearby railroad bridge.
Union Captain William Oliver reports on a March, 1865, scouting expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Oliver reports that he believes that the headquarters of Confederate General Thomas Rosser are at Staunton.
Union Colonel W. H. Enochs reports on information gathered in March, 1865, from two Confederate deserters from Richmond who made their way to the Valley through Staunton.
Confederate General William Pendleton forwards March, 1865, orders from Lee that a battery be moved to Petersburg. Pendleton mentions rumors that Confederate troops had been captured near Staunton.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock proposes plans for operations in the Shenandoah Valley in this March, 1865, dispatch to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Hancock plans to use Staunton as a meeting point and supply base for his armies.
Union Cavalry General Thomas Devin reports on a February-March, 1865, expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Devin reports camping near Staunton and destroying a railroad bridge and supplies in the area. He also reports destroying a blacksmith shop, a tannery, and wagons in the town.
Union Major William Russell reports on a March, 1865, scouting expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Russell reports that refugees from Staunton gave him information concerning the locations of Confederate troops.
Robert E. Lee reports to the Secretary of War on April, 1865, fighting in Virginia. He mentions a report from Staunton on Union strengths and movements in the northern Shenandoah Valley.
Union General Christopher Auger reports in April, 1865, that Confederate General George Pickett's Division was seen moving through Staunton to fight in the Valley.
Union General Charles Morgan writes General Torbert in April, 1865, to report a sighting of Confederate General George Pickett's Division in Staunton. Morgan suggests that Torbert send out scouts to investigate.
Union General Christopher Auger reports to General Charles Morgan in April, 1865, on information gathered from a deserter from Staunton. The Confederate deserter gave Auger information on troop movements around Staunton.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock writes Chief of Staff Henry Halleck in April, 1865, to report on the results of a scouting expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. Hancock gives the strength of Confederate General George Pickett's Division stationed in Staunton.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock writes Chief of Staff Henry Halleck in April, 1865, regarding the strategic situation in the Shenandoah Valley in April, 1865. He mentions that Confederate General George Pickett's division is in Staunton.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock writes General Grant in April, 1865, to report on troop dispositions in the Shenandoah Valley. Hancock reports that Staunton is occupied by Confederate General Thomas Rosser's men.
Confederate Colonel W. P. Thompson writes the United States commander at Staunton in April, 1865, to inquire about surrender terms.
Union Colonel H. B. Reed, commanding at Staunton, writes Confederate Colonel W. P. Thompson in April, 1865, to inform him of surrender terms.
May, 1865, Union orders establishing post offices in towns returned to United State's authority, including the soon to be garrisoned Staunton, VA.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock writes General Torbert to order a May, 1865, expedition to Staunton. Hancock orders Torbert to take blank paroles, and to make sure all goods are paid for, and the property of civilians respected.
Union General Alfred Torbert writes to General Morgan in May, 1865, to report that Union cavalry are now stationed in Staunton.
Union Assistant Adjutant William Russell writes General Isaac Duval in May, 1865, to order him to march to Staunton, VA. Russell orders Duval to parole all Confederate soldiers there according to the terms Grant gave Lee at Appomattox, and to arrest any who refuse to surrender.
After the major Confederate armies surrendered, the Union faced the task of demobilizing the remaining Confederate troops in the field. In this May, 1865, letter, Union Chief of Staff Henry Halleck informs General Grant that Confederate General Thomas Rosser has offered to surrender his command at Staunton. Halleck ordered Union troops to Staunton to collect arms and parole the troops.
General Newton Curtis writes General Edward Ord in May, 1865, concerning the surrender of Confederate forces. He mentions cavalry going to Staunton to accept Confederate General Thomas Rosser's surrender, and also says that the Army of the Potomac will march through the town.
Union General Newton M. Curtis orders Colonel Stratton to march with his command to Staunton in May, 1865, to accept the surrender of Confederate General Thomas Rosser's command. Curtis instructs Stratton on procedure for turning surrendered arms and stores over to the army. He instructs that all commissary stores be distributed to needy Valley citizens, and that all private citizens be well treated.
Union General Alfred Torbert writes General Charles Morgan in May, 1865. Torbert mentions the size of General Isaac Duval's expedition to Staunton.
Union Colonel N. Wilkinson alludes to rumors of a possible raid launched from Staunton by Confederate General Thomas Rosser in May, 1865.
Union General Winfield Scott Hancock writes Assistant Adjutant T. S. Bowers in May, 1865, to report the return of a cavalry force from Staunton. Hancock reports that 750 men were paroled there. He also mentions the disposition of the citizens of the Valley, and the continuing problem of guerrillas.
Union General Alfred Torbert writes General Charles Morgan in May, 1865, to announce the return of cavalry from Staunton, and the parole of 750 men. He also mentions guerrillas and the dispositions of Valley citizens.
Colonel Horatio B. Reed reports on an April, 1865, march through the Valley to parole surrendering Confederates. He discusses the situation in Staunton, where Confederate General Thomas Rosser, against the sentiment of the people, attempted to organize a force to retreat south. Reed also discusses attempts to capture cavalry in the Staunton vicinity.
Union Cavalry General Wesley Merritt reports on the February-March, 1865, campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. He discusses entering Staunton, destroying stores in the area, and ripping up the railroad to Charlottesville. Merritt also comments on the condition of the roads from Staunton to Charlottesville.
This journal of Confederate Topographical Engineer Jedediah Hotchkiss covers January through May, 1865. Hotchkiss discusses operations in the Shenandoah Valley and movements in the Staunton area, including the March evacuation of the town. Hotchkiss also discusses hiring a servant in Staunton, most of whom could be paid for only in grain. He also reports finding a room to rent in the town. He discusses prices throughout. Also of interest are Hotchkiss's reports of soldier and civilian reactions to Confederate surrender. Hotchkiss also describes the process of parole by Union forces, and efforts by Staunton town authorities to prevent looting, collect taxes, and define their relationship to the federal government after Confederate surrender.
Union Colonel Franklin Stratton reports on his May, 1865, expedition to Charlottesville and Staunton. He discusses his arrival in Staunton, Union General Isaac Duval's efforts to parole Confederates, and the progress of confiscation of Confederate government property. Stratton also discusses the presence of robbers and bandits in the Valley.
Union Captain J. H. Rider writes Governor of the Restored State of Virginia Francis Pierpont in May, 1865, to inform him of the attempted assassination of Union General Isaac Duval in Staunton, VA.
After the Confederate surrender, Union troops occupied important towns in the South. In this June, 1865, letter, Union General Charles Morgan writes General Emory that General Isaac Duval's brigade has been relieved from duty at Staunton.
After the Confederate surrender, Union troops occupied key southern towns. In this June, 1865, letter, Union General Charles Morgan writes General Alfred Torbert ordering him to send troops to Staunton to relieve General Isaac Duval.
Union General Phil Sheridan reports on February and March actions in the Shenandoah Valley. Sheridan discusses destroying goods in the Staunton area, as well as entering the town.
Union Captain and Assistant Quartermaster S. G. Lynch reports to Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs on action in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley in late 1864 and 1865. Lynch details the action of U. S. Military Telegraph troops in the Valley, including the Staunton area.