Augusta County: 1860s-1870s

• "Veterans' Reunion. The Meeting of the Rockbridge Dragoons at Lexington-List of the Survivors-Next Reunion to be Held at Staunton.," by Unknown, August 9, 1864

  This article provides an account of an 1894 reunion of the 14th Virginia regiment, which was made up primarily of men from Augusta and Rockbridge counties, and states that the next reunion will be held in 1895 in Staunton, Augusta County.

• "R. E. Lee to W. W. Corcoran," by Robert E. Lee, October 9, 1869 to August 23, 1870

  This is a series of letters from Robert E. Lee to Hon. W. W. Corcoran. Lee discusses raising money for Washington College. He also mentions his own ill health during the winter of 1869-70. And in response to the Franco-Prussian War, Lee laments human nature and its tendency toward violence and war. Lee does, though, mention his own sympathies for a "warlike people" that seeks to "drive invaders from their land."

• "R. E. Lee to W. W. Corcoran, August 23, 1870," by Robert E. Lee, August 23, 1870

  A letter in which Lee exchanges news and also expresses dismay at the Franco-Prussian War, while also noting his own sympathy for those seeking to drive out "invaders."

• "Lee at Gettysburg," by John D. Imboden, April 1871

  General Imboden writes his own eye-witness history of Lee leading up to Gettysburg, inspired by Lee's recent death.

• "Reminiscences of Lee and Jackson," by John D. Imboden, November 1871

  General Imboden writes his own personal experiences with and opinions concerning Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.

• "Statement of General J. D. Imboden," by John D. Imboden, January 12, 1876

  This note from General Imboden explains the suffering at Andersonville prison as largely unavoidable and shifts much blame to the Union's refusal to exchange prisoners or otherwise relieve the suffering of the prisoners.

• "Review of "Chancellorsville"," by Unknown, January 1876

  A favorable review of a book, "Chancellorsville," by Jed. Hotchkiss and William Allan.

• "Sheridan at Winchester," by Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1878

  This article provides a detailed account of William Sheridan at Cedar Creek, from the perspective of Crowninshield, who rode with Sheridan and who frames this battle account as part of the larger campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. Crowninshield praises Sheridan and disparages the opposing general, Jubal Early (though the article goes out of its way to praise the marching ability of Confederate troops). The article also offers generous praise to Mosby.

• "B. P. Noland to I. M. St. John," by B. P. Noland, 1878

  This is a letter from former Confederate Chief Commissary B. P. Noland to former Confederate Commissary-General I. M. St. John, in which Noland discusses the state of the Subsistence Bureau in the last days of the Confederacy. Noland writes in response to an inquiry by John. Noland notes that transportation had been mostly destroyed by the last months of the Civil War, crippling the Subsistence Bureau. He also notes that John helped organize an effort to help the Bureau during the last phase of the war.

Augusta County: 1880s-1890s

• "Tenth Annual Reunion of the Virginia Division Army Northern Virginia Association. Address of Major H. B. McClellan, of Lexington, Ky., on the Life, Campaigns, and Character of Gen'l J. E. B. Stuart.," by Major H. B. McClellan, October 27, 1880

  The journal provides an introduction for and a transcription of Major H. B. McClellan's speech about General J. E. B. Stuart. General W. H. F. Lee preceded McClellan with introductory remarks about the spirit of the soldiers of the Civil War, who had fought nobly for their "country" (he does not specify which country). Ideas of reconciliation are evident in Lee's tone. McClellan's speech praised Virginia, J. E. B. Stuart, and Stuart's family.

• "The Battle of Piedmont, Part I," by Gen. J. D. Imboden, 1883

  John Imboden's account of the Battle of Piedmont, which occurred in Augusta County in 1864.

• "The Battle of Piedmont, Part II," by Gen. J. D. Imboden, 1883

  Continued battle account of Piedmont, with praise for veterans and criticism of General Jones' decision-making before the fighting began.

• "Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah," by John D. Imboden, June 1885

  A praise-filled account of Stonewall Jackson's efforts in the Shenandoah Valley.

• "Confederate Memorial Day," by Local Department, June 6, 1887

  This is a preview of the upcoming festivities for a Civil War veterans' reunion on Memorial Day, written with affection for the veterans, as well as for all the participants in the celebration.

• "Memorial Day!," by Local Department, Wednesday, June 15, 1887

  This is an enthusiastic, celebratory, and detailed report of the Memorial festivities, filled with praise for veterans and tribute to the old Confederacy, while at the same time pointing toward the need for sectional reconciliation. The article prints several of the speeches that were delivered at the Memorial Day celebration, and these echo the sentiments of the article itself.

• "Memorial Day," by Unknown, June 15, 1887

  In the wake of the recent Memorial Day, this article expresses southern wishes for reconciliation and calls for the North to match that sentiment (in the process accusing Republican presidential candidate John Sherman of constantly waving the "bloody shirt" in the North, and accusing northerners of embracing that tactic).

• "Monument to Gen. Jeb Stuart.," by Unknown, November 28, 1887

  This is a celebratory article about the J. E. B. Stuart statue that is to be erected shortly. It is indicative of the adulation for former leaders of the Confederacy that was so prominent in Virginia and Augusta County in the late nineteenth century.

• "My First Raid with Mosby. A Graphic Pen-Picture of a Night Attack as told by a New Recruit.," by A Member of Company A., December 21, 1887

  A Confederate veteran's detailed-and romanticized-account of his first participation in a nighttime raid.

• "Jackson at Harper's Ferry in 1861," by John D. Imboden, 1887

  General John D. Imboden recollects Thomas, later nick-named Stonewall, Jackson's involvement in John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry. The article, published in Volume I of Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, details Jackon's interactions with the Staunton Artillery, General Imboden, and other Augusta men, including John A. Harman.

• "Incidents of the First Bull Run," by John D. Imboden, 1887

  This article, found in Volume I of Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, provides General John D. Imboden's account of the First Battle of Bull Run. General Imboden tells of the Staunton Artillery's actions during the battle. In addition, Imboden recalls his duty on the board of officers to investigate and report on whether or not the armies of Johnston and Beauregard should have advanced to Washington following the battle.

• "The Confederate Retreat from Gettysburg," by John D. Imboden, 1887

  In this lengthy article, General John D. Imboden provides his account of the Confederate march from Gettysburg across the Potomac River. In the piece published by The Century Company in Volume III of Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Imboden remembers the gruesome number of dying and wounded men, marching through Franklin County, a skirmish in Williamsport, and personal encounters with General Lee.

• "Gen. R. E. Lee," by R. M. Tuttle, May 30, 1888

  This is a laudatory poem about Robert E. Lee, indicative of the widespread adulation for him that swept the nation, the former Confederacy, and Virginia in the late nineteenth century.

• "Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan," by P. H. Sheridan, 1888

  This history details General Hunter's movements, Early's threat on Washington, the burning of Chambersburg, and the fight for the Shenandoah Valley, which the author mentions was extremely important to the Confederacy.

• "Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan," by P. H. Sheridan, 1888

  This extremely detailed history lays out the troop movements of the author as he attacked and largely defeated General Early's forces. It ends by describing the murder of a lieutenant by men dressed in Union uniforms within the lines, leading to an order to burn every house within 5 miles and seize all able-bodied men as prisoners.

• "Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan," by P. H. Sheridan, 1888

  This detailed account of the author's campaign through Virginia includes discussion of Col. Mosby, famed guerilla leader and an order to burn the countryside he used as a base; the capture of the guerilla leader Gilmore; employing spies; driving Confederates out of the Valley entirely; and the Battle of Waynesboro. It also mentions Custer's capture of Charlottesville and the surrender of the University of Virginia.

• "A Prisoner's March from Gettysburg to Staunton," by John L. Collins, 1888

  John L. Collins of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry details his account of being a Confederate prisoner in this article from Volume III of Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. Captured at the Battle of Gettysburg, Collins was marched to Staunton, Virginia, at times being guarded by the Staunton Artillery. Collins writes of his opinion of both the Staunton Artillery and the city of Staunton.

• "Alex. H. H. Stuart. Statesman and Patriot. Venerable in Years, and Admired by his Countrymen, Has passed Away.," Staunton Spectator, February 18, 1891

  This is a lengthy and laudatory obituary for Alexander H. H. Stuart. In the excerpts below, the obituary praises Stuart and also warmly remembers Augusta's role-as reluctant but noble participant-in the Confederacy and the Civil War, while at the same time illustrating the very negative memories of Reconstruction and its legacy that were so prominent at the close of the nineteenth century, throughout the white South.

• "The Approaching Unveiling of Jackson's Statue. Who Will Speak and Who Will be Present-Preparations for the Event.," by Unknown, July 8, 1891

  This is an article about the upcoming unveiling of the Stonewall Jackson statue in Lexington, Virginia, full of praise for the general and his fellow Confederates and Virginians. This is a great example of the adulation for Stonewall Jackson that gripped the Lost Cause ideology, the South, and even the nation--and in this case, Augusta County--in the late nineteenth century.

• "Harper's Ferry in 1861," by F. M. Burrows, 1893

  This essay gives a first-hand account of the seizure of Harper's Ferry in 1861 and the subsequent several months stationed there.

• "When Gen. Lee Lost Hope of Success," by A. S. Colyar, 1893

  This account from a member of the Confederate Congress describes the secret committee to decide whether to continue the war in 1864. Lee's testimony was that there was no point to further battles and that he could not defend Richmond for long because of a lack of supplies. It also describes the process that led to the appointment of the Southern commissioners who met with Lincoln at Hampton Roads in 1865.

• "No Title," by Unknown, 1893

  Blurb describing contributions of Coyner family to Confederate war.

• "John Imboden," by Unknown, 1895

  Brief obituary of Gen. Imboden

• "GEN. IMBODEN'S TRIBUTE TO GEN. ASHBY," by J. D. Imboden, 1897

  Gen. Imboden's laudatory account of Gen. Turner Ashby's military prowess and character.

• "FAIR WOMEN AT THE CENTENNIAL," by unknown, 1897

  Announcement of reunion for alumni of the Mary Baldwin Seminary in Nashville in 1897.

• "JOURNEY TO AND FROM RICHMOND," by Pattie Guild, 1898

  Account of the final days of the war, including Lee's surrender and the journey from Appomattox to Richmond that followed.

• "THIRD CONVENTION GRAND DIVISION OF VIRGINIA," by unknown, 1898

  Description of Virginia State United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter meeting focusing on election of new officers and relations with a competing state chapter.

• "The Confederate Dead," by A. G. Gordon, January 30, 1899

  This article consists mostly of a poem by A. C. Gordon of Staunton, read at the unveiling of the monument erected to the Confederate dead at Staunton, Va.

• "The Life Hotchkiss. Stonewall Jackson Camp Places on Record a Splendid Paper," by Thomas D. Ranson, John N. Opie, Carter Berkley, March 9, 1899

  This is a glowing biography of Major Hotchkiss.

• "MAJ. JED HOTCHKISS," by unknown, 1899

  Obituary for Major Jed Hotchkiss, Confederate engineer and map-maker, describing his wartime service and postwar activities.

Augusta County: 1900s-1910s

• "THE STONEWALL BRIGADE BAND," by J. A. Hiner, Staunton, Va., 1900

  A short history of the Stone wall Brigade Band from its pre-war origins to its postwar fame.

• "JEB Stuart," by Benjamin Blake Minor, March 4, 1901

  This letter to the editor recounts the author's introduction to the future General Jeb Stuart. It casts him in a polite, energetic, and otherwise pleasant light.

• "HEROISM LIKE THAT OF JOHN PELHAM," by S. T. Shank, 1901

  Description of artillery defense of Berryville focusing on the effective leadership of Sgt. Shank.

• "THE STONEWALL BRIGADE," by unknown, 1901

  Account of a reunion of surviving veterans of the Stonewall Brigade in 1901.

• "Imboden's Dash into Charlestown," by Unknown, August 30, 1903

  This history describes Imboden's seizure of Charlestown, WV and then his quick retreat when faced with a much larger force. It is very complimentary to Gen. Imboden.

• "GAY TO THE GRAVE IN THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA," by unknown, 1903

  Celebratory depiction of camp life in a cavalry company in 1863 that describes soldiers' perceptions of sacrifice on the home front and fondly recalls time spent with "charming" local girls.

• "JIM BRYAN WAS THERE," by Carter Berkely, 1904

  Amusing description of a battlefield encounter.

• "ANECDOTE FROM MAJ. JED. HOTCHKISS," by Capt. Frank B. Berkeley, 1904

  Vignette concerning a disagreement between Stonewall Jackson and a subordinate over the placement of an artillery battery.

• "Roster of M'Neil's Rangers," by Unknown, September 24, 1905

  The excerpts below are the introduction and conclusion to a reprinted roster of Confederate veterans. In the tone, we can see the affection for veterans that gripped so many southerners (and Americans) at the turn of the twentieth century.

• "The Imboden Raid and its Effects," by Unknown, September 2, 1906

  This chapter discusses in some detail the military history of the Confederacy prior to the 1863 raid on present-day West Virginia led by Gen. Imboden. It then describes the raid itself and its effects, the most notable of which was a great push to form the state of West Virginia.

• "The Last Charge," by W. L. Moffett, April 20, 1907

  This letter from a veteran recounts the final charge of the Confederate forces before Lee's surrender at Appomatox Court House.

• "Thrilling Account of a Capture in Virginia," by M. L. Leonard, Company E, 1st Virginia Cavalry, 1907

  M. L. Leonard recalls the sneaky capture of Yankee troops by E. G. Fishburne and W. D. McCausland in Augusta County.

• "Hunter's Raid, 1864," by Unknown, July 8, 1908

  This chapter recounts the adventures of the author during a turbulent period for the Valley. He discusses encounters with several Generals and a continuing engagement with a Union army which kept trying to corner Imboden's party.

• "Fathers of Confederate Veterans," by Unknown, December 1908

  This correction to an earlier story, in which the paper reported on the last living man in the county who had sons in the Confederate Army, admits that since publication four other such men have surfaced, though an editor's note at the bottom of the article mentions that no more names surfaced afterwards.

• "Letter Delivered After Many Years," by Casper C. Henkel, 1908

  Confederate Veteran Magazine prints a letter from 1863 that describes a Confederate soldier's experiences around the time of Gettysburg, including the battle itself as well as the relationship between Confederate soldiers and Union towns during the invasion.

• "SIXTY-SECOND VIRGINIA AT NEW MARKET," by Jasper W. Harris, Montrose, Va., 1908

  Brief description of a battle at New Market.

• "Valiance of Capt. Charles Morgan," by R. D. Firebaugh, April 1909

  An article written in the wake of Capt. Charles F. Morgan's death, recounting Morgan's bravery during the Civil War.

• "Inscriptions for Memorial to Women of Confederacy," by W. E. Gonzales, November 1, 1910

  This is a collection of the proposed inscriptions for a monument to the women of the Confederacy in Columbia, South Carolina.

• "'Little Jack' Trimble," by John Bennett, 1910

  John Bennett remembers Jack Trimble, a descendant of the Augusta Trimbles and a cousin of John Marshall McCue, who served as a courier for John Imboden during the Civil War.

• "Capt. George A. Schoppert.," by Unknown, August 1911

  The majority of an obituary of Captain George A. Schoppert.

• "John M'Cue, a Typical Southern Boy," by Unknown, 1912

  Following the death of John McCue, this account was sent to the Confederate Veteran regarding McCue's involvement in the Civil War. The story tells of McCue's fervent desire to be a soldier, despite his tender age, his experience in combat, and trial for espionage while in Baltimore, Maryland.

• "Capt. James. H. Waters," by James Bumgardner, Jr., May 1913

  An obituary of Captain James H. Waters, a soldier in the Virginia 5th Infantry Division.

• "The Army Under Lincoln in West Virginia.," by S. T. Shank, 1913

  In a brief article, S. T. Shank explains the organization of a regiment in the Valley of Virginia by John D. Imboden.

• "About the Fifty-Second Virginia Regiment," by Marion Koiner, 1913

  Marion Koiner, a corporal in the Waynesboro Guards, recounts his experiences during the war, including being wounded, meeting Stonewall Jackson, and serving as a courier for General Lee.

• "William E. Bell," by Unknown, 1913

  This obituary from the Confederate Veteran honors William E. Bell, who served in the Stonewall Brigade.

• "Officers of the West Augusta Guard," by Unknown, 1913

  This brief article discusses the officers of the West Augusta Guard and features a photograph of them.

• "Jacob Croft, Jr.," by Unknown, 1913

  An obituary of Jacob Croft, Jr., a soldier in the 52nd Virginia Regiment.

• "Col. John Doak Lilley," by Unknown, 1914

  Obituary for distinguished Confederate veteran of Staunton.

• "[No title]," by Unknown, 1914

  Short inquiry listing from Staunton woman, requesting news and knowledge of her uncles' Confederate service.

• "The Record Junior Chapter," by Unknown, 1914

  Blurb about the new "junior" members of the SCV and UDC.

• "Virginia Division Notes," by Mrs. A. A. Campbell, 1914

  A fondly written update about recent annual convention of the VA Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

• "My Childhood Recollections of the War," by A. F. Robertson, January 19, 1915

  This is a sentimental account of late antebellum wartime white southern female childhood, written by the daughter of Augusta County figure A. H. H. Stuart, but epitomizing "Lost Cause" ideas of an antebellum plantation ideal of exotic (even "happy") slaves and bucolic peacefulness: part of a vision that was dominant in the first decades of the twentieth century. This account also contains romanticized and dramatic images of the Civil War and the Confederacy--a part of the larger "Lost Cause" ideology that also put forth the glorified plantation images. And there is a romanticized passage about Robert E. Lee.

• "A Large Family of Confederate Soldiers," by Unknown, 1915

  Short piece on Augusta County family with many Confederate veterans.

• "William C. Geiger," by J. Y. Hitner, February 1916

  An obituary of William Churchman Geiger, a soldier in the Staunton Artillery.

• "Jacob Alexander Hanger," by Unknown, February 1916

  An obituary of Jacob Alexander Hanger, a soldier in the 14th Virginia Cavalry.

• "Virginia Division, U. D. C.," by Mrs. Glassell Fitzhugh, 1916

  Updates on Virginia United Daughters of the Confederacy, including Staunton activities.

• "Imboden's Dash into Charlestown," by Lieut. F. Carter Berkeley, 1917

  Favorable first-person account of General John D. Imboden's Staunton forces in western Virginia.

Augusta County: 1920s-1940s

• "The South's Tribute to Stonewall Jackson," by Unknown, 1920

  Celebratory account of unveiling of Richmond's Stonewall Jackson monument; includes historical sketch of previous unveilings of Jackson monuments.

• "Lee's High Estimate of General Imboden," by Unknown, 1921

  A piece praising General Imboden of Augusta, with letters from General Lee to Imboden to support the positive portrayal.

• "Distinguished Soldier and Citizens," by Unknown, 1922

  Extended, positive obituary for Augusta County veteran.

• "A. H. Roller," by Unknown, 1922

  Obituary of Augusta Co. veteran; the obit. notes that Roller reached "the top of the ridge" as part of Pickett's Charge.

• "Last Bridge Burned in Virginia," by D. M. Grabill, 1924

  First-person account of Confederate soldiers burning bridge in last days of the war. The author seems regretful for having to burn this bridge even after Lee's surrender.

• "Miss Baldwin: A Brief Memoir," by Armistead C. Gordon, March 6, 1925

  Account of Mary Julia Baldwin's heading of a school in wartime Staunton.

• "The Last Roll: Capt. Henry Clay Carter; Charles James Faulkner [separate obituaries]," by Charles James Faulkner, 1929

  Two obituaries of Virginian Confederate veterans, praising their service and celebrating their lives.

• "Mrs. Mary E. --WSEY (b. ?)," by Byrd, Susie R. C., ca. 1936-38

  Brief passage from interview of Staunton ex-slave; discusses selling of family members.

• "Weevils in the Wheat: Interviews with Virginia Ex-Slaves," by Melinda Ruffin, 1941

  Scattered notes from an interview with a former slave from Waynesboro.