Augusta: "The Army Under Lincoln in West Virginia.," by S. T. Shank, 1913
Summary: In a brief article, S. T. Shank explains the organization of a regiment in the Valley of Virginia by John D. Imboden.
It became apparent to the authorities at Richmond by the end of the first year of the war that it was impracticable to keep an army in Western Virginia; but as there were many men in that portion of the State who were Southern sympathizers, and as something had to be done to prevent marauding parties from passing through into the great Valley of Virginia, it was arranged to organize a regiment of partisans to operate in those mountains and thus prevent these raids. It was also known that many of those people would be willing to enlist in a service of this kind who would never serve in the regular army. So Capt. John D. Imboden, who commanded the Stanton Artillery, and who had distinguished himself in the first battle of Manassas, was appointed colonel and authorized to raise such a command, having power to enlist any men not already in regular service. Mountain howitzers to be carried on mules were furnished. In a short time the regiment was raised; and uet the men came from the mountains until a brigade of three regiments, one battalion, and a battery of six guns of mounted artillery was enlisted. Imboden then was made a brigadier general, and his command did efficient service until the close of the war, and it did what a much larger army could not have done.
This brigade went with Lee to Gettysburg, being on the extreme left, crossing the Potomac at Hancock, Md. It was also with Early near Washington in 1864 that one of the regiments served General Lee's army and took a prominent part in the battles of New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, and many other engagements. The command was composed of the 62d Virginia Infantry, the 18th and 23d Virginia Cavalry, White's Battalion, and McClanahan's Battery.
Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Confederate Veteran, Vol. 21, p. 20, 1913
