Reminiscences of the Civil War, 1861-1865

by Preston Lafayette Ledford

And regretted meeting the enemy at Cedar Creek.

Decisive Battle.—At Gettysburg perhaps a battle which was the turning point of the war, the elements seemed to be a lurid flame of fire, so desperate was the conflict and so hot and appalling the work of death and destruction. The machinery of warfare seemed to be turned loose and its operators proud of the distinction of handling it in such an effective manner, enabling it to do its deadly work.

The Enemy Surprised.—One sultry morning marching orders were received and the Fourteenth in column with other portions of the command, for hours marched at quicktime, and sometimes double-quicking. Men overcome with heat fainted by the wayside, but positive orders to continue the march were rigidly enforced. Late in the evening the enemy was surprised and attacked in the rear and a fight ensued beginning the Chancellorsville engagements.

Battle at Chancellorsville.—After dark Jackson and his staff rode through a piece of woods and was fired upon by his own men, obeying his own orders, receiving a wound which was the indirect cause of his death. The soldiers in the regiment distinctly heard the volley that caused the death of their loved commander. It is said that Lee seriously remarked upon the death of Jackson that it was a loss of his right arm. When the fatal shot was fired and Jackson received the death blow, the hopes of the Confederacy began to wane. General Stewart was put in command in Jackson’s place and the next day a hotly contested battle was fought. After being engaged in the battle several hours we were relieved and orderly falling back. The general came along and thinking there was a stampede ordered the forces back to the front. Col. Bennett said to him, “Gen. Stewart we have been relieved by the Stonewall brigade” adding “I have the most gallant regiment in the field.” The general then said, “I beg ten thousand pardons” and moved on leaving the impression on the minds of the soldiers that he was a chivalrous brave commander. After we had gotten to the foot of the hill Gen. Ramseur undertook to congratulate the men but was so overcome with emotion that he said he could not talk. Col. Bennett came to the rescue saying “I can talk” and in a stentorian tone began to praise the men. He was cheered to the echo and the surrounding hills and valleys resounded with the Rebel Yell.

At Apomattox.—The gallant Fourteenth was a fighting regiment and fought to the finish. At Apomattox though it did not retain the appearance of its former glory. But few of the tried and true were left to see for the last time the immortal Lee and with tears in their eyes hear his farewell address. The regiment broke ranks and turned their faces southward glad to return to their homes and loved ones, but sad at the thought of the humiliation of defeat and uncertain about how they would be treated by their conquerors.

General Officers.—The short sketch of the few officers of the army of Northern Virginia who were distinguished for their generalship, heroism and bravery could be continued by the addition of other names equally as brave and equally as famous. Scores of them who wore the stars or bars did many acts of daring and gained many victories by their good judgment, cool and deliberate maneuvering, but we must not forget the rank and file for upon the private soldiers the heavy burden fell, and they usually responded in a manner entirely satisfactory. Honor is due to the brave men in the ranks who were prompted by duty alone and who fought so gallantly without reward or the hope of reward.

General Cox was a young man and as an officer presented a fine appearance, dressed up to date and one not familiar with his ways would come to the conclusion that he was vain or selfconceited, but seeing him in the performance of duty in his every day soldier life would dispel any such illusion. He set an example of neatness, and his military bearing was not put on but natural. His nature and disposition were generous, and he looked after the welfare of the men under him and was not tyrannical in his discipline. When the time came for action he did not think of soiling his clothes but entered into the thickest of the fight and unwaveringly stayed with his command and fought to the finish. He survived the war and has figured conspicuously in the management of affairs to perpetuate good government and the enforcement of the law as a just judge on the bench.

General Grimes by the casual observer, would not have been selected from a crowd of officers as a man of extraordinary ability or above the average as a military commander. Though plain and unassuming he was a soldier of fighting proclivities and his shrill, clear, fine voice heard above the din common in the beginning of an engagement was an inspiration to his men. He was the hero of many battles and lived to witness the closing scenes of the war and near his home was the victim of assassination from ambush by parties lying concealed waiting for him.

General Ramsuer was impetuous, impatient, aggressive and by some regarded as foolhardy. If fighting was going on he was not satisfied if he was not permitted to take a hand. He has been known to ride between our own and the enemy’s picket lines apparently insensible of danger, and at a time too when a fight was momentarily expected. He was known and acknowledged as a fighter and his men followed him without questioning the expediency of his movements. He was tender-hearted to the extreme and in the presence of his men has been seen to break down and weep like a child, verifying the old adage that “The brave are tender-hearted.”

General Rodes was an officer having a commanding appearance. Decision of character was plainly depicted upon his countenance. It is often said that a man’s face is an index to his character. The casual observer looking into the face of the general could not fail to see stamped there a plain indication of a generous disposition. His cordial and lovable disposition drew men to him, and his deportment in battle stamped him as a fearless brave soldier. Cool and collected as he was in battle, in the engagement in which he was killed just before he was slain he seemed to be excited as if he had a premonition of his impending doom, but his sun set in a halo of glory and his name will go down in history as a hero.