Cheat Mountain: The Army of Northwest Virginia

© Copyright 2012 Art Morse.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4669-5479-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4669-5478-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4669-5480-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012915787

Trafford rev. 09/24/2012

www.trafford.com

North America & international

toll-free: 1 888 232 4444 (USA & Canada)

phone: 250 383 6864 21095.png fax: 812 355 4082

Contents

PREFACE

MAJOR CHARACTERS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

This novel is dedicated to my wife, Susie; my daughters, Cari and Sara; and my grandchildren, Savannah, Kaylee, and Sara.

Thank you for all you have given me.

PREFACE

This novel of alternate history, set in western Virginia during the later months of 1861, does not rely on miracles but rather on two minor changes in the historical record. The first occurs during Robert E. Lee’s conversation with Jefferson Davis that led to his assignment to western Virginia. Lee hesitates at the term advisor, and Davis clarifies that Lee is to be the commanding general while still maintaining it is to be regarded as a temporary position. It is a distinction historians have debated ever since, for Lee was the only major general in the area; but his rank was provisional, and he acted more as though his role was to coordinate the actions of his squabbling subordinates.

The second change is, in the author’s mind, the more important. Lee asks for Colonel Stuart and his cavalry regiment to be attached to his command. Stuart was at the time in the Shenandoah Valley, the closest theater of operations, and not involved in anything of particular historical importance. It was a reasonable request and one Davis would surely have granted his most trusted general.

Lee and Stuart were very close. Colonel James Jeb Stuart was Lee’s most loyal subordinate and favorite protégé from his time as commandant at West Point. They served together in the suppression of John Brown at Harper’s Ferry and again from the Seven Days Battle to Stuart’s untimely death in 1864. This novel is essentially the story of Lee’s undoubted brilliance and humanity, supported by Stuart’s loyalty, strength, humor, and audacity.

The latter parts of the book are based on the successful assault on Cheat Mountain, which follows Lee’s plan. Every effort is made to be true to what could have realistically been achieved. The gullibility of Colonel Rust, which doomed the attack, is not only true but is also documented by his own words; what a moment of weakness could cost is even more paradoxical when one considers the heroic role that he and his Arkansas regiment would perform in the Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam).

The capture of HMS Trent was moved up a few weeks but is otherwise true to the historical record. Again, there are no divine interventions, secret weapons, or improbable events. There is an ever-increasing divergence from history as a result of two remarkable people, Lee and Stuart, united in the Army of Northwest Virginia in late 1861, and the subordinates they influence and promote.

I am indebted to Professor Charles Adams and his book, When in the Course of Human Events, for the arguments and quotations my character Judge Randolph elucidates while speaking to his nephew. Reading this book opened my eyes and caused me to see the war in a new way. Whenever it seemed appropriate, I have used historical documents and quotations. For example, the opening scene is based on Mary Chestnut’s diary.

The inquiring reader who would like to know more about the actual events is respectfully directed to Douglas Southall Freeman’s R. E. Lee, volume 1, chapters 32 and 33, and to volume 5 of the Official Records-Army.

MAJOR CHARACTERS

(With ranks as of August 1, 1861)

Historical

CHAPTER 1

Richmond, Virginia

July 27, 1861

The heady feelings of exaltation, the hopes for a quick end to the war, were fading from the minds of the residents of Richmond. The hospitals were full, though the last ambulance wagons arriving with the wounded from Manassas were just now approaching the outskirts of the city. Lincoln’s call for an entire new army had been ridiculed in Southern newspapers, but more sober men had come to conclude the North would not let the South leave the Union without paying a bitter price.

One such man rode slowly through the crowded streets, occasionally lifting his hat or nodding; but he was primarily focused on his own military responsibilities, while a second, more physical part of his mind registered every motion of his glorious-looking but somewhat skittish horse. General Robert E. Lee was not pleased, either with the latest news from the western part of Virginia or with the conduct of his latest acquisition. The news of the death of General Garnett and the virtual rout of his troops in the western counties had been a shock to the capital and even more of a blow to Lee. Garnett had been Lee’s adjutant during Virginia’s mobilization, and they had formed a close friendship during those weeks of intense activity. In addition, it was Lee who had recommended both Garnett’s promotion to brigadier and his assignment to the threatened area.

The horse was handsome, tall, and powerfully built, with a rich black color. The gelding had been very impressive when he had ridden it on the farm where it had been raised; but in the city, it was showing an increasing and pervasive nervousness. There was no use for such a horse on the battlefield, Lee reluctantly concluded. He resolved to sell it as soon as possible and ride his faithful roan until a better horse should present itself. It was with some chagrin that Lee reached this decision, for he was a fine horseman, competing against his sons at jumping as recently as his fiftieth birthday. It irked him that his judgment of this horse’s potential was so poor.

Why, General, are you so preoccupied with the war that you have no greeting for us? Lee awoke from his deep musings to see Martha Stanard and a companion calling out to him from a fine carriage.

My dear, Mrs. Stanard, said Lee, bowing gracefully, it was not the war but my own inadequate assessment of this horse that caused me to be so inattentive. I hope you and your companion are enjoying this lovely day.

Indeed we were, until we found ourselves ignored by such a handsome officer, Martha replied playfully. Allow me to introduce Mrs. Mary Chestnut, General Lee. Perhaps you have met her husband, James, who represents South Carolina in our Congress.

My pleasure, Mrs. Chestnut. I have the acquaintance of your husband, though I know him better in his role as President Davis’s confidential aide, responded Lee with another slight bow.

General, he is as beautiful a horse as I have ever seen. Surely you cannot be serious? asked Mary Chestnut, in a coy voice.

I thank you for your kind opinion, ma’am, no less so than because it echoes my own when I first chanced upon him, but I am beginning to question whether he has the temperament for battle, replied Lee, with a small smile.

Is there to be another battle soon, General? Are the Yankees so anxious to lose again to our gallant Southern men, continued Martha, with a look of concern behind her bantering tone.

I hope not, my dear ladies, but there is always that danger in a war, Lee replied, in a more somber tone.

A danger you no doubt relish, General. For how else can ambition be served?

I must decline any thought of being ambitious, Mrs. Standard. My tastes are exceedingly simple. A Virginia farm with no end of cream and fresh butter would suit me very well… and fried chicken. Perhaps I am ambitious in that respect, for I would desire unlimited amounts of fried chicken, remonstrated Lee. And now I fear I must deprive myself of your delightful company, ladies, for I am required to attend on our president, continued Lee, with another small bow and a slight lift of his hat as he gave his horse a touch of knee and rode on.

Who is that? cried Mary eagerly, as soon as Lee was out of hearing, for she had missed the name in the first introductions. I have never seen so handsome a soldier riding a horse?

You truly do not know? Why, that is Robert E. Lee, son of Light Horse Harry Lee, the first man in Virginia… raising her voice as she continued with her salutations.

Lee walked up the wide stone steps of the administration building briskly and turned into the corridor that led to President Davis’s office. There was no one at the desk in the outer office, and he slowed as he moved to the double doors that led to the inner office. He knocked quietly and heard a voice from within. He turned the ornate bronze door handles and entered the room, seeing Davis at his desk surrounded by papers.

Ah, General Lee, I am very glad to see you. Please sit down, Davis said, pushing the pile of papers in front of him to the side of the large desk. Lee sat in his usual chair and returned the greeting.

General, I asked you here to give me the benefit of your thoughts about this unpleasant situation in the mountains of Virginia. I have been reviewing the correspondence from our generals out there, and I must say it does not encourage any feelings of confidence. No, sir, it does not! Davis’s voice, which had started out quietly, rose in volume and pitch as he came to the final sentence. He punctuated his displeasure by slapping the pile of papers he had picked up back down on his desk.

Lee hesitated for a moment. Were there any new letters from the West that he hadn’t read? He quickly decided not; all messages came through his office first. Although he had a deep respect for the man’s abilities and honored him for his devotion to principle, dealing with the president required all the tact he could muster at times, so he decided to simply agree for the moment. He would wait for Davis to come to the point he was working toward before committing himself.

Yes, sir, it is indeed a perilous situation, he agreed politely.

General Floyd apparently does not wish to coordinate his forces with General Wise according to the latter, while Floyd insists that Wise is incompetent in his dispositions. General Loring seems to have no interest in moving forward or in involving General H. Jackson in his plans. Meanwhile, the federal army occupies that corner of the state and encourages insurrection against the state of Virginia, exclaimed Davis. I have it on reliable authority that the federal Congress is planning on annexing the entire area and creating a new union state out of it. That would be a disaster for the confidence of the citizens of the Confederation to say nothing of the people of Virginia.

I must confess that you make a valid assessment of the difficulties, sir. I can only add that weather, roads, and terrain are also unfavorable to a coordinated command. Lee did not want to make any comments about the personalities and relationships between the officers in command. That had never been his way, but he was well aware of the problems. When he was in charge of the mobilization of Virginia, he had been dismayed when Floyd had been given permission to organize his own brigade. He had soon begun to treat it as though it were his own personal army. Floyd’s presumed prerogatives had interfered greatly with Lee’s own efforts to raise forces in the area.

The fact that Floyd and Wise were both former governors of Virginia added to their rivalry. Since Floyd was also the previous secretary of war, he had taken to assuming his opinions were dogma. The only area in which the two generals agreed was in the righteousness of secession. They were both rabid secessionists, politics that Lee found distasteful in the extreme. He had hoped since leaving Texas that Virginia would be able to mediate the conflict between the Confederacy and the Union, but his hopes had been dashed by Lincoln’s demand for troops.

Lee had sent Loring to the mountains a few weeks before with fresh troops. He had hoped for decisive action from that frontier soldier. He had been disappointed when Loring promptly demanded further troops and supplies before he could act. The Jackson in question was not the famous Stonewall but rather Henry Jackson, a former diplomat, who Lee knew to be an inexperienced officer, although willing and eager to cooperate. Jackson had personally appealed to Lee to come to the theater more than once.

General Lee, I can ill afford to lose you for even a brief time, but I think it might be useful if you were to go to this area and give these gentlemen the benefit of your advice. I would be dismayed to report to our Congress that we lost the entire western corner of the state without taking such action as we could, continued Davis.

Lee hesitated before replying. What was the meaning of the president’s words? Was he to simply make a tour of the area and give advice, or was he to take command? It was clear that the president did not wish this to be a permanent assignment, but did he understand how difficult it would be to give advice, without any real authority except his seniority, to such proud and independent commanders? No, he could be truthful in his own mind at least; headstrong was the real word he had in mind.

Davis became aware of his hesitation. General Lee, please speak freely. You know the high regard I have for you. If there is something that concerns you, please share your thoughts with me.

I’m sorry, President Davis. I did not mean to hesitate. Of course, I will be glad to perform whatever services you and our cause may require of me, Lee replied quickly, disingenuously, he thought to himself, and then continued.

If I may speak as frankly and as confidentially as you ask, then I would suggest that the generals on the scene might resent such advice, coming as it does from a senior officer who brings nothing to the field but himself. But please do not misunderstand me, sir, I am perfectly willing to make my best attempts to do as you recommend, he continued, with perfect sincerity.

Davis rested his thin head on his right hand and replied, General Lee, there is never a doubt in my mind as to your loyalty to me or our cause, but to be honest, I have learned too well in the last few months that many of our gallant officers seem as preoccupied with their pride and rank as they are with the enemy. Indeed, more so, in some cases, as you are well aware, and I am not referring simply to this situation in the mountains. Lee nodded, well aware of the president’s frustration with Beuregard’s habit of open letters to the press and J. Johnston’s obsession with seniority and independence.

Fortunately, you are above such pettiness as you have already shown. If I were to place you in command of the Army of Northwest Virginia, it must be understood that this would be temporary, for I repeat, I need you here and have other plans for your talents in the near future, he continued.

Certainly, sir, agreed Lee.

And as you are well aware, General Lee, Davis continued, nodding acceptance to Lee’s agreement, there are precious few resources that I can spare to you to augment your command.

Lee felt a warm glow begin to rise within him; he had demurred with the president without arousing his ire. The word command seized him with a new enthusiasm, regardless of the great difficulties that he knew he would face in the coming months.

Yes, sir, Lee replied. Quickly, he reflected on the forces available already in the mountains and what would be his greatest need. A loyal commander in support was his instant conclusion.

I think that the situation in central Virginia will be stable for the rest of the year, sir. Those people are busy regrouping, and I do not believe General McClellan will be willing to commit to another movement in force until he rebuilds his army to his own satisfaction. May I borrow Colonel Stuart and his experienced cavalry regiment from Harper’s Ferry? Lee paused and then with a small smile continued, I will endeavor to return them to you with even more experience.

Stuart can be spared, I believe, Davis replied. Is that all you would require? Davis was somewhat surprised at the modest request, most of the dispatches he read from his generals promised action, if only major reinforcements were sent.

Yes, sir, at least for now. More troops mean more supplies, supplies that I’m not sure the roads can support at this time.

Very well, General Lee, replied Davis. But we must be prompt. I would prefer you to immediately join your new command. I will send orders to General Johnston transferring Stuart and his regiment to your command. How quickly can you start?

Thank you, sir, responded Lee, with none of the diffidence that marked his earlier remarks. I shall gather my staff immediately and leave on tomorrow’s earliest train.

Godspeed, General! Keep me informed. I will send written orders to you this afternoon, said Davis, as he stood to shake Lee’s hand.

Lee shook the president’s hand, gave a slight bow, and then took his leave.

Captain Taylor, called out Lee as he briskly entered his office on the third floor of the mechanic’s building.

Yes, sir, General, replied Taylor, as he came to his feet behind the small desk where he was working.

Do you know where Colonel Washington is at this moment, Captain?

Yes, sir, he was at the War Department this morning, and I expect him back momentarily, replied the young and eager officer, who had been with Lee for the last two months.

Well, as soon as he returns, please inform him that he is now chief of staff for the commanding general of the Army of Northwest Virginia, said Lee, smiling at the grandeur of the statement.

Yes, sir, replied Taylor, with a look of bewilderment on his face. He clearly wanted to ask a host of questions and struggled with himself not to do so.

Lee took pity on his young aide, whom he was quite fond of, and continued. You are now his senior aide. So please pack up all recent correspondence and any maps we have of the western part of the state and ready your self for a journey.

Yes, sir! Taylor replied. Enthusiasm almost radiated from his body.

Walter, you must arrange for the three of us, and Meredith, Perry, and our horses, to be on the first possible train to Staunton tomorrow morning. Make sure that Meredith packs my tin mess kit. We must travel fast and light for I wish to be there by tomorrow evening. Also, send a telegraph to Colonel Stuart and ask him to join us in Monterey as soon as it is convenient for him.

Yes, sir, General Lee! May I begin right away?

Right away, Captain, replied Lee. And I would be honored if you and Colonel Washington would join me for dinner at the Spotswood House this evening. It may well be the last good meal we will have for quite a while!

Colonel James Stuart reported to General J. Johnston’s headquarters within minutes of being summoned. He saw General Thomas Stonewall Jackson in the anteroom, studying a map. They had taken to one another from the start. Stuart was the only officer in the army with the ability to penetrate Jackson’s outer shell and reach the private person within, a man with a good sense of humor who could even be playful within in his own home and away from duty.

General Jackson, I have been summoned to the headmaster. Do you know the reason?

Jackson coughed. He did not approve of flippancy and personified the Old Testament when it came to war, but he had a soft spot for Stuart. In him, he found someone of his own mind, eager to take the war to the enemy and a devout Christian.

Jackson was chaffing at Richmond’s restrictions on his own actions. He took it as a personal affront that the B&O Railroad’s trains, carrying essential federal supplies and reinforcements, were allowed to pass unmolested. There was a trestle bridge a few miles north of Harper’s Ferry he wished, wanted, raged to burn. Jackson thought it utter nonsense to allow the railroad immunity; but Davis, who did not wish to offend Maryland, had repeatedly overruled his entreaties. As though Maryland might still join the Confederacy, with every pro-Southern legislator jailed indefinitely by Lincoln’s henchman Pinkerton, he thought scornfully.

No, Colonel Stuart, I do not. But if you are given any opportunity to press this war, I hope you take full advantage of it.

That I shall, General Jackson. That I shall! Further conversation was rendered impossible by his summons to General Johnston’s office.

Colonel Stuart, I have received orders to detach you from this command. You are to report to General Lee, who has assumed command of the Army of Northwest Virginia. Johnston was clearly not happy. Stuart diplomatically endeavored to conceal his delight. He could think of nothing better than to be reunited with his mentor of so many years. Here are your orders as well as a telegram from General Lee.

Stuart thought it unfortunate that Johnston should have turned so prickly over the issue of seniority. While Congress had not confirmed it yet, he had been placed fourth in seniority, after Generals Cooper, Albert Johnston, and Lee. He seemed to have taken this as an insult, and his previous friendship of many years with Lee was the immediate casualty, his relationship with Jefferson Davis apparently the next. Johnston was an excellent administrator and very popular with the troops, but both Jackson and Stuart believed he was too often inclined to accept a defensive posture. Stuart did what was proper, expressing his regret at leaving the command; but inside, his heart was singing.

Major Howard, we are being transferred to the Army of Northwest Virginia. Howard did not seem either impressed or enthused, so Stuart added, Now commanded by General Lee. He was gratified by the response.

How soon, sir?

I thought that I would leave today with our best company and allow you the drudgery of bringing the regiment, artillery, and supplies along as soon as you can.

You are too kind, Colonel. His theatrical sigh was followed by a practical comment. I think that would be Lieutenant James. When will you leave, sir?

Is an hour too soon, Major Howard? said Stuart, wishing to torment his ever sardonic but so efficient deputy who rolled his eyes in response. An hour! he says.

Would you accept two hours, sir?

If you insist, Major, but with all that time, surely you will also be able to inquire if there is anyone from the command who is familiar with the area between Clarksburg and Staunton and add them to the company as scout?

Oh, certainly, sir, he rejoined, with heavy sarcasm. Would the colonel wish to interview any horses from the area as well?

No, Major. I have found horses to be indifferent to geography, except for the location of their barns. Now if we have a dog, that would be a different matter.

Yes, sir, troopers or dogs. I will begin at once, said Howard with a resigned air, beaten once again by Stuart in their daily contest of wits.

Corporal Daniel Baker returned to his tent to pack his gear immediately after his brief interview with Major Howard.

What’s going on, Daniel? Bill Jenkins, a fellow corporal, asked.

The regiment has been reassigned to General Lee. The major has made me a scout. I’m to join Colonel Stuart and Lieutenant James’s company and leave for Staunton right away.

What about the rest of us? The pealing of the bugler calling assembly answered him.

You’ll be right behind us, I imagine.

Why Staunton?

General Lee has taken command of the Army of Northwest Virginia. I expect he will try to recapture what the federals have just finished taking.

As long as we do something, I didn’t join up to sit around all day.

I hope he has plans for Clarksburg. I worry about my sister.

Susanna Baker was a naturally beautiful young woman, without airs or pretensions, though far better educated than most. The novelty of the federal invasion of Clarksburg had worn out quickly; and she had grown tired of the ever-increasing looks, compliments, and invitations she had received from the federal soldiers who had converged on Clarksburg. She had been gracious at first and even enjoyed some of the younger officers’ attentions, but it had become too overwhelming to be considered flattering. Her polite refusals seemed to generate rudeness and arrogance in return. Mindful of her first mistakes, she had resolved to affect only ordinary storekeeper politeness with the next contingent. She had also taken to wearing the dowdiest clothes she could find and putting her long blonde hair up, covered with a simple scarf.

The street door opened and as quickly closed. A very pretty and petite young woman, far more fashionably dressed than her cousin, exclaimed, A pox on all of them!

Molly! Whatever is the matter?

I swear they are intolerably rude! They stood there and made bids for me like I was a prize heifer at the county fair.

Who?

Those Yankee soldiers! I allowed one to speak to me. The next moment, I am surrounded, and they are arguing among themselves who is to have the rights to me. As if I would give any of them the time of day while Daniel is in the cavalry. I wish he were here right now, with his whole regiment, to teach them some manners. But stay! What is that dreadful thing you are wearing, Susanna? I have seen milkmaids wear prettier frocks to the stable.

It is rather horrible isn’t it? But I don’t have the luxury of escaping their attentions here in the store, so I have vowed to discourage their advances in the first place.

A splendid idea! I shall do the same. Molly pledged and then continued quickly, After I return, of course. Susanna looked doubtful. Molly in drab clothes was difficult to imagine under any circumstances.

Where are you going?

Your father asked me to go down to Uncle Jed’s for a week or so. Aunt Margaret is feeling poorly, and she gets no rest at all with all those young’uns underfoot. Molly had a unique relationship with Susanna and her family. Both her father and Susanna’s mother had died in the same cholera epidemic six years previously. To say that Molly had not accepted her mother’s subsequent marriage well would be an understatement of epic proportions. After several stormy months, a tacit agreement was reached between the families. Molly would become the ward of her father’s brother and be raised with Susanna. Robert Baker provided her with the same education and opportunities, as well as a generous allowance. Loath to accept charity without even a gesture, Molly repaid him by helping out when crisis struck any of their many relatives in the valley.

Will you see Uncle Randolph, do you think?

I hope so. I will feel positively rural after a week in Huttonsville.

Well, give him my love, if you do.

Assemble the company, Lieutenant!

Yes, sir! Two months ago, just after Hampton had taken command, the lieutenant had tried reasoning with the captain; it was raining, the men were dispirited, and none of the other companies drilled in the rain. He might as well have reasoned with a mountain. He had attempted to do so once again, when Hampton had ordered guards around the company’s perimeter, pointing out that the company posted guards for the regiment once a week. He had been given a lecture on duty, efficiency, and professional responsibility that he had no desire to hear again; so guards were posted and officers inspected, and Hampton inspected them all.

Matthew Hampton, first in his class, Citadel of ’59, had very firm convictions. Duty was one of the strongest, specifically his duty as an officer and commander to prepare his men and himself for battle. Half his life ago, at the age of twelve, he had decided to become an army officer. He wrote letters and asked questions, then he laid out a plan to his father. He would study and practice until he excelled in the following, and then he would apply to the Citadel.

The martial arts: boxing, wrestling, shooting, and fencing.

Academics: mathematics, the sciences, especially military, composition, logic, literature, the fine arts, drawing, Latin, and engineering.

Strength and endurance: running, swimming, riding, working, and weightlifting.

His father agreed. His youngest son had always shown a maturity and determination beyond his years. The first of many books were ordered. Hampton threw himself into his preparations with a zeal rarely seen in boys his age. Additional tutors and instructors would come to the plantation from time to time. They praised their pupil to his father. When he was older, he was sent to Brunswick in the winter for further schooling and competition.

Hampton did exactly what he promised; and five years later, he was captain of his freshman class. A shade above six feet tall, his shoulders were broad and padded with muscle from the regimen he followed. He was the one of the best athletes and first in academics every one of his four years at Citadel. Fencing was his personal favorite; he had never surrendered a point in any match during his final year. An unheard-of feat, his teachers said with pride.

Any notions the men had of wearing down the new officer were discarded the first day. Hampton marched them until they staggered while he remained totally unaffected. A large farm boy, with more muscles then sense, attempted to challenge his authority that first day. Before his fist had traveled half the distance to its target, the private had found himself flying through the air. Confused and humiliated, he had pulled himself out of the mud and made a second mistake. Charging wildly, arms spread, he went down even harder as Hampton calmly punched him in the stomach and then straightened him with an uppercut to the jaw. He crumpled to the ground and stayed there until Hampton motioned to his messmates to carry him back to his shelter. There were no recriminations when he silently took his place in the column the next morning.

Hampton outmarched them and then outshot them on the range he designed. He instructed them daily, issuing his orders calmly and patiently. He jogged up and down the column while they marched, encouraging them on. Even the laziest found it was far easier to train diligently than to receive additional instruction from the captain in the evening. The first day, there were twenty men marching back and forth for an additional hour. By the second week, there were none; they were completely won over. That he was handsome and powerful did not hurt, nor did his regular army service; but in the end, it was his overwhelming competence and conviction that carried the day with the company.

We shall practice formation changes, column to battle, single line and double line, and back, a quick march, and then arms drill, Lieutenant.

Yes, sir.

Other companies watched as Hampton drilled his troops. Many were relieved that they did not have such a fire-eater for an officer. Others noticed the better and hotter food served in the large dry mess tent, purchased by Hampton with his own money, and wondered. His company now took it as gospel that they would work harder and look sharper than any other company in the regiment. They first grumbled and then bragged to other companies about how tough an officer they had. Gradually, a fierce inner pride developed. They were convinced that their company was the best in the army, and they had proved it, at least to their own satisfaction, during the retreat from Buckhannon. No other company had successfully eluded the trap set by the encircling federal forces but them. Hampton had led the company over Rich Mountain and to safety with the aid of a local surveyor. In addition, in their latest march from Monterrey to these mountains, no one in Hampton’s company had dropped out of the formation; while dozens of men were left behind to make their own way from the regiment’s other companies.

General Reynolds, USA

Clarksburg, Virginia

General Reynolds

Move your brigade forward to the Tygart River Valley and reinforce the garrison at Cheat Mountain. I have received reports that the rebels are bringing additional troops into the area. I am ordering the Eighth Ohio up from Parkersburg to Clarksburg to relieve you and to serve as a reserve.

General Rosecrans, USA

Charleston, Virginia

General Lee had his own regular table for dinner at the Spotswood. A necessity now that Richmond was crowded with officers, politicians, and favor-seekers of every description. He nodded at familiar faces and stood when President Davis and his wife, accompanied by the Chestnuts, came in for their own dinner.

General Lee, are you by yourself? Won’t you come join us? exclaimed Mary Chestnut, a naturally vivacious and animated spirit. Her husband frowned; he thought her too forward at times.

Mrs. Chestnut, Lee responded gallantly, I would gladly do so, if my time were my own. Unfortunately, I am engaged to a working dinner with my staff.

Mr. President, I declare you are working the general too hard. This is the second time in our brief acquaintance he has cried duty to me.

I’m sorry, my dear, but I assure you that General Lee speaks the truth. He has just been given command of the Army of Northwest Virginia and travels there tomorrow. Now let us claim our table before we lose it. Good evening, General. With that disclosure, heard by a half-dozen tables, Davis led his party away. Lee bowed and resumed his seat. He wished that Davis had been a little more discreet, but discretion and politics seemed always at odds. He had no doubt that Davis intended the public statement. The newspapers would no doubt applaud his decisive action in tomorrow’s editorials.

General Lee, please excuse our tardiness. Colonel John Washington, accompanied by his daughter Louisa and Walter Taylor, arrived at the table.

Not at all, Colonel. Louisa, you look radiant tonight. Your gown is most becoming. Will you join us for dinner?

Thank you, General Lee, but my father has already informed me that this dinner is for army officers only, she replied, grinning impudently at her father. But thank you for your kind invitation. I am meeting some friends here for dinner. There they are now, I must fly. Good night, gentlemen. She kissed her father’s cheek and then dashed away, waving at her friends.

Ah, to be young, sighed Lee.

I was young until I had a daughter, replied Washington. Then I instantly became a worried, gray-haired, doddering old fool. Lee joined him in laughter. Walter smiled politely but was too young to fully understand. Indeed, were it not for the excitement of the new command, he would have preferred to be with Louisa and her friends. They ordered quickly and the talk soon turned to military matters.

Where do you intend to go first, General? Washington inquired.

I believe the opportunities for action are better in the northern part of the command, John. I should like to visit General Henry Jackson and General Loring first and evaluate the situation as far as Cheat Mountain is concerned.

I think that is wise, sir. I have little confidence in doing very much offensively with the commands of Floyd and Wise, said Washington, with considerable understatement.

When I was packing the maps this afternoon, I took the time to study the roads, sir, said Taylor. It seemed to me that if one controlled the northern part of the area, roughly the triangle formed by Weston, Clarksburg, and Grafton, it would force the federals in the Kanawha Valley to either withdraw or attack north from Charleston.

A very perceptive observation, Walter. Ideally, we will try to achieve that, but first, we must force the federals off of Cheat Mountain, responded Lee. He noted Washington’s approving nod at Taylor’s observation. Taylor continued to impress both of his senior officers. With the exception of a strange inability to reconcile large tallies and detailed supply lists, he was a most promising officer. Perhaps in an attempt to balance this disability, nature had endowed him with a gift for human interaction. Everyone liked him. Officers enraged at some perceived slight would leave his office in the best of humor, War Department officials would go out of their way to accommodate his requests, and mothers would practically throw their unwed daughters in his path.

Washington was on the list for his first star and a brigade of his own. Despite Taylor’s youth, he and Lee had resolved to give Taylor every opportunity to learn Washington’s role as chief of staff. They discussed other minor details and then enjoyed their dinner. Afterward, Lee excused Taylor to join Louisa and her friends. They watched as a dozen women discreetly turned their heads and followed him with their eyes as he made his way across the crowded room.

I was quite prepared to dislike him on sight, Washington said. No soldier should be so damned good-looking! It is almost indecent! Yet he seems so unaware of it. Instead, he exudes charm and wit as if he were compensating for his appearance. Lee nodded his agreement.

I believe Walter is unaware, at least in the sense that he thinks it important. I think that somehow he makes other people feel that they too are young, brilliant, and handsome. At least, he has that effect on me from time to time, and you cannot deny his competence. Aside from bookkeeping, has he ever let us down?

No, he hasn’t, and I believe you are right, sir. Louisa said almost the same thing the other night. She said when he was at hand, everyone seemed to enjoy one another’s company more, as though somehow they took on some of his qualities. Yet he never arouses jealousy, which is the oddest part of all. By the way, have you ever heard him play?

Play? You mean music? No, I did not know that he did.

Louisa insisted that I hear him. They played a Mozart duet for her friends, she on piano and he on his violin. I was swept away. The sweetest tone I have ever heard with never a false note or hesitation, though he barely glanced at the score. I closed my eyes and went to another place entirely. Then he played requests: dance tunes, spirituals, anything you could think of. All with the same effortless ease, the same humility, as if he were doing something that anyone could do with a lesson or two.

I will look forward to hearing him. I suspect we will need all of our talents and more when we arrive in the mountains, John.

Truly said, sir, Washington said, nodding his agreement.

CHAPTER 2

As Lee and his small party rode toward Monterey, he felt a deep appreciation for the beautiful scenery. The peaceful valley, the magnificent views, and the rugged mountains filled him with a sense of awe as he admired the glory of God’s creation. Yet he could not totally dismiss from his mind the dismal scenes that had greeted them in Staunton the evening before, for that peaceful town in the upper reaches of the Shenandoah Valley had become a refuge for the broken remnants of Garnett’s command. Volunteers, with little training and less experience, they had suffered the bloody reality of total defeat. Routed from the field of battle, they had drifted back fifty miles from the front. Their officers seemed unable to infuse their spirits and restore any confidence.

Lee had tried. He had ridden through the mismanaged camps on the outskirts of Staunton and had done what he could to rekindle confidence in both the men and their officers. Many of the soldiers were from rural parts of Georgia and had not been exposed to measles. An epidemic has swept through the discouraged soldiers leaving very few healthy. Most of the soldiers had lost their weapons and everything else, dropping their few possessions in their frantic haste to escape the federal troops. He had sent a telegram to Richmond describing the situation:

General Cooper

Survivors of the late General Garnett’s command are in and around the Staunton area. There is an epidemic of measles among the troops. Many have lost their weapons. Their officers on the scene are unable to cope. Strongly suggest a unit be sent out to restore situation and escort troops back to a depot for reassignment. I will leave Colonel Washington here for a few days to restore order, but must myself continue immediately to join my command.

Respectfully

Rob’t E. Lee

He had reluctantly left Washington behind, instructing him to send those men who were capable to Monterey as soon as help arrived from Richmond; but he had little hope of salvaging more than a few companies from the wreckage of Garnett’s army.

Lee had also learned that essential supplies which were to have been sent to General H. R. Jackson at Monterey had instead been sent to General T. J. Jackson further down the valley instead. All in all, it was one of the worst scenes he had seen yet in this war. A far cry from the proud, if ragged, Confederate soldiers at Manassas. He could only hope that his counterparts in the Union army had such scenes to contemplate in the aftermath of their great defeat in the first major battle of the war.

But he would not dwell any further on the shocking scenes at Staunton. He had done what little he could. His task lay further ahead in those rugged mountains; and not even the driving drizzle, which settled in halfway to Monterey, deterred his mind from thoughts on how to bring success to the Confederate struggle in this theater.

Map of western Virginia, circa 1861

With his many years of engineering training, it was not difficult for him to bring forth a mental image of the topography, including the known roads, railroads, and towns in this part of Virginia. There were great opportunities for those people, his own term for the Union forces, principally if they could mount an offensive and break through this last mountain chain, the Alleghenies. The road to Staunton would then be clear, and control of Staunton would mean unbearable pressure on the lower Shenandoah Valley. Winchester and Harper’s Ferry would be vulnerable to attack from both sides and would have to be abandoned. The loss of the breadbasket of Virginia, as the Shenandoah Valley was known, would be mortal to the abilities of Virginia to support seventy thousand soldiers in the field in the coming year. With control of the entire valley, Union forces would be poised, a few days march from Richmond from the west and worse they could be supplied up the valley instead of through the difficult mountains though which they had advanced.

This was clearly unacceptable. A minimum goal must be to prevent such a possibility. Yet at present, the Union forces had pressed their way over three natural ridge barriers; and the passes near Monterey were the last available for which to erect a defensive barrier. If the object were defense, then the present Union position at Cheat Mountain would be far preferable for the Confederacy. It must be taken immediately, thought Lee. There can be no question about that. Rain and mud will make it more difficult; but it must be taken, by bayonet if necessary.

What to do then? These choices were far more appealing. A quick move up through Beverley and on to Grafton, and he could sever the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. If he could take Clarksburg and Weston, he could threaten Parkersburg. If the army could take that town, he could threaten the heart of the industrial North. A quick strike at either Pittsburgh or Cincinnati was even possible. At the very least, he could disrupt transportation on the Ohio River and the railroad if he could hold Parkersburg for the winter. This would have the added benefit of disrupting any offensive the Union was planning for the spring of the coming year.

Yes, thought Lee, there are many opportunities, but Cheat Mountain must be first and this army must win a battle. No matter how minor a victory, no matter what or who he had to sacrifice, this army must win a victory! Furthermore, they must win it without reinforcements, or they would have no pride in themselves and their leaders. They must have a victory to claim for themselves!

As he reached this conviction, he slowly became aware again of his surroundings. Miles had passed while he had been deep in thought. The drizzle had not materially slowed their progress, and he fancied that he could smell smoke from the campfires of the army at Monterey.

Mr. President, General McClellan is here.

Please show him in, replied Lincoln.

General McClellan, my congratulations on your splendid successes in western Virginia. I hope you will bring the same fighting spirit to the Army of the Potomac.

Thank you, Mr. President. McClellan was not very impressed with Lincoln. He thought him rather unimpressive in person, his arms too long, his gait awkward, his nose out of proportion to his too long face. "But you must not expect any rapid results. This army is a shambles. I shall