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I could not be more proud of this information as it directly involves several of my ancestors. I've waited for some time for this post searching for a picture...that I have finally found. As my current research for an early war weapon lead me through the dark allies of flintlock v/s percussion conversion and military v/s civilian rifles I decided that this would be a good time for this post. Several of my previous research projects and posts on here are inspired by this same unit and often this man. The following information comes from the memoirs of one of my ancestors in the 51st VA Inf. Co. A. Sgt. William Henry Wampler. Here it is for your enjoyment.
Southwest Virginia native, John B. Floyd, former U.S. secretary of War was asked by President Jefferson Davis to organize a department of Southwest Virginia riflemen to be equipped with "their own tried weapons...."
Camp at Wytheville, VA Spring of 1861
From wise we went to Wytheville and joined ourselves to the 51st VA Regiment, Floyd's Brigade. Here we stayed and drilled for several weeks. We got our new uniforms (wish I knew what these looked like for sure) and laid aside our old clothes. So we began to look like soldiers. Well after some weeks we were equipped with some old flintlock muskets and began to learn the manual of arms....
I will skip to 1865....In Prison:
Lee surrendered on the 9th of April. We excpected to be released at once, but alas, the worst had not hit us yet. We got up one morning and seen all the yankee flags and half mast. Soon we learned that Lincoln had been shot. Then they were harder on us than ever.
June of 1865
We had gone down in defeat. From prison, the Ynakees took us to Balitmore and then to City Point, VA., where we were turned loose. We were several hundred miles from home, with nether purse nor script. We would have to make our way back home the best we could. The Southerners had sacrificed their lives and all the had for love of country. After having suffered so much together, the people of Three Forks (current Big Stone Gap) seemed all the more kinder and generous with each other.
Many years later...this is some of these fellers of the 51st attached...two of them are believed to be my ancestors (Colliers) at the reunion...
If you want to read notes of Mr. Wampler's experiences, obtain the book "Three Forks of the Powell" edited and produced by James Tucker.
Southwest Virginia native, John B. Floyd, former U.S. secretary of War was asked by President Jefferson Davis to organize a department of Southwest Virginia riflemen to be equipped with "their own tried weapons...."
Camp at Wytheville, VA Spring of 1861
From wise we went to Wytheville and joined ourselves to the 51st VA Regiment, Floyd's Brigade. Here we stayed and drilled for several weeks. We got our new uniforms (wish I knew what these looked like for sure) and laid aside our old clothes. So we began to look like soldiers. Well after some weeks we were equipped with some old flintlock muskets and began to learn the manual of arms....
I will skip to 1865....In Prison:
Lee surrendered on the 9th of April. We excpected to be released at once, but alas, the worst had not hit us yet. We got up one morning and seen all the yankee flags and half mast. Soon we learned that Lincoln had been shot. Then they were harder on us than ever.
June of 1865
We had gone down in defeat. From prison, the Ynakees took us to Balitmore and then to City Point, VA., where we were turned loose. We were several hundred miles from home, with nether purse nor script. We would have to make our way back home the best we could. The Southerners had sacrificed their lives and all the had for love of country. After having suffered so much together, the people of Three Forks (current Big Stone Gap) seemed all the more kinder and generous with each other.
Many years later...this is some of these fellers of the 51st attached...two of them are believed to be my ancestors (Colliers) at the reunion...
If you want to read notes of Mr. Wampler's experiences, obtain the book "Three Forks of the Powell" edited and produced by James Tucker.
Attached Files
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