WEST VIRGINIA
ADJUTANT GENERALS' PAPERS

Union Regiments
1861-1865
Ar382

2nd West Virginia Cavalry
(Field and Staff, Companies A - M)
Box 3, Folder 4

Transcription


Camp Bolles Dec 2nd 1861
Henry J. Samuels
Adjt General
Wheeling Va
Dear Sir
My commission with that of 1st & 2nd Lt came to hand to day the date of mine I find is Nov 8th. Why is it so. I hold in my possession an order from Gov Pierpoint dated in August to recruit a company for the 2nd Regt of Va Cavalry on the 1st of Sept my muster Roll shows 51 Recruits, no one recognized as an officer, but myself acting upon the order from the Gov. My 1st Lt. C. E. Hambleton's name was not enrolled until 19th day of Sept at which date my muster Roll showed 71 Recruits. My 2d Lt name was enrolled on the 21st of Sept. On the 8th of Oct my Company numbered 80 men, on the 23rd of Sept we held our election, at which time the officers of my Company were elected as per muster Roll. Now the question is who, is entitled to the pay of 1st Lt from the first of Sept to the 23d date of our election, I seems clear to my mind that I am justly entitled to the pay; as I was acting as first Lt under the instruction of the Governor from the 28th of Augt. also from the fact that my 1st Lt was in the 3 months service until the 18th of Sept. also that the Pay master would not pay our 1st Lt farther back than the 19th of Sept date of his Enlistment. I received pay as Capt from the 8th of Oct which was all right, but no one of our company has recieved pay for Recruiting the 71 men from the 1st of Sept to the time of our election, and as I done the work think I ought to recieve the pay. Paymaster Refers me to the State Authorities, for my Pay, and as this is the only case of the kind in our Regiment, I appeal to you, and through you to the Governor for information as to what course to pursue; should not my commission have been dated back to the 1st of Sept.

by giving this matter your attention you will very much oblige

Yours Very Respectfully
Capt W. H. Powell
2d Regt of Va Cavalry

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Capt W. H. Powell
Camp Bolles Dec 2/61
Date of Commission

Camp Piatt, West Virginia
April 24th 1863
H. J. Samuels
A. A. G.
Sir
I reached Camp on Sat last. On my way up met Capt Phelps Chaplain of the 9th V. V. I. at Gallipolis. Just from your city. On an electioneering tour among the Virginia Regiments for the appointment of Col. Duval of said Regiment to the command of the mounted Brigade when organized. Said Capt. P. informed me that Col Carothers had been to Washington and had positively succeeded in obtaining a positive promise from the appointing powers that the said Col D. should head the next list of Brigadiers with a view to the command of said Brigade, that being the case. I have withdrawn from the field as a candidate for the position, in favor of Col Paxton, and have this day signed my name protesting against the appointment of Col Duval which will be forwarded to the Governor and to the Several Regiments about to be mounted. My health is not very good tho. gradually improving. Would like very much to hear from you, have enlisted 30 men within 30 days.

Yours Very Respectfully
W H Powell
Lt. Col. 2nd Va Cav

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Lt. Col. W. H. Powell
Camp Piatt Va
April 24/63

Confidential
Camp Piatt, West Va.
May 1st 1863
H. J. Samuels
A. A. G.
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that I have Resigned as an Officer in the 2nd Regiment Va Vol Cav for the following reasons to-wit, 1st My health is such as to render it impossible for me to attempt to enter upon active duty for at least one month to come, leave of absence was asked for that time and refused, 2nd I cannot remain longer under Col Paxton's Administration, Drunkenness in camp, and on the march indulged in by the Commander, and that very frequent, is more than I can further submit to. I am anxious, and would willing remain in the service could I obtain command of a good Regiment, or in the same rank under a good man, But I do assure you that I am heartily sick and tired of winning Laurels for a drunken commander who has been constantly working to prejudice the minds of men and officers against me, fearing I was gaining to much popularity. If in mounting your Regiments you can suit me and the Regiment at the same time let me hear from you. I expect to return Home in 6 or 8 days.

Yours Respectfully
W. H. Powell

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P. S. If any thing deffinite has been concluded on in reference to my case in connection with the Command of the Brigade you will let me hear from you immediately and you can in order to carry out such arrangements Recommission me to enable you to do so. Lt Col W. H. Powell
Camp Piatt Va
May 1st/63

Head Quarters 2nd Va Vol Cav.
Camp Piatt West Va May 9t/63
H. J. Samuels
A. A. Genl
Wheeling
West Va.
Sir
Enclosed find a list of promotions to which I have the honor to respectfully ask you to give your early attention, the matter has been very much neglected, rendering the Companies inefficient, from present indications. I am led to believe that the command will be very much scattered, soon, I am therefore very anxious that the Companies should have their compliment of officers before they leave camp. I trust therefore that the matter will be attended to promptly.

You will also find enclosed a petition signed by all the commissioned Officers in Camp, asking my promotion to the Colonelcy of the Regiment.

My resignation papers were forwarded in due form for reason which I have given you in a former letter and were withdrawn upon the Dismissal of the Col. from the service, at the earnest and urgent sole citations of the officers and men in the Regiment.

And General Scammon, I am determined as I said to Genl S. to change the entire character of the Regiment and to rid it of every inefficient and drunken officer. The Regiment during my absence from duty (some 3 mo) became very much demoralized and it will require nerve, energy and close application to build it up to what it ought to and must be under my administration. If I am spared, we will need field officers soon. I am determined to ask the promotion of none upon any other ground than meritorious conduct and trust you will grant my requests, that I may be enabled to make the Regiment Efficient and creditable to my self to you, a benefit to the service and a terror to Rebels. I will do this or die in the attempt. Can you not make arrangements to give me two more good companies. the service here requires it and I should be pleased to have them.

Respectfully Your Obdt Srvt
W. H. Powell
Lt Col Comdg
2nd Va Vol Cav
Capt Dove was wounded in the foot but is improving fast

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Col. W. H. Powell
Camp Piatt Va
May 9th 1863

Hd Qrs 2nd Va Vol Cav
Camp Piatt June 12th 1863
H. J. Samuels
A. A. G.
Sir
I have the honor to ask at the request of Lt. Barker to whom you issued an order to recruit a company of Cavalry for the 3d Regt Va Vol Cav. that said order be so changed as to allow him to recruit a company for the 2nd Va Cav.

He much prefering to unite with us as a regular Cavalry Regt in order that he may enjoy our experience in drill and discipline, which he claims and justly too, would be of great advantage and benefit to him.

I am very much pleased with Lt. B. and am inclined to the opinion that under a good Commanding Officer he will in time make a very good man.

I am anxious to have my command filled up to the maximum for companies, and 12 Co's to the Regt. and would be pleased to enlist your influence and effort in aiding me to accomplish my ends.

I am working a great change in the character, efficiency, Drill & Discipline of the Regt, of which you will in all probability soon learn from others.

I have done all I could in the case of Cumberland, Mr Barker & John W. Holstein. Capt Sperry Prov. Marshal at Charleston has agreed to allow them the privilege of enlis in Lt. B. Co. The 34th O. V. I. are now mounted and in Camp about a mile below us.

All quiet at present in the valley and on our front. Genl McCauslins force still near Raleigh C. H. Small squads of Rebs. constantly Prowling about for the purpose of stealing horses etc.

Can you tell me whether there is any carbines in the hands of the Ordnance Officers at Wheeling & if so what make.

We are needing more carbines to fill out the command and I am extremely anxious to procure a sufficient number to do so.

I am Gen'l
Your Obdt. Svt.
W. H. Powell
Col Comdg

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Col Wm. H. Powell
Camp Piatt
June 12th/63

Head Qrs 2nd Reg Va. Vol. Cav.
Camp Piatt W. Va July 12/63
F. P. Pierpoint
Adjt Genl West Va
Sir
I have the honor to return to you the accompanying Blank Which I have filled With all the information requested at my command. The regimental records were unfortunately lost in the month of May 1862 and I therefore have to give you figures from memory as regards the whole number of Reg at its organization but which I think would vary but little from the official record.

Yrs Respectfully
By command of
W. H. Powell Col
E. F. Gillen Adjt

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Col Wm. H. Powell
2nd W. Va. Vol Cavalry
Camp Piatt
Aug 10th 1863
Sends report of Regiment

Ironton O. Feby 12/64
His Excellency
A. I. Boreman
Gov W Va
Dear Sir
I have the honor to inform you that on my arrival at Home. I received a communication from Major J. J. Hoffman of my command who it seems was at Columbus endeavoring to effect the transfer of the 2nd Va Cav in their enlistment as a Ohio Regiment but that he was informed by Gov Brough that such a transfer could not be made without your consent which of course I am very certain cannot be obtained you understand my views in reference to the matter.

I am more than pleased to know that Genl. Geo. Crook is now on his way to assume command in the Ka. Valley.

I wish you to send me a full report in reference to learn of reenlistment at your earliest convenience.

With Kind regard
I am Gov.
Your Obdt. Sevt.
W. H. Powell
Col 2nd Va Cav
P.S.
I have heard nothing as yet from Washington

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Ironton Ohio
Feby 12th 1864
Col. Wm H. Powell
asks information Concerning Reenlistments.

Head Qrs 2d Brig
2d Cav Div
Aug. 3rd 1864
Special Orders
No.
Col. H. Capehart, 1st W. Va. Vol. Cav. having been placed in arrest on the 26th day of July 1864 by the Col. comdg. the Brig. for supposed improper conduct on the retreat from Winchester Va to Bunker Hill Va on the 24th day of July 1864, the Brig. Commander takes great pleasure in announcing to the Brig. that upon a close and careful investigation of the case in all its bearings he finds a lack of evidence to justify a continuance of the case.

Col. H. Capehart is therefore hereby released from arrest and ordered to assume command of his Regiment- fully exonerated from all supposed improper conduct or neglect of duty, and is restored to the full confidence of the Col comdg Brig.

By order of W. H. Powell
Comdg 2d Brig
2d Cav. Div
(Signed) Geo. S. South
A. A. A. Genl.
A correct copy
Sylvester Donley
2nd Lieut and
Acting Adjt

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Hd Qrs 2nd Brig
2nd Cav Div
Aug 3/64
W. H. Powell Comdg
Col H. Capehart

2nd WV Cavalry

West Virginia Archives and History