WEST VIRGINIA
ADJUTANT GENERALS' PAPERS
Union Regiments
1861-1865
Ar382
3rd West Virginia Cavalry
Transcription
(Field and Staff, Companies A - M, Unassigned, Miscellaneous)
Box 4, Folder 6
Union Regiments
1861-1865
Ar382
3rd West Virginia Cavalry
Transcription
(Field and Staff, Companies A - M, Unassigned, Miscellaneous)
Box 4, Folder 6
H J Samuels AGV
Sir
I learn from the Adg of the 5th Va Vol that you have a late order from the Sect of War Entitling a company to a capt and Lieutinant in fact I have seen the act my self I want you to forward me my commission as I have sixty two men also write whether the Lieutant an apointed or Elected the men are all unanimous as it regards me for capt will you be so kind as to Explain this to Gov Pierpoint and have me commissioned as soon as possible as I need another commissioned officer very bad if it can not be done write Imeadiately and if it can send me my commission as soon as protrable
Yours with Respect
Lieut Jno S Witcher
Commanding company 3 Va Vol
Cavalry Ceredo West Virginia
Reverse-
Lieut Jno S Witcher
Ceredo Va
Jany 24th /63
Ceredo, Va. Jan. 31, 1863
Governor,
I was commissioned by your Excely Second Lt on the 22nd of Sept 1862. At that time I had 25 men recruited- all that was then required for a 2nd Lts commission.
On the 1st of October 62 I was commissioned 1st Lt & was not mustered by the Mounted Stolers Mustering officer until the 13th day of Dec, At the time of the muster I requested the officer to muster me so that the date of muster and commission would agree but he refused to do so.
When I was at Wheeling I called on Major Hill to muster in as Lt Col he refused saynig that the officer who mustered the company would do so.
Thus you see that I have been in service from 22 of Sept and can only draw pay from the 13 of Dec. What shall I do in the case?
J. S. Witcher
1st Lieut, 3, Va, Cav
His Excly, the Governor of Virginia
Reverse-
J. S. Witcher
Camp Ceredo, Va
Jany 31, 1863
Fort Pierpoint
April 9, 1863
Governor F H Pierpoint
Sir
The 23rd of Sept last I was commishioned by you as 2nd Lieut to recruit for the 3rd Va Cavalry I had som 25 men sore in at the time and on the first of Oct I was Commishioned first Lt and had some forty seven men in Camp and have been doing service ever sinceI went to Maj Hill to get mustered to my com he stated he could not muster me untill he mustered the men he did not come on to muster us untill the 13 of Dec and stated he could not date my muster back to the date of my commishion when at the same time I had been doing service all the time.
My object in writing to you is to get you to State my case to the war dept and recommend that my muster be dated back to the date of my comishion the Adg Gen knows those statements to be true.
Yours with Respect
Lt J S Witcher
Comanding Company
3 Va Vol Cavalry
Reverse-
Lt J S Witcher
Fort Pierpoint
April 9th /63
H J Samuels Adj Gen Va
Sir
After my respects to your will you see the Gov and state my case to him and see that he attends to it also will you see the ordinance officer in respect to them sabers I was telling you about and write to me what cause to pursue and in so doing much oblige and C
Yours as Ever
Lt J S Witcher
Comanding Company
Reverse-
Lt J S Witcher
Camp White W Virginia
May 21, 1863
Friend Jeff
After my respects to you my object in writing to you at present is to get you to see Gov Pierpoint or Maj Hill and have them send a mustering officer down I have some twenty five men that have belonged to my co five months and they have already missed drawing their pay day on the acount of not being mustered unless they are mustered and paid this pay day they will desert for the men are bound to have money as they are all men of famlies try and send one down there is an other thing I wish to call your attention two and that is if I can have sixty fice good men more than one half of to be in the service and besides cavalry needs more com officers than any other branch of the sercive Gen Scumanon and all say I ought to be entilted to a full set of officers if you would allow me one Liut it would help me very much untill and let me now if there is now chance for an other officer in Co
Yours as Ever
Lieut John S Witcher
For
H J Samuels Adg
Lt John S Witcher
Camp White Va
May 21st /63
Camp White Charleston W Virg
August 26, 1863
Major Pierpoint
Adj Gen W Virginia
Sir
Will you please inform me as soon as convenient whether or not you have received a recommendations from my Brig Commander recommending me for the captancy of the company which I recruited and commanded I have 86 men mustered in as you were see if you have received the recommendation if you could give me my commission ? as I could organize my company before it gets below the minimum number which it is bound to doe as they are all armed and Equiped doing service if you can not send it to me please write and let me know how to proceed.
Yours Respectfully
Jno S Witcher
1st Lt Comdg Company
3 Virg Cavalry
For Maj Pierpoint
Adg Gen W Virg
Barboursville, W Va Oct 17th 1863
F P Pierpont
Adjutant General
West Virginia
Sir
I have the honor to request that you will commission John Hershberger as First Lieutenant in my Company of the Third Virginia Cavalry. My Company has not yet been numbered.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
John S Witcher
Capt Commanding Company
Third Va Cavalry
Reverse-
Barboursville, Oct 7 1863
Capt Jno S Witcher
Oct 24th 1863
By order Govr
Recommendation for Commission of John Hershberger
Issued
To his Excellency
Arthur I Boreman
Governor of West Virginia
Sir
The undersigned officers and privates in the Army and Citizens of Cabell Wayne and Kanawha Counties respond? fully reccommend to your Excellency Capt John Witcher of the 3rd Virginia Cavalry as a suitable person to be commissioned a Major of said Regiment
Capt Witcher has discharged his duty faithfully ever since he has been in the service and borne himself gallantly in many skirmishes with the enemy making many captures from them, and has proved himself a skillfull officer and merits the promotion asked from him.
Jos C Wheeler Pric Mar 3rd WVa
Vincent Phelps
Capt S A Q ?
W H Tomlinson
Issac Burgess
Nov 13th 1863
Wm F Dusenberry
Dess Prov Marshal Cabell Co Va
Reserve-
Hd qtrs 34th Reg o Va
Nov 13 1863
I know Capt John Witcher to be a gallant and meritous officers
H. E. Franseem
Col 34th Reg
Barboursville, W Va Nov 26, 1863
Gov A I Boreman
Sir,
Sergt John C Pollard of my company wishes to obtain an Order to recruit a company of Cavalry for the 3rd Va. Cavalry
I would respectfully recommend him you as being a competent man to take charge of a company, and I believe that he can recruit a company in a short time.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Jno S Witcher
Capt Comdg 3
Va Cavalry
Reverse-
Barboursville, West Va
Nov 26 1863
Jno S Witcher
Capt Co D 3 WVa
Recommendation to recruit
Barboursville W Virginia
Dec 4th 1863
To his Excelency Arthur I Boreman
Sir
I understand by Squire Childers that the 3rd Va Cav is not full and you can not commisshion me untill there is one more company recriuted he also says he has an Order to recruit for it if there is a company to recruit and you will give me authority to I can raise a company in six weaks time the reason I make this application is I know squire Childer can not recruit no company and if you were giving Sergt Heath and Serg Pollard and Corp Steele of my company or bothe of theirs and order to recruit I will give it my attention and see that the company is is raised imediately and if Childers can recruit some men give him credit for them if such an arrangement can be made let me know Imediately and I will get about they work, I supose I could say to they men I get to recruit that the man that got the most men would be commisshioned Capt if he is a suitable man Squire Childers told me he did not want no possision but a Lieut place I should think he could recruit anoughf men to Entitle him to that possision I will have to have an order before I can subsist they recruits as my company numbers 103 men.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Capt Jno S Witcher
Reverse-
Barboursville, Dec 4 1863
Captain John S Witcher
3d Cavalry
Wants authority to recruit another company.
Head Quarters Leit 3d W Va Cav
Hurrcune Bridge March 1st 1864
Major F P Pierpont
A G W Virginia
Sir
I receivied a letter from Mr Copley stating the had a talk with the Gov and that he said he would commisshion me as Major if I would get up a military recommendation Gen Scammon and all the Col in the Valley recommended me which I presume is filed in your office it seems at that time there was no vacancy I now learn from Col Strother that there is a vacancy of Major in the Regt and that the mustering officer is ordered to muster the field officers if the Governor requires a new recommendation I can give Gen Crooks Gen Duffie which I will get immiediately if required I am in command at this time of Co G and K of the 3d Va Cav and Co A of the 13 R VV and by order of Gen Crook at this Post and have been for the last month the warrant I received from you ordering me to seize sertain disloyal Citizens of Warrn as Hostages for W H COpley I forewarded it to Col Brown he promised to attend to it immediately
I am Gen
Very Respectfully
Obt Your Se Ovt Svt
Jno S Witcher Capt
Comdg Post
Reverse-
Hurrican Bridge W. Va.
March 1 1864
Capt. Jno. S Witcher
3rd W. Va. Cavly
Asks for appt of Major of 3rd Cav.
Ansd.
Head Quarters 3rd W. Va. Cavalry
Camp Coalsmouth Putnam Co W. Va.
June 24, 1864
His Excelency A. I. Boreman
Governor of West Virginia
Sir enclosed
please find recommendations for officers of my Battalion to fill the vacancy caused by my promotion and in regard to 2nd Lieut Lesage whom I have recommended for promotion, would say as far as his difficulty in Wood county W. Va. is concerned, I know nothing personally about, though I would state that he is a usefull and efficient officer in the company and I do not think there is any man in the company as well qualified for the position asked for
Verry Respecfully
Your Obt Rvt
Jno S Witcher
Major Cmdg Post
Reverse-
Hd Qtrs 3d Va Cavalry
June 24 /64
Jno S WItcher
Major Comdg Regt
Recommending Lt Lesage
Head Quarters 3rd West Va Cav
Camp at Coalsmouth, W Va
June 24th, 1864
A I Boreman
Governor West Virginia
Sir
I would very respectfully recommend to your excellency for promotion First-Lieut John Harshbarger to Capt of Co G. 3rd W. Va Cavalry, Vice Capt John S Witcher promoted. Also 2nd Lieut Francis J Lesage to 1st Lieut Co. G. 3rd W Va Cav Vice 1st Lieut John Harshbarger promoted, also Granville Curry, Sergt Co. G. 3rd W VA Cav to 2nd Lieut Francis J Lesage promoted.
You most Obt Serv't
Jno. S Witcher
Maj Comdg 3 Va Cavalry
P.S. The Above vacancy has existed since the 23rd day of May 1864 that being the date of my muster as major
J.S. Witcher Major Comdg
Reverse-
Hd Qrs 3d Cavalry
June 24th /64
Maj J. S. Witcher
Recommending Lieut Harshbarger for Captancy
Camp near Hagerstown MD
Aug 27, 1864
His Excellency A I Boreman
Governor of West Virginia
I have the honor to respectifully request that you commisshion sergt Granville Curry as First Lieut in Company G 3 W Va Cav vice first Lieut John Harshbarger promoted Capt of same company Sergt Curry is worthy of the promotion asked for and will make a good and efficient officer
Verry Respectifully
Your Obt Servant
Jno S Witcher Major
Comdg 3 Va Cavalry
Reverse-
Hagerstown
Aug 27th 64
Jno S Witcher
Maj 3d Cavaly
Recommendations
Wheeling Feb. 24. 1865
Gov. Boreman
Dr. Sir:
I learn for the the first time this morning that there is, or soon will be, a vacancy in the office of Lieut. Col. in the 3d West Virginia Cavalry, and that Major John S Witcher, of my county (And is now in the Command of the regiment) is an applicant for the place, Supposing my information to be correct I take great pleasure in following with those who have recommended that gallant young officer for promotion to an office above named, Major Witcher, as you are doubtless already aware, is a native of my county. where he has been for a considerable time, during the war, on duty. And the unanimous testimony of the loyal people of that county is that he has rendered greater service in the protection of that and the neighbouring counties than all the officers whom we have ever had there put together, I hope therefore that when the vacancy refrerd to is to be filled, you will find it consistent with your sense of duty to give him the appointment.
I am Sir
With great Respect
Yours and e
James H Ferguson
Reverse-
Wheeling, Feby 24. 1865
Ferguson James H
Recommends Major John S WIthcer for Lt. Col. of 3d. W. V. Cavalry.
Head Quarters 3d Brigade
3d Cav Div. March 24. 1865
New White House, Va
A I Boreman
Gov of W Va
I take please in recommending Major J S Witcher of the 3d West Va. Cav for the position of Leiut. Col. in the same Regt. it being reported that it soon is vacated by the promotion of Lt. Col. McGee.
Major Witcher is the Senior Major- Has commanded his Regt as the late Expidition under Major Genl. Sheridan and during the Fall and Winter of 1864 as well as during the present campaign has proved himself to be a bave soldier. good officer. and Entitled confidence
Love &
H Capehart
Col. Cmdg. Brigade
Reverse-
White House Va
March 24, 1865
Capehart H
Col. Cmdg Brigade
Recommends promotion of Major John S Witcher
to Lt. Col. of 3d W.V. Cav.
Danvile R R in
Rear of Richmond Va
April 6 1865
A I Boreman
Gov of W Va
Dr Sir I have just recd a letter from a friend in Wheeling he informs me that Lieut Col McGee is opposing my promotion to Lt Col I have in your office a recommendation from the officers of the Regt I enclose one from new Bridj Comder and I have if necesary a note sent you one from Gen Custer our Div Comder so that you can see the diference of opinion between officers in the field and officers that have not herd the Repost of a Gun during the campaign and as to herd I stand with the Regt I doe asure you bother officers and men would hould up booth hands for me to be Col I hope you will give me the promotion
I am So Verry
Respectifully you
Obt Svt
J S Witcher Maj
Cmdg 3 W Va Cav
(Copy)
Head Quarters 3d Cav. Div. M.M.D.
Nottoway C. H. Apr. 16th. 1865
F. P. Peirpoint
A. Genl. W. Va.
Genl. sc:
I have the honor to Recommend Major Jno. S. Witcher 3d W.Va. Cav. for promotion to Lt. Colonelcy in his Regiment which place I have been informed is vacant. If there was a higher rank in his Regt vacant I would certainly recommend him for it. He has commanded his Regiment throughout this perillous campaign with marked ability and gallanty!
Very Respectfully
You Obdt Servt
(Signed) H Capehart
Col. Comdg 3d. Cav. Div.
M.M.D.
Reverse-
Hd. Qrs. 3d Cav. Div.
April 16. 1865
Capehart H.
Col. Comdg
Recommends Major Jno. S. Witcher for Lt. Col. of 3d W.V. Cav.
Hd. Qrs. 3rd. Div. Cav.
April 16th 1865.
Among the many gallant soldiers from Western Virginia I know of none more worthy or deserving than Major Wichter, he has distinguished himself in nearly every engagement of the present campaign by his daring and energy. I concur fully in the recommendation of Col Capehart.
G. A. Custer
B. Maj. Genl
Comdg Div.
Head Quarters 3 WVa Cavalry
Noluwey? C H Va Apr 19, 1865
Dr Governor
Please find the enclosed recommendation from my Brig and Divishion commanders whom I have commanded the Regt under during the Shenandoah Valley campaign and the Leuite River round Richmond I learn Col McGee is opossing my promotion and informed you that I did not stand well with my 13 officers I have in the a Gen office a request segnia by all the officers of the Regt that I be promoted to Lt Col of the Regt that I be promoted to Lt Col of the Regt so you can judge for yourself in regard to the statement of the Col.
I am Governor
Verry Respectifully
Your Obt Serverant
Jno S Witcher Major
Cmdg 3 W Va Cav
Reverse-
Hd Qrs 3d W.V. Cavalry
April 17 1865
Witcher John S
Major Comdg
Forwards recommendation for his promotion to Lieut Colonel
Petersburg Virginia
April 23, 1863
A I Boreman
Gov of Virginia
Dr Sir
I hope you will pardon me for troubling you something in regard to my promotion in all probability this will be my last opportunity during the war as we start south in the morning I supose we are going to join Sherman
I have here with me 250 enlisted men and 17 are officers that have northepeted in all the fighting round Richmond the majority of the regt is in the valley at remorint camp.
When I was at Notarvey C H I mailed you a recommendation from my Brig and Divishion commanders
I should not of thought this necessary have not Col McGee oposes my promotion as you are acquainted with my reputation as a soldier and having made me what I am I hope you will not promote another officer over me simply because my superior officer has some little personal animosity towards me as I all way have endeavored to doe my duty as a solgier and as I am the senior major I should feel mortified beyond expresshion my friends at home might think that I have not done my duty tho I can say what but few can I never have been under arrest or Reprimanded yhet.
if you are so kind as to give me the position and will direct to Washington Ct QC it will reach me and I think I can be mustered as I have been acting in the capacity of a Col for the last 12 months I hope that you may still hear a good account of us gow where where we will I have not herd a man complain of having to gow south. their object is to not dorder the rebellion I fear we will have to serve our time out which does not befure untill full there will be considerable work to doe in the Extreme Southern States.
I am Governor
Very Respectfully
your obt Servent
John S Witcher
Maj Comandg Regt
Reverse-
Petersburg Va
April 23, 1865
Witcher John S.
Major 3. W.V. Cavalry
Respecting his promotion to Lieut. Col.
Head Quarter 3rd W Va Caval
Petersburg, Virg May 3, 1865
F P Peirpoint
A Gen W Va
Gen
I have the honor to recommend Capt J. S. Hurst for promotion to Major in his Regt he has commanded his squadron throughout this purelous campaign with marked ability and gallantry having been twice wounded he received a painful wound at Winchester, Va July the 24 1864 and was wounded in the charge at Fords Startur April 2nd 1863.
Very Respectfully and C
J S Witcher Major
Comdg 3 W Va Cav
Reverse-
Head Quarters 3rd Brigade
3d Cav. Div. May 9, 1865
Respectfully forward and now earnestly recommended I know the fact Witcher stated to be true and Captain Hurst well diserving the promotion asked for
H Capehart
Col Comdg Brig
Head Quarters 3d West Va. Cav. Regt.
PEtersburg, Va May 3rd, 1865
F. P. Pierpoint
Adjt. Genl. W. Va.
General,
I have the honor to recommend to you for the consideration of this Excellency the Governor Asst. SurgEon Arthur Titus, 1st W. Va. bev?. Cav. for promotion as SurgEon of the 3rd West Va Cav.
Asst Surg. A. Titus was detailed as acting surgeon of the 3rd W. Va. Cavalry on the 27th day of February last and since that time has performed his duties faithfully and satisfactorily, both to the officers and men of the regiment.
He is a man of strictly moral and Temperate habits, and is in Every respect qualified for and worthy the position.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your Ob't Servt.
J.S. Witcher
Maj. Comdg Regt.
Reverse-
HEad Quarters 3d Brigade
3d Cavalry Division MMD
May 9, 1865
Respectfully forwarded and recommended for Surgeon if Titus is a man well fitted to fill the position of Surgeon and has well comed the promotion; having in addition to his duties as Act. Surgeon of the 3d West Va Regt. during the past Campaign also filled the position of Act Chief Surgeon of this Brigade wit eredil to himself and to the satisfaction of the Division Surgeon and all associated with him. He is a first class Surgeon and I now most respectfully and everly urge that he receive the promotion asked for
H Capehart
Col Cmdg Brigade
Hd. Qrs. 3d W. V. Cavalry
May 3d 1865
Witcher John S
Major Comdg
Recommends Asst. Surg. Arthur Titus for Surgeon of 3d W.V. Cavalry