The Palmetto Sharpshooters
(Sometimes called Jenkins Palmetto Sharpshooters, Jenkins Sharpshooters
or Jenkins Infantry Regiment)
Much of the information on the
Palmetto's is missing so a truly detailed history of their time in the Confederate army is at this time impossible to write. With the advent of the internet the modern
Palmetto's is being put in touch with many people who have information that is vital to the history. It is hoped that at some date if the future the Regiments full history might be told.
I have had at times through necessity had to speak of the Brigade, Division, or Wing. This is because of insufficient information on the
Palmetto's. You will also find that at these times the casualties are mentioned the same way, if at all.
I feel it necessary to put this history into the swirl of events that brings it into being, and at it's ending. Please indulge me.
Secession begins
Abraham Lincoln is elected to the Presidency on 6 November 1860. The Southern States not liking what they envisioned started to secede from the Union. South Carolina passes an ordnance of Secession on the 20 December 1860. Between 9 January-1 February 1862 the remaining 6 Lower South States secede.
On the 8 February a constitution similar to that of the United States is adopted. The next day Jefferson Davis is elected, and on the 18 February, sworn in as it's first President.
With secession the Southern States militias occupied Federal arsenals and forts within it's borders. Four key points are
still held by the Federals, the most notable of these being Fort Sumner.
Lincoln assumes the office of President on the 4 March 1861. Two days after this Davis calls for 100,00 volunteers for one years military service. By mid-April the Confederacy has an army 35,000 strong.
Due to public pressure at 0430 on the 12 April 1861 South Carolinian troops send a signal shot arcing into the predawn sky.
Confederate guns now open fire on Fort Sumter so starting the war. Due to this on the 15 April Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers for three months service to suppress the rebellion.
As a consequents of Lincolns call between 17 April-6 May four Upper South states secede. Now 11 of the 15 slave states had left the Union.
Jenkins Brigade
Micah Jenkins was in command of what had been Richard H.
Andersons Brigade at the battle of Williamsburg, 5 May 1862, this became Jenkins
Brigade. It comprised the units of:
1st South Carolina Volunteers (Habgoods)
2nd South Carolina Rifles
4th South Carolina Battalion
5th South Carolina Infantry
6th South Carolina Infantry
Palmetto Sharpshooters
The Hampton Legion joined the Brigade on the 6-Nov-62 and was combined with the
4th until after Sharpsburg (Antietam) when they went to South Carolina to become
mounted infantry.
With this in mind much of the history of the Palmetto Sharpshooters is a broad outline of the history of the other units
within the Brigade until their surrender at Appomattox, 9 April 1865. At the moment the only difference that I have found are that at the battles of Fair Oaks those present with Jenkins were the 5th
S.C.V. and the Palmetto's and at Gains Mill those present with Jenkins were the 6th
S.C.V. and the Palmetto's.
Palmetto Sharpshooters
When the spring of 1862 came around so did the end of the enlistments of many of the army. With this many went home to their families, although the majority did re-enlist. Quite a few of those who re-enlist joined different regiments. On 16 April Congress extends their original service by another three years, or to the end of the war.
On 21 April Congress now authorizes the raising of sharpshooter regiments, to be attached to each infantry brigade. Further on the 22 May it is ordered that those within these units should be from the same state.
In reality only a few sharpshooter units are raised. And these due to the permanent shortage of troops within the armies would, in the main, not be doing the tasks for which they were to have been employed but would be line infantry. One of these
newly raised units would be the Palmetto's.
At Camp Taylor, near Orange Court House, Virginia the companies that are to comprise the
Palmetto's are mustering into the unit, which was being organized by Colonel Micah Jenkins.
The unit is formed with approximately 1,100 men. Drafts during their period of service numbered about 500 men. At their surrender at Appomattox there are still 385 men under arms, of which 29 were officers. The largest of any surrendering regiment.
The known encampments, skirmishes, and battles follow:
1862
The different companies re-enlisted between 8 February and 16 April 1862 near Richmond, Virginia.
17 April-4 May. At the Siege of Yorktown. Did picket duty at Dam No.2 for 2 days.
5 May. Battle of Williamsburg (Fort Magruder) Now part of J. Longstreet's
Division, R. H. Andersons Brigade. The Brigade was ordered, with another, &
some artillery, to relieve the forces occupying the field works in front of
Williamsburg, these forces were there to gain time for the main army to retire.
With the 5th S.C.V. the Palmetto's held the bastioned earthworks that straddled
the main roads. Here the Brigade bore the brunt of the battle that developed
from 0600. They were assaulted by the divisions of Joseph Hooker
and W. F. “Baldy” Smith which threw themselves at the Confederate defenses.
The Brigade held all day. The Palmetto's lost 29 casualties. Anderson's Brigade
leave that night to rejoin the army at
Barhamsville. (After the battle Longstreet presented the
unit with a new battle flag for their outstanding performance.)
The Palmetto's are stationed near Richmond march of, with Longstreet's Corps, at 0300 on the 26th May. In rear support at the
Battle of Beaver Dam Creek on the 27th, and not engaged.
31 May-1 June. Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks).In an attempt to circle around the
Federal flank, Anderson divided his brigade in two. Jenkins commanding
Palmetto's and 6th S.C.V. was
'sent on the extreme left to scour along the railroad and Nine-mile road' in a northeast direction toward the railroad station at Fair Oaks.
Jenkins proceeds to overrun three separate Federal lines. They began with two brigades of General Darius N. Couch’s division at Fair Oaks. Jenkins now wheeled his men to the south, pushed Couch's troops back a second time. Jenkins had been so successful in turning the
Federal flank that he was now cut off from the rest of the Confederate army. Calling on the support of the 5th
S.C.V. and 27th Georgia who had driven the enemy back at Seven Pines crossroads Jenkins once again attacked Couch driving him southwards. Jenkins’ men now repulsed a Federal counterattack from the east. They finally linked up with the main army. They had captured three camps, three pieces of artillery, and three stand of colours. Casualties to the Palmetto's were 244. Of the 12 strong colour guard 11 were casualties.
27 June. Battle of Gaines' Mill (Cold Harbor, Chickahominy). Around 1900hours the
Palmetto's, along with the 5th S.C.V., were ordered to sweep over a wooded swamp
and hill on the far right of the Confederate lines. While doing so they marched onto some open ground
and in the dim light encountered two Federal units, the 16th Michigan and the 82nd Pennsylvania. These units squared up against each other
and a duel between the regiments took place. At the end the Palmetto's had decimated the 16th Michigan,
and captured their colours along with a large body of men. Losing 96 casualties
while accomplishing this.
30 June. Battle of Frayser's (or Fraizer's Farm) (White Oak Swamp,
Glendale, Charles City Cross Roads, Nelson's Farm, Turkey Bend/Bridge, New
Market Cross Roads, Willis Church, Riddell's Shop). Generals Lee and Longstreet are with Jeff Davis, they were 'in pleasant
conversation' when they came under fire from a Federal battery. This fire killed
and wounded men and horses. Longstreet ordered Jenkins to silence them. This he
expected him to do with 'his long-range rifles'. Instead Jenkins
'enraged....determined to charge the battery'. Jenkins’
now led his Brigade in the assault at around 1600 attacking the battery of the
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. After this assault they
continued to advance eastward under withering fire from entrenched Federal
troops. The Brigade drove General Truman Seymour's Brigade backward and resumed
the assault against the now-reinforced Federal lines. At this point a hidden
battery opens upon them with enfilade fire to add to their problems the
Confederates of Lawrence Branch's Brigade who moving to the right and rear
accidentally fire into them. Nevertheless the Brigade manages to capture the
guns which had caused such shocking casualties. In this unbelievable
piece of bravery the Palmetto's receive 254 casualties out of the 375 men
fighting, 67% of the unit.
From then until 14 August the unit is stationed at Richmond.
The Palmetto's, as part of J.L. Kempers Division, Longstreet's Corps, march from Gordonsville on August 16, crossing the Rapidan on the 20th at Raccoon Ford.
On the August 24 the Corps marched up the Rappahannock and go via Jeffersonton, White Plains
and arrive at Manassas on the 29th where the Division is positioned to the right of Hoods.
30 August. Battle of 2nd Manassas (Bull Run).With Longstreet's Corps flank in the air the Brigade is thrown out on the right, facing the town of Bristoe. When attacked Jenkin's Brigade 'repulsed the enemy with handsome style'. The Palmetto's received 68 casualties.
1st September. Longstreets Corps arrive after the battle of Ox Hill has finished.
March on the 2 September via Dranesville and arrive at Leesburg on the 4th. The
army cross at White's Ford, and other crossings nearby, with the Corps arriving
at Frederick City on the 7th. Crossing South Mountain and moving to Hagerstown on the 10th.
14 September. Part of Longstreet's Corps
& D.H. Hill's Division were attacked at the Battle of Boonsboro Gap
(South Mountain) by 30,000 Federals. The Palmetto's, part of Jenkins (under
Colonel Walker) Brigade, D.R. Jones Division still at Hagerstown set off sometime late on the night of the
13-4 when they force march, over rough terrain, to
arrive at dusk. The Brigade are sent to reinforce General R.E. Rodes on the
armies left wing, but on the right of Pickett's (under Colonel Garnet) Brigade,
and skirmish until 'a late hour'. The Palmetto's have 2 wounded. The position
was held by the brigade until 0400 15 September, when it was relieved it now
retires to rejoin the Division at Sharpsburg.
The Brigade arrive at Sharpsburg at 1100 on the 15th
and took position on the high ground west of the cemetery. Late that
evening it moved to the high ground west of Burnsides Bridge Road. During the Battle of Sharpsburg
(Antietam) the Brigade was under artillery fire until1500 on the 17th when it
was returned to its original position. Soon after arrival there they are attacked by the Federal IX Corps, under Burnsides,
Willcox Division, Christ's Brigade. They meet the enemy, who are led by the 79th
New York, at an apple orchard, stone mill and house part way down the hill. They initially throw back the enemy attacks but are slowly pushed back
to a stone wall at the south eastern edge of Sharpsburg. Then Armies right
wing is saved about 1630 hours with the timely arrival of A.P. Hill's Division. The Palmetto's sustain 65 casualties.
When Longstreets Corps start to retreat at 0200 the Brigade stay in position covering the retreat until
relieved by Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry brigade. And at sunrise of the 19th
crossed the Potomac at Blackfords marching off to Culpepper Court House leaving on the 21 November for Fredericksburg arriving 23 November.
13 December. Under heavy Federal shell fire.
14 December. Battle of Fredericksburg. The Brigade now part of G.E. Pickett's Division was in a quieter part of the battlefield & spent much of the time in reserve. They
are sent out as skirmishers, with some of the unit detached as sharpshooters these caused great confusion in the Federal lines. The Division suffered only 53 casualties.
Until 15 February encamped near Fredericksburg. On that date they move out of winter quarters.
1863
19-27 February. Camped at Chester Station, on Richmond and Petersburg railroad. Now marched to Petersburg.
About 1 March. Camped three miles from Petersburg, on City Point Railroad. Stay eight days.
11-13 March. The Palmetto's arrives to camp at Franklin Station, Virginia.
17 March. Repulse two charges by 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry about one mile from Franklin, but on the other side of the Blackwater. Light wounds
were received and some lost as prisoners.
11 April- 4 May. Pickets Division march down South Quay
Road at 1600 and arrive at the Federal picket line so starting the Siege of
Suffolk, with various Palmetto companies arriving and leaving at different
dates. The Palmetto's were also engaged in the collection of supplies in
Southeastern Virginia and Northern North Carolina for the Army of Northern
Virginia. With the lifting of the siege the Palmetto's are based at Franklin on
the Blackwater River.
15 May. Skirmish with Federals near Carrsville, 16 miles from Franklin. Over five casualties received.
14 June. Some of the Palmettos' take train to Garysburg. Return about the 19th.
15 June. Evacuate Franklin under heavy shelling, but drive off the enemy.
16 June. Skirmish with Federal troops from 0700 till 1400. Take casualties.
17 June. Four companies on the Blackwater, with friendly forces, prevent a Federal force of about 5,000 from crossing.
At Murphy's Station, Virginia. Went to Petersburg 22/3rd until the 27/9 June then went to Richmond, at Fort Powhaton?.
29 June. Skirmish at Richmond.
1/2 July. Marched down to Bottom's Bridge, on the Chickanominy.
4 July. Were shelled and skirmished with Federal troops at Bottom's Bridge, but no casualties received.
Returned and stayed in Richmond area till 28 July,
28 July-11/14 September. Near Petersburg.
11/14 September. Longstreet's Corps board train to join the Army of the Tennessee, under Braxton Bragg. Arrive the 20/1 at Catoosa, just to late to fight in the battle of Chickamauga. Take position on the left of army on 23rd.
28 October. Battle of Wauhatchie (Lookout Mountain) Now part of J. B. Hood's Division, commanded for a time by
Jenkins, the Brigade, with another, is sent to attack the enemies rear and capture a wagon park and approximately 1,000 troops.
They attack at 0100 hours but find that the enemy had been reinforced by XII Corps
and now numbered 4,000+ men. The assault troops attacked & captured the wagons the Palmetto's fiercely assailed and
fold back the enemy right. All concerned were giving XII Corps a lively time when they were informed that XI Corps were advancing to threaten their rear. Forced to make a fighting withdrawal. The Brigade suffered 358 casualties, of the 1,800 engaged. Of those the
Palmetto's receive 44.
Leave Lookout Mountain on the night of 5 November when they march 8 miles to arrive at the Tyner's Station the next morning. Here they catch a train Sweetwater Station. Staying in the area for 7 days on the night of the 13th, Captain Foster, of the Palmetto Sharpshooters, was sent across the Tennessee River at Loudon to seize the enemy's picket, and the rest of that regiment was afterward crossed to cover the laying of the pontoon bridge.
Skirmish with Federals at dusk on the evening of the 14th.
15 November. Attack pickets before Lenoir Station driving them back. It is in this area that a train of 80 wagons loaded with supplies is captured 'but there was not any clothing or shoes, the things we most needed just then, for we were both naked and barefooted.' 8 to 10 of the Brigade killed & wounded.
16 November. Battle of Campbell Station. Starting at 0700 part of Longstreet's Corps pursue Burnside's Federal troops so closely that at 1100 they form line of battle. The remainder of the Corps, who are traveling on a parallel road, are awaited. In the following engagement, against parts of IX and XXIII Corps, Jenkins division was on the right wing. The Brigade are forced to undergo heavy shelling. During the day the Palmetto's were skirmishing with the Federals with whom they had 'several sharp encounters'. The Brigade sustain 124 casualties.
Arrive Knoxville 17 November. Begin Siege of Knoxville. On the night of 4 December the siege was raised.
Now march 50 miles to Rogersville where they expect to go into winter quarters but only remain a few days.
Forced marched on December 14 to within six miles of Bean's Station they had a sharp skirmish on the 14th driving the Federal forces back towards Knoxville.
On the 15th Jenkins Division forms up against Federal troops on the road to Rutledge. Nothing happens.
16th Pursue retiring Federals to Rutledge.
The Brigade now head for the Rogersville area again this time foraging for the army.
Skirmish on the 17 and 18 December.
On the morning of December 23 the Division proceed via Long's Ferry, on the Holston, and arrive on 25th near Morristown, Tennessee, and go into winter camp. During the campaign the Brigade had suffered 136 casualties.
1864
7 April. The Palmetto's, along with Longstreet's Corps, is on it's way back to Virginia to rejoin the Army of Northern Virginia.
They reach Charlottesville on the 20th where they march along the trackside to
Cobham's Depot. They now camp nearby at Mechanicsville.
On the 29 April Lee journeys to Gordonsville to review the
Corps. For two hours they paraded for him before forming in two line for
inspection. After this, with Charles W. Fields now commanding the Division, they
marched a few miles above Gordonsville, on the road towards Liberty Mills, and
here they camped until may 4th.
6 May. Battle of The Wilderness. At about 1300 Jenkins Brigade was hurrying along the the Orange Plank Road to press the advantage in the area when they came under friendly fire, by William Mahone's Virginians. Wounded were
Longstreet, struck in the throat
and left shoulder, and Jenkins hit in the temple, and mortally wounded. The attack was now stalled.
Charles W. Field assumed command of the Corps and the attack went in
shortly after 1600 along the Brock Road. The Federals were waiting dug in
behind earthworks and backed by cannon. The Palmetto's drove the enemy from their defences
and, with others, for a time held the position before they fell back .Left the area on the 7th.
8/12 May. Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. John Bratton now
commands the Brigade. On the 10th, at about 1545, the Federals of Gouverneur K. Warrens V Corps launch a fierce attack. Bratton's
Brigade is on the right of the attack. The attackers are stopped before reaching
Bratton's works. And again at dusk, about 1900, they launch another unsuccessful attack.
At 0915 on 12 May V Corps again attack just to the left of the Brigade causing
them no effect.
Leave Spotsylvania on the night of
the16th and are rushed to reinforce P.G.T. Beauregard's troops at Drewry's Bluff. The Regiment are 'line of battle on the 17th' and pursuit the Federals to Bermuda Hundred.
Field's & Kershaw's Division are now set
on a march to Hanover Junction with the Palmetto's arriving over the 18th-21st.
Take part in the Battle of North Anna River 23/7 May. On the 23rd
the divisions hold the river bank at Chesterfield Bridge when an attack by two
of Hancock Brigades yields the far bank to the Federals. They now retire to the
trench lines which they left on
the 27th.
Camped near Richmond. Battle of Cold Harbor 1/3 June.
Arrive with the rest of Andersons Corps at Cold Harbour about 1000, 1 June, and
dig trenches. The Corps are assaulted at 1630 by William (Baldy)
Smiths XVIII Corps and Horatio G. Wrights VI Corps. On 3 June
during the major attack the Division is facing Warrens V Corps don't do much. Stay here until 14
June.
Battle at Petersburg 12-15
June. Marching off at 0300 on the 12th the Divisions of Field and J.B. Kershaw are rushed to Petersburg arriving early in the morning where they immediately
enter the lines. Field's Division extending the line on the right from Redan 25
onwards. Attacked in the main assault of the day launched by Warrens V Corps at
dawn. Attacked again in the evening by V Corps.
On the 24 June on the far left of the
Confederate line, along the Appomattox River, Lee using the Divisions of Field
and Robert F. Hoke planned an attack. Due to bad organisation only a Brigade of
Hokes Division went in and was repulsed.
Marching now to the Petersburg trenches, staying there from the 1-28 July.
March to the James River and take up positions on the 30 July at Deep Bottom Run.
13/20 August. 2nd Battle of Deep Bottom Run.
(Fussel's Mill, Strawberry Plains) Hancock's II Corps and David B. Birney's X Corps land at Deep Bottom
in an attempt to catch to Confederates outnumber. This they did the lines were basically held
only by Field's Division. Heavily engaged on the 14th but hold the position, although casualties were received.
Skirmished there on the 21 August.
Left there on the 24th for Petersburg lines.
25/31 August. Supported the line at Battle of Halifax Road (Ream's Station). Fields Division attacked about 1400.
30 September. 2nd Fort
Harrison/New Market Heights Responding to the loss of Fort Harrison Lee
attacks Edward O.C. Ords XVII and David B. Birney's X Corps with Field's and
Hoke's Divisions. Field troops went in in waves 1st Tige Anderson's Georgians,
then John Bratton's South Carolinians followed by Colonel Bowle's Alabaman's.
Hoke's Brigades now went in all were stopped in their tracks. Sustaining 1,200
casualties.
7 October. Battle of Darbytown/New Market Roads (Johnson's Farm).
Due to the increasing Federal threat against Richmond,
Lee directed an offensive against the
Federal far right flank. Kautz's 1,700 Federal cavalry were forced from their position covering Darbytown
Road by a 3 pronged attack by 2 of Field's & 2 of Hoke's brigades, &
Martin W. Gary's cavalry. Field's
division, poorly supported by Hoke's, assaulted the main Federal defensive line along New Market Road
held by Alfred H. Terry's X Corps and were repulsed. Estimated casualties
1,350 men.
27th October 1864 Battle of Williamsburg
Road (Darbytown Road) Benjamin Butler launched a two pronged attack
against the Confederate lines near the Williamsburg Road. Weitzel, Federal
commander of one of the prongs, dithered until about 1330. Longstreet reinforced
the poorly held lines with Bratton's and the Texas Brigades. So poorly
was the attack made that both brigades charged out of the works after stopping
the Federal thrust killing and capturing 1600 for the loss to themselves of
64!
During the months of November and until 10 December engaged in building breastworks and picket duty between Charles City and Williamsburg Roads.
10 December. Accompany Longstreet in reconnaissance upon New Market Heights. Skirmished that position from about 1000 hours until nightfall.
22 December take position in the lines.
25 December till 24 February. Go into winter quarters between Charles City and Williamsburg Railroads.
1865
24 February. The Palmetto's now take up position at Fort Gilmer, 5 miles away.
31 March. Enter the inner defense lines.
1 April Field's Division is moved
from the north of the James River to Petersburg front.
2 April. Battle for Petersburg. With the Federal breakthrough in the south west Fields Division is rushed
to that area of the Dimmock Line, Petersburg's original defenses,
here they stop Wright's VI Corps assault from penetrating any further.
2-3 April. Leaving Petersburg in the evening, with Longstreet's Corps, they march via
Matoaca. By evening they had crossed the river at Goode's Bridge and
camped on its west side.
4 April After the remainder of the
Corps had crossed they march to Amelia Court House. On arrival they await the
supplies that are being gathered in.
Leave at midday, on the 5th, and march
through the night via Amelia (Sulpher) Springs, Deatonville they started to
arrive at Rice's
Station (Depot) midmorning. With Field's Division in the leading they set of in
the evening reaching Farmville in the early hours of the 7th.
7 April At Farmville the troops early
arrivals were lucky enough to draw rations before Federal troops force a
further withdrawal. For some reason, possibly they are rear guard, the Brigade
were unable to cross with the remainder of the Corps as the bridges had been
burnt so they were forced to cross at a ford further up river. They rejoin the
Corps who are drawn up in line of battle on Cumberland Heights. With no
immediate pursue they march 3 miles to Cumberland Church. Here the dig in at
about 1300.
Humphreys' II Corps come across Longstreet's
and Gordon's Corps at the Battle of Cumberland
Church.. Hearing gunfire from the Confederate rear Humphreys', thinking he was
supported by VI Corps, attacked at about 1615. Reinforcements were sent to
support Gordon's left flank which included the Brigade, who arriving after the
attack had been contained.
That evening, once again, the army
embarked on a night march Longstreet's Corps via Curdsville and New Store. At
about some time after 1500, on the 8th, they arrived about one mile, north east,
of Appomatox Court House and bivouac there..
9 April Battle of Appomattox Court
House Longstreet's Corps is dug in at Newhope Church. At about 0800 Humphrey's II Corps,
with VI Corps in support, resume their
march and arrive at Longstreet's positions, possibly only Field's Division with
Mahone's Division supporting Gordon attack. At 0830 with Humphrey's is about
to attack when Lee rode through the lines and requested a meeting with Grant to
discus surrendering the army. The surrender was signed about 1500.
The Surrender
Grant arranged the issue of
rations to the starving Confederate
troops. The Federal troops 'shared their provender with their foemen, until
every haversack was empty', 'guard duty that night...resembled a picnic rather
than a picket line', 'the Johnnies had the privilege of strolling into our camps
and were received as though they had been old-time comrades.' In a display of friendship
and respect the 16th Michigan shook hands and share their rations with the
Palmetto Sharpshooters ironically the very Regiment that had surrendered to them at Gaines's Mill back in June
1862.
A formal laying down of arms was
organised 'The troops shall march by Brigades, and detachments to a designated
point, stack their arms, depot their flags, sabers, pistols etc.... and from
their march to their homes under charge of their officers....'.
So on the 10th the cavalry went
first, due to the shortage of fodder for the horses, and on the 11th the
artillery, with Brigadier General Joshua L. Chamberlain was given the honour of
receiving the surrender of the infantry. He lined the three brigades of V Corps,
1st Division, both sides of the road.
At 0600 on the 12th Major General John
B. Gordon marched the Confederate troops from their final biviouac across
the northern branch of the Appomattox River along Stage Road and up the hill to
the waiting Federal lines. The marched along though these ranks 'with the old swinging route step and swaying
battle flags crowded so thickly, by thinning out of men, that the whole column
seemed crowned with red'. Chamberlain's men saluted them, with the Confederates
returning the honour. The marching
columns turned to face Chamberlain, dressed the lines, fixed bayonets, and then
stacked their arms. They then folded their battle flags and laid them across the
stacked muskets. The ceremony finishes at 1600.
At the ceremony the Palmetto
Sharpshooters, under the command Captain Alfred H. Foster, surrender 385 men, including 29 officers.
This is the largest number of men still following their colours in the Army of
Northern Virginia.
That night the defeated army began to leave for their distant homes and by the
next evening most had left. The Palmetto's marched to Danville. Here they boarded a train to
which took them back to South Carolina, their homes and families.
Epilogue
1865
9 April. General Robert E. Lee surrenders the Army of Northern
Virginia.
14 April. John Wilkes Booth assassinates President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, Washington.
26 April. General Joseph E. Johnson surrenders the Army of the
Tennessee.
9 May. Lieutenant General Richard Taylor surrenders the Department of Alabama,
Mississippi.
10 May. The naval raider
C.S.S. Florida surrenders.
Jefferson Davis captured near, Irwinville, Georgia.
13 May. Confederate troops win the action at Palmito Ranch, Texas.
26 May. Lieutenant General Edmund Kirby Smith surrenders the Trans-Mississippi Department.
29 May. President Andrew Jackson issues a 'Proclamation of Amnesty'.
23 June. Brigadier General Stand Watie surrenders the Confederate Indians.
6 November. The naval raider
C.S.S. Shenandoah surrenders to British authorities.
1866
2 April With State governments that meet Federal directives installed President Andrew Jackson proclaims 'that the insurrection...is at an end and is henceforth to be so re-guarded.'
1867
13 May Jefferson Davis released from imprisonment.
1877 The last military governments are removed from the ex-Confederate States & home rule at State level is restored.
