Assault on Allegheny - July 2009

[BobDenton37thVA]

Folks,

Here's a link to the splash page for our upcoming event:

http://www.pridgeonslegion.com/page/page/show?id=1547406%3APage%3A6952

A formal website is under development and will be available shortly.

Regards,
Bob D.

[nrandolph]

This is a potentially fantastic event! I had mentioned this, to Eric Tipton, as something that would be a great follow up to the Rich Mt. event. Glad to see that it's receiving some attention. The old Staunton-Parkersburg turnpike, right up the mountain on the other side of the Greenbrier river is a very beautiful and historical route that winds toward the top of Allegheny. This is some of the highest country in both states (WV and Va.). The Georgia men stationed there through the winter of 1862 suffered terribly, along with the other troops. Again, I'm tickled to death about this event and I'll plan on being there!

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[Eric Tipton]

Ah, the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike... brings back fond memories. ;)

[Eric Tipton]

Bob:

Any idea on when the web site will be up for this one? I really think that this event has promise. This is a great area of the country and the event is scheduled in a perfect time of year.

[CJDaley]

Bob:

Any idea on when the web site will be up for this one? I really think that this event has promise. This is a great area of the country and the event is scheduled in a perfect time of year.

THAT ROCKS!

I've been waiting for 10 years for someone to do an event on that site. The first time I saw that site (1998) I thought it was ideal for this type of event.

I go down that way every summer for a mountain bike vacation and have taken my bike up to the top of Ft. Allegheny a few times. It is truly one of the most spectacular views and untouched terrain in the country and it's only 4-5 hours from DC/Richmond.

Thanks Bob, Dave and gang for making this happen! Thanks to your efforts, the hobby will experience the beauty and historical significance of Ft. Allegheny!

[roundshot]

Some basic info on the site and history can be found here:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/rec/civilwar/allegheny.html

[terry winders]

This looks like a good one .Don't want to miss this.


Terry Winders
Mess No.1

[nrandolph]

Another good source of information about this battle and Camp Bartow and Allegheny is Hunter Lesser's book, Rebels At The Gates Chapters 20 and 22-23. I think that a lot of the men picked up an autographed copy when Hunter was signing them after the Rich Mt. event. A very good and entertaining book about the political origins of West Virginia and the military campaigns, if you don't have a copy.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Bob,

Very cool site, my highland county classmate Tom Stevenson took me out here after the 2005 McDowell event...and the site is AWESOME!!!

How close will we be camped to the original fortifications?

Are any plans currently underway to pre-construct portions of defenses that may be representative to that which originally occupied the site (i.e. abati, gabions, partial palasade)? Would there be an interest in having something like these?

Thanks,

Paul B.

P.S. What's the latest news on the Wind-Turbines up there?

[BobDenton37thVA]

Bob:

Any idea on when the web site will be up for this one? I really think that this event has promise. This is a great area of the country and the event is scheduled in a perfect time of year.

Eric,

We are working on it now. I'm hoping to do the majority of the composition this weekend. It will probably be linked at (or through) the splash page that we already have up.

I'm hoping to open registration no later than early December, but possibly even earlier.

Regards,
Bob D.

[BobDenton37thVA]

Bob,

Very cool site, my highland county classmate Tom Stevenson took me out here after the 2005 McDowell event...and the site is AWESOME!!!

How close will we be camped to the original fortifications?

Are any plans currently underway to pre-construct portions of defenses that may be representative to that which originally occupied the site (i.e. abati, gabions, partial palasade)? Would there be an interest in having something like these?

Thanks,

Paul B.

P.S. What's the latest news on the Wind-Turbines up there?

Hi Paul,

Here's the answers to your questions as far as I can go with any reasonable degree of certainty.

Currently, the winter cabin sites, trenches, and the area know simply as "Top of Allegheny" is under the ownership of the Monongahela National Forest. As such, we can visit, but not fight (or camp) there as it is both sacred ground and an important archeological resource area. That is where the first (and main) part of the December '61 battle took place.

We have currently solidified a relationship with owner of Traveler's Repose and the Camp Bartow site at the base of Allegheny Mountain. This is where the Federal Camp will be Friday evening, as well as registration. Parking will also be in Bartow, WV, and a short walk to Traveler's Repose. The CS camp for Friday evening just happens to be owned by a good friend of ours, so that is solid as well.

We have also met and made good friends with the man who owns the majority of the land along the Pike leading towards the Fort. He is really helping us out tremendously, and will be providing the Saturday afternoon skirmish land (on the original ground!) and the Federal Camp for Saturday night.

The main Fort site is owned privately, and we are also developing a relationship with the landowner as well. But our dilemma is that he runs cattle up there in the summer, and we are very concerned about possibly damaging the camp's fortifications themselves. Now mind you, the cattle probably roaming about up there year after year have probably damaged them to a far greater degree than we would in a single day; but as good stewards of the past, we'd hate to accelerate any erosion. Thus, at the very least we would want to stay off the works. But that doesn't mean we can't camp the CS troops within the fort. Unfortunately, the firing of the muskets could really panic the cattle, so we will have to see what the fort's owner will let us do there, if anything. At the very least, we will be able to tour the entire site.

Now here's the exciting part. We will be able to reproduce the original camp area where the battle took place (if we choose to), approximately 0.5 miles from the original site. The terrain is similar, and the breastworks of "fallen timber" described in the accounts of the battle can be replicated easily. I'll be going to the site the weekend of November 15th to plan this aspect of the event, and meet with the owner of the fort.

To summarize, we are about 80% complete with getting the pieces into place, and will be finalizing most of what we are doing before the website is posted. I'll be updating information as it develops.

Regards,
Bob D.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Now here's the exciting part. We will be able to reproduce the original camp area where the battle took place (if we choose to), approximately 0.5 miles from the original site. The terrain is similar, and the breastworks of "fallen timber" described in the accounts of the battle can be replicated easily. I'll be going to the site the weekend of November 15th to plan this aspect of the event, and meet with the owner of the fort.

Regards,
Bob D.

Very cool....so where do we start reading descriptions of the camp and the battle? We got under a year to start prepping for this!

Thanks,

Paul B.

[BobDenton37thVA]

Very cool....so where do we start reading descriptions of the camp and the battle? We got under a year to start prepping for this!

Thanks,

Paul B.

This link is a start:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/rec/civilwar/allegheny.html

Here's an interesting first person account:

http://docsouth.unc.edu/fpn/robson/robson.html

I'd strongly suggest Hunter Lesser's excellent book 'Rebels at the Gate'. If you don't have it, GET it!

http://www.amazon.com/Rebels-at-Gate-W-Lesser/dp/1570717478

On the upcoming website, I'll be putting up some accounts from unpublished sources that I have as well.

Hope that helps,
Bob D.

[nrandolph]

I was thinking of this event the other evening and I wondered if you all had gotten in touch with Hunter Lesser? He doesn't live very far away around Elkins and he might be willing to lend some expertise, much as he did with Eric Tipton and the Ohio boys for the Rich Mt. event.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[BobDenton37thVA]

Neil,

Funny you ask.

Actually, Hunter and I have been talking about an event at Allegheny since he was the archeologist for the National Forest, going back now almost 16 years! Hunter provided us with invaluable unpublished letters from members of the original 37th VA when we first formed the unit back in 1992/93, specifically the Barrett brothers' letters. We also got a lot of information from Bob Krick in the form of unpublished manuscripts of 37th VA soldiers' memoirs.

Any relevant info from the unpublished stuff I have, I'll be putting on the website. Of course, by the time of the battle (December 1861), the 37th VA had already been transferred to the command of Stonewall Jackson in Winchester. But they were at Allegheny from when Camp Bartow was abandoned in early October, until they left for Winchester in late November. In fact, many of the soldiers of the 37th, being "mountaineers and handy at nearly every trade..." were instrumental in building many of the cabins at Camp Allegheny according to period accounts.

From what Hunter has told me, the works at Allegheny were actually "renovated" several times during the war, as the federals occupied the site after it was abandoned by the Confederates in the spring of 1862. Nevertheless, the fort's footprint remained basically the same. Allegheny was the forward post facing east into Confederate held Highland and Bath Counties after the Battle of McDowell (which is why those counties sort of "protrude" into WV).

Regarding Hunter, I'm hoping to get him to do a lecture at the event for us; or perhaps have him lead a field trip around the forts and cabins sites.

Regards,
Bob D.

[pfeiffer3964]

so where do we start reading descriptions of the camp and the battle? Paul B.

Highly intrigued by the prospect of attending the Assault on Allegheny! event in July of the upcoming year, I was inspired to piece together some information, which I found to be interesting, with regard to the battle at Camp Allegheny. What follows are the fruits of the past few hours of my life. I hope you find it interesting as well...

Excepts from the Official Records, Series 1, Volume 5

Return of Casualties

Federal Casualties
Ninth Indiana: 8 killed, 13 wounded
Thirteenth Indiana: 2 killed, 23 wounded, 4 missing
Twenty-Fifth Ohio: 6 killed, 54 wounded, 6 missing
Thirty-Second Ohio: 2 killed, 10 missing
Second West Virginia: 2 killed, 7 wounded
Total: 20 killed, 107 wounded, 10 missing

In his report of the engagement, Colonel Edward Johnson, Twelfth Georgia Infantry reports that “the citizens who reside upon the roads along which [the Federals] retreated” reported “large numbers of dead and wounded” being “carried from the field” requiring “[t]en or twelve ambulances…” He further reports the capture of “3 prisoners and about 100 stand of arms, which the enemy had thrown away in his flight.”

Confederate Casualties
Brigade Staff: 2 killed
Twelfth Georgia: 6 killed, 37 wounded, 4 missing
Twenty-Fifth Virginia: 2 killed, 11 wounded, 5 missing
Thirty-First Virginia: 6 killed, 31 killed
Fifty-Second Virginia: 2 wounded, 6 missing
Hansbrough's Battalion: 4 killed, 11 wounded, 13 missing
Lee's Battery: 1 killed
Miller's Battery: 1 killed, 4 wounded
Total: 20 killed, 98 wounded, 28 missing

Brigadier General Robert H. Milroy, US Army, commanding the District of Cheat Mountain notes in his “Record of Events” that “[t]he number of prisoners captured by [the Federal] forces was 26.” This is countered, however, by Colonel Johnson’s assertion that by the date of his report, December 15, 1861, “[m]any of the [Confederate] missing have returned since the day of the battle.”

Other interesting tidbits from the various reports regarding the action at Camp Allegheny:

“December 13, 1861 …This morning our pickets were driven in about 4 a.m. I made preparations to meet the enemy. They appeared in force -- not less than 5,000 men; attacked my right and left. On the right there are no defensive works. On the hill to the left we have hastily thrown up a trench. I have only about 1200 effective men. Four hundred of my men met the enemy on the right flank, and after a severe contest defeated them. On the left, the enemy attacked our intrenchments (sic), but failed to carry them. …[A]fter a contest lasting from 7 a.m. until near 2 p.m., [they were] repulsed with great loss.” -- Colonel Edward Johnson

“December 15, 1861 …From a sergeant captured I learn that Generals Reynolds and Milroy commanded, and that the expedition was based upon information furnished them by five deserters from Hansborough’s battalion, who left here about a week since. Troops were drawn from Beverly, Huttonsville, and Cheat Mountain. All that they could collect were brought up. The right was guided to our position by a traitor from Northwestern Virginia named Shipman, who is quite familiar with this country. The left was guided by a noted guide and traitor, who lived within 3 miles of this place, named Slater. We had timely warning of their approach, but could not ascertain their numbers before they made the attack. Our works had been suspended in consequence of recent orders. None had been erected before we got here.

The enemy were totally routed. I hear from citizens on the line of retreat that they carried numbers of dead and wounded by the houses, and acknowledged that they had been badly whipped. They were heard to accuse their officers of deceiving them, insisting that our numbers were largely superior to their own. They were much demoralized, and I hope they received a good lesson.” –Colonel Edward Johnson

It is the action of the 13th of December, 1861 that causes President Davis to assent “readily and cheerfully” to Secretary of War Benjamin’s suggestion of December 23, 1861 that Johnson “be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general…”

Lieutenant Colonel Z.T. Connor, Twelfth Georgia, gives us in his report of December 17, 1861, a look at the intensity of the fight noting that at “…about sunrise the firing commenced and was continued without intermission for over two hours, the enemy from their greatly superior force disputing most obstinately every inch of ground.”

And a view into the rough terrain is given to us by Major A.G. Reger, Twenty-Fifth Virginia, who, in his report notes that “…the enemy were approaching in force on the Greenriver(sic) road… and after.. some time we were ordered to proceed down the Greenbrier road which was done in good order in double-quick time. When some 200 yards’ down the road we were ordered up the hill by the right flank through a thick blockade. The hill being very steep and difficult to ascend, the men became very much scattered.”

On December 14, 1861, Anson Stager, Superintendent of the Military Telegraph Department reports to the War Department that “General Milroy, with 700 men, met General Johnson, of Georgia, with 2,000, at Alleghany(sic) Camp, West Virginia, yesterday, and after 3 hours’ hard fighting defeated Johnson, with loss 200 killed, including many officers, and 30 prisoners. Johnson burned his camp and retreated to Staunton. Federal loss about 30.” In reality, Johnson writes in his December 15 report that he is “strengthening [the] works” in preparation for further Federal maneuvers against Camp Allegheny.

Excited for July, I remain, &c.,

[nrandolph]

Bob,

Gald to hear you've enlisted Hunter to help. I was interested in putting this together as an event after the Rich Mt. event...it made a very natural connection. I even went so far as to acquire the topo map of the quadrant with the original road marked and e-mailed back and forth regarding possibilities with the National Forest Ranger a couple times. We had discussed it as starting out as a march with our West Virginia state organization during the fall season.

If I can be of any assistance, let me know and I'll give it a shot.

Neil Randolph
1st WV

[mg8814]

Guys,this my first post on here since becomeing a member. I am a member of 26NCT. I have been up to Camp A at least 3 times and I can tell you this it is the most prestine works that I have seen. The reason I was up there is because my GRGR Uncles were there with the 12th Ga,one dying of measles while there. The crumpled chimmeys from the cabins are still there. I thought about my Uncles being there in all that cold not being used to it. They were from deep South Ga and probably never experienced such weather. Hope that I can find a unit to go up for the event as it is very special to me.
Michael Godwin
CoG 26NCT
Carolina Legion

[ley74]

Bob:

Will the march routes be on the pavement of country lanes?

Just curious.

[BobDenton37thVA]

Ley,

Only the first mile will be on a paved stretch; after that it's all dirt/packed fine gravel.

Bob D.

[BobDenton37thVA]

I thought about my Uncles being there in all that cold not being used to it. They were from deep South Ga and probably never experienced such weather. Hope that I can find a unit to go up for the event as it is very special to me.
Michael Godwin
CoG 26NCT
Carolina Legion

Hi Mike,

Yes, in fact there are period accounts of how much many of the the men stationed there hated the weather. They complained about the cool weather and rain during the summer months, and the extreme cold in the winter. Not surprisingly, the soldiers who complained the most were from the Georgia and lowland regiments (even the lowlander Virginians!). In contrast, the soldiers who were themselves from the mountains didn't seem to mind it at all (probably because they were used to that sort of climate). One of the soldiers from the 37th VA that was stationed there (the regiment my CW ancestors were in) expressed the notion that they were "looking forward to spending the winter..." there on top of the mountain. Hard to imagine.

Bob D.

[mg8814]

Bob,your are right about that. Dooly County,Ga is about as low land as you can get here in South Ga.

[jmbyrnes]

Reading the accounts in R.A.T.G of the battles in this location reminded me of the hot Saturday fight after the march during the Port Republic event. However, this time I'm looking forward to being in the fixed position watching the boys in blue bust their hump up and down the mountain side! Also, after reading about how cold it was at Camp Bartow in Nov. and Dec. I'm glad the event is in July.

[mg8814]

How long a march are we looking at? I have been to Camp Bartow and driven up the Turn Pike at least 3 times. Pretty good hike from there to Camp A.

[BobDenton37thVA]

How long a march are we looking at? I have been to Camp Bartow and driven up the Turn Pike at least 3 times. Pretty good hike from there to Camp A.

The total (US) hike from Traveler's Repose (Camp Bartow) to the Federal camp for Saturday night will be approximately 6.4 miles. The march/fight Sunday morning will be an additional 1.06 miles.

The CS troops will be hiking in approximately 2.6 miles from the opposite direction after leaving their Friday night camps. However they will be descending Allegheny at least 2 to 3 miles to meet the Federals as they come up the Pike. Thus, both sides will be doing at least 6+ miles or so on Saturday.

It will be emphasized on the website, but it wouldn't hurt to mention it here; that all participants must be in good physical condition for this event. The Federal march up Allegheny is gradual; but it will still require a good level of stamina. Needless to say, this is no event for someone with heart disease or respiratory problems.

Bob D.

[jmbyrnes]

Bob,

Will there be rations issued for this event like there have been at McDowell events? If so, do you have any idea of what will be on the menu?

[BobDenton37thVA]

Bob,

Will there be rations issued for this event like there have been at McDowell events? If so, do you have any idea of what will be on the menu?

Hi Jared,

No. We want to try and keep our expenses to a minimum so that we can raise as much as possible for the HHS and the McDowell Battlefield Interpretive Center. On this one we've got to ask everyone to shift for themselves. We'll post some helpful guides for food choices on the website, which should be opening in a few days.

Regards,
Bob D.

[BobDenton37thVA]

Reading the accounts in R.A.T.G of the battles in this location reminded me of the hot Saturday fight after the march during the Port Republic event. However, this time I'm looking forward to being in the fixed position watching the boys in blue bust their hump up and down the mountain side! Also, after reading about how cold it was at Camp Bartow in Nov. and Dec. I'm glad the event is in July.

I was up there this weekend, on the anniversary of the original battle, to visit with the principal landowner and experience the place during the same time of year as the old boys.

The temperatures got into the low 40s, with very little wind, so it was actually quite pleasant. But as soon as the sun set, man, did it get cold QUICK!

We got to tour the area we'll be using for the fight on Saturday and Sunday morning. It's wonderful ground, about 0.75 miles from the original battlefield. It lies along the crest of Allegheny, so it's almost indistinguishable from the Top of Allegheny site where the Milroy fight took place (the main battle).

Just so you all understand. We are prohibited from sham battle at the National Forest core battlefield area; and Hunter Lesser has asked us to refrain from fighting on the private land that also saw action. This is really an important aspect to preserving the site and its resources, as we can easily contaminate the area with misplaced flotsam and jetsam (especially used percussion caps). When you see it up close, believe me, you'll understand the merit of protecting this site.

Be that as it may, we want everyone to visit the core area to their heart's content on Sunday; and Hunter L. will be giving a tour of the camp, fort and battlefield at the close of the event. However, be assured that the area we will be doing our camping and fighting in is really an accurate equivalent of the adjacent battlefield and camp, and is at the same altitude with very similar terrain.

Regards,
Bob D.

[pistolpete1863]

Bob

I know its real early still but any idea on numbers? Sounds like its really going to be a good event.

[Kanawha Riflemen]

This is a wonderful site. I've been there a few times touring the area. I have folks that live close by so when I go to visit them, I always try and visit Allegheny, Cheat Summit Fort, Corrick's Ford and Rich Mountain. Lots of cool Civil War sites in the mountains of West Virginia. According to author Stan Cohen, it was one of the highest winter camps during the Civil War at an elevation of 4,250 feet above sea level. Good luck with the event and may it be a success.
__________________________
John A. Miller

"The the order "charge" and at it we go, striking at everything that looks like a man. We seize the battery, it is tumbled over the embankment down the mountain side; then we turn our attention to the foremost end of the train, all the while making more noise than a "pack of wild Indians." Private Jos. Lesage, 1st West Virginia Cavalry at the battle of Monterey Pass.

[BobDenton37thVA]

Bob

I know its real early still but any idea on numbers? Sounds like its really going to be a good event.

No idea yet. If I was asked to guess (and it is strictly a wild guess at this point), I'd say it could range from 300 to possibly a many as 500.

Bob D.

[pistolpete1863]

Bob

I was reading the registration form and noticed that it says "Registration fee is $20.00 per person (includes rations)" but on a post here you said there would not be any rations. Has it been changed to you are giving rations this year?

[BobDenton37thVA]

Eeessh! Boiler-plate errors. Thanks for finding that.

We'll get it fixed.

RD