Reminiscences of the Powhatan Troop of Cavalry in 1861.
By Colonel J. F. Lay.
The Powhatan troop of cavalry was organized about one year before the late war between the States—shortly after the celebrated John Brown raid—and chiefly through the liberality and activity of the late Brigadier-General Philip St. George Cocke, who was elected its first Captain, with John F. Lay, first lieutenant, Charles Old and Thomas G. Skipwith, second and third lieutenants. It was thoroughly and handsomely armed and equipped with everything necessary for active service; composed of the best men of the county, chiefly young men, all splendidly mounted.
Early in 1861 Captain Cocke was commissioned by the State of Virginia as a Brigadier-General. Captain Lay was elected to supply his place—Lieutenants Old and Skipwith promoted each a grade, and John William Menoboy[1] elected to fill the vacancy.
In March, 1861, the services of the troop were tendered to Governor Letcher by Captain Lay. The Governor then declined them, but requested the company to be held in readiness.
In April, 1861, while the company was temporarily encamped at Saint Luther's church in Powhatan county for purposes of instruction in camp and guard duty, the sudden order was received from General Lee to report for active service in Richmond the following day. The members were immediately dispersed to their respective homes for hasty preparation. Some of them, residing at great distances, I was informed, were unable to reach their homes at all. On the next day, Saturday, a prompt and full attendance was had at the rendezvous on the River road or turnpike, about nine miles above Richmond. That evening reported in Richmond, and were quartered in the basement of old Trinity Methodist Episcopal church.
The next morning Sunday, the company was mustered into service by Colonel John B. Baldwin and Major Joe Selden, of Chapultepec fame and memory, and was ordered to march on the following day to the front; but dispatches received that night induced General Lee to change the order and to expedite the movement by taking a special train ordered for us on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad—our point of destination being Culpeper courthouse.
Two incidents in the "mustering in" are worthy of notice. A young son of our worthy townsman, Egbert G. Leigh, barely sixteen
- ↑ Correction per Editorial errata, Vol. VIII, p. 575 (Wikisource contributor note)
