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Dare Mark Line Tours, Orange, VA (2026)

10/23/2026

Sometimes, even the Bureau of Military Information [BMI] gets it wrong. The BMI, integrated into the Army of the Potomac, was the clearing house for collecting, interpreting and reporting intelligence concerning primarily the Army of Northern Virginia and led by former lawyer, Col. George H. Sharpe. Intelligence was collected from intercepted flag communication, deserters, prisoners, newspapers, contrabands and walk-ins among other sources. Famously prior to the Chancellorsville campaign, the work of the BMI was able to create the ANV’s order of battle, with numbers to within 5,000.
Today, the BMI forwarded a report from one of the BMI’s spies who re-entered the lines with a false report that the ANV corps of Richard Ewell were sent to Tennessee. However, another report stated that Ewell did not pass through Richmond, the primary transportation hub in Virginia.
Ewell’s men, of course, did not leave the army and on this date were returning to Culpeper county following the Bristoe Campaign.

“HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 23, 1863 – 6 p. m.
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief:
October 23, 1863—6 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief : The following dispatch, just received from Colonel Sharpe, deputy provost-marshal-general is sent for your information. Colonel Sharpe has been directed to send other agents immediately. KO. G. MEADE, Major-General.
[Inclosure.]
ALEXANDRIA, VA., October 23, [1863. ] General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: Our men returned this morning. The old man says that Ewell’s corps went to Tennessee last Monday. He did not have time to go to the army himself, but yesterday he saw a man from Fredericksburg who had gone up to Culpeper on Monday as claimant to get certificates for damages done to his property and that of citizens around Fredericksburg. These certificates were to come from officers in Ewell’s corps. The claimant returned to Fredericksburg on Tuesday, and said that he was unable to complete his business, because Ewell’s corps had left for Tennessee on Monday. This is the authority, and the old man thinks it straight.
The old man also says that he is quite sure no troops have come to Lee’s army ; that it is reported that the division at Petersburg has gone to re-enforce Bragg, and that the main body of the enemy lies at Culpeper, with some troops thrown over the Rapidan. The people about Fredericksburg report that Lee’s late advance upon Meade’s front has turned out disastrous, and that A. P. Hill is in arrest for the failure.
On the other hand, our men brought with them an Irish refugee from Richmond, who says he left there Wednesday morning, at 7 o'clock ; that up to that time Ewell’s corps had not passed through; that on Saturday evening last, Governor Smith addressed the citizens of Richmond, urging the home companies to go to protect the saltworks. He did not hear where, but very few went; that Mr. Davis returned from Bragg’s army on Monday last, and addressed the citizens the same evening, assuring them of success in the west.
I am writing from Colonel Devereux’s office, and shall return to headquarters-by the 3 o’clock train if I do not hear from you. If you wish the trip made right over again for absolute confirmation, Captain McEntee must send me one or two other men, as the men I have with me have their feet so blistered as to be unable to walk.
GEO. H. SHARPE, Colonel, &c.”[1]

Photo of Sharpe from the Library of Congress.

1. OR, Vol. 29, pt. 2, 370-371.

10/22/2026

Happy Birthday Henry Bohlen. Bohlen was born in Bremen Germany in 1810. He came to America as a youth and made a considerable fortunate as a liquor dealer.
At the start of the war, Bohlen was at the forefront in recruiting the 75th Pennsylvania Infantry. A Philadelphia regiment with a strong German contingent. He became its colonel on September 30, 1861.
Bohlen and the 75th served with MG John Freemont in the Valley. Promoted to brigadier general on April 28, 1862, Bohlen fought well at Cross Keys.
On August 22, 1862, Bohlen led his brigade across Freeman’s Ford, striking the rear of Stonewall Jackson’s column as it crossed Wellford Ford on the Hazel River. He was quickly turned by BG Isaac Trimble’s brigade and forced back. Two other Confederate brigades joined in and Bohlen’s men were routed with 200 casualties. One of the casualties was Bohlen. He died at Freeman’s Ford, attempting to rally his broken men.
When his body was found on the field by the victorious Confederates, he was still wearing the rank of colonel.
Henry Bohlen is the only Federal general officer to die in Culpeper County during the Civil War. Bohlen is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Photo of Henry Bohlen from the Library of Congress.

Sources used:
Warner, Ezra J., Generals in Blue, Louisiana State University Press, Baton Rouge, LA, 1964, 38-39
Welsh, Jack D. M.D., Medical Histories of Union Generals, Kent State University Press, Kent, OH, 1996, 33.

10/22/2026

F. Stanley Russell took some time on October 22, 1863 to write his sister, Miss Annie Russell, updating her on his recent activities and his hopes that father would visit this winter.

“Camp near Brandy Station, Culpepper, Co. Va.
October 22, 1863
Dear Sister,
Your letter dated September 30 was received while marching over the blood stained plains of Manassas...well to be brief, on the evening of the 8th of October, Lee moved boldly forth from his encampment on the South side of the Rapidan in the direction of Madison Court House, after marching two days at the rate of 25 miles per day, we succeeded in flanking Culpepper Court House, where the main body of Meade’s army was encamped, but the foe was not to be caught there, they made a hasty but orderly retreat (taking everything with them) to the north side of the Rappahannock... I hope that Papa will be able to get down this winter. I would rather he would not come until we get into winter quarters. We can give him some accommodations. I want you to send some apples, onions, potatoes and everything you have that is eatable. I am getting very scarce of clothing, have but one pair of drawers and they are nearly worn out, will soon have but one shirt. I am a little unwell at present having caught cold wading the rivers when marching. I think I will be alright in a day or two. I am getting scarce of good writing paper as you can judge from this...

My love to all,
Your brother,
F. Stanley Russell.[1]

1. Carroll, Douglas, M.D., and Harrod, Paul M., The Letters of F. Stanley Russell: The Movement of Company H, Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, Confederate States Army, 1861-1864, Paul M. Harrod Company, Baltimore, MD, 1963, 32-33

10/21/2026

Happy Birthday James Henry Neal. Neal was born on this day in Macon, Georgia. After graduation from the University of Georgia, Neal was a pre-war lawyer in Atlanta.
At the onset of the war, Neal was elected Captain of Company B, 19th Georgia Infantry. He was promoted to major in June 26, 1862.
At Cedar Mountain, Neal led the 19th Georgia, part of BG Edward L. Thomas’s brigade. The regiment suffered four killed and 27 wounded during the battle.
Neal remained with the 19th Georgia for the entire war. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel on January 12, 1863, and Colonel on August 20, 1863. He was killed at Kinston, NC on March 8, 1865, and originally buried on the field. He was later reburied in Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.[1]

Photo of Neal’s grave from Find a Grave.

1. Allardice, Bruce S., Confederate Colonels: A Biographical Register, University of Missouri Press, Columbia, MO, 2008, 288.

10/21/2026

On October 21, ANV Commander Robert E. Lee continued his survey of the Rappahannock River. Yesterday he and Second Corps Commander rode to Kelly’s Ford. Today, they rode to Dr. Wellford home above the Hazel River. The visit brought back pleasant memories of a bygone time for Lee.
Richard Ewell wrote: “21st Rode with Genl Lee to Dr. Wellford’s. The Genl said it was called Farley [--] was formerly occupied by Champ[e] Carter where Lee had spent many happy days in his boyhood. . . . Genl Lee’s mother used to spend much time there. Mrs. Lee was a Miss Carter of Shirley.” [1]

Photo of Farley from Library of Congress.
1. Pfanz, Donald C., The Letters of General Richard S. Ewell: Stonewall’s Successor, Knoxville, TN, University of Tennessee Press, 2012, 247.

10/20/2026

Dr. Spencer G. Welch, 13th South Carolina Volunteers writes to his wife Cordelia following the Bristoe Campaign.

“Camp near Rappahannock River, Culpeper County, Va.
This is the first chance I have had to write to you since we started our autumn campaign. We have succeeded in maneuvering Meade entirely out of Virginia, as you must have already learned. The infantry din not have much fighting to do at any time on the entire trip, but the cavalry fought a large part of the time. Two North Carolina brigades became engaged with the enemy late on afternoon near Bristow Station, and our side got rather the worst of it. It was all due to the miserable management of General Hill or General Heth, or possibly both of them. The next morning the Yankees were gone, as they did not dare give battle to General Lee.
We have had a pretty hard time of it for the last few days on account of so much rain. It made marching extremely disagreeable, but I stood the trip well, and enjoyed the best of health. To-day the weather has cleared and it is bright and pleasant.
We have destroyed the railroad between Manassas and this place, so the Yankees cannot advance by that route again this winter, and I am sure the Army of Virginia will do no more fighting this year. Some part of it is sure to be sent somewhere soon, and our corps might go to Tennessee after resting a few day, or it might possibly be sent to General Bragg.
The part of Virginia through which we have been marched has been totally devastated. It is now nothing by one track of desolation, without a fence or a planted field of any kind. I do not understand how the people exist, yet they do actually continue to live there. They are intensely hostile to the Yankees, and there is certainly no submission in them. If the people at home, who know nothing of the war, but who are always criticizing the bad management of our general, could see their lofty-minded Virginians, who have lost everything but their proud spirit, they surely would hush and try to something for their country.”[1]

1. Welch, Spencer Glascow. A Confederate Surgeon’s Letters to His Wife, Continental Book Company, Marietta, GA, 1954. (Original work published in 1911), 80-82.

10/19/2026

Third Richmond Howitzers was part of the Army of Northern Virginia’s Second Corps Artillery Reserve. Sergeant William Spottswood White was a member of the battery and in the postwar published a pamphlet on the batteries existence. This is White’s account of October 19, 1863, a rainy and miserable day, until the mail arrived.

“About an hour before day we commenced moving towards the river; a cold cheerless rain was falling with sullen determination, as if it would never cease. Rarely have I suffered more since I have been in the army than I did this morning. Wrapping my thin blanket closely around me, I sat doggedly upon my old sorrel, determining to make the best of it. The cold rain trickled down my back and finally stopped in my boots, until they were half filled with water. The day broke, but with it came no glad gleam of sunshine to cheer our drooping spirits; all was desolation without, heaviness within! Finally we crossed the river and, reaching Culpeper Courthouse, went into camp near the village.
On route we met our regimental mail-carrier, and for the first time since we have been on the march have we heard from our friends at home.”[1]

1. White, William S., Contributions To A History of the Richmond Howitzer Battalion: Pamphlet No. 2.: A Diary of War or What I Saw Of It, Richmond, VA, Carlton McCarthy & Co., 1883, 227

10/18/2026

Happy Birthday Charles Sidney Winder! Winder was born on this day in 1829 in Easton, Talbot County, Maryland. He attended and graduated from West Point in 1850.
While traveling to California, near Panama aboard a troops ship ‘San Francisco,’ in 1854, the ship encountered a hurricane. Winder took charge and showed heroic leadership that he was promoted captain in 1855, supposedly the youngest in the army at that time.
Resigning his commission on April 1, 1861, Winder was originally appointed a major in artillery of the regular Confederate army, but obtained a commission as colonel of the 6th South Carolina Infantry. The 6th South Carolina arrived at the Manassas battlefield too late to participate in the July 1861 fight.
Winder was promoted to Brigadier General on March 1, 1862, and given command of the “Stonewall Brigade” following the arrest of BG Richard Garnett. Winder took part in all of Jackson’s Valley Campaign’s fighting and commanded the Stonewall Brigade during the Seven Days fight.
Winder's reputation as a strict disciplinarian did him no good within this division. He was widely resented by both the officers and men under him. In fact, so general was the feeling of animosity toward him, by August 1862 it was widely rumored Winder would be shot by one of his own men in the next battle.
At the beginning of Jackson’s March to Cedar Mountain on August 7, 1862, Winder was debilitated with a sickness, so much that he was unable to march or ride with his men. Winder sent one of his aides, Lt. McHenry Howard to Jackson with the unenviable task of explaining to Stonewall Winders sickness and asking the commanding general where the army was marching. Jackson, with a hint of a smile replied, “Say to General Winder that I am truly sorry he is sick. There will be a battle, but not tomorrow, and I hope he will be up. Tell him the army will march to Barnett’s Ford and he can learn its further direction there.”[1]
Winder arrived at Jackson’s headquarters prior to the battle of Cedar Mountain and Dr. Hunter McGuire recommended Winder not advance with the army and turn over command to his senior subordinate. Winder did not heed McGuire’s advice.
Winder would arrive on the field in time to manage his division at the beginning of the Cedar Mountain fight. However, Winder was distracted with the artillery firing from an area known as the Crittenden Gate, and spent time managing the guns and directing fire, instead of leading his division. It was at this early stage of the fight that Winder was horribly mangled by a shell. “The shell fragment passed through his left arm and side, tearing the flesh from his arm above and below the elbow, and lacerate his left side as far back as his spine.” [2]
Winder would live for a brief time, dying just off the battlefield. He was initially buried in a Mason’s Cemetery south of the town of Orange Courthouse, eventually moved to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. After the war, he was again disinterred and moved to his families cemetery at Wye House outside Easton, Maryland.

Photo of Winder from the Library of Congress.

1. Robertson, James I, Jr. ed., Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend, Macmillan Publishing, New York, 1997, 522.
2. Welsh, Jack D. M.D., Medical Histories of Confederate Generals, Kent State University Press, Kent, OH, 1995, 237.
Other sources used: Warner, Ezra, J., Generals in Gray, Louisiana State University Press, Baton Rouge, LA, 1959.

10/18/2026

Robert E. Lee realized that he could not sustain his army in Prince William and Fauquier counties following the Bristoe Campaign. The land was barren, no food or forage was to be found. So, each division was assigned a section of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad to tear up and remove the rails for use in the Confederacy. While this was happening, the rest of the army retreated into Culpeper. On October 18, Captain Robert Park, 12th Alabama, with his regiment, reached the Rappahannock.

“At 4 o’clock resumed our march, the 12th Alabama in front of the brigade, and company “F” in front of the regiment. Soon passed Bealeton, which the enemy had destroyed by fire. What a cruel sight, chimneys standing as lone sentinels, and ashes around them, indicating reckless wantonness and cowardly vengeance upon helpless women and children. Even war, savage war, should be conducted upon more humane principles. Sword and musket and cannon are more tolerable, more courageous. Fire is the weapon of cowards, of the coarsest and most beastly and stealthy of the inhumane. The place had been a Yankee depot of supplies. Bivouacked near Rappahannock Station, cold and frosty, but slept soundly. The surrounding country is deserted by its former inhabitants. I saw many splendid mansions without an occupied and in very dilapidated conditions. The Yankee generals has used many of them for their headquarters, without any thought of paying from them.” [1]

1. Diary of Captain Robert Emory Park, 12th Alabama Regiment. Southern Historical Society Papers, Vol. XXVI (1898) p21

10/17/2026

Happy Birthday Freeman McGilvery! McGilvery was born on this day 1823 in Prospect, Maine. Prior to the war, McGilvery was a ships master and was in Rio de Janeiro when the war broke out. Returning to Maine, he raised the 6th Maine Battery and was commissioned its Captain.

McGilvery and the 6th Maine Battery’s first action was at Cedar Mountain. He anchored the Federal left throughout the day and his stand against the advancing Confederate brigade of Isaac Trimble facilitated the withdrawal of the defeated Federals. His action helped the retreat from becoming a rout.

McGilvery wrote a letter that was posted in the Maine Farmer on August 28, 1862: “Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the conduct of our men. Our Commanding General said we fought as bravely as men could fight. The most of the fire from the rebel artillery was directed upon us. It was their intention to silence our guns, so as to flank us on the left, as we held the extreme left of the line of battle. We went on the field short of men, many of them being in the hospital sick. Had we had men enough to work our six guns, our loss would have been very heavy. As fast as our men would drop off, others filled their places willingly. We left the field about dark; we were then out of am******on, and nearly every one of us ready to drop from our half day’s work. Besides the artillery fire we had to contend with, there were five regiments of infantry and two companies of sharpshooters in our front, pouring volley after volley into us. Among them were the noted Louisiana Tigers, who made a charge upon our Battery as we were about to leave the field. We retired in perfect order, bringing all our guns with us. Our Captain was not dismounted during the whole engagement; but was in our midst all the time encouraging the men. We had scarcely horses enough left to bring our pieces off the field. Lieut. Morton had his horse shoot from under him.”[1]

McGilvery would become famous for his artillery defence at Gettysburg on July 2. McGilvery discovered a wide and undefended gap in the Union line along the southern end of Cemetery Ridge, north of Little Round Top. McGilvery patched together a line of artillery from various commands to fill the gap. Initially without infantry support, McGilvery's "Plum Run line" of field pieces was instrumental in halting the final Confederate advance toward the Union center.

Promoted to Colonel in September 1863, McGilvery took command of the Army of the Potomac’s reserve artillery and am******on train.

He was slightly wounded in the finger at the Battle of Deep Bottom in August 1864. The wound was not healing properly and the decision to amputate was made. Unfortunately McGilvery was given an overdose of chloroform and died on September 3, 1864.

He is buried in Searsport Maine.

Photo of McGilvery from Find a Grave.

1. Maine Farmer August 28, 1862.

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