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Dare Mark Line Tours, Orange, VA (2026)

08/31/2026

Army of the Potomac Provost Marshal has a busy day, in spite of the cold he was fighting.

Diary of BG Marsena Patrick
“Head Quarters, Germantown. . . This evening it is decidedly uncomfortable on account of the cold – I have spent the day in hard office work – Have made out discharges of the 200 Dutchmen who leave tomorrow for New York. . . . The new Orders in relation to Sutlers has given me an increase of labor & confinement. . . . [Chester W.] Sternberg (Lieut. Col. of the 21’) is here tonight and took dinner with us – He says he failed in examination before the Board, for the Colonelcy of a Negro Regiment. . . .”

1. Sparks, David S., ed., Inside Lincoln’s Army: The Diary of Marsena Rudolf Patrick, Provost Marshal General, Army of the Potomac, New York, Thomas Yoseloff, 1964, 284.

08/30/2026

A portion of a letter from a very dissatisfied short term visitor to Culpeper.
Quartermaster Daniel Snyder to his wife. Snyder served in the 11th Virginia Cavalry and was from Clarke County, Virginia. The 11th, along with other cavalry regiments under MG J.E.B. Stuart were aligned across northern Culpeper County, screening the Army of Northern Virginia. The majority of Lee’s army was in Orange County. This letter was penned on August 30 1863.

"Camp near Culpeper C.H.
…It is probable we will move farther off in a day or two as the Grass has given out entirely around Culpeper C.H. Gen’l Stuart sent word up to us to know how the Grass would last & from information I had yesterday I think we will move farther off in a day or two & it may be tomorrow. I do not know where we will go, but suppose the wagons will be sent in the direction of Orange C. H. I would not care how soon they would send us out of this country for it the meanest community I have been yet into. Tuckahoe people I have no use for indeed & as Mrs. Pendleton remarked yesterday “if she ever got home again they would never get her to repeat the visit to Culpeper.”
By late summer 1863, the citizens of Culpeper were fully tired of war and the opposing armies descending into the county. It had been near constant since March 1862. First one, then did the other. Little did they know that the armies would trade positions three more times before the year was out and they would endure the encampment of the Army of the Potomac."

Daniel Snyder letters, Clarke County Historical Society 1995.00412.005, accessed 12/30/14

08/29/2026

The following soldiers were shot for desertion on August 29, 1863. All were from the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, the Corn Exchange Regiment:

Pvt. John Folancy
Pvt. George Kuhne
Pvt. Emil Lai
Pvt. John Rionese
Pvt. Charles Walters

There many accounts and drawings relating to the “Corn Exchange Execution.” Desertions were rife in the Army of the Potomac and soldiers court martialed for the offense were having their sentences reduced to long prison terms. Army of the Potomac commander George Gordon Meade needed to make a statement.

These five men were unknown to the regiment or the army. All were foreigners. Meade had his examples.

From the history of the Second Pennsylvania Reserves, who, incidentally, the day before, presented a magnificent sword to their former Fifth Corps commander, George Gordon Meade.

“The day following the banquet, the ex*****on of five substitute deserters took place in the presence of the Fifth Corps, to which they belonged. The spot chosen was well fitted for the occasion, the troops being drawn up on the slope of a hill from which all could witness it. A death procession, composed of the culprits, a priest, a rabbi, the guard, the firing party, and the band, to the most beautiful and solemn dirges, passed down the line and halted in front of the graves. The prisoners seated themselves upon their coffins, where blindfolded, a short prayer was said, the order, “ready”—“aim”—“fire” given, and the culprits fell back dead. Their graves were filled up and the troops marched back to their camps with their bands playing merry tunes.” [1]

1. Zamonski, Stanley W.ed., Our Campaigns: The Second Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteers, Burd Street Press, Shippensburg, PA, 1995, P 223-224.

Frank Leslie’s Illustrated drawing from authors collection

08/28/2026

Happy Birthday Robert Warren Folsom. Folsom was born in Savannah, GA on this day in 1835. Prior to the start of the war, he was a physician in Wilkerson County, GA.
He was elected Captain of Company B, 14th Georgia Infantry on July 9, 1861.
He was swiftly promoted to Major on August 1, 1861 and Lt. Col a month later.
At Cedar Mountain, Folsom led the 14th Georgia, which was part of BG Edward L. Thomas’s brigade, A. P. Hill’s Light Division. It was Folsom’s 14th Georgia that was separated from the brigade as it advanced to the base of Cedar Mountain. From its new position, Folsom helped anchor the collapsing Confederate center after BG Samuel W. Crawford’s brigade broke through and into the woods, threatening Walker’s brigade along Crittenden Lane.
A.P. Hill, in his after-action report, wrote of Folsom and the 14th Georgia, “The Fourteenth Georgia, under the gallant Colonel Folsom, having become separated from the rest of the brigade by our fugitives, charged the advancing enemy and with brilliant success.” Later in the fight, Hill wrote, “The enemy had now been driven from every part of the field but, made an attempt to retrieve his fortunes by a cavalry charge. Their squadrons, advancing across an open field in front of [BG Lawrence O’Brian] Branch, exposed their flank to him, and, encountering a deadly fire from the Fourteenth Georgia and Thirteenth Virginia, had many saddles emptied and fled in utter disorder.” [1]
The 14th Georgia suffered four killed and 24 wounded in the battle.
Folsom would be promoted to full colonel on October 23, 1862, and would lead his regiment until May 6, 1864, when he was mortally wounded during the battle of the Wilderness. He died in Richmond on May 24, 1864 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery, in the Officers Section, Lot X-33.[2]

Image of Folsom’s headstone from Find-A-Grave.
1. OR, Vol. 12, pt. 2, 216.
2. Allardice, Bruce S., Confederate Colonels: A Biographical Register, Columbia, MO, University of Columbia Press, 2008, 150.

08/28/2026

From the Diary of Lt. Josiah M. Favill, Judge Advocate for BG John Caldwell’s brigade written August 28, 1863. A brief mention of ex*****ons, then Josiah goes into a brief discussion of the flag. Finally, orders to move toward Fredericksburg to support BG Judson Kilpatrick’s division to counter a rumored Confederate gunboat incursion.

“Two more deserters were shot; both men were bounty jumpers and deserved their fate.
One of the beautiful features of a soldier’s life in active service is love engendered for the flag, the symbol of what we fight for. In time it becomes to the regiment a fe**sh, and it would be ashamed of any of its men who would hesitate to go to its rescue, if it was certain death to do so, and I have yet to see a man of that sort. I have frequently seen tears come into a man’s eyes when the flag was waved aloft, and it is pleasant to think that there are at least in the army any number of men whom the Roman axiom, ‘dulcet et decorum est pro patria mourior,” is still applicable.
During the afternoon of this day, orders were received to hold the division in light marching order, with three days’ rations; we hear the enemy has sent a couple gunboats up the Rappahannock, and that Kilpatrick, with his cavalry division, is moving down upon them. We are to march in support in case of emergency. It seems a novel proposition to attack ships with cavalry, but the Dutch fleet in 1794, was actually captured by Hussars of the French Republic, and so perhaps in these modern times we may be permitted to capture gunboats.”[1]

1. Favill, Josiah Marshall, The Diary of a Young Officer: Serving with the Armies of the United States During the War of the Rebellion, Baltimore, MD, Butternut and Blue, 2000, (Originally published in 1909), 256.

08/27/2026

Happy Birthday Joseph Latimer! Latimer was born on this day in 1843 in Prince William County. He attended the Virginia Military Institute and studied under Stonewall Jackson.

Only 17 when the war broke out, Latimer along with many of his fellow VMI cadets, traveled to Richmond to train the recruits swarming into the city. It was the task of this boy to train the men in the art of war. In Latimer’s case, the art of artillery. Latimer’s students would become the Richmond Hampden Artillery.
In the fall of 1861, Latimer was commissioned a First Lieutenant and joined BG Richard Ewell’s Division in the Shenandoah Valley. Demonstrating skills and abilities, he was would eventually command Ewell’s battalion of artillery.
At Wi******er during the Valley Campaign, and at Cedar Mountain he distinguished himself. On August 9, 1862 Latimer, with some of his gunners, raced ahead of his guns to reach the shelf of Cedar Mountain. Taking fuses for the rounds with them, they cut the fuses and were ready to engage as soon as the guns were placed. The position Latimer chose was probably the best position Confederate artillery in the East would enjoy during the war.
Latimer was at his guns on July 2, 1863, on Brenner’s Hill, at Gettysburg when he was struck and mortally wounded during an unequal artillery exchange. Joseph Latimer, not yet 20, would be carried back to Virginia, where he would die in Harrisonburg on August 1. Latimer is buried in Woodbine Cemetery in Harrisonburg.

Photo of Latimer from Find a Grave.

08/27/2026

Happy Birthday James Alexander Walker! Walker was born on this day in 1832 near Mt. Sidney, Augusta County, Virginia. Attended the Virginia Military Academy until dismissed in his senior year by Professor Thomas J. Jackson, with whom he challenged to a dual. Afterwards he worked for the Covington and Ohio Railroad, then attended the University of Virginia where he graduated with a law degree.[1]
At the outbreak of the war, Walker captained the “Pulaski Guard,” eventually becoming company C, 4th Virginia Infantry. Walker was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, 13th Virginia on May 17, 1861. A year later, on April 15, 1862, named colonel of the regiment, succeeding M. G. A. P. Hill.[2]
Walker was in command of the regiment on August 9, 1862, was placed on the left flank of BG Jubal Early’s brigade. The brigade cleared the Federal cavalry from the field and was engaged with BG Henry Prince’s brigade emerging through the corn before them. On their far left, BG Samuel Crawford’s brigade swept around the Confederate right and cleared the woods before them, emerging on Walker’s flank and rear, forcing the regiment back about 200 yards. Rallying, Walker’s men advanced, along with the arriving brigades of MG A. P. Hill, clearing all before them.
Walker was promoted Brigadier General on May 15, 1863 following the Battle of Chancellorsville, taking command of the Stonewall Brigade. By wars end, the commanded a division.
After the war, the resumed law practice and was elected to the House of Delegates in 1871 elected Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia five years later. Fellow Cedar Mountain participants Frederic Holliday and James Field were elected Governor and Attorney General.
Spitting with the democrats during the Grover Cleveland administration, Walker became a Republican and was twice elected to congress.
Walker died in Wytheville, Virginia on October 20, 1901 and is buried there.[3]

Photo of James A. Walker from Find a grave.

1. Warner, Ezra J., Generals in Gray, Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University, 1987, 319.
2. Riggs, David F., 13th Virginia Infantry, Lynchburg, VA, H. E. Howard, Inc., 1988, 146.
3. Warner, Ezra J., Generals in Gray, Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University, 1987, 319.

08/26/2026

Today is National Dog Day!!

In my research on the Battle of Cedar Mountain, I have identified five dogs by name who were present at the battle.

To celebrate National Dog Day, I tell the story of “Ike,” a member of the 107th Pennsylvania Infantry, Duryea’s Brigade, Ricketts’ Division. From the Franklin Repository, Chambersburg, PA, from June 8, 1864.

“A GREAT DOG.—Capt. Rodes, of the Franklin Hall Restaurant, in this place, has a dog who if not a very attractive dog in appearance, yet has a history somewhat remarkable. When Capt. Brand’s (subsequently Captain Rode’s) Company was organized at Camp Slifer, in November. 1861 , one of the members named Mayhew was presented with a young dog, which he named “Ike,” in compliment to one of the comrades. “Ike” was with Mayhew from that period in all the severe and long marches of the company through Virginia. In the battles of Cedar Mountain and Rappahannock Station and Second Bull Run he was in the midst of the company, fearlessly standing by his master. In the last named engagement he was taken prisoner, and the whole company mourned the fate of poor “Ike.” Singularly enough, when months after, the company was marching through Warrenton, “Ike” was recognized on the door step of a fine residence and was at once captured, giving at the same time unmistakable evidence of joy at rejoining his protectors Mayhew had been killed at South Mountain, and “Ike” became the property of the company, and from the circumstance of his master’s death, a greater pet than ever. The last fight “Ike” was in at Fredericksburg, where he stood by the company with his usual undaunted courage and fidelity. He now wears a collar bearing the names of the various engagements he was in, and will find in Captain Rodes a generous protector as long as he lives. Who says “Ike” is not a great dog.”[1]

1. Franklin Repository, Chambersburg, PA, June 8, 1864.

08/26/2026

Today a lengthy and rambling 1862 letter from Warren Freeman to his father. Freeman a private in the 13th Massachusetts Infantry recounts his experiences after departing the Cedar Mountain area and their position on the north side of the Rappahannock in late August as Pope’s army withdrew from Culpeper and the fighting he could observe at Rapphannock Station.

” DEAR FATHER, — You will be perhaps surprised to learn that we are back here, especially as we are under a general who has always been accustomed to look on the backs of the rebels ; but here we are encamped about five miles from the town. We left Cedar Mountain soon after the battle, and marched round the south side of the Rapidan, or Robinson River, I suppose it should be called. It was seven or eight miles: there were graves all along the road where the rebels had buried their dead. We remained here for a day or two, then changed camp to a level field about three miles to the eastward. Here the recruits from Boston joined us, Eddie C. Reed being among them. We remained here one day, then struck our camps on the middle of the afternoon and formed in line, then stacked arms and laid round till eleven o'clock in the night, and then commenced the march ; and after proceeding about a mile we halted and lay in the road the rest of the night — it was too cold to sleep. In the morning we took up the line of march, passing through Culpepper and over the Rappahannock River, making twenty miles, most of the way in quick time — carrying our knapsacks the whole distance; it was very dusty, and gave our raw recruits a foretaste of what is in store for them.
Tuesday, August 26. — I could not finish my letter, as we had to move camps. We marched about three miles in a northerly direction and camped for the night; started back this morning, and, on arriving near the spot we left yesterday, we changed front and marched back again. I suppose the movement of the rebels on our front is the cause of this countermarching.
When we crossed the Rappahannock last Tuesday, we camped about a quarter of a mile from the river. Wednesday I saw Harry and John Webb. They were well, and are expecting to go home soon — have seen enough of soldiering — said they would try and come out to West Cambridge to see you.
Toward night we packed up in a hurry and went at double-quick across the river and took possession of a knoll near the bridge. Mathews’ Battery crossed immediately after the Thirteenth. We threw out two companies of skirmishers on another knoll to the front and right. The Eleventh Pennsylvania crossed after the battery. They took possession of the hill where our skirmishers were; they supported two pieces of the battery, while we supported the other four.
The advance of the rebels could now be seen in the distance. We had the advantage of position, as they would have to advance across an open field to attack us. Two regiments besides the battery were the only troops across the river that night. We sent out four companies of pickets; everything was quiet during the night. The next morning at daylight the rebel artillery opened on our right, and soon after on our right and centre. While the cannonading was going on I received your letter of the 17th; rather a singular time and place to get news from home. But those who brought the letters got frightened and ran across the bridge, taking about half the letters with them; but I was fortunate to secure mine, though it took a long time to read it, as I had to make my manners to the rebel shell and shot as they came along. The rebel batteries were finally silenced. There were four killed and wounded in Mathews’ Battery; and the adjutant of the Eleventh had his horse shot During the day the other two regiments of our brigade crossed the river. At night it was our turn to go on picket duty. Next day we had to dig trenches on one of the knolls. During the day we got twenty-three head of cattle; they got away from the rebels and came toward our lines; we made a rush, and they made a rush — but we got the cattle. Towards night a rain-storm came on, and by the next morning the river had risen to such a degree that we were fearful that the bridge would be carried away, so we all passed to the opposite bank and posted our artillery on the high ground near the river. When the enemy saw we had left the knolls, they advanced to take them, — our artillery played upon them as they advanced to take possession of the first, — and was advancing on the second, when some of our guns that were masked poured a terrible fire of grape and canister into their ranks, killing and wounding large numbers, causing them to break ranks and run in all directions. Some of their shot and pieces of railroad iron came fearfully near to our heads, but we had only one man wounded.
We have been within half a mile of Warrenton, and are now within three or four miles of Waterloo; it seems our luck to visit all places twice. We have not had a chance to send off letters for some time, but our band goes home in the morning and will take letters, I presume. But I must close; this constant marching tires' a fellow so that he does not feel much like writing. I am in good health. Farewell all. WARREN”[1]
1.

08/25/2026

The Army of the Potomac settled into a more stable environment in late July and early August 1863 following the Gettysburg Campaign. Today, a letter from Col. Joshua Chamberlain, a newly commissioned brigade commander, from his “new tent” along the Rappahannock, to his ‘darling’ wife, F***y.

“Head Quarters Brigade
1st Div. 5th Corps
Beverly Ford, VA
Aug 25th 1863
My darling,
How lonely it is! Here I am in a new place – a new tent – new surroundings – new duties – I feel like one making his debut. I have left the noble “20th” having been assigned by Gen. Griffin to the command of this Brigade which he says is a “permancency” for a long time, that is.

This makes me virtually a Brigadier General, but I feel badly to leave the 20th and shall be glad when I can return to it. I have a pleasant staff and shall get routed in a few days.

When I got here my Regts were on Battalion drill. I went down to look at them and if you though there was any noise in the church that Thanksgiving evening you should have been within a mile or two of this uproar and judge of that.

Your spearhead glitters above our battle-torn flag and your big little heart would swell to see it. The Rebs stand and look at it with admiration I dare say; for they are just across the river only a stone’s throw from us and we are all in full view. Right over our heads are a goodly number of Rodman’s Guns, not quite so formidable as those opposite Fredericksburg which you saw, but very good friends and quite as good enemies.

We do not think Lee means to attack, but we are ready for him though our numbers are so reduced.

This evening we had some of the sweet pickles, and it was universally agreed that they were the beau ideal of soldier’s sweet meals. Many thanks went forth to Aunty. But, oh, Fan, the big jar – the square bottle – was smashed into 10,000,000 pieces and the contents! And the spectacle! One side of my valise was mashed into a medley never before seen. A “sweet pickle” surely was there. Buy paper collars, books, clothing (but that will wash) the packages sent to men in the Regt all in the “dye pot.”

I went to call on a certain lady friend two or three times very late in the evening two successive eves and found a certain financial general there and though he was very polite, I could not fail to see that they were waiting for me to go. My opinion is not favorably modified. You will not hear any boasts of conquests over me, I can tell you.
How the rain falls on the tent roof! Like the glorious nights before. Only now you can hear the roar of water at the falls close by and in full night by day. The spot is too lovely for war, and me alone. Do you want to see me? Ah, you little rogue you are glad I am off, I know. When you were peering into the cars with that q***r hat, although it was a familiar face, “By George,” I said, “that is a pretty face a little faded (owing wholly probably to this dim window pane) but mighty bold, I fancy. I’ll just step out and take a look at that girl.” When, lo! I have much to say but will write again soon.

Your own loving one.[1]

Photo of Chamberlain from the Library of Congress.

1. Desjardin, Thomas, ed. “Joshua Chamberlain: A Life in Letters,:” Harrisburg, PA, National Civil War Museum, 2012, 205-206.

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