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22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry John C. Gardner farmed the land around Gloucester, in King William County, Virginia. He was a common farmer of the Tidewater region, paying little attention to politics and storm brewing around him during the 1860’s. This work is dedicated to: Private John C. Gardner, 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry First Sergeant Walter A. Zakrzewski, U.S.Army S.F. Written by: John (Zak) Zakrzewski great-great-grandson of John C. Gardner, and Son of Walter A. Zakrzewski
The 87th Regiment of Virginia Militia originated in and around King William County. This regiment was called out by a proclamation of the Governor dated July 13, 1861, to rendezvous at West Point, Virginia. The 87th was comprised of farmers, fishermen, shop clerks, ex-solders, and the like. They drilled on sunny Sunday afternoons and had picnics afterwards. The Regiment consisted of Companies C and D of the 87th Virginia Militia plus Companies A and B of the 9th Virginia Militia, forming a Battalion of sorts under the command of Lt. Thomas Grisham which was in service from December 16, 1861, to February 21 1862, when discharged. Company C was commanded by Joseph B. Moore and was know as "Captain Moore's King William Militia." Company D was led by Herman A. Littlepage and served from December 16,1861 to February 21 1862. Remarks on the rolls indicate that 21 members of Company C were transferred to Company G of the 2nd Virginia Artillery on February 5,1862. January 31 1862 began the short career of the 2nd Virginia Artillery. Though it would be inaccurate to say that the 2nd Virginia Artillery had its roots in the 87th. Company G of the 22nd Virginia Battalion did originate with the 87th Militia.
Records of company C in "Captain Moore's King William Militia" show that John C. Gardner (Zak’s great great grandfather) transferred to Company G of the 2nd Virginia Artillery for a twelve-month period which began on January 31,1862. The 2nd Virginia Artillery was then stationed at Gloucester Point, Virginia under Colonel C.A.Crump, in Major General John Bankhead Magruder's Department of the Peninsula.
The 2nd Virginia Artillery was organized in February, 1862. They formed ten, twelve-month companies. Colonel Rober Tanaill, formerly a Captain in the Confederate States Marines, commanded. Co. A - Enlisted January 14, 1862, for one year and was reorganized May 23, 1862, subsequently becoming Company A of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, Captains: Lawson M. Burfoot, Thomas E. Burfoot. Co. B - "The Charlotte & Chesterfield Artillery." recruited from those counties, had enlisted on December 31,1861 for one year and were reorganized May 19, 1862, into Company B of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Captain Armistead W. Baily. Co. C - "The Southside Artillery." or "Chesterfield Artillery," from Chesterfield County, which was organized January 7, 1862. Enlisted for the war's duration on June 3, 1862, and became Captain John W Drewry's Company of Virginia Artillery. Captains: Augustus H. Drewry, James B. Jones, John W. Drewry. Co. D - Enlisted on January 20, 1862 for one year and reorganized May 24, 1862 as Company D of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Captains: James T. Alexander, William G. Jackson. Co. E - Enlisted January 20, 1862 for one year under Captain Samuel F. MeGehee and reorganized May 23, 1862 to become Company E 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. C0. F - "The Lynchburg Rebel Artillery" lynchburg County, enlisted for one year on January 25, 1862, under Captain Samuel W. Hawthorne and reorganized June 5, 1862 to become Captain Corelius Tacitus Allen's Company F of the Virginia Artillery.
Co. G - Enlisted January 23, 1862, for one year under Captain James C. Johnson and reorganized May 31,1862 as Company G 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Remarks on the rolls of the 9th Virginia Militia's Company A form February 28, 1862 show the names of twenty two men "transferred to Captain Johnson's Company on February 5, 1862." Remark on the rolls of the 87th Virginia Militia's Company D show the names of twenty one men "transferred by order of General Magruder to Johnson's Voiunteer Company on February 5, 1862. Co. H - Enlisted February 4, 1862, for one year under Captain William W. Crosby and reorganized May 19, 1862 as Company H Virginia Battalion. Captain: William S. Crosby, John S. Bowles. Co. I - Enlisted February 4, 1862, under Captain F.H.Farrar but evidently broken up during that May, By implementation of the "Conscription Act, The members then reenlisting in other Companies: forty two man ended up in Company G of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Co. K - Enlisted February 7, 1862, for one year under Captain James C. Hane. But disbanded in May of 1862 due to the Conscription Act and assigned to Company A of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Companies:A,B,C,D,E,G, and H of the 2nd Virginia Artillery were reorganized into the 22nd Virginia Battalion on May 31, 1862. Companies C, and F became independent Companies of Artillery, being redesignated as Captain Drewry's Virginia Artillery and Captain Allen's Company of Virginia Artillery, respectively. Private Gardner transferred to Company G of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. His record shows that he was enrolled on June 30, 1862, "for the war." by Captain Powers. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry served in A.P.Hill's Light Division from June 20, 1862, to the end of the war. Commanding this Brigade, up until August of 1863 was John Mercer Brockenbrough: This organization also included the 40th, 47th, and 55th Regiments of Virginia Volunteers and was commonly known as "Brockenbrough's Brigade." Colonel Brockenbrough was born in Richmond County on August 1 of 1830. He had graduated from the Virginia Military Institute during 1850. During June of 1861, Brockenbrough commanded the 40th Virginia Regiment and Cook's Battery at Mathis Point, on the Potomac River. In concert with Colonel George E. Pickett, he was charged with the defense of the Rappahannock.
COLONEL of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry John Mercer Brockenbrough Born August 1,1830 in Richmond County and a farmer there; Graduated from V.M.I. in 1850; married cousin Austina Brockenbrough in 1856 and then Kate Mallory during 1877; Colonel of the 40th Virginia as of May 25,1861 but resigned that position on January 21,1864 because H.H.Walker, A Lieutenant Colonel of the 40th's and the man who Brockenbrough saw as his inferior, and was promoted past Brockenbrough to a Brigadier General's rank. Liveing in Richmond and Norfolk; Died in Richmond on August 24, 1892 and was buried in Richmond’s, Hollywood Cemetery.
John Samuel "Johnson" Bowles Born December 17, 1844 in Goochland County; Captain of Company H 22nd Virginia Battalion from February 4, 1862; Major of 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry from November 18,1862. Was injured by a falling tree during December of 1862. He was wounded in action during May of 1864; Captured (no date) and paroled at Columbia, Virginia on May 8, 1865: Married to Eddie Rutherford. Died on April 11, 1914 in Belzoni, Mississippi.
James C. Johnson Born during 1823 in King William County, and lived at Aylett's Virginia; attended the University of Virginia. Captain of Company G 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry from January 31, 1862; Promoted to Battalion's Lieutenant Colonel on June 16, 1862 and resigned on November 8, 1862.
Edward Poinsett Taloe Born November 3,1831 in King George County; graduated from Virginia Military Institute. In 1851; 5'-101/2" tall; lived in Pittsylvania County; Captain of Co.B 47th Virginia from June 5,1862; Major, 47th Virginia from May 1, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel, 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry from November 20,1862; wounded in action during May 1862; captured at Sayler's Creek; released May 30,1865; died April 23, 1888.
The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry fought in more than forty-two engagements during its service. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry was assigned to Jackson's Corps, Hill's Light Division, having been first placed in Pender's Brigade (2nd Arkansas, 16th North Carolina, 22nd North Carolina, 34th North Carolina, 38th North Carolina). Around the middle of June, the 22nd Battalion was reassigned to Brockenbrough's Brigade, and on June 29th smell powder in line with the 40th, 47th, and the 55th Virginia Regiments at Gaines Mill.Field’s commanded the Brigade in this action. On July 9, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry returned to the vicinity of Richmond. For three weeks, they camped eight miles below the city in relative quiet. But this peace was broken on June 29 when the unit was ordered aboard trains bound for Gordonsville. The Battalion was to follow in the wake of Jackson's Army to the field of Cedar Mountain. The force of A.P.Hill's Light Division helped to turn the tide in the Confederacy's favor at Cedar Mountain and , on August 20, Brokenbrough's Brigade embarked on to Second Manassas Campaign. Early on August 27, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry reach Manassas Junction in time to have a part in the looting of stores and weapons from captured federal trains. On August 29, Brokenbrough's Brigade was involved in its first major fight. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry along with the rest of its brigade and was stationed along an unfinished railroad cut, at the right side of A.P.Hill's divisional line. That morning and afternoon involved in skirmishing with several Yankee brigades. The highlight being a charge made against an Union Battery and its capture. In this action the Battalion faced the brigades of Schurz and Ferrero. Brockenbrough was attacked by Stevens and Kearny, coming away considerably worsted off. On August 30 the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry initially lay in reserve, but sometime between 2:30 and 3:15p.m., The brigade received urgent orders to reinforce the center of the line. The brigade reached this point as the Confederate line broke. But Brockenbrough's men mounted a counter charge which shattered the Federal force. The men of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry rested until September 3. when they marched for Leesburg Va. On September 4, the brigade reached the Potomac. crossing at Whites Ford on the following day. The water was said to have been at least four feet deep and cold.
The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry was in Maryland for the first time of the war. At Williamsport the brigade re-crossed the Potonac to participate in the assault upon Harpers Ferry. General Robert E. Lee's report states that General Jackson ordered "A.P.Hill to turn the enemy's left. General Hill observing a hill on the enemy's extreme left occupied by infantry without artillery and protected only by abates and felled timber. Directed General Pender with his brigade. And those of General Archer and Colonel Brockenbrough to seize the crest. Which was done with slight resistance. In about two hours the Federal garrison consisting of more than eleven thousand men, surrendered. The booty consisted of seventy cannons, two hundred wagons, five hundred horses, and a mountain of ammunition, and weapons. There was also three hundred runaway Negro’s. Leaving A.P.Hill to receive the surrender of the captured Federal troops, and to secure the Federal property. General Jackson took his two other divisions and set out for Sharpsburg. Once A.P.Hill had completed his assigned duties at Harpers Ferry. his division - the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry included, they marched toward the struggle taking place around Sharpsburg, Md.. They were making a torturous trek up and down the foothills of Western Virginia. From October 26 to November 10,1862. it is estimated that the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry had marched 155 miles, averaging 14 miles per day during operations in the counties of Loudon, Faquier, and The Rappahannock. On December 2, 1862, the brigade arrived in Frederickburg Virginia. By December 13,1862 the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry was in line of battle near Hamilton's Crossing. Lt. Walker, with fourteen pieces of artillery, was posted near the right supported by the 40th and the 55th Virginia Regiments of Field's Brigade (now commanded by Brockenbrough). Lane'sbrigade thrown forward in advance of the general line, held the woods which here projected into open ground. Thomas' brigade was stationed behind the interval between Land and Pender. Gregg's brigade was in the rear of that line between Lane and Archer. these two brigades with the 47th Virginia Regiment and the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, constituted Hill's reserves.
Attacked on the front and flank, two regiments of the former brigade, after a brave and obstinate resistance finally gave way. Archer held his 1st Tennessee Volunteers, and with the 5th Alabama Battalion, assisted by the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry along with the 47th Virginia Regiment, continued the struggle until reinforcements arrived.
"The second line came promptly to the support of the first. Lawton's brigade, Trimble's brigade, Early's brigade, and the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and the 47th Virginia Regiment of Colonel J.M.Brockenbrough's command. Were already rushing with impetuous valor to the support of the first line." **Lieutenant General T.J.Jackson** During the winter of 1862, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry camped about fifteen miles from Fredericksburg Virginia. Brockenbrough's brigade fared well during this winter. Using the time to recover from the campaigns of 1862. On March 23,1863, Captain J.L.Powers Assistant Quartermaster of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry received: * 40 pairs of socks @ $1.00 per. pair * 94 pairs of drawers @ $1,25 per. pair * 37 pairs of shoes @ $5.00 per. pair The invoice was signed by Major DeShields of Heth's Divieion at Camp Gregg. On that same day Captain J.L.Powers requested four mules, two sets of wheel harness, and two sets of lead harness. On April 29,1863. Brockesbough's brigade broke camp and marched to Hamilton's Crossing - Surroundings were familiar to the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, as it was the ground that the unit had defended during the battle of Fredericksburg. The men slept on their arms that night. On the 30th, they rebuilt their entrenchments from the past year. That night, the men again slept on their arms, but moved out the next morning with the rest of the brigade bound for a meeting with the Federals at Chancellorsville Virginia. On May 2,1863 General Jackson set his famous flank march into motion. Following narrow roads and encountering thick woods, new spring growth and thick vines which hampered the movement of his men. The march covered twelve miles on this difficult terrain. Around 4:30 p.m., Brockenbrough's brigade formed for an attack. About and hour later the assault began and the enemy was routed. The Confederate advance continuing until nightfall. The gray army eventually halted about one mile from the crossroads know as Chancellorsville, where the Federals had stopped to make their stand.
Both armies dug in for the evening and sporadic firing continued on both sides. During this engagement, General Thomas Jonathan Jackson was wounded in the arm and hand. He was accidentally shot by a Confederate soldiers of the 18th North Carolina . Taken from his horse (little Sorrel) General A.P.Hill held "STONEWALL" and called for a stretcher. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry being near by came running. An officer and four men made a litter, The stricken Jackson was placed upon the litter and carried to safety. He was carried by Captain Lee and Lieutenant Smith each took a handle along with two privates. While this was being done, Union artillery commenced an indiscriminate fire through the woods. The four had no more than adjusted the load when the forest was swept with canister and minie balls. One of the litter-bearers, a Private John C. Johnson of company C 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, was wounded in both arms and fell. The litter bearing General Jackson hitting the ground hard. After some confusion the litter was picked up by an officer of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry (no report of his rank, he was just wearing bars) and once again the group headed toward the road. Again canister swept the area. This time the deadly missiles hit the right rear litter bearer and again the litter went down. The next attempt finally brought the stretcher to the road. General A.P.Hill was wounded sometime later and General Heth was put in charge of the division. Sunday, May 3, 1863 the Brigade formed a line of battle on the right of the Orange Plank Road. The 40th and the 47th Virginia Regiments were right beside the road, and the 55th Virginia along with the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry were left of the road. Brockenbroigh's brigade was supported by the famous "STONEWALL BRIGADE." In the following assault the Stonewall Brigade was repulsed, falling back on Brockenbrough's line. Pender's North Carolinians then tried to take the same portion of the Federal earthworks but met with no success. Colonel Brockenbrough's units then waited for order to rush the entrenched Federals. But through a communications blunder only the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, and the 55th Regiments advanced. " They charged the whole of Hooker's army alone." In the dense undergrowth it was hard to see the sister units and by the time that the 40th and 47th Virginia Regiments caught up, the little brigade faced twenty-nine pieces of artillery. With little hope of success, they charged up a hill and to their surprise drove off the Federal defenders. Chancellorsville was no doubt one of Lee's greatest victories, and it was for the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Numbering no more than 102 men at this time, however the 22nd lost 19 members killed and 23 wounded - its total of 42 being one of the highest unit losses at Chancellorsville. ( Brockenbrough's other losses) 40thVirginia - 14 killed & 73 wounded 47th Virginia - 4 killed & 48 wounded 55th Virginia - 20 killed & 90 wounded With its thin ranks growing thinner, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry would never be the same again. On June 4, 1863 The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry started to march north and at about 2 p.m. on June 26,1863 they entered Pennsylvania. Spirits were high as the men were taking this war to the enemy. Brockenbrough's Brigade numbered no more than "800 muskets" at this time. July 1,1863 had dawned calm and clear but the fog of battle had long since settled on the land as the brigade moved across Willoughby Run, a small stream west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Regrouping on McPherson's Ridge in preparation for an assault upon Stone's Federal Brigade (composed of the 143rd,149th,and 150th Regiments of Pennsylvania Volunteers), the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry’s line stood before a small pond facing the right side of a white-washed barn. The 150th Pennsylvania retreated slowly and suffered heavy losses. Brockenbrough's Brigade pushed Stone’s Federal’s from this field with bitter casualties of its own. Losing 148 men. Brockbrough's Brigade captured two stands of colors in this action. On July 2,1863 Colonel Brockenbrough's Regiments were held in reserve. July 3,1863 is the day most often remembered for "Pickett's Charge" 15000 seasoned veterans in the Army of Northern Virginia, pressed their lines to assault the Union center following one of the greatest cannonades of the war. As the artillery barrage ceased at approximately 3 o'clock, farewells were made and the orders "Forward! Common Time! March!" was given. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and the 40th Virginia Regiment moved out with the rest of the Division. The 47th and the 55th Virginia Regiment's stood fast as Colonel Mayo could not be found. The officers decided to go on without him and had to force their men into a run so as to catch up with the 22nd and 40th. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and the rest of Brockenbrough's Brigade could not have been so awe-inspiring. However after some of the hardest fighting many had ever seen on the first day, the Brigade numbered barely "500 muskets."
The Brigade formed the extreme left flank of the assaulting force. On they marched into an increasing fire. The little Brigade was an inviting target, being the "exposed left flank", and took terrific losses. From the time they came with in cannon range shells plowed up the earth and cut great gaps in the ranks. But still the little Brigade dressed right and moved ahead. Davis' Brigade, on Brockenbrough's right, received almost no fire. Twenty-nine pieces of Artillery were sighted on Brockenbrough's front, but still they pressed on. Passing the burning structures of the Bliss farm and entering rifle range the Brigade halted in a swale for a minute or two to dress its line. This proved to be enough time however to convince some members of the battle line that the front was no place to be - an understandable conclusion after these men had experienced 50% losses at Second Manassas and Chancellorsville. The Brigade was mauled on July 1,1863 and probably should not have been used on the third day of fighting, July 3,1863 especially on the flank.
The battle now raged around the 22nd. After the initial shock of the first Federal fire, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry saw the situation would not improve, but yet they still went on. Around this time, with artillery pounding them from all sides and Union muskets to left front, the 8th Ohio Regiment completed a maneuver which allowed it to charge the left flank of the Brockenbrough's Brigade. This was the last straw and the Brigade began a withdrawal from the field. Colonel Mayo's report says "The difficulties came about simply because of its location. On the extreme left and entirely unsupported, our Brigade was the last to leave the field after the flags of every other Brigades had disappeared."
Colonel Christian of the 55th Virginia wrote that the brigade " advanced a considerable distance beyond General Pettigrew's left." The battle ended on a particularly sour note for the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. More casualties for the men to grieve, more letters for the tired Captains to write home. They still had a long march home still ahead. Spirits could not have been lower as the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry withdrew from Gettysburg on July 4,1863 with the rest of Lee's army. It was raining and the tired men now had to trudge through mud. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry had three members killed and twenty one wounded at Gettysburg.
On July 13,1863 the battered 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry was ordered out for picket duty along with the rest of its Brigade - sporadic skirmishes ensued. The men of Heth,s and Pettigrew,s Brigades were headed for the pontoon bridge at Falling Waters Virginia. Since July 7, 1863 the two Brigades had been the Army of Northern Virginia’s rear guard and rest had been scarce. On July 14, 1863 the Brigade was two miles short of their goal. The men were ordered to form a line of battle with Brockenbrough on the right and Pettigew on the left; No skirmishers were sent out and the men rested on their arms. Sometime around 11 o'clock, the men were roused by rifle fire to their front. A detachment of fifty Federal cavalrymen attacked and were shot down or captured, along with their colors. There were only two Confederate casualties, one being that of General Pettigrew. At noon, the Federals tried again with a larger body of dismounted cavalry and artillery support. They charged directly at Brockenbrough's Brigade but were repelled. General Hill was at this time withdrawing across the river, and Colonel Brockenbrough chose to accompany him. His aide - Waylamd F. Dunaway - was left in charge. The Brigade began to lose ground slowly faced by an advance of the 8th Illinois Cavalry. Another Federal Cavalry unit soon joined this advance, and Dunaway called for a retreat. This retrograde movement was hampered by unfamiliar terrain and mud, however. And many gray soldiers were captured, including Dunaway. Further the 40th, 47th, and the 55th Virginia Regiments lost their colors. Although the men of Brockenbrough's Brigade liked their Brigadier. Brockebrough’s performance at Gettysburg and at Falling Waters led to A.P.Hill passing him over to promote H.H.Walker to brigade command. For this reason and what he described as the poor condition of the brigade. Colonel Brockenbrough resigned on July 27, 1863. He noted that the brigade was poorly fed, sparse in numbers, and lacking in morale. The Colonel position was never again filled. Even though Brockenbrough had his shortcomings, his junior officers did not want him to resign and showed their loyalty by writing to Brockenbrough's superior Colonel Mayosaid, "The brigade was managed with remarkable skill, coolness, and gallantry", they said. Officers respectfully protested Walker's appointment as their commander. Writing that they could "not understand why an inferior--- should be promoted over his superior. Colonel Brockenbrough has gallantly commanded this brigade in every action since Second Manassas. General Walker has never participated in but one engagement. We have no personal objection to General Walker but cannot be silent spectators to this direct insult and gross injustice done on Colonel Brockenbrough."
H.H.Walker had been, Lieutenant Colonel of the 40th Virginia Regiment, Brockenbrough's original command. Henry Harrison Walker was a Virginian by birth, Thirty years of age, and a graduate of West Point's Class of 1853. he spent most of the pre-war years in the West. Henry Harrison Walker died in New Jersey in 1912. After Falling Waters, the brigade moved to Bunker Hill. Va. July 19, 1863 with what was left of Archer,s Brigade was added to H.H.Walkers command. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry spent the next three months performing picket duty. On October 8, 1863 the brigade relieved Davis' brigade on picket duty near Rapidan Station Va.. On October 11, 1863 they left for Culpeper Va. and rested near the Hazel River. The next day, they marched 23 miles to Warrenton and camped outside the town until October 14, 1863. At 5:30 on the morning of the 14th. Heth's entire division was on the move and gathering Federal stragglers on the way as it head-up the Corps. Gen. Hill deployed his men on the road to Bristoe Station but the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and its brigade were not engaged. Close enough to observe the action, one member of the brigade commented on the "bad behavior on the part of the North Carolinians." The next two days found the Battalion tearing up tracks of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Afterwards, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry returned to Culpeper and camped there for the remainder of the month. On November 7, 1863 three days' rations were cooked and the men prepared to meet an advancing Federal force. From this time until the end of the year, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry marched and counter marched around the Fredericksburg area skirmishing frequently. The 40th Virginia was sent away on detached service in the Valley but returned to the brigade by mid-March of 1864. The brigade was then camped at Orange Court House and spirits were high despite that winter's heavy snows. Eighteen inches had fallen during March 22, 1864.
The men drilled and performed camp duties to take their minds off of their troubles. A member of the 47th Virginia wrote, " I will tell you what we drawled this morning - one spoonful of coffee, three spoonfuls of rice, one half pound of beef, one spoonful of salt, two spoonfuls sugar." On April 6, 1864 a member of the 47th was executed. It was described as an "effective scene." On April 21, 1864 still another member of the 47th was shot before the brigade. Regimental drill was scheduled for 11 o'clock on May 4, 1864 but the Federals began crossing the river and by 2 o'clock, the brigade was marching out on the Plank Road.
The 22nd Virginia Battalion slept on their arms during the night of May 4, 1864, at Mine Run. At Dawn, the men marched into what is known as The Wilderness. A line of battle was formed on the Orange Road with Walker's brigade on the right flank. Skirmishers were sent out toward the Brock Road. One of these, a member of the 40th Virginia, emerged from the woods. On May 12,1864 Burnside's Ninth Corps moved to attack Mayo's command, at Heth's Salient. Lane's brigade, on the right of Mayo, observed the enemy's intentions and flanked Burnside, Causing him severe damage. General Early recalled that the enemy "got up within a very short distance of a salient defended by Walker's brigade under Colonel Mayo before he discovered, as there was a pine thicket in front, under cover of which the advance was made. A heavy fire of musketry from Walker's brigade.drove the enemy with heavy losses leaving his dead in front of our works. This affair took place under the eye of General Lee himself." Mayo's men also "took several stands of colors." The following week, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry received a welcome rest. It had lost many good men and the unit had not been re supplied. From May 23, to 27, 1864 the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry threw up earthworks in sizzling heat. Still detached from Hill's Corps. June 2,1864 brought more action around the entrenchment’s which the brigade had put up around Mechanicsville. With Federals to their front. Heth moved his men to the left of Rodes and together, they charged the enemy successfully.Their opponent was Burnside once again and over one hundred prisoners were taken. All this with no protection on the Confederate left flank.
At this time, the remnants of Archer's brigade were classified as part of Walker's and in view of Walker's disability, the 13th Alabama's Colonel Birkett Davenport Fry was put in command. June 4,1864 saw Heth's division rejoin Hill's Corps at Gaines Mill. It was placed on the extreme right flank. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry dug in and rested during the constant skirmishing. On June 12,1864 the Federals left their positions and the Confederate army was again obliged to move in pursuit. On June 19,1864 the 22nd reached Petersburg and began entrenching in a heat that took a heavy toll of its members. The Battalion marched out of the trenches on June 25,1864 bound for the Bermuda Hundred and General Pickett's right. The month of July was spent with the strain of trench life, constant skirmishing, and the heat. On August 1,1864 a member of the 40th Virginia Regiment noted "negroes to our front." During these days, Colonel Mayo was in charge of the brigade. On August 3,1864 two executions were carried out on two deserters from the 40th Virginia Regiment The entire brigade was inspected between August 9, and 13,1864 while the men were still in the front line's trenches. Less than impressed, the inspector stated that Fry's brigade "presented, as it had done at preceding inspections, but with few evidences of discipline." On August 12,1864"one of our long range batteries opened up on a regiment of Federals.who were drilling and completely demoralized the poor devils." A report filed by the Adjutant and Inspector General's Office on August 15,1864 revealed a sad picture of the strength of the brigade. It went on to say that Fry's brigade had "Unsoldiery military bearing, indifferent military appearance, and lax discipline." It was not a very good report, but one must remember that these men were veterans who had marched, fought, and died all over the "seat of war." This was the brigade that had fought hard in almost every major engagement since May of 1862. Supplies had not always been abundant nor had pay. But these veterans had stayed, fought, and died for what they believed in. The Inspector General should have had a little more common sense than to demean the brigade, as morale was low enough. General Archer wanted the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and her sister units transferred to Richmond, and Bushrod Johnson's Tennessee regiments in their place. Archer, who had taken command of Walker's brigade after the consolidation during the summer of 1863, was not in good health. He had been captured at Gettysburg on the first day and exchanged some time in August,1864. He then took command and requested the above transfer on August 28,1864 thinking that Johnson's brigade would welcome the change. Archer thought wrong however, as Johnson's men did not want to loss their identity and a long paper war ensued.
The Virginians, who now numbered only 600, were eventually sent to Richmond. On October 24,1864 General J.J. Archer died, never to see his plan take effect. Some time in August or September of 1864, the 2nd Maryland Battalion was sent to join the Virginians, Tennesseans, and Alabamians. When the Virginians were sent to Richmond ,the 2nd Maryland went with them and the brigade then consisted of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, 40th Virginia Regiment, 47th Virginia Regiment, 55th Virginia Regiment, and the 2nd Maryland Battalion. The months of August and September were sent mostly in the trenches. Ammunition was adequate and food was abundant, but clothing was in poor condition. On September 18,1864 the brigade moved into position around the Pegram Farm, west of Church Road. This area was mostly wilderness and swamp. The brigade maneuvered through an "almost impassable jungle of tangled briars, grape vines, and alder bushes." After a mix-up in orders, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and the rest of its brigade emerged from the woods with no support, and Griffin's Federals unleashed a volley that withered the gray line. The brigade stood their ground, however, and returned fire. A bloody fight ensued, and casualties on both sides were heavy. The Federals called up some artillery, and that "quickly did horrible damage to the Southern boys." A general retreat followed, although it was orderly. The brigade had taken serious casualties. On September 30,1864 the brigade rested at the Davis house. At 3 o'clock p.m. on October 1,1864 the brigade moved to Battery #45, northeast of Church Road. At daybreak the men marched down Squirrel Level Road and halted in an open field just east of the road. Alongside of the brigade was a demoralized North Carolinian brigade which had attacked Fort Bratton, and received a severe beating. It was time for Walker's brigade to go in, and Colonel McCombs got the men ready to go.
Trying to inspire them: he met with little success. The 2nd Maryland Battalion had got caught up in the Tarheel's retreat and was taken out of the fight, without accomplishing anything. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry also had problems. The men of the Battalion had not handled the defeat of the previous afternoon with any semblance of good grace, or morale. When orders came to move out the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry refused to budge. The officers sided with their men, who probably numbered a large company. The 55th Virginia Regiment showed more mettle, but broke early. The 40th and 47th Virginia Regiments, along with the Tennesseans were blasted when they tried to storm the federal works. Losses were heavy and the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry was probably glad it had chosen, what could be described as cowardice over destruction. It must be remembered that these troops were still demoralized from their retreat of only fifteen hours earlier. The units that attacked the Federals broke in confusion and retreated from the field. After these two actions, the brigade camped around the Peebles house. The warm days of summer had passed and November brought another inspection with the by-now familiar label of "Unsoldierly Military bearing." Late in November of 1864, The high officials of the Confederacy reached a decision concerning the consolidated Virginia brigades and it was broken up. On December 7, 1864 the four original Virginia units packed their sparse gear and marched away from the lines during the next day. Conditions for marching could not have been worse. It would rain, then hail, and then snow. The men crossed the Nottoway River, and near Jarratt's Station threw down their blankets for a dismal night of shivering. The next morning the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry marched in the cold rain to Jarratt's Station. The men were suffering acutely. The Federals were not there, having moved off because the weather was so disagreeable. Upon arriving at the station, the brigade found it burnt to the ground. With the lack of shelter they moved on to Susan Court House-- about three miles from Garret’s Station-- and bivouacked. Since the Federalize had left. The men retraced their frozen footsteps toward their camp. They reached their old campsite on December 13,1864 and found their tents gone. After marching 100 miles in six days, they were again without shelter! On the day after Christmas, the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and her sister units marched from the south side of the James River to its north bank. They replaced Bushed Johnson's brigade as supports to the heavy artillery guarding Chains Bluff. Walker's brigade was now so depleted that it had obviously been pulled from front line duty. On January 9,1865 the brigade received the 25th Virginia Battalion-- also known as the City Battalion because it was composed of Richmond men-- and a new commander: General Seth M. Baritone of Fredericksburg. The brigade stayed at Chaffins Bluff throughout the winter. On April 2, 1865 the garrison was given orders to vacate Chaffins Bluff, and the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry 25th Virginia Battalions, the 40th, 47th , & 55th Virginia Regiments, and Crutchfield's Artillery were designated as Custis Lee's division. The artillerymen had no pieces but had been given rifles. The withdrawal of Barton's 1300-man brigade from Chaffins Bluff began about midnight, and the Confederates proved stealthy enough to evade detection by Union pickets. The wagons had been sent ahead for a rendezvous farther along the route of march but the division never saw them again. The April 3, march was tiresome. To complicate matters, refugees from Richmond clogged the line of march. At this time, defense troops from Richmond were added to the division along with an unusual Naval brigade. By early evening the division reached Tomahawk Church to spend the night.
April 4,1865 brought rain and at dawn the march was resumed along the refugee-choked the road. At 4 o'clock p.m., the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry reached the bridge across the Appomattax River. It took some time to go over this bridge, as it was under repair. The Federals were closing in. Two miles from Amelia Court House, the division turned to face the enemy. A hot short fight took place. This was around 9 o'clock p.m. and there was mush confusion. The men then marched throughout that night. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry had received no rations since starting its march four days earlier. Now down to five hundred members due to straggling and desertion,the brigade crossed Saylers Creek at 3 o'clock p.m. on April 6,1865. They marched up the slope beyond the creek to erect breastworks and watched as the enemy closed upon their position. After a brief skirmish, General George Pickett became heavily engaged. The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry and her sister units were posted in the center of Pickett's line with Crutchfield's cannonless artillerymen, and the Naval brigade to their right. Robert Stills' men were on the left. Confident of their superior numbers, the Federals attacked only to be beaten back by the determined Southerners. Stills' men actually charged the retreating "Yankees!" The Federals rallied, however and launched another assault which crushed the Confederate line. The outcome was inevitable. The Confederates were surrounded. The surrender was made. On April 9, 1865 General Robert Edward Lee surrender The Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses Simpson Grant at the home of a Wilbur McLean in Appomattox Court House. In December of 1864, the Confederate Government had ordered the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry to be disbanded and its members distributed to other units. But the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry remained with her sister units to retain its designation despite official notices. The battered Battalion ceased to be a military organization during the late afternoon of April 6,1865. Although the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry was present at the Appomattox surrender, no account exists regarding how many of its members surrendered or just walked off!! The men of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry can stand proud. Their record of valor was unsurpassable, their performance at Peebles Farm not withstanding. These men of King William County were veterans. It’s to their honor and memory that we dedicate so much service.
"NOR SHALL YOUR GLORY BE FORGOT WHILE FAME HER RECORD KEEPS."
22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry
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