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The exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
Texas Confederate Troops
1st Field Battery, Texas Light Artillery (Edgar's Company)
Captain William Edgar in command.Edgar's Battery, recruited in San Antonio, was organized in July, 1861. The unit was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department and participated in numerous conflicts in Louisiana. It was assigned to Waul's Texas Legion from August - April of 1862. General T.N. Waul and Captain Edgar would serve together again as part of Walkers Texas Division . Waul in the first Brigade and Edgar's in the third brigade
Walkers Brigadier General Henry McCulloch had received orders to organize a division under the Trans-Mississippi Department to serve in Texas and Louisiana. The division was formed at Camp Nelson, with four brigades, each with its own battery of light artillery. Edgar's Battery had arrived in camp by September and was placed in the Third Brigade. The brigade commander was General McCulloch, who was relieved by Major General John G. Walker as the division commander in late 1862.
During the Red River Campaign its guns and 4 officers and 45 men were captured. After being exchanged it was placed in the 4th Artillery Battalion and was near Natchitoches when the department surrendered in June, 1865.
The following ,with the exception of the roster is extracted from ;
Edgar's Battery : A profile of a rebel unit .
By D. Michael Cobb, Jr.
The unit originated in early November of 1860 when Captain William Edgar established the company, and became the commander. The unit consisted of a loose band of volunteers from the San Antonio area, which Captain Edgar formed into an independent company. By early February of 1861, this group was called into service by the Texas Committee of Public Safety as a uniformed company consisting of less than fifty men. The Committee of Public Safety quickly moved to utilize the Texas troops in neutralizing the United States garrison dispersed across Texas with an estimated strength of some 2,800 men. The confiscation of Federal supplies and munitions was an important component of the mission bestowed upon the state troops. One important target was the United States Military Headquarters for Texas located in San Antonio.
The Texas commissioners issued orders to Colonel Ben McCulloch to lead a force of Texas volunteers into the city and to seize the federal property. On the afternoon of February 15, 1861, Captain Edgar's company united with McCulloch's troops at the periphery of San Antonio and awaited action. Early the next morning, the armed Texans marched in and occupied the city streets. The outnumbered Federal garrison, commanded by Major General D. E. Twiggs, peacefully surrendered the federal buildings and arsenal to the state troops. On February 18, Twiggs called for the delivery of all possessions of military or federal property to the State Commissioners of Public Safety and ordered the evacuation of all federal garrisons within the state.Following the peaceful victory, the majority of McCulloch's force disbanded and returned to their homes. However, Edgar's company was assigned the duty of guarding the property of the "Arsenal-Alamo & Commissary Depots" by the Public Safety Commission. It was during the fulfillment of this assignment that the battery earned the nickname "Alamo City Guards." The unit continued in this capacity until April 20, 1861, when Colonel Earl Van Dorn called the company into Confederate service under the name of "Edgar's Company 'A', Texas Light Artillery" as an independent company attached to "McCulloch's Regiment of Texas Cavalry" under the command of the Military Department of Texas.The company strength had been reduced to about sixty men, who signed one year enlistments into Confederate service. The battery received an issue of four guns and ample ammunition seized at San Antonio. Two days later Captain Edgar was ordered to lead his unit on a march to Powderhorn.
During this march, the Battery received orders to return to San Antonio and prepare for the disarming of Federal troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Reeve.Edgar and the battery joined the forces commanded by Van Dorn near Castroville. The combined force numbered nearly 1400 men. Late on the night of the 8th of May, Reeve moved his forces to the area near Adam's Hill and San Lucas Springs, fearing an attack by Van Dorn. The Federal forces had dwindled considerably during their marches, down to about 270 men, and were greatly outnumbered by Van Dorn's troops. Yet, Reeve insisted he was not willing to surrender and was prepared to "fight them three to one." Following a series of negotiations, Reeve sent First Lieutenant Zenas Bliss to count the Confederate numbers. After the lieutenant's return, Reeve hastily surrendered his forces.
Following the battery's second successful and peaceful operation, Captain Edgar received orders to prepare the unit for action in northeastern Texas. The battery set up camps along the road between San Antonio and Dewitt county, near the Coleto Creek. At these locations, Captain Edgar began a recruitment campaign, attempting to establish his company strength at one hundred men. Prior to reaching this goal, the battery was ordered to report to the junction of the Ouachita and Red Rivers. Upon arrival, the unit was then ordered to report to Harrisburg, Texas on Buffalo Bayou, by a route passing through Dallas County. Throughout the march, Edgar continued his recruiting attempts, conscripting men from all across the state. The battery reached Harrisburg and remained there until September of 1861. At this point, the battery was ordered to report to Galveston, where Captain Edgar directed the construction of winter quarters.During this time, Captain Edgar began attempts to increase the quality and quantity of supplies and guns for the battery. By October, the battery had six guns (four complete with caissons) and had secured ample horses for the transport of the artillery. Captain Edgar also intensified his recruiting attempts, requesting the appointments of two more officers and advancement for an additional sergeant and two corporals. Galveston Island also served as the location for intensive training of new and old recruits on the science of artillery. Captain Edgar had gained recognition in the Mexican War for his bravery and was regarded as an extremely capable teacher in artillery skills.
Though recruiting efforts continued, the battery continued to exist well under the required number of men into the year 1862. In February, the battery was in the First Brigade of the Texas Volunteer Forces. As plans for his battery were being decided, Captain Edgar began to realize that the numbers of conscripts were not sufficient to ensure its continuance. A further complication arose as the original twelve-month enlistments neared expiration on April 21, 1862. By late March, Captain Edgar's fears were realized as the men of the battery remained reluctant to reenlist. Captain Edgar requested, and was granted, a twenty-day leave of absence in order to return to San Antonio and acquire new recruits. In early April, the battery was ordered to report to Brigadier General T. N. Waul and serve as his Legion's artillery company. The Legion spent some time at Camp Lubbock, but ultimately set up quarters at Camp Waul. At the camp, Edgar began to experience success in the reenlistment of his men by providing furloughs and bounties. The battery was again shifted to another command in the Fall of 1862. Brigadier General Henry McCulloch had received orders to organize a division under the Trans-Mississippi Department to serve in Texas and Louisiana. The division was formed at Camp Nelson, with four brigades, each with its own battery of light artillery. Edgar's Battery had arrived in camp by September and was placed in the Third Brigade. The brigade commander was General McCulloch, who was relieved by Major General John G. Walker as the division commander in late 1862. In November, the division left Camp Nelson and began a difficult march into the area of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Following several marches and countermarches in the Little Rock region, orders were given to move toward the Arkansas Post. At the post, winter camp was established on the west bank of the Arkansas River. The division was forced to endure the cruel "winter in its most savage mood," at this camp, fittingly called "Camp Freeze Out."The division abandoned this camp early in 1863, and moved back into the area of Pine Bluff. At these camps Edgar's Battery enjoyed ample provisions and improved health, things that had been lacking at "Camp Freeze Out." From January to May, the division carried out several expeditions throughout southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, ultimately settling camp near Alexandria. Late in May, the division returned to the vicinity of Monroe by steam transport, with orders to march to Vicksburg. The Third Brigade was ordered to begin marching toward Judge Perkin's Plantation, where federal troops were reported to be camped. The brigade's presence surprised the federal troops, and they hastily abandoned the camp, leaving provisions and clothing behind. The Union force fell back into a line of battle supported by gun-boats on the Mississippi River. General McCulloch ordered Captain Edgar's Battery forward into an open field in range of the gun-boats. However, before the battery could get into position, they were fired upon. The battery quickly returned fire, and a duel ensued that lasted for over an hour. The federal cannon fire was inaccurate and ineffective. Whereas, Edgar's Battery directed convincingly accurate and damaging fire against the federal gun-boats and transports. The federal troops retreated to the transports and withdrew from the area. In this, the battery's first important engagement, it experienced tremendous success. General McCulloch was very pleased and commended the battery as behaving "gallantly" during the battle.
In June, McCulloch's Brigade was ordered to proceed to Millikien's Bend and engage the Union camp. Upon approach, the brigade's scouts were suddenly attacked by the Federal pickets. Edgar's Battery returned fire at nearby gun-boats while the remainder of the division initiated hand-to-hand combat. As firing intensified from the gunboat Choctaw, the brigade was forced to withdraw out of the range of fire. The brigade retreated to Richmond, after suffering significant losses. At Richmond the division reunited and prepared to face the enemy. Captain Edgar was ordered to prepare his artillery with six rounds of ammunition at the side of each gun. The battery concealed itself until the Union soldiers were within one hundred fifty yards. At this point, Captain Edgar ordered the attack. The battery fired with superb swiftness, inflicting great damage to the Union troops. Following this engagement, the division fell back to the town of Delhi to form a stronger line. The division continued various operations and engagements from Delhi until the surrender of Vicksburg in July of 1863. The men of Walker's Division were surprised and angered by the surrender.
The division moved to Monroe in mid -July and then on to Alexandria. During the journey, at Vernon, General McCulloch was relieved as the Third Brigade commander by Colonel George Flourney. The division settled about twenty miles southwest of Alexandria at Camp Green. In late August the division once again picked up camp and began a series of marches and countermarches. On October 17, 1863, Walker's Division united with other Confederate forces, under the command of General Dick Taylor, near the small town of Moundville. About this time, command of the Third Brigade passed to General William R. Scurry, known for his brave leadership at the Battle of Valverde. The brigade's participation was called for in various support actions in the area of Atchafalaya Bayou, including engagements at Grand Coteau, Bayou Boubeau, Carrion Crow and Buzzard's Prairie. In these, and other engagements along the rivers, the battery often dueled with Union gunboats and transports. During the winter movements, the battery suffered much from the poor quality of the roads and unfavorable weather conditions. At many points the battery was left behind until the weather let up and the land became more tolerable. In December the brigade was ordered to set camp at Bayou De Glaize. General Scurry moved his men to the Norwood plantation, a mile north of the camp, and took possession of some abandoned slave cabins. Here, the brigade established winter quarters. The cabins provided accommodations far superior to what the men had been accustomed.Captain Edgar's Battery, along with a company from each regiment of the brigade, was sent to Simmsport to guard the pontoon bridge on the Atchafalaya Bayou. By late December, the entire brigade was moved to Simmsport, based on reports of Union movement. General Scurry ordered the construction of fortifications a short distance from Simmsport at the mouth of Yellow Bayou. In the first few months of 1864, the brigade was inundated with rumors of Union movement toward the bayou. On March 7, General Scurry gave orders to prepare for an advancing Union force, led by General Nathaniel P. Banks. As the federal troops arrived in Simmsport, the Third Brigade prepared for action. However, before an engagement was initiated, General Walker ordered the brigade to fall back and rejoin the division at Marksville. The division, located three miles from Fort De Russy, fought Union advances and engaged in skirmishes all around the fort. However, the fort was overwhelmed by Union advances and surrendered.
The division moved to a campsite within the Piney Woods. From there, a rigorous march was initiated toward Shreveport up the Alexandra & Burr's ferry road. On March 20th, heavy firing was heard about twelve miles from camp, at McNutt's Hill. Reports were received that the Second Louisiana Cavalry was being pushed from their position by Union forces. The weather had turned to pouring rain and sleet making movements extremely challenging. The next day, Captain Edgar was ordered to lead his battery in support of Colonel Vincent, the cavalry commander. The battery was placed in a "strong position near James' store, where it commanded the valley of the Rapides."At this location , the battery spent the entire day engaging the opposing union forces. Orders were sent for the battery and the second Louisiana Cavalry to fall back. However, the courier, Captain Elgee, was captured by Union soldiers, and the orders were never delivered. Captain Edgar, fighting Union aggression and punishing weather, had several men from his battery flee. That night, Union forces, led by General Mower, lodged a surprise attack. The Union soldiers were led by deserters to the rear of the battery on a hidden road ( See Figure 1). The surprise resulted in the capture of Captain Edgar's guns and most of his men. The few men of the battery who managed to escape capture were placed in various positions throughout the brigade.
The soldiers of Edgar's Battery were transported to New Orleans where most of the men were imprisoned. In June of 1864, Union Major General E.R.S. Canby and Confederate General E. Kirby Smith began negotiations on the exchange of prisoners captured in Louisiana. By July, a compromise had been reached and an exchange was ordered. At Red River Landing, on July 22, 1864, all the personnel of Edgar's Battery who were imprisoned at New Orleans were exchanged. Following the exchange, Captain Edgar began the reformation of the battery. Many members who escaped capture had disbanded, or deserted their posts within the brigade. Captain Edgar struggled to maintain the battery and conciliate his men. They continued to serve in various capacities in the Red River area as an unattached unit. In September of 1864, the battery was placed under the command of the Eighth Mounted Artillery Battalion. The battery moved to Natchitoches where winter quarters were established. Early in 1865, the battery began a move back within the Texas borders. As reports of Confederate units surrendering in the east increased, the battery quickly dissolved. At the surrender in Galveston on June 2, 1865, the battery was included in the list of Confederate troops surrendered, though they had long since disbanded.
[ Officers ]
Captain William Edgar : Appointed Feb. 15, 1861Nicholas R Going : Private then Second Lieutenant. Appointed June 6, 1862
W. S. Good : First Lieutenant appointed Feb. 15, 1861. Promoted to Captain and Ordnace Officer
Horace Grace : Second Lieutenant then First Lieutenant .Appointed Feb. 15, 1861
John D. Gumbes or Gumbs : Musician then First Lieutenant. Appointed June 6, 1862
Henry Hall : Corporal then Second Lieutenant. Appointed June 6, 1862
Frederick Luck : Corporal then Second Lieutenant. Appointed Dec. 13, 1861
James M. Ransom or J.M. Rawsan / Rawson : Second Lieutenant then First Lieutenant .Appointed Feb. 15, 1861
J. M. Salter Captain
Newton Squire, Second Lieutenant. Appointed Nov. 4, 1861
[ Roster of Men ]
Abathnot, R.B. Private Private
Abba, L.C. Private Private
Adams, George Private Private
Adams, Jacob Private Private
Adams, Robert Private Private
Allen, A.T. Private Private
Arandell, Alfred Private Private
Arendell, Alfred Private Private
Armstrong, A.J. Private Private
Armstrong, Samuel Private Private
Ashton, Thomas Private Private
Barry, Dennis Private Private
Barton, Phillip Private Private
Bates, James W. Private Private
Bates, Joseph W. Private Private
Beckham, J. M. Sergeant Sergeant
Beets, William Private Private
Berks, Arthur T. Private Private
Bertro, Joseph Private Private
Best, Henry Private Private
Bittner, William Private Private
Bloomer, Jacob Private Private
Blumer, Jacob Private Private
Blummer, Jacob Private Private
Boothe, Patrick Private Private
Bothwell, Edward Sergeant Private
Boyle, William Private Private
Bradley, Cornelius Private Private
Brawley, J. J. Corporal Sergeant
Brown, B. G. Private Private
Brown, Benjamin G. Private Private
Bruger, Leon Private Private
Burks, Arthur T. Private Private
Burnett, John I. H. Private Private
Button, C. E. Private Corporal
Callahan, Michael Corporal Corporal
Callihan, Michael Corporal Corporal
Campton, E. L. Private Private
Carpenter, John Private Private
Carpenter, Thomas Private Private
Carrol, John Private Private
Carter, H. Private Private
Clark, Daniel Private Private
Clark, David Private Private
Clark, Michael Private Private
Clinton, Thomas Private Private
Cochrain, J. Private Private
Cochrane, Jeremiah Private Private
Coffman, Henry P. Private Bugler
Colburn, Jacob Private Private
Collins, Jeremiah Private Private
Corbin, John M. Private Private
Corbitt, William Private Corporal
Cosagrove, Patrick Private Private
Cosgrove, Patrick Private Private
Cosgure, Patrick Private Private
Cragan, Hugh Private Corporal
Cregan, Hugh Private Corporal
Culliton, William Private Private
Cunningham, M. Private Private
Daily, John D. Private Private
Davis, Clement Private Private
Davis, Clemon Private Private
Davis, Thomas R. Private Private
Dawson, J. F. Private Private
Dawson, Joseph Private Private
Dawson, W. W. Private Private
Dawson, William W. Private Private
Day, Nicholas Private Private
Derr, Lewis Private Corporal
Devlin, Larry Private Private
Dirr, Lewis Private Corporal
Dorain, George Private Private
Dorein, George Private Private
Dougherty, Michael Private Private
Downey, Edward Private Private
Doyle, Thomas Private Private
Dremner, James Private Private
Dreouitt, Leo Private Private
Dreoutt, Leo Private Private
Dronett, L. Private Private
Drouett, S. Private Private
Drouitt, Leo Private Private
Drown, William D. Musician Bugler
Drumm, James Private Private
Dugan, Philip Private Private
Dunn, Dennis Private Private
Dyerty, Jacob Private Private
Dykemitz, George Private Private
Dykevitz, Jacob Private Private
Dykewitz, Jacob Private Private
Edgar, James Private Private
Edgar, William Captain Captain
Egerton, William Private Private
Fanning, George R. Bugler Bugler
Fields, Charles Private Private
Fields, Revaud K. Private Sergeant
Fisher, August Private Private
Fitzgerald, Richard Private Artificer
Fitzgerald, Robert Private Artificer
Forrest, John M. Private Private
Forshay, J.M. Private Private
Forshay, John M. Private Private
Forshey, John M. Private Private
Fraidrecason, Seamon Private Private
Francis, William Private Private
Frederickson, Seamon Private Private
Gillmore, James Private Private
Godberry, B. G. Private Private
Godberry, R. G. Private Private
Godbey, B. G. Private Private
Godby, Benjamin G. Private Private
Going, Nicholas R. Private Second Lieutenant
Good, W. S. First Lieutenant First Lieutenant
Grace, Horace Second Lieutenant First Lieutenant
Greathouse, T. H. Private Private
Gumbes, John D. Musician First Lieutenant
Gumbs, J. D. Musician First Lieutenant
Hacklar, Jacob Private Private
Hadley, John Private Private
Hall, Henry Corporal Second Lieutenant
Hall, Henry Private Private
Hall, Thomas Private Private
Hall, Thomas Private Private
Hall, William Private Private
Hannan, Michael Private Private
Hanson, Cornelius Private Sergeant
Harding, Henry Private Sergeant
Harding, Henry Private Private
Harmell, Peter Private Private
Harmell, William Private Private
Harmon, John T. Private Private
Harrell, William Private Corporal
Hatter, I.H. Private Private
Healy, Martin Private Private
Hecklar, Jacob Private Private
Heckler, Jacob Private Private
Henderson, Alexander Private Corporal
Heufey, William Private Corporal
Hollander, William Private Private
Hord, J.R. Private Private
Hord, R.J. Private Private
Hord, R.P. Private Private
Howe, E.B. Private Sergeant
Hungerford, E.C. Private Private
Hunter, John Private Private
James, Isham Private Private
Jarvis, J. Private Private
Jastine, J. W. Private Private
Jemison, Rufus Private Private
Jennison, Rufus Private Private
Johnson, William Private Private
Jones, J. C. Private Private
Jones, J. W. Private Private
Jones, John Private Private
Jones, Joseph Private Private
Jordan, Josul Corporal Corporal
Jourdan, - Corporal Corporal
Justine, J. W. Private Private
Kane, Patrick Private Private
Keenan, Andrew Private Private
Kellar, Thomas Private Private
Keller, Thomas Private Private
Kennedy, David J. P. Private Private
Keorps, B. Private Private
Kerr, Samuel First Sergeant Private
Kew, Samuel First Sergeant Private
King, Lawrence Private Private
King, Philip Private Private
Koch, Christian Private Private
Lee, Harry Private Sergeant
Lee, Henry Private Sergeant
Lenard, Peter Private Private
Leonard, Peter Private Private
Lesher, Joseph Private Private
Loftus, John Private Private
Luck, Frederick Corporal Second Lieutenant
Martin, Michael Private Private
McCanna, James Private Private
McCarthy, Thomas Private
McColgan, George Private Private
McCool, John Private Private
McDaniels, James Private Private
McDaniels, Samuel Private Private
McDonell, G. W. Private Private
McDowell, G. W. Private Private
McEnen, Edward Private Private
McEwen, Edward Private Private
McGill, William Sergeant Sergeant
McGowan, E. G. Private Private
McHood, Robert Private Private
McKeown, E. Private Private
McLouley, James Corporal First Sergeant
McMahan, J. Private Private
McSoley, James Corporal First Sergeant
McSorley, James Corporal First Sergeant
McSouley, James Corporal First Sergeant
McWood, Robert Private Private
Miller, Charles Private Private
Mixon, Jehu Private Private
Montgomery, John B. Private Private
Moore, Henry Private Private
Moore, John Private Private
Morris, Henry Private Private
Murphy, Martin Private Private
Murphy, William Private Private
Musselman, Abner Private Private
Musselman, Abraham Private Private
Mussleman, A. Private Private
Neel, J. Q. Private Private
Neil, R. L. Private Private
Neil, R. Q. Private Private
Neill, J. G. Private Private
Niell, J. Q. Private Private
Noland, Patrick Private Private
Northcut, George E. Private Private
O'Conner, Morris Private Private
Parker, George H. Private Private
Pennel, Benjamin Private Private
Penuel, Andrew Private Private
Phillip, Thomas Private Private
Pickett, Michael Private Private
Pigeot, Jules Private Private
Pigeot, Julius Private Private
Portenn, John Private Private
Pratt, L. A. Private Private
Pryor, F. J. Private Private
Rabbe, Henry Private Private
Ransom, James M. Second Lieutenant First Lieutenant
Rawsan, J. M. Second Lieutenant First Lieutenant
Rawson, J. M. Second Lieutenant First Lieutenant
Ray, William Private Private
Richter, Maurice Private Private
Riechter, Maurice Private Private
Rills, J. N. Private Private
Rine, Edward - - -
Rogan, John Private Corporal
Ross, Joseph Private Artificer
Rossman, Mathew Private Private
Rowe, John Private Private
Ryan, Edward - -
Salter, J. M. Captain Captain
Sanders, Frederick Private Private
Sands, C. J. Private Sergeant
Sands, Charles Private Sergeant
Saw, George H. Private Private
Schnabal, August Private Private
Schraub, Philip Private Private
Scofield, William Private Private
Sheehe, Bryan Private Private
Shelton, James Private Private
Sherrell, Timothy Private Private
Shevel, Timothy Private Private
Shoemaker, Peter Private Private
Smith, A. G. Private Private
Smith, Anthony Private Private
Smith, C. T. Private Private
Smith, Edward W. Private Private
Smith, George W. Private Private
Smith, Joseph Private Private
Smith, Moran Private Private
Smith, William H. Private Private
Spun, John Private Private
Spurr, John Private Private
Squire, Newton Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
Stults, Samuel M. Private Private
Stultz, Samuel M. Private Private
Sumpter, Edward Private Private
Swindle, J. J. Private Private
Toomy, Dennis Private Private
Tournay, Dennis Private Private
Towmay, Dennis Private Private
VanDorp, Edward Private Private
VonKeitzel, Albert Private Private
VonKietzel, Albert Private Private
Wagoner, Martin Private Private
Walker, John Private Private
Walker, Thomas - Private Private
Ward, David Private Private
Ward, William G. Private Private
Warren, E. J. Private Private
Waters, Phillip Private Private
Watters, Phillip Private Private
Weidenaur, Charles Private Private
Weidineur, Charles Private Private
Weir, Alexander Private Private
Welch, James Private Private
Welsh, James Private Private
Whitley, J. W. Farrier Private
Wicker, J. M. Private Private
Williams, Charles Private Private
Williams, Robert Private Private
Williamson, - Private Private
Wilson, Mathew Private Sergeant
Wilson, William H. Sergeant Private
Wiltieu, Herman Private Private
Young, Charles Private Private
Young, Dorsey Private Private
Sources
National Parks Service Soldiers and Sailors system.
National Archives and Records Administration.Handbook of Texas Online
Edgar's Battery : A profile of a rebel unit By D. Michael Cobb, Jr.
Randy's Texas
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The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
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