The Fourth Alabama Painting by Don Troiani

First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac

Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons

Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons

Wickham's Squadron Cavalry

Washington Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry arrived at Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 24 May, 1861, and Hanover Light Dragoons 28 May, 1861. Mustered in Confederate service dated 1 July, 1861. Stationed in the rear between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, 21 July, 1861

CAPTAIN W C WICKHAM
Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons, was assigned to command Wickham's Squadron Cavalry on 20 July, 1861, and was appointed lieutenant colonel, 4th Virginia Cavalry, on 11 September, 1861.

Unlettered Company Hanover Light Dragoons: CAPT. W C WICKHAM
The company was accepted in state service for one year at Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in state service for one year at Camp Ashland, Slash Cottage, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, west of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, by Lieutenant Colonel R S Ewell, cavalry, Provisional Army of Virginia, on 17 May, 1861. The company was assigned to Wickham's Squadron Cavalry on 20 July, 1861, and to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company G, by Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 4 September, 1861. Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons, was appointed lieutenant colonel, 4th Virginia Cavalry, on 11 September, 1861, and First Lieutenant W B Newton, 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company G, was appointed captain, 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company G, on 27 September, 1861.
Unlettered Company Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry: CAPT. E B POWELL
The company was organised at S Catts' Tavern, West End, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 16 March, 1861, and was mustered in state service for one year at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, by Brigadier General/ Colonel P St G Cocke, Virginia Volunteers, on 20 April, 1861. The company was assigned to Wickham's Squadron Cavalry on 20 July, 1861, and to the 6th Virginia Cavalry, Company F, by Special Orders No.276, Paragraph XVI, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 12 September, 1861.

Fourth Virginia Cavalry

Colonel B H Robertson

B H Robertson was appointed colonel, Virginia Volunteers, on 21 August, 1861.

Special Orders No.303, Paragraph III, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 7 September, 1861: Colonel B H Robertson, 4th Virginia Cavalry, was assigned command the 4th Virginia Cavalry by Special Orders No.303, Paragraph III, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 7 September, 1861.

Organisation of 4th Virginia Cavalry, 27 September, 1861: Colonel B H Robertson, Lieutenant Colonel W C Wickham, Major W H Payne; Company A, Prince William Cavalry, Captain W W Thornton (See Scott's Squadron Cavalry); Company B, Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, Captain W B Ball (See Munford's Squadron of Cavalry); Company C, Madison Cavalry/ Invincibles, Captain W Thomas (See Independent Cavalry); Company D, Little Fork Rangers, Captain R S Utterback (See Lay's Squadron of Cavalry); Company E, Powhatan Troop, Captain J F Lay (See Lay's Squadron of Cavalry); Company F, Goochland Light Dragoons, Captain A M Hobson (See Jenifer's Battalion Cavalry); Company G, Hanover Light Dragoons, Captain W B Newton; Company H, Black Horse Troop, Captain R Randolph (See Munford's Squadron Cavalry); Company I, Governor's Mounted Guards, Captain F W Chamberlayne (See Jenifer's Battalion Cavalry)

Note: McKinney's company, under the command of Captain P W McKinney, was accepted in Confederate service for three years/ the war at Buckingham Courthouse, Buckingham County, Virginia, on 10 March, 1862, and was ordered to Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 19 March, 1862. The company was mustered in Confederate service for three years/ the war at Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, by Second Lieutenant W H Porter, infantry, Confederate States Army, on 27 April, 1862, and was stationed at Camp of Instruction/ Lee, Hermitage/New Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, between the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad and Broad Street, two and a quarter miles northwest of Capitol, Capitol Hill, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 17 May, 1862. McKinney's company was assigned to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company K, by Special Orders No.118, Paragraph VI, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 23 May, 1862.

Sources

"The Washington Home Guards, Fairfax County, met on Saturday last, at S. Catts' Tavern, West End, and were fully organised."

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia), 18 March, 1861 - The Washington Home Guards

"The Washington's Home Guards (Horse) of West End, have gone into barracks, at the three story house on Fairfax street, lately occupied by Wm. E. Atwell."

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia), 25 April, 1861

"Headquarters Potomac Division, Alexandria, 27 April, 1861, General Orders, No.4 - The following companies, composing the sixth battalion of Virginia volunteers, under command of Major M. D. Corse, represented by him to have gone on duty on the days herein affixed to their names, are hereby mustered into the service of the State of Virginia, as from those dates respectively, to wit: Captain Morton Mayrye's company of light infantry, from 17th April, 1861. Captain Samuel H. Devaughn's company of light infantry, from 17th April, 1861. Captain Arthur Herbert's company of light infantry, from 17th April, 1861. Captain Delaware Kemper's company of artillery, from 17th April, 1861. Captain Thornton B. Triplett's company of artillery, from 25th April, 1861. Captain Jas. Edw. Towson's company of light infantry, from 25th April, 1861. And the staff of the battalion, to wit: Surgeon J. M. S. McGuire, Quartermaster Wm. B. Richards, Jr., Paymaster John A. Field, Adjutant A. J. Humphreys - from 17 April, 1861. Also, the cavalry companies of Capt. E. B. Powell and Capt. M. D. Ball, both of the county of Fairfax, the former as from 20th April, 1861, the latter as from 25th April, 1861. By order of Gen. P. St. G. Cocke: M. D. Corse, Acting Adjutant General."

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia), 30 April, 1861 - Military affairs

"On Tuesday night two of the Washington's Home Guards, who were stationed at the Aqueduct, near Georgetown, as guards, were fired upon by a party of men, some of whom were mounted, some on foot."

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia), 2 May, 1861 - Guards shot at

"This fine body of horsemen, whose presence has occasionally enlivened our city, is now in the service of the State, under the command of Capt. Williams C. Wickham, at Camp Ashland. The company numbers between 80 and 100 men.."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 13 May, 1861 - Hanover Dragoons, & c.

"Among the troops encamped here are the following companies: Cavalry - Governor's Guard; Chesterfield, Company B; Hanover Troop; Henrico Troop; Amelia Light Dragoons."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 14 May, 1861 - Camp Ashland, Hanover co., Va., 12 May, 1861

"Tuesday evening two companies were transported with their horses and provisions, on the Central Railroad. This evening the Governor's Guard and the Chesterfield Troop will leave in the evening the same way, and to the same destination."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 31 May, 1861 - Camp Ashland, Hanover County, 30 May, 1861

"Col. Ewell, fearing another attack on Sunday morning, made a requisition on Gen. Bonham, at Manassas Station, for more troops, who immediately dispatched the Governor's Mounted Guard, Hanover Troop, Chesterfield and Amelia Troop, and at 7 o'clock on Saturday evening, at review, gave orders for four companies of the First Regiment to prepare to leave immediately."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 7 June, 1861 - Fairfax C. H., 4tn June, 1861

"Four companies of the First Regiment of Virginia Volunteers were at Fairfax Court-House on Monday evening, besides the Warrenton Rifles and five Cavalry Companies, viz.; Ball's, Chesterfield corps; Wickham's, (Hanover,) Prince William, Rappahannock and Black Horse Cavalry, of Fauquier. It was thought probable that Col. Maxcy Gregg's South Carolinians would take the place of the Richmond companies, and permit them to rejoin their Regiment at Manassas Junction."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 19 June, 1861 - Military

Books/ Manuscripts

The Virginia Regimental Histories Series: Second Virginia Cavalry, First Edition, No.990 of 1000, by R J Driver, Jr. & H E Howard

The Virginia Regimental Histories Series: Fourth Virginia Cavalry, Second Edition, by K L Stiles

The Virginia Regimental Histories Series: Sixth Virginia Cavalry, Second Edition, by M Musick

A guide to Virginia military organisations 1861-1865, Revised Second Edition by I A Wallace, Jr.

"At 8 AM we proceeded to take position as picket guard and videttes in a little clump of timber, about three quarters of a mile, directly in front of the Confederate earth-works at Mitchell's Ford. The picket consisted of twelve infantry and three cavalry."

"In crossing an open field, I was, with Lieutenant Timberlake, riding at the head of a detachment, consisting of Captain Wickham's light-horse troop, and Captain E. B. Powell's company of Fairfax cavalry, when a shell was thrown at the head of the column from a rifle piece stationed at the distance not less than two miles, and as, hurrying onward we leaned down upon our horses, the hurtling missile passed a few inches above us, burying itself harmlessly in the soft earth on our left."

"Our regiment had divided in the charge, and our detachment now consisted of Capt. Wickham's cavalry, Capt. E. B. Powell's troop of Fairfax cavalry, the Radford Rangers, Capt. Radford, the whole led by Col. Radford."

Southern history of the great Civil War in the United States, by Edward Alfred Pollard

Manassas to Appomattox: The Civil War memoirs of Pvt. Edgar Warfield, 17th Virginia Infantry

The University memorial: Biographical sketches of alumni of the University of Virginia who fell in the Confederate War, five Volumes in one, by Rev John Lipscomb Johnson, B. A.

Notes

Hanover Light Dragoons

The Hanover Light Dragoons was sationed at Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, on 9 May, 1861.

Organistaion of Hanover Light Dragoons, 9 May, 1861: Captain W C Wickham, First Lieutenant W B Newton, Second Lieutenant B H Bowlee

Camp Ashland, Slash Cottage, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, west of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, 10 May, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons arrived at Camp Ashland, Slash Cottage, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, west of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, on 10 May, 1861.

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons and the Goochland Light Dragoons were stationed at Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, in the evening on 19 May, 1861.

Mustered for one year, Camp Ashland, Slash Cottage, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, west of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, 17 May, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons was mustered in state service for one year at Camp Ashland, Slash Cottage, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, west of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, by Lieutenant Colonel R S Ewell, cavalry, Provisional Army of Virginia, on 17 May, 1861.

Organisation of Harrison's Battalion Cavalry, 27 May, 1861: Major J Harrison, Virginia Volunteers; Goochland Light Dragoons, First Lieutenant G F Harrison; Governor's Mounted Guards, Captain J G Cabell; Hanover Light Dragoons, Captain W C Wickham; Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, Captain W B Ball

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons was assigned to Harrison's Battalion Cavalry, under the command of Major J Harrison, Virginia Volunteers, at Camp Ashland, Slash Cottage, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, west of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.127, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 27 May, 1861 (See Harrison's Battalion Cavalry).

Arrival at Manassas Junction, 29 May, 1861

The Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to proceed by the Virginia Central Railroad to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.127, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, in the evening on 28 May, 1861, dated 27 May, 1861, and was accompanied by the Goochland Light Dragoons. The company arrived by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 29 May, 1861 (See Jenifer's Battalion Cavalry).

Skirmish at Fairfax Courthouse, 1 June, 1861

The Hanover Light Dragoons and the Goochland Light Dragoons, under the command of Major J Harrison, cavalry, Provisional Army of Virginia, were stationed at Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 31 May, 1861.

Skirmish at Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1 June, 1861: The Warrenton Rifles, the Prince William Cavalry, and the Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel R S Ewell, cavalry, Provisional Army of Virginia, were engaged in a skirmish at Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 3 AM on 1 June, 1861.

Troops stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1 June, 1861: Lieutenant Colonel R S Ewell, cavalry, Provisional Army of Virginia; Ex-Governor W Smith, State of Virginia; Warrenton Rifles (90/96), Captain J Q Marr; Prince William Cavalry (62), detachment, Captain W W Thornton; Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards, Captain J S Green

Note: Captain W W Thornton, Prince William Cavalry, was ordered to Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 1 June, 1861 (See the Skirmish at Fairfax Courthouse).

Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1 & 2 June, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons arrived at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 5/6 AM on 1 June, 1861, and was accompanied by the Goochland Light Dragoons. The Hanover Light Dragoons and the Goochland Light Dragoons were stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 2 June, 1861.

Note: The Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B; the Black Horse Troop; the Hanover Light Dragoons, the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry; the Prince William Cavalry; and the Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards were stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 16 June, 1861.

Reconnaissance to Dranesville, 16-18 June, 1861

A detachment of the Hanover Light Dragoons (25), under the command of Captain W B Ball, Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, was ordered on a reconnaissance to Dranesville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 8 AM on 16 June, 1861, and was accompanied by a detachment of the 1st South Carolina Infantry and the Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B. The company arrived at Dranesville via Frying Pan Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 16 June, 1861.

Note: The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A, and a detachment of Company B, under the command of Captain W R Terry, 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A, and two 6 pounder smoothbores of the Alexandria Artillery, under the command of Captain D Kemper, arrived at Frying Pan Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 16 June, 1861.

Organisation of reconnaissance to Dranesville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 16 June, 1861: Colonel M Gregg, 1st South Carolina Infantry; 1st South Carolina Infantry (575), Lieutenant Colonel D H Hamilton, Sr.; Chesterfield Light Dragoons (45), Company B; Hanover Light Dragoons (25), detachment, Captain W B Ball, Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B; 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A (43); Company B (25), detachment, Captain W R Terry, 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A; Alexandria Artillery (34), section, Captain D Kemper & First Lieutenant W D Stuart

Note: The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A, and a detachment of Company B, under the command of Captain W R Terry, 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A, were ordered to the Potomac River, opposite Seneca Creek, Montgomery County, Maryland, in the morning on 17 June, 1861, and were accompanied by Colonel M Gregg, 1st South Carolina Infantry. The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company A, and a detachment of Company B, arrived at Dranesville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 9 AM on 17 June, 1861.

Skirmish at the Alexandria, Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad, a quarter of a mile southeast of Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, detachment, 17 June, 1861: A detachment of the Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on the 17 June, 1861, and arrived via Dranesville and Hunter's Mills, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 4 PM the same day. The detachment was engaged in a skirmish at the Alexandria, Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad, a quarter of a mile southeast of Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 6 PM on 17 June, 1861 (See the Skirmish at Vienna).

Ayr's Hill, northeast of Vienna, to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, detachment, 17-18 June, 1861: A detachment of the Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 17 June, 1861, and arrived via Flint Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 1 AM on 18 June, 1861.

Troops stationed at & in the vicinity of Germantown & Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 23 June, 1861: Brigadier General ML Bonham, Confederate States Army; 1st South Carolina Infantry, Colonel M Gregg; 2nd South Carolina Infantry, Colonel J B Kershaw; 7th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel T G Bacon; 8th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel E B C Cash; Black Horse Troop, Captain W H Payne; Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, Captain W B Ball; Hanover Light Dragoons, Captain W C Wickham; Washington Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain E B Powell; Alexandria Artillery, Captain D Kemper

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons was stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 18 June and 17 July, 1861.

Withdrawal to Mitchell's Ford, 17-18 July, 1861

The Hanover Light Dragoons, under the command of Colonel J B Kershaw, 2nd South Carolina Infantry, was ordered to withdraw to Mitchell's Ford, Virginia,in the morning on 17 July, 1861, and was accompanied by the 2nd South Carolina Infantry, the 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company H, and the Alexandria Artillery. The company arrived at Artillery Hill, west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 17 July, 1861.

Artillery Hill, west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, to Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, 18 July, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, at 12 AM on 18 July, 1861, and arrived in the morning the same day.

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons and the 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company H, under the command of Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons, were stationed stationed northeast of Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 17 July, 1861.

First battle of Manassas, 21 July, 1861

The Hanover Light Dragoons was stationed at the rear between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, under the command of Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Advance to Stone Bridge, on the Bull Run River, 21 July, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons was assigned to Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Companies A,C, G, and I, the Hanover Light Dragoons, and the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, were stationed southeast of Henry Hill, one mile west of the Stone Bridge, on the Bull Run River, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

General pursuit to the Suspension Bridge, on Cub Run, one mile west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Companies A, C, I, and G, the Hanover Light Dragoons, and the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, were ordered on a general pursuit to the Suspension Bridge, on Cub Run, one mile west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

Rear of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, 22 July, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons was stationed at the rear of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 22 July, 1861.

Return of casualties in the Hanover Light Dragoons, Wickham's Squadron, First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, at the battle of first Manassas, 21 July, 1861: Killed 4, total 4

Note: Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, was ordered to concentrate such of his companies as are not specially detached, at a point west of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, by Special Orders No.146, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, dated 22 July, 1861.

Collect abandoned munitions & stores at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 22 July, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to collect abandoned munitions and stores at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, and send to Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, at 8 AM on 22 July, 1861, and was accompanied by the 3rd South Carolina Infantry, the 7th South Carolina Infantry, and a section of the Richmond Howitzer Battalion Artillery, 1st Company. The company arrived at Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the evening the same day.

Mitchell's Ford to Vienna, 23 July, 1861

The Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 12 PM on 23 July, 1861, and arrived at 2 PM the same day.

Centreville to Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, 23-24 July, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.149, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, at 8 PM on 23 July, 1861, and arrived at Camp Gregg/ Victory, at and in the vicinity of Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 24 July, 1861.

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons (70) was stationed at Camp Gregg/ Victory, Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 28 and 30 July and 1 August, 1861.

Organisation of First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, 25 July, 1861: Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army; 2nd South Carolina Infantry, Colonel J B Kershaw; 3rd South Carolina Infantry, Colonel J H Williams; 7th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel T G Bacon; 8th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel E B C Cash; Hanover Light Dragoons, Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons; 30th Virginia Cavalry, Companies A, E, G, & H, Colonel R C W Radford; Boykin (Mounted) Rangers, Captain A H Boykin; Alexandria Artillery, Captain D Kemper

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons was assigned to the First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, by Special Orders No.169, Paragraph III, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 25 July, 1861.

Vienna to Suspension Bridge, 3 August, 1861

The Hanover Light Dragoons was ordered to the Suspension Bridge, on Cub Run, one mile west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.203, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 3 August, 1861.

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons was assigned to the Fifth Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Colonel P St G Cocke, 19th Virginia Infantry, at Camp Suspension Bridge, in the vicinity of the Suspension Bridge, on Cub Run, one mile west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.203, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 3 August, 1861 (See the Fifth Brigade, Army of the Potomac).

Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, & Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 19 & 21 August, 1861: The Hanover Light Dragoons (74) was stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 19 August, 1861, and at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 21 August, 1861.

Note: The Hanover Light Dragoons was assigned to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company G, under the command of Colonel B H Robertson, by Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 4 September, 1861, and was ordered to rendezvous at Sangster's or W Elzey's Crossroads, two miles south of Fairfax station, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 19 September 1861.

Disbanded at Lynchburg, Campbell County, Virginia, 11 April, 1865: The 4th Virginia Cavalry was disbanded at Lynchburg, Campbell County, Virginia, on 11 April, 1865.

Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was organised at S Catts' Tavern, West End, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 16 March, 1861, and was stationed at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 20 April, 1861 (See the Garrison at Alexandria).

Organistaion of Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, 9 May, 1861: Captain E B Powell, First Lieutenant R R Fowle, Second Lieutenant S R Johnston

Mustered for one year, Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 20 April, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was mustered in state service for one year at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, by Brigadier General/ Colonel P St G Cocke, Virginia Volunteers, on 20 April, 1861.

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was assigned to guard duty between Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, and Little Falls, on the Potomac River, Montgomery County, Maryland, between 20 April and 23 May, 1861.

Withdrawal to Springfield, 5-7 May, 1861

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A S Taylor, infantry, Provisional Army of Virginia, was ordered to proceed by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad to Springfield Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 5 May, 1861, and was accompanied by the Alexandria Riflemen, the Warren Rifles, the Mount Vernon Guards, the Prince William Rifles, the Emmett Guards, the Old Dominion Rifles, the Border Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, the Irish Volunteers/ Triplett's Heavy Artillery, and the Alexandria Artillery (See the 17th Virginia Infantry).

Note: The Prince William Rifles, the Emmett Guards, the Irish Volunteers/ Triplett's Heavy Artillery, and the Alexandria Artillery, under the command of Major C Boyle, Virginia Volunteers, were stationed at Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 6 May, 1861.

Camp Taylor, Black Lick Church, on Back Lick Run, north of Springfield, Fairfax County, to Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 7 May, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A S Taylor, infantry, Provisional Army of Virginia, was ordered to proceed by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad to Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 7 May, 1861, and was accompanied by the Alexandria Riflemen, the Warren Rifles, the Mount Vernon Guards, the Old Dominion Rifles, and the Border Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry,

Note: F G Skinner was ordered to proceed by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad to Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 5 May, 1861, and arrived at Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, in the morning on 6 May, 1861. Colonel G H Terrett, Provisional Army of Virginia, arrived by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Springfield Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 6 May, 1861, and G B Cocke, aide de camp to Brigadier General Colonel P St G Cocke, Virginia Volunteers, was ordered to Springfield Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 2 AM on 7 May, 1861 (See the 1st Virginia Infantry).

Disposition of troops, Headquarters, Potomac Department, Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 8 May, 1861: 6th Virginia Battalion Volunteers, Company E, Mount Vernon Guards (100), Captain S H Devaugh; Company G, Old Dominion Rifles (88), Captain A Herbert; Company H, Alexandria Riflemen (69), Captain M Mayre; Alexandria Home Guards (100), Captain J Latouche; Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry (53), Captain E B Powell; Border Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain M D Ball, at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia; Fairfax Rifles (51), Captain W H Dulany, at Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia; Washington Volunteers, Company A (113), Captain C K Sherman; Porter's company (74), Captain J C Porter; Alexandria Artillery (86), Captain D Kemper, at Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia; Richardson Guards, Captain J Welsh, at Madison Courthouse, Madison County, Virginia; Emmett Guards, Captain J E Towsen, Jr.; Irish Volunteers/ Triplett's Heavy Artillery, Captain T Triplett, at Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia; Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards (64), Captain J S Green, at Amissville, Rappahannock County, Virginia; Black Horse Troop, Captain W H Payne, at Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia; Powhatan Troop, Captain J F Lay, en route to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia

Aqueduct Bridge, on the Potomac River, at Georgetown, D. C., detachment (5), 13 May, 1861: A detachment of the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry (5), under the command of Captain E B Powell, was ordered to proceed by the tow path on the Aqueduct Bridge, on the Potomac River, at Georgetown, D. C., on 13 May, 1861.

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was stationed at the southwest end of the Aqueduct Bridge, on the Potomac River, at Georgetown, D. C., at 12 PM on 11 and 12 May, 1861.

Troops stationed at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 23 May, 1861: Colonel G H Terrett, Provisional Army of Virginia; 6th Virginia Battalion Volunteers, Major M D Corse, Provisional Army of Virginia; Company E, Mount Vernon Guuards, Captain S H Devaughn; Company G, Old Dominion Rifles, Captain A Herbert; Company H, Alexandria Riflemen, Captain M Mayre; Unlettered Company, O'Connell Guards, Captain S W Prestman; Unattached Volunteers, Warren Rifles, Captain R H Simpson; Loudoun Guards, Captain G R Head; Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain E B Powell; Border Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain M D Ball

Evacuation of Alexandria, 24 May, 1861

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Colonel G H Terrett, infantry, Provisional Army of Virginia, was stationed at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 24 May, 1861.

Holmes Run, three miles west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 24 May, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was ordered to rendezvous at Lyceum Hall, southwest corner of Washington and Duke Streets, Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 24 May, 1861, and to proceed by Duke Street and the Little River Turnpike to Holmes Run, three miles west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, at 6.50 AM the same day (See the Occupation of Alexandria County).

Note: The Alexandria Riflemen, the Warren Rifles, the Loudoun Guards, the Mount Vernon Guards, the Old Dominion Guards, the O'Connell Guards, the Border Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry were ordered to rendezvous at Lyceum Hall, southwest corner of Washington and Duke Streets, Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 24 May, 1861,

Holmes Run, three miles west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 24 May, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry arrived at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, at 1 PM on 24 May, 1861.

Note: The Border Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry (36) was captured by the 11th New York Infantry, Company A; the 2nd United States Cavalry, Company E; and one 6 pounder and one 12 pounder field howitzer of the 3rd United States Artillery, Light Company E, under the command of Colonel O B Willcox, 1st Michigan Infantry, adjacent to Price, Birch & Co Slave Pens, on Duke Street, between Payne and Fayette Streets, Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, at 7 AM on 24 May, 1861.

Alarm at Fairfax Station, 25 May, 1861

The Fairfax Rifles and the Washington's Mounted Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry were stationed east of Fairfax Station, Farfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 25 May, 1861 (See 17th Virginia Infantry).

Note: The 1st South Carolina Infantry was ordered to support the Fairfax Rifles and the Washington's Mounted Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry at Union Mills Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the evening on 25 May, 1861, and arrived at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, at 7 AM on 26 May, 1861 (See the 1st South Carolina Infantry).

Reconnaissance to Fairfax Courthouse & Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 5-6 June, 1861: Captain J B Davis, 1st South Carolina Infantry, Company I; First Lieutenant C L Boag and Private W Boag, 1st South Carolina Infantry, Company M; Second Lieutenant W C Clyburn, 1st South Carolina Infantry, Company N; Second Lieutenant S R Johnston, Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry; and Quartermaster & Second Sergeant H F Douglass, Alexandria Artillery were ordered on a reconnaissance to Fairfax Courthouse and Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 5 and 6 June, 1861.

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was stationed at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 15 June, 1861.

Centreville to Fairfax Courthouse, 15 june, 1861

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was ordered to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 15 June, 1861.

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry (44) was stationed at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 13 June, 1861, and the Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B; the Black Horse Troop; the Hanover Light Dragoons, the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry; the Prince William Cavalry; and the Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards were stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 16 June, 1861.

Troops stationed at & in the vicinity of Germantown & Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 23 June, 1861: Brigadier General ML Bonham, Confederate States Army; 1st South Carolina Infantry, Colonel M Gregg; 2nd South Carolina Infantry, Colonel J B Kershaw; 7th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel T G Bacon; 8th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel E B C Cash; Black Horse Troop, Captain W H Payne; Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, Captain W B Ball; Hanover Light Dragoons, Captain W C Wickham; Washington Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain E B Powell; Alexandria Artillery, Captain D Kemper

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 15 June and 17 July, 1861.

Withdrawal to Mitchell's Ford, 17-18 July, 1861

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, was ordered to withdraw to Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 17 July, 1861, and was accompanied by the 8th South Carolina Infantry; the 30th Virginia Cavalry, Company E; the Black Horse Troop; and the Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B. The company arrived at the heights east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon the same day.

Heights east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, to Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, 18 July, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was ordered to Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, at 1 AM on 18 July, 1861, and arrived in the morning the same day.

First battle of Manassas, 21 July, 1861

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was stationed at the rear between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, under the command of Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Advance to Stone Bridge, on the Bull Run River, 21 July, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was assigned to Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Companies A,C, G, and I, the Hanover Light Dragoons, and the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, were stationed southeast of Henry Hill, one mile west of the Stone Bridge, on the Bull Run River, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

General pursuit towards the Suspension Bridge, on Cub Run, one mile west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The 30th Virginia Cavalry, Companies A, C, I, and G, the Hanover Light Dragoons, and the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, were ordered on a general pursuit towards the Suspension Bridge, on Cub Run, one mile west of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

Rear of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, 22 July, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was stationed at the rear of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 22 July, 1861.

Return of casualties in the Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Wickham's Squadron, First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, at the battle of first Manassas, 21 July, 1861: Wounded 2, total 2

Note: Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, was ordered to concentrate such of his companies as are not specially detached, at a point west of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, by Special Orders No.146, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, dated 22 July, 1861.

Mitchell's Ford to Vienna, 23 July, 1861

The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was ordered to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 12 PM on 23 July, 1861, and arrived at 2 PM the same day.

Centreville to Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, 23-24 July, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was ordered to Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.149, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, at 8 PM on 23 July, 1861, and arrived at Camp Gregg/ Victory, at and in the vicinity of Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 24 July, 1861.

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry (41) was stationed at Camp Gregg/ Victory, at and in the vicinity of Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 28 July, 1861; (44) on 3 August, 1861; and (46) on 6 August, 1861.

Organisation of First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, 25 July, 1861: Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army; 2nd South Carolina Infantry, Colonel J B Kershaw; 3rd South Carolina Infantry, Colonel J H Williams; 7th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel T G Bacon; 8th South Carolina Infantry, Colonel E B C Cash; Hanover Light Dragoons, Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry, Captain W C Wickham, Hanover Light Dragoons; 30th Virginia Cavalry, Companies A, E, G, & H, Colonel R C W Radford; Boykin (Mounted) Rangers, Captain A H Boykin; Alexandria Artillery, Captain D Kemper

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was assigned to the First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Colonel R C W Radford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, by Special Orders No.169, Paragraph III, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 25 July, 1861, and was stationed at W Farr's Crossroads, one and a quarter miles south of Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 28 September, 1861.

Special Orders No.327, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 15 September, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was ordered to report to Colonel B H Robertson, 4th Virginia Cavalry, at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.327, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 15 September, 1861.

Note: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was assigned to the 6th Virginia Cavalry, Company F, under the command of Colonel C W Field, by Special Orders No.276, Paragraph XVI, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 12 September, 1861, and was stationed at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 15 October, 1861.

Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 16 October, 1861: The Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry was stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 16 October, 1861.

Disbanded at Lynchburg, Campbell County, Virginia, 11 April, 1865: The 6th Virginia Cavalry was disbanded at Lynchburg, Campbell County, Virginia, on 11 April, 1865.

Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army, First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, 23 April, 1861: M L Bonham was appointed major general, South Carolina Volunteers, by General Orders No.10, Headquarters, Provisional Forces, Charleston, Charleston District, South Carolina, on 5 March, 1861, dated 23 February, 1861, and was assigned to command the troops stationed at Morris Island, Charleston District, South Carolina, by General Orders No.6, Headquarters, Division South Carolina Volunteers, Morris Island, Charleston District, South Carolina, on 14 April, 1861. Major General M L Bonham, South Carolina Volunteers, was relieved by General Orders No.27, Headquarters, Provisional Army of South Carolina, Charleston, Charleston District, South Carolina, on 21 April, 1861, and was appointed brigadier general, Confederate States Army, on 23 April, 1861. He arrived by the Richmond & Petersburg Railroad at Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, at 6 PM on 24 April, 1861, and was accompanied by the 1st South Carolina Infantry, Companies A, B, C, E, H, I, K, and L. Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army, was assigned to command the Department of Alexandria and set up headquarters at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.95, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 21 May, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the Virginia Central Railroad to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 22 May, 1861. He was accompanied by the 1st South Carolina Infantry and arrived by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 23 May, 1861. Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army, was assigned to command the the troops stationed at Fairfax County, Virginia, and the 2nd South Carolina Infantry by Special Orders No. 1 and General Orders No.9, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 4 June, 1861, and arrived at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 9 June, 1861. He was assigned to command the First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, by General Orders No.20, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 20 June, 1861, and was reappointed brigadier general, Confederate States Army, on 21 October, 1861, dated 14 July, 1861.

Note: Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army, assumed command of the Department of Alexandria at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 2 June, 1861.

The 4th Virginia Cavalry and the 6th Virginia Cavalry were assigned to the Third Brigade, First Division, Potomac District, Department of Northern Virginia, under the command of Brigadier General J E B Stuart, Confederate States Army, General Orders No.18, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 22 October, 1861.

Reports

OFFICIAL REPORT No.86: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), pp518-521
Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army, First Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, dated Camp Gregg, in the vicinity of Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1 August, 1861