Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac

Lays's Squadron Cavalry

Powhatan Troop arrived at Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 9 May, 1861; Wise Troop 15 June, 1861; and Little Fork Rangers 5 July, 1861. Mustered in Confederate service for one year dated 1 July, 1861. Stationed at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861

CAPTAIN J F LAY

Unlettered Company Powhatan Troop: CAPT. J F LAY
The company was accepted in state service for one year at Powhatan Courthouse, Powhatan County, Virginia, on 25 April, 1861, and was mustered in state service for one year at Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, by Colonel & Inspector General J B Baldwin, Virginia Volunteers, and Lieutenant Colonel & Assistant Adjutant General J Selden, infantry, Provisional Army of Virginia, in the morning on 28 April, 1861. The company was assigned to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company E, by Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 4 September, 1861.
Unlettered Company Little Fork Rangers: CAPT. R E UTTERBACK
The Little Fork Rangers was accepted in state service for one year at Oakshade, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 25 May, 1861, and was mustered in state service for one year at Camp Henry, C George's, northwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, by Major F J Skinner, Virginia Volunteers, on 27 May, 1861. The company was assigned to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company D, by Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 4 September, 1861, on 4 September, 1861 (See the 1st Virginia Infantry).
Unlettered Company Wise Dragoons: CAPT. J A ADAMS
The company was accepted in state service for one year at Salem, Fauquier County, Virginia, on 24 April, 1861, and was mustered in state service for one year at Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, by Major & Inspector General W H Ker, Virginia Volunteers, on 27 April, 1861. The company was assigned to Seventh Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Colonel N G Evans, cavalry, Confederate States Army, at Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.229, Headquarters, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 14 August, 1861, and to the 6th Virginia Cavalry, Company H, by Special Orders No.276, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 12 September, 1861.

Headquarters, Department of Alexandria/ Army of the Potomac, 9 June-3 August, 1861

Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army

Powhatan Troop: CAPT. J F LAY
The company was assigned to Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.14, Paragraph II, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 9 June and 3 August, 1861, dated 9 June, 1861.
Albemarle Light Dragoons/30th Virginia Cavalry, Company K: CAPT. E Davis
The company was assigned to Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.14, Paragraph II, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 9 and 15 June, 1861, dated 9 June, 1861 (See Scott's Squadron Cavalry).
Wise Troop: CAPT. J A Adams
The company was ordered at or in the vicinity of W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.46 1/2, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 18 June and 14 August, 1861, dated 18 June, 1861.
Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards: CAPT. J S Green
The company was assigned to Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, by Special Orders No.64, Paragraph VI, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 24 June and 14 July, 1861, dated 24 June, 1861.
Little Fork Rangers: CAPT. R E Utterbuck
The company was assigned to Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, by Special Orders No.93, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 6 July and 3 August, 1861, dated 6 July, 1861.

Note: Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, was assigned to command the cavalry stationed at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.64, Paragraph VI, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 14 July, 1861.

Sources

"The military spirit of Culpeper is fairly aroused, and almost every train bears away some of her gallant sons to join their companions in arms at Harper's Ferry. A cavalry company, the Little Fork Rangers, have been drilling here for some days past, getting ready to be called into active service."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 27 April, 1861 - Culpeper County

"Fellow citizens: As a private in the Powhatan Troop of Cavalry, in obedience to military orders, I am at my post here with my companions in arms, performing the duties and pursuing the routine of camp life, ready to meet the first invading foot that attempts to desecrate Virginia's soil."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 7 May, 1861 - Headquarters of the Potomac District, Culpeper, C. H., 7 May, 1861

"The Wise Dragoons, of Fauquier, (Capt. John A. Adams), have been quartered here for nearly three weeks."

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia), 20 May, 1861 - Occoquan, Va., 15 May, 1861

"The Wise Dragoons, Captain Adams' company, from Fairfax county, who have been stationed near Occoquan, voted unanimously for secession."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 27 May, 1861

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 28 May, 1861 - Affairs in Culpeper, Mitchell's Station, Culpeper County, 25 May, 1861

"Capt. Browning's company of cavalry, the Orange Rangers, is now encamped here, ready to be mustered into service. It would be difficult to find a body of men of more physical power and endurance - of more will, determination and energy."

Richmond Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia), 8 June, 1861 - Orange Courthouse, 6 June, 1861

Books/ Manuscripts

"On 19-20 April 1861, twenty-nine unit members and citizens of the Little Fork area subscribed cash to purchase cloth for new uniforms more suited to battle. Grey cloth, made at the Schwarz Woolen Mills at Waterloo, a ford on the Hedgeman River, was purchased with subscribed funds and the ladies in and around the village of Jeffersonton sewed the uniforms which were worn at Manassas."

The Little Fork Rangers: A sketch of Company D, Fourth Virginia Cavalry, by Woodford B Hackley

Reminiscences of the Powhatan Troop of Cavalry in 1861: Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume VIII, January-December, 1880, pp418-426, by Colonel J F Lay, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 22 July, 1880

Military Collector & Historians, Volume 64 No.3: The Little Fork Rangers at the skirmish of Blackburn's Ford and the first battle of Manassas, by J Robert Hughes

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

Supplement to the Official Records: Part II, Record of Events, Volume 69, Serial No.81: Record of events for Fourth Virginia Cavalry, April 1861-November 1864, edited by James B Hewett

The years of anguish, Fauquier County, Virginia, 1861-1865: Collected and compiled for the Fauquier County Civil War Centennial Committee, by Emily G Ramey and John K Gott

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

Notes

Little Fork Rangers

The Little Fork Rangers was stationed at Oakshade, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 25 May, 1861, and at Jeffersonton, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 25 May, 1861.

Organistaion of Little Fork Rangers, 25 May, 1861: Captain R E Utterback, First Lieutenant W A Hill, Second Lieutenant G T Freeman

Oakshade to Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 27 May, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers (54) arrived at Freeman's, two and a half miles west of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 27 May, 1861.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers was ordered to Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, by Colonel P St G Cocke, Provisional Army of Virginia, on 27 May, 1861 (See the 19th Virginia Infantry).

Mustered for one year, Camp Henry, C George's, northwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 27 May, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was mustered in state service for one year at Camp Henry, C George's, northwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, by Major F G Skinner, Virginia Volunteers, on 27 May, 1861 (See the 1st Virginia Infantry).

General Orders No.25, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 8 June, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was assigned to the Confederate States by General Orders No.25, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 8 June, 1861, and was accepted in Confederate service on 1 July, 1861.

Special Orders No.49, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 19 June, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was assigned to guard duty at the bridge on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad and Rappahannock River, half a mile east of Rappahannock Station, Rappahannock County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.49, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 19 June, 1861.

Note: A detachment of the Orange Rangers was stationed at the bridge on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad and Rappahannock River, half a mile east of Rappahannock Station, Rappahannock County, Virginia, on 27 June, 1861 (See Jenifer's Battalion Cavalry).

Arrival at Manassas Junction, 5 July, 1861

The Little Fork Rangers (57) was ordered to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 3 July, 1861, and was stationed at Jeffersonton, Culpeper County, Virginia, in the morning on 4 July, 1861. The company arrived at New Baltimore, Fauquier County, in the evening the same day and and at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 5 July, 1861.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers was stationed 400 yards west of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 5 July, 1861.

Special Orders No.93, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 6 July, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was assigned to Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, and ordered to J Hooe's farm, half a mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.93, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 6 July, 1861.

Skirmish at Blackburn's Ford, 18 July, 1861

The Little Fork Rangers and the Powhatan Troop, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, were stationed 400 yards west of McLean's farm, one mile southwest of McLean's Ford, on the Bull Run River, during the skirmish at Blackburn's Ford, on the Bull Run River, on 18 July, 1861, and was assigned to Brigadier General J Longstreet, Confederate States Army, at Blackburn's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the afternoon the same day.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers and the Powhatan Troop, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, were assigned as bodyguards and couriers to Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army, during the skirmish at Blackburn's Ford, on the Bull Run River, on 18 July, 1861.

J Hooe's farm, half a mile east of Manassas Junction, to W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 20 July, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was ordered to the W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the evening on 20 July, 1861.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers was stationed at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

First battle of Manassas, 21 July, 1861

The Little Fork Rangers, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, was assigned as bodyguards and couriers to Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army, and stationed at the rear of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers was assigned to Lieutenant Colonel T T Munford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, stationed in the rear between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 21 July, 1861 (See Munford's Squadron Cavalry).

General pursuit towards Sudley Ford, on the Bull Run River, northeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers and the Powhatan Troop, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, were ordered to Sudley Ford, on the Bull Run River, northeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was stationed at J Hooe's farm, half a mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the evening on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers (61) was stationed at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 21 July and 23 August, 1861.

Special Orders No.203, Paragraph II, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 3 August, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers and the Powhatan Troop, under the command of Captain J F Lay, were temporarily assigned to scouting duty at Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier Counties, Virginia, by Special Orders No.203, Paragraph II, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 3 August, 1861.

Special Orders No.266, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 26 August, 1861: A detachment of the Little Fork Rangers and the Powhatan Troop (41) was assigned to special duty by Special Orders No.266, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 26 August, 1861.

Note: A detachment of the Little Fork Rangers and the Powhatan Troop was ordered to report to Captain W H Stevens, Corps Engineers, Confederate States Army, at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.266, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 26 August, 1861, and the Little Fork Rangers was stationed at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 1 and 12 September, 1861.

Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 4 September, 1861: The Little Fork Rangers was assigned to 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company D, under the command of Colonel B H Robertson, by Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 4 September, 1861.

Note: The Little Fork Rangers was ordered to rendezvous at Sangster's/ 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.

Powhatan Troop

The Powhatan Troop was stationed at Powhatan Courthouse, Powhatan County, Virginia, on 25 April, 1861.

Organistaion of Powhatan Troop, 25 April, 1861: Captain J F Lay, First Lieutenant C Old, Second Lieutenant T B Skipwith

Powhatan Courthouse to St Luke's Episcopal Church, Fine Creek Mills, Powhatan County, Virginia, 25 April, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to St Luke's Episcopal Church, Fine Creek Mills, Powhatan County, Virginia, on 25 April, 1861.

Note: Captain P St G Cocke, Powhatan Troop, was appointed brigadier general/ colonel, Virginia Volunteers, on 21 April, 1861, and First Lieutenant J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, was appointed captain, Powhatan Troop, on 25 April, 1861 (See the Fifth Brigade, Army of the Potomac).

St Luke's Episcopal Church, Fine Creek Mills, Powhatan County, to Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 27 April, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 27 April, 1861, and arrived at the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, on Broad Street, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, in the evening the same day.

Mustered for one year, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 28 April, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was mustered in state service for one year at Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, by Colonel & Inspector General J B Baldwin, Virginia Volunteers, and Lieutenant Colonel & Assistant Adjutant General J Selden, Provisional Army of Virginia, in the morning on 28 April, 1861.

Richmond, Henrico County, to Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 28-29 April, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.5, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 29 April, 1861, dated 27 April, 1861, but the order was countermanded and the company was ordered to proceed by the Virginia Central Railroad to Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, in the evening on 28 April, 1861. The company arrived by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, in the morning on 29 April, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop was stationed at F Hill's farm, one and a half miles southwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 7 May, 1861.

Disposition of troops, Headquarters, Potomac Department, Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 8 May, 1861: 6th Virginia Battalion Volunteers, Major M D Corse, Virginia 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

F Hill's farm, one & a half miles southwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 8-9 May, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 8 May, 1861, and was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel & Assistant Adjutant General S Jones, Provisional Army of Virginia. The company arrived at White Sulphur Springs, on the Rappahannock River, four miles southeast of Waterloo, Fauquier County, Virginia, in the evening on 8 May, 1861, and was ordered to Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia, in the morning on 9 May, 1861. The company was accompanied by the Black Horse Troop and arrived at Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia, at 12 PM on 9 May, 1861. The Powhatan Troop arrived at Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the afternoon the same day (See Munford's Squadron Cavalry).

Note: The Powhatan Troop and the Black Horse Troop rendezvoused at White Sulphur Springs, on the Rappahannock River, four miles southeast of Waterloo, Fauquier County, Virginia, in the evening on 8 May, 1861.

Manassas Junction, Prince William County, to Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 13-14 May, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 13 May, 1861, and arrived at Camp Henry, C George's, northwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 14 May, 1861.

Return of troops stationed at Camp Henry, C George's, northwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 20 May, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was stationed at Camp Henry, C George's, northwest of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, 20 May, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop, the Albemarle Light Horse, and the Madison Cavalry/ Invincibles were stationed at Freeman's, two and a half miles west of Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia, on 21 May, 1861.

Arrival at Manassas Junction, 25 May, 1861

The Powhatan Troop was ordered to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 24 May, 1861, and was accompanied by the Albemarle Light Horse. The company arrived at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, via Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia, in the evening on 25 May, 1861 (See Scott's Squadron Cavalry).

Note: The Powhatan Troop was stationed at J Hooe's farm, one mile east of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 25 May and 3 August, 1861.

General Orders No.25, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 8 June, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was assigned to the Confederate States by General Orders No.25, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 8 June, 1861, and was accepted in Confederate service on 1 July, 1861.

Special Orders No.14, Paragraph II, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 9 June, 1861: The Powhatan Troop and the Albemarle Light Horse were assigned to Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.14, Paragraph II, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 9 June, 1861.

Note: The Black Horse Troop and Brigadier General M L Bonham, Confederate States Army arrived at Camp Beauregard/ Bull Run, Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, on 7 June, 1861, and at Camp Gregg/ Bonham, 300 yards east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 9 June, 1861 (See the First Brigade, Army of the Potomac).

Picket duty at Union Mills Ford, on the Bull Run River, detachment, 12 June, 1861: A detachment of the Albemarle Rifles killed Private W S Furcron, Powhatan Troop, at Union Mills Ford, on the Bull Run River, on 12 June, 1861 (See Lay's Squadron Cavalry, Army of the Potomac).

Note: The Albemarle Light Horse was ordered to Payne's Store, one mile west of Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.37, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 15 June, 1861

Special Orders No.64, Paragraph VI, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 24 June, 1861: The Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards was assigned to Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, by Special Orders No.64, Paragraph VI, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 24 June, 1861 (See Jenfier's Battalion Cavalry).

Note: The Powhatan Troop (82) was stationed at J Hooe's farm, one mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 1 and 10 July, 1861, and the Rappahannock Cavalry/ Old Guards was ordered to Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.112, Paragraph II, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 14 July, 1861.

Skirmish at Blackburn's Ford, 18 July, 1861

The Powhatan Troop and the Little Fork Rangers, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, were stationed 400 yards west of McLean's farm, one mile southwest of McLean's Ford, on the Bull Run River, during the skirmish at Blackburn's Ford, on the Bull Run River, on 18 July, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop and the Little Fork Rangers, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, were assigned as bodyguards and couriers to Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army, during the skirmish at Blackburn's Ford, on the Bull Run River, on 18 July, 1861.

J Hooe's farm, half a mile east of Manassas Junction, to W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 20 July, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to the W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the evening on 20 July, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop was stationed at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

First battle of Manassas, 21 July, 1861

The Powhatan Troop was assigned as bodyguards and couriers to Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army, and stationed at the rear of Mitchell's Ford, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop was assigned to Lieutenant Colonel T T Munford, 30th Virginia Cavalry, stationed in the rear between Island and Mitchell's Fords, on the Bull Run River, in the morning on 21 July, 1861 (See Munford's Squadron Cavalry).

General pursuit to Sudley Ford, on the Bull Run River, northeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The Powhatan Troop and the Little Fork Rangers, under the command of Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, were ordered to Sudley Ford, on the Bull Run River, northeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

J Hooe's farm, one mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was stationed at J Hooe's farm, one mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the evening on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop (86) was stationed at J Hooe's farm, one mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 30 July and 9 August, 1861.

Special Orders No.223, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 11 August, 1861: A detachment of the Powhatan Troop (10) was assigned to the Eighth Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Acting Brigadier General & Colonel I G Seymour, 6th Louisiana Infantry, at Camp Bienville No.1, one mile northwest of Blackburn's Ford, on the Bull Run River, by Special Orders No.223, Paragraph I, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 11 August, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop was stationed at J Hooe's farm, one mile east of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 19 August, 1861.

Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 4 September, 1861: The Powhatan Troop was assigned to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Company E, under the command of Colonel B H Robertson, by Special Orders No.248, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 4 September, 1861, and was ordered to rendezvous at Sangster's/ W Elzey's Crossroads, two miles south of Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 19 September, 1861.

Note: The Powhatan Troop was ordered to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.312, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 11 September, 1861, and was stationed at and in the vicinity of Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 1 October, 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.

Wise Dragoons

The Wise Dragoons was organised at Salem, Fauquier County, Virginia, by Dr J A Adams on 1 April, 1861, and was stationed at Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, on 27 April, 1861.

Organistaion of Wise Dragoons, 24 April, 1861: Captain J A Adams, First Lieutenant J C Davis, Second Lieutenant J M Morehead

Mustered for one year, Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, 27 April, 1861: The Wise Dragoons was mustered in state service for one year at Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, by Major & Inspector General W H Ker, Virginia Volunteers, on 27 April, 1861.

Dumfries to Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, 29 April & 15 May, 1861: The Wise Dragoons was ordered to Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, on 29 April, 1861, and was stationed at Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, on 15 May, 1861.

Note: The Warrenton Rifles, the Wise Dragoons, and the Black Horse Troop were stationed at Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, on 29 April, 1861.

Bethel Church, Prince William County, Virginia, 31 May, 1861: The Wise Dragoons was ordered to Bethel Church, Prince William County, Virginia, to set up a courier line between Dumfries and Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 31 May, 1861.

Advance to Payne's Store, 4 June, 1861

The Wise Dragoons was ordered to the junction of the Telegraphic and Occoquan Roads, a quarter of a mile southwest of Payne's Store, one mile west of Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No. 2, Paragraph VII, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 4 June, 1861, and was assigned to picket duty at the Occoquan and the Telegraphic Road Ford, on the Occoquon River, north of Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, between 4 June and 15 June, 1861.

Note: A detachment of the Wise Dragoons (12) was assigned as couriers and orderlies to Lieutenant Colonel P Hairston, Jr., 24th Virginia Infantry, east of the road to Davis' Ford, on the northeast bank of Cedar Run, three and a half miles southeast of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.4, Paragraph III, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 4 June, 1861 (See 24th Virginia Infantry).

General Orders No.25, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, 8 June, 1861: The Wise Dragoons was assigned to the Confederate States by General Orders No.25, Headquarters, Virginia Forces, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 8 June, 1861, and was accepted in Confederate service on 1 July, 1861.

Arrival at Manassas Junction, 16/17 June, 1861

The Wise Dragoons was ordered to Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.37, Paragraph II, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 15 June, 1861, and arrived at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 16/17 June, 1861.

Note: The Wise Dragoons was stationed at the junction of the Telegraphic and Occoquan Roads, a quarter of a mile southwest of Payne's Store, one mile west of Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, on 15 June, 1861, and the Albemarle Light Horse arrived at Payne's Store, one mile west of Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, on 16/17 June, 1861 (See Scott's Squadron Cavalry).

W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 18 June, 1861: The Wise Dragoons was ordered to W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.46 1/2, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 18 June, 1861.

Note: Captain J A Adams, Wise Dragoons, was ordered to supply a monthly return of the the Wise Dragoons to Lieutenant Colonel R S Ewell, cavalry, Provisional Army of Virginia, stationed at Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No. 46 1/2, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 18 June, 1861.

Reconnaissance to Occoquan, detachment, 8-13 July, 1861

A detachment of the Wise Dragoons was assigned as escort to one 6 pounder 3 inch rifle and one 12 pounder field howitzer, under the command of First Lieutenant C W Squires, Washington Battalion Artillery, 1st Company, to the junction of Davis' Ford Road and the Spring's and Bland's Fords Roads, three miles south of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 8 July, 1861 (See the Washington Battalion Artillery).

Note: A detachment of the Wise Dragoons and one 6 pounder 3 inch rifle and one 12 pounder field howitzer, under the command of First Lieutenant C W Squires, Washington Battalion Artillery, 1st Company, were ordered to rendezvous at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 8 July, 1861.

Camp Pryor, junction of Davis' Ford Road & Spring's & Bland's Fords Roads, three miles south of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 8 July, 1861: A detachment of the Wise Dragoons and one 6 pounder 3 inch rifle and one 12 pounder field howitzer, under the command of First Lieutenant C W Squires, Washington Battalion Artillery, 1st Company, arrived at Camp Pryor, junction of Davis' Ford Road and Spring's and Bland's Fords Roads, three miles south of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 8 July, 1861.

Note: The 24th Virginia Infantry was stationed at Camp Pryor, junction of Davis' Ford Road and Spring's and Bland's Fords Roads, three miles south of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861 (See the 24th Virginia Infantry).

Reconnaissance to Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, detachment, 8-13 July, 1861: A detachment of the Wise Dragoons, under the command of Colonel J A Early, 24th Virginia Infantry, was ordered on a reconnaissance to Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861, and was accompanied by the 7th Virginia Infantry and one 6 pounder 3 inch rifle and one 12 pounder field howitzer, under the command of First Lieutenant C W Squires, Washington Battalion Artillery, 1st Company. The detachment of the Wise Dragoons was was stationed at Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, between 8 and 13 July, 1861 (See the 7th Virginia Infantry).

Organisation of reconnaissance to Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, 8 July, 1861: Colonel J A Early, 24th Virginia Infantry; 7th Virginia Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel L B Williams, Jr.; Wise Dragoons, detachment, Captain J A Adams; Washington Battalion Artillery, section, First Lieutenant C W Squires, Washington Battalion Artillery, 1st Company

Note: A detachment of the Wise Dragoons arrived at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 13 July, 1861.

Special Orders No.64, Paragraph VI, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 14 July, 1861: Captain J F Lay, Powhatan Troop, was assigned to command the cavalry stationed at Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.64, Paragraph VI, Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 14 July, 1861.

Note: The Wise Dragoons (64) was stationed at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 14 and 21 July, 1861.

First battle of Manassas, 21 July, 1861

The Wise Dragoons was stationed at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Note: The Wise Dragoons was stationed at W J Weir's plantation, Liberia/ Brick House, three quarters of a mile north of Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, between 21 July and 14 August, 1861.

W J Weir's plantation to Leesburg, 14 August, 1861

The Wise Dragoons was ordered to Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.229, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 14 August, 1861.

Note: The Wise Dragoons was assigned to the Seventh Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Colonel N G Evans, cavalry, Confederate States Army, by Special Orders No.229, Headquarters, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 14 August, 1861, and to the 6th Virginia Cavalry, Company H, under the command of Colonel C W Field, 6th Virginia Cavalry, by Special Orders No.276, Adjutant & Inspectors General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 12 September, 1861.

Special Orders No.317, Paragraph IV, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 13 September, 1861: The Loudoun Cavalry, the Madison Cavalry/ Invincibles, the Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, and the Wise Dragoons were ordered to remain with the Seventh Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, under the command of Colonel N G Evans, cavalry, Confederate States Army, by Special Orders No.317, Paragraph IV, Headquarters, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 13 September, 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.

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, by General Orders No.18, Adjutant & Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, on 22 October, 1861.

Reports

OFFICIAL REPORT NO.123: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), Chapter IX, pp572-573
Captain J F Lay, Lay's Squadron Cavalry, of operations 18 and 21 July, 1861, Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, on 15 August, 1861

OFFICIAL REPORT No.84, Part I: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), pp484-504
Brigadier General P G T Beauregard, Confederate States Army, Army of the Potomac, and resulting correspondence, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 14 October, 1861, dated Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia, 26 August, 1861

Orders of Battle

The above painting, 'The Fourth Alabama', is by Don Troiani, modern America's finest historical artist.