WEST VIRGINIA
ADJUTANT GENERALS' PAPERS

Union Regiments
1861-1865
Ar382

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4th West Virginia Infantry
(Field and Staff, Companies A - K)
Box 12, Folder 1

Transcription

Respectfully
J. A. J. Lightburn
PS
It would be well enough to attend to this immediately as these are no times for delay I shall keep you informed of the progress made. I shall enclose my oath to the Governor.
J. A. J. L.

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J. A. J. Lightburn
Cmdg __
Jane Lew Lewis Co Va
July 08th, 1861
Ansr

Jane Lew Lewis Co Va
July 20th 1861
Genl James S. Wheat
Adjt Genl of Va
Dear Sir - Please find enclosed a certificate of the organization of a Volunteer company. This Co is composed chiefly of Co. No 4 of the line but had formed themselves into a co - designed as such before I received my commission. accordingly I assembled and organized the Co- as certified. The remnant of Co 4 of the line. I thought to transfer to Co 3 as that Company District is small, and its place of drill handy to those transferred. it would be well enough to state that 80 stand of arms were received. some of which are in very bad condition. I have caused to be issued the arms by the Capt. Elect. The Company No. Rank and file you perceive that this is the 192 Regt there are two Regts in this county one in the lower and one in the uper end the one in the lower end of the County the 192 is almost unanimously union while the other is secession and I presume that it will be impracticable to attempt to organize that secession Regt immediately as in some parts of its district it would be dangerous for a union man to travel, however secession is fast giving away and whenever I can get the Companies together I will discharge my duty. Am however ready to obey any orders you may give.

Respectfully,
Your obdt servt,
J. A. J. Lightburn
Adjt 192 Regt

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J. A. J. Lightburn
Adjutant
192 Regt
July 20th 1861

Head Qrs. Point Pleasant
Aug 23d 1861
Genl Jas S. Wheat
Dear Sir
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here on the 21st finding things in better condition than I expected. there are 5 companies now here that is mustered in and one arrived last night to be mustered in to day by Capt. Lovell. I wish you would see Genl Oaks whither it will be all right. that company will make 8 here and at charleston. I have little doubt that the Regt can be filled here. I find the officers are none of them commissioned, there is one who is our acting Q. M. who wants to decline his commission. he only joined the company to get it up leaving his business so that he cannot except his appointment please say whether I am at liberty to appoint one from the citizens. if so I have one in contemplation. I have had an interview with young Polsley and Hall who were recommended for appointment Hall is young but promising. I am afraid polsley lacks energy. I am plain but must be excused Capt Wilton will be an efficient man if he would except it. I will see about this further and write you. I shall see Genl Cox in a few days, and get some more instructions. please let me hear from you frequently.

I Remain sir,
Your most obedient servant
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Volunteers

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Point Pleasant
Aug 23rd 1861
Col Lightburn
4 Reg Va. Vols

Head Qrs Point Pleasant Va
Aug 25th 1861
Genl Jas Wheat
Dear Sir
I have the honor of informing you that another company was on day before yesterday mustered into service for my Regt. By M Lovell, making 6 here and two at charleston. I am informed that there are others in progress of organization. I believe there is an artillery company being raised to be attached to this Regt provided it can be done.

I wish in this to Recommend the appointment of my Lieut Col. and Major, and hope if it should meet the Governors approval that they may be commissioned at once, as I want help in Drilling. Capt. W. H. H. Russel for Lieut Col and John T. Hall Major. These are Gentlemen I take pleasure in Recommending, and I think will give Genl satisfaction. the Company officers desire their commissions but there will be some changes, and other companies come in and they can be all commissioned at once. it should be observed that their commissions bear dates from the time mustered in. all things are going right. I have the Material for a good Regiment both in officers and men. I should like to have two Rifle companies or rather Rifles for two Companies to be used as scouts an flanking companies.

Please, let me hear from you frequently.

Respectfully Dear sir,
I am Your Obedient servt
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Volunteers

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Point Pleasant
Aug 25th 1861
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Regt
Ansd Aug 29th 1861

Head Qrs Point Pleasant Va
August 28th 1861
Genl Jas S. Wheat
Dear Sir
Please find enclosed a list of the officers of the remaing companies of my Regt and the dates of their muster. 1st Lieut D. A. Smith of Company A desires to decline the acceptance of his Commission, as he joined the company that it might be full to be mustered his reason for declining is his Brother and himself is in partnership in business and cannot not both leave. his Brother being captain of Co (C). this was the understanding, and consequently he declines his commission. I take pleasure in saying that Lieutenant Smith has acted with a great deal of zeal for the welfare of the Regiment being the acting Qr. M. and has discharged that duty, satisfactory and I would say that it should be arranged so he should get his pay up to date of his resignation, in justice to his services. I hope this will be taken in to consideration. you can commission Martin V. Lightburn as 1st Lieut in his place. I have heretofore enclosed you a recommendation for Lieut Col Capt W. H. H. Russel and John T. Hall for Major and hope their commissions may be forwarded soon also Dr George K. Ackley for assistant surgeon. we have some assurance that our Regt will soon be filled out as the other companies will soon be ready to be mustered in. and could it be done I should like to have one co of cavelry and one of Artillery attached. I also would like the two flanking companies armed with rifles. we begin to look for squally times in the Vally.

as soon as those other companies are mustered in I will send you a list. I am very anxious to have the Regt. completely organized and fited up for service.

Respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col Commanding Post
A) Capt. H. S. Wetton Mustered into service June 17th 1861.
1st Lieut D. A. Smith
2nd Lieut John W. Davis
B) Capt J. L. Vance Mustered into July 5th 1861
1st Lieut Wm. C. Bailey
2nd Lieut Barlow W. Curtis
C) Capt Thomas J. Smith Mustered in July 5th 1861
1st Lieut Barney J. Rollins
2nd Lieut Jesse V. Stephens
D) Capt Arza M. Goodspeed Mustered in July 6th 1861
1st Lieut John L. Malleranee
2nd Lieut Adam Bratton
E) Commissioned
F) Commissioned
G) Capt Henry Grayum Mustered in August 10th 1861
1st Lieut John Delille
2nd Lieut Cincinnatus B. Blake
H) Capt Patrick Brunker Mustered in August 23rd 1861
1st Lieut John B. Booram
2nd Lieut Henderson F. Donnally

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Col. J. A. J. Lightburn
4th Regt Va. Vols.
Point Pleasant
Aug 28 1861
Sept 17 1861

Head Qrs Point Pleasant Va
Aug 29th 1861
Genl J. S. Wheat
Dear Sir
I have written for the commissions for the officers of my Regt. and hope they may be forwarded as soon as convenient. I would also like to have the compliment of Tents for field officers. also drums and fifes for a Regt. arms and accoutrements for one Company.

Capt Graham, I suppose, however M. Lovell has said something about those arms. They are going on well we have frequent alarms but without foundation.

Respectfully
J. A.J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va

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Col J A J Lightburn
29th Augt 1861
Point Pleasant
for commissions of his officers

Spencer Roan Co Va
Sept 17th 1861
Genl Jas. S. Wheat
Sir
I wrote to you some time since in refference to the commissions for the officers of my Regiment I gave you the list with the dates. except M. V. Lightburns who is in the place of Dioclesian Smith resigned. you will please forward those commissions at as early a period as possible as that will enable me to mark some progress in organizing my Regiment and enable them to be paid some time. My Communication will be sent to the Point as usual. I do not know how long I shall stay here but am desirous to make a clean job in this section. I have been trying to facilitate the organization of companies here for the U S service but find it hard to do much while the home guards are in existence. I think it would be a good job to disband them as they are insufficient and without discipline. If they were disbanded we could soon raise two companies here I think. I have already sworn in 35 men as Co A of a new Regiment. this was done in compliance with Maj Stevenson's directions. I am anxious that two Companies may be raised which I know will be more efficient than 4 times that number of home Guards. This is not the country that wants the force, so much as vigilence and a knowledge of the country. The latter of which this people has and discipline would give them the former. This is a suggestion of my own and may be taken for what it is worth. I am anxious about those commissions.

Respectfully
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vol

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Sept 17th 1861
Lightburn J. A. J.
Col 4th Va Vol
Regarding commissions for his rgiment

I certify on honor that Litton B Rockhill was Elected captain vice Henry J. Welton resigned and Martin V. Lightburn in place of Dioclesian Smith resigned in the 4th Regt Va Vol Infy. Both elected 1st Sept 1861 and served since as such.

Oct 18th 1861
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col Comdg

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Certify Elect Capt Rockhill & Lieut
4th Regt Va Vol

Point Pleasant Va Oct 23rd 1861
Genl H. J. Samuels
Dear Sir
I take pleasure in Introducing Dr. F Gardner who wishes the appointment of Surgeon of that regiment in Kanahway he is a stranger to me so far as qualification is concerned but is socially a gentleman and has an unimpeached reputation as a Surgeon as his letters will show.

Respectfully
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols

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Col Lightburn introduces Dr. Gardner

Head Qrs Camp Lightburn Oct 30th 1861
Genl H. J. Samuels
Dear Sir
I take pleasure in saying that capts Palmer and Mears Gentleman sent to my Regiment as Instructors in tactics have conducted themselves in a very gentlemanly and officer like manner. They are Gentleman well qualified and have made excellent proficiency in drilling since they commenced. they have got the regiment in good condition as it regards drill and discipline and could they remain one month longer the Regiment would be in condition for the field. I should be pleased if there was a place for them permanently in the Regiment.

Very Respectfully
your obedient servant
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols U S A

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Col Lightburn
Camp Lightburn
Oct 30th 1861
About- Capts Palmer & Mears

Head Qrs Camp Lightburn
Oct 30th 1861
Hon Jno S. Carlile
Dear Sir
Capts Palmer and Mears have been with this regiment as Instructors in tactics and have given entire satisfaction. there are some intimations that they are a going to leave. I am sorry to part with them and their services. would like they could remain at least one month longer. I wish you would use your influence to have them remain. they are good disciplinarians and well Posted in tactics. and have conducted themselves Gentlemanly, and in an officer like manner, since they have been with me.

Respectfully
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols U. S. A.

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Col. Lightburn
Camp Lightburn
Oct 30th 1861
About Caps
Palmer & Mears

Point Pleasant Va Nov 2d 1861
Genl H. J. Samuels
Dear Sir
I have the honor to enclose a monthly return of my Regiment. this return does not properly belong to that office. But supposing you would like to see what we are and our numbers. I have sent it on. this you will find the roster containing the officers of the regt which you desired me to furnish you you will see by the report on the back of the return, Phiemon B. Stanbery is the adjutant. I should be pleased to have him commissioned from the date of his appointment. Next on the list is George W. Hankinson, in the place of Adam Bratton. the next is, Ephraim C. Carson to be appointed or commissioned as 1st Lieut in Stanbery's place. Daniel A Russell 2d Lieut in place of Carson Promoted. Capts Grayum and Brunker want their commissions as dated on the list with these lieutenants. Jas W. Dole's commission should date from July 10th, instead of Oct. You will do them the favor of having that matter attended to. I send with Lieut Bailey the muster in Rolls of Capts Grayum, Brunker and A Vance which although mustered in by Lovell have not been signed. I stated the facts in a note to the paymaster. I would like if that matter could be arranged so there would be no mistake about getting them paid, as they are in great need of the money for their families.

I wish also to state the necissity of having some Blouses and over coats. One company are without Blouses, and if I should fail to get them soon, the company will be in the hospital. I shall want 200 two hundred blouses, 909 overcoats 814 dress coats. If those things have been received you will confer a favor by sending them Lieut Bailey will receipt in my name for them.

Dr Barlow has returned. I thought to have written before now in detail but it is probably best that I did not as I was somewhat out of humor at the time. I have no doubt that he thinks the fraternity got Ackley the choice but had he not been the choice of the Regiment. I should not have made the choice as I did. I hope however, the matter is all settled. Now I hope the muster Rolls will be found correct.

Very Respectfully
your obedient servant
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols
PS I send you the certificates of qualification of the officers
900 Great Coats
850 Coats
200 Blouses
500 prs Stockings

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Col Lightburn
Pt Pleasant Va
Nov 2nd 1861
Sends monthly returns

Pt Pleasant Nov. 13th 1861
Genl H. J. Samuels
Dear Sir
I have the honor to enclose you return of My Regt as required in your order. I also send you the resignation of Lieut Boram, 1st Lieut in Co H. you will do me the honor to accept the resignation and commission in his place Henderson F. Donnally, and Benjamin D. Boswell, 1st Sergt of Co I, as secon Lieut. This will be satisfactory all around. it will be Henderson F. Donnelly 1st and Benjamin D. Boswell 2d Lieut. I hope the time will come that I may cease to annoy you for commissions but Boram was in many Respects unfit for this place and particularly his health was such that he has not been with his Company for some time. I shall at as early a period as possible send you the Required Descriptive list of My Regiment. I would like to have those overcoats pleas see that they are sent to us soon

I also want six hundred Forage caps, five hundred stockings.

The overcoats and caps I cannot do without please have this matter attended. all things quiet here.

I have the honor
sir to be your
obt servt
J A J Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols U. S. A.

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Point Pleasant
Nov 13/61
Col. Lightburn, enclosing resignation of Lieut. Boram and recommending Lieut. Donnally and sergt. Boswell for promotion

Point Pleasant Nov 23d 1861
Gen H J Samuels
Dear Sir
I have the honor to send you the required descriptive List of the Regt. I thought best to put it down as a Book which you can Label and file without further trouble. This has taken a good deal of work, but all I shall charge you will be to send me a similar Book as I shall be held accountable for it.

I expect to have some men discharged on surgeons certificate but as their discharge is not yet made out I did put down their names in the propper place.

I wish you would see to having me
500 Forage caps
600 stockings
600 over shirts
With the remainder of the over coats I enclose you a no of certificates of qualification.

Respectfully sir
I Remain your obdt servt
J. A. J. Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols U S A

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Col. Lightburn
Point Pleasant
Nov 25/61

Pt Pleasant Dec 1st 1861
Genl H J Samuels
Dear Sir
I have the honor to send you Monthly return of My Regiment I believe there is no orders for sending to your office but suppose our state Government wishes to know the state and condition of her Regiments I wish you would procure and send me some Blaks.
40 Muster out Rolls
100 Consolidated Morning Reports for Regt.

please send commissions for H. F. Donally 1st Lieut and Benjamin D. Boswell 2nd Lieut. I wish I could get a report from Capt Dayton you perceive on the monthly return that it is not to be sent to the adjt Genl at Washington until all the Companies of the Regt are reported, you will do me the favor of having him Report to me as Required by Regulations. Tell Mr. Hornbrook to send me an Invoice of all the clothing, camp, and Garrison Equipage he has sent to my Regt.

Respectfully your obt servt
J A J Lightburn
Col 4th Va Vols U S A

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Col Lightburn
Point Pleasant Dec 1/61

The Commonwealth of Virginia:
Executive Department
Wheeling, Va Decr 7th 1861
Col Lightburn USA
Point Pleasant
Direct H. F. Donley 2nd Lieut of Co H to supply the vacancy of Lieut Boram resigned and Benjamin D Boswell 1st Sergeant of Co I to take command as 2nd Lieut Co H and commissions will issue as soon as Lieut Bevans resignatino is accepted at Washington.

I am Yours etc
F. H. Peirpoint
A Copy
Teste
H J Samuels

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Col Lightburn from Gov Peirpoint about Boorams Vacancy Copy

4th WV Infantry