To Corp. Jim Marshall
44th
Winter Quarters
From Lt.
26th Virginia, VI, Company B
on Leave at Green Mount,
Cousin Jim,
When the history of our
nation is shared in decades to come, it will not be history books that deliver
the full story of our Heritage. Rather, it will be the stories shared around a
parlor, the visits to hallowed ground
that mark the landscapes of the Continent, and the entries in Family Bibles
documenting the lives and tragedies of our Southern People.
Such an entry exists in the
Fleet Family Bible today, which I am saddened to share with you, penned by my
Father Dr. Benjamin Fleet. Sr. I relay
it exactly as is written :
Benjamin R. Fleet, Jr. was
murdered
by the Yankees on the 2nd of
March 1864 in King Wm Cty; near
Mr. Anderson Scott’s, whither he
had gone as a Scout, where he met
the Advance Guard of the Enemy
dressed in Confederate Uniform,
and was killed by them. Aged 17
years, 5 months & 1 day.
Benny, Willie Taliaferro, and
Mr. Sizer were making a reconnaissance yesterday morning near Aylett’s when
they came upon three soldiers disguised in Confederate uniforms, only to
discover a group of Yankee troopers advancing in the road directly behind
them. Jerking their mounts around, Benny
and his companions attempted to escape, but shots rang out and Benny and Willie
were struck.
Benny’s new Canadian horse
was later discovered grazing on our lawn at Green Mount, and Stuart, Benny’s
dog, led us to where Benny’s body lay. He had been struck in the arm and must
have run into the woods to escape. With no tourniquet to stanch the blood flow
he died from loss of blood. We are yet to know the whereabouts of poor Willie
Taliaferro.
Last evening I joined with
the Home Guard and some detached rebel units in pursuit of the Yankee
murderers, who are cavalrymen with Colonel Ulric Dahlgren and was present when
we came upon a body of 100 Union soldiers
near Walkerton. We posted our men in
ambush, entrapping and surrounding them.
Col. Dahlgren was at the head of his column and while
attempting to cut his way out was shot and killed by our forces lying in wait. After
Dahlgren was dropped a general volley was poured into the Federal ranks, causing
a considerable panic, which was heightened by the intense darkness.
I take no consolation in the death of Colonel Dahlgren, as
the loss of brother Benny leaves me with an emptiness inside that I find rather
debilitating. I have asked Mother to send me the newspaper should Benny’s
obituary appear, of which I shall send a copy to you.
I am resolved to
wear black crepe around my arm in memory of Benny, and have enclosed for
you a photo of dear brother Benny.
I must return to duty with the 26th
I close in relating a sermon from Rev. Drayton from the
text, “We Glory in Tribulation”, in which he showed that the severe
tribulations through which we have been and are now passing require patience
and experience in coping.
May the Grace of God see us through these times,
Lt.
26th Virginia, VI, Company B