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Magruder Biography
Edward Magruder was born
on May 14, 1835.
Captain E. J. Magruder married Miss Florence Fouche, daughter of Col. Simpson Fouche, just before his Company departed for the War. When the Rome Light Guards (Company A) left Rome, Mrs. Magruder marched with her husband at the head of the column, appropriately rigged out for the occasion - pistol and dagger in her belt, and a stride full of belligerency... [from "History of Rome and Floyd County," by George M. Battey, Jr].
Captain Magruder's officer's sword is located at the Lee Hall Mansion in Newport News, Virginia. The sword was manufactured by McKennie & Co. and is a rare and beautiful example of a Confederate edged weapon.
Edward Magruder died on Feb. 26, 1892.
When Florence Magruder died, the following appeared in the Atlanta Constitution (Nov. 3, 1910): "Rome, Ga. Nov. 2 (Special) - The death of Mrs. Florence Magruder occurred this morning at 6 o'clock at her home on Fifth Ave. She was 70 years of age and had been ill for several months. She was the wife of the late Colonel E. J. Magruder, colonel of the Eighth Georgia regiment, and sister of the late Major Robert T. Fouche. She leaves five children, Messrs. George H., D. B., S. F., Mrs. G. S. Cothran of Rome, and Mrs. Leath of Birmingham, Ala. The funeral will occur tomorrow from the First Baptist church."
Eighth Georgia Flag Information
At the Appomattox surrender, Lt. Col. Magruder did not surrender the 8th's regimental flag (see image of flag below). While other regiments destroyed, cut in souvenir pieces for the men, or surrendered their colors, E. J. Magruder folded the colors and hid them in his boot. He walked away from Appomattox with the colors intact and kept them until 1888 when he gave them to another officer of the 8th Georgia, Col. John Towers. Here is a typescript of the letter that E. J. Magruder sent to John Towers: [thanks to Steven Townsend for the letter].
Letter from Magruder to Towers
Rome, Ga. Jany. 19th 1888
Col. John Towers,
Your letter received several days ago and would have been answered sooner, but pressure of my official duties prevented. I will attempt to give you the list of battles in which this flag was carried (in) Vir. It was given us during the seven days fight around Richmond. ----- Montgomerey was killed carrying it during these fights. ----- Barnwell of Savannah was the next color bearer who carried the flag through the 2nd Battle of Manassas and Chantilly, Boonesbourgh, Sharpsburg when he lost his life. This flag was also in the battle of Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Gettysburg where the color bearer Felix H. King was of Floyd County was badly wounded and Leut. M. Dwenell (late deceased) picked it up and was instantly shot down himself receiving a light grape shot wound through the arm. The flag was then taken charge of by Corporal Mannis (an Israelite) from Rome who himself in a few moments was badly wounded then I do not now remember who the next color bearer was. On this retreat from Maryland, this flag was borne in a severe fight near Funkstown. Afterwards in various skirmishes on James Island near Charleston, Campbells Station, E. Tennessee, the siege of Knoxsville, attacks on Fort Sanders. The battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania C.H. and then all along the flank movement of Grant including "Coal" Harbor, Bermuda Hundred and finally Petersburg. On the 21st of June 1864 I having my right arm broken was furling her, a new flag being given this regiment. I brought the one your sons have home with me and spread it over the first born of my family as his cradle quilt. This I give you a slight history of that flag as I am able . So as memory serves me after twenty three years interim. Perhaps there may be errors in above rehearsal as I kept no notes or diary during the war. Keeping that the imperfectness of above will prove a slight testimonial of my appreciation. I submit myself
Respectfully Yours,
E. J. Magruder |
