Introduction

(by James D. Freeman and Ashley Morgan)

Book One (1861)

(including two original map sketches)

Book Two (1862)

(including letter to his mother, mess accounts, and muster roll of Co. E)

Bibliography

Introduction:

May 2002

Francis West Quarles, the eldest child of George Bathhurst and Ann B. Smith Quarles, was born in Rome, Floyd County, Georgia on April 12, 1841. The senior Quarles had migrated to Georgia in 1835 from his native state of Virginia.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Frances W. Quarles was one of the first to enlist from Floyd County. On May 29, 1861, as a member of Miller's Rifles (E Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment), he departed Rome, Georgia for Virginia.

Elected a sergeant by the men of his company Francis participated in nearly all of the battles around Richmond and the Peninsular Campaigns of 1862. On August 23, 1862 during a skirmish with elements of Major General John Pope's forces at Rappahannock Station, Virginia Sergeant Quarles was severely wounded. His wounds resulted in the amputation of his right arm at the shoulder.

He was sent to Lynchburg, Virginia for a period of recuperation at the home of an uncle and later transferred to the Confederate Veterans Hospital at Stone Mountain, Georgia. On February 17, 1863 Sergeant Quarles received a disability discharge from the Confederate Army.

Following his recuperation, Mr. Quarles lived in the Stone Mountain area where he taught school, studied law (admitted to the bar in Dekalb County, Georgia in April of 1867) and married Clara Hinton. The F. W. Quarles family returned to Floyd County in either 1869 or 1870, where Mr. Quarles opened a small grocery store. According to his great, granddaughter Mr. Quarles was reputed to have said, "A man either had to be a damn fool or a crook to be a lawyer" and since he was neither he opened the grocery store.

Mr. Quarles was active in local politics, serving as mayor of North Rome for one term, acquired real estate and increased the size of his business, finally partnering with his son John W. Quarles to establish the grocery store, Quarles & Son.

This business became one of Rome's oldest continuous business establishments, closing it's doors in the mid 1960's after being run by three generations of the family, Frances W. Quarles, his son John W. Quarles, and his grandson, Herbert C. Carwile.

Quarles & Sons was originally located on the corner of Kingston Avenue and Chambers Street in what use to be Forrestville, Georgia. When the store and house burned the store was relocated to Calhoun Avenue were it remained open until the mid-1960s, when Mr. Herbert C. Carwile retired. The house was rebuilt on the original site with Mr. Quarles assisting in the construction. It remains in its remodeled form at 202 Kingston Avenue in Rome, Georgia, although it has passed out of family ownership.

Mr. Quarles remained true to his love of the Confederacy, proudly displaying a portrait of Robert E. Lee in his home during his life, and helping whenever possible "down and out" Confederate veterans. To quote his former company commander, Captain Dunlop Scott,

Francis Quarles was actively involved in Confederate veteran matters and at his death he was serving as adjutant to the United Confederate Veterans Camp 368. He passed away February 14, 1913 in Rome, Georgia at the age of 72.

Frances West Quarles was 20 years old when he enlisted in the Miller's Rifles. As a way of communicating with his mother he kept a daily diaries of his military life. Two diaries exist today and it is uncertain whether there was a third one because there are six months of his service missing between the two diaries.

The first diary opens with Miller's Rifles moving from Rome, Georgia to Virginia and covers the period from May 29, 1861 through October 9, 1861. The second diary covers the period of May 26 through August 11, 1862. His last entry of August 11, 1862 is just twelve days before he is severely wounded at Rappahannock Station, Virginia. This scrimmage was part of the preliminary movements between Union and Southern forces that eventually lead to the Second Battle of Bull Run.

Currently, the two diaries are in the possession of his great, granddaughter, Mrs. Julia Morgan of Atlanta, Georgia, and it is through her gracious support that we are able to transcribe Mr. Quarles' diaries.

In transcribing Sergeant Quarles we, the great, great grandsons of Francis W. Quarles, chose to transcribe the document as written to include misspellings and marginalia on the flyleaves. Where appropriate we have amplified historical points and geographical locations.

With regard to daily entries we have used the entire date instead of just the month and day used by Sergeant Quarles.

Ashley Morgan
Belcamp, Maryland

James D. Freeman II
Stafford, Virginia

Front flyleaf of the first book:

F. W. Quarles Book

J. R. Scott¹

7^th Regiment²

May 29, 1861

The Miller Rifles left Rome Ga. Bound for Richmond, Va (Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia). Passing through Kingston (Kingston, Bartow County, Georgia) we took the train for Dalton (Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia) at which place we arrived at 4 o'clock the same day we started. Taking the cars at Dalton we arrived at Lynchburg (Lynchburg, Amherst County, Virginia) on the night of the 31^st of May. Leaving the latter place we persued (sic) our journey, passing a little town by the name of Liberty (Liberty, Bedford County, Virginia) in Va.³ The Miller Rifles will never forget the hospitality with which the citizens treated us. When we arrived at Liberty we found a fine supper all ready for us. Leaving the latter we arrived at Richmond Va. Forming in line of march we passed out to Howard's Grove at which place we remained 4 days in order to organize the Regament (sic)⁴ After remaining at Richmond for 4 days, we took the cars at the central Depot and came to Manassas Junction⁵, on our way to Harper's Ferry (Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, West Virginia). Leaving Manassas Junction we came to Strasburg (Strasburg, Shenandoah County, Virginia). We had to come the latter route on account of the Federal troops occupying Alexandre (sic) (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia) Va. We came from Strasburg to Winchester (Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia) in wagons which were procured from the neighborhood. We had quite a rough time of it, as we came all the distance in the night time and drizzling rain most of the time. But we all arrived at Winchester all safe but very much wearied on a count of sleep, we arrived on the morning of the 7^th of June, and we remained there untill (sic) the morning of the 9^th of June when at the tap of the drum all of the tents were struck, about 8 o'clock on Sunday morning. Then all the companies turned out and formed in line of march, and passed down to the Depot in Winchester. We left the Depot about 9 o'clock passing, on the roads we came to Wilson's Station, where we met some of the most enthusiastic ladies we met on our way. Passing on from Winchester to Harper's Ferry we came to Charlestown (Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia) noted as the place were John Brown was executed (December 2, 1859)⁶ After leaving Charlestown the next place we arrived at of any note was Harper's Ferry noted for its manufacturing facilities. We arrived at the Ferry about 3 o'clock on Sunday evening the 9^th of June. We had quite a fine time coming from Winchester to Harper's Ferry, while we sojourned at the Fair Ground in Winchester. I shall not soon forget the hospitality that a citizen of that place showed me & two other friends, and the hospitality was not limited to two or three but to the whole Regament (sic), and in fact every where we have gone up to this date. The hospitality with which we have been treated by all the people in every part of the country, has been marked by an earnest & kindness unsurpassed any where. When we arrived at Harper's Ferry we found the out skirts, of the town and the streets of the town in perfect commotion with troops being composed of men from all parts of the Southern Confederacy. After remaining in town untill (sic) 4 o'clock we formed in line and marched out of our camp ground but owing to a misunderstanding between the Col. & our captain we marched 1 1/2 miles passed our ground. But finally we got back and commenced pitching our tents about sundown and some of the boys being very much wearied from the long march and went to bed without eating any supper. We pitched our tents and rested well, next morning prayer was offered by the Rev W. Bell of Cave Springs Ga (Cave Springs, Floyd County, Georgia).

To day about 11 o'clock we got orders to march to Winchester, Va. and about 12 o'clock the tents were struck and everything packed, ready for marching. We are expecting to leave in a short time but all of our baggage was sent to the Ferry, we expecting shortly to follow it. But the order to march was delayed on some account and all of us sleeped (sic) upon the field without any covering and we were left in a bad condition, not having anything to eat, next morning, but the Quarter Master (George Norton) made some provisions. Next morning, June 14^th we all got a snack to eat and about 6 o'clock the Rail Road bridge at the Ferry was burned up, and all the other public property in the town, it continued to burn all day long.⁷ All the soldiers to day were very anxious to leave but were disappointed. To night about 8 o'clock a portion of the Oglethorpe Light Infantry (B Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment), went up the river about 1/2 miles to burn a canal boat, they burned the boat and got back about 12 o'clock to the camp to night. We all had to sleep in the open air again to night, and we had to sleep without much supper, simply because we did not have it.

This morning the boys got up all right after sleeping in the open air, all got some breakfast this morning that could and after destroying all the remaining public property we formed in line of march and started for Winchester.⁸ After traveling 9 miles we halted and our Capt, J. R. Towers, marched us out in a beautiful grove where we remained till 3 o'clock. Marching from the latter place, we came to Charlestown, Va. where we arrived at 3 o'clock, & remained till 5 o'clock.⁹ Leaving the latter place we marched 3 miles from town & camped in the woods. All the boys were nearly worn out, not being accustomed to marching. We all sleeped (sic) in the open air to night.

To day being the Sabbath day we did not perform any duty to day and to night the Miller Rifles had service by the Rev. M. A. Bell. There was a very good attendance and being composed of the Atlanta Grays & Echols Guards & Miller Rifles.¹⁰ The Rev. M. A. Bell preached a very good sermon.

Nothing of importance transpired to day but a general review which was attended by Gen Johnson ¹¹ and staff.

To day I paid a visit to the breastworks that are thrown up 2 miles North East of Winchester under the superintendance (sic) of Gen. Johnson¹².

They are thrown up on all sides of a hill that commands a vast tract of county. The breastworks are more in the form of a fort than anything else, below is the form of them:

August 4, 1861

To day I left Winchester at 2 o'clock bound for Manassas Gap¹³. After leaving Winchester I arrived at New-Town¹⁴ where a Baltimorian and myself stoped (sic) and got some refreshment, leaving the latter place we arrived at Middle-Town (Middletown, Frederick County, Virginia) where we got some other refreshments. Leaving the latter place we arrived at Strausburg at 5 o'clock in the evening, where I remained until 3 o'clock next morning. The Baltimorian taking the train at 7 o'clock the other for Woodstock (Woodstock, Shenandoah County, Virginia). I then left Strausburg for the Gap, we arrived at Front Royal (Front Royal, Warren County, Virginia) about daybreak. We next arrived at Martin Station, leaving there, I arrived at White Plane¹⁵, where there is a breakfast house, leaving this place we next arrived a Manassas about 9 o'clock on the morning of the 5 of August. Leaving the Depot I proceeded to the camp where I arrived about 10 o'clock muched (sic) wearied from my walk, as it was very warm, and I had to carry my napsack and gun.

Were spent at our camp, doing little but drill by companies, for since our Regament (sic) lost its Col. & Lieu. Col. There is not much disposition to want to do anything.¹⁶

 August 30, 1861 

Was spent in paying off all the companies of the 8^th Regament (sic).¹⁷

To day our Regament (sic) went to the Battle ground for the purpose of erecting a monument in honor of Gen F. Bartow, commander of the 8^th Georgia Regament (sic).¹⁸

We still remained at our camp 2 1/2 miles from Manassas doing nothing but police, and stand guard, on the evening of the 10^th orders were read on days parade that we would march 6 or 8 miles distant, in the direction of Farfax, to camp.¹⁹

This morning haversack were packed & tents struck & pack in the wagon ready for the march. We left our camp about 9 o'clock. We proceeded on our march till we came in about 2 miles of where were going to camp, where we made a halt near a spring in an orchard noted as the camping ground of the Yankees before the Battle of the 21^st of July, where we refreshed ourselves with water, and some thing to eat from the packed haversacks. Going on, we soon arrived at our camping ground in an old field about 2 miles from the Little River Turnpike.²⁰ Soon our tents were pitched & all were soon resting snugly in our tents.

This being Sunday of course we received orders to march. We left our camp about 9 o'clock leaving tents, and every thing except cooking utensils behind. We proceeded on our march, passing through Germantown, then through Farfax, where we met Gen Beauregard (General P. G. T. Beauregard).²¹ He was saluted by our Regament (sic), by loud hollowing, and hurahing (sic) passing on to Annadale (Annadale, Fairfax County, Virginia) we left the turnpike and turned to the left by the road that leads to Mason' Hill arriving at Mason's Hill we halted, and camped, for the purpose of going on picket.²² During the night we were roused up 2 different times for the purpose of meeting any emergency. I suppose the Officer were expecting an atack (sic) but the night passed off quietly.

 September 16, 1861 

To day we remained at our rendavouze (sic) on Mason's Hill, engaged in fortifying the place. Late in the evening Gen Beauregard & Johnson²³ arrived, they remain on tour during which time they took a survey of the surrounding works, after which they and their escort of cavalry passed of amid the stiring (sic) notes of Dixie played by the band of the 19^th Va Regt (19^th Virginia Infantry Regiment). About 6 o'clock in the evening we let the hill for our camp and after a long & tedious march we reached our tents almost exhausted from the warmth of the night, we reached our camp about 2 o'clock next morning.

To day we were relieved about 2 o'clock by the P. V.'s then we returned to our temporary camp about 2 1/2 miles from Fall's Church (Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia).²⁴

1. It is not known who J. R. Scott was for the commander of E Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment was Captain Dunlap S. Scott.

2. Even though Sergeant Quarles wrote on his first notebook "7^th Georgia Regiment" there is no indication that he or his company, Miller's Rifles, were ever attached to the 7^th Georgia Infantry Regiment.

3. Liberty, Virginia changed its name and is known today as Bedford, Bedford County, Virginia. Bedford is also know for losing the most men at Normandy Beach (World War II) than any other town in the United States.

4. According to Campfires of Georgia Troops, Howard's Grove was a pine grove about a mile from downtown Richmond on a high hill overlooking the town. The camp was known first as Camp Howard's Grove but later became known as Camp Georgia when various Georgia regiments encamped there. From 1862 to 1865 Howard's Grove became the site of Howard's Grove Hospital, which was used for smallpox victims. The grove is located on the Mechanicsville Turnpike and was used as a campground during the previous war.

5. Manassas Junction is known today as Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia. At the time of Sergeant Quarles' diary the town got its name from the fact it was the junction of two different railroads - the Manassas Gap and the Orange & Alexandria. During the First Battle of Manassas, Manassas Junction was the base camp for the Confederate Army.

6. Have seen this town spelled both Charlestown and Charles Town.

7. Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston orders the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Bridge that crosses the Potomac River at Harper's Ferry, Virginia to be destroyed.

8. With Union forces moving toward Williamsport (General Robert Patterson) and Romney (Colonel Lewis Wallace; future author of Ben Hur) Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston ordered the withdrawal of all Confederate forces from Harper's Ferry.

9. Although Sergeant Quarles talks about Charlestown, Virginia it should be remembered that this region of the Commonwealth of Virginia succeeded in 1861 from Virginia and in 1863 was admitted to the Union as West Virginia.

10. Atlanta Grays and Echols Guards were Company F and D, respectively, of the 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment. The Atlanta Grays were commanded by Major Thomas L. Cooper, and the Echols Guards were commanded by Captain Columbus W. Howard.

11. We believe Sergeant Quarles means General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding general of the Army of Shenandoah.

12. Again we believe Sergeant Quarles means General Joseph E. Johnston.

13. Manassas Gap became key to General Lee’s withdraw from Gettysburg. General Meade’s III Corps tried to force the Gap and cut off the retreating Confederate Army, but elements of Anderson’s and Rhodes’ Brigades defeated the Union forces.

14. Newtown, as it appears on maps of the era, appears to have been located at the intersection of the Winchester – Strasburg Road and the Winchester – Front Royal Road.

15. Based upon the route described by Sergeant Quarles I believe he is talking about White Plains, Fauquier County, Virginia. Today it is known as The Plains, Fauquier County, Virginia. The Plains, known today for the Virginia Gold Cup, is north of Interstate 66 between Old Tavern and Middleburg, Virginia.

16. The two officers mentioned by Sergeant Quarles I believe are Francis S. Bartow and William M. Gardner. Francis S. Bartow was elected colonel (regimental commander) on June 1, 1861, and on the eve of the Battle of First Manassas he was promoted to brigadier general, Provisional Army of the Confederate States, and became the brigade commander. General Bartow fell mortally wounded on the afternoon of July 21, 1861, near the Henry House at Manassas, and was attended by Dr. H. V. Miller. A short time previously he was attempting to rally his men. His final words were: "They have killed me boys! Never give up the field." [Note: Dr. Miller is the same person that Miller’s Rifles were named for.]

17. We believe Sergeant Quarles is talking about the men of the 8^th Georgia Regiment being paid.

18. According to General Bartow’s biography the monument mentioned by Sergeant Quarles was allegedly the first Confederate monument ever dedicated. There is a difference in the dates between General Bartow’s biography and Sergeant Quarles as to when the monument was erected but nevertheless there were over a 1,000 people who attended the memorial service. The marble obelisk disappeared by 1862, and in 1936 the Georgia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy placed the present day marker, which is about 150 yards from the Manassas Battlefield Visitor's Center.

19. We believe Sergeant Quarles is talking about Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia.

20. The Little River Turnpike was the first turnpike in the area. It was first chartered in 1796 by the Virginia General Assembly, and ran from the end of Duke Street in Alexandria to the ford on the Little River.

21. We believe Sergeant Quarles means Jermantown, Fairfax County, Virginia. Today, Jermantown is a suburb of Fairfax.

22. We believe that Mason’s Hill lies within the Mason District of Fairfax County, Virginia.

23. Once again we believe Sergeant Quarles means General Joseph E. Johnston.

24. Sergeant Quarles’ reference to the "P. V.’s" we believe is the Pulaski Volunteers or G Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry commanded of Captain T. D. Lawrence Ryan.

Reed¹

75 cents

Paid

G. Jones

50 cents

Owes

James Eason

50 cents

Owes

Lt. Huntington

50 cents

Owes

Lt. Wade

50 cents

Owes

Bill Jones

75 cents

Owes

Bill Jones

75 cents

Owes

May 26, 1862

This morning the Regt moved up and took the position that the 11^th Ga (11^th Georgia Infantry Regiment) occupied on the Brook that empties into the Chickahominy (River).² We remained there all night, which was a very unpleasant & disagreeable one. About dark it began to rain slowly gradually increasing untill (sic) it began to rain very hard about one hour before day. But we did exceedingly well as most of the boys had taken the precaution to stretch blankets & oil cloths that protected them a great deal from the drenching rain. The Floyd Infantry (H Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment) saw quite a tough time of it as they had to stand picket far in advance of the mane (main) line in a dark and dismal swamp.³ But day light came and no enemy showed himself. So we will now wait the events of to day.

To day passed off quietly on our line. But about 2 o'clock thee was very heavy fireing (sic) in the direction of Hanover C.H. (Hanover Court House, Hanover County, Virginia) but what the import of it was we have not yet heard.⁴ To day we were removed from off the Brook keeping only two Companies out beyond the Brook as pickets. This evening while the fireing (sic) was going on in the direction of Hanover C.H. the Yankees keeped (sic) two Baloons (sic) up all the while in order to discover if we were moving any troops in that direction or not. During the whole afternoon there seemed to be quite a stir among the enemy, but night came and passed without anything occuring (sic) to create any excitement whatever.

This morning at the dawn of day Companys (sic) D, E & I were aroused to go on picket.⁵ Com. (Company) I took its position on the South side of the Brook while D & E crossed it wading water for half a mile waist deep we at last found the post. It was quite diverting to see some of the boys wading about in the water. In particular J. M. Montgomery our 1^st Lieut. He resembled one of those long Blue cranes waiding (sic) about after crawfish. But I wish it understood that the Lieut was not hunting crawfish nor was he trying to crawfish out of anything. But quite to the contrary he was wading right after the Yankees. To day was most lovely day. Everything was as quiet and still, as if the whole world was at peace. But like the life of one on the Isthmus a mighty storm will burst forth upon you when you least expect it and at a time when all is peace, peace quietude, & contentment. Nothing of importance occurred to day, all was quiet on the picket line. Night came & passed without any disturbance save the lonely & intruding yell of the Owls that hold the possession of the swamp.

This morning I awoke and the bright rosy morning was peeping over the fields and meadows and the Spring birds were warbling their songs of melody and all nature seemed lovely, but pass from the swamp up to where the troops were stationed. There all was bustle & excitement. They all had drawn two days rations, and were expecting a big battle.⁶ All seemed anxious for the battle to come off if they had it to fight.

The troops seemed confident of a victory, which is half of every battle. This morning we were relieved from picket by the Rome Light Guards⁷ about two hours by sun, and I assure you that the boys were all glad to get away from those nats (sic), musketoes (sic) that were in the swamp by thousands. This morning the water had fallen, and we had not the water to wade going back that we did coming, so now we will await the events of tomorrow.

This morning Company's E, G & I went out on picket, but as the old saying is, "It is better to be born lucky, than rich." About 10 o'clock we were relieved by three companies from the 11^th Ga (11^th Georgia Infantry Regiment). To day, about 1 o'clock our Brigade was relieved from off picket duty. Marching about 2 miles to the rear, we struck camp in a beautiful grove.⁸ But even here I do not believe that the boys were any better satisfied than they were while they were on the picket line, for here we lay under a great deal of suspence (sic) expecting every moment to be ordered off to some point that is threatened by the enemy. Heavy canonading (sic) began this evening in the direction of Bottom's Bridge ere long the gentle breeze wafted to us the sound of heavy musketry, which lasted untill (sic) the darkness of night prevented any farther movements. This fireing (sic) proved to be, that our forces at that point had attacked the evening who had crossed over Chickahominy in a considerable force & as the river had rose very much the night previous it was thought that we could either capture them, or route them so effectually that we would secure all there arms, baggage. But night has closed over the scene, the musketry has silenced, and I have not heard the result of the fight.⁹

This was a lovely Sabbath morning but the silence of this holy day was broken by the loud roar of the canon and the continuous sound of musketry. This was a renewal of the fight of yesterday last night the enemy were reinforced largely we attacked him driving him from their rifle pits and far beyond their camps taking all their tents, knapsacks, overcoats & a quantity of commissary stores, such as coffee, sugar & whiskey, delicacys (sic) that our boys seldom have in camp. Our loss to day is reported to have been greater than that of the enemy. Our greatest loss was a severe wound that Gen Johnson received while leading a Division into the Battle.¹⁰

As yet I have not heard the losses on either side but the killed & wounded on both sides must be very great.¹¹

To day about 11 o'clock while a goodly No. (number) of the Brigades were quietly enjoying the luxury of a sermon we were ordered to fall in. Now the boys thought for a fight, but we only moved about two miles down the River but to go those two miles we marched about 8 to get there, and as the day was exceedingly hot we suffered a great deal from heat. About dark we halted, and camped in a pine grove with order to cook all the bread we could and be ready to move next morning by daylight, but a great many of the boys were so wearied that they lay right down and sleped (sic) till day. Tomorrow it is thought that we will have the Big Battle. So we will wait and see and if I should not live to chronicle it I hope that some kind friend will preserve this, and endear to transmit it to some of my relations.¹²

J. A. Estes died June the 3^rd.¹³

This morning we received orders to pack up & be ready to move. We started off about 11 o'clock and went to the Picket line where we took our position as the reserve of our Brigade. This evening there was a sharp artillery skirmish on our line. The enemy attempted to advance, and threw up a Battery behind a house. But the Washington artillery threw shot & shell into it so rapidly that they soon set it on fire, & it was soon burned to the ground.¹⁴ This being done all was quiet the remainder of the evening save the occasional crack of the Texians (sic) rifles, who are most of the time in advance of our picket line sharp shooting.¹⁵

It continued to rain all day slowly, but steadily. All the houses around here to day were well crowded by soldiers seeking shelter from the rains and again it was the case when night began to approach. I my self took shelter in a large fine house near by but long since evacuated by the inhabitants. It was once the beautiful residence of Widow Price.¹⁶ But now her once peaceful and happy fireside, and handsome home is riddled and torn to pieces by shot & shell from the Enemy.

June 12, 1862¹⁷

To day was characteristic for the extreme quietude on our lines. Not a single shot was fired form either side on our post. The pickets are becoming quite friendly on our post. Yesterday evening three of the Rome Light Guards (A Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment) J. Shelton, C. L. Johnson & Philip Cohen and two of the Yankee pickets met on half way grounds and had quite a social chat. Our boys effected and exchanged of papers, we gave them a Richmond paper for a Philadelphia paper, J. Shelton also succeeded in swaping (sic) canteens with the Yanks. They expressed a wish that the war would close as no doubt both parties were becoming tired of it. They referred to the Mechanicksville (sic) (Mechanicsville, Henrico County, Virginia) skirmish in which the 8^th Regt was engaged on the 23 & 24 of May last. They belonged to the 83 Pensylvania (sic) & were full blooded Yankees.¹⁸

The anticipated attack on our right did not take place this morning though it was much looked for. To day being Sunday we had an inspection of arms at 9 o'clock. Soon after this we received orders to stack arms and put on our accoutrements and remain near the stack, as they did not know at what moment we would be called on to fall in, as Gen Ripple (C.S.A.) was going to make a strong reconnaissance on our right in the evening.¹⁹ But early in the evening distant thunder could be heard, a little later and a dark & stormy cloud could be seen rapidly rising in the North West, and sooner than told the cloud was over us and the rain falling in large & heavy drops. It continued to rain till darkness set in when the clear, blue sky could be seen in the west which betoken a clear day on tomorrow. Up to this time nothing had occurred to disturb our quietude. Soon after dark all repaired to their respective bunks and ere long many of us were in the land of Nod, and in our dreams were traversing the once familiar paths around our Rural Homes or perchance were taking a pleasant strole (sic) down the green lawn that leads to the rapid & rippling waters of the rolling Oostanaula (River), with the Loved one, of olden days.

The early part of the morning passed of rather quietly, but soon the stillness was broken by the roar & din of Battle. We were listners (sic) and spectators of all the fighting that had taken place previous to this. But about 11 o'clock this morning we found an opportunity of trying our own hand. At the above mentioned hour we, (8^th Ga) received orders to charge the enemy's battery supported by the 7^th Ga. We made the charge, but owing to the tardiness of Gen Tomb's (Brigadier General Robert Toombs) command, who were to act in concert with us, it proved unsuccessful. Our Ret, the 8^th Ga, suffered a good deal. We succeeded in driving the Enemy from their first Breastworks, but being exposed to three concentrated fires of the Enemy, we were compelled to fall back, but not without considerable loss.²⁰

It was in this fight that the Brave, and gallant Col. Lamar was severely wounded, and taken prisoner but was afterwards recaptured. Lieut. Col. Towers was also taken prisoner unharmed, Lieut. Harper of Company E was also taken prisoner.²¹

At the dawning of day we were aroused, and formed a line of Battle. Marching for about one mile in line of Battle, when we met up with some of Jackson's (Major General Thomas J. Jackson) forces. Learning that there were no Enemy in front of us, we simply made an about face, and marched back to the place from which we had started from early in the morning. From this point we made a right flank & marched in the direction of James River, and bearing to the right we were soon in shelling distance of the Enemy's guns. At this juncture we threw out skirmishers in Front. We were now directly in front of the Enemy's canon (sic), consisting of no less than forty pieces. It was against this formidable barrier that the gallant old 8^th & 7^th Ga attempted to charge. But finding that the direction in which we were attempting to charge was not an advantageous one, we were ordered to fall back in order to approach the Battery in another direction but for some reason I do not know what, we did not make another attempt to charge it. During all this time we were under a terrific fire from the Enemy's Guns. Many of our brave boys went to their long homes on memorable day. This battle field of July the 2^nd will long be remembered by those that were fortunate enough to pass through all these dangers unharmed.²²

Was a brother to yesterday. The morning was quite cool & pleasant but as the day passed off and Old Sol's scorching rays came beaming down without any respect of persons rendered our position anything but pleasant. This morning we had Battalion Drill, which was rendered quite interesting by the awkward movements of Capt. G. O. Dawson, who is now in command of the Regt.²³ We went out on Battalion Drill at 8 o'clock, after marching us by the right & left flank, for a numberless quantity of times after this a numberless quantity of right abouts came forth, the good Old Capt thinking that he could perform more difficult movements, bringing the Regt to a halt, he for a moment consulted his paper of notes & then attempted to proceed but making such a fizzle of it all that it only created one united sniggering with both men & officers. The good Old Capt, somewhat irritated at this, became powerfully enraged. Marching us back to camp he delivered quite a fighting speech to Regt in which he stated, "I have seen a disposition manifested this morning by some of the Officers, and a part of the men to talk & laugh at some mistakes which I have made. You all know that I was called to the command of this Regt some weeks ago by a sad accident which happened to the Regt on the 28^th of June. I not being familiar with some of the maneuvers of Battalion Drill you are disposed to laugh at my mistakes, so treat me with disrespect. If this occurs again, I will put the men under arrest that do it. I am an Officer, and shall be respected as such. I shall command respect, and I will have it at all Hazards." Thus closing his eloquent strain, the companys (sic) were returned to their respective commanders. The good Old Capt speech had a bad effect upon the men and won little love for him. The Old Capt's last word (Hazards) has become of frequent use since his great speech. But the morning's drill was soon forgotten and the remainder of the day was spent in rubbing and scrubbing our old guns for inspection on tomorrow.

Soon after we started on our march our ears were greeted with a very familiar sound, "That of canon." Arriving within two miles of the Hill we passed immediately within plain view of the River, where could be seen one of the Enemy's Gun Boats. They spying us they greeted us by sending what the soldiers call a camp kettle at us, but fortunately it passed far above our heads, doing injury to no one. Advancing for 1/2 mile further we came to a point where the road lead in to an Old field. Here we halted and threw skirmishers out in front & on our right & left. Here we remained in this dangerous position until (sic) the 17^th Ga (17^th Georgia Infantry Regiment) and our Battery retreated from their perilous position. But they did not relinquish their hold on the Hill until (sic) our Battery had exhausted all their ammunition. After the 17^th Ga, and the Battery arrived in the front of woods where we were then we all retreated down the road some 1/2 mile, where we halted and threw out skirmishers, but we did not remain in this position long. The enemy advancing on us with a superior force of cavalry, we were compelled to give way. The 17^th Ga, the Battery, and a squadron of cavalry retreated by the road, while we (8^th Ga) retreated through an old wheat field where the wheat had not been cut. So you can form some idie (sic) what kind of a place we had to retreat through. Such was the difficulty with which we walked and the extreme heat of the day that several of our Regt became perfectly exhausted, and were taken prisoner. O.S. Jones of my company was taken prisoner, and it is truly a miracle that the whole Regt was not taken.²⁴ During our retreat for 1 1/2 miles through this old field the enemy were pouring the shot & shell into us, but happily without much effect. At last we gained the road and made safe our retreat. We were ordered to report to Gen Tomb's (General Toombs) Headquarters. From him Capt Dawson obtained permission to carry the Regt to camp for the purpose of obtaining food, as we had not had anything to eat that day, and in addition to that we were completely exhausted as the day was very hot & sultry. We marched back to our camp but just as we were about to be dismissed orders came for us to march back and take our position in line of Battle. Then all our rejoicing was turned into sorrow. We marched back & took our position in line of Battle. But we were not destined to remain here long. About 10 o'clock we received orders to report to Gen Tomb's (General Toombs) Headquarters. From here we were sent to scour a piece of woods about 1/2 mile wide.

This morning 1 1/2 hour before day we received orders to strike tents, pack knapsack and be ready to move at day light. At the appointed hour we were ready to move but did not start till one hour by sun. We marched back to our old camp where we arrived about 11 o'clock, all covered with dust & very much wearied. Tents were soon put up and all in order. At this time there is strong talk of us going to the Valley of Va, I truly hope it will not be the case.²⁵

Mess Account:

F. W. Quarles bought,

One paper of pepper

40

Four onions

50

Jack Reed bought, soda

$1.50

For Washing

J. H. Cooper

$.50

W. H. May

.50

J. H. Cooper

1.10

Officers: 

Capt. Dunlap Scott
1^st Lieut C. M. Harper
2^nd " A. C. H. Huntington
3^rd " Robert Wade

1^st Seargent Gabriel Jones
2^nd " W. P. Trout - s. ab.²⁷
3^rd " F. W. Quarles
4^th " John Bailey
5^th " F. L. Miller

1^st A. C. Morrison - s. ab.
2^nd J. I. Davis
3^rd L. L. Floyd
4^th T. C. Sparks - s. ab.

Andrews, W. J. - Det. Duty²⁸
Asbury, T. M. - s. ab.
Adams, S. H. - Det. Duty
Bishop, Edmond
Bolt, Sam (Sergeant Quarles lined this name out)²⁹
Bobo, A. J. - Absent with leave
Bowden, R. N.
Brice, H. A.
Brice, R. P. - s. ab.
Chambers, S. A. - s. ab.
Cooper, J. H.
Cornelius, W. T.
Eason, J. T.
Eason, J. R.
Estes, T. C.
Estes, J. A.
Evans, W. J.
Foster, W. L. - Det. Duty
Freeman, E. P.
Garrett, H. T. - Det. Duty
Garrett, W. W. - Det. Duty
Glenn, T. J.³⁰
Graham, R. A.
Hankins, E. P. - s. ab.
Hardin, J A. - s. ab.
Harper, D. C.
Harper, H. C.
Harvey, W. H.
Harvey, R. F.
Henry, W. R. - s. ab.
Henry, J. V. - s. ab.
Hill, J. M. - s. ab.
Hill, David
Hill, John
Johnston, B. A.
Jones, W. H. Senior
Jones, W. H. Junior - s. ab.
Judkins, M. S.
Lanham, S. J.
Lanham, B. P. - s. ab.
Lee, J. E. - s. ab.
May, B. F.
McCroskey, W. H. - s. ab.
McKinzie, Joe - Det. Duty
Miller, J. H.
Moore, Alec - Det. Duty
Moore, J. E. (Quarles lined this name out)³¹ -s. ab.
Motes, Tyler
Norton, F. F. - Det. Duty
Osley, John - s. ab.
Parks, W. M.
Parks, Daniel - s. ab.
Payne, G. W.
Penny, H. H.
Perry, Jas. - s. ab.
Price, R. D.
Pyle, J. L. - s. ab.
Reeves, T. K. - s. ab.
Reed, A. J.³²
Reynolds, B. F. - s. ab.
Reynolds, F. M. - s. ab.
Roberts, Samuel - s. ab.
Self, T. J.
Silvey, J. H.
Sparks, W. M. - s. ab.

1. Though spelled Reed we believe that Sergeant Quarles meant Read, as there were two enlisted men in his company with the last name of Read.

2. Based upon Sergeant Quarles’ description it appears that E Company was stationed along White Oak Swamp Creek. This creek runs between Chickahominy Swamp and White Oak Swamp, and empties into Chickahominy River. This creek empties into the Chickahominy and is east south east of Bottom Bridge. The Williamsburg Road to Richmond crosses the bridge.

3. We believe the swamp Sergeant Quarles is talking about is White Oak Swamp.

4. On this day, near Hanover Court House, the Union Fifth Corps commanded by Brigadier General Fitz John Porter, U.S.A. engaged and defeated Confederate forces under the command of Brigadier General Lawrence O’B. Branch, C.S.A. Estimated casualties – Union (397); Confederate (930).

5. Captains H. E. Malone and George Oscar Dawson commanded Company D (Echols Guard) and Company I (Greene Light Guard) of the 8th Georgia Regiment, respectively.

6. The premonition of a forthcoming battle was in fact the Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks as it called by the Union Army).

7. The Rome Light Guard mentioned by Sergeant Quarles is A Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment commanded by Major E. J. Magruder.

8. Brigade commander was Brigadier General D. R. Jones

9. The heaving firing Sergeant Quarles describes is the Battle of Seven Pines. General Johnston on May 31, 1862 attempted to overwhelm two Union Corps south of the Chickahominy River. The uncoordinated Confederate attack succeeded in driving back the Fifth Corps with heavy casualties, but after two days of bitter fighting both sides claimed victory. Estimated casualties: Union (5,739); Confederate (7,997).

10. Sergeant Quarles means General Joseph E. Johnston and not General Johnson. General Johnston’s wounds were sufficient enough that he remained out of action until November 1862 when he was given command of the Army of Tennessee.

11. Actual losses were: Union – 790 killed; 3,594 wounded; and 647 missing Confederate – 980 killed; 4,749 wounded; and 405 missing.

12. Sergeant Quarles is describing the Confederate’s retrograde and reestablishment of its redoubt around Richmond.

13. J. A. Estes was a private in E Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment.

14. We believe the Washington artillery mentioned by Sergeant Quarles is the Washington (Louisiana) Artillery Battalion. The 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th companies were part of Walton’s Corps commanded by Colonel James B. Walton.

15. The Texan sharpshooters mentioned by Sergeant Quarles we believe were members of Hood’s Brigade commanded by Brigadier General John B. Hood.

16. Stephen Sears, in his book about the Peninsula Campaign, mentions a house owned by Mrs. Price. He describes how dignitaries from Richmond, including President Davis, watched the battle from the heights of the hill that Mrs. Price’s house sat on. This may be the same house mentioned by Sergeant Quarles.

17. June 12, 1862 was also the day of Brigadier General J. E. B. Stuart’s infamous ride around General McClelland’s entire command. The raid that began on the 12th lasted for three days and in that time Stuart’s cavalry (1,200 men and two pieces of horse artillery) rode nearly 100 miles and completely circled the entire Union Army. Stuart’s raid became quite an embarrassment to General McClelland and the Union Army, especially when it was later learned that only one Confederate soldier was killed.

18. The men of the 83d Pennsylvania Regiment hailed from the northwest corner of Pennsylvania. The regiment along with the rest of the Union Fifth Corps suffered heavy casualties during the Seven Pines. The 83^rd Pennsylvania and the Fifth Corps would "redeem" itself in less than a year at Gettysburg – on July 2 and 3, 1863 they repulsed Hood and McLaws at Little and Big Round Top.

19. We Believe Sergeant Quarles is talking about Brigadier General Roswell Sabine Ribley. General Ribley commanded a brigade in General D. H. Hill’s Division during the Seven Days’ Battle.

20. Stephan Sears wrote of this ill-fated episode where both the 7^th and 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiments in just two days lost 483 men to the Union losses of 189. According to Sears, General Toombs over aggressiveness entangled Brigadier George T. Anderson’s brigade in a full-blown fight instead of the reconnaissance in force as ordered by division.

21. In his memoirs Lieutenant General Longstreet writes of this skirmish. "On the 28^th the Seventh and Eight Georgia Regiments were sent out a little before night to ascertain the probable movements of the enemy, and encountered part of W. F. Smith’s division, Sixth Corps, meeting the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania and Thirty-third New York Regiments. Colonel Lamar and Lieutenant-Colonel Towers and Adjutant Harper, of the Eighth Georgia Regiment, fell into the enemy’s hands, and twenty-nine others of the Seventh and Eighth Regiments were taken prisoners. Just as this affair was well begun a recall of the regiments was ordered; hence the number of casualties." (Page 131)

22. The battle mentioned by Sergeant Quarles on July 2, 1862 was at Malvern Farm and the action is mentioned in the regimental commander’s report to 3^rd Brigade.

23. Captain George O. Dawson, commander of I Company, assumed command of the regiment on June 28, 1862 when Colonel Towers was captured.

24. We believe the soldier Sergeant Quarles is talking about is Sergeant Gabriel Jones.

25. The Valley of Virginia is the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia.

26. It would appear that this company roster is a partial roster when compared to the official records, since there are no names after "Sparks." There is no date on the listing to indicate the "effective date" of the roster so it should not be used to indicate "official" service dates of individuals.

27. There is no indication what this abbreviation means but based upon other records pertaining to members of E Company, 8^th Georgia Infantry Regiment we surmise that it stands for "sick with absence."

28. Again there is no indication what this means but we assume it means "Detached Duty."

29. Died July 22, 1862 in Richmond, Virginia.

30. The family story is that on August 23, 1862 several men were sent out on a scouting mission. When Francis Quarles did not return for roll call three men were sent to look for him. One of these was Thomas J. Glenn. Sergeant Quarles was found wounded and returned to camp.

31. Received a disability discharge at Richmond, Virginia on July 23, 1862.

32. According to the Official Records this name is spelled Read not Reed.

Alexander, Edward Porter, General, C.S.A. Edited by Gary W. Gallagher. Fighting for the Confederacy: The Personal Recollections of General Edward Porter Alexander. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: The University of North Carolina Press, 1989.

Larson, Dave. 8^th Georgia Infantry Web Site. Web address: http://home.earthlink.net/~larsrbl/8thGeorgiaInfantry.html.

Supplement to the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Part II - Record of Events, Volume 6. Wilmington, North Carolina: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1995.