The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

Woodson's MO Cavalry Company

Captain Charles Woodson's Cavalry Company was the only Missouri unit to see service in Virginia. Its most notable action was at the battle of New Market in 1864. As the following letter indicates, the organization of the company was not without controversy, and the battalion mentioned was never completed. Danny Odom provided me a copy of the letter, which he obtained from the National Archives.

Richmond July 30th 1863
Col. J. C. Shields
Commanding Camp Lee

Col:

General [Arnold] Elzey informs me that the soldiers from Missouri belonging to the Trans Mississippi Department now in camp under your command have acquiesced in the desires of the War Department directing their temporary service in the Army of Northern Virginia. This being the case I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that the necessity of a guard to enforce the order of the Department no longer exists and that they are now at liberty to form organizations of two or more companies, selecting their officers from the members of [the] command and non commissioned officers now with them. As soon as the organization is reported orders will be issued to the companies to report to Genl Lee.

Their organizations are at present designed to be temporary. Should it be found practicable the men will hereafter be mounted and attached to Genl Imboden’s Command permanently. If this proves to be impracticable they will when occasion offers be returned to the army to which they belong.

You will instruct the senior officer Captain Woodson, who will be Captain of one of the companies, and have charge of the Battalion, to proceed at once and perfect the organization upon the conditions herein named, and report the result without delay.

Very respectfully &c
Saml W. Martin
AA Genl

N.B. The order above given is based of course upon the information that the insubordination amongst the men reported to this Department no longer exists.

SWM

A&IGO - Letters and Telegrams Sent, January-December 1863, 01/1863 - 12/1863
ARC Identifier 6925789 / Local Identifier Chapter I Volume 38 / MLR Number PI101 3
File Unit from Record Group 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records, 1825 - 1927