The Virginia in the Civil War Message Board

Re: First Battalion Virginia Reserves

The 1st Battalion Virginia Reserves was organized on May 31, 1864. Commonly called "Duke's Battalion" for commander Lt Col. Richard Thomas Walker Duke.

Colonel Duke reported 380 men present for duty on June 2, 1864 at Camp Lee [camp of instruction]at Richmond. They were engaged for the rest of the war defending Richmond, primarily at Belle Isle guarding prisoners and at Chaffin's Farm.

In July 1864, General Richard S. Ewell informed General Lee:

"I have the honor to state for the information of the general commanding, in reference to his communication of the 4th instant, that Colonel Duke's regiment of reserves has been ordered to Richmond, one portion guarding the bridge over the South Anna, and the balance absorbed in escorting Federal prisoners to other parts and guarding those that daily accumulate. The Local Defense have been withdrawn to their civil occupations, leaving for defense of intrenchments here and below the Sixtieth Alabama and Twenty-fifth Virginia Battalion, Gary's cavalry brigade, and the artillery under Lieutenant-Colonel Pemberton and Colonel Carter. Of this Gary's command is so scattered that it could not be used in time to resist a sudden attack on this line."
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See:
http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/search/search_OR.cfm

Search on First Battalion Virginia Reserves, Colonel Duke's regiment, Duke's Battalion etc.
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See:
http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/50225672&tab=holdings?loc=Richmond%2C+VA

I have a copy if you need a look-up on a specific soldier.

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