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Many of the infantry and engineer officers carried this Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword. This was a fully-capable fighting weapon. This artifact was one of only 500 produced in an 1861 contract by the famed Ames Sword Company. Unusually, this lot was stamped by Federal inspectors and dated “U.S./J.H./1861”. This model was also carried by…

This Model 1850 Field and Staff Officer’s Sword was the type carried in Stafford by some majors and higher in line and staff positions. This sword, although decorative, was a fully-capable fighting weapon preferred by senior officers at risk of actually engaging the enemy.  It was replaced by a lighter, smaller model in 1860 (reflecting…

On May 2, 1862, a command-reconnaissance party under Brigadier General Rufus King, crossed the new canal-boat bridge and reconnoitered Fredericksburg. An infantry company swept the town, occupied a tobacco warehouse, and posted pickets after discovering no Confederate threat. Five days later, the entire 23rd New York Infantry moved into the town and established headquarters opposite…

Once Union troops were in Fredericksburg, Lincoln came to Stafford.  On May 21st he visited commanders and troops at the Lacy House.  He went over the canal-boat bridge to Fredericksburg and was met by General Marsena Patrick who was commanding Union troops in town.  The two, along with Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, had a…

The 7th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment is shown here in Stafford overlooking the town of Fredericksburg.  Notice their Hardee hats.  They spent most of this First Federal Occupation as members of the “Iron Brigade.” 7th Wisconsin Infantry Hardee Hats 7th Wisconsin Infantry reenactors

Below is a list of all the Union units that were in Stafford during the First Federal Occupation. Major General Irvin McDowell commanded the Department of the Rappahannock. Brig. Gen. Rufus King’s Division: Brig. Gen. C. C. Augur’s (1st) Brigade: 22nd, 24th, 30th, 84th New York Infantry and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters Brig. Gen. Marsena R.…

During this First Federal (Union) occupation, Brigader Rufus King’s division was initially headquartered at Chatham, known then as the Lacy House.  King is standing on the bottom porch step, in the center with a white vest.  Lt. Colonel Judson Kilpatrick is on the right.  He commanded the 2nd New York “Harris Light” Cavalry. Lacy House…

The 84th New York Volunteer Infantry , 14th New York State Militia.  “14th Brooklyn” were in Stafford during the First Federal Period.  They were known for their distinctive coats and red trousers.  The next slide tells their history for the entire war. Reenactors from New York regularly participate in Stafford’s “Yankees in Falmouth and some…

Wyman White, Company F, 2nd U. S. Sharpshooters, described entering Falmouth after they passed the scene of the previous night’s initial cavalry fight. They were witnessing the horrors of war for the first time and the memories would be indelible. White would rise to first or orderly sergeant of his company and would write his…

The 2nd  (Bate’s) Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS – AKA 2nd Confederate Regiment – as it was the second Tennessee regiment mustered-in to PACS). Organized in Nashville, TN (May 6, 1861); mustered-into CS service at Lynchburg, VA (May 12, 1861). Capt. (later Col.) William Bate bestowed the name “Walker Legion”…

A crude form of mine warfare first appeared early in the war in Stafford. On July 7, 1861, Captain Budd of the USS Resolute discovered this “infernal machine designed by the Confederates ” lying in wait for Pawnee and the Potomac Flotilla. The contraption combined watertight 80-gallon oil casks (as buoy) and 20 fathoms of…

No future naval engagements would take place at Aquia Landing, but the Union kept the Potomac Flotilla patrolling off Brent’s Point and occasionally shots were exchanged from shore or ship. On October 5, 1861, “Harper’s Weekly” contained this sketch by of the “Rebel Steamer Page, now lying at Acquia Creek.” The article related that this…