Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 3.djvu/1354

1268 the day rendered memorable by the passage of the ordinance of secession, he left the university to lead the life of a soldier, and was with his company from the university at the occupation of Harper's Ferry, April 18, 1861. Ten days later he enlisted with the Second Richmond Howitzers, and rendered efficient service with that command until February 1, 1862, when he was ordered to Richmond and was detailed as drill-master for artillery. He acted in this capacity until July, 1862, receiving meanwhile, in the month of May, a commission as second lieutenant in the provisional army of the Confederate States. In July he went upon the staff of Brig.-Gen. D. R. Jones, as aide-de-camp, and served with that officer until his death in January, 1863, when he was appointed to the staff of Brig.-Gen. M. D. Corse, first as aide-de-camp, subsequently being promoted adjutant and inspector-general. In this rank he remained with Corse's brigade until on May 12, 1864, he was captured by the Federal forces near the Half Way House, between Richmond and Petersburg. His detention as a prisoner of war continued from that date until January, 1863, when he was paroled, and the dreary months of restraint and privation were passed at Point Lookout and Fort Delaware. Upon being exchanged March 1, 1865, he immediately rejoined the army and reported for duty. After the close of the struggle he returned to Richmond and began the practice of law, in which he has since become distinguished, ranking with the leading jurists of the State.

David E. Williams, of Portsmouth, a gallant Confederate soldier who shared the fortunes of the Old Dominion Guard from Fredericksburg to Five Forks, was born at Portsmouth, April 21, 1844. His father, David Williams, was also a native of Portsmouth, born November 4, 1808, died March 15, 1895. His mother, whose maiden name was Thyrza Consolvo, was born in Norfolk county September 3, 1809, and died December 27, 1890. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, young Williams had not yet reached the age of eighteen years, but he was firmly devoted to the cause, and in the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company K of the Ninth Virginia regiment of infantry, a company which originally was the Old Dominion Guard, and at the time of his enlistment was commanded by Capt. H. A. Allen. Subsequently Private Williams participated in the campaigns and battles of Armistead's brigade and Pickett's division of the army of Northern Virginia, including the gallant fighting of his regiment at Five Forks. At the latter engagement he was wounded, and soon afterward captured. He was held as a prisoner of war at Point Lookout until June 16, 1865, when he was paroled and permitted to return to his home. Since the war he has resided at Portsmouth and has been successfully engaged in the mercantile business. He is a member of Stonewall camp, Confederate Veterans, and of the Episcopal church. On January 29, 1867, he was married to Alice Rebecca Guy, of Portsmouth, and they have five children living. Private Williams was the youngest of five brothers who entered the Confederate service, and of whom the only other survivor is Luther J. Williams, of Portsmouth, also of the Old Dominion Guard, who was wounded and disabled at Seven Pines. Lemuel H., of Company G of the Ninth Virginia regiment, who was killed at the stone wall on Cemetery hill, Gettysburg, July 3, 1863,