Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/65

Rh record of the vile deeds done at this period among the helpless and unarmed people of the Northern Neck by Federal soldiers and armed negroes, would find its parallel only in the accounts of the atrocities of savages.

Many changes had occurred among the officers of the regiment. R. K. Smith had succeeded Crutchfield as captain of Company E, Captain John Tayloe and Lieutenant John Tayloe, Jr., of Company I, had resigned, and Lieutenant Billingsley (a prisoner) had been made captain. Sergeant King had commanded this company, and, though a plain mechanic, had shown fine soldierly qualities during the year previous, and had never been absent when duties demanded his presence, and as a reward for his fidelity and good conduct he had been recommended for appointment as first lieutenant at a time when the company was too much reduced in numbers to elect its officers. Before the appointment came the wagon-train and its attendants (Company Q) joined us, and as elections would be held in several companies, the Colonel, not doubting but that King would be the choice of Company I, said to the Adjutant he had as well embrace that company in the order for holding the elections. This remark was communicated to King, and he promptly called at the log-fire at regimental headquarters. Finding several officers present he remarked that he preferred that no election should be had in his case, as he would "value much more highly an appointment from such men as Stuart and the Lees." He was told very well; that no election would be ordered by his company. King tarried, however, until he was alone with the Colonel, and then informed him that, supposing his commission certain, he had cursed one of the men that morning, and he thought if the election was put to a vote he would be beaten. G. W. Beale was elected lieutenant in Company C, and George E. Chancellor in Company E.

The brigade was soon after this brought together at Saluda. Upon reaching this place and rejoining the regiment the Colonel, with other officers, was summoned to a council, and