Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-10-22
"Reminiscences.
The Jefferson Riflemen.

member the circumstances which caused the
prompt organization and march of the compa-
ny to the seat Of war.
On the afternoon of the 22d August, 1914,
a dispatch BY special messenger was received
in Charlcstown from Capt. Henry St. George
Tucker commandant of a volunteer cavalry
in service, stating that the British forces were
preparing for raid on Washington, and Capt
T. called for volunteers to help TO defend the
seat of government An earnest response was
made, George w. Humphreys, Thomas Grlggs,
James l.. Ransom. and Others assembled at the
market-house; and Mr.. Grggs, whose voice
was always potent with the people of this re-
cion. mounted butchers block and made
stirring appeal to those in attendance. A
drummer and ifer were sent through the streets,
and in the course of the afternoon company
of 60 men was organized, with George W.
Humphreys as Captain, Thomas Griggs as first
Lieutenant, and James l.. Ransom and Samuel
Russell as second and third Lieutenants.
The next morning the company marched to
Harper's Ferry to procure rifles and ammuni-
tion. Here the company was increased by the
addition of Col. Stubblefed, superintendent
Of the Armory, and about 40 Of the armorers,
most of them good marksmen. On Wednes-
day morning the company started down the
river in two -four boats, but it was concluded
that the armorers could be more useful at home
in the fabrication of arms than in the field, and
portion of them agreed to return, leaving the
company about 80 strong On the way down
the firing at Bladensburg was distinctly heard,
and on reaching Seneca the light of the burn
ing public buildings was seen at night. On
the morning of the 25th of August the COM
pany started to Join Gen Winder's army at
Rockville The next day they were mustered
into the service for 30 days; and on their en-
try into Georgetown were handsomely enter
tanned by Washington Bowie, Esq. They
were next assigned to the regiment of Col.
James Thompson. In the course Of a night
spent at Gteenleaf's Point their nerves were
tested by sudden call to arms oil report that
the British were approaching in barges but it
was false alarm, the quiet Of the early morn
ing having beef disturbed by The oars of the
country people coming to market. IN agreea-
ble relief of course.
After spending some days in monotonous
camp duty on Camp Hill, near the site of the
present Naval Observatory, the company was
ordered on the afternoon Of the ID of Septen-
Der to march to the White House, on the Poto-
mac, to join Commodore Porter in an attempt
to sink the two British vessels which were COM
PEELED to pass close to the Virginia shore. On
the 5tb, the wind favorng, the British COM
mander set sail, and soon passed the imperfect
defences hastily erected by Com. Porter In
this affair the company bore an honotable
part, losing one killed David Harris Of Shep-
herdstown,l and having five wounded, two of
them severely. Mr.. David Humphreys, order
" sergeant, had his right arm shattered, and
afterwards amputated, and Mr.. Hugh Melon
aid was wounded in the side by grape shot,
which courscd round his body without touch
ing vital part
The return Of the company, with SO little
damage in serious encounter with formida-
bic adversary, was naturally hailed with great
satisfaction Time has swept off nearly all of
them, and we can recall to mind only seren
survivors DIR. Richard McSherry, William
Strider, Humphrey Keyes, William Crow,
John S. Gallaher Jacob Fouke, and John
Hyatt. The Great Reaper will soon gather
them in.
We find in the files of the Farmers Reposi-
tory the following brief notices of the return
of the company, and the honOrs extended to
them.
from the Farner.' Repository, Ciarie,torn, Sep
tember 20, 1914.
We are happy to announce the return to this
place, of the company of Riflemen commanded
by Capt George W. Humphreys, which march
ed for Washington on the 23d Of last month.
Though this gallant corps did not arrive at
Washington in time to take part in the ac-
ton which decided the fate Of that unfortunate
city. an occasion soon presented itself, when,
under the eye Of the brave Commodore Porter,
at the White House, each member Of 1t e5hibi
ted as much bold daring and fearless devotion
to the cause Of their country as ever were
evinced by any body Of men, called together
under similar circumstances.
It is with no small exultation we assert, that
the whole conduct Of this respectable compa-
nv was such rs to reflect honor on this county.
1t gives US pleasure to state that all the wound
ed have returned but one, and are doing well.
The same paper contains the following an
nouncement:
Harpers Ferry, September %, 1914
gA"A BARBACUE will be given by the
citizens Of this place, on Saturday The lst Of
October next. to the Officers and Soldiers be-
longing to Capt. George W. Humphreys Com
pany Of Volunteers, where they are respectful
iy invited by the -
from the r1rrer.' Repcsitory, CtarleaorH, Oeto-
Der s, 1914
An elegant Barbecue was given yesterday by
the citizens of this place to the Jefferson Vol
uuteers, lately commanded By Captain Hum
pbreys.
rive regret that no details Of these tributes
to the company are to be found in the Reposi-
tory.l