Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-09-20
FRIDAY MORNING, SEPT. 20. 1895

FRIDAY MORNING. SEPT. 20. 1895.
GEN. r. E.. LEE AND GEN.
IMBODEN.
In the flight of thirty years, this genera
ton has lost much Of the distinguished
service rendered by Brigadier Gen. JOIN
D. Imboden to the Army of Northern Vir
pinia. He was born fighter, and his move
ments on the field were marked by tn
ability of an experienced commander
though their author was reared to the pur
suits of civilian. There we're few officers
in that army to whom Gen. Lee trusted
more critical duties, OF to whom and 81
whom he more frequently expressed hi
approval. His recent death recalls thost
deeds. and the fact that he was an Augusta
county man and that a large body OF thf
men who SO calamity served under hin
were from our county, makes it pleasant
duty to recall that approval. The follow
ing two letters which We take from the
Confederate Records are instances OF st;
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN v A.
October %, 1868.
Brig. Gen. ]. D. Imboden. Commanding &C.
General-Your letter of the 18th inst, re-
porting the capture of the enemy's force al
Charlestown, has been received. The move
ment was we'll conceived and executed in
manner that reflects great credit upon your
self and the officers and men OF your com
mand, to whom desire to express my appfe
citation of the brave and valua Die service
they have rendered. Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
r, E. LEE, General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN V A.
October %, 1868.
Gen. S. Cooper, Adjutant and lnspector-ueh
Richmond, Va.
When the movement OF the army from LII
Rapidan commenced, Gen. lmboden was IN
structed to advance down the Valley ant
guard the gaps of the mountains on our lett
This duty was we'll performed by that ONCE
and on the 18th inst. he marched upon Omar
Iestown and succeeded, by we'll concerted
plan, in surrounding all their stores ant
transportation Only few escaped to Har
per's Ferry. The enemy advanced from tina
place in superior numbers to attack Genera
Imboden, who retired bringing off his prls
oners and captured property, his command
suffering very little loss and inflicting SOM
damage upon the pursuing columns.
In the course of the operations 2.436 prison
ers were captured, including Al commission
ed officers. Of the above number, 434 Wer
taken by Gen. Imboden.
A more complete account, with statemen
of our loss in killed, wounded and prisoners
will be forwarded as soon as the necessary
official reports shall have been received.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
r. E. LEE, General.
But perhaps no higher tribute was pal(
to Gen. Imboden 3 courage and skill, thar
that involved in the fact that after the dis
aster at Gettysburg, Gen. Lee assigned
him an important part in protecting TIN
Confederate rear on the retreat of the arm.
into Virginia. The following is an extrac
from Gen. Lees official report showing
how that trust was executed:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VA.
July 81, 1868.
Gen. S. Cooper, Adiutant and Inspector-Gen
Richmond, Va.
Gen. Imboden, in pursuance of the instruc
lions previously referred to, had been actiyel,
engaged on the left of Gen. Ewell during TIN
progress of the latter into Maryland. He hat
<3,iu off tha nm rd in no IA orr
& Ohio Railroad, destroying all the impol
tant bridges on that route from Cumberland
to Martinsburg, and seriously damaged TIN
Chesapeake d Ohio canal. He subsequent.
took position at Hancock, and, after the az
rival of Longstreet and Hill at Chambers
burg, was directed to march by way of Nc
Connellsburg to that place.
Part of our train moved by the road through
Fairfield, and the rest by way of Cashtown
guarded by Gen. Imboden. In passing
through the mountains in advance of the
column, the great length of the trains exposed
them to attack by the enemy's cavalry, which
captured a number of wagons and ambulan
ces, but they succeeded in reaching Williams
port without serious less.
They were attacked at that place on the
9th by the enemy's cavalry which was gal
1antly repulsed by Gen. Imboden. The at
lacking force was subsequently, encountered
and driven off by Gen. Stuart, and pursued
for several miles in the direction of Boons
borough.
Those who are familiar with the history
of Gen. Imboden's command during the
long years of the war, can safely say that
the work it did so well could have been en-
trusted to no Drawer men and no better
commander.
PROJECTS THAT SHOULD BE
STOPPED.