November 19, 2025 • 24 mins
At the Battle of Cross Keys, 8 June 1862, PVT William A. McClendon and the 15th Alabama posted in front of the Confederate left flank and narrowly escaped being cut off from the rest of the Army. After marching at the double quick across the battlefield, the Alabamians rejoined their brigade on the right flank and assisted in repulsing the first Union advance. The 15th Alabama then turned to the attack.
Sources used for this episode:
McClendon, William A. Recollections of War Times, By An old Veteran While under Stonewall Jackson and Lieutenant General James Longstreet. How I Got In, and How I Got Out. The Paragon Press, 1909. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t1sf30q64&seq=9.
Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Ser. 1, vol. 12, pt: 1: Reports. Government Printing Press, 1885. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077725921&view=1up&seq=3.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
There we lay as a bengal tigerwhen he crouched down, ready to
sprain upon his unsuspectedprey.
Each man in deathly silence.
With fixed eyes upon theadvancing foe, only waiting for
the command to fire.
Dear friend.
These were almost breathlessmoments, not a word, not a
(00:22):
whisper by the men.
Only a word of caution waswhispered by the officers.
See them advancing.
Keep cool Alabamians.
Take good aim, and not to firetoo high.
They were allowed to come within75 to 100 yards when the command
fire was given.
(00:43):
We hurled such a storm of buckand ball at them that it came
very near annihilating.
Their command.
(01:13):
Hi, my name is Bill Coghlan andhost the first person Civil War
podcast.
While the generals of both sidesget most of the recognition, the
Civil War was fought by the menin the ranks.
And they told their storiesduring and after the war.
Follow me as I reveal what thesemen witnessed in the battles of
(01:34):
the Civil War.
Episode 55 is entitled PrivateWilliam a McClendon, and the
15th Alabama at the Battle ofCross Keys and relies on his
book, recollections of War Timesby an Old Veteran while under
Stonewall Jackson and LieutenantGeneral James Longstreet.
(01:56):
How I Got in and How I Got Out,which he published in 1909.
William Augustus McClendon wasborn on seven August, 1844 in
Henry County, Alabama.
William lived in Henry Countythroughout his childhood and was
16 years old when Alabama votedfor secession on 11 January,
(02:19):
1861.
The news of secession sparkedthe formation of two infantry
companies in his home county,the Henry Grays and Henry Blues,
both of which would eventuallybe incorporated into the sixth
Alabama.
Swept up in this wave ofenlisting was William McClendon,
but his father forbade him tovolunteer.
(02:41):
Just as a side note, he beganevery chapter with dear friend.
Dear friend, no one knew butmyself.
The anguish, I bore the sadnessand loneliness that I felt when
I was told that I could not go,that I would have to wait until
I grew older.
Some of my most intimate friendsand associates had gone off with
(03:04):
the grays and there was noenjoyment here.
For me to dispel the gloom, Iwould seek company with what I
thought was to be my best girl.
On one occasion, I was inconversation with her talking
about the boys who had gone,when she looked at me with a
smile and with a cunningexpression of countenance, she
(03:24):
remarked that her sweetheart wasoff with the grace.
Oh my.
That was a stunner to this boy.
FI had fancied myself to be herfavorite, but I found it was all
a delusion and I resolved to goto the war, the first chance,
thinking it might be the bestmeans of changing her mind and
her affections would beconcentrated upon me.
(03:50):
Eventually, there was yetanother call for troops within
Henry County and WilliamMcClendon traveled to Abbey V.
Intent on enlisting.
He eagerly joined only todiscover its real purpose, that
it was a home guard company, andhe was immediately disinterested
and left.
That summer, William McClendondiscovered that William c Oats
(04:13):
was raising a company ofinfantry for regular service at
Abbey V.
And on three July, 1861, heenlisted as a private in the
Henry Pioneers, just one monthshy of his 17th birthday, and
this time with the approval ofhis father.
The Henry Pioneers ref flaggedas company G of the 15th
(04:36):
Alabama, and by August, 1861,the regiment traveled by train
to Richmond, Virginia while incamp the 15th, Alabama formed a
brigade with the 16thMississippi, 21st Georgia, and
21st North Carolina.
Originally under the command ofBrigadier General George b
Crittenden, but only for a shorttime, and was replaced by
(05:00):
Brigadier General Isaac rTremble.
Private McClendon and the 15thAlabama wintered with the Army
around Manassas Junction andstayed there until the spring of
1862.
That spring.
Major General McClellan begantransferring his army by water
to the Virginia Peninsula andGeneral Johnston shifted his
(05:23):
army to meet the threat.
As the army of Northern Virginiabegan its March.
Johnston left Trembles Taylorsand early brigades along the
Rappahannock River as a newlyformed division under the
command of major general Richards Ell to guard the capitol from
the north.
By May, this entire division wastransferred to the Shenandoah
(05:45):
Valley and assigned to theValley District under the
command of Major General ThomasStonewall Jackson.
The Shenandoah Valley was astrategic piece of terrain
throughout the Civil War.
And was seen to intensefighting.
As major General McClellan movedhis army toward Richmond.
(06:05):
The Shenandoah Valley posed thethreat that a confederate force
could march upon Washington dc.
The Union Army planned to securethe valley with superior numbers
and then transfer soldiers eastto seize Richmond.
With an initial strength ofapproximately 5,000 men,
Stonewall Jackson was taskedwithholding the Shenandoah and
(06:27):
diverting as much of the UnionArmy away from Richmond as
possible.
In what is known today asJackson's Valley Campaign,
Stonewall Jackson relied onspeed and concentration of his
forces and fought the battles ofKerns Town McDowell.
Front, Royal and Winchester.
(06:48):
Saved for Kerns Town Jacksonenjoyed numerical superiority on
the battlefield despite beingoutnumbered across the entire
Shenandoah.
Though present at the firstbattle of Winchester private
McClendon and the 15th, Alabamaposted on the right flank of the
army, which did not see muchaction.
(07:11):
We were all anxious for theYankees to advance and tried to
capture our battery, but insteadof advancing, their battery was
silenced and they retired.
Then came a lull for a time withus, but over on the Winchester
Pike, near Kerns town, oh my.
The battle was raging.
As the firing with Slack, themore intent we would be in
(07:34):
trying to catch the sound of therebel Yell.
Minutes seemed like hours and bynine 30 our doubts were removed.
For we were not mistaken, wecould distinctly hear the yell
that was as good news as wewanted.
Jackson's division had repulsed.
The federal general banks andhis retreat had become a
(07:56):
complete route.
Following the Confederatevictory at Winchester, the Union
Mountain Department andDepartment of the Rappahannock
attempted to catch Jackson in apincer movement, but was
unsuccessful.
As these numerically superiorformations pursued the
Confederate south.
They were divided by the MassaNutton Mountain.
(08:19):
Stonewall Jackson recognized thethreat of these formations
combining against him.
On seven June, he replaced hisdivision around Port Republic to
face the Department of theRappahannock, commanded by
Brigadier General James Shields,and sent major general Yu's
division to hold the advance ofthe Mountain Department at the
(08:40):
Village of Cross Keys.
On the morning of seven Juneprivate McClendon and the 15th
Alabama march to their position,which proved to be approximately
a half mile in front of theConfederate battle line.
Once there, they awaited anattack by Major General John c
Fremont, who commanded themountain department.
(09:05):
The next morning we moved on inthe direction of Port Republic,
but we didn't go far before wepassed a church called Cross
Keys.
This had the appearance of beingan old country church and nearby
was a large cemetery.
With many monuments that markedthe resting place of the dead.
After passing this church, wehalted and remained all day,
(09:28):
expecting an attack everymoment.
But Fremont was waiting for hisforces to come up.
And giving Shields time to moveup.
And despite Jackson's crossingat Port Republic, while he
Fremont, would attack him in therear.
On eight June, 1862, the Battleof Cross Keys began with private
(09:52):
McClendon and the 15th Alabamawitnessing its opening shots.
Company A.
Being armed with Mississippirifles were thrown forward
beyond the church and cemeteryto act as Skirmishers.
Desultory firing had been goingon all the morning, and from the
way that the couriers and staffofficers were dashing around an
(10:15):
attack was momentarily expected.
We were not long in suspense forall at once.
Company A was attacked with suchoverwhelming numbers that they
had to fire and retreat.
They soon came in sight passingthrough the cemetery, frequently
taking shelter behind atombstone long enough to fire
(10:36):
and load.
When the Yankees reached theopening near the cemetery, they
halted for a while.
A deadly stillness prevailed inour ranks while we were waiting
for the Yankees to come andreach for, we were anxious to
get a shot.
This was the 60th, Ohio in theeighth, Virginia.
Eventually eighth West Virginia.
(10:58):
And represented the right flankof the Union Army, whether it
was anticipated or not by theConfederates major General
Fremont's line began to form tothe south and east of the 15th
Alabama, which could potentiallyisolate the entire regiment with
two regiments in front of him.
Colonel James Canty, theregiment's commander, recen,
(11:21):
ordered his right and discoveredthis union line.
He promptly returned and orderedprivate McClendon and the 15th
Alabama to retreat.
The colonel came back and calledus to attention and gave the
command to retire by the rightof companies, which we did.
Moving in quick time through awheat field.
(11:42):
The Yankees seeing thisretrograde movement advance
through the cemetery and beganto fire into our rear, which
caused us to change our time ofMarch.
From quick to a double quick,zip, zip, zip came their
bullets, WAP.
And down went Billy Tony ofcompany K Mortally, wounded or
(12:04):
dead.
There might have been othershit, but I don't remember now.
We broke into a run for a shortdistance until we crossed the
fence.
During Jackson's Valleycampaign, his men became known
for their marching speed.
So much so that they earned thenickname of Foot Cavalry.
(12:24):
The 15th.
Alabama was by this time,adapted to fast marching and
managed to depart its extremelyexposed position on the western
side of the unfolding battle,and marched back to their
brigade, posted on thedivision's right flank, was on
the eastern edge of the battleline.
With the union line fullyformed.
(12:45):
Major General Fremont began hisadvance.
The main body of the Army nowcoming up, general Stahel,
commander of the First Brigadeof General Blinker's Division,
supported by the Third Brigade,general Boland commanding,
entered the woods on our leftwith the eighth, 41st and 45th
(13:07):
New York volunteers and the 27thPennsylvania.
It was this Union brigade andspecifically the eighth and 45th
New York regiments that marchedtowards private McClendon, the
15th, Alabama and the rest ofBrigadier General Trimble's
Brigade.
(13:27):
There we lay as a bengal tigerwhen he crouched down, ready to
sprain upon his unsuspectedprey.
Each man in deathly silence.
With fixed eyes upon theadvancing foe, only waiting for
the command to fire.
Dear friend.
These were almost breathlessmoments, not a word, not a
(13:48):
whisper by the men.
Only a word of caution waswhispered by the officers.
See them advancing.
Keep cool Alabamians.
Take good aim, and not to firetoo high.
They were allowed to come within75 to 100 yards when the command
fire was given.
(14:09):
We hurled such a storm of buckand ball at them that it came
very near annihilating.
Their command.
Private McClendon claims thisregiment was the Bucktails, a
regiment known by four othernames, the 13th Pennsylvania
Reserve, the 42nd Pennsylvania.
(14:30):
The first Pennsylvania riflesand even Kane's rifles, though,
this Multina regiment was indeedon the battlefield and in front
of the 15th Alabama.
By looking at reports.
This regiment was not caught upin the firestorm unleashed by
Trimble Brigade.
It was the aforementioned eighthand 45th New York regiments.
(14:52):
The Confederates opened uponadvancing in a second battle
line toward tremble's brigadewas Captain Hugh McDonald of
Kane's Rifles.
After waiting for a short timeundercover of a wood, the rattle
of small arms in advance showedus where our infantry had
engaged them and directly wewere ordered to cross the strip
(15:15):
of woods on our right and engagethe enemy.
The movement was executedpromptly and immediately upon
our emerging from the wood, weattracted the attention of the
enemy who threw a few shot andshell at us.
One of which struck a member ofcompany a 27th Pennsylvania,
blowing him to fragments.
(15:38):
Unfortunately, there are noreports from Brigadier General
Stahl's Brigade.
so concurrent reports will haveto suffice.
What is certain is that thefirst union advance upon private
McClendon and the 15th Alabamafailed.
After the first volley, we couldnot see them anymore in
(15:59):
consequence of so much smoke.
When fired a few rounds at themthrough the smoke when it was
ascertained that they haddisappeared from our front and
we were ordered to cease firing.
Other demonstrations were beingmade on our right, and we moved
off by the right flank.
We had not gone far before.
We opened fire on a body ofYankees in the woods on a hill,
(16:21):
which put them to flight.
Following the repulse of thisfirst line, private McClendon
provides a simple summary of theregiment's advance.
Thankfully, Brigadier GeneralTremble's report provides more
context after spotting a unionbattery approximately a half
mile to his front, most likelythe same battery the Bucktail
(16:44):
supported.
Brigadier.
General Tremble notified majorgeneral ELL of his intention to
engage, which was approved.
I accordingly, in person, movedthe 15th, Alabama to the right
flank along a ravine andunperceived.
Got upon the enemy's left flankand his rear marching up in fine
(17:06):
order as on drill.
The 15th.
Alabama completely surprised theforce in their front.
The enemies left flank and drovethem by a heavy fire hotly
returned from behind logs andtrees along the woods to the
westward.
It was in this wood that privateMcClendon, and the 15th Alabama
(17:29):
met Captain McDonald of the bucktails, supported by the 27th
Pennsylvania.
We found it already occupied bythe enemy and received a volley.
We immediately opened upon them,driving them out of the wood at
the point of the bayonet.
(17:50):
The battery also un limbered twopieces and double shotted them,
but so eager were the men and sorapid the firing that I could
not rally the men in time toallow the guns to play without
endangering our own men.
Joining private McClendon andthe 15th.
Alabama in their flank movementwas the 13th and 25th Virginia
(18:13):
regiments.
Which bested a third union linebelonging to Brigadier General
Henry Boland's Brigade.
This flanking movement disruptedmajor general Fremont's battle
plans, which resulted in failedattacks upon the Confederate
Center and left flank.
Despite being outnumbered at theBattle of Cross Keys, the
(18:34):
Confederates were victorious,but for private McClendon and
the 15th Alabama, the footcavalry had another battle to
fight.
We rested quietly that night andearly the next morning we
hastened on toward PortRepublic.
It was four miles away from usand we went in quick time.
(18:55):
Shields had already arrived todispute the passage of Jackson's
core, his own and U'S division.
But by strategy at the bridge,Jackson made the way possible.
And his division crossed andbegan the attack.
Taylor with his Louisianans hadproceeded us and arrived in time
to render great service toJackson in the defeat of
(19:16):
Shields.
As our own brigade advanced, thebooming of cannon and the roar
of a severe engagement was goingon.
Our pace was quickened until wecrossed the bridge and marched
out into the open plane wherethe battle had commenced.
We can now tell that the firingwas becoming slacker and
receding down the valley.
(19:37):
The Southerners yelling, whichwas evidence of victory.
The Battle of Cross Keys andPort Republic marked the end of
Jackson's Valley campaign.
Despite being outnumbered,Stonewall Jackson and his small
force, were not only able to tiedown union formations much
larger than his own, but alsodefeat them in battle.
(20:01):
The Shenandoah Valley was forthe time in Confederate hands
and Jackson's command, includingprivate McClendon, and the 15th
Alabama transferred to Richmondto fight in the seven days
battles.
To properly identify the firstregiment that faced the 15th
Alabama and the rest ofTremble's brigade.
(20:21):
We must look at union casualtyreports.
The Bucktails reported lightcasualties with one killed
innate wounded the battery, theysupported battery C West
Virginia.
Light artillery sustained.
Two wounded while the 27th,Pennsylvania suffered 92 total
casualties of all the unionregiments engaged across keys.
(20:45):
No one suffered highercasualties than the eighth.
New York with 43 killed 134wounded and 43 missing.
Major General Fremont confirmsthe heavy losses of the eighth
New York, which began thefighting on that flank.
All of this is to say thatprivate McClendon was correct in
(21:05):
his account of the carnage.
They wrought on the first unionline.
He only mixed up the bucktailswho they engaged in the second
line with the eighth New York.
The 15th.
Alabama remained in serviceuntil the regiment surrendered
at Appomattox Courthouse withWilliam McClendon still in the
ranks as a first Lieutenant.
(21:29):
On the morning of the 12th.
Our brigade formed in March, twomiles to Appomattox courthouse
and stacked arms in front of aYankee brigade standing at
parade rest, 20 steps away.
After we stacked arms, we wentback to camp and received our
paroles, and that evening we setout on our long journey for home
(21:50):
Sweet Home.
The next day we got plenty toeat and I felt happy that after
so many hard fought battles, Ihad escaped and was now on my
way home to mother.
I made the trip home on the 7thof May.
Oh, how happy I was found all.
Well and mother looking for me.
She was looking by day andlistening at night for the sound
(22:13):
of footsteps from her onlysoldier.
Boy, I was not 21 till August.
Thank you for listening to the55th episode.
The link to private McClendon'sbook is now available on the
podcast website, first personCivil War podcast.com.
(22:34):
On Facebook, Instagram, X andLinkedIn.
This week you will find apicture of William McClendon in
1895.
Since the 15th of November,across these platforms, I have
also posted a day by day accountof Captain Wills as he
participated in Sherman's Marchto the Sea.
So be sure to check that out.
(22:55):
Following on social media, willalso keep you in the loop for
any production changes such asthe announcement of the delayed
release on 10 November.
And due to the upcomingholidays, the next episode will
publish on 17 December.
To help keep the podcast going,please follow the support
(23:17):
podcast link at the top left ofthe homepage.
Also, like follow and subscribeto the podcast on whatever
platform you use.
And on 17 December, captainCharles w Wills of Company G
103rd Illinois provides nextepisode's first person account
(23:41):
at the battle.
Of Atlanta.
My name is Bill Coghlan, andthank you for listening to First
Person Civil War Podcast.
There we lay as a bengal tigerwhen he crouched down, ready to
sprain upon his unsuspectedprey.
Each man in deathly silence.
With fixed eyes upon theadvancing foe, only waiting for
the command to fire.
Dear friend.
These were almost breathlessmoments, not a word, not a
(00:22):
whisper by the men.
Only a word of caution waswhispered by the officers.
See them advancing.
Keep cool Alabamians.
Take good aim, and not to firetoo high.
They were allowed to come within75 to 100 yards when the command
fire was given.
(00:43):
We hurled such a storm of buckand ball at them that it came
very near annihilating.
Their command.
(01:13):
Hi, my name is Bill Coghlan andhost the first person Civil War
podcast.
While the generals of both sidesget most of the recognition, the
Civil War was fought by the menin the ranks.
And they told their storiesduring and after the war.
Follow me as I reveal what thesemen witnessed in the battles of
(01:34):
the Civil War.
Episode 55 is entitled PrivateWilliam a McClendon, and the
15th Alabama at the Battle ofCross Keys and relies on his
book, recollections of War Timesby an Old Veteran while under
Stonewall Jackson and LieutenantGeneral James Longstreet.
(01:56):
How I Got in and How I Got Out,which he published in 1909.
William Augustus McClendon wasborn on seven August, 1844 in
Henry County, Alabama.
William lived in Henry Countythroughout his childhood and was
16 years old when Alabama votedfor secession on 11 January,
(02:19):
1861.
The news of secession sparkedthe formation of two infantry
companies in his home county,the Henry Grays and Henry Blues,
both of which would eventuallybe incorporated into the sixth
Alabama.
Swept up in this wave ofenlisting was William McClendon,
but his father forbade him tovolunteer.
(02:41):
Just as a side note, he beganevery chapter with dear friend.
Dear friend, no one knew butmyself.
The anguish, I bore the sadnessand loneliness that I felt when
I was told that I could not go,that I would have to wait until
I grew older.
Some of my most intimate friendsand associates had gone off with
(03:04):
the grays and there was noenjoyment here.
For me to dispel the gloom, Iwould seek company with what I
thought was to be my best girl.
On one occasion, I was inconversation with her talking
about the boys who had gone,when she looked at me with a
smile and with a cunningexpression of countenance, she
(03:24):
remarked that her sweetheart wasoff with the grace.
Oh my.
That was a stunner to this boy.
FI had fancied myself to be herfavorite, but I found it was all
a delusion and I resolved to goto the war, the first chance,
thinking it might be the bestmeans of changing her mind and
her affections would beconcentrated upon me.
(03:50):
Eventually, there was yetanother call for troops within
Henry County and WilliamMcClendon traveled to Abbey V.
Intent on enlisting.
He eagerly joined only todiscover its real purpose, that
it was a home guard company, andhe was immediately disinterested
and left.
That summer, William McClendondiscovered that William c Oats
(04:13):
was raising a company ofinfantry for regular service at
Abbey V.
And on three July, 1861, heenlisted as a private in the
Henry Pioneers, just one monthshy of his 17th birthday, and
this time with the approval ofhis father.
The Henry Pioneers ref flaggedas company G of the 15th
(04:36):
Alabama, and by August, 1861,the regiment traveled by train
to Richmond, Virginia while incamp the 15th, Alabama formed a
brigade with the 16thMississippi, 21st Georgia, and
21st North Carolina.
Originally under the command ofBrigadier General George b
Crittenden, but only for a shorttime, and was replaced by
(05:00):
Brigadier General Isaac rTremble.
Private McClendon and the 15thAlabama wintered with the Army
around Manassas Junction andstayed there until the spring of
1862.
That spring.
Major General McClellan begantransferring his army by water
to the Virginia Peninsula andGeneral Johnston shifted his
(05:23):
army to meet the threat.
As the army of Northern Virginiabegan its March.
Johnston left Trembles Taylorsand early brigades along the
Rappahannock River as a newlyformed division under the
command of major general Richards Ell to guard the capitol from
the north.
By May, this entire division wastransferred to the Shenandoah
(05:45):
Valley and assigned to theValley District under the
command of Major General ThomasStonewall Jackson.
The Shenandoah Valley was astrategic piece of terrain
throughout the Civil War.
And was seen to intensefighting.
As major General McClellan movedhis army toward Richmond.
(06:05):
The Shenandoah Valley posed thethreat that a confederate force
could march upon Washington dc.
The Union Army planned to securethe valley with superior numbers
and then transfer soldiers eastto seize Richmond.
With an initial strength ofapproximately 5,000 men,
Stonewall Jackson was taskedwithholding the Shenandoah and
(06:27):
diverting as much of the UnionArmy away from Richmond as
possible.
In what is known today asJackson's Valley Campaign,
Stonewall Jackson relied onspeed and concentration of his
forces and fought the battles ofKerns Town McDowell.
Front, Royal and Winchester.
(06:48):
Saved for Kerns Town Jacksonenjoyed numerical superiority on
the battlefield despite beingoutnumbered across the entire
Shenandoah.
Though present at the firstbattle of Winchester private
McClendon and the 15th, Alabamaposted on the right flank of the
army, which did not see muchaction.
(07:11):
We were all anxious for theYankees to advance and tried to
capture our battery, but insteadof advancing, their battery was
silenced and they retired.
Then came a lull for a time withus, but over on the Winchester
Pike, near Kerns town, oh my.
The battle was raging.
As the firing with Slack, themore intent we would be in
(07:34):
trying to catch the sound of therebel Yell.
Minutes seemed like hours and bynine 30 our doubts were removed.
For we were not mistaken, wecould distinctly hear the yell
that was as good news as wewanted.
Jackson's division had repulsed.
The federal general banks andhis retreat had become a
(07:56):
complete route.
Following the Confederatevictory at Winchester, the Union
Mountain Department andDepartment of the Rappahannock
attempted to catch Jackson in apincer movement, but was
unsuccessful.
As these numerically superiorformations pursued the
Confederate south.
They were divided by the MassaNutton Mountain.
(08:19):
Stonewall Jackson recognized thethreat of these formations
combining against him.
On seven June, he replaced hisdivision around Port Republic to
face the Department of theRappahannock, commanded by
Brigadier General James Shields,and sent major general Yu's
division to hold the advance ofthe Mountain Department at the
(08:40):
Village of Cross Keys.
On the morning of seven Juneprivate McClendon and the 15th
Alabama march to their position,which proved to be approximately
a half mile in front of theConfederate battle line.
Once there, they awaited anattack by Major General John c
Fremont, who commanded themountain department.
(09:05):
The next morning we moved on inthe direction of Port Republic,
but we didn't go far before wepassed a church called Cross
Keys.
This had the appearance of beingan old country church and nearby
was a large cemetery.
With many monuments that markedthe resting place of the dead.
After passing this church, wehalted and remained all day,
(09:28):
expecting an attack everymoment.
But Fremont was waiting for hisforces to come up.
And giving Shields time to moveup.
And despite Jackson's crossingat Port Republic, while he
Fremont, would attack him in therear.
On eight June, 1862, the Battleof Cross Keys began with private
(09:52):
McClendon and the 15th Alabamawitnessing its opening shots.
Company A.
Being armed with Mississippirifles were thrown forward
beyond the church and cemeteryto act as Skirmishers.
Desultory firing had been goingon all the morning, and from the
way that the couriers and staffofficers were dashing around an
(10:15):
attack was momentarily expected.
We were not long in suspense forall at once.
Company A was attacked with suchoverwhelming numbers that they
had to fire and retreat.
They soon came in sight passingthrough the cemetery, frequently
taking shelter behind atombstone long enough to fire
(10:36):
and load.
When the Yankees reached theopening near the cemetery, they
halted for a while.
A deadly stillness prevailed inour ranks while we were waiting
for the Yankees to come andreach for, we were anxious to
get a shot.
This was the 60th, Ohio in theeighth, Virginia.
Eventually eighth West Virginia.
(10:58):
And represented the right flankof the Union Army, whether it
was anticipated or not by theConfederates major General
Fremont's line began to form tothe south and east of the 15th
Alabama, which could potentiallyisolate the entire regiment with
two regiments in front of him.
Colonel James Canty, theregiment's commander, recen,
(11:21):
ordered his right and discoveredthis union line.
He promptly returned and orderedprivate McClendon and the 15th
Alabama to retreat.
The colonel came back and calledus to attention and gave the
command to retire by the rightof companies, which we did.
Moving in quick time through awheat field.
(11:42):
The Yankees seeing thisretrograde movement advance
through the cemetery and beganto fire into our rear, which
caused us to change our time ofMarch.
From quick to a double quick,zip, zip, zip came their
bullets, WAP.
And down went Billy Tony ofcompany K Mortally, wounded or
(12:04):
dead.
There might have been othershit, but I don't remember now.
We broke into a run for a shortdistance until we crossed the
fence.
During Jackson's Valleycampaign, his men became known
for their marching speed.
So much so that they earned thenickname of Foot Cavalry.
(12:24):
The 15th.
Alabama was by this time,adapted to fast marching and
managed to depart its extremelyexposed position on the western
side of the unfolding battle,and marched back to their
brigade, posted on thedivision's right flank, was on
the eastern edge of the battleline.
With the union line fullyformed.
(12:45):
Major General Fremont began hisadvance.
The main body of the Army nowcoming up, general Stahel,
commander of the First Brigadeof General Blinker's Division,
supported by the Third Brigade,general Boland commanding,
entered the woods on our leftwith the eighth, 41st and 45th
(13:07):
New York volunteers and the 27thPennsylvania.
It was this Union brigade andspecifically the eighth and 45th
New York regiments that marchedtowards private McClendon, the
15th, Alabama and the rest ofBrigadier General Trimble's
Brigade.
(13:27):
There we lay as a bengal tigerwhen he crouched down, ready to
sprain upon his unsuspectedprey.
Each man in deathly silence.
With fixed eyes upon theadvancing foe, only waiting for
the command to fire.
Dear friend.
These were almost breathlessmoments, not a word, not a
(13:48):
whisper by the men.
Only a word of caution waswhispered by the officers.
See them advancing.
Keep cool Alabamians.
Take good aim, and not to firetoo high.
They were allowed to come within75 to 100 yards when the command
fire was given.
(14:09):
We hurled such a storm of buckand ball at them that it came
very near annihilating.
Their command.
Private McClendon claims thisregiment was the Bucktails, a
regiment known by four othernames, the 13th Pennsylvania
Reserve, the 42nd Pennsylvania.
(14:30):
The first Pennsylvania riflesand even Kane's rifles, though,
this Multina regiment was indeedon the battlefield and in front
of the 15th Alabama.
By looking at reports.
This regiment was not caught upin the firestorm unleashed by
Trimble Brigade.
It was the aforementioned eighthand 45th New York regiments.
(14:52):
The Confederates opened uponadvancing in a second battle
line toward tremble's brigadewas Captain Hugh McDonald of
Kane's Rifles.
After waiting for a short timeundercover of a wood, the rattle
of small arms in advance showedus where our infantry had
engaged them and directly wewere ordered to cross the strip
(15:15):
of woods on our right and engagethe enemy.
The movement was executedpromptly and immediately upon
our emerging from the wood, weattracted the attention of the
enemy who threw a few shot andshell at us.
One of which struck a member ofcompany a 27th Pennsylvania,
blowing him to fragments.
(15:38):
Unfortunately, there are noreports from Brigadier General
Stahl's Brigade.
so concurrent reports will haveto suffice.
What is certain is that thefirst union advance upon private
McClendon and the 15th Alabamafailed.
After the first volley, we couldnot see them anymore in
(15:59):
consequence of so much smoke.
When fired a few rounds at themthrough the smoke when it was
ascertained that they haddisappeared from our front and
we were ordered to cease firing.
Other demonstrations were beingmade on our right, and we moved
off by the right flank.
We had not gone far before.
We opened fire on a body ofYankees in the woods on a hill,
(16:21):
which put them to flight.
Following the repulse of thisfirst line, private McClendon
provides a simple summary of theregiment's advance.
Thankfully, Brigadier GeneralTremble's report provides more
context after spotting a unionbattery approximately a half
mile to his front, most likelythe same battery the Bucktail
(16:44):
supported.
Brigadier.
General Tremble notified majorgeneral ELL of his intention to
engage, which was approved.
I accordingly, in person, movedthe 15th, Alabama to the right
flank along a ravine andunperceived.
Got upon the enemy's left flankand his rear marching up in fine
(17:06):
order as on drill.
The 15th.
Alabama completely surprised theforce in their front.
The enemies left flank and drovethem by a heavy fire hotly
returned from behind logs andtrees along the woods to the
westward.
It was in this wood that privateMcClendon, and the 15th Alabama
(17:29):
met Captain McDonald of the bucktails, supported by the 27th
Pennsylvania.
We found it already occupied bythe enemy and received a volley.
We immediately opened upon them,driving them out of the wood at
the point of the bayonet.
(17:50):
The battery also un limbered twopieces and double shotted them,
but so eager were the men and sorapid the firing that I could
not rally the men in time toallow the guns to play without
endangering our own men.
Joining private McClendon andthe 15th.
Alabama in their flank movementwas the 13th and 25th Virginia
(18:13):
regiments.
Which bested a third union linebelonging to Brigadier General
Henry Boland's Brigade.
This flanking movement disruptedmajor general Fremont's battle
plans, which resulted in failedattacks upon the Confederate
Center and left flank.
Despite being outnumbered at theBattle of Cross Keys, the
(18:34):
Confederates were victorious,but for private McClendon and
the 15th Alabama, the footcavalry had another battle to
fight.
We rested quietly that night andearly the next morning we
hastened on toward PortRepublic.
It was four miles away from usand we went in quick time.
(18:55):
Shields had already arrived todispute the passage of Jackson's
core, his own and U'S division.
But by strategy at the bridge,Jackson made the way possible.
And his division crossed andbegan the attack.
Taylor with his Louisianans hadproceeded us and arrived in time
to render great service toJackson in the defeat of
(19:16):
Shields.
As our own brigade advanced, thebooming of cannon and the roar
of a severe engagement was goingon.
Our pace was quickened until wecrossed the bridge and marched
out into the open plane wherethe battle had commenced.
We can now tell that the firingwas becoming slacker and
receding down the valley.
(19:37):
The Southerners yelling, whichwas evidence of victory.
The Battle of Cross Keys andPort Republic marked the end of
Jackson's Valley campaign.
Despite being outnumbered,Stonewall Jackson and his small
force, were not only able to tiedown union formations much
larger than his own, but alsodefeat them in battle.
(20:01):
The Shenandoah Valley was forthe time in Confederate hands
and Jackson's command, includingprivate McClendon, and the 15th
Alabama transferred to Richmondto fight in the seven days
battles.
To properly identify the firstregiment that faced the 15th
Alabama and the rest ofTremble's brigade.
(20:21):
We must look at union casualtyreports.
The Bucktails reported lightcasualties with one killed
innate wounded the battery, theysupported battery C West
Virginia.
Light artillery sustained.
Two wounded while the 27th,Pennsylvania suffered 92 total
casualties of all the unionregiments engaged across keys.
(20:45):
No one suffered highercasualties than the eighth.
New York with 43 killed 134wounded and 43 missing.
Major General Fremont confirmsthe heavy losses of the eighth
New York, which began thefighting on that flank.
All of this is to say thatprivate McClendon was correct in
(21:05):
his account of the carnage.
They wrought on the first unionline.
He only mixed up the bucktailswho they engaged in the second
line with the eighth New York.
The 15th.
Alabama remained in serviceuntil the regiment surrendered
at Appomattox Courthouse withWilliam McClendon still in the
ranks as a first Lieutenant.
(21:29):
On the morning of the 12th.
Our brigade formed in March, twomiles to Appomattox courthouse
and stacked arms in front of aYankee brigade standing at
parade rest, 20 steps away.
After we stacked arms, we wentback to camp and received our
paroles, and that evening we setout on our long journey for home
(21:50):
Sweet Home.
The next day we got plenty toeat and I felt happy that after
so many hard fought battles, Ihad escaped and was now on my
way home to mother.
I made the trip home on the 7thof May.
Oh, how happy I was found all.
Well and mother looking for me.
She was looking by day andlistening at night for the sound
(22:13):
of footsteps from her onlysoldier.
Boy, I was not 21 till August.
Thank you for listening to the55th episode.
The link to private McClendon'sbook is now available on the
podcast website, first personCivil War podcast.com.
(22:34):
On Facebook, Instagram, X andLinkedIn.
This week you will find apicture of William McClendon in
1895.
Since the 15th of November,across these platforms, I have
also posted a day by day accountof Captain Wills as he
participated in Sherman's Marchto the Sea.
So be sure to check that out.
(22:55):
Following on social media, willalso keep you in the loop for
any production changes such asthe announcement of the delayed
release on 10 November.
And due to the upcomingholidays, the next episode will
publish on 17 December.
To help keep the podcast going,please follow the support
(23:17):
podcast link at the top left ofthe homepage.
Also, like follow and subscribeto the podcast on whatever
platform you use.
And on 17 December, captainCharles w Wills of Company G
103rd Illinois provides nextepisode's first person account
(23:41):
at the battle.
Of Atlanta.
My name is Bill Coghlan, andthank you for listening to First
Person Civil War Podcast.
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