Esteemed member "John A. Leo"
HI FOLKS,
(The following text is from a NPS file at Chatham, Fredricksburg, VA. I think that I have limited typos to those in the original) John Leo --- johnleo@huskynet.com
PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE MUSTERING OUT OF BRIG.GEN. J. H. HOBART WARD, U.S.V.
item 1, page 1:
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION SECOND CORPS May 10, 1864
Noble, Charles, Jr., Capt. and Actg. A. D. C.
Submits statements as to conduct of Brig. Gen'l. Ward as seen by him. To
accompany Gen'l. Ward's explanation.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 11, 1864
Respectfully forwarded
D. B. Birney
Maj. Gen'l.
Item 1, page 2:
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS
May 7, 1864
Sir:
I have the honor to state that during the afternoon of May 6th, 1864, whilst Longstreet's forces were making an attack upon the Second Corps and at the time they reached our works, some portion of the Third Division being the left of Gen'l. J. H. H. Ward's Brigade, broke and ran to the rear. I immediately (sic) started for my guard (the Division Provost Guard) but finding it impossible to arrest the stragglers there, I ordered them down the road about one half mile to the rear to the vicinity of a small pond. Starting myself on a gallop with all the mounted men of my guard for that point where I met Captain Killer of Gen'l. Hancock's staff; with our united exertions we arrested the progress of many of the men, and were just about getting them into shape to move forward again, when General J. H. H. Ward came through the men sitting on a Caisson, the horses moving down the road on a full trot. The troops seeing this broke through the obstructions, and followed the caisson down the road. Captain Miller seeing, the result, rode up to Col. Morgan of Gen'l Hancock's Staff, who immediately addressed Gen'l. Ward, asking him "if these were not his troops?" He replied "Some of them are." Upon which Col. Morgan ordered him down and told him "to take command" Gen'l Ward then got down and assissted in rallying the troops.
I would also state that the Major portion of Gen'l. Ward's command remained in the works and assisted materially in repulsing the enemy.
At the time Gen'l. Ward dismounted to rally his troops, the firing in the front had almost ceased--the enemy had been repulsed.
Chas. Noble, Jr.
Capt. & Provost Marshal
Third Division, Second Corps
To,
Major F. Birney
A. A. G., Third Division
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, THIRD ARMY CORPS May 10, 1864
Maj. Gen'l D. B. Birney
Sir:
It is with deep astonishment and regret I learn that my reputation as a soldier has been impugned. I appeal sir to you and to every officer and soldier in this Division to vindicate my character from this foul aspersion. I have now been under your command for two years and a half and during that time you have had an opportunity of judging of my capacity as a soldier.
It would be difficult to convince those that know me in the army that I could be guilty of the offence described to me.
I cannot conceive how my motives could be so misconstrued for until within a few hours I was not aware of the specific accusations against me.
It is almost with horror I regard the accusation and were it true would forever abhor myself.
I feel satisfied that if I could obtain for five minutes a private interview with the Major Gen'l. Com'dg. Corps that he would not only be thoroughly satisfied with my explanation, but that testimony of members of his own staff would prove my entire innocence of any and all charges made.
I am your obt Servt
J.. H. Hobart Ward
Brig. Gen.
(This correspondence to Birney received no further notation.)
item 3, page 1:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 10, 1864
Ward, J. H. Hobart, Brig. Gen'l., U. S. Vols.
Submits statements in reference to charges against his behaviour
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION., SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 10, 1864
Respectfully forwarded the statement Brig. Gen'l. Ward agrees with my recallection as far as I saw his conduct except as to the time of his going to the rear on the caisson. It was before the repulse of the enemy and owing to their (failure) to make any success, that he passed to the rear.
D. B. Birney
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS
May 11, 1864
Respectfully forwarded to Col Morgan and Capt. Miller for their statements.
By order of Maj. Gen'l. Hancock
A. A. A. G.
I was standing with Gen'l. Birney when the first break in the line occured, and when the troops (Carroll's Brigade, Second Corps) were sent in to fill up the gap. Before the troops could have gotten into position I went down the road to assist in stopping the stragglers. Just as the line broke the caissons of a section at the cross roads started to the rear in great haste, but were brought to a walk soon. On one of the caissons, when they were nearly a mile further to the rear I saw, afterwards, Gen. Ward, riding through his troops but making no exertions to rally them. I rode up to him and asked him if he was wounded and when he answered in the negative I told him he hid better get off that caisson and help rally his command. He immediately discounted, and vigorously (began) to work and in a short time advanced with several hundred men. This was say one mile back of the rifle pits.
My Impression was and is that the original line was not reestablished when Gen. Ward left but I can not speak positively as to this. I know that the caisson on which he was riding started from the field when the break first occurred. When Gen. Ward got on, or whether the caisson had to make a halt meanwhile I am not able to say.
C. H. Morgan
Col. (?) and Assis. Insp. Gen'l.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS
May 26, 1864
Respectfully forwarded
item 3, page 1, continued:
I have directed Maj. Gen'l. Birney to prefer charges against Gen'l. Ward-- W. Hancock
item 3 page 2:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 11, 1864
Brig. Genil. S. Williams
A. A. Gen'l.
Sir:
Learning a few days since, that accusations impugning my reputation as a soldier had been made, I have endeavored to ascertain the specific charges against me, this morning I learned for the first time What they were.
I herewith transmit a statement of the facts.
On Friday last the enemy made a furious attack upon our works on the Brock Road my Brigade was on the front line, the right resting on the Plank Road. On the left of my command was the Fourth Division, and still further on the left was the First Division. After we had been engaged about fifteen minutes, to my surpize and concternation the troops on the left of my command broke in great disorder. I immediately went to the left and directed my officers and men to hold the position at all hazards, that I would have the gap filled up by other troops. I dispatched a Staff Officer to Gen'l. Birney with a statement of facts. Gen'l. Birney now ordered troops up to the front. But most of them instead of advancing also broke. This created confusion and panic on the left of my line, and several of my regiments broke, but the right remained firm. In the mean-time (sic) other troops had been placed in the front, and the enemy were repulsed. It now became my duty to find and bring back my Regiments who had gone to the rear. During the engagement the orderly in charge of my house had gone some distance to the rear. At this time the road to the rear was filled with troops going back. I endeavored to press my way through in order to rally them, finding it impossible to get through, some one suggested that a passing caisson would carry me through to my horse, where I would be able to operate. I soon obtained my horse and stopped the whole mass going farther to the rear, who were at the time breaking thr'o the various Provost Guards. They immediately reformed, commenced cheering and advancing to the front, with much enthusiasm. This was witnessed by hundreds. The troops thus rallied and brought to the front, was composed of troops from the various Corps and Divisions present, including that portion of my own command that had broken.
These are the facts in the case, and as I now understand, the complaint rests upon the fact that I had been seen going a (on?) caisson going to the rear.
That I did go to the rear is patent, hundreds, I may say thousands appreciated and applauded the motive, and the results, and until this accusation s brought forward, I deem6d that I was committing an act that demanded praise stead of censure.
How or by what means the person Who made the report could so have so (sic) misunderstood or misconstrued my action, it is impossible for me to conceive.
Is it possible that a man in the full posession of his faculties, could so expose himself to the whole army, by placing himself in full view of the retreating force on a caissons thus exposing his cowardice.
I believe sir there is not an officer in this army who knows me, will for one moment, believe this foul aspersion.
And what is most ridiculous in the whole affair is the fact that the enemy had been repulsed and driven back before I started to the rear. How then can this charge be sustained? To the Gen'l. Commanding I would state, that hundreds of witnesses can testify to the facts above mentioned.
The above is a simple statement without embellishment, I am Sir, Your obt.Sevt.
J. H. Obart Wart
Brig. Gen'l.
will determine the merits of this question-. Your oblt Srvt.
W. S. Hancock
Maj. General
Cmdg.
To: Brig. Gen. S. Wlilliams
Adj. General
Army of the Potomac
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
June 4, 1864
Respectfully forwarded to Leiutenant General Grant in compliance with the instructions contained in his note of this date to Maj. Gen'l. Meade.
Geo. G. Meade
Maj. Gen'l. Cmdg.
S. Williams,
A. G.
item 3, page 3:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 10, 1864
Ward, J. H. H.
Brig. Gen'l. U. S. Vols.
Submits statement in reference to conduct & respectfully requests an interview with the Maj. Gen'l. Comdg. the Corps.
HEADQUARTERS THRID DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 10, 1864
Respectfully forwarded: The charges against Brig. Gen. Ward as I understand are that during the assault on the line by Longstreet and whilst our front line(s) were wavering under the masses hurled against them) that the General left his command, and went to the rear, on the Plank road, getting upon a Caisson going to the rear. The state(ment) that he went to get his horse which his servant had taken there against orders, and to rally the fugitives, which he says that he did. Five of his regiments remained handsomely in rifle pits without commander.
Gen. Ward has hitherto maintained a high reputation in the Country & Army for bravery &c; soldierly qualities, and before charges are made against him, or he is place under arrest, I hope he will be heard by Mag. Gen. Hancock
D. B. Birney
Maj. Gen'l.
item 4, page 1:
HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS
May 11, 1864
Sir:
I have the honor to report, that on the afternoon of may 6th, while the forces of Genl. Lonstreet were making an attack upon the Second Corps the second (line or a portion of it) broke. I immediately attempted to rally them, other officers assisting me, were enabled to form a line. This having been done I found myself at a point on the plank road about half a mile to the rear of our first line of rifle pits, here I met Capt. Noble of Gen'l. Birney's staff who was attempting to rally the men coming down the plank road (those troops were mainly of Gen'l. Hobart Ward('s) command). We had succeeded in checking to a degree this stampede when some artillery caissons broke through the line again breaking it. Gen'l. Ward was seated on one of the caissons. I rode up to him & asked if we had not better rally the men & form a line, he answered "yes," but did not get off the caisson or make any exertion to stop the men.
I then rode up to Col. Morgan, Chief of Staff & pointed out to him Gen'l. Ward leaving the field, who went & spoke to Gen'l. Ward who immediately got off the caisson & used great exertions to form his line. This was at a point about a mile in the rear of our first line of rifle pits.
Very Respctfully
Your obdt servt
W. S. W. Miller
Capt. & A. D. C.
item 4, page 3:
HEADQUARTERS SFCOND ARMY CORPS
May 20, 1864
COMMUNICATION: Relative to having charges preferred against Brig. Gen'l J. H. H. Ward, U. S. V.
Item 5, page1:
HEADQUARTERS SFCOND ARMY CORPS
May 20, 1864
Major General Commanding directs me to request that you will have charges against Brig. Gen. J. H. H. Ward for his alleged misconduct in this campaign forwarded without unnecessary delay.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
Francis k. Walker
Ass't. Adj't Gen'l.
To Gen. Birney Cm Third Division
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION., SECOND ARMY CORPS
Camp June 2, 1864
Lt Col. Walker
A. A. G.,
Second Army Corps,
Sir:
Brig.Gen. Ward, U. S. Vol was placed in arrest on 12th ulto (meaning May 12, 1864) & ordered to the rear. As it seems impracticable with present movements to conveine a court for his trial I would ask that he be ordered to report to some point to await his trial or further orders.
Your obt St.
D. B. Birney
Maj. Gen'l. Vols.
item 6, page 1:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PATOMAC (sic)
June 4, 1864
The accompanying papers are respectfully returned to the commander of the Second Corps. Please see the endorsement from the Head Quarters of Lieutenant General Grant. It is desired that the facts respecting the alleged intoxication of Brig. General Ward be promplty prosecuted.
By command of
Maj. Gen'l. Meade
S. Williams
Ass't. Adj't. Gen'l.
Respectfully refer to Maj.Gen. Birney com Second Divison for the information required from Head Qrs. Armies of the United States.
By command of
Maj. Gen Hancock
item 7., page 1:
HEADQUARTERS BIRNEY'S DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS
In the Field
June 4, 1864
Lt. Col. Walker
A. A. G. Second Army Corps
Sir:
in regard to the case of Brig. Gen. J. H. H Ward, U. S. Vols., referred to me by the Major Gen'l. commanding Corps for reports, I have the honor to state:
On the morning of 12TH May during the assault on the enemy works, whilst placing Carroll's Brigade sent to my support, in position, I met on the field Gen. Ward, alas dismounted going to rear for his horse. He stated that he had captured Gen. Johnston, and intended taking him to rear lines & had started to do so but had concluded to give him to a guard. He had gone into the fighting dismounted but was going for his horse. I immediatley dismounted an orderly of mine & ordered Gen. Ward to his brigade giving him the orderly's horse. I attributed his excitement at the time, to the extraordinary sucess of the assault.
Shortly after meeting Major Gen. Hancock, my attention was called by that officer to the fact that Gen. Ward was drunk on the field.
I immediately rode to the rifle pits, where Ward was, to satisfy myself as to the correctness of Major Gen. Hancock's opinion, and watching his movements, I felt it my duty to order him to the rear under arrest. I believed him to be grossly intoxicated.
I am Colonel
Yr. obt. st.
D. B. Birney
Maj. Gen. Vols.
(added by Maj. Gen. Hancock)
Along the enemy's works on the morning of the 12th of May, I noticed Gen. Ward laboring under great excitement,, was disposed to do some things which I thought foolish. He was being reckless and insisted upon making a charge upon the eneny's works along the parapet. (It was their line of battle endeavoring to reach which he had permission of (?)) Fearing that he would in my absence do some foolish thing during this excitement. I told him in the presence of the troops that he was laboring under excitement and I warned him to be careful and obey my directions. His apperance and actions indicated that he had been drinking more than proper. I saw afterwards Maj. Gen. Birney and called his attention to the matter, stating that he appeared to me to be drunk. Gen. Birney subsequently saw him and being cautioned of the fact (I had directed him to look into the matter), caused his arrest.
Resp.forwarded
Maj. G'l. Hancock.,
Maj. General Comg.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS
June 5, 1864
TO: Brig. Gen. S. Wiliams,
Adj. Gen'l., A. P.
item 8,, page 1:
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE U. S.
June 4 1864
Gen.:
If you will send in the facts in the case of Gen. Ward I will send a request to the See. of War to have him mustered out of service
Resply.,
U. S. Grant,
Lt. Gen.
To: Maj. Gen. Meade
Comdlg. A. P.
HEADQUARTERS AR14Y OF THE POTOMAC
June 4, 1864
In forwarding the statment within called for I beg leave to say that Maj. Gen. Meade is now absent from camp and may not return until late in the day. I have not therefore determined the statements for his signature.
Resp.
S. Wlliams,
A. Gen'l.
item 8. page 2:
HEANUARTERS ARMIES OF THE U. S.
Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864
Respectfully returned to Gen. Williams,
The Lieut. Gen'l. understands that at Spottsylvania and subsequent to the date of the enclosed charges, during one of the battles at that place, Gen Ward was greatly intoxicated, behaving badly in consequence thereof, was arrested and is still in arrest therefor:
It is the fact in this latter case he desires to ascertain.
Yours Truly &c
Jno Rawlins
Brig. Gen. and Chief of Staff
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
June 7, 1864
Respectfully returned to Lieut. General Grant with the additional information called for.
Geo. G. Meade
Maj. Gen'l. Comdlg.
item 9 page 1:
this(?) presented to Lieut. General Grant, June 27, 1864
HEAQUARTERS OF THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES
Near Cold Harbor., Va., June 12, 1864
Respectfully returned to Maj. Gen. Geo. G. Meade, Gom'd'g. Army of the Potomac, who will relieve Brig. Gen. Ward from duty, and order him to proceed to Fortess Monroe) and there await trial.
By Command of
Lieut. Gen. Grant
T. S. Bowers (lieut. Col.)
A. A. Gen.
(in A. G. William's hand:)
Charges against General Ward based in the included wittness' statements.
item 10, page 1:
DEPT. OF VA. AND NORTH CAROLINA
Norfolk, Va., July 21, 1864
Ward, Hobart J. H., Brig. Gen'l.
Forwards information of his arrival at Fort Monroe on the 17th day of June
in complyance with G. 0. No. 160, dated June 12, 1864, Hqrs, Army Potomac
to await his trial also forwards information relative to his case and requests
that an investigation may take place as early as possible.
Rec'd. Head Qrs., Dist of East Va., July 22, 1864
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN VIRGINIA.,
Norfolks Va., 1864
Respectfully forwarded.,
G. F. Shepley,
Brigadier General Commanding
item 10, page 2:
DEPARTMENT OF VA AND N. C.
Norfolk, Virginia
July 21, 1864
Brig. Gen'l. S. Williams A. A. Gen'l Army of Potomac
Sir:
I have the honor to state that I was directed by Special Orders No. 160, dated June 12, 1864, Head Quarters Army 0f Potomac, to report at Fortress Monroe to await trial--I arrived at this post on th- 17th day of June 1864 and am now waiting orders.
I would most respectfully represent to the General-in-Chief, that no charges to my knowledge have been prefered against me, But certain allegations made by a staff Officer, who while reporting certain facts, suppressed the whole truth thereby deceiving his superiors, The Officer alluded to has on many occasions prior to my arrest in the presence of officers expressed sentiments of an inimical character toward myself, and has in this instance maliciously caused reports to be circulated to my detriment as a soldier.
Having perfect confidence in my ability to clear myself from all allegations against my good name, I would most earnestly ask the Gen'l.-in-Chief to award me an investigation at an early day. In order that if it can be shown that 1 am an unworthy member of the U. S. Army, that the punishment be meted out to me contemplated by law, But if innocent that my friends and comerades may be made aware of the fact and justice done. In this appealing to the General-in-Chief, I feel confident that justice will be done and the guilty punished.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
J. H. Hobart Ward, Brig. Gen'l.
item 11, page 1
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE,
THIRD DIVISION, SECOND CORPS
August 20, 1864
Major:
In compliance with Special orders No. 219 Hd. Qrs., Army of Potomac, I have the honor to report the Casualties among officers of this Command holding Commissions or appointments from the President:
J. H. Hobart Ward, Brig. Gen'l., First Brigade (since mustered out) Wodnded May 10th in face (slight)
Very Respectfully Your,
Obt. Servt.,
R. de Trobriand,
Brig. Gen'l. Vols.
Com'd'g.
Major John Hancock,
A. A. G. Third Div., Second Corps
item 12, page 1:
Washington, Sept. 14
Hon. W. H. Seward
Judge Rexford informed me that he had delivered to you the papers in my case and that you had presented them at the War Dept. I am anxious to know what, if any disposition has been made of the case. All I ask is an impartial investigation, and I think my services entitle me to a hearing. I am ready and willing to under go a punishment if guilty and desire to be vindicated if innocent.
I am Sir,Your Obt.Servt.
J. H. Hobart Ward,
late Brig. Gen'l.
I will call tomorrow
Washington, D. C.
Sept. 14, 1864
Hon. W. H. Seward
Refers letter of J. H. H. Ward, late Brig Gen'l., asking information relative to papers concerning his case, forwarded to the War Dept.
Any record of previous papers
Sent Chief of Staff, Sep. 1/64
(FROM JHH WARD'S Military file at the National Archives)
New York Aug 21, 1864
To the President of the United States
Sir:
I have the honor to state that on the 12th day of May last I was placed under arrest by order of Major Genl Birney and ordered to Fortress Monroe for trial.
During my arrest I made frequent unsuccessful applications for a copy of any charges that might have been preferred. Subsequently, by S. O. 241, July 18th 1864 from the War Dept I was (without trial or hearing) mustered out of the service.
A few days since through the kind offices of Senator Morgan of this state, I was permitted to see a copy of the charges. Were it proper in this communication I might satisfy your mind of the great injustice that has been done, but I will be content with an earnest appeal to your sense of right and justice.
I respectfully request that S. O. 241 be revoked and that a General Court Martial be convened to make such disposition of my case as shall be commensurate with equity and justice.
I shall in such event most cheerfully acquisce, and if I fail to make a successsful defense, there will at least remain the proud satisfaction of knowing that the President of the United States, has not assented to the condemnation of a soldier without a hearing before his peers.
I am Sir
Your Obt Servent
JH Hobart Ward
Late Brig Genl U S V