Thomas Wright's Diary

June 1861

What is considered the first land battle of the War, more a skirmish than a battle. Occurred on June 3rd 1861, the Battle of Philippi, in what is now known as West Virginia. 3,000 Union Forces against 800 Confederate forces. The Union forces headed by General, George B. McClellan, Commanding, the Department of Ohio. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

McClellan ordered, Benjamin Franklin Kelly, to protect the railroad bridge, over the Monongahela River near Farmington.  He took the First Infantry and the Second of West Virginia, supported by the Ohio 16th Infantry. The Ohio 14th was ordered to occupy Parkersburg, command by Colonel James B. Steedman. Brig. General Thomas A. Morris had overall command.

The Union forces were to keep the supply line open, The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Confederate Forces, commanded by General, George A. Porterfield, was ordered to Grafton to take enlistments. Porterfield got word of the Union advance, withdrew his Forces to Philippi. 800 men  poorly armed and recruits.

The Confederate forces were routed, 26 wounded possibly 2 dead. Union forces 4 wounded possibly 2 dead. Some records show no Killed in Action on both sides. To learn more, I recommend looking this up, be sure to use American Civil War, in your search.
This Skirmish was called Philippi Races, by the Union.

The upper Map shows the location for Philippi, within the state, note the eastern border would be gone at that point, it would of all been Virginia. Lower Map is troop movement. Blue Union, Red Confederate.

                                     7, June 1861

Hard work is done, now the up keep an the wait.
This part, is the hardest the wait ta see if ya gots a harvest an a good one. Poppy ain't joined up ta fight. Reckon that little, fight over in Virginia, get him all worked up! Union done chased that General Porterfield off, out Grafton an Philippi, Virginia. Truly I am hopin they can talk this out, think both sides, don't need ta be killin each other.

Guess Sumter an this last little ruckus has put an end ta talk. Poppy run off ta fight, I best move Ma here with me. Think fer now, no need ta take sides.
Best thin ta do, is see what may come.

Betsy asked ifin this a end slavery. Told her, Lincoln ain't worried about slaves or slavery, it is about makin the Union whole again. Nothin more. Slavery I think must end, how I will make it without Mister Bowman an his slaves. Just don't know how. Hired help, ain't goin ta work fer free. Don't think they wait till harvest comes in ta get paid. Think maybe have ta plant twice as much ifin not more, ta break even.

Poppy knows, Kentucky a stay Neutral back in May, Governor Beriah Magoffin, issued a Formal Proclamation, of Neutrality an advised us ta stay out of the fight, an remain at home. Poppy got boiled over on that one. Hope Uncle Thom has sense nough ta get out of Virginia and come home.

Gettin late best put this down.

                               9, June 1861

Sunday, decided ta go fishing, while Betsy hears the sermon, ya know gets God inside an all. Tuey well he showed up, asked me what I thought about this fight. That he heard tell of. Let's just say I told him, might dumb ya ask me. Both sides should think a spell. He say I heard tell, they fightin over Slavery. I kinda waved that off, say don't really know, why theys a fightin. I asks ifin he seen Theo.

Tuey ain't seen him, say he heard Master Bowman say, he done joined up with the Union Army. Tuey I say what? He didn't tell you that. Tuey say heard him talkin ta yar Poppy. I tell him I best check on that. Theo least tell me bye an shake my hand.

After Church an we gots home, me an Betsy took a walk out near Lees Creek. She asked ifin I ever think about our child. I say Betsy, they is not a day go by she doesn't come ta mind. Star was a part of use, one that never got a chance ta even cry. Betsy looked sad, then she smiled at me. Say think I am ready, ta have another. Guess we best work on that.

                          10, June 1861

Me an Poppy went ta Joe's ta check the news, Poppy had ta get few things at the Hardware store.
He left Rivers Edge, say he be heading south with a few others ta join the fight, end of the month. Knew he wouldn't wait much longer. I tell him I take care a Ma.

We seen few Union soldiers, looked might smart, Poppy weren't no fool, he nodded and smiled at thum. Joe gave us a beer, told us Union had big Headquarters in Cincinnati. Course we knew that.
He say he think those in charge are worried about Kentucky jumpin sides. Poppy laughed some, State won't it has ta much ta lose. Better off playin both sides. Finished our beer, headed home. Joe only had couple news papers. Guess two is better than none. Few slaves a be out early tomorrow ta weed an check the crops. Gettin late best get some sleep.

                        Explanation of Neutrality

Why did Kentucky claim neutrality, when 19.5 percent of the population was slaves? Slave owners numbered 38,000 the third highest owners just behind Virginia, and Georgia. It's main cash crop was Tobacco and Hemp.  Hemp was used for rope, something the south used for cotton bails. The State needed slaves for those labor-intensive crops.

The Governor Beraih Magoffin did not think slavery was a moral, social even political evil. He did not believe secession was needed. Opposed it, he thought the differences could be worked out, he feared an invasion of Kentucky.

The State largely voted Bell and Douglas, for President. Both were neutral on slavery, they didn't believe in secession or, the coercion of southern states. Confederate sympathizers feared if Kentucky chose a side she would go Union.

Claiming to be Neutral and being Neutral.

Kentucky fielded Armies for both sides, each Army amassed troops along the state's borders. Both factions organized Militia Confederate called themselves the State Guards, Unionist became the Home Guard. Kentucky allowed horses, food munitions and other military supplies to move south.

Lincoln even turned a blind eye towards Kentucky, he Governed them lightly worried about secession.
He worried any demonstration of force would cause them to succeed.

In November 1861 a small group made a Government for the Confederacy, it was excepted into the Confederacy on December 10th, 1861, Bowling Green was its Capital. It was recognized by the central 13th star of the flag. Although the government was in exile and traveled mostly with the Army of Tennessee.

Autumn of 1862, Frankfort the capital was captured by Confederate forces, General Braxton Bragg tried to install the Government of the Confederacy into Kentucky. Don Carlos Buell ambushed the integration and drove the provisional government off for the last time.

On a side note, Kentucky didn't ratify the 14th amendment till 18, March 1976.

Well another History lesson, sorry if you didn't want one. I think these should help, what Thomas sees and hears. Helps in what he decides to do. I am sure you my readers, have an idea on how Thomas will go. Remember, not all things point one way or the other. His decision will be hard and well thought out. I thank you the reader, most of you we've messaged each other. I thank you for your votes an comments. I so enjoy them. I wish we all could meet, have good meal and a Drink. Again thanks for your support.
Dram12