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Preferred Citation

William Bolling Orderly Book, 1813, Accession #11138, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

This orderly book was purchased by the Library from Mr. Franklin Gilliam of Franklin Gilliam Rare Books, of Charlottesville, Virginia, on March 18, 1994.

Biographical/Historical Information

William Bolling was the commandant of cavalry under Brigadier General Robert B. Taylor.

Scope and Content Information

This is an orderly book, August 10 - October 18, 1813, for Captain William Bolling's Cavalry, with army units assigned to the defense of the Hampton Roads and Norfolk, Virginia areas during the War of 1812. The orders concern court-martials, troop movements, artillery, hospitals, commissaries, etc.

William Bolling was commandant of cavalry in Brigadier General Robert B. Taylor's (1774-1834) brigade, assigned to the defense of Norfolk. The book covers the period following the battle at Craney Island in June, during which the British Navy continued a blockade of Hampton Roads and made periodic forays into the Elizabeth River and Lynnhaven Bay.

Overview

August 10-11 Adjutant Office, Norfolk

Proceedings of a garrison court martial. Court consisting of Capt. Anderson, Lt. Craven, Cornet Harris, and Adj. William McCandlish, judge advocate. Trial of John Campbell, a private in Capt. Joseph Atkinson's troop of cavalry on the charge of contemptious and abusive language toward a sargeant of the corps to which he belongs, brought against him by Sarg. Lightfoot of the same company. Confined to the guard house; no communication for two days and nights.

Court with D. Sanford, judge advocate. Trial of Nathaniel Sebrun, a private in Capt. Saunders' troop of cavalry on the charge of disorderly conduct brought against him by Corp. Turner. Acquitted and discharged. Trial of Isaac Avery, a private in Capt. Carr's troop of cavalry for not attending parade on the 5th and 8th instant. Acquitted first charge. Sentenced to stable guard four days and nights.

August 12 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Calling attention to Brigade Orders of March 7 and April 1 concerning applications for furloughs.

Proceedings of a court martial, with Lt. Col. Pegram, president. Trial of George Garris, a private in Capt. Sharp's company of the 35th U. S. Infantry on the charges of leaving his post and leaving his gun sticking in the ground. Sentenced to eight days hard labor. Trial of William Proctor, a private in Sharp's company on the charge of desertion. Sentenced to wear the ball and chain 30 days, to pay reduction in amount of ten dollars to make good the amount of the apprehension fee, and to sweep out the encampment during that 30 days. Trial of William King, a private in Sharp's company on the charges of disobedience of orders and desertion twice. Sentenced to wear the ball and chain thirty days, to be confined to the encampment for six months, to stoppage of pay in the amount of ten dollars to make good the amount of the apprehension fee. Trial of James Barkham and others on the charges of failing inspection due to stolen or damaged firearms.

August 13 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The captains or commandants of companies, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd regiments, will inform the adjutants of their respective distances from Norfolk to their respective regimental or battalion places of rendezvous who will report to the Brigade Inspection in order to ascertain the mileage the men are entitled to...

Trial of Capt. Spencer Gunn of the 2nd Regiment, Virginia militia on the charges of drunkenness and neglect of duty. Sentenced him to be cashiered, but court showed mercy.

August 14 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning the general court martial of which Col. Beatty is president, for the trial of Lt. Col. Thomas Lee of the 95th Virginia Regiment.

August 14 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. Concerning the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd regiments in regard to the distanced certified from Norfolk to their places of rendezvous.

August 15 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning application for discharge.

August 16 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning copies of the [ ] handbook for the field officers, the captains of each regiment, and one for the subalterns of each company, which are to be considered as public property.

August 17 Adjutant and Inspector General Office, Washington

As of August 5, 1813, all officers of the army of the U. S. commanding districts, posts, or fortresses are commanded to turn back and in case of any attempts to evade this order to detail all sea vessels, or river or bay crafts, which may be suspected of proceeding to, or of communicating with, any station, vessel, squadron, or fleet of the enemy within or near the waters of the United States.

August 18 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Lt. Col. Henry Beatty to assume command of the Brigade of State Troops.

August 19 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Ensign Archibald Atkinson (1792-1872) of Capt. Shields' company of riflemen on charges, brought against him by Capt. James M. Smith, of disobedience of orders, quitting his platoon, contempt and disrespect for a superior officer, and disorderly and unofficer-like conduct. Acquitted of 1st and 2nd charges. Sentenced to suspension of all command in the militia for ten days for the 3rd and 4th charges.

August 19 Brigade Quarters, Norfolk

Brigade Orders. Appointing Capt. Julian Magagnos of the 2nd Regiment as Acting Brigade Inspector.

August 20 Brigade Quarters, Norfolk

Brigade Orders. Brigade quarters will be Capt. Julian Magagnos' dwelling house; morning reports of the troops are to be handed in by 9:00 each morning.

August 21 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. General court martial of President Col. Sharpe dissolved. General court martial of seven members and two supernumeraries will convene the following day.

August 21 Brigade Quarters, Norfolk

Brigade Orders. Commandants of the 4th and 98th Regiments will appoint the officers to compose the court martial.

August 22 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning officer of the day.

August 23 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Arrival of Quartermaster Col. Swann; special duty discharge of George Newton as judge advocate.

August 23 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. Capt. Roberts of the 4th Regiment shall augment his company to one hundred men by selecting the best sharp shooters from that regiment.

August 24 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Lt. Col. William Sharpe will assume command of the regiment now commanded by Lt. Col. Green, officer of the day for tomorrow.

August 25 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. Some of the state troops have been formed into a regiment to be called No. 6 consisting of the following companies of Capt. Coles, Wingfield, Townes, Clays, Daniels, Poole, and Neblett.

August 26 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Reports of the field officers of the day indicate "that the deciplin [sic] of the army has become greatly relaxed and that the duty of guards and centinals in particular is so negligent..." [Discusses neglects of other general orders in some detail.]

Trial of Heartwell Long, a private in Capt. Shorts' company on the charges of disobedience of orders, reproachful and disrespectful language to Sarg. Shelton. Sentenced to hard labor for thirty days, to wear the ball and chain at night for thirty days, and to be ducked four times. Trial of John Thucatt, a private in Capt. Jones' company on the charges of stealing. Sentenced to hard labor for ten days, to be marched up and down the line on two separate days..., and to have his rations of whiskey stopped for twenty days. Trial of James Mitchell, a private in Capt. Preston's company on the charges of disobedience of orders, mutinous conduct, challenging Ensign Scott to a duel. Sentenced to three months constant duty, confinement in the guard house at night, to wear the ball and chain, that his rations of whiskey be stopped, that he be carried around the encampment..., and that one half of his head be shaved at the end of the term of punishment.

August 28 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Carry out orders of monthly returns. Trial of Antoine Sorby, a private of Lt. Smith's detachment on the charges of disorderly and mutinous behavior. Sentenced to wear the ball and chain for five days, to have his rations of whiskey stopped for ten days. Trial of Isaac Willson for the charge of desertion, from the company of Capt. Coupland of the 10th Infantry. Sentenced to twenty days hard labor and payment of $8.00 be taken out of his next pay; prisoner's feeble state of health seems to render him unable to sustain any service corporal punishment.

August 29 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Officer of the day for tomorrow is Maj. Waggoner.

August 29 Brigade Quarters, Norfolk

Brigade Orders. Concerning the palpable neglect of the officers of guards and sentinels in the performance of their respective duties; the health of the army and the medical attention given to those sick in the hospitals vs. in the camps.

August 30 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Arthur Cherry of Capt. Pollard's Company of 20th U. S. Infantry on the charge of desertion. Sentenced to serve 43 days after the team of his enlistment shall expire to be put to hard labor thirty days and afterwards to wear the ball and chain for ten days. Trial of John Harney of Capt. Wilkinson's company of militia on the charge of neglect of duty.

August 31 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. No furloughs for anyone able to do duty. The manner of procuring supplies; the departments which are to supply the army consists of the contractors, the quartermaster general, the commissary of purchases, and the company of ordinance.

September 1 Cavalry Quarters

Cavalry Orders. Adj. McCandlish having resigned his commission, Lt. D. Sanford is appointed to the office of Adjutant of Cavalry.

September 2 Cavalry Quarters

Cavalry Orders. Due to the closeness of the enemy, no neglect of duty will be overlooked.

September 2 Cavalry Quarters, Norfolk

Cavalry Orders. Police officers will be appointed daily, whose duty it will be to visit the relays to make sure orders are carried out, particularly in reference to health.

September 4 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The superintendent of the General Hospital will report to Dr. Pendegrast, hospital surgeon, on the first day of each month, the state of the sick of the troops.

September 5 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Regulations concerning the allowance of quarters, forage, fuel, straw for bedding, stationary, and the transportation of the baggage of officers.

September 6 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning the allowance of fuel from the last day of April to the first day of November of each year.

September 7 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

Of Forage. For all horses in service there shall be allowed fourteen pounds of hay and twelve quarts of oats, or, in lieu, eight quarts of corn per day.

September 7 Brigade Quarters, Norfolk

Brigade Quarters. The Commandant of the 4th Regiment will transfer over to Capt. Pitt.

September 8 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

Of Straw. One truss of straw weighing thirty pounds allowed for every two men at the end of every sixteen days, and being refreshed with eight pounds at the expiration of thirty two days. At the end of the period of sixteen and thirty two days, a fresh bedding will be received.

September 9 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of John Thompson, a private in Capt. Pollard's company on the charge of neglect of duty. Acquitted. Trial of Henry Hill, lieutenant of Capt. Isaac Mitchel's company of riflemen on the charge of leaving camp eight days without permission. Suspended from command for one week and privately reprimanded. Trial of Sherwood Kidd, a private in Capt. Taliaferro's company on the charge of disobedience of orders. Found not guilty.

September 10 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Major Parham, president of court martial. Trial of John Jarvis, a private in Capt. Richard Kilsuks' Portsmouth Riflement on the charges of neglect of duty, disorderly conduct, and mutinous conduct. Sentenced to be publicly reprimanded by his captain and to have his rations of whiskey stopped for ten days. Trial of Corp. Bennett Stephenson's company of the 65th Regiment on the charges of desertion. Sentenced to continue in service seven days after his company shall have been discharged, and to be reduced because of the prisoner's ill state of health and voluntary return. Trial of William Hart, a private of Capt. Clayton's company of the 65th Regiment on the charge of desertion. Sentenced to remain in service eleven days after his company shall have been discharged, to be put to ten days hard labor, and at the end of that time to wear the ball and chain five days. The court being lenient because of voluntary return.

September 12 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning arrangements for the supplies of the medical department.

September 13 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning supplies for the Army. Necessary to ascertain what supplies are on hand in the various departments.

Of Transportation. To each company or detachment of one hundred men shall be allowed one four-horse wagon and team or two two-horse wagons and teams, for the conveyance of their baggages and camp equipage.

September 15 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning morning revelry, change in grounds of encampment once in every ten days.

Of Stationary. To officers commanding a district so much stationary as may be necessary for the discharge of his public duties. To other officers a certain number of quires of paper.

September 16 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

Annual Estimates. Duty to make out and transmit to the war department by the first day of December in each year the annual estimates of the forage, fuel, straw for bedding, articles of stationary, dragoon and artillery horses, oxen, wagons and carts for the transportation of baggage and all other articles, the furnishing of which ascertains to the [ ] department.

Of Laboratories. Authorize hire of women and children and low wagers in all work which can be performed by them as well as by men.

September 17 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

Inspection of Powder. Duty of Commanding General of Ordinance to call upon the Commissary General of Purchases for the names and places of residence of all persons engaged in making powder, cannon-shot or other ordinance stores.

September 18 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning Capt. Richard Pollard of the 20th Regiment of the United States Infantry and the court martial of Sgt. Carney and Corp. Popejoy.

September 18 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of John Casey, private in Capt. Wingfield's company of the 6th Regiment Virginia Militia on the charge, made by Lt. Col. Green, of sleeping while posted as a sentinal. Sentenced to ride a wooden horse from the left to the right of the regiment.

September 21 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Henry Hill for the charges of leaving his confinement before being set at liberty by his commanding officer and absenting himself from his company without leave. Sentenced to be cashiered and that all pay and emoluments accruing to him since the day of his first absenting without leave be stopped.

Trial of Zachariah Glasscock on the charge of sleeping on his port while standing as a sentinel. Testimony proved prisoner to be disqualified for duty as a sentinel. Trial of Lt. Barnes on the charge of neglect of duty. Found guilty but received no punishment in consideration of his zeal and good conduct upon all occasions. Trial of Richard Philips, a private in Capt. Poole's company of the 6th Regiment on the charge of sleeping on his post when posted as a sentinel. Found guilty of charge but testimony proved him to be incapable of performing the duties of a sentinel, therefore no punishment was given.

Capt. Kelrick's company of riflemen will prepare for muster and inspection the next day.

September 23 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The commandants of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Regiments will cause their quartermasters to deliver to Lt. L. G. A. Armstead, keeper of ordinance and military stores all their cartridges over and above 20 rounds to a man.

September 24 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Ensign Hallaman on the charge of absenteeing himself without leave permission. Sentenced him to be cashiered. Trial of Fred Pleasant Acarn, a private in Capt. Cole's company of the 6th Regiment on the charge of sleeping on his post as a sentinel. Sentenced to wear a chain for five days, to sweep out the camp and other cleaning, and to be confined in a guard tent. Trial of Archibald Haley, a private in Capt. Daniel's company of the 6th Regiment on the charges of sleeping on his post while serving as sentinel. Sentenced to be chained with P. Acarn, to sweep out the camp and other cleaning, and to be confined in a guard tent and to be fed on bread and water during the confinement.

Col. Goodwin, commander at Craney Island will discharge such of the detachment of the state troops attached to his command which arrived here under Maj. Blow of the 65th Regiment. Prior to the discharge Maj. Blow will cause all arms, ammunition, accoutrements, tents, camp equipage and every other article of public property which has been received by the troops since they have been in service to be returned to the proper departments.

September 25 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Capt. Kelsick's company from the 7th Regiment is discharged from the present service of the States.

September 27 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. The Commandant of the 6th Regiment will detail three soldiers from the line to act as wagoneers.

September 28 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The 6th Regiment commanded by Lt. Col. Sharpe will prepare for muster and inspection on the 30th instant. Two inspection returns and three muster rolls will be required.

September 29 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The Quartermaster General, having made complaint that when boats or wagons are detailed, for the conveyance or transportation of detachments, they are not always regularly returned when done with; that by such detention, much inconvenience is experienced...

October 2 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The surgeons of the state troops are directed to make reports to the Assistant Adjutant General of the names of all persons who have been and are now employed in the hospital or attending the sick.

October 3 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Sgt. Owen and Private Wilkinson S. Woodson of the Powhatan Cavalry, Sgt. Chisholm of the Albemarle Troop, Corps. Dandridge and Payne, Private Turman of the Goochland Troop, and Private Jordan of the Isle of Wight Troop on the charges of disobedience of orders in connection with an expedition determined by the commanding general. All acquitted except for Sgt. Chisholm who was reduced to the rank of a private soldier.

October 3 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. The troops detailed to the Bay Shore shall perform ten days duty at a time, besides on day to go and one day to return, for those stationed on the west side of Lynnhaven, and three days for going and returning for those on the east.

October 4 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Concerning the erection of the huts on Craney Island and the detail of the number of men requisite for that duty.

October 5 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Sgt. Watson of Capt. Osborn's company on the charge of neglect of duty. Declared honorably acquitted.

Capt. Richardson of the Virginia [Artillerist] in requisition at Craney Island will be mustered and inspected today and discharged from the service of the United States. Prior to discharge they are to deliver over to the Commandant of the Artillery all the public ordinance, arms, accoutrements, ammunition, camp equipage, and every other article drawn by the company since they have been in service.

The commandant of the brigade will detail a fatigue party of one sergeant, one corporal, and 18 privates, subject to the orders of Maj. Faulkner to repair to Lambert's Point.

October 7 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The Commandant of the Brigade will cause the detachment from the 4th Regiment now at Craney Island to be relieved tomorrow, by an equal number.

A general court martial of nine members and two supernumaries of which Lt. Col. Lindsay is appointed president, will convene at Fort Norfolk for the trial of such persons as may be brought before it. The general court martial of which Col. Sharp is president is dissolved.

The court of inquiry convened under general orders of the 18th to set at Fort Norfolk on the 20th at the instance of Capt. Richard Pollard, Maj. McConnico, president. Adduced that no censure can be attached to Capt. Pollard for the removal or disposition of the sentinels on the night of Mark Arrington's escape.

October 7 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. The Commandant of the 5th Regiment will detail 250 men with a suitable number of officers with orders to go to Craney Island tomorrow morning, for the purpose of relieving the detachment from the 4th Regiment.

October 8 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Lt. Col. Francis Preston will assume the command of the Brigade of State Troops. Lt. Col. Koonts will take command in the 4th Regiment.

October 9 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Lt. Barnes on the charge of unofficer-like conduct. Acquitted. Trial of Private Bolling Barnes on the charge of desertion. Sentenced to labor twenty days, to be confined in the black hole every night during that term, and to be fed bread and water for that term. General court martial information.

The Commandant of the Brigade will order a fatigue party of 45 privates under the direction of one commissioned officer and three noncommissioned officers, who will be provided with spades, axes, and handbarrows; they will repair to Fort Barbour with their tents.

October 10 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Companies of the State Artillerists will prepare for inspection. The troops about to be discharged will immediately after inspection deliver the public arms and accoutraments to their former Captain who will grant each man a receipt for the same. Arms, ammunition, and accoutrements to then be distributed to the relieving troops. Capt. Maron's Rifle Company at the east side of Lynnhaven River will be relieved.

October 10 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. The Commandant of the 6th Regiment will detail twenty-five riflemen and others to relieve the detachment from the 5th Regiment stationed on the east side of the mouth of Lynnhaven River.

October 11 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The Commandant of the Brigade of State Troops will cause the fatigue party form the 4th Regiment at Lambert's Point to be relieved.

October 12 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. The troops on command or detachment from the 5th and 4th Regiments with the exception of 250 men lately ordered to Craney Island will be ordered to rejoin their regiments immediately.

October 12 Cavalry Quarters

Cavalry Orders. The different companies will meet at the usual parade ground the following morning.

October 14 Cavalry Quarters

Cavalry Orders. Reprimand of an officer who left his post of observation before he was regularly relieved. A garrison court martial will convene at the Adjutant General Office tomorrow.

October 14 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of Lt. Daniel, a private in Lt. Smith's detachment 2nd Artillery on the charges of disobedience of orders and disorderly conduct preferred against him by Lt. Garland of the 35th Regiment U. S. Infantry. Sentenced to be confined to the garrison for three months, to perform fatigue and police duty, to have his rations of whiskey stopped, and to publicly asked pardon.

October 16 Assistant Adjutant General Office, Norfolk

General Orders. Trial of William Kingry, a private of Capt. Jones' Company 35th Regiment U. S. Infantry on the charge of desertion from Fort Nelson. Found guilty of absence without leave, and sentenced to be confined to the garrison for three months, to perform police and fatigue duty, and to have his rations of whiskey stopped. Trial of William King of Capt. Hart's Company 35th Regiment on the charge of desertion. Sentenced to hard labor, to public work with a ball and chain, to be confined in the guardhouse at night, to have his rations of whiskey stopped, and to have the word "deserter" written in red letters on the back of his coat. Trial of William Cane of late Capt. Allen's Company of 1st Artillery on the charge of desertion from Craney Island. Sentenced to public work with the ball and chain, to be confined in the guardhouse for twelve months, to have his rations of whiskey stopped, to have the word "deserter" written in red letters on the back of his coat, and to make restitution for the expenses of his apprehension. Trial of Nathaniel Emmery and Peyton Hobbs of Capt. Cocke's Company 35th U. S. Infantry on the charges of desertion. Sentenced Emmery to four months confinement to the garrison, to perform police and fatigue duties, and to have his rations of whiskey stopped. Sentenced Hobbs to be confined to the garrison fifteen days.

October 16 Brigade Quarters

Brigade Orders. Commandants of regiments and companies will provide a list of all the artificers under their respective commands designating their professions.

October 16 Cavalry Quarters

Cavalry Orders. Concerning list of artificers.