On Our Own Soil: The 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry
Independence, Self-Sufficiency, and the Fight for Northwestern Virginia
The 19th Virginia Cavalry, formed under the leadership of Colonel William Lowther Jackson, was a regiment forged from the rugged determination of men from northwestern Virginia. Recruited primarily from the 3rd Virginia State Line, formerly the Virginia State Rangers, the regiment embodied a dual legacy: fierce loyalty to their homeland and a deep-seated independence that often defied military discipline. These traits made the regiment both a formidable force and a challenge for Confederate command.
Jackson’s vision for the regiment was bold. He sought to reclaim northwestern Virginia from Union control by enlisting local men whose intimate connection to the land would drive them to fight with unmatched fervor. The 19th Virginia Cavalry, along with its sister regiment, the 20th Virginia Cavalry, became the spearhead of this effort.
The Controversy Surrounding the Virginia State Rangers
The Virginia State Rangers were created as an irregular force to serve the Confederacy’s needs in its most remote and contested regions. However, their decentralized nature and lack of oversight quickly led to problems, drawing criticism from Confederate leadership. One of the most pointed critiques came from Brigadier General Henry Heth, who wrote to Virginia Governor John Letcher on April 2, 1862, while commanding in Greenbrier County:
“I feel it my duty to inform you of certain facts arising from the organization of the irregular force known as 'rangers,' authorized by an act of the Legislature of Virginia. The companies of this organization which have come under my observation are simply organized bands of robbers and plunderers, stealing the thunder of and basing their claims to organization upon the meritorious and daring acts of a few brave men. The parties, or many of them, composing the organization are notorious thieves and murderers, more ready to plunder friends than foes. With such material as a basis, it would be surprising to find organization. They do as they please—go where they please."
Heth’s letter continued with sharp observations about the rangers’ impact on Confederate efforts:
"The effect of this organization upon the volunteering has been very injurious. Many, especially the worthless, like the privilege of fighting, as they say, on their own responsibility, which, interpreted, means roaming over the country, taking what they want, and doing nothing. The choice arms of the State have been furnished these people. This has induced many to believe that they are a favored organization. A guerrilla force without being closely watched becomes an organized and licensed band of robbers."
Heth further lamented the failure of certain ranger commanders, such as those of Downs’ and Spriggs’ companies, to enforce discipline:
"A guerrilla chief should be able to enforce obedience and command the respect of his associates. These men (Downs and Spriggs) do neither. This organization has become a loophole through which hundreds are escaping draft and, in fact, all service."
Heth’s letter revealed the struggles of Confederate leaders in balancing the utility of guerrilla forces with the discipline necessary for an effective military.
A Unique Composition: The Bonds of Kinship and Independence
The 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry units reflected the unique character of Jackson’s recruits. Company B, largely composed of soldiers from Braxton and Webster Counties, epitomized the fiercely independent spirit of the regiments. These men, primarily farmers and farmhands from twelve mountain counties in western Virginia, were often uneducated and closely bound by familial ties.
Their deep connection to home was both a defining trait and a challenge to Confederate command. From 1863 to 1865, Union forces frequently captured Company B soldiers at their homes, often while their regiments were operating miles away. This phenomenon highlighted the soldiers’ prioritization of family and community over military norms.
A vivid example of their independent nature is recorded in S.W.N. Feamster’s 1908 memoir. In September 1861, while Robert E. Lee traveled from Cheat Mountain to the Kanawha Valley, he stopped at Frankford, Greenbrier County, seeking intelligence about Sewell Mountain. Feamster introduced Thomas Reynolds, a scout from Webster County working under General Wise, as someone who could provide the desired information. Without waiting for introductions, Lee asked Reynolds for news. Reynolds curtly replied, “Is that any of your business?” Taken aback, Lee relied on Feamster to mediate. Reynolds explained that he was under orders to report solely to General William Loring and would not share information with someone he did not know personally. This exchange underscored the defiance and independence of Jackson’s men, who often placed loyalty to their immediate superiors or personal principles above Confederate hierarchy.
Self-Sufficiency and Resilience
The independence of the soldiers in Jackson’s regiments extended beyond their attitudes toward discipline and command. It was also reflected in their remarkable self-sufficiency. While some companies drew supplies and clothing from the Confederate depot in Staunton, many soldiers bypassed these official channels altogether, relying instead on their communities to reoutfit themselves.
This approach to provisioning was born out of necessity but also highlighted the soldiers’ ingenuity and deep ties to their home counties. When resources were scarce, they turned to family and neighbors to maintain their readiness for battle. However, this reliance on self-sufficiency posed challenges for Confederate commanders, who struggled to maintain cohesion and control over such an autonomous force. The soldiers’ ability to operate independently was a strength, but it also undermined the structure and discipline needed for larger, coordinated campaigns.
The Independent Spirit of Jackson’s Men
Jackson’s recruits brought a fierce sense of independence to the 19th Virginia and 20th Virginia Cavalry. Company captains frequently reinterpreted or ignored Jackson’s orders, acting on their own judgment rather than adhering to centralized command. Entire companies sometimes left camp without authorization, returning home under the pretense of “scouting missions” to gather provisions or check on their families.
Even more troubling were the unauthorized raids conducted by some companies on federal outposts or Unionist homes without notifying Jackson. After major operations, straggling became a recurring problem, but Jackson grew to accept this behavior as an unavoidable aspect of commanding such an independent force. By late 1864, he even encouraged his men to visit home and re-equip themselves, balancing practicality with an acknowledgment of their unique character.
Operational Challenges: Mounted and Dismounted Troops
At their inception, the 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry regiments faced significant challenges in equipping their men. Many troops served dismounted due to a lack of horses, leading these soldiers to be referred to as infantry. The number of dismounted troops fluctuated, as mounts were lost during operations or acquired through raids on federal herds. Jackson sought to integrate these dismounted troops into Imboden’s command, where they could secure horses, but General John Imboden, wary of alienating local civilians, prohibited the confiscation of private property, including horses.
This restriction complicated Jackson’s efforts and underscored the delicate balance between meeting operational needs and maintaining local support. Nevertheless, the dual composition of the regiments—both mounted and dismounted troops—demonstrated their adaptability, though it added operational complexity.
Active Service in 1863: The Jones-Imboden Raid and Beyond
The 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry regiments were not merely symbols of Confederate resilience but active participants in critical campaigns throughout 1863. Their role in several key engagements underscored their importance to the Confederate cause:
Jones-Imboden Raid (April 1863)
Battle of Beverly (July 1863)
Battle of Rocky Gap (August 1863)
Battle of Centerville (September 1863)
Battle of Bulltown (October 1863)
Battle of Droop Mountain (November 1863)
Salem Depot Raid (December 1863)
A Legacy of Determination
The 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry was a microcosm of the Confederate struggle in northwestern Virginia—a region marked by contested loyalties, harsh terrain, and limited resources. The regiment’s soldiers, recruited from the 3rd Virginia State Line and shaped by their experience as rangers, embodied a unique blend of resilience and independence.
Their self-sufficiency, while admirable, reflected the broader difficulties faced by Confederate forces in maintaining cohesion and discipline. Yet, it was also a testament to their deep connection to their communities and their unwavering commitment to the Confederate cause.
William Lowther Jackson’s vision of reclaiming northwestern Virginia may never have fully materialized, but the story of the 19th Virginia Cavalry endures as a powerful example of determination in the face of immense challenges. These soldiers fought not only for the Confederacy but also for the homes and families that defined their identity, leaving a legacy of resourcefulness, loyalty, and independence.
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