First Brigade, First Division
The 8th New York State Militia at the rear of Arlington House or Lee-Custis Mansion, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia, circa June 1861
Varian's Light Artillery, Eighth New York State Militia, Company I
Mustered in United States service for three months 25 April, 1861, dated 20 April, 1861. Arrived at Washington, D. C., 27 May, 1861. Not present at the first battle of Bull Run
CAPTAIN J M VARIAN
J M Varian was mustered in United States service for three months as captain, Varian's Light Artillery, 8th New York State Militia, Company I, on 20 April, 1861.
- Section: FIRST LT. S H CORNELL
S H Cornell was mustered in United States service for three months as first lieutenant, Varian's Light Artillery, 8th New York State Militia, Company I, on 20 April, 1861.
Two 6 pounder Smoothbores, M1841
- Section: SECOND LT. E C BYRNE(S)
E C Byrnes was mustered in United States service for three months as second lieutenant, Varian's Light Artillery, 8th New York State Militia, Company I, on 20 April, 1861.
Two 6 pounder Smoothbores, M1841
- Section: SECOND LT. J T CARPENTER
J T Carpenter was mustered in United States service for three months as second lieutenant, Varian's Light Artillery, 8th New York State Militia, Company I, on 20 April, 1861.
Two 6 pounder Smoothbores, M1841
Sources
"In addition to the formidable weapons, the howitzers, Captain Varian received this morning an order to take six, six pounders from the city armory, which are fully equipped with cartridge wagons and accouterments. Twenty-four horses are attached to this battery and will be taken on board the Alabama."
The Commercial Advertiser (New York City, new York County, New York),, 23 April, 1861 - The Eighth Regiment
"New York 24 April - The steamer Montgomery sailed this morning with the artillery of the eighth regiment."
National Republican (Washington, D. C.), 24 April, 1861 - Departure of troops from New York
"New York 24 April - The steamer Montgomery sailed this morning, at six o'clock, with the First Company of the Eighth artillery of N. Y. - 80 men and 40 horses."
Newark Daily Advertiser (Newark, Essex County , New Jersey), 24 April, 1861 - Movement of steamers
"It appears that an order had been received to the effect that the Grey troop should leave the howitzers and take six 6 pounders."
"In Hudson street, the Grey troop, numbering 100 men, with a battery of six 6-pounders and thirty-six horses, turned down and proceeded to Pier No. 13, where they embarked on board the steamship Montgomery."
New York Tribune (New York City, New York County, New York), 24 April, 1861 - Departure of the 8th, 13th, and 69th N.Y. Regiments
"Annapolis, Md., 9 May, 1861 - We left New York on Wednesday, April 24, at 5 a. m., aboard the steamer Montgomery. Our troop was the only company on the vessel. It numbered on hundred men, and officers. We had with us a battery of flying artillery, consisting of six six-pounders, and forty-eight horses. The infantry portion of the regiment proceeded us a few hoours, on the steamer Alabama. "
"We arrived here in forty-three hours. The next night after our arrival, quarters were provided for us in one of the buildings lately occupied by the Naval Academy, vacated a day or two before. "
Daily Exchange (Baltimore City, Maryland), 9 May, 1861 - Washington Grey Troop, Eighth Regiment, N. Y. S. M.
"Annapolis, 12 May - P.M. - General Butler, with 50 men and two pieces of Captain Varian's battery, left this afternoon on the propeller J. S.Shriver for important and secret service in the direction of Baltimore. A false alarm occurred at the Relay House last night. "
Daily Exchange (Baltimore City, Maryland), 13 May, 1861 - A secret expedition
"The propeller Wm. Woodward returned here yesterday, having in tow the Smith Point Lightship, which she was sent to capture. The ship was found up Mill Creek, a branch of the Wycomico. The two pieces of artillery could not be brought to bear on the enemy, who were concealed by bushes. Lieut. Flusser, who was in command of the expedition, says that capt, Thorne's men conducted themselves with the greatest bravery. "
Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia), 21 May, 1861 - Movements in Chesapeake Bay and vicinity - Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, P.M. 19 May, 1861
"The Cataline, which brought General Butler and staff, had on board, as a guard, a detachment of the Thirteenth New York regiment (Companies D and E) and a portion of Captain Varian's troop, of the New York Eighth regiment, with two six pounders, the entire force under the command of Captain David S Jones, of the Thirteenth regiment. The steamer returns to Annapolis tonight. "
New York Herald (New York City, New York County, New York), 25 May, 1861 - Fortress Monroe, Va., 22 May, 1861
"Capt. Varian's Battery, attached to the New York Thirteenth, are ordered to this city from Annapolis."
New York Herald (New York City, New York County, New York), 27 May, 1861 - Washington, 26 May, 1861
"The battery of the Eighth New York Regiment, Captain Varian, numbering 155 men and six splendid field pieces, arrived here during last night. They have been in Annapolis since the arrival of the Eighth Regiment here, which they now join. The battery marched through Pennsylvania avenue today at 11 1/2 o'clock, on their way to the camp of the Regiment near Kalamora. They are uniformed in grey jackets and pants with black trimmings, similar to the Eighth, and are provided with a number of extra horses and considerable baggage and train wagons."
Evening Star (Washington, D. C.), 27 May, 1861 - Arrival of Varian's battery
"At Arlington House, we found the New York eighth regiment, Col. Lyons, snugly encamped. Their battery, which arrived here early yesterday morning, is with them, and they have placed it so that it would fall fearfully upon any attacking party."
National Republican (Washington, D. C.), 28 May, 1861 - Over the river
"The battery attached to the Eighth New York Regiment arrived during the morning, and, after parading on the avenueproceeded to the quarters of the regiment on Arlington Heights."
World (New York City, New York County, New York), 28 May, 1861 - No battle today
"A fort is now going up, built with heavy timber, and a road is being made through the woods, some three miles, to Captain Varian's battery (not Berrian's, as reported in some papers) on the summit of Arlington Heights, the residence of General Lee, now commander of the rebel troops in Virginia."
New London Weekly Chronicle (New London, New London County, Connecticut), 6 June, 1861, The N. Y. Irish Regiment at work
"On leaving the encampment of the Sixty-ninth yesterday afternoon my next case was to visit the Eighth, who are encamped on the grounds at the back of the mansion belonging to General Lee, who, as your readers are aware, has joined the rebel army. The Eighth regiment consists of one thousand men, under command of Colonel George Lyons. Attached to the regiment is the Washington Grey troop, with a battery of six six pounders, under the command of Captain J. M. Varian. The troop numbers one hundred and twenty-five men."
New York Herald (New York City, New York County, New York), 10 June, 1861 - The Eighth New York Regiment, Arlington House, 5 June, 1861
"The Ohio regiments have two field pieces with them belonging to the New York Greys."
World (New York City, New York County, New York), 20 June, 1861 - Gen. Schenck's Battalion
"Falls Church, Virginia, 24 June, 1861 - The only battery hereabouts is that of Captain Varian, attached to the Eighth regiment of New York. Of the six pieces, two remain at Arlington House and four are here. Two guard the Leesburg road looking towards Falls Church, and two hold the road running west from Taylor's Tavern, and back of the First Connecticut regiment."
Evening Post (Washington, D. C.), 26 June, 1861 - Sketches of camp life. Captain Varian's battery
"General McDowell has caused the following order to be issued: The captains of Varian's battery of light artillery, attached to the Eighth Regiment of the New York Volunteer State Militia, having completed the period of its enlistment, is honorably discharged from the service of the United States, and will march to Alexandria and report to Gen. Runyon to be mustered out of service."
Evening Star (Washington, D. C.), 22 July, 1861 - Varian's battery
"Varian's battery will probably be mustered out of the service at New York, where it will arrive tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock."
New York Herald (New York City, New York County, New York), 24 July, 1861 - Washington, 22 July, 1861. Evening
Books/ Manuscripts
A famous battery and its campaigns, 1861-'64: The career of Corporal James Tanner in war and in peace; early days in the Black Hills with some account of Capt. Jack Crawford the poet scout, by Captain James E. Smith, 4th N.Y. Independent Battery
New York in the War of Rebellion, 1861-1865, Volume 1, by Frederick Phisterer
Notes
Varian's Light Artillery was accepted in state service for three months at New York City, New York County, New York, on 19 April, 1861, and was ordered to Washington, D. C., under the call for 75,000 militia to serve three months on 24 April, 1861, dated 15 April, 1861.
Note: The Washington Grey Troop, 8th New York State Militia, Company I, was designated Varian's Light Artillery at New York City, New York County, New York, on 18 April, 1861 (See the 8th New York State Militia Infantry).
New York City to Annapolis, 24-26 April, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery (80/112) was ordered to proceed by the steamer Montgomery on the Hudson/ North River, at Pier No.13, junction of Albany and West Streets, New York City, New York County, New York, to Annapolis, Howard County, Maryland, at 5/6 AM on 24 April, 1861, and was accompanied by a detachment of the 71st New York State Militia (7). The company arrived at Annapolis Roads, two and a half miles southeast of tery Square and West Street, New York City, New York County, New York, in the morning on 26 April, 1861 (See the 71st New York State Militia).
Note: Varian's Light Artillery was stationed at Wolf Trap Light, Chesapeake Bay, forty-five miles north of Fort Monroe, Artillery School of Practice, Old Point Comfort, Elizabeth City County, Virginia, at 12.30/1 PM on 25 April, 1861.
Department of Annapolis, 27 April-26 May, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery disembarked at Foot Wharf, United States Naval Academy, on Hanover Street, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in the afternoon on 26 April, 1861, and was stationed at the United States Naval Academy, on Hanover Street, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, between 26 April and 26 May, 1861.
Mustered for three months, United States Naval Academy, on Hanover Street, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 25 April, 1861, dated 20 April, 1861: Varian's Light Artillery was mustered in United States service for three months at United States Naval Academy, on Hanover Street, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, on 25 April, 1861, dated 20 April, 1861.
Troops stationed at Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 28 April, 1861: Brigadier General B F Butler, Third Brigade, Second Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia; 8th New York State Militia (1,045), Colonel G Lyons; 13th New York State Militia (500), Colonel A Smith; 25th New York State Militia (500), Colonel M K Bryan; 8th Massachusetts Infantry (70/77), Company K, Captain H S Briggs
Fort Greys/ Morgan, Section, 28 April-5 May, 1861
A section of Varian's Light Artillery and the 8th New York State Militia, Companies C and D, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel C G Waterbury, arrived by a propeller at Fort Greys/ Morgan, Mount Misery, on the east bank of Round Bay, seven miles northwest of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in the evening on 28 April, 1861.
Note: The 8th New York State Militia, Companies C and D, and a section of Varian's Light Artillery were assigned to build Fort Greys/ Morgan, Mount Misery, on the east bank of Round Bay, seven miles northwest of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in the evening on 28 April, 1861.
Fort Greys/ Morgan, Mount Misery, on the east bank of Round Bay, seven miles northwest of Annapolis, to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 4-5 May, 1861: A section of Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to proceed by a propeller to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in the evening on 4 May, 1861, and arrived at United States Naval Academy, on Hanover Street, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in the morning on 5 May, 1861.
Note: A section of Varian's Light Artillery was stationed at Fort Greys/ Morgan, Mount Misery, on the east bank of Round Bay, seven miles northwest of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, between 28 April and 4 May, 1861, and embarked on a propeller 100 yards west of the east bank of Round Bay, seven miles northwest of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 1 AM on 5 May, 1861.
Note: The 8th New York State Militia was ordered to proceed by the Annapolis & Elkridge Railroad to Relay House/ Washington Junction, Howard County, Maryland, at 7 AM on 5 May, 1861, and Varian's Light Artillery was temporarily assigned to the 13th New York State Militia at Annapolis, Howard County, Maryland, between 5 and 26 May, 1861 (See the Three Months Volunteers, Departments of Annapolis and Maryland).
Expedition to Fort McHenry, Whetstone Point, Baltimore City, Maryland, section, 12 May, 1861: Two 6 pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery were ordered to proceed by the propeller J S Shriver to Fort McHenry, Whetstone Point, Baltimore City, Maryland, under the command of Brigadier General B F Butler, Third Brigade, Second Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in the afternoon on 12 May, 1861, and were accompanied by a detachment of the 13th New York State Militia (50).
Note: The 13th New York State Militia, Company C, and a detachment of Varian's Light Artillery, was ordered to proceed by steamer as escort to R Winans, Esq., to Fort McHenry, Whetstone Point, Baltimore City, Maryland, at 12 PM on 15 May, 1861.
Capture of Smith Point lightship, section, 16-18 May, 1861
A section of Varian's Light Artillery (30), under the command of Lieutenant C W Flusser, United States Navy, was ordered to proceed by the propeller William Woodward to capture the Smith Point lightship at 5 PM on 16 May, 1861, and was accompanied by a detachment of the 13th New York State Militia (50), Company G, and a detachment of sailors, United States Navy. The section of Varian's Light Artillery arrived at the Great Wicomico River at 5 AM on 17 May, 1861, and captured the Smith Point lightship at Mill Creek, on the Great Wicomico River, on 17 May, 1861. The section of Varian's Light Artillery arrived at Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 11 AM on 18 May, 1861 (See Varian's Light Artillery).
Propeller William Woodward: Lieutenant C W Flusser, United States Navy; 13th New York State Militia (50), Company G, detachment, Second Lieutenant J B Woodward; Varian's Light Artillery (30), section, two 12 pounder smoothbores; Sailors (30), United States Navy, detachment
Note: A detachment of the 13th New York State Militia, Company G, was engaged in a skirmish with the Lancaster Greys at in the morning on 17 May, 1861.
Expedition to Fort Monroe, section, 21-23 May, 1861
Two 6 pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery were ordered to proceed by the steamer Cataline to Fort Monroe, Artillery School of Practice, Old Point Comfort, Elizabeth City County, Virginia, under the command of Captain D S Jones, 13th New York State Militia, Company E, in the morning on 21 May, 1861, and were accompanied by the 13th New York State Militia, Companies D and E, and Brigadier B F Butler, Third Brigade, Second Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Two 6 pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery arrived at Fort Monroe, Artillery School of Practice, Old Point Comfort, Elizabeth City County, Virginia, at 2 PM on 22 May, 1861.
Note: Brigadier General B F Butler, Third Brigade, Second Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, was stationed at Washington, D. C., between 16 and 19 May, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the Washington Branch, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 2.30 PM on 20 May, 1861.
Fort Monroe, Artillery School of Practice, Old Point Comfort, Elizabeth City County, Virginia, to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 22-23 May, 1861: A section of Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to proceed by the steamer Cataline to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in the evening on 22 May, 1861, and arrived at the United States Naval Academy, on Hanover Street, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, on 23 May, 1861.
Annapolis to Washington, 26-27 May, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to proceed by the Annapolis & Elkridge Railroad to Washington, D. C., on 26 May, 1861, and arrived by the Washington Branch, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, via Annapolis Junction, Howard County, Maryland, in the morning on 27 May, 1861.
General Orders No.1, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 28 May, 1861: Brigadier General I McDowell, United States Army, assumed command of the Department of Northeastern Virginia by General Orders No.1, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 28 May, 1861.
Note: Brigadier General I McDowell, United States Army, was stationed at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 28 May, 1861.
Department of Northeastern Virginia, 27 May-21 July, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery (125) was ordered across the Long Bridge, on the Potomac River, at Washington, D. C., at 11.30 AM on 27 May, 1861, and was stationed at Camp Sandford, rear of Arlington House/ Lee-Custis Mansion, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 31 May, 1861.
Headquarters, Department of Fairfax, Arlington House/ Lee-Custis Mansion, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia, 25 May, 1861: Major General C W Sandford, First Division, New York State Militia, set up headquarters at Arlington House/ Lee-Custis Mansion, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 25 May, 1861.
Distribution of New York State Militia, Alexandria County, Virginia, 27 May, 1861: The 5th New York State Militia was stationed at Camp Union, north of the wagon road, half a mile east of Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia; the 7th New York State Militia, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, at Hunting Park Racecourse, half a mile north of Columbia Springs, Alexandria County, Virginia; the 8th New York State Militia and Varian's Light Artillery at Camp Sandford, rear of Arlington House/ Lee-Custis Mansion, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia; the 12th New York State Militia south of the Alexandria, Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad, a quarter of a mile southwest of Roach's Mills (old cotton factory), on Four Miles Run, Alexandria County, Virginia; the 25th New York State Militia at J Roach's farm, Prospect Hill, on Hoe Hill, 200 yards south of the toll gate on the Columbia Turnpike, Alexandria County, Virginia; the 28th New York State Militia at Camp Crooke, north of the wagon road, one mile east of Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia; and the 69th New York State Militia at Camp Corcoran, a quarter of a mile southwest of W Ross' farm, Rosslyn, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 27 May, 1861.
Grand review at Hunting Park Racecourse, half a mile north of Columbia Springs, Alexandria County, Virginia, 17 June, 1861: Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to Hunting Park Racecourse, half a mile north of Columbia Springs, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 17 June, 1861.
Note: Varian's Light Artillery was reviewed by the Secretary of War S Cameron at Hunting Park Racecourse, half a mile north of Columbia Springs, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 17 June, 1861.
Advance to Taylor's Tavern, Section, 18 June, 1861
Two 6 pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery, under the command of Third Lieutenant J E Smith, were ordered to W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 3 PM on 18 June, 1861.
Note: The 1st Ohio Infantry, Companies C, E, G, and H, under the command of Colonel A McD McCook and Major J G Hughes, were engaged in a skirmish on the Alexandria, Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad, a quarter of a mile southeast of Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 6 PM on 17 June, 1861 (See the 1st Ohio Infantry).
Troops stationed at Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia, 20 June, 1861: Brigadier General I McDowell, United States Army; Colonel D Hunter, 3rd United States Cavalry; 69th New York State Militia, Colonel M Corcoran; 2nd United States Cavalry, Company I, Captain A G Brackett; Varian's Light Artillery, detachment, Third Lieutenant J E Smith
W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, 18 June, 1861: Two 6 pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery, under the command of Third Lieutenant J E Smith, were stationed at W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 18 June, 1861.
Note: The 1st Connecticut Infantry was stationed at Camp McDowell/ Tyler, Galpin's Well, a quarter of a mile south of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, and the 2ndConnecticut Infantry was stationed at Camp McDowell/ Tyler, a quarter of a mile south of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 18 June, 1861.
Advance to Ball's Crossroads, Section, 20 June, 1861
Two 6 pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery were ordered to Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia, i the morning on 18 June, 1861, and was accompanied by the 2nd United States Cavalry, Company I, and Brigadier General I McDowell, United States Army (See the United States Battalion Cavalry).
Note: The 69th New York State Militia and the 2nd United States Cavalry, Company B, under the command of Colonel D Hunter, 3rd United States Cavalry, arrived at Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia, at 12.30 PM on 20 June, 1861.
Distribution of Varian's Light Artillery, 24 June, 1861: Two six pounder smoothbores of Varian's Light Artillery were stationed at Camp Sandford, rear of Arlington House/ Lee-Custis Mansion, Arlington Heights, Alexandria County, Virginia; two six pounder smoothbores at the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, northwest of Taylor's Tavern, on the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; and two six pounder smoothbores on the road southwest of Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 24 June, 1861.
Note: Varian's Light Artillery was stationed at Camp McDowell/ Tyler, a quarter of a mile south of Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 24 June, 1861.
Special Orders No.26, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, 6 July, 1861: The 1st Connecticut Infantry, the 2nd Connecticut Infantry, the 3rd Connecticut Infantry, the 2nd Maine Infantry, and Varian's Light Artillery were assigned to Colonel E D Keyes, 11th United States Infantry, by Special Orders No.26, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 6 July, 1861.
Note: Colonel E D Keyes, 11th United States Infantry, arrived at Camp McDowell/ Tyler, W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening on 6 July, 1861.
General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, 8 July, 1861: The Varian's Light Artillery was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, McDowell's Army, under the command of Colonel E D Keyes, 11th United States Infantry, by General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861.
Disposition of First Brigade, First Division, McDowell's Army, 15 July, 1861: Brigadier General E D Keyes, 11th United States Infantry, Headquarters, Camp McDowell/ Tyler, W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; 1st Connecticut Infantry, Colonel G S Burnham, Camp McDowell/ Tyler, Galpin's Well, a quarter of a mile south of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; 2nd Connecticut Infantry, Colonel A H Terry, Camp McDowell/ Tyler, a quarter of a mile northwest of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; 3rd Connecticut Infantry, Colonel J L Chatfield, Camp McDowell/ Tyler, W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; 2nd Maine Infantry, Colonel C D Jameson, Camp Hamlin, W Clover's farm/ Cloverdale, on the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, northeast and southwest of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; 2nd United States Cavalry, Company B, Captain J E Harrison, Camp McDowell/ Tyler, south of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia; Varian's Light Artillery, Captain J M Varian, Camp McDowell/ Tyler, a quarter of a mile south of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia
Note: Varian's Light Artillery was stationed at Camp McDowell/ Tyler, a quarter of a mile south of Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southeast of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 16 July, 1861.
Advance to Centreville, 16-18 July, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to proceed by the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike to Vienna, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 3 PM on 16 July, 1861, and arrived south of Vienna, via Falls Church and Old Courthouse, a quarter of a mile southeast of Freedom Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening the same day.
Vienna to Piney Branch, three miles west of Germantown, Fairfax County, Virginia, 17 July, 1861: Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 6 AM on 17 July, 1861, and arrived by the road between Germantown and Flint Hill at Germantown, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 1 PM the same day. The company was ordered to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 17 July, 1861, and arrived at Piney Branch, three miles west of Germantown, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening the same day.
Advance of First Brigade, First Division, McDowell's Army, 8/9 AM 17 July, 1861: Two 6 pounder smoothbores of the Varian's Light Artillery were stationed at the school house on Flint Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 8/9 AM on 17 July, 1861.
Piney Branch, three miles west of Germantown, to heights a quarter of a mile east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 18 July, 1861: Varian's Light Artillery was ordered to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 7 AM on 18 July, 1861, and arrived at north of the road between Centreville and Fairfax Courthouse, a quarter of a mile east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning the same day.
Note: The three months' term of service of the Varian's Light Artillery expired on 17 July, 1861, and was ordered to report to Brigadier General T Runyon, New Jersey Militia/ Volunteers, at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 21 July, 1861.
Special Orders No.39, Paragraph III, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 20 July, 1861: Captian J M Varian, Varian's Light Artillery, was ordered to assign six 6 pounder smoothbores to First Lieutenant G C Strong, United States Ordnance Department, at Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.39, Paragraph III, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 10 PM on 20 July, 1861.
Discharged at Centreville, 21 July, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery was discharged and ordered to Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, by Special Orders No.39, Paragraph III, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 1 AM on 21 July, 1861, dated 20 July, 1861, and arrived at Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the evening the same day. The company arrived at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, at 3 PM on 22 July, 1861.
Note: Six 6 pounder smoothbores of the Varian's Light Artillery were assigned to Bookwood's Independent Light Artillery, under the command of Captain C Bookwood, 29th New York Infantry, Company H, in the morning on 21 July, 1861 (See Bookwood's Independent Light Artillery).
Washington to New York City, 23-24 July, 1861
Varian's Light Artillery (127) was ordered to proceed by the Washington Branch, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to New York City, New York County, New York, in the morning on 23 July, 1861, and arrived by the Camden & Amboy Railroad at South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, in the afternoon on 24 July, 1861. The company arrived by the steamer Richard Stockton on the North/ Hudson River at Pier No.1, corner of Battery Square and West Street, New York City, New York County, New York, at 6.30 PM the same day.
Note: Varian's Light Artillery arrived at Maryland Avenue, Washington, D. C., in the evening on 22 July, 1861.
Mustered out, New York City, New York County, New York, 2 August, 1861: Varian's Light Artillery was mustered out at New York City, New York County, New York, on 2 August, 1861.
4th New York Independent Light Artillery, 7 December, 1861: Forty men of Varian's Light Artillery were organised as the 1st New York Engineers, Company L, under the command of Captain J E Smith, on 4 September 1861, but the War Department refused to sanction the assignment and the company was mustered in United States service for three years at Staten Island, Richmond County, New York, on 24 October, 1861. The company was designated the 4th New York Independent Light Artillery on 7 December, 1861, and was disbanded on 12 December, 1863.
Colonel E D Keyes, 11th United States Infantry, First Brigade, First Division, McDowell's Army, 18 June, dated 14 May, 1861: Lieutenant Colonel E D Keyes, Military Secretary to Brevet Lieutenant General & Major General W Scott, United States Army, was stationed at Washington, D. C., on 4 March, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the Washington Branch, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to New York City, New York County, New York, in the evening on 3 April, 1861. He was accompanied by Captain M C Meigs, United States Corps Engineers, and First Lieutenant D D Porter, United States Navy, and arrived by the Camden & Amboy Railroad at New York City, New York County, New York, via Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, in the morning on 4 April, 1861. Lieutenant Colonel E D Keyes, Military Secretary to Brevet Lieutenant General & Major General W Scott, United States Army, was assigned to assist in the organisation of an expedition to relieve Fort Pickens, Santa Rosa Island, Florida, between 6 and 9 April, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the steamer Baltic to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 5.30 AM on 21 April, 1861 (See the 1st United States Artillery, Light Company G). Lieutenant Colonel E D Keyes was accompanied by the 12th New York State Militia, under the command of Colonel D Butterfield, and arrived at Annapolis Roads, two and a half miles southeast of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 8/9 PM on 23 April, 1861 (See the Three Months' Volunteers, Department of Washington). He was assigned to Governor E D Morgan, New York, at Albany, Albany County, New York, between 2 and 22 May, 1861, and was appointed colonel, 11th United States Infantry, at New York City, New York County, New York, by General Orders No.33, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 18 June, 1861, dated 14 May, 1861. Colonel E D Keyes, 11th United States Infantry, was assigned to command the 1st Connecticut Infantry, the 2nd Connecticut Infantry, the 3rd Connecticut Infantry, the 2nd Maine Infantry, and Varian's Light Artillery by Special Orders No.26, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 6 July, 1861, and the First Brigade, First Division, McDowell's Army, by General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861. He was appointed brigadier general, United States Volunteers, by General Orders No.62, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 20 August, 1861, dated 17 May, 1861.
Brigadier General D Tyler, Connecticut Militia, First Division, McDowell's Army, 10 May, 1861: D Tyler was appointed colonel, 1st Connecticut Infantry, on 23 April, 1861, and brigadier general, Connecticut Militia, on 10 May, 1861. Brigadier General D Tyler, Connecticut Militia, arrived at Camp McDowell/ Tyler, a quarter of a mile south of W Taylor's Tavern, north of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, one mile southwest of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 18 June, 1861, and was ordered to Washington, D. C., in the evening on 6 July, 1861. He was assigned to command the First Division, McDowell's Army, by General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861, and was mustered out on 11 August, 1861.
Note: Cadets J C Audenried, P H O'Rorke, and E Upton, United States Military Academy, were ordered to Washington, D. C., on 30 June, 1861, and arrived in the morning on 3 July, 1861. Cadet J C Audenried, United States Military Academy, was appointed second lieutenant, 1st United States Cavalry, Company F; Cadet P H O'Rorke, United States Military Academy, brevet second lieutenant, United States Corps Engineers; and Cadet E Upton, United States Military Academy, second lieutenant, 4th United States Artillery, Company H, by General Orders No.41, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 3 July, 1861, dated 24 June, 1861, and were assigned to special duty as drill instructors at Washington, D. C., in the afternoon on 3 July, 1861. Second Lieutenant J C Audenried, 1st United States Cavalry, Company F; Brevet Second Lieutenant P H O'Rorke, United States Corps Engineers; and Second Lieutenant E Upton, 4th United States Artillery, Company H, were appointed aide de camps to Brigadier General D Tyler, Connecticut Militia, at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861.
Reports
OFFICIAL REPORT NO.17: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), Chapter IX, pp353-356
Colonel E D Keyes, Eleventh United States Infantry, First Brigade, First Division, McDowell's Army, dated Meridian Hill, D. C., 25 July, 1861
OFFICIAL REPORT NO.16: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), Chapter IX, pp348-352
Brigadier General D Tyler, Connecticut Militia, First Division, McDowell's Army, dated Washington, D. C., 27 July, 1861
Orders of Battle
The above painting, 'New York's Bravest', is by Don Troiani, modern America's finest historical artist.