of an independent State which could mediate between the North and South and lead in the formation of a new Union, with local rights more clearly defined. Holding the position of captain of the Staunton artillery, a natural leader, and influential among the younger men, he at once took an important part in the action which secured Harper's Ferry to the State. He was called to Richmond a day or two before the ordinance was passed, and with other commanders of volunteer companies, under the leadership of ex-Governor Wise, arranged for a concentration of State forces at Harper's Ferry as soon as the action of the convention could be surely predicted. He called out his company by telegraph, and at sunrise following the momentous day, April 17th, was with his command at Manassas. He and other young and enthusiastic leaders were the forerunners of the spirit which was to dominate Virginia for four years, but at that moment they were coldly received by the majority of the people, not yet aroused. Proceeding to Harper's Ferry, he equipped his battery partly at his private expense, his men making caissons from carts found at the armory. Under the command of Col. T. J. Jackson he was posted at the Potomac bridge at Point of Rocks, and by the order of that afterward famous commander, captured and sent to Winchester a number of Baltimore & Ohio railroad trains. After the organization of the army in the Valley under General Johnston, he was attached to Bee's brigade, with which the Staunton artillery went into the battle at Manassas, July 21st, 1861. He was just in time to take a good position near the Henry house as the Federal attack fell upon the Confederate flank, and immediately became engaged with the famous batteries of Ricketts and Griffin. For half an hour after the Confederate infantry were driven across Young's branch, Imboden's battery fought alone, finally retiring and taking a new position supported by Stonewall Jackson, where it was in action until the ammunition was exhausted. Subsequently Captain Imboden, Lieut.-Col. Robert B. Lee and Maj. W. L. Cabell constituted a board of investigation, which reported in explanation of the failure to pursue McDowell to Washington that the food and transportation were inadequate. During Jackson's Valley campaign, 1862, Imboden, with a commission as colonel, was engaged in organizing a command at Staunton. In

charge of artillery and cavalry detachments, he held a bridge at Mount Crawford during the battle of Cross Keys, and participated in the battle of Port Republic. When Jackson left for Richmond, Imboden's little force, Robertson's cavalry and Chew's battery, were left in the Valley, and Imboden continued the organization of his force there and in the mountain counties. His command was known as the First Virginia partisan rangers, under the orders of General Jackson, but early in 1863 it was mustered in as the Eighteenth Virginia cavalry. In January, 1863, General Lee wrote him: "I hope you will meet with speedy success in filling up your command to a brigade, when I shall take great pleasure in recommending your promotion." He was soon afterward promoted to brigadier-general, and the Twenty-fifth, Thirtyfirst and Sixty-second Virginia infantry, and McClanahan's battery, were assigned to his command, for operations in northwest Virginia and the Valley, reporting directly to Gen. Robert E. Lee. With this force he made a successful expedition in northwest Virginia in April and May. During the Gettysburg campaign he raided on the left flank of Lee's army, and on the retreat his services were of great value. General Lee attached to his command eight guns of the famous Washington artillery, Major Eshelman, and other artillery. He made a splendid fight at Williamsport, holding out against the attack of 7,000 men until Fitzhugh Lee came up, saving the trains and the wounded of Lee's army. On July 21st General Imboden was assigned to command of the Valley district, Stonewall Jackson's old district. When General Lee made his Bristoe campaign of October, 1863, Imboden was instructed to advance down the Valley and guard the mountain passes. He captured the garrison at Charlestown on the 18th, for which he was complimented by Lee. Early in May, 1864, he marched from Mount Crawford to meet the invasion under Sigel, and held the Federals in check until, reinforced by Breckinridge, the successful battle of New Market was fought. Breckinridge being called again to Lee, Imboden's small command was pushed back to Mount Crawford, where he was reinforced by Vaughn, and W. E. Jones took command, to meet with serious defeat at Piedmont. General Imboden then, in command of his own, Jackson's and McCausland's brigades, fought Hunter's advance

until Early came to Lynchburg. Subsequently he participated in the advance upon Washington, and Early's campaign against Sheridan, and was on duty in the Valley until the close of hostilities.

Major-General Edward Johnson was born in Kentucky, April 16, 1816, and was graduated at the United States military academy in 1838 and promoted second lieutenant of the Sixth infantry, U. S. A. He served during the operations against the Florida Indians from 1838 to 1841, and subsequently was on duty in the southwest. He rendered honorable service during the war with Mexico, taking part in the siege of Vera Cruz in March, 1847, the battle of Cerro Gordo, the skirmish at Amazogue and the battle of Churubusco; earned the brevet of captain at Molino del Rey, and was brevetted major for gallant and meritorious conduct at Chapultepec. He also participated in the assault and capture of the Mexican capital. Subsequently he was on duty at the frontier, being stationed at various posts in Kansas, Dakota and California. He was also for a time with the garrison at Fort Columbus, N. Y. Early in 1861 he resigned his Federal rank of captain, and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, corps of infantry, C. S. A. As colonel of the Twelfth Georgia infantry he was called to Virginia and sent to the relief of Garnett, but was not able to reach that officer before his death. Falling back he occupied Alleghany mountain, and two Virginia regiments were added to his command. In December he defeated an attack by Milroy, his troops fighting splendidly under his inspiring leadership, and he was at once promoted brigadier-general. In May, 1862, with his command, the army of the Northwest, he defeated Milroy at McDowell. This battle was fought under his direction and by his own command, reinforced by Taliaferro. Stonewall Jackson commended his "skill, gallantry and presence of mind." Near the close of the battle Johnson was severely wounded. In February, 1863, he was promoted major-general, and at the reorganization following the death of Jackson he was put in command of a division of the Second corps of the army of Northern Virginia, under Lieutenant-General Ewell, comprising Steuart's, Nicholls', J. M. Jones' and the Stonewall brigades. Soon afterward he was conspicuous in his third defeat of