From a Cloud's Peak, ten Virginians Speak Quiz

Answer: John Quincy Marr

I was born on May 27, 1825. I was second in my class at the Virginia Military Institute, from where I graduated in 1846. I subsequently served there as assistant professor in mathematics and tactics. When Virginia seceded, I was one of the delegates of the State Convention. Then, I went to the field as commander of the Warrenton Rifles, and I died on June 1, 1861.

Answer: Charles J. Faulkner

I was born on July 6, 1806. My first political post was a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. I served as a commissioner trying to solve a dispute between Virginia and Maryland about the borders. My career continued positively enough, with me ending up in 1857 as an office holder in the Committee of Military Affairs.

Then came the appointment as Ambassador, where I was arrested. After my exchange, I enlisted in the CS Army and served General Jackson as a staffer. I died on November 1, 1884. My son and namesake, Charles J. Faulkner, Jr. was also a US Senator.

Answer: William L. Jackson

I was born on February 3, 1825 and was the third Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. As you may have guessed, my famous cousin was Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, while I am known as "Mudwall".When the war ended, I was one of the CSA generals that moved temporarily to Mexico. I died on March 26, 1890.

Answer: Stapleton Crutchfield

I was born on June 21, 1835 and graduated from the VMI in 1855, one of my teachers being General Jackson. When the war started, after a brief career as infantryman, I became an artillery commander. On April 21, 1862 I was appointed as General Jackson's artillery chief.

After recuperating from my Chancellorsville wound, I was assigned to lead the artillery during the Petersburg Campaign. After the city fell, me and my gunners formed an infantry unit, at the head of which I was killed at the Battle of Sayler's Creek on April 6, 1865.

Answer: Richard L. Page

I was born on December 20, 1807. At the early age of 17, I joined the US Navy. When Virginia seceded, Governor Letcher appointed me his naval aide. I was also the commander of the Fort Morgan garrison at the Battle of Mobile Bay. When I was forced to surrender my command, due to lack of gunpowder, I was so infuriated, that I broke my sword on my knee, rather than surrendering it, this being a reason for my arrest. I died on August 9, 1901.

Answer: Elisha F. Paxton

I was born on March 4, 1828. My physical strength and endurance gave me the nickname "Bull". I was a lawyer by profession, not a military man but, after Virginia seceded, I enlisted in the CSA Army. I fought in many battles alongside General Jackson and, after Sharpsburg, he promoted me to Brigadier General and gave me command of the famed Stonewall Brigade.

Although I was, for a long spell, "profane and godless" my association with General Jackson resulted in me carrying a pocket Bible two days before my death.

Answer: Reuben L. Walker

I was born on May 29, 1827. In antebellum years, I was a civil engineer. When the war started, I served in the artillery. After the Battle of First Manassas, General A.P.Hill chose me as his artillery commander. I was with him in all his battles, except the Seven Days, because of an illness.

Despite my height and the hot and accurate fire I delivered once in battle, I was never wounded. When the war ended, I continued serving as a civil engineer, and died on June 7, 1890.

Answer: John M. Jones

I was born on July 20, 1820. I graduated from West Point in 1841, 39th in my class. I didn't see combat in the Mexican War but served in various posts in the peacetime army and under General A.S. Johnston during the Mormon rebellion. When Virginia seceded, I was appointed colonel of infantry, serving in General Jackson's staff during the Valley Campaign.

At Gettysburg, I was wounded and taken out of action for a while. General Lee said that I was "a good commander" and, after my return, I was given the brigade previously commanded by General William "Extra Billy" Smith. On May 5, 1864 I died at the Battle of the Wilderness. General Ewell said my death was an irreparable loss to my brigade.

Answer: Philip St. George Cocke

I was born on April 17, 1809. Upon the start of the war, Governor Letcher appointed me commander of Virginia forces at the line of the Potomac River, under the command of General Lee and was an advocate of the concentration of Virginia State forces at Manassas.

At the Battle of First Manassas, my troops were heavily engaged and I received a promotion for my conduct. On December 26, 1861, "shattered in body and mind", I killed myself.

Answer: Henry Heth

I was born on December 16, 1825. When the war began, I served briefly as a staffer for General Lee. I was one of the few generals that he called by their first names. After keeping Federal forces in the Kanawha out of conduct with General Jackson, I was transferred to the Department of East Tennessee and even made a demonstration against Cincinnati, throwing quite a scare on the Federals there.

At Chancellorsville, when General Hill was wounded, I assumed temporary command of his division and was afterwards promoted to major general.

It was my troopers who initiated the Battle of Gettysburg. There I helped push back the First Corps of the Union Army, but I was wounded. After recovering, I served as a division commander till General Hill's death on April 2, 1865.

At Appomattox, at the head of the Third Corps, I surrendered with General Lee. I died on September 27, 1899.