University of Virginia Library

From February 23 to May 3, 1864, the 38th Virginia camped near the New Bridge on the Chickahominy River.

As John Booker reports, Virginia Governor William ("Extra Billy") Smith urged the members of the 38th Virginia to re-enlist in a speech he delivered on February 26. According to Gregory, "about half of the troops reenlisted" (49).

Colonel Joseph Robert Cabell (1840-1864) enlisted in Company A, 18th Virginia Infantry. In May of 1861, he was commissioned Captain of Company E of the 38th. After several promotions, he was appointed Colonel on November 13, 1863. He was killed in action at Chester Station on May 10, 1864 (Gregory, 85).

It seems that John Booker omitted a "not" from this sentence, since he seems to be suggesting that the soldiers would demonstrate their disdain for their way leaders are handling the war if they refused to re-enlist.

"Curt Inman" is probably Curtis S. Inman, a member of the 53rd Virginia, Company E (Hewett).

Memory A. Inman was a private in Company D. He received a medical discharge on November 11, 1861, but was conscripted in Danville on August 28, 1862 and was reassigned to the 38th, Company D. Like the Bookers, he was wounded in action at Drewry's Bluff on May 16, 1864. He returned to duty on October 11, 1864 (Gregory, 104). Gregory does not include any information about a court martial. See also Booker letters of September 30, 1862 and December 22, 1863.