1st Regiment, West Virginia Light Artillery, Battery C

Philip L. Loufman was a Private with the 1st Regiment, West Virginia Light Artillery, Battery C. The history of the battery is a little confusing but I've pieced together some information from various sources. The battery started out as the 18th Ohio Volunteer Militia, Company B, which was mustered out in August 1861. In September 1861, almost the entire company reenlisted as a battery of light artillery and was offered to the service of Governor Pierpont of West Virginia. The company traveled from Marietta, Ohio to Wheeling, West Virginia. Battery C (Pierpont Battery) was organized in Wheeling during the first part of 1862.  Most of the men in the battery were from Washington County, Ohio. 


I was not able to find a picture of Battery C. But I imagine this photo of Battery F gives a good idea of what Battery C might look like.

The battery fought in several battles throughout 1862 and 1863 including Cross Keys, Chancellorsville, the second Battle of Bull Run, and Gettysburg. During the winter of 1863-64, the battery reenlisted, and was ordered into the defenses of Washington, where it remained until June 28, 1865, when it was mustered out of service. More information about the 1st Regiment, West Virginia Light Artillery, Battery C can be found at the following websites:

1st WV Artillery, Battery C Light Artillery (Hills BN), Pierpont Battery

Union West Virginia Volunteers


The following are the very first entries in Philip's diary. He does not put the year, but based on statements made and events described later, the year is 1864. 
______________________

Enlisted as a Veteran Volunteer on the 31st day of March. Was furloughed home for 30 days on the 13th day of April. Went to Marietta and remained until the 21st of April. Then went to Allegheny City. I ... remained there until the 17th of May when I left to join my battery but was very much disappointed to find that they had left for Washington. But I found one of our lieutenants and him and my brother and me will follow them this morning.

MAY 18TH
Ran around Wheeling all day. Was disappointed in the train. But went over to the old boarding house and there I met an old friend.

MAY 19TH
Left Wheeling at 11-5 am and had a good time with some of our boys. Very dull traveling. Was in a crowded car and spent the night very poorly. No sleep and nothing to eat.

MAY 20TH
Left Harpers Ferry this morning. Crossed the river in a flat boat, the bridge was washed out. Did not find the battery there but they came shortly after. Went down town and had one good old time. Stayed all night in the Soldiers Rest which is crawling with vermin.

MAY 21ST
We left the Soldiers Rest for Camp Barry. Got a good barracks to stay in. We have not got our horses or guns yet but expect to get them in a few days. Wrote home and to a friend. Went down to Washington and saw the government printing office.

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