Arnie and Brice,

Unfortunately, D. Spencer Highland is one of the unsolved mysteries in my book about the 15th SC Infantry. His Compiled Service Record is very limited and only indicates that he was captured on 2 March 1865 at Mt. Allen, VA. When I initially read this during the research on my book I was very puzzled because the 15th SC was not in Virginia at this time!

On 2 March 1865, the 15th SC, along with the rest of Kershaw's brigade, was actually in Cheraw, SC preparing to cross the Pee Dee River and march into North Carolina ahead of Sherman as his army charged across SC from Columbia. So, the question is how did Highland come to be captured at Mt. Allen, VA at this time?

A possible answer to the Highland mystery (pure speculation on my part!) could come from the fact that the 15th SC had been fighting in the Shenandoah Valley during September and October 1864. The Regiment departed the Valley for Richmond, along with the rest of Kershaw's brigade, on 19 November 1864. It is possible that Highland may have been wounded or sick at that time and left in the Valley where he was later captured by Union forces. A nearly day-by-day account, plus detailed maps, of the 15th SC's marches and battles in the Shenandoah Valley from September through mid-November 1864 is given in my new book, A History of the 15th SC: 1861-1865. Excerpts from my book may be found by following the links on my web site at www.15thscinfantry.com.

The 15th SC, along with the rest of Kershaw's brigade, was ordered to SC from Virginia in early Janaury 1865 to oppose Sherman's initial entry into the State from Savannah. After fighting along Hardee's Salkehatchie defense line and helping to evacuate Charleston, the 15th SC traveled to Cheraw by railroad to Cheraw through Kingstree and Florence.

Perhaps someone has additional information that can help unravel this mystery. I hope so!

Jim Clary