This is a bit off topic for this thread but, I was hoping you might have some information about the 50th Va. during the Battle for Charleston, Va (now, WV) on 13 Sept 1962.

My great grand father, Mathew Henry Deatherage, and his younger brother, Sampson H. Deatherage served in Co. K of the 50th Virginia; they were from Patrick Co., Va. Mathew had enlisted in 1861 but was discharged at White Sulphur Springs in November of that year for medical problems (hernia).

Sampson enlisted in the 50th at the Patrick Co. Courthouse in April of 1862 and walked 4 days to catch up with Company K near the Narrows, Va. Sampson was killed in the engagement at Charleston on Sept 13th; some sources indicate that the 50th Va had only one death that day, other sources say two.

The Chaplain of the 50th Virginia, Rev. George H. Denny, wrote a letter to Sampson's family describing his death and that Sampson was provided with a coffin and a proper burial with "services at the grave which is near the town of Charleston". [I have an image scan of Rev Denny's letter if you are interested in a copy; the original is in the possession of a distant cousin].

I have visited Charleston and done research to try to locate Sampson's grave but, have not found him yet. I was wondering if you may have come across any information that might describe where the Confederate casualties at Charleston might have been buried.

I have your book on the 50th Virgina Infantry and have found reports in the "Official Records" and other sources by Col. John McCausland (commanding the 4th Brigade on Sept 13th) and Dr. John A. Hunter, medical director of the Confederate Department of SW Virginia.

McCausland's report describes how he swept through Charleston from the SE with Derrick's Battalion froming a skirmish line in front, supported by the regiments lead by McMahon (63rd VA) on the right - against the hills, Poage (50th VA) in the center, and Patton (22nd VA) on the left - following the river. The 36th VA, artillery, and cavalry were held in reserve, "stationed in the road near the river".

So, I know generally the area where the 50th participated but, it's not clear where the regiment's HQ or hospital may have been - Rev. Denny says the he "was with him [Sampson] from the time he was brought from the field". So, it sounds like Sampson may have been buried near where the regiment's staff was headquarted during or immediately after the battle.

I'd be grateful for any information or leads that you might provide.

Thanks,
Dave Deatherage
Gr. Grandson of Mathew H. Deatherage, 50th Va. Infantry