The Virginia in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley

After the battle at Clark’s House, the command structure and the activities of the “Flat Top Copperheads” become somewhat ambiguous. When Foley’s men took their oath on March 28, 1862, they bound themselves to the unit for six months – “except sooner discharged”. By the time six months had expired, about 30 of the “Copperheads” had joined regular Virginia units recognized by the Confederate Government. However, Foley’s officers were not among these men, and possibly held the company together, at least through the summer. Jeremiah Hylton, Foley’s second-incommand, enlisted in the 60th Virginia Infantry in November, 1862. Second-lieutenant Barnett M. P. Foley joined the 17th Virginia Cavalry in December, 1862. Sporadic references to the “Copperheads” still appeared in Federal reports filed in the summer of 1862. Third Lieutenant William Johnson Swinney, known as "Squire Bill", joined the 17th Virginia cavalry on July 30, 1862.

All of this is explored in detail in Tears on the Bluestone, which includes 3 photos of Richard Foley, 3 of William J. Swinney and several other men in the unit.

Richard B. Foley was married to Parshandatha McAlexander in Patrick County, Va. in 1848.

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Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley
Re: Copperheads - Richard Foley