Notes and Queries

NOTES AND QUERIES Edited by Boyd B. Stutler 517 Main Street Charleston, West Virginia This department is designed as an open forum for researchers into Civil War themes and for readers of Civil War History in general. It is open for questions on, and discussions of, phases of the Great Conflict and its personnel. Ab», we welcome notes on newly discovered, little known, or other sidelights ofthe war. Contributions are invited; Address Notes and Queries Editor, 517 Main Street, Charleston, West Virginia. QUERIES No. 78—Courier's Riderless Horse at Chattanooga: While touring the battle area in and around Chattanooga, Tennessee, several years ago, a battlefield guide told me a story about a courier or dispatch rider who was carrying mail or dispatches during the Civil War and was shot from his horse. As told to me, the animal continued to its destination and deUvered the dispatches. The courier was said to have been a member of the 1st or 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. A monument reputedly was erected in Chickamauga MiUtary Park to memoriaUze the event. The story has intrigued me and I would like further information and determination whether it is fact or fiction. If true, can anyone tell me— (1) From what point did the rider start, (2) where was he going, (3) after reaching its destination did the horse return to its starting point, and (4) in what battle was the rider killed? Mrs. Mary E. Saumon No. 79—Military Career of Joseph M. Hinds, Illinois Infantry: An English author, Mr. Alfred Duggan, is seeking information about the Civil War miUtary career of his grandfather, Joseph Monroe Hinds, who in 1861 enlisted in the 8th Illinois Infantry. After the fall of Vicksburg , Hinds was commissioned second lieutenant, and later was transferred to the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USA, as captain and quartermaster. 326 The regiment was demobiUzed at Huntsville, Alabama, in October, 1865, and Captain Hinds settled at Decatur, in that state. The postwar career of Captain Hinds is well known: as a planter in Alabama; U.S. Consul General at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; U.S. Marshal for northern Alabama; a period of residence in Argentina; finally removal to the Philippines, where he died in 1904 while serving as postmaster ; and burial in ArUngton National Cemetery, Washington. Query: Can any one give information as to details of the military service of Hinds as a soldier and officer? Kyrill Schobert NOTES Ford Motor Will Finance Restoration of Lee Chapel: Washington and Lee University, at Lexington, Virginia, has received a gift of $370,000 from the Ford Motor Company Fund which wül be used to make a complete restoration of the famous Lee Chapel on the institution's campus. This noted structure was recently designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. In the past it has attracted an annual flow of more than 30,000 visitors. Work on the restoration wiU start immediately. Actual restoration of thebuildingwill require about eighteen months, but it will be kept open for visitors while restoration is under way. General Robert E. Lee was elected president of Washington College in August, 1865, afterrejecting offers that would probably have brought wealth and greater ease. He took office in October of the same year at a salary of $1,500 a year. The coUege was reopened on borrowed funds. With General Lee at the helm, the institution was re-estabUshed in terms of administration, enrollment, curriculum, financial resources, equipment, and reputation surpassing its prewar standing. Shortly after assuming the presidency, General Lee drew plans for the erection of a chapel for students and faculty. The Victorian-Gothic red-brick building was completed in 1868, and the General made his offices on the first-floor level. When he died on October 12, 1870, his body was entombed beneath the chapel, and in 1871 the name of the college was changedto Washington and Lee University. The Lee Chapel stands today much as it did in General Lee's time, except for an extension to the rear to provide space for Edward Valentine 's famous recumbent statue of Lee. Over the years the building has deteriorated to a considerable degree. Wooden...