2nd Virginia Infantry..

A return to the American Civil war project for this post, here we have the first of my Confederate regiments, the 2nd Virginia Infantry - "The Innocent Second".

As per the previous post on the 14th Indiana, this regiment was also present at the Battle of Kernstown (albeit on the other side!), where they served in Garnett's Brigade under Brigadier General Richard B. Garnett (that's him to the right & below).

The brigade was originally formed in 1861, by Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (that's him, top left click on any of the pictures for a bigger view by the way) who was a colonel of Virginia militia and had been ordered by the governor of Virginia to take command of roughly 2000 volunteers stationed at Harpers Ferry. Jackson formed them into a brigade of five regiments - the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, and 33rd Virginia Infantry regiments and the four-gun Rockbridge Artillery Battery. All of these units were from the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. The 2nd were commissioned between May 11 –13, 1861.

At the Battle of First Manassas the brigade and Jackson earned the nickname "Stonewall" because of their rock steady performance.

There Stands Jackson Like a Stone Wall July 21, 1861 (this brilliant picture is by a chap called Mort Kunstler - I shall be looking for more!)
After the battle Jackson was promoted, and handed over command of the brigade to Garnett, but for the rest of the war, they were always known as the "Stonewall Brigade", and the brigade remained in Jackson's command until his untimely death..

At Kernstown the regiment was commanded by Colonel James Walkinson Allen:

By the way, the 2nd Virginia were (allegedly) nicknamed "The Innocent Second" because they were well known for not pillaging when on campaign!

So, figures are Newline designs in 20mm, four bases representing about 320 men in Regimental Fire and Fury (other rule sets are available)... Originally I wasn't too sure about the shade of grey I've picked... it might be a little darker, but having seen the Kunstler picture above I think they'll do nicely. There is no doubt these are lovely figures though - even my painting butchery didn't manage to spoil the charm!


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This is my last post before Christmas so I'd just like to take the time to wish everyone who pops in here a Happy Christmas... hope Santa delivers what is requested, and that you all have a peaceful, restful, and enjoyable time... until next time, 'a bientot'!