The Mount Zion Church Preservation Association erected twelve grave markers in 1997 to honor the twelve Union Cavalrymen who died at the Battle of Mt. Zion July 6, 1864. Our research was inconclusive as to whether they are actually buried in the cemetery, buried elsewhere in the Aldie area, or that the gravestones are solely a memorial to them. In the war’s aftermath, an unprecedented campaign was launched to locate and reinter the bodies of soldiers buried on battlefields. There is nothing to show that these twelve were located and reinterred.

In a letter dated February 1865, Mrs. Alexander Davis wrote: “Ellen (her daughter) saw eleven all buried in one grave last summer with coffins. They were buried a little over a mile from where they fell. They belonged to Col. Lowell’s Comm., fellow soldiers in the same reg. with your son & my husband. That was a skirmish with Mosby’s Guerrillas.”

The twelfth soldier was Owen Fox, who was buried at a nearby farm by the Chaplain of the 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry who wrote:

“I borrowed a spade of the farmer and, selecting an attractive spot under a tree a little distance from the house, I began to dig a grave for the decent burial of Owen Fox”

The following is a list of the Union Soldiers killed at the Battle at Aldie July 6, 1864.

Owen Fox – Private Company H, 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry.

A laborer from East Braintree, Mass., Fox was 23 years old when he enlisted on October 9, 1863.  Killed in Action, July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

Owen Fox was a young Irish emigrant in the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry who was mortally wounded battling Mosby’s Rangers at Mount Zion Church, Virginia in 1864. The regimental Chaplain Charles Humphreys wrote to his wife Ann of the incident: “Owen Fox was shot through the kidneys, and I picked him up and tended on him all night till 3 o’clock in the morning when he died. After breakfast I was digging his grave when a rebel took me prisoner. He was buried by the kindness of a citizen. His brother Thomas Fox was taken prisoner not wounded.

Chaplain Charles Humphrey’s detailed account of the death of Owen Fox.

The Chaplain had hid from passing Mosby Rangers until they passed. “Thus, waiting about twenty minutes till I felt confident that the guerrillas were out of the way and had returned to the field to gather up their booty and carry off their prisoners, I started forth to find my hat. But it was now nearing eight o’clock, and I soon decided that I could not waste the precious moments in a search that promised to be fruit less in the fast-gathering darkness. So, I remounted, and taking the road over which, I had just galloped, I walked my horse that I might not pass without notice any wounded man. I felt sure that there were at least two wounded men somewhere along the road, for I had seen them fall in the chase. As I felt my way along in the darkness, I kept calling out, “Is any wounded man here?” and soon I heard a low response and found the man whose disabled horse had in falling pinned him to the ground, and who was shot after he surrendered. It was Owen Fox, a private in my regiment who had enlisted from Braintree. He was very weak, and I at once gave him some brandy, but I could not in the darkness bind up his wound. So, I hurried to the nearest house and with some trembling knocked at the door. Every farmhouse in this section was a refuge for guerrillas, and every farmer was an ally of Mosby, and every farmer’s son was with him or in the Confederate army. But I felt that suffering humanity would make a strong appeal, and I was not, in this case, mistaken. I induced the farmer to lend me a lantern and a blanket and to assist me in carrying the wounded man to his house. As soon as I saw the wound, I saw also that it was mortal. The cruel shot, fired after he had surrendered and while he begged for mercy, had pierced his body completely through. With wet presses I was able to stay the flow of blood, and leaving him in charge of the farmer’s wife, I sallied forth again into the darkness with lantern and blanket, the farmer accompanying me, and at last found the other soldier whom I had seen fall in the chase, and we carried him into the house. He was a New Yorker, and his wound was severe but not necessarily fatal. It was now eleven o’clock, and I was several miles from the battlefield. I wanted very much to I get to it, but I feared that I could not find my way in the darkness. So, I concluded to watch over these two wounded men through the night, and then in the morning to press on to the care of the wounded on the field. It was not long before it became evident that Fox could not live many hours; for his strength was fast ebbing away through that ghastly wound, spite of my efforts to stanch it. I tried to get from him some message for his wife and little ones at home, but he would not, his agonies were too great; and he kept crying out even with his dying groans, “Chaplain, they shot me after I surrendered.” He passed away at three o’clock. Then, having done all I could for the other wounded man, I lay down on the floor by his side, between him and the dead soldier, and snatched an hour’s sleep.”

The Chaplain rose early in the morning only to find his horse had been stolen. Heading into the woods he soon was challenged by one of Mosby’s men. “as I was climbing a rather sharp ascent in the road I was startled with a harsh challenge from behind the crest of the hill “Halt! Who goes there?” — and I was immediately aware of a seven-shooter carbine levelled at me, and a rough-looking guerrilla behind it with his hand on the trigger. I answered as respectfully as the occasion required, “A chaplain, looking after the wounded.” As I had no arms, he allowed me to advance, and a short parley persuading him of my humane mission and my peaceable intent, he allowed me to go my way with my simple parole of honor that I would give no information that day that would harm Mosby or his men. I soon found my hat in the woods, and immediately returned with fresh courage to my temporary hospital (the farmer’s house); and after caring for the wounded soldier, I borrowed a spade of the farmer and, selecting an attractive spot under a tree a little distance from the house I began to dig a grave for the decent burial of the body of Owen Fox.” As he dug another Confederate approached him. This time it was the one who had stolen his horse. “Cocking his pistol and taking aim at me, “You’re my prisoner.” I at once explained to him my mission, and the laws of war that shielded chaplains and surgeons in the discharge of their duties on the field; but he simply presented the shotted and unanswerable argument of his well-aimed pistol, and I yielded as gracefully as I could to the inevitable. Still, I begged a few minutes to finish the burial; but he would not delay one moment, and I had to leave the exposed body, and the half-made grave, and the wounded soldier in the house. But I charged the farmer to care for the living and to bury the dead and begged of him to go to the scene of the battle and with my outfit do what he could for the wounded….((Field, Camp, Hospital and Prison in the Civil War, 1863-1865: Charles A. Humphreys, Chaplain, Second Massachusetts Cavalry Volunteers. Charles Alfred Humphreys Jan 1918 · Press of Geo. H. Ellis Company Pages 104-07))

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Samuel C. Handscom – Corporal Company A (the “California Hundred”), 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry

Hanscom was from San Francisco, California.  He was 28 years old when he enlisted on December 10, 1862.  Killed in Action, July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

The following letters were addressed to family concerning the death of Samuel C. Handscom. Transcribed as written.

Washington July 25th, 1864

Respected Lady

I trust you will pardon a stranger for addressing you a few lines when you learn the painful duty that I have to perform which is to announce to you the death of your noble and patriotic Son who was shot in a Guerrilla fight on the 6th inst near Aldea, Va. I had hoped that an abler pen than mine had informed you of his fate ear this but learning today that it had been neglected I opened your letter to learn the address. Ah little did you think when you penned those words of hope and council for his comfort and benefit that ear it reached him his Eyes would be dim in death. But he died like a true patriot and hero. He lived but a few hours after receiving the fatal shot but was conscious of is approaching end and expressed a willingness to die for his country. We who had come with him from the peaceful shores of California to help our country in her hour of trial and need and had served beside him for a year and a half were much grieved at his loss for our prolonged acquaintance had taught us to love and respect him. For SamI was a noble boy. But a fatal rebel bullet took him from us and we can only respect and honor his memory and emulate his example Pleas excuse this hasty scroll I would write you more of the particulars but for want of time.

So adieu for the present from John Winship, Co A 2nd Mass Cav

To Mrs. Elizabeth Hanscom

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I recd your Letter of July 21st some days since but have had no opportunity to answer until now. I am very sorry for I know your anxiety. Your Son was killed near Aldie, Va by Mosby’s Men, along with several of his companions, he was shot through the head he lived but a few hours & had every care that the circumstances would allow he was buried near Little River Church, Va near where he fell. I know of no way you could obtain his body as he lies within the Enemies lines, he recd the usual burial of those who fall in the field. I do not think his grave is in anyway designated, such things however worthy the Soldier or gratifying to his friends – at times is impossible – I have his Bible, a likeness & some few of his keepsakes that I gathered up after writing you at Falls Church, but we were ordered away so sudden that I placed them with the Co. property which is now stowed in Washington. I will send them to you the first opportunity. I am very sorry I could not answer before, but I have been in the Saddle 30 days steady. The Regt has lost heavily this Summer – but we in common must bear our loss – and for our great personal & National sacrifice hope for a sure reward. Hoping & trusting we may all meet again, I remain

H.G. Burlingham,
2d Lt Co A 2d Mass. Cav

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United States Sanitary Commission. (crossed out)
(undated)

Sir

While laying at Falls Church, Va. your son & myself camped to gether, when he went out on that unfortunate raid, he left in my charge, his effects. At the time of his death, his watch, money etc the rebels took from his person. I should have sent his other effects to you, but the invasion of Washington by Early than taking place, we were ordered to the front and as all Company baggage had to be stored, I sent his personal property with the rest. After the campaign in the Vly we went into winter quarters – at Camp Russell – Shendh Vly – our blankets were then sent to us. I procured Sam’s & sent it to you – also his jacket – via Adam’s Express 3 days ago, we recd the rest of the Co. baggage, and I hasten to send to you, the rest viz – a daguerotype, his bible, sewing kit etc on receipt of which I wish you would wright, and inform me You can direct – Co A 2nd Mass. Cav, Washington, D.C. We expect to be mustered out of the service soon and on our arrival in Mass, any information that I can give you in regard to your son – will be with pleasure.

I remain Your Most Obd’t Serv’t
Chas H Powers, Co. A 2nd  Reg Mass Cav
Camp near Clouds Mill, Va. June 8th [1865?]

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John Johnson – Private Company I, 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry

A bricklayer from Canajoharie, New York, Johnson was 22 when he enlisted on June 4, 1864.  Killed in Action July 6, 1864, near Aldie, Virginia.

Joseph Lovely – Private Company K, 13th New York Cavalry

Age 20 years. Enlisted December 4, 1963, at Belmont; mustered in as a private, Company K, December 19, 1863, to serve three years, Killed in Action July 5, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.((Thirteenth New York Cavalry, Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York for the Year 1894 Volume 4 Page 145))

James McDonald – Corporal Company F, 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry

A miner from California, McDonald was 30 when he enlisted on April 2, 1863.  Killed in Action, July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

Duff Montando – Private Company H, 13^th New York Cavalry

Age 18 years. Enlisted July 7, 1963, at Watertown; mustered in as private, Company H, August 7, 1963, to serve three years; Killed in Action July 9, 1964 near Aldie Va.((Thirteenth New York Cavalry, Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York for the Year 1894 Volume 4 Page 171))

William F. Dumaresq – Privae Company K, 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry

A sailor from Jersey Island, England, Dumaresq was 27 when he enlisted on June 1, 1864. Killed in Action, July 6, 1864, near Aldie, Virginia.

Michael Hubin – Private Company I, 13^th New York Cavalry

Age, 30 years. Enlisted, October 28, 1863, at New York; mustered in as private, Co. I, November 21, 1863, to serve three years; Killed in Action, July 6, 1861, at Aldie, Va.; prior service in Co. H, Fourth Regiment of Infantry, New York Volunteers.((Thirteenth New York Cavalry, Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York for the Year 1894 Volume 4 Page 113))

Charles Oeldraiher – Private Company G, 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry 

A tinsmith from Boston, Massachusetts., Oeldraiher was 22 when he enlisted on February 29, 1864.  Killed in Action July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

Patrick Riordan – Private Company I, 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry

A shoemaker from Marlborough, Mass., Riordan was 19 when he enlisted on March 31, 1864.  KIA, July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

Charles W. Rollins – Private Company I, 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry

A farmer from Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, Rollins was 38 when he enlisted on May 27, 1864.  Killed in Action, July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

Cornelius Tobin – Private Company 1, 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry

A shoemaker from Marlborough, Mass., Tobin was 19 when he enlisted on March 21, 1864. Killed in Action July 6, 1864 near Aldie, Virginia.

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