This volume consists of the military order books created by two Virginia militia brigades that served during the War of 1812. The first book contains the regimental, brigade, and division orders issued to Virginia militia units comprising the Fourth Virginia Brigade assigned to Camp Carter in Henrico County from September 1814 until February 1815. This brigade was under the command of Brig. Gen. John Hartwell Cocke. The second book holds regimental, brigade, and division orders issued by the First Virginia Brigade under the command of Brig. Gen. William Chamberlayne. This brigade occupied Camp Bottoms Bridge, also in Henrico County, from September until November 1814. None of the camps came under British assault but were defensive in nature. Those interested in the general military history of Virginia, and more particularly in its militia, will find a great deal of information about the life of the common militiaman in these orders. Orders issued by the brigades and regiments describe in explicit detail the day-to-day activities of the militia soldier. Most orders covered such camp activities as drilling, target practice, police and sanitary efforts, guard duty, and preparations for mess. Men were often assigned to perform duties that they had done in civilian life. Re-enactors interested in details about methods of drilling and training will find much material here. A full-name and place index adds to the value of this work. Stuart L. Butler 2026, 6" x 9", paper, index, 358 pp.ISBN: 9780788455193 101-B5519
