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Other Rappahannock men did not distinguish themselves as well and earned the icy criticism of their Captain. Although many men were “always sick”, (as might be expected considering severe deprivation and rampant disease), Massie sarcastically observed that several of his men were “sick when cannons roar.”
One man, whom Massie detailed as a waggoner, was “no account as a soldier.” Another “fell out and stirred out and did not show fight. Showed cowardice.” Massie went on to call him a “sorry soldier in every way.”
Another private was discharged with “mental derangement” in October of 1861.
A note “not able, little service,” does not explain whether the man in question was sick or incompetent.
Two brothers from Rappahannock left the company in Culpeper Count House on June 15 and stayed away until October. One of them left again and was “unposted as a deserter.”
Perhaps the worst criticism the captain could muster about one of his men was directed at a soldier who “could not stand the Roar of the 21 July and cowardly fell out. Shot his own finger off and lied about it. Said the enemy done it. Has not been with the company since. Sorry in every way.” From the pay records it appears that Captain Massie dismissed this sorry soldier and paid him only through June 30.
After this account of his soldiers in battle, Massie returned to his ledgers, detailing the butter and extra eggs rationed out to his men for breakfast, keeping track of the Rappahannock company’s day-to-day business during the war.
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