Near Varina in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Sad Reunion

By Bernard Fisher, May 1, 2009

1. Sad Reunion Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On 16 August 1864 Confederate Brig. Gen. John R. Chambliss, Jr., was killed near here attempting to evade capture during the Second Battle of Deep Bottom. As troops of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry removed his epaulets, sash, and saber, Union Brig. Gen. David M. Gregg rode by and recognized Chambliss, his schoolmate at West Point in the early 1850s. He took charge of the body and sent it through the lines to Chambliss's widow in Hicksford (now Emporia). By his actions, Gregg adhered to the spirit of the West Point hymn, to "grip hands though it be from the shadows."

Erected 1992 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number PA-251.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 37° 28.527′ N, 77° 17.123′ W. Marker is near Varina, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker is on Charles City Road 0.2 miles west of Yahley Mill Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 39th Illinois Veteran Volunteers (approx. 1.7

Sad Reunion Marker on Charles City Road (facing east). image. Click for full size.

By Bernard Fisher, May 1, 2009

2. Sad Reunion Marker on Charles City Road (facing east).

Click or scan to see
this page online

miles away); Second Battle of Deep Bottom (approx. 1.7 miles away); 48th Alabama Regiment Monument (approx. 1.9 miles away); Battle of Savage's Station (approx. 2½ miles away); Darbytown Road / Pioneer Baptist Church (approx. 2.7 miles away); Seven Days Battles (approx. 2.8 miles away); The Dorey Family (approx. 2.8 miles away); Decoy Airfield (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Varina.

Also see . . .
1. CWSAC Battle Summary. Deep Bottom II (Fussell’s Mill) (Submitted on May 1, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

2. And Then A.P. Hill Came Up. John Randolph Chambliss Biography. (Submitted on May 1, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Confederate Brig. Gen. John R. Chambliss, Jr. image. Click for full size.

3. Confederate Brig. Gen. John R. Chambliss, Jr.

b. 01/23/1833, d. 10/16/1864

Union Brig. Gen. David M. Gregg. image. Click for full size.

circa 1865

4. Union Brig. Gen. David M. Gregg.

Maj. Gen. from Aug. 1, 1864. Library of Congress [LC-B813- 1756 A]

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,502 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 1, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.