Killed at the battle of Piedmont, Virginia in 1864!

Confederate cavalry commander during the Gettysburg campaign

Military Document Signed With Rank

(1824-64) Born in Washington County, Virginia, his sobriquet was "Grumble" Jones. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1848, and served on the frontier with the "Mounted Rifles" until 1857, when he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army. When his home state seceded from the Union, he organized a company known as the "Washington Mounted Rifles," and was elected their captain. He served under Colonel J.E.B. Stuart at 1st Manassas, and became colonel of the 1st, and 7th Virginia Cavalry Regiments. He continued to serve under now General Stuart and was promoted to brigadier general September 19, 1862. He particularly distinguished himself at the war's biggest cavalry battle, Brandy Station, Va. Jones was considered to be the best outpost officer in the cavalry by his superiors. He protected the army's flank and rear on their march to Gettysburg in 1863. He was then assigned to command the Department of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee where he rendered superb service. He participated in General James Longstreet's Knoxville campaign, and fought at Cloyd's Mountain in western Virginia, and at the battle of Piedmont, on June 5, 1864, he was struck by a ball and instantly killed while encouraging his men in the front lines. In the subsequent confusion and retreat his body fell into the hands of the Yankees, who returned it to his friends. General William E. "Grumble" Jones was buried in the graveyard of the Old Glade Springs Presbyterian Church, in Virginia.

Document Signed: 15 3/4 x 9 1/2, manuscript in ink.

The United States on Account of Army Subsistence in the Quarter ending the 31st of December 1853, in Account with Lieut. W.E. Jones, Rifles, A.A.C.S., en-route from Fort Ewell, Texas, &c, &c, &c, to Corpus Christi.

I certify on honor that the above account current exhibits an accurate and true Statement of all monies received and expended by me on Account of Subsistence in the Army, and there is now due me from the Commissary Department ($165.92) One Hundred and sixty five Dollars & 92/100.

W.E. Jones,
2d Lieut. R.[egiment] M.[ounted] R.[ifles],
A.A.C.S.

Docket on the reverse: Account Current for the 4th Quarter 1853. Lieut. William E. Jones, Rifles, A.A.C.S.

Written on blue lined paper that shows some fold wear. Very desirable Confederate General K.I.A.

This document was signed by Lieutenant Jones when he was serving in the pre Civil War United States Army.