Harman, William Neel
Rank:	Captain
Regiment:	C.S.A. Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 8th. Co. F (1861-1865)
Service:	1861 August 8-1863 July?

Background note:

Enlisting in the Confederate service on August 8, 1861, Capt. William Neel Harman spent the month of September helping to outfit and prepare his company, the Bland Rangers, for cavalry field service, a unit that was apparently designated as Co. F, 8th Virginia Cavalry, in late December.

In August, 1863, a Capt. William N. Harman -- who may or may not be the same man -- was authorized to raise and command the 47th Virginia Cavalry Battalion, and was promoted to Major in the process. Although four companies were formed and assigned to duty, the order authorizing the battalion was revoked in March 23, 1864. Harman's subsequent fate is unknown.

Scope and contents:

The Harman account book consists of accounts for clothing and supplies issued by Capt. William Neel Harman of Co. F, 8th Virginia Cavalry. The first half of the volume contains receipts dated September 17, 1861, arranged alphabetically by recipient (presumably members of Harman's company). Most later receipts are dated December, 1861, though others are recorded as late as 1863. As much as anything, the value of the account book lies in providing (at least approximately) a muster roll for the company, and for partially documenting the quantity and costs of clothing and supplies to its soldiers.

The journal was reputedly removed from Harman's body at Gettysburg, where he was killed, however it seems that the 8th Virginia were not present at Gettysburg, per se, nor is it certain that Harman was killed.

Provenance:

Gift of James S. Schoff, 1975

M-1730
Recat. 11/97 rsc

Link to subject index to the William N. Harman Receipt book

Alphabetic index to the Schoff Civil War Collections

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