2nd Lt. James Wesley Merritt

James Wesley Merritt was not a slaveholder, nor was he an advocate or defender of that system. He fought to defend his homeland from an invader. Reportedly there wasn't a slaveholder among the men of the 34th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry - "Witcher's Nighthawks."

James Wesley Merritt served in the War Between the States as a 2nd Lt. with Co. D., 34th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry. This unit was the "point of the spear" of J.E.B. Stuart's forces during the invasion of Pennsylvania. They were a part of the northern-most intrusion of a major Confederate force during the War. They laid siege to Harrisburg, and they were later a part of the third day of the battle at Gettysburg where they sustained 70% casualties. Gen. Stuart presented the 34th Battalion with a battle flag for their action.

The 34th Battalion was a part of the cavalry not surrendered by Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse. After that event they removed to serve with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina. At the end of hostilities in North Carolina his unit laid down their arms, but a capturing Yankee unit forced Merritt to place his left hand against a tree and then shot a minie ball through it for his having raised arms against the Union. He was maimed for life. See hand in picture.

James Wesley Merritt's two brothers also saw service during the War Between the States. Reuben served with the Cherokee Artillery from Rome, Georgia and with the Forrest Escort. William also served with the Cherokee Artillery. At the end of the War William was also a lieutenant.
Following the War, Merritt made his way back to Georgia where he married and then made the decision to remove to Texas. He was told that if he ever needed help he was to tell people that Orin Beck was his uncle and General Nathan Bedford Forrest was his cousin. The genealogical record of his descendants is preserved online at Ancestry.com.