One of Lander's Aide's-de-Camp (who is represented in the simulation) is Lieutenant Fitz-James O'Brien. Born in Ireland, O'Brien was reportedly a heavy drinker. He was a poet, a contributor to Harper's Weekly and Monthly, and wrote some burlesque works. He was assigned to Brigadier General Frederick W. Lander's staff during the Winter of 1861-1862.
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| Fitz-James O'Brien, writer, poet, and officer on Lander's Staff |
Lander mentioned O'Brien (as well as Major Frothingham and Lieutenant Armstrong, also represented in the simulation) in his February 14th report of actions around Bloomery Gap:
No. 8. Report of Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Lander, U. S. Army, of affair at Bloomery Gap, West Virginia.
Paw Paw, February 14, 1862 8 p. m.
The railroad was opened to Hancock this morning. Telegraph the same. Had an important forced reconnaissance last night completed to-day. Broke up the rebel nest at Bloomery Gap. Ran down and caught 17 commissioned officers, among them colonels, lieutenant-colonels, captains, & c. Will forward a descriptive list. Engaged them with 400 cavalry. Infantry not near enough to support, and enemy re- tiring. In all, 65 prisoners; killed 13. Lost 2 men and 6 horses at their first fire. Led the charge in person. It was a complete surprise. Colonel Carroll, commanding Fifth or Eighth Ohio, made a very daring and successful reconnaissance immediately afterwards to Ungers Store.
Major Frothingham is entitled to credit for building, under my direction, in 4 hours, in the dead of night, a complete bridge of wagons across the Great Cacapon, at an unfrequented road. Two columns of 2,000 men each marched 32, one column 43, miles since 4 p. m. yesterday, besides bridging the river. Papers taken and my own reconnaissance south prove the country clear and Jackson and Loring in Winchester. Made the move and occupied Bloomery Gap and Points Mill east on belief by deserters that General Carsons brigade was there.
General Dunning has just arrived at New Creek from Moorefield, 40 miles south of Romney. Captured 225 beef cattle and broke up the guerrilla haunt there. Two of his men badly wounded. Killed several of the rebels.the work intrusted to me may be regarded done and the enemy out of this department, I most earnestly request to be relieved. If not relieved, must resign. My health is too much broken to do any severe work.
F. W. LANDER,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General McCLELLAN. Note.
General Williams can move over the river without risk. I respectfully commend Colonel Carroll to your notice. He is a most efficient and gallant officer.. Lieut. H. G. Armstrong, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Fitz-James O'Brien joined me in a charge by which rebel officers were captured and confidence restored after cavalry had been checked.
(From official records of the war of the rebellion - Vol. 5, Chap. XIV, pp. 404-505)
O'Brien was leading a company of cavalry near Bloomery Gap on February 16th 1862. It was a foraging parting on a mission to capture some cattle. They encountered and enemy force and charged it, but were outnumbered. O'Brien reportedly engaged with a Confederate officer in a sort of pistol duel in the midst of the action and was wounded in the arm. He fired back and knocked the enemy officer off his horse.
O'Brien was taken to Cumberland for treatment, but infection set in and he died of his wound in April 1862.
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