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Civil War Period Pocket Sundial Handcrafted by Joseph G. Councill, Co. K 13^th Virginia Cavalry – This rather unusual Civil War period personal item, according to the inked inscription in the top of the wood case housing the sundial, was crafted by J G. Councill, a soldier in the 13^th Virginia Cavalry; the inscription reads as follows:

“Hand Carved by My Grandfather

Capt. Joseph Godwin Councill

Franklin, Va.

(Jeb Stuart

Cavalry)

M. Weaver

V.M.I. ‘25”

The sundial exhibits a paper face, with inked Roman Numerals, corresponding to hourly times, as well as compass directions, so the dial can be directionally oriented – the face rests on a pin, beneath the dial proper, so it can be rotated to align with specific compass directions. The dial is housed in a turned, wooden (perhaps, some kind of fruitwood) case. Councill did indeed serve through the war in the 13^th Virginia Cavalry, although he was never a commissioned officer. We did find, in the process of researching Joseph G. Councill, that he may have served, albeit briefly, in the 41^st Va. Infantry, before deserting in May of 1862. As of this posting, we have not been able to specifically identify his grandson, J. M. Weaver, who wrote the inscription. The sundial and case remain in very good condition; it appears that the top was cracked and repaired, at some point. This is a most unique, wartime, personal item.

Measurements: Diameter – 2.2”; Height – .75”

 J G. Councill

13th VA Cavalry

Joseph Councill

13th Virginia Cavalry Regiment

The 13th Virginia Cavalry Regiment was a cavalry regiment raised in Virginia for service in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. It fought mostly with the Army of Northern Virginia.

Virginia’s 13th Cavalry Regiment was formed in July 1862, using the 16th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry as its nucleus (itself formed from seven companies from the 12-month unit 5th Cavalry, Provisional Confederate Army). The men were from Petersburg and the counties of Southampton, Sussex, Prince George, Surry, and Nansemond. It was the second cavalry unit to bear the designation 13th Regiment, the first having ended its 12-month term of service in the spring of 1862.

It was assigned to W.H.F. Lee’s, Chambliss’, and Beale’ Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia. The unit was active in the conflicts at Fredericksburg, Brandy Station, Upperville, Hanover, Gettysburg, Bristoe, Kelly’s Ford, and Mine Run. Later it participated in The Wilderness Campaign, the defense of Petersburg and Richmond, and the Appomattox operations.

This regiment had 298 men in action in Gettysburg and surrendered on April 9, 1865, with 10 officers and 78 men. The field officers were Colonels John R. Chambliss Jr. and Jefferson C. Phillips; Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Savage and Thomas H. Upshaw; and Majors Benjamin W. Belsches, Joseph E. Gillette, and Benjamin F. Winfield.

13th Virginia Cavalry Regiment

Pvt Joseph G. Council

Co.K – 13th Virginia Cavalry – CSA
Paroled 4/27/1865