Who Shot Appy Mapp? A Civil War Mystery

Introducing Appy Mapp

In my previous blog, The Case of Happy Nap alias Appy Mapp, I introduced my great-great-grandfather, Appy Mapp. He served as a Private in Company I, 2nd United States Colored Cavalry Regiment during the Civil War.

This time, we’ll take a deeper dive into the central question of his pension deposition (No. 296749). In it, Appy claimed that he suffered multiple injuries during battle—injuries that shaped the quality of his life after the war.

In His Own Words

Appy began his deposition by stating:

“I was in good health and condition after I enlisted until [the] summer of 1864 when my horse fell with me at the Weldon Railroad in Virginia… When my horse fell at that time rolled over on me and hurt my right side and right shoulder.”

This battle, known as the Weldon Railroad engagement, was part of the Petersburg Campaign. Though injured, Appy managed to return to his unit after receiving hospital care.

A few months later, while near Petersburg, Appy testified:

“I was wounded in my left foot…”

The details are hazy—Appy himself wasn’t certain of the exact location, possibly Dutch Gap or Deep Bottom. What is clear, however, is that his service record reflects at least two significant injuries.

The Testimonies

Appy’s deposition is only one piece of the puzzle. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Pension Office gathered numerous interviews from fellow soldiers, acquaintances, and medical professionals.

Some remembered his injuries. Others did not. The contradictions make this a true “whodunit.”

One unexpected twist for me: I discovered a potential family connection in the depositions. A man named Randolph Driver, the company’s Orderly Sergeant, gave testimony. His last name sent me down a rabbit hole, wondering if he was connected to my Driver family line in Gloucester County, VA. After some digging, I found no connection—but the thrill of possibility kept me searching.

As I sift through the testimonies, I remain unconvinced of the official story. Was Appy truly shot in battle, or did the wound occur later under different circumstances? At times, I’ve even wondered if it happened after the war. The truth may remain hidden in the shadows of history.

What I Learned from this Research

📖 History Matters
I learned more about the U.S. Colored Cavalry than I ever did in school. African American soldiers played a far greater role in the Civil War than I had been led to believe. Genealogy doesn’t just uncover family—it uncovers history.

🧑🏽 Character Counts
The Pension Office even rated the “character” of witnesses. It made me reflect: what will people say about my character one day? Testimonies often reflect the times as much as the truth.

👀 Perspective is Everything
No two people saw events the same way. As researchers, we form conclusions—but we must remain transparent that our interpretations may not be the whole story.

⭐ Personal Heroes
Whether or not Appy was shot in battle, he is still a hero to me. Anyone who risks his life for freedom, family, and country is a hero. Appy Mapp was all of that and more.

Closing Thoughts

So, who shot Appy Mapp? The mystery continues. What matters most is not just solving the question, but remembering the man behind it.

Do you have family heroes whose stories are still unfolding? Share them—I’d love to hear.

Disclaimer: This blog post was revised with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI) to improve readability and flow. All research, interpretation, and family reflections are my own.