After his successful reorganization Edgar was authorized to raise a battalion in western Virginia with his new company, Co. D, as the nucleus.

[1] Four more companies were added in 1864, the battalion consisting primarily of men from Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Kanawha and Pulaski counties.

The battalion was assigned to the command of Henry Heth, which itself was transferred to John Echols and later to William W. Loring.

Their first battle was at Lewisburg, where Edgar was severely wounded, causing the battalion to break and retreat, resulting in a collapse of Confederate defenses and a Union victory.

The battalions' reputation suffered as a consequence and it was not until 15 months later at the Battle of White Sulphur Springs when they were able to redeem it and earn the praise of Col. George S. Patton.

The battalion took part in Loring's Kanawha Valley Campaign of 1862 in September 1862, and in 1863 they provided cover for the returning troops after the Jones-Imboden raid.