The Sixth Regiment of Cavalry was organized as the Third Cavalry, under the
President’s proclamation of May 3, 1861; and the proclamation was confirmed by
Act of Congress, July 29, 1861. It was provided that its officers should take
rank from May 14, 1861.
The headquarters were ordered established at Pittsburg, Pa., and the
following officers were appointed to constitute the commissioned force of the
new regiment:
Colonel David Hunter, Lieutenant-Colonel William H. Emory, Majors D. H.
Rucker and E. H. Wright.
Captains I. N. Moore, A. V. Kautz, A. W. Evans, Wm. S. Abert, D. McM. Gregg, J.
H. Taylor, J. I. Gregg, John Savage, G. C. Cram, C. R. Lowell, J. S. Brisbin,
and H. B. Hayes.
First Lieutenants J. K. Mizner, W. W. Averill, H. M. Enos, I. W. Claflin, S. H.
Brown, B. T. Hutchins, H. T. McLean, Tattnall Paulding, Frederick Dodge, J. B.
Johnson, J. F. Wade, M. H. Leavenworth.
Second Lieutenants J. W. Spangler, Peter McGrath, Hugh McQuade, and C. B.
McLellan.
Major Rucker having declined, Major J. H. Carleton was appointed second
major, to date from September 7, and Major L. A. Williams was on the same date
appointed the junior major. Captain Moore having declined, Captain William P.
Sanders was appointed.
The designation of the regiment was changed to Sixth Cavalry,” August 10,
1861, the Mounted Rifles becoming the Third Cavalry.
The regiment was recruited principally in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and western New
York, under the supervision of Lieut.-Col. Emory, and on October 12, 1861,
Companies B, D, E, F, G, H, I and K having been organized, the regiment was
transferred to the camp of instruction east of the Capitol at Washington. The
organization of Company A was completed October 15; a sufficient number of
recruits arrived during the month to complete the organization of Company M; and
on the 1st of November the band of fifteen members joined, and the
instruction of the regiment was begun. Company C was organized December 23,
1861, thus completing the organization of all but one company, and on December
31 the regiment was ready for the field with 34 officers and 950 men.
Winter quarters were abandoned on March 10, 1862, when the regiment crossed
Long Bridge and marched to Fairfax C. H., where it was assigned to General P.
St. G. Cooke’s command, and after making a reconnoissance to Centreville,
Manassas and Bull Run, was embarked March 27, at Alexandria, for Fort Monroe,
which it reached on the 30th.
The regiment, except one squadron, was equipped with sabres and pistols as
light cavalry, and marched in advance of the Army of the Potomac to the position
before Yorktown, where it remained until the evacuation.
The regiment participated in the Peninsula campaign as part of General
Stoneman’s command. It opened and participated in the battle of Williamsburg,
after pursuing the enemy through Yorktown. Here it undertook a feat of arms
seldom or never attempted by cavalry, mounted, and which was probably brought
about by a misconception of orders, or faulty information regarding the garrison
and works attacked. The daring counter-charge of Captain Sanders was the
salvation of the rear of the command. The following extract is taken from the
report of the regimental commander:
“I was
ordered to make a detour through the woods and take a battery on the enemy’s
extreme left flank. I accordingly proceeded with the Sixth Cavalry through the
woods indicated, and after going about half a mile at a trot, debouched upon an
open but undulating ground in front of the enemy’s line of fortifications. The
ground was very heavy, and between the woods and the field works there was a
deep ravine only passable by file. The ravine was about equi-distant from the
woods and the works. It was passed and the regiment formed about one hundred
yards from the fortifications. Lieutenant Madden with a platoon was sent to
reconnoitre the gorge. This was during the time its occupants were engaged with
Gibson’s battery in front. Lieutenant Madden reported that the ditch and
rampart would have to be surmounted before we could effect an entrance, and also
that infantry was approaching on the near side of a wood which skirted the back
of the fort. I saw three regiments advancing in line; our position was critical,
equally exposed to the guns of the fort and the advancing infantry. I determined
to retire. Four of the squadrons and a portion of the fifth had already passed
the ravine (it was belly deep to the horses in mud), when two squadrons of rebel
cavalry rushed from the barracks in rear of the fort, and endeavored to cut off
Captain Sanders’ company. Captain Sanders wheeled his company about, charged
and repelled the enemy with great gallantry. I cannot speak too highly of the
officers and men on this occasion. Though every one felt that few would survive
if the guns of the fort were turned upon us, not one showed the slightest
concern. Captain Sanders showed great prudence and bravery in the timely manner
in which he met the enemy, though taken at a disadvantage by superior numbers. I
regret to report that Lieutenant McLellan was wounded in the leg by a shell
while engaged.”
The regiment formed part of the advanced guard of the Army of the Potomac,
and was engaged May 9, 1862, in the action at Slatersville under General
Stoneman, where Sanders again distinguished himself by repeatedly charging
superior forces of the enemy’s cavalry. May 11, the regiment again became
sharply engaged at New Kent C. H.
May 24 it was in action at Mechanicsville, and two days later in the battle
of Hanover Court House, the regiment camping on the battle-field until the
morning of the 28th, when orders were received to burn the railroad
bridge on the South Anna, near Wickham’s farm. Colonel Wickham was laid up
with a sabre wound received in the action with Sanders, and was captured and
paroled. The destruction of the bridge and consequent railroad communication was
accomplished during the day by a platoon under Lieutenant Kerin supported by the
regiment. At 12 o’clock the same night Lieutenant Kerin successfully destroyed
the county bridge, about 200 yards above the railroad bridge.
Captain Cram destroyed a bridge which had been fired by Rush’s Lancers on
the 27th, but which they had failed to destroy because withdrawn
prematurely. Orders arrived during the night to destroy the Virginia Central R.
R. bridge over the North Anna, which was accomplished by Captain Abert’s
squadron, supported by Captain Kautz’s.
June 13, 1862, General J. E. B. Stuart having succeeded in getting to the
rear of the Federal army with a considerable force of cavalry, the Sixth was
ordered in pursuit with part of the Fifth. Some active reconnoissance work took
place, and Stuart’s rear guard was found on the road to the White House.
Orders being received to hold the position then occupied, the regiment halted
until General Cooke arrived with his command. This raid made Stuart famous, and
gave the opposing cavalries a lesson their leaders never forgot.
During the move from the Chickahominy to the James, the regiment retired by
the way of York River. There was an accumulation of stores at White House
landing which it was desired to move, and it became necessary to check the rebel
cavalrymen who were pushing in close pursuit of the retiring columns. The Sixth
was placed with a platoon of artillery at the crossing of Black Creek, which it
successfully defended against several attempts to force a passage. After dark,
June 26, the stores having been removed or destroyed, the regiment retired to
Williamsburg, marching all night. It remained about Yorktown, Hampton and
vicinity until July 7, when it was embarked at Fort Monroe for Harrison’s
Landing, where the army had arrived after the seven days’ fight.
Company L was organized and arrived at camp July 13, completing the
regimental organization.
August 4, 1862, the regiment marched to Malvern Hill as part of
Pleasanton’s Brigade, and on the next day had a sharp engagement, losing four
killed and a number wounded. During the evacuation of Harrison’s Landing,
August 18, it formed the rear guard to Charles City Court House.
The regiment embarked on transports at Yorktown, August 3r, and landed at
Alexandria, Va., September 2, 1862. For the next three months it was almost
constantly in contact with the enemy, meeting him at Falls Church, Sugar Loaf
Mountain, Middletown, Charleston, Va., the expedition to Leesburg, Waterford,
Charleston again, Hillsboro, Philamont, Uniontown, Upperville, Barber’s Cross
roads, Amosville and the Rappahannock, the regiment reaching Belle Plain,
November 24, where it remained until December 12, when it marched to the
vicinity of Fredericksburg.
The army was now crossing the Rappahannock below the town, and a pontoon
bridge having been thrown over, a squadron was crossed, and made a
reconnoissance towards the enemy’s works, developing their infantry line and
receiving the fire of a battery, with a loss of two men and eight horses
wounded. The squadron was withdrawn and the result reported to General Burnside.
The regiment was put in camp near Falmouth, December 13, 1862, where it remained
until April 13, 1863
The regiment was greatly hampered in its early service by the want of proper
arms for the kind of warfare it was dealing with. It was not until three days
after the battle of Antietam that carbines were issued at Sharpsburg to all the
men, and in the midst of an active campaign it was impossible to undertake any
systematic instruction with the new arms. After four months of camp life near
Falmouth, notwithstanding strenuous efforts to procure horses, the regiment
resumed active work with nearly 300 men in the dismounted camp.
The regiment participated in the “Stoneman Raid” to the rear of the rebel
army, which ended May 9, after swimming the Rappahannock. A picket detail under
Lieutenants Carpenter and Wade reported on the 4th of May to General
Buford, and accompanied him on his forced march to Gordonsville. During the raid
Lieutenant Tupper with a detachment of ten men on a foraging expedition,
captured the chief quartermaster of Stuart’s cavalry in sight of one of their
squadrons. It is doubtful if any service during the year was accompanied with
greater hardships than were endured by men and horses during these few days from
May 1st to 9th, 1863 the rain falling incessantly, swelled
the streams and rendered the roads impassable.
Four days later the regiment encamped at Hartwood Church, and the regimental
commander, assistant surgeon, and two men, were captured while passing from camp
to General Buford’s headquarters, a mile and a half distant.
On the 8th of June the regiment arrived near Beverly Ford on the
Rappahannock, and crossed next day, participating in that famous cavalry combat
with a loss of four officers and 63 men, killed and wounded and captured, out of
254 engaged. The regiment charged, losing Lieutenant Madden by a shell, and
while reforming, the adjutant—Lieutenant Kerin—was captured. The regiment
then supported Elder’s horse-battery for several hours, part of the time under
severe fire. It was then moved with the Second Cavalry to the extreme right,
where severe loss occurred in charging the enemy to resist a flank attack.
Lieutenant Ward was killed and Lieutenant Stoll badly wounded, both commanding
squadrons. The latter was fired upon after he fell, and his men who tried to
bear him away were shot down. This was one of the most severe cavalry actions of
the war, and a loss of one-fourth its members is ample evidence of the courage
and tenacity with which the Sixth fought until the line was withdrawn, and then
the regiment was the last to withdraw and formed the rear-guard, where
Lieutenant Tupper was specially mentioned for the skillful and deliberate manner
with which he withdrew his squadron, the extreme rear guard, checking the enemy
at every step as he retired.
While on the road to Snicker’s Gap, the regiment had a brisk skirmish, June
17, near Benton’s Mill; and again on the 21st, having joined
General Gregg’s command, it was engaged with the enemy, nearly all the cavalry
of both armies fighting all day between Middleburg and Upperville. In the charge
near the latter place Lieutenant McQuiston and five men were wounded. The
regiment marched by way of Aldie and Leesburg to the Potomac, which was crossed
at Edward’s Ferry; thence to Point of Rocks and Emmitsburg, arriving July 2,
1863.
On July 3d General Merritt ordered the regiment to Fairfield, Pa., on the
road leading to Gettysburg from the northwest, to capture a wagon train, the
rest of the brigade moving towards Gettysburg by way of Farmington. Fairfield
was reached at noon, where two troops were detached to proceed along the base of
the mountain, the regiment keeping the road to Gettysburg. About a mile from
Fairfield the enemy’s pickets were encountered and driven back to their
supports, when another squadron was added to the skirmish line, and the
enemy—the 7th Virginia—was driven back to the forks of the road
from which their main body could be seen, consisting of about four regiments of
cavalry. The regiment was close enough to hear the command “Draw Sabres” of
the enemy, as they were formed for the charge. The two squadrons were in between
post and rail fences, and could not form line or join those in the fields before
they were charged by the rebel brigades under Generals Robertson and Jones.
Caught in such a trap the men remained firm, firing and inflicting severe loss
on the advancing column, until literally ridden down. Some escaped to the fields
and made for the town, but the rebels were there first and Lieutenant Balder,
who was ordered to surrender, called on the few men near him to follow and had
nearly cut his way out when he fell mortally wounded. The squadron which was on
the road near the mountain was also overpowered and hurled back to the town.
It was very unfortunate that the scattered squadrons were not withdrawn
instantly from the front of such superior forces for more favorable ground. The
regiment paid dearly for the error, losing, besides Lieutenant Balder killed,
Major Starr and Lieutenants Tucker, Wood, and Chaffee, wounded; Captain Cram,
Lieutenants Bould and Paulding, and Surgeons Forwood and Notson captured. The
loss of men was 232 killed, wounded and captured, out of a total of less than
400.
The fight made at Fairfield by this small regiment against two of the crack
brigades of Stuart’s cavalry, which were endeavoring to get around the flank
of our army to attack the trains, was one of the most gallant in its history and
was really a part of the battle of Gettysburg. The efforts of these brigades
were frustrated and their entire strength neutralized for the day, by the fierce
onslaught of the small squadrons. The regiment was cut to pieces, but it fought
so well that the squadrons were regarded as the advance of a large body of
troops. The senior officer of these brigades was adversely criticised for
allowing his command to be delayed by such an inferior force. Had the regiment
not made the desperate stand, the two brigades of Virginians might have
accomplished incalculable injury in the Federal rear, before sufficient force
could have been gathered in their front. The small portion which escaped
retreated to Emmitsburg, joined the brigade the next day, proceeded to Frederick
City, Md., July 5, and to South Mountain and Williamsport, July 6, participating
in the engagement there with the loss of one sergeant.
While making a reconnoissance to Funkstown, July 7, the regiment became
heavily engaged with superior numbers, and lost Captain Claflin severely wounded
and 85 men killed, wounded and missing. The regiment remained in contact with
the enemy and was engaged, July 8 and 9, near Boonsboro, and again engaged near
Funkstown, July 10.
The regiment had now lost all but three or four officers and a few men, and
was ordered to report at Cavalry Corps Headquarters, and marched via Warrenton
junction to Germantown, arriving there August 8, 1863. The service of the
regiment during the period between the action at Beverly Ford and the last
affair at Funkstown was one of incessant marching and fighting, and although
nearly decimated by the casualties of action, the brave little band hung on to
Lee’s army with a courageous tenacity, which remains to-day as one of the most
cherished historical incidents of the regiment’s existence.
The regiment did not leave Germantown until September 12, and next day
crossed the Rappahannock and engaged in the fight at Brandy Station, driving the
enemy through Culpeper. Here it remained for a month, when the rebels attacked
and forced a retreat towards the Rappahannock. When near Brandy Station the
regiment was ordered into position on the left of the road, and when the
skirmish line on its left retired, it was in an exposed position which was
promptly seen by the enemy, who attempted a flank attack with a column of
cavalry. In withdrawing around a piece of thick pine woods where the corps
skirmish line was placed, the regiment was fired into by the 1st New
York (Harris’) Cavalry, killing a sergeant and wounding Lieutenant Chaffee,
Surgeon Forwood and three men. On the 14th the regiment reached
Centreville, and while reconnoitring the enemy’s position Lieutenant Nolan was
wounded. The regiment remained near Brandy Station during the winter in huts
constructed by themselves.
The regiment left winter quarters May 4, 1864, and reconnoitred Germania
Ford, Mine Run, and U. S. Ford, returning to Chancellorsville in time to go with
General Sheridan to Todd’s Tavern, where, May 7, the cavalry corps were
heavily engaged with cavalry and infantry.
The next day was spent in preparations for the raid towards Richmond which
commenced May 9,1864. The regiment marched on the Fredericksburg and Richmond
Pike, crossing the North Anna after dark. The clouds of dust having attracted
the attention of the enemy, they arrived during the night and opened on the
corps headquarters at daylight with a battery, the regiment being near by and
receiving a few shells without casualties. The march was resumed, the rebels
continuing in pursuit and frequently attacking the rear guard. Reaching Beaver
Dam Station, a train containing prisoners captured at the Wilderness was seized
about 9 o’clock on the morning of the 10th, and destroyed with a
large amount of muskets and small arms. The march was resumed and at 11
o’clock A. M., May 11, the enemy was encountered in front of Yellow Tavern,
and a severe engagement took place resulting in the defeat of the rebels and the
death of their gallant and famous leader—J. E. B. Stuart.
Crossing the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge, May 12, the march continued
towards Richmond until the outer works were reached, when the column turned to
the left towards Mechanicsville Bridge. A shell placed in the road exploded as
the regiment passed, killing one horse. The enemy now opened fire on the column,
and the direction of the march was changed towards Mechanicsville. The enemy was
in position on the road and fought stubbornly for two hours before he was driven
away and a passage over the river secured. Mechanicsville was reached at dark
and the regiment went on picket.
Bottom’s Bridge was destroyed May 13, and the day following the regiment
was detached to Fort Monroe with orders for supplies to be sent to White House
Landing. A march of fifty miles to Williamsburg was made the first day, and on
the 15th Fort Monroe was reached, where the regiment remained until
the 21st when it rejoined the cavalry corps at White House Landing,
and proceeded to join the Army of the Potomac at Milford Station, May 24, 1864.
May 26, marched to Hanover town, crossing the Pamunkey at that point on a
pontoon bridge next day, and on the 28th came upon the enemy and
attacked him near Salem Church. Reached New Castle Ferry on the 29th
and Old Church on the 30th, where the enemy was again engaged.
Returning, the regiment reached Trevillian Station, June 10, and participated in
the battle of that name, June 11.
The Cavalry Corps marched to White House Landing, leaving the Sixth at the
crossing of the Mattapony to await the arrival of detachments and take up the
pontoon bridge, which was done and the corps rejoined on June 19. The next ten
days was spent in marching, and on the 29th the enemy was again
encountered near Dabney’s Mill and a skirmish took place. The regiment crossed
the James, August 1, and engaged in the action of Deep Bottom.
General Sheridan having been assigned to command the Middle Military
Division, embracing the Shenandoah Valley, Troop L was ordered to duty as his
escort, and the regiment embarked for Washington, and thence marched via
Harper’s Ferry and rejoined the Cavalry Corps near Berrysville, August 20,
1864.
September 19, 1864, the regiment left Berryville at 3 o’clock A. M.,
towards Winchester, and at noon, as General Sheridan’s escort, became engaged
in the battle of that name. On the next day pursued the enemy to Strasburg and
engaged in the fight of Fisher’s Hill, driving the enemy all night and
arriving at Woodstock next morning, where the day was spent in picking up
stragglers and prisoners. The march up the Valley was resumed September 22, and
at 10 o’clock A. M., the enemy was found posted on the south bank of the
Shenandoah to dispute the crossing. The rebels were dislodged and the regiment
proceeded to New Market and thence to Harrisonburg, where it remained.
October 7, the regiment marched down the Valley, and remained on the north
side of Cedar Creek until October 19, when the battle of that name was fought.
The rebels drove the regiment from its camp, but it was retaken before night and
reoccupied. Captain Lowell was killed while leading the Regular Brigade to the
charge in this action.
December 6, 1864, the regiment marched to Stephenson’s Station, and formed
part of General Merritt’s command on his raid in Loudon Valley; and on he 19th
it went with General Torbert’s command on the raid to Gordonsville. Returning
December 31, it went into winter camp at Kernstown.
February 27, 1865, the camp was broken up and the regiment proceeded with the
Cavalry Corps under General Sheridan, up the Valley through Strasburg, Woodstock
and New Market, and arrived at Staunton, March 5; thence to the James River, and
joined the Army of the Potomac near Petersburg, March 27, 1865. March 29,
proceeded to Dinwiddie Court House. Here the Cavalry Corps engaged the enemy on
the 30th, and drove them into their works at Five Forks, holding the
position for three hours against repeated attacks and until the ammunition was
exhausted. The enemy got in on the right flank of the regiment undercover of
dense woods, and when the line was withdrawn for ammunition the rebels charged
the flank capturing Lieutenant Nolan and 15 men. On March 31, their infantry
having come up the enemy attacked and drove the Cavalry Corps back to Dinwiddie.
Next morning the regiment occupied the extreme right in the memorable battle of
Five Forks, and connected with the 5th Corps, when it came into
action during the afternoon, the regiment wheeling to the left and resting the
right on the enemy’s works. About 3 P. M., an advance was ordered which never
ceased until sunset, when the battle was won.
The Cavalry Corps went in pursuit, April 2, and came up with the rebels and
engaged them at 3 P. M., but they retreated. The pursuit was continued
incessantly and with great loss to the enemy until April 6, when they were
compelled to make a stand to save their trains. The Cavalry Corps pressed hard
on their flank and awaited a favorable opportunity to capture the trains. Their
infantry was forced to form, enabling the 6th Corps to arrive during
the delay. The 3d Cavalry Division was now ordered to charge, the other two
divisions supporting, and this the battle of Sailor’s Creek, resulted in the
capture of about 10,000 rebels. During this action the regiment was ordered to
take possession of some log huts. It is recorded in the regimental archives that
the few men now left in the ranks hesitated, believing it was sure death; but
Lieutenant McLellan, a veteran of the Old Army, faced them and said, “Men, let
us die like soldiers.” Every one of the little band rushed for the huts under
a shower of bullets, and gained the cover with a loss of but three men wounded.
The pursuit was pressed until 9 P. M. While trying to force a passage across the
creek after dark, a shell burst in the midst of the little remnant bearing so
bravely the standard of the Sixth, and wounded three, one of whom died next day.
The march was resumed on the 7th, and on the 8th a rapid
march was made to Appomatox Station where a charge was made resulting in
important captures. April 9, 1865, the rebels made a desperate attack upon the
cavalry at Clover Hill, but the arrival of infantry supports about 9 A. M.,
relieved the cavalry, which immediately proceeded at a gallop to the enemy’s
left with a view of charging upon that flank. On nearing the rebel lines a flag
of truce was met requesting a cessation of hostilities as it had been decided to
surrender. The surrender was announced at 4 P. M.
The cavalry was at once started for Petersburg and thence, after the grand
review in Washington before the President, into camp at Frederick, Md., to
reorganize and equip for duty on the distant frontier, where it was destined to
pass the next quarter of a century.
The salient features of the regiment’s history, during this most eventful
period of our nation’s existence, have now been traced from the date of its
first service in the Peninsula campaign, until formed for the last charge at
Appomatox. The history of the regiment is that of the Regular Brigade, than
which none brighter appears upon the records of the Army of the Potomac. The
regiment was fortunate at the beginning of its career in having General Emory
present as its lieutenant-colonel to organize it. The talent and courage of the
squadron leaders, who so materially aided in establishing a reputation for the
regiment, caused the early loss of these officers, who were soon selected for
higher commands. Brave Sanders, a Southerner and West Pointer who remained
loyal, was promoted to brigadier-general and was killed at the siege of
Knoxville, Tenn. Lowell was killed while leading the brigade to the charge, he
being then colonel of volunteers serving in the same brigade with his own Sixth.
There were many officers of the regiment holding high commands, like Generals
Hunter, Emory, Carleton, Kautz, the Greggs, Sanders and others, who rendered
good service commensurate with the increased rank held by them, but the records
contain many applications for and references to younger officers who were
constantly detached for staff, recruiting and similar duties, who might have
carved more enduring names for themselves in command of such excellent men as
composed the ranks of the Sixth Cavalry.
Subsequent to the close of hostilities, the Adjutant-General’s office not
having given proper credit to the regiment for its services in battle, General
Sheridan sent to the War Department the following communication, which is
cherished as a manly and characteristic action on the part of that great leader
“I take this occasion to strongly urge that justice be done the Sixth Cavalry,
and that the battles as given in the within order issued by me * * * be credited
to this regiment on the next Army Register, so that its record, or so much of it
as is permitted in the Army Register, may be in a measure correct and complete.
In the following battles the Sixth Cavalry fought under my personal supervision,
viz.: Wilderness, Todd’s Tavern, Furnaces, Spottsylvania Court House, Yellow
Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Five Forks,
Dinwiddie C. H., Clover Hill, Sailor’s Creek and Appomatox Court House.”
The records of casualties during the Rebellion show seven officers killed, 53
men killed in action and 53 other deaths; 122 wounded in action and 17 by
accident; 438 missing, most of these being captured at Fairfield and in other
charges,—making a total of 689 enlisted men.
The regiment participated in the following actions during the war:
1862.
Williamsburg, May 4.
Slatersville, May 9.
New Kent C. H., May 11.
New Bridge, May 20.
Mechanicsville, May 24.
Hanover C. H., May 27.
Ashland, June 16.
Black Creek, June 26.
Charlestown, September 28.
Hillsboro, September 29.
Waterford, October 1.
Charlestown, October 8.
Philamont, November 1.
Uniontown, November 2.
Upperville, November 3.
Barber’s Cross Roads, Nov. 5.
Malvern Hill, August 5.
Falls Church, September 5.
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Md., Sept. 13.
AmosviIle, November 7 and 8.
Sulphur Springs, November 17.
Fredericksburg, December 12.
Petersville, Md., Sept. 15.
1863.
Beverly Ford, June 9.
Benton’s Mill, June 17.
Middleburg, June 21.
Upperville, June 21.
Fairfield (Gettysburg), Pa., July 3.
Williamsport, Md., July 6.
Funkstown, Md., July 7.
Boonesboro, Md., July 8 and 9.
Funkstown, Md., July 7.
Brandy Station, September 13.
Culpeper, October 11.
Brandy Station, October 11.
Robertson’s Tavern, Nov. 27.
Mine Run, November 28 and 29.
1864.
Wilderness, May 5 and 6.
Todd’s Tavern, May 7.
Spottsylvania C. H., May 9.
Yellow Tavern, May 11.
Meadow Bridge, May 12.
Salem Church, May 28.
Old Church, May 30.
Trevillian Station, June 11-12.
Dabney’s Mill, June 29.
Deep Bottom, August 1.
Berryville, August 16.
Winchester, September 19.
Fisher’s Hill, September 20.
Cedar Creek, October 19.
1865.
Five Forks, March 30.
Dinwiddie C. H., March 31.
Five Forks, April 1.
Sailor’s Creek, April 6.
Appomatox Station, April 8.
Clover Hill, April 9.
In October, 1865, the regiment left its camp near Frederick, Md., and
proceeded via New York and New Orleans, to Austin, Texas, where camp was
established November 29. The headquarters remained at Austin until August 24,
1868, when station was changed to Fort Richardson, Texas. The troops were
distributed about the Department of Texas, at Forts Richardson, Belknap and
Griffin, and Camps Austin, Sherman, Buffalo Springs and Sulphur Springs.
During the period from 1865 to 1871, while the regiment was stationed in
Texas, the duties falling to the officers and men were of the most dangerous and
varied kinds. After the close of the Rebellion the country was overrun with
desperadoes and outlaws who were even worse than the hostile Comanches, and the
officers and men were continually called upon to guard the courts of justice, to
assist revenue officers, aid in executing convicted criminals, supervise
elections, pursue outlaws and murderers, and in general to institute lawful
proceedings where anarchy reigned. Many soldiers were assassinated for their
devotion to law and order, and nothing but incessant vigilance and unflinching
courage, prevented the guerrilla community from running the border counties of
the State. The records for this period are very unsatisfactory, and important
actions, in the light of to-day, are entirely omitted and remain only as
traditions from the generation of war service men, who have almost entirely
passed away from the regiment.