Military: Civil War: Part I - History of the FIRST REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY. 1861-1863. Dauphin County, PA
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HISTORY OF THE
First Reg't Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry,
FROM
ITS ORGANIZATION, AUGUST, 1861,
TO
SEPTEMBER, 1861,
WITH
LIST OF NAMES OF ALL OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN
WHO HAVE EVER BELONGED TO THE REGIMENT,
AND REMARKS ATTACHED TO EACH NAME, NOTING CHANGE, &c.
COLONELS:
GENERAL GEORGE D. BAYARD, From August, 1861, to May, 1862.
HON. OWEN JONES, From May, 1862, to January, 1863.
COL. JOHN P. TAYLOR, Since January, 1863
PHILADELPHIA:
KING & BAIRD, PRINTERS, No. 607 SANSOM STREET.
1864.
[3]
PREFACE.
Headquarters, Camp, First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 1864.
To the Officers and Enlisted Men of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry,
GENTLEMEN: - Knowing the deep interest felt in the history of the regiment, by every
member who has shared its services, its dangers and hardships, and is thereby
entitled to a portion of its well-earned merits, I have endeavored to collect the
prominent incidents of its operations; and during the comparative leisure of the
last month have arranged them in a condensed form for publication, that all who wish
might be supplied with a copy.
You will find the following pages to contain a sketch of the organizing, arming
and equipping of the regiment, a summary of its services from the time it entered
the field to the present date, with brief descriptions of the part it took in the
various actions in which it was engaged, a tabular statement of name and date of
each battle and skirmish, date, route and distance of each march and scout, with
general remarks, &c. Also, the name, rank, and date of commission, of each officer,
the name and rank of each enlisted man, (the latter arranged in companies,
[4]
and each company prefaced by a short sketch of its organization,) with remarks also
appended to the names of both officers and men, noting all changes that have taken place.
The object, however, in preparing this work, was not to write a history of the
regiment, nor to enter into a minute or detailed account of its operations, but
simply to furnish a brief summary of its services, with any other data that might be
interesting to its members. Neither is it supposed that the hasty and condensed
narrations, these pages contain, will elicit any interest from the public at large,
as they are strictly local in their character; but, if they meet your approval, it
will be answering my fullest expectations. You will, doubtlessly, discover in their
perusal, numerous omissions and inaccuracies, as many of the incidents, especially of
the first year, have been sketched from memory, and the numerous and constant changes
incident to a regiment in the field, renders it very difficult to furnish correct
data in every instance; but, conscious that you are aware of the disadvantages
labored under in the preparation of a work of this kind, here in active service,
where our respites from duty are so brief and irregular, I therefore respectfully
submit it to your consideration, trusting that though it may not reach what you
would desire it to be, its contents, may, at least, not be devoid of interest.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. P. LLOYD,
Adjutant First Penna. Reserve Cavalry.
[5]
INTRODUCTION.
Strangers to war, and especially to the blighting curse of intestinal and
fratricidal strife, the year of 1861, as it opened upon our happy and prosperous
nation, with events so new and startling and portentuous of coming evil, found the
public mind resting in the quiet calm of its accustomed security. True, for some
months previous, the murmur of discord and dissatisfaction, with an occasional bold
and daring threat or menacing over act, from the southern half of the nation,
betokened a determination of purpose, more serious and alarming than had, at any
previous period of our history, marked the wrangling of parties and the clashing of
sectional interests.
But, the storm season of a Presidential campaign had just passed, and the majority
of the people, at least in the North, expected, as always has been the case
heretofore, that after the conflicting elements had spent their fury, and the
efforts of the partisan leaders, either crowned by victory or subdued by defeat, the
public mind would subside into its usual quiet and decorum. Still, there were some,
who, marking the course of events for years, saw, in the unusual signs of the times,
foreshadowings of the storm that was soon to burst on our devoted land.
[6]
As day after day of the new year passed, events stranger and more startling were
developed, and thus matters continued growing more desperate until the fourth of
March, when a new Chief Executive was inaugurated and the reins of Government passed
into the hands of another Administration; but, instead of these events having any
effect in allaying the angry and discordant elements, the storm-cloud of civil
commotion grew rapidly darker and more threatening.
The warlike preparations of the South now too began to arouse the loyal people of
the nation to the stern fact that treason, real earnest treason, was rapidly
spreading its contaminating bane over large tracts of the nation's territory, rife
for any deed, and ready in its daring audacity to attempt any crime, and that
rebellion in gigantic proportion was upon them.
All who lived through those days of intense excitement from march to the middle of
April, when the traitor's cannon first defiled our nation's ensign as it floated over
the wall of Sumter, remember, and will doubtlessly cherish, while memory retains
vitality to perform her offices, the anxiety which wrapped every loyal heart in a
murky pall, during those hours of painful suspense, when the nation hung vibrating
between war, just and honorable, as we are now prosecuting it, and ignominious peace
with anarchy, or at best - traitor's rule. Long, too, will be remembered the days of
almost frantic excitement that followed the dishonoring of our flag at Charleston.
How, as with one giant throb of the nation's great heart, her
[7]
loyal sons arose, and from workshop, from store, from firm, from the nursery of
learning, the lawyer's office and the minister's sacred desk, men of every
avocation, circumstance and calling, rushed forward to vindicate its insuled dignity.
The first call for seventy-five thousand men, being immediately filled, thousands
who applied were unable to get into the service. These, forming in companies
throughout the country, remained to await subsequent events.
During the time the material of the FIRST PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY was
principally collected, as was also the balance of the Reserve corps, most of which,
however, had the advantage of some months drilling in camps of instruction in an
organized condition, while this regiment remained scattered in parts of companies,
over the State, few of them having an official existence.
The companies remained in this unorganized and scattered condition, until about
the middle of July when a few of them assembled at Camp Curtin, and commenced the
formation of a regiment.
[8] - blank page
[9] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY
ORGANIZATION.
(Notes of Organization furnished by Surgeon G. B. HOTCHKIN.)
"The First Cavalry regiment of Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps was organized
at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, august, 1861, by His Excellency, Governor Andrew G.
Curtin, under the provisions of a special law authorizing the Governor to raise, arm
and equip a force consisting of twelve regiments of infantry, one rifle, one
artillery and one cavalry regiment. This was to be a State force under the control
of the Governor, to be held in readiness to meet any emergencies that might arise
from the events of the war.
"The defeat of General McDowell, at Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, occasioned just
such an emergency before the organization was complete. Five companies of cavalry,
which were then in Camp Curtin, were immediately organized by the election of
Captain Hastings, U.S.A., as Colonel, and Captain Owen Jones, as Major, and the
battalion sent to Washington, with the rest of the Reserve Corps, where they were
soon joined by two additional companies from Harrisburg."
"The removal of the regiment from the State be-
[10] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
fore it was completely organized, equipped and trained for service, as contemplated
by the law of its organization, caused much feeling of disappointment in the State,
and the officer selected for the command of the regiment, declined to go with it in
its unorganized condition.
"The seven companies remained in camp near Washington, about a month, with a
deficiency of organization, which threatened total failure of the
attempt to form a regiment.
"The field and company officers present, being little schooled in military tactics
and discipline, though quite anxious to become soldiers and to make their men such,
fully realized their deficiencies, and anxiously sought for assistance."
"Through the influence and advice of General Stoneman, then Chief of Cavalry, in
conjunction with the Governor of Pennsylvania and his advisers, the service of
Lieutenant George D. Bayard, was secured as Colonel, and he assumed command of the
regiment about the first of September, 1861, and immediately commenced drilling, and
fitting it for active service.
"About this time, also, three companies from a disbanded regiment were attached to
this command, and its organization completed, by the election of Captain Jacob
Higgins, to the post of Lieutenant-Colonel, and the appointment of S. D. Barrows as
Adjutant, and Lieutenant R. R. Corson, Fegimental-Quartermaster."
The regiment then consisted of Companies A, Captain Robison; B, Captain Stadelman;
C, Cap-
[11] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
tain Taylor; D, Captain Gile; E., Captain Wolf; F, Captain Harper; G, Captain
Gardner; H., Captain J. B. Davidson; I, Captain McNulty, and K, Captain Boyce.
"The appointment of Surgeon David Stanton, Assistant Surgeon, Samuel Alexander and
Chaplain J. Hervey Beale, shortly after, completed the regimental staff.
"January, the seventh, 1862, two independent companies, Company L, Captain
Hoffeditz, and Company M., Captain Richards, were attached to the regiment, thus
making it a complete regiment of twelve companies.
"The regiment was originally armed by the United States Government, with saber and
pistol to each man, and ten carbines to each company, the number of carbines having
been increased at different times, until the whole regiment was ultimately supplied
with them, in September, 1862.
"The greater part of the original horses of the regiment were selected with great
care, and purchased by some of our own officers in the State of Pennsylvania; the
remainder were selected by Colonel Bayard himself, from the Government horses at
Washington. These horses, under good care and training during the succeeding winter
became notably the best regiment of horses in the United States, and some of them
remain still the best horses, after a half dozen new lots have been worn out in the
service of the regiment."
"The material of this regiment was choice in its character, the Governor refusing
all applications for
[12] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
the formation of companies for the regiment, from large towns and cities, it was
gathered from various sections of a great State, at a time when infantry was the
favorite arm of service. The men who joined this regiment, chose the service, for
the love of it, and because they were horsemen. They were mostly country laborers
and farmers, accustomed to the use and care of horses, and at least good, if not
properly trained riders. Very few of our men were dismounted by accident or
awkwardness during their drilling, or since then, in the service they have
performed. Most of them were accustomed to labor and fatigue, and well calculated to
endure the hardships incident to a cavalryman in the field. A few old soldiers, among
both officers and men, contributed much more than their personal labor toward the
proper training of the regiment.
"The greatest defect in material seems to have arisen, either from want of proper
examination of recruits, or want of knowledge of the requirements of cavalry
service, on the part of examining surgeons. This has been a fruitful cause of
discharges for disability in our regiment, but most of our deficient men would have
been fully able to do infantry service, although from various causes unable to
endure service in the saddle."
"After Colonel Bayard was established in his position, and his regiment armed,
equipped and mounted, the work of drilling was immediately commenced, and prosecuted
with all the energy for which that officer was so mach noted. This was not done after
the usual manner of drilling cavalry by a course of
[13] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Gradual training, but the attempt was made to bring the regiment to the most
effective condition for actual contact with the enemy, in the shortest possible
time, as the cavalry arm of the service must be made and not improved merely. To
this end the officers were called to meet the Colonel, once or twice daily, to study
tactics, and the fear of the Examining Board kept constantly before them to stimulate
their energies to the utmost. Company, squadron and regimental drill and saber
exercise, on foot or mounted, were pushed to the utmost, morning and afternoon of
every day, under the personal direction of Colonel Bayard and his field officers,
while various scouts and daily picket duty, by detail, served to impress their
lessons by actual practice of duty near the enemy."
WINTER QUARTERS AT PIERPONT.
We crossed the Potomac river, as the advance of General McCall's command, on the
10th day of October, 1861, and were stationed at Camp Pierpont, at the extreme right
of the Army of the Potomac. Here we picketed by details of one officer, and thirty
men, daily, during the winter, also, making frequent expeditions to Drainesville and
toward Leesburg.
The first skirmish of the regiment, occurred near Drainesville, on the 27th day of
November, 1861. The regiment, had been ordered out on the previous evening, to scout
the country beyond Difficult creek, a small stream crossing the pike, about six miles
west of camp, and make a descent on Drainesville, a village some seven miles further
on.
Marching all night and arriving at the village just
[14] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
before daylight, the houses were surrounded, and a search for guerrillas, reported
to harbor there, commenced.
Half a dozen suspicious persons were arrested, and the regiment, after an hour's
halt, took up its march for camp. When some two miles from the town, the head of the
column was fired on by guerrillas concealed in the pine thickets, by the roadside.
Detachments immediately dismounted and pushed into the woods, and in a few minutes
had killed or captured the whole party of the enemy. We lost, Assistant Surgeon
Samuel Alexander and private Jos. Hughling, Company D, killed, and two other me#
severely wounded. Colonel Bayard was slightly wounded and his horse killed under him.
BATTLE OF DRAINESVILLE.
Five companies, under Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob Higgins, participated actively in
the battle of Drainesville, December 20th, 1861, and General Ord highly complimented
Colonel Higgins for the valuable service the cavalry rendered during the action. At
the opening of the engagement, the cavalry was ordered to push forward and compel
the enemy to unmask his position. This was done in gallant style by
Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob Higgins, with H and I companies, dashing forward on the
road, south of the town, while C, D and E companies charged directly through the
town, and pushed on, until the enemy, opening on their flank and rear, compelled
them to withdraw to prevent being cut off. The infantry now becoming engaged, the
cavalry was ordered to the support of
[15] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Easton's battery, and remained drawn up in the rear of it, though subjected to a
heavy artillery fire, until the close of the action, which lasted about one hour and
twenty minutes, and ended in the total rout of the enemy.
Here was the first time that any part of the regiment had been called upon to face
the enemy in battle array, and its action on this occasion very truly reflected, or
rather foreshadowed, its subsequent history.
The winter of '61 and '62 was spent at Langley, or Camp Pierpont, some four mile
west of Chain Bridge, the regiment being engaged in the services before mentioned,
until the 10th of March, when winter quarters were broken up and campaigning
commenced.
OPENING OF SPRING CAMPAIGN OF 1862.
The regiment then marched with the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, in the grand
advance toward Manassas, and after about ten days most exhausting service, exposed
to pelting rain, sleet and snow storms, returned to Falls Church, where we remained
until General McDowell's advance toward the Rappahannock. Starting on the 9th of
april, we marched via of Fairfax Court House and Manassas Junction to Catletts
Station, which we reached on the 11th, and there performed scouting and picket duty,
till the middle of the month.
On the 13th we started on a reconnaissance toward Falmouth, and having driven in
the enemy's outposts and ascertained his situation, returned to camp.
[16] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
On the 17th, two battalions of our regiment supported by a portion of the Second
New York Cavalry, marched toward Falmouth, as the advance guard of General
McDowell's army. That day we skirmished with the enemy's outpost, from Hartwood
Church toward Falmouth and during the night were led into an ambuscade near the
town, and after severe fighting were compelled to rest till daylight.
Having marched and skirmished all day and until a late hour of the night of the
17th, the men were permitted to take a few hours' sleep at the feet of their horses,
and were again in the saddle, ready to move forward, at two o'clock, on the morning
of the 18th.
Every precaution having been taken to prevent any noise in advancing that might
warn the enemy of our approach, the column commenced its silent march toward the
town, squadron L and M leading the advance.
The morning was cloudy, and so intensely dark, that the enemy's works, which
consisted of a strong barricade, constructed of rails laid alternately lengthwise
and crosswise, were not seen, until the advance guard was right on them. The column
was thus brought to a halt, in a narrow road which it completely filled, and almost
instantly a heavy fire of musketry was opened in the faces of the men.
The regiment recoiling before this fierce and unexpected attack, was immediately
withdrawn from the road, and its operations directed against the flanks of the enemy's
position, in a series of rapid and brilliant charges, which, however, were ineffectual
[17] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
in dislodging him, until daylight, when he fell back, and we occupied the town.
The history of this war will doubtlessly present, in all its records of daring,
few parallels to this hazardous dash. A body of cavalry charging on a town, garrisoned
by double its number of infantry, along an unknown road, and through the blinding
darkness of a rayless night. We were not veterans then, neither were our generals.
In this action, Company E, commanded by Captain Marcus L. French; Company F,
commanded by Captain Alexander Davidson; Company K, commanded by Captain J. H.
Williams; Company L, commanded by Captain W. A. Sands, and Company M, commanded by
Captain J. H. Richards, all under the charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Owen Jones were
closely engaged. Companies G, H, and I, under Major R. J. Falls, acted as a reserve
and were not engaged until the next morning.
Colonel Bayard, in an official report to the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania,
complimented the regiment in the highest terms, for its conduct on the occasion.
The first day after the action the regiment encamped a short distance from
Falmouth, and a few days afterward moved several miles down the neck, and commenced
doing picket duty along the Rappahannock river, and scouting on the Peninsula below.
While engaged in this we had frequent skirmishes with the enemy across the river, and
on one occasion, when he attempted to recapture a schooner from the First New Jersey
Cavalry, on the night of the 13th
[18] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
of May, Companies F, G, H, L, and M, turned out, and after a brief but sharp
skirmish, drove him off, brought the schooner to our own shore of the river, and
rescued the men on board, several of whom were wounded.
The following is a report of the affair, by Colonel Jones, Commanding Regiment.
Headquarters, First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry,
MAY 14th, 1863.
"GENERAL GEORGE D. BAYARD.
"GENERAL: - I have the honor to report that on the evening of yesterday, May 13th,
heavy firing was hard at my camp from the line of our pickets on the Rappahannock. I
soon learned that it proceeded from a party of the enemy, and was directed at a
vessel in charge of the First New Jersey Cavalry. I at once ordered the carbineers
of my command to proceed to the river bank, and finding that the vessel was fastened
to the north bank of river, and in charge of our pickets, I ordered my, men to be
placed in position to cover the removal of two men of the First New Jersey Cavalry,
that were on board of her, and had been badly wounded by the fire of the enemy,
giving orders not to fire, unless first fired upon. After the first, and just as the
second man was being removed from the vessel, a heavy fire was opened upon her by the
enemy, and was instantly replied to by a heavy and well sustained fire from my men,
posted along the river bank. As soon as the enemy's fire ceased, the order to cease
firing was given, and the remaining wounded men removed with safety.
"It gives me great pleasure to state that in the
[19] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
effort, none Of my men were hurt, and that the officers and men displayed the utmost
promptitude bravery and coolness."
Colonel Bayard having received appointment as brigadier-General,
Lieutenant-Colonel Owen Jones was chosen Colonel, and took command of the regiment
May 5th, 1862.
M'DOWELL'S ADVANCE MAY 25TH AND OPERATIONS IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
On the afternoon of the 25th of May, when General McDowell commenced his advance
to join forces with General McClellan, the regiment crossed the Rappahannock at
Fredericksburg, and was sent forward to find the enemy. We advanced rapidly towards
Richmond, and reached a point on the Pamunky river, within fifteen miles of General
McClellan's right wing on the evening of the 27th. The enemy falling back before
us, and the whole route showing evidence of his hasty retreat. At this juncture,
when all were jubilant over the prospects of soon joining the grand army of the
Peninsula, against the Rebel Capitol, we received orders to return immediately to
Fredericksburg. Recrossed the Rappahannock at that place on the evening of the
28th, and marched at once, via of Catlett's Station and Thoroughfare Gap to Front
Royal, which we reached on the 1st day of June.
With but an hour's rest, we proceeded at full gallop, nearly to Strasburg, a
distance of about twelve miles, when crossing the Shenandoah river and coming up to
Jackson's forces, we skirmished until dark, and then recrossed the river and
bivouacked for the night
[20] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
to await assistance next morning. General McDowell not having come up with his army
our brigade, consisting of one battalion of Bucktails, Hall's Second Maine Battery,
of three guns, the First New Jersey Cavalry, and First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry,
proceeded alone, and driving Jackson's rear guard out of Strasburg, were almost
immediately joined by the advance of General Fremont's army, entering from another
direction.
A gallop of six miles, brought us upon the enemy's batteries at Woodstock, and
after three repeated attacks, we drove them from their position, and his rear guard,
consisting of infantry and cavalry, from the town.
In this manner, we proceeded for eight days under the guns of the enemy every day,
and driving him as rapidly as General Fremont could follow with our main force.
At Mount Jackson, on the 4th, a running fight for the bridge across the
Shenandoah, occurred, but the enemy reaching the river first, succeeded in crossing
his forces, and destroying the bridge, thus delaying our column until the next day.
On the afternoon of the 6th, a sharp action occurred, just beyond Harrisonburg, in
which the First New Jersey Cavalry, first, and later the Bucktail Battalion and our
own regiment engaged a force of the enemy at least three times their number, and
completely repulsed them.
On the 8th, we advanced and participated in the Battle of Cross Keys, but being
the reserve, were but slightly engaged.
[21] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Next day we led the advance of the centre column to Port Republic, where we
arrived just in time to witness the bridge, across the Shenandoah in flames and the
enemy all safely beyond our reach.
On the 10th, we commenced retracing our steps down the valley, and, after a halt
of two days at Mount Jackson, returned via of Front Royal again to Manassas, which
point we reached on the 23rd, making thirty days of incessant marching; skirmishing
and fighting, having in that time, marched nearly four hundred miles, skirmishing
the greater part of the way in the face of the enemy, and having been engaged in two
battles, and ten or twelve considerable skirmishes.
Remaining at Manassas to refit, as the efficiency of the command was much reduced
by its late severe service, the regiment was engaged for the next two weeks in
picketing in the direction of the Rappahannock.
POPE'S ADVANCE TO THE RAPIDANN AND RETREAT TO WASHINGTON.
We next marched with the advance of Pope's army, first to Manassas Junction, on
the 4th of July, and some two weeks afterward to Rappahannock river and Culpepper.
From this latter point, as a centre, we made various marches, during the remainder
of the month to Madison Court House, towards Gordonsville, &c.; also doing heavy
picket duty at the same time.
On the 1st of August, we advanced with the brigade
[22] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
to the Rapidann river, where picket and scout followed each other in regular
reliefs, and our horses were seldom unsaddled day or night, from that time until, as
rear guard, we came to Alexandria, closely followed by the enemy's advance, to within
a few, miles of that city; a period of about five weeks, day and night on duty.
"The duty on the Rapidann was very heavy. Our little party, about twelve miles
from the advance of the army, for eight days guarding all the crossings of the river
for several miles at a low stage of water, and at the same time watching at all
points inland for the enemy's approach from above and below; making constant scouts
to watch the country around us, was severely tried and all its endurance tested to
the utmost."
When Jackson finally advanced in force, his first attempt on crossing the river,
was to take our whole party before we could reach assistance, as he was fully aware
of our location and force.
On the night of August 7th, 1862, the enemy crossed at several places and made
attempts in the darkness, to surprise and capture our pickets, but was so skilfully
baffled in his undertaking as to succeed in capturing but two men. The outpost
rallying upon the reserve, held the enemy in check till morning, when the regiment
withdrew some three miles and another stand was made to cover the crossing of the
brigade over the Robinson river. Here the enemy were again delayed by a skilful
management of our forces, until our camps were cleared, and our wagon train removed
a safe distance to the rear, when we
[23] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
slowly retired, although subject to a brisk fire of artillery, and pursued by a
strong force of infantry and cavalry, supported, as we afterward learned, by
Jackson's whole force.
General Bayard, by his skilful manoeuvering, and by the good conduct of our men,
baffled the enemy's advance in force so completely, that nearly the whole day was
occupied in returning to Cedar Mountain, a distance of but seven or eight miles from
the point of attack on the previous evening.
Here, as a prelude to the bloody battle of the next day, we formed, and by holding
the position until General Banks' force arrived, and deployed in battle order, traced
the memorable lines, and measured off the ground, where before another day was half
spent, more than twenty thousand men met face to face in mortal combat. A cool and
determined front was kept continually toward the enemy, and as squadron after
squadron filed off to the rear, the next in succession opened its front to the
attack, until the preceding one had again taken up position, thus slowly and
stubbornly giving ground, inch by inch, as the weight of the enemy's overwhelming
force pushed us back.
"For this masterly retreat, General Bayard and his command received public
compliment and thanks from the commanding General on the field next day."
BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN.
The regiment was in front of the battle next day at Cedar Mountain as advance
Skirmishers, and the first battalion after skirmishing, was placed as support of
Knapp's battery, which was making sad havoc
[24] HISTORY OF TILE FIRST REGIMENT
with the enemy. A charge of a full division upon this battery placed it in imminent
peril. A charge of cavalry was ordered. The first battalion dashed upon the enemy,
broke three successive lines of infantry, turned and fought back; and of one hundred
and sixteen men who started, about seventy-five formed their line again by the side
of the battery. The advance of the enemy was completely checked by this daring
charge, and the battery saved.
See subjoined extract of official report of MAJOR R. J. FALLS, First Penna. Res.
Cavalry.
"IN THE FIELD, AUGUST 13th, 1862.
"SIR: According to your instructions, I beg leave to offer the following report of
a charge, made by the first battalion of your regiment, under my immediate command,
at the battle of Cedar Mountain, on the 9th instant, at about 5 o'clock P.M.
"I was directed by Brigadier-General Bayard to charge through the enemy's lines,
at a point where they were supposed to be forming for a charge on our batteries.
"My command consisting of Companies A, B, C, and D, Companies A and B forming the
first squadron, commanded by Captain Wm. Litzenberg of B company; and companies C
and D, composing the second squadron, commanded by Captain J. P. Taylor of C
company. Company A of the first squadron, being commanded for the time being by
First Lieutenant Wm. T. McEwen of C company, and Lieutenant Kelly. Captain T. J.
Frow being absent sick, and First Lieutenant Wm. H. Patterson having
[25] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
been detached as Aid to General Bayard, during the early part of the engagement.
Company B was commanded by Second Lieutenant R. S. Lawsha, Captain Litzenberg being
in command of the squadron, and First Lieutenant Wm. Buzby absent sick. Company C,
of the second squadron, was commanded by Second Lieutenant R. J. McNitt, Captain
Taylor being in command of a squadron, and Lieutenant Wm. McEwen detached in command
of company A. Company D was commanded by Captain H. A. McDonald, First Lieutenant W.
L. Holbrook and Second Lieutenant Wm. F. Butcher, until the former was severely
wounded and the latter killed, when the command devolved entirely on Lieutenant
Holbrook.
"After getting in front of the point designated, and being in column of fours, I
immediately formed squadron, my command being already under fire.
"I moved forward at a rapid gait until within fifty yards of the enemy's lines,
which I found in great force, and three in number, when I gave the command "charge,"
when, with loud and terrific cheering, my command charged through their lines,
cutting, running down and scattering then in every direction, causing sad havoc and
discomfiture in their ranks, as prisoners taken testify.
"After charging back and reforming I found my command reduced from one hundred and
sixty-four, rank and file, to that of seventy-one, the remainder having been killed,
wounded, or otherwise placed hors du combat, by their horses falling over those
killed and wounded.
[26] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
"Our little band there proving themselves true sons of the old Keystone state."
The third battalion, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel S. D. Barrows, after the
battle had fairly opened, was withdrawn from the skirmish line, and stationed
immediately in rear of the centre, where it remained until ordered to withdraw at
dark.
The second battalion occupied a position on the extreme right of our line of
battle, as flankers and at one stage of the action was entirely cut off by a force
of the enemy, but succeeded in eluding the trap prepared for it by remaining in its
position until dark, and then coming in, under cover of the night.
Additional Particulars. - The fatigue of the previous twenty-four hours'
unremitting and exhausting service, with the heat of an August sun and the clouds of
dust the arid winds stirred from the parched earth, had well nigh overcome the men,
so that when, as the sun's last rays vanished from the west, the enemy withdrew his
pressing columns, they sank down at their horses feet, rein in hand, and were soon
lost to surrounding dangers and the demands of supperless stomachs, in the
unconscious embrace of that sweet restorer exhausted nature so much needed.
But the fleet hours of the brief night passed before the tired soldier had half
finished his grateful repose. Morning dawned calm and beautiful, and opening day, as
its approach was heralded by the golden streams that flooded the eastern horizon,
appeared, as though conscious of the awful scene about to be enacted, to draw the
rising mists as a veil of sorrow around its opening splendors, and shed a sombre hue
over the face of nature.
[27] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
The first streaks of morning light was the signal for the soldier to shake off his
slumbers, and prepare for the coming conflict. A cracker, with a cup of coffee
hastily prepared from the muddy water of a brook hard by, made our breakfast, and we
were ready. During the night the infantry and artillery had taken their respective
positions, and the cavalry, stretching along from right to left, a few hundred yards
to the front, forming the advance skirmish line.
And thus we stood from early morning, hour after hour, in painful suspense,
awaiting the opening gun, Eleven o'clock came, and still all was quiet, and the
first keen anxiety having worn off, expressions of impatience could be heard passing
along the ranks, as fretted by the wearying suspense, the feeling naturally arises in
the human breast to dare the worst, rather than wear longer the galling chain.
But the scene was soon to be varied. A few moments after eleven, Generals
Crawford, Banks and Bayard with their staffs, riding forward to reconnoitre, were
opened upon by a battery, and our gunners immediately replied, and a sharp artillery
duel ensued, which was continued with great vigor for nearly an hour, on both sides,
but no infantry became engaged.
At 12 M., the firing had ceased and silence again reigned until half past three,
when a lone gun from a battery of the enemy, on the point of Cedar Mountain again
sounded forth the signal.
Another and another immediately answered it along the line, until, in a few
minutes, the woods rang and the hills echoed with the storm of thunder that burst
[28] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
from a dozen batteries; soon the infantry, too, opened, and by four o'clock the
battle raged with fury. A fiercer or more deadly contest, between the same number,
is seldom directed by the god of war. A little more than seven thousand Union troops
fought, and gallantly held in check, from three and a half P.M. until darkness ended
the carnage, more than eight thousand rebels.
From four o'clock until seven, the battle raged with unabated fierceness, peal on
peal rung out the cannon's thunder, growing louder and more intense every moment,
while crash answered crash in the long unbroken roll of musketry, and never did her
sons bear more nobly the starry emblem of our nation's glory, than during these
Wearisome and awful hours on the bloody plains around Cedar Mountain.
"After the battle of Cedar Mountain, our regiment was accorded the post of honor
in the extreme advance, and remained there, when our men were actually shot in camp
by the enemy's pickets, for about a week."
When Pope retired, on the 19th of August, General Bayard's command, increased to
five regiments, formed the rear guard. Moving slowly back we passed through
Culpepper at ten o'clock at night, and reaching Brandy station at midnight, rested
until morning. At daylight our outposts were attacked by the enemy. Supporting them
strongly and gradually falling back, we kept him at a respectful distance until we
neared the Rappahannock, when gathering his forces for a final attack, with the view
of turning our flank, and cutting us off from the river, he made a
[29] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
dashing charge, first on the second New York cavalry, which, struck while forming,
was broken, and next on the first New Jersey cavalry which shared the same fate, by
the second New York, which was in their immediate front, riding through and
confusing its ranks.
This occurred in a strip of woods that skirted an open, cleared country, which
extended in a semicircle of half a mile from the ford, and the First Pennsylvania
Reserve Cavalry, which had passed on, and just emerged from the woods as the attack
was made, drew up in line, one half in the open field, facing the woods and the
other on one side, partially concealed by it.
On came the Johnnies, after breaking the line in the woods, yelling and whooping,
and doubtlessly supposing they would have it all their own way, but they were
shortly led to think otherwise. As soon as they had emerged from the woods, the
First Pennsylvania moved on them from the front and at the same time swept around an
unlooked-for column on the flank. This brought them very quickly to a stand and about
the time they were preparing to take the back track, the two regiments in the woods
which had in the mean time rallied, came thundering down on their rear, completing
their route, and scattering them in every direction. Remaining in battle line for
some time and no enemy making his appearance, we crossed the river.
On the 21st, we again joined Generals McDowell and Siegel's forces, and did picket
duty, and participated in the skirmishes along the Rappahannock, from Rappahannock
Station to Sulphur Springs, until we
[30] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
retired with General Siegel to Gainesville on the evening of the 27th, having been
on constant duty and under fire every day.
Immediately on crossing the river, Company E, Captain M. L. French; Company F,
Captain A. Davidson; Company G, Captain D. Gardner, and Company H, Captain Theodore
Streck, the whole under charge of Major J. H. Ray were detached from the regiment
and sent to Beverly Ford, on picket.
The next day, the 22nd, having been relieved by a body of infantry and a battery
of artillery, the battalion retired a short distance from the river to rest and
graze their horses, and just when some of the men had unsaddled and were grooming
their horses, others absent hunting forage, and the detachment scattered generally,
the enemy opened a battery of six guns on the point and at the same time charged
across the river with a body of cavalry. But, although taken at this great
disadvantage, those who were present immediately rallied, forming line and holding
the enemy back, until the balance of the command had all got together, when it
withdrew without the loss of a man or horse.
From this place the battalion was ordered on special duty at General Pope's
headquarters and continued thus employed until after the battle of Bull Run, when it
returned to the regiment.
On the 22nd day of August, also, a party of about a dozen men, in charge of
Sergeant H. A. Wood, Regimental C. S. Sergeant, on their way from Catlett's Station
to the regiment with rations, were waylaid and fired on by a squad of rebel infantry
[31] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
near Sulphur Springs, and at the same time closed in on from the rear by a squadron
of cavalry and compelled to surrender. During the following night, however, Sergeant
Wood succeeded in making his escape and joined the regiment next morning.
About the same time also, Jackson reached the rear of our army at Manasses
Junction, cut off our supplies and the regiment was forced to subsist for the next
ten days, on the scanty fare this desolate and wasted region afforded, which
consisted principally of green corn, savored by an occasional emaciated sheep or
pig. All who experienced the hardships of these, the most trying days the regiment
had yet passed through, will remember the sleepless nights, after days of exhausting
toil, and the commencement of another day's duty, without the preface of a breakfast
or the prospect of a dinner, and as for our horses with their backs actually putrid
from the constant pressure and wear of the saddles, which had not been permitted to
be removed for weeks, fell down in the ranks from exhaustion and starvation, and
were abandoned by the wayside. "This was headquarters in the saddle."
The night following the day that Jackson made his attack on Manasses, a portion of
Stuart's cavalry, made a descent on Catlett's Station, where, with others, our
division and regimental trains were parked, but by the energy and gallantry of
Captain R. R. Corson, Division Quartermaster and Lieutenant George H. Baker,
Regimental Quartermaster, who had collected the dismounted men and teamsters and
barricaded the camp and prepared to resist an attack, and with the aid of Colonel
lane and a small party
[32] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
of Bucktails, who were encamped close by, succeeded in driving the raiders off
before they accomplished any damage further than the destruction of half dozen of
General Pope's headquarter teams.
BATTLE OF BULL RUN.
During the 28th day of August, we were acting as flankers and skirmishers to
McDowell's army and received the enemy's first fire, near Gainesville. The next day
attached to General Reynold's Division, we spent the whole day on the extreme left
of the army, being under fire most of the time and occupied the same comparative
position next day, till called on to form part of the column of cavalry, preparing
for a grand charge. When the left wing of the army was forced back, we, with the
other cavalry were detailed to arrest the stampede and were engaged in this until
night-fall covered the bloody scenes of that ill-fated field.
With picket and skirmish daily, we, as part of the rear guard, closed up the
remainder of that memorable retreat, and then with little more than one hundred
horses and two hundred available men, commenced a new picket line outside of
Washington.
EXTRACT FROM AN ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE.
"The First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry claims the honor of drawing the first fire
and of receiving the last, in the ever-memorable battle of the Second Bull Run. On
the morning of the 28th day of August, 1862, one squadron, Companies I and M got
between Jackson and Longstrect on the Thoroughfare Gap
[33] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
pike, and captured and brought out ninety-seven prisoners. The next morning Colonel
Owen Jones made a reconnoissance toward Centreville, and was opened upon by a light
battery of the enemy, this being the first shot fired on either side.
On the evening of the 30th, Sergeant (now First Lieutenant) F. S. Morgan with ten
men held a road leading to Centreville until all the wounded were removed from the
buildings in his rear. The rebels brought up a battery of four guns and attempted to
drive the little squad, but without avail, until their task was completely
accomplished, and this was the last fire of the engagement."
CAMP SOUTH OF WASHINGTON.
Establishing camp, September 1st, near Munson's Hill, on the outskirts of the
defences of Washington, picketing the approaches of the city, where we remained some
six weeks refitting for the field.
About the middle of September, five companies, G, H, I, K and L, under command of
Major R. J. Falls, were sent to do duty with General Siegel at Centreville, and were
employed in picketing the line of Bull Run and scouting the plains of Manassas.
On the 12th of October, a scout was made to Warrenton consisting of this
detachment from our regiment, and one of about the same strength from the First New
Jersey Cavalry, all under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Karze, (First New Jersey),
which after a brief skirmish drove a body of the enemy's cavalry from the place,
entered the town and captured and paroled upwards of fourteen hundred sick and
[34] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
wounded soldiers, who had been brought here by the enemy, from the battle-field of
Bull Run.
On the 10th of October, the balance of the regiment in camp, led the advance and
covered the return of the division in a four days' scout from Bailey's Cross Roads
to the Rappahannock.
SECOND ADVANCE FROM THE POTOMAC OF 1862.
On the morning of the 27th day of October, in the face of the pelting torrents of
rain and sweeping gusts of a fierce equinoctial, we again took up our line of march
southward.
Our column consisted of some dozen regiments of cavalry, with the necessary train
and transportation, and we consequently moved very slowly. More than half the day
was spent before we were fairly on the road, and night came on before we had gotten
a dozen miles from camp.
The next day we marched to the plains of Chantilly and establishing that place as
a centre, immediately engaged in scouting the country beyond, as far as the Bull Run
mountains on the west, and the Rappahannock on the south.
On the thirty-first with a force consisting of the First New Jersey, our own
regiment and four pieces of artillery, we were attacked by an equal force of the
enemy, at the village of Aldie, situated on the Middleburg and Upperville pike, and
in a Gap of the Bull Run mountains. After a spirited action of some two hours, the
enemy were repulsed and we remained master of the field.
On the 4th of November, we marched to join forces
[35] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
with General McClellan's advance, which was moving southward from the Potomac, along
the east side of the Blue Ridge. Halted for the night a short distance beyond
Middleburg, and resuming march next morning, reached Upperville late in the
afternoon; and, a few hours after, General Pleasanton had driven the enemy from the
place.
Early on the morning of the 6th, we resumed the march, and after travelling a
circuitous route of twenty miles, reached the Waterloo pike, some three miles
southwest of Warrenton. Here we met the enemy, who immediately opened a battery on
the head of our column.
Captain H. S. Thomas' squadron, companies L and M, was at once ordered forward as
skirmishers, supported by companies I and K. Captain D. Gardner, with company G, was
sent down the pike toward Waterloo, while Colonel Owen Jones, with the balance of the
regiment, pushed across the country with the design of intercepting the enemy on the
Sulphur Spring pike: But only waiting to give us a few shell, he limbered up before
our guns could be gotten in position, and made off with such speed as to baffle all
attempts to overtake him. Our artillery, however, paid its compliments to the
support of his battery, (which consisted of about a regiment of cavalry,) in the
shape of a shower of shot and shell, as they dashed over the hill in their endeavors
to elude our cavalry.
After the pursuit was discontinued, and the different detachments had rejoined the
command, we resumed the march, passing through Warrenton and
[36] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
halting for the night a few miles out on the Fayetteville road.
Next morning, the 7th, we started in a heavy snow storm for Fayetteville, and
reaching it about noon, remained there until nearly dark, when we again moved
forward in the direction of Rappahannock station. Arriving in the vicinity of the
bridge, at nine P.M., Colonel Jones was ordered to charge the fording with the First
Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, and save the bridge, if possible; which movement he
accomplished with such skill and dash, as to completely surprise the enemy and drive
him off before he could reach the bridge, or do any injury to it.
On the following morning we went into camp near the station and remained for
twelve days, picketing the various fords above and below this point.
On the night of the 19th we were again in column of route, slowly plodding our way
through mud and rain and intense darkness, toward Falmouth. After eight hours
wearisome travel we reached Morrisville, seven miles distant, and halted until
morning. Again on the road, we reached Hartwood church, drenched with rain and
covered with mud; and the next day, after a wearisome march, made through mud
knee-deep to our horses, we made Brook's station, and established camp.
Picketing and scouting in the direction of the Occoquan river and Dumfries, made
up the duties of the regiment for the four weeks we remained here.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
At early dawn, on the morning of the 10th of De-
[37] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
cember, we received orders to break camp and be ready to move at once; this was not
done without some regret, as the men had already prepared neat and comfortable
winter quarters.
The line of march was commenced an hour or two before night, in the direction of
Falmouth. The roads being completely covered with ice, and darkness setting in it
became very difficult to advance over the hilly and uneven road, and we soon halted
for the night. In the saddles again at six the next morning and reached Falmouth
about noon. Forming a mile to the rear of the town, we remained in that position
until evening, when, retiring to a wood just in our rear, picketed our horses, and
building huge fires, were soon bivouacked for the night, all accept Companies I and
K, Captains J. M. Gaston and J. H. Williams, which were sent to the river at dark to
cross on the lower pontoon, and picket on the other side between the enemy's outposts
and the pontoon bridge.
The night was intensely cold, and little sleep was had by the regiment, but the
morning dawned clear and beautiful on the heights, where, soon after daylight, we
stood formed ready for the advance; though the river and the lowlands, which, at
this place, skirt its banks on the north side for half a mile, and on the south for
full a mile back from the water's edge, were shrouded in thick clouds of mist.
The regiment, with the brigade, reached the river bank about nine A.M., and in
half an hour had passed over the pontoons and taken position on the hostile shore.
Here we were joined by the squadron
[38] HISTORY Or THE FIRST REGIMENT
sent forward the night previous to picket, and the regiment having been detailed as
advance skirmishers, with orders to proceed until we found the enemy, our line was
at once formed, stretching for a mile across the plains, and the advance commenced.
We found the enemy about a mile from the river, just beyond the railroad, in
force, and reported his position.
General Bayard having visited the front, ordered the regiment to fall back across
the railroad; this movement was instantly followed by the enemy's skirmishers, and
his battle line moving forward at the same time opened hotly upon us. Our carbineers
replied coolly and rapidly, holding the position for fully an hour against these
odds, and until the infantry skirmishers of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps relieved
us.
The next day we were again deployed as skirmishers, our line stretching across the
field the entire breadth of our left wing, and through the dreadful length of that
disastrous day, we were compelled to sit, a target for the enemy's artillery, (which
poured from the adjacent heights a continuous stream of iron death on the plain
below,) living an age in an hour, and every moment dragged out to an agonizing
length by the oppressive suspense, produced by the grand and appalling surroundings,
still the regiment remained where it had been placed, not a man swerving from his
post, until the shades of night began to settle down upon that plain, now smoking
with the warm life's blood of fifteen thousand Union soldiers, when we were relieved
and withdrawn to the river bank.
[39] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
DEATH OF GENERAL BAYARD.
About three o'clock in the afternoon of the 13th, when the storm of battle raged
the fiercest, and flying shot and shell were crashing though our ranks and ploughing
up the earth around us, the sad tidings of the fall of our beloved general reached
us. It fell like a thunderbolt upon the regiment; men forgot themselves in danger in
their anxious solicitude for their general, and plainly, for a while, could be
discerned along that unwavering line of brave men, the stern and rigid lineaments
battle stamps upon the features, softening into gentler lines beneath the melting
influence of sympathy and sorrow, and then again growing doubly frigid and
unrelenting, as revenge brought back to mind who dealt the murderous blow.
No one, among the many heroes who have fallen in this war, possessed more fully
and unfeignedly the love and esteem of those whom he honored as their leader, than
did General Bayard of his command, and especially of his own regiment the First
Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry.
To this brilliant and lamentable soldier and unsurpassed cavalry officer, the
regiment owes the completeness of its organization, the rapidity of its training,
the skill and steadiness of movement which have rendered it so successful in its
manoeuvers and evolutions in the face of the enemy, the careful training in picket
duty, which have spared it the mortification of surprise, and enables it thus far,
to exhibit a record in this respect few regiments can
[40] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
equal, and to his training and example the steadiness and quiet courage which
rendered its actions so conspicuous on this bloody field, and drew from General
Reynolds the highest encomiums as it stood unwavering under the whole weight of fire
from Jackson's line, holding its position until relieved.
It is not unworthy of note here, that the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry was
the only cavalry regiment actively engaged in this ill-advised and sanguinary
battle, the balance of the brigade, which crossed the river with us, having been
massed under cover of the river bank, where it remained during the whole engagement.
EXTRACT OF REPORT OF COLONEL OWEN JONES, CONTAINING ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS OF
OPERATIONS OF THE REGIMENT, FROM OCTOBER 27TH TO DECEMBER 14TH, 1862.
"As Colonel of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, I have the honor to report
to you the service performed by this regiment since the commencement of this present
campaign:
"On the 27th of October, I left Bailey's cross roads, and marched to Chantilly,
and a few days after was ordered with Bayard's brigade to report to General
McClellan.
"On the 31st had a small skirmish with a cavalry force of the enemy, supported by
a battery, at Aldie.
" On the 6th of November, companies L and M, Captains H. S. Thomas and Lieutenant
H. S. Gaul being in advance, the brigade moving on Warrenton, were attacked by the
Seventh Virginia Cavalry, with
[41] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
an artillery support. The engagement was short and decisive. The enemy were soon
driven from their positions with loss of killed and captured.
"Immediately after I entered Warrenton with a portion of my regiment, and was
shortly after joined by the other regiments connected with the Pennsylvania
Reserves; and the remainder of General Bayard's brigade, in the afternoon of that
day. During a violent snowstorm, I was ordered forward with two battalions of the
regiment, and a section of artillery, to seize and save the bridge, at Rappahannock
station. My cavalry cut off and captured the picket stationed at the north side of
the river for the protection of the bridge. A regiment of infantry encamped on the
opposite side, was shelled and driven from their camp, leaving behind them their
tents and material, including the luggage and mess chests of the officers, which
were subsequently taken possession of by my men. Thus successfully carrying out the
objects of the expedition. I held the bridge for about forty-eight hours until
relieved by a brigade of infantry.
"From that time until the 19th, the regiment was engaged in guarding the various
fords above and below the bridge, during which time various detachments had several
slight skirmishes with the enemy. On the evening of the 19th, the regiment moved for
Brooks Station, where it arrived on the 22nd, and there remained until the 10th day
of December, doing picket and scouting duty.
"Arrived opposite Fredericksburg on the 11th of December, early on the morning of
the 12th, the regi-
[42] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
ment was ordered to take the advance of the brigade, crossed the Rappahannock where
we were joined by two companies that had passed the river the evening previous to
do picket duty.
"By order of General Bayard, the regiment was then deployed as skirmishers in
front of the brigade, and advanced cautiously through a thick fog, meeting and
driving before them the advance post of the enemy, and holding their position until
relieved by the advance of the infantry. In doing this duty a very severe skirmish
occurred, in which a number of men and horses were killed and wounded.
"The companies deployed as skimishers, were under the command of Captain William
T. McEwen, M. L. French, H. C. Beamer, H. S. Thomas and Lieutenant H. S. Gaul.
"I cannot speak in too high terms of the officers and men engaged in this affair.
All did their duty nobly. This regiment was the only one actually engaged in the
fight of that day and bivouacked for the night on the field.
"The day following I was ordered with my regiment to report to General Reynolds,
for duty, and by him was directed to watch the motions of the enemy on the left of
the army during the entire day, exposed to a storm of shot and shell, seldom, if
ever equalled. That duty was performed, and I have reason to believe, to the full
and entire satisfaction of the officers in command, no other cavalry being in that
portion of the field.
"The men remained during the night in the position held by them during the battle:
our loss having been
[43] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
heavy in horses, although, fortunately few of the men were, hurt.
"The day following we were ordered to recross the river and picket the north bank
of the Rappahannock for a distance of some ten miles below Fredericksburg, which
duty is now being performed.
"It gives me great pleasure to be able to say that during the entire time, none of
my men have been captured."
WINTER QUARTERS AT BELL PLAIN LANDING, VA.
The regiment continued thus employed until the 29th of December, when it moved to
within a short distance of Bell Plain Landing, on the Potomac side of the neck and
prepared winter quarters.
The industry and constructive genies of our men soon changed the appearance of a
wooded hillside, the site for our camp, from a primeval forest, to a neat and
comfortable village of seven or eight hundred soldiers. The place of tents was
supplied by huts half dug in the hillside, with natural chimneys drilled through the
bank on the upper side, and the portion of the hut above ground, finished by logs and
clap boards made from lumber felled at the door.
These quarters were all the men wished, had they been permitted to enjoy them, but
"the exigencies of the service" directed otherwise, and in little more than a month
the regiment was moved to other ground about a mile distant, and its skill again
tested, in constructing quarters. Here, fortunately, it was permitted to have a
nominal home until we broke camp in April, but not to enjoy uninterruptedly its log-
[44] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
ribbed and mud-plastered palaces, as each alternate ten days during the whole winter
was spent on picket along the Rappahannock, in the vicinity of King George Court
House.
INCIDENTS OF THE WINTER.
On the 19th day of January, the regiment with the army, turned out to make another
attempt at dislodging the enemy from his formidable position around Fredericksburg,
by crossing the river at "United States Ford," some miles above that place, and
assailing his flank. But a heavy rain storm setting in, the roads became impassable,
the artillery and trains swamping in the mud, a few miles from their camps, and after
three days splashing and floundering, the movement was abandoned and the troops
drenched, bespattered and half frozen returned to their camps.
Shortly after this move, Colonel Owen Jones resigning, Lieutenant-Colonel. J. P.
Taylor was chosen Colonel of the regiment, and on the 10th of February following,
Major D. Gardner, Lieutenant-Colonel.
While on picket at King George C. H., on the 17th of March a detachment consisting
of Companies F, G, L and M, under command of Major McEwen, made a scout on the neck
below, destroying a number of barges and boats employed in smuggling contraband
goods across the Rappahannock.
Two nights after, another detachment, consisting of Companies I and K, under
command of Major Gaston, was sent to West Moreland C. H. on a similar expedition. On
arriving at Maddox creek, some
[45] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
ten miles below, the party was divided: Captain Williams with K company taking the
road to Maddox creek landing, while Captain T. C. McGregor, with I company proceeded
on toward the Court House, and returning by way of Leedstown, destroying a large boat
and captured a smuggler's wagon, loaded with silks, shoes, fancy goods and imperial
tea. All that could be carried was packed on the saddles, and the balance, with the
wagon, was destroyed, and the party returned next day to headquarters, having more
the appearance of a travellers' caravan, than a squadron of Yankee cavalry.
OPENING OF THE SPRING CAMPAIGN OF 1863.
At 9 A.M., April 12th, 1863, the "general," whose notes had not greeted our ears
for several months, was again sounded. Tents struck and saddles packed, the regiment
was soon on its way from Bell Plain landing, Va., toward the Rappahannock to do
picket duty. Established picket headquarters near King George C. H. and picket the
river from Falmouth to Port Conway. Continued at this duty until May the 9th, when
it was relieved and marched to Potomac Creek bridge.
At Port Conway, the terminus of our line of picket along the river, a flanking
chain of videttes extended across the country at right angles with the river, for
some three miles; all below this was open and unguarded and occasional scouts were
made in this region, to learn what was transpiring, waylay smugglers and destroy
contraband goods. On Sunday, the 26th day of April, a scouting party started,
[46] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, to go to Leedstown, on the Northern
Neck, of Va. for the purpose of capturing some rebel soldiers, reported to be across
the river visiting friends. The main body of the party left the lower picket lines
about 4, A.M., and proceeded down on the Rappahannock road until they reached
Leedstown.
At 12.30 M. of the same day, Colonel Taylor, accompanied by an escort of one
officer, (Lieutenant W. A. Kennedy, Company K,) and six men, proceeded in the
direction the detachment had taken, for the purpose of intercepting it. When about
eight miles below our line, they were fired upon by 9 large body of the Fifteenth
Virginia (rebel) cavalry, dismounted and in ambush. Three of the number, Eli
Leskelett, Moses Hastings, and Corporal David Ackelson, all from Company I, were
riddled with bullets and fell from their horses dead, or mortally wounded. Colonel
Taylor had his cap shot from his head and Lieutenant Kennedy his horse wounded, and
both narrowly escaped being captured, by dashing through the guerrillas who thronged
the road in front of them.
This cowardly crew was part of a detachment of about three hundred who had crossed
the river in two large flat boats, after Colonel Gardner's party had passed down,
with the intention of intercepting their return. Destroying the bridges and posting
parties in ambush on the different roads, they would doubtlessly have succeeded in
their dastardly designs of murdering more of our men, but for the alarm
[47] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
occasioned by the attack made on Colonel Taylor and his party, which was
communicated to Colonel Gardner, by negroes who had witnessed the affair, thereby
enabling him by skilful movements to evade the traps arranged for him, and bring his
whole party safely into camp, having succeeded in capturing a dozen of prisoners and
destroying several boats and a considerable amount of contraband property, during
their absence.
The line of the river we were engaged in picketing during this time, embraced an
extent of twenty-five miles, making the duty of the regiment, which numbered
scarcely three hundred men for duty, very severe. But we lived in a "land flowing
with mill and honey," and good cheer, in part, made up for hard work. This beautiful
and fertile country, being plentifully supplied with poultry, milk and eggs, which
were readily obtained in exchange for sugar, coffee and salt; and not unfrequently,
as is the habit of soldiers, in sections not eminent for their loyalty, with
exchange all on one side. And as the spring advanced the river swarmed with shad,
herring and other choice fish, of which the Yankees soon invented means of catching
more than they could use, so that when at length the order came for our exodus, we
might have felt even loath to leave these fair meadows, had not the cannon's roar
wafted to our ears from Marye's heights, the Wilderness and Chancellorsville,
reminded us that the contest for another year had opened and we must prepare to bear
our part.
At dark, on the evening of the 8th day of May, we commenced withdrawing our
pickets and bidding adieu, alike to good living and the fair damsels of
[48] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
secessia who graced these regions with their charms, though regretting most to leave
the former, as soldiers very readily learned to discriminate between the real and the
visionary. We stored our haversacks with hard tack and salt junct, and about 11 P.M.
were on the road to Falmouth.
Marching all night, at sunrise we found ourselves winding along over hill and
hollow, through old camps and brush strewed clearings, toward Potomac creek bridge.
May the 18th, marched to U. S. Ford, and picketed along the river until the 28th,
then moved to Warrenton Junction, and established camp. Here we were again engaged
in picketing, but the duty was slight, and the regiment, during the eleven days of
it uninterrupted stay here, was principally engaged in refitting, recruiting its
horses, and preparing for active operations, which were soon to follow.
June the 8th, marched toward the river and encamped within a mile of Kelley's
ford. June the 9th we crossed the river early in the morning and participated in the
Battle of Brandy Station. See annexed official report of Colonel John P. Taylor.
"Head Quarters 1st Penna. Res. Cavalry, Warrenton Junction.
JUNE 12, 1863.
"LIEUT. Wm. P. LLOYD,
A. A. Adjt. Gen. 2nd Brig 3d Div. C. C.
LIEUTENANT: - "I have the honor to respectfully submit, in brief review, the part
my regiment took in the late cavalry fight at Brandy Station, Va., June 9, 1863.
[49] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
"On Monday, the 8th, the Cavalry Corps, commanded by General Pleasanton, according
to orders, left this place at 2, P.M.; the first and fourth divisions commanded by
General Buford, taking up a line of march leading to Beverly ford.
"The second and third divisions commanded by General Gregg, proceeded to Kelley's
ford; both commands arrived at the different fords about dark, and bivouacked for
the night.
"Before sunrise the following morning, the roar of cannon told us that the "ball
had opened" at Beverly ford. General Gregg's command immediately proceeded to cross
the river. Colonel Dufie, commanding the second division, taking the advance,
followed by the third division, and thus proceeding to Stevensburg, about four miles
from Kelley's ford. At this point, General Gregg, leaving Colonel Dufie with his
command to protect his left flank and rear, proceeded with the third division on a
road running parallel with the river, leading direct to Brandy Station. The Second
Brigade, composed of the First Pennsylvania, First New Jersey, and First Maryland
regiments, commanded by Colonel Wyndham, took the advance, followed by the First
Brigade, commanded by Colonel Kilpatrick.
"No sooner had we arrived at Brandy Station, on the left and rear of the enemy,
than their guns were opened upon us, at a range of one thousand yards. Our battery
was immediately placed in position and engaged their guns, while Colonel Wyndham
hastened to attack with his cavalry. One battalion of the First Maryland, led by
Major Russel, charged
[50] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
their battery, followed by the remainder of the First Maryland, led by
Lieutenant-Colonel Deemes, and the First New Jersey led by Colonel Wyndham in
person. At the same time swinging my regiment around to the right,
"I led a desperate charge upon their left and rear, coming up to the Barbour
House, in which was General Stuart, staff and body guard, surrounded by cavalry,
with whom we spent thirty minutes in hand to hand conflict, killing and wounding and
bringing away with us a number of prisoners, among whom was General Stuart's
assistant adjutant-general, captured but a few feet from the renowned General Stuart
himself. In this entire charge and conflict my men depended alone upon the
cavalryman's true weapon, and tested the true merit and power of the sabre.
"At this stage of the fight, the enemy being heavily reinforced, we were compelled
to give way, disputing every step to our new line of battle, where Colonel Dufie
joined us with the Second Division. About this time Colonel Wyndham, having been
wounded, was obliged to turn over his command to me, and my regiment to
Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner.
"The enemy failing to attack us in our new position, the whole command moved off
to the right, toward Rappahannock Station, where we again engaged the enemy with our
artillery, and ordered the First Pennsylvania to support the battery, the enemy
quickly replied, and a brisk artillery duel ensued, lasting nearly two hours, when I
received orders from General Gregg to report immediately with my command to General
Buford, at Beverly ford. With the First
[51] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Pennsylvania in advance, I pushed on rapidly and reported to General Buford, who
immediately ordered me to his extreme right, where we, for the third time, engaged
the enemy; and the First Pennsylvania displayed its usual bravery, in unsaddling a
number of the enemy, and driving them back; thus having disputed possession of the
river, and night coming on, we quietly crossed to the north side of the river and
bivouacked for the night.
"I cannot close this brief review, without more especially speaking of the
behavior of my officers and men, for all seemed to vie with each other in deeds of
daring; and I could have desired no greater effort on the part of any one.
"I would beg leave to mention the gallant conduct of all my field officers, -
Lieutenant-Colonel D. Gardner, Major Win. T. McEwen, Lieutenant Charles C. Townsend,
adjutant of my regiment; the latter having been on sick list for some time, and still
ill, was at his post, during the entire engagement, rendering invaluable service.
"Major J. M. Gaston was not with the regiment, being at the time, on detached
service, at Division headquarters."
ADDITIONAL SKETCH OF THE BATTLE OF BRANDY STATION.
The 7th of June was spent in the hurry and bustle of preparation. Haversacks were
stored, cartridge boxes filled, horses shod, the sick sent back, and all the usual
preparation for active campaigning gone through with.
[52] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
Then commenced the irksome and wearying delays incident to the moving of troops.
Momentarily expecting the order to move, and yet hour after hour passing, and still
not off. Evening came and night passed, and "reveille" awoke us to another day's
expectancy. But we were relieved at noon. The bugle at division headquarters sounded
the "general," tents were soon struck, saddles packed, and the regiments of each
brigade massed in close column, when, after an hour or two's more delay, awaiting
our trains to get on the road, "the advance" was sounded. Slowly pursuing our way
through the heat and clouds of dust raised by the march of a division of cavalry
over parched and arid fields, we at length reached the vicinity of the river, and at
nine P.M. bivouacked for the night, about a mile from Kelley's ford.
The unusual precaution taken to prevent all unnecessary noise, betokened that we
were in the neighborhood of the enemy, and might soon expect an encounter. In
pursuance of previous orders, we were roused from our slumbers at three o'clock the
next morning, and before we had finished our hasty breakfast, the thunder of
Buford's cannon, borne on the calm morning air from Beverly ford, where he had
already commenced crossing his division, brought us to the saddle, and soon we were
drawn up on the river bank, around Kelley's ford, awaiting our turns to cross.
Meeting but little opposition from the enemy, in half an hour we had passed the
river, and were pressing forward into the interior. Dufie's 3rd brigade having the
advance, after proceeding some
[53] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
miles from the river, turned off in the direction of Stevensburg, while our
(Wyndham's) command, moved rapidly forward, towards Brandy Station, with orders to
find the enemy, and at once engage him. These were just the orders for our gallant
and dashing brigade commander. Moving forward at a brisk trot, the First New Jersey
Cavalry in front, the First Pennsylvania Cavalry next, anal Martin's battery, and
the First Maryland Cavalry bringing up the rear. In less than an hour we had reached
the vicinity of the station, and our advance guard was engaged with the enemy's
skirmishers.
Hurrying our columns from the wood through which the road had led for the last two
miles, Colonel Wyndham formed his brigade in columns of regiment, in the open field
east of the Station, and heading the First New Jersey in person, at once ordered the
whole line to charge. Our sudden appearance on the flank and rear of the enemy took
him somewhat by surprise, and for some minutes the hills and plains beyond the
railroad, swarmed with galloping squadrons of "graybacks," hurrying to new
positions, as their line of battle was being changed to meet our attack.
The First Maryland, with squadron A and B from our regiment, were ordered to move
down on the Station, while Colonel Wyndham led the New Jersey against a battery on
the heights beyond the railroad, and the balance of our regiment directed its
operations against the Barbour house, a large Virginia Mansion, situated on a high
knoll just beyond the railroad, and about half a mile north of the Station.
[54] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
The field now presented a scene of grand and thrilling interest. A whole brigade of
cavalry "in column of regiment" moving steadily forward to the attack on our side,
while the enemy's cavalry, having completed its new formation, stood in glittering
lines, awaiting the assault, and his artillery stationed on every hill, with rapid
flash and continuous roar, belching forth its concentrated fire on the advancing columns.
But still, with undaunted firmness, the brigade, in sublime array, moved forward,
first at a steady walk, then quickening their pace to a trot, and again as the awful
space between the battle fronts, rapidly shortened, the gallop was taken, and as the
crowning act of the grand but terrible drama, and when our line had closed on the
enemy until scarce fifty paces intervened, the order to charge rang along our front;
in an instant a thousand glittering sabres flashed in the sunlight; from a thousand
brave and confident spirits arose a shout of defiance, which, as it rung from
squadron to squadron, and was caught up by rank after rank, mingling formed one
vast, strong, full-volumed battle-cry; and every trooper, at the same time rising in
his stirrups, and leaning forward to meet the shock, dashed at headlong speed upon
the foe. First came the dead heavy crash of the meeting columns, and next the clash
of sabre, the rattle of pistol and carbine, mingling with the frenzied imprecation,
the wild shriek that follows the death blow, the demand to surrender, and the appeal
for mercy, forming the horrid din of battle. For a few brief moments the enemy stood
and bravely fought, and hand to hand
[55] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
and face to face raged the contest; but quailing at length before the resistless
force of our attack, and shrinking from the savage gleam and murderous stroke of our
swift-descending sabres, at length broke and fled in confusion.
Following him up, soon the whole plain for a mile in extent was covered with
flying columns, engaged in a general melee, which continued, until the enemy, coming
up with reinforcements, we withdrew and reformed.
When the First Pennsylvania Cavalry emerged from the woods, at the opening of the
action, it was formed facing, and about half a mile from the railroad, and
immediately on the left and supporting our battery. Scarcely half the regiment had
gotten into position, when the enemy opened a battery, at point blank range, from
the eminence of the Barbour house, hurling with great rapidity shot and shell into
our ranks. When we moved forward it was to storm the position, and, if possible,
capture the battery. As we marched straight forward toward the smoking cannons'
mouths, they first saluted us with spherical case, and as the distance grew less,
hurled grape and canister into our, faces. But undaunted our line moved on, and
would, doubtlessly, have taken the guns, had it not been broken in crossing an
intervening ditch, which enabled the battery to move off before the regiment could
be crossed. Once beyond the ditch, we formed ourselves at the foot or the base of
the heights, forming under a heavy fire poured on us from the garden, yard and
buildings surrounding the mansion, and half of the regiment, led by Colonel
[56] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
Taylor, moved on the house from the front, while the other, with Lieutenant-Colonel
Gardner at its head, swung around on its left and rear, and both wings dashing
impetuously forward, soon cleared the enemy from the intervening space, and held
possession of the ground.
An incident may be here noted illustrative of how utterly the Southern chivalry
detest and dread the rough arguments of cold steel, when wielded by the Northern
mechanic's sinewy arm.
Just as we were raising the hill, in our charge, a bold and audacious rebel rode
forward from their ranks and called out, "Put up your sabres, put up your sabres,
draw your pistols and fight like gentlemen;" but the mechanics, farmers and laborers
of Pennsylvania placed too great confidence in their tried blades and the iron nerves
of their right arms, to follow his advice, and soon these kid-gloved gentry blanched
and shrank from the weight of their sturdy strokes.
We here met the flower of Stuart's cavalry, composed of his own body guard, and
White's celebrated battalion and though unaware at the time, had stormed and carried
his headquarters; this we learned from his adjutant-general who was among the
prisoners taken.
June the 10th we returned to camp at Warrenton Junction, and resumed picket duty
at that place.
On the afternoon of the 13th were again on the march. Halting near Warrenton,
Companies A, B and C, Captains Wm. H. Patterson, R. J. McNitt and Lieutenant R. S.
Lawsha, with Captain Wm.
[57] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Litzenberg in charge of the detachment, was sent forward to picket in the direction
of Sulphur Springs and Waterloo, and remaining here until nine P.M. of the 15th,
when the regiment quietly withdrew, and marching all night, reached Manassas
Junction the next morning, where, in a few hour after, it was joined by the pickets.
BATTLES OF 20TH, 21ST AND 22D, FROM ALDIE'S TO ASHBY'S GAP.
The division having concentrated here, was supplied with rations, forage and
ammunition, and after a day's rest, took up its line of march on the morning of the
15th, and moving westward, over the old Bull Run battle ground, struck the
Centreville pike, and reached Aldie on the afternoon of the 17th. At dark on the
18th, we received orders to move down the east side of the mountains to Thoroughfare
Gap, and hold it until relieved. Starting in a violent thunder storm, we groped our
way through blinding darkness, over a miserable road, arriving at Hay Market at one
A.M., stood "to horse" until morning, and then found the Gap. Relieved the following
night, by the Second Corps, we rejoined the division on the morning of the 21st, at
Aldie. Here Stuart's whole force was again met by our cavalry corps, and after two
days' desperate fighting was forced back a distance of fourteen miles, and his
routed and scattered columns pushed into the gaps of the Blue Ridge.
Our cavalry never displayed more determined and persistent courage than during
these memorable actions. Stone fences, with which this country is
[58] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
covered, rocks, ravines, woods, ditches, buildings and every thing available for
defence was held by the enemy, with a stubborn tenacity only excelled by the dashing
bravery of our troops. As often as dislodged from one position he rallied on the
next, holding it until again forced back by our resistless charges.
As our division acted as reserves, we were not engaged until the morning of the
22d, when we were ordered to the front, and covered our retiring columns from
Upperville back to Aldie; the enemy following in force, pressed heavily on our
brigade, the rear guard. The First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry held the left, and
the First New Jersey the right of the pike, and although they were several times
during the day attacked with great vigor and determination by the enemy, as often
hurled back his charging columns in confusion.
At Brandy Station, Stuart's vaunting legions received their first lesson of the
prowess of the Yankee cavalry, and here the finishing stroke, which reduced them to
that point of inefficiency and worthlessness of which General Lee complained so
bitterly in his official report of the invasion of Pennsylvania. The Cavalry Corps,
taking position again on the heights around Aldie, the enemy made no attempt to push
further.
CAMPAIGN INTO PENNSYLVANIA.
Remaining at Aldie until the 26th to protect the crossing of the infantry and
trains at Edward's Ferry, then moved forward toward the Potomac.
The regiment, as the extreme rear guard, was the
[59] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
last to quit Aldie, and reached Leesburg about dark. Resuming march again next
morning, we reached the river about ten, A.M., at Edward's Ferry, and crossing at
two, P.M., drew up in close column of squadron on the Maryland shore.
This was the first time the regiment had been north of the Potomac since its first
advance into Dixie, October the 10th, 1861. Its operations having been confined to an
area of about seventy miles square, extending from Fredericksburg and the northern
neck of Virginia on the east, to the Blue Ridge on the west, and from the Potomac on
the north to the Rappahannock and Rapidann rivers and Shenandoah Valley on the south
and southwest.
So often had this section of the sacred soil been traversed by the marching and
counter-marching of the regiment, that every road, lane, and by-path were as
familiar to us as the localities of our own homes. There was scarcely a town in the
whole stretch of country around which we had not engaged the enemy, and more than
once had the streets of some, as Warrenton, Aldie, Salem, and Culpepper, rung with
the clatter of our charging squadrons, as we hurried the flying enemy from their
vicinities; scarcely a place dignified with the name of village, which was not
marked as a skirmish ground; a cross road at which we had not stood post, or a
fordable point on the Rappahannock, from Port Conway, on the east, to where it
dwindled to a mountain brook in Western Virginia, or on the Rapidann, from its mouth
southward to Madison Court House, that we had not guarded. So that when once freed
from the barren
[60] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
wastes and the putrid air of this war-cursed region, it was not without emotions of
joy that we again after twenty months' absence, pressed a friendly soil, and once
more breathed the atmosphere of loyalty, although we had come to roll back the tide
of invasion from our own homes, and protect our own hearthstone from a ruthless foe.
At dark, on the same evening, we again commenced our march northward, passing
through Poolesville and Barnesville, and reaching Urbana at daylight, halted to
breakfast. Resuming march again, crossed the Monocacy river at the junction, and
halted about eleven, A.M., a mile east of Frederick city. Here the regiment was
detailed on special service at corps head-quarters, and ordered to the city to do
provost duty. Leaving two companies, G and L, Captain F. P. Confer and Lieutenant H.
S. Gaul, for provost duty, the regiment again moved forward on the afternoon of the
29th, reaching Middleburg at two, A.M., the 30th. Again on the road at daylight,
arrived at Taneytown on the afternoon, and encamped in a strip of woods a short
distance beyond.
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
At ten o'clock, P.M., July the 1st, resumed march northward, and traveling all
night, reached the battlefield at nine, A.M., of the 2d, and took a position, as
support for the reserve artillery of the cavalry corps, immediately in rear of the
left centre, and remaining here all day, were withdrawn a mile to the rear at night.
Toward evening of this day, a fierce assault was made on the left wing of the
battle line, which caused
[61] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
it to waver for a while before the fury of the onset; but the Fifth Corps coming up,
just in time, a charge from the Pennsylvania Reserves, hurled the enemy back,
retaking not only the ground lost, but pushed our line forward a half mile beyond
the original position.
Returning to our former post, on the morning of the 3d. The battle opened at
daylight on the right, and raged fiercely for several hours, but the centre and left
remaining inactive until about two, P.M., when the enemy, in his last desperate
effort, hurled forward the concentrated weight of his force on our centre and left.
The action opened here again with redoubled fury, and with the view of opening a way
for his advancing columns through our left centre, a point just in advance of the
position occupied by the regiment, he poured a converging fire of more than one
hundred guns on our line.
The regiment, though not engaged, was exposed to the full force of the terrific
storm, but continued in its position until withdrawn from the range of that blasting
withering stream of death. Moving a short distance to the rear, we remained until the
enemy's massed columns were rolled back in confusion and defeat from the fiery front
of our battle-line, for the last time, and the shouts of victory, first starting
from Cemetery Hill, were caught up by division after division, and echoing from line
to line and corps to corps, until the hills and woods and the whole broad country,
covered by our vast army, rung with one long, loud shout of triumph; a shout that
filled all hearts with rejoicing, that made the wounded forget
[62] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
their anguish, and which, as it fell on the ear of the dying, brightened once more
the glazed eye with life's sparkle, and wreathed once again the pallid countenance
with the smile of joy. And well might every heart rejoice. The day was won. Victory
was ours. The rebel hordes were beaten back. Pennsylvania was rescued from the foul
grasp of traitors, her fair domain spared the blighting curse of sweeping armies,
and our nation's Capitol saved!
At sundown we received orders to withdraw from the field, and find grazing for our
horses. Retiring some two miles to the rear, we turned into a field of grass,
unsaddled and turned loose our jaded and almost famished horses, had supper, the
first meal we had been permitted to prepare for two days, and wrapping our blankets
about us, and lying down, though pelted by a dashing rain storm, were soon enjoying
an uninterrupted and refreshing night's sleep.
Still raining next morning, and continued most of the day. Though our Nation's
Birthday, all was quiet, every one appearing exhausted by the straining tension, to
which both mind and body had been subject for the last three thrilling and momentous
days, and the severe and wearing services of the two weeks previous. Enemy still in
position beyond Gettysburg, but no movement of importance in front, all seeming,
with common consent, to be spending the day in resting and resuscitating their
wearied and exhausted powers.
Resuming the march again on the 5th, retraced our steps through Taneytown, turned
southward through Greenesville, crossed the Doublepike and
[63] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Monocacy rivers, and halted for the night a few miles east of Emmetsburg, and near
Creagerstown. As we passed through this section, the people assembled from all the
neighboring districts "to see the army," and never did soldiers enjoy the luxuries
of richly stored pantries than did the Union troops in passing through this fertile
region. As we moved on, toward evening reports were brought to us that a heavy body
of the enemy's cavalry was moving down the Emmetsburg Pike. Halting before we
reached the pike, we sent forward and soon found the rumor to be idle talk.
Next day, the 6th, we moved a mile or two forward, and within sight of
Creagerstown, and as the regiment was alone, and in charge of eighteen pieces of
artillery, the reserve of the cavalry corps, it was thought advisable not to move
further without more support, halted and remained. until next day, awaiting orders.
Marched back through Frederick city on the 7th, and halting for an hour to receive
rations and forage, proceeded over the mountain to Middletown, and stopped just
beyond for the night. Rained very heavily and found great difficulty in procuring
camping ground for the regiment in the darkness.
On the afternoon of the 8th, moved forward to the base of South Mountain.
On the road again on the morning of the 9th, crossing South Mountain, on the old
Sharpsburg road, and over the battle-ground of the year before. On the summit, a
stone pillar erected, marks the spot where General Reno fell, and moving on to the
[64] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
outskirts of Boonsboro', bivouacked for the night. Remained here during the 10th,
and on the 11th was relieved from duty with the reserve artillery, and ordered to
report again to corps head-quarters. Moved up to the headquarters and encamped in a
wood on the bank of the Antietam creek.
Rejoined the brigade again on the 12th at Boonsboro', where we encamped and
remained two days, awaiting the concentrating of the divisions.
While at Frederick city, Company A, Captain William H. Patterson, and Company B,
Captain William Litzenberg, commanding the squadron, was temporarily detached as an
escort for army headquarters train, until July the 4th, when the squadron was
ordered to report to Major-General Sedgwick, and formed the advance skirmish line of
the Sixth Corps, in its pursuit of the enemy to the bank of the Potomac, at
Williamsport, where it was relieved and rejoined the regiment at Boonsboro' on the
12th.
RETURN TO VIRGINIA.
The morning of the 14th again found us in the saddle, with our faces turned
southward, and at eight, A.M., the Division took up its line of march toward
Harper's Ferry, where, crossing the river over a bridge of pontoons, we formed close
column, just beyond Bolivar, the upper town, and halted for the night.
In a slight skirmish, just after passing the river, our advance, a squadron of the
First New Jersey captured a rebel colonel. Squadron I and K was sent
[65] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
forward about a mile from town, to picket the approaches to it.
At sunrise the next morning, the advance was again commenced, the Second Brigade
in front. Proceeding some two miles forward, on the Winchester pike, the command
turned to the right, and by the river road, reached Shepherdstown at noon, and
immediately established a strong skirmish line encircling the town, as the enemy had
shown himself in considerable force at different points. During the afternoon, the
town was searched, and a considerable quantity of bacon, with other stores which had
been collected for the rebel army, found and distributed to the command.
BATTLE OF SHEPHERDSTOWN, VIRGINIA.
Our column not resuming the advance, and the enemy apparently not disposed to make
the attack, the night and the next morning up to eleven o'clock, passed without any
hostile demonstration having been made on either side. But shortly after this, the
enemy, doubtlessly having been reinforced, began to display a bolder front, and
about noon the rattle of carbines on the right and rear of the town, where the
Second Brigade was formed, gave evidence that the skirmishers were engaged. The
artillery also soon opening, in less than half an hour the whole right had become
engaged, though not a shot had been fired from our line, which extended from the
left of the Second Brigade, eastward and nearly parallel with the river.
But we were not to remain idle long; the enemy's
[66] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
first point of attack, as is generally the case, was but a feint, to conceal his
real intention, and suddenly opening eight pieces of artillery on our left, he
directed a succession of vigorous and heavy charges against it with the view of
breaking the line, but our cool and gallant commander, General Gregg, had too often
played the chess of battle to be caught in this manner. A sufficient force, well
protected by a high stone fence and thick wood, was in position to meet the attack,
and gallantly resisting every effort, at length drove him back.
Foiled in his object here, he again turned his attention to the Second Brigade.
Renewing his attack on its lines with redoubled energy, and our regiment, which thus
far had acted as reserve, was ordered to its support. Crossing an open space of
nearly a mile, in face of the enemy's batteries, and turning down the Charlestown
pike, and moving along it by column of fours, a half mile further in direct line
with a battery, sweeping its entire length, we took up the position assigned us.
Companies I and K, Captains McGregor and Williams were immediately dismounted and
sent to the right, and Company C, Captain McNitt, Lieutenant H. McClenahan and
Lieutenant Nelson; and Company D, Captain McDonald, Lieutenant Holbrook and
Lieutenant Walker to the left to reinforce the skirmish line, while the balance of
the regiment present, consisting of Company A, Lieutenant Kelly, and Lieutenant
Wilson; Company B, Captain Litzenberg and Lieutenant Buzby; Company E, Captain
Newman and Lieutenant Akers, and Company F,
[67] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Lucas remained mounted with sabres drawn to charge,
in case the enemy should break the advance line. The regiment remained in this
position for two hours and a half, and until the action ceased at dark, although all
the while subject to heavy fire of infantry at close range, and a cross-fire of
artillery. As night approached, the enemy became more desperate in his efforts to
force our line, and made charge after charge on different points of it with both
cavalry and infantry, aided by storms of grape and canister, but the rapid and
deadly volleys of our carbines as often forced him back. At midnight we were
withdrawn, and the Division marching through a drenching rain storm, reached
Harper's Ferry at nine A.M. next day, and encamping on the sloping declivities of
Bolivar Heights, remained until the 19th.
AGAIN EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE.
At the sound of the "general," shelter tents were struck, saddles hurriedly
packed, and two P.M. found us mounted in line and ready again for the advance.
Crossing the Shenandoah and passing around the base of Loudon Heights, we moved
forward some six mile, and forming close column of squadron, picketed our horses and
bivouacked for the night.
On the road again at an early hour, next morning, moved slowly forward as rear
guard, and in charge of the train, reaching Perryville, on the Leesburg and
Winchester pike, at dark. Here Companies G and L joined the regiment, from Frederick
city.
At noon on the 21st, arrived at Hillsboro', encamped
[68] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
in a wood, and remained until the 23d, having our horses shod, and the regiment
supplied with rations, forage and ammunition.
Dress parade in the evening of 22d.
A short respite of two days, and again southward bound, reaching Snicker's Gap,
the Brigade halted, and our regiment was sent forward to picket Ashby's Gap,
relieving the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, a Squadron was sent forward to the gap, and
the balance of the regiment encamped in a wood, in rear of the village.
On the night of the 24th, the pickets reported the enemy approaching, and the
regiment was turned out, but it proved to be a small party of guerrillas prowling
around the lines. On the 25th, a small party under charge of Captain R. J. McNitt,
made a scout along the mountain, north of the gap, and succeeded in securing several
horses, which had been brought by the enemy from Pennsylvania, and placed there in
concealment.
Withdrew the pickets at dark on the 26th, Sunday evening, and taking up the line
of march, passed through Upperville, along the Aldie and Middleburg pike, to
Middleburg, where we joined the brigade at two o'clock next morning. At five, A.M.,
again in column of route, moving over roads rendered almost impassable by the recent
rains, through Salem and Thoroughfare Gap to New Baltimore, and thence along the pike
to Warrenton, encamping at nine, P.M., about two miles east of town. Weather
exceedingly warm.
Marched at seven o'clock next morning, the 28th,
[69] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
to Warrenton Junction. Returned to Warrenton next day, and went into camp. Had
anticipated a few days rest here, but were again on the road on the morning of the
30th, and with the division crossed the Rappahannock a short distance above
Waterloo, and moving south some eight miles, to Amisville, establishing camp,
commenced picketing toward Jefferson and the Hazel river.
On the 31st, Captain J. Newman, with portions of E and F companies made a
reconnoisance to Hazel river, and found the enemy in force on the other side. At
three o'clock on the morning of August the 1st, our line of pickets was ordered to
be advanced to the Hazel river; meeting no opposition, they reached it in an hour,
and when day dawned and the enemy discovered our line stretching across the country
so near them, betook themselves to very rapid preparations for an attack, but after
remaining in battle line for some time, and finding that we made no further advance,
went into camp again, and some of them coming down to the river, which was scarcely
ten paces wide, made stipulation for neither party to fire, as long as no attempt
was made by either to cross the river.
Scouted on the 4th, in the direction of Culpepper, and found the enemy in force, a
short distance beyond the river. Again in the saddle for a scout at three, A.M., on
the 5th, and crossing Hazel river at daylight, we advanced to Muddy run, some six
miles beyond.
The enemy, who had permitted us to advance thus far without offering any
opposition, now commenced
[70] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
throwing heavy columns around on our flanks, with the view of cutting us off. But
discovering his object, we deployed a heavy rear and flank guard, and commenced a
rapid return; and though greatly outnumbered by the enemy, who made frequent efforts
to reach our rear, but were beaten back and foiled in every attempt, we finally
reached the river, after an hour's sharp skirmishing, without the loss of a man.
Returned to the north side of the Rappahannock on the 8th and encamped near
Sulphur Springs; the whole regiment sent on picket.
On the 9th, Lieutenant George W. Lyon, of Company I, with a party of sixteen men,
crossed the river on a scout, and being cut off by the enemy, was supposed captured;
but making his way safely through the enemy's lines, joined General Buford's command
and returned to the regiment next day by the way of Beverly ford.
Continuing on picket until the 15th, when we moved to Warrenton and established
camp. Here Company H, Captain W. S. Craft, Lieutenants T. C. Lebo and E. C. Forsyth,
which were detailed on special duty at headquarters, Sixth Army Corps, on the 22d of
last February, rejoined the regiment. During its absence, the company was present
with the Sixth Corps at the battle and storming of Marye's heights, in rear of
Fredericksburg, May 3d, and on the 2d and 3d of July, at the battle of Gettysburg.
A scout on the 18th to Salem by Companies A, B, and I, under command of Captain
McGregor, and on the 19th by the whole regiment to Greenwich and
[71] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
Gainesville. Re-crossed the Rappahannock on the 24th, and moved to Jefferson on
picket, and returned to Warrenton on the 27th.
The 1st, 2d, and 3d of September were spent on regimental and brigade drill. The
regiment sent on picket again on the 4th; established a line from Rappahannock,
northwest along Carter's creek, where an outpost was surprised on the night of the
6th, and Lieutenant George W. Lyon and Corporal Barre were killed, and four men
captured. On the morning of the 10th the brigade started from camp at Warrenton on a
scout, in the direction of Bull Run Mountains. At Salem our regiment was detached and
sent by way of White Plains to Middleburg. A party of thirty men, with picked horses,
under charge of Captain R. J. McNitt, were detailed as an advance guard. Scouring the
country in every direction in search of Moseby and his guerrillas, until noon the
next day, when we returned to, camp without any captures.
BATTLE OF CULPEPPER.
Breaking camp on the morning of the 12th, we moved to Jeffersonville. "To horse,"
sounding at daylight on the morning of the 13th, in half an hour the division had
again taken up its line of march. Our brigade, crossing Hazel river at Oak Shade,
moved forward to Rixlieville, and halted to await the arrival of the second brigade,
which had turned off at a ford about a mile to the left.
Coming up at nine, A.M., it took the advance and
[72] HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT
moved off in the direction of Culpepper, we following immediately after.
Meeting the enemy at Muddy run, a sharp skirmish ensued, which lasted about a half
hour, when the enemy fell back and the division crossed. Resuming the advance, the
second brigade now became engaged in heavy skirmishing, which lasted all the way to
Culpepper, which we reached about noon. Here our brigade was ordered to the front,
and the regiment being the advance guard was immediately deployed as skirmishers.
Company K, Lieutenants Kennedy and Morgan, being on the extreme right, and next in
order; Company D, Captain McDonald, Lieutenants Holbrook and Walker, Company G,
Captain Confer and Lieutenant Reed; Company E, Lieutenant Akers; Company F,
Lieutenants Lucas and Greenlee, formed the right wing, and on the right of the
Culpepper and Cedar Mountain road. Company A, Captain Patterson and Lieutenants
Kelly and Wilson; Company B, Captain Litzenberg and Lieutenant Lawsha; Company C,
Captain McNitt and Lieutenant Nelson, forming the centre and immediately adjoining
the road, and on the left in regular succession. Company I, Captain McGregor;
Company L, Lieutenants Gaul and Buxton; and Company M, Lieutenants Sample and
Wright. Company H not being armed with carbines, remained as a support in rear of
the centre, ready to charge when occasion might require it. Formed in this manner,
the advance was at once commenced, the regiment moving forward on horseback. But
scarcely had we ascended the first range of hills when the enemy opened a scathing fire
[73] PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CAVALRY.
on us from woods and thickets, which told fearfully on both men and horses, exposed
as they were, and was rapidly thinning the lines, when the horses were ordered to be
sent to the rear and the men to fight on foot. Dismounting on the spot and forming
again under the galling fire the enemy were all the while pouring upon them, and the
order to charge being given, the whole line, stretching over the hills for half a
mile, moved forward as one man, rushing over the open field, without a stump or
stone for shelter, on to the enemy, who from his cover poured his fire into their
faces at point blank range. And thus they fought for three successive hours, step by
step, for four miles, only quitting the field when relieved, their ammunition being
exhausted. Not a man, from the time the regiment went into action until it was
relieved, was seen, along the whole length of the line to waver or swerve from his
post; the line officers on the skirmish line with their men, encouraging them with
their presence in the numerous and successive charges, and Colonel Taylor and
Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, the only field officers present, with Chaplain Beale,
acting adjutant, mounted, were targets for a hundred rifles, riding from point to
point along the line wherever their presence were required.
The regiment never did its duty better, or showed itself more worthy of the place
it holds on the roll of honor of its State, than on this occasion. Every copse of
woods, stone fence, thicket and ravine along the route fought over, was taken
advantage of by the enemy, and held with a stubbornness and bravery worthy of a
better cause.