v*^' .5>^^^. s^°- -.^ .^* **i v^O^ 'oK o V 'bV ^^-^^^ 0^ o»JL**-^ * 't. < o ■^ ^ <^''^ » *^ V 'i* '^ov^ :j^^^' -^^0^ /''^M: '^bv^ ^^/^^>.^ '^^.^ ^^-^^^ ';*-o^ 'bv"' ^Ao^ % •^ \^<.- \ %<," y •y ^ •y?-7;?^, ' . . - ^V 'f' V - ' * "- cv ■ \# ^>^^ '^>. '^^ o '^^ ' • o ^N<^" -^ "^o V' ■ .0 -^_,_ ■'.1''.' £& \V" ' a H o .^% ^, :. °A/I .^^ b' ^1- HISTORY /I OF THE SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY (SECOND IRA HARRIS GUARD) SECOND BRIGADE— FIRST DIVISION— CAVALRY CORPS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 1861 — 1865 COMPILED FROM LETTERS, DIARIES, RECOLLECTIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS BY Committee on Regimental History Major HILLMAN A. HALL, Chairman Regt. Qr. Mr. Sgt. W. B.'bESLEY, Treasurer Sgt. gilbert G. wood. Historian 1908 ♦ THE BLANCHARD PRESS, WORCESTER, MASS. 1908 'n TuBRARY of CONGRESS ' Two Copies Received JAN 2/ 1^U9 Copyngnt Emry 0LA8S X^e. NO. COPY A. Copyright 190S by FERGUS A. E ASTON Worcester, Mass. Received from ^opyri'^ht, O?"" -a, (oJt H Qyiy^'j^L^ -2- TO THE HONOR AND GLORY OF OUR COMRADES "mustered out" THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED BY THOSE STILL "bivouacking" HERE. Introductory AT the fifteeiitli reuiiiou of the Veteran Asso- ciation of the Sixth New York Cavalry, held at Lewinsville, Va., Oct. 17th, 1906, the cjuestion of a regimental history was introduced and discussed. After giving the matter care- ful consideration and, through the liberality of Colonel (General) Charles L. Fitzlmgh, the monetary part of the project having been assured, it was voted that President Easton be given time to con- sider the subject, and that he then appoint a commit- tee, under whose direction the history should be pub- lished. He subsequently named the following com- rades: Hillman A. Hall, Washington, D. C; William B. Besley, Lewinsville, Va.; Gilbert G. Wood, Toms River, N. J. At a meeting of the committee held in Washington, D. C, Dec. 17th, 1906, Comrade Hall was chosen chairman. Comrade Besley treasurer, and Comrade Wood historian. With many misgivings we consented to undertake the preparation of the history of our regiment, fully appreciating the difficulties of the undertaking and the impossibility of producing a complete record of the command. Over forty years had gone by since the close of the war, and the majority of the actors in those stirring scenes had passed away, while the few survivors, hav- ing long since left their boyhood days behind them, found their memory grown dim and uncertain. There are few harder tasks than to write a fair, perfectly accurate story of the Civil War. 6 History of the A recital of our country's struggles with other nations presents fewer difficulties. Most of those disputes are far enough away to allow the right per- spective. But the Civil War — perhaps the deadliest conflict in all history— is different. Brother fought against brother. Every battle, no matter which side won it, was a national calamity and a blow to our countrj^'s welfare. Family quarrels are ever the bit- terest. Thus, prejudice, rancor and hatred entered more than ordinarily into our Civil War and render an unbiased description of it less easy. One can, therefore, only relate, as impartially as possible, such of its innumerable happenings, causes and results of the unnatural combat that have been recorded as undoubted facts. In going over the history of the Civil War during its earlier days, and reading the many orders and let- ters passing to and fro between the War Department, Army Headquarters and commanding officers of separate stations, the reader requires no very high or extended military education to understand one of the causes of so many failures and defeats of the Fede- ral Army was the almost total absence of cavalry for reconnoitring and all other purposes where quick information is absolutely necessary for the proper manoeuvring of troops; nor of the success, during those dark days, of the enemy's movements, where each command was suplied with a good force of mounted men. An invading army weak in that arm against a foe well supplied was almost suicidal. One has but to read the accounts of 1861 and 1862, and then note the change after the organization of the Cavalry Corps early in 1863. Sixth New York Cavalry. 7 General McClellan, in liis report Oct. 15tli, 1862, of operations of the Army of the Potomac, writes : "A well organized system of recruiting and of depots for instruction should be adopted in order to keep the ranks of the regiments full and supply promptly losses arising from battle and disease. This is especially necessary for the artillery and cavalry arms of the service, which, from the beginning of the war, have rendered great service, and which have never been appreciated by any but their comrades." General Pope wrote, under date Chicago, July 17th, 1861, to General Fremont: "We need specially to fit out one or two regiments of cavalry, sabres and revolvers. There are absolutely none in this part of the country," The reports of many affairs were never made or, if made, the record has not been kept or cannot be found. Many events occurred in which small bodies of men took i)art, and though the results might have been important and have led up to engagements of some magnitude, the fact that it was but a handful of men, and no casualties occurring, may have been consid- ered a sufficient reason for not making an official report; and many such atfairs of the regiment's ser- vices are now dim memories of the past. If anyone kept a continuous diary of his services, we have been unable to discover his name, four in- complete records being all that could be obtained, and no person could tell of events that were transpiring in other parts of the field where detachments were serving. We have made an effort to record, as far as could be remembered and ascertained, the story of the regiment, which it is hoped will be of interest, at least, to the survivors. 8 History of the Our thanks are due to comrades who have aided us by copies of their records (particularly those of our late comrade, Thomas M. Wells), as well as sketches of events in their service; and with the belief that no man can tell another man's story as well as himself, we have woven their contributions into the fabric of this record. Looking back over a period of many years we behold a magnificent regiment with full ranks of patriotic young men taking their departure for the front. Pour years later a portion returns as battle- scarred veterans, ?.ll more or less injured, and life shortened by exposure and hardship. To-day we gaze upon the fragments that survive — we are but the rear-guard, the main body having crossed the dark river and pitched their tents in the bright beyond. To those comrades who have contributed the story of their prison life we also desire to acknowledge our obligations. These narratives will be found of thrill- ing interest, particularly to those who shared in the sufferings, the hopes and the despair of the days and scenes of which they write. And to our comrade and worthy President, F. A. Easton, we would extend our many thanks for his untiring zeal and patriotic perseverance, as well as the gathering of the many portraits and scenes that appear on the pages of this book. With this introduction, and asking you to bear in mind that no two actors in the great drama saw things from the same standpoint, nor with the same eyes, we submit to our Veteran A ssociation * ' The Story of the Sixth New York Cavalry." HiLLMAN A. Hall, Chairman. W. B. Besley, Treasurer. Gilbert Gr. Wood, Historian. Sixth Neir York Cavalry. 9 The cause and beginning of the Civil War has been the theme of so many writers, and so much has been said in so many, if not all, of the publications on the subject, that we think it unnecessary to refer to it, other than to say that our Southern l)rothers, chafing under a fancied wrong, in the heat of j^assion, born of disappointment, fired upon the flag which they, as well as the North, had loved so dearly, and by their own act forced the loyal people of the Union to rise up in its defense. Slowly, as though awakening from a horrible dream, the authorities realized that war was upon us; that action was necessary; that imme- diate steps must be taken to rebuke the insult offered the flag at "Sumter." At the first call of the President, the loyal men of the nation rose up and proclaimed their devotion to the country. Money, time, brains and lives were freely offered, that the honor of the nation and glory of the flag might be preserved; and when, after four years of hard struggle, and the sacrifice of nearly one million lives, the bloodiest war on record was brought to a close, the grand old flag once more floated over a re-united country, and the vanquished foe was ready to cry out with the victors : "Let us have peace." The Call to Arms ON APRIL loth, 1861, the United States Govera- meiit took its first decided step for the suppression of the RebelHon. On that day President Lincoln issued the following proclamation, calling for 75,000 militia for three months' service: PROCLAMATION. Whereas, the laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Ala- bama, Florida, IMississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combi- nations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the power vested in the Mar- shals by law; now. therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitntion and the laws, have thought fit to call forth the militia of the several states of the Union, to the aggre- gate number of 75.000, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. The details for this object will be immediately communi- cated to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity and existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular govern- ment, and to redress wrongs already long enough endured. I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any devasta- tion, any destruction, or interference with property, or any 12 History of the [1861 disturbance of peaceful citizens of any part of the country; and I hereljy command the persons composing the combina- tions aforesaid, to disperse and retire peacefully to their respective abodes within twenty days from this date. Deeming that the present condition of public affairs pre- sents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene both houses of Congress. The senators and representatives are, there- fore, summoned to assembly at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, theu and there to consider and determine such measures as, in their wisdom, the public safety and interest may seem to demand. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- one, and of the independence of the United States the eighty- fifth. Abraham Lincoln. By the President : Wm. H. SewarDj Secretaiy of State. Under this proclamation, the emergency demand- ing prompt action, Governor Morgan of New York at once issued orders for the available organized militia to march, and on April 19tli the Seventh Regiment left for the city of Washington. On the 21st, the Sixth, Tw^elfth and Seventy-first Regiments followed. By April 30th six other regiments of militia and the Ellsworth Fire Zouaves, a two-years' regiment, had left the State for active service. Similar action was taken by the Governor and State of Massachusetts. Rebel leaders had been frantically urging the secessionists to advance at once and capture AYash- ington, and this prompt movement by the militia of 1861] Sixth New York Cavalry. 13 New York and Massacliiisetts no doubt saved the Capitol from such a dire calamity. At the end of their three months' service the militia regiments were discharged and a large portion of the men enlisted in the regiments, organizing for three years' service. On May 3d the President issued the following proclamation, calling into service thirty-nine regi- ments of volunteer infantry and one regiment of cav- alry, an aggregate of 42,034 men, for three years, unless sooner discharged. PROCLAMATION. Whereas, existing exigencies demand immediate and ade- quate measures for the protection of the National Constitu- tion and the preservation of the National Union by the sup- pression of the insurrectionary combinations now existing in several States for opposing the laws of the Union and ol)- structing the execution thereof, to which end a military force in addition to that called forth by my proclamatiou of the 15th of April, in the present year, appears to be indispensa- 1)]y necessary; Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, and Commander-in chief of the Army and Nays' thereof, and of the militia of the several States when called into actual service, do hereby call into the service of the United States 42.034 volunteers to serve for the period of three years, unless sooner discharged, and to be mustered into service as infantry and cavalry. The proportions of each arm and the details of enrollment and organization will be made known through the Department of War. And I also direct that the regular army of the United States be increased by the addition of eight regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry and one regiment of artil- lery, making altogether a maximum agcregate increase of 14 History of the [1861 22,714 officers and enlisted men, the details of which increase will also be made known through the Department of War. And I further direct the enlistment for not less than one nor more than three years, of eighteen thousand seamen, in addition to the present force, for the naval service of the United States. The details of the enlistment and organiza- tion will be made known through the Department of the Navy. The call for volunteers, hereby made, and the directions for the increase of the regular army, and for the enlistment of seamen hereby given, together with the plan of organiza- tion adopted for the volunteers and for the regular forces hereby authorized, will be submitted to Congress as soon as assembled. In the meantime I earnestly invoke the co-operation of all good citizens in the measures hereby adopted, for the effec- tual suppression of unlawful violence, for the impartial en- forcement of constitutional laws, and for the speediest possible restoration of peace and order, and, with these, of happiness and prosperity throughout the country. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this third day of r -x May. in the year of our Lord, one thousand -^ L. s. I eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the ^ * independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. Abraham Lincoln. By the President : Wm. H. Sew^xVRD, Secretary of State. Congress convened in extra session July 4tli and adjourned Ang. 6tli, 1861. Among its measures it authorized the President to accept the services of vol- unteers for three years, in such numbers not to exceed one million, as he might deem necessary for the purpose of repelling and suppressing insurrec- 1861] Sixth New York Cavalry. 15 tions. Under the President's proclamation of May 3d, and the reqnest by the President that New York State furnish 2r3,000 men, Governor Edwin D. Morgan issued the following ]iroclamation July 25th, 1861: The President of the United States having requested me to furnish additional troops for the prompt suppression of resistance to the Constitution and the Laws, I do hereby call for a volunteer force of 25,000 men, to serve for three years or during' the war. Such force will he raised pursuant to a general order, which will be issued immediately, and which will prescribe the mode of organization. To the end that every portion of the State may have an opportunity to contribute thereto, the rendezvous will be at New York, Albany and Elmira; the headciuarters at Albany. In witness whereof, I have hereunto ■ set my hand and affixed the privy seal of the State at the city of Albany, this 25th day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. Edwin D. ]Morgan, By the Governor: LocKWOOD L. Doty, Private Secretary. On .July oOtli (lovernor Morgan issued General Orders No. 78, which referred to the immediate recruiting of twenty-five regiments of infantry, with the regulations for their organization, and on Aug. 17th General Orders No. 87, referring to two regi- ments of cavalry, and two regiments of artillery, with the regulations for their organization. The feeling was intense throughout the State. Applications for authority to raise troops came from every quarter. War meetings were held in every town and the spirit of volunteering was at fever heat. The ardor of the ])eople was beyond description; the 16 Sixth New York Cavalry. [1861 State Militai/ Department was flooded with requests for authority to raise regiments and companies, mak- ing it necessary to establish branch depots for the reception of companies and the organization of regi- ments, to meet the spirit of the people and to enable their prompt and efficient co-operation. Such depots were established between Aug. 23d and Nov. 22d, in the order named : at Oswego, Saratoga, Buffalo, Roch- ester, Ogdensburg, Auburn, Kingston, Westfield, Syracuse, Brooklyn, Boonville, Geneseo, Cortland- ville, Plattsburg, Cherry Valley, Potsdam, Malone, Unadilla, Hancock, Madison Barracks, Lyons, Utica, LeRov and Nineveh. Organization of the Sixth New York Cavalry THE Sixth Kegiment of New York Cav- alry — a regiment that made one of the most creditable records for service dur- ing the late War of the Rebellion — was organized under special authority from the War Depart- ment, and was formed out of what was first known as the Ira Harris Guard, so called in honor of Senator Ira Harris of New York, who had secured the authority for its formation. No aid was received on enlistment — it was raised under the patronage of Sen- ator Ira Harris. It was raised in response to a demand for mounted troops to meet the exigencies of the ser- vices that had become manifest by the operations of the famous "Black Horse Cavalry" of the Confed- erate Army during the Bull Run campaign in July, 1861. Col. 0. DeForest of New York city was authorized by the President to raise a regiment to form the "Ira Harris Cavalry Brigade." The recruiting headquarters were at No. 4 Pine Street, New York city, and the first rendezvous for the com- mand was at "Camp Herndon" and "Camp Scott," Staten Island, N. Y. Volunteering commenced in July, and its organization was completed as early as Oct. 24th, and was, after having been turned over to the State Nov. 20th, designated the Sixth Regiment of Cavalry, New Y^ork Volunteers, and when formed in New York city, went in camp at "Camp Scott" with Colonel DeForest as post commander. It was 2 18 History of the [1861 recruited from throughout the State; from Massachu- setts and Washington. Its first commander was Col. Thomas C Devin, and left the State under his com- mand Dec. 23d. It participated in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, as attested by the graves of its members scattered all over the State of Vir- ginia. The companies were mustered in the service of the United States : At New York City^ Company A — ^September 12th. Company B — September 27th. Company D — September 28tli. Company I — November 2d. At Staten Island, N. Y. — Company L — November 6tli. Company E — October 3rd. Company F — October 24th. Company 11 — October 28th. Company K — December 19th. Company INI — December 19th. At Rochester. X. Y. — Company C — September 29th. At Binghamton, N. Y. — ■ Company G — October 21th. The companies were recruited principally : A at New Y^ork city and Cohoes, N. Y., and Boston, Mass.; B and L at New Y'ork city; C at Rochester, Cohocton, Geneseo, Hornellsville and Dansville; D at Troy, Cherry Valley, Granville and New Y'ork city; E at 1861] Sixth New York Cavalry. 19 New York city, Albany, Watertown, Cherry Valley, Salt Springs and Cape Vincent; F at New York city and Pougiikeepsie ; Gr at Bingliamton, Rochester, Hor- nellsville and Albion; H at New York city, Dover Plains and Washington; I at New York city, Cuba, Franklinville, Gouverneur, Angelica and Bingliamton; K at Ogdensburg, Geneseo, Lisbon and Canton; M at Kinderhook and Hudson. The regiment left the State Dec. 23d, commanded by Col. Thomas C. Devin, and served at York, Penn., and Perryville, Md., until the following spring, when it was ordered to the front. On the 20th of November, 1861, the following order was issued from the Adjutant-general's office at Al- bany, N. Y., referring to this regiment : General Headquarters State of New York, Adjutant-general 's Office, Albany, Nov. 20th, 1861. Special Orders No. 504. 'In accordance with General Order No. 78 from this de- partment, and General Orders Nos. 48 and 71 from the War Department, the companies of the organization heretofore known as the Ira Harris Cavalry are hereby formed into a regiment to be designated as the Sixth Regiment, New York Volunteer Cavalry. The following persons will be appointed field, staff and company officers of the regiment thns formed when they shall have passed the examination required by General Order No. 78. and will be commissioned whenever the field, staff and company muster rolls, certified to by the mustering offi- cers, shall have been filed in the office of the Adjutant-gen- eral of the State : Colonel. Thomas C. Devin. Lieutenant-colonel. Duncan McVicar. 20 History of the [1861 First Major, James B. Dailey. Second Major, John Carwardine. Third Major, Floyd Clarkson. Regimental Adjutant, George A. Crocker. Regimental Quartermaster, Henry A. Wetmore. First Battalion Adjutant, Jacob C. Schoener. Second Battalion Adjutant, Henry Mahnken. Third Battalion Adjutant, William L. Mann. First Battalion Quartermaster. J. P. Howell. Second Battalion Quartermaster, D. P. Richardson. Third Battalion Quartennaster, . Chaplain, George D. Crocker. Surgeon, L. McKay. Assistant Surgeon, Augustus P. Clark. COMPANY OFFICERS. A Captain, Freeman Orme. Lieutenant, F. A. Patterson. Lieutenant, D. T. Jackson. B Captain, Frank B. Medlar. Lieutenant, Hillman A. Hall. Lieutenant, J. P. Howell (Act. Bat. Quartermaster). C Captain, James W. Stanley. Lieutenant, pJohn Pierce. Lieutenant, Volney V. Smith. D Captain, Henry W. Lyon. Lieutenant, Philip R. Wales. Lieutenant, Raymond L. Wright. E Captain, Wm. E. Beardsley. Lieutenant, Wm. Edwards. Lieutenant, John G. Cooper. F Captain, Diodate C. Han- nahs. Lieutenant, Geo. A. Crocker (Act. Regt. Adjt.) Lieutenant, Robert Crozier. G Captain, William A. Sheldon. Lieutenant, Robert E. Eller- beck. Lieutenant, Edward P. Mc- Kinney. 1861] Sixth New York Cavalry. 21 H Captain, William P. Hall. Lieutenant, Wm. F. Aitken. Lieutenant, Edward Titus. Captain, William H. Crocker. Lieutenant, David P. Rich- ardson (Act. Bat. Q. M.). Lieutenant, J. Hamilton Bell. K Captain, Riley Johnson. Lieutenant, George W. Goler. Lieutenant, Henry A. Wet- more (Act. Regt. Q. M.). Captain, John L. Smith. Lieutenant, Harrison White. Lieutenant Wm. A. Parke. M Captain, Geo. M. VanBuren. Lieutenant, William L. Heer- mance. Lieutenant, Chas. A. Everts. Officers rendered supernumerary by the provisions of this order are hereby honorably discharged. Brigadier General Yates is charged with the execution of the details of this order. By order of the Commander-in-chief, (Signed) Thos. Hillhouse, Adjutant-general. Regimental Engagements IN March, 1862, Companies 1) and K were mounted and assigned to the Second Corps and F and H to the Fourth Corps on the Peninsula. The First and Second Battalions were attached to General Wads- worth 's command, and mounted in May, 1862. Com- panies D and K served with the Second Cori)s until July, 1863, and in the Department of Washington until October, 1863; and F and H w^ith the Fourth Corps until August, 1863, when they rejoined the regi- ment. The First and Second Battalions served with the Ninth Corps from August, 1862 (Company A with the Sixth Corps in September, 1862) ; in the Second Brigade, Pleasanton's Cavalry Division, Right Grrand Division, Army of the Potomac, from December, 1862; in the Second Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, from February, 1863 (Companies B and C serving with the Ninth Corps in January and February, 1863, and a detachment with the Twenty-second Corps in July and August, 1863) ; with the Army of the Shenandoah from August, 1864, and with the Army of the Potomac from March 26tli, 1865, to June 17th, 1865. Under command of Col. Charles L. Fitzhugh (Colonel Devin having been ap- pointed a brigadier-general), the regiment was con- solidated into eight companies, and these, with the Fifteenth New York Volunteer Cavalry, formed into a new organization known as the "Second Provisional Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry," becoming Companies A, B, C, D, E, I, L and M of the latter. The regiment, or portions of it, took part in the fol- lowing engagements, etc. : 24 History of the 1862. Aggregate East Pan, Va., March 30th. Siege of Yorktown, Va., April 5th to May 4th. Williamsburg, Va., May 5th. Charles City, Va., May 28th. Fair Oaks, Va., May 31st to June 1st. Seven Days' Battle, Va., June 25th to July 2d. Peach Orchard, Va., June 29th. Savage Station, Va., June 29th. Glendale, Va., June 30th. Malvern Hill, Va., July 1st. Orange C. H., Va., Aug. 14th. One man killed, 1 Culpeper Road, Va., Aug. 19th. Three men wounded, three missing, 6 Barnett's Ford, Va., Aug. 20th. One man killed, 1 Kelly's Ford, Va., Aug. 30th. One officer wounded, 1 Williamsburg, Va., Sept. 9th. Near Hyattstown, Md.. Sept. 9th and lOtli. Fredericks City, Md., Sept. 12th. South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14th. Antietam, Md., Sept. 17th. One man died of wounds and two men wounded, 3 Lovettsville, Va., Oct. 3d. Kearneysville, Va., Oct. 16th. Near Charlestown, W. Va., Oct. 16th and 17th. Near Lovettsville, Va., and near Wheatland, Va., Oct. 21st. One man killed and four men wounded and two missing, 7 Upperville, Va., Nov. 3d. One man missing, 1 Ellis' Ford, Va., Dec. 1st. Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. llth-15th. One man wounded, 1 Mathews Co. C. H., Va., Dec. 12th. Buena Vista, Va., Dec. 13th. One man missing, 1 Wood's Crossroads, Va., Dec. 14th. Sixth Neir York Cavalry. 25 1863. Aggregato Pamunky River, Va., Jan. 8th. One man wounded, 1 Fort MaoTuder, Va., April 11th. Germanna and Richard's Fords, Va., April 29th. Crookes Rnn. Va., April 29th. One man killed, one officer and three men wounded, 5 Spottsylvania C. H., Va., April 30th. One officer and two men killed, one man died of wonnds, two offi- cers and nine men wounded, one officer and thirty-five men missing, 51 Chancellorsville, Va., May 1st and 3d. One man killed, one officer and two men wounded and seventeen men missing, 21 White House, Va., May 7th. One officer killed, 1 Warwick River, Va., June 5th. Beverly's Ford, Va., June 9tli. One officer died of wounds and three men wounded, 4 Upperville, Va., June 21st. One man wounded, 1 Middleburg. Va., June 22d. One man died of wounds, 1 Haymarket, Va., June 24th and 25th. One officer and two men missing and one man wounded, 4 Fairfield, Pa., June 3(>th. Green Castle, Pa., July 1st. Waynesboro, Pa., July 1st. Baltimore Crossroads, Va., July 1st. Gettysburg, Pa., July lst-3rd. Three men wounded and eight missing and one man killed and one died of wounds, 13 Crump's Crossroads, Va., July 2d. Williamsport, Md., July 6th. One man killed and one officer and two men missing, 4 Boonsboro, Md., July 8th. Beaver Creek, Md., July 9th. One man wounded, 1 Funkstown, Md., Julv 10th to 13th. 26 Hlstoiy of the Aggregate Falling Waters, Va., July lith. Manassas Gap, Va., July 21st and 22d. Wapping Heights, Va., July 23d. Barber's Crossroads, Va., July 25th. Brandy Station, Va., Aug. 1st. One officer wounded, 1 Brandy Station, Va., Aug. 4th. Stevensburg, Va., Sept. 13th. Raccoon Ford, Va., Sept. 14th and 15th. One man wounded, 1 Raccoon Ford, Va., Sept. 19th. Jack's Shop, Va., Sept. 22d and 23d. Germanna Ford, Va., Oct. 10th; Kelly's Ford, Oct. 10th; Morton's Ford, Oct. 11th; Brandy Station, Oct. 11th; Culpeper, Oct. 12th; Near Bristoe Station, Oct. 14th; Oak Hill, Oct. 15th. One officer killed, eight men killed, four men died of wounds, one officer and eight men wounded and one officer and four men missing, 27 Culpeper, Oct. 17th and 18th. Bealeton Station, Oct. 24th and 26th. Three men wounded and one missing, 4 Muddy Run, Nov. 8th. ]\rine Run campaign, Nov. 26th to Dec. 2d. 1864. Barnett's Ford, Jan. 20th. Barnett's Ford, Feb. 6th and 7th. Beaverdam Station, Feb. 29th. Frederick Hall, Feb. 29th. South Anna Bridge, Feb. 29th. Defenses of Richmond, Mar. 1st. Aylett's, Mar. 2d. Kings and Queens, Mar. 3d. Corbin's Bridge, Mar. 6th. Todd's Tavern, Mar. 7th. Carrollton's Store, Mar. 11th. Sixth New York Cavalry. 27 Aggregate Madison C. H., April 28th. Wilderness, May Sth to 7th. Ten men wounded and one missing, one man killed and one died of wounds, 13 Spottsylvania C. H., May Sth. Sheridan's raid to James River, May 9th to 24th. Beaverdam Station, May 9th. North Anna, May 10th. Yellow Tavern, ]\Iay 11th. Fortifications of Richmond, !May 12th. Meadow Bridge, INIay 12th. Mechanicsville. May loth. New Market, I\Iay 16th. Jones' Bridge, May 17th. Totopotomoy, May 27th to 80th. Hanovertown. May 27th and 28th. Near Old Church, May 30th. Three men killed and one man died of wounds, two officers and five men wounded, and two men missing, 13 Cold Harbor, May 31st to June 6th. Cold Harbor, May 31st and June 1st. One officer and three men wounded, two men killed and two miss- ing, 8 Gaines Mills, June 2d. Bottom's Bridge, June 3d and 4th. Trevilians Station, June 11th and 12th. Four men killed and two died of wounds, one officer and eight men wounded and twenty-five men missing, 40 St. Peter's Church, June. White House Landing, June 21st. Jones' Bridge, June 23d. Four men killed and three died of wounds, one officer and nine men wounded and one officer and four men missing, 22 Charles City C. H., June 24th. One man wounded, 1 Before Petersburg, June 26th to July 30th. Ream's Station, July 18th. 28 History of the Aggregate Deep Bottom, July 26th to 29th. One man killed and one officer and six men wounded, 8 Newmarket, July 28th. Berryville, Aug. 10th. Three men wounded, 3 Front Royal, Aug. lltli. One man died of wounds, two officers and fifteen men wounded and two men missing, 20 White Post. Aug. 11th. Cedar Creek, Aug. 12th. Three men wounded, 3 Lebanon Church, Aug. 12th. Berryville, Aug. 13th. Two men wounded and eighteen missing, 20 Crooked Run, Aug. 16th. Three men killed and six wounded. 9 South Cedarville, Aug 16th. Charlestown. Aug. 21st. One man died of Mounds, one officer and seven men wounded, 9 Kearneysville. Aug. 25th. Two men wounded, 2 Leetown, August 29th. Two men killed, five wounded and one missing. 8 Port Republic, Sept. 1st. One man wounded, one officer and one man missing, 3 Berryville, Sept. 4th. Five men killed and four wounded, two officers and twenty-one men missing, 32 Bunker Hill, Sept. 13th. One man wounded, 1 Opequon, Sept. 19th. One officer and two men killed, two men died of wounds, two officers and five men wounded and six men missing, 18 Fisher's Hill, Sept. 22d. Front Royal. Sept. 23d and 24th. Three men missing, 3 Port Republic, Sept. 26th and 27th. One officer and tM^o men missing. 3 Waynesboro, Sept. 30th. Fisher's Hill, Oct. 6th. One officer died of wounds. 1 Sixth New York Cavalry. 29 Aggregate Grabbitt's Mills, Oct. 8tli. Tom's Brook, Oct. 9th. One man died of wounds, 1 Near Strasburg, Oct. 14th. Cedar Creek, Oct. 19tli. One officer and one man killed, two men died of wounds and one wounded, 5 Woodstock, Oct. 20th. Newtown, Nov. 12th. One man killed, one officer and five men wounded, 7 Kood's Hill, Nov. 22d. Liberty Mills, Dec. 21st. Jack's Shop, Dec. 22d. One man wounded, 1 1865. Lovett's j\lills, Jan. 17th. One man killed and three wounded, one officer and two men died of wounds and four men missing, 11 Waynesboro, INIarch 2d. Goochland Co. C. H., Mar. 11th. Charlottesville, March 12tli. One man missing, 1 Dinwiddle C. II., March 30th and 31st. Two men wounded, 2 Five Forks, April 1st. Two officers and three men wounded, one officer and three men missing, 9 Fall of Petersburg, April 2d. Deep Creek, April 3d. Near Amelia C. H., April -Ith. Sailor's Creek, April 6th. One man wounded, 1 Appomattox Station, April 8th. Appomattox Court House, April 9th. Lee's sur- render. On picket and other minor affairs. One man killed and four wounded, two officers and sixteen men miss- ing, 23 30 Sixth New York Cavalry. Total: 5 officers killed 48 men killed •4 officers died of wounds 24 men died of wounds 20 officers wounded 162 men wounded 12 officers missing 197 men missing 472 Aggregate : The number of battles, engagements and skinnishes in which the whole or a part of the Sixth New York Cavalry was engaged, was 143. "Camp Scott" THE regiment rendezvoused in "Camp Scott," Staten Island, N. Y., in November, 1861. No incident of great importance occurred there, the time being pretty well taken up in drill, dress parade, inspection and all the other duties and occupations attending a military organiza- tion. Colonel Devin was found to be just the man to organize and drill the men. As there were no horses, the men used ropes to form squads, companies and even squadrons to drill. Company K (Captain Johnson) alone was mounted. Dec. 4th.— Rumors of the regiment being dis- banded. Dec. ()th.— The men rebelled over the food, and tore down the cook-house. The regiment was quartered in A tents. About a quarter of a mile from camp was the cook-house, where the regiment was fed by con- tract. One large room had tables in it, where the men ate by companies when the weather was bad. Acting Quartermaster Sergeant John McVicar hearing the pounding climbed upon a pile of saddle boxes to reconnoitre. The noise awakened Lieutenant-colonel McVicar, who called out, "AVhat's going on, John?" and was answered, "I guess the boys have been given some more rotten fish for breakfast (there had been several com]ilaints before) and are liattering down the cook-house." Out of bed the Colonel jumped, got quickly into his uniform, grabbed a couple of revol- vers, and was off on the double quick. As he ap- proached the cook-house, some of the boys had got a 32 Histoiy of the [1861 4x4 piece of timber and were about to use it as a bat- tering ram, when one of them saw him, and, calling out, "Oh, the Colonel!" dropped his end and ran, the others following suit. The Colonel got things quieted, and then addressed the men there, two com- panies, telling them how foolish their action was, as now they would have no shelter to eat under, etc., and unfortunately adding, "Now, if you had whipped the cook, it would not have been so bad," etc. At this, a howl T\'ent up and away went a lot of the men after the cook, who had meantime fled across the field. Dec. 16th. — The regiment was supplied with sabres. LEAVING CAMP SCOTT. Monday, Dec. 23d, 1861.— A cold, rainy day. The regiment struck tents at twelve o'clock noon, and at two o'clock took up the line of march, the rain contin- uing to pour, and arrived at the Clifton (Stapleton) Landing, two miles from camp, about three o'clock. Here a large barge, with the steamer "Camp Scott Ferry" by its side, was waiting to convey it to Eliza- bethport, N. J. The embarkation immediately com- menced, for the men were anxious to hide their uni- forms, as well as themselves, from the drenching rain. In less than four hours all were on board, which included 850 men, 200 horses, and any amount of baggage. The old scow, as some of the boys termed her (and it must be confessed the title was quite ap- plicable), being disengaged from Clifton dock, at once proceeded, through the agency of the steamer, on its intended journey. Perhaps a brief description of the transport and its conveniences for the small comfort of wet and chilled soldiers, will not be amiss Bvr. Major-i^enehai, THOMAS C. DEVIX. 18G1] Slxtli New York Cavalry. 33 here. It is possible that I may not give a correct statement of its dimensions, for it is somewhat diffi- cult to concentrate the mental powers on any one sub- ject when in the midst of confusion and tumult — the men were compelled to stamp their feet, clap their hands, and everything else imaginable which would create warmth and keep the blood in circulation, and joining in the chorus of clamor, neglected to make a close survey, but would say its length was 125 feet and width 45 feet, and consisted of an upper and lower deck — the horses below and the entire regiment above — except a few files that were detailed to man- age the horses, and a small number who were fortu- nate enough to escape to the "Ferry." Here the men were huddled together, like a flock of sheep, in a nar- row enclosure, the cold, piercing wind having full access to them and almost freezing the marrow in their bones. The main decks and holds of the barge were so densely jiacked that tlie}^ could hardly move about. Toward evening a storm came up. It was late at night before a start was made. Getting out in the bay, on it sailed, in a northerly direction, then westerly, and crossing Kill-von-Kull the men realized that they were in great peril, as the vessels were roll- ing and in danger of turning turtle. The waves were dashing over the decks, and the frightened and mad- dened horses were plunging, neighing and fighting. The strongest and bravest men were sent to hold them by their heads, else the boats would surely have been swamped with the loss of all, or nearly all, on board. Sometimes they made headway, again were driven back; but, after being buffeted about for some hours and, proceeding slowly, had nearly reached the destined ]^ort, when, on account of the high wind, the 3 34 History of the [1861 steamer could no longer manage the barge and was obliged to go for help. During the absence of the steamer the old craft ran aground several times, but was successively blown off by the violent storm, but at last it came in contact with a sandbank, which held it fast until found by the steamer, which returned, accompanied by another of much greater power. They fastened to the old transport and once more were headed toward Elizabethport, which was reached at 3 a.m. Tuesday, 24th. As a regiment, it was in a more dangerous position than at any time of its four years of service. The hardship of that night journey, with the waves splashing over the men and freezing so that some had their hands frozen to the bits of the horses, and had to stand shivering for two or three hours, was felt later. Colds and pneumonia followed, and one of the finest built men of Company M, Thomas H. Baines, died of pneumonia soon after get- ting to York. Many never got over the effects of that night's experience. - At 4 a.m. the 24th, the regiment boarded the cars at the N. J. C. R. R. depot and was soon on its way over rivers, through deep mountain gorges, across beautiful plains and the Delaware River. Thence on the 25th into Pennsylvania, crossed the Lehigh River, caught a glimpse of the Blue Moun- tains away to the right, crossing the Susquehanna River, thence down its right bank for several miles, which afforded a grand view of that beautiful and majestic stream, winding around hills and through valleys, and reached York at 3 p.m. Dec. 25th, Christ- mas, having been thirty-five hours in traveling 250 miles. One company was housed in the Ladies' Insti- tute; some went into schoolhouses, and the remainder of the regiment encamped on the fair grounds. 1862 JANUARY 1st, 18()2, New Year's Day.— The boys were treated to beer, each company receiving a keg. In the afternoon the regiment paraded through the streets of York, and in the even- ing attended a tea party — quite a treat, Jan. 3d.— Quite a heavy fall of snow. There were many rumors in camp about the regiment being dis- banded, or transferred to infantry, but the men posi- tively declined to serve as such. Jan. 31st. — The regiment moved into barracks and felt more at home. The ladies of York were very benevolent, having given the regiment over three thousand pies. During January the time was devoted to drills, inspections, guard duty, etc., and the regi- ment earned a reputation for discipline and orderly conduct seldom enjoyed by a regiment quartered in a city. Feb, 8th. — The regiment turned out to fight the fire of a burning house in town. The days during the month were devoted to various duties : to drills, sabre exercise, enjoying the new bar- racks, and in rejoicing over the fall of Fort Donelson and capture of Generals Buckner, Pillow and John- ston, and 15,000 men, and the city of Savannah and Fort Pulaski, with General Floyd and 5000 men. Eumors were still rife in camp about the regiment being disbanded. The government would not mount it, and it refused to go as infantry. General Stone- man, chief of cavalry, reported the Sixth New York Cavalry as an efficient and highly disciplined regi- ment. 36 History of the [1862 The more the men saw of their Colonel (Devin) the better they liked him. He was a man of great military skill; he possessed all the qualifications necessary to fit him for his position; he was very sociable, but his commands must be obeyed to the very letter — the men knew there were but few as well, and none better, drilled than he. In March the regiment was ordered to Perryville, Md., to relieve the Eleventh U. S. Infantry in the duty of guarding the large government depot at that point, as well as guarding and caring for thousands of sick horses and mules. At 9.30 a.m. on the 6th, the First Battalion decamped and took train for Perryville, the rest of the regiment being under orders to follow for same place. At 3 p.m. on the 7th, it formed line and marched to the depot, reaching there at five o'clock. Company I was detailed to put the horses on board and had quite a lively time of it. Started from York at 7 p.m. and arrived in Baltimore at 5 a.m. on the 8th, the journey thus far being somewhat interesting, rushing along at a fearful rate, now slowly up grade, and again with great velocity on the descent, while upon one side, for several hundred feet in height, rises a perpendicular clitf, and a rapid and rocky descent upon the opposite ; now rushing through deep ravines and tunnels, again into the clear moonshine of a cloudless night; to the men the ride to Baltimore was exceedingly rough and dangerous. At nine o'clock formed line and marched to the depot, and at ten o'clock started on the way to Perryville, arriving there at 1.30 p.m., and crossed the mouth of the Sus- quehanna Eiver on a large boat, and encamped there, at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, opposite Havre- de-Grace, a beautiful and pleasantly situated camp. 1862] Sixth Neiv York Cavalrp. 37 Colonel Deviii made a visit to Washington, plead- ing for horses and orders to be sent to the front. The rumors continued that the regiment would be dis- banded, and the men remaining firm that they would not go as infantry. There was much sickness in camp on account of the bad water, heavy rains and high winds — the rain came through every crack in the barracks; the floor resembled a hog-pen; everything was all wet and splashed, uniforms and equipments dripping; every one was nearly dead and heartily sick of the dormant life. March 17tli. — Each company received ten horses, and all non-commissioned officers drew saddles. March 18th. — Colonel Devin made another trip to Washington to learn, if possible, about disposition of the regiment. March 23d. — Funeral of Dexter Still, Company I, wlio died on the 21st. At 2 p.m. services were held by reading a few verses from the Bible, and singing "No sorrow there." March 29th. — Company K received marching orders, and on the 31st Companies D, H and K left camp, mounted, for active service on the Peninsula, under the command of Major Floyd Clarkson, and accompanied by Asst. Surg. A. P. Clarke. On the 7th of April Captain Hannah's company (F) left camp to join the three companies on the Peninsula. This battalion (Third) accompanied Sumner's corps to the Peninsula, and was present at all the battles in which that corps bore so distinguished a part, and acted as the extreme rear guard of the army during the change of base to Harrison's Landing. One squadron of the l)attalion returned to Alexandria 38 History of the [1862 with the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the movements in front of Washington, in the Battle of Antietam, and in General Conch's corps at the Battle of Fredericksburg. The second squadron of the battalion was left at Yorktown, attached to Gen- eral Keyes' corps, and was charged with the duty of picketing and scouting the roads leading from that place to the enemy's position. In one expedition, under Major William P, Hall, into the enemy's coun- try, they destroyed a mill used by the rebels, and cap- tured a large amount of rebel property; and in a raid to the White House captured a large amount of con- traband goods. The amount of duty performed by the troops of this battalion was almost unprecedented, and their reputation for efficiency, courage and vigi- lance caused their services to be highly valued by the general officers to whose commands they were attached. General Sedgwick, in his report of the engagement near Fair Oak Station, on the Richmond & York R. R., May 31st and June 1st, says: "Captain Johnson, commanding a detached company (K) of the Sixth New York Cavalry, though not inunediately engaged, rendered valuable services in various ways." April 2d.^ — Colonel Devin returned to camp and the regiment had a dress parade, and a very cold one, during which the men almost froze. The parade was brief when the regiment passed in review. April 10th. — The monotony of camp life was relieved by the cheering news that Island No. 10 had fallen into our hands, as also the victory at Pittsburg Landing. April 27th. — Two flags were presented to the reg- iment by the Colonel, the chaplain delivering a brief discourse (which will be found on another page). 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 39 May (3tli. — There was mucli excitement in camp, the paymaster having pnt in an appearance. The eight companies, composing the First and Second Bat- talions of the regiment, remained at Perryville until May 11th, when they were ordered to Washington. At 2 p.m. on the 11th the}'^ boarded the train (thirty cars) and arrived in Baltimore at 6 p.m. and marched \\\) town to the "Soldiers' Belief Association" and had supper. They started from Baltimore at 10 o'clock \).\\\. and reached Washington at 1 a.m. the 12th, and bunked in the "Soldiers' Retreat" until after 3 p.m., when they fell in line and marched for PIow- ard's Hill, which they reached at five o'clock, and pitched tents near the camp of Swain's cavalry (Scott's 900), two miles north of the Capitol. May 14th. — The regiment struck tents and marched to Capitol Hill (where now are fine rows of houses), three and one-half miles distant, and one mile east of the city, where it pitched tents, in the rain, and then went to the barracks of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry and remained in their quarters until 2 p.m. the 15th, when it marched back to its tents. May 20tli. — The regiment received company wagons and team horses. May 22d. — Colonel Devin presented the regiment with a banner from the Corporation of the City of New York, with an appropriate and pointed speech (which will be found on another page). May 25th. — Great excitement on account of Gen- eral Banks' retreat; rebels a|:)proaching Harper's Ferry, the regiment receiving marching orders ; troops were on the move continuall}^; many regiments were being sent to re-enforce Banks. 40 History of the [1862 May 28tli. — The regiment had a dress parade, dur- ing which an order was read that the Sixth New York and Colonel Swain's cavalry (Scott's 900) had been assigned to General Sturgis' brigade. June 20tli. — At 5 p.m. an interesting ceremony took place in the cam]), the occasion being the presentation to Colonel Devin of a splendid sabre, purchased by the non-commissioned officers and privates of the reg- iment. The sabre was gotten up in the improved reg- ulation style, and was a very superior article. The scabbard was of very highly polished steel and richly chased, the devices being swords, battle axes and arrows bound together in bundles. At the rings, representations of oak leaves and twigs were twined around as an evidence of strength and permanency. The scabbard bore the following inscription: "Pre- sented to Col. Thomas C. Devin by the non-commis- sioned officers and privates of the Sixth New York Cav- alry, June, 1862." Accompanying the sabre were a scabbard for service, sword-belt, shoulder-strap, sash and spurs, and all enclosed in a splendid rosewood box lined with white satin. The presentation was made on behalf of the donors by Senator Ira Harris of New York, who said he presented the gift as a memorial of trust and confidence from soldiers to an accom- plished officer and leader; he was gratified to be the organ of presentation, and more so on account of the pleasant relations that existed between the Colonel and himself. On behalf of the soldiers of the regi- ment he then presented the sabre. He said he knew that in the Colonel's hands it would never come to dis- honor, and when the opportunity occurred, he knew it would be unsheathed in the cause of his country; and when that hour came, recollection of this hour would 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 41 nerve the hand to strike heavier 1)1 ows for the cause of freedom, and when peace was restored, he hoped it would be returned unstained by touch of traitor's liand. Colonel Devin replied that he had no words to ex])ress his thanks for the testimonial — he knew not why he deserved it; all he had ever done was done in the execution of a duty, and he never had a thought of doing aught else ; he had done that duty to the best of his ability in studying the comfort of his men and ])roperly disciplining them — he was proud of his regi- ment ; they were not yet all that he would wish a cav- alry to be, but they had judiciously improved all their opportunities, and he was satisfied with them; they had been carefully taught to take care of themselves and to injure their enemies. He trusted they as a regiment would never be ashamed of their Colonel, and he pledged himself that his sabre would ever be ready to leap from its scabbard in the cause of his country, and the regiment would never be ashamed to follow his lead. After the address had been concluded, the several companies filed by in order and took a look at the sabre. The regiment was then formed, and passed in review before Senator Harris. Previous to the presentation ceremonies the regi- ment was thoroughly drilled in the presence of Gen- eral Havelock, C-olonel DeForest of the Fifth New York Cavalry and Colonel Price of the Second Penn- sylvania Cavalry, and a number of ladies and civil- ians. The entire ceremony was a very entertaining one, and was an evidence of good feeling between officers and men. The Marine Band was present and furnished lively and stirring music at intervals. The committee on i)art of the donors were Sergeant-major 42 History of the [1862 H. M. Smith, First Sergeant A, Z. Boyd, Sergeant Richard B. Denker and Private G. W. Hope. June 24th. — Company G presented its Captain (Sheldon) with a sabre. June 28th. — Eeveille at 3 a.m. At six o'clock the regiment decamped from Capitol Hill, crossed the Long Bridge over the Potomac (for the first time) and reached the sacred soil at 6.30, and arrived at and went into camp near Cloud's Mills at eleven o'clock — camp below Fort Worth, and reported by orders to General Sturgis. The regiment was assigned to the brigade of Gen. John Cook, and ordered to be mounted. July 1st. — A detail of seventy-two men was made from the regiment and sent to Washington to bring 216 liorses to camp; the horses became frightened by a train of cars, and stampeded, injuring many of both men and horses. July 2d. — The badly injured men were brought to camp in ambulances. July 5th. — ]\[ore liorses were received. July 6th. — Saddles, bridles, revolvers, etc., were received and distributed. July 7th. — The regiment moved to the old camp of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers. Under date of July 8th, Thomas M. Wells, bugler of Company I, wrote in his diary, "My horse was assigned me — a neat little gray pony, in good order, smart, and just the one for a bugler." (The writer rode the same horse during the late summer and early fall campaigns of 1863. How well I remember, after a lapse of nearly half a century, the chunky little gray horse that carried me so well and so safely while acting, with McAfee and Goetz, as field orderly or courier for Gen. John Buford.) 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 43 July lOtli.— The Sixth and Ninth New York Cav- alry, abont 200 men in all, formed a brigade picket guard. July 11th. — The regiment was all mounted, and had its first regimental mounted drill and mounted guard. July 23d. — The regiment was ordered by General Pope, then commanding the Department of Virginia, to report to General McDowell at Warrenton, and was employed in observing the country south of the Eappahannock Eiver during the campaign, and in covering the evacuation of Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek. July 24th. — The regiment struck tents at noon and left camp at five o'clock and marched to Fairfax C. H., and bivouacked in a meadow. July 25tli. — Resumed the march at sunrise, passing the battle-ground of Bull Run, and many breastworks thrown up by the rebels, as well as the previous win- ter's camp-ground of Beauregard's army. At noon stopped at the former headquarters of General Beau- regard, thence on through Centreville, and bivouacked at sunset near Bucktown. July 26th. — Resumed the march and reached War- renton at 8.30 a.m., and encamped about half a mile beyond the town, in a meadow. July 27th. — Moved about a mile farther south and encamped in a grove. July 28th. — Left Warrenton at noon, marched about ten miles, and at night picketed in a large meadow. July 29th. — Marched to Rappahannock Station and bivouacked for the night. July 30tli. — Left the station at sunrise and at 3 p.m. reached Ellis' Ford on the Rappahannock River, 44 History of the [1862 twenty-five miles from Fredericlvsburg, and tliat dis- tance in advance of the Union lines. The regiment was ordered to remain at the ford, and report to Gren- eral King at Fredericksburg, by whom it was assigned the duty of watching and picketing the fords of the Rappahannock and Eapidan Rivers, from Rap- pahannock Station to United States Ford at the con- fluence of the two rivers, and to observe the country in front of the Rapidan, and in the direction of Orange Court-house and Culpeper, covering a line of over sixty miles. July 31st. — The regiment went on a scout. Aug. 1st. — Scouting parties were sent out in search of forage. Aug. 4th. — Regiment still on picket. Aug. 5tli. — Four companies of the regiment were sent out on a scout. Starting about 3 a.m. they crossed the Rapidan River and going toward Orange C H. went to within ten miles of Jackson's army. The enemy had just fallen back. Traveled about sixty miles and returned to camp at dark. This letter speaks for itself: General Pope's Headquarters, Near Sperrysville, Aug'. 6th, 1862, 8 a.m. Major-general Halleck: I desire to move General King's division from Fredericks- burg to Culpeper tomorrow morning by the plank road be- tween those places which crosses the Rapidan at Germauna Mills. The cavalry of that division is the very best I have; in fact the only good cavalry in this army. Cannot this cavalry at least be replaced by one of the regiments now in "Washington doing police duty, so that King's cavalry can march with him? (Signed) John Pope, Major-general. 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 45 Aug'. lOtli. — Two brigades (iiifanti\y), coinmaiided by Generals Hatch and Gibbons of General King's division, crossed the Kappahannock River at El- lis' Ford, and proceeded in the direction of Cnl- peper. ''It was a beantifnl Sabbath; hot and bright the sun's rays met the earth. But there was a vast dif- ference in the Sabbath there to that of the Sabbath of peace. There seemed to be nothing cheerful to the soul of the soldier at the appearance of God's holy day. There was no church-pealing bell, informing the people of the time of divine service, inviting them by its melodious vibrations floating through the morning zephyrs to prepare to appear at God's temple. Instead of the family carriages wending their way to and from the sanctuary, the eye met the long train of army wagons and ambulances, and regiments of foot and. horse, bending their steps to the field of destruc- tion and tumult. Thus it is with calamitous war — desolation and dismay mark its track; soon, full soon, the battle rages in all its fury; yonder artillery thunders its voice across the field, telling death and pain to its opi)Osers; its fiery, deadly missiles fly, lightning-like, above and through solid bodies of men, severing the brittle thread of life in many a brave heart — then rapid discharge of musketry, and furious rush of cavalry follows, with flashing sabres and foaming steeds." Aug. 14th. — Company M (Captain Van Buren) was detailed for duty about ten miles distant toward Cul- peper. In the afternoon he started from camp to learn the whereabouts of a guerrilla band that in- fested that part of the country. Getting tidings of them at a house a few miles distant, he left a corporal 46 History/ of the [1862 and three men on guard, started in pursuit, when a body of the band rushed from a clump of woods, attacked the guard, killing one man and severely wounding the others, whom they left for dead, thus giving to Company M the distinction (or sorrow) of having lost the first man from disease (Thomas H. Baines at York, Penn.) and the first one killed in action. Private Eli B. Fairchild was killed and Cor- poral Alexander Frier was wounded. Aug. 17th. — Quartermaster-sergeant Joseph P. Rood, with Sergt. Martin Quick and Privates James Young, George Seymour, James Cunningham and Ozias Anthony, were out foraging and Sergeant Rood was wounded in the shoulder by a shot from a small band of guerrillas. The party chased the guerrillas across the Rapidan River and they escaped. Aug. 18th. — General Pope crossed the Rappahan- nock River in retreat, and the regiment (Sixth New York) was ordered to report to the commanding gen- eral at Falmouth, who ordered it to remain at the fords and hold them as long as practicable. Company C went out on a scout, during which one of the men was accidentally shot and killed. Aug. 19th. — The regiment was isolated on picket, the nearest trooi)s being twenty miles in one direction (Fredericksburg) and twenty miles in the other (Warrenton). Aug. 20th. — Company I was ordered on picket, and when about ready to cross the river the pickets were seen coming into camp, with the cry "the rebels are coming." (Companies A and B, picketing the Cul- peper road, and Company M at Ely's Ford on the Rapidan, had been attacked by a large force of Stuart's cavalry.) "To horse" was sounded, and in 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 47 a few minutes the regiment was across the stream to meet the foe ; rode a mile or two to the edge of the woods, and were warmly received by the enemy in the woods. Returned to camp without the loss of a man, and found General Stevens' division in line of battle. The enemy did not attempt to cross the river. One of the men (I regret I could not learn his name and company) killed a rebel sergeant who was carrying a dispatch to General Lee. Sergt. John Muldoon and three privates of Company I were out scouting in the vicinity of Kelly's Ford, and were attacked by a supe- rior force of the enemy, who killed one man (Elisha P. Wells, who was hit by five bullets) and took Ser- geant ]\Iuldoon and Privates John E. Grinnell and John Palmer prisoners. After Muldoon had crossed the river, he left Palmer on picket, and had not pro- ceeded far when he was fired on by the enemy. "Wells was killed and Muldoon and Grinnell taken prisoners. When Palmer heard the shots, he charged down the road alone to their assistance. AVhen the rebels saw him coming, they opened ranks and let him pass through, then closed ranks and ordered him to sur- render, which he did. Muldoon 's after-description of Palmer's appearance as he came charging down the road, coatless and hatless, with his hair standing on end, was amusing. (Palmer was killed in the charge at Brandy Station Oct. 11th, 1863.) A detail went for the body of Wells, and at 11 p.m., by the light of glimmering candles, it was buried in the woods near the camp. Aug. 21st. — The jnckets were again driven in; the horses were saddled all day, waiting for the word ''go." At midnight the pickets were again fired upon, the order "to horse" was given, and through 48 Histoi-y of the [1862 midnigiit darkness the regiment was soon posted beliind the batterj^ on the hill. Aug. 22d. — Early in the morning heavy cannonad- ing was heard in the direction of Rappahannock Sta- tion. The battle raged all day. At 6 p.m. a part of Porter's division was sent to defend the ford against Jackson's army. A large part of the Army of the Potomac moving to the same point, the region of the Eappahannock became the scene of battles, victories and reimlses. There was some fighting at Kelly's Ford, seven miles distant, the enemy attempting to cross, but was beaten back with much loss. Aug. 23d. — The fighting continued at Warrenton, Pope driving the enemy. General Porter telegraphed (leneral Burnside, "The Sixth New York Cavalry occupies Barnett's and opposite bank. I think they can hold and watch that point with' the addition of a Dutch battery," Aug. 26th. — A battery of U. S. artillery arrived and was planted on the hill, near the river, ready to receive the enemy. Firing continued in the direction of Warrenton. Company C was detailed as escort for General , Aug. 27tli. — The troops all moved away toward Warrenton. Aug. 28th. — Company C returned to the regiment from Warrenton Junction. The scene of war had changed toward Manassas, where the rebel army gave our forces battle. Falmouth, Va., Aug'. 28th, 1862. General Halleck, general-in-chief : The following dispatch was received from Barnett's Ford at 2.40 a.m. (Signed) Jno. G. Parke. 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry, 49 General J. G. Parke : Last niiiht I sent a scout on Cnlpeper road, between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers. They report, on infor- mation from the neighborhood, a regiment of cavalry encamped two miles beyond the junction of Culpeper road with Germanna and Kelly's Ford roads; also a large force of all arms at Stevensburg. My force has nearly all been drawn from here by the columns that have passed and I have barely enough to watch the ford, but will do all I can to obtain information. I believe the information brought by the scouting party to be correct, as it was furnished by different parties. If you can send me some more cavalry I will be able to ascertain more. (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Col. Sixth New York Cavalry. P. S. — One of my battalions is Avith General Sumner. Falmouth, Va., Aug. 28th, 1862, 5.80 a.m. Major-general Halleck : The following dispatch has just been received. (Signed) A. E. Burnside, Major-general. Barnett's Ford, Aug. 27th,- 1862, 10.45 p.m. General Burnside: Immediately after sending my last dispatch, I ordered the scouts at Kelly's Ford, seven miles distant, to proceed to Rappahannock Station and obtain reliable information. They have just returned, and report no enemy and the place deserted. The scouts I ordered across the river, in compli- ance with General Parke's dispatch, have also returned, and report no enemy for several miles toward Brandy Station. I have now scouts across the river, seven miles on Culpeper road. I have but forts'-tAvo men in camp: the rest all on duty. (Sig-ned) Devin, Colonel. 4 50 History of the [1862 Falmouth, Va., Aug. 28th, 1862. Major-general Halleck, general-in-chief : The following dispatch just received from Colonel Devin. I await a reply from you before answering him. (Signed) A. E. Burnside, Major-general. Barnett's Ford, 4.15 p.m. GeNER.YL PxVRKE: All is quiet at the fords at this date. Are any more troops to move up from Fredericksburg to-night? Are we to con- tinue to watch all fords from Rappahannock east^vard and have to look for any enemy by the roads leading from the direction of Manassas to these fords? There is no force at my ford now that can hold it. My reasons for asking are that some of my men returned from General Pope's army and had a fight yesterday ; and if the enemy retreated, as re- ported, will they not come this way? (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel. Barnett's Ford, Aug. 28th, 1862, 9.00 a.m. General Burnside: At 6 o'clock last evening I dispatched Lieutenant Easton with six men with instructions to cross the river here and proceed as far as possible on the Culpeper road, and then conceal himself, for the purpose of watching movements of the enemy during the night. He reports on his return the same force of cavalry camped about twelve miles from here, and the forces of all arms still at Stevensburg. The pickets of the enemy were at the intersection of Kelly's and Germanna Ford road with the Culpeper road. Their scouts patrol the road to within a mile of my pickets across the river, distant from here about two miles. Everything quiet this morning at Kelly's. (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding Sixth N. Y. Cavalry. [1862 Sixth New York Cavcdry. 51 Falmouth, Va., Aug. 29th, 1862, 1 p.m. ]\Iajor-general H. W. Halleck, general-in-chief , and Major- general Geo. B. JMcClellan, Alexandria : The following is just received from advance pickets. (Signed) A. E. Burnside, Major-general. Barnett's Ford, 10 a.m. I sent party out last night four miles on railroad from Kappahannock toward Brandy Station. No force to be seen there. Captain IMcIntyre this morning picketed the road toAvard Morgansburg (?), with instructions to scout in that direction. Hea\y firing this morning, apparently in the direction of Brentsville, and being at this hour toward Wiar- reuton. AYe will keep you informed. (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel. Washington, D. C, Aug. 29th, 1862, 2.30 p.m. ]\Iajor-general Burnside, Falmouth, Va. : Any further news? Does Colonel Devin mean that sound of firing Avas heard in direction of Warrenton, as stated, or in direction of Warrenton Junction? (Signed) A. Lincoln. Aug. 29tli. — The regiment was still on picket. At 5 p.m. it was ordered to camp, having received orders to leave for another point. Arrived at camp at sunset and found the place evacuated. Were ordered by the Colonel to remain on this side of the river all night, the officer of the guard posting the necessary pickets. Aug. 30th. — The regiment was relieved in the morning from picket and retired to the reserve camp. At night formed in line of battle, dismounted, and stood to horse all night, sleeping as stood, and enjoy- mg a heavy rain-storm. Though daily threatened by 52 Ilistory of the [1862 the enemy, the regiment continned to hold the fords until the 31st, during which time the country in front, right and rear was occupied by the enemy in force, the regiment having suffered the trifling loss, in various skirmishes, of two men killed, three wounded and three captured, making a total of eight. On that date, having been reinforced by two squadrons of cavalry and one section of Gibson's battery, the com- mand was ordered to retire on Falmouth, then just vacated, and after holding that place until the destruc- tion of the bridges was completed, to march to Staf- ford C H. on General Burnside's left flank, and hold that point during the embarkation from Aquia Creek. When Aquia Creek was evacuated, the com- mand marched to that place and, embarking on trans- ports, proceeded to Washington. On the march of the 31st from camp at Telegraph Station to Fredericksburg, the regiment arrived just in time to witness some excitement. It reached Fal- mouth just as the bakery, with all its contents, flour and bread, was being committed to the flames. On arriv- ing at Fredericksburg, it found the flames had caught the railroad depot and bridge, and other public build- ings, which were being destroyed by Burnside as he was about to evacuate. The furious flames and the bursting powder-kegs playing destruction on the un- destroyed particles, sounding like the bursting of bombshells, was somewhat exciting and a scene of grandeur. Left Fredericksburg at 10 p.m. and marched to Stafford C. H., distant ten miles, arriv- ing about 2 a.m. Sept. 1st. The fighting of the cam- paign was now near Washington. Sept. 4th. — Saddled up at noon and fell in line and remained so until night, when the command marched [1862 Sixth New York Cavalnj. , 53 to Aquia Creek, reaching there at nine o'clock, and the embarkation of the regiment was completed by midnight, at which time the two steamers started for Washington. Sept. 5th. — Arrived in Washington about daylight and marched to Meridian Hill and encamped. Sept. 6th. — The regiment was armed with carbines. Sept. 7th. — The regiment was ordered to take the advance of General Burnside's column through Mary- land. Left camp at 2 p.m. and twenty-four hours after occupied Brookville, and picketed the B. & O. E. E. It led the advance of Burnside's column into Frederick, entering the city from the left, while Gen- eral Eeno was forcing the front. It marched with General Burnside to South Mountain, and supported Gibbon's brigade and C^ampbell's battery in the attack on the middle pass on the turnpike. Again it led the advance of Burnside's column across the mountains, supported by Gibson's Light Bat- tery C, Third Artillery, capturing over one hundred prisoners, and reaching the battlefield of Antietam at 1 p.m. on Monday, the 15th, receiving the fire of the enemy's batteries (then in position and just engaging Hooker's advance). The regiment was placed under cover and detachments sent out on the front and left to reconnoitre the enemy's position. That night Colonel Devin received orders to ascertain before daybreak whether the enemy still remained in position in front, and a detachment crossed the bridge over the Antie- tam at 3 a.m., and after advancing half a mile came upon the enemy's infantry in force, when it retired in good order, without loss. The position of the enemy's artillery not having been ascertained at 8 a.m.. Colonel Devin crossed the 54 History of the [1862 bridge with Troops I and M, and deploying one platoon to tlie front as skirmishers, advanced toward Sharpsburg and succeeded in nnmasking the enemy's batteries in the cornfield on the left, and behind the ridge on the right of the turnpike. The squadron retired in perfect order, under the fire of the batteries, without the loss of a man, Cap- tain Van Buren of Troop M having his horse shot under him. The regiment was again thrown out on the left, and the next day, during the battle of the 17th, five companies, under Major Carwardine, were ordered to the mouth of Antietam Creek, where they succeeded in holding in check 1000 rebel cavalry then threatening our flank, capturing a major and one pri- vate of Stuart's cavalry with their horses. Subsequent to the Battle of Antietam, the regiment marched to Pleasant Valley, and encamped with the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the unsuccessful chase after Stuart on the occasion of his raid into Maryland. To go back and give the above campaign more in detail : — Sept. 7th. — About sixty of the regiment remained behind to have the horses shod. Sept. 8th. — Reveille at 4 a.m. At 4.30 started to the blacksmith shop at the lower part of the city; shoeing of 150 horses completed by 10 a.m. ; returned to camp, and at five o 'clock marched en route to Mary- land, fifteen miles distant, where they arrived at 11 p.m., and bivouacked. General McClellan was in command of the arm3^ Sept. 9th. — The detachment left camp for Brook- ville, where it found the regiment. At 1 p.m. left Brookville and marched to Goshen, driving in the rebel pickets near Frederick. 18()l2] Sixth New York Cavalry. 55 Brookville, Md., Sept. 9, 1862, 7 p.m. Major-general H. W. Halleck, general-in-chief, and Gen- eral McClellan : The following dispatches were received while on the march to-day. (Signed) A. E. Burnside, Major-general. Headquarters Advance Reserve, Lisbon Road Junc, Six jMiles South op Cooksville, Sept. 9th, 1862, 7 a.m. Col. T. C. Devin. Sir: Left picket at Cooksville, with whom General Wool's cavalry commnnicated last night at 9.30 o'clock, to ascertain whether General Burnside's advance Avere at Cooksville. They consisted of a company of the First Pennsylvania. Twelve men were seen at Poplar Springs this morning. It is reported an advance of 200 will be made to Cooksville this morning. Communicated with Lieutenant Patterson this morning. So far all quiet. Please send rations and forage. Have thought it expedient to stop the passing of citizens to our rear and return this morning. Surrounded with rebels •in disguise. AVe trust no one will endeavor to reconnoitre to Lisbon this afternoon. (Signed) Respectfully, W. E. Beardsley, Captain Troop E. Respectfully forwarded. (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel. Trinity, Md., Sept. 9th, 1862. Colonel Devin : Sir: I sent a patrol party, under command of Sergeant Real, last evening about six o'clock. They patrolled the road between this place and Damascus, and arrived at said place 56 History of the [1862 at eleven o'clock. They learned that the rebels had a force at Kempto^^^l, and their pickets were within two miles of Damascus. They have pickets on the railroad and pike to the right of Damascus. The rebels are in force at Woodbine, on the turnpike, at that place. General Wool's pickets killed three rebel pickets night before last. They are also at Clarks- burg, on the Georgetown road, to the left of Trinity. There is said to be a large force at Harristown (Hyattstown), six miles to the left of Damascus. There is a man at Trinity who has been in the habit of visiting the rebels ever since they came into that section of country. I think he had better be sent to headquarters. I sent out a patrol party this morn- ing at three o'clock to scout the road to Damascus. They have not yet returned. Very respectfully, (Signed) F. A. Patterson, 1st Lieut. Commanding Troop. Brookville, Md., Sept. 9th. 1862. 8 a.m. ]\Iajor-general Burnside : All quiet as yet this morning. J\ly pickets are in reserve at Triadelphia and Unity, and scout the country around Cooks- ville and the turnpike. The enemy is said to have pickets at Lisbon. Captain Beardsley stopped a citizen with a pass dated at Frederick yesterday and signed by Brigadier-gen- eral Lee. It is reported that the enemy is making for EUi- cott's ]\Iill, and that they are receiving reinforcements from Maryland. I give this merely as reports current among citi- zens about Cooksville. I will send another dispatch as soon as I hear from the front. (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding Cavalry. Brookville. Sept. 9th, 1862. General Burnside : I had already sent you a dispatch before the arrival of your message. All is quiet as yet. My pickets are in .reserve 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 57 six miles in front of this place, and scout up to Cooksvilie, and are working the pike at that place. As far as I can learn, all is quiet this side of the railroad, on which the enemy have pickets. My scouts were yesterday to the northeast and west of Cooksvilie for some miles, but met none of the enemy. We are also watching: the front to Lisbon, where the enemy is said to have pickets. I am expecting a report from the front every minute, which I will send as soon as received. Respectfully, (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel. P. S. — Have just received report from extreme front. Up to 3 p.m. all quiet. Scouted to Lisbon ^and Damascus last night Xo enemy there. We have pickets now on National road. (Signed) Thos. C. Devin. Colonel. Goshen. Md., Sept. 9th, 1862, 8 p.m. ]\L\.JOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE : Lieutenant Easton of this regiment left camp at 10 a.m. to-day with four men, to obtain information in the neighbor- hood of Damascus. He has just returned, and reports having met and driven in their pickets two and a half miles from Hyattstown, on the road to Damascus. He wounded one of their men and chased the others into the reserve at the foot of the hill leading to Hyattstown. The i*eserve seemed to number about a company. The people there represented the enemy to be in force, with cavalry at Eidgeville, on the National road, and that their pickets are two miles this side of that place, on the road from Damascus. If such is the case, Cap- tain Cutts and Captain Van Buren, who went out on that road at 1 p.m., will meet them. The last I heard from Cap- tain Cutts, he was at Damascus, and was al)out starting for Ridgeville. I send another troop to Damascus to cover him. Very respectfully, (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Sixth New York Cavalry. 58 History of the [1862 Sept. lOtli, — Jackson was reported to be near Fred- erick with a force of 30,000. CooKSviLLE, Sept. 11th, 1862, 10.80 a.m. Major-general Hooker, Commanding Corps. General : Captain Beardsley, Sixth New York Cavalry^, who is posted here, states that John S. Doll, proprietor of the Entaw House, Baltimore, passed through this place on his way from Frederick to Baltimore, at 1 o'clock last night. He (Doll) states that the main force of the enemy left Frederick yester- day morning for Harrisburg, and that at 1 o'clock yesterday but one division was left at Frederick and that it was pre- paring to march. The entire numbers 160,000. Jackson has the advance. He met Lee's and Stuart's cavalry at New- market, about 1000 men. He also met a squadron about one mile this side of Newmarket, returning to that place. From information obtained, it is believed that this squadron had been to Hood's ^Mills, two miles from here, on the railroad. We have now a picket at Hood's Mills, and one company of Sixth New York has gone this morning to Ridgeville by this pike. Nothing has been heard of the enemy here this side of Nev\Tnarket since yesterday. Captain Beardsley deems the information of IMr. Doll reliable. He visited Frederick to attend to his family, and was detained at Frederick sev- eral days. The railroad bridge over the ^Monocacy is de- stroyed. The enemy took the road up the Cumlierland Valley. Very respectfully, (Signed) D. C. Houston, Major of Engineers. Sept. 12tli. — Marched from Damascus to Frederick, distant twenty miles, arriving there at 5 p.m. The last of the enemy was just evaenating, and we gave them a few parting shots as mementoes on the jour- ney of the Union and our coming. The rebels, about 1862] Sixth New York Cavalri/. 59 600 strong, liad made a stand at the entrance of tlie town, and gave battle to our advance guard — three companies of cavalry; they were too numerous for us to conquer, but were forced to run as our artillery saluted them. We lost a few men and horses. It was a glorious day for Frederick City — it was rescued from the hands of enemies, and the people rejoiced. For a week the city had been held by the Confederates, who had committed all manner of dep- redations, robbing the Union citizens of whatever they needed, and pilfering the stores of clothing of all kinds. The Sixth New York was about the first cav- alry troops to enter the town, and deafening cheers for the Union and Stars and Stripes met our ears. The people seemed frantic with joy; they could scarcely manifest their principle of loyalty to a satis- factory degree. Every window and corner was deco- rated with the Union banner, and in the hands of the fair sex, old and young, waved handkerchiefs and flags as a token of their appreciation of our presence ; all was a perfect jubilee. As General Burnside rode through the town, cheer upon cheer for him was given. Such patriotic demonstrations as were mani- fested would have surprised "Stonewall" had he been j^ermitted to see it; he would have known that "secesh" principles were meagre in and about the town. "We marched through the principal street and encamped just north of the city. Sept. 13th. — Late in the afternoon marched a mile northward and encamped. Company I being detailed to guard General Burnside 's headquarters for the night. 60 Historij of the [1862 BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN. Sept. 14th. — Advanced and passed tlirongii Middle- town about noon, the enemy having just retreated, after burning the bridge and some houses. At 2 p.m. the roaring of cannon commenced just ahead — the rebels had made a stand on Middletown Hill, and were responding quite briskly to our fire. At 4 p.m. the firing increased on both sides, and shells were bursting over our heads, loudly proclaiming death and destruction to whatever intercepted their course — how madly they flew through the air with an inde- scribable sound. We were near South Mountain; the regiment had moved up close to the line of battle, had halted in the road, were shelled by a rebel battery, had been ordered to charge the battery, but the order had been countermanded. Now the contest raged fiercely, the woods seemed ablaze, the cannon belching forth missiles of death, attended with a bright, broad flame ; this, added to that of the smaller arms, was an interesting and impressive scene. To the left, loud cheering was heard. Our men were making a bayonet charge, the rebels were retreating ; they were defeated and firing ceased at 10 p.m. W. H. Bogart of Com- pany A was wounded in left thigh while supporting a battery, but did not leave the field. "Thus terminated a bloody and obstinate contest. From mid-day until dark the waves of battle ebbed and flowed, IVIen wrestled with each other in lines of regiments, brigades and divisions, while regiment, brigade and division faded away under a terrible fire, leaving long lines of dead to mark where stood the living. Fields of corn were trampled into shreds, for- ests were battered and scathed, huge limbs sent crash- 1861^] Sixth New York Cavalry. 61 ing to tlie earth, rent by shell or round shot. Grape and canister mingled their hissing screams in this liell- ing carnival, yet within all this, and tlirough it all, the patriots of the North wrestled with hearts strong and nerve unshaken — wrestled with the rebel liordes that thronged and pressed upon them as to destruction, never yielding, though sometimes halting to gather up their strength, then with one mighty bound throw- ing themselves upon their foes to drive them into their protecting forest beyond. We slei^t upon tliQ bloody field of our victory." Sept. 15tli. — Commenced our march in ])ursuit of the enemy. Crossed the left of the battlefield at 11 a.m. and — comrades will pardon me if I omit a descri]^tion of the scene that presented itself to view; to attempt to do so would be futile ; it is be^^ond the X:»ower of my pen, and would only be drawing a pic- ture that it is just as well our children should not look ux^on. That the sacrifice in lives was great, history has already told. Among the noble ones who fell was the gallant Major-general Eeno, who was shot through the breast by a bullet while commanding his division. The enemy fell back to Sharpsburg, near the Potomac River, where he made a stand. BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG TURNPIKE. Sept. 16th. — Cannonading commenced at noon. The enemy threw i;aany shells around and among us, killing a few men and horses; the air was filled with the whizzing of bombs ; many of the enemy came in our lines "sick of the rebel army," they said. This was the third day's fight; firing ceased at dark. 62 Histortj of the [1862 BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. Sept. ITtli. — Fourth day's fighting. It was reported that General McClellan had given the rebel generals two hours in which to surrender, but that they had declined to accept the proposal. Firing began at 7 a.m. and at ten o'clock the battle raged in all its fury. The din of musketry, the roar of artillery, was one continual thundering — the shells were falling so thickly and rapidly among us we were compelled to change our position. The front of the battle line was about five miles in length; General McClellan, in per- son, commanded the right wing. General Burnside the left, and General Sumner (I believe) the centre. On the left the battle raged fiercely all day, with heavy cannonading, rapid volleys of musketry and charging of bayonets. In the afternoon four companies of the Sixth New York were sent on a reconnoitring expedition, in which they captured some of Ashby's cavalry. Can- nonading was kept up all night. The fight was a fierce and hotly contested one. A large piece of woods in which the rebels were concealed was a per- fect sheet of fire from the artillery and musketry. During the battle a detail was made from I and M squadron to cross the Stone bridge and learn if any of the enemy was near the old Stone house. There ivere plenty of them there. Thomas Leach of Troop M was wounded in the slight skirmish that took place. Sept. 18tli. — All was quiet; the guns were still under flag of truce from the enemy, the men were busy burying the dead; it was the sacred rite, the last act of comradeship, by both the "Grey" and the "Blue," that could be shown to the fallen soldier. 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 63 The battle had been fought and won, the enemy had been driven from his position and left us in posses- sion, but at what a cost in life and limb ! At the Battle of Middletown Heights or South Mountain the Union loss was 4-43 killed, 1806 wounded, 76 missing, making a total of 2325. At the Battle of Hagerstown Heights or Antietam the Union loss was 2010 killed, 91:16 wounded, 1013 missing, making a total of 12,469 ; making a total loss in the two battles of 14,794. The Confederate loss in the two battles was a total of 25,542. [In explanation of my departure from the usual cus- tom of writing a regimental history, and giving an account of the movements of the army during this campaign, instead of confining myself to those of the Sixth New York Cavalry, I would say to the reader that the regiment, being at that time attached to Gen- eral Burnside's corps, as escort and advance guard, and being broken up in squadrons, companies and squads on special duty, was seldom anywhere as a regiment, but in that detached shape was practically all over the field, thus making this short but general account necessary in order to record the services ren- dered by it.] On the night of the 18th the regiment was stationed at Antietam Creek, picketing that part of the line. To avoid confusion to future readers, it might be well to state here that the battle above described was called "Antietam" by the Federal authorities, and "Sharpsburg" by the Confederates. Sharpsburg was a small post village in Washington County, Md., sixteen miles south from Hagerstown, and about twelve miles west of Middletown (from which 64 Histonj of the [1862 it is separated by the South Mountains), and about the same distance north from Harper's Ferry, and three miles from the ferry on the Potomac at Shepards- ville, Va. About this time General Burnside issued an order that no whole rails should be burned. The order was obeyed, for thereafter, only hroken ones were burned. Sept. 19th. — Heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of the Potomac — our right wing was engag- ing the enemy as he attempted to cross the river. Sept. 20tli. — The booming of cannon was heard beyond the Potomac — the rebel forces had retreated across the river. Stonewall Jackson's expectations were wholly defeated; after all his strategy and dash- ing movements toward the North, he had found his match in coping with Generals McClellan and Burn- side — he had discovered the mistaken idea he cher- ished in presuming his ability and power to roam at will through the North, and winter in the "Old Key- stone State." For the first time in ten days the regiment unsad- dled its horses. Sept. 21st. — Four companies were sent east of Sharpsburg, at the residence of a man named Sher- man. The inhalntants of AVashington and Frederick Counties were nearly all loyal — Sharpsburg was partly "secesh," but its buildings had been bored and well ventilated by the shot and shell of the recent battle. Sept. 22d. — The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on this date, freeing all slaves from Jan. 1st, 1863. In the report of Col. Wm. H. Irwin, Forty- ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, Second Division, Sixth Corps, camp near 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 65 Williamsport, Md., Sept. 22d, of the Battle of Cramp- ton's Pass and Antietam, I find this mention: "The wounded were carried to the rear to a temporary hos- pital, where Assistant Surgeon Richard Curran, Thirty-third New York Volunteers, was assiduous in his attention to the wounded." And again, further on in the report, "Assistant Surgeon Richard Cur- ran, Thirty-third New York Volunteers, was in charge of our temporary hospital, which unavoidably was under fire; but he attended faithfully to his sev- eral duties, and I beg to mention this officer with par- ticular commendation. His example is but too rare, most unfortunatel}^" (Doctor Curran was, later on, commissioned assistant surgeon of the Sixth New York Cavalry, and still later on surgeon of the Ninth New York Cavalry.) Sept. 23d. — A ride through Harper's Ferry showed the result of the battle there — many of its beautiful and costly buildings were in ruins, and many blocks had fallen. Sept. 26tli. — For eight days the regiment had been bivouacking in the road in the same place. Rumors were floating through the camp that the South had asked for thirty da^^s' armistice for the purpose of forming a kind of treaty. Oct. 3d. — The Army of the Potomac was reviewed by President Lincoln. Oct. 7th. — Reveille at four o'clock. "Boots and sad- dles" at five o'clock; at ten o'clock the regiment received orders to move to Pleasant Valley; arrived there at 2 p.m. ; the dustiest march of the campaign — the eyes, mouth, nostrils and ears were completely filled with the combustion of pulverized material from the pike ; one could, with much difficult straining of 5 66 History of the [1862 the eyes, distinguish his nearest neighbor in the ranks. Oct. 11th.— Companies I and L were ordered on a scout; saddled up at -t a.m. and five o'clock left camp, commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Mc Vicar; went via Brownsville and Rossville and on to Boonsboro, then returned to Brownsville and bivouacked near the town till midnight, when the regiment came up and the squadron was ordered to follow it to Boonsboro, arriving there at 2 a.m. the 12th, having marched about thirty-five miles. Oct. 12th.— The squadron left Boonsboro at sunrise and went, on gallop, to Hagerstown, distant eleven miles— a reconnoissance to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy. Learned that Stuart's cavalry and some artillery had crossed near Hancock and gone on to Chambersburg, Penn., which town they had robbed and nearly destroyed. Firing was heard in the direc- tion of Chambersburg and Harper's Ferry. Arrived back at Boonsboro at 10 a.m. and remained near town until 11 p.m., when it marched to Jefferson and joined the regiment at 3 a.m. the 13th, a distance of twenty miles, the route being via Middletown, on the Hagers- town and Frederick turnpike. Oct. 13th.— The regiment moved at 6 a.m. and went to within a mile of Point of Rocks on the Potomac, and there learned that Stuart had escaped with his booty. Wheeled about, and passing through Catoc- tin and Knoxville, reached camp in Pleasant Valley at 2 p.m. Stuart raided Chambersburg and the coun- try rouud about, and escaped to his own lines with about 1000 horses and a large amount of clothing. Were the officers of the Army of the Potomac asleep f 1862] Sixth New York Cavalrij. 67 Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Oct. 13th, 1862, 7 p.m. jMajor-general ITalleck, general -in-chief : The recent raid of Stuart, who, in spite of all the precau- tions I could take with the means at my disposal, went entirely around this amiy, has shown most conclusively how greatly the service suffers from our deficiency in the cavalry arm. The great extent of the river line from Washington to Cumberland, the major portion of which, at the present stage of water, is fordable at almost every point, renders it necessary to scatter our cavalry for a very great distance in order to Avatch the numerous crossings. At the time Stuart crossed, it so happened that the greater part of our cavalry was absent, near Cumberland, in pursuit of another rebei cavahy force which had made its appearance at the Little Cacapon, and other points on the Upper Potomac, destroying railroad bridges, etc. I had pickets at McCoy's Ferry, where Stuait crossed, but they were captured by his men, and, in consequence of this, I did not learn of the crossing for some hours afterward. All the cavalry that could be collected to pursue Stuart, only amounted to less than 1000 men. With these, Pleasa.nton marched seventy-eight miles in twenty-four hours, with a horse battery, but only came up with Stuart at the Potomac after he had marched over ninety miles cbir- ing the same time, with change of horses. The track of the rebels was entirely outside of our infantry until he came near General Stoneman, at Poolesville, who has not as yet explained why he did not mass his troops and engage him, as he was ordered. The rapid movement of the rebel cavalry precluded the possibility of marching out infantry from any point of our lines with a probability of intercepting them. Cavalry is the only description of force that can prevent these raids. Our cavalry has been constantly occupied in scouting and reconnoissances, and this severe labor has worked down the horses and rendered many of them unser- viceable, so that at this time, no more than one-half of our 68 History of the [1862 cavalry are lit for active service in the field. The enemy is well provided with cavalry, while our cavalry force, even with every man well mounted, would be inadequate to the requirement of the service and to the large infantry force M'itli the army. I, therefore, again most strenuously urge upon the department the imperative necessity of at once supplying this army, including the command of General Banks, with a sufficient number of horses to remount every dismounted cavalry soldier within the shortest possible time. If this is not done we shall be constantly exposed to rebel cavalry raids. (Signed) Geo. B. McClellan, Major-general. Oct. 15tli. — The Sixth New York was ordered to report to General Hancock, and was engaged in the reconnoissance to Charlestown, driving the rebel pickets from the front of that position; Troop G in a gallant dash on Kearneysville engaging the enemy's cavalry in superior force, taking two prisoners and horses, and retiring without loss. The regiment left camp at 6 p.m. and marched to Bolivar Heights, Va., arriving there at ten o'clock and lay to horse until 3 a.m. the 16th, The regiment retired to camp at Pleasant Valley on the 18th. October 16th, 1862, 1 o'clock. General : I cannot ascertain how much cavalry force was here with any certainty. All numbers are stated, from 200 to 5 regi- ments. There were from 5 to 7 guns. The enemy's cavalry pickets are moving about to my right and left rear. I there- fore have to picket those roads a good deal. This will reduce the cavalry force, available to move forward, to about 600 men. This command seems small; still, as I have received 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 69 no other instmctions, I shall order Colonel Devin to proceed. I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, (Not signed, but supposed to be General Hancock.) Maj. F. A. Walker, A. A. G., Second Corps. Oct. 16th. — Reveille at three o'clock; left camp at daylight and advanced toward the enemy's line. His pickets were driven in at seven o'clock, and by a little after eight the "ball" was opened by our guns, with but little response from the enemy, who made but a slight stand. At 1 p.m. our forces marched into Charlestown, the enemy being on the retreat to Win- chester and Martinsburg. Encamped on the ground occupied by "Stonewall" Jackson after the taking of Harper's Ferry. Oct. 17th. — Having accomplished the object of the reconnoissance (ascertaining the position of the enemy), our forces fell back to Harper's Ferry and bivouacked near Bolivar Heights. Headquarters Caldwell's Brigade, B0LIV.VR Heights, Va., Oct. 20th, 1862. Captain : I have the honor to submit the following' report of the part taken by my brigade in the reconnoissance of the 16th and 17th inst. Some distance beyond Halltown, where the artil- lery fire commenced, the command of Lieutenant-colonel ]\Iiles, consisting of the Sixty-first and Sixty-fourth New York Vol- unteers, was detailed by me, by order of General Hancock, and ordered to report to Colonel Brooks. I drew up two of my three remaining regiments in line of battle on the right of the road, and put the third in column of division behind the centre of the line. In this order, with skirmishers thrown out well to the front, I advanced to and through Charlestown. Just beyond the village, we halted until about 1 p.m., when, 70 Histonj of the ' [1862 by order, I advanced my skirmishers and line of battle through the woods, nearly two miles beyond Charlesto\^^l, and remained until relieved by the Sixth New York Cavalry, under Colonel Devin, when we returned to our former posi- tion, on the outskirts of Charlestown. We saw about fifty of the enemj-'s cavalr3^ which retired as we advanced. (Signed) Jno. C. Caldwell, Brigadier-general Commanding. Captain Hancock, A. A. G., Hancock's Division. Oct. IStli. — Left Bolivar Heights and reached camp in afternoon. Oct. 20th. — C^olonel Devin was ordered, with his com- mand, to co-operate w^itli General Geary in an expedi- tion to capture a force of the enemy that was forag- ing in the neighborhood of Lovettsville, Va. The regiment crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah Riv- ers and, joining Geary's Brigade on Loudoun Heights, crossed Short Mountain, charged through Hillsboro, and advanced toward Waterford, near Wheatland. The advance, under Lieutenant-colonel McVicar and Major Carwardine, discovered the rebel advance, charged the main body, and routed them completely, effectually dispersing them before the arrival of the infantry or artillery. Oct. 20th. — Saddled up at midnight. At 1 a.m. the 21st started for Virginia, via Harper's Ferry; crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, thence to Hillsboro, charging through it at sunrise, captur- ing a few rebel cavalry, among them Captain Grubb, who commanded an independent company raised in Loudoun C^ounty. Pickets were immediately throwai around the town, Colonel Devin remaining there with one company, I, while the regiment proceeded to Mor- 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 71 ristown, some miles farther on, A part of the regi- ment went into and through the town, and just beyond it forty-five of them intercepted and attacked a body of rebel cavalry, under Captain AVhite, numbering 150. The men immediately ])repared for a charge ; the rebels formed and fired a volley into their ranks, which was returned by one from the Sixtli New York; a charge was then ordered and led by Lieutenant- colonel McVicar; the enemy could not stand the steel, but wheeled and fled, the Sixth pursuing with tremen- dous yells — 150 put to flight by 45 — chasing them some distance through lanes and gates to an open field (a side hill) in the woods, beyond which they escaped. Colonel McVicar had a hand-to-hand fight with one of the enemy, and worsted him, besides hav- ing his horse shot. The regiment killed and womided a number of the enemy, ca]3tured a stand of colors and four guidons, twent^^-three prisoners (including two captains and one lieutenant) and forty horses. The regiment's loss was one killed (James Murray, Company A), four wounded and one missing. Eeturned via Donaldsville to Lovettsville and bivouacked. General Geary expressed the utmost satisfaction at the spirit and valor of the regiment which was exhibited in charging and utterly routing the enemy's cavalry, nearly four times its own num- ber. Oct. 22d. — Keturned via Point of Rocks and Har- per's Ferry to camp, having been twenty-four hours in the saddle. Headquarters Second Division, Twelfth Corps, Loudoun Heights, Va., Oct. 22d, 1862. Colonel : About midnight of the 20th, I received orders from Major- general Burnside to proceed on a tour of reconnoissance. I 72 Histonj of the [1862 have the honor to furnish the Major-general commanding, with a copy of my report of the result of the same. The orders for me to proceed on a tour of reconnoissance toward Lovettsville were received about 12.30 o'clock on the morning of the 21st. I have the honor to report that my column, consisting of portions of the First and Second Bri- gades and Knapp 's Pennsylvania Battery, of this division, and about 300 of the Sixth New York Cavalry, ordered to report to me for the occasion, was put in motion about 2.30 o'clock. We proceeded up the valley lying between the Blue Ridge and Short Hills, by the Hillsboro and Harper's Ferry turn- pike, passing through Neersville to Hillsboro, at which place we expected to meet a considerable number of the enemy, as I learned on my way there that they had been there on the evening previous; but, on our arrival, I found that they had been hastily recalled to Snickersville, where they had returned during the night. Just beyond Hillsboro we captured several rebel cavalry scouts. I there learned that a portion of the enemy's cavalry was in the neighborhood of Morrisville. where I sent about 200 infantry and 100 cavalry upon a road lead- ing directly to it, and pushed forward rapidly with the main body to Wheatland, and extended my line eastwardly toward Waterford, cutting off all communications upon the roads running south. The main body of the cavalry then proceeded toward Lovettsville, and fell in with a portion of White's Cavalry Battalion, under Captain R. B. Grubb, drawn up in line of battle on the edge of a wood, upon the Glenmore farm, about one and a half miles north of Wheatland, and with sharpshooters on the top of hay-stacks. The detach- ment of the cavalry remaining with me (about 200), led by Lieutenant-colonel IMcViear, impetuously charged upon the enemj^, who resisted them but a short time, and then beat a hasty retreat, closely pursued by our cavalry for several miles in a running fight. The enemy finally scattered in all directions, and during their retreat closed several gates to impede our pursuit. Our loss was one killed and two 1862] Sixth New Yorlc Cavalry, 73 wounded ( ; that of the enemy, two known to be killed and twelve wounded. We captured two officers and twenty men. This cavalry organization was notorious for its numerous depredations on the property of Union people in Loudoun County, and for conscripting- for the rebel army. Our cav- alry exhibited much bravery in their charge, and throughout conducted themselves admirably. Colonel Devin (their com- mander), Lieutenant-colonel Mc Vicar and Major Carwardine are deserving of much approbation for their display of gal- lantry and ability. In the charge Lieutenant-colonel ]Mc Vicar, who led it, had his horse shot under him, and received a bullet through his coat. (Signed) Jno. W. Geary, Brigadier-general commanding. Lieutenant-colonel H. C. Rodgers, A. A. C, 12th Corps. Clipping from a "war times" |)aper, dated Wash- ington, Oct. 22d, 1862, at 1 p.m. : The reconnoitring party toward Leesburg has just re- turned in fine spirits, sore-footed, on rebel horses. We killed six of the enemy and wounded several more, and captured forty prisoners and horses. The force left the east side of Loudoun Heights at daybreak on Tuesday, marching in the following order: Sixth Ncav York Cavalry, Colonel Thos. C. Devin; First Brigade of General Geary's command; Second Brigade of Geary's command, followed by Knapp's Pennsyl- vania Battery of six guns, all under the command of General Geary. Our forces reached Hillsboro, a "secesh" village of some fifty houses, about noon. The eavalrv^ dashed in. cap- turing Lieutenant Grubb of the new company of rebel ran- gers belonging to Stuart's cavalry, who had been giiardinu Snicker's Gap, but were now on scouting duty. They imme- diately, to the number of 125. skedaddled from Hillsboro in the direction of Wheatland. Overtaking them near Wheat- land, we opened with a battery, supported by the Twenty- eighth Pennsylvania. The other regiments deployed out in 74 History of the [1862 both directions. After a few rounds the cavalry chari^ed in splendid style, led by Lieutenant-colonel Mc Vicar (formerly of the Royal Artillery) full thirty yards in advance of his men. He received five bullets in his clothing, besides having his horse shot under him by a rebel secreted in a haystack. The Colonel, in the words of the illustrious Washington, might have said, "By the all powerful dispensations of Prov- idence, I have been protected beyond all expectation. I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me. Yet I escaped unhurt, though death was levelling my compan- ions on every side." The chase continued full two miles. Forty prisoners were taken, including the captain and three other Grubbs, thus clearing out the Grubbs in this valley. Several rebels scat- tered among the houses and changed their clothing. One major, thus disguised, was captured. Continuing the march, we reached Lovettsville at night, all citizens being driven ahead so that they could tell no tales. Then we encamped and started homeward the next morning at 2 o'clock. Thus the guerrillas infesting Loudoun, and appearing night before last, at the river opposite Knoxville. are all cleaned out. Headquarters Hancock's Division, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 22d, 1862. Major : On the 16th inst., in obedience to instructions, I marched toAvard Charlestown, Va., with my division, and 1500 men of other divisions, under command of Colonel W. E. Lee, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, and a force of cavalry, with a battery of four guns (horse artillery). Colonel Devin being in command thereof. Early on the morning of the 16th, I sent one squadron up the railroad as far as Kearneys- ville. It proceeded to that point without meeting General Humphrey's command, as was expected, and, having per- formed the task assigned it, returned to camp, the commander 186*2] Sixth New York Cavalry. 75 making liis report direct to the commander of the Second Corps. I regret I have not the name of this officer. (Signed) W. S. Hancock, Brigadier-general Commanding Division. Major F. A. Walker, A. A. G., Second Corps. Indorsement. Headquarters Second Corps, Oct. 25th, 1862. This report of Brigadier-general Hancock is respectfully forwarded, and this most excellent officer is especially recom- mended to the favorable notice of the commanding General. Captain Sheldon, Sixth New York Cavalry, is the officer who made the dashing reconnoissance to Kearneysville, referred to by General Hancock. (Signed) D. N. Couch, Major-general. Oct. 24th. — Corporal Crawford of Company C and six men were detailed to go with three of General Burnside's staff officers down the canal toward Wash- ington, the object being an inspection of the troops. Returned to the regiment on the 27th. "General Geary presents his thanks to the Sixth New York Cavalry for the gallant behavior of men and officers during the fight of the 21st, near Wheatland." Oct. 25th. — The regiment was again ordered to take the advance and march to Lovettsville, and from thence to Wheatland, and via Pnrcellville, Salem, Eectortowm and Orleans to Warrenton. It was there attached to the headquarters of the army, and employed in observing the country on its flanks and rear from Chester Gap on the west to Aldie Gap (in the Bull Eull range) on the east. When the army left Warrenton, the regiment again took the advance to Catlett's Station, where it 76 Histonj of the [1862 was ordered to Manassas Junction to cover the move- ment of General Sickles' division to Falmouth, via Fairfax and Dumfries. This duty it did satisfac- torily, and returned to headquarters, when it was again ordered out to hold the fords of the Rappahan- nock River during the Battle of Fredericksburg (with the exception of Troops B, C, D and K, which crossed the river with (leneral Sumner's grand division). On the day of the battle a detachment from the com- panies at the fords, under the command of Lieutenant- colonel McVicar, proceeded to Ellis' Ford, twenty-one miles from Falmouth, and crossed the Rappahannock River, driving in the enemy's pickets, capturing sev- eral, and unmasking on the Culpeper road a battery of three guns, supported by the First South Carolina Cavalry. Was forced then to retire under a heavy fire of shot and shell, losing one sergeant of Troop E (which led the advance). It will thus be seen that the Sixth Regiment had performed an almost unparalleled amount of duty, although cut up by detachments, sometimes having but four companies left together, and had reported to and been engaged in service, at different times, under twenty general officers, who all united in testifying to the efficiency of the command, a record the regiment may well be proud of. It is as wonderful as true that through the whole of that arduous campaign, its actual loss in battle, though often under fire, was not over a score of men killed and wounded, and can only be attributed to the excellent discipline of the regi- ment, and the fact that it had never been unneces- sarily exposed. One battalion (First) left camp at daybreak. At noon Troops I and M followed, taking their course, on the Maryland side, along the Poto- 18(i-J] Sixth New York Cavalry. 77 mac and B. & 0. Canal, passed through Knoxville, then on to Berlin, where they crossed over into Vir- ginia on the pontoon bridge (the cavalry being the first troops to cross on the bridge), and proceeded to Lovettsville, and there joined the First Battalion. They immediately countermarched, and galloped back to the Potomac, and took position at the pontoon bridge opposite Berlin, Oct, 26tli, — General Pleasanton's cavalry brigade crossed the bridge in the morning; troops had been crossing all day, artillery, cavalry and infantry — the army was advancing. War Department, Washington City, Oct. 25th, 1862. ]\Ia.jor-general IMcClellan : I have just read your dispatch about sore-tougued and fatigued horses. AVill you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietam that fatig-ues anything? (Signed) A. Lincoln. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Oct. 26th, 1862, 9 p.m. His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the U. S. : I have the honor — Colonel Devin's cavalry, on the 22d, in a skirmish with the rebels near Snickersville, killed ten of them and captured thirty-two prisoners, including one captain and two lieutenants. Very many other expeditions and scouts have been made by our cavalry since the Battle of Antietam, and with uniform success, but I have not con- ceived them to be of sufficient importance to make them the subject of s])ecial reports. They serve, however, to illustrate the efficiency of that arm. Witli the exception of the two raids by Stuart, I am un- conscious of a single instance where the rebel cavalrv has 78 History of the [1862 exhibited any superiority over ours. The fact that Stuart outmarched Pleasanton in his last raid is easily accounted for. It is said that he received a relay of fresh horses when he crossed the river at McCoy's Ferry. From that point he had extra lead horses to take the places of those that gave out on the road, besides which he stole some 1000 horses in Pennsylvania, which contributed tOAvard giving him another relay. Notwithstanding all this, he dropped a great many broken-down horses along the road. Pleasanton made his entire trip without a change of horses. After this statement of facts has been placed before you, I feel confident you will concur with me that our cavalry is equally as efficient as that of the rebels. (Signed) Geo. B. McClellan, Major-general Commanding. Oct. 27. — What a fearful nio^ht! Eain and cold, and many of the men withont shelter — mud knee-deep ; what suffering! Troop C was detailed to report to General Wilcox. The regiment left the Potomac in the morning and marched to Lovettsville, where it encamped near General Whipple's division. Oct. 29th. — Companies I and jM rejoined the regi- ment and marched al)ont five miles beyond Lovetts- ville, to a grist-mill (Wheatland's) on the road to Winchester, and bivouacked. Nov. 1st. — The regiment remained at Wheatland Mills, waiting the arrival of General Burnside. The army was advancing in Virginia. Nov. 2d. — ^At eleven o'clock the regiment formed in line on the hill overlooking the camp. At noon Gen- erals McClellan and Burnside came up from the direc- tion of Lovettsville, The regiment moved forward, as escort, to a small town six miles distant toward Snickersville Gap, in the Blue Ridge, moving at a gal- 18G2] Sixth New York Cavalry. 79 lop. Had several small skirmishes during the day. All the fighting was done by cavalry and flying artil- k='ry. The roads were very muddy and badly blocked by wagons, making the movement of troojis very slow and difficult. Heavy firing was heard in the direction of the gap. Regiment bivouacked near army head- quarters. Nov. 3d. — Moved out at 10 a.m. and followed Gen- eral Burnside, at a gallop, to Uniontown; remained there until three o'clock and then galloped to Ilpper- ville ; wheeled about and followed the General about three miles and bivouacked. Nov. 5th. — Left camp at Upperville and escorted Generals ]\IcClellan and Burnside to Rectortown, on the Manassas Railroad, bivouacking for the night. Nov. 6th. — Troops I and L were detached and left camp at 8 a.m. and marched to Piedmont Station to await orders from General Wlii]i]jle. At 2 p.m. marched to Manassas Ga]i, distant about ten miles, and found about 400 rebels occupying the gap. A few shells made them disperse toward Front Royal. The squadron held the Gap during the night, the pickets, a half mile distant, being in ])ossession of the heights which had been occupied by the Hill Cavalry (Con- federate) but two hours before; they were in sight of the rebel encampment, where their blazing fires could be distinctly seen. Front Royal was in possession of the enemy, under command of General Hill. At ten o'clock moved back a mile to Linden Station, remain- ing in that position during the night. The regiment marched to Manassas Railroad, thence to Salem, and halted after dark near Rappahannock River. Nov. 7th. — The regiment moved to Orleans. It snowed all day. The Union line was thirtv miles 80 History of the [1862 long. Troops I and L remained at Linden Station; the weather was very cold; left the station at 7 p.m. in a snowstorm — were compelled to move very cau- tiously but rapidly, unknown to any citizen; the position was a critical one, for the squadron was with- in a short distance of Front Royal, and a large force of the enemy. Troop I went close to their camp, in full view of the men about their fires. Marched ten miles and bivouacked at a large farm-house a few miles north of Orleans. Nov. 8th. — Part of the regiment crossed the river. Troops I and L decamped at 7 a.m. and marched to Orleans to the headquarters of General Whipple. Were sent out in the afternoon to picket the road in the direction of Culpeper C. H. ; crossed the Eappa- hannock on the road to Amissvilie and occupied the ground held by the rebel pickets the day before. Nov. lOtli. — Company I accompanied two of G-eneral Whipple's statf officers to Miller's Ford on the Eappahannock River. The squadron was sent to report to General Sturgis, who was engaging the enemy, and was ordered to Hinson's Ford to hold it and protect Whipple's lines. Nov. lltli. — The regiment was picketing at Orleans. Companies I and L being the only cavalry Gen- eral Whipple had, it was kept "on the jump." Barbee's Crossroads, Nov. 11th, 1862, 9.30 a.m. General : I communicated, according to your request, with Generals Whipple and Piatt. While there, your dispatch came, stating' that the enemy were in front of Sturgis, and being solicitous about his right flank from Chester Gap, I concluded to deviate from my orders by watching it through the night. I ar- rived here after dark; found a squadron of Sixth Regiment GENERAL CHARLES L. FITZHUGH. [1862 Sixth New York Cavalry. 81 Cavalry, who picket a mile out on each road. I seut out a party to scout the Chester road, and another the road to Markham Station and Upperville, for four miles out. They returned at daylight, having seen and heard nothing. I then sent a party with orders to reach Sandy Plook, if possible. They got Avithin half a mile of the place, and succeeded in passing themselves as rebels from Araissville. Six hundred rebel cavalry arrived at Sandy Hook yesterday from up the valley. The Seventh Virginia is within two miles of Mark- ham, and it is thought that Jackson will march dowTi to the Grade road, on the ridge, to-day. They saw two rebel pickets who fled, when they thought it prudent to return, as they only numbered seven in the party. I also sent another partj^ (Companj^ A), under command of Captain Crocker (brother of Captain AV. H.), with instructions to go to Markham, if possible, thence to Piedmont, Rectorto^vn and Salem, and to send a detachment to Upperville, if prudent. I enclose his dispatch, just received. Very respectfully, etc., (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Sixth New York Cavalry. Enclosure. Headquarters, Nov. 11th, 1862, 8.20 a.m. Colonel T. C. Devin, Barbee's Crossroads. Colonel : Pursuant to your order, this command arrived at Mariv- ham about 7 this a.m. Found there Doctor Crawford, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and twenty enlisted men of Fifth United States and Sixth United States, paroled yesterday by officer in command of two squadrons. Second Virginia Cav- alry (rebels). The headquarters of the regiment are -vAathin a mile or two northwest of jMarkham. Have one prisoner of Seventh Virginia, captured w^hile riding through Markham, visiting. Lieutenant Easton does not go to Upperville. There is no infantry (rebels) about here, but every hill, and there 6 82 Historp of the [1862 are many, is infested with guerrillas, so says Doctor Craw- ford. Will go on to Salem and meet your command there. Expect to fall in with some rebel pickets on this road. (Signed) G. A. Crocker, Captain Sixth New York Cavalry. Nov. 12tli. — The regiment moved early in the morn- ing and marched to Bolivar Crossroads, and then returned to Waterloo, a small town about eight miles west from Warrenton. Troop I was sent out on a scout to feel the enemy. Nov. 13th. — The news reached camp that Greneral McClellan had been superseded by General Burnside in command of the Army of the Potomac. One squad- ron went out on picket near Waterloo. Nov. 14tli — Part of one squadron was sent on a reconnoissance at 5 a.m. and learned that the enemy was in some force at Jefferson. Nov. 15th. — Regiment moved to near Sulphur Springs, where the enemy shelled our wagon train, but Benjamin's battery soon drove them off". Headquarters Sixth New York Volunteer Cavalry, WxVRRENTON, Nov. 15th, 1862. Major-general Parke, chief of staff. General : In accordance with instructions, I left this place at 2 p.m. yesterday with four troops of my regiment, and proceeded to Salem, where I arrived at nightfall and estab- lished my headquarters. I picketed the roads leading to Barbee's Crossroads, to Piedmont, to Reetortown and to White Plains. I then ordered Captain Van Buren with Troop M to proceed to White Plains, and send detachments to communicate with the pickets of General Sigel at Thorough- fare Gap, Hopewell and Aldie. This duty was correctly executed, except that the part sent to Aldie lost the road and [1862 Sixth New York Cavalry. 83 went to ^riddleburg. Captain Van Buren reports GeneraJ Steinwehr at the gap, and one Ohio regiment at Hopewell. No force at White Phiins, Middlebiirg or Aldie. Before day- break I sent detachments to scout to Piedmont and Rector- toA\^i, who report no force there, except straggling guerrillas. I also sent Captain Sheldon with Troop (I to the left, to communicate with the force at Barbee's Crossroads (Ceneral Pleasanton's and General Wilcox's). He reports the squad- ron at Barbee's has left; also, that Generals Pleasanton aiid Wilcox had left; he conld not ascertain M' hereto. He found one squadron (Eighth Pennsylvania) at Orleans. Sixteen of White's rebel cavalry entered Salem, day before yester- day, and captured some of our stragglers. They said they were going to Paris. You will observe that I succeeded in establishing communication between our forces on the extreme right and General Sigel's lines, thus covering the whole rear. Was unable to hear of any force of the enemy except that there was a strong force at Front Royal. Very respectfully, etc., (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding Sixth New York Vol. Cavaliy. Nov, IGtli. — ''Boots aud saddles" sounded before dayliglit. Whipple's division moved out, C*ompanies I and L acting as rear guard. Arrived at AVar- renton at 4 p.m. and encamped. The regiment was ordered to report to General Sickles at Manassas Junction to cover the movements of his division to Fredericksburg. Nov. 17th. — Left at daybreak and marched to Eap- pahannock Station. At night went into bivouac at Liberty, about two miles from Bealeton Station. The most of the troops that were around Warrenton had moved in the direction of Bealeton. It was rumored through the camp that Secretary Stanton would not 84 History of the [1862 allow the army to go into winter quarters "this side of Richmond." Nov. 18th. — The squadron left Rappahannock Sta- tion and marched to within three miles of Barnett's Ford. The regiment was in Stafford County, seven miles from Fredericksburg. Nov. 19th. — The squadron left Barnett's Ford before daylight, and taking the advance of Whipple's division marched about six miles and encamped about nine miles from Fredericksburg, near Rich- ard's Ford. Nov. 20th. — The regiment reached Fredericksburg in the afternoon and bivouacked on the hill opposite. It rained hard all day and all night. Nov. 22d. — The squadron moved at nine o'clock as rear guard of the division (Whipple's) to within four miles of Falmouth, and encamped. The roads were in a bad condition. Nov. 23d. — Moved out at eight o'clock and pro- ceeded in the direction of Aquia Creek. The general activity seemed to indicate that a battle would soon be fought at or near Fredericksburg. Nov. 30th. — For a week the regiment (and squad- ron) had been resting quietly in camp, with rumors of going into winter quarters. Capt. W. H. Crocker of Troop I was promoted to major, and Second Lieut. J. H. Bell to first lieutenant. The railroad had been completed to Falmouth, and our supplies came more regularly — our rations were not so scant. Dec. 3d. — The squadron was relieved from duty at General Whipple's headquarters and rejoined the regiment near the headquarters of General Burnside. The army occupied a large extent of the surrounding country; the camp was an immense one in size; one 1862] Sixth New York Cavalry. 85 might have ridden all day and still have found him- self in the midst of tents. The country round about Falmouth was a barren waste; not a fence or rail or blade of grass was to be seen. The entire route from Alexandria to Falmouth was as barren as the wastes of Africa. Dec. 4th. — The regiment (six companies) was reviewed by Generals Hooker and Sickles. Dec. 5th. — It rained in the morning, turning to snow, hail and rain, and ended in a heavy snowstorm in the afternoon. Dec. 6th. — The regiment went into winter quarters at Belle Plain, and commenced building huts. Dec. 9th. — There was much stir and great excite- ment outside of the regimental camp. Artillery and army wagons were rumbling rapidly along over the frozen ground; troops were cheering, and rumors were rife that "Stonewall" Jackson had joined Lee's army, forming the left wing, and that Stuart's cav- alry was between the army of Burnside and that com- manded by Sigel, and that Banks was again on the way for "on to Eichmond" via the York and James Rivers. Dec. 10th.- — An order was received assigning the Sixth New York Cavalry to General Pleasanton's Cavalry Brigade. At 3.30 p.m. the regiment formed line, and under the command of Major Crocker marched to U. S. Ford, on the Rappahannock River, going via Falmouth, from which place the smoke of the rebel camp-fires could be seen on the heights beyond Fredericksburg. Arrived at the ford at 11.30 p.m. and relieved the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. An alarm was given in the dead of night from the post at the ford. The incident being an amusing one, I will 86 History of the [1862 give it, but as both the actors are still surviving I will omit the names. The man at the ford, thinking he saw the enemy crossing the river, mounted his horse and, dashing past the inner post, rushed on to the reserve and gave the alarm. The man at the inner post hurried down to the ford, and when the reserves reached it, they found him quietly eating a dish of beans he had found on the fire in the pit. THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. Dec. 11th. — The organization of the Second Bri- gade at the battle was Sixth New York, Eighth Penn- sjdvania and Sixth U. S. Cavalry Regiments. The firing began at 5 a.m. After the first shot was fired there was an interval of a few minutes, then bang, bang, bang went the big guns, heavy and rapid, until eleven o'clock, when they gradually diminished. The rebel sharpshooters in the town, secreted in the houses, prevented our troops from crossing the bridge, so the town was fired, the sharpshooters driven out, and the Second Corps crossed the river in the afternoon. Company B (Capt. Hillman A. Hall) and Com- pany C (Capt. Wm. L. Heermance) were acting as escort to Gen. Orlando B. Willcox, commanding Ninth Corps. Dec. 12th. — The battle was resumed, the cannonad- ing being very heavy. The enemy's batteries were in position about three-quarters of a mile from the city, on a range of hills. Dec. 13th. — The battle still raged — a continuous roar of both artillery and musketry. Our troops occupied the town, which was practically destroyed. The enemy occupied the heights beyond, an almost 18G2] Sixth New York Cavalry. 87 impregnable position. The battle was fierce and the loss was very heavy. Lieutenant-colonel McVicar, with Troops E and G, made a dash over Barnett's Ford and charged a considerable force of the enemy's cavalry and three pieces of artillery, the enemy stub- bornly resisting their crossing. Having completed the reconnoissance, and finding the enemy in too great a force for their numbers, they returned with two prisoners, with their horses and equipments. Dec. 14th. — The battle continued very heavy during the forenoon, but diminished in the afternoon. The Sixth New York continued to hold the fords along the river and to patrol the roads in the vicinit}^ Dec. 15th. — All was quiet along the line of battle. Fredericksburg was a city of ruins. Dec. 16tli. — Our troops recrossed the river, the bridges were taken up, and Fredericksburg was left in the hands of the enemy. The Sixth New York was employed in patrolling the roads, in a pouring rain, with which everybody and everything was thoroughly drenched. Orders were received brigading the regi- ment with General Gregg ( ?) • Dec. 17th. — The regiment continued to picket the Kappahannock at and near U. S. Ford. Our army had gone back to its old camp. The Confederates were busy in further fortifying their position. Our burial parties were engaged in burying our dead on the enemy's ground. All signs indicated a strong- force of the enemy opposite the Sixth New York at U. S. Ford; they seemed preparing for some move. A few of Stuart's cavalry came within our lines, but did not seem inclined to give us battle. Dec. 18th.— All was quiet through the night, with the weather clear and cold. 88 Sixth New York Cavalry. [1862 Dec. 19tli. — The Third Indiana Cavalry came up late at night to relieve the Sixth New York from picket duty, but waited for daylight. Dec. 20th. — The regiment returned, in the morning, to camp, where it arrived almost frozen. Dec. 21st to 31st. — All quiet along the lines. The Sixth New York was in camp near Falmouth, busily occupied in building its winter huts, while the Cabinet squabbled over who was to blame for the many errors and defeats. On the 21st Elisha H. Beebe of Com- pany G died in the morning. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. by Chaplain Crocker, the burial being made near camp. During the 24th the day was devoted to hunting turkeys for Christmas dinner. The 25th, Christmas Day, pancakes for breakfast, and cannonading in the direction of Fredericksburg for the evening. Mr. Allen (one of Professor Lowe's balloon operators) was in camp. He had made an ascension on the 23d and 24th and found that the reb- els had made some change in their front at Fred- ericksburg. Dec. 29th. — The regiment received orders to hold itself in readiness with ten days' rations and forage. Headquarters Hancock's Division, Falmouth, Va., Dec. 25th, 1862. My personal orderlies having been much exposed during the engagement (Fredericksburg), I wish to mention them for their good conduct on the field. Their names are as fol- lows: Corporal Owen McKenzie, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private Thomas Watson, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private James Wells, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry; Private John Harper, Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry. (Signed) W. S. Hancock, Brigadier-general Commanding. 1863 January 1st, Xew Year's Day. — The camp was given free license for a good time, of which the greater part of the men took advantage and had a great time. Menu: Commissary hardtack, salthorse and coffee. The regiment closed the day's festivities with an evening entertainment by saddling up and going on picket duty at Banks' Ford, where it found the enemy throwing up rifle-pits on the opposite side of the river. From report of Brigadier-general Willcox, Ninth Army Corps, Jan, 7th, 1863: "To the officers and men of Companies B and C of the Sixth New York Cavalry, serving on escort and orderly duties, which were faithfully discharged, my thanks are also due." Jan. 8th. — The regiment was relieved from picket duty by the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. There was a balloon ascension at night, accompanied ])y a bright, flery light high up in the heavens. Jan. 9th. — Balloon ascended, unaccompanied. Headquarters Cavalry Divisiok, Jan. 12th, 186^. The Sixth Eegiment of New York Cavalry, under Colonel Devin, picketed the fords above Falmouth and the country in the direction of Hartwood. On the d-^ath of General Bayard, Colonel Devin took command of the Second Brigade. (Signed) A. Pleasanton. Jan. 15th. — The pontoons were moved in the direc- tion of the river. Jan. 16tli. — The regiment was ordered to be ready to move on the following morning, with three days' 90 History of the [1863 cooked rations, sixty rounds carbine cartridges, and supply trains to carry light commissary stores. Jan, 19tli. — The enemy was constructing log- houses along the western bank of the river to conceal their sharpshooters while iliey opened fire on our men at the crossing. Jan. 20th. — The bugle sounded "to arms." The regiment paraded in front of the Colonel's quarters, when Adjutant Easton read an order for the regiment to be in readiness to move at a moment's notice. A circular was read from General Burnside to the army ordering it to move at an early hour on the fol- lowing morning. The army moved in the afternoon up the river, to get in position for an attack on the enemy. Jan. 21st. — A very heav}^ rain made its appearance, rendering the roads impassable for artillery and wagons. The pontoons had nearly reached the fords, but could get no farther, and the army was again defeated, but this time by mud. Jan. 22d. — It was still raining. Part of the army returned to camp. The Sixth New York went on picket duty on the Rappahannock River. Jan. 23d. — On picket at U. S. Ford. Could see the enemy entrenching; a long line of rifle-pits extended the entire length of the hillside, and field-pieces were being placed in the rear to rake our point of crossing. The rebels posted a banner on their side of the river, opposite Falmouth, with this inscription: "Burn- side's army stuck in the mud six miles above Fal- mouth." The Sixth New York made a small recon- noissance toward Barnett's Ford. Jan. 24th .^ — The mud was deeper than ever. Seven pairs of horses were needed to pull an ordinar}^ can- 1863J Sixth New York Cavalry. 91 uoii. Four and six horses were required to draw an empty wagon. Jan. 26tli. — General Burnside was relieved of the command of the army by Gen. Joseph Hooker. "May fortune yet favor us, and the looming clouds of dark- ness that cloak us now soon pass over, and the Orient morning of tranquillity and joy gleam in the East, and brightly spread its effulgent rays upon our cause, while the sun of righteousness shall appear, graciously smiling upon us, dispersing the sable curtain of hor- rible gloom that now pervades our once happy and beautiful land — the land so dearly bought by the Christian patriots of '76." (T. M. Wells.) Jan. 27th. — The regiment was still on picket. Rain, rain, rain. Jan, 28th. — At ten o'clock the rain changed to snow and continued all day, making the duties of picket life anything but pleasant. Jan. 29th. — Six inches of snow over the mud made the roads impassable for wagons or artillery. Many trees, borne down by the weight of the snow, obstructed the roads in many places. The Sixth New York was relieved from picket by the Eighth Pennsyl- vania, and reached camp about 8 p.m., cold and hungry. Jan. 30th and 31st. — In camp trying to solve the mysteries of the silent movements ; wondering what, when and where would be the next grand move, and what its results. Feb. 1st. — Furloughs were being granted to the sol- diers by the War Department. Feb. 5th. — Snow, rain, mud. The Grand Divisions of the Army of the Potomac were abolished. General Stoneman was placed in command of the Cavalry Corps. 92 Tlistory of the [1863 Feb. lOtli. — Troops B and C were ordered to rejoin the regiment, "At night the musical bands of the Potomac Army were discoursing stirring and beautiful melodies, almost charming the ears of the lovers of music as they listened and caught the national strains that floated in the breeze. Now the bugles and drums had commenced the 'tattoo,' and for a few minutes the martial music would enliven the numerous camps, while the 'roll-call' was proceed- ing, and the ayes and nays accounted for." (Wells.) Feb, 12th. — The regiment was inspected by General Stoneman, chief of cavalry, accompanied by General Pleasanton. Feb. 13th. — The regiment moved out of camp at 7 a.m., and marched to U. S. Ford for picket duty, arriving there at noon, and relieved the Sixth U. S. Cavalry. The rebel pickets on the opposite bank were brawny fellows, belonging to the Eleventh Alabama Regiment. Feb. 14th. — The Sixth New York was relieved from picket duty by the Sixth U. S. Cavalry, and ordered to march to Dumfries. A change had taken place in the brigading of cavalry. The regular cavalry was to be brigaded and massed together, and the volunteer the same, by themselves. The latter was to be stationed at the right and rear of the enemy, while the former at the front and left. The regiment arrived in camp near Fredericksburg at 11 p.m. Feb. 15th. — Troop L was detailed as provost- guard at division headquarters (General Pleasanton). Feb. 16th. — The regiment left camp at 7 a,m, and marched via Brooks' Station and Pope's Landing. It reached camp near Stafford C. H. at 3 p.m., accom- panied by the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. 1863] Sijcth New York Cavalry. 93 Arranged camp, but soon after the Sixth New York was ordered beyond Aquia Creek Church, on picket duty, which place it reached at 8 p.m., and bivouacked for the night near the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, Ninth New York, Fourth New York and Eighth Illi- nois Cavalry Eegiments. The men spread their blan- kets and lay down, the blue canopy above for a tent or cover. Feb. 17th. — Awoke at daylight and, much to their surprise, the men found several inches of snow on their blankets. After shaking off the covering of winter, the regiment mounted and marched back to camp near Stafford C. H. They realized the stern realities of soldiering; the snow was still falling; the roads were almost impassable; their condition was indescribable; the mud was up to the horses' bodies; wagons were stuck and trains were separated; it was a day of horrors. Feb. 18th. — The snow had changed to rain and was coming down fast and heavy when a part of the regi- ment was detailed to go to Pope's Landing for grain, which was conveyed to camp on the horses, the pas- sage of wagons being an impossibility. Feb. 21st. — Another trip was made for grain. Feb. 22d. — Washington's Birthday, in honor of which salutes were fired. It was a bitter cold day, and a heavy snowstorm, accompanied by a furious northeaster, swept over the camp. The snow was about eight inches deep. Company I, with the Eighth Pennsylvania, was ordered on picket duty, and left camp at 8 a.m. and marched until 3 p.m., a distance of fifteen miles. Their picket-line was at Cannon's Eun, near Stafford's store, about five miles northeast of Ebenezer Church. The suffering and 94 Historij of the [1863 hardship of that march, and later on, the exposure and inactivity while on the lonely picket-post, were such that none but an experienced soldier can fully understand. Feb, 23d. — The snow was about a foot deep. Feb. 25th. — The regiment saddled up and started on a search for Stuart. Feb. 26tli. — It cleared otf about noon, much to the relief of the suffering, half-frozen videttes. A detail was sent out on a scout and captured a Union deserter. In addition to the severity of the weather, the loca- tion of the picket-line was an extremely dangerous one, as the country round about was infested with bushwhackers. Feb. 27th. — The regiment returned to camp in the afternoon. It had been gone two days and two nights, and had traveled between seventy and eighty miles and back, but was too late to catch Stuart, who had again crossed at U. S. Ford and driven in General Averill's pickets. March 4tli. — In the afternoon the regiment moved back to Chickahominy Cliurch, distance eight miles, to which place our lines had been withdrawn. During General Pleasanton's absence on leave Colonel Devin was in command of the division. March 5tli. — The regiment moved to Aquia Church as a reserve, six companies doing jDicket duty there. March 8tli. — Eain. The men had grown quite accustomed to that frequent and familiar element. At night the regiment was drawn up in line awaiting the approach of the expected enemy, as some shots had been heard along the line of the outposts, but it proved to be nothing more than the pickets firing at husliwhachers, a detestable set of cowardly sneaks [1863 Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 95 who should have been shot at sight without chal- lenge. March 9tli. — The Third Indiana Cavalry was driven in. March lOtli. — General Pleasanton returned to the command. Received notice in the afternoon that the ''noted Stuart" would make us a visit at night and deliver a lecture in Ebenezer Church. The Sixth New York was in attendance, with a full supply of tick- ets, but the lecturer failed to put in an appearance. The night was a very stormy one, with rain and snow. March 11th. — Major Crocker was appointed Divis- ion Inspector General. March 12th. — The Army of the Potomac received marching orders. The enemy was in large force at U. S. Ford, and at Dumfries and Warrenton. An order, issued by General Stoneman, chief of cavalry, was read to the command, the substance being: "Cav- alry that allows itself to be surprised by the enemy, while on picket or scouting, must suffer the conse- quences ; the officers dismissed from the service and enlisted men (non-commissioned and privates) will be held responsible for all loss occurring therefrom." March 14th. — The regiment was relieved from picket duty in the forenoon by the Eighth Pennsylva- nia Cavalry, and marched to camp, arriving at 2 p.m., having, while on the picket-line, passed through a very severe trial of snow, rain and bitter cold weather, during which the men nearly perished. March 16th. — The regiment was in camp near Staf- ford C. H. Heavy cannonading was heard in a southwesterly direction. March ITtli. — The cannonading continued. ''St. Patrick" was the order of the day. 96 Histoiy of the [1863 March 19tli. — A cavalry charge was made at Kelly's Ford. General Averill crossed his forces at the ford and drove Stuart's and Fitzlmgh Lee's cavalry fully four miles, capturing some prisoners, among whom was a Major Breckenridge. It was a brilliant affair and a decided victory over the rebel cavalry. March 21st. — Heavy snow and very disagreeable. The regiment left camp at 7 a.m. for picket-duty. March 24th. — Lieutenants Bell and Phillips, with part of Company I went out on a scout about six miles beyond the lines to Selkirk's Mills and Staf- ford's store. March 28th. — The regiment returned from picket duty. March 31st.— Snow, hail and rain. April 1st. — "Boots and saddles" sounded early in the morning. It was reported that Stuart, with a large force of cavalry, was near Hartwood Church, and was threatening Aquia Creek, and riding through in his usual style, but Pleasanton's cavalry being pre- pared to welcome him, caused him to pause, reflect and retreat. April 2d. — Nothing more was heard from Stuart, except that he had fled across the Rappahannock Eiver. April Itli. — The regiment went on picket in the morning. It was snowing hard and was very cold. April 5th. — It was still snowing, but was not so cold, but the roads were in a wretched condition. April 6th. — There was a general inspection of cav- alry at Falmouth. President Lincoln reviewed the troops. At noon a salute of twenty-one guns was given in honor of the President and suite. Although ten miles distant, the booming of the guns was quite LIFA-T.-COL. DUNCAN McVJCAR. 1863] Sixth New York Cavulry. 97 distinctly heard on the picket-line where the regiment was doing dnty. A small party from Company I went on a scont and captured one man of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. April 7th. — A large body of slaves sought refuge within our lines and were conducted to the rear and sent on to Washington. April 8tli. A small scouting x^^i'ty went thirty miles beyond our lines toward Warrenton. April 10th. — Another small scouting party went as far as Hartwood Church, one mile beyond Selkirk's Mills. April 12tli. — The Cavalry Corps received orders to march on the morning of the IStli, with eight days' rations, three of which were to be carried on the horses, and the other five on pack mules. The Sixth New York was relieved at night from picket and ordered into camp. April 13tli. — Reveille at 4.30 o'clock, when the regi- ment marched from the picket reserve to camp. April 14th. — A very heavy rain-storm made its appearance. April 15th. — The storm continued, causing the streams to become very much swollen. April 21st. — The regiment moved from camp to Brooks' Station and encamped. April 23d. — Very stormy. April 24tli. — The rain still continued to pour. April 26tli. — The paymaster made a call on the regi- ment. April 27th. — The regiment decamped at 10 a.m. and marched via Stoneman's Switch and Hartwood Church, and reached Kelly's Ford at 4 p.m. All the troops were moving to that point. The pontoon train 7 98 History of the [1863 arrived, but no resistance was made by the enemy to the laying of the bridge, onr artillery protecting the men in the work. The bridge was finished by 11 p.m., and the army commenced crossing over to the opposite bank. April 28th. — The Sixth New York crossed the bridge at 8 a.m., and took the lead of the army, or rather of the Twelfth Corps. After marching abont two miles it was fired upon by the First North Carolina Cavalry, but it charged and soon dispersed them, capturing sev- eral of the rebels. It marched on to Germanna Ford, on the Rapidan Eiver, scouring and clearing the country as it proceeded. At the ford it encountered a force of the enemy in rifle-pits, holding an advantageous posi- tion across the stream. Lieutenant-colonel McVicar ordered fifty men to dismount and advance as skir- mishers to the ford, and hold it if possible. The order was promptly obeyed, the firing very brisk for about an hour, when some infantry (Second Massa- chusetts and Seventy-third Pennsylvania) came up and, all combined, soon forced the enemy to fall back, leaving sixty prisoners in our hands. During the fight Colonel McVicar took the carbine of J. N, Craw- ford of Troop C and fired several shots. Corporal Samuel A. Fanshaw of Troop I was wounded in the left knee. The regiment picketed until midnight about three miles from the Rapidan, and then bivouacked near Wilderness Run. April 29th, — The regiment moved on through Wil- derness Run several miles, engaging the enemy all day, driving them and capturing many. The regi- ment's loss in killed, wounded and missing was small. It encamped at night near Chancellorsville. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalnj. 99 ENGAGEMENT AT ALSOP'S FIELD, April 30th, 1863. (Written by Atljt. F. A. Eastoii, at request of our Veteran Association.) A meetiug- of our Association was held Oct. 29tli, 1897, at the home of our former President, Lieut. Thomas B. Adams, 709 Sixth Avenue, New York city. There were i3resent: Lieutenant-colonel (1. j\I. Van Buren, Captain W. L. Heermance, jMajor William Edwards, Adjutant F. A. Easton, Lieutenant Thomas B. Adams, Sergeant Martin Ficken, Comrade W. H. Bogart, Comrade Alonzo Foster. Conversation on the events connected with the death of Lieut-col. Duncan McVicar disclosed the fact that there was a difference of opinion as to details. After Comrades Heermance and Easton had read and explained their correspondence with Gen. T, T. Munford, of the Second Virginia Cavalry, and the comrades present had each given his recollection of events, it was voted that Adjt. F. A. Easton be appointed to write the history of the engagement near Todd's Tavern, Thursday, April 30th, 1863. This history was begun at once, but not until 1903 was it completed, just forty years after the event in question. Much correspondence and a visit to the scene of action were necessary before the facts could be harmonized. This engagement, said to be the first real cavalry charge of the war, has of late years received much 100 History of the [1863 attention. It has developed from Confederate sources that the presence of the Sixth New York Cavalry at this time and place delayed Gen. J. E. B. Stnart twelve hours in joining General Lee at Chancellors- ville. AVe are under obligations to several officers and men who opposed us that night for information fur- nished; to none more so than Gen. Thos. T. Munford of Lynchburg, Va., who, as Colonel, commanded the Second Virginia Cavalry and captured fifty-one of our troopers. We cannot refrain from expressing our deep appreciation of the courtesy and gentlemanly attitude of this officer in all his interviews and corre- spondence. We look upon him as a broad, high- minded Southern gentleman, making no excuses, but strenuous for the truth. His account of this engage- ment will follow, and further on will be published extracts from his letters defining his views, past and present. They are deeply interesting. At our regi- mental reunion held at Binghamton, N. Y., Oct. 5th, 1898, Gen. Thos. T. Munford of Lynchburg, Va., was elected an honorary member of our Veteran Associa- tion, President Easton pinning the badge to his breast amid the plaudits of comrades and citizens. The author of this article desires to state that on his three trips to the South seeking information he met open arms and unbounded hospitality. The opposing forces were as follows : Federals. Sixth New York Cavalry, Lieut.-col. Duncan McVicar commanding. Capt. W. E. Beardsley, Act. ]Major. Lieut. F. A. Easton, Act. Adjt. Troop A, Capt. George A. Crocker commanding. 1863] Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 101 Troop B, Capt. W. B. Aitken commanding'. Troop C, Capt. W. L. Heermance commanding. Troop E, Lient. George W. Goler commanding. Troop G, Lient. George E. Farmer commanding. Troop ]\I, Capt. G. ]\I. Van Buren commanding. Troop I. Capt. John Pierce commanding. Lieut. Erastus Titus. Lieut. J. H. Bell. Lieut. J. W. Blunt. Lieut. C. W. Evarts. Lieut. R. O'Neil. The regiment numbered 254. Confederates. Cavalry commanded by Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. Second Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Col. Thomas T. Munford, 400 men. Third Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Lieut.-col. R. W. Carter, 175 men. Fifth Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Charles Tyler, 300 men. First Virginia Cavalry (supporting, but not engaged), com- manded by Colonel Drake, 350 men. Bretheads Battery (supporting but not engaged), com- manded by himself. This report is from personal observation and reports of Federal and Confederate alike. The regiment arrived at Cliancellorsville on Thurs- day, April SOtli, 1863, and received orders from Gen- eral Pleasanton to report to General Slocum, com- manding the Twelfth Corps. Lient.-col. Duncan Mc- Vicar, accompanied by the Adjutant, reported as directed and received the following verbal order from General Slocum. "You will proceed with your com- mand to Spottsylvania Court-house, where you will be 102 Histoiif of the [1863 joined by others of our troops. Should you meet the enemy in force and oifering resistance, you will grad- ually fall back and report to me by couriers. Meeting no resistance, you will continue the march. ' ' After repeating the order to insure correctness, we saluted and retired. We had gone but a short dis- tance towards joining the regiment when Mc Vicar said, "I wish for more definite information as to the troops we shall meet at Spottsylvania, and to whom I shall report." Eiding back, Mc Vicar began his request. He was interrupted by General Slocum, who said, "You have your orders, sir; go." This, as seemed to us, rather curt reply had a depressing effect on our Lieutenant-colonel, and from that time he appeared saddened and serious. He remarked that the orders indicated a dusty job, with results uncertain and perilous. After the regiment had proceeded about half a mile, it was drawn up in close formation and McVicar addressed the officers and men, admonishing them to a full performance of their duty as soldiers and Christians. Closing his remarks he said, ''To-morrow we shall meet in Fred- ericksburg or heaven." The speech, as a whole, had a bad effect, for we felt impressed with coming disas- ter. The ranks became silent, and it required no close observer to note the look of dogged determination that settled on their countenances. It was not with our usual gaiety and dash that the march was resumed. As we advanced, the Confederate outposts retired. Occasionally a scpiad of four or five could be seen, who, while offering no resistance, were undoubtedly sizing us up from our flanks. Shortly after crossing a wide but shallow stream of water a shot was heard in our rear. As daylight was 18G3] Sixth New York Cavalry. 103 fading and the men somewhat nervous, and as the minutes passed without further firing, we concluded that a mistake had been made. Not so, however, for now several shots were heard, which indicated trouble. At this time the Lieutenant-colonel was of the opin- ion that the men engaged with our rear guard were j)art of the Federal troops on their way to Spottsylva- nia Court-house. The head of our column had now arrived at the point indicated by ''A" on the map. Here the regi- ment halted, closed up and dismounted, waiting devel- opments. The road from Chance llorsville to this point was the ordinary Virginia road, scarcely wide enough for ''column of fours," and flanked by woods nearly the entire distance. The weather was fine and the moon was about half full. Lieut. J. Hamilton Bell, with a squad of men, had been sent forward on the road to Spottsylvania Court- house. Matters now became serious. More firing was heard in our rear, and Bell returned, reporting that troops blocked our way. Men mounted without orders. "We must have room to fight! Down with that gate ! Forward ! ' ' and we entered the now his- toric Alsop's Field. The command was formed, regimental front near the centre of the field and facing what had been our rear. No sooner was the line formed than we were fired upon from our front, rear and right flank. The decliv- ity on our left precluded any attack from that direc- tion. Many were still of the opinion that we were sur- rounded by our own troops, mistaking us for Confed- 104 Histonj of the [1863 erates. To settle this, Lieut. J. Hamilton Bell rode direct to tlie front, and in a loud but inquisitive voice demanded, "Who are you, anywajV^ "Third Vir- ginia," was answered by several voices, "Oh! I thought so, ' ' replied the Lieutenant, who, turning, gal- loped back. We have alwa^^s thought there must have been a doubt in the minds of the Confederates, for they did not instantly fire on the retreating Lieutenant. ' ' Colonel, there is no doubt, it is the enemy, ' ' reported Bell. By this time it was so dark that a uniform could not be distinguished over thirty feet away. Now that all doubt was removed, the men began to taunt the Confederates to "come out and give us a square fight." Language was used not found in Sunday school text-books. As if in answer to our taunts, the Confederates sounded the cliarge, and clear above the clatter of hoofs and arms could be heard the terror-striking "rebel yell." On came the Fifth Virginia Cavalry to the gate, where they were met with such a fusilade as to compel them to retire. The taunts were resumed and language grew stronger. "Let us at them, Col- onel." "To hell with the Johnnies," etc., etc. Again we could distinctly hear the bugles sound "charge," and we could as distinct^ hear the officers urging on their men. The charge did not materialize, which caused our troops to taunt the Confederates with cow- ardice. No soldier, be he Federal or Confederate, could tamely submit to this, and with a yell and dash they came for us in gallant style. No orders could be heard, but our lines remained true while our carbines were plied with a will. On came the Third Virginia Cavalry through the opening where we had entered, but it was more than human courage could stand, and again they were compelled to retire in disorder. MAP OF ALSOP'S. Furnished by Gen. Thomas T. Munford. •2d Va. Cav. Note " D " added by Adj. Easton, (itli N. Y. Cav. 1863] Sivth New York Cavabfj. 105 McVicar concluded that no matter what the outcome of these charges should be, to remain where we were would result in surrender. "Adjutant, go down the rear line and order the men to take nothing but the sabre." Before I could return from the end of our line McVicar closed the ranks, then ordered "Right forward, fours right," and rising in his saddle, with sabre uj^lifted, exclaimed, at the top of his voice, "Sixth New York, follow me. Charge!" Instantly the bugles sounded loud and clear. Like a catapult the column thundered forward, and now, with a definite purpose, gave vent to soul-stirring "hurrahs" that thundered and reverberated through those old Virginia pines. Scarce seventy feet from the gate our beloved Lieutenant-colonel, the gallant Duncan J\I(Yicar, fell, shot through the heart. Capt. W. L. Heermance was now in command, but only for a very few minutes, for he, too, was wounded and unhorsed. The charge, nevertheless, continued on and did not stop until we struck the Confederates at the fork of the roads "B," and drove them back on road leading to Todd's Tavern marked "C." Here it became neces- sary for orders as to which road we were to take. Fol- low the Confederates towards Todd's Tavern, or take the right for Chancellorsville! The men called for orders. Lieutenant Bell and myself were the only officers present at that time at the fork of the roads, and neither of us felt justified in assuming command. In vain we called for a superior officer. It was then decided to form the men in line, rights resting on road to Chancellorsville. 106 Histoiij of the [1863 In the meantime, I had sent a man to the rear to bring up the senior captain, or any other officer he could find. Captain Van Buren reports that the orderly did not find him, but, anxious to learn what caused the delay, had come on of his own accord. Arriving- at the partly cleared fork of the road, he seemed to take in the situation at a glance. Riding to the front of the line he ordered "fours right, charge, and yell like hell!" Captain Van Buren reports hav- ing found many Confederates on this road who fled before him and took the left-hand road farther on lead- ing to Todd's Tavern. Captain Van Buren returned to Chancellorsville with the larger portion of the regi- ment, and during the night many stragglers arrived. Next morning Captain Beardsley returned with about fifty men. From the gate at Alsop's Field to the fork of the roads is just one-half mile. The road was narrow and flanked with pine trees. The column was necessaril}^ spread out, and when we delayed at the forks to reform the men, the last of the regiment had not left Alsop's Field. This gave Col. Thomas T. Munford, commanding the Second Virginia Cavalry, his oppor- tunity. He charged at once, cut off and demoralized those of our men still in the field, thus dividing our forces. Just all that occurred at this time may never be known. There were many personal experiences of men who reported at Chancellorsville next morning, the most notable being that of C^aptain Beardsley, who, as second in command, was in the rear. He escaped with a few men, and guided by a colored man returned next morning after having collected several of our stragglers on his journey back. 1SG3] Sixth New York Cavah-y. 107 To tlie credit of our common maulioocl, let me record that the Confederates, recognizing the valor of Dun- can McVicar in his desperate situation, paid every respect to his remains. His body was conveyed to a house near by and tenderly cared for, Mr, Alsop's son, then a boy of fourteen years, assisted in this. General Fitzhugh Lee sent the Rev, Dabney Ball, chaplain of the First Virginia Cavalry, who prayed over the remains of our gaUant McVicar. It has also l)een said that Gen. J. E. B. Stuart patted the fore- head of the Colonel and said, "Brave man, brave man." After Chancellorsville, under a flag of truce from the Confederates, we were permitted to regain the body of our beloved commander. For such actions, our hearts go out to those same rebels who fought for what they deemed their rights. The war is long since over. Why could ire not have knoirn each other soonerf In fulfillment of promise made to Gen. Thomas T. Munf ord, my report of the engagement was forwarded to him for criticism. In return I received the follow- ing letter : Oakland Plantation (near Uniontown), Ala., April 26th, 1908. Ad.jt. F. a. Easton. Isiy dear Sir : Your very interesting paper has real merit, but I think the gist of the story is omitted. Major Von Border of Stuart's staff, who was a sort of ''factotum" of Stuart's military family, tells the story in Blackwood's Magazine as he saw it. He describes Stuart and himself riding quietly in the road, when suddenly they met your regiment — and tlie cJiase it gave tliem, and their narrow escape from cap- ture. It was then that Stuart got back to Fitz Lee's head- 108 History of the [18G3 quarters and called for the Fifth Virginia Cavalry under Colonel Tyler, and sent them back to meet Colonel McVicar in Alsop's Field. You should embody that episode in j'our paper. Von Borcke's papers are in the librai-y at Richmond. You can get them copied, or that part of the story. When my regiment started for Spottsylvania Court-house (the night of the fight) with the prisoners, Colonel Drake of the First Virginia Cavalry was sent on road starting at "A-C-B" for Spottsylvania Court-house. I was started for same point over "A-A-B." When my rear guard left "B." Drake's advance guard arrived there; but a patrol or scout of your regiment dashed by and exchanged shots, and it caused almost a panic. See Von Borcke's statement. Some of your men had gone ahead, or were scattered, and, nearing us, challenged. Shots were exchanged. Drake had no idea that the road he was traveling re-entered the road over which I was moving. It was supposed that he and I would be on parallel roads. Drake's advance guard collided with my rear guard. Von Borcke's horse was killed in the skirmish. As it was night and in the woods, it was a scene long to be remem- bered or never to be forgotten. Ugly is the word. I felt the responsibility of the prisoners, and the whole thing was a surprise. Yours sincerely, (Signed) Thomas T. IMunford. Major Heros von Boreke, of Gren, J. E. B. Stuart's staff, in Blackwood's Magazine in 1866 thus describes our charge : ''We had been riding for some time silently through the forest, whose darkness was only relieved by occa- sional glimpses of the new moon, when suddenly a pistol-shot was heard a few hundred yards ahead of us, and presently the courier hurried back to us, 1S()3J Sixth New York Cavalry. 109 reporting, in tlie most excited manner, that lie had been fired at by a Yankee cavalry picket stationed only a short distance from us in the road. Stuart, perfectly convinced that the courier was deceived, and had taken some of our own men for the enemy, requested me to ride ahead and investigate the matter. Accompanied by Major Terrill of our staff I pricked forward and soon discovered a body of thirty horse- men before us, who, in their light blue overcoats, just discernible by the feeble light of the moon, looked most decidedly like Federals. To make quite sure, however, we api:>roached to within about fifty yards, and I then called out and asked them to what regiment they belonged. 'You shall see that soon enough, you d d rebels,' was the answer, and at the same moment the whole party came full gallop towards us. Firing our revolvers at the charging foe, we quickly turned our horses' heads and rode as fast as our steeds would carry us to the rear, followed by our pursuers shouting and firing after us to their hearts' content. Resistance, when so completely outnumbered, would have been folly; and, accordingly, I had the pleasure of seeing our General, who had now lost all doubts as to the real character of these cavalrymen, for once run from the enemy. The Yankees soon slackened their pace, however, and at last gave up the chase altogether, when we halted, and General Stuart dispatched Captain AVhite of our staff to Fitz Lee, with the order to send on one of his regiments as quickly as possible, and to follow slowly himself with the remainder of his brigade. "After an anxious half hour the regiment came up and we had the satisfaction of turning the tables on our pursuers and driving them before 110 Histonj of the [1863 us as rapidly as we had fled before them. The feeble light of the moon was now nearly extin- guished by the clouds scudding rapidly across the sky. General Stuart and his staff were trotting along at the head of the column, when, at the moment of emerging out of the dark forest, we suddenly discovered in the open field before us, and at a distance of not more than 160 yards, the long lines of several regiments of hostile cavalry, who received us with a severe fire, which, concentrated on the narrow road, in a few moments killed and wounded a large number of our men and horses, causing considerable confusion in our ranks, and speedily checking our onward movement. Fulh" conscious of our critical position, Stuart drew his sword, and, raising his clear ringing voice, gave the order to attack, taking the lead himself. For once our horsemen refused to follow their gallant com- mander; they wavered under the thick storm of bul- lets ; soon all discipline ceased, and in a few minutes the greater part of this splendid regiment, which had distinguished itself in so many battle-fields, broke to the rear in utter confusion. In vain did the General, myself and the other members of the staff do our utmost to restore order ; we only succeeded in rallying about thirty men round us. At this moment the enemy's bugle sounded the charge; and a few seconds after we brunted the shock of the attack, which broke upon us like a thunder-cloud, and bore our little band along with its vehement rush as driven by a mighty wave, sweeping us along with it into the darkness of the forest. And now ensued a wild, exciting chase, in which friend and foe, unable to recognize each other, mingled helter-skelter in one furious ride. I cannot describe the sensation that came over me as, feeling 1863] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. Ill assured that everything was now lost, T tightly grasped the hilt of my sword, resolved to sell my life as dearly as possible. Relying merely on the instinct of their horses, most of the men followed the straight road by which we had come, but I and a number of others turned off into a small by-road to the left. Here I discovered by the gleams of the moonlight, which now broke out more brightly, that those immediately round me were friends, but every effort to stop and rally them was in vain. 'The Yankees are close behind; we must run for our lives,' was all the answer I received to my appeals ; and on went the hopeless stampede more furiously than before. A tremendous fence standing across our patli, too high for a leap, and only to be pulled down at the risk of dismomiting, seemed likely to bring our wild retreat to a stop; but by dint of rider pressing on rider, and horse plunging against horse, it at last yielded to the accumulated weight of the impetuous horsemen, and broke down with a loud crash, leaving the way open to the dis- orderly flight. Just as, at the end of a rapid ride of more than an liour through dense forest, I reached an open field, a rider, who had been close at my side for some time, startled me with the exclamation, 'Von, is that you :' ' in tones which, to my intense delight and relief, I recognized to be Stuart's, who had followed the same route as myself. We were soon joined by some other members of our staff, all of whom had wonderful escapes ; and by our united eif orts we at last succeeded in rallying some sixty of our men, whom we put in charge of one of their officers with orders to wait for further instructions. Meanwhile, we set off with the project of rejoining the rest of the brigade, which, in a dark night and through an un- 112 History of the [1863 known and forest-covered country, was a task of some difficnlty. On onr road we fell in with several of our former pursuers, who, being bewildered in the vast forest, now surrendered to us with little hesitation; two of these were captured by Stuart himself. At the end of an hour's tedious ride, we came upon Fitz Lee's column trotting onward to the field of action, whither the Second Virginia had already preceded them. On reaching the scene of our recent defeat we found that our brave fellows of the Second, led by their gallant Colonel, Munford, had come up just in time to protect their flying comrades, and had thrown themselves with such ardor on the Federals as to break their lines and scatter them in every direction; many killed and wounded being left on the field, and some eighty pris- oners and horses falling into our hands. As all seemed now over, Stuart ordered the troops to march on to Spottsylvania Court-house, and there encamp, the Second Virginia taking the lead, and the prisoners and remaining regiments following. We were quietly marching along with the advanced guard, chatting over the incidents of the evening, when several shots suddenly sounded on our left, followed by brisk firing in our rear. Immediately cries of 'The Yankees are on us ! ' ' The Yankees are charging ! ' broke out from our column; sabres flew out of their scabbards, revolvers from their holsters, and everybody seemed on fire to oppose the enemy, without exactly knowing in what direction to look for him. The scene of con- fusion which ensued is not to be described; firearms exploded in all directions, bullets traversed the air from all quarters, and, for want of a visible foe, friend seemed likely to come into collision with friend. Gen- eral Stuart and several others, including myself, did 1863] Sixth New York Cavalnj. 113 our utmost to quell tlie disorder, but our voices were drowued in the general hubbub. Suddenly a fresh cry of 'Here are the Yankees; here they come!' broke out from the men around me as they fired off their revolvers into the bushes to the right. Calling on them to follow I spurred my horse forward in the same direction, when, at the same moment, I was met by a rider galloping towards me, who levelled a shot at me so close, the bullet passing through my hat, that I was completely blinded. Before I had quite recov- ered and could deliver my thrust, my adversary lost no time in firing his second shot, which entered the head of my brave bay, and stretched us both on the ground, myself under the horse. Luckily, however, I was able to disengage myself from the superincumbent weight of the dying animal; and, .jumping up to look after my assailant, found that, fortunately for me, he had disappeared without waiting to take advantage of my prostrate condition. Nevertheless, my position was a ticklish one still; the firing continued in all directions around me, and our men were galloping about in wild excitement, some calling on me to save myself, as the woods were full of Federals. As I did not much fancy leaving my saddle and bridle a spoil to the enemy, I had managed to detach the precious articles from my dead steed, when one of our couriers rode up to me, leading a Yankee horse which he had caught for me as it was running about riderless. It was an odd-looking, stumpy-legged little pony; and when mounted on it, my legs dangling nearly to the ground, my large English hunting-saddle covering the pony's neck, and leaving his ears only sticking out, I must have jjresented a remarkable figure, especially as the little beast was in such a state of excitement, 8 114 History of the [1863 plunging and snorting wildly, that I had some trouble in keeping my seat. At last, with no little difficulty, I succeeded in finding Stuart again, who, in the midst of his ill humor and dissatisfaction at the behavior of his men, was unable to resist the ludicrous effect of my appearance. He now told me that discipline and order had at last been re-established, and that the whole rout had been caused by less than a hundred of the enemy's cavalry dispersed in the woods by the charge of the Second Virginia, and who, in the dark- ness, had been taken for a much larger force. He added that our men had mistaken each other for enemies, and that two of our regiments, the First and Third Virginia, under this mutual delusion, had charged through each other in a splendid attack before they discovered their error, which was fortunately attended with no worse consequences than a few sabre- cuts. All this was a lesson how dangerous night attacks always are, and taught me that, whenever pos- sible, they should be avoided. ' ' LETTER FROM GEN. THOS. T. MUNFORD, C. S. A., RELATIVE TO ENGAGEMENT OF APRIL 30, 1863. Oakland Plantation, near Uniontown, Ala., Dec. 30, 1906. Adjt. Fergus A. Easton, President Volunteer Association, Sixth New York Cavalrj^ My dear Sir : Your letter of December 26th was f orvvarded to me out here on the Plantation near Uniontown, Alabama. I am very much obliged for the compliment you pay me in asking for my recollections of our Night Fight at Alsop's Crossroads in Spottsylvania County with the gallant Sixth New York Cavalry. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalrij. 115 You are well aware that it has been a long time since we clashed in that dreary woods, but there are times, scenes and occasions that are so deeply photographed in our hearts and brain that will never be forgotten, and the "Night Fight" may well be stamped as just such as was calculated to make an impression. The w^ar is over with the true soldiers of the Blue or Grey. It was a family fight, and now that the scars are all that are left, we can well afford to do justice to the spirit and gallantry of either side. There is glory enough for all. I am 700 miles from my home, and have no papers, books or record from which to refresh my memory. General Hooker endeavored to flank General Lee, whose main force was near Fredericksburg, but General Lee's cavalry under Gen. Jeb Stuart was mostly extended from Culpeper C. H. to Fred- ericksburg, picketing and watching on the river the move- ments of General Hooker; both armies had been resting in winter quarters. As soon as Stuart became aware of the fact that Hooker "'was afield," he hastened with the Second Brigade, then Fitz Lee's, composed of the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Virginia Cavalry, to ascertain what he was doing (the Fourth Virginia Cavalry was, however, detached and was serving as a picket regiment below Chan- cellorsville). General Hooker, it seems, had dispatched Sixth New York Cavalry on a reconnoissance in the direction of Alsop's Crossroads in advance of his infantry. General Stuart encountered Hooker's infantry, to ascertain who was there, and after a good deal of heavy skirmishing, withdrew and moved, as he thought, by a road which would enable him to pass on and evade further contact. Fitz Lee's bri- gade, having been actively engaged marching and sldrmishing all day, stopped to refresh themselves, and were expected to follow General Stuart, who, with his dashing staff accompany- ing him, had pushed on ahead of us. Being a bold, self- reliant, dashing horseman, he led the way, with only a hand- ful of couriers, when suddenly he stumbled upon the ad- 116 Histonj of the [1863 vance guard of Sixth New York Cavalry, and he was so care- less that he liked to have ridden into them unaware of their presence. He wheeled, but it became a matter of "legs" be- tween their horses, and with gTeat difficulty he extricated himself. (I have not ]\Iajor Heros Von Borcke's diary here. He was riding with General Stuart, being his Aid and Inspec- tor-general, and he tells the full story of the race General Stuart and himself had, which is very amusing, and of the narrowness of their escape.) Coming back to Fitz Lee's brigade, he called for the lead- ing regiment, which happened to be Fifth Virginia Cavalry (commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Tyler of the "Regular Confederate Cavalry," temporarily assigned to command the Fifth). They moved up with alacrity and in a very short time encountered the Sixth New York Cavalry. They went in as usual with a dash, but were hurled back, bleeding and with considerable loss; meantime the rest of the command had moved up. General Stuart seemed greatly worried and ordered the next regiment to move in and renew the attack. This was the Third Virginia Cavalry. In they dashed, but back they came, having suffered quite as severely. Much time had elapsed while this fighting was going on ; the sun had disappeared and General Stuart was still held at arms length. During the time that this fighting was going on, the gal- lant Colonel of the Sixth New York Cavalry had been killed, and still they held the road and blocked the way, which made it impossible for Stuart to pass and to communicate what was most important for General Lee to know, who was in his rear. Stuart was his Chief of Cavalry and upon him Gen. R. E. Lee relied for information on the outposts. It was now quite dark when my regiment. Second Vir- ginia Cavalry, was ordered to take the road, and open it if possible. General Stuart informed me personally of the importance of his reporting in person to General R. E. Lee, and urged me to open the way. It was a serious matter to 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 117 stand as "\ve had done and see two good regiments go in cheer- fully and come out bloody and wounded, leaving their dead. These troops could give us no definite information ; this we knew: they had been whipped back, and I do not hesitate to say it was an impressive scene and occasion. "The whip- poor-wills and the screech owls" made the piney woods ring with their songs and hooting and nothing more. ]\Iy regiment was strong in numbers, and in good plight, Init a cavalry regiment mounted in a narrow road, thickly flanked with pine trees, had a poor show at an enemy flushed with victory and success, though at a heavy cost. They had whipped t^vo good regiments. This made it an uninviting anticipation for "glory" for ns. AA''e were soldiers, and the order was accepted in the spirit it was given. By my order, word was passed along the column that absolute silence M'as to be preserved, that each squadron was to be kept well closed up and under no circumstances were firearms to be used; each squadron was to charge in succession, each giving the full yell, and it mattered not Avhat was in the road, in advance, the following squadron was to deliver its charge. The ad- vance guard was especially selected to locate the enemy's picket, and when discovered, the charge would be soimded. We moved in promptly; the road was sandy and nothing but the click of a scabbard or the snorting of the dust from the horses' noses would indicate that 500 mounted men were again advancing against an unknowTi force as to numbers. The Sixth New York, after a most determined and gallant fight, throwing two good regiments back, had made a gallant defense of a strategic point of great importance, for Gen. R. E. Lee relied upon Stuart implicitly as a guard to his rear. The Sixth New York, however, had sustained a heaw^" blow in the death of its brave Commander (Sir Walter Scott im- mortalized the McVicars and McGregors). Colonel McVicar was now stretched gut dead, at the Alsop house, killed or mortally wounded, by which of the two regiments we never knew. His successor had withdraA\ni his regiment, leaving a 118 History of the [1863 squadron under as gallant a soldier as I ever met with on the Northern side, Capt. William L. Heermance. They had barri- caded the road with fence rails and were preparing to go into camp on picket, when the head of my regiment closed in upon their vidette on the outpost. His shrill, distinct "Yan- kee voice" called out to us, "Who comes there? Who comes there?" and bang rang his carbine, the bullet whistling over the head of my column. The charge was sounded and he was pressed from the start to the finish, each squadron taking up the yell successively, and the very woods seemed to be alive. Without losing a man, we captured fifty-one of Captain Heer- mance 's picket and opened the way for Stuart. Learning that the body of Colonel IMcViear was at the Alsop house, I rode there, to find him — "After life's fitful fever he sleeps" well, for "He lay like a warrior taking his rest, With his martial cloak around him." We had not time to delay, but were hurried on with Gen- eral Stuart, accompanied by Captain Heermance and his men as prisoners. The bearing of the gallant Heermance im- pressed me most favorably. We seemed to have taken a mutual fancy for each other, for in after years he wrote me a letter, and when on a visit to New York, we became friends and continued so to his death. He was a soldier and a gentle- man worthy of his command. A curious fact occurred during the night of this fight. A scouting party of the Sixth New York, returning to join its regiment, ran into the First Virginia Cavalry accidentally, which was following in our rear, and a panic like to have occurred, as sharp firing was heard in our rear, which was at first supposed to be a rescuing party. After some firing be- tween First and Second Regiments, quiet Avas restored, and we pressed on to join Gen. R. E. Lee. The next night orders were received from headquarters of the army for Second Regiment of Cavalry to report to Gen. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 119 "Stonewall" Jackson, and we all reported to him. We led his advance every step of the way until his line of battle was formed, Avhen, by his direction, I took post on the left of Iverson's infantry brigade (Eighth North Carolina troops) and pressed toward Ellis' Ford en route. We captured ten splendid slaughtered cattle for Howard's corps, any other statement to the contrary notwdthstanding. In closing this poor description of what came under my personal observation, it affords me great pleasure to add, if it was not Duncan McVicar, it was Fergus A. Easton, his Adjutant and executive officer, who represented him in carry- ing out the orders which gave General Stuart so much trouble. Very respectfully, (Signed) T. T. Munford. Headquarters First CxWAlry Division, Army of Potomac, May 10th, 1863. General Orders No. 27. The General commanding takes this occasion to commend the conduct of the Second Brigade and jMartin's Sixth Inde- pendent New York Battery in the late engagement near Chancellorsville. The distinguished gallantry of the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment in charging the head of the enemy's column, ad- vancing on the Eleventh Corps on the evening of the 2d inst. ; the heroism of the Sixth New York Regiment in cut- ting its way back to our own lines through treble its force of the enemy's cavalry on the 1st inst.. and the coolness displayed by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Regiment in rally- ing fugitives and supporting the batteries (including Mar- tin's) wliich repulsed the enemy's attack under Jackson on the evening of the 2d inst., have excited the' highest admira- tion. These noble feats of arms recall the glorious days of Mid- dletown, Boonsboro, Antietam, Martinsburg, Upperville, Bar- ber's and Amosville, where the First Brigade shared with us 120 History of the [18G3 the triumphs of victory, and they will now, while exulting in this success, join in sorrow for the brave who have fallen. The g-allant IMcVicar, the generous, chivalric Keeuan, with 150 killed and wounded from your small nimibers, attest to the terrible earnestness that animated the midnight conflict of the 2d of jNIay. A. Pleasanton, Brigadier-general Commanding. Comrades : After several trips South and much correspondence, I have gleaned the foregoing facts and reports. There may be errors and omissions. If so, forgive me. They are not inten- tional. The only excuse for this detailed account lies in the fact that the engagement and its results were as much a sur- prise to us as to our friends, the enemy. The event stands unique in the history of cavalry. Fought by early moonlight tintil nearly mklniglit by forces unknown to either side. Our gallant McVicar had often expressed the wish that, should he fall, it would be in charging Stuart. He had his wish. We shall never forget the ringing cheers which folloAved his "Sixth New York, follow me. Charge!" Eespectfully submitted, Fergus A. Easton, Formerly Adjutant Sixth New York Cavalry. May 1st. — The Battle of Chancellorsville com- menced early in the morning and raged in all its fnry thronghont the day. Division headquarters moved at daylight from Hartwood Church to near Ely's Ford, and was ordered to the front. During the early hours of the day quite a number of the men, having escaped from Lee's cavalry, found their way through the woods from Nye Eiver and rejoined the regiment. With the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry and Battery 18G3] Sii'tJi Neic York Cavalry. 121 K, Sixth New York Artillery, the regiment bivouacked at night near Chaneellorsville. May 2d. — The regiment remained in bivouac, saddled and in line, until 2 i).m., and was then ordered to the front, the fighting on the left being very severe, with the enemy falling back. In the afternoon Pleas- anton was ordered to the right with Sickles, the enemy having changed position to our right flank and made an attack on the Eleventh Corps under General How- ard, and pressing it back about five o 'clock threw it in great confusion. Although this is a record of the Sixth New York Cavalry, I beg leave to step aside for a moment and pay a tribute to another part of our (Second) brigade — the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. On the evening of the 2d of May, just before dark, while the Eleventh Corps was in that unfortunate and fright- fully demoralized condition, and while Greneral Pleas- anton was endeavoring to get some abandoned guns in position to meet the attack of the rapidly advancing column of "Stonewall" Jackson's veteran troops, the quick eye of the trained soldier told the G-eneral that the result of the coming struggle depended on a few more minutes' time — the enemy must be checked to enable those guns to get into position; a blunder had been made, some one must be sacrificed or the defeat would be greater. There stood that squadron of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with Major Keenan at its head ; the order was given for that handful of men to charge the flower- division of the enemy's army. With firm seat, tightly gripped rein and sabre, with compressed lips and stern faces, without a moment's hesitation, the Major, with his 150 followers, dashed forward to death and to victorii, for the advancing foe 122 History of the [18(33 was checked momentarily. The guns were in position and ready, the enemy again advanced and attacked, bnt was met by such a tremendous fire of shot and shell that Jackson's troops were defeated and the Army of the Potomac was saved. The fighting kept up until midnight, the artillery playing from both sides, making the night grand and exciting — bombs exploding in the air, like rockets — the flashing of can- non illuminating the horizon — the cheering of troops — the shrieking of shot and shell — the scene was in- describable. We lay to arms on the field all night. May 3d. — The battle commenced at 5 a.m. with tre- mendous cannonading and musketry, and until eleven o'clock raged with terrific fury. The Sixth New York, being near Greneral Hooker's headquarters, was under heavy fire of shot and bullets and a number of the men and horses were wounded. At nine o'clock, when all the hells of battle seemed let loose on both sides, a shell struck and burst near General Hooker, shocking him, but from which he quickly recovered. Jackson's large force on the right (outnumbering ours) met with terrible loss under the raking of the artillery. A large brick house, used at the time as a hospital, was set on fire by the enemy's shells, and many of the wounded were burned before they could be removed. The fighting abated somewhat in the afternoon. At night the regiment bivouacked near AVhite House. May 4th. — The fighting was resumed, but not so fiercely. The Irish Brigade charged and routed a rebel brigade. In the afternoon General Hooker removed his headquarters in the direction of U. S. Ford. Division headquarters was at U. S. Ford and was shelled by the rebel batteries on the opposite side of the river. The Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylva- 1863] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 123 nia Cavalry were encamped near by. The loss in the regiment during the battle was about seventy. May 5tli. — At 3.30 a.m. the Sixth New York crossed the river, receiving the fire from the rebel batteries, and marched to Falmouth, arriving at ten o'clock, and took a position in a ravine opposite Fredericks- burg. All of General Stoneman's cavalry was in that vicinity. The Second Brigade had won for itself a high repu- tation during the engagements and had been compli- mented by the commanding generals as having per- formed extraordinary service, showing its efficiency and good discipline. In the evening a heavy rain- storm came up, accompanied by loud thunder, fierce lightning and driving wind, ending in a terrific ' ' north- easter." May 6th, — It was still raining very hard, causing much suffering in the army which had recrossed the river and fallen back to Falmouth. Fredericksburg and the heights were again in the hands of the enemy, our forces having been too meagre to hold them against Longstreet's superior numbers. May 7tli. — The rain continued. President Lincoln and General Halleck were at General Hooker's head- quarters. The Sixth New York moved to its former camp near Potomac Bridge, arriving at 3 p.m. Gen- eral Stoneman and a large force of cavalry had gone on an expedition. General Gregg had a brigade of cavalry on the Peninsula. Troop I, Sixth New York, was detailed to guard the forage near the depot. One squadron of the regiment was detailed with Gen- eral Sickles. Companies F and H took transports from Yorktown to West Point, arriving about noon; were fired upon 124 Historij of the [1863 by a party of rebel cavalry. The squadron charged and drove the enemy into the woods. Lieutenant Cro- zier, commanding Company F, was killed. Several horses were killed and several wounded. Continued the march to White House. May 8th. — Was cold and rainy. The army was again under marching orders. The Sixth New York was ordered to move in the morning, with three days' cooked rations. Troops F and H destroyed some of the enemy's stores at White House and then returned to West Point. May 10th. — The loss of men, in killed, wounded and missing, in the army at Chancellorsville and Rappa- hannock was very great, but it did not lose a wagon, and after recrossing the river it had one more cannon than it had when it started on the campaign. Ma}^ 11th. — All but two squadrons of the regiment were on detached service. May 12th. — The weather was clear. The report was received in camp that "Stonewall" Jackson had died from the wound received at Chancellorsville. May 14th. — Cold and stormy. The regiment was about five miles from Ellis' Ford, and suffering very much from the wood-ticks. May 15th. — The, Sixth New York moved to Morris- ville, about six miles from Kelly's Ford. May 16th. — Troops I and M (Captain Van Buren) went to King George C. H. for picket dut3\ Part of the regiment went to Aquia Landing for new horses. This part of the country was infested with bushwhackers and guerrillas; farmers by day, but bushwhackers and guerrillas at night. [1863 Sixth New York Cavalry. 125 May 17tli. — The regiment moved to near Falmouth. Some of the men who had been captured, having been exchanged, returned to the regiment. May 19th. — Clear. The regiment was on picket. General Hancock's report of ]\Iay 19tli on Chancellors- ville contains this: "The following of my orderlies were much exposed and deserve mention for their good conduct during the action: Sergt, Owen McKen- zie, Corp. Thomas Watson, Privates James AVells, Alvin Stearns (wounded), John Gallinger and Donald O'Kourke (horse killed), all of Company K, Sixth New York Cavalry, and Privates Andrew Boudreau and Henry McEnro of Company D, Sixth New York Cavalry." May 20th. — Clear. The chaplain and Captain Eller- beck took the body of Lieutenant-colonel McVicar to Potomac Creek Station, from which place it was con- veyed to Rochester, N. Y., where his family resided. The body was embalmed at Falmouth, and appeared quite natural. The chaplain and Captain accompanied the remains to the place of interment. May 21st. — The weather was very warm. During General Stoneman's absence on leave. General Pleas- anton was in command of the Cavalry Corps, and Col- onel Devin was in command of the division. The Sixth New York moved camp toward Aquia Creek, two miles below Brooks' Station, and near Potomac Creek. May 22d. — Brigadier-general Pleasanton was placed in command of the Cavalry Corps. The enemy was busily engaged in digging rifle-pits and building earth- works opposite our picket-lines. May 30th. — Warm and sciually. Lee threatened another invasion northward; his army was moving toward Culpeper. 126 History of the [1863 June 1st. — Tlie regiment was on picket, with plenty of snakes for company; tliey vied with the "John- nies" in supplying a diversion to the tedious monot- ony of picket duty. There were strawberries in abun- dance, but alack and alas, they had to be eaten without cream or sugar. June 2d. — Eain. Mosquitoes and gnats were in evi- dence. Between the rain, rebels, snakes, gnats and mosquitoes the "boys" had no trouble in keeping awake ; the ennui was pronounced ; many of the expres- sions were more i^orcible than elegant; but still the uninvited guests remained and by their persistent attentions succeeded in keeping the weary vidette from sleeping on his post ( or an3^where else) . June 3d. — Still raining and still on picket at King George C. H. June 4th. — Companies F and H went to Mulberry Island and destroyed a number of small boats belong- ing to the enemy. June 5tli. — Heav}^ firing was heard in the direction of Falmouth in the evening. General Hooker, having learned that Lee was moving his army, had sent a division of the Sixth Corps across near Fredericks- burg to learn what force was there, and found that A. P. Hill's (Confederate) Corps had been left to hold that position. June 6th. — The regiment moved back to Brooks' Station. At 5 p.m. the division, with two batteries, under command of Gen. John Buford, started on a raid across the river. Halted for the night near Hart- wood Church. June 7th. — Reveille at two o'clock. Formed line at three o'clock and marched to Catlett's Station, arriv- ing at 5 p.m. and bivouacked. 18G3] Sixth Neiv Fork Cavalry. 127 June 8tli. — Left Catlett's at 5 p.m. and marclied by the railroad to Rappahannock Station; Buford moved two miles up the stream, and bivouacked, after mid- night, in the woods near Beverly Ford. No fires were permitted at night, the men standing "to horse," noiseless and alert. Gregg's division had moved to Kelly's Ford, several miles below. June 9th. — The regiment turned out about three o'clock and moved toward Beverly Ford; skirmishing commenced about sunrise. At five o'clock the division crossed the river at the ford. The First Brigade took the lead and made several charges, in the first one of which Colonel Davis (f), Eighth New York Cavalry (commanding the division), was mortally wounded, and was succeeded in command by Col. Thomas C. Devin of the Sixth New York Cavalry, General Buford being in command of the right wing. The command was ordered by General Pleasanton to "hold every inch." The advance met the rebel cavalry, dis- mounted, a half mile south of the river. The Sixth New York was ordered forward, and, dismounting, fought a superior number of the enemy for five hours, when, about noon, the enemy retreating, it followed them up closely and chased them back about three miles, until, coming upon heavy reinforcements of cavalry, and Longstreet's corps of infantry, the com- mand was forced to withdraw and recross the river. Then began the retreat of our cavalry under Generals Buford and Gregg (the latter having fought his way up from Kelly's Ford about noon), all subject to Gen- eral Pleasanton 's orders, the Sixth New York being the last regiment to recross the river, and covered the retreat. It was a very hot day and very hard fighting. Colonel Devin 's horse was shot under him. Lieut. Wil- 128 Histonj of the [1862 liam W. Phillips, Company I, was mortally wounded and a number of the men wounded. In falling back the enemy did but little harm, comparatively — a few shells exploded above and about the column as it recrossed the river, which was accomplished at sunset. Stuart, with 14,000 cavalry, was driven back on his infantry by Pleasanton, with less numl^ers. Biv- ouacked for the night on the camp-ground of the Eighth. Our loss was very heavy — about 500, but the enemy's was greater. While part of the regiment was holding the ford, W. H. Bogart of Company A was wounded in the left arm. He was wounded in the left foot at Todd's Tavern. At Grettysburg his horse was killed. While on a scout from Camp Cul- peper, in a fight with White's guerrillas, he was again wounded in the left arm. In the Wilderness Campaign (May 6th, 1864), he was. wounded in the left breast; and again on the Trevilian raid (June 9th) was wounded in the left leg. At Berryville (Sept. 4th) his horse was shot and fell on him; a rebel secured his pis- tol, which lay beside him, and shot him in the side ; he was then taken to Libby Prison, where his weight was reduced from 165 to 95 pounds. And he still lives to tell the story, and to meet with his comrades every year at the reunions of the regimental association. June 10th. — Marched back at 8 a.m. to Catlett's Sta- tion. June lltli. — Inspection and review by General Pleasanton. June 12tli. — Some detached portions of the regi- ment rejoined it. June 13tli. — Lieut. J. H. Bell of Company I returned from Washington and brought sad news to the company and regiment. Lieutenant Phillips had 1863] Sixth New York Cavalrij. 129 died (on tlie 12tli) as a result of the wound and ampu- tation. "Brave fellow, we greatly mourned his departure and deeply felt his loss. Greatly did his company miss his welcome appearance among them, where he often joined with them in conversation. His duties were always faithfully discharged in the service of his country; ever vigilant, brave and kind." (Wells.) June 14th. — The command left Catlett's Station and marched to Rappahannock Station and picketed along the river, relieving the infantry, which was falling back toward Manassas, the cavalry to cover the movement. June 15tli. — The regiment was still picketing. Lee was moving to Maryland, part of his forces having already crossed the Potomac. At dark the videttes were withdrawn, and the cavalry marched to Bealeton, covering the rear of the army, but left Bealeton again about midnight, and after marching the remainder of the night, covering twenty-five miles, through inde- scribable clouds of dust, arrived, about noon of the 16th, at Blackburn's Ford, Bull Run. June 17tli. — Left Bull Run at 11 a.m. and marched to Aldie, near Bull Run Mountains, distance eighteen miles. The First Brigade had a brush with Stuart's cavalry and was successful, although it suffered severely in killed and wounded. The Sixth New York made a reconnoissance to Haymarket, on the road between Warrenton and Thoroughfare Gap. June 18th. — Marched to Haymarket, opposite Thor- oughfare Gap in Bull Run Mountains, picketing the gap and Warrenton pike. At night the Ninth New York Cavalry came up to us from Catlett's Station. Captain Wales was injured by being thrown by his horse. 9 130 Historij of the [1863 June 19th. — Still picketing in the gap and in the rain. A large force of Stuart's cavalry passed through Loudoun Valley, just beyond the mountains, between noon and five o'clock, headed toward White Plains. The First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, came up at night. June 20th. — Part of the regiment went on a scout through Thoroughfare Gap, up in the mountains, and to Hopeville GajD. The regiment was relieved from picket b}^ Colonel Taylor's brigade, and left Haymar- ket and marched to Dover Mills, via Aldie, bivouack- ing in a clover meadow. Haymarket was a ruined fragment of a flourishing little town; it was fired in the previous summer by our cavalry, as the men were fired upon from the buildings ; there remained but one inhabited building. June 21st. — The regiment was ready to march at 1.30 a.m.; decamped at 3.30 (a general move of the cavalry) and advanced, fighting all the way from Mid- dleburg to the Blue Ridge. At the foot of the moun- tains encountered a large force of rebel cavalry and a battery, and a short but hot engagement took place, resulting in a retreat of the enemy to the gap (Ashby's). The First Brigade charged the enemy and there were eleven dead rebels left on the field, among them one lieutenant-colonel. The Lieutenant- colonel of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry was wounded and captured, together with a number of his men. On the right General Gregg had a spirited fight, routing the enemy at all points, and capturing two pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners. At 6 p.m. the Sixth New York had a skirmish on the mountain-side and drove the enemy through Summit Gap. At sun- set fell back about a mile and encamped. The fight 1863] Sixth New York Cavalrij. 131 was not very serious to our side, although the shells and bullets were thick. June 22d. — Moved away from the mountain at 8 a.m. and returned to Aldie, arriving there about noon; thence toward Snicker's Gap, about four miles. The enemy, following slowly, attempted to surprise our camp. At 2 p.m. were surprised to hear picket- firing close to camp, and soon learned the enemy was about to charge us. "Boots and saddles" sounded, and in a "jiffy" every man was mounted and ready for action. A few of our men were captured outside of camp. Captain Hanly, with a squadron of the Ninth New York Cavalry, drove about 100 of them back to their camp at Philomont. A few squadrons were sent out to feel the enemy and it was ascertained that Mid- dleburg, two miles away, was full of their cavalry. Skirmishing continued till late, when it ceased, the enemy withdrawing. Eemained in saddle until mid- night, and then, until morning, slept near a stone wall, with stones for pillows, and rested well, with pleasant dreams, part of the regiment picketing the road to Philomont. June 23d. — All quiet. Regiment was relieved from picket at 7 a.m. by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav- alry, and marched to camp but a short distance from the picket-line. June 24th. — At 6 p.m. the regiment was ordered on a reconnoissance to Plamilton, nine miles distant, to ascertain what force of the enemy was there. Started at sunset, accompanied by the Ninth New York and a squadron of the Third West Virginia Cavalry, all commanded by Major Beardsley of the Sixth New York. Had three good guides to lead us through woods and ravines, over hills and dales, until finally 132 History of the [1863 we arrived at our destination at 2 a.m. (25tli). Find- ing no enemy there, went on to Leesburg, arriving at three o'clock; marched through town at sunrise, and returned to camp near Aldie, arriving at 10 a.m., tired and hungry, having marched about thirty-five miles. June 25th. — In camp. All quiet. June 26th. — Left camp at daylight and marched to Leesburg and bivouacked. June 27th. — Moved out of camp at 6 a.m. and at eight o'clock crossed the Potomac River at Edward's Ferry. We were again off Virginia soil, and in "my Maryland." Fifteen thousand rebels were reported to be at or near Harrisburg, Pa., and Lee's whole force was said to be ready to invade Maryland and Penn- sylvania. The regiment marched via Point of Rocks and Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and encamped near Jeffersonville. On this march John Havey of Troop M captured a rebel spy, who was allowed to go free, but was afterward recaptured by Charles Whitney of Company F (orderly to the Adjutant) and hanged at Frederick by order of General Buford. June 28th. — The regiment marched through Jeffer- son and at 9 a.m. passed through Middletown and encamped a short distance beyond. General Hooker was relieved of the command of the Army of the Poto- mac, and was succeeded by General George G. Meade. Citizens reported that the Confederate Army had crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, and was in very strong force, one man saying "he had counted nearly a hundred pieces of artillery." June 29tli. — The command left Middletown at 7 a.m. and marched via Boonsboro, Mount Pleasant, Beaver Creek, Cavetown, Smithburg, Ringgold, Waterloo and Mowrey Springs, and bivouacked about two miles. [1863 Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 133 beyond the Springs. In all of those places the com- mand received a hearty welcome; the streets were lined with men, women and children, who gave it enthusiastic cheers, and were very liberal in supplying the men with food. June 30th. — Left Mowrey Springs at daylight and marched to Fairfield, which was in possession of about 3000 of the enemy. The Sixth New York advanced upon the town and commenced skirmishing with the enemy, while the division marched by another route to Emmitsburg. At 9 a.m. the First and Eleventh Corps passed through and followed the cavalry on toward Gettysburg. The Sixth New York Cavalry reached Gettysburg at 11 a.m., but found the enemy had fallen back from the town. The citizens, already in a state of terror and excitement over the great inva- sion, gazed with interest and satisfaction as the long column of veteran troopers, with trampling horses and fluttering guidons, moved through their streets. The troops were highly welcomed; such enthusiasm and loyalty were seldom witnessed. Hundreds of women and children lined the walks and cheered the men with the "Eed, White and Blue," which they sang most loyally and charmingly, while handkerchiefs and ban- ners waved most earnestly and gracefully from stal- wart arms and delicate hands. The rebels had but just disappeared over the hills, and no wonder that the people should manifest such extreme gladness and joy at our coming. A supper was ready for any of the ''boys" who desired to eat, and much was done in that line, of course, by the cavaliers. The regiment then marched through the town and encamped in the vicin- ity of McPherson's farm, a mile and a half to the north of the village, a line of pickets being established 134 History of the [1863 by the Second Brigade from tlie Caslitown road at Willoughby Eun, north across the Mummasburg road, near the Forney house, and thence east across the Carlisle, Harrisbnrg and Hunterstown roads to the York road on the northeast. Gamble's brigade picketing from the Cashtown road south along Wil- loughby Run to the Fairfield house. Scouting par- ties were immediately sent out to observe the approaches from Carlisle, Harrisburg and York. The country toward the above points was thoroughly scoured, and a number of prisoners were taken, from whom important intelligence was elicited and for- warded to headquarters. A scouting party having captured a Confederate courier with a dispatch pre- vented Ewell from connecting with Hill at Cashtown, as ordered. Gettysburg was a flourishing town of about 5000 inhabitants, about forty miles from Balti- more and eleven from Emmitsburg. The rebels had invaded it a few days prior, but their welcome was cold ; they did considerable damage in and about town, burned the railroad bridge and a train of cars, and seized what horses they could find and took goods from the stores, their main object being to secure shoes and clothing. About ten o'clock Pettigrew's Confederate brigade of Hetli's division made its appearance in the western suburbs of the town, and halted, their pickets advancing close to the residences on the outskirts. They had come with instructions to search the town for army supplies, shoes, etc. They did not enter the town, however, but examined it with their field-glasses. Learning of the approach of Meade's advance guard, they withdrew toward Cash- town, leaving their pickets about four miles from Gettysburg. At 11 a.m. two brigades of Buford's 18GoJ Sixth New York Cavalry. 135 division (Gamble's and Devin's) of the Union Cavalry entered the town. Buford's cohnnn had left Emmits- burg that morning. Passing through the town it moved out upon the Chambersburg pike (or Cashtown road) and halted there. (Merritt's Reserve Brigade of Buford's division had been left at Mechanicsburg to guard the trains.) Scouting parties were imme- diately sent out in various directions, and the informa- tion thus obtained throughout the night ap]:)rised Buford of the jiroximity of the enemy and the rapid convergence of their hostile columns on Gettysburg. Knowing that General Reynolds, who was in command of the left wing of the Union Army, was in supporting distance with the First and Eleventh Corps, he decided to resist the Confederate advance. The two armies had not been moving with closely connected columns. Part of the Confederate Army was at Chambersburg (General Lee's headquarters), twenty- four miles west of Gettysburg; part near Heidlers- burg, eleven miles north of Gettysburg, and part at Fayetteville, twenty-one miles west of Gettysburg, and a part along the Chambersburg pike, with a part near Cashtown, seven miles west of Gettysburg, his right and left wings being twenty-eight miles apart. Part of his cavalry, returning from a raid, was making a wide detour around the right of the Union Army in order to rejoin Lee. A part had been left near the Potomac to guard the rear, and the remainder was near Heidlersburg, eleven miles north of Gettysburg. There was no cavalry with his advance column (Hill's). A part of the Union Army was at Emmitsburg, eleven miles south of Gettysburg; a part was on the road leading from Emmitsburg to Gettysburg, with its 136 History of the [1863 advance division at Marsh Creek, five miles from the battle-field ; a part was at Bridgeport, on the road from Taneytown to Emmitsburg; a part was at Union Mills, seventeen miles southeast of Gettysburg; a part was at Littlestown, eleven miles southeast of Gettysburg; a part was at Manchester, thirty miles southeast of Gettysburg; and a part was at Uniontown, sixteen miles south of Gettysburg, while the cavalry, under Pleasanton, was covering the right and rear of the army, with two brigades of Buford's division already at Gettysburg. The right wing was at Manchester, the left at Emmitsburg, over thirty miles distant. A signal officer attached to Buford's division stated that on the night of the 30th, General Buford spent some hours with Colonel Devin of the Sixth New York (who was in command of the Second Brigade). While commenting on the information brought in by Dev- in 's scouts, Buford remarked that the battle would be fought at that point, and he was afraid it would be commenced in the morning before the infantry would get up. Devin, who did not believe in so early an advance of the enemy, said that he would take care of all that would attack his front during the ensuing twenty-four hours. Buford answered, "No, you won't. They will attack you in the morning, and they will come 'booming,' skirmishers three deep. You will have to fight like the devil to hold your own until supports arrive. The enemy must know the importance of this position, and will strain every nerve to secure it, and if we are able to hold it, we shall do well." During the night the brigade picket-line, made up of details from each regiment in Devin 's brigade (the Sixth and Ninth New York, the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania and Third West Virginia), was GETTYSBURG. Where the Battle Opened. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 137 pushed forward on the Chambersbnrg pike to Wil- loughby Eun, whence the line extended northerly and easterly across the Mummasbiirg, Carlisle and Harrisbnrg roads. The line was in charge of Colonel Sackett, Ninth New York, who was brigade officer of the day. At daylight of Jnly 1st the advanced picket- post on the Chambersbnrg pike was held by Corporal Alpheus Hodges, Company F, Ninth New York Cavalry, and three other cavalrymen. Men were seen approaching on the road beyond Willoughby Eun, and nearly a mile away. Acting under orders. Cor- poral Hodges immediately sent his comrades to notify the line and the reserve, while he advanced across the run until near enough to see that the approaching men belonged to the enemy ; then he turned back, and as he did so they fired at him. He retired to the run, where, from behind the abutments of the bridge, he fired sev- eral shots at the enemy. This occurred about 5.30 a.m., and this exchange of shots between the Confed- erate videttes and a Ninth New York trooper is believed to have been the first fired at Gettysburg. In the skirmishing which ensued later in the morning, Corp. Cyrus "W. James of Company G, Ninth New York, was killed, and he is said to have been the first Union soldier killed in the battle. Gamble's small cavalry brigade, 1200 strong, con- fronted the advance of Hill's corps of Confederate infantry. Unequal as their numbers were, Buford's men marched out boldly and "proudly" to the posi- tions assigned them. Moving out beyond the semi- nary about one mile, Gamble formed his brigade, with its right resting on the line of an unfinished railroad, and the left near the Fairfield road, the Chambersburg pike passing through his lines a little to the right of 138 Histonj of the [1863 the centre and at right angles with it. Devin, with the Second Brigade, formed to the right, his line extending from the railroad to the Mummasburg road. The opening gun of the battle was fired by the Con- federates, the shot coming from a cannon in Marye's Virginia Battery. Calef's horse battery, A, Sec- ond U. S. Artillery, which was attached to Buford's division, replied promptly, and the Battle of Gettys- burg was begun. At daybreak the Sixth New York engaged the advance of Hill's corps. Captain Heer- mance commanding the skirmish line. The pickets of the First Brigade, on the road to Cashtown, had been driven in by a force advancing from that direction, and the enemy advancing in force on Gamble's front, the Second Brigade was ordered to prepare for action. The Sixth New York was placed on the right of the brigade, on the road to Mummasburg, where it dis- mounted and deployed, holding the enemy in check for two or three hours until the arrival of the infantry. At one time the regiment was thought to have been captured, so fierce were the attacks made by the enemy's infantry and artillery upon it. The cavalrymen responded with a rapid carbine fire from behind the trees, rocks and stone walls, their sturdy resistance giving the enemy the impression that he had infantry before him, and causing him to advance slowly and cautiously. Buford, though hard pressed, held his own stoutly, knowing that reinforce- ments must soon arrive. The fight had raged fiercely for over an hour, when the signal officer, in the belfry of the seminary, saw in the distance the flag of the First Corps, and notified Buford, who climbed in the tower, saying, "Now we can hold the place." General Eeynolds came galloping up and, seeing Buford. called 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 139 out, "What's the matter, John?" "The devil's to pay," said Buford. General Reynolds commanded the First Army Corps, and one of his divisions was the first infantry on the field. When Early's division arrived on the Heidlersbnrg road, it found Eodes' division already moving for- ward to the attack. Early's skirmishers encountered the pickets and skirmishers of Devin's cavalry bri- gade. Devin's troopers in the morning held the right of the line as far southward as the Chambersburg pike, with skirmishers and videttes extending north- erly and easterly across the Carlisle and York roads. The Sixth New York, in conjunction with other reg- iments of the brigade, made a firm stand in the direc- tion of the Heidlersbnrg road, and succeeded in hold- ing back the rebel line until the arrival of the Eleventh Corps. When Cutler's and Baxter's brigades of the First Corps went into position, Devin's skirmishers moved off to the right, still holding a close watch on the roads approaching from the north. As Eodes' and Early's divisions successively arrived, Devin retired grad- ually, effecting this movement to the rear by successive formations in line by regiments. In executing these movements in the face of the enemy, his troops behaved well, and formed each time with perfect coolness and order, the small losses in the brigade being due largely to the admirable manner in which it was handled. During the second period of the first day's fighting two companies of the Eightieth New York advanced across AVilloughby Run, holding their position until surrounded on three sides, when, assisted by some of Buford 's Cavalry, they retired and rejoined their reg- iment. 140 History of the [1863 About this time Devin's skirmishers on the extreme right were forced back by the advance of Early's line of battle coming from the direction of Heidlersburg, but seeing the necessity of holding the ground until an infantry force could arrive, Devin ordered the Ninth New York to support the skirmish line, and, forming the rest of the brigade as dismounted carbineers, he delayed Eodes and Early until relieved by the arrival of the Eleventh Corps. About ten o 'clock, the Eleventh Corps having just arrived, the cavalry was formed in line of battle on the hill north of the town, while a por- tion of the Sixth New York went forward as skirmish- ers. It soon met the rebel lines, long and strong, advancing from the woods beyond, and immediately the cavalry fighting commenced, and shot and shell flew thick and fast. When the infantry came up, the fighting, of course, became more furious, and soon two entire rebel regiments came into town as prisoners. At noon the regiment, with others of the brigade, engaged the advance of Ewell's corps. At one o'clock the brigade was formed in close column of squadrons, north of the town, dismounted, when suddenly a bat- tery on a commanding eminence east of the town opened fire upon it — a terrific fire, equal to any it had ever been exposed to. Colonel Devin promptly headed the brigade toward town, on a double quick, while the shot flew thick and fast over and about, killing a num- ber of horses, but none of the men. That any escaped was a miracle. It then turned its attention to the pickets and shelled them out. The battery belonged to the Eleventh Corps and had mistaken us for the enemy. The mistake had broken the infantry as well as the cavalry line, and shortly after the enemy got possession of the town, from which they were after- 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 141 ward driven by the infantr}^, but at much human sacri- fice. During the fire of the battery Adjutant Easton of the Sixth New York dashed to Cemetery Hill and in- formed the Captain of the guns that he was firing on our own troops. Not receiving assurance that it would be stopped, the Adjutant called to Gren, 0. 0. Howard, who was at some distance on the right, "Howard, Howard, for God's sake, stop this firing on our own men!" [In 1907 Adjutant Easton asked Gen- eral Howard if, by any possibility, he (Howard) remembered the incident, and was assured that he did "perfectly well." The Adjutant expressed surprise that a major-general should recall such a minor mat- ter, and was answered with a smile, "Oh, you did not give me my title."] During the day, about 10.15 a.m., the gallant Gen- eral Reynolds fell, one more noble life sacrificed to the cause. [The statement as to the hour of General Rey- nolds' death was made by either Hall, Besley or Eas- ton, but I think it is incorrect, as several men of the brigade (Ninth New York) were with him at the time as orderlies, and record it as 10.15 a. m.'] The com- mand of the left wing now devolved temporarily on General Howard until the arrival of General Hancock, who then assumed command. General Hancock says in his report that when he arrived on the field he was "reassured by the steadiness of Buford's men." In the afternoon of July 1st, after the Union forces had fallen back to and taken position on Cemetery Hill, Buford, having reunited his two cavalry brigades, formed his division in front of Cemetery Ridge, south- west of the town, near the low ground east of Stevens ' Run, where he occupied an advanced but firm position. 142 History of the [1863 At noon of the 2d, Bnford's division, the only cav- alry on the field, occnpied a position in front of the Bound Tops, protecting the left flank of the army, and observing the line of the Emmitsbnrg road, on which some of Meade's troops were still arriving. The brigade was then ordered to the Emmitsbnrg road, where it formed in line in rear of the batteries of the division, with its right flank resting on the town. The enemy having gained the York road, entered the town immediately after the cavalry pickets retired, and passing through with their sharpshooters attacked the flank of the brigade, killing and wounding several men and horses. One squadron of the Ninth New York dismounted, and with their carbines soon drove them some distance into the town, punishing them severely. The brigade was then ordered to the extreme left, where it bivouacked for the night, but remained on duty as pickets at the Peach Orchard, watching the enemy, and directing the different commands where to go. The next morning, while reconnoitring in rear of the enemy's right, our sharpshooters became engaged with a division of the enemy advancing to feel our lines in front of the position held by Devin's brigade. Two squadrons of the Sixth New York were dis- mounted and deployed in support of the Berdan sharp- shooters, while the brigade was formed into line on the left of the First with one section of Lidball's bat- tery in position. The enemy not pressing his advance, and the Third Corps coming into position, the brigade was ordered to march to Taneytown, where it biv- ouacked and marched the next day to AVestminster. To the surprise and embarrassment of G-eneral Sickles, Bnford's division of cavalry, which had been 1863] Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 143 posted on his left flank, had moved off the field, Gen- eral Meade having authorized General Pleasanton to send this division to Westminster, 30 miles distant. Meade supposed that Gregg's division of cavalry had relieved Bnford, but he had been incorrectly informed. As soon as he was aware of his mistake, he instructed Pleasanton that Sickles' flank should not be left unprotected by cavalry, but it was then too late. Gen. Daniel Butterfield, who was chief of staff of the Army of the Potomac, in an article in the North American Eeview, gave to the Sixth New York Cav- alry the credit of having made the first attack upon the enemy at the opening contest at Gettysburg on the morning of July 1st, 1863. This was on the ground where Buford Avenue, at the north of the town, is now laid out, and precisely where the beautiful monument of the regiment has been erected at a cost of upward of ten thousand dollars. July 2d. — The regiment engaged the advance of Longstreet's corps at Round Top. The Confederates appeared to secrete themselves in every available posi- tion not directly exposed to the Union lines. When- ever the effects of their deadly aim uncovered their hiding-places, the Sixth New York, with the other reg- iments, was employed in dislodging them from their strongholds. At 11 a.m., having been relieved by the Third Corps, the regiment left the field and marched to Taneytown, Md., twelve miles, and encamped. On the 2d and 3d of July two companies (F and H) of the Sixth New York, under the command of Major William P. Hall, operated in another direction. This detachment had moved up the York River, Va., in June, under orders from General Dix, and had cut 144 History of the [1863 Lee's commiiuications with Richmond. Tliis move- ment of the detachment, with other troops sent by General Dix, had the effect of drawing from the enemy important forces which would, undoubtedly, have been sent to Lee's assistance at Gettysburg. This action resulted in the bringing on of the Battle of Baltimore Crossroads, which was fought on July 2d, and which, without doubt, contributed directly to the success of the Battle of Gettysburg, After the Battle of Gettysburg, the regiment served, in connection witli the l)rigade and division, in General Pleasanton's corps, participating in the engagements of Beaver Creek, Funkstown, Williamsport, Boons- boro and Falling Waters. Then crossing the Poto- mac, and moving by Purcellsville and Salem, it encamped near Catiett's Station. July 3d. — Left Taneytown and marched to West- minster, thirteen miles. While there about 3500 rebel prisoners passed through the town. July 4th. — The regiment, with the brigade, marched to a mile beyond Uniontown and encamped. July 5th. — Reveille at four o'clock and at 4.30 moved out of camp and marched via Woodboro and Middleburg, and at 6 p.m. passed through Frederick Citj^ and bivouacked a mile west of the town. July 6th.^ — Reveille at three o'clock and at 4 a.m. left camp and moved via Middletown, Boonsboro and South Mountain Gap toward Williamsport, twenty-six miles. The Sixth New York, with others, met and attacked the enemy about three miles from Williams- port, drove them, and captured and destroyed a train of forty wagons and took about 100 prisoners. The fighting commenced about five o'clock and continued until dark, and was between our cavalry and artillery. «5if.'£w-''-*i-> V ^ OF MA. JEROME B. WHEELER AND OTHER COMRADES. WHEELER IS SEEN REHIND THE TROOPER REACHING FOR THE FLAC 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 145 and the rebel cavalry, infantry and artillery. Stuart's cavalry was in the vicinity of Shepherdstown, six miles distant. BATTLE (3F WILLIAMSPORT. On arriving- near Williamsport the batteries were found engaging the enemy, supported by parts of the First and reserve brigades, a part of which was also dismounted and engaged with the enemy's infantry. Devin was ordered to mass his brigade in the woods in the rear of the position and await instructions. At 7 p.m. he was ordered to relieve the First Brigade, then engaged on the left front, and at dark to relieve his command again to the woods, which he was to hold until daylight to enable the other brigades to retire on a suitable position near the crossroads. Retiring as ordered, the skirmishers were drawn into a line 500' yards in advance of the position and connecting with the woods at the same distance on each flank, com- pletely covering the road, at the same time picketing- the roads in the rear toward Sharpsburg on the left and Hagerstown on the right. Near Williamsport twenty men of Troop I were sent to investigate a bat- tery on the right, and found it was one belonging to the enemy. They retired safely, taking one prisoner along. About midnight the enemy advanced on our front and engaged the skirmishers, but he was repulsed and soon after retired. Captain Van Buren, two sergeants and one private of the Sixth New York were captured. During the night the regiment was on picket in front of Williamsport, while the rebels were but a few rods 10 146 History of the [1863 away. The men passed a wearisome, sleepless night, mounted, in line, or standing to horse. Nine hundred rebel prisoners were sent to Fred- erick City. July 7th. — Just at daybreak a squadron of the Sixth New York made a demonstration on the enemy's front by charging down and driving in his skirmishers and pickets on the reserve, and throwing them in confu- sion, under cover of which the brigade was withdrawn about a mile to the rear and took up a position in front of the road running from Hagerstown to Sharp sburg. The skirmishers and pickets having been drawn in, the brigade fell back, slowly and in good order, to Boons- boro, the enemy following and watching it closely, and occasionally attacking its rear guard, but halting whenever it faced about. After retiring about two and one-half miles the brigade was ordered to halt, to rest the men and horses, to strongly picket the roads to the rear, and, if possible, hold the position until Kil- patrick's division, and the two other brigades of Buford's division had crossed Antietam Creek. About 11 a.m. the enemy appeared in force in our rear with infantry and artillery. The Ninth New York was ordered up to hold him in check. As soon as it was learned that the rear of Buford's column was crossing the creek, Colonel Sackett, who was hotly engaged, was ordered to fall back on the brigade, which then took up the line of march and followed the division, the enemy becoming bolder and closely pressing the rear, under Colonel Sackett, who fell back fighting, his men behav- ing splendidly, making a stand at every favorable point, and often repulsing and punishing the enemy's sharpshooters. On arriving near the bridge two squad- rons of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania were dis- 1863] Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 147 mounted and posted on a liill commanding the bridge, ])ut the enemy was too cautious to approach the creek, which the brigade crossed and, joining the division, camped at Boonsboro. July 8th. — The picket-line was attacked on the Hagerstown pike; the Sixth New York saddled up, but was ordered out dismounted, and skirmished for two hours, under heavy fire from both infantry and artillery. The regiment then fell back a short dis- tance, in support of a line of dismounted men, during which the enemy got a cross fire on it. Late in the afternoon the command drove the enemy briskly until dark, and were then ordered out to make a charge, but the enemy had retreated, leaving us the field. It was an all-day's fight of our cavalry against the rebel cav- alry, infantry and artillery. BATTLE OF BOONSBORO. The enemy advanced in force down the Hagerstown turnpike. The brigade was formed in line of battle along a crest in front and at nearly a right angle with the line of the First and reserve brigades, connecting with the left of the latter and covering the approach from Williamsport. Two squadrons were deployed to the front as skirmishers, connecting with those on the right. Major Beardsley of the Sixth New York was ordered to advance to the hill on the left of the Williamsport road, but the enemy having gained possession of and established a battery on the heights on the right, completely commanding the Williams- port road. Major Beardsley was unable to reach the hill, but was forced to retire into the woods, under a hot fire, which position he held for two hours. In the 148 History of the [1863 meantime, the skirmishers had been more or less engaged, but abont 2 p.m. the enemy having been reinforced, a determined and vigorous attack was made on our position. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Sixth New York were dismounted and held the enemy with varying success, sometimes being forced back, and again regaining their lost ground. The men behaved splendidly, holding, and even driving, the enemy with their pistols after their carbine ammuni- tion was expended. About 6 p.m. the brigade moved to the extreme front and right to the support of the First Brigade, then rapidly drove the enemy up the turnpike. It formed in the field in rear of the First under the fire of the enemy's battery, and closed up in support until ordered to retire at dark, when it returned and bivouacked between Boonsboro and the gap. July 9th. — At about 11 a.m. the division advanced one and one-half miles to the front, and remained in line of battle imtil six o'clock, when a general move- ment was made along the centre by the cavalry, the Second Brigade on the left, the First Brigade on the right. It advanced, driving the enemy, charging, cheering and dashing, until after dark, when it halted and lay in line of battle all night, where it ceased the pursuit near Beaver Creek. BATTLE OF BEAVER CREEK. In the morning the Sixth New York advanced with the brigade to a point two and one-half miles in front of Boonsboro, where it was halted and massed in a field. About 5 p.m. the division was ordered to advance and, crossing Beaver Creek, to carry the 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 149 crest beyond, if practicable, and feel the enemy's posi- tion. One squadron of the brigade was deployed as skirmishers, mounted, to sweep the left to the bend of Antietam Creek previous to the general advance ; Vin- cent 's section of battery was placed in position on the crest in front of the centre of the line, while two squadrons, dismounted, connected with the left of the First Brigade, the Second Brigade then advancing with the division line. After a short but sharp skir- mish, the crest was carried in a most gallant manner by the skirmishers alone, the squadron on the extreme left running into an extensive cavalry camp and dis- persing the force. The brigade following closely, the enemy was driven for nearly two miles, until darkness rendered further pursuit useless. July 10th. — The command continued the pursuit, driving the enemy into Funkstown, where it had a sharp skirmish, capturing about fifty prisoners. Our skirmishers advanced and drove the enemy's, who were posted beyond Beaver Greek. At 5 a.m. the rebel artillery opened fire, ours immediately replying. Soon after the command crossed the creek and advanced, the eneni}^ rapidly retreating. At noon the enemy made a stand and resisted our advance quite stubborn- ly, their shells hissing and bursting about us in a lively manner. About 5 p.m. the command was relieved by the Sixth Corps and fell back out of range of the enemy's guns. It had been fighting Ewell's corps of infantry all day. The regiment went into bivouac about four miles from Funkstown, unsaddled the horses to let them rest; for the horses, as well as the men, were nearly worn out. July 11th. — Left camp at 2 p.m. and marched via Cadeysville and Bakersville and halted one and a half 150 History of the [1863 miles northeast of the Potomac River, six miles from "VVilliamsport, and fonr miles from Sharpsburg, the Sixth New York doing picket duty, with the enemy- close at hand. July 12th. — The regiment was still on picket duty, enjoying a heavy rain-storm, which was trying to cool the atmosphere that was exceedingly hot. There was but little lighting during the day, the cavalry being engaged in scouring the country to ascertain the posi- tion of the enemy. July 13th. — The day passed quietly, except for an occasional shot along the picket-line. July 14th. — At 5 a.m. a general advance was ordered, with the cavalry in the lead. The Sixth New York, with others, advanced as skirmishers and soon found the enem}^ was evacuating. "We pursued his rear guard closely, taking the river in a straight line, and at a quick march, over rifle-pits, breastworks, wheat-fields and fences, reached the Potomac only to find that Lee had effected his escape, leaving about 2000 of his weary, disheartened men to our mercy, whom we captured, together with two three-inch rifled guns and caissons, some wagons and a quantity of ammunition, the rebel army having crossed the river between Williamsport and Falling Waters. The country in the neighborhood of the ford having been thoroughly scoured, the command returned to Bakers- ville and bivouacked for the night. July 15tli. — The regiment moved out in the morning and marched via Antietam battlefield and Sharpsburg, Harper 's Ferry, Sandy Hook and Knoxville to Berlin, where it encamped. Colonel Devin, in his official report of the campaign, said: ''Throughout the whole of these sharp and rap- lS6o] Sixth New York Cavalry. 151 idly succeeding engagements the men have behaved like veterans, as most of them now are, not a single instance of misbehavior having been brought to my notice. The officers were also prompt, brave and efficient in the execution of their duties. The lu'igade staff, Captain "White and Lieutenants Mahnken, Wright and Gating, have rendered invaluable service in conducting reconnoissances, ascertaining the posi- tion of the enemy's lines, and transmitting orders on the battle-field, and to them, as much as to myself, is owing whatever success has attended the operations and dispositions of the brigade. "When all have done so nobly, it is hard to deter- mine, but if any one name deserves to be mentioned above that of others for cool and daring bravery and valuable services rendered on many occasions, it is that of Second Lieut. John W. Blunt, Troop M, Sixth New York Cavalry, ' ' July 16th. — Left Berlin and marched two miles to Petersville. July 17th. — Rain. In camp. The Second Cavalry Division crossed the Potomac at Berlin. July 18th. — The regiment left camp at noon, and marching to Berlin crossed the Potomac at four o'clock, and moved on a mile be3^ond Lovettsville and encamped. Companies F and H took up the line of march for Fairfax Court House, and bivouacked at night ten miles from Alexandria. July 19th. — Moved at sunrise and marched via W^heatland, Uniontown and Philomont — about twenty- five miles — and went into bivouac near Upperville. July 20th. — At 9 a.m. the regiment, with the com- mand, marched via Eectortown and encamped near 152 History of the [1863 Salem. The country was infested with guerrillas under Mosbyand Willis. Capturedtwo of them at Rectortown. Companies F and H marched to Fairfax and camped at the Court-house. The squadron was attached to General King's command. July 21st. — In bivouac at Salem. Major Conger, with one squadron of the Third Virginia Cavalry, was assigned to Devin's brigade. Firing being heard on the picket-line, "boots and saddles" was sounded and the regiment was soon ready for action. The dis- turbance proved to be a rebel firing six times at a Federal lieutenant; the latter fired once, and that ended it. July 22d. — Moved from Salem to the vicinity of Orleans. The Sixth New York was detailed to guard a wagon train ; 900 head of beef cattle captured by the cavalry, and twenty-five prisoners. Halted for the night eight miles from AVarrenton. Companies F and H marched to Centreville. July 23d. — A detachment of the regiment went toward Thoroughfare Grap and had a brush with the enemy, capturing a few of them; then marched to Barber's Crossroads. The fields were covered with blackberries — great, big luscious ones. Oh, what a feast! Boys, do you remember them I July 24th. — Left camp at 4 a.m. and reached War- renton at 9.30; it was slow and tedious marching guarding the wagon train. July 25th. — The regiment left Warrenton in the morning and marched two miles south of the town and bivouacked in the woods in which it had encamped on the night of July 27th, 1862. The infantry were fight- ing at Manassas Gap. Company F marched to Gaines- ville as escort to a wagon train. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 153 July 26tli. — The regiment left camp at 4 p.m. and marched to Bealeton Station. The brigade marched to Liberty. July 27th.— The Sixth New York marched to Rap- pahannock Station and rejoined the brigade, which had moved to that place. July 28th. — In camp. All quiet. Picketing to White Sulphur Springs. July 29th. — The regiment went on picket from Bev- erly Ford to Sulphur Springs, relieving the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania. Oh, that sulphur water ! I can taste it yet. July 30tli. — All quiet. On picket at Lee's Ford. Companies F and H started at 9 p.m. at a gallop to Union Mills after a force of Confederate cavalry; cliiirged through the village, but the enemy had decamped. July 31st. — The regiment was relieved from picket by the Ninth New York, and arrived back in camp at 10 p.m. Rations and ammunition were immediately issued, and by midnight the regiment was prepared for a move. Aug. 1st. — Broke camp at 3 a.m. and marched to Beverly Ford, but found it unfordable. Marched to Rappahannock Station and crossed some dismounted men in pontoon boats at six o 'clock, who drove the rebel pickets from the south side. A bridge was thrown across by ten o'clock, when the Sixth New York, taking the advance, crossed over and drove the enemy to Brandy Station. Greneral Merritt soon advancing on the right, we pushed the enemy to within sight of Culpeper, when, their infantry coming up, we withdrew, falling back slowly until dark, having accomplished the object of our mission, locating Lee's 154 History of the [1863 army, tliree corps of which were at Culpeper C. H. Encamped at night about two miles south of the river. Aug. 2d. — In camp. All quiet. Aug. 3d. — Marched about 3 p.m. to Kelly's Ford via the south bank of the river, arriving at sunset; crossed the ford and encamped. Aug. 4th. — One squadron of the Sixth New York and Major Conger's Third Virginia Squadron went across Mountain Eun and drove the enemj^ about a mile, taking two prisoners. One battalion of the regi- ment was on picke^. The enemy advanced on G-eneral Buford, who drove them back beyond Brandy Station. Part of Company F went in pursuit of Mosby. Marched to Vienna and bivouacked till 3 a.m. the 5th, and then marched to Frying Pan, reaching there at sunset. Aug. 5tli. — The squadron of Third Virginia and one squadron of Sixth New York went on a scout to Bar- nett's Ford, but found the river too deep to cross. Aug. 6tli. — The two squadrons were sent on a recon- noissance to Ely's Ford; crossed Mountain Eun and had a brush with the enemy, some of Eobertson's brigade; marched to Ely's Ford on the Eapidan and drove the rebels across; then returned across Bar- nett's Ford, driving the enemy away from there. Aug. 7tli. — All quiet along the lines. Eegiment on picket. Paj^naster in camp. Aug. 8th. — All quiet. Eegiment relieved, paid off, and returned on picket. A detail from Companies F and H started at 1 a.m. in search of Mosby, and bivouacked at night at the house of Mr. Coleman, member of Confederate Congress. Aug. 9th. — Still on picket at Kelly's Ford. Aug. 10th. — Eelieved from picket. Went on scout 18G3] Sixth New York Cavalry. 155 in afternoon ; drove rebel pickets across the river ; crossed Monntain Run and went down the river as far as the Eapidan; at Ely's Ford saw a much superior force of the enemy's cavalry drawn up in line; did not engage them, but fell back across Barnett's Ford, hav- ing covered over thirty miles. Aug. 11th.— Saddled up at 2.30 a.m. Remained in camp till 3 p.m., then moved to a mile north of the river and encamped in the woods; the Sixth and Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania on picket. Captain White, Sixth New York, sent to New York city on special detail for drafted men. He stopped at the Marshall House in Alexandria where Colonel Ellsworth was killed. Aug. 12th.— All quiet; in camp two miles below Kelly's Ford. Aug. 13th. — Regiment crossed the river at 2 p.m. and relieved the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and found the rebel pickets on opposite side of Mountain Run quite saucy. Aug. 14th. — All quiet along the line. Aug. 15th. — Recrossed the river, drew in pickets, took up pontoon bridge, and marched from Kelly's Ford to five miles beyond Bealeton Station— distance twenty- five miles. Robert McCarthy of Company F died at midnight of the 14th and was buried at 1 p.m. Aug. 16th. — Moved camp in afternoon to Elk Run Creek. Aug. 17th. — All quiet in camp. Aug. 18th.— All was quiet except for the rumors. General Buford was in command of the division. Aug. 19th to 24th.— All quiet in camp. Aug. 25th. — Regiment went on picket. Aug. 26th.— Troops A, D and K rejoined the regi- 156 Histonj of the [1863 ment from the Peninsula. Regiment marched to War- renton Junction as escort to a sutler's train. Aug. 27th. — Moved out at 9 a.m. as guard to about 200 sutler wagons; arrived at Centreville at 5 p.m. and encamped. Aug. 28th.- — Moved at -4 a.m. and marched with the train to a camp on the shore of Potomac Bay, two miles south of Washington. Aug. 29th and 30th. — In cam]). Aug. 31st. — Left the Long Bridge at 8 a.m. to return to Warrenton Junction with the train of 300 wagons — four miles long; wagons, very heavily loaded, made slow marching. Reached Centreville at 11 p.m. and bivouacked. Sept. 1st. — Left Centreville at 7 a.m. and reached AVarrenton Junction at 8 p.m. Sept. 2d. — Left Warrenton Junction at 8 a.m. and marched to camp near Catlett's Station. Sept. 5th. — Moved camp about a mile to Weavers- ville ; no water within half a mile. Sept. 6tli to 11th. — In camp and on picket. Sept. 12th. — Moved out of camp at 6 a.m. and marched to Rappahannock Station. Cavalry Corps was all there, Kilpatrick on the right, Gregg on the left, Buford in the centre. Sept. 13tli. — First Division crossed the river in early morning on the railroad bridge; Gregg and Kil- patrick crossed at Kelly's and Beverly Fords — a gen- eral advance on Culpeper. All marched steadily on, surprising the enemy at all points. The First Division found the enemy at Brandy Station and drove them to Culpeper, the Second Brigade charging through the town. Captured three pieces of artillery, about forty prisoners and some stores at depot. 1863] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 157 Companies F and H left Centreville at 9 a.m. and marched to Catlett's Station and bivouacked. Sept. 14th. — Advanced in the morning to Eaccoon Ford on the Eapidan River. All of the cavalry was in the vicinity. There was brisk firing along the line all day. Camped at night in the woods opposite the ford, with the enemy's batteries in position on the high crest on the opposite side of river. Sept. 15th. — Advanced, dismounted, and made dem- onstration toward crossing the river. Skirmishing commenced, when the enemy opened upon us with artillery; we deployed and struck a double quick, but were unable to reach the river, and were compelled to lie down until dark, when we retired with slight casual- ties — a few men wounded and a few horses killed. The enemy had fortified the hill commanding the ford. The road on the opposite side of ford was a steep, narrow passage, scarcely wide enough for a col- umn of fours, and was covered for some distance by Parrott guns and breastworks. Companies F and H left Catlett's Station and marched to Eappahannock Station. Sept. 16th. — There was occasional firing all day. At 5 p.m. the enemy made a sudden dash across the river, under cover of their guns (which shelled our camp, wounding some of the men), and captured the pickets of the Fourth New York, killing a captain (Mann?) and two men and wounding three others. The Sixth New York was ordered out, but the enemy had recrossed the river. A squadron of the Sixth went out and took up the picket-line. Companies F and H left Eappahannock Station at 8 a.m. and reached Culpeper at twelve o'clock, and then started on a search for the regiment, it being con- 158 History of the [1863 stantly on the move. Bivouacked near Rapidan River. Sept. 17th. — The cavalry was relieved in the after- noon by the infantry, and fell back to Stevens- burg. Companies F and H moved out at sunrise and joined the regiment at ten o'clock. At 2 p.m. the brigade left Raccoon Ford and marched to Stevensburg and bivouacked. Sept. 18th, 19th and 20th. — All quiet in camp. Sept. 21st. — Left camp at 8 a.m. and marched via Culpeper C. H. and James City and camped near Madison C. H., two divisions — Buford's and Kil- patrick's — distance about thirty miles. Sept. 22d. — Left Madison C. H. at 8 a.m. and marched to Locustdale via the Robinson River; encountered Jones' brigade of cavalry and routed it, capturing a few prisoners. Bivouacked at the dale. Sept. 23d. — Left Locustdale at 2 p.m. and returned to Stevensburg. Sept. 24th and 25th. — In camp. Paymaster made a visit to camp and received a hearty welcome. Sept. 26th.— The Sixth and Ninth New York left camp at 8 a.m. and marched to Grove Church via Bar- nett's Ford, arriving at dark, and relieved the First Vermont from picket. Sept. 27th. — At 9 p.m. a party under Major Hall went out on a scout for guerrillas and bushwhackers, but failed to find any. Bivouacked at midnight seven miles from camp. Found plenty of poultry and all were well provided. Sept. 28th.— At 4 p.m. left Grove Church and marched to Hartwood Church (six miles). There was some picket firing. Remained in line in readiness. 1863] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 159 Part of the regiment returned and went to Richard's Ford. Sept. 29th. — Made search of premises at Hartwood and found much clothing and arms. Part of the regi- ment was transferred to U. S. Ford. Sept. 30th. — All quiet. Passed the time watching and talking to the enemy across the river. Oct. 1st. — Regiment scouting. One of Stuart's staff officers crossed the river and surrendered; was tired of the struggle. Oct. 2d. — In the afternoon one of the Sixth New York was captured near camp by four men of the Fourth and Ninth Virginia Cavalry; the}^ took his horse and arms, ])ocketbook, portfolio, etc.; then marched him six miles and released him. Oct. 3d. — Still on picket. Oct. 4th. — Relieved from picket at night by the First Brigade of Gregg's division. Moved to Grove Church and bivouacked. Oct. 5th. — Returned to camp at Stevensburg. Oct. 6th. — Moved camy). All quiet. Oct. 7th. — In camp. Oct. 8th. — Inspected by General Buford. Oct. 9th. — Reviewed by Generals Pleasanton and Buford. Oct. 10th. — Left camp at 9 a.m. and marched to Ger- manna Ford on the Rapidan River, crossed at noon and found the enemy's works were deserted; marched ten miles up the river to Raccoon Ford and encamped. The whole line of hills was covered with rifle-pits, but the enemy had retreated. Took about 100 prison- ers. There was a little picket-firing. Oct. 11th.— Left Raccoon Ford at 7.30 a.m. and marched to Morton's Ford, two miles above, where the 160 History of the [1863 division (all except the rear guard) crossed. The enemy had opened fire on the Second Brigade before it had all crossed. As the advance of the rear guard (the Sixth New York) reached the ford, the enemy charged upon the regiment, which immediately formed and charged back, driving the enemy some dis- tance, when it wheeled and crossed the ford under cover of our battery that had taken up a position on the heights about half a mile beyond the ford. In the charge Capt. John Pierce, Sergeant McNall and sev- eral men of Company I were killed, and Captain Ait- ken of Company B was wounded. After crossing the ford the regiment (with the division) fought its way to Stevensburg, where a stand was made and the enemy briskly engaged, several cavalry dashes being made on both sides under a hot artillery fire. About noon the Second Brigade was drawn up in line of battle, three lines deep, the Sixth New York forming the front line, when a rebel battery, stationed on a distant hill, opened such a rapid fire on the lines that the command was forced to change its position. One of the shells took the cover from Chief Bugler Wells' cap. He afterward referred to it as "as close a miss as com- monly occurred, and as near a hit as was safe to expe- rience." A number of men were killed and wounded as well as a large number of horses. The command then retired to Stevensburg and crossed the ford at Shacklef ord 's Mill. While crossing the ford Colonel Devin, waiting to see his brigade safely over, was cut off from the ford, but dashing along the stream he jumped his horse down the bank and crossed over in safety. The command moved along rapidly, the rear guard being constantly engaged with the enemy's advance until it reached Brandy Station, where it was [18G3 Sixth New York Cavalry. 161 found that Kilpatriek's division had been hemmed in on its march from Culpeper. General Buford ordered Colonel Devin to "charge his best regiment" and ''smash" the "bow end" of the line to let Kilpatrick out. On the Colonel's replying, "My regiments are all the best," the General said, "Then send your own regiment, the Sixth New York." Devin at once ordered the Sixth to charge, and immediately directed the Ninth Ne^ York to follow it, the two regiments making a dashing and fierce charge through the enemy's double lines, when, wheeling and swing- ing around, they made a second and most successful charge, completely "smashing" the enemy's "bow line," and leaving a gateway for Kilpatrick, of which he took instant advantage, and with flashing sabres and loud cheers his division dashed through and for]ned a junction with the First Division, forming on its right. The cavalry continued to hold its position at the station, Buford 's diverting the attention of the enemy, while Kilpatriek's batteries gave them can- ister at short range until late in the afternoon, when it slowly retired toward the river, fighting until dark, and crossed over and went into bivouac near Rappa- hannock Station. (In some of the many engagements in which the regiment took so conspicuous a part, there were inci- dents of individual bravery, sometimes almost border- ing on recklessness, which, if recorded on the pages of this book, would make interesting reading matter, and might, x^ierchance, spur on future generations to emu- late the deeds of their sires, should the occasion ever arise. But those incidents were recorded only in the personal diaries of the men and their comrades, the great majority of which have become hidden from 11 162 History of the [1863 sight tlirough the death of the writers, and though long and diligent search has been made, but few have been brought to light, and the story of the men, so vital to this history, must forever remain untold. Of such as have been found, as well as those that remain fresh in my memory, mention will be made on other pages.) Oct. 12th. — At 9 a.m. the regiment went on picket a mile south of the river. At 2 p.m. the cavalry (fol- lowed by infantry) crossed the railroad bridge, First Division in advance, and pressed the enemy rapidly to within a mile of Gulpeper, and then made a "left about" wheel and retired to Brandy Station, where it encamped. Oct. 13th. — At midnight the regiment was aroused from sleep, and at 1.30 a.m., without sound of bugle or drum, took up the march for the north side of the Rap- pahannock. The camp-fires were left burning, and in the deep darkness of the night Brandy Station was ■evacuated, and by daylight the troops had all crossed the river, the pontoons were taken up and the rail- road bridge blown to atoms. Halted here for a few hours and at 2 p.m. moved again and reached Warren- ton Junction at sunset and encamped. Lee's army was reported advancing toward Washington, via Dumfries and Sulphur Springs, and we were pushing on to meet it. Bealeton, Warrenton Junction and Catlett's Station were destroyed, and but little was left to the enemy along the line of the railroad. Oct. 11th. — Reveille at 3 a.m. Left Warrenton Junction at 9.30 a.m. and marched in rear of the army trains to Brentsville, and halted. At 6 p.m. the enemy made an attack in an attempt to capture or destroy the train, but was handsomely repulsed. The Sixth 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 163 New York went on picket at night. No fires, no sup- per, no sleep, the brigade remaining in line of battle all night. Oct. 15th.— Left Brentsville at daylight and marched via Cedar Eun, Wolf Run Shoals and Fair- view to Fairfax Station, near which we were attacked in the rear by a large force of the enemy — one divi- sion of cavalry and six pieces of artillery. The Second Brigade, as rear guard, was soon in line to meet them, and after many desperate efforts and fierce charges were made upon us, each one of which was met and checked by our trusty sabres and true-going firearms, the enemy gave up the contest and retired to a safe distance. The fight lasted from 4 p.m. until dark. Our loss was considerable, but the enemy's was greater. The march was then resumed and continued all night, through mud and rain. Oct. 16th. — Halted three miles beyond Fairfax Sta- tion and encamped. Oct. 17th. — In camp. Oct. 18th. — Aroused at midnight and moved to Fair- fax C. H., near Chantilly, and encamped. Oct. 19th. — Moved at noon and marched via Centre- ville and Bull Run battle-ground, and halted near Hay- market. Oct. 20th. — Left Haymarket at an early hour and marched to Thoroughfare Gap and halted a short dis- tance beyond. The Sixth New York was ordered to White Plains on a reconnoissance, while the brigade took another route. At White Plains it captured one of Mosby's scouts and some sutler's goods. Left at sunset and marched to near Warrenton and encamped. Oct. 21st. — Marched one and one-half miles south of Warrenton and halted. 164 History of the [1863 Oct. 22d. — Part of the regiment went through New Baltimore and rejoined the regiment at Warrenton, The enemy occupied Rappahannock Station, having destroyed the raih'oad between Bristow Station and the river. Oct. 23d. — "Boots and saddles" at 1 p.m. Marched to within a mile of Bealeton Station. The enemy was all about and in force at the station. Regiment went on picket. Oct. 24th.— "To horse" at daylight. Marched to Bealeton Station and found the enemy had fallen back. Moved on to Rappahannock Station, where we found the enemy in strong force. Advanced to near the line of hills near the river, when a sharp skirmish fire com- menced and was kept up for an hour, when we retired. The enemy advanced in four columns, and made an effort to flank and capture us, but failing in the attempt they gave us a volley, killing one man and wounding another. Oct. 25th. — Marched via Germantown toward Beale- ton Station, and after making a demonstration went into camp for the night. Oct. 26th.- — The enemy advanced at 10 a.m. The Sixth New York was ordered to the front and engaged his cavalry, infantry and artillery from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., each side alternating in advancing and falling- back. At four o'clock the regiment was sent to Elk Run, six miles down the river, arriving at dusk, where it posted its pickets and encamped. Oct. 27th. — At Elk Run, the famous rebel rendez- vous. Oct. 28th.— Relieved by the Fifth U. S. Cavalry and marched to near Germantown and encamped near the railroad. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 165 Oct. 29tli. — In camp. Oct. SOth.— In camp. The Third Corps joined us. Oct. 31st. — The regiment was drawn up in line and addressed by Colonel Devin on tlie subject of reenlist- ment for another three years. Those who would reenlist were requested to step to the front. Nearly the entire regiment moved forward. Nov. 1st to 3d.— In camp. All quiet. Nov. 4th.— Great excitement in camp over reenlist- ment. Nov. 5th.— Regiment went on picket toward the river in vicinity of Morrisville. There were many guerrillas around that part of the country. Xov. 6th.— Moved reserve up the river. A rebel deserter came in through our lines. Nov. 7th.— Relieved from picket early in morning and marched to near Sulphur Springs and encamped. The Army of the Potomac was advancing. Nov. 8th.— Saddled and ready to move at 4 a.m. At noon the brigade crossed the Rappahannock at Sul- phur Springs, and marched via Jefferson to Hazel Run and bivouacked. The First and Second Brigades were in the advance. The enemy was in Jefferson. White's band of guerrillas annoyed us exceedingly. The weather was very cold. Stood to horse all night. Our forces captured 1200 prisoners, seven pieces of artillery and four stands of colors, drove the enemy from his position and took possession of his winter quarters between Culpeper and the river. Nov. 9th.— Left Hazel Run at 11 a.m. and marched to near Beverly Ford and bivouacked in the enemy's vacated camp. Nov. 10th.— Moved to Culpeper. Regiment went some miles on a reconnoissance and then returned and went on picket. 166 History of the [1863 Nov. nth and 12tli.— All quiet. Nov. IStli. — Eelieved from picket. Nov. 14tli. — Went on picket again. A furious gale sprang up, accompanied by thunder and lightning, during which the rain fell in torrents — one of those frequent storms that so delighted the soldier on his solitary post. Nov. 15tli. — Packed and saddled ready to move. Heavy firing was heard in the direction of Raccoon Ford. Nov. 16th. — Left at 11 a.m. and moved to the road leading to Little Washington, one mile distant. Nov. 17th. — Moved reserve to Sperryville pike, one mile from Culpeper C. H. Part of the regiment went on a scout to Sperryville and captured twenty horses, six rebels and two hundred head of cattle, and returned about midnight, having traveled over fifty miles. Nov. 18th.— All quiet. Still on picket. Nov. 19th. — Eelieved by Fourth New York. Pay- master in camp. Nov. 20th. — Regiment received pay. Nov. 21st, 22d, 23d.— All quiet in'^camp. Nov. 24th. — In the afternoon the Sixth New York and squadron Third Virginia Cavalry went on a scout toward Sperryville. Met the rebels and had a short but sharp skirmish, in which Lieutenant Hoffman of the Third Virginia was killed, and twelve of his men captured, and two of the Sixth New York wounded. The regiment chased the enemy up in the mountains, where they escaped in the woods. Nov. 25th.— All quiet. Nov. 26th. — Moved, at noon, a mile beyond Culpeper and remained all night saddled. 1863] Sixth New York Cavalry. 167 Nov. 27tli. — Heavy musketry firing toward Morton and Eaccoon Fords. Regiment on picket at German- ua Ford. Nov. 28tli. — Heavy firing across the river. First Division was rear guard to a large wagon train. Gen- eral Merritt was in command. General Buford was sick in Washington. Kilpatrick was engaging the enemy all day. Nov. 29th.- — Moved at noon and crossed at Ely's (or Ellis) Ford to south side of the Rapidan. Heavy firing was heard toward Orange C. H. Regiment was sent on a reconnoissance in that direction and marched about eight miles and bivouacked near the Chancellors ville pike. Nov. 30th. — Marched to near Wilderness, five miles from the river, and on the plank road leading to Orange C. H. Dec. 1st. — Having found the enemy too strongly entrenched, the Army of the Potomac, in its change of base, started in its backward move toward Ely's Ford. All wagons were ordered to the rear. The Second Brigade remained to cover the retreat,, and stood to horse all night. The weather was very cold. Dec. 2d. — Marched before daylight as rear guard to the army; crossed at Germanna Ford after sunrise and bivouacked, the Sixth New York remaining at and holding the ford, one squadron remaining on the south bank, with the enemy in sight. Dec. 3d. — Still on picket at the ford, with a brigade of infantry as support, the army having moved to some other point. Dec. 4tli. — Relieved from picket in the morning, and marched via Stevensburg to Culpeper. 168 History of the [1863 Dec. 5tli. — Heavy firing toward the fords. Enemy was trying to cross. Stuart driven back by Custer. Dec. 6tli to 9tli. — All quiet. In camp. Dec. 10th. — Eegiment went on picket on the Sulphur SjDrings road. Dec. 11th to 16th. — On picket. Dec. 17th. — Relieved by the Ninth New York. Dec. 18th. — Commenced building winter quarters. Part of the army was encamped on the farm of John Minor Botts. The regiment was doing picket-duty three days out of nine, the Fourth, Ninth and Sixth New York relieving each other. Dec. 19th. — Reenlistment was being agitated. Dec. 20th. — At 1 a.m. five companies of the regi- ment, under Major Hall, went on a scout toward Hazel Run, to near Eixeyville. Saw but one rebel and he "double-quicked" out of sight. Returned to camp at 10 a.m. Dec. 21st. — Sad news reached our camp — the death of General Buford. A great loss to the army, for he was a superior cavalry chief and was much beloved by his command. The squadron of the Third West Virginia Cavalry, attached to the brigade, was ordered to rejoin its regi- ment. The remaining part of December was devoted, prin- cipally, to the subject of reenlistment. The term of enlistment of a large part of the army would expire in less than a year, or during the last half of 1864. Aware of the superiority of experienced soldiers, the government decided to appeal to the veterans- to re- enlist. About the middle of December orders were promulgated by the War Department, providing that when three-fourths of a company or regiment should 1863] Siiih New York Cavcdry. 169 reenlist, tliey would be sent home in a body for the purpose of recruiting, and that the men so reenlisting should have a furlough of thirty-five days. These orders also provided that men having more than fifteen months to serve should be excluded from reenlisting. Other inducements to reenlist were the United States bounty of $402, the New York state bounty of $75, and such local bounties as might be pro- vided. The Sixth New York Cavalry was the first to reenlist as a regiment under that call and offer, and in the early part of January, 1864, was sent, in a body, to New York. In the meantime, the mud was about a foot deep. Dec. SOtli. — Paymaster arrived and was interviewed by the regiment. Doc. 31st. — Watched the old year out in camp at Culpeper. 1864 Jan. 1st. — The regiment had been paid off. The reenlisted men turned in their horses, and prepared to go home on furlough. Company I had a dance at Stiles Shop. Jan. 2d.— Left camp in the morning and at 3 p.m. boarded the cars at Culpeper and reached AVashing- ton, after a very cold ride, at 10.30 p.m., and was quar- tered in barracks near the depot. Jan. 3d and 1th. — In Washington, waiting for trans- portation and getting good meals once more. Jan. 5th. — Left Washington at 10 a.m. and arrived in Bigjtimore at 1 p.m. Took supper at Soldiers' Eelief Association, then marched to Maryland Insti- tute for the night. Jan. 6th. — Left Baltimore at 1 p.m. via Beading and Elizabethport, and thence by boat to New York city. Jan. 7th. — Reached New York city at 1 p.m. and after turning in their arms at the arsenal and receiv- ing their furloughs, the regiment "broke ranks" and scattered in all directions for thirty days. Some of the "boys" put on airs, and took sleeping-cars. Leav- ing them to the enjoyment of that reward they had so loyally earned, we shall turn to Camp Culpeper, and to the few unfortunates who were reveling in their diet of hardtack and salthorse. The most of the time was passed very quietly in camp. Many express boxes were received from home. Picket-duty was the main service. The cavalry picket-line extended from the Sperryville pike, three miles northwest of Culpeper, where it connected with the infantry picket-line, south 172 History of the [1864 and eastward to the Eapidan, thence down the river to the Eappahannock, and for some distance along* that river, making a line of about sixty miles. The line of infantry pickets was some distance inside the line of cavalry pickets, and did not extend along the Rappa- hannock, On the night of Feb. 6tli orders were received to be ready to move in the morning at seven o'clock. The best mounted men and a large force of infantry moved toward the river. Heavy firing was heard in the direction of Raccoon Ford. On the 7tli the men returned to camp about 9 p.m., having made a reconnoissance to Barnett's Ford. On the 13tli the division was reviewed. On the 15th two divisions were reviewed by General Pleasanton, near Stevens- burg. On the 18th the reenlisted men took transports in New York city, and passing out to sea sailed away for Alexandria, arriving there on the 20th. On the voyage some of the men were very seasick. At 2 p.m. on the 24th they arrived in camp at Culpeper and drew their arms. They were heartily welcomed by the men who had been left in camp. The following was taken from the diary of one of the men of Troop I, entered while at home on the furlough : Jan. 15th, ' ' On picket at Mr. having a good time; don't care about being relieved." And this from another diary: "Somewhere in Alle- ghany County, having a good time." Feb. 27th. — Greneral Custer, with 1500 cavalry, had crossed the Rapidan, flanking the Confederate Army on the west, and moved to within four miles of Char- lottesville, where he met a superior force and was turned back. At Stannardsville he was met by a force of cavalry only, which, having i)uslied aside, he returned to camp near Culpeper, followed by many 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 173 refugees from slavery. This raid, though directed against the enemy's depots, railroads, etc., was intended to detract attention from another, far more formidable, led by General Kilpatrick, who, with his own division and detachments from the First Division from Stevensburg, started on the 28th and, crossing the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, moved rapidly around the east flank of Lee's army, by Spottsylvania C. H. to the Virginia Central Railroad at Beaverdam Station, thence across the South Anna to Kilby Station on the Fredericksburg road, cutting both roads as he passed, and pushing on to within three and one-half miles of Richmond, and thence down the Peninsula to York- town, where his command took boats for Alexandria, and returned to Culpeper. He captured about 500 prisoners and lost about 150 men. Inability to dis- cover the individual records or obtain the recollections of any of the few survivors of the Sixth New York, forming a part of those detachments of the First Division, the following account of the part taken by them is from the recollections of Captain Rutherford, and the journal of William Hill of the Ninth New York: "On Feb. 27tli left camj:) near Culpeper with light saddles and two days' rations, and reported to General Kilpatrick at Stevensburg. Kilpatrick 's command for the raid to Richmond consisted of a horse battery and 3000 cavalrymen, of whom 300 were from the Second Brigade of the First Division. Extra rations were drawn at Stevensburg, and at dark Feb. 28tli the command moved to Ely's Ford. A detachment under Hogan, the scout, crossed the river and captured every Confederate on picket there, about forty in all, without a shot being fired. The command 174 History of the [1864 marched all nigiit, passing through Chancellorsville, and reached Spottsylvania C. H. about noon Feb. 29th, stopping a short time to feed the horses, and then moved on to Beaverdam Station, which was burned, together with a storehouse and some cars. A huge pile of wood was also set on fire, which burned rapidly and made a sightly blaze. It was about dark when the work was finished at this point, and as the command was leaving, a few shots were exchanged with the railroad guards, who took courage at the departure of Kilpatrick's men and advanced to the station. The command moved on six or eight miles and halted about an hour to feed and rest the horses and make coffee. Col. Ulric Dahlgren, with 400 men, had left the column at Spottsylvama C. H. to move on roads to the right through Louisa and Goochland counties. The detachments of the Fourth, Sixth and Ninth New York, with about fifty men of the Third Indiana Cavalry, making a force of about 350 men, under command of Major Hall, now left Kilpatrick's column at 11 p.m. and moved to the left toward South Anna Bridge through a cold, drizzling rain and intense darkness. When approaching the Fredericks- burg Railroad, they encountered an infantry picket. Several guns flashed in the darkness and their bullets went singing overhead. The picket reserve consisted of two companies of infantry in the thick pine woods alongside the road. Captain Brown (of the Ninth) was ordered to dismount his men and drive them out. The men dismounted and formed a skirmish line as best they could, and advanced, firing their carbines into the thicket. Every man was yelling and the Cap- tain was cursing to keep them quiet. To the poor Con- federate boys the number of their assailants was 1864] Sixtli Neiv York Cavalry. 175 greatly magnified, and they cried ont, 'Don't shoot; we surrender;' and every one surrendered as the cav- ah-ymen advanced through the woods. One trooper said eight 'rebs' surrendered to him; he 'surrounded' them. The other detachments captured a gun and a wagon with a team of mules. A brigade of infantry and a battery and some cavalry were found at the bridge. March 1st, at daylight, the enemy opened with his battery, and advanced a line of skir- mishers. Major Hall then moved back and crossed at Beech Tree Ford, capturing the Confederate pickets there. The prisoners were all paroled and abandoned, and Hall then moved on, marching all day, capturing and destroying one train of cars and an engine, and rejoined Kilpatrick's force near Eichmond, where he had already passed the outer earthworks. A few men who were sore from the long ride lagged a little, and were promptly 'gobbled up' by the rebel cavalry. At dark Kilpatrick fell back and crossed the Chickahom- iny at Meadow Bridge, stopping on the lowlands in the midst of a driving storm of sleet and rain. The men, too tired and sleepy to think of their wet condition, or mind the cold, lay down with their bridle reins around their wrists and went to sleep, fence-rails serving as beds to keep them out of the mud. About 11 p.m., while enjoying their 'sweet slumbers,' they were aroused by the rapid firing of the pickets, closely fol- lowed by a bursting shell in their midst. It was evident the position was not adapted to quiet slumbers. Hardly a word was spoken, and there was no confu- sion. The men mounted their horses and moved off rapidly in column of fours. At 2 a.m. March 2d they had reached a point seven miles from Eichmond, and waited there for daylight. The absorbing topic was 176 History of the [1864 their escape. It was said, too, that the reason for not entering Richmond was that Colonel Dahlgren, who was to be on hand to make an attack from the other side of the city, had not been heard from, and fears were entertained that he had been captured. "While the next move was being discussed by the officers, a thorough inspection of the neighboring smokehouses and henroosts was made, and rewarded with abundance of the best product of the country, including turkeys, hams and sweet potatoes. The col- umn moved at davlight with the Ninth New York as rear guard. The situation soon became quite serious, as Wade Hampton's cavalry was following closely, intent on making trouble. The First Maine Cavalry was sent to support the rear guard, and charged, cap- turing four prisoners. The column halted near the Pamunky River, about fifteen miles from Richmond. Here plenty of corn was found and the tired horses were fed and rested, while the men feasted on ham, turkey and sweet potatoes. That night the column moved across the White House Railroad, down the Peninsula, and came in sight of a large cavalry camp with many fires burning, which Kilpatrick mistook for the enemy. The column then countermarched, the guns were placed in position, the men formed in line and dismounted. The night was very cold, but no fires were built, and the men stood to horse till daylight of March 3d, when a patrol sent forward found the camp to be that of some cavalry sent up the Peninsula by General Butler to Kilpatrick 's aid. The column then moved on, and at New Kent C. H. found some col- ored troops, also sent by Butler. The column went into camp about ten miles from Williamsburg. March 4th marched through Williamsburg to Yorktown. 1864] Sixth Netv York Cavalry. Ill Here Kilpatrick's men drew the first rations and forage since leaving Stevensbiirg. Colonel Dahl- gren strnek the fortifications of Richmond on March 2d and thence turned eastward, making a circuit north of the city to Hanovertown Ferry, and endeavored to reach Kilpatrick's column, but was stopped after crossing the Mattapony at Dabney's Ford, where he encountered some Confederate infantry. Dahlgren was killed and his men dispersed. Most of his men succeeded in joining Kilpatrick's column. General Kilpatrick, with 1000 men, moved u]) the Pamunky to learn the fate of Colonel Dahlgren. When he returned, his command took boats for Alexandria, where it arrived March 12th and reached camp at Culpe]ier March 15th, having made one of the most remarkable raids of the war. ' ' During the Kilpatrick raid the reenlisted men remained in camp, not having received their horses. March 7th. — Part of the regiment went dismounted to Hazel River, on picket, relieving the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, which went on a scout. March 14th. — Detail went to Culpeper for horses, but failed to get any. Several cases of smallpox vis- ited the camp. March 15th. — Regiment all vaccinated. March 16tli. — Major William P. Hall resigned. March 17tli. — Part of regiment went on a scout to Sperryville, during which a Confederate major and two conscripts were captured. By an act of Congress, passed in February, the grade of lieutenant-general was revived and approved March 1st by President Lincoln, who nominated Gen. U. S. Grant for the place, the Senate confirming the nomination the following day. The General was sum- 12 178 History of the [1864 moned from the Western Army and reached Washing- ton March 8th. In a brief order he assmned command, announcing that his headquarters would be in the field and with the Army of the Potomac. There was to be no more moving back to protect Washington or to avoid Lee. The objective was to be Lee's army and its defeat. Until the latter part of April the time was devoted to careful preparations for the campaign. The Army of the Potomac, still under the command of General Meade, was reorganized, its five corps being reduced to three, the Second, Fifth and Sixth, com- manded respectively by Generals Hancock, Warren and Sedgwick. Major-general Philip H. Sheridan, who had commanded a division in the Western Army under Grant, was assigned to command the Cavalry Corps, and on April 5th assumed command, General Pleasanton having been relieved. General Buford, the efficient commander of the First Cavalry Division, having died, was succeeded by Gen. A. T. A. Tor- bert. General Gregg retained his command, but Kil- patrick was succeeded by General James H. Wilson. Custer's brigade, which had been serving with Kil- patrick's division, was transferred to the First Division; the Fourth New York Cavalry was assigned to Devin's brigade, and the First New York Dragoons to Merritt's brigade. The corps consisted of three divisions: First, Torbert; Second, Gregg; Third, Wilson. The First Division consisted of three brigades, Custer's, Devin's and Merritt's. Devin's brigade (Second) was composed of four regiments, the Fourth, Sixth and Ninth New York and Seven- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. March 18th. — News of the appointment of General Grant as General-in-chief of the United States armies was received in camp. 1864] SLvth Neiv York Cavalry. 179 March 19tli. — All quiet in camp. Scouting party from the Sixth New York was sent out to investigate rumor of enemy advancing on our right flank. March 20th. — Eegimental inspection. March 21st. — Dress parade. March 22d. — Snow, wind, and extremely cold. March 23d. — The deepest snow of the winter, being from six to ten inches. March 24th. — Regiment received its pay. General Grant expected at Culpeper. March 25tli. — All quiet in camp. March 26tli. — The roads were in a most horrible condition; were believed to be almost bottomless. Passes to Culpeper were i^rohibited, as it was desired that none of the Sixth New York should be found ''straggling off the line" while General Grant was in camp. March 27tli. — Easter Sunday. Sutler did a big business in eggs. March 28th. — Regiment had a drill and dress parade. March 29th. — First Cavalry Division and Fifth Corps reviewed by Generals Grant, Meade and others. March 30th. — Part of the regiment went on picket in morning. March 31st.— All quiet. April 1st. — All fools' day, with plenty of fun to relieve the monotony of camp life. If Captain "Tim" Hanly of the Ninth New York were living, he would, no doubt, remember mounting his horse and riding to Brandy Station to collect a debt of several hundred dollars from an officer, who, having just resigned, and being about to leave the army, desired to ''settle up." If Captain Clark of the Battery is living, he probably 180 History of the [1864 will remember donning a new cravat and collar and going over to the Ninth New York camp to take dinner with Colonel and Mrs. Sackett. If Chaplain Keyes of the Ninth is still in the earthly ranks, he may recol- lect being called to brigade headquarters on some duty connected with his office. Many others might be men- tioned, all of whom arrived at their several destina- tions only to be informed as to the date. The writer remembers most distinctly, as it was his hand that penned the notes and ''forged" the signatures, at the instigation of Captains Mahnken and Blunt. The greater part of April was passed in camp, with the usual routine of drill, dress parade, reviews, tar- get practice, scouting and picket duties, varied with plenty of rain, snow and sleet, and the ever-present mud, which was about knee-deep. The mountain dis- trict along the head waters of Hazel River, northwest of Culpeper and west of the Sperryville pike, was a resort for Confederate scouts. One, Billy Scott, who had been active in that service, and was said to have captured or killed several Union pickets, made his home at a distillery in that region. In the early part of the month Captain Coffin of the Ninth New York, with two squadrons of the regiment, accompanied by Captain Wright (Sixth New York) of Devin's staff, left camp one evening and moved out to the distillery, reaching it just at daylight. They surrounded the buildings, which included a dwelling-house, the distillery, and a spring-house. Scott was seen to leave the house and move hurriedly down a path and to a ravine, and among some rocks, in an effort to escape. Sergeant Bradshaw of the Ninth followed, and with a few shots from his carbine compelled Scott to halt and surren- der, when, turning him over to another man of the 1S64] Sixth New York Cavalry. 181 company, he followed the path through a thicket and found Scott's horse, a fine one, which he took back to camp. April 8th.— Through general orders the troops were informed that General Pleasanton had been relieved from the command of the Cavalry Corps and assigned to duty in the Department of Missouri, and that Major- general Philip H. Sheridan had been assigned to the command of the cavalry. April 10th.— General Torbert took command of First Division. April nth.— The rivers were very high; the rail- road bridges were carried away by the floods, and the cars stopped running. April 13th. — A scouting party from the Sixth New York started at 6 p.m. for Castle Mountain. April 14th.— The party scouted around the moun- tain, and at Woodville were fired on by bushwhackers. April 16th. — The rain was so very heavy the men in camp were forced to remain in their tents. April 20th.— AVent on picket, relieving the Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania. April 27th.— Moved camp to near Pony Mountain, one mile south of Culpeper. April 28th.— "Boots and saddles" at -t a.m. At sun- rise the brigade marched via James City to Madison C. H. to reconnoitre the enemy's position; found a small force near Eobinson River; Lieutenants Blunt and Catiug, with thirty men, crossed the river and chased him four miles, capturing about a dozen, but owing to the fleetness of their horses the others escaped. Then charged through Madison, but finding no great force of the enemy returned to camp, having traveled about forty miles. Went through the post- 182 History of the [1864 office and found a copy of the Riclmiond Enquirer of the 27th. Lieutenant Gating was thrown from his horse while charging the picket. April 29tli. — A number of deserters from the Tenth Virginia Cavalry came in our lines. May 1st. — The division was inspected by General Torbert. May 2d. — Regimental drill and dress parade. The camp was visited by a young tornado, blowing down most of the tents and causing much excitement and amusement for a couple of hours. May 3d. — Orders were received to get ready to move. From the summit of Pony Mountain the rebel camps could be seen across the Rapidan. The Eman- cipation Proclamation was received for distribution. THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. May 4th. — The regiment formed line at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. left camp and marched via Stevensburg to near Richardsville, about three and one-half miles from the Rapidan, and encamped. The infantry had been crossing the river all day. The Army of the Potomac had moved against Lee, who held an intrenched position along Mine Run and the south bank of the Rapidan River, extending from Morton's to Barnett's Ford, a distance of about twenty miles. The fords below Morton's were held by detachments of Confederate cavalry. There was but a small force of Lee's infantry in the works along the river, the bulk of his army being situated so it could be thrown to either flank to which Meade might approach. The Army of the Potomac moved by the left flank and crossed the Rapidan at Grermanna and Ely's fords. 18(34] Sixth New York Cavalry. 183 preceded by the Second and Third Cavalry Divisions. The First Cavalry Division remained in the rear to guard the trains and reserve artillery. The Third Division crossed the Rapidan at Germanna Ford, moved by the Wilderness Tavern to Parker's store, and sent a heavy reconnoissance toward Mine Run. The Second Division crossed at Ely's Ford and pushed on to Chancellorsville. May 5th. — Reveille at 4 a.m. "To horse" at five o'clock, and then marched in rear of the wagon train. Crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and thence to Chancellorsville, and halted on the old battlefield of May, 1863, when Hooker and Lee met in that terrible fight that cost so many lives on each side. What deso- lation and horrors presented themselves to the eye from our temporary bivouac! Bodies and bones of unburied men, and of those only partially buried, were exposed on every hand. The infantry commenced fighting about noon, and the roar of artillery and rattle of musketry were incessant till dark. At sun- down the line had moved some little distance beyond the old battlefield, the First Cavalry Division remain- ing there guarding the wagons and watching a large force of rebel cavalry in that vicinity. May 6th. — Reveille at 3 a.m. ' ' Boots and saddles ' ' at 3.30 and at nine o'clock moved to the front in sup- port of Custer's brigade, which was engaging the enemy near Todd's Tavern on Hancock's left. We immediately opened fire, the enemy giving us a warm welcome with their artillery, and shot and shell was hurled, thick and fast, among and about us. One shell just grazed a horse and rider — did not touch either, but the horse fell, lifeless — frightened to death, or what? Our battery soon silenced the enemy's, when 18-4 History of the [1864 the regiment went on picket until late in the afternoon, at which time it moved back toward Chancellorsville and bivouacked near the "Furnace/' May 7th. — Moved up to yesterday's line, Sixth New York in advance, skirmishing into position; in the afternoon moved to Todd's Tavern, and in connection with the First Brigade and Gregg's division, attacked the enemy and drove them until dark. Then returned to the "Furnace" for the train, returning about 2 a.m. on the 8th. Met Generals Grant and Meade on the road. James McMahon and Cooper, Company I, Sixth New York, wounded. May 8th. — Turned out at daylight and soon found the enemy and had a sharp skirmish. The regiment, dismounted, advanced in the woods, and engaged the enemy's cavalry for three hours, driving them out of their fortifications and keeping them moving until relieved by the Fifth or Sixth Corps, who kept them moving. The regiment then moved to the vicinity of Fredericksburg, in a fine open country — expecting rest, but finding none, for it remained saddled all night. Late in the evening orders were received to be in readiness to march at daylight, with five days' short rations — to travel as "light" as possible. May 9th. — Reveille at 3 a.m. and at daylight started toward the Fredericksburg railroad and via Massapo- nax Church to Beaverdam Station, arriving there about dusk. Had moved around by the right and rear of Lee's army, occasionally stirring up his outposts, crossed the rivers Ny, Po, Ta and Mab, and arrived at Childsburg about five o'clock, capturing a few pris- oners and wagons. After resting an hour we moved on, fording the North Anna Eiver at Anderson's Bridge (which had been destroyed) to within two 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 185 miles of Beaverdam Station on the Eichmond & Gordonsville Eailroad. About 9 p.m. the Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania, with detach- ments from Custer's brigade, made a dash at the station, releasing several hundred Federal troops, recently captured, who were about to be trans- ferred ''on to Richmond" by rail. We overpowered the guard and turned them over to their former pris- oners. As we approached the station our attention was attracted by the moving of the rebel trains. Cus- ter's brigade was sent to capture the cars and destroy the depot. Two regiments (Sixth New York and Sev- enteenth. Pennsylvania) of Devin's brigade, under Lieutenant-colonel Crocker (Sixth New York), were sent to operate north of the station, while Custer worked on the south side. AVe captured and destroyed three locomotives and several trains of cars, and a large quantity of provisions — flour, bacon, etc. — said to have been sufficient to supply Lee 's army for three days — all of which we destroyed. Also captured a number of wagons and teams. We burned the station and cars and tore up the track for a long distance, the fire from the ties, cars and buildings making a line of lurid light along the evening sky. Went into bivouac at 1 a.m. on the lOtli. May 10th.— Left Beaverdam Station at daylight and marched to Negrofoot, passing through a most beautiful country, skirmishing on the way with Wade Hampton's division, who had succeeded in capturing a scouting party from the regular brigade. At sun- down crossed the South Anna River on Ground Squir- rel Bridge, and went into bivouac on the south bank on the Widow Cross' plantation, the Seventeenth Penn- svlvania holding the bridge. The command unsaddled 186 History of the [1864 the horses, built fires and prepared supper, although the enemy was hovering about and watching our move- ments. We were now about twenty miles from Rich- mond. Lee's army was on the retreat, with Meade in pursuit. We had destroyed nearlj^ ten miles of the enemy's railroad, with depots, cars and wagon trains, and cut off his communications and supplies for some days. May 11th. — As we were moving out at 5.30 a.m. we were attacked by a small force of the enemy, which we drove back, causing but a short delay. Lieutenant- colonel Anderson (Seventeenth Pennsylvania), after crossing his regiment over, destroyed the bridge. Moved forward, First Division in advance, and halted at Glen Allen, destroying the Fredericksburg & Eich- mond Railroad. Soon after found the enemy on Brook turnpike and Ashland road — pretty strong on our left. As the column approached the enemy's posi- tion, Devin's brigade was in the advance. The Ninth New York dismounted in an open field, and other regi- ments of the Second, together with the Third Brigade, dismounted and formed to the right and left of the Ninth New York, extending the line over a mile, sup- ported by Custer's brigade, mounted. During this engagement at and around Yellow Tavern, the fight- ing was very sharp and severe, each and every man being called upon to show the mettle of which he was made. Captured two guns and about 150 prisoners. It was here that the Confederate General, J. E. B. Stuart, was mortally wounded, and it was believed it was in front of the line of the Ninth New York Cav- alry, At about 4 p.m. the Sixth New York was at Brook Bridge, three and one-half miles from Rich- mond, holding it against the enemy ; and one squadron, 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 187 Troops D and K, held the first line of the enemy's works in front of Richmond, the regiment having charged down Brook pike and carried the outer works with feeble resistance, being the first Union regiment to get so close to the Confederate Capitol. At dnsk one squadron, under Major Hall, made a reconnois- sance to the Virginia Central Railroad, less than two miles from Richmond, and after a slight brush cap- tured two couriers with dispatches from General Bragg to General Stuart. The ringing of bells and whistling of the engines were plainly heard. The squadron returned in safety to the regiment. At mid- night the cavalry moved noiselessly to the railroad, the heavy rain making the movement difficult and dis- agreeable. The men and horses were rapidly failing under the strain. May 12th. — About 3 a.m., as the command moved forward, Wilson's division in advance, the horses' feet came in contact with wires that exploded a num- ber of torpedoes near the second line of works. Sev- eral horses having been killed and several men wounded by these exploding shells, the rest were removed by the aid of the prisoners, who were ordered up for that purpose. The owner of one of the neigh- boring houses having been reported by the prisoners as the principal person who had engaged in planting these shells. General Sheridan directed that some of them be placed in his cellar and arranged to explode if the enemy's column should come that way, while the man and his family were taken along as prisoners and held until after daylight. At daylight, as we advanced to cross the Chickahominy swamp at Meadow Bridge, the enemy opened upon us with artillery, keeping up a brisk fire for three or four hours, while the division 188 History of the [1864 was repairing the bridges across the swamp. The Second Division (Wilson's) had been led astray before daylight by a guide to the fortifications of Richmond, and was shelled most furiously. The Sixth New York was dismounted and sent for- ward to drive the enemy from the bridge, to clear the way for crossing, but was driven back in a hurry. The enemy was in a strong position, with artillery, to dis- pute our passage. Several regiments were then dis- mounted and sent to its support, and the enemy was forced back beyond the swamp. At ten o'clock the brigade crossed the bridge and drove the enemy back for some distance, a drenching rain setting in during the engagement. Two small newsboys, with com- mendable enterprise, came through the lines, well sup- plied with the Eichmond papers, and did a thriving business. They were so intelligent and observing, and their mission evidently involving other purposes than the sale of newspapers, they were held until the cavalry crossed the Chickahominy, and were then released. Halted at Mechanicsville and got dinner. Then moved on via Brandy Branch, meeting the same force we had been fighting in the morning. The First Division, in the advance, attacked them and captured a number, and then moved to Gaines' Mills, which still retained many ghastly signs of the former strife, halted, unsaddled our weary horses and bivouacked for the night. May 13tli. — Marched to near Bottom's Bridge with- out annoyance and bivouacked for the night, with plenty of rain and no rations. May 11th. — Marched via Dispatch Station to Bot- tom's Bridge, which we crossed at noon, and thence on to Malvern Hill, arriving about 1 p.m., where we 18(U] Sixth New York Cavalry. 189 received a warm welcome from our gunboats, which, from their position about two miles off Haxall's Land- ing, threw a few shells among us before we could make ourselves known to them. Here we halted for rest and supplies, rations and forage having given out on the 11th, and men and horses were hungry. Forag- ing parties were immediately sent out and man and beast were soon well provided for. Here good news reached us from the Army of the Potomac. Many prisoners and gims had been taken, and Lee was retreating, with Meade in close pursuit. May 15th. — A small supply of rations and forage reached the command by transports. About daylight the camp was aroused by the booming of heavy guns, which proved to be General Butler's attack on Fort Darling. May 16th. — In the afternoon the Second and Third Brigades, under Colonel Devin, started on a reconnois- sance up the James Eiver to Chapin's Bluff, about six miles, and about three miles out met a small force of the enemy; captured an officer and a few men and dis- persed the rest. After following them about three miles and discovering no large force, returned, after dark, without loss. May 17th. — Orders were received to be in readiness to march at eleven o'clock, but order being counter- manded, the horses were unsaddled. At 7.30 p.m. "boots and saddles" again sounded, and at nine o'clock the column moved out and marched down the river about twenty miles, and halted for breakfast about daylight of the 18th. A hard night's march, sleeping in the saddle and waking in the morning minus cap or hat. 190 History of the [1864 May 18th. — Moving out soon after daylight the regi- ment took the lead of the corps and, crossing the Chickahominy at Jones' Bridge, moved up the north side of that river to Baltimore Crossroads and encamped on the Baltimore and Richmond pike, three miles from New Kent C. H., and seven miles from White House. There were frequent heavy rains, swelling the streams and keeping the roads in a per- petual state of mud. May 19th. — In bivouac at the crossroads, waiting, resting, sending out scouting parties, and enjoying the delightful rain and mud. May 20th.— Eeveille at 3 a.m. Sheridan, having decided to cross the Pamunky River at White House, had sent to Fortress Monroe for pontoons. While waiting for these he sent Custer up the river to destroy the railroad bridge across the South Anna at Hanover Station, and the Second and Third Divisions to Cold Harbor to demonstrate in the direction of Richmond, as far as Mechanicsville, and cover Cus- ter's movements. The Ninth New York was sent with Custer, the rest of the brigade remaining at the cross- roads. May 21st. — Moved about 4 a.m. to White House, formerly the residence of General W. H. F. Lee, and at one time occupied by the Custer family ; during the Peninsular Campaign it was used as a hospital. At 9 a.m. foraging parties were sent out toward Rich- mond and procured sufficient supplies for several days' use. Heavy cannonading was heard between Meade and Lee. In the evening a gunboat and transport arrived with supplies. Officers from Cluster's brigade came in, reporting the burning of two bridges and cut- ting of the railroad, but found the bridge across the 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 191 South Anna too strongly guarded. After the expedi- tion had started on its way to Hanover Station, Gen- eral Sheridan discovered that the old railroad bridge at White House had been but partly destroyed, the timbers and cross ties being in good condition. The men of the First Division were sent out in detach- ments in the surrounding country for lumber, each man bringing in a plank or a board, and soon sufficient was accumulated for a flooring and the bridge was made serviceable in a day. May 22d. — Four transports, guarded by two gmi- boats, arrived with rations and forage. By mid-day the whole command was bivouacked at White House, and at 5 p.m. commenced crossing the rickety struc- ture, the men leading their horses. Devin's brigade finished crossing about midnight, with the loss of but a few horses and mules that went overboard, and then encamped about a mile north of the river. Lieu- tenant Bell, Sixth New York, acting corps commis- sary. May 23d. — Moved out at 5 a.m. and marched via Lanes ville to King William C. H. The Sixth New York, taking the advance of the corps, moved rapidly to Aylett's, two miles south of the Mattapony River, capturing a large number of horses. Crossed the river at 4 p.m. on a bridge of its own construction, and remained all night on the north bank of the river, on picket and guarding Dunkirk Ferry, the rest of the cavalry remaining on the opposite side. May 24th. — Left Dunkirk Ferry (or ford) at 9 a.m. and, taking the direction of Hanover Junction, passed Hebron Church and Concord and to the Bowling Green road, bivouacking near Polecat River after a hard, dry, dusty march. 192 Ilistorij of the [18G4 May 25th. — Moved out early and marched to Ches- terfield Station, at which point we crossed the railroad and encamped three miles to the northwest. Supply train arrived via Port Royal, twenty miles distant. Mail that had been accumulating for nearly a month reached us at this point, bringing gladness and joy to the heart of many a weary trooper. A very heavy rain-storm coming up every one and everything was thoroughly soaked. General Torbert, having returne 1 to duty, now took command of the division (First). May 26th. — Moved at noon and marched via Ches- terfield and Concord Church and Lee's woods on toward Mangohick, and at 8.30 p.m. halted about twelve miles south from Chesterfield and about two miles from Mangohick. After a short halt to rest the horses, moved on again, marching all night, and halted at daybreak at Hanovertown Ferry on the north bank of the Pamunky for a short rest and sleep. May 27th. — At 7 a.m. three boatloads of Custer's men were thrown across the river, who, after a little skirmishing, cleared the opposite bank of the enemy. The pontoon bridge was then thrown across and the First Division crossed over. Found Gordon's Con- federate brigade about a mile from the river, which we drove over the road, the Second Brigade capturing about thirty of the Third North Carolina Cavalry. The prisoners were fine looking fellows, well dressed and clean — such an unusual thing that it was notice- able. We rested on the field at night, weary from the tiresome march of upward of thirty-five miles. May 28th. — All quiet through the night. No bugle calls allowed. All moves made in silence. The Sixth Corps moved up and relieved our skirmish line, and we moved to the support of Gregg, who was fighting 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 193 on onr left at Salem Church. The artillery fire was very sharp. We drove the enemy, although our losses were heavy in carrying a strong position. Were relieved b}^ the Second Division, Second Corps, about dark, and went into camp near the bridge. May 29tli. — At 9 a.m. a foraging party of the Sixth New York discovered a large force of the enemy's cav- alry moving to our left at a double quick. The party returned at once to camp and, making a report, the brigade was ordered farther to the left, where it found Gregg's division and Custer's brigade already engag- ing the enemy. It formed and remained in line of battle until the enemy fell back, forced by our cavalry. At 4- p.m. we moved farther to the left of our line, parallel with the Pamunky River, where we halted about six miles from the river and bivouacked, the Sixth New York going on picket for the night. May 30th. — In readiness to move at 4 a.m. At nine o'clock marched to Old Church and threw out a line of pickets. Those of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania on the Cold Harbor road were attacked in force about noon. The balance of the brigade was brought up dis- mounted and advanced, and soon our whole front was a line of fire and smoke. The Third Brigade coming up, the two brigades were soon engaged and the enemy was being forced back when, suddenly, our left for some reason gave way, causing the whole line to fall back a short distance to a good position, where it formed. At that moment Custer's brigade came to our aid, and with a rush and a yell that made the hills and woodland resound, the "Wolverines" charged the "greybacks," pouring deadly volleys from their seven-shooters, which caused the enemy to break and fall back in precipitate flight, while the whole line rap- 13 194 History of the [1864 idly pursued in the direction of Bottom's Bridge. The enemy consisted of Butler's South Carolina Brigade and Hampton's Legions. Halted for the night about seven miles from Bottom's Bridge. Speaking about the ''seven-shooter" carbines reminds me that a Con- federate officer captured asked me if we sat up all night to load our guns to shoot at them in the day- time. Lieut. Jno. W. Blunt, wounded in thigh; James Wright and Harry G. Cooper, Company I, wounded ; George Andrews, Company K, killed. May 31st.— "Boots and saddles" at 2.30 a.m. and prepared for an attack. The weather was very warm and the roads were many inches deep with dust. At 4 p.m. the brigade moved out (in connection with Mer- ritt's and Custer's) and gave the enemy battle in the vicinity of Cold Harbor. The Sixth New York was held in reserve to charge, if a favorable opportunity presented itself. The fighting was very severe until dark, when the enemy retreated, leaving us in posses- sion of their earthworks on the Meadow Bridge road, about five miles from the bridge and eight miles from Bottom's Bridge. At dark we built barricades along the road, and at ten o 'clock fell back about three miles and stood to horse all night. June 1st. — Eeturned to Cold Harbor before day- light and reoccupied the works before the enem}^ knew we had evacuated them, immediately throwing up a line of breastworks. Daj^break found us still hold- ing our barricaded position of the previous night, and brought us the information that we were confronting parts of Lee's and Butler's cavalry, and Hoke's and Kershaw's divisions of infantry. Devin's brigade formed, with Custer's brigade on the right. At 6 a.m. the enemy made a sudden attack on the right, which 1SG4] Sixth New York Cavalry. 195 the Micliigau boys met right gallantly, their seven- shooters doing effective work, while the batteries in the rear did great execution; the fight lasted about an hour, when the enemy fell back, leaving more than a hundred of their dead and wounded on the field. After that, sharpshooting was kept \\.\) until about ten o'clock, when the Sixth Corps arrived and relieved us, and continued the fighting. The cavalry then moved toward the Chickahominy and covered the left of the infantry line till Hancock arrived at 2 p.m., when it moved to Prospect Church and went into bivouac. The infantry soon became heavily engaged and the roar of artillery and musketry was continuous until long after dark, and was kept up, at intervals, the greater part of the night. June 2d. — At 7 a.m. took the road to Dispatch Sta- tion. Halted for several hours in support of Gregg, who was fighting on the infantry's left. Then resumed the march to Bottom's Bridge, which we found in possession of the enemy. The Sixth New York, in the advance, came up with a force of the enemy, and after considerable skirmishing drove them across the bridge. As the regiment approached the bridge to reconnoitre, it was greeted with a few shells from the enemy's fortifications beyond the Chickahominy, one of which killed three horses and took off a man's foot (Aaron Byington, Company I). At 4 p.m. the regi- ment went on picket, holding the bridge all night, the division encamping a mile to the rear. It rained very hard all night. June 3d.— Still raining. All quiet, except that the rebel sharpshooters were busy. Regiment was relieved at 10 a.m. by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and fell back, but remained within gunshot of the bridge. 196 History of the fl864 June 4th. — At 5 a.m. left Bottom's Bridge and marched to the right wing of the army and encamped at Hall's Shop, a short distance to the rear, near Old Church. Rain in afternoon. June 5th. — Marched to Studley, the birthplace and residence of Patrick Henry, near Totopotomoy Creek. Rain. June 6th. — Reveille at 2.30 a.m. At sunrise marched to Little Page's Ford, on the Pamunky River, near Hanovertown, and bivouacked on Ruffin's farm. Major Ruffin was the rebel who fired the first shot on the old flag at Sumter. June 7th.— Reveille at daylight. Moved at 5.30 to a point near the pontoon bridge and remained in an open field (very hot) until 1 p.m., and then crossed the Pamunky on pontoons at Newcastle Ferry, and biv- ouacked about midnight near Aylett's. Major Wil- liam P. Hall of the Sixth New York was taken pris- oner while with the rear guard. June 8th. — Marched to near Athens, crossing the Fredericksburg & Richmond Railroad at Polecat Station and bivouacked in a plowed field. Marched all day. June 9th. — Moved out at eight o'clock and marched all day, passing through Childsburg and Newmarket, halting near the latter place. The horses were begin- ning to show the strain of the hard service, 150 of them in the division giving out in the afternoon's march. June 10th. — Moved at 5 a.m. via Hallstown, Good Hope Church and on toward Orange C. H. When leaving Newmarket, the rear guard, Ninth New York, was attacked; moved on, crossing the North Branch and North Anna, halting about three miles from Tre- 18G4] Sixth New York Cavalry. 197 vilians Station on the Virginia Central Railroad, nine miles from Gordonsville and six miles from Louisa C. H. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania was sent to a rebel hospital near Spottsylvania C. H., where it fonnd about 300 wounded and took about thirty pris- oners, including a major. June 11th.— Eeveille at 3.30. Marched at 5.30, First Division in advance, in direction of Louisa C. H. About eight o'clock came up with the enemy in force and engaged them at Trevilians Station, Custer mak- ing a dash at the station by the left and capturing about 150 prisoners and a number of horses. For a while the Sixth New York supported the battery. The Sixth and Ninth New York then made a charge near the station, capturing about 100 prisoners. Colonel Sackett, Ninth New York, fell, mortally wounded. After a hard fight the two brigades drove the enemy back in disorder to the station, capturing a great many pris- oners, the enemy leaving the most of their dead and wounded in our hands. About noon we were ordered to the right — to the station. As we reached that posi- tion the enemy came out of the woods in our front and opened upon us with artillery and musketry, but our battery, getting in position, soon drove them under cover of the woods. When we were not fighting, we were in line of battle. Our opponents were Hamp- ton's cavalry and Butler's infantry, said to have been about 10,000 strong, while our force numbered about 6000 cavalry. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania returned in the afternoon with a major and thirty-five men from the hospital, after a very hard march, dur- ing which they were attacked by guerrillas, sustaining a loss of three men wounded. The horses remained saddled all night, the brigade remaining on the skir- 198 Historij of the [1864 misli line. One squadron of the Sixth New York was sent to the left with a staff officer to find General Cus- ter; found him and found more — they were cut off and surrounded by the enemy, and in cutting their way out a number were captured. June 12th. — All was quiet. We were on the extreme front, on the main road north of Trevilians Station — the enemy was falling back or changing base. At 3.30 p.m. the regular brigade (Merritt's) had just passed, going toward the forks of the Gordonsville and Me- chanicsville turnpike. Sheridan and his staff had just passed to the front; the railroad was being torn up and destroyed, when, about four o'clock, the enemy advanced and made an attack, the First Division and one brigade of Gregg's engaging him, the fighting con- tinuing until after dark. About 5 p.m. the Fourth and Sixth New York were ordered at a gallop to the extreme right to strengthen the line held by Merritt, and also to flank the enemy's left, if possible. The order was quickly carried out; we dismounted and advanced, the Sixth New York on the right. Accord- ing to Merritt's own special order we advanced "toward the setting sun" and were soon at work at the enemy, who retreated before us for a mile and a half. At sunset the battle became doubly furious, we having driven the enemy until he was strongly reinforced, which gave us a sudden check. For a short time after sunset the fighting was fierce, their larger numbers giving us volley after volley, when a heavy movement on our right, and an enfilading fire from one of their batteries, caused us to fall back, placing our whole division in a critical position, being fol- lowed by a heavy force. But a longer stand was impossible against such odds, and a general retreat of 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 199 the whole line was necessary. At eight o'clock we got a good position on a hill a mile back from our battle- line, and held it until eleven o 'clock, during which time the enemy amused us by throwing numerous shells along our line — appearing like a celebration with sky- rockets, but doing us no damage. About eleven o'clock we fell back to our lead horses, mounted and rode back two miles and halted to rest. Lewis Hane- gan. Company I, wounded. June 13th. — Started about 1 a.m. Crossed the North Anna Eiver and halted at 9 a.m. for rest and breakfast. Eesumed the march at ten o'clock and halted at 2 p.m. at Quitman's (or Troyman's) store on the North Branch, where we bivouacked. All quiet during the night, except for picket-firing. June 14th. — Left Quitman's at 6 a.m. with Second Brigade as rear guard, and marched ten miles. Hamp- ton was reported as making for us, but was careful not to disturb us. Went into bivouac near Shady Grove Church, Found a major of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, who lost his leg near Todd's Tavern and was left in the enemy's hands as dead. June 15th. — Left at 8 a.m. and marched all day; the heat and dust were almost suffocating. Marched in advance, passing through Spottsylvania C. H. and over parts of the late battle-field, bivouacking near Guineys Station, on the farm of Captain Schuy- ler of the Confederate Ordnance Department. Our horses, especially the artillery, were fast playing out. June 16th. — Marched at 6 a.m. in rear of Gregg, crossing the Mattapony and railroad, and passing through Bowling Green and Madison, and encamped for the night near Sparta or Beverly Run. 200 History of the [1864 June 17th. — Moved early, and crossing Beverly Run passed through Newtown, leaving Dunkirk, about two miles to our right, and camped for the night near Walkerton. The intense heat and almost blinding dust made the marching very distressing. A large column of freed slaves followed the command. Word was received that Major Hall was in Libby Prison. June 18th. — Moved at 9 a.m. and marched via Walk- erton, crossing the Mattapony, and thence on through immense clouds of dust that nearly eclipsed the sun- light. Passed Colonel Dahlgren's grave by the road- side. At 4 p.m. bivouacked at King and Queen C. H. Supplies had been exhausted for over a month, and we had lived entirely on the country. The regiment was reorganized about this time, being formed into four squadrons. June 19th. — Eeveille at 4 a.m. Moved out at 8 a.m., the Sixth New York in advance and, countermarching, halted at noon at Walkerton, and arrived at Dunkirk Ferry about 5 p.m. and bivouacked. The advance guard, two squadrons of the Sixth New York, swam the river. The wagon train came up with one day's rations and forage. June 20th. — At 10 a.m. resumed the march, with Sixth New York as rear guard; crossed at Dunkirk Ferry and passed through Aylett's and King William C. H. to the north bank of the Pamunky River oppo- site White House, and encamped. Part of the cavalry crossed the river to White House and were attacked by the enemy that had made an attempt to capture our wagon train, but were repulsed by the gunboats, dis- mounted cavalry and some infantry. The Fourth New York had been left with the pontoon train to wait for the wagons. 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 201 June 21st. — Reveille at 3 a.m. Moved out at four o'clock and crossed the Pamunky on the railroad bridge, with Merritt in the advance. The Second Bri- gade was ordered up to find the enemy; advanced toward St. Peter's Church and soon found them in force; the Seventeenth Pennsylvania was dismounted and sent forward; the Ninth New York then dis- mounted and advanced, the Sixth New York taking a position on the left, the enemy holding a position on a ridge in front, with a gully or ravine between. The Sixth New York advanced, but the enemy, after about three hours' fighting, had retired from our front. Then advanced our line to the Tunstall Station road and St. Peter's Church. Devin's brigade was alone on the line. The enemy's forces consisted of the cav- alry of Hampton, Lee, Hoke and Butler, numbering about 5000. We contented ourselves with holding the position already gained. The enemy opened upon us with shot, shell and bullets, but soon the firing on both sides ceased, the enemy evacuated the church, and we took possession, the Sixth New York holding it imtil sunset, and was then relieved by the Ninth New York. This church was built in 1723 and was the one in which George Washington was married. June 22.— Reveille at 3.30. "Boots and saddles" at 3.45. At 10 a.m. marched via Baltimore Crossroads, Mt. Olivet Church and Jones' Bridge, on the Chicka- hominy. Found a small force of the enemy at the bridge attempting to destroy it. These were quickly driven away by the advance, the bridge repaired, and the regiment crossed over, followed by the division, and marched two miles beyond, the regiment going on picket to hold the different roads leading to James River. 202 History of the [1864 June 23d. — In the morning the Ninth New York was ordered to move on to Charles City C. H. and patrol the road to Windham's Landing and Wilcox's Wharf. Devin, with the rest of the brigade, had moved up the south side of the Chickahominy toward Long Bridge. At 1 p.m. the pickets of the Sixth New York, under Captain Wales, were suddenly attacked by a large force and driven in ; the regiment went at once to their support and a sharp action took place, the enemy being much superior in numbers. Soon the Fourth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania and six com- panies of colored troops just from the White House came to their support, and a fierce but short engage- ment ended in the entire rout of the enemy, which proved to be Chambliss' brigade. Drove them back two or three miles and then returned. The casualties in the regiment were quite heavy, among the killed being Corporals Samuel A. Fanshaw and David Phil- lips of Troop I, and Sergeant Samuel May, wounded. June 24:th. — Reveille at 2.30 a.m. At ten o'clock marched in rear of the wagon train to Charles City C. H., arriving near there at 4 p.m., the train having been delayed by a small force of the enemy in our front. Just before dark sharp firing was heard on our right, when the regiment was ordered to picket the road, but soon meeting Gregg's men were relieved, and, marching toward Harrison's Landing, halted about half a mile from the James River and encamped. At eleven o'clock were ordered out, and went back on the same road to the relief of Gregg, who had been fight- ing hard, having been attacked by Hampton with his corps. Devin reported to General Getty, and the bri- gade lay in line all night in support of the infantry. The dust was almost stifling, while the heat was 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 203 intense, the sun blazing down in all its fierceness. (The writer well remembers it, for he dropped like a shot from his saddle, and bnt for the prompt help of his comrades another grave might have been made on that road to the James.) June 25tli. — Remained on the line until about 9 a.m. All was quiet, when we were ordered to withdraw, and marched to Wilcox's Landing, on the James, where we went into camp. June 26tli. — In camp at Wilcox's Landing, resting ourselves and horses, and trying to keep cool and hide from the ever-searching dust. June 27tli. — Still at Wilcox's Landing. John Bark- ley, the sutler, came up with stores at City Point, and was cordially greeted by the men of the regiment. Were likewise visited by some delightful showers dur- ing the forenoon. June 28th. — Saddled up at 6.30 a.m. and at eight o'clock marched down to the river, and at noon boarded the steamer Jefferson, and crossed over to the side directly opposite to the landing and encamped about 7 p.m. near Windmill Point (there appears to be an error in the records about the name of the landing just left, some calling it AVilcox's, others AVilson's, and still others Wyanoke). June 29th. — Saddle up at 3 p.m. and at five o'clock marched to Prince Greorge C. H., where we found a part of Burnside's corps; stood "to horse" all night, waiting an expected attack from Hampton, who was said to be threatening the rear of our army. Skir- mishing continued all night at the front toward Petersburg. June 30th. — Left Prince George C. H. at 8 a.m. and moved toward the left wing of the army, crossing 204 History of the [1864 Blackwater Creek and the Norfolk & Petersburg Railroad, picking up, on the way, a number of Wilson's stragglers (his loss was much less than at first reported). Went into bivouac near Jerusalem plank road. July 1st. — Eeveille at three o'clock and marched to a point near Jerusalem and near Blackwater River for the relief of Wilson. The command was without rations, but was mustered for pay at Lee's Mill, with small parties of rebels in the vicinity, looking for some of those "greenbacks" evidently, which no doubt they scented. July 2d. — The train arrived with supplies. At 8 a.m. marched back to the James River, reaching it at sunset, and went into camp at Lighthouse Point, almost exhausted. The dust was so thick as to hide the man at one's side; the centre of the column was indescribable. July 3d. — All quiet in camp. No cannonading. The men took advantage of the opportunity to wash off the accumulated dirt by bathing in the James River. July 4th. — At 4 p.m. moved camp about a mile to a better location, but still on the James, where we had a fine view of the shipping around City Point. July 5th to 16th. — In camp and on picket. The weather continued extremely hot. The camps were rife with rumors of rebel raids in Maryland — of Ewell, with a strong force, having crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks ; of Hunter having been driven out of the Shenandoah Valley ; of Harper's Ferry being in possession of the enemy, and of the grand trestle work and iron railroad bridge being destroyed; of Mary- land, Pennsylvania and New York calling out the militia to check the invaders ; of a battle near Monoc- 18G4] Sixth New York Cavalry. 205 acy Eiver, between Generals Wallace and Early, and of great excitement in Baltimore and Washington, and of the citizens arming for protection. July 12th.— Government bought all horses belong- ing to enlisted men. July 15tli. — Moved camp to near City Point. July 16th.— Eeceived orders to relieve Gregg's division picketing near the left of the army. Marched about 6 a.m. via Prince George C. H. and relieved Colonel Bryan, taking up his line on the extreme left of the army, about five miles from Petersburg, the Sixth New York going on picket. July 17th.^ — All was quiet on our lines, but the infantry kept up their customary skirmishing on Burnside's front with heavy cannonading. July 18th. — Deserters and refugees coming in reported a movement on our left. The picket-lines were but about fifty yards apart. Regiment prepared for action at 3 a.m., expecting an attack. Enemy made a dash and drove in the men on the right, and charged on the line, but we soon pushed them back and took up the line again. July 19th. — Heavy rain, the first in over two months. The pickets of the Sixth New York were attacked, but the line was held. About 8 p.m. Colonel Chapman's brigade arrived to relieve us. July 20th.— Reserve was called out at 2 a.m. to repel another attack on the picket-line. Believed at 7 a.m., and returned to camp between Lighthouse Point and City Point. July 21st. — All quiet in camp. The officers of the brigade presented Colonel Devin with a horse and equipments. Lieutenant-colonel George S. Nichols, Ninth New York Cavalry, making the presentation 206 History of the [1864 speech. It is but proper to add that there was much good cheer on the occasion, the band of the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania adding its share in good music, July 22d. — Brigade inspected by General Torbert. To 25th. — All quiet in camp. July 26th. — Orders were received to move in the afternoon. Left camp at four o'clock, the Cavalry Corps forming in line in a field. At five o'clock the column moved toward City Point, and at dark crossed the Appomattox on pontoons at Point of Rocks; thence on via General Butler's headquarters to beyond Bermuda Hundred and bivouacked at Jones' Neck at 1 a.m. 27th. Company I numbered but twenty-three men. July 27tli. — The corps commenced crossing the James Eiver on pontoons about sunrise. There were two gunboats and monitor near the crossing. Bar- low's division of Hancock's corps attacked the enemy's works on the east side of Bailey's Creek, and, aided by the cavalry moving on his right, captured four thirty-two pounders early in the morning. Drove in the enemy's cavalry, capturing about a dozen. At noon the Sixth New York was sent on recounoissance to Malvern Hill; found no enemy and returned to division at six o'clock; found it massed between Malvern Hill and Newmarket. THE FIGHT AT DEEP BOTTOM. July 28th. — At ten o'clock the enemy's infantry, in force, made an attack on Merritt's front, driving his pickets in and soon after forcing his whole line back. The regular brigade was sent forward, but was soon driven back upon our camp. Devin's brigade was 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 207 ordered out, dismounted, charging and routing tliem completely. The enemy's bullets were coming in thick and fast before the brigade was formed in line, but the bugle soon sounded "forward" and then "charge," when the brigade, with the Sixth New York in the cen- tre, rushed on to meet the enemy, with cheers of ven- geance that made the old woods on either flank ring, and the valley in the rear re-echo back the victory. Soon the tide of battle turned — volley after volley from our well-aimed carbines forced the enemy to retire with considerable speed to a fence a half mile beyond, where they sought to make a stand. Now came the ''nip and tuck." The Sixth New York was in an open field, exposed to the fire of a division of infantry; lying close to the ground, we gave them a well-directed volley, then up, and with loud cheers made a charge for the fence, during which our revol- vers were freely used, and drove the enemy back in confusion to the thick woods beyond, leaving us mas- ters of the field. Such fighting was seldom seen; we had but three regiments of dismounted cavalry against a division of North and South Carolina infantry under General Wilcox of A. P. Hill's corps. It was a pleasant sight to see those great, tall Carolinians go across that field on a hen canter. Three stands of colors, two taken by the Ninth and one by the Sixth, were among the trophies of the brigade. The flag cap- tured by the Sixth New York, I think, was taken by George Funk, Company K. One of the regiments of regular cavalry in Merritt's brigade also captured a flag. After the fight, which was near the Newmarket road, Henrico County, and called by Sheridan "the victory of Darbytown," we were relieved by a part of the Second Corps and, retiring to our horses, fell back 208 History of the [1864 a short distance and bivouacked. Saddled np during; the night, and stood to horse until morning. John McAfee, Company I, killed, and E. A. D. Harmon mor- tally wounded. July 29th. — At 1 a.m. crossed the river, the bridge being covered with hay to deaden the sound of the horses ' hoofs ; dismounted, and about sunrise returned to the north side of the river, leaving our horses on the south side and, taking up a position, lay in line of battle all day. Soon after dark fell back and recrossed the river to camping-place. Place was known as Tur- key Bend. July 30th. — At 2 a.m. left our position on the right and. marching via the plank road, and in rear of Burn- side's position, having a clear view of the fighting at Petersburg, we reached the extreme left of the army, near the Blackwater, and camped. July 31st. — About 2 a.m. marched to Lee's Mills and relieved Gregg's division. At 11 a.m. were relieved by Kantz, and marched to City Point, arriving there about 4 p.m. If I had not made previous frequent mention of the great heat and excessive dust, would be tempted to use some heavy language in a further attempt to describe it. Aug. 1st. — Orders were received for the First Division to embark for Washington. The day was spent in shipping the regular brigade, General Torbert going in the mail boat. Fourth New York embarked. Aug. 2d. — Through delay in transportation we remained quietly in camp. Aug. 3d. — Colonel Devin and part of his staff left by the mail-boat at 10 a.m. Others boarded the blockade runner "Exchange" about eleven o'clock and, leav- ing Fort Powhatan on the right, anchored near New- 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 209 port News about 10 p.m. Part of the regiment embarked on the steamer "Highland Light." The writer left on this date — very sick — very weak. Aug. 4th.— The ' ' Exchange ' ' hoisted anchor at day- break and steamed on, passing Newport News about sunrise ; soon after passed Hampton, Fort Monroe and Rip Eaps ; the church spires of Norfolk could be seen across the "Roads;" passed Point Lookout about sun- set and anchored in the Potomac. The steamer "Highland Light" left City Point at daylight and started down the James River. The rest of the regi- ment marched to City Point and embarked at 10 a.m. ; the steamer was shelled by a rebel battery, but a few well-directed shots from one of our gunboats forced it to retire. Aug. 5th.— Arrived at Washington in afternoon and bivouacked at Camp Stoneman. Aug. 6th.— Saddled up at 3 a.m. and had the horses shod, and then prepared for the advance. Left camp at dark, marched over the bridge across the east branch of the Potomac, thence down Pennsylvania Avenue to Georgetown, and took the Tenallytown pike; marched about ten miles and bivouacked at 2 a.m. (7tli) in a cornfield. Aug. 7th. — "Boots and saddles" at 5 a.m. Moved out at six o 'clock and marched via Rockville and Darnes- town, and to within four miles of Monocacy River and bivouacked at sunset, having covered thirty miles. As we passed through Rockville the band of the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania struck up "Battle Flag," while the people flocked to the sidewalks, doors and win- dows, evacuating churches and dwellings alike, to gaze upon Sheridan's Invincibles, riding unconcerned through their town. Beautiful feminines, adorned in 14 210 History of the [1864 beauteous array, gave us many a charming smile ; and the colored population, dressed in snow-white apparel, vied with "massa" and "missis," disclosing their ivories and white eyes with pleasure to see the Yankee "sodgers" come. Writer in ambulance. Aug. 8th. — Left camp at 7 a.m. and, crossing the Monocacy near its mouth, moved via Catoctin Station and Creek and Sandy Hook, and at dark reached our old camping-ground in Pleasant Valley, after a very hot and dusty march of twenty-five miles. Learned that Major-general Philip H. Sheridan had been assigned to the command of the troops in the Shenan- doah Valley, to be known as the Middle Military Division. The Army of the Shenandoah was com- posed of the troops of West Virginia, under Greneral Crook (the Eighth Corps) ; one division of the Nine- teenth Corps, under General Dwight; the Sixth Corps, commanded by Greneral Wright, and the First Cavalry Division (Torbert's), and later the cavalry under Gen- eral Averill. Torbert having been made chief of cav- alry, Merritt took command of the First Division. Still in ambulance. Covered seventy miles in two days. Aug. 9th. — Left Pleasant Valley at 7 a.m. and cross- ing the Potomac on a pontoon bridge at Harper's Ferry marched about four miles out on the Winches- ter turnpike, and encamped at Halltown on Mr. Flem- ing's farm. Captain Titus took command of Com- pany I. Left ambulance. Aug. 10th. — Beveille at three o'clock; marched at 4.30 a.m. via Charlestown and Berr^^ille, and to with- in six miles of Winchester, coming up with the enemy at Millwood, having covered about thirty miles. The Sixth New York went on picket. The country was 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 211 rich and healthful, with plenty of good water. The rebels were just ahead of us, clearing the country of its crops. Aug. 11th.— Marched at an early hour toward New- town, and thence toward Nineveh, and foimd the enemy strongly posted behind stone walls. The Sixth New York attempted to make a mounted charge, but after jumping over a half dozen walls, in the face of the enemy's fire, was obliged to fall back, dismount, and fight it out on foot. Advanced and soon dislodged them from behind their stone defenses and drove them to the cover of the woods, where they made another stand. Our artillery was then brought up and opened upon them for half an hour, to which they responded with their big guns, dropping the shot and shell among us rapidly and accurately. Continued the advance toward Newtown, the regular brigade and a part of Devin's engaging a part of Early's forces, a brigade of Gordon's division in a hot encounter till sun- down, when the enemy retreated. The Sixth New York was sent on a reconnoissance toward Nineveh pike; found the enemy's pickets and returned to the main column after dark and bivouacked on the battle- field. Aug. 12th. — Brigade marched at 6 a.m., Sixth New York in advance ; passed through Newtown and by the "Winchester ''back road" to Fawcett's Gap in the Cumberland range; thence to Cedar Creek Church and halted near a mammoth spring, cold as ice. After resting about half an hour, the Fourth New York was sent to the gap and the Sixth New York forward on the Strasburg road in pursuit of the rebel wagon train and its rear guard. Marched on a trot, steadily gain- ing on them and got within pistol range, three miles 212 Histonj of the [1864 from Strasburg, when we charged upon them, firing and yelling, for a mile, till they reached the woods and their supports, when we gave up the chase, the enemy's horses being fresher and fleeter than ours. At night marched to Middletown and encamped. Aug. 13th. — Moved across Cedar Creek, then coun- termarched and went into camp near the creek. In the afternoon the brigade marched to the Shenandoah River, opposite Front Royal, and went on picket duty on the left, near Cedarville. A train of nearly 300 wagons, with supplies, guarded by two 100-day infan- try regiments, whose time had nearly expired, was on its way to the front from Harper's Ferry, when, while passing Berryville, Mosby with about 200 mounted men charged the rear of the train, capturing several hundred mules and horses, with many of the drivers and the mail, and destroyed many of the wagons. Major Sawyer, the paymaster (who was on his way to pay the brigade), was with the train, his strong box, containing $125,000 in greenbacks, being in one of the wagons. The box was not discovered, but the horses were taken and the wagon set on fire. Poor Johnnies ! I wonder if they ever learned afterward what a pile of good money they missed. Barkley, the sutler of the Sixth New York, not finding it was "hard lines" for Mosby, was not so fortunate, however, as they took $700 from him, as well as the money, watches and other val- uables from the teamsters. Nearly all the wagons of the reserve brigade and about a dozen of Devin's were destroyed. After the guerrillas had left, some of the guard rallied and saved some of the wagons that had been fired, the paymaster's being among the number. It was reported that the guard, of which nearly 200 were with this section of the train, scarcely fired a shot 1864] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 213 until the enemj^ had begun to leave. One or two team- sters were killed, a number wounded, and about forty taken prisoners. Before guards could be placed about the rescued wagons citizens of Berryville were caught plundering them of hardtack, coffee, etc. It is need- less to say that Major Sawyer was the happy recipient of hearty congratulations on his appearance in Devin's camp. Aug. 14th. — Still on picket at Cedarville. Had much fun bathing in the creek, and doing up our laun- dry. Aug. 15th. — Still picketing at Cedarville. The enemy was in strong force at Front Royal, with reinforcements on the way from Gulpeper. Major Beardsley of the Sixth New York arrived with what was left of the wagon train. Mahnken, Gating and the Doctor lost their baggage. Major Sawyer com- menced at once to pay off the brigade. The Fourth New York was sent on a reconnoissance to Manassas Gap and brought back several prisoners. Aug. 16tli. — About 4 p.m. General Merritt arrived with the First and Third Brigades. Major Sawyer was busy paying off the Sixth New York when the enemy in force attacked our pickets on the Front Royal pike. The Major immediately ''shut up shop," leaving the regiment partly unpaid, saying he ''wanted to see the cavalry fight." The Fourth New York was ordered to the support of the pickets, arriv- ing on the field just as the enemy charged our line and was forcing it back. They at once went in mounted and drove them back in confusion, capturing a number of prisoners. The Sixth New York marched straight up the pike, under a heavy fire from the enemy 's artil- lery, which was posted in a choice position on a hill 214 History of the [1864 near the river overlooking the country for miles. We found the Fourth New York on our front engaging the enemy, who had rallied and was preparing to advance again. The Sixth wheeled to the right and took up a position in a ravine out of range, the shot, shell and hullets passing over and around us. We had been in the ravine but a short time when a full regiment came charging upon us with drawn sabres. We were but two squadrons, the rest of the regiment having gone to the left of the field to engage the enemy's infantry. We reserved our fire until the enemy was upon us, and before they knew it we poured into their ranks a destructive fire, and then, a sabre charge being ordered, dashed forward, but the enemy would not stand our steel, and turned and fled. Again they rallied, and again we repulsed them and drove them to the river and to their reserve, when, seeing their superior numbers, we retired. They fol- lowed us, but as we receiv^ed reinforcements, the enemy fell back across the river. The two regiments (Fourth and Sixth) captured two battle-flags, 139 prisoners and a number of horses. Custer com- ing up on our left completed the rout, capturing about 130 prisoners. We fought cavalry, infantry and artillery. The rebel cavalry charge was led by General Wickham with great gallantry and coolness; he was at one time within fifty feet of us; the two forces were so close to each other that the artil- lery^ ceased firing. During the cavalry fight on the right our Second Battalion charged upon and drove a whole brigade of Georgia infantry, on the left, taking 128 prisoners. A part of the Fourth and Ninth New York were engaged, and each regiment took a stand of colors from the enemy and a total number of 500 pris- 1864] Sixth New York Cavahij. 215 oners; the lucky (or unlucky) ones who escaped were forced to swim the river, first throwing away their arms. Some were drowned and some were shot in the water. The Sixth New York lost quite heavily, among the killed being Charles Free and Levi Pearl of Troop I. Sergeant John Muldoon of Company I was badly wounded in the thigh, but brought two prisoners and a flag from the field. Colonel Devin was wounded in the foot, but remained on the field during the engagement. Captain Heermance and Lieutenant Weston of the Sixth were wounded, and Captain Mann of the Fourth killed, and Captain Snyder wounded. After the fighting was over, the Ninth New York was left to hold the line, while the brigade fell back to Cedarville, where the paymaster, having wit- nessed a good exhibition of cavalry fighting, com- pleted his work of paying off the regiment. The horses remained saddled, and the men in line all night. Aug. 17th. — Fell back from Cedarville at 5 a.m. and marched to near Berrjr^riHe, where the brigade went on picket. Orders were received from General Grant to drive off all horses and cattle, and to burn all hay and grain, to make the valley as untenable as possible for the enemy. Every hay and cornstack, and every barn containing hay or grain, was consigned to the flames, thus dealing fire and sword on every hand. It was not very pleasing to the citizens, nor yet to the majority of the troops, but was a necessary and mili- tary move. As far as the eye could reach, from moun- tain to mountain, throughout the valley, burning barns and stacks of hay and grain marked too well the entire extent. Mosby and his guerrillas followed us closely all day, picking up those of our men who 216 History of the [1864 ■straggled from the main column. The army was fall- ing back to Harper's Ferry. Aug. 18th. — Reghxient remained saddled in support of the picket-line, while Mosby's men were causing much annoyance. Aug. 19th. — Regiment still on picket in sight of the rebels. Colonel Devin left camp on twenty days' leave, wounded. Aug. 20th. — Regiment was relieved from picket. Moved camp nearer Berr}^dlle. As several of Cus- ter's men had been, killed by guerrillas, General Mer- ritt ordered the arrest of all male citizens between six- teen and forty-five years of age. Aug. 21st. — Heavy firing was heard on the right. The enemy had attacked Lowell's brigade, which held that line. At 2.30 p.m. the Second Brigade was ordered to the support of Lowell, who was holding in check the rebel infantry. Passed through Berryville and a half mile beyond and formed in line of battle west of the town. Lowell's brigade was then ordered to retire and Devin 's to take up his line and then retire, which we did in good order, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery. The enemy advanced his artillery, opening upon us rapidly with shot and shell, his cavalry and infantry advancing in double lines of battle. The bullets came nearer and closer still, and rapidly increased in numbers, till nothing but a con- tinued buzzing and whirring of the rebel missiles could be heard. The connnand fell back in good order, in three columns, one on each side of the pike. At dusk passed through Charlestown and encamped midway between it and Harper's Ferry. Aug. 22d. — The infantry withdrew during the night toward Harper's Ferry. The division marched on the 1864] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 217 road to Shepherdstown, the rear guard skirmishing with the enemy's advance. Halted near Shepherdstown and established a picket-line connecting with Wilson on the left. Aug. 23d. — On picket. No enemy in sight, but plenty of milk ; twenty-five cents a canteen. Aug. 24th.— Went on picket toward Charlestown, relieving the Fourth New York. Heard of Devin's appointment as Brevet Brigadier. Aug. 25th.— The pickets were drawn in at daylight, and at seven o'clock the First and Third Divisions moved toward Martinsburg via Shepherdstown, and at Kearneysville, on the B. & 0. E. E., came up with the advance of Breckinridge's corps of infantry, whicli was driven by Custer's brigade. Then moved toward Leestown, where we met the enemy in large force. Devin's brigade advanced on the enemy's left, who was being warmly engaged by Wilson and Custer. The Fourth and Ninth New York, and Seventeenth Pennsylvania, supported by the Sixth New York, were ordered to charge a line of infantry in an open field. On went the three regiments, over fences and stone walls, with the Sixth close in support, driving them back and capturing a number of the Fifty-first Vir- ginia, when, suddenly, from our right, came a heavy volley of musketry from a belt of woods, and simultaneously some shrieking shells and ricochet- ting solid shot from a battery in our front, warning us of a heavy support to the enemy's advance line. The enemy now advancing in greatly superior numbers, we received orders to withdraw the com- mand, which was done in good order. We retired via Shepardstown, the enemy following closely, and at dark reached our infantry near Bolivar Heights, and 218 History of the [1864 halted, expecting to bivouac for the night. But the enemy had thrown a column across country, obliging Custer to fall back and cross the river, and attacking us at the same time. Major Durland, with the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania, charged them gallantly, losing one officer (Lieutenant Potter) and about twenty-five men, the Major having his horse shot and being him- self grazed on the head by a bullet. This charge checked the enemy until we got the brigade into posi- tion, when we held them until relieved by the reserve brigade. The Federal cavalry engaged the same number of Confederate cavalry and three corps of infantry. Sergt. A. J. Sutton, Company H; Charles Thompson, Company E ; W. H. Corthell, Compan}^ I ; M. Snyder, Company M, and Edward Hall, Company L, were wounded. Aug. 26th. — Moved to near the Potomac, went into camp and unsaddled. Aug. 27th. — In camp getting the horses shod. Made a reconnoissance to Shepherdstown, where we found a small force of rebel cavalry and chased them out of town. Aug. 28th. — Left camp at sunrise. Sixth New York in advance, and moving up the valley, on the Winches- ter pike, met the enemy's cavalry near Leetown, and drove it before us through Smithfield. We charged into town and drove them to the opposite side. Pour or five houses were destroyed by fire, ignited by the rebel guns. This town was sometimes called Midway, it being a centre to the four towns, Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, Winchester and Front Eoyal, and had about 500 inhabitants. Bivouacked just outside of town. Aug. 29th. — Moved out a short distance and formed line of battle. At ten o'clock Custer's brigade, on 1864] Sixtli New York Cavalrij. '219 our right, was attacked by a lieavy force of the enemy, who came on in double fury, apparently determined to rout us from our position. The fighting continued to rage until about 3 p.m., when, the enemy bringing up infantry reinforcements, our forces left their position and retired beyond the town. At this moment Devin's brigade was suddenly attacked by the rebel infantry and cavalry, and being on the left was cut off from the town, and was compelled to circuit through the fields, over rail and stone fences, the enemy pour- ing volley after volley into our ranks, killing and womiding many men and horses, and being at one time surrounded on three sides. Eeaching a hill a mile and a half northeast of the town, the brigade made another stand in a corn-field, holding the enemy in check while our artillery and ambulances were moved to the rear. Being mounted, and an easy mark, the regiment suffered severely in both men and horses. Received orders to fall back, giving place to a division of the Sixth Corps, before whom the "Johnnies" retired as fast as they had followed us up. Retired to Smithfield and went into camp on the farm of Colonel Samuel Washington, eldest brother of the General. The house contained many relics, among them a man- telpiece given to the General by Lafayette. Among the casualties of the day were Doctor Rulison, Ninth New York (Division Surgeon), killed, and Captain Hanly, Ninth New York, wounded. When the Sixth New York was cut off from the town. Sergeant Charles W. Francis, Company I, was wounded, and died November 9th, 1864, at Baltimore, Md. (As the r-ecords in my possession fail to give a detailed list of the casualties in each battle or engagement, I can men- tion but a few, taken from my personal recollection.) 220 History of the [1864 Aug. 30th. — In camp between Smithfield and Cliarlestown. The Sixth New York was formed into two squadrons; Company I had but six privates for duty. Marched in afternoon toward Berryville, halt- ing and going into camp near there, without opposi- tion, at sundown. Colonel de Cesnola, Fourth New York (commanding the brigade during the absence of General Devin), left for Harper's Ferry, to be mus- tered out of service, his term of service having expired on the 10th instant. Aug. 31st. — In camp near Berryville. All quiet, except for picket-firing. Sept. 1st. — The regiment went on a reconnoisance to about three miles beyond White Post, met the enemy, drove in his pickets, captured several and returned to camp. Sept. 2d. — Saddled ui3 at 2.30 a.m. and at daybreak marched toward Charlestown, going into camp four miles south of the town, the Sixth New York picketing at Eipley. At dark advanced to near Berryville and halted at 1 a.m. (3d) and lay to horse all night. Sept. 3d. — Marched at 6 a.m. by Berryville to White Post. The Fourth and Ninth New York reconnoitred toward Winchester, coming up with the rebel pickets at Opequon Creek. Sept. 4th. — General Sheridan had directed Torbert to be in Berryville by daylight of the 4th, but the order did not reach him until after daylight, and toward noon Wilson's and Merritt's divisions moved back to find Berryville occupied by a large force of the enemy. The Sixth New York had been sent to Berry- ville to open communication with the infantry; the enemy had drawn in their pickets, and the regiment advanced nearly to the town, and while passing 1864] Sixth New I'ork Cavalry, 221 tlirougli a gap in a fence from one field to another was suddenly attacked by Mosby with about 400 men, who killed, wounded and captured forty-two of the regi- ment. It was at one time almost surrounded, but with their revolvers they fought their way out, but with a heavy loss — it had reported but about 100 men for duty. It then fell back, as the Seventh Michigan Cav- alry flankers came up and took up a line on the left of the infantry, near and east of the town, and remained in position till dark. Isaac Collier of Company M was outside of the lines for some hours, and in passing a barn heard some one calling, "For heaven's sake, Ike, don't leave me here." It proved to be Tom Kier- nau, who had been wounded. Collier got him on his horse and brought him safely in our lines, but more dead than alive, and got him in an ambulance. At night the regiment was detailed to take the ambulance corps to Harper's Ferry, and when returning to the front (near Charlestown) was again attacked by Mosby. Collier's horse was killed, his own foot was broken, and he was sent back to Harper's Ferry and from there to Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, where he found fourteen more of Company M. Cap- tain Goler and Lieutenant Bell were captured, while Corporal Edward F. Pratt, Company I, was killed, and Sidney P. Hopson and Samuel P. Jenison, both of same company, were captured. Sept. 5th.— Regiment sent to Bolivar Heights as guard to ambulance train. Sept. 6th.— Eeturned toward Berrwille, guarding the train. Sept. 7th.— Near Berryville; saddled up and remained in line. Lieutenant-colonel George S. Nichols, Ninth New York, temporarily in command of 222 History of the [1864 brigade. One sergeant, one corporal and five privates in Company I, Sept. 8tli. — First New York Dragoons assigned to the Second Brigade, and Colonel Alfred Gibbs assnmed command. Brigade was relieved by General Crook, and moved to Smithfield, arriving about dark, and relieved the Twenty-fifth New York Cavalry of Colonel Lowell's command. Regiment went on picket, but the ranks were so depleted the orderly and com- missary sergeants had to go on duty, Sept. 9th. — Regiment was relieved from picket by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania. The brigade was sent out on the Opequon Creek, below the Winchester Rail- road, to burn four flour mills that had been pressed into the rebel service, and which were strongly guarded. The mills were destroyed and an officer and eight men of McCausland's command were brought back, without the loss of a man or horse. Sept. lOtli. — In the morning firing was heard on Averill's front. The brigade saddled up, and the Ninth New York was sent to feel the enemy on the Bunker Hill road, and learned that it was Lomax with three brigades fighting Averill's First Brigade. Sept. 11th. — Was much annoyed by the rebel sharp- shooters along our picket-line. Colonel Gibbs sent to General Crook for some of his sharpshooters to drive them away, which they did in the late afternoon. Sept. 12th. — Regiment went on picket and advanced the lines. Sept. 13th. — All quiet along the line. Sept. l-ltli. — Regiment was relieved by the Seven- teenth Pennsj^lvania. The brigade was ordered to make a demonstration at nine o'clock; moved out to the Opequon and crossed a part of the brigade, sending 186-4:] Sidh New York Cavalry. 99 Q the Ninth New York to Bunker Hill, wliere it con- nected with Averill's forces. Returned to camp at dark, with the loss of one man of the Ninth New York. Sept. 15tli.^ — Part of regiment sent to escort train. General Devin arrived in camp in the forenoon, and was serenaded by the bands of the First New York Dragoons and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav- alry. Sept. 16th. — All quiet along the lines. Sept. 17th. — Regiment went on picket, relieving the Seventeenth Pennsylvania; found the rebel pickets, Seventeenth Virginia Cavalry, very friendly, riding to the middle of the stream, shaking hands, exchanging tobacco for coffee, etc. Sept. 18th. — Regiment was drawn in from picket and about noon marched with the brigade to near Summit Point. Sept. 19th.— Saddled up at 1.30 a.m., and at 2.30 moved out of camp, Lowell's brigade in advance, the Sixth New York taking the advance of Devin 's bri- gade. Lowell's brigade crossed the Opequon at Ste- vens' Ford, capturing about forty prisoners. Custer crossed at Locke's Ford, with McGilvey's section (Second Brigade Battery) and had considerable fight- ing. About 2 p.m. Devin 's brigade was ordered across at Stevens' Ford to press the enemy, who had been started by Averill on the Martinsburg pike; the Seventeenth Pennsylvania had the advance and went in at a trot, the brigade following, soon coming up with the flying enemy, when Devin and Custer, follow- ing closel}", soon disposed of their cavalry, routing them completely; then turned its attention to the enemy's infantry, which was being engaged by a part of the Eighth Corps. A grand charge was made by 224 History of the [1864 the entire First Division, breaking the enemy's lines, when a general "gobbling" of prisoners ensued, 800 prisoners, seven stands of colors, a gun and caisson, many small arms left on the field, besides a large num- ber of killed and wounded. Five of the flags and about 400 of the prisoners were taken by Devin's bri- gade, three of the flags, over a hundred of the prison- ers, and the gun and cannon being taken by the Sixth New York, which numbered about seventy-five men on the fighting line. The casualties in the brigade were heavy. Captain Eaymond L. A¥right, Sixth New York, brigadier inspector general, and Major C. W. Ayers, Ninth New York, were killed, both of whom were sadly missed and were a great loss to the brigade. Captain Wright's body was brought from the field and sent to his home in Troy, N. Y. (The writer brought it from the field after it had been placed in a carryall, impressed for the occasion.) Captain Thorp, First New York Dragoons, was killed ; Captain Titus and Lieutenant Pierce, Sixth New York, were wounded, and Major Hauvand, Fourth New York, and Adjutant Clarke, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, missing. After dark went into bivouac a mile above Winches- ter. One of the flags was captured by George E. Meach, Company I, Sixth New York. Lieutenant J. W. Blunt killed four rebels and took five prisoners and had his horse killed. Sept. 20tli. — Moved off at simrise, Devin's brigade in advance, toward Strasburg, coming up with the enemy's rear guard at Cedar Creek. The First New York Dragoons, leading, drove them through the town and found Early's army in position on the heights beyond the town. Halted and went into camp on the sight of the infantry, which came up in the afternoon. 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 225 The Sixth New York captured one wagon and several prisoners. Sept. 21st. — About sunrise the division moved to the rear across Cedar Creek; the First and Reserve Bri- gades were sent toward Front Royal with the Third Division. Devin's brigade encamped near the creek. The Sixth New York was detailed as escort at Sheri- dan's headquarters, and went with him out on the left of the line. Sept. 22d. — Devin's brigade was skirmishing the greater part of the day in front of Fisher's Hill, and late in the afternoon went into camp, but saddled up again immediately. Crook's corps had been kept concealed in the woods and by night marches, until it could be moved up on the side of the North Mountain, whence, on the afternoon ''it slid doivn" and struck the enemy's left flank, driving it back in great confu- sion, and being joined by the other troops in front the enemy was stampeded in a panic, leaving nearly all his guns and many prisoners. Devin's brigade was ordered up in pursuit and marched all night, with an occasional halt, following the fleeing enemy so closely they had to burn part of their train. The battery was brought into action once during the night. At day- break of the 23d the brigade had reached Woodstock, and without waiting for rest or breakfast moved on by Edinburg, picking up a number of stragglers and find- ing several burning wagons and one piece of artillery on the road. Continued the pursuit until arriving at the creek, about two miles north of Mount Jackson, where we found the bridge burning, and a small force of the enemy to dispute over crossing. The Ninth New York, in a spirited dash, soon "ousted" them and we went on to within half a mile of Mount Jack- 15 226 History of the [1864 son, where we found them inclined to make a stand. Tlie Ninth and Sixth New York and First New York Dragoons continued skirmishing until 2 p.m., when Averill came up with his division. After skirmishing for about two hours General Averill ordered the line to withdraw, and the brigade went into camp near the creek. Wilson's division and the First and Third Brigades of Merritt's had been sent up the Luray Val- ley for the purpose of striking the enemy's rear at Newmarket. Averill's slowness in moving up, and his failure to press the enemy as ordered, resulted in his being relieved and his cavalry placed in command of Colonel Powell. Sept. 2-tth. — Early in the morning the brigade moved forward, and the infantry coming up the enemy was driven rapidly back through Mount Jackson and on toward Harrisonburg. The brigade then forded the river and, advancing on the left of the pike, drove the rebel cavalry before it and off into the mountains. Came up with the enemy's infantry at Newmarket. The First New York Dragoons in advance drove them l)ack and charged the town, finding a strong line out- side the town; the Dragoons dismounted and again •drove them; and so it continued, a running fight, for four miles, when the enemy made a determined stand. Devin's brigade had been imshing them so closely and rapidly all day that they were forced to halt every now and then and give us battle to keep us off their wagon train. We picked up many stragglers. Our infantry coming up relieved us, but it being nearly dark they only held our line and went into camp. McGilvey's battery (Devin's brigade) was at one time some distance in advance of our line. Torbert, who had been sent with Wilson's division and two 1864] Sixth New York Cavalnj. 227 brigades of Merritt's up the Liiray Valle}^ to strike the enemy's rear at Newmarket, had failed to carry out his instructions. He met AVickham's cavalry at Milford, and instead of driving them and striking Early's rear, he fell back to Front Royal and rejoined the army by the valley pike. Sept. 25th.— Moved out about 7 a.m. on the Harri- sonburg pike, and arrived in the town about noon; found a rebel general hospital in the town, with about a thousand sick and wounded. (We had passed a number of hospitals, and they were all full.) Made a halt of about two hours and then marched by Keezle- town, taking a few^ prisoners by the way, and halted at Peale's Crossroads and bivouacked, the infantry hav- ing halted at Harrisonburg to wait for supplies. The enemy was moving toward Port Republic. Sept. 26th.— Moved on to Port Republic, meeting McCausland's cavalry three miles from town, and drove them back without halting the column, our rifled section (Guyler's) making some excellent shots on their retreating cavalry ; arrived at the town just as the last of their wagon train was going out; made a big etf ort to capture it, but not having any infantry support found the enemy's force too great. Found the rebel army posted in and around Brown's G-ap. The Sixth New York on the skirmish line advanced about two miles beyond the river, when the enemy made a flank movement and charged the lead horses, driving them back across the river, forcing the regi- ment to "double-quick" two miles through the woods to get back to the lines. Two of Mosby 's men were hanged near Front Royal, by order, in retaliation for Lieutenant McMaster of the reserve brigade, who was shot by some of them 228 Eistonj of the [186i after surrendering. Captain Aitken of the Sixth, Captain Bailey of the Ninth, and Major Scott of the Dragoons were mounted. Sept. 27th. — Devin's and Custer's brigades crossed the river again to Port Eepublic. Averill's old com- mand on our right was attacked in force on the flank, and forced to move back. General Custer arrived on the field soon after the attack commenced and took command, but finding the enemy was moving up a heavy column of infantry was forced to retire, when the whole division moved back about five miles and went into bivouac at Peale's Crossroads. The Sixth New York went on picket. While Merritt's division was holding the enemy's attention at Port Eepublic, General Torbert, with Wilson's division, and Lowell's brigade went on to Staunton and Waynesboro, blew up the bridge at the latter place, destroyed the grist- mills and all grain and forage, and drove away the cattle, being attacked at Waynesboro by Wickham's cavalry and Pegram's brigade of infantry. This move alarmed Early and he drew in all his forces to Kockfish Gap, east of Waynesboro. Sept. 28th. — The Sixth New York was on picket. At 3 a.m. the reserve saddled up and remained in read- iness all day. A scouting party from the brigade went toward Port Republic in the forenoon and found a small force of the enemy. Custer advanced in the afternoon and occupied our old position. Lieutenant Cating, Sixth New York (of the brigade staff) was wounded and taken prisoner while trying to commu- nicate with Colonel Gibbs at Magangheyville. Sept. 29th. — In compliance with an order from Gen- eral Grant, which said: "If the war is to last another year, I want the valley a barren waste," Merritt's 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 229 division advanced again to Port Republic in the morn- ing, and crossing the river strnck the pike about eight miles above Harrisonburg; some of the cavalry went to Staunton and commenced the work of destruction, burning all barns, hay, grain and forage of all kinds, and driving off all live stock. Unable to get the full record of the destruction, I can give but the partial one at hand. The Ninth New York and Fifth Michi- gan Cavalry, under a staff officer, traveled about thirty miles, from Brown's Gap to Piedmont, and destroyed ninety-three barns, eleven mills, one tan- nery, seventy-two stacks of hay and grain, one fur- nace, one foundry and one distillery, and drove off three hundred and fifty-one cattle and sixty-five sheep, and reached camp at Mount Crawford at 9 p.m. Sept. 30th. — Moved camp a mile east of town. A detail of thirty men of Sixth New York, under Lieut. J. W. Blunt, went on scout to Cross Keys and Port Republic. Oct. 1st. — In camp. No sign of the enemy. Rained all day. Oct. 2d. — The regiment was on picket and a part of it was sent on a scout and had gone but a short dis- tance beyond the river at Mount Crawford when it met the rebel advance, and fell back across the river, the enemy following. Captured three men, who reported two divisions of infantry coming up. Mer- ritt came up with the division, and the skirmishing continued until after dark, when we retired to about a mile from Mount Crawford. Lieutenant Frank T. Saunders was mortally wounded. A bit of hard luck occurred during the day. J. N. Crawford of Company C went out foraging and got some flour, butter and hay. When he came in sight of camp and saw the 230 Eistorij of the [1864 regiment had moved, he threw away the hay and dis- covered he had lost the flour ; went back to look for it, and lost the butter ; then started for the regiment with- out either. Many of the families in the valley were going north, being carried back by the empty supply trains. The devastation of all supplies and farm stock by the army had left them nothing to subsist on. Oct. 3d. — More rain. The regiment on picket between Mount Crawford and Harrisonburg. The enemy was not disposed to be troublesome. The reserve brigade made a reconnoissance and drove them across the bridge, taking a few prisoners. A great many refugees were constantly coming in. Lieutenant John R. Meigs of General Sheridan's staff, and a son of Quartermaster-general Meigs, was killed within the Union lines between Dayton and Harrison- burg by disguised Confederates. By General Sheri- dan's order the houses near the scene of the murder were burned. Oct. 4th. — The Ninth New York was sent out and found the enemy in force south of Middle River. The Sixth New York was relieved from picket and employed its time burning everything but houses. Oct. 5tli. — The whole division moved camp about 9 a.m. to the vicinity of Cross Keys. Oct. 6th. — Marched by Harrisonburg and Middle road to Timberville and encamped at night. General Grant's order was rigidly enforced, all mills, forage and supplies being burned, and cattle and sheep driven off. Oct. 7tli. — Marched by Forestville and struck the pike between Mount Jackson and Edinburg; a small detachment of the enemy's cavalry followed us to Edinburg, where we established our picket-line at 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 231 Stony Creek after a slight skirmish, and then went into camp near Woodstock. Oct. 8th. — Marched at 7 a.m. by Woodstock and halted near Fisher's Hill and Eoundtop. The army was moving back down the valley, continuing its work of destruction. The rebels becoming bold in our rear, General Sheridan directed that they be "felt off." One brigade, with a squadron of the Sixth New York, under Captain Farmer, on the left, was sent to do the work, and drove them to Woodstock. Returning, the enemy followed sharper than ever. In their eager- ness a lieutenant-colonel and one man ran into a squad of Farmer's party and were gobbled. General Eos- ser, who had joined Early with an additional brigade from Richmond, and was in command of the Confed- erate cavalry, had been annoying us as we moved back. In the afternoon our division had a heavy skir- mish near Tom's Brook. Custer was on another road some miles to the northwest near Tumbling Run. Cus- ter was ordered to retrace his steps before daylight next morning and attack the enemy near Tom's Brook, while Merritt attacked on the pike. While estab- lishing the picket-line at night. Captain White (Sixth New York) of the brigade staff ran into a squad of the Fourteenth Virginia (rebels) and, telling them it was not the regiment he was looking for, he quietly worked his way back into our lines. Oct. 9th. — Ordered out at daj^light to find the enemy and develop him. Custer encountered Rosser with three brigades. Merritt extended his line to connect with Custer and found the two brigades of Lomax and Johnson in his front. Continued skirmishing, grad- ually advancing our line, the enemy making a stub- born resistance at first until about 9 a.m., when Ros- 232 History of the [1864 ser's lines were broken up and commenced one of the greatest "skedaddles" on record. Devin's brigade pursued them to Mount Jackson, over twenty miles from the starting-point. About dark returned to "Woodstock. Results of the day's operations were six guns, thirty wagons, and many prisoners captured by Custer's; five guns, fifteen wagons and forges, two stands of colors and many prisoners captured by Mer- ritt's division, and the rebel cavalry sadly demoral- ized. The only casualty in Devin's brigade was one man, Eichard, Company L, Sixth New York, mortally wounded and left at Mr. Chaney's, about two and one- half miles from Woodstock, on the pike. Custer cap- tured all of Rosser's wagons, squaring accounts for Trevilians Station. Eosser had been called the "New Savior of the Val- ley," and his command as "The Laurel Brigade," His defeat and complete rout gave rise to many amus- ing fireside stories in the camps of Sheridan's cav- alry, one being that Early told Rosser that as laurel didn't run, he had better change the name to grape- vine. Sheridan, in his dispatch, said his "cavalry had met the 'New Savior of the Valley,' chased him twenty- six miles, and captured all his guns and wagons." Oct. 10th. — Marched to Roundtop at 6 a.m. and went into camp at Fisher's Hill, without having seen anything of our rebellious friends. Oct. 11th. — About noon the division marched by Strasburg, crossed Cedar Creek, and went into camp on the north fork, near Buck Ford, Devin's brigade picketing the ford. Oct. 12th. — Moved in the afternoon to the left of the army, toward Front Royal, and camped on the river near the mountains. [1864 Sixth New York CavaJry. 233 Oct. 13th. — Picket-firing commenced at about 3 a.m. Early had advanced through Strasburg and attacked Crook's corps at Hupp's Hill, and Custer's cavalry to the right on the back road. Cannonading and skirmishing kept up through the afternoon, when Merritt's division was sent to Custer's sup- port. Oct. 14th. — Devin's brigade was ordered to make a reconnoissance to Strasburg. Saddled up at 2 a.m. and moved out at daylight, the Sixth New York in advance. The enemy had fallen back in the night to Fisher's Hill. Found a brigade of the Eighth Army Corps on the pike near Strasburg. Our advance met the rebel pickets on the heights near Strasburg, charged and took the heights and drove the enemy through and be- yond the town, when they advanced with two heavy lines of infantry. After skirmishing a while, we fell back to draw them on to our infantry. As soon as they saw our infantry skirmish line they came to a halt. The brigade remained in line, mounted all day, ex- changing shots with them, withdrawing after dark to camp. Oct 15th. — The Cavalry Corps drew a large supply of ammunition, rations and feed, and at 6 p.m., accom- panied by Sheridan, moved by Middletown and Cedar- ville, crossing Crooked Eun, the North Fork and the Shenandoah, and went into camp near Front Royal at 11 p.m. Sheridan receiving word from General AYright that Early was being reinforced by Longs treet, ordered Torbert back to Cedar Creek with all the cavalry, ex- cept the regiment, which escorted Sheridan to Rector- town, from which place he took the cars to Washing- ton. The Secretary of War had invited the General there for consultation. 234 History of the [1864 Oct. 16tli.^ — At daylight moved out of Front Royal and marclied to our old position at Cedar Creek. Oct. ITtli. — A little before daylight the enemy's cav- alry made a dash on the First Connecticut Cavalry pickets and captured a major and twenty-five men. Merritt's division saddled up and remained in readi- ness until 8 o'clock. Oct. ISth— All quiet. Oct. 19th. — The infantry pickets on the extreme left in front of Crook's corps were attacked at 3 a.m. Three divisions of the enemy's infantry under Gordon, and one brigade of cavalry, had crossed the Shenan- doah east of Fisher's Hill, moved around the north base of the Massanutten Mountains, again crossed the Shenandoah at Bowman's and Mclnturf 's fords, and moved around to the left of Crook's camp. About day- light, and in a very heavy fog, Gordon charged Crook's position and drove him out of his camps toward the Valley pike. Early at the same time advanced through Strasburg with Wharton's and Kershaw's divisions, the latter crossing Cedar Creek at Robert's Ford, near the Shenandoah, attacking Thoburn's division of Crook's corps in front and connecting with Gordon, while Wharton crossed Cedar Creek on the Valley pike as soon as the ford was left open. After driving back Crook's men, Gordon continued to advance across the pike, turning the position of the Nineteenth Corps, and compelling General Wright (who was temporarily in command of the Army of the Shenandoah) to with- draw his whole army to a line north of Middletown between 7 and 8 a.m., Merritt's cavalry division and the Sixth Corps being used to check the enemy during this movement. The enemy now had possession not only of Wright's camps, but had captured twenty-four 1864J Sixth New York Cavalry. 235 of his cannons and about twelve hundred men, while his wagons and ambulances and many of his men were moving back in great disorder toward Winchester. The Federal cavalry was encamped in the rear of the Sixth Corps, but saddled up and mounted quickly, and moving out was ordered to the performance of the most difficult and most distasteful duty it had ever been called upon to perform, and one almost impossible to accomplish, that of check- ing our retreating infantry and forcing them back in line, in many instances officers and men darting under our horses' bodies and dashing on, in their panic, toward Winchester, the enemy pressing us heavily and raking us unmercifully. It looked like a bad defeat after so many brilliant victories, but we held on tenaciously, falling back gradually about three or four miles. About 9 a.m. the infantry made a stand and formed line on the west side of the pike near Mid- dletown, the cavalry occupying the left of the line east of the pike. Merritt's division was stretched in front of Middletowu, while Custer was sent to the right and held the enemy with this thin line until Sheridan or- dered the advance. When Sheridan came from Win- chester, with horse foaming and frothing and speed unchecked, he dashed along the line, amid a rain of shot and shell, encouraging the men and giving his orders as he went. At 4 o'clock our line advanced, going forward in splendid order, both sides fighting stubbornly for half an hour, when the enemy wavered and began to retire in disorder. The cavalry, Devin's brigade leading, then charged and drove them to Fish- er's Hill, the brigade capturing 22 cannon, 8 caissons, 39 wagons, 30 ambulances, 130 mules, 300 horses, 2 stands of colors, 1 guidon and 360 prisoners, the guns 236 HistoTTj of the [1864 including two 20-pounder Parrotts. The last gun that could be moved was brought in at 10 p.m. One of the flags was captured by Thomas M. Wells, chief bugler. A division of infantry was sent forward, when the cav- alry withdrew and went into camp on the left. Sergt. Christopher Fisken, Company L, Sixth New York, was mortally wounded. Adjt. John G. Main, Sixth New York, was killed, his adversary being shot down by Sergt. Morgan D. Lewis, Company E, A large number of horses were killed and wounded. I omitted to say that the captures made by the enemy in the early forenoon were retaken in the advance in the late afternoon. In the cavalry charge Colonel Lowell was mortally wounded. The Confederate General, Eamseur, was also mortally wounded, and died on the 20th. General Grant ordered a hundred guns fired into the enemy's lines in front of Petersburg in honor of the victory. The following letter was received from President Lincoln: Executive MxVNSion, Washington, Oct. 22d, 1864. Major-general Sheridan : With great pleasure I tender to you and your brave army the thanks of the nation, and my own personal admiration and gratitude for the month's operations in the Shenandoah Valley ; and especially for the splendid work of October 19th, 1864. Your obedient servant, (Signed) Abraham Lincoln. Oct. 20th. — Merritt's division moved out to Fisher's Hill, and after a short halt marched by Woodstock to Edinburg, the reserve brigade having the advance. Finding nothing but a small party of cavalry, the com- mand returned at 4 p.m. and went into camp on its old 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 237 ground near Koundtop. The Ninth New York returned via the mountain, picking up about twenty stragglers, who reported the mountains full of Early's men. Oct. 21st.— Marched about 1 p.m. by Fisher's Hill and Strasburg and went into camp on the left of the army, near Bowman's Ford. Captain AVhite, Sixth New York (of brigade staff), ordered to take the flags captured by Merritt's division, one by Sixth New York, one by Ninth New York, and one by Sixth Michigan Cavalry, to Washington. He started out with G^eneral Custer; Colonel Love, One Hundred Sixteenth New York; Captain Moore of Sheridan's staff; Major Krom, Fifth New York Cavalry, and the three men who had captured the flags. Although it rained hard when they reached Winchester, they |)ushed on all night, arriving at Martinsburg at daylight, where they took a special train and arrived in Washington at 4 p.m. They spread the flags from a street car on the avenue to the Metropolitan, when they ascertained it was too late in the day to present them. Sixth New York went on picket. Oct. 22d.— Eelieved from picket by First New York Dragoons. Oct. 23d. — In camp. All quiet. Oct. 24th. — In camp. All quiet. Oct. 25th. — In camp. All quiet. Oct. 26th.^ — In camp. All quiet. Oct. 27th. — In camp. All quiet. Oct. 28th. — Paymaster in camp. Part of regiment on picket at Buck's Ford. Oct. 29th. — In camp. General Devin in command of division. Oct. 30th. — In camp. Eelieved from picket. Oct. 31st. — Paymaster left camp. 238 Histonj of the [1864 Nov. 1st. — All quiet, except for the bushwhackers along the picket line. Nov. 2d. — Regiment went on picket at Buck's Ford. Nov. 3d. — Very cold ; high wind and heavy rain. Nov. 4th. — Relieved from picket by First New York Dragoons. G-eneral Custer's congratulatory order to his division claimed forty-five pieces of artillery cap- tured on 19th of October. Twenty-two of those were captured by Devin's brigade, for which it held the receipts. Nov. 5th. — Greeted by quite a fall of snow. HEADQUARTEflS SECOND BRIGADE, FiRST CaVALRY DIVISION, Middle Military Division. November 6th, 1864. Soldiers : The Brevet Brigadier-general commanding feels that he should not allow the present opportunity to pass without referring to and recalling the operations of his brigade dur- ing the late engagements. Rapidly transferred from the Army of the Potomac to the Shenandoah Valley, you, on the second day's march, engaged a brigade of mounted infantry, and in one hour drove them from two strong positions in utter rout. Again at Front Royal, Smithfield, Keai-neysville and Shepherdstown, your sturdy arms and keen sabres, on each occasion, hurled back the serried masses of the foe. At the Battle of the Opecpion, after charging and routing a superior force of the enemy's cavalry in your front, you whirled like a thunderbolt on the left of his infantry lines and rode them down in the face of a withering fire in two successive charges, capturing over 500 prisoners and five battle-flags. When detached from the division, and in advance, during the long pursuit of Early's army from Fisher's Hill to Port 1804] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 239 Republic, yonr gallantry and daring while pressing tlie enemy called forth the highest praise. In the action of the 9th of October, taking the advance near Edinburg, yon drove Lomax's division "whirling" through ]\Iount Jackson and across the Shenandoah, capturing his last gun and his train. On the memorable 19th of October, the crowning glory was reserved for you of pursuing the enemy and reaping the fruits of that brilliant victory. After sturdily fighting from early morn with the gallant old division to which you are attached, in its successful efforts to check, and finally drive, the enemy's right, you dashed across the bridge over Cedar Creek, under a heavy fire, charging and completely smashing the enemy's rear guard. Darkness did not relax your efforts, but on you pushed, capturing guns, trains and prisoners until at near midnight you had reached Fisher's Hill, eight miles from the battle-field. At early dawn you charged and drove the enemy's cav- alry from the hill, and pushed on to Woodstock after the fast-flying foe, who could not again be overtaken. Twenty- two of the forty-three guns captured by the cavalry, fifty- nine wagons and ambulances, over four hundred prisoners (including a number of officers), and tAvo battle flags, were the trophies of your success. You have captured, during this short campaign, twenty- four guns, nine liattle-flags in action, and over one thousand prisoners. This brilliant success has not been effected without severe loss. One-third of your number, including forty officers, have been killed or wounded. They have fallen nobly at their post of duty. Praise from me is superfluous. The record of your deeds is sufficient. You have done your duty, and the brigade has maintained its old reputation. (Signed) Thomas C. Devin, Brevet Brigadier-general. 240 History of the [1864 Nov. 7tli. — Received orders to march at daybreak and take up Powell's line. Moved out at 3 a.m. and went to Cedarville near Front Royal on picket. Nov. 8tli. — About noon received orders from Gene- ral Torbert to move to Middletown. Drew in the pick- ets and arrived in our old camp about 9 p.m. Sent pickets back to Cedarville. Nov. 9th. — The infantry moved back to the Opequon Creek, a small force of the enemy's cavalry coming down to see what was going on. Charles W. Francis, Company I, died from wounds received August 29th. Nov. 10th. — Marched at 7 a.m., following the infan- try by the pike and went into camp, on their left, at Newtown, a short distance south of Winchester. Part of Sixth New York on picket on Opequon Creek. Nov. 11th. — Brigade was inspected by Major Otis, special Cavalry Inspector, and received a high mark for its condition. The Ninth New York went on a reconnoissance to Middletown and met a brigade (or more) of rebel cavalry, losing about a dozen men. The rest of Devin's brigade went to the support of the Ninth, when the enemy was checked and driven back. Nov. 12th. — The division received orders to be ready to move "light" at daybreak; remained saddled all day, and went out about dark and attacked the enemy beyond Newtown by moonlight, and after an hour or more of sharp skirmishing, the Sixth New York made a ''midnight charge," losing a number of horses killed. Drove the enemy back some distance. Were ordered to withdraw, and returned to camp. Lieut. Randall Grant, Company A, and John McCluer, Company I, wounded, the latter dying during the night. After los- ing guns, caissons, train and many prisoners, the enemy fell back. Ad.i. F. a. Easton. President Veteran Association. Ma.t. Hillman a. Hall. Chairman Committee on Regimental History. Adj. Easton in 1862. Reu. Qr. M. W. B. Besley. Treasurer Committee on Regimental History. SliT. CilJ.llEUT Li. WuuD. Historian. 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 241 Nov. 13tli.— Marched at 9 a.m. to Cedar Creek and learned that Early, with his army, had fallen back dur- ing the night; captured a few infantry stragglers and returned to camp at dark. Very cold, with snow. Nov. 14th.— During the absence of General Merritt on leave, General Devin was in command of the divi- sion and Colonel Gibbs of the Second Brigade. Moved camp to the plank road to Winchester and commenced building winter quarters. Nov. 15th.— Quiet in camp. Cold and windy. Sutler came up with supplies. One hundred men of Sixth New York went to Cedarville to recover the body of Captain Mann of Fourth New York, and took it to Winchester. Nov. 17th. — Part of brigade went to Cedar Creek on reconnoissance, but could find nothing of the enemy. Rain. Sixth New York on picket. Nov. 18th. — Eain. Two companies of the Sixth New York went on picket. The regiment made scout to Cedar Creek, finding no enemy. Nov. 19th.— Relieved from picket. Regiment in- spected. Nov. 20th. — More rain. Quiet in camp. Received orders to be in readiness to move in morning at 7 o'clock. Nov. 21st. — The division marched at 8 a.m. in a drenching rain, via Cedarville to Front Royal, when it went into bivouac, the First New York Dragoons hold- ing the picket-line. Flag of truce came in from the enemy. General Devin gave them twenty minutes in which to get away. Nov. 22d. — Very cold. Mountains were covered with snow. The brigade went to Milford in the Luray Val- ley and had a skirmish with Cosby 's and Imboden's 16 242 History of the [1864 brigades. John Conlin, Company L, Sixth New York, wounded by guerrillas while carrying dispatch. Re- turned about 11 p.m. to camp near Front Royal. Nov. 23d. — Returned in afternoon to the old camp near Winchester, and found that Mosby had paid a visit to it during our absence. In the march, the regi- ment forded the river at two points, the water being very high and swift, the men as well as the horses get- ting very wet and almost freezing. Nov. 24th. — Mosby made a call in the afternoon by dashing on a foraging party near the lines, but al- though he received a very warm welcome, decided not to extend his visit. Nov. 25tli. — The regiment was ordered to Winches- ter to relieve the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Nov. 26th. — In bivouac, waiting for the Seventeenth to move out of the camp. Nov. 27th. — The regiment moved into the camp occu- pied by the Seventeenth and found that the winter huts had been destroyed. Nov. 28th. — Merritt was ordered to move with his ■division to Loudoun County to operate against the guerrillas, who had for months been annoying the army by their sudden attacks on small parties and on the wagon trains, and to destroy all forage and drive off all cattle, sheep, hogs, etc. Marched at 7 a.m. via AVhite Post, Berry's Ford, Ashby's Gap and Paris, and went into bivouac at Upperville. Commenced the work of destruction at 3 p.m. The guerrillas hung about the camp during the night. Nov. 29th. — Moved out at smirise, marching by Union and Philomont to Snickersville and bivouacked. The Fourth New York Cavalry and First New York Dragoons encountered a considerable nmnber of Mos- 1864] Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 243 by's men. Lieutenant Blunt captured one with a fast horse. The reserve brigade joined us at this point, coming via Snicker's Gap. Nov. 30th.— Started out to clean out the county, marching by Waterford to Lovettsville and encamped. The first brigade had moved on our right, and the reserve brigade on the left, covering the whole of Lou- doun Valley. There were many Union people in that section, and they came out in large numbers with the Stars and Stripes, and cheered the men as they marched through Waterford, but the work of destruc- tion went on. Dec. 1st. — Left Lovettsville at smirise with an im- mense drove of cattle, sheep, etc. — about 3000 sheep, 3000 cattle, 500 horses and 600 hogs, having covered the country for about thirty miles and nearly fifteen wide. Marched by Purcellville, arriving at Snickers- ville at dark, where the division encamped. Dec. 2d. — Started the cattle off at daybreak via Snicker's Gap. Lost a large number of the hogs by drowning. Moved by Berryville to Millwood and Win- chester pike and encamped. Dec. 3d. — Marched to camp and took up our old quarters, having had delightful weather during the six days' excursion. Dec. 4th. — All quiet in camp. Dec. otli. — Regiment went on picket on the Berry- ville pike. Dec. 9th. — Very cold, with heavy snowfall, continu- ing all night. Colonel Devin apointed Brigadier-gen- eral. Grand jollification and serenade by the band of the First New York Dragoons. Dec. lOtli. — Snow about ten inches deep. During December the infantry, with the exception of two divi- 244 History of the [1864 sions, was sent to rejoin the Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg. Of the two divisions, one was sent to West Virginia to guard the B. & 0. E. E., while the other remained with Sheridan and the cavalry in the valley. Early was at Staunton with the greater part of his army, a portion of it being stationed at Three Top Mountain and at Newmarket. Owing to the extreme cold and frequent severe storms, both rain and snow, the cavalry remained in camp for a number of days, the several regiments of each brigade taking their turn, in short reliefs, on the usual picket duty. Dec. 19th. — The Cavalry Corps moved out of camp and started on a raid to Gordonsville. Torbert, with Merritt's and Powell's divisions, marched through Front Royal and encamped in Chester Gap. Dec. 20th.— Marched through Flint Hill, Little Washington and Sperryville. Dec. 21st. — Moved through Criglersville to near Madison C. H., Sixth New York going on picket. Dec. 22d. — Moved on to the Eapidan, a portion of the command engaging the enemy and capturing sev- eral pieces of artillery. Dec. 23d. — Marched to near Gordonsville, skirmish- ing with the enemy, who was found strongly in- trenched. Marched back to Eobertson Eiver and biv- ouacked. The weather was very cold, accompanied by rain and sleet, almost continuously. Dec. 24th. — Moved across the Sperryville pike to Hazel Run. Dec. 25tli.^ — Christmas Day. Crossed Hazel Run and went into bivouac near Warrenton. The Third Division returned to camp, many of the men with frozen feet. 1864] Sixth New York Cavalry. 245 Dec. 26tli.— Milder, but cloudy. Marched to War- reuton and White Plains, and bivouacked near Middle- burg. Dec. 27th.— Marched through Middleburg, Upper- ville, Ashby's Gap and across the river and biv- ouacked near Millwood. The mud was in abundance. The Second Division arrived back in camp. Dec. 28th.— First Division marched to camp about noon, bringing with it two ])ieces of Lomax's artillery captured by the First New York Dragoons. Dec. 29th. — The weather was freezing cold, with a mixture of rain and snow, causing much suffering among the almost perished men and horses. Received orders to move into winter quarters near Lovettsville. Dec. 30th. — Reveille sounded at 5 a.m., and called the men from their downy couches and sweet slumbers to find an exceptionally pleasant morning. The bri- gade moved out of camp at 8 a.m. and marched through Winchester and Bunker Hill and encamped near the Opequon. Dec. 31st. — Marched at daybreak in a heavy snow storm, passing through Smithfield and Charlestown, and bivouacked at noon near Halltown, the weather and storm being too severe for further marching. 1865 Jan. 1st.— Started about daylight, and passing through Halltown and Harper's Ferry crossed the Shenandoah Eiver on a pontoon bridge, then down the right bank of the Potomac, around the toe of the mountain, to Lovettsville and encamped near the town. The day was intensely cold, with a biting wind ; the progress of the column very slow, while a number of the men were slightly hurt by the falling of their smooth-shod horses on the icy roads. Jan. 2d. — The regiment pitched its tents in the woods near Lovettsville. Here the regiment made itself as comfortable as possible, and passed the two winter months of January and February in the ordi- nary camp and picket duties, and in observing the country between the Potomac River and the Blue Eidge. General Devin left camp on fifteen days' leave. Lieutenant-colonel Geo. S. Nichols, Ninth New York, assuming command of the brigade. Jan. 3d.— Part of the command employed erecting winter huts. Jan. 4th.— The Sixth New York moved camp about three miles and put up winter (piarters. More snow. Jan. 5th. — Warmer, with melting snow and thawing ground, making the traveling very disagreeable. Regiment went on scout and captured three chickens. Jan. 6th.— Rain. All quiet in camp and on the lines. Jan. 7th.— Heavy snow and high wind in morning, with clear and very cold weather in the afternoon. The regiment went on picket. 2'48 History of the [1865 Jan. 8th. — Divine service by the chaplain in the schoolhonse near camp. Jan. 9th. — Eain. A force of rebels was reported near Upperville. Jan. 10th. — More rain. The Seventeenth Pennsyl- vania sent on a reconnoissance, bnt found no signs of the enemy. Part of Sixth New York went on scout. Jan. 11th. — Clear and cold. Jan. 12th.— A visit from General Sheridan was expected in camp. He came as far as Berlin, but was unable to cross the river on account of the high water and ice. Many leaves and furloughs were granted to the officers and men during the month. Jan. 13th. — All quiet in camp. Weather very cold and blustery. Jan. 14tli.— Wind blew a gale. The river was still very difficult to cross. General Sheridan visited the camps in the afternoon. Jan. 15th. — The regiment went on picket duty; 199 men joined the regiment from remount camp. Gen- eral Sheridan left camp at 8 a.m. for Cumberland, Md. Jan. 16th. — All quiet in camp. Jan. 17th and 18th. — All quiet during the day. At midnight a party of guerrillas, numbering about 100, attacked and drove in the pickets, and with a dash charged in the camp of the Sixth New York, firing in the tents and among the horses, and cutting the horses loose. The regiment turned out, in undress uniform and barefooted, and charged the enemy, driving them from the camp and for a distance of about one and a half miles, but being dismounted could not overtake them, but killed one officer and wounded a number of the men. The regiment lost two men killed, nine 18G5] Sixth Neiu YorJ^ Cavalrij. 249 wounded and five missing, and lost twenty-five horses. The men of the Sixth New York now surviving will, no doubt, remember that night, for it was very cold, and the bare feet and scant clothing made it a cliilly expe- rience, Jan. 19th.— Cold and cloudy. A scouting party was sent to search for the midnight marauders, but, beyond killing one, was unsuccessful. Jan. 20th.— General Devin returned from leave. In anticipation of another attack, the regiment built a barricade around the camp and strengthened the picket-line. The weather continued bitter cold. Jan. 21st.^ — Stormy. Jan. 22d. — Regiment formed line to meet a threat- ened attack. Eain was falling hard, and freezing as it fell. Jan. 23d. — The storm continued. An attack was made on the picket-line. The regiment saddled up and remained in line for several hours, and then ' ' turned in, ' ' but left the horses saddled all night. Jan. 24th.— Major Harrison White was relieved from duty at brigade headquarters, and, as senior officer, took command of the regiment. The remain- ing days of January and early part of February were passed in the usual camp duties: police, guard and picket duty, drill and dress parade, with an occasional small scout in the surrounding country to keep the limbs of the men and horses in condition for the cam- paign that was rapidly approaching. It was while in this camp that our worthy comrade, Regimental Quar- termaster Sergeant W. B. Besley, returning to the days of his infancy, so to speak, indulged in a good and well-developed case of the mumps. There were many snowstorms during the winter, some of which 250 History of the [1865 were quite deep, varying from six to twelve inches, but which soon disappeared under the rays of the sun, the combination of sun, snow and earth making that which all soldiers will well remember. Jan. 28th. — Eegiment went on scout to Waterford. Jan. 29th. — One hundred and two recruits joined the regiment from dismounted camp. Senator Foote of the Confederate Congress from Eichmond came in our lines and remained at night at brigade headquar- ters, and then passed on his way to Fortress Monroe to attend a peace conference (so called). Feb. 3d. — One squadron of the Sixth New York, under Captain Bell, went on a scout to Hillsboro and brought back the notorious guerrilla, Payne, and three others. Feb. -Ith to 14th. — In addition to the variations of camp and picket duty, and rain, hail and snow, there were several days, at intervals, when the sleighing was fine, and which a few who were fortunate enough to find the runners enjoyed, as only men so long denied can enjoy. Feb. 15tli. — Two squadrons (150 men) Sixth New York, under Captain Bell, were sent on a scout toward Snickersville. Marched via Lovettsville, Wheatland and Purcell- ville to within two miles of Snickersville, returning through Woodgrove, Hillsboro and Morristown, arriving in camp about -4 p.m. Encountered a small force of the enemy, captured four men of the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, and six horses, but were unable to overtake the others. The weather was anything but agreeable, being one continuous storm of rain, snow and hail. Feb. 16th.— Thawing. 1865] Sixth New York Cavalry. 251 Feb. ITtli. — More snow. Feb. 18th. — Kegiment went on picket. Feb. 20th.— The guerrillas in considerable force were in front of the picket-line in the morning. The picket reserve of the regiment remained saddled all night. Feb. 21st.— All quiet. Feb. 22d.— Washington's Birthday, in celebration of which a national salute was fired at noon at Har- per's Ferry. Feb. 23d.— Orders were received to break camp and be ready to move at 6 a.m. the 24th. Feb. 24th. — Marched about 10 a.m., going via Lov- ettsville, Wheatland and Hillsboro, and bivouacked at night on the snow-drifts two miles south of Harper's Ferry, having covered about twenty-five miles. Feb. 25th.— Started at daylight and, crossing the Shenandoah River at Harper's Ferry, moved up the valley, passing through Halltown, Charlestown, Rip- pon and Berryville, crossed the Opequon, and biv- ouacked near Winchester, having marched about thirty miles through rain and mud. Colonel Charles L. Fitzhugh reported to the regiment and assumed command. Feb. 26th. — Marched through and about two miles beyond Winchester and went into bivouac. Received orders to be in readiness to move out at 6 a.m. the fol- lowing day. In the absence of General Torbert Gene- ral Merritt was appointed Chief of Cavalry, General Devin to the command of the First Division, and Col- onel Fitzhugh to that of the Second Brigade. Early, with Wharton's two brigades of infantry, was at Staunton. Lomax's cavalry was at Millboro, near and west of Staunton. The rest of his infantry and 252 History of the [1865 part of his cavalry had been sent to Petersburg, while the remainder of his cavalry was scattered in the sur- rounding country. General Grant having directed Sheridan to destroy the James Eiver Canal and the Virginia Central Railroad, and, if possible, capture Lynchburg, it was the General's plan, by rapid marches, to approach Staunton before Early could draw in his scattered army. Feb. 27th. — Left camp at 8 a.m. and, moving up the valley, passed through Newtown, Middletown, Stras- burg and Mooretown, and camped at dark near Wood- stock, having marched over thirty miles. General Sheridan with the First Division, which had the advance. The command was moving with few wagons, the ambulances, ammunition and pontoon wagons composing the greater part of the train. The men carried five days' rations and forage, and depended, for further subsistence, on the country beyond the devastated section, Feb. 28th. — Moved out about 8 a.m., the Second Bri- gade as rear guard, and, passing through Edinburg, Mount Jackson and Newmarket, went into bivouac after midnight a few miles from Harrisonburg, hav- ing marched and skirmished over thirty miles. The enemy attempted to burn the bridge across the Shen- andoah, but a small force of the brigade went up the river, swam their horses across, and came down in rear of the rebels at the same time a charge in front drove them away, leaving a number of prisoners in our hands. March 1st. — Marched at nine o'clock via Harrison- burg, Mount Crawford and Sidney, and to within about six miles of Staunton, a distance of twenty-five miles, the First Division in the advance. At Mount 1S(J5] Sixth New York Cavalry. 253 Crawford the advance had quite a skirmish with the enemy's cavalry, capturing quite a number of Ros- ser's men and about twenty wagons. The regiment went on ])icket for the night. March 2d. — Started in the morning in a heavy rain- storm, the Third Division in advance, and marched through Staunton and on toward Fishersville. The First Division moved through Staunton about noon, destroying all stages and wagons in town, and fol- lowed the Third Division on toward Waynesboro, and destroyed all supplies at Swoope's Dej^ot. Custer encountered Early in a line of breastworks near Waynesboro, and sending a dismounted brigade around the left flank of the enemy, he, with the remain- der of his division, attacked the enemy's works in front. The flank movement throwing the enemy in disorder, the assaulting line quickly carried the front, pressed through Waynesboro and on across South Eiver, where it captured about 1500 men, 11 pieces of artillery, 17 battle-flags, all of Early's staff, and 140 wagons and ambulances. A large train of cars loaded with supplies for the Confederates was overtaken and destroyed south of Waynesboro. In fact, nearly all of Early's forces, stores and wagons fell into our hands, the artillery and prisoners being- sent back, under guard, to Winchester. From here were sent back, with the prisoners, all our sick and used-up horses, under the command of Lieutenant- colonel George S. Nichols, Ninth New York Cavalry. The First Division, except as a support to the Third, took but little part in the fight, being employed in detached skirmishes, and in destroying property, and bivouacked for the night at Waynesboro, while Custer pushed on through Rockfish Gap and encamped at 254 History of the [1865 Brookfield. While Eosser made his way back to the valley, Early and two or three of his generals, with twenty-five or thirty men, escaped over the mountains. The rain having been almost continuous for several days, the roads had become almost impassable, in many places the stirrups and horses' bodies dragging in the mud. Frequently a horse was abandoned through inability to extricate him. As Colonel White put it in his diary, ' ' there was much rain, mud and glory. ' ' March 3d. — The division marched through AVaynes- boro, Eockfish Gap and G-reenwood, and encamped at Shiloh Church, Gibbs' brigade of Devin's division having remained at Waynesboro to destroy the rail- road bridge across South Eiver, and to guard the wagon train. March 4th. — Marched to Charlottesville and encamped. Owing to the necessarily slow movement of the wagon train and its total inability to keep up with the column, for the mud was from eighteen inches to two feet deep, Sheridan decided to halt for a day or two, and while awaiting its arrival and resting the jaded cavalry and artillery horses, turned his atten- tion to the destruction of the railroad toward Lynch- burg. March 5th.— The Sixth and Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania were "employed on the rail- road" until four o'clock, destroying about ten miles of it. Forage and rations having become exhausted, the country was scoured by organized parties, who brought in more than the troops could carry. A great quantity was turned over to a large body of colored people who were following the column, much to their 255 18G5] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. surprise and gratification, many of whom declared they hadn't had such a feast in "yeahs." March 6th.— The Sixth New York left camp in early morning and marched to Scottsville on the James Eiver, about twenty-eight miles, destroying the canal and all canal property along the route. Then biv- ouacked, and at an early hour of the 7th pushed on to Howardsville (twenty-five miles), destroying the canal, as well as many buildings filled with rebel stores. Joined the brigade at Howardsville and marched on to Newmarket, continuing the destruction of the canal. It had been Sheridan's intention to cross the James Eiver, march on to Appomattox C. H., and destroy the Southside Railroad, Imt owing to the unfordable river, the insufficient pontoons and the destruction of the two bridges at Duguidsville and Hardwicksville, he decided to further destroy the James Eiver Canal and the Virginia Central Eailroad, and move on and join the Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg. Marcli 8th. — Marched at noon via Howardsville and Scottsville, arriving at dark, the Sixth New York in the advance, capturing several men and horses ; thence on the Eichmond turnpike to Columbia, twenty-two miles south of Scottsville, arriving at Columbia about daybreak of the 9th, having marched about fifty miles in a heavy rain. Major Farmer and two squadrons of the Sixth New York were left to hold the bridge over Hardware Eiver, between Scottsville and Colum- bia, until the arrival of the Third Division. A forag- ing party captured three wagons loaded with supplies, part of which was taken and the rest destroyed. Found a large quantity of goods — grain in sacks, molasses in barrels, rich clothing in trunks, and all 256 Histonj of the [1865 kinds of bedding piled up and covered with brush- wood. Took the grain, but left the other things. The Third Division having arrived at the bridge, the two squadrons moved on to rejoin the regiment, and marching all night crossed a branch of the James Eiver at daylight of the 9th and bivouacked on the north side. March 9th. — The brigade remained in camp at Columbia, waiting for the rest of the cavalry. March 10th. — The two squadrons of the Sixth New York rejoined the regiment at Columbia about 3 a.m. A number of the enemy were watching our movements from the opposite side of the James Eiver, but a party of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania crossed over in boats and drove them away. Foraging parties were sent out and returned laden with supplies. One squadron of Sixth New York was sent on a scout to Palmyra, fifteen miles distant. The rest of the cavalry came up in the afternoon. March 11th. — Fitzhugh's brigade went on a raid to Goochland C. H., capturing a few rebels, the Sixth New York returning on the tow-path, destroying the canal, locks, boats, mills, warehouses, etc., and arrived at Columbia after midnight, having traveled about fifty miles. Columbia was a small town at the junc- tion of the James and Rivanna Rivers. The command remained in camp waiting for the wagons to come up, the frightful condition of the roads making it almost impossible for the jaded teams to pull them along, in which they were frequently aided by the hundreds of colored men who were following the column, who, seizing the wheels, would soon "yank" them out of the mire, and the train would again move on until it came to another "sticky" halt. Men and horses. 1865] Sixth New York Cavalry. 257 teamsters and mules, wagons and negroes, were lite- rally plastered from one end to the other, but the men were happy and good natnred, laughing and singing and joking, for the enemy was in the last ditch, the war was nearing its end, and home, sweet home, was almost in sight. March 12th. — The division moved out of camp at 7 a.m. and marched north toward Louisa C. H., and crossing the South Anna River went into bivouac about 10 p.m. at Cuckoosville, having made about twenty miles. March 13th. — Marched early toward Hanover C. H., reaching the Virginia Central Railroad at Tollersville, and destroyed it and the depots as far as Fredericks Hall, covering a distance of twenty miles. Brush heaps were made, the ties laid on them, across which the rails were placed. The heat so twisted and bent the rails that they were unserviceable for further use. March 11th. — Fitzhugh's brigade moved to Beaver- dam Station and encamped at 6 p.m. Part of the command continued the work of destroying the Cen- tral Railroad, while the Sixth New York went on picket duty. General Sheridan, learning that Longstreet, Pickett and Fitzhugh Lee were making a concerted movement to head him otf, and believing that White House was the key to the situation, ordered Cus- ter's division, via Ground Squirrel Bridge, to Ashland to join Merritt, who had moved via Hanover Junction. The enemy, being misled by this movement, marched to Ashland. Leaving one brigade to hold the line, Sheridan directed the two divisions to countermarch and move northward to Mount Carmel Church, where they crossed the North Anna River. Under cover of 17 258 History of the [1865 the darkness, the brigade at Ashland moved back and rejoined its division at Mount Carniel about midnight of the 15th. March 15th. — Moved out early and marched to Tay- lorsville and South Anna and returned to Chesterfield Station. Had a little skirmishing, during which the command captured three pieces of artillery and sev- eral flags, March 16tli. — Marched on the White House road to Mangohick Church, the Sixth New York camping at division headquarters. According to Colonel White, ''a party of gueriillas and Company L, Sixth New York, had a quarrel." ]\Iarch 17th. — Marched by Aylett's and camped near King William C. H. March 18th. — Moved via Lanesville to Indiantown on the bank of the Pamunky River and bivouacked opposite White House. March 19th. — At 8 a.m. crossed the river on the old railroad bridge and went into camp at White House Landing, on the widespread plantation bordering upon the south bank of the river, and once the lovely home of the Confederate leader, Robert E. Lee. Thus terminated an almost continuous march of twenty- four days since leaving Lovettsville, or twenty-one days from Winchester, during which the constant storms had thoroughly saturated the clothing and ])hinkets, while the water-soaked boots were frozen stiff during the cold hours of the nights, leaving many a trooper, in consequence, with feet that have, no doubt, given much pain and annoyance in the years that have followed. The unfordable rivers, the almost impassable roads, the needs of foraging for subsist- ence, lack of knowledge of the roads and lanes in a 1865] Sixth Netv York Cavalry. 259 part of the country through which we had never marched before, confronted by an enemy in front, and annoyed by bands of guerrillas on the flanks, all of whom were familiar with the roads and lanes and l)aths, were a few of the problems that had to be solved quickly as the column moved forward. But the leader was a man of "many resources," and his fol- lowers were veterans who never doubted his wisdom nor failed him in the execution of orders, and pushing steadily forward, and brushing aside all obstacles, they not only annihilated the Confederate army, but effectually destroyed his means of transportation by both railroad and canal, and thus ended one of the greatest raids in the history of wars. Not contented with those brilliant achievements, they still pressed on, and swerving to the flank at Petersburg they pur- sued the enemy to the last ditch at Appomattox, and were in the front line of battle in the closing chapter of the Rebellion, March 20th. — In camp at White House, resting, and bathing in the waters of the James River, endeavoring to get separated from the accumulated and encrusted dirt of the three weeks' march and exposure. Again enjoying the good old "hardtack," having become tired of "home-made bread." March 22d. — The Sixth New York went on picket at Tunstall's Station, about three miles from White House. No mail had reached the command in over three weeks. March 23d. — Major Sawyer arrived in camp and commenced paying the brigade. The Sixth New York relieved from picket at 11 a.m. and returned to camp at noon. 1260 Histonj of the [1865 March 24tli. — Regiment was paid off. Mail arrived. Oh, joy ! March 25th. — Marched at 9 a.m. via Charles City C. H. to near Harrison's Landing, on the James River, and encamped. March 26th. — Moved by Malvern Hill and crossed the James River on pontoons at Deep Bottom, and marched toward Bermuda Hundred and the Appomat- tox and. encamped at Hancock Station. March 27th. — Marched by the rear of the Army of the James, crossed the Appomattox and moved b}^ the rear of the Ninth Corps and encamped near their left. The enemy's batteries tried to shell the column as it moved under their guns, but failed to reach it. March 28tli. — In camp in front of Petersburg, draw- ing supplies. March 29th. — The Cavalry Corps, separated from the infantry, left camp at an early hour, about seven o'clock, and marched all day toward the left of our army, moving by circuitous routes, through vast tracts of woodland, swamps, and roads of mire, first going south to Reams ' Station, then west toward Din- widdle, bivouacking near the Court-house, about twenty miles from Petersburg. Deviu's and Crook's divisions were put in position to guard the five roads leading from that point. Custer's division, with the wagon train, had bivouacked in the mud, several miles in the rear, at Rowanty Creek. The holding of these roads, particularly the one leading to Five Forks, was of vast importance to the movement contemplated, and Sheridan at once x)roceeded to hold it. The infan- try line extended about fifteen miles, from the Boyd- ton road (the left), held by Warren, to the Appomat- tox (the right), held by Parke. General Lee had dis- ISGo] Sixth New York Cavalry. 261 covered tlie movement to the left, and met it by extending his line on the White Oak road, as well as drawing in his cavalry under W. H. F. and Fitzhugh Lee, and Rosser, to guard the roads at Five Forks, the crossing of five roads. The greater part of the coun- try was wooded, with here and there a field or a swamp or marsh. March 30th. — It commenced raining early in the morning and continued to rain hard all day. Devin's division, supported by Davies' brigade, moved out toward the White Oak road, Gibbs'. brigade being sent on a reconnoissance to Five Forks, and finding the rebel cavalry and Pickett's infantry (five brigades) in breastworks along the AVhite Oak road. In the after- noon Fitzhugh 's brigade, while moving toward the railroad, encountered some of Lee's cavalry and some infantry, and a brisk skirmish took place. The Sixth New York, acting in support, was mounted. At 4.30, the enemy coming up in strong force, the line was forced back ; the regiment formed to meet the advance and checked it for a time, but volley after volley being l)oured into its ranks, was forced to retire to its former position. A number of men were wounded, among them Lieutenant Thomas M. Wells, a bullet passing through his leg below the knee, the wound being dressed by Doctor Curran, Surgeon Ninth New York (formerly Assistant-surgeon Sixth New York). At night the Sixth New. York went on picket. March 31st. — In the early forenoon Devin's divi- sion, supported by Davies' brigade of Crook's divi- sion, moved toward the Southside Eailroad, the objec- tive point being the crossroads. Owing to the condi- tion of the road and the stubbornness of the enemy's pickets, the division advanced slowly, but succeeded in 1262 History of the [1865 getting possession of the crossroads. Crook, with two brigades, had moved out at the same time, going west of Dinwiddie to cover Devin's left, where he met the enemy's infantry, under Pickett, and after a severe engagement was forced back, permitting Pickett to move in between Devin and Crook, separating the two divisions and controlling the road to Dinwiddie, com- pelling Devin and Davies to retire through the woods and fields to the Boydton road. When Davies ' brigade was attacked, the Second Brigade (Fitzhugh's) was ordered to its relief and, dismounting, relieved the men on the line, which extended over uneven ground and through the woods, when they were soon attacked on their left rear. Changing front, they quickly repulsed the attack, but received a volley from another force on the right of their first position. After repulsing this attack the line fell back, fighting as it retired, and discovered that the horses had been removed some miles to the rear on the Boydton road. Finally reaching the horses the brigade moved with the division to Dinwiddie. Gibbs' and Gregg's bri- gades attacked the rear and right of the enemy that had been following Fitzhugh and Davies, checking Pickett's advance, and compelling him to face about and meet the attack. General Sheridan, in the late afternoon, having decided to establish another line through more open country, about a mile north of Din- widdie, ordered up the artillery, and Custer, with two brigades, which had been toiling along with the wagon train, and joining the three divisions, formed a line across the Five Forks road, his left about half a mile northwest of Dinwiddie, and extending in a semi- circle through the open country in a northeasterly direction to near the Boydton road. Just before dark 1865] Sixth New York Cavalry. 263 tlie enemy made a sudden attack on the left, but received such a volley on their flank from another part of the line as to cause them to retire in haste. General Sheridan, accompanied by a number of officers and orderlies, rode along the line to encourage the men, and drew the enemy's fire. The artillery now opened their fire on the advancing enemy, and when the line had reached to easy range, the men in the barricades became active again, sending out such a storm of bul- lets that the (Confederates were quickly driven back to the woods, from which they did not emerge again that night. Sergeant Isaac A. Collier, Company i\I, was taken prisoner and sent to that famous resort in Rich- mond known to so many of the Union boys, but from which he was transferred a few days later to Annapo- lis, Md. April 1st. — Up at 2 a.m. and ready for the march. Pickett's advance toward Dinwiddle having separated him from Lee's army, it was Sheridan's intention to move promptly and capture his command before it could retreat to the fortified position at the Forks. To that end the Fifth Corps (General Warren) had been ordered to report to Sheridan at midnight of the 31st, but did not break camp until about daylight of the 1st, and failed to reach Sheridan after Pickett had fallen back to Five Forks, hotly followed by the two cavalry divisions, Devin moving along the road from the southeast and Custer by the Scott road leading to the Forks, where he was driven behind the intreuch- ments. With W. H. F. Lee's cavalry on his right and Munford's on his left, and ten pieces of artillery dis- tributed along the line of breastworks, which extended for nearly two miles, with the Forks for a centre, he was confronted about two o'clock bv Merritt, with his 264 History of the [1865 two cavalry divisions, which had moved up to within short range of the intrenchments. About four o'clock two divisions of the Fifth Corps advanced against the enemy's left, while one (G-riffin's) worked around to his rear; Devin and Custer, with the two cavalry divisions, making a concerted assault on his front. As the Fifth Corps went over the left of the enemy's works Devin 's dismounted cavalry went with them, in the centre or front, and together rushed inside the intrenchments, capturing nearly six thousand prison- ers, six pieces of artillery and thirteen battle-flags. April 2d. — The cavalry advanced toward Ford's Station, on the Southside Railroad, meeting and engaging the enemy's cavalry, which, being soon driven back, the command gave its attention to tearing u!) and destroying the railroad. Then again moving- forward, Devin 's division in advance, the enemy's cavalry was again encountered and driven back toward Scott's Corners and on his infantry, the fighting con- tinuing until after dark, when the troops bivouacked on the field. April 3d. — After about forty winks of sleep, with one eye open and the other one not closed, the advance was continued, with Custer's Division in front and the Fifth Corps following closely in rear of Devin. The rebels had abandoned their strong position during the night, and Custer, pressing them closely, forced them to abandon much of their train, five pieces of artillery, many wagons and about 800 prisoners falling into our hands during the day. Bivouacked at night on the Amelia C. H. road. April 4th. — Marched toward the Court-house and came up with the enemy in fortified position at Fin- ney's Mills. Lee was reported to be at the Court- TiveToR-Ks \ ^ (.Wff^ Map of Five Forks. By Gen. Crawford. Map of Five Fop.ks, April 1st, 3 p.:m. By Gen. Warren. 1865] Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 265 lionse, evidently with the intention of concentrating his forces at that point. The Fifth Corps had been ordered to move to Jetersville, Crook to strike the Danville Railroad between Jetersville and Burkeville, west of Amelia C. H., and Merritt to advance to the Court-house. Sheridan, with his escort of the First U. S. Cavalry, reached Jetersville ahead of the Fifth Corps, and deployed his small force of cavalry to hold the position until the infantry should arrive. A Con- federate courier was captured at this moment, and on his person being found a duplicate telegram from the Confederate commissary general, ordering 300,000 rations to be sent quickly to Burkeville Junction, it confirmed the opinion that Lee was concentrating at Amelia Court-house. Merritt was now ordered to Je- tersville and, halting long enough to get supper, feed and groom the jaded horses, the division marched all night, and arriving at Jetersville about noon of the 5th, massed on the left of the Fifth Corps, which was in position crossing the Danville Railroad. A small force of cavalry had been left to watch the enemy toward Amelia C. H. April 5th. — General Meade, with two corps (Second and Sixth) arrived at Jetersville about 3 p.m. A cavalry reconnoissance to Paine 's Crossroads, about six miles north of Jetersville, discovered the enemy's artillery and wagon trains were moving westward. It burned about 200 of the wagons and captured five pieces of artillery. This was ])roof that Lee was strik- ing for some point other than Amelia C. H. As soon as the Second Corps began to arrive, Sheridan wanted to advance, but Meade preferred to wait until his whole force was up. General Grant arrived at Jetersville about midnight. 266 History of the [1865 April 6tli. — Meade advanced toward Amelia C H. and found that Lee had been retreating all night. Sheridan, impatient with the dela}^, had started with the cavalry early in the morning on the road to Eice Station, with Crook in the advance and Devin closely following. The enemy's trains were soon over- taken, but the advance being unable to handle the strong guard, Sheridan, leaving one brigade of Devin's division with a battery to watch and engage the retreating enemy, pushed the rest of his cavalry across the country, parallel to the enemy's line of retreat. When near Sailor's Creek, Merritt and Crook made a strong attack, reached the Rice Station road, captured a large number of prisoners and nine pieces of artillery and destroyed several hundred wagons. A Confederate corps of infantry under Ewell was cut otf from joining Longstreet at Rice Station. Stagg's brigade (of Devin's divi- sion), which had been left back to watch the enemy on the Amelia C. H. road, had moved in between the head of Gordon's column and the rear of Ewell 's, compelling Grordon to abandon his march toward Rice Station and to take another road, pursued by the Second Corps. Ewell, thus completely cut off, had no alternative — he must either fight there or surrender. Choosing the former, the Battle of Sailor's Creek goes on record as a short but desperate struggle for supremacy, during which the Confederates fought heroically, but were out- matched by the determined Federals, who saw victory and home but a short distance ahead. The cavalry, in connection with the infantry, charged and captured Ewell, Custis, Lee and four other generals, over 9000 prisoners, twelve pieces of artillery, and a large num- 1865] Sixth New York Cavalry. 267 ber of wagons, horses, mules, etc. Although darkness had come before the fighting was over, Devin's divi- sion pushed on for a mile or more, and bivouacked about midnight, remaining saddled and in readiness for action. April 7th. — Devin's division advanced early via Rice Station (finding several strong positions aban- doned) to Prince Edward C. H. It being very evident now that Lee was making for Lynchburg, Sheridan moved directly on Appomattox C. H., Devin's and Custer's divisions marching about six miles toward Prospect Station and bivouacking near Big Buffalo Run. April 8th. — At daybreak the division marched on the Lynchburg road to Prospect Station, and uniting with the other divisions moved toward Appomattox Sta- tion, about twelve miles distant. The telegram cap- tured at Jetersville on the -!:th had, by Sheridan's directions, been transmitted from a distant station to the supply departments, as directed. Learning that, in response to the telegram, several trains of supplies were at Appomattox Station, Sheridan, having noti- fied Crook of their existence, hurried forward with Merritt's command. The advance, under Custer, pushed rapidly ou to the station, two regiments going around beyond it and tearing up the track, while the rest took possession of the depot, meeting the almost savage advance guard of the enemy. Custer imme- diately made an attack and, after a desperate struggle, drove them back, capturing nearly 200 wagons, a hos- pital train, 35 pieces of artillery, and over 1000 prison- ers, including one general officer. Devin's division arriving in the late afternoon was sent in on the right, while two of Crook's brigades were held in reserve, 268 History of the [1865 the other one having been sent to the left. The enemy was then driven back toward the Court-house, several miles north of the station, and the cavalry went into bivouac about 1 a.m. of the 9th, the skirmishing con- tinuing throughout the night. The importance of the situation being so great, many staff officers were sent back to General Grant, urging that the infantry be hurried forward, for the feeling was general that the end was nearing. It was a sleepless night for every one, even the weary vidette being unable to close his eyes on the lonely post of vigil. General Ord, having been on the march all night, arrived soon after day- light, and, it being decided where his troops should be put in position, went back to urge on the men wearied from their all-night's march, while Sheridan rode for- ward to direct the movements of his cavalry near the Court-house. Lee's army was in a valley east and north of the Court-house, with his rear guard in line to oppose Meade's advance. At a council of the Con- federate generals, it having been planned that Gordon should break through the Federal cavalry lines at a very early hour on the morning of the 9tli, he advanced in force, with three lines, pushing back the light line of dismounted cavalry, which, however, resisted doggedly, giving the infantry time to form in the woods in its rear. The firing began on the left of the cavalry line, the skirmishing soon becoming hot and rapid along the whole line. When the infantry came up, the cavalry halted and with the infantry soon drove the enemy back in confusion to his position in the valley. About nine o'clock Devin's and Custer's divi- sions retired to their horses, mounted and moved off rapidly to the right and formed line ready to strike 18(35] Sixth Neiv York Cavalrij. 269 the enemy's left. The withdrawal of these two divi- sions encouraged the enemy to press Crook on the left, their line advancing steadily until they saw Ord's men moving out from the woods beyond, when they halted and began to retire, and when the infantry advanced over the ground just vacated by the two cavalry divisions, and together with the cavalry on the flanks pushed forward to an attack, he retired, in confusion, to a ridge in front of the Court-house. Merritt's cav- alry on the right, moving parallel with the enemy's line, drew a heavy fire from the Confederate guns, but still- pressed on, and reaching high ground near the Court-house, formed line for a charge down the slope to Lee's camps, now plainly in sight. But the charge was not made, as a staff officer came dashing up, shout- ing, ''Do not charge; the white flag is up; Lee has sur- rendered." It is supposed that the enemy, seeing the cavalry forming for a charge, and knowing that the day (and cause) was lost, sent the flag forward in haste to check the movement and avert further blood- shed. Several of the cavalry regiments were moving rapidly toward the rebel camps, as well as toward a tempting wagon train just beyond, when some of Sher- idan's officers, accompanied by two Confederate officers, with a white flag, galloped forward and noti- fied them that hostilities had been suspended. As General Sheridan was riding toward the Court-house to meet a group of Confederate officers, he and his escort were fired on and compelled to seek safety in a ravine. The rebel officers apologized for the violation of the flag. The firing ceased, the records varying as to the hour, some giving it at 9 a.m. and others between ten and twelve o'clock. My recollection is it was about ten o'clock — that all was quiet on some 270 History of the [1865 parts of the line; that great excitement prevailed on others ; that many groups of men were congratulating themselves and each other over the ending of the struggle; that the writer dismounted and "laid him- self down" at his horse's feet and went to sleep — good, sound, peaceful sleep — the first he had had, to speak of and enjoy, out of the saddle since the night of April 1st after passing through the breastworks at Five Forks, and slept on and did not awaken until the arrival of General Grant, who passed through the lines of Fitzhugh's brigade, a little while past the noon hour, and proceeded to the McLean house, where he met General Lee, and where the terms of surrender were drawn up and signed at about three o'clock p.m. April 9th, 1865, at Appomattox C. H. or Clover Hill. The cavalry then unsaddled its horses and bivouacked beside its brave adversary, the Confederate army. The terms of Lee's surrender were summed up in the following memorandum : Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9th, 1865. General : In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit: EoUs of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate ; one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged; and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their connuands. The arms, artillery and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to 1805] Sixth New York Cavalry. 271 receive them. This will not eniljraee the side-arms of the officers, or their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority as long as he obeys its paroles and the laws in force where he may reside. (Signed) U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-general. Gen. R. E. Lee. Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia. April 9th, 1865. General : I received your letter of this date, containing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those ex- pressed in your letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect. (Signed) R. E. Lee, General. Lieutenant-general U. S. Grant. April lOtli. — MacKenzie's division of cavalry remained to assist in carrying ont the terms of the sur- render. The other divisions marched back to Pros- pect Station and went into camp near Farmville. April 11th.— Marched by Prince Edward C. H. and camped about six miles east of it. April 12tli. — Marched to Burkeville and bivouacked. April 13th. — ]\Iarched to Nottoway Station and encamped. April llth. — In camp. April 15tli. — In camp. The sacl news of the assassi- nation of President Lincoln, on the night of the lltli, reached camp, and was deeply felt, arousing the spirit of the men to boiling heat, causing them to chafe under 272 Histonj of the [1865 the restraint that kept them from rushing forth to seek vengeance. April 16th. — In camp at Nottoway. April 17th. — Marched by the railroad and camped near Ford's Station on the Southside Eailroad. April 18tli. — Marched to within two miles of Peters- burg and camped. April 19th. — In camp. April 20th. — Moved to a better camp nearer town. April 21st, 22d, 23d.— In camp, April 24th. — Moved out of camp in early morning and marched by Dinwiddle C. H. to Nottoway River, twenty-six miles. April 25tli.^ — Eesnmed the march on the Boydton plank road, and bivouacked after marching twenty miles. April 26th. — Constructed a bridge over the Meher- via River (the bridge had been burned by the Confed- erates during the Wilson raid) and continued the march on the plank road to near Boydton and biv- ouacked at midnight. April 27th. — Marched with the wagon train by Clarksville to the junction of Danville and Staunton and camped after midnight. On the march saw some of Lee's men on their way home. April 28tli. — Crossed the Staunton River, bridged by ferry boats, at Russell's Ferry, and marched by Scottsburg, on the Richmond & Danville Railroad, to hear Boston, where official information was received that Johnston had surrendered. AVent into bivouac before dark. April 29tli. — Countermarched and proceeded on the way back toward Petersburg, going via Mosely's Ferry and Staunton River and went into camp early. 1865] Sixth Netv York Cavalry. 273 April oOtli. — Marched by Williamsburg, Devin's division in the rear, and the Sixth New York with the train, and bivouacked at Pleasant Grove. May 1st.— Made a long march to Blacks and Whites on the Southsicle Eailroad. Strict orders were received against foraging. May 2d.— Marched by Wilson's and Farl's Shops and bivouacked sixteen miles from Petersburg. May 3d.— Marched to Petersburg and camped north of the Appomattox. May 4th to 9th. — In camp near the river. May 10th.— General Sheridan having gone by steamer to Washington the cavalry moved out of camp at 6 a.m. and started on its overland march to the same city, passing through iManchester and Richmond, and bivouacked on the Brook pike, five miles from the latter city, having traveled twenty-seven miles. Gen- eral Sherman's army having reached the city on its way to Washington, many pleasant greetings were exchanged by the men of the two armies as they met, mingled, and passed on northward toward home and friends. As the column marched through the streets of Richmond, some of the men pointed out the cele- brated "Hotel de Libby," where many of them had luxuriated in warmth and splendor ( f), while their less fortunate comrades were exposed to the perils of an open outdoor campaign life. May 11th.— Marched forty miles, going by the moun- tain road to within fifteen miles of Louisa C. H. Passed along the same roads it had traversed, and over which it had fought the year before, along the railroad it had torn up, and crossing the South Anna at Ground Squirrel Bridge, went into bivouac for the night. 18 274 Histonj of the [1865 May 12tli. — Marclied about fifteen miles, crossing the railroad at Taylorsville, thence crossed the North Anna River and camped at 10 p.m. May 13th. — On the plank road leading from Orange C. H. to Fredericksburg. Crossed the Eapidan River at Raccoon Ford, and after a march of twenty- five miles went into camp at Stevensburg. May 14th. — Marched by Stevensburg and Brandy Station and crossed the Rappahannock River at Kel- ly's Ford and camped near Catlett's Station, on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad — distance, twenty- five miles. May 15tli. — Marched early by Manassas Junction and Bull Run to Fairfax C. H., twenty-four miles, and bivouacked, where the news of the capture of Jeff Davis was sounded through the camps. May 16tli. — Reached Alexandria about three o'clock and went into camp. May 17tli. — In camp between Alexandria and Wash- ington. May 21st. — Moved out of camp at 7 a.m., crossed the Long Bridge and, marching through Washington, went into camp at Bladensburg. May 22d. — Engaged in preparation for the approaching "grand review" of the Federal armies. May 23d. — The Army of the Potomac left its camp in the morning and marched through Pennsylvania Avenue, past the reviewing stand in front of the White House, and so on through various streets back to its camps, cheered by the thousands who crowded the streets along the line of march The waving of innumerable flags and handkerchiefs, the almost unbroken applause, and the many hearty words of con- 1865] Sixth New York Cavalry. 275 gratulations, were a pleasant and satisfying expe- rience to the men who had passed through the many trials and hardships of the several campaigns. May 29th. — Again the regiment broke camp and, marching through Washington, crossed the river and passing through Alexandria went into camp near Cloud's Mills, Va. During the month of June all men whose term of service would expire before Oct. 1st, 1865, were mustered out of service. June l-tth. — Sergeant of Company jotted down in his diary: "We have drill twice a day now. I would like to drill Colonel White about six hours a day in the hot sun." It having been ordered that the Sixth New York and Fifteenth New York cav- alry regiments be consolidated, company for company, to be called the Second Provisional New York Cavalry, on the 20tli the orderly sergeants sent a petition to the War Department and the State Department remonstrating against it. June 21st. — Moved camp to that of the Fifteenth New York. June 22d. — Near midnight the Fifteenth opened fire on the Sixth headquarters, but the Sixth Regiment turned out and soon quelled the disturbance. June 23d. — The two regiments were consolidated and went into camp together, under command of Col. Harrison White. June 24th. — The Second Provisional Cavalry, num- bering about 1900 men, had a dress parade. June 26th. — Regiment received orders to get ready to go to Louisville, Ky., and was later on sent to Louis- ville, when Colonel White was assigned to the com- mand of the Second Brigade in Jeifersonville, across from Louisville. From there the regiment was 276 History of the [1865 ordered to Elmira, N. Y., for muster-out Aug. 9th, 1865, having served the country for four years. It was retained, however, for further service, at Ehnira until Oct. 4th. And thus closed the military life of the Sixth New York Cavalry, after one of the bloodiest wars, if not the bloodiest, on record; a regiment that, by its bravery, promptness, vigilance, dash and dogged determination, had carved for itself a reputation second to none; a regiment that had participated in nearly 150 battles and engage- ments; a regiment whose colors had never been touched by traitor hands, but which had captured more flags from the enemy than any other regiment from New York State. Such deeds of heroism as were done during those four long years are never lost — their memory remains as an eternal inspiration. It was with mingled joy and sorrow that the regi- ment disbanded. Four years of hard, perilous expe- riences on the march, in camp, on picket, foraging, scouting, on the skirmish line and in line of battle, in the headlong charge, or the silent "stand to horse, "had welded together, in an imperishable comradeship, the hearts of its few survivors. The peaceful realization that the war was over, the delightful anticipation of the greetings of friends at home — the joy of it all — were overshadowed by that sad feeling of parting from the comrades with whom they had ' ' touched knees ' ' on so many long and weary marches. But the last handshake was given, the last farewell spoken, and the Sixth New York Cavalry had "broken ranks ; ' ' the men had departed to their several homes, there to take up the various pursuits in life, and to 18()5] Sixth New York Cavalry. '277 continue, in peace, the reputation tliey had so dearly bought in war. And may the God of heaven be and abide with each and every survivor. Roster Roster, alphabetically, by company. Names of officers appear on the roll of the company with which they first served. * in "remark" column means transferred to Second New York Provisional Cav- alrv, and continued in service until October, 1865. Field and Staff. Name and Ranks Held Devin, Thomas C, Colonel Fitzhugh, Chas. L., Colonel McVicar, Duncan, Lieut. -col. Dailey, James B., Major Clarkson, Floyd, Major Crocker, Geo. A., 1st Lieut. and Adjt., Captain Crocker, Geo. D., Chaplain McKay, Lawrence, Surgeon Peters, Joseph A., Surgeon Clarke, Augustus P., Asst. Surgeon, Surgeon Curran, Richard, Asst. Surg. Brundage, Amos H., Asst. Surgeon Schoener, Jacob C. , Bat. Q.M. , Bat. Adjutant Mahnken, John H., Bat. Q.M. , Bat. Adjt., 1st Lieut., Capt. Mann, Wm. L., Bat. Q.M., Bat. Adjutant Mustered in Nov. 18, '61 Feb. 18, '65 Oct. 23, '61 Oct. 15, '61 Nov. 11, '61 Nov. 11, '61 Dec. 14, '61 Not given Oct. 6, '62 Oct. 2, '61 July 1, '63 Jan. 14, '65 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 15, '61 Oct. 15, '61 Mustered out Dec. 8, '64 June 17, '6o Apr. 30, '63 Sept. 6, '62 Oct. 13, '63 May 15, '65 June 17, '(i5 Oct. 1, '62 Mar. 2, '63 June 17, '65 Sept. 18, '64 June 18, '65 Oct. 27, '62 June 20, '64 Dec. 28, '63 Remarks Promoted Brig. -gen. Vols. * Brevt. Brig. -general Killed at Spottsyl vania C . H . To Surgeon 9th N. Y. Cav. Promoted to Captain and A. A. G. NoN- Commissioned Staff. Bailey, Amanda, Hospital q^^ -^g^ >^^ Matron Bass, William H., Hospital j^t^^ ^.j^^gj-^ Steward '^ Hooker, Joseph, Hospital p^^ 5^ ,^^[ Steward June 17, '65 June 17, '65 O'Neil, Richard, Sergt., Major, -j^^^, 2, '«l 2d Lieutenant Nov. 12, '63 Ge'rkinrHenryV Chief Bugler Nov. 27, '61 Nov. 1, '62 No record after Dec. 31, '61 280 History of the Name and Ranks Held Orme, Freeman, Captain Patterson, F. A., 1st Lieut. Jackson, D. T., 2d Lieut. Allen, A. G., Sergt., Private Ames, Martin L., Private Armstrong, Edmund V. , Qr. Mr. Sergt., Corp., Sergt. Austin, William, Corporal, Qr. Mr. Sergt. Bannister, WT H., Sergeant, 1st Sergt., Sergt. Major Bayard, Fred'k E., Private Berrigane, Joseph, Private, Corporal Black, Charles, Private Bloomfield, Geo. W., Private Bogert, Wm. H., Private Brennan, James, Private Burgee, John W., Corporal, Private Burney, John W., Private, Wagoner Cadmus, Geo. W., Private Campbell, Luke, Private Capon, James, Private Carmody, Michael, Private Chapman, Albert, Private Chappell, Robert, Private Collins, John, Priv., Corp. Conahay, John, Private Conklin, John M., Private Conner, Jeremiah, Private Cooledge, Nelson, Private Cooley, H. F., Private Cram, Clarence D., Private Crowley, Michael, Private Curley, Patrick, Private Dahany, William, Private Day, Edward, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Dean, George A. , Corp. , Priv Denyse, John C. . Corporal Dewar, Peter, Private, Ser- geant, 1st Sergeant Dickson, Henry^ Private Dickson, James, Private Doherty, Charles, Private Dolan, Patrick, Private Donaldson, John, Private Dooley, John, Private Drenen, P. H., Corp., Sergt. Dunlap, Robert, Private Company A. Mustered in Mustered out Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Dec. 28, '64 Sept. 24, '61 Oct. 8, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Not given Sapt. 12, '61 Aug. 13, '62 Apr. 21, '64 Sept. 12, '61 1861 Sept. 13, '62 Sept. 8, '62 Dec. 30, '64 Sept. 12, '61 1861 Aug. 18, '62 Aug. 13, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 13, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 3, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Nov. Sept. Aug. Sept. Feb. Dec. Not Sept. Oct. Aug. Sept. Jan. June 27, '62 Sept. 23, '62 Oct. 27, '62 May 21, '65 Sept. 28, '64 June 27, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 26, '65 Jan. 24, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 21, '61 June 17, '65 Aug. 13, '64 Aug. 26, '65 June 17, '65 July 19, '65 June 18, '62 9, '61 June 27, '65 12, '61 2, '62 12, '61 17, '62 28, '64 given 15, '62 8, '61 14, '62 12, '61 11, '65 Mar. 28, '63 Sept. 4, '64 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 Apr. 30, '63 Aug. 9, '65 Remarks Died of disease At Harper's Ferry, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Annapolis, Md. Missing July 19, 1862 Died at Florence, S. C. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. * For disability Died at Andersonville, Ga. At New York City Missing July 15, '63 For disability For disability Missing August 8, 1862 Missing June, 1862 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Killed at Berryville, Va. Missing January 2, 1864 Missing October, 1864 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Killed at SpottsylvaniaC. H. At Washington, D. C. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 281 Name and Ranks Held Easton, Fergus A. , 1st Sergt. , 2d Lieut. , 1st Lieut. , Adj . Erickson, Chas. J., Private Evans, Jonas, Private Farrell, Thomas, Private Farrell, William, Private Fitzpatriok, Felix, Private Flynn, Owen O., Private Forbes, William, Private Francis, Peter, Private French, Thomas, Sergeant, 1st Sergt., 2d Lieutenant Gafirey, John 0., Private Gale, Abel S., Private, Corp. Gallagher, Patrick, Private Galvin, John, Private Gilbert, Wm. J., Private Glenn, James J., Private Goddard, Henry, Private Goodale, Edgar J. , Private Goodfellow, Alanson, Priv., Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt., 1st Lieutenant Grady, Patrick W., Private Gross, Edward S., Regt. Qr. Mr. Sergt., Private Hannan, James, Private Hardy, George, Priv., Corp. Harris, George, Private Harrison, George, Priv. , Far. Hatfield, Jesse K., Private Hawley, IMichael, Private Hayden, Horace, Private Hayes, John, Private Hemmingway, Charles B., Priv., Corp., Sergeant Henderson, Robert A., Priv., Corporal Henry, John, Private Herron, John, Private Hogan, Patrick, Private Hope, George W., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Hyland, John, Priv., Corp. Inman, Seymour, Private Ireton, William, Private Jewett, E. Han-is, Corporal, Private Johnson, John, Private Keeler, Timothy, Corporal Kelly, Thomas, Private Kennedy, Thomas, Corporal, Sergeant Kennon, Thos., Jr., Qr. Mr. Sergeant, Vet. Surgeon Mustered in Sept. 12, '01 Sept. 12, '(il Sept. 18, '()2 Aug. 19, '(52 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 17, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Dec. 29, '04 Sept. 12, '01 Sept. 12, '01 Feb. 29, '64 Sept. 9, '62 Dec. 28, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Apr. 4, '62 Dec. 30, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Oct. 1, '61 Sept. 16, '02 Nov. 6, '61 Sept. 12, '01 Oct. 8, '01 Not given Aug. 20, '02 Sept. 18, '02 Sept. 12, '01 Not given Aug. 19, '02 Aug. 20, '02 Sept. 12, '01 Dec. 28, '04 Sept. 12, '01 Aug. 25, '02 Sept. 12, '01 Aug. 19, '62 Dec. 20, '64 Mch. 7, '64 Sept. 12, '01 Sept. 11, '02 Sept. 12, '01 Mch. 14, '64 Not given Sept. 12, '61 Mustered out July 26, '63 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 Dec. 8, '62 Dec, 1863 May 2S, '63 Feb. 28, '63 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Feb. 23, '63 June 17, '65 May 15, '65 June 5, '65 July 24, '02 Apr. 30, '03 June 5, '65 Sept. 18, '64 June 5, '05 Jan. 13, '61 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 Sept. 3, '64 May 30, '64 July 5, '65 June 17, '65 July 21, '04 June 5, '05 June 27, '05 Remarks At Cloud's Mills, Va. Killed June 0, 1805 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Transferred to Invalid Corps Missing March 25, 1805 For wounds For disability * Missing January 2, 1804 For disability Missing April 30, 1805 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability For disability Missing Feliruary 9, 1804 At Cloud's Mills, Va. No further record Died at Andersonville, Ga. For disability * Missing Feb. 9, '04 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For wounds Killed in action At Washington, D. C. * Commissioned in another resiment At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing April, 1865 At Cloud's Mills, Va. No further record. 282 History of the Name and Ranks Held Keraham, Fred'k, Private, Corporal Keys, Gardiner L. , Private King, Theodore E., Sergt., Hospital Steward Knight, Pleasant L., Private Knowlton, Remembrance, Private, Corporal Landers, James, Private Leavitt, John S., Private, Wagoner Lellis, Joseph, Private Lewis, Albert A., Private Locraft, Bernard, Private Lucas, Josiah, Private Lyman, Edwin, Private ]Maggher, John, Private Maloney, Michael, Private Martaugh, John, Private Martin, John, Private May, Orange S., Private McAdams, Samuel, Private McAllen, James, Saddler McCormic, John, Private McCugh, Felix, Private McDonald, Hiram, Private McDonaugh, Patrick, Priv. McDonnell, Peter, Private McGovern, Cormic, Private MoGovern, Edward, Private McGuire, Patrick, Bugler ]\IcIlhone, Thomas, Private Mclnerney, Michael, Private McLellan, Asro D., Private, Corporal Merrill, C. Alfred, Private, Bugler, Chief Bugler Moir, Henry, Private Moir, William H., Private Morgan, Hugh, Corporal Morrison, Edward, Private Morrison, George, Private Morse, Roswell, Corp., Sergt. Mort, John, Private Mullineaux, Jesse, Private Mungay, John, Private Murphy, John, Private Murphy, Michael, Private Murphy, Gwen, Private Murray, James, Private Murray, Robert T. , Private New by, Thomas, Corporal Nichols, Theodore, Corporal Nitcher, Wm. W., Private, Bugler Mustered in Aug. 20,. '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Apr. 12, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 19, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 13, '62 Oct. 8, '61 Aug. 29, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 15, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 27, '62 Sept. 9, '62 Feb. 12, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 19, '62 Sept. 8, '62 Sept. 19, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Not given Aug. 20, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Mustered out June 5, '65 Sept. 18, '61 Mar. 4, '62 June 17, '65 Sept. 2, '62 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 Nov. 2, '64 June 5, '65 Dec. 21, '61 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 July 1, '63 June 5, '65 Oct. 24, '62 Oct. 19, '63 Jan. 25, '65 Aug. 21, '65 Remarks Sept. 12, '61 Nov. 19, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 8, '61 Jan. 25, '62 Oct. 8, '61 Oct. 19, '64 1861 June 27, '65 Sept. 12, '61 July 1, '63 Aug. 12, '62 Mar. 17, '64 Aug. 23, '62 May 30, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Dec. 24, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 23, '62 July 9, '64 Aug. 23, '62 Oct. 21, '62 Oct. 8, '61 June 17, '65 Sept. 12, '61 Oct. 8, '()1 Sept. 19, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Feb. 14, '63 At Cloud's Mills, Va. By order of court For disability Died in Goshen, Md. Missing December 2, 1864 At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing June, 1863 Transferred to Invalid Corps At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Died of wounds For disability At New York city For disability Died at York, Pa. Killed in action At Cloud's Mills, Va. Transferred to Invalid Corps For disability Killed in action Died at Salisbury, N. C. For disability Killed at Wheatland, Va. Killed at Winchester, Va. For disability Sixth New York Cavalry. 283 Name and Ranks Held Norcross, B. F., Private O'Brien, James, Private O'Brien, John, Private O'Donoughue, Dan., Farrier O'Hare, Bernard, Private, Blacksmith O'Hare, Martin, Priv., Corp. O'Keefe, Micliael, Private O'Rourke, Patrick, Private Osterhart, Oscar A. , Private Palmer, James H., Private Pendergrast, Edward, Private Perry, John, Private Pickett, John, Private Pike, Gordon H., Private Pinkham, Wilson, Corporal Rankin, Samuel, Private Ransom, Nelson B., Private Reals, Charles, Corp., Sergt. Reddy, Austin P., Private Roberts, Orlando S., Private Robertson, John, Private Rodgers, James, Private Roston, Wm. R., Bugler, Corporal, Sergeant Russell, Frank, Private Ryan, Patrick, Private Shaughnessy, James, Private, Corporal Silvey, Joseph, Private Smith, Howard M., Sergt., Sergeant Major Smith, James, Private Smith, LeroyS., Priv., Corp. Smith, William, Private Taylor, Albert, I'rivate Taylor, John, Private Taylor, William, Private Taylor, William, Private To wnsend , H ezeki ah , Priv . Tyson, John, Private Ulings, Thomas, Private Mustered in Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Oct. 8, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Oct. 8, '61 Not given Feb. 29, '64 Aug. 11, '62 Dec. 28, '64 Aug. 20, '62 Aug. 11, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Dec. 28, '64 Sept. 12, '61 Oct. 8, '61 Aug. 19, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 12, '61 Not given Sept. 12, '61 Sept. 10, '62 Aug. 23, '62 Aug. 10, '62 Dec. 29, '64 Oct. 8, '61 Not given Sept. 12, '61 Feb. 11, '64 Not given Sept. 12, '61 Aug. 27, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Aug. P. 1,' 64 Sept. 27, '64 Aug. 5, '62 Van Hannick, Wm., Private Aug. 5, '62 Van Hannick, John, Private Aug. 12, '62 Ward, Joseph H., Private Aug. 21, '62 Warner, Charles, Private Not given Wayne, AVm. J., Private Not given Welsh, Edward, Private Aug. 21, '62 Wilkinson Jas. H., Farrier, g ^r> ,^^ Cor])oral ^ ' WMlson, John, Private Not given Winans, Chas. I., Private Sept. 12, '61 Mustered out June 24, '62 Sept. 11, '64 Mar, 16, '63 Jan. 13, '65 June 17, '65 June 12, '65 Dec. 2, '64 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 21, '61 Feb. 2, '65 Dec. 21, '63 Oct. 19, '61 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 Aug. 24, '64 June 17, '65 Oct. 11, '62 Sept. 22, '62 Nov. 6, '62 Dec. 8, '62 June Nov. June 5, '65 2, '64 8, '63 June 5, '65 June 26, '62 June 5, '65 June 27, '65 Remarks For disability At New York For disability At New York city Missing July 19, 1862 At AVashington, D. C. Died at Salisbury, N. C. * At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Deserted December 18, 1861 * For disability Died of disease Transferred to Invalid Corps For promotion in the Navy Missing January, 1862 Missing September 10, 1862 Missing July 1, 1863 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga. For disability For disability For disability No further record Missing July 23, 1862 For disability Missing October, 1864 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died of disease For disability Captured September 4, 1864 — Probably died while prisoner of war Missing February 28, 1863 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Missing June, 1862 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing June 11, 1862 284 History of the Name and Ranks Held AVood, Isaac, Private Wood, John M. , Private Mustered in Aug. 2, '62 Sept. 12, '61 Mustered out May 16, '65 Sept. 28, '64 Total number of men in company, 182. Total number of men commissioned, 4. Remarks For wounds At Harper's Ferry, Va. Medlar, Frank B., Captain, 2d Lieutenant Hall, Hillman A., 1st Lieu- tenant, Captain Howell, J. P., 2d Lieuten- ant, 1st Lieut., Captain Morton, Ellison M., 1st Lieut. Allen, Robert, Private, Ser- geant, 2d Lieutenant Ashley, Benjamin, Private Austin, E. W., Private Avig, William, Private Aymer, James, Private Banner, Robert, Private Barber, John W., Corporal Barlow, John li., Private Beach, Edward, Private Bennett, Owen, Private Bentley, William, Bugler, Chief Bugler Berge, Andrew, Private Bigg, Joseph, Private Bivens, Joseph O., Farrier Blauvelt, John W., Private Bliss, Orlando, Private Bogart, William, Private Bogert, John, Private Boyd, Abraham Z., Sergeant Boyd, John T., Saddler, Sergeant Boyer, Geo. M. D., Private Bronson, Marcus D., Private Brophy, John, Private Bross, Albert W., Private Bross, H. B., Private Bross, Henry L., Private Brown, John, Private Bro^\n, Thomas, Private Brown, Wm. A., Private, Sergeant Burke, John H., Private Burns, Edward, Private Cahill, Thos. W., Private Carr, John W., Private Company B. Sept. 27, '61 Apr. 3, '62 Sept. 27, '61 Feb. 8, '65 Sept. 27 '61 Dec. 8 '64 Feb. 4, '65 June 28, '65 Sipt. 27 '61 Oct. 31, '64 Aug. 14, '62 Dec. 2, '63 Apr. 2, '62 Aug. 4, '62 Dec. 31, '64 June 17, '65 Aug. 9, '62 Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 7, '61 Aug. 29, '64 Not given Jan. 23 '65 Aug.il, '62 June 5, '65 Sept. 27, '61 Feb. 9, '64 Sept. 27 '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '61 June 17, '65 Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 19, '64 Sept. 17, '62 June 5, '65 Not given Feb. 10, '64 June 17, '65 Oct. 15, '61 Apr. 22, '64 Sept. 27, '61 Nov. 25, '63 Sept. 27, '61 June 27, '65 Jan. 11, '62 June 5, '65 July 26, '62 June 17, '65 Jan. 5, '65 Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 Sept. 27, '61 Apr. 30, '63 Sept. 27, '61 Feb. 3, '62 Jan. 26, '65 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 2, '61 June 27, '65 Sept. 27, 61 Sept. 19, '64 Jan. 4, 65 June 17, 65 Not given Mar. 18, '63 Nov. 24, 63 July 6, 64 Recom'd 2d Lieut. Apr. 4, '62. ResignedJune8, '62. For disability As supernumerary Near Middletown, Va. Transf'd to 82d N. Y. Vols. For disability Missing December, 1862 Killed at Smithfield, Va. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Harper's Ferry, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Dishonorably discharged for desertion Transferred to Invalid Corps As supernumerary At Cloud's Mills, Va. * Missing May 24, 1865 * For disability For disability Missing February 24, 1865 At Harper's Ferry, Va. * For disability For disability Sixth Netv York Cavalry. 285 Name and Ranks Held Cartier, Daniel, Private Cartwriglit, John B., Private Gating, James, Serg't, 2d Lieut. , 1st Lieut. , Capt. Clandell, Edwin, Private Chesbie, Horace, Private Colsh, David, Private Conahan, John M., Private, Saddler Concklin, Jacob W., Private Cook, John W., Private Coyle, John, Private Cuft', Jacob W., Private Cummings, Theodore, Priv. Cunningham, Wm., Private Dade, VViUiam, Private Davis, Clark, Private DeMeyer, Henry M., Corp. Dennis, Frank W., Private Derkin, AVilliam, Private Dougherty, Neill, Private, Corporal Duliois, Joseph, Private Duffy, James, Private Dulay, Francis R., Private Dunn, Patrick, Private Dyer, Patrick, Private Eadie, Alfred J., Private Eadie, John, Private Eaton, Robert, Corporal Edwards, George, Sergeant Edwards, John M., Farrier Engelkis, Albert, Private Ferguson, John, Private Fiege, Charles. Private Fish, David, Private Flannigan, Wm., Private Gardiner, Nelson, Private Garney, William, Private Gilmour, John, Private Girr, John, Private Glasser, Everhard, Private Green, Archable, Private Groat, Edgar, Bugler Haley, Patrick, Private Hankins, John D., Private Hanson, Peter, Private Hart, John S., Priv., Corp. Hathaway, Thos., Private Hayden, Peter, Priv., Corp. Hayden, Thomas, Private Heischel, Joseph, Private Hicks, Caleb G., Private Hilt, Adam, Private Clustered iu Mustered out Remarks Dec, 26, '64 June 1?, '65 * Oct. 12, '61 Aug. 28, '62 Died at Alexandria, Va. Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Not given Aug. 7, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Aug. 14, '62 Missing December, 1862 Oct. 15, '61 June 17, '65 * July 21, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Feb. 17, '62 Missing June, 1862 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 13, '61 Not given Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 19, '64 At Harper's Ferry, Va. Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 25, '61 Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 20, '61 Sept. 8, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Aug. 12, •62 Apr. 13, '63 Died at Falmouth, Va. Sept. 27, '61 Missing July, 1862 Sept. 27, '61 June 27, '65 As supernumerary Aug. 16, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 5, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Mar. 23, '64 For disability Sept. 27, '61 June 11, '65 For disability Sept. 22, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Feb. 1, '64 Died at New York Not given Missing April, 1862 Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 * Not giv pn June 23, '64 Killed at Jones' Bridge, Va. Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Apr. 13, '63 For disability Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Feb. 12, '64 June 17, '65 * July 26, '62 Missing August 9, 1863 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 1, '62 For disability Sept. 27, '61 June 24, '63 Died of wounds Aug. 4, '62 Nov. 20, '62 For disability Aug. 4, '62 Missing September 12, 1862 Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 2SC Xivmo aiul Ranks Holil Hogenoamp. .\lfn\n... Triv. Holtnos. Eviwiirvl. IVivate Howarvi. Rartholomow. Priv. How-ell. Ch!U<. H.. IVivate Howoy. W alter G., IVivate. Corporal. S^i>^^ant Hvland. .\loxanvler. IVivate vToimsou. IVWitt C. Private John;?\Mi. William. IVivate Jones. Thos. W., IVivate Koan. Fraiiois. IMvato Kelly. iitvr^>. Private Koi\iie<.ly. .lame;!. Private Kemu\iy. .lehn, IVivate Kiukley. Shirley. Private Ltiiuien*. James. Pri\-ate Larkiu, John A.. lM\t»te Larkiti. \Villian\. Corjvral Leehrin^. Henry I... lYivate Lehman. John K.. IMvate Lehman. Oharle?!. l>ivate Light. Wm. H.. Private Mahoney. John. l>i\-j»te Main. John G.. Ser^t,. 1st Serjrt.. 1st Lieut., Adj't Mayer. Eli. lVi\-ate McAlier. Bnunarvl. Pri\-ate Mcl\v. Alex. MiH?.. Pri\-ate M^xinuh. William. Prix-ate Mv^tiuirw Franois. Private Mol^hren. Wm.. Pri\-ate. Cor^H>ral McMan. Jeremial>, Private MeVey. John. Corp.. Sergi, Miller. Jonathan. lVi\-ate Mislvr. Gavier. lVi\-iite. >rorns. Ralph H.. IVivate Morris. Wm. J,. Pri\-ate Mosher. Philip. lYi\-aix^ Mvillen. Patriek. IViA-ate Murtai^srh. James. l"Vi\-ate Myer^. John T.. IVivate Myers. ThvMU** T. . Pri\-iite Older. James. Private Ols^m. Rioharvl IL. Pri\iue Oaiiis, Anthony. Warmer Panoost, Charles. Prmite Pool. Kolvrt. Cor^x^ral IMme. Chas, L.. lM\-ate l\i^h. Huch F.. 1st Ser^^aiit Pii^h. William. Pri\-ate. Quick. Martin. Corp.. Servrt. Kaokett. Jonathan W., iS-i- \-ate. Corporal irt^tortf of the Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Sept, 27, '01 June 17, '65 ♦ rVe.30. *tVl Jime 17, '65 * Sept. 27. '01 June 17. "tv=i * Not given Apr. 10, '04 For disability Aug. 29, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills. Va. Deo. S. '03 .Tune 17. '65 « Sept. 27. '01 June 17. 'ti5 » Not given Jitne 17. '05 Jk Xot gi\-eu »1ai\. 4, 'tv> Missinc February 24. lSt>5 July 20. 't»2 June 5, '65 At Cloud-s Mills, Va. Sep"t.27."01 June 17. 't>5 * E»ee. 11. "tv? June 17. 'i>5 « Dec. oO. "tU June 17, *05 • Sept. 27. 'tU Sept. 27. '01 June 17. '05 » Sept. 27. '01 Sept. 27. '01 Missing October 13. 1S62 Jan. 0. "05 Missing" February 24. 1S65 J.an. 0. 'lie* June 17, '65 * Sept. 27. '01 June 17, '65 * Jan. 4, 'lio June 17, '65 * Sept. 27. '01 Oct. 19. 'W Killeil at CevLsr Creek. Va. Sept. 27, '01 Sept. 27. '01 No further record Sept. 27. '01 No furtlier recorvi Sept. 27. '01 Missing February P. IStU Not gi\-en Oet. 1, '01 July 22. •tB Died from sunstroke Jan. 4. '05 June 17. "05 » S<-pt.2^>.'01 J.^n. IS. "05 At New York city Sept. 27. "01 DropjW from rolls Oct.. "01 Sept. 27. '01 Missing June, 1S62 Mar. 2.'<>4 June 17, '65 » Not given June 17, '65 » Sept. 27. 01 Jan. 3. '05 June 17, "65 * Sept. 21. "61 Not given No further record Not gi\-en Sept. 27. "01 June 17. •65 V Sept. 27. 01 Apr. SO. '62 For disability Sept. 27. '01 Sept. 19. "tU At Harjvr"s Ferry. Va. Sept. 9. tt? Dec. 4. "62 For disability Sept. 27. '01 Sept. 27. '01 Sept, 27. "01 Apr. 15, '03 Coramissioiied in 13th Cav'y Sept. 27. '01 Sept. 27. '01 June 17, "05 « Oct. 12. "01 June 17, "65 ♦ Sept. 27, '61 Not tjiven Oct., 18t)l Jniu' 25, '(15 Sept. 27, '()1 Dec. 4, '(12 So|)t. 27, '(11 Alls,'. 1, '(12 Jan. 2!), '(i;; S(>i)t. 27, '(11 Aui,'. i:;, '(12 .hiiic '^, '(15 .Iiiii. li», '(U Oct. 20, "(Vl !\I:if. 22, '(12 A UK'. IS, '(14 .Ian. (1. '(>') .luiic 1", '(15 Sci>t. 27, '(11 Jan. 1, •(i;5 Sixth New York ('((ralr//. 2S7 Niiiiir 1111(1 Kanks Held Mustcrcil in MiistiTtMl oiU, KoniarUs Raflerty, Pctcf, Privati' RansoM, Fayette, Trivate Riley. .lames II., Private Rood, Josepii r., SevKeaiit Sept. 27, '(11 Dec. 4, '(12 For (lisal>ility Roselle, .loseph, Corporal Rourlvo, .lames, Trivate Ausi;. 1, '(12 .laii. 2!), '(i;'> For disaiiility Ivut. 27, '(11 .Ian. l,'(i;5 For disal)ility Seymour, (uH.r-e, Private, ^ept. 27, '(11 .Iunel7, '(15 Uc)r{)oral ' ' Sheridan, John, Private Jan. 4, '(15 June 17, '(15 * Simons, Lyman N., Private, (j i - ',■! \ •>i\ ';■.) i.^ i- i -r* ,1 ' V Sept. I, t)l Apr. .>0, ()2 lU)r disal)Uitv Corporal i > i > j Sims, David, Private Not y:iven Missini; February 'A, 1S(12 Smith, Frank 11., Private Jan. 5, '(15 June 17, '(>5 * Smith, .lames, Pi'ivate .Ian. (1, '(15 IMissinij; !\Iay 17, 18(15 Snow, Francis M, Private ^n-. 11,'(12 June 27, '(15 Fnmi hospital Corp., Ser^t. , 1st Nerijt. "^ ' Spronl, William, Private Sept. 4, '(12 May 24, '(15 On account of wounds Stanley, Liueaus H. Private, Sept. 7, '(11 Dec. 4, '(12 For disalHlity Corj)oral, Ser > j Stanton, Fred' k 1']., Private Sept. 27, '(11 .Iunel7, '(15 * Stripe, Mor^Mii, Priv., Corp. Sept. 27, '(II ,Iune 17, '()5 * Taylor, .lames. Private .Ian. 5, '(15 .lune 17, '(15 * Thompson, .lolin. Private Jan. 4, '(15 .lune 17, '(15 * Tniber, John (J., Private Sept. 27, '(11 Dec. 1(1, '(i:? Died at Pou,uhk(>epsie, N. Y. Tresnon, Peter, Private July 2(1, '(12 May II, '(14 Tricker, Archehle, Private Dec. 2l», '(14 Ai)r. 1,'(15 Died of disease Van Winkle, (Christopher, ,, , o x't i i- w- « t, • , ' ' lUMi. 2, ()l .lune I /, (>.) * Private ' ' Wainwri.trht, Matthew, Priv. June 20, '(12 .luiie 17, '(15 * AVard, .lohn. Private Any;. 12, '(11 .Ian. 4, '(i;? For disability Welch, Richard, Private Oct. 18, '(54 June 17, '(15 * Wells, Theodore W., Private Sept. 27, '(11 .lune 17, '(15 West, Harvey R., Private Sept. 27, '(U Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps A\ lie pley, Isaac ., Private, ,. , o~ >/•! i i oi' '/.o i^ i- i -i-t .^ * •", Sept. 2(, ()1 .Inly 2(), ()2 iMir disabditv Coi-poi'al 1 > J I J "Williams, Oeorue, Private Jan. 5, '65 June 17, '65 * Wilson, (leoru'e. Private Sept. 16, '62 Missinfi; .Iniie IS, 1S(1;; Wilson, ,Iohn, Private Sept. 27, '61 AVinuie, Peter, Private Sept. 27, '61 AVrifjht, (leorjje R., Private Sept. 27, '61 Wynn, Edward, Private Dec. 30, '(J4 June 17, '65 * Young, James, Private Sept. 27, '61 , lune 17, '65 * Total number of men in eomiiany, 17(>. Total numlu'r of men couunissioned, 5. 288 History of the Company C. Name and Ranks Held Stanley, James W., Captain Pierce, John, 1st Lt., Capt. Smith, Vohiey V., 2d Lieut. Farmer, George E. , 2d Lieu- tenant, Captain, Major Abbott, Parley, Private Andrus, Hiram M., Private Angood, John, Private Applin, John, Priv., Corp. Babcock, Daniel A., Pri- vate, Sergeant Bailey, Wiflard T., Private Bailey, Zenas, Private Bardick, Allen P., Private Barnes, Elias, Private Barnes, Harvey, Private Barnes, Warren, Private Bartholomew, Chas.H., Pri- vate Parts, George, Private Beal, Stephen T. , Private Beckwith, David 0., Private Beck with, Morton, Private Beers, Herman S., Private, Corporal Bishop, Augustine, Private, Sergeant Bishop, Ellis, Private, Black- smith Blanchard, Fred'k, Private Borden, Dwight C, Private Brady, John, Private Bragaw, Townsend, Private Brooks, Thomas, Private Bruce, John, Private Burk, John, Private Burnes, Charles, Private Carney, John B., Private Clark, George, Private Clark, Henry, Private Clason, Monroe, Private Cook, Walker, Private Crawford, James N., Pri- vate, Sergeant Crocker, William, Private Davis, John, Private Dayton, Edward, Private DeWitt, Benjamin C, Pri- vate, Sergeant Duval, Francis, Priv., Corp. Edmonds, Samuel D., Priv. Finch, Edmund J., Private Mustered in 27, '61 27, '61 28, '61 17, '62 27, '61 27, '61 7, '61 19, '64 27, '61 1,'62 1, '62 27, '61 27, '61 given 27, '61 27, '61 given given 23, '64 27, '61 given Sept. Sept, Oct. Apr. Sept. Sept. Oct. Feb. Sept. Aug. Aug. Sept. Sept. Not Sept. Sept. Not Not Feb. Sept. Not Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Sept. Sept. Dec. Feb. Sept. Jan. Dec. Not Sept. Dec. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Dec. Dec. Sept. Sept. Feb. Dec. Aug. 27, '61 27, '61 29, '64 22, '64 27, '61 3, '65 31, '64 given 27, '61 27, '64 27, '61 27, '61 27, '61 27, '61 27,64 27, '64 27, '61 27, '61 25, '64 30, '64 5, '62 Mustered out May 5, '64 Oct. 11, '63 Jan. 31, '62 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 May 14, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 6, '64 Feb. 28, '63 Dec. 26, '62 Dec. 24, '62 June 17, '65 Oct. 11, '63 Aug. 29, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 18, '61 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 29, '62 Oct. 11, '62 June 27, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 May 10, '64 June 27, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 18, '65 Remarks Killed at Morton's Ford, Va. « * At New York city For disability For disability For disability Deserted Oct 12, '61 For disability * Killed at Stevensburg, Va. Killed at Smithfield, Va. For disability For disability For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. * For disability Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 289 Name and Ranks Held Mustered in Mustered out Fisher, Frederick T., Private Sept. 27, '61 Feb. 9, '63 Fitzpatrick, Patrick, Private Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Fitzpatrick, Mark, Private Dec. 31, '64 Fritz, Lucius P., Private Sept. 27, '61 Nov. 20, '62 Furlough, Francis, Private Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Gahan, Phihp, Private Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Gibbs, Chas. W., Private Sept. 27, '61 Gibbs, George L., Private Sept. 27, '61 Graw, Louis, Private Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Griffen, Patrick, Private Dec. 5, '63 Mar. 31, '64 Haley, Michael, Private Sept. 27, '61 Apr. 26, '63 Harband, George, Private Jan. 9, '65 Mar. 3, '65 Harris, Hugh, Private Sept. 27, '61 Hays, Samuel H., Private July 22, '62 Apr. 24, '63 Hendricks, Michael, Private Jan. 4, '65 Herman, Chas., Private Dec. 24, '64 June 17, '65 Hewitt, Julius, Private Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 Hill, Charles, Private Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 Hogan, Daniel, Private Sept. 27, '61 Dec. 9, '64 Hollis, George W., Private Sept. 27, '61 Dec. 6, '61 Hollis, Henry, Private Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 26, '64 Hopper, Henry M., Private Sept. 27, '61 Hussey, James, Private Sept. 27, '61 Aug. 9, '63 Hutchinson, John, Private Dec. 22, '64 June 17, '65 Hyatt, John, Private Sept. 27, '61 Jacobi, Henry A., Private Dec. 17, '63 June 6, '65 Kemp, William, Private, 1st r, . ^.t jci -nt i.t >r.o Sei^eant, 2d Lieutenant ^ept. 22, '61 Nov. 12, '63 Kennedy, Robert, Private Sept. 27, '61 Kennedy, Robert B., Private Nov. 30, '63 Kiggins, John, Private Sept. 27, '61 Laboy, Joseph, Private Dec. 30, '64 June 17, '65 Lamont, Charles, Private Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 5, '62 Laughran, Joseph, Private Dec. 17, '63 June 17, '65 Lawler, John, Private Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 Learey, James, Private Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Leducq, Antoine, Private Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Lee, James, Private Sept. 27, '61 June 2, '62 Lee, John, Private Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 La Munyan, Philip E., Priv. Sept. 27, '61 Nov. 27, '63 Lewis, Milo, Private Dec. 4, '63 Liberty, Joseph, Private Dec. 27, '64 Lillie, Gilbert B., Private, o 4. ot j^i Sergeant Sept. 27, 61 Linderholen, Jolm, Private Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Litchfield, Theodore, Private Feb. 23, '64 June 17, '65 Loder, John, Private Sept. 27, '61 Loper, Henry, Private Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 Lorish, Lester H., Private Sept. 27, '61 Lyon, Hiram, Private Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 6, '64 Marr, Sylvester, Private Jan. 21, '64 April 6 '65 Marvin, Charles, Private Sept. 27, '61 Dec. 18, '61 Masten, Elon, Private Sept. 27, '61 Oct. 29, '62 McCarthy, Michael, Private Jan. 11, '65 June 17, '65 19 Remarks For disability * Missing April, 1865 For disability Missing April 12, '62 Missing June 8, '62 * Died at Washington For disability Dr'ned at Waynesboro, Va. Missing June 2, '65 Died at Salisbury, N. C. For disability For disability Missing June 21, '63 At Washington Missing April, 1864 For disability For disability Transferred to Invalid Corps No further record Missing June 15, '65 Missing March 2, '62 At New York city Died while on furlough For disability 290 Name and Ranks Held McCone, William, Private McDermott, Lawrence, Pri- vate, Corporal McElvey, Alexander, Private McGinn, John, Private McLarry, Hugh, Private McLarry, William, Private, Farrier McLaughHn, Chas. S., Priv. McLaughhn, Wm. H., Priv. McNinch, Carlton, Private McOlotF, Jeremiah, Private Merrill, George, Private Miller, Erastus J., Private IMiller, Henry, Private Minnette, George, Private Mooray, Samuel, Private Moore, Alphonso P. , Private Moore, William H., Private Moorehouse, Ira H., Private Morley, John O., Private MuUer, Christopher, Private Murray, Henry, Private New, Richard, Private Nickson, Charles, Private Noble, John, Private Norris, Elijah H., Private Otto, Jacob E., Priv., Wag- oner, Corporal Parker, James W., Private Parks, George, Private Peck, Edward Q., Private, Corp. , Sergt. , 1st Lieut. Pedran, John, Private Perry, Asal, Private Perry, Daniel M., Private Pierce, Silas N., Priv., Corp., Sergt. , 1st Sergt., 1st Lieut. , Capt. Potter, Jerome, Private Qualthrough, John, Private Reardon, John F., Private Reed, Richard, Private Riley, John, Private Ringe, David, Private Roberts, John, Private Rous, William E. , Private Russell, John, Priv., Sergt. Ryder, Thomas, Sergeant, 2d Lieutenant Seib, Nicholas, Private Sherwood, David G., Private Smith, Cady, Private Smith, John, Private History of the Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Sept. 27, '61 Dec. 19, '62 For disability Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Mch.18, '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 27, '64 June 1 7, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 18, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 15, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Not given Oct. 11, '63 Killed at Stevensburg, Va. Sept. 27, '61 Jan. 14, '64 For disabihty Feb. 4, '62 Apr. 30, '64 At CulpeperC. H., Va. Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 * Jan. 2, '65 June 17, '65 * Not given Sept. 22, '62 Died of wounds Sept. 27, '61 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 * Jan. 20, '64 June 17, '65 * Not given Sept. 28, '62 Died of wounds Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 * Mch. 18, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Mar. 11, '62 Died of disease Sept. 27, '61 August, 1863 Transferred to Invalid Corps Not given Feb. 8, '62 For disability Not given Feb 24, '64 Died in hospital Mch. 20, '62 July 2, '63 Killed near Rockville, Md. Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 July 8, '65 Died in Baltimore Sept. 27, '61 Jan. 13, '65 Died in Naples, N. Y. Sept. 27, '61 June 29, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Not given Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Not given Apr. 1, '64 For disability Dec. 31, '64 Missing June 9, '65 Dec. 26, '64 Missing June 9, '65 Sept. 27, '61 Sept., 1863 Transferred to Invalid Corps Dec. 30, '64 Missing June 9, '65 Sept. 3, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Feb. 18, '64 June 28, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 26, '64 At Harper's Ferry, Va. Not given Nov. 27, '63 Transferred to Invalid Corps July 19, '62 June 12, '65 At Washington Dec. 30, '64 June 17, '65 * Sixth New York Cavalry. 291 ate Name and Ranks Held Smyth, JohnQ., Private Snyder, John, Private Spike, Henry, Private Spike, James, Priv., Sergt. Spike, Perry, Priv., Sergt Sponable, David W., Priv Stancy, Alonzo, Private Stevenson, Horace, Private Teall, Philip, Private, Terry, John W., Private Tompkins, Geo. H., Private Thompson, David, Private Thompson, George, Private Todd, Samuel, Private Toohey, John, Private Tully, Thomas, Private Vandendiegne, Arche, Priv. Verner, William, Priv., Corp. "Wadsworth, Daniel B., Priv. Waite, Samuel C, Private, Corporal Walsh, John, Private Walsh, Patrick W. F., Priv. Warren, Chas., Private Waterman, Nathan, Private Welsh, John, Private Wetmore, John, Private Wilson, Harvey, Private Wilson, William, Private Wisport, Adolph, Private Wood, Albert, Private Wood, James F. , Priv. , Corp. Woodhouse, Frank, Private Woods, John, Private Zacharie, Carlos, Private Total number of men in company, 173. Total number of men commissioned, 4. Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Dec. 30, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 16, '64 June 5, '65 At Elmira, N. Y. Sept. 27, '61 Oct. 29, '62 For disability Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27. '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sept. 27, '61 Oct. 11, '63 Killed at Stevensburg, Va. Mar. 7, '62 June 30, '62 For disability Nov. 28, '63 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '62 At Elmira, N. Y. Not given Nov. 27, '63 Transferred to Invalid Corps Not given Apr. 30, '63 Died of wounds Dec. '31, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 June 17, '65 * Mar. 18, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Dec. 27, '64 June 17, '65 * Dec. 16, '63 June 17, '65 * July 25, '62 Oct. 29, '62 For disability Sept. 27, '61 Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 * Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Feb. 24, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 June 16, '62 For disability Sept. 27, '61 Sept. 27, '61 Missing May 11, '62 Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 * Feb. 25, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 27, '61 Dec. 16, '61 For disability Sept. 27, '61 Dec, 1861 Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 * Lyon, Henry W^., Captain Wales, Philip R., 1st Lieu- tenant, Captain Wright, Raymond L., 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut., Capt. Ashton, Maurice, Private Avery, Henry, Private Bandfield, Michael, Private Bannon, Edward, Private Barden, Peter, Private Barrett, Frederick, Private Becker, George, Private Company D. Sept. 19, '61 Oct. 9, '62 Sept. 7, '61 Oct. 8, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Nov. 26, '62 Nov. 24, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Aug. 31, '64 Aug. 30, '64 Sept. 13, '64 Sept. 19, '64 June 17, '65 Aug. 14, '63 Jan. 8, '64 Apr. 11, '62 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 Resigned Killed at Winchester, Va. For disability For disability Died at Old Point Comfort At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. 292 History of the Name and Ranks Held Blanck, John, Private Boudreau, Andrew, Private Bradley, Peter, Corp. , Sergt. Brower, Charles, Private Brown, Henry A., Private Buck, Andrew, Private Buesco, Charles, Private Bush, John, Private Bush, Levi, Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt. Call, George, Private Carroll, John C, Sergeant, 2d Lieutenant Casey, Alvin W., Corporal Chadderdon, Philo D., Priv., Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt. Cherry, Charles, Priv. , Corp., Sergeant Church, Joseph, Private Clark, Andrew, Bugler Cone, Daniel O., Private Conway, John, Private Cook, James, Corporal Cross, Lewis, Private Crutch, John C, Private Cutler, Samuel, Private Davis, Jeremiah, Private Davoun, Lucius, Private De Kirk, Percy, Private Delair, John, Private Dellare, George, Priv. , Corp. Dennison, Henry, Private Diegan, Christopher, Private Donaldson, Michael, Private Doyle, John, Private Duffy, James, Private Dwyer, Patrick, Private Early, John, Private Face, William H., Private Fee, Stephen, Private Finn, James, Private Flanagan, James, Private Fosbrook, Fred'k, Private Gannon, Thos., Private Gill, Robert, Private Gould, ElleryC, Priv., Sad' Ir Grenier, John, Private Hall, John, Private Hanschen, John, Private Hardendorf, Adam, Private Hardendorf, Jacob, Private Harriman, Benj. F., Private Hawver, John W., Private Mustered in Mustered out Sept. 13, '64 Nov. 13, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Nov. 22, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Aug. 24, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 7, '61 June 5, '65 May 15, '65 May 7, '65 Nov. 1, '63 June 25, '62 Oct. 11, '63 July 2, '63 June 5, '65 June 27, '65 June 15, '65 Jan. 20, '65 June 2, '62 June 23, '64 Remarks At Cloud's Mills, Va. At New York Transfer' d to InvaUd Corps For disability Killed at Stevensburg, Va. Killed at Gettsyburg, Pa. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Died of wounds For disability Died of wounds Sept. 7, '61 Dec. 28, '64 Died at Salisbury, N. C. Sept. 28, '61 Dec. 1, '62 June 17, '65 Aug. 24, '64 June 5, '65 Sept. 19, '61 June 17, '65 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 9, '63 Not given Sept. 15, '65 Nov. 12, '62 June 23, '64 Oct. 17, '61 Nov. 23, '64 Feb. 24, '64 June 26, '65 Not given June 23, '62 Jan. 26, '63 Aug. 30, '64 June 24, '65 Sept. 28, '61 June 27, '65 Sept. 28, '61 June 16, '62 Aug. 30, '64 June 5, '65 Not given Sept. 19, '61 Feb. 1,'65 Sept. 28, '61 Aug. 24, '84 Sept. 28, '61 Aug. 29, '62 Not given Jan. 30, '62 Sept. 12, '64 June 5, '65 Sept. 28, '61 Nov. 23, '64 Sept. 28, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 22, '62 Oct. 11, '64 Jan. 17, '65 Dec. 11, '62 July 2, '63 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, Hil June 27, '65 Sept. 20, '64 June 5, '65 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 July 17, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Jan. 13, '63 Sept. 28, '61 Aug. 16, '64 Aug. 3], '64 June 5, '65 Aug. 31, '64 June 5, '65 Captured June 21, '64; no further record * At Cloud's Mills, Va. * Transfe'd to Vet. Res. Corps Died of disease Died at Washington At Washington For disability Claimed as a deserter At hospital At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. No further record For disability For disability For disability For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Kernstown, Va. * No further record For promotion Killed at Gettysburg, Pa. Captured ; no further record At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability For disability Killed at Crooked Run, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sixth New York Cavalry. 293 Xame and Ranks Held Head, Delos, Private Head, Jerome, Private Head, John A., Private Hodgman, Wm., Private Hoffman, Andrew, Private Holmes, Edward, Saddler, Saddler Sergeant Howard, Cornelius, Private Howlitt, Charles, Corporal Sergeant Hubbard, Adolphus C. ,Priv. , Corporal, Sergeant Hubbard, Augustus, Farrier, Blacksmith Hubbard, Jesse, Private, Sergeant Hyson, John, Private Irish, John, Private Kennelly, David AV., Private Lahommadien, George, Priv. Lansing, Edgar, Private Lansing, James, Corporal Lee, Bassett, Blacksmith, Le^May, Napoleon, Private Leon, Edwin, Private Libby, George, Private Long, Nicholas, Private Loomis, Francis, Private Mallick, Michael, Priv. ,Corp. :Malone, John K., 1st Sergt., 2d Lieut. , 1st Lieut. , Capt. Mathews, Solomon, Private McCauley, Thos., Private McCormick, John, Private, Corporal, Sergeant McCormick, James, Private McDonald, Peter, Priv. ,Corp. McEnroe, Patrick H., Priv., Sergeant jNIcGill, David, Private, McOmber, John D., Private Meaher, Thos., Private, Mehare, Patrick, Private Metcalf, Clark, Private Moore, James H., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Moran, Ambrose, Private, Blacksmith Moyer, Norman, Private Nash, Herman, Private Neal, William, Private Oakes, Russell, Private Oliver, John H., Bugler Palmer, George A., Private Mustered in Sept. 12, '6-1 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 7, '61 Oct. 11, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Not given Not given Aug. 26, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 14, '61 Aug. 30, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Dec. 26, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Nov. 25, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 7, '61 ' Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Not given Sept. 28, '61 Nov. 14, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Aug. 24, '64 Nov. 24, '61 Not given Dec. 10, '62 Dec. 16, '63 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 12, '64 Mustered out June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 Nov. 23, '64 Jan. 8, '64 June 17, '65 Apr. 10, '63 May 14, '65 Nov. 7, '65 June 17, '65 July 30, '62 June 17, '65 Feb. 3, '65 Apr. 18, '62 Feb. 3, '62 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 Feb. 20, '63 Sept. 1, '63 Sept. 21, '64 Nov. 1, '63 Sept. 5, '64 June 17, '65 Sept. 28, '62 Oct. 20, '64 June 27, '65 May 12, '62 June 5, '65 Apr. 21, '63 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 July 3, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 Feb. 8, '63 June 5, '65 Remarks At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Kernstown, Va. X- For disability For disability At New York city For disability * Transfer' d to 18th Cavalry * Died at Lovettsville, Va. For disability For disability * At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disaljility Transfer' d to Invalid Corps At Harper's Ferry, Va. Transfer' d to Invalid Corps Died at Andersonville, Ga. Died of wounds Missing Oct. 15, '62 Missing July, 1862 Missing June, 1862 Killed At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability For disability Discharged as a minor At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died in hospital At Cloud's Mills, Va. 294 History of the Name and Ranks Held Parker, Edgar, Private Parmelee, Uriah N., Private, Corporal Peck, Charles, Wagoner Persons, Wm. H., Private Pickens, Harvey N., Private Porter, John, Private Potter, Adin H. , Private Prescott, Jules, Private Prescott, Peter, Private Richards, Joseph, Private Riley, William, Private Russell, Amos E., Private, Corporal Sanders, M. L., Private Searles, Henry, Private Shellman, Clark, Private Shellman, LewisA., Private, Sherman, Eddy, Sergeant Simpson, Henry, Private Sinnott, WiUiam, Private, Corporal Sitts, George D., Private Smith, David, Private Smith, Tompkins, Private Smith, William, Priv.,Sergt., 1st Sergeant Snyder, Henry, Private Southwick, Jonathan, Sergt. Stearns, Alvin, Priv., Corp. Stewart, Chas. L., Private Stickney, Julius, Priv. , Corp. Stone, John, Private Suits, Jerome, Private Taber, Gilbert, Priv., Corp. Thompson, Levi B., Private Tilley, John, Private Trueman, George, Private Turnbull, Wm., Sergeant Van Houten, JohnR., Priv. Van Volkenburgh, Ceylon, Private Varee, George H., Private Walker, Matthew, Private, Corporal Warren, Chas. H., Private, Corporal Wenninger, Eilat, Private Wheeler, Jerome B., Corp., Sergt., 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut., Captain Wilkinson, Wm., Private Williams, John H., Private, Corporal Remarks Mustered in Mustered out Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Mch. 16, '64 Commissioned other reg't Sept. 19, '61 Nov. 1, '61 Sept. 13, '64 Dec. 22, '62 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 July 1, '62 Oct. 29, '61 Sept. 7, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Not given Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 7, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 20, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. 12, '64 Nov. 16, '63 June 18, '65 Feb. 19 '63 June 5, '65 Feb. 26, '63 June 5, '65 Oct. 11, '64 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 22, '63 Mch. 4, '62 June 5, '65 Feb. 21, '65 July 25, '62 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 30, '65 June 5, '65 Sept. 28, '61 June 17, '65 28, '61 7, '61 28, '61 17, '62 25, '62 30, '64 12, '64 28, '61 12, '64 28, '61 15, '62 28, '61 8, '64 Sept. 13, '64 Sept. 13, '64 Sept. 28, '61 Sept. Sept. Sept. Nov. Nov. Aug. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Nov. Sept. Oct. Nov. 25, '62 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 27, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 June 29, '65 Aug. 2, '62 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 Jan. 25, '63 June 6, '65 Dec. 12, '62 Nov. 1, '63 Sept. 7, '61 June 17, '65 Dec. 16, '61 Sept. 28, '61 June 17, '65 Missing July 3, '62 Died of disease At Philadelphia For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Falmouth, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died of wounds At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Died of disease At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died of wounds At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Annapolis, Md. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Missing May, 1863 At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. * For disability Died in hospital * Missing June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing March, 1865 Transfer 'd to Invalid Corps * Missing July 21, '62 Sixth New York Cavalry. Name and Ranks Held Mustered in INIustered out Wilson, Frederick, Private, g ^ 28, '61 Mch. 20, '63 Corporal Winslow, Josiah, Private, Nov. 26, '62 Aug. 7, '63 To^nnstGr Withey, Alexander, Private Sept. 12, '64 June 5, '65 Wolf, John, Private Oct. 11, '61 June 1/. 65 Total number of men in company, 148. Total number of men commissioned, 4. 295 Remarks For disability For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. Beardsley, Wm. E., Captain, Major Edwards, Wm., 1st Lieut., Captain Cooper, John G., 2d Lieut. De Vries, Nomdo, 2d Lieut. Albridge, Andrew, Private Allen, Jacob, Private Allen, John, Private Allen, Merrill, Private Althouse, Ulrich, Private Anderson, Wm., Private Anderson, Wm. J . , Corporal, Sergeant Bates, Samuel, Private Beacon, John, Priv., Corp. Beardsley, Wm. P., Saddler, Sad. Sergeant Beaumont, John, Private Blachly, Geo. E., Corporal Blaker, George, Private Blow, David, Private Bradley, James, Private Bradley, Joseph, Private Bi-anch, John, Private Brittan, Wm. J., Private Brown, Geo. W., Private Buckley, Henry, Private Burke, Frank, Private Byrnes, Felix, Private Cambell, Thos., Private Campbell, Alfred, Private Carroll, Thos., Corporal Carter, Judson, Private Cavanaugh, Martin, Private Clum, David, Priv., Corp. Coates, William, Private Corham, James, Private Cortelyou, David H., Corp., Sergt., Sergt. Major, 1st Lieut., Captain Cortes, Gillermo, Private Company E. Oct. 10, '61 Oct. 21, '64 Sept. 24, '62 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Feb. 15, '65 Not given Jan. 2, '65 Not given Oct. 3, '61 Jan. 11, '65 Dec. 16, '63 Sept. 3, '61 Oct. 7, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 15, '61 Nov. 1, '62 Oct. 21, '64 Per G. 0. 75, A. G. O. * Missing January 18, 1865 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 29, '64 Not Oct. Jan. July Oct. Not Oct. Aug. Oct. Not Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Dec. Oct. Oct. Oct. given 3, '61 14, '64 7, '63 3, '61 given 12, '61 2, '64 31, '61 given 3, '61 12, '61 3, '61 3, '61 3, '61 3, '61 8, '64 12, '61 3, '61 3, '61 July 6, '63 Oct. 13, '64 Jan. 10, ;65 June 17, '65 Feb. 6, '62 June 17, '65 Nov. 1, '64 Feb. 6, '62 June 28, '65 July 27, '63 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. IS, '64 Oct. 3, '61 Mar. 16, '65 Jan. 3, '65 Missing March, 1863 * At Cloud's Mills, Va. ■* Died at Albany, N. Y. Killed at Williamsport, Md. At Harper's Ferry, Va. For disability Missing September 19, 1864 » Died at Andersonville, Ga. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died from wounds At Harper's Ferry, Va. No further record Missing February 24, 1865 296 History of the Name and Ranks Held Coverdale, Wm., Private Cozine, Hiram B., Sergeant Crommell, Elias, Private Coummie, George, Private Darling, Samuel, Private Davis, David, Private Davis, Edward, Private Davis, Edward C, Private Drew, Samuel, Private Edwards, Thos. F., Private Faist, Leopold, Private Farley, Adolphus W., Sergt. Farley, Thos., Priv., Corp. Farrell, Patrick, Private Farror, Julius, Private Felt, Henry C, Private Finch, Dimnian, Private, Corporal, Sergeant Forgerson, James, Private Frazier, Samuel, Private Fryer, Richard R., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Garr, David, Private Gerber, Joseph, Private Gidion, Henry, Private, Corporal, Sergeant Grandee, Thos. M., Private Gravener, Chas. A., Private Hagebrick, Julius, Private Hagerty, John, Private Halstead, Abram F., Private Hamilton, West J., Sergeant Henderson, Joseph, Private Henion, Jacob, Private Hobbs, Martin, Private Holzack, Peter, Private Horton, Andrew, Private, Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt. Horton, Riley E., Private, Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt., 1st Lieut., Quar. Mast. Hull, Wm. C, Private Hunter, Jas. D., Private Inman, Azra A., Private Jones, John, Private King, Charles, Private Klive, George, Private Kormer, Henry, Private Landstrom, John, Private Lee, John, Private Lewis, Morgan D., Private, Corp., Sergt., 1st Lieut. and Adjutant Mustered in Jan. 9, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Not given Not given Dec. 17, '64 Dec. 30, '64 Jan. 15, '64 Oct. 3, '61 Mustered out June 17, '65 Oct. 2, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Mar. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Dec. 16, '63 Feb. 8, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Jan. 7, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Cct. 12, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Dec. 29, '64 Oct. 3, '61 Jan. 5, '65 Dec. 28, '64 July 24, '62 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Dec. 28, '64 Oct. 12, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Jan. 19, '64 Jan. 23, '64 Jan. 5, '65 Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Oct. 13, '64 Nov. 17, '64 Oct. 13, '64 June 17, '65 June 28, '65 June 17, '65 June 28, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 1, '61 June 11 '65 June 17, '65 Aug. 20, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Jan. 9, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Sept. 2, '64 Sept. 23, '64 Dec. 26, '64 Jan. 5, '65 Dec. 28, '64 Dec. 28, '64 Not given June 17, '65 June 20, '62 June 5, '65 Nov. 6, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Remarks At New York city j| * * Per S. 0. 129, War Dept. Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps Missing September 16, 1862 * At Harper's Ferry, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga. At Harper's Ferry, Va. * At Cloud's Mills, Va. * At Cloud's Mills, Va. * * At Cloud's Mills, Va. » Transferred to other regt. Missing March 7, 1865 * Missing May 15, 1863 * For disabihty At Washington' At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga. Missing March, 1865 Missing April 1, 1865 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Sixth New York Cavalry. 297 Name and Ranks Held Lloyd, James, Corporal Long, Nathan D., Private Maloy, Dennis, Corporal Mason, Richard, 1st Sergt. McBride, James, Private McChure, Donnie, Private McClarey, George, Sergeant, Sergt. Major McDermott, Thos., Private McDonald, John, Private McGloin, Felix, Private Mclntire, Roswell E., Priv. McKee, AVilliam, Farrier, Veterinary Surgeon McXamara, Q. M. F., Private ]Mehan, Chas., Private Miller, James, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Moat, Charles, Corp., Sergt. Mullen, John, Private Mullett, John, Private Nettles, Robert, Private Nevills, Thomas, Bugler O'Neill, James, Priv., Corp. Peake, Giles P., Sergeant Penery, Arthur, Private Perkins, Samuel, Private Peter, Charles, Private Phelps, Edward H., Farrier and Blacksmith Phillips, Joseph, Private Polaskie, Edward, Private Pullen, Henry, Private Ramsey, John F., Sergt., 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut. Rice, John, Priv., Sergt. Rifenburg, Jarvis, Private Ryder, Anthony, Private Ryder, Walter, Private Schlicker, Jacob, Private Schultz, Augustus, Private Sheehan, James, Private Sherman, Henry, Private Simmonds, Walter, Private Slater, Thomas, Priv., Corp. Slingerland, Isaac, Private Smallin, Isaac W., Private Smith, Caleb C, Private Smith, Gilbert, Priv., Sergt. Smith, Robert, Priv., Corp. Stalker, Alonzo, Private Stearns, Charles, Private Steinmann, Lucius, Private Stolz, Charles, Private Mustered in Mustered out Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 12, '61 Oct. 10, '61 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 3, '63 Oct. 12, '61 June 14, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Not given Apr. 1, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Sept. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '64 Jan. 9, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Apr. 30, '63 Not given Sept. 12, '64 Oct. 12, '61 Dec. 29, '64 Oct. 3, '61 Jan. 16, '64 Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 30, '63 June 28, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Not giv en Dec. 27, '64 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Dec. 19, '64 Jan. 15, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Sept. 6, '64 June 8, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Dec. 15, '63 Oct. 3, '61 Sept. 29, '64 Sept. 2, '64 June 8, '65 Sept. 12, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Sept. 15, '64 Jan. 3, '65 May 6, '65 Oct. 3, '61 Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Not given Not given Feb. 3, '64 Sept. 15, '64 Not given June 17, '65 Aug. 24, '64 June 5, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 3, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 12, '61 June 17, '65 Dec. 5, '64 June 17, '65 Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Remarks Missing July 5, 1862 Transferred to Invalid Corps At Annapolis, Md. * Killt-d at Five Forks, Va. At Harper's Ferry, Va. * Killed at Spottsylvania C.H. Died of wounds INIissing May 1, 1865 For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing May 8, 1864 Died at Andersonville, Ga. Transferred to Invalid Corps At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga. For disability Missing February 8, 1864 Transferred to Navy Died of disease * At Cloud's Mills, Va. 298 History of the Name and Ranks Held Sullivan, James, Private Swarts, William, Private Taylor, \Vm. A., Corporal, Sergeant Thompson, Chas., Private, Corporal Thompson, Wm., Private, Tryon, Chas. E., Private Valentine, John, Bugler VanPatten, C. J. V. B., Wag- oner Wagner, Daniel, Private Walder, William, Private Walton, William, Private Walmsley, Chas., Private Ward, Asa R., Priv., Saddler Ward, Close, Private Watson, Wm. H., Private Watson, Wm. H,, Private AVeber, Fred'k, Private AVebster, AA'^m., Private A\''eller, Hiram, Priv., Sergt. AVight, Charles, Private, Corporal AVinslow, Joseph, Private, Farrier AVolf, Carll S., Private AA'olf, Michael, Private Wood, Asa P., Corporal AVood, Jason, Private Wormuth, Nouman, Private York, Edson D., Private York, Horace J., Private ISIustered in Mustered out Remarks Not g\\ 'en Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 12, '61 June 28, '65 At Cloud's Mills, A^a. Jan. 24, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 5, '65 Missing May 1, 1865 Oct. 12 '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 12, '61 Oct. 13, '64 At Harper's Ferry, Va. Oct. 3, '61 Missing July 9, 1863 Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 * Dec. 31, '64 June 16, '65 For disability Dec. 31, '64 June 17, '65 * Dec. 5, '63 June 17, '65 * Oct. 3 '61 June 28, '65 At Cloud's Mills, A'a. Oct. 31 '61 Oct. 13, '64 At Harper's Ferry, A^a. Oct. 3, '61 Oct. 25, '62 For disability Jan. 25, '64 Sept. 25, '64 Died at Millen, Ga. Dec. 30, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 9 '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 5, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 13, '61 July 17, '64 Died of wounds Oct. 13 '61 June 28, '65 At Cloud's Mills, \'a. Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 27 '64 Missing April 15, 1865 Oct. 13, '61 Oct. 13, '64 At Harper's Ferry, Va. Feb. 26 '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 13 '61 N further record Oct. 3 '61 Not given For disability Oct. 3 '61 June 29, '62 Died in Virginia Total number of men in company, 154. Total number of men commissioned, 4. Carwardine, John, Captain, Major Hannahs, Diodate C, 1st Lieut., Captain Crozier, Robert, 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut. Alvison, Caleb, Private Amidon, Chas. R., Private Anthony, Michael, Private Austin, Aaron, Private Bachart, Conrad, Private Bahlen, Anthony, Private Baird, William, Priv., Corp. Baker, Joseph, Private Company F. Oct. 24, '61 Mar. 21, '63 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Sept. 14, '64 Oct. 29, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Not given Not given Sept. 10, '62 May 7, '63 Apr. 24, '62 June 5, '65 Mch. 12, '63 July 15, '62 June 17, '65 Died from wounds Killed at West Point, Va. Died in hospital At Cloud's Mill, A^a. Missing October 31, 1864 For disability At Harrison's Landing * Missing June, 1864 Sixth New York Cavalry. 299 Name and Ranks Held Barry, John, Private Bennett, Milton, Private, Corporal Bennett, Sylvester H., Priv. Berncheins, Louis, Private Blazdell, Wesley, Private Bouchet, Pierre, Private Bousclair, Triffler, Private Broadbent, Thos., Private Brotherson, Augustus, Pri- vate, Corporal Brown, Daniel W., Private Burd, William, Private Byron, John, Private Carr, Thomas, Private Carson, Henry, Sergeant, Corporal Chilson, James B., Private, Corporal, Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant Clark, Joel J., Priv., Corpl. Clear, James, Sergeant Collins, John, Private Councilman, Chas. R., Priv. Crane, Wm.E., Sergeant, 1st Sergeant Cromsie, John, Private Cross, Curtis B., Private Cull, John, Private Cunningham, Patrick, Priv. Curran, Andrew, Private Curran, Peter, Private, Cor- poral, Sergt., IstSergt. Davidson, Solomon H., Priv. Davis, Archy J., Private Davis, John H., Private Deerberg, William, Private Delamater, John, Private, Blacksmith Deona, Joseph, Private Devine, John, Private Dix, John L., Private Docharty, John, Private Donaldson, John, Corporal, Private Dooland, John, Private Dougherty, Patrick, Private Downey, John, Private Dunn, Bernard, Private Durfee, Thomas, Private Dutys, Frederick, Private Dyer, Patrick, Private Mustered in Dec. 28, '64 Not given Feb. 11, '64 Jan. 2, '65 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 11, '65 Dec. 30, '64 Dec. 31, '64 Dec. 11, '61 Jan. 4, '65 Not given Not given Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 29, '61 Oct. 22, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 26, '64 Dec. 27, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Sept. 21, '64 Feb. 11, '64 Feb. 8, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 29, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 23, '64 Mch.15, '64 Not given Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 22, '64 Oct. 5, '61 Apr. 18, '64 Jan. 4, '65 Feb. 15, '64 Mustered out Remarks June 17, '65 * June 11, '64 Missing at Trevilians Station June 18, '65 At Philadelphia June 17, '65 * June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 19, '64 June 17, '65 Sept. 4, '64 June 17, '65 May 7, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 24, '04 Apr. 10, '64 .June 5, '65 June 17, '65 April, 1864 June 17, '65 June 2, '62 .Tan. 1, '65 Dec. 19, '61 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '64 At Varina, Va. * Wounded in action ; n. f . r. * Killed at Todd's Tavern, Va. Missing May 28, 1865 * At Harper's Ferry, Va. Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps * Transferred to Navy For disability Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps At New York city May 7, '64 Killed at Todd's Tavern, Va. Nov. 4, '64 Died at Anderson ville, Ga. Sept. 11, '62 For disabihty June 17, '65 * June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 8, '65 At Petersburg, Va. 300 History of the Name and Ranks Held Eberhart, Christoff, Private Edwards, Chas. N., Private Edwards, Albert P., Private Erckman, Wm. H., Private Farnham, Frederick B., Priv. Farnschield, Frederick, Priv. Foster, Alonzo, Corp., Sergt. Foster, Franklin, Private Galvin, Patrick, Farrier Gardner, George, Private Garrison, Henry, Sergeant, Corporal, Sergeant Gillen, Peter J., Private Grace, Robert, Private, Sad- dler, Regt. Sad. Sergt. Grant, Randall, Corporal, Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant, Captain Griffin, Daniel, Private Halenback, "Wm. H., Private Halsey, Samuel M., Sergeant, Private Hamilton, Chadius H., Priv. Hannigan, Dennis, Private Harvey, John, Private Hastings, Stephen A., Priv. Hecker, Charles, Private Hetherington, Frank, Cor- poral, Private Hetherington, Oscar, Corp. Heyssam, David, Private Higle, James, Private Hill, James W., Corp., Priv. Holsberg, Martin, Private Hope, George F., Private Howland, Myron, Corporal, Private Hughes, Henry, Private Jackson, Chas., Priv., Corpl. Karcher, Michael, Private Kean, Michael, Private King, George L. , Private King, Nathan M., Private Kromearnett, Ernest, Priv. Langs, Wesley, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Lason, Benj. F., Private Leslie, Robert, Private, Wag- oner Lewis, John, Private Linnel, Jas. L., Private Loper, Oliver L., Private Lyden, John, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Mustered in Oct. 24, '61 Not given Not given Oct. 24, '61 Feb. 1, '64 Apr. 18, '64 Not given Aug. 9, '62 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Mustered out Oct. 24, '64 Oct. 1, '62 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Feb. 6, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 11, '63 Oct. 8, '64 Nov. 22, '64 June 17, '65 Oct. 24, '61 June 28, '65 Oct. 14, '61 Oct. 14, '61 Dec. 30, '61 Feb. 12, '64 Apr. 21, '64 Not given Jan. 26, '64 Oct. 14, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 4, '65 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 11, '65 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 16, '63 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 29, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 9, '65 Oct. 27, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 16, '63 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Not given Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Feb. 19, '63 May 16, '65 Oct. 6, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 17, '63 Oct. 4, '64 June 17, '65 Oct. 4, '64 June 27, '65 Mar. 6, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 15, '64 Feb. 12, '63 June 27, '65 Remarks Missing June 30, 1862 At Cedar Creek, Va. At Antietam, Md. Missing April 15, 1862 Died at Salisbury, N. C. * On account of wounds Missing August 1(5, 1862 * Missing at Brandy Station At Harjjer's Ferry, Va. At Winchester, Va. At Baltimore, Md. At Elmira, N. Y. Missing April, 1864 At Cumberland, Md. Missing March, 1865 Missing April 15, 1862 Missing November 1, 1864 * * Died in Washington At New York city * At New York city At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga. Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps At Yorktown, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sixth New York Cavalry. 301 5, '65 14, '61 24, '61 24, '61 16, '63 4, '64 24, '61 13, '64 24, '61 24, '61 . 7, '64 24, '61 . 29, '64 , 24, '61 .31, '64 24, '61 . 16, '63 . 24, '61 Name and Ranks Held Mnstered in Mansfield, James, Private Jan. McCabe, Lawrence, Private Oct. McCarthy, Robert, Private Oct. McDermott, Thomas, Private Oct. McDonald, Michael, Private, ^^^ Corporal McKinney, Wm. L., Private Feb. McQuade, Thomas, Private, q^^ Sergeant, Private McWilliams, Harvey, Private Dec. Mick, George, Private ■ Oct. Miller, James, Private Oct. Miller, John, Private Jan. Miller, Thos. J., 1st Sergt. Oct. Milliken, Warren, Private Dec. Moreau, Adolphus, Private, q^^^ Corporal Morris, Josiah, Private Dec. O'Brien, Thomas, Wagoner, q^^^ Private, Corporal, Sergt. O'Neil, James, Private Dec Osborne, John D., Saddler, q^^. Private, Corporal, Sergt. Patterson, Jesse H., Sergeant, q^^,. 24 '61 Private Pattinson, Lionnell, Private Oct. 24, '61 Penny, Alex. H., Private Not given Platte, Henry, Private, Corp. Oct. 24, '61 Polley, Wm. L., Private Not given Potter, Henry, Private Jan. 12, '64 Price, James H., Private June 30, '63 Ranach, August H., Private Dec. 19, '64 Reiley, Charles, Corp., Priv. Oct. 24, '61 Rice, Charles C, Private Oct. 24, '61 Riddle, John, Private Dec. 31, '64 Roth, Gustav H., Private Oct. 14, '61 Ruther, William, Bugler Oct. 24, '61 Satterley, Selah K., Private Not given Satterley, Charles, Private Sept. 13, '64 Schilling, Kendrick, Private Sept. 27, '61 Schmitmyer, Joseph, Private Oct. 24, '61 Schofens, George, Private Jan. 7, '65 Schusterbaur, John, Private Oct. 24, '61 Sharp, Henry J., Bugler, Priv. Shaver, Truman C, Private Sept. 21, '64 Sherman, James, Private Oct. 24, '61 Sleight, Benj. J., Private Oct. 24, '61 Sloan, George, Farrier Not given Sloan, George, Private Apr. 4, '64 Smith, Philip H., Private Feb. 3, '64 Stebbins, John W., Private Feb. 5, '64 Stephens, Frasier, Private Oct. 24, '61 Stiles, Darius, Blacksmith Nov. 2, '61 Mustered out June 17, '65 Aug. 14, '63 Jan. 18, '65 •Tune 17, '65 June 27, '65 .June 17, '(i5 Oct. 27, '62 Apr. 7, '62 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 27, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 10, '62 Sept. 3, '62 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 30, '62 Jan. 5, '64 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Jvme 17, '65 Oct, 24, '61 Feb. 15, '65 June 5, '65 Oct. 24, '64 Mch.27, '63 Oct. 30, '62 June 17, '65 Sept. 3, '62 June 27, '65 Remarks Died At Lovettsville, Va. At Washington For disability From hospital At Cloud's Mills, Va. For promotion in U. S. A. At New York Missing July 10, 1864 * * * At Yorktown, Va. Missing January 14, 1865 Died at Alexandria, Va. * At Cloud's Mills, Va. Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cedar Creek, Va. For disability At Yorktown, Va. Missing August 10, 1864 * Captured Oct. 9 '64; n. f. r. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. 302 History of the Name and Ranks Held Tallidy, Seymour, Private Tetzmier, Carl, Private Tiernan, John, Private Tiffany, Wm. O., Private, Corporal Tomlinson, Geo. W., Private Traver, George, Private VanWyck, Cortlandt, Priv. Venty, James, Private Vulcommer, John, Private Webster, Harrison, Private, Webster, Milton H., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Whitney, Chas. L. , Private Winter, John E., Corporal Mustered in Oct. 24, '61 July 2.3, '64 Not given Jan. 22, '64 Jan. 30, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 14, '61 Sept. 13, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 22, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Not given Oct. 24, '61 Mustered out June 17, '65 June 27, '65 June 13, '64 Feb. 12, '65 June 5, '65 Jan. 11, '63 June 17, '65 June 27, '65 June 17, '65 Remarks Missing April 15, 1862 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Left wounded at Trevil- ians Station Died at Richmond, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability * At Cloud's Mills, Va. Total number of men in company, 155. Total number of men commissioned, 2. Company G Sheldon, Wm. A., Captain Ellerbeck, Robert E., 1st Lieut., Captain McKinney, Edward P., 2d Lieut. , 1st Lieutenant Abel, Burdett C, Private Albinger, Kafer, Private Alden, Noah F., Private Allen, Archable, Private Allen, Lewis H., Bugler, Corporal Allen, Lewis H., 2d, Private Applegate, Henry, Corporal, Sergeant Barry, William, Sergeant Bartholomew, John, Private Beach, George H., Private Bean, Lewis H., Private Beebe, Elisha H., Private Bender, Max, Private Benn, Martin, Private Bennewitz, Adolph, Private Byrd, James R., Priv.,Sergt. Bissell, Morris M., Private Blomberg, Chas., Private Boaks, Henry, Private Boli, Edward, Private Bruso, John F., Private Buck, Nelson G., Blacksmith Burdett, Edward, Private Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 16, '63 Dec. 27, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 27, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Feb. 6, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Not given Sept. 15, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 29, '64 Nov. 3, '61 Dec. 30, '64 Dec. 19, '63 Sept. 5, '64 Jan. 4, '65 Not given Jan. 5, '65 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 2, '63 Aug. 24, '63 July 7, '64 Nov. 15, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 6, '63 Jan. 3, '65 June 27, '65 Feb. 4, '62 June 5, '65 Dec. 21, '62 June 17, '65 Nov. 6, '64 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 30, '62 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Appointed Captain and 1 Commissary of Subsistence For disability At Fairfax Seminary, Va. Died of disease after cap- tivity At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing September 17, 1862 Died at Falmouth, Va. * At Middletown, Va. Missing June 16, 1865 # At Cloud's Mills, Va. * For disability Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 303 Kame and Ranks Held Burgess, Thos. G., Private Burke, Ro>)ert, Private Cafterty, Darwin R., Private Carpenter, Charles, Private Carran, Chas. H., Sergt.,Priv. Casselbury, James, Private Cater, James, Private Chapman, Martin H., Private Chandler, Jefferson, Private Chapman, Ira, Private Clark, James M., Private Clayton, Richard, Private, Corporal, Sergeant Cleveland, George W., Priv. Cole, Lorenzo D., Corporal, Sergeant Collar, Harvey, Corp., Sergt. Colt, Wm. L., Sergeant Comber, Fitz, Private Cornell, Austin, Farrier, Regt. Farrier Cornell, AVilliam, Private, Corporal, Private, Saddler Culver, Henry F. , Private Darling, John Atkins, Priv. Dickinson, Henry C, Private Dingman, Jacob, Private Donnellson, AVilliam, Private Doorley, Edward, Priv. , Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt. Doter, Walter, Private Dubois, George W., Private, Corporal Federson, Peter H., Private Ferguson, Chas. B., Private Ferguson, Jas. B., Private, Hospital Steward Flanney, William, Private Foster, Simeon C, Private Freeland, Hiram E., Private, Corporal, Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant Freeman, Jeremiah, Private Gear, Sabins, Private Geary, Daniel, Private Gissulmann, John, Private Gould, George W., Private Grass, Philip, Private Green, Adelbert, Priv., Bug. Gross, John, Priv., Corp. Gross, George, Private Guernsey, Aai, Corp., Priv. Hadsell, William, Private Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Oct. 24, '<)1 Oct. 25, '62 For disability Oct. 24, '()1 Apr. 25, '64 Transferred to Navy Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 26, '62 For disability Dec. 16, '6:^ June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '(51 Not given June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Not given Sept. 14, '62 For disability Sept. 22, '(i2 Dec. 27, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Sept. 4, '64 Killed at Berryville, Va. Not given Oct. 24, '62 For disability Oct. 24, '61 Feb'y, 1864 Transferred to Invalid Corps Not given June 17, 65 * Oct. 24, '61 May 9, '63 Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 * Enlisted under the name Sept. 15, '64 June 17, '65 of John Atkins Oct. 24, '61 Aug. 4, '62 For disability Sept. 2, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 22, '63 Died of disease Oct. 24, '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 19, '61 Not given June 11, '65 At Elmira, N. Y. Jan. 5, '65 June 17, '65 * Sept. 5, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 23, '64 Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 June 30, '62 For disability Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '<>1 Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 30, '62 For disability Sept. 15, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 4, ^i)0 June 17, '65 * Sept. 22, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 4, '(i5 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Not given June 17, '65 * Not given June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '«)1 Nov. 22, '64 At Winchester, Va. Oct. 24, '61 504 History of the Name and Ranks Held Hansen, Christian B. , Private Harris, Chas. B., Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, 2d Lieut. Head, Hubbard, Private Hentle, Hendrich, Private Hill, William, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Hogan, Daniel, Private Hunt, George W., Private Jeffries, George, Private Jensen, Ezkina P., Private Johnson, Cameron, Private Kearney, Thos. F., Private, Corporal Kellaii, Cornelius, Private Kelly, John, Private Keppinger, Fritz, Private Knight, Frederick, Bugler Kohlback, Adam, Corporal Kreamer, George, Private Lenning, Wm., Private Lincoln, George, Private Mack, Azurr, Private Mahoney, James, Private Martin, Josiah, Private Martin, Wm. G., Private, Corporal, Private ^Nlaynard, Asahel, Sergeant McKenna, Frank, Private Miller, Carl, Private Miller, George, Private Miller, John, Private Mitchell, Harrison H.,Priv., Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt., 2d Lieut. Mitchell, Homer, Sergeant Mitchell, Horace W., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Monro, John, Private Morgan, Wm. J., Mott, Daniel E., Priv., Corp. Mozenthine, Frederick, Priv. Mosier, Robert W. , Private Mulneaux, Lorin G., Private Murdock, Emory W., Private Murdock, James, Private Newman, George A., Priv. Noble, Robert, Private Palmer, Marvin, Private Peterson, Frederick, Pri- vate, Corporal, Sergeant Peterson, Louis, Private Pettitt, James F., Corporal, Sergeant, 2d Lieut. Musterec I in Mustered out Remarks i Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 1, 65 Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 30, '62 For disability Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 16, '63 June 17, '65 * Oct. 19, '61 Not given Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Sept. 23, '62 Oct. 19, '63 At Columbia Hospital Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 13, '63 Transferred to Invalid Corps • Dec. 31, '64 Oct. 5, '65 At Albany, N. Y. Oct. 24, '61 Mar. 27, '63 For disaloility Dec. 30, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 4, '65 June 17, •65 * Sept. 15, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 12, '(U Dec. 27, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 16, '63 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Missing May 29, 1863 Sept. 15, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 3, '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 * Dec. 30, '64 June 17, '65 * 1 Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 May 8, '62 Died at Perry ville, Md. Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Sept. 7, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Nov. 22, '64 Died at Salisbury, N. C. Dec. 24, '63 June 17, '65 * Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 1, '63 For disability Mar. 24, '62 July 10, '63 For disability Sept. 15, '64 June (i, '65 At Fredericks, Va. Dec. 12, '64 June 17, '65 * \ 1 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 16, '64 At New York city Dec. 29, '64 June 17, '65 * \ Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 18, '64 At Middletown, Va. Oct. 24, '61 May 25, '63 Died in King George's Co. Sept. 26, '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 24, '61 June 17, '65 * Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 305 Name anil Hanks llelti Pettitt, Joseph, Private Pfronimer, Gotthold, Private Phelan, James, Private, Cor- in>ral, Sergeant Phelps, WiUanl. Private Piatt, Christie, Private Powers, INIatthew, Private Pratt, David, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Reeves, William, Private Rode, Charles, Private Saflbrd, .Manley A., Private Schmidt, John, Private Searles, George, Private Shears, Charles B., Private Statts, Jonatlian W., Corp. Snyder, Henry, Private Snyder, Wni. G., Priv.,Corp. Stontenbnrgh, David S. , Priv. Stoutenburgh, Irwin J., Priv. Stoutenhnrgh, Oscar, Cor- poral, Sergeant Tanner, James, Private Taylor, Carlton P., Cor- poral, Sergeant, l^rivate Thompson, Thomas, Private Thorn, Albert J., Private, Corporal Thorp, Russell, Private Toaz, Robert, Private Todd, John, Private Train, John B., Private Tripp, George S. , Private Tyler, George P., Corporal, Private Vanderwark, George, Private Wakerly, Henry J., Private, Bugler, Corporal, Sergeant Wilsey, Simon K., Private WilHamson, Chas. H., Pri- vate, Corporal Wilsie, Martin D., Private Winsor, Daniel G., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Wood, Herman H., Private Wood, Jerome A., Corporal Woyl, Frederick, Private Zcthoche, Theodore, Private Musti-Ti'd in Jan. 4, '()5 Aug. 16, '()4 Mar. 24, '62 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 30, '64 Dec. 28, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '(>! Dec. 29, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 16, '63 Oct. 19, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Not given Oct. 24, '61 Not given Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 19, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, 't)l Sept. 15, '64 Sept. 22, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Sept. 23, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '(>1 Nov. 10, '62 Oct. 24, '61 Not given Oct. 24, '61 Feb. 6, '64 Sept. 15, '64 Sept. 2, '64 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Dec. 31, '64 Mustcreii out June 17, '65 June 5, '65 June 12, '(i4 Oct. 18, '64 June 17, '65 Mar. 20, '64 Oct. 23, '()2 June 17, '65 Nov. 21, '64 Jan. 30, '62 Nov. 12, '^64 June 17, '65 Oct. 26, '64 June 27, '65 June 17, '(55 June 5, '65 June 5, '65 June 17, ', '63 Oct. 28, '61 Jan. 5, '65 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Nov. 12, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Feb. 9, '64 Jan. 4, '65 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Jan. 5, '65 Feb. 20, '()2 Oct. 28, '61 Jan. 7, '65 Jan. 7, '65 Jan. 7, '65 Jan. (i, '65 Oct. 28, '61 .Tune 17, '65 Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 Not given Dec. 26, '64 Oct. 28, '61 June 27, '()5 jNIustered out May 15, '65 Dec. 22, '64 Jan. 13, '65 Not given June 17, '65 June 17, '65 .Tune 17, '65 June 17, '65 Aug. 31, '64 June 30, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 26, '64 Oct. 21, '64 Dec. 9, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Not given June 17, '65 Feb. 3, '63 Nov. 13, '64 June 17, '65 Remarks June 17, '65 May 31, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Mar. 31, '65 At W^inchester, Ya. For disability from wounds DropjDed from rolls For disability No further record Died of wounds At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died prisoner of war Died at Salisbury, N. C. No further record For disability For disability Missing February 8, 1864 Dropped December, 1861 * No further record No further record No further record Dropped from rolls At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died in hospital Died at Danville, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sixth Netu York Cavalry. 307 Name anrt Ranks Held Ferns, Thomas, Private Ferris, Thomas, TMvate Flaniofan, John, l*rivate Flynn, Kdward, I'rivate Foley, John, IVivate French, Peter, Farrier Fry, Thomas, Priv. , 1st Lieut. Fullman, Harmon, Private Giblsons, John, Private Gordon, Edmund H., Private Gordon, Samuel H., Private Goss, David, I'rivate Grimshaw, Samuel, Private, Sergeant Hall, William, Corp., Sergt. Hamilton, Alexander, Priv. Hancock, Joseph, Private Hansa, John, Private Harbes, Charles, Private Harris, William, Private Harrison, Geo. W., Farrier and Blacksmith Henry, Thomas, Private Hicks, Caleb, Saddler Hicks, Henry, Private Hill, Albert J., Sergeant, 1st Sergt., 1st Lieut., Capt. Holyer, Alexander, Private Homiston, David L., Private Hynes, Edward, Private Jay, Joseph, Private Johnson, John, Private Jones, John J., Sergeant Junnigan, BenJ., Private Kelly, John, Private Lamont, Edward, Private Latham, EldridgeP., Private, Sergeant Lewis, James G., Private, Bugler Lincoln, Asa, Sergeant Linderman, John F., Private Mackinson, James, Private, Corporal, Sergeant McAleer, James, Private, Cor- poral, 2d Lieutenant McBride, Edward, Private McCord, Smith, Corp., Priv. McCrumb, AVm., Private McKeever, Denis, Private McKuen, Hugh, Private McManus, James, Farrier Mead, William, Private Merkel. Chas. M., Private Mustered in Musterert out Remarks Sept. 10, '(14 No further record Sept. 10, '()4 June 5, '65 Jan. 4, '()5 June 17, '(io * Oct. 28, '(il Dec. 18, '63 Died at Culpeper C. H. Jan. 5, 't)5 Sept. 4, '65 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. (), '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. 11, '<;3 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 Dec. 22, '62 For disability Oct. 28, '(il Dec. 23, '63 For disability Not giv en June 16, '65 For disability Oct. 28, '61 Nov. 5, '64 Died of wounds Oct. 28, '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 13, '65 Missing February 21, 1865 Jan. 6, '65 Missing May 22, 18(55 Jan. 7, '65 June 17, '65 * Jan. G, '65 June 17, '65 * Jan. 9, '65 June 17, '65 * Nov. 18, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '()1 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Sept. 27, '62 For disability Jan. 9, '64 May 22, '65 Oct. 28, '61 Jan. 12, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 21, '64 Mar. 5, '62 Apr. 8, '65 Jan. 6, '65 Missing February 22, 18(35 Nov. 1, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Ya. Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 Jan. 5, '65 May 17, '65 Died in hospital Mar. 10, '62 May 31 , '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Not given May 13, '65 Nov. 18, '62 Oct. 28, '()1 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 June 23, '64 Killed at Jones' Bridge, Va Oct. 28, '61 Dec. 9, '62 For disability Jan. 4, '(55 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 No further record Oct. 28, '61 Dropped December, 1861 Jan. 7, '(;5 June 17, '65 * 308 Name and Ranks Held Metz, Michael, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Miller, Joseph, Private Miller, Thomas H., Private Morehead, Thos., Private O'Brien, John, Priv., Corp. Owens, Russell S., Private Page, Joseph C, Corporal, Private, Saddler Palmer, Sidney, Private Parr, John, Private Pearson, Thaddeus, Private Perkins, Jesse T., Private Pickett, Andrew D., Private, Farrier Porter, "William, Saddler, Private Porter, Wm., 2d, Private Posey, Henry, Private Preston, Edgar, Priv., Sergt. Preston, Henry H., Private, Sergeant Prince, George S., Corporal, Private Quinn, Joseph, Private Reiners, Christian, Private Reynolds, Wm. R., Private Rickert, Henry G., Private Rogers, Joseph, Private Rose, William, Private Ryan, James, Private Sauner, John, Private Schaefter, Alfred, Private Schwalin, Fred'k, Private Schwister, Julius, Private Scully, James, Corp., Priv. See, Adam H., Corp., Priv. Smith, James D., Bugler Smith, Robert H., Private Smith, Thomas, Private Smith, Wm. E., Private Sprague, John, Private Sutton, Andrew J., Sergeant, 1st Sergeant Swegin, John, Private Sweeney, Timothy, Bugler, Private Sweeney, William, Private Taber, Elbert W., Private, Corporal Taber, William F., Private, Corporal Tester, John H., Private His tonj ot the Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Dec. 12 '63 Jan. 17, '65 Died of injuries Jan. 7 '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 Feb. 9 '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 7 '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 Missing April l(i, 1864 Jan. 7 '65 June 17, '65 » Oct. 28 '61 Jan. 5 '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 Mar. 15, '65 Died at Wilmington, N. OJ Oct. 28 '61 Oct. 28 '61 Jan. 6 '65 June 17, '65 * Dec. l(i '63 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 7 '65 Mar. 30, '65 From hospital Mar. 22 '64 Jan. 28, '65 At Washington Oct. 81 '61 Aug. 4, '62 Died of disease Oct. 28 '61 No further record Jan. (i '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 4 '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 No further record Oct. 28 '61 Dec. 15 '63 Sept. 30, '64 Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 5 '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 7, '65 At Annapolis, Md. Oct. 28 '61 Sept. 4, '(i4 Killed at Berryville, Va. Oct. 28 '61 Oct. 21, '64 Oct. 28 '61 Dec. 18, '62 For disability Mar. o '(;4 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 10 '(i5 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 5, '(\b June 17, '65 * Oct. 28 '61 Oct. 21, '64 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 21, '64 Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 2S '61 Dec. 2, '63 Died in Richmond, Va. Oct. 28 '61 June 17, '(io * Sixth New York Cavalry. 309 Name and Ranks Held INIustered in Mustered out Oct. 1(), '61 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 9, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 9, '65 Aug. 9, '65 .Ian. 7, '65 Jan. 17, '65 Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 28, '()1 Jan. 10, '65 June 17, '65 Not given May 3, '64 Oct. 28, '61 Mch. 10, '62 Mar. 8, '65 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 4, '64 Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 Tho£uas, Joseph, Private Thompson, Edward, Private, Corporal Wakeman, James, Private Watman, James, Private Webber, Joseph, Private Wheeler, Harmon, Private AVIiite, James, Private Wilkinson, Wni., Private WilUams, Edward, Private Wilson, Alexander, Corporal Wilson, .lames, Private Wright, James F., Private Yack, John, Private Yeomans, Joseph, Private Young, George W., Private Young, Julius B., Corporal, Private Total number of men in company, 148. Total number of men commissioned, 5. Crocker, Wm. H. Captain, Major, Lieut. -colonel Richardson, David P., 1st Lieutenant Bell, J. Hamilton, 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut., Captain Ackerman, Francis M., Pri- vate, Corporal Adams, David, Private Allen, Chas., Private Anderson, John, Private Applin, Samuel C, Private Baker, Amandon, Private Bard, Robert C, Priv., Corp. Benjamin, Chas. D., Private Besley, William B., Private, Ptegt. Qr. Mr. Sergt. Boon, John, Private Bowne, John P., Private Byington, Aaron, Saddler Byington, Geo. H., Private Bradshaw, James, Corporal, Private Brengel, John N., Private, Sergeant BreslofF, Louis, Priv., Corp. Brice, AVilliam, Private Burnham, Willis E., Private, Corporal Remarks No further record At Washington Died of injuries * * No further record * For wounds No further record Died at Richmond, Va. Company I Nov. 15, '61 Dec. 29, '64 Nov. 26, "61 Nov. 27, '64 Nov. 26, '61 June 17, '()5 * Aug. 6, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Nov. 2, Aug. 19, Dec. 19, Sept. 15, Sept. 14, Nov. 2, Nov. 13, '61 '62 '64 '64 '64 '61 '61 Dec. 18, Jan. 17, June 17, June 5, June 5, .June 17, June 17, '62 '63 '<)5 '65 '65 '65 '(>5 Died in hospital Died in hospital * At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. * * Aug. 25, '62 June 6, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Sept. 16, Aug. 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 3, '62 '62 '62 '62 June 5, June 5, Sept. 20, ]\Iar. 30, '65 '65 '64 '(i3 At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For wounds For disability Nov. 15, '61 Oct. 28, '62 Transferred to 2d U. S. Cav Aug. 13, '62 June 5, 'tio At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 4, Feb. 19, '65 '64 June 17, June 17, '65 '65 ■it * Nov. 15, '61 June 17, '65 * ;io History of the Name and Ranks Held Campbell, William, Private Capen, Cyrus N., Private, Farrier Carney, Dennis, Private Cary, Franklin J., Private Cassidy, Christopher, Private Clark, Milton H., Private Clements, Erastus, Private Cody, John, Private Connors, James, Private Conway, John, Private, Blacksmith Constine, Alexander, Private Cooper, Henry G. , Private Corthell, Joseph K., Private Corthell, Wm. H., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Davis, Chas. W., Private Devin, Dominick, Private, Corporal, Sergeant Doty, David R., Private Dwight, Mason C, Private Eager, George C, Private Eberlein, George, Private Endress, Valentine, Private Engelhardt, Chas., Private Fanshaw, Samuel A., Private, Corporal Fenner, Byron A. , Private Fisk, William E., Private Fosgate, Edgar G., Private Foster, Daniel, Private Francis, Chas. W., Private, Corporal, Sergeant Free, Chas. H., Priv., Corp. Freeborn, DeForest G., Pri- vate, Corporal, Sergeant Freeburghouse, Rudolph, Priv. Freeburghouse, John, Priv. Freidenburg, John, Private French, Erastus D., Private Glessner, John, Private Goetz, Jacob C, Priv., Corp. Goss, John, Sergt. , Priv. Green, Wm. H., Private Grinnell, John E., Private, Saddler Halbert, Jerome B., Private, Corporal, Sergt. , 1st Sergt. Hammond, Albert V., Priv. Hammond, Edwin C, Priv. Hammond, Josiah B., Priv. Hammond, Wilbur F., Priv. Harmon, R. A. D., Private Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Sept. 7 '64 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Nov. 2 '61 Oct. 19, '62 For disability Aug. 15 Nov. 2 Jan . 5 Aug. 20 Nov. 26 Aug. 12 Oct. 17 '62 '61 '65 '62 '64 '62 '64 June 5, '65 June 27, '62 June 17, '65 Jan. 21, '64 June, 1864 June 17, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability * Transferred to Invalid Corps Missing March 1, 1865 Transferred to Invalid Corps * Dec. 28 '63 June 17, '65 * Nov. 15, Feb. 13 Apr. 26 '61 '64 '64 July 10, June 9, June 17, '62 '65 '65 For disability At Washington * Nov. 2 '61 June 17, '65 * Feb. 26 '64 June 17, '65 * Aug. 30 '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Nov. 21 Aug. 29 '61 '62 Jan. 9, '63 For disability Missing December 8, 1862 Nov. 16 Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 5 '61 '61 '63 '63 Dec. 30, June 17, June 17, June 17, '62 '65 '65 '65 For dis-ability * * * Aug. 21 '62 June 23, '64 Killed at Jones' Bridge, Va. Nov. 15 Nov. 13 Nov. 15 Sept. 18 '61 '61 '61 '64 July 29, Aug. 25, June 5, '62 '64 '65 Died in Alexandria At New York At Cloud's Mills, Va. Nov. 7 '61 Nov. 9, '64 Died of wounds Aug. 13 '62 Aug. 16, '64 Killed at Cedarville, Va. Aug. 19 '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Nov. 15 Sept. 28 Sept. 18 Nov. 2 Sept. 12 Aug. 13 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 '61 '64 '62 '61 '62 '62 '61 '61 June 17, June 5, June 5, Dec. 29, June 5, June 5, June 17, '65 '65 '65 '63 '65 '65 '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. * Nov. 2, '61 Dec. 13, '62 For disability Nov. 15 '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Aug. 13 Aug. 13 Aug. 13 Aug. 13 Dec. 24 '62 '62 '62 '62 '63 Mar. 12, Dec. 13, Mar. 14, June 17, Aug. 12, '63 '62 '63 '65 '64 For disability Died at Falmouth, Va. For disability * Died from wounds Sixth New York Cavalry. Ill Name and Ranks Held Hanegan, Lewis, Priv., Sergt. Hart, Charles, Private Harvey, Lyman, Private Haskin, Peter V., Private, 1st Lieutenant Hayden, Augustine F., Pri- vate, Corporal, Sergeant Hayden, Edwin L., Private Hays, Calvin, Private Hemniel, John, Private Holcombe, Harmon W., Pri- vate, Bugler, Sergeant Holcombe, Henry M., Priv. Hopson, Sidney P., Private, Corporal Hubbard, Jas. D. C, Pri- vate, Bugler Jenison, Sam'l P., Private, Corporal Jenning, Joseph P., Private Jones, George, Private Keck, Nicholas, Private Kelley, George H., Private Kroenig, Edward, Private Lafever, John H., Private Lawrence, WiUiam, Private Lean, Timothy, Private Lee, Daniel P>., Private Little, James, Priv., Sergt. Locke, James H., Private Loesner, Bernard, Private Marsh, Ezra, Private Marshall, James C, Private May, Samuel S., Private, Corporal , Sergeant Mayhew, Lewis, Private McAfee, Jolm, Priv., Corp. McCluer, Freeman, Corporal, Saddler McCluer, John, Private McKean, Simon I., Private MclNIahon, James, Private McMahon, Patrick, Private, Corporal McNall, Efner, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant McNally, James, Private Meach, George E., Private, Blacksmith, Sergeant Miller, Charles, Private Miller, Russell J., Corporal Mitchell, Lewis H., Private, Sergt., Regt. Com. Sergt. Monroe, Chas. M., Private Musterer lin Mustered out Nov. 2, '61 June 27, '65 Jan. (5, '64 Aug. 22, '64 Nov. 2, '61 Aug. 13, '62 Feb. L3, '64 June 17, '65 Nov. 2, '61 Apr. 30, '64 Nov. 2, '61 Mar. 2, '63 Sept. 3, '64 June 5, '65 Dec. 8, '63 June 17, '65 Nov. 20, '61 June 27, '65 Nov. 20, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 15, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 15, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 2, '61 June 27, '65 Nov. 15, '61 Sept. 19, '62 May 26, '62 Feb. 4, '63 Jan. 4, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 2, '61 Mar. 15, '64 Aug. 15, '64 June 17, '65 Nov. 2, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 2, '61 Dec. 28, '61 Not given June 17, '(55 Nov. 15, '61 Nov. 2, '61 June 27, 'm Nov. 2, '61 Jan. 23, '62 Aug. 14, '(i2 June 17, '("lb Nov. 2, '61 June ]7, '65 Not given June 17, '65 July 29, '62 June 6, '65 Nov. 15, '61 Nov. 19, '64 Nov. 2, '(U July 2(i, '64 Nov. 2, '61 Dec. 13, '62 Nov. 2, '61 Nov. 12, '64 Sept. 9, '64 June 17, '65 Nov. 21, '61 May 18, '65 Nov. 2, '61 Nov. 6, '()2 Nov. 2, '61 Oct. 11, '63 Sept. 3, '64 June 5, '65 Nov. 19, '()1 June 17, '65 Aug. 29, '()2 Nov. 2, '61 ' Jan. 23, '63 Nov. 15, '61 June 27, '65 Aug. 15, '(;2 .lune 5, '65 Remarks At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Died in Alexandria For promotion to Capt. and xV. A. G. For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Washington At Washington * Transferred to Invalid Corps * Died at York, Pa. Missing May 1, 1862 At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability At Alexandria, Va. Died at Salisbury, N. C. Killed at Deep P3ottom, Va. For disability Killed at Newtown, \'a. * For disability Died at Washington. Killed atMorton's Ford,Va, At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing May 20, 1863 '■ For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. 312 History of the Name and Ranks Held Muldoon, John, Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant Noonan, Patrick, Private Nowey, Thomas, Private Older, Marvin, Corp., Priv. Palmer, John, Corporal Parker, Ralph, Private Palmer, Willard C, Private Pearl, Levi L., Private Peter, Ferdinand, Private Peterson, William, Private Phillips, David L., Priv., Corp. Phillips, AVm. W., IstSergt., 2d Lieut. Phippen, Aurannah W. , Priv. , Corporal, Sergeant Poyer, Stephen J., Private Pratt, Edward F., Bugler, Private, Corporal Purcell, Wm. S., Private Raleigh, Thomas, Private Roddis, John, Private Rose, Reuben, H., Private Ruben, Jacob, Private Ryder, P^lijah, Private Saunders, Franklin T., Ser- geant, 1st Lieutenant Saunders, James, Private Schram, Rudolph. Private Scott, John, Private Seeley, James H., Private Seeley, Levi L., I'rivate Service, Chas. W., Private Shepard, Cortland P., Priv., Sergt., Regt. Qr. Mr. Sergt. Shuman, Ernest, Private, Corporal Smith, Ephraim F., Private Smith, J. Wesley, Private Stickney, John, Priv., Sergt. Stickney, Levi, I'rivate Still, Dexter, Private Stone, Wm. H., Priv., Corp. Streeter, Lelmon, Private Sturdevant, Sam'l W., Pri- vate, Sergeant Taylor, Benj. F., Private, Corporal Taylor, Henry H., Private Thiers, Alonzo, Private Thomas, Erastus, Private Thompson, Frank, Sergeant Thorpe, Harry W., Private Mustered in Mustered out Nov. 15, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 15, '2 Aug. 19, '62 Aug. 13, '62 June 5, '(55 Sept 11, '()2 June 5, '(55 Aug. 22 '(i2 June 5, '65 Nov. 2 '«)1 Nov. 5, '64 Nov 2, '61 June 17, '(55 Dec. 14, '()4 June 17, '65 Sept 14, '64 June 5, '(55 Nov. 2, '61 Nov. 24, '61 Nov. 2 '(;i Nov. 23, '61 Nov. 7, '61 Nov 2 '61 June 17, '(io Nov 2 '61 June 27, '(i5 Nov 13, '(U Oct. 11, '(i3 Aug. 20, '62 Nov. 2 '61 Mar. 31, '(i3 Nov. 2 '(il Sept. 2, '62 Nov. 2l' '()1 Mar. 21, '62 Nov. 2 '(il June 17, '65 Nov. 2 '(il Feb. •7 ■(i4 .lune 17, '(i5 Nov. 2 '(il Oct. 11, '(i3 Nov. 2 '61 Sept. 30, '(52 Nov. 15', '(il June 20, '62 Nov. 15, '()1 Jan. 22, '(54 Nov. 2, '61 Nov. l(i, '62 ( )ct. 28, '()4 June 17, '65 Remarks Near Middletown, Va. Killed at Brandy Sta., Va. Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps * Killed at Cedarville, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. * Killed at Jones' Bridge, Va. Died of wounds At Cloud's Mills, Va. ' Died in Alexandria Killed at Berryville, \'a. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Dropped as British subject Transferred to Invalid Corps At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's :Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died of wounds At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died in New York city For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. Killed at Morton's Ford, Va. Missing December 31, 18(53 For disability Died at Perryville, ^Id. Missing September 24, 1862 « Killed at Brandy Sta., Va. Died at Antietam, Md. Died of disease For disability Sixth New York Cavalry. Naine ami Ranks Held Townsloy, Clinton G., Cor- poral, Serjeant Turpy, Jolin, Private Wachertiel^ Regt. Blacksmith ^^* Burns, James, Private Burns, Patrick, Private Casey, Edward, Private Casson, James, Private Chambers, George, Private Chateautant, Louis, Private Christin, John, Private Cliff, John, Bugler Combs, Joseph E., Private Cook, Martin D., Private Cornwall, Wm. AV., Private Coyne, John, Private Dawson, Thomas, Private Dealy, William, Private Decker, Stephen, Private Delude, Joseph, Private Dempsey, Michael, Private, Corporal Deroch, Antoine, Private, Corporal Dewey, Eli W., Sergeant Dixon, William, Private Dove, Patrick, Priv., Corp. Dubied, Wilhelm, Private Engels, Jacol), Private Fane, Terrance, Blacksmith Farrell, Patrick, Private Files, Noel J., Private Funk, George, Priv., Corp. Gallager, John, Priv., Corp. Gallagher, Patrick, Private Ganetsee, John H., Private Gantert, Paul, Private Glancy, James, Priv., Corp. Godden, William, Private Gollinger, John, Priv., Corp. Goodnow, Cyrus S., Corporal Goodwin, Levi, Priv., Corp. Gothain, James, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Green, John, Private Harper, John, Bugler, Priv. Hoffman, Thos. B., Private Hoffman, Wm. J., Private Hurst, William, Private Johnson, Henry H. N. , Sergt. Johnson, Henry L., Sergt., 2d Lieut. Jones, William, Private Kimball, Henry, Private King, Leopold, Private Mustered in :\Iustered out Nov. 4, '61 Feb. 15, '65 Dec. 8, '63 Jan. 7, '65 Nov. 6, '61 Aug. 8, '62 Oct. 21, '61 Nov. 4, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 21, '61 Aug' St, 1862 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 16, '61 June 17, '65 Dec. 19, '61 Dec. 6, '62 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 11, '64 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 29, '61 Jan. 11, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Sept. 4, '62 Nov. 4, '61 Sept. 19, '64 Dec. 28, '64 June 17, '65 Feb. 5, '64 Apr. 30, '64 Lee. 4, '61 Oct. 3, '62 Nov. 4, '61 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Apr. 17, '62 Nov. 4, 'til Oct. 7, '62 Dec. 4, '61 Mar. 19, '63 Dec. 22, '63 June 17, '65 Feb. 11, '64 June 23, '64 Not giv en Mar. 8, '62 Oct. Ki, '61 Jan. 10, '65 Feb. 11, '64 June 17, '65 June 23, '63 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '61 June 1 7, '65 Nov. 20, '61 Nov. 30, '62 Jan. 11, 'iSr, June 17, '65 Feb. 5, '65 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Apr. 4, '65 Feb. 12, '64 June 1 7, '65 Oct. 23, '61 Sept. 5, '65 Nov. 4, '61 June 5, '65 Nov. 18, '61 Apr. 20, '64 Nov. 4, '61 June 17, '65 Oct. 24, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Not given Nov. 25, '62 Not given Jan. 5, '63 Feb. 15, '64 June 17, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 June 27, '65 Jan. 14, '65 May 11, '65 Nov. 4, '61 June 17, '65 Dec. 30, '(i4 Remarks For disability Died at Harrison's Land- ing, Va. No further record * Died in hospital Missing February 8, 1864 * For disability Died at Salisbury, N. C. For disability Died of wounds * Transferred to the Navy For disability For disability For disability For disability * Died of wounds By civil authority No further record Missing March, 18(55 For disability For disability * At Elmira, N. Y. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Transferred to Navy No further record Missing March 14, 1863 For disability For disability * Missing April 9, 1863 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died at Cumberland, Md. * Missing May 24, 1865 Sixth New York Cavalry. 115 Name and Ranks Held Larivine, Joseph, Private Leslin, Thomas, Sergeant Lyth, Wilham, Private Manering, Jeremiali, Private Mayer, James, Private jMcCrae, Donald, Private McGurk, James, Private McKinzie, Owen, Corporal, Sergeant Mead, Lucius C, Private Medcalf, William, Private Miller, Lewis C. J., Private Moore, Benjamin, Private Morey, Warren, Private Morgan, John, Private Morris, Joseph, Private Mulhall, Thos., Priv., Corp. Murry, Lewis, Private Newton, Pichard R., Private, Corporal Nixon, Orrin, Private OUn, Chas. M., Sergt., 1st Serst., 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut. Olssen, Wm. E., Private O'Rourke, Donald, Private Osgood, Marvin, Private Palmer, Wn>. H., Private Perrett, John, Private Perry, Edward H., Private Philpot, James, Corp., Priv. Porter, Thomas, Private, Blacksmith Proux, Nelson, Private Eea, Hugh M., Corporal Rea, William H., Private Roberts, Samuel F., Private, 1st Sergeant Robinson, Wm. ]\L, Corporal, Private Ryan, John AV., Corporal Schaker, Christian, Private Scrunton, James, Private Shaw, Frederick, Private Shea, Daniel, Private Spearing, Charles, Private Stearling, John, Priv., Corp. Stilwell, James, Private Sullivan, Dennis, Private Swiss, Francis, i^rivate Vanderberg, John, Private Walker, Frank, Private Mustered in Oct. 29, '(il Nov. 4, '(U Nov. 4, '(;i Oct. 14, '61 Jan. 5, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Dec. 4, '61 June 3, '64 Feb. 5, '64 Nov. 4, '(il Feb. 12, '()4 .Jan. 14, '65 Oct. 31, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Dec. 19, '61 Nov. 21, '61 Nov. 16, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Dec. 17, '63 Feb. 13, '63 Dec. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Feb. 9, '64 Dec. 12, '63 Nov. 4, '(il Dec. 19, '61 Jan. 10, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '(il Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '(il Jan. 5, '65 Nov. 4, '61 Jan. 13, '(i5 June 17, '(35 Oct. 26, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '(il Nov. 4, '61 Nov. 4, '61 Dec. 24, '64 Nov. 4, '(il Mustered out Oct. 25, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Jan. 31, '64 June 12, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Mar. 25, '64 Oct. 20, '64 July 28, '62 June 28, '(j5 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Mar. 30, '63 July 21, '(i4 May, 18(34 Sept. 4, '64 Dec. 9, '62 June 17, '65 Sept. 8, '62 Aug. 27, '62 Jiuie 27, '65 July 21, '63 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Dec. 11, '62 June 17, '(35 Feb. 7, 'ti3 June 17, '65 Sept. 17, '(32 Remarks No further record At New York city * No further record Died in New York city Died of wounds Missing January 1, 1863 Missing May 24, 1865 No further record Missing March 10, 18(33 Transferred to Vet. Res. Corps For disability Died at Point Lookout, Md. At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Died of wounds Killed at Wilderness, Va. Mortally wounded at Ber- ryville, Va. For disability * For disability Died at Philadelphia At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability * His real name was Fred- erick Knights No further record For disability For disability No further record * Missing February 28, 1865 For disability !16 History of the Name and Ranks Held Wallace, Henry W., Private Warner, Roswell H., Private Watson, Thomas. Priv.,Corp. Way, Joseph D., Private Weatherston, Walter S., Pri- vate, Corporal, Sergeant AVells, .lames, Private, Cor- poral, Sergeant Wells, William, Private ^Veston, .1. Newcomb, 1st Sergt., Sergt. Major, 1st Lieut., Capt. Wetmore, Louis, Private, 2d Lieutenant Wheeler, Cummings, Private, Corporal Whitcomb, Warren, Private Willson, Wm. H., Private Mustered in Dec. 4, 'ility Sixth New York Cavalry. 317 Name and Riinks Held Cannon, Thos. M., Private, Corporal Carley, Frederick, Private Conlin, John, Private Conshe, John, Private Cooke, Anson B., Private Cooper, Levi C, Bugler Cross, Patrick, Private Cuthill, Henry C, Private Davids, Chas. II., Private Davis, Frederick, Priv., Corp. Denker, Richard R., IstSergt., 2d Lieut. Demarest, Thos. G., Private, Corporal Devine, Thomas, Private Dudley, Thomas, Private Dutt'y, Patrick, Private Emery, Benjamin F., Corp., Priv. Emery, Leonard, Priv. , Sergt. Evans, Evan L., Private Ficken, Christopher, Corporal, Sergeant Ficken, Martin, Priv.. Sergt. Foster, John J., Private Foster, Robert, Private Foy, John, Private Frick, Henry, Private Gallagher, Patrick, Private Gallagher, Patrick, 2d, Priv. George, Peter, Private Gibson, Cornelius, Private Gilmore, James, Private Glasier, John B., Private Gould, James. Private Hackett, ^Martin, Private Hackett, Tliomas, Private Hall, Edward, Priv., Corp., Sergt. Hartield, Charles, Private Harrison, Geo. W., Corp., Priv. Hill, Isaiah L. , Private Hodgdon, Chas. A., Private Hott'man. Joseph, Private Hopper, John, Sergeant Howard, Henry, Private Hurst. James A., Private Ibbs. Charles, Private Johnson, John, Hindoo Ser- vant Jones, Nicholas, Private Mustered in Nov. 2, '(>] Oct. 11, '61 Jan. 29, '64 Oct. 17, '61 Oct. 24, '61 Oct. 16, '61 Nov. 24, '61 Oct. 25, '61 Oct. 11, '61 Nov. 24, '61 Oct. 28, '61 Nov. 2, '61 Oct. 26, '61 Oct. 28, '(il Oct. 28, '(U Oct. 11, '61 11, '61 .27. '()4 Mustered out June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Aug. 22, '64 Oct. 25, '62 July 18, '63 June 27, '65 Oct. :>1, '64 June 27, '65 Remarks Oct. Apr.! Oct. 25, '<)1 Oct. lit. '64 Oct. Nov. Feb. Mar Jan. Oct. Jan. not Oct. Nov Nov. Nov, Oct. Oct. 11, '61 7, '61 22, 'M 3, '64 12, '65 28, '61 12, '65 given 18, '61 . 8, '61 16, '61 8, '61 23, '61 22, '(il June 27, '65 June 17, '65 July 19, '65 July 25, '65 Feb. 23, '63 June 17, '65 June 27, '65 Mar. 22, '64 Nov. 24, '61 Nov. 12, '61 June 17, '64 Nov. 7, '61 Nov. 9, '61 Oct. 11, '61 Nov. 8, '61 Dec. 6, '61 Oct. 30, '61 Mar.22, '64 Oct. 23, '61 Jan. 6, '65 Oct. 27, '62 Oct. 25, '62 Mar. 7, '63 Sept. 1, '62 May 31, '65 Jan. 17, '62 Missing May 7, '62 Transferred to Reserve Corps Transferred to 4th U. S. Cavalry Missing Dec, 1861 Missing June 13, '62 At Cloud's :Mills, Va. Missing June 1.'*), '62 At Middletown, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. No further record Died of wounds At Cloud's Mills, Va. For wounds ^ Missing August, 1864 Missing Feb. 15, '65 :\Iissing March, 1865 For disability Missing June 13, '62 For disability At Cloud's Mill's, Va. For disability Transferred to 4th U.S.Cav, For disability For disability Missing Dec. 1, '64 By civil authority At Philadelphia For disability Missing March, 1865 318 History of the Name and Ranks Held Jones, "Wm. H., Private Kerrigan, Edward, Corporal Kennedy, James, Private Kipp, Rufus, Corporal Knock, Charles, Private Koster, Albert B., Private Leahy, Wm. P. , Priv. , Saddler Lewiston, Max, Private Lindsley, John, Private Lohnes, Alonzo, Priv. , Sergt. Maddock, Thomas, Private Manley, Jerome, Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant McCauley, Thomas, Private McGrogan, Edward, Private McGuire, James, Corp., Priv. Mcllvain, David, Private McKeon, Peter, Private McKnight, Mortimer, Private McMahon, John, Private Mills, John H., Priv., 1st Sergeant Mims, John, Private Mitchell, Frederick, Priv., Saddler Mullen, James, Private Muri:thy, John, Private Murphy, ^lichael J., Private jSTeff, Aaron, Private Nolen, James, Corporal Norris, William, Priv., Corp., Nugent, Hugh, Saddler, Regt. Saddler, Private O'Brien, Edward, Private Packard, Lyman, Corp. , Priv. Peck, Hiram A. , Sergt. , Priv. Phabe, IMichael, Private Porter, Claudius, Private Potter, ]\Ielvin H., Private, Corporal Reeder, James, Private Regan, Thomas, Private Robinson, Reuben, Private Sandford, Benjamin, Private Sandford, William, Private Sawtelle, Henry K., Private Shepard, W^illiam, Private Simpson, Wm., Priv., Corp. Slater, Samuel H., Private Smith, Edward, Private Smith, John, Private Smitli, William, Priv., Corp. Sommers, John, Private Stark, Alexander, Private Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Nov. 24, '61 Feb. 16, '63 For disability Oct. 29, '61 Missing June 13, '62 Nov. 9, '61 Missing Sept. 2, '62 Nov. 9, '61 April 1, '62 Died in hospital Jan. 7, '65 Missing March, 1865 Oct. 25, '61 Oct. 22, '61 June 20, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 17, '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 23, '64 May 24, '65 Nov. 9, '61 June 17, '65 * Nov. 5, '61 Oct. 11, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 31, '61 May 9, '62 By civil authority Nov. 24, '61 June 27, '62 For disability Oct. 26, '61 June 17, '65 * Feb. 13, '64 Dec. 5, '64 Died in New York Feb. 5, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 19, '61 Missing June 13, '62 Oct. 22, '61 June 17, '65 * Dec. 6, '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. (>, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 11, '61 June 17, '65 * Nov. 7, '61 Nov. 1, '61 Nov. 28, '63 Transferred to Invalid Corps { Nov. 24, '61 not given Oct. 16, '61 April 29, '62 For disability Feb. 4, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 22, '61 June 17, '65 * Feb. S, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 17, '61 Jan. 23, '65 Died at Salisbury, N. C. Oct. 28, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 28, '61 Oct. 26, '64 Oct. 19, '61 Missing June 13, '62 Oct, 22, '61 June 17, '65 • Nov. 4, '61 Missing June 13, '62 Oct. IG, '61 Au^-. (3, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct: 29, '61 Mar. 27, '63 For disability Oct. 29, '61 Missing March, 1865 Oct. 11, '61 Mar. 8, '64 Died at Culpeper, Va. Oct. 29, '61 Oct. 31, '64 Feb. 1, '64 June 17, '65 * Mar. 15, '64 June 17, '65 * Feb. 5, '64 April 26, 'iSb Drowned in N. Y. Harbor Jan. 7, '6"' June 17, '65 * Mar. 22, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. (), '65 June 17, '65 * Jan. 5, '63 June 17, 'e,b * Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 319 Name and Ranks Held Swan, Thomas W., Private Traynor, Thomas, Farrier Tritis, Stephen, Private Volkart, Jacob, Private Voorheese, Henry S., Serj^t. Walker, James, Private Walsh, :Matthew, Private "Ward, Stephen, Private Welsh, Samnel, Private White, Georse, Sergeant Whittaker, Fred'k, Private, Corp. , Sergt. , 2d Lieut. Wood, Augustus H. , Private, Sergeant Wood, Edgar, I'rivate Mustered in Mustered out Jan. 5, '(!4 June 17, '()5 Oct. 22, '(il Oct. 'M, '(i4 Oct. 26, '17, '65 Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 17, '61 Oct. 31, '64 Jan. 4, '64 June 27, '65 Nov.27, '63 June 17, '(>5 Jan. (), '65 June 17, '(55 Oct. 30, '61 Oct. 22, '61 Nov. 11, '(il June 17, '65 Oct. l(i, '61 June 17, '65 Jan. 1, '64 June 17, '65 Remarks At Jliddletown, Va. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Missing Oct. 5, '62 Total number of men in company, 128. Total number of men commissioned, 3. Company M. Van Buren, Geo. M.,Capt., Major Heermance, AVm. L., 1st Lieut., Captain Everts, Chas. A., 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut., Captain Adams, Thos. B., Sergt., 1st Sergt., 1st Lieut. Ashley, David C, Sergeant, Sergeant INIajor Ashley, Wui. li., Priv., Ser- geant, 1st Sergt., 2d Lieut. Atwell, Theodore, Sergeant Baines, Thos. H., Private Baldwin, Robert, Private Bassett, George, Private Benedict, Frank, Private Blunt, John W., Sergt., 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut., Captain Blunt, Joseph, Sergeant, 2d Lieutenant Bock, Henry, Private Boether, Gustave, Private Bortle, Philip, Private Boyce, R.. Private Braman, Joseph B., Private Brooks, Gilbert C. , Corporal Bruce, James H. , Priv. , Sergt. BuUes, George L. , Priv. , AVag. Burgfels, John J., Private Bushnell, Geo. H., Private Campbell, Henry A., Private Nov. 28, '61 Mar. 1(), '65 Oct. 17, '61 Oct. 21, '64 Dec. 5, '61 Dec. 22, '64 At Winchester, \'a. Nov. 16, '61 June 28 , '(>5 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 4, '61 July 16, '62 For disability Oct. 2, '61 June 17, '(35 TT Oct. 23, '61 July 20, '64 Died at Andersonville, Ga. Nov.21, '61 Jan. 23, '(V2 Died Dec. 12, '63 June 17, '(i5 * Oct. 25, '61 Nov. 9, '62 For disability Nov. 6, '61 Oct. 19, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 17, '(il Feb. 4, '63 Dec. 8, '61 June 17, '65 * May 13, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 4, '64 June 17, '(55 * Not given June 30, '64 Died at Andersonville, Ga Oct. 25, '61 Nov. 4, '61 By order of court Oct. 2, '61 June 17, '(35 * Oct. 30, '61 June 27, '65 At Cloud's INIills, Va. Oct. 2, '61 June 17, '65 * Nov.21, '61 Dec. 16, '61 Jan. 30, '(54 Jan. 18, '65 Killed near Lovettsville, Ga 320 History of the Name and Ranks Held Carpenter, Horatio N. , Priv. Carpenter, James P., Priv., Corporal, Sergeant Childs, William, Corporal Clapp, William, Corp., Priv. Coffin, Job B., Farrier and Blacksmith Collier, Isaac A., Corporal Conklin, Jeflt'erson, Private Conklin, William, Private Converse, Henry W., Priv., Corp., Sergt. , 1st Sergt. Coons, George, Private Coons, James H., Private Courts, Benjamin, Priv. ,Wag. Courts, Rudolphus, Private Cox, Augustus. Private Cox, James P., Corp., Sergt. Crabb, Wm. E., Private Crame, Robert E., Private Crissey, Cyrus H . , Priv. , Sergt. Davis, James H. , Private Deedrick, Isaac, Private Desmar, Henry F. , Pri\'ate Dickinson, Solomon, Private Dykeman, Jefferson, Private Englishman, Chas., Private Fairchild, Eli B., Corporal Fifer, John, Private Frier, Alexander, Corporal Gilleo, Nicholas, Private Gilleo, Peter, Priv., Corp. Glenn, Thos. W., Private Goldstein, Hiram P., Private Gordon, Thos., Private Gruelling, Henry, Priv. , Corp. Ham, Henry, Private Ham, Morris. Private Hang, Felix, Private Hanna, John, Private Havey, John, Private Hay den, Cornelius, Priv. , Wag. Hill, Benjamin, Private Hill, George, Private Holdridge, David, Private Holdridge, Edgar P., Private HoUister, Erastus, Priv. , Sergt. Hollister, Seth W., Private Hubbel, Lambert I., Private Jewell, John B., Private Jones, Chas. S. , Private Jones, Henry L. , Private Kiernan, Thos. H., Private Kellar, Conrad, Private >IusterL'( in Mustered out Remarks Oct. 2, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. ]7, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 30, '61 June 23, '62 For disability Oct. 2, '61 Nov. 22, '64 At Kearneystown, Va. Oct. 25, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 17, '61 June 14, '65 At Annapolis, Md. Oct. 23, '61 June 17, '65 * Oct. 23, '61 Jan. 21, '65 Died at Danville, Va. Oct. 25, '61 June 17, '65 * Xov. 1, '61 Feb. 24, '62 For disability Nov. 25, '61 June 17, '65 * Nov. 21, '61 Dec. 20, '62 For disability Nov. 14, '61 June 17, '65 * Nov. 9, '61 Aug. 18, '62 June 5, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. \ Sept. 19, '64 June 11, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Feb. 5, '64 No further record Oct. 25, '61 June 13, '65 For wounds Oct. 4, '61 Nov. 5, '64 Feb. 2, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 18, '62 Jan. 12, '63 For disability Nov. 2, '61 June 17, '65 * 1 Nov. 9, '61 June 17, '65 1 Jan. 7, '65 June 17, '65 * Oct. 23, '61 Aug. 14, '62 Killed on picket Sept. 8, '62 Missing May 5, '63 Oct. 2, '61 Oct. 9, '62 For disability Mar. 1, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 23, '61 June 17, '65 * Feb. 24, '64 June 17, '65 « Aug. 20, '64 June 11, '65 At Cloud's Mills, Va. Jan. 7, '(i5 Missing Feb. 1, '65 Oct. 30, '61 Trans, to \tt. Res. Corps Jan. 29, '64 June 17, '65 * Mar. 29, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 6, '65 June 17, '65 * Nov. 25, '61 April! 9, '62 Nov. 18, '61 June 17, '65 * Dec. 5, '61 June 27, 'iSr) At Cloud's Mills, Va. Oct. 17, '61 Jan. 25, '64 June 17, '65 * Oct. 23, '61 Nov. 1, '61 Dec. 3, '61 June 17, '65 * July 25, '62 Nov. 9, '61 June 24, "62 For disability Nov. 25, '61 Oct. 11, '63 Killed at Brandy Station , Va. Nov. 21, '61 June 17, '65 * Jan. 19, '64 June 17, '65 * Jan. 28, '64 June 17, '65 * Sept. 20, '62 June 15, '64 Died of wounds Sixth New York Cavalnj. 321 '61 '64 '62 '61 '61 '62 '61 '61 '62 '6o '64 '65 '64 '62 '61 '62 '61 '61 '61 Xanie and Ranks Ileld Mustered in Kelly, Patrick, Private Oct. 17 Kelly, Will. I)., Private Jan. 22 Kipt'er, John, Private Mar.l Leach, Thos., Private Oct. 23 Link, Abram W., Private Nov. 21 Lydon, Daniel, Private Sept. 8 Marsh, Chan. A., Private Nov. 21 Martin, William, Priv., Corp. Oct. 2 Mason, Frank A.. Private Sept. 6 McCagg, Peter H., Private Dec. 16 ]\IcCann, Henry, Corporal Jan. 7 McDermott, John, Private Jan. 7 McGuirk, Frank, Private Oct. 24 McKevitt, Hugh, Private Aug. 7 Miller, Chas. H.,Priv., Sergt. Oct. 2 Miller, Nicholas, Private " Sept. 10 Minkler, Theodore, Priv., Cor. Oct. 30 Morrison, John J., Private Oct. 4 Murgitroyd, Wni. H., Priv., t^j , Corporal ^^"''- ^ Murray, Jas. W., Private Nealing, John, Private New, Abner A., Private Neylon, John, Private Peak, George W., Private Pierson, James E., Private Plant, James, Priv., Corp. Proper, Levi C. , Private Proper, James H., Private Pultz, Monteltion, Private Kace, William H., Private Richards, Brandon, Private Richelieu. Dominick, Bugler Rigney, Edward, Private Riley, John, Private Robertson, John J., Private Rodgers, George M., Private, -pj , Corporal, 2d Lieutenant Rosbero, Robert, Corp. , Sergt. Oct. 2 Rourke, Edward, Private Aug. 14 Scriber, Benj., Private Nov. 25 Sitzer, Ambrose. Bugler Nov. 14 Sliter, William, Private Oct. 2 Smith, Henry P., Private Feb. 1 Smith, James W., Private Apr. 6 Snyder, Michael, Private Sept. 8 Staats, Abraham M., Private Jan. 22 Starks, Joseph B., Private, p. . . Corporal, Bugler ^^^- ^ Steinback, Michael, Private Feb. 1 Stern, Moses, Private Apr. 18 Stevens, Wm. H., Private Oct. 23 Stolicker, Abram J., Private Nov. 21 21 Mustered out Jan. 4 June 17 Dec. 10 Dec. 16 Oct. 14 June 5 April 29 June 17 June 27 June 17 June 17 June 5 June 27 June 5 June 23 Mar. 12 July 14 June 1 '64 '65 '62 '62 '62 '65 '63 '65 '65 '65 '65 '65 '65 '65 '64 '65 '62 '65 Mar. 2, '64 June 4, '64 Nov. 6, '61 June 17, '65 Mar. 24, '"64 June 17, '65 Jan. 15, '64 June 17, '65 Jan. 14, '64 June 17, '65 Nov. 9, '61 Jan. 22, '63 Nov. 6, '61 Nov. 6, '61 Nov. 6, '61 Not given Aprill9, '62 Nov. 25, '61 Nov. 14, '61 Oct. 1, '62 Dec. 24, '61 Mar. 9, '63 Dec. 16, '63 June 17, '65 Dec. 11, '63 June 17, '65 '61 '61 '62 '61 '61 '61 '64 '62 '62 '64 '61 '64 '64 '61 '61 Mar. 28, '65 June 17, '65 Feb. 24, '62 not given June 17, '65 June (), '65 May 21, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 Oct. 9, '64 June 17, '65 Feb. 20, '63 June 17, '65 Hemarks For disability * For disability For disability For disability At Cloud's Mills, Va. Killed at SpottsylvaniaC.H. No further record * At Cloud's Mills, Va. ■Si- Enlisted under the name of John F. Boyle At Cloud's Mills, Va. At Cloud's Mills, ^'a. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Killed at Jones' Bridge, Va. Died at Richmond, \a. For disability Missing October, 1864 For disability For disability For disability For disability * Enlisted as Geo. Moore, Com. as Geo. M. Rodgers Missing Dec. 10, '62 For disability Transferred to Reserve Corps * At Cloud's Mills, Va. For disability Died in hospital For disability 322 Name and Ranks Held Stolicker, James E. , Private Stickland, Henry, Private Sturgis, Geo. W., Private Svi^an, Jacob, Private Taylor, Francis, Private Thomas, George H., Private Tiftany, Miles, Private Tomlinson, Cyrus B., Private Van Hoesen, Wm. H., Corp. Van Hoesen, Chas. E., Pri- vate, Corporal Van Volkenburgh, M. H., Private Wadley, Fred'k J., Private, Sergeant Ware, George W. , Private Waters, John, Private Welch, Richard, Private Wellington, Benj. F. , Private Whitbeck, Sani'l N. , Private, Corporal, Sergt. Whitbeck, Jeremiah, Private Winans, James, Private Winchell, Norman, Private Winslow, George, Priv. , Corp. Wood, Chas. H., Private Woolsey, George A. , Private History of the Mustered in Nov. 21, '61 Sept. 8, '62 Aug. 20, '62 Mar.l5, '64 Nov. 19, '61 Oct. 30, '61 Oct. 17, '61 Oct. 30, '61 Oct. 2, '61 Not given Oct. 30, '61 Sept. 15, '62 Sept. 15, '62 Jan. 7, '65 Oct. 2, '61 Oct. 2, '61 Jan. 18, '64 Nov. 21, '61 Oct. 17, '61 Nov. 6, '61 Oct. 2, '61 Oct. 4, '61 Sept. 15, '64 Mu.stered out June 17, '65 June 9, '65 June 5, '65 Oct. 25, '64 June 17, '65 Dec. 22, '62 Oct. 24, '64 April 1, '63 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 April 22, '64 June 17, '65 June 17, '75 Jan. 23, '63 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 17, '65 June 5, '65 Remarks * For disability At Cloud's Mills, Vu. Trans, to 100th N. Y. For disability At Cedar Creek, \i\. At Cloud's Mills, Va. Died in Washington No further record For disability At Cloud's Mills, \a. Total number of men in company, 145. Total number of men commissioned, 5. Enlisted Men (Privates) Unassigned to Company. The remarks opposite these names, in the Adjutant-general's report, State of New York, are so varied that to classify them in separate tables would take up too many pages. To put them in one table and give a descriptive account of each would take too much time and labor, so they are entered under the heading of no further record (n. f. r.), with the exception of a few who, it will be seen, are worthy of further remarks. Name Allen, James, Ance, Benjamin, August, Solomon, Avery, Daniel W., Baker, John, Mustered in Jan. 7, '65 Not given Jan. C, '65 Jan. 7, '64 Dec. 26, '62 Mustered out Feb. ], '65 Remarks Died in hospital n. f. r. n. f. r. n. f. r. Sixth New York Cavalry. 523 Name Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Baker, John G., Jan. 21, '63 n. f. r. Barnum, Henry, July 14 '62 n. f. r. Barrett, William, Mar. 19, '64 n. f. r. Bartholomew, Wm. W., Feb. 19 '64 n. f. r. Baxter, John Dec. 24 '62 Berger, Peter, Nov. 10 '62 n. f. r. Bering, Wm. H., Nov. 1 '64 n. f. r. Bowers, George, Mar. 17, '65 n. f. r. Bowers, Robert W., Apr. 15 '64 n. f. r. Bowman, Albert, May 19, '64 n. f. r. Boyan, David, Oct. 24 '()4 n. f. r. Boyd, John Nov. 13 •()2 May 24, '65 At Albany, N. Y. Bradley, Dallas, Aug. 9 '64 Mar. 28, '65 For disability Brown, George C, Jan. 1() '64 n. f. r. Burck, Henry, Dec. 26 '62 n. f. r. Burder, Peter, Aug. 31 '64 n. f. r. Burlingham, Calvin, July 14 '62 n. f. r. Burrell, Robert L., Aug. 15 '64 n. f. r. Carney, Thomas, Mar. 18 '65 n. f. r. Carson, Francis A.. Aug. 1 '62 n. f. r. Ciroux, Charles, Nov. 10 '62 n. f. r. Clines, Michael, Nov. 11 '62 n. f. r. Cochrane, William, Nov. 3 '62 Dec. 27, '62 Died in hospital Cole, William, Apr. 18 '64 n. f. r. Collins, Robert, Sept. 10 '64 n. f. r. Cone, William W., Aug. 31 '()4 May 8, '65 At Hart's Island, N. Y Conners, Edward, Dec. 22 '62 n. f. r. Corning, Archibald, Dec. 30 '64 n. f. r. Creed, Thomas, Dec. 8 '62 n. f. r. Crenion, William, Sept. 24, '62 n. f. r. Croghan, John, Dec. 22 '63 n. f. r. Crummel, John, Jan. 5, '64 n. f. r. Cunningham. Charles. Nov. 25 '62 n. f. r. Davis, Lewis R., Nov. 21 '62 n. f. r. Deming, James, Jan. IS, '64 Feb. 25, '64 Died of disease Doty, Chauncey E., July 28 '62 n. f. r. Duffy, John, Oct. 11, '64 n. f. r. Dunner, Timothy, n. f. r. Dwyer, Patrick, Dec. 11, '62 n. f. r. Eaton, George, Dec. 22 '62 n. f. r. Eddo. Abram P. . Feb. 13 '64 ^lar. S, '65 At Hart's Island, N. Y Elliott, Adam, Feb. 24 '64 June 3, '65 At Washington, D. C. Emmerly, John, Jan. 21 '64 n. f. r. Engels, Peter, Jan. 7 '64 n. f. r. Farley, John, Jan. 30 '64 n. f. r. Farrell, John, n. f. r. Feeney, Hugh C, Sept. 20 '62 n. f. r. Ferreira, Jose Da S. 'SI., Feb. 24 '64 n. f. r. Foster, Edwin, Mar. 5 '64 n. f. r. Frace, William, Sept. 9 '(>4 n. f. r. Franck, Julius, Mar. 12 '64 n. f. r. Franck, AVilliam, Aug. 8 '64 n. f. r. Freeman, Henry, Oct. 19 '64 n. f. r. Furlong, Charles, Nov. '62 n. f. r. 324 History of the Name Gardner, Martin B., Goodrich, Lafayette, Green, James, Haggerty, Patrick M., Hall, George, Hamilton, Alexander, Hamilton, Charles, Hammond, Joseph W. Hayes, Peter, Heintzelman, Jacob, Henry, Lewis, Hodges, George H., Jackson, John, Jennings, William, Johnson, James, Johnson, John, Jones, William, Keagan, Edward, Keeley, Patrick, Keenan, John, Kelley, James, Kelley, John, Kellison, Samuel 0., Kelly, John, Klein, John, Korwin, John, Krutch, John C, Lewis, John, Lewis, William Loomis, John H., Lynch, James, Maglory, Patrick, Marks, David, Marks, Patrick, Marlin, Arthur, Martin, Thomas, McBride, Chas. L. , McCabe, Francis, McCall, Francis, McCarry, Cornelius, McDermott, Terrence, McDonald, Angus, McHugh, Michael, McNall, James, McNally, John, McVanny, James, Meyer, Charles, Miller, Henry, Miller, Jacob, Miller, John, Mills, Edward, Miner, George, Moore, Albert M. , Moore, John, Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Nov.2(i, '62 n. f. r. Jan. 30, '64 n. f. r. Mar. 11, '64 n. f. r. Nov. 14, '62 n. f. r. Jan. 26, '64 n. f. r. Feb. 2, '64 n. f. r. Nov. 3, '62 n. f. r. Nov. 26, '62 n. f. r. Jan. 6, '64 n. f. r. Aug. 15, '64 n. f. r. Sept. 23, '62 n. f. r. 1 Not given Feb. 1, '63 For disability j Feb. 2, '64 n. f. r. i Jan. 20, '64 n. f. r. Nov. 26, '62 n. f. r. ! Nov. 17, '62 n. f. r. ! n. f. r. Dec. 1, '62 n. f. r. Dec. 31, '64 n. f. r. Aug. 21, '62 n. f. r. Jan. 12, '63 n. f. r. Nov. 8, '62 n. f. r. ; Jan. 27, '64 Mar. 23, '64 Died of disease Not given Dec. "7, '(i3 May 4, '64 For disability Mar. 16, '()5 n. f. r. Nov. 12, '62 n. f. r. Nov. 26, '62 n. f. r. Nov. 26, '62 n. f. r. Nov. 5, '62 n. f. r. ; Dec. 9, '63 n. f. r. Nov. 15, '62 n. f. r. Nov. 10, '62 n. f. r. Oct. 11, '64 n. f. r. Not given n. f. r. Jan. 12, '63 n. f. r. Mar. 3, '64 n. f. r. Feb. 3, '64 n. f. r. Apr. 11, '64 n. f. r. Sept. 17, '64 n. f. r. Not given Nov. 28, '63 Transferred to Invalid Corpst Jan. 14, '63 n. f. r. Sept. 13, '62 n. f. r. Jan. 11, '65 n. f. r. Oct. 3, '64 n. f. r. Dec. 10, '63 Mar. 30, '{"^ For disability Dec. 7, '63 n. f. r. May 13, '64 n. f. r. Apr. 9, '64 n. f. r. Jan. 19, '64 n. f. r. Sept. 17, '62 n. f. r. Oct. 24, '61 Jan. 26, '64 n. f. r. Mar. 23, '(H n. f. r. Sixth New York Cavalry. .325 Name Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Moore, John James, Sept. 17, '64 n. f. r. Moore, Peter, Dec. 16, '63 Morris, Ham, Mar. 29, '64 n. f. r. Nagle, Kicliard, Jan. 23, '63 n. f. r. Nelson, Henry, Oct. 4, '64 n. f. r. Nephew, Robert, Not given Jan. 15, '()3 For disability Niemaier, Ernest, Jan'y, 1S65 July. 1S()5 O'Neil, Michael, Jan. 12, '63 n. f. r. Packer, James, Sept. 8, '64 n. f. r. Perkins, Hiram, Dec. 27, '64 n. f. r. Perrin, Euj^ene I)., Not given Ai)r. 27, '63 For disability Pickard, Leander A., Sept. 14, '64 n. f. r. Pierson, Joseph P., Sept. 20, '62 n. f. r. Pike, Frederick J., Jan. 25, '64 n. f. r. Piiltz, John, Jan. 19, '64 Oct. 27, '()4 Died of disease Kichardson, (jeorjje. Jan. 25, '65 n. r. Risson, Louis, Nov. 10, '(i2 n. r. Rodgers, Samuel, Dec. 12, '62 n. r. Rotzel, Frederick, Mar. 16, '64 n. r. Royce, Henry, Nov. 22, '62 n. r. Ryan, James, Apr. 18, '64 n. r. Scaflfer, Samuel, Sept. 15, '62 n. r. Scott, Isaac, Oct. 29, '64 n. r. Shay, Peter, Jan. 14, '63 n. r. Shuman, John, Jan. 25, '63 n. r. Simmons, George, Oct. 29, '64 n. r. Simonis, E. L., Jan. 19, '64 n. r. Simpson, William, Feb. 4, '64 n. r. Slesburg, Harris, Feb. 18, '64 n. r. Smith, George, Jan. 11, '63 n. r. Smith, Henry, Feb. 9, '64 n. r. Smith, John, Sept. 15, '62 n. r. Smith, John, July 19, '64 n. r. Smith, Melvin, July 19, '62 n. r. Smith, Merritt F., Jan. 19, '64 n. f Smith, William, Dee. 17, '64 n. r. Stadler, Johan, Sept. 18, '62 n. r. Stoctor, Thomas, Mar. 3, '64 n. r. Stuart, Robert, Apr. 2, '64 n. r. Sullivan, Patrick, Nov. 26, '62 n. r. Sumner, James B., Dec. 28, '63 11 r. Sweeney, John, Sept. 11, '62 n. r. Talbot, Henry, Dee. 22, '63 n r. Telly, Patrick, Mar. 28, '64 n. r. Thompson, Allen W., Sept. 12, '64 Sept. 22, '65 Enlisted for one year Toas, James, Feb. 18, '64 Apr. 20, '64 For dis ibility Tompkins, Sainuel, Sept. 13, '64 n. f. r. Wall, William, Mar. 17, '64 n. f. r. Warke, Louis, Aug. 15, '64 n. f. r. Warren, George W. , Not given Wells, John R., Nov. 5, '62 Whitbeck, Seneca P., Jan. 18, '64 May 8, '65 At Hart's Island, N. Y White, Daniel W., Sept. 12, '61 White, John, Dec. 26, '62 n f. r. 326 Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. Name Whitman, William, Wilkinson, Augustus, Williams, John, Williams, John, Wilson, David, Wilson, Frank, Wilson, Thomas, Wright, Thomas, Wynkoop, Alvah K., Mustered in Mustered out Remarks Oct. 14, '64 n. f. r. Jan. lb, '64 May 8, '65 At Hart's Island, N. Y Mar. 1, '64 n. f. r. Jan. 11, '63 n. f. r. Jan. 2(i, '63 n. f. r. Jan. 25, '63 n. f. r. Feb. 26, '64 n. f. r. Jan. 28, '64 n. f. r. Aug. 5, '62 n. f. r. Casualties in Action Abbott, Parley, Co. C. Captured at Columbia, Va., March 9, 1865. Paroled March 10, 1865. Abel, Burdett, Co. G. Wounded at Trevilians Station, June 12, 1864. Ackerman, Francis M., Co. I. Wounded in the foot— place and date not given. Adams, Thos. B.. Co. ^I. Wounded Sept. 19, 1861. Aitken Wm. F., Co. B. AVouuded and captured near Spott- sylvania C. H., April 30, 1863. Paroled May 3, 1863. Wounded at Morton's Ford, October 11, 1863. Wounded and sent to hospital Sept. 26, 1864. Allen, Lewis H., Co. G. Captured at Trevilians Station June 11, 1864. Paroled at Savannah, Ga., Nov. 19, 1864. Ames, John P., Co. K. Captured at Thoroughfare Gap July 26,'l863. Wounded at Salem Church May 28, 1864. Cap- tured at Trevilians Station June 12, 1864. Paroled Sept. I, 1864. Anderson, Samuel, Co. K. Captured at Berryville, September 4, 1864. Died of disease, January 4, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. Anderson, William J., Co. E. Captured at Spottsylvania C. H., April 30, 1863. Paroled May 5, 1863. Andrews, George W., Co. K. Wounded at Old Church, Va, Angood, John, Co. C. Captured at Trevilians Station, June- II, 1864. Paroled at Charlestown, S. C, December 16, 1864. Atwell, Theodore, Co. M. Captured at Hanover C. H., Feb- ruary 29, 1864. Died of disease, July 20, 1864, at Ander- sonville, Ga. Babcock, Benjamin, Co. K. Missing in action at Berryville,, August 13, 1864. Died December 24, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. 328 Histonj of the Babcock, Daniel A., Co. C. Wounded at Crooked Enn Auo- 16, 1864. Barber, John W., Co. B. Missing in action at Brooks Station. May 80, 1863. Killed in action Auyiist 29, 1864 near Smithfield, Va. Barlow, John H., Co. B. Missing- in action September 4, 1864, at Berryville, Va. Barts, George, Co. C. Killed October 11, 1863, at Stevens- burg, Va. Barzee, Charles, Co. K. Wounded and missing. June 12, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Barzee, James, Co. K. Captured June 24, 1863, at Hay- market (Gainesville). Paroled July 2, 1863, at City Point. Virginia. Beach, Edward, Co. B. Wounded September 11, 1863, at Raccoon Ford. Beaumont, John, Co. E. Killed July 6, 1863. at Williamsport, Maryland. Beclavith, David 0., Co. C. Killed August 29, 1864, at Smith- field, Va. Beers, Herman S., Co. C. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled :\Iay 5, 1863, at City Point, Va. Bell, J. Hamilton, Co. I. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville, Va. Paroled October 8, 1864. Bennett, ]\Iilton, Co. F. Missing June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Bloomfield, George W. Captured June 11, 1864. at Trevilians Station. Died January 24, 1865, at Florence, S. C. Blunt, John W., Co. M. Wounded May 30, 1864, at Old Church Tavern, Va. Bogart, William, Co. B. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville, Va. Paroled February 22, 1865, at James River, Virginia. Bogert, William H., Co. A. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berry^ville, Va. Paroled February 22, 1865, at James River. Virginia. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 329 Boudreau, Andrew, Co. D. Captured October 1!), 18G4, at Cedar Creek, Ya. Paroled February 5, 1865, at Cox's AYliarf. Va. Bowne, John E., Co. I. Captured April 30, 18G:?, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled J\Iay 5, 1863. Boyd, Abraham Z., Co. B. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled I\Iay 5. 1863, at City Point, Va. Boyer, George M. D., Co. B. Captured May 2, 1863, at Chan- c-ellorsville. Paroled May 15, 1863, at City Point, Va. Byiniiton, Aaron, Co. I. Wounded June 2. 1864, at Bottom's Bridge. Bragaw, Townsend, Co. C. Captured June 11, 1864. at Tre- vilians Station. Paroled November 30. 1864, at Savannah. Georgia. Brath, Sebastian, Co. 11. Died August 31. 1864, of wounds received near Berryville, Va. Brengel, John N., Co. I. Wounded in the canteen, October 11, 1863, at Brandy Station. Not disabled, but had to go thirsty until he procured another canteen. Bronson, i\Iarcus D., Co. B. Missing June 12, 1864, at Tre- vilians Station. Paroled I\Iarch 4, 1865, at North East Ferry, N. C. Brooks. Gill)ert C, Co. M. Captured January 17. 1865, at Lovettsville, Va. Paroled February 15, 1865, at Kichmond, Virginia. Bross, Albert W., Co. B. Wounded— date and place not given. Brower, Charles, Co. D. Captured August 29, 1862, at Ma- nassas, Va. Paroled September 4. 1862, at Vienna, Va. Brown, George W., Co. E. Missing September 25, 1864— place not given. Brown. William A., Co. B. Captured July 6, 1863, at Wil- liamsport, l\Id. Paroled August 7, 1863, at City Point, A^a. Wounded August 64 — place not given. Buck, Andrew, Co. D. Killed October 11, 1863, at Stevens- burg, Va. 330 History of the Buesco, Charles, Co. D. Killed July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Burcl, William, Co. F. Wonnded September 4, 1864 — place not given. Burke, John F., Co. B. Captured :\Iay 2, 1863, at Chancel- lorsville. Paroled May 14, 1863. at City Point. Burner, Robert, Co. K. Captured October 14, 1863, at Bris- tow Station. Escaped December 21, 1864, from Savannah, Georgia. Burris, Albert, Co. li. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berry- ville. Died October 26. 1864, while prisoner of war. Burris, Zachariah, Co. H. Captured— date and place not given. Died December 9, 1864, at Salisburj^ N. C. Campbell, Alfred, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Cap- tured September 25, 1864, at Front Royal. Paroled Feb- ruary 24, 1865, at Aiken's Landing, Va. Campbell, Henry A., Co. M. Killed January 18, 1865, near Lovettsville, Va. Campbell, Luke, Co. A. Captured — date and place not given. Paroled October, 1864. Carley, Frederick, Co. L. Captured July 2, 1863, at Gettys- burg, Pa. Carney, John B., Co. C. IMissing April 30, 1863, near Spott- sylvania C. H. Returned May 30, 1863, at Brooks' Station, Virginia. Carpenter. Charles, Co. G. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berryville. Confined at Salisbury, N. C. Carr, Thomas, Co. F. Killed :\Iay 7, 1864, near Todd's Tav- ern, Va. Carroll, John C, Co. D. Captured November 11, 1862, at Forestville. Paroled December 12, 1862, at City Point, Va. Wounded January 17, 1865, near Lovettsville. Died Jan- uary 20, 1865, at regimental hospital. Carroll, Thomas, Co. E. Wounded July 26, 1863, at Warren- ton, Va. Died July 27, 1863. Sixth Neiv York Cavalrij. 331 Catiug, James, Co. B. Woiuided and captured September 1, 1864, at Port Republic, Va. Paroled October 7, 1861, at Vienna, Va. Chadderdon, Philo D., Co. D. Killed Jime 23, 1861, at Jones' Bridge, Va. Cherry, Charles, Co. D. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville, Va. Died December 28, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. Chappell, Robert, Co. A. Captured April 12, 1864, at Cul- peper C. H. Died August 13, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. Church, Joseph, Co. D. Missing June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Confined in rebel prison, Richmond, Va., and then sent to Andersonville, Ga. Clark, Andrew, Co. D. Captured December 17, 1864, at Har- per's Ferry. Paroled February 5, 1865, at Cox's Wharf, Virginia. Clark, Milton W., Co. I. Wounded June 9, 1863, at Beverly Ford. Clum, David, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point, Va. Coates, William, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point, Va. Cole, Lorenzo D., Co. G. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled i\Iay 5, 1863, at City Point, Va. Collier, Isaac A., Co. I\r. Captured March 31, 1865, at Din- widdie C. H. Paroled April 2, 1865, at Aiken's Landing, Virginia. Colt, William L., Co. G. Wounded June 10, 1863, at Beverly Ford. Comber, Fitz, Co. G. Wounded January 27, 1865, at Lovetts- ville, Va. Combs, Joseph E., Co. K. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berryville. Died November 11, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. Cone, Daniel 0., Co. D. Captured October 14, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Va. Paroled Februarj^ 5, 1865, at Cox's Landing. Conklin, William, Co. M. Died January 21, 1865, while prisoner of war at Danville, Va. 332 History of the Conlin, John, Co. L. Wounded December 1, 1864 — place not given. Cook, James, Co. D. Captured July or August, 1862, in retreat from Harrison's Landing. Missing July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa. Cortelyou, David H., Co. E. Wounded June 3, 1864— place not given. Cox, James P., Co. M. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point, Va. Crissey, Cyrus H., Co. M. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point, Va. Wounded on skirmish line, May 30, 1864, near Richmond. Crocker, George A., Co. A. Missing in action October 11, 1863. Crozier, Robert, Co. F. Killed :\Iay 7. 1863, near West Point, Virginia. Cuff, Jacob W., Co. B. Captured August 12. 1864, at Berry- ville. Paroled October 8, 1864, at Varina, Va. Davis. "Edward. Co. E. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevil- ians Station. Paroled April 28, 1865, at Jacksonville, Fla. Davis, Jeremiah, Co. D. Captured June 12, 1864, at Trevil- ians Station. Escaped February 26. 1865, from Wilming- ton, N. C. Devin, Thos. C, Colonel. Wounded August 16, 1864, at Front Royal, Va. Devine, John, Co. F. Missing September 4, 1864, at Berry- ville, Va. Dewar, Peter, Co. A. Killed September 4, 1864, at Berryville, Virginia. DeWitt, Benj. C, Co. C. Wounded September, 1863— place not given. Donaldson, John, Co. F. Killed I\Iay 7, 1864, at Todd's Tavern, Va. Dooland, John, Co. F. IMissing June 13, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Died November 4, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. Drenen, P. H., Co. A. Killed April 30. 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Sixth New York Cavalry. 333 Drew, Samuel, Co. E. Wounded October, 1864 — place not given. Dubied, Wilhelm, Co. K. Killed June 23, 1864, at Jones' Bridge, Va. Dubois, George W., Co. G. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berrj^ille, Va. Paroled March 1, 1865, at Wilmington, N. C. Dubois, Joseph, Co. B. Captured April 13, 1864, at Win- chester, Va. Paroled at Varina. Va., October 8, 1864. Dyer, Patrick, Co. F. Missing June 13, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Dykeman, Jefferson, Co. M. Captured January 17, 1865, at Lovettsville, Va. Paroled February 15, 1865, at Rich- mond. Va. Eberlein, George, Co. I. Captured October 10, 1864, at Stras- burg, Va. Paroled February 5, 1865, at Cox's Wharf, Va. Edwards, Lewis B., Co. H. Died December 26, 1864, while prisoner of war at Danville, Va. Edwards, Thos. F., Co. E. :\Iissing September 16, 1862, at Antietam, ]\Id. Endress, Valentine, Co. I. Captured ]\Iarch 10, 1865, at New- market, Va. Paroled March 26, 1865. Evans, Jonas. Co. A. Captured September 4, 1864 — place not given. Face, William H., Co. D. Captured January 17, 1865, at Lovettsville, Va. Paroled February 5, 1865, at Cox's Wharf, Va. Fairchild. Eli B., Co. il. Killed August 14, 1862. while on picket on Orange plank road, Va. Fanshaw. Samuel A., Co. I. Wounded April 28, 1863, at Germanna Ford. Killed June 23, 1864, at Jones' Bridge, Virginia. Farley, Thomas, Co. E. Missing in action June 23, 1864. Died November 17, 1864, at Anderson ville, Ga. Farnham, Frederick B., Co. F. Missing September 4, 1864, at Beriyville, Va. Died January 4. 1865, at Salisbury', N. C. 334 History of the Fee, Stephen, Co. D. Captured August 29, 1862, at Manas- sas, Va. Ferguson, James B., Co. G. Captured June 29, 1862, at Savag-e Station, Va. Paroled July 28, 1862. Ferguson, John, Co. B. Wounded October 11, 1863, at Ste- vensburg. Ficken, Christopher. Co. L. Died of wound received October 19, 1864, near MiddletowTi. Fifer, John, Co. M. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Files, Noel J., Co. K. Wounded September 4, 1864, at Berry- ville, Va. Finch, Edmund J., Co. C. Wounded May, 1864— place not given. Flanney, William, Co. G. Wounded January 17, 1865, at Lovettsville. Foster, Alonzo, Co. F. Wounded July 26, 1864, at Deep Bottom. Foster, John J., Co. L. Captured September 24, 1864, at Harrisburg, Va. Paroled February 17, 1865, at Aiken's Landing, Va. Foster, Robert, Co. L. Wounded in action — place and date not given. Furlong, Charles, Co. D. AVounded ]May, 1864 — place not given. Free, Charles H., Co. I. Killed August 16, 1864, at Cedar- ville (Front Royal). Francis, Charles W., Co. I. Captured November 3, 1862, at Upperville, Va. Paroled November 30, 1862. Wounded August 29, 1864. at Smithfield. Died November 9, 1864, at Baltimore, I\Id. Freelan, Hiram E., Co. G. Wounded October 27, 1863, at Bealeton Station. French, Thomas, Co. A. Wounded in action, October 21, 1863, at Wheatland. Va. Fry, Thomas, Co. H. Wounded October, 1864 — place not given. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 335 Gale, Abel S., Co. A. Captured — date and place not given. Gannon, Thomas, Co. D. Missing (probably killed) July 2. 1863, at Gettysburg. Gardner, George, Co. F. IMissing October 11, 1863, at Brandy Station. Gill, Robert, Co. D. Captured September 14, 1864, at Berry- ville. Paroled September 24, 1864, at Varina, Va. Girr, John, Co. B. Killed June 23, 1864, at Jones' Bridge. Glenn, Thos. W., Co. I\[. Captured March 12, 1865, at Char- lottesville. Paroled I\Iarch 26. 1865, at Cox's Wharf. Glessner, John, Co. I. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vauia C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863. Goler, George W., Co. K. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvauia C. H. Paroled I\Iay 5, 1863, at City Point. Cap- tured September 4, 1864. at Berryville. Paroled October 17, 186-1, at Varina, Ya. Goodfellow, Alanson, Co. A. Captured I\Iareh 31, 1865, at Dinwiddle C. H. Paroled April 2, 1865, at Varina, Va. Goodnow, Cyrus S., Co. K. Captured November 23, 1863, on picket at Culpeper. Sent to Andersonville, Ga., iNIareh 17, 1864. Grady, Patrick W., Co. A. Wounded December 24. 1863— place not given. Grant, Randall, Co. F. Wounded November 12, 1864, at Middletown. Grimishaw, Samuel, Co. H. Died November 5, 1864, of wounds — place not given. Grinnell, John E., Co. I. Captured August, 1862, at Ma- nassas. Paroled September 13, 1862. Gross, John. Co. G. Captured AugTist 13. 1864, at Berryville. Paroled February 28, 1865, at N. E. Ferrj, N. C. Guernsey, Aai, Co. G. Wounded August 11, 1864, at AVhite Post, Va. Hagerty, John, Co. E. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled April 28, 1865, at Jacksonville, Fla. Hall, Edward, Co. L. Wounded August 25, 1864 — place not given. 336 Historij or the Hall, William P., Co. H. Captured June 7, 1864, at Kingston, Va. Paroled December 10, 1864, at Charleston, S. C. Hamilton, Chadius PL, Co. F. Wounded August 29, 1864— place not given. Hankins, John D., Co. B. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Paroled September 24, 1864, at Varina, Va. Hannahs, Diodate C, Co. F. Died September 10, 1862, from wounds received at Williamsburg, Va. Harband, George, Co. C. Drowned March 3, 1865, at Waynes- boro, Va. Hardendorf, Jacob, Co. D. Killed August 16, 1864, at Crooked Run, Va. Harmon, R. A. D., Co. I. Died August 12, 1864, from wounds — place not given. Hanegan, Lewis, Co. I. Captured June 12, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Hathaway, Thos., Co. B. Died June 24 of wounds received 22d (1863) at Middleburg, Va. Hayes, Jolui, Co. A. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Sent to Andersonville, Ga., June 22, 1864. Died there September 18, 1864. Hemmingway, Chas. B., Co. A. Wounded May 7, 1864 — place not given. Llenion, Jacob, Co. E. Captured June 11, 1864, at Louisa C. H. Paroled April 28, 1865, at Jacksonville, Fla. Heermance, Wm. L., Co. ]M. Wounded and captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Wounded August 16, 1863, at Front Royal. Hill, George, Co. M. Wounded August 11, 1864, at White Post, Va. Hodgman, William, Co. D. Missing July 2, 1863, at Gettys- burg, Pa. Hogan, Daniel, Co. C. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berry- ville. Died December 9, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. Hogencamp, Alfred L., Co. B. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsylvania C. H. Paroled I\Iay 5, 1863, at City Point. Sixth New York Cavalry. 337 Hollis, Henry, Co. C. ]\Iissiiig April -SO, 18(38, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Wounded October, 1863 — place not given. Hollister, Erastus, Co. M. Captured xVpril 30, 1868, at Spott- sylvania C. IT. Paroled IMay 5, 1863, at City Point. Hope, George W., Co. A. Wounded November 24, 1863 — place not given. Hopson, Sidney P., Co. I. Captured September 4, 1864. at Berryville. Horton, Riley E., Co. E. Captured December 13, 1862, at Barnett's Ford. Paroled January 6, 1863, at City Point. Wounded September 19, 1864 — place not given. Howell, Walter G., Co. B. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- ' sylvania C. H. Returned to duty May 16, 1863. Howlitt, Charles, Co. D. Wounded near Centerville — date not given. Hubbard, Adolplius, Co. D. Prisoner of war from November 8, 1863, to April 21, 1865. Hyland, Alexander, Co. B. Wounded August 29, 1864 — place not given. Hyland, John, Co. A. Killed May 30, 1864, at Old Church Tavern. Ibbs, Charles, Co. L. Captured September, 1864, at Fort Republic, Va. Paroled February 28, 1865, at N. E. Bridge, N. C. Jenison, Samuel P., Co. I. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Paroled February 21, 1865, at James River, Va. Jewell, John B., Co. M. Killed October 11, 1863, at Brandy Station. Johnson, Henry L., Co. K. Missing September 4; 1864 — place not given. Johnson, Riley, Co. K. Captured June 24, 1863, at Hay- market, Va. Paroled March 1, 1865, at N. E. Ferry, N. C. Jones, John. Co. E. Missing June 11, 1864 — place not given. Died November 6, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. Kiernan,.Thos. H., Co. M. Wounded September 14, 1864— place not given. 99. 338 History of the Keller, Conrad, Co. M. Died June 15, 1864, of wounds received at Trevilians Station. Kelly, Patrick, Co. M. Wounded June 9, 1863, at Beverly Ford. Kennedy, John, Co. B. Wounded Aua^ust 29, 1864 — place not given. Lang-s, Wesley, Co. F. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Larkin, John A., Co. B. Wounded June 10, 1863, at Middle- burg, Va. Lason, Benj. F., Co. F. Died IMarch 6, 1864, at Anderson- ville, Ga. Latham, Eldridge P.. Co. H. Prisoner of war, September or October, 1864. Laughran, Joseph, Co. C. Wounded and captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled September 2, 1864, at Variua, Va. Light, AVilliam H., Co. B. Wounded May 7, 1864, at Wilder- ness. Loesner, Bernard, Co. I. Captured 1863 at Spottsylvania C. H. Paroled May 14, 1863, at City Point. Lyon, Hiram, Co. C. Wounded May 7, 1864. at Wilderness. Lyth, William, Co. K. Captured August 13, 1864, at Win- chester. Paroled October 8, 1864, at Aiken's Landing. Mahoney, James, Co. G. Wounded January 17, 1865, at Lovettsville. Main, John G., Co. B. Killed October 19, 1864, at Stras- burg, Va. Malliek, Michael, Co. D. Captured 1863 at Bealeton Station. Confined at Richmond, Va. Missing June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Died September 5, 1864, at Anderson- ville, Ga. Marr, Sylvester, Co. C. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berry- ville. Paroled February 24, 1865, at Aiken's Landing. Martaugh, John, Co. A. Missing June 12, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Died November 2, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. Sixth New York Cavalry. 339 I\Iartin. William, Co. U. Killed April 29, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. INIathews, Solomon, Co. D. Died of wounds, September 28, 1862. May, Samuel S., Co. I. Wounded in action — date and place not given. ]\Iayhew, Lewis, Co. I. Captured August 13. 1864, at Berry- ville. Died November 19, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. I\Iaynard. Asahel, Co. G. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- svlvania C. II. Paroled INIay 5, 1863, at City Point. I^lcAfee, John, Co. I. Killed July 26, 1864, at Deep Bottom, Virginia. ]\IcCauley, Thomas, Co. D. Captured on retreat from Harri- son's Landing'. Paroled September 13, 1862, at Aiken's Landing'. T^IcClarey, George. Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Miss- ing in action September 4, 1864 — place not given. INIcCluer. John, Co. I. Killed November 12, 1864, near New- town. A^a., in the "midnight charge." McCrumb, AYilliam, Co. H. Killed June 23, 1864, at Jones' Bridge. McCugh, Felix. Co. A. Wounded October 11, 1863— place not given. IMcDermott, Lawrence, Co. C. Wounded September 4, 1864, at Berryville. IMcDonald, John, Co. E. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Paroled February 28, 1865, at N. E. Ferry, N. C. T^IcGloin, Felix, Co. E. Captured May 30, 1864, at Old Church. Paroled April 28, 1865, at Jacksonville, Fla. T^IcGrath, William, Co. B. Captured May 2, 1863. at Chan- cellorsville. Paroled May 15, 1863, at City Point. McGuire, Patrick, Co. A. Died of w^ound, October 19, 1863. Mclntire, Boswell, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. II. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Killed at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865. 340 History of the McKinney, Edward P., Co. G. Wounded 1864 near Berry- ville, Va. McKinzie, Owen, Co. K. Died June 12, 1864, from wounds received at Trevilians Station. McLahren, William, Co. B. Captured May 3, 1863, at Kelly's Ford. Paroled May 15, 1863, at City Point. McLarry, Hugh, Co. C. Wounded September or October, 1863 — place not given. McLaughlin, Chas. S., Co. C. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled November 20, 1864, at Savan- nah, Ga. McMahon, James, Co. I. Wounded May 7, 1864, at Wilder- ness. McNall, Efner, Co. I. Killed October 11, 1863, at Morton's Ford. McOloff, Jeremiah, Co. C. Killed October 11, 1863, at Ste- vensburg. McVey, Jolm, Co. B. Captured July 6, 1863, at Willliams- port, ]\Id. Paroled November 21, 1864, at Savannah, Ga. McVicar, Duncan, Lieut.-col. Killed April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Meade, Lucius C, Co. K. Captured October 19, 1864, at Port Republic, Va. Paroled May 1, 1865. Miller, Charles, Co. I. Captured May, 1863, at Chancellors- ville. Paroled May 14, 1863. Miller, Chas. H., Co. M. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Miller, Henry, Co. C. Captured March 17, 1865, in King William County. Paroled March 26, 1865, at Aiken's Landing. Miller, James, Co. E. Killed April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Miller, John, Co. G. AVounded January 17, 1865, at Lovetts- ville. Miller, John, Co. F. Wounded September 4, 1864, at Berry- ville. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 341 Minkler, Theodore, Co. M. Killed June 23, 1864, at Jones' Bridge. Mitchell, Harrison H., Co. G. Wounded August 16, 1864. at Crooked Run. IMitchell, Horace W., Co. G. Wounded IMarch 31. 1865— place not given. IMoat. Charles, Co. E. Wounded August 15, 1864, near Front Royal. Died September 12, 1864. ]\Iooray, Samuel, Co. C. Died of wounds, September 22, 1862. Moore, James H., Co. D. Missing June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Confined at Andersonville, Ga. Moreau, Adolphus, Co. F. Missing September 4. 1864. at Berr^^alle. Morlev, John 0., Co. C. Died of wounds received at IMiddle- town Heights. Morris, William James, Co. B. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled November 26, 1864, at Savan- nah. Ga. ]\Iorrison, George, Co. A. Killed October 19, 1864, at Middle- town, Va. Morrison. Jolin J., Co. ]\I. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Died March 12, 1865, at Richmond, Va. Mott. Daniel E., Co. G. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berry- ville. Died November 22, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. I\Iuldoon, John, Co. I. Captured August 20, 1862, at Cul- peper, Va. Paroled September 13, 1862. Wounded August 16, 1864. at Front Royal. Elungay, John, Co. A. Killed May 30, 1864. at Old Church Tavern. Murphy, John, Co. A. Captured I\Iay 3, 1863, at Chancellors- ville. Paroled ]May 15, 1863. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Died December 24, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. Murray, James, Co. A. Killed October 21, 1862, near Wheat- land, Va. Nettles, Robert, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863. at City Point. 342 History of the Newton, Richard R., Co. K. Wounded 1864— where and when not given. Nichols, Theodore, Co. A. Killed September 19, 1864, at Winchester. Nugent, Hugh, Co. L. Captured August, 1864, at Berryville. Confined at Richmond, Va., Aug-ust 28, 1864. At Salisbury, N. C, October 9, 1864. O'Brien, Edward, Co. L. Wounded December 23, 1864— place not given. Older, Marvin, Co. I. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 6, 1863. O'Neill, James, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Osborne, John D., Co. F. Wounded June 23, 1864— place not given. Osgood, Marvin, Co. K. Captured— date and place not given. Paroled November 17, 1863, at Alexandria, Va. Otto, Jacob E., Co. C. Captured March 10, 1863, at Morris- ville, Va. Paroled April 11, 1863, at City Point. Killed July 2, 1863, near Rockville, Md. Packard, Lyman, Co. L. Captured September 27, 1864, at McGaheysville, Va. Died January 23, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. Palmer, John, Co. I. Captured August 20, 1862, at Culpeper, Va. Paroled September 13, 1862, at Aiken's Landing.' Killed October 11, 1863, at Brandy Station. Pearl, Levi L., Co. I. Killed Aug-ust 16, 1864, at Front Royal. Pendergrast, Edward, Co. A. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berryville. Died December 2, 1864, at Salisbuiy, N. C. Perrett, John, Co. K. Died of wound, July 21, 1864, at Point Lookout, ]\rd. Perry, Asal, Co. C. Wounded August 16, 1864, at Crooked Run, Va. Perry, Daniel ]\I., Co. C. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevil- ians Station. Paroled at Charleston, S. C. Perry, Edward H., Co. K. Killed ]\Iay, 1864, at the Wilder- ness. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 343 Persons, William H., Co. D. :\Iissiiig July 2, 1863, at Gettys- burg. Pa. Pettit, James F., Co. G. Wounded September 19, 186-1, at ■Winchester. Phelan, James, Co. G. Killed June 12, 1861, at Trevilians Station. Phelps, Willard, Co. G. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- svlvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Phillips, David L., Co. I. Killed June 23, 1861, at Jones' Bridge. Phillips, Joseph, Co. E. Missing June 11, 1864— place not given. Died January 15, 1865, at Andersonville, Ga. Phillips, William W^., Co. I. Mortally wounded June 9, 1863, at Beverly Ford. Philpot, James, Co. K. ^Mortally wounded September 4, 1864, at Berry^dlle. Phippen. Aurannah W., Co. I. Captured, 1863, at Chancel- lorsville. Paroled ]\Iay 14, 1863,. at City Point. Pickett, Andrew D., Co. H. Captured— date and place not oiven. Died I\larch 15, 1865, at Wilmington, N. C. Pierce, John, Co. I. Killed October 11, 1863, at Morton's Ford. Pierce, Silas N., Co. C. Wounded September 19, 1864, at Winchester, Va. Platte, Henry, Co. F. Wounded September 19, 1864, at Win- chester, Va. Potter, Adin H., Co. D. Captured— when and where not given. Returned August 23, 1863. iMissing June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Escaped from Hilton Head, S. C. Potter, Henry, Co. F. Wounded May 7, 1864, at Todd's Tavern. Pratt, Edward F., Co. I. Killed September 4, 1864, at Berry- ville. Prescott, Jules, Co. D. Wounded near Centreville— date not given. Prescott, Peter, Co. D. Captured June 27, 1863, at Hay- market, Va. Pieturned September 30, 1863. 344 History of the Preston, Henry H., Co. H. Wounded April 9, 1865, at Appo- mattQx C. H. Prince, George S., Co. H. Wounded — when and where not given. Purcell, William S., Co. I. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863. Quick, Martin, Co. B. Wounded — date and place not given. Raleigh, Thomas, Co. I. Captured September 10, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Va. Confined at Richmond, Va. Ramsey, John F., Co. E. Wounded April 29, 1863, at Ger- manna Ford. Reddy, Austin P., Co. A. Wounded October 11, 1863— place not given. Rice, John, Co. E. Captured 1863 at Culpeper, Va. Paroled March 21, 1864. Richards, Joseph, Co. D. Wounded mortally October 9, 1864, at Woodstock, Va. Rood, Joseph P., Co. B. Wounded August 17, 1862, on the Rappahannock. Rosbero, Robert, Co. M. Wounded August 29, 1864, at Smith- field, Va. Wounded March 30, 1865, near Five Forks, Va. Reuben, Jacob, Co. I. Captured August 11, 1864, at New- town, Va. Paroled February 22, 1865. Russell, Amos E., Co. D. Wounded— place and date not given. Russell, John, Co. C. Captured June, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled November 21, 1864, at Savannah, Ga. Ryan, Cornelius, Co. B. Wounded August 11, 1864, at White Post, Va. Ryan, John, Co. B. Captured June 12, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Died October 20, 1864, at Florence, S. C. Ryder, Anthony, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Ryder, Walter, Co. E. Missing June 11. 1864 — place not given. Died September 15, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. Sanger, Simon C, Asst. Surgeon. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsylvania C. H. Exchanged June 10, 1863. Cap- Sixth New York Cavalry. 3-1:5 tured June 15, 1864, at Spottsylvania. Paroled August 13, 1864, at Aiken's Landing. Saunders, Franldin T., Co. I. Wounded October 6, 1864, at Fisher's Hill, Va. Died November 5, 1864. Schusterbaur, John, Co. F. Wounded June 23, 1864^-place not given. See, Adam H., Co. H. Killed September 4, 1864, at Berry- ville, Va. Sharp. Henry J., Co. F. Wounded August 29, 1864— place not given. Shaughnessy, James, Co. A. Captured April 12, 1864, at Cul- peper, Va. Died August 24, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. Shellman, Lewis A., Co. D. Died of wounds, February 21, 1865, near Lovettsville, Va. Sinnott, William, Co. D. Wounded August 29, 1864, at Smithfield, Va. Slater, Thomas, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Sliter, William, Co. IM. Captured May 3. 1863, at Chancel- lorsville. Paroled May 14, 1863, at Citj^ Point. Smith, Cady, Co. C. Captured April 30. 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Smith. David, Co. D. Captured July 18, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. Paroled ^^larch 2. 1865, at N. E. Feriy, N. C. Smith, Ephraim F.. Co. I. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Killed October 11, 1863, at Morton's Ford, Va. Smith, Gilbert, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863. at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled IMay 5, 1863, at City Point. Smith, William E., Co. H. IMissing June 12, 1864, at Trevil- ians Station. Snyder, John, Co. C. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled February 27, 1865, at N. E. Ferry, N. C. Snyder, Michael, Co. :\I. Wounded August 25. 1861r— place not given. Snyder, William G., Co. G. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Died November 22, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. 346 History of the Southwic'k, Jonathan, Co. D. Wounded — where and when not given. Spike, James, Co. C. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Sent Jmie 22, 1864, to Andersonville, Ga. Sent October 30, 1864, to Millen, Ga. Sponable, David W., Co. C. Killed October 11, 1863, near Stevensbnrg, Va. Sproul, William, Co. B. Wounded August 29, 1864— place not given. Stearns, Alvin, Co. D. Missing June 11, 1864, at Trevilians Station. Paroled February 26, 1865, at Wilmington, N. C. Stebbins, John W., Co. F. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berrj^ille. Sent to Salisbury, N. C, October 9, 1864. Stolicker, James E., Co. M. Captured October 23, 1862, at Hillsboro, Va. Paroled December 18, 1862. Stoutenburgh, David S., Co. G. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berryville. Paroled October 8, 1864, at Varina, Va. Stoutenburgh, Irwin J., Co. G. AVounded October 11, 1863, at Brandy Station. Stickland, Henry, Co. M. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Paroled March 1, 1865, at N. E. Ferry, N. C. Stripe, Morgan, Co. B. Wounded May or June, 1863 — place not given. Wounded August 29, 1864. Taber, William F., Co. H. Captured — place and date not given. Died December 2, 1863, at Richmond, Va. Tabor, Gilbert, Co. D. Captured Aug\ist 13, 1864, at Berry- ville. Paroled September 12, 1864, at Varina, Va. Taylor, Benj. F., Co. I. Killed October 11, 1863. at Brandy Station. Taylor, AVilliam A., Co. E. Captured October 14, 1863, at Bristow Station, Va. Paroled March 7, 1864, at City Point. Tompkins, George, Co. C. Captured at Spottsylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Thompson, David, Co. C. Died of wounds, April 30, 1863, at Spottsylvania C. H. Tilley, John, Co. D. AVounded December 13, 1862, at Fred- ericksburg, Va. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 347 Titus, Edward, Co. II. Wounded in action — place and date not given. Toay, Robert, Co. G. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsyl- vania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. Tomlinson, George W., Co. F. Wounded June 13, 186-4, at Trevilians Station. Traver, George, Co. F. Captured — place and date not given. Died February 12, 1865, at Riclmiond, Va. Traynor, Thomas, Co. L. Captured August 13, 1864, at Berryville, Va. Paroled October 8, 1864, at Varina, Va. Tripp, George S., Co. G. Wounded April 30, 1863, at Chan- cellorsville. Valentine, John, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled I\Iay 5, 1863, at City Point. Van Buren, George M., Co. M. Captured July 6, 1863, at Wllliamsport, Md. Paroled I\Iarch 1, 1865, at N. E. Ferry, N. C. Vanderwark, George, Co. G. Wounded June 23, 1864, at Jones' Bridge. Van Hannick, William, Co. A. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville. Confined at Riclimond, Va., September 10, 1864. Sent to Salisbury, N. C, October 9, 1864. Sent to hospital at Florence, N. C, December, 1864. Verner, William, Co. C. Captured June 11, 1864, at Trevil- ians Station. Paroled December 6, 1864, at Charleston, S. C. Walker, ]\Iathew, Co. D. AVounded — place and date not given. Ward, Joseph H., Co. A. AA^ounded September 4, 1864 — place not given. AVan-en, Charles H., Co. D. AVounded July 2, 1863, at Get- tysburg, Pa. Watson, AA^illiam H., Co. E. Alissing June 11, 1864— place not given. Died September 25, 1864, at INIillen, Ga. Webster, Harrison, Co. F. Captured March 15, 1865 — place not given. Weller, Hiram, Co. E. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spott- sylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863, at City Point. 348 History of the Wells, Elisha P., Co. I. Killed August 20, 1862, at Barnett's Ford. Wells, Theodore W., Co. B. Wounded March or April, 1864 — place not given. Wells, Thomas M., Co. I. Wounded March, 1865, near Five Forks, Va. Wenninger, Eilat, Co. D. I\Iissing July 2, 1863, at Gettys- burg, Pa. West, Harvey R., Co. B. Wounded January 25, 1864 — place not given. Westinghouse, Albert, Co. I. Captured April 30, 1863, at Spottsylvania C. H. Paroled May 5, 1863. Weston, J. Newcomb, Co. K. Captured June 12, 1863, at Haymarket, Va. Paroled July 2, 1863, at City Point. Wounded August 16, 1864, at Crooked Run, Va. Whitbeck, Samuel N., Co. I\[. Captured January 17, 1865, at Lovettsville, Va. Paroled February 15, 1865, at Richmond, Virginia. Whittaker, Frederick, Co. L. Wounded June, 1864 — place not given. Captured and paroled — place and date not given. Wight, Charles, Co. E. Died July 17, 1864, of wounds — place not given. Wilson, Alexander, Co. H. Wounded 1863 at Warrenton Junction, Va. Wilson, George, Co. B. Wounded May or June, 1863 — place not given. Winslow, George, Co. ]\I. Wounded August 11, 1864 — place not given. Wood, Asa P.. Co. E. Captured May, 1863, at Aquia Creek, Va. Paroled at City Point — date not given. Wood, Isaac, Co. A. Wounded August 11, 1864 — place not given. Woyl, Frederick, Co. G. Captured September 4, 1864, at Beri-yville, Va. Paroled April 2, 1865, at Aiken's Landing. Sixth New York Cavalry. 349 Wrioht, James, Co. I. Wounded May 30, 1863, at Old Tav- ern, Va. Woimded September or October, 1864 — place not given. "Wrioht, James F., Co. H. Captured — place and date not given. Died March 8, 1865, at Richmond, "Va. Wright, Raymond L., Co. D. Killed September 19, 1864, at Winchester, Va. Wygant, Charles C, Co. I. Captured September 4, 1864, at Berryville, Va. Died December 1, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. Young, James, Co. B. Captured INIay 2, 1863, at Chancellors- ville. Paroled ]\[ay 15, 1863, at City Point. Individual Experiences and Reminiscences EXPERIENCE OF COMRADE THOS. H. KIER- NAN, AFTER BEING BADLY WOUNDED AT BERRYVILLE, YA., SEPT. 4, 18C4. In our advance to Winchester Sept. 3d, 1864, we had considerable skirmishing till 9 p.m., when we were relieved and went into bivouac for the night. The following morning we fell back towards Berry- ville. As we got in sight of the town a cavalr^mian rode np to the top of a hill on the right of the road and commenced firing at us. Major Beardsley rode up from the left of the line and said to Captain Blunt, who was in command of the advance guard, "AVhat is the matter with that man? He must be crazy. He looks like one of our own men. ' ' Then Captain Blunt said: *'I had better take the first two sections and go up on that hill and see." I was in the first section. We advanced to the top of the hill on the right of the road. When we got up, the man had disappeared and we could see no one, only what we supposed was our own infantry behind the breastworks in Berryville. AYe stood watching them for a short time when we heard the rebel yell coming from a plantation, and a string of Johnnies came filing through the gate- way of the house grounds and charged on us. The Captain gave us orders to fire. We emptied our car- bines and fell in on the left of our regiment, which had 352 History of the formed on the left of the road in line of battle. The enemy charged; we fired, checked and drove them back. Major Beardsley then gave the order to charge, which we did, and drove them back near the top of the hill, when another body of Johnnies came over the hill and drove ns back into the field again ; then the mixup came, and dnring the melee I found Hen Stickland on my right and Bill Kelly on my left. What hap- pened afterwards came so suddenly it is almost impos- sible for me to describe, for a huge Johnny, with uplifted sabre, made a cut at me which I tried to parry with my empty revolver (we had not yet drawn our sabres), but I did not succeed very well, getting a very bad cut on the arm and head. Following him came another Johnny emptying his revolver at me, but only the last shot took effect. He was so close that the powder burnt my blouse, the ball going through my side and coming out at my back. The next thing I remember after recovering myself, having fallen back on my horse, was hearing the words, "You greenback!" "you Yankee!" "you " Stickland was receiving the same dose from another reb. I was then taken from my horse and laid by the side of the road, where Stickland tried to stop the effusion of blood and bind up my wounds. We then discovered we had come in contact with Colonel Mosby's guerrillas. As nearly as I can remember our force was about 165 men and Mosby's between 400 and 500. The next bone of contention came about as to who were entitled to the prisoners, Mosby or the infantry behind the batteries in Berryville, which was soon settled by Mosby's men going through us and taking everything of value. After chasing our boys a con- Ma.1. James Catin<; F. P. (iAI.I,A(;HF.R, Troop A. Ma.iok J. B. Wheeler. .%«* Lieut-col. Harrison White. Chap. George D. Crocker. Sixtli New Yorh Cavalry. 353 siderable distance, tliey came back and ordered the prisoners to the rear. I told the officer I was badly wounded and could not mount a horse, so he said they could not be bothered with wounded men and left me. Soon another officer came and inquired about my wounds. He seemed to take a great interest in me, and helped me on a horse and held me there, and began questioning me about our forces, and seemed quite sur- prised at the small number of our force. I after- wards found out he was the rebel Colonel, Mosby. While lying in the road I saw Sergeant Dewar of Company A, whose horse had been shot and had fallen on him, breaking one of his legs. A Johnny rode up and ordered him to the rear. He told him his horse had fallen on him and broken his leg and he was unable to get up. With that the reb drew his revolver and shot him dead. Colonel Mosby called the Johnny a cowardly cur, drew his sabre, and made a cut at him, but he escaped on his horse. W^e were then brought up and joined the rest of the prisoners, among whom were many wounded and some of our officers. The only ones I can remember were Major Goler, Jonas Evans and Billy Bogert of Company A, and John Devine of Company F. The prisoners not wounded were sent away under guard. The wounded were left to make their way the best they could between the columns. On our journey I told Major Goler I was going to make my escape the first chance I saw. He advised me not to, as I ran the risk of being shot, but I insisted, as I was so badly wounded I stood a very poor chance in Libby Prison. So I took the chance and tumbled off my horse into the road, and after two or three attempts got over the fence into a corn-field and started to run, but kept fall- 23 354 History of the ing down, and got about one hundred yards from the road; after falling down several tnnes I was discov- ered, and they fired several shots at me. One Johnny said, ''Oh, let him go. He is badly wounded, anyhow, and cannot recover, being shot through the body," and they went on. I then crawled up to a gar- den fence among some bushes, where I thought I would lie down, but after thinking it over I thought I might stiffen up so I would not be able to get away. I climbed over the fence and got into the rear of the house, which I found occupied by an old lady and her daughter, who tried to dress my wounds; but I am afraid they made a poor job of it, as they were so excited, but they did the best they could for the Yan- kee boy. God bless them. The firing then became ver}^ heavy about the house, as Custer had come up about that time and began shelling them. Quite a number were bursting about the house, so I advised the old lady if there was a cel- lar she had better go down in it, as she might get hurt, which she did, but the daughter refused and remained with me. I got to feeling so bad that I wanted her to call in some of the troops, thinking they might do something for me to ease my pains, but she thought best not to. I managed to get to my feet and to the door, but she pushed me back and, opening the door a little way, peeked out and said, "Wait a few moments." Our boys were in sight and would be up in a few moments. Then Custer's Fifth Michigan, which had been follow- ing us, came by and brought me back to a field hospi- tal which he had established. Fighting around Berryville was very heavy and our lines were continually changing. Custer was driven Sixth New York Cavalry. 355 back to the hospital, and the surgeon in charge had ordered all the ambulances to the rear, had gone hhn- self, and left about forty-five wounded. I remained there all that night and until about eight o'clock next morning, when we heard cavalry coming down the road. A lieutenant of the Fifth Michigan, who was next to me, being wounded in the leg, crawled along by the fence and attracted their attention. When an officer found out our condition, he reported it to Gen- eral oMerritt, who happened to be coming that way. Upon hearing how the surgeon had deserted us, he was very indignant and threatened to have him court- martialed. He tried to get wagons in an old barn, which he did, but could find no harness. He commanded his orderlies to dismount and place the wounded men on their horses and lead them. I happened to be one of the lucky ones. The General said, "Take what you can now, boys, and I will come back for the rest of you." All this time we were inside the rebel lines, the lines having shifted during the night. We had gone half a mile when we heard heavy firing on our front. General Merritt ordered us otf the road into the woods, where we came to an opening and saw our skir- mish line across the open field, there being a break in the rebel lines at this place. AVe did not know till then we were inside their lines. The General ordered us to dash across the field for our lives. We got about half way across when the Johnnies discovered us and started to peg away at us. The orderly wanted me to dismount so he could get away faster, but I refused. He then said he would take me to an old barn that stood near our line and leave me, which he did, not behind but in front. He left me there and I gave up 356 History of the all hope, being so badly wounded, having had nothing to eat or drink, and my wounds not having been dressed for the past twenty-four hours. I had lain there, as I had thought, hours, which was jDrobably only minutes, when I saw a head and shoul- ders coming around a corner of the barn and a carbine at his shoulders looking for a mark to shoot at. You can imagine my feelings when I recognized Sergt. Ike Collier of Company M. I called "Ike, Ike, Ike!" He came around and carried me back of the barn, and then there was a crying and hugging match. I don't believe I ever cried so hard and so much in such a short time in my life. I shall never forget as long as I live when I saw his face peep out from that corner of the barn. Ike got me on his horse and tried to get me to the rear, but it was impossible for me to stay on it. The horse was so used up he could not go unless he was led by the bridle, but I could not hold onto the saddle, so he had to hold me on ; then the horse would stop. Our lines were then being driven in, and I wanted Ike to leave me and make his own escape. I insisted very forcibly, but poor Ike said he would rather be taken prisoner than leave me. After falling off the horse three times. Eve took me on his back and toted me, as I thought, five miles, but Ike says it was only half a mile. He was leading his horse and keep- ing him between us and the flying bullets until we met an ambulance occupied by a lieutenant of the Fifth Michigan, in which we were conveyed to the rear and then sent to Sandy Hook, Maryland. God bless Ike Collier, is the earnest prayer of Thomas H. Kiernan-, Company M, Sixth New York Cavalry. Sixth New York Cavalry. 357 EXPERIENCE OF SERGT. LA. COLLIER OF M CO. On the morning of Sept. 3, 1864, we marched up the valley by way of the Winchester pike to near Port Jackson. We had a great deal of fighting all day. Abont nine or ten o'clock we were relieved from the skirmish line and went into camp for the night. A detail was made to go ont early in the morning to reconnoitre. Back to Berryville the road through which we were marching was quite low, high banks on either side. All at once we saw a man up on the high ground and he fired down at us. Capt. John Blunt, who was on Devin's staff, was with us, and took the first four men and deployed them on the high ground. We discovered about four or five hundred men coming up the slope on a charge at us. Blunt told Major Beardsley to form his men in the lot to receive the charge. We were in very bad state to make a stand against such large odds, but the boys stood nobly to their work, but could not stand such odds and were driven back across the field. Away back were a wood and a high fence. The entrance to this field was through a narrow passageway with a large post at each end. To the left was a corn-field. I rode to the edge of this field and had a fine view of the scrap that was going on. They were all trying to get through the narrow outlet each side of the post, and the Johnnies were having a great harvest in kill- ing, wounding and taking prisoners. I saw poor Stickland taken from his horse; also John Morrissey and many others, and I have often wondered how any man came out of that affair alive, because the whole of Early's army lay behind those woods. AVell, I 358 History of the made up my mind that the jig was up with me. While I stood looking over the field I saw a rebel officer take six men and go back to a clump of woods. He would be in a fine place to pick up prisoners. The corn was very high and I thought I had better try and make my escape, so I started for the fence; what few of our men who had got away had gone down a lane or cow- path. The Johnnies had filed in and I was blocked. I pulled back in the corn-field and was trying to devise some plan to make my escape, when I heard the corn rattling and I said, "Good-bye, Ike." I stood per- fectly still, when a sergeant of Company I hove to. Our talk was low but quick. The officer with his six men we knew we must meet, but there was no time to lose. I rode up to the fence and pulled down two rails. It was the highest fence I thought I ever saw. I pulled my horse around and jumped over into a clear field, the Sergeant following me. Neither of us had a shot in his revolver. At the time there were three or four large fields before us, all well fenced in, and, as I expected, out of that clmnp of woods came the officer and his men, who tried to head us off, but we were too good on the run for them. Not one of them had a shot in his gun, but they were within talking distance of us. They shouted we were only damned fools ; they would kill us for running. I was not long in learning that as long as we could keep out of the reach of their sabres and our horses could keep up, they could not do us any injury. We went from one field to the other. Away south of us was a lane or cow-path that the regiment had come down. There was a rail off the fence, the only one in sight, and we made for it. Then we discovered two rebels follow- ing Beardsley's pack mule, the camp kettles flying in Sixth New York Cavalry. 359 all directions, but tlie good old mule kept tliem busy. I had not bad my revolver out since I started this race for life. The two men who were after the mule stopped at the fence where the rail was off, and I said, ''Now for a big bluff." I put my hand back and pulled my empty revolver out as if I were going to shoot their heads off; it worked like a charm; the two fellows flew back up the hill and let us make the jump, and we followed the mule. There was a small stream of water, and when I got over out of the way, I told them they were a lot of cowards and damned suckers, and they dare not come any farther. Right behind the hill were what few of the old boys were left with Major Beardsley, who was glad to see his old pack mule coming in. Major Beardsley told us to fall in, but I could not. The Michigan boys were just coming by and I said I was going to follow up and see if we could not get some of our boys back. I was with them on the skir- mish line. The rest of the day, most of the time, out- side our lines we were having some fierce fighting, and I don't see what brought me where I found Kier- nan. The time I was with the Michigan regiment I had not met any of our men. As I rode around an old barn I heard a weak voice crying to me to take him and not leave him there. Well, it was like the dead coming to me. I dismounted and lifted Kiernan onto my horse, but he was too weak and badly wounded to stay on him alone. I tried to lead the horse, but could not, as I had to hold him on the horse or he would have fallen off. So I put him on my back and did the best I could. He was bleeding and suffering so much that he wanted me to go on and leave him to his fate, but I said, "No, we are outside the lines, 360 History of the and I must get you in someliow." After carrying him some distance I came across a lieutenant of the Fifth Michigan Eegiment, who was lying alongside the road wounded in the leg, who wanted me to leave Kiernan with him, as he had sent two of his men for an ambulance and expected it very soon, ]}ut I insisted that I would go on further and take no chances, and while we were discussing the matter, I heard the ambulance coming along the road. It seemed a very long day, and I thanked Grod when I got the poor fellows in the ambulance and on the road to safety. That night the balance of our regiment was detailed to guard the wounded to Harper's Ferry. After per- forming this duty we left Harper's Ferry for the front again by way of Charlestown, when we were met again by Mosby; my horse was shot and fell into a deep hole and in the fall broke my foot. They lowered a rope down to me and pulled me out, put me into an ambulance and sent me to Sandy Hook, Md., and when I landed in Philadelphia, I found twenty- seven of our company wounded in Chestnut Hill Hos- pital. New York, March 6, 1908. Sgt. Gilbert G. Wood, Toms River, N. J. My dear Comrade : In response to your request that I furnish some matter for insertion in the History of our old Regiment that you are compihng, I must admit that I was puzzled to know just what would prove acceptable. My duties as Quartermaster- sergeant from early in 1862 until after the Battle of Antie- tam prevented my participating in the battles and skirmishes in which the regiment was engaged, up to the time we went into winter quarters at Falmouth, Va., in the fall. Sixth New York Cavalry. 361 During- the winter folloAving, I was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and detailed as Quartermaster of the regiment, and only a little later appointed Quartermaster of the Second Brigade, reporting thereafter directly to General Devin. I am, therefore, unable to report the movements of our regiment from personal observation, and, believing that these details Avill be furnished by officers and enlisted men very much better than I can do. concluded to ofit'er as my con- tribution a rough statement of some of the incidents I wit- nessed, and in which I participated, prior to and while serv- ing on the staff of General Devin. I regret, however, that in their narration I have been obliged to use the personal pronoun so frequently, but trust that, under the circumstances, it will be condoned. If, in your opinion, any of the material is of sufficient inter- est to incorporate in the history, I shall feel complimented by its acceptance. Yours very truly. J. B. "Wheeler. REMINISCENCES AND RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, FROM SEPT. 3, 1861, TO SEPT. 5, 1865. By Jerome B. Wheelee. I enlisted as a private in Company D, Sixth Regi- ment, New York Cavalry, at Troy, N. Y., Sept. 3d, 1861, and a few weeks later joined my regiment at Camp Scott, Staten Island. Filled with patriotism and an earnest desire to learn all the duties of a soldier, I performed with alacrity the various duties of drilling, riding horses bareback to water, with only a halter to hold them, being run away with, and receiving numbers of falls, 362 History of the but escaping serious injury, and performing other duties incident to camp life, I concluded that I was becoming a hardened soldier. With rations of corn-meal mush and molasses, washed down with a pint of black coffee, I was quite content until a large number of the men finally rebelled at the fare, and proceeded to "do up the cooks" and tear down the cook-house. Not until then did I realize that the contractors were not furnishing the kind of rations to which we were entitled. One day I was surprised to find myself a full- fledged corporal, and while on duty realized my great responsibility, particularly when responding to the call of ''Corporal of the Guard," or when ordered to march a squad of recruits to the cook-house. In the late fall the regiment moved to York, Pa., and went into winter quarters. While here I was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant of the First Bat- talion, and, believing it would add dignity to the posi- tion to cultivate a mustache, I made frantic efforts to accomplish this, but met with ignominious failure. The citizens of York were very kind to us, and finally on Christmas Day furnished each man of the regi- ment with a large and succulent up-to-date Pennsylva- nia pie. This was most touching, particularly to our internal anatomy. Our next move towards the front was to Perryville, Md., on the Chesapeake Bay. While here four com- panies, D, H, K and F, received their mounts, and left for service with different commands of the Army of the Potomac. In the spring we were ordered to AYashington, D. C, where we arrived May 12, 1862, and remained there until June 26th, when we moved to Cloud's Mills, Va. Sixtli New York Cavalry. 363 In July the remainder of the regiment was mounted, and on July 24th the eight companies, under command of Colonel Devin, started on the march for Barnett's Ford on the Rappahannock Kiver, arriving on July 30th. While stationed at this point I was kept busy pro- curing forage from the surrounding country. In mak- ing these trips I was generally accomi)anied by an enlisted man of our regiment named Otto, a native of Kentucky, who later developed into a valuable scout. There were few roads or trails for miles north of the Eappahannock River with which we were not familiar, and later this knowledge enabled us to guide troops by the shortest routes. The regiment was engaged in picket duty, and occa- sionally detachments would be sent on short scouting expeditions. Nothing of particular interest occurred until Aug. 20th, when our i)ickets on the south side of the river were driven in by a small force of the enemy's cavalry. The whole command immediately crossed the river and, after a slight skirmish, forced the enemy to retire. The casualties were light on both sides, but what made the incident of importance was the fact that it was the first time this portion of the regiment had engaged the enemy, as prior to this only a few guerrillas had been encountered. Detachments of troops from the Army of the Poto- mac began to arrive on July 21st, and our command soon after moved via Falmouth to Aquia Creek, where it embarked for Washington, arriving on Sept. 5th. Lee's army was in Maryland, and our regiment was soon on the march for Frederick, where it arrived on Sept. 12th, and w^as received with great enthusiasm by its citizens. 364 History of the The Army of the Potomac had arrived and, pre- ceded by the cavalry, was steadily pressing the enemy back through Middletown toward South Mountain. The weather was beautiful, the roads in splendid condition, and on all sides the country was gorgeous with fields of ripened grain and orchards teeming with fruit. As we gained the crest of a hill and secured an unobstructed view of the valley, with fields of golden grain and verdant pastures stretching far to the west, even to the base of the Blue Eidge Moun- tains, the roar of heavy guns and the rattle of mus- ketry were unheeded for the moment in the contem- plation of this magnificent panorama, and in the words of our poet, AYhittier, was "fair as the garden of the Lord." This was the first real battle in which our regiment had been engaged, and the bursting shells and volleys of musketry were a new sensation to us. My first experience in receiving attention from a battery of the enemy was on the afternoon of Sept. 14th, when, with two others, I was watching our infan- try skirmishers advancing across the fields near the base of South Mountain. Suddenly a shell burst in a rail fence a little to the right of us; presently another burst about two hundred feet in front of us, which was quickly followed by a third that passed directly over and close to us, exploding a few yards to our rear. I awoke to the realization that we were the target for that gunner, and his next shell, unless we moved, would score a hit ; so we quickly mounted and rode to the left, out of range of this particular gunner. We soon reached a part of the field where our infantry were hotly engaged, and where Major-general Keno Sixth New York Cavalry. .')G5 had been mortally wounded a short time previous. This was near the lower end of a lane running between stone walls up the mountain, which a few hours later, after a desperate fight, was carried by our infantry. Thereafter this was called '' Bloody Lane." The Battle of Antietam followed on Sept. 17th. On the morning- of the battle, in company with my friend Otto, I rode to a x)osition where several of our bat- teries were posted, which was a short distance in the rear of our skirmish line. In the distance a column of the enemy's infantry could be seen standing at rest, apparently being held in reserve. Here I saw a gunner in one of our batteries make some remarkably accurate shots. He carefully trained his gun on this column, and dropped the first shell in the centre of it, and repeated it with three consecutive shells. I could plainly see the gap each shell made in the column. Not a gun replied from the enemy's batteries while this gun was being fired, but suddenly we found our- selves in an enfilading fire that was most disastrous to both our artillery and infantry, a great many shells passing over us and exploding in the columns of the latter, killing and wounding a large number of our men. Then followed the battle that ended the same night with the enemy defeated, and the field occupied by our victorious army. Little fighting followed, and the Army of the Potomac, still commanded by Greneral McClellan, instead of following up its advantage by seriously crippling and possibly capturing the bulk of Lee's army, remained inactive. General Miles' command at Harper's Ferry was captured on Sept. 15th with all the munitions of war stored at that im- portant and strategic point, and Lee later moved his 366 History of the entire army to the south bank of the Potomac Eiver, ahnost nnmolested. Thus a golden opportunity was lost, and all due to the timidity and lack of pluck on the part of General McClellan. Had General Sheri- dan been in command, it is safe to say that only a dis- organized remnant of Lee's arnw would have escaped into Virginia. A few weeks later the Army of the Potomac, under the command of General Burnside, was encamped on the left bank of the Eappahannock River, opposite Fredericksburg, and our regiment was principally engaged in picketing fords of that river to the west- ward. Finally, on Dec. 13th, occurred the Battle of Fred- ericksburg. Preceding the real battle, much ammuni- tion was expended in an effort to dislodge the enemy from their rifle-pits on the opposite side of the river and the sharpshooters stationed in houses fronting the street that ran parallel with the river. General Devin's headquarters were located about half a mile back from this point, which was about the centre of the east side of Fredericksburg. Late in the afternoon of Dec. 12th, Berdan's sharpshooters were stationed on the high bank overlooking the enemy's rifle-pits, and tried to protect the Engineer Corps in its efforts to build a pontoon bridge at this point. I was not under orders to be present, but found myself prone, behind a stump, watching with a great deal of interest the efforts to construct the bridge, as well as Colonel Berdan's men, who were making it un- comfortable for the enemy's sharpshooters, many of whom were stationed at the windows of the houses opposite. Occasionally the sound of breaking glass Sixth New York Cavalry. 367 was almost a sure sign that tlie bullets of our sharp- shooters had proved effective. The distance to the enemy was very short; one could almost throw a stone to their rifle-pits, so it can be imagined that all had to keep well under cover to avoid being picked off. Curiosity finally overcame my prudence, and I raised my head above the stump for an instant, but it was ample time for a watchful sharpshooter to try for me. His bullet came straight, but a trifle too high, and passed close to my head with a vicious sip. I lost no time in ducking below the top of the stump. I do not remember what prayer I uttered; it may have been "Now I lay me down to sleep," or "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," but I was truly thankful for my narrow escape. Thereafter I had no love for sharpshooters ; they get on one's nerves. Soon after, cautiously peeping on one side of the stump, I observed some of our infantry embarking in two pontoon boats, and strangely, without molesta- tion by the enemy. Firing on both sides of the river ceased at once, and the silence was most intense as the men lay down in the boats, their muskets by their sides, and their hands reaching up to grasp the oars. Only a young officer was exposed. He sat erect in the stern of one of the boats, and in a clear, firm voice directed the concealed rowers with ' ' to the right, " "to the left," "straight away," "steady." It was the highest type of bravery, sublime, magnificent. Here was a hero. In the excitement of a charge each man believes he will escape death, but here was no escape from it if the enemy fired, and he knew it. I stood up and with quickened pulse and bated breath awaited the fatal bullet, but it did not come. There were chival- 368 History of the rous Confederates g-uarciiiig tliat rifle-pit, and they could not deliberately take the life of a man of such magnificent courage. Finally the first boat reached the shore, and the men, grasping their muskets, leaped out, but the enemy's rifles, silent so many minutes, now rang out in a volley, and the foremost men were dead before they touched the shore. Both boats arrived almost simultaneously, and the survivors charged gallantly over the rifle-pits, killing and scat- tering those who had so bravely defended them for nearly a whole day under a storm of shot and shell. Then with a cheer our men rushed down to assist in building the pontoon bridge. The boats were in posi- tion, and the supports for the flooring were in place by the time I arrived with a floor plank, and as the crowd was so dense behind me, I had no alternative but to run over the supports to the other side of the river. The bridge was built just to the north of a street running perpendicular to the river, and the enemy's batteries were posted so as to command this street. After a lapse of forty-five years, I distinctly remem- ber standing with my back to the wall of a brick dwell- ing watching the completion of the bridge, and it seems to me that not more than ten minutes had elapsed, after I crossed, when it was completed and a column of our infantry was passing over it. By this time shot and shell were falling in the street and river at a lively rate, but fortunately with few casualties to the troops crossing. I felt secure until a projectile struck the inner base of the wall against which I was leaning and, thinking it a shell, I did some lively sprinting to avoid its explosion. That is all I can remember about the fighting that night, and Sixth New York Cavalry. ^69 when or how I recrossed the river I have not the slightest recollection. The 'following day occurred the battle, and the ter- rible and needless shmghter of onr troops ; then the retnrn of the survivors and wounded to our old camps. Unfortunately, General Burnside took the initiative by pressure from his superiors, and unquestionably against his best judgment; and could he have delayed his movements until the conditions of the roads made it possible to attack Lee's army by a flank movement, instead of a front attack against impregnable fortifi- cations, the result might have been quite different. A little later General Burnside was relieved and General Hooker succeeded to the command of the Army of the Potomac. In the latter part of December, 1862, Colonel Devin, then in command of the Second Brigade, summoned me to his tent and handed me a commission as Second Lieutenant of Company A, saying as he did so, "Now I want you to earn it," and continuing said, "I want you and Otto to take a Union man, a spy, into the enemj^'s lines, and I have detailed a company to accompany you to a point (mentioning it) beyond our lines, and it will be ready to start in an hour." It was then late in the afternoon, and nearly dark. The company of cavalry left us at a trail with which we were familiar, and we succeeded in passing the enemy's pickets a little later unobserved. We left the spy about midnight, and returned safely to the place where our escort had left us. We then feared trouble from our videttes, and when we reached a point near where we expected to find them, we concluded to announce our approach by singing, which we did loudly, if not sweetly. Soon we were challenged, and 24 370 History of the I dismounted and advanced to find a German who could speak scarcely a word of English, or understand it. He would not let us pass, but held us for a long time until the relief came around. The night was bit- ter cold, and we did not feel in the best of humor when conducted to the quarters of the Colonel of the regi- ment. As he was slow in getting up, our patience became exhausted, so finally we put spurs to our horses and, escaping the bullets that followed us, soon reached Colonel Devin's headquarters and made our report. Not hearing anything from the spy. Colonel Devin sent Otto, about ten days later, to endeavor to locate him. He succeeded in getting several miles south of the Eapidan River when he was captured, and had a very narrow escape from being hanged as a spy. His army clothing was all that saved him. Some months later he was exchanged, only to lose his life just before the Battle of Gettysburg. He was carrying a dispatch one night from General Meade to General Couch and, losing his way, stopped at a farm house to learn his location. A window was raised, and a Ger- man asked in a loud voice what was wanted. Otto, apparently believing he was talking to a disloyal man, who wished to apprise the enemy of his presence, threatened to shoot the German if he did not talk in a lower tone of voice, when the latter, believing Otto to be a rebel, stepped back in the room, and, securing his shot-gun, shot Otto dead. Upon examining Otto's body, he found the dispatch and, looking up General Couch, delivered it, and surrendered himself after relating all the circumstances. During the fall of 1863, among some new horses Sixth Neiv York Cavalry/. 371 issued to the regiment was a dark chestnut, which was selected for the use of General Devin. The latter was a little cautious about riding him, so several men at different times were detailed to exercise him, but all met with discomfiture. The animal, when he was unable to unseat his mount by fair means, would then rear up, expand his abdomen, break the saddle girth, and the rider would go sliding and bouncing to the ground. The chief bugler, a German, wanted an opportunity to tame the beast, and got it, but was soon dismounted, with no bones broken, but bruised and lamed badly. Then Lieutenant Easton, our amiable adjutant with the beautiful Scotch accent, believing he had a ' ' cinch, ' ' took the animal in hand, but alas ! the rider and horse soon parted company, and I was surprised one day when his orderly brought the horse to me with a message from Friend Easton that I am unable to quote ; I have seen the words in ' ' Holy Writ, ' ' but never so picturesquely arranged. I named the horse ' ' Punch, ' ' and gave him into the hands of a good, careful man, and with a great deal of caressing and regular rations of sugar and salt,Ifinally won his friendship, which lasted until the close of the war. He showed no signs of viciousness, but occa- sionally when a "call of the wild" summoned him, he would promptly run away with me, and on two occa- sions I missed disaster by only a small margin. In the spring of 1863 General Hooker had perfected his plans to take the offensive against General Lee, and on April 28th the movement commenced by trans- ferring the bulk of the army across the Rappahan- nock Kiver to the vicinitv of Chancellorsville. Gen- 372 History of the eral Stoneman was dispatched on a raid to the rear of Lee's army, while General Pleasanton and General Devin, with the Sixth New York, Eighth and Seven- teenth Pennsylvania regiments, and a light battery, represented the cavalry corps at the Battle of Chan- cellorsville. From April 28th to the 5th of May, which covered the period of the crossing of the army, the battle, and the return of the troops across the Rappahannock River, all four of these commands fought most gal- lantly, and suffered severely in officers and men killed, wounded and captured, the details of which will be written by members of our regiment more competent to do so than I, and I will state briefly the part I took in this battle. The first day was spent in bringing ammunition by pack animals to the front, and the balance of the time in performing staff duty with General Devin, which gave me an opportunity to see much of the battle in its various stages. I had a very busy afternoon's work when Jackson's corps stampeded most of the Eleventh Corps. I was directed to drive the men of the latter corps off the turnpike to make a passage for fresh troops that were rapidly marching to check Jackson's forward rush. With only my orderly, Abner New, I accomplished the business fairly well, paying no heed to the protests of these disorganized but blameless Germans as we whacked them over the shoulders with the flat of our sabres when they did not move off the road promptly. The poor fellows were too demoralized and panic-stricken to make any resistance, and were contented to continue their retreat through the woods on each side of the road. We were in little danger from the enemy at this Si.rtJi Neiu York Cavalry. 373 time at this particular part of the field, as the fire was principally from their batteries and their shells passed over us, but raised the very devil with the brigade pack train in the woods toward the rear. My men in charge informed me later that when the shell burst among the mules they executed all sorts of stunts, some breaking away and dashing pell-mell toward the river, and others becoming so badly tangled up that they could not run, but lay in heaps kicking and braying to "beat the band," while others made frantic efforts to climb some of the surrounding trees, but were only partially successful ; but this latter state- ment I am inclined to doubt. On May 5th the army was again encamped on the north side of the river. Thus ended the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the less said about it the better. Its conception was faultless ; the crossing of the Kap- pahannock by the several corps, and the celerity with which they reached the positions assigned them, were perfect. Up to this point General Hooker had deceived and out-manoeuvred General Lee, but here Hooker failed to follow up his advantage and secure the key of the position, although he had hours in which to do so. Lee. soon discovered the blunder of his opponent, and quickly seized the point of vantage, and Hooker's great opportunity was lost, and disaster followed thick and fast, ending in defeat. In June, 1863, our cavalry had a very severe engagement with the enemy's cavalry near the town of Aldie, Va., in which the enemy was defeated. The command needing supplies badly at this time, I left camp on the morning of June 21st with the brigade train for Fairfax Station, arriving the same evening, 37-4 History of the and immediately loaded the train to its fnll capacity. Early the following morning I started on my return, not waiting for an escort. About half way to Aldie I met the corj)s quartermaster with a large train, guarded by a detachment of cavalry. I said to him, "I am taking big chances traveling without an escort;" but he replied, "Oh, boom right along, the road is perfectly safe." After such assurance I felt a little easier, but when within five miles of camp, riding in front of the train, and feeling quite secure, I was suddenly startled by bullets whizzing past me, and turned in my saddle to see Mosby's men captur- ing the train (Mosby and thirty men, as I learned a little later). Wishing to avoid capture I gave my horse the spurs, but had gone only about three hun- dred yards when I discovered a detachment of twenty men and two officers of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry in the woods near the road, unsaddled and resting their horses. In about five seconds I was begging them to saddle up and help me. They responded eagerly, and I immediately returned to the road to find one of Mosby's men covering me with his revolver. I had mine ready for business, but fearing a shot b}'^ either of us would bring down the rest of the crowd upon the detachment before it was saddled (as at that time I did not know the force of the enemy), pointed my revolver at him and said in a low tone of voice, but assuming as fierce an expression as possible, "If you fire, I will shoot you dead," and I'm blessed if he did not lower his weapon, but instantly covered me again. I thought quickly that it was all up with me and the train was lost, but I again tried the "bluff," and when he failed to fire, immediately closed with him, took his revolver, hustled him into the woods, and turned him Sixth New York Cavalry. 375 over to one of the men. By that time the officers and nine men were ready, and to my call to "come on," they promptly followed me. The teams had all been unhitched, and were being driven to the rear by the unwilling teamsters. I realized that I must get through and head them off, and I was soon pushing through the crowd, firing to the right and left as I passed. My marksmanship was nothing to brag about, and shooting at one of the enemy I killed his horse, takiiig the man's revolver in the meantime. I placed my revolver at the breast of one burly fellow armed with a carbine, but it missed fire, and he looked happy as I passed on. Part of Mosby's men were at the rear of the train and did not make a stand, but fled down a side road so quickly that they left a few of their caps, decorated with feathers, behind them. I was naturally very much excited and mad as a hor- net, and gave pursuit, but after riding a short dis- tance an officer of the detachment, who had followed me close, calling a halt, I concluded to take his advice. I returned to the train to find my loss one man and one team, and on our side we had captured six prison- ers and killed two of their horses, so honors were about even. We arrived at camp about dusk, with no further trouble. I did not realize the comical side of this scrimmage until, passing the headquarters of General Buford a little later in the evening, I heard one of his staff say, "If you fire, I will shoot you dead," followed by bois- terous laughter. How he learned about it I am unable to say, unless the prisoner I captured gave it away. However, there were compensations, for the skir- mish was the means of renewing a friendship with the 376 History of the officers of the Third West Virginia detachment, serv- ing with our brigade, who had for some time mani- fested great coohiess toward me, for the next morning- Captain Conger, their senior officer, came bouncing into my tent, shouting, "We forgive you, J. B., we forgive you, after that affair of yesterday." I replied, "Why should I need your forgiveness? What have I done?" "Why," he said, "you abandoned our wagon with all our goods and supplies when we fell back from the Rappahannock." I replied, "You are mistaken. On the contrary, when the axle broke, I had a strong support placed securely under the axle, and waited until I saw the wagon moving along with the train." Afterwards, and without my knowledge, it broke down again, and our division Quartermaster, a poor representative of the children of Israel, ordered it abandoned and burned. Dear old Conger, how he hated the rebels, and always seemed most happy when fighting them. On one occasion, while both of us were lying behind a rail fence on the north side of the Eapidan Eiver, watching the enemy on the opposite side, who were shelling our cavalry back in the woods, he said, "By the gods, I wish a rebel stood in front of us this minute, so I could have a hand-to-hand fight with him," and it was not braggadocio, for he was brave to a fault. Poor fellow, he lost his life in such an encounter, only there were odds of three against him. The Battle of Gettysburg lasted from the 1st to the 3d of July, 1863, ending on the latter date. Preced- ing the battle I was hastening to join the command at Frederick, Md. I barely missed capture by General Stewart's cavalry, several of his scouts leaving a Sixth New York Cavalry. ?>11 town tliroiigli which I passed, a short time before I entered it. I hurried an orderly forward to General Devin, and he sent a regiment to guard the train to Frederick, Md. While halting here, a man in citizen's dress was arrested under the suspicion that he was a spy of the enemy, but he was released without being searched. A little later Charles Whitney saw him and reported to Adjutant Easton (if my memory serves me) that he believed the man was a spy, and I believe it was the Adjutant who again arrested him. This time he was searched, and maps showing the position of our forces were found upon him. A drum-head court-martial was held, and he was convicted and hanged on a tree near the roadside, and his body still hung from the tree when we left the following day. Here I desire to say a few words about General Buford, who commanded our First Division. Prob- ably no officer of the Cavalry Corps was more hon- ored, respected and loved than he; a most gallant and efficient officer, of a pleasant and genial nature, cool in action, and always quick to see mistakes of the enemy and to take advantage of them. His move- ments were planned with deliberation and executed most brilliantly, but never coupled with rashness. At Gettysburg he was fully alive to the gravity of the coming battle, and the evening before the arrival of General Hill's corps, while he and General Devin were reconnoitring the country from a belfry in Gettysburg, and General Devin said, "I will hold back all the enemy that confronts me to-morrow," General Buford replied, "No, no, Devin, for they will come a-whooping and a-booming," and that was just what 378 Historif of the occurred. A friendship strong and sincere existed between these officers, and only ended with the death of General Bnford at Washington, D. C, Dec. 16th, 1863. On Oct. 10th, 1863, the Cavalry Corps, which had been in camp near Cnlpeper, Va., started on a recon- noissance toward the Eapidan River. I had just accu- mulated a large supply of Quartermaster's stores, including clothing, and was on the point of issuing same to the brigade, when it received orders to march. I presumed the command was to return, so sent the brigade train, heavily loaded with supplies, with it, and remained to look after the stores. And now occurred an incident which saved the stores from capture or destruction, and the credit is due entirely to Abner New, one of my orderlies. I had just finished supper, and was sitting by a camp- fire, when he remarked, "Suppose the army is going to fall back, and that the cavalry have gone to hold the enemy in check during the backward movement." I jumped to my feet, and said, "Great Scott, I believe that is what is transpiring; saddle our horses quick- ly," and we were soon speeding to Cnlpeper, about a mile distant. Upon arriving I found everything in confusion, and, finding the Chief Quartermaster, asked the cause of the excitement, and he replied, "The army is going to fall back at once." I explained about my stores, and he at once assigned a number of cars to me. I had two wagons and teams, and by day- light the next morning had all the stores on the cars, except a large supply of horse and mule shoes and a large quantity of blacksmith coal. I piled all the kegs of shoes on the coal, and in a few minutes had a Sixth New York Cavalry. 379 roaring fire tliat a strong breeze changed to furnace heat, and before we left, the shoes were a glowmg mass of molten iron, and not available for the enemy's cavalry. The same evening we were across the Rap- pahannock and joined the brigade the following day. October loth, 1863, was an anxious day for me. Our wagon trains were strung out for miles on a narrow road, and our cavalry had great difficulty in holding the enemy in check, who were bent on capturing our trains. The difficulty of guarding them was enhanced by the long halts occasioned by broken bridges at the crossing of small streams in our front. Sharp fighting was constantly occurring in our rear, and on one occasion the enemy's cavalry were only prevented from breaking through by the prompt and gallant action of Major Gating. He saw the enemy with a force superior to his own making prepa- rations for a charge. He realized that unless he could make a countercharge before they were in readiness, his small force would be defeated. Making his way quickly to General Buford, who was near with a battery guarded by twenty-five men, he said, "Gen- eral, let me have your detachment." General Bu- ford replied, "Why, Gating, I shall lose my battery." To which he replied, "You will lose it anyway if I do not have those men." "Well," said the General, "take them, then." Gating, with this little reinforce- ment, quickly charged, and the enemy was routed completely. Gallant Major Gating some months later, while carrying an important dispatch across country, accom- panied by a few men, turned into a road, and most unexpectedly came upon a force of the enemy's cav- 380 TUstory of the airy that liad halted in the woods near by. He saw it was useless to turn back, so concluded to force his way through those of the enemy, who had reached the road. Quickly chewing and swallowing the dispatch, he charged. The first man he encoun- tered fired, and at the same instant his horse threw up his head and received the bullet in his forehead, and, in falling, caught Gating in such a way that the pum- mel of the saddle was forced with great weight against his stomach. He and all his men were captured, and sent to Libby Prison. Major Gating was finally exchanged, and fought gallantly to the close of the war, only to die later at his home from the effects of the injury received when his horse fell upon him, as above described. Finally, the train became stationary for an hour or more. I was standing on rising ground, about two miles from Bristow Station. General Devin was seated a short distance away, and a little to the rear stood our brigade battery. I was fretting and fum- ing at the delay, and finally rode with my orderly, Gharles "Whitney, down a road towards Bristow Sta- tion, where there was a desultory fire of musketry. I had gone half way, when I was startled by very heavy musketry firing at the station, and there appeared to be a serious battle in progress. Batteries were moving rapidly, and wagons and ambulances hurrying pell-mell in our direction. Soon a cavalry- man came galloping down the road. I stopped him, and asked what was the trouble. "Why, the right wing of the rebel army has captured Bristow Sta-^ tion," he replied, "and is coming up this road." It really looked like it, and without stopping to investi- Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 381 gate, I lost no time in getting back, and as I reached General Devin, shonted, "My train is gone now, snre; the right wing of the rebel army is coming np this road," and then, pointing to a position, I said, "Place your battery there, sir!" With a peculiar expression, he said, ''Mr. Wheeler, tell Colonel Sackett to bring up his regiment at a trot." I found the Colonel at a point where the trees obstructed the view of Bristow Station, and as we trotted along I unfolded my "tale of woe." He listened a moment, and then said, "Yankee muskets there, J. B., Yankee muskets there." And that was correct, for by the time we reached General Devin, the firing had almost ceased, but I noticed with a great deal of satisfaction that the battery was in the position I had indicated, but not until after time for reflection did I realize my asinine behavior. General Devin never referred to it, but it was a long time before I could look him sciuarely in the eyes again, and the members of the staff acted quite decently and let me off easily. I afterwards learned that the enemy and our troops made a race for the railroad embankment, which our troops won, and repulsed the attack at that point. So my train was not lost after all, and at 3 a.m. the next morning it was safely parked at Fairfax Station ; and plastered with mud and nearly done up, I lay down on the ground and slept soundly until morning. From May 5th, 1864, when the army crossed the Eapidan River, until June 26th, when we crossed the James River, at Windmill Point, my duties were most strenuous and varied. I was detailed for extra duty from not only corps but army head(iuarters as well. On Mav 8th I received orders to gather the wounded 382 History of the on our right flank, and take them via Fredericksburg to our base of supplies at Belle Plain. It was a very painful duty, and the cries from the wounded, as they were borne in the rough army wagons, were heart- rending. Many times I was implored by men to leave them behind to die in peace, but I could only continue on. Fiuall}", I reached Fredericksburg, and was at once placed in charge, by one of General Meade's staff, of all the transportation and wounded at that place. The pontoon train was slow in arriving, and it was dusk before we were able to cross the Eappahannock. There were small bands of the enemy between the river and Belle Plain, and I could only secure a guard of twenty-five mounted men before starting. The roads were in bad condition, and the old land- marks obliterated, making progress in the dark most difficult. At points where the road ran through a hilly section, they were made impassable by the fre- quent rains, and new roads had to be made around these places. At the most difficult points I was obliged to build large fires to light the way. Finally, about 3 a.m., our way was blocked at a stream where a bridge had been washed away, and I was obliged to park the train until daylight. The suffering of the wounded was terrible, but I was powerless to proceed, and I hope I shall never again experience the fatigue, anxiety and pain that I suffered that night. At day- light the bridge was built, and in a short time we arrived at Belle Plain. After delivering the wounded to the surgeons I immediately loaded the trains with supplies, and rejoined the army below Fredericksburg. On May 22d I arrived at a place called Villsboro, Sixth New York Cavalry. 383 and at the earnest request of a Southern family, who were greatly alarmed by the presence of General Burnside's colored troops, I pitched my tents under the trees near their house, and placed guards there, and also at another house adjacent. The troops had appropriated all their food, and they were in a suffer- ing condition. It was two nights and one day before the troops at this point moved forward. The two Southern families begged me to leave guards with them for a short time, so I left Price, my clerk, and Smith, my orderly, with positive instructions to leave immediately the rear guard of the army came up. Unfortunately, they listened to the persuasions of these Southern people to remain all night, and in the morning were both captured, and their horses and equipments taken from them, despite the appeals of these Southern people. The men were not taken pris- oners, however, and in a few days a Confederate scout, a friend of these people, conducted them north into our lines. I found them both at Harper's Ferry some months later, doing service as infantry, and very happy were they to rejoin me. On May 26tli I received orders from army head- quarters to proceed with trains from the several corps to Port Eoyal on the Rapjiahannock, our new base of supplies, and was informed that a regiment of regular cavalry would escort the train. The trip was consid- ered quite hazardous, as the enemy's cavalry were quite active on our flanks. I immediately directed my clerk, E. Harris Jewett, to write a communication to the officer commanding the escort, stating at what point to meet me, and then carelessly signed it. About an hour later an officer came riding up to me, and angrily asked if I had written the paper he held in his 384 History of the hand. I reached out to take it, but he said, "You can't have it/' but held it so I could read it. I saw at once that Jewett had written an order instead of a request. I immediately apologized, earnestly and fully. He replied, in an angry and insulting manner, that he wanted me to understand that he took orders from no quartermaster. I then said, "I made an error, and have apologized, and now if you are not satisfied, you can go plumb to the devil. In twenty minutes the train starts for Port Eoyal, and if your command is not on hand to guard it, it proceeds with- out 3^ou." When, after the lapse of twenty minutes, I arrived at the head of the train, I found Mr. Officer awaiting me. The advance guard and pioneers were in position, the flankers deployed, and everything in readiness as far as he was concerned. I ordered the train to start about 3 p.m., and the balance of the day very few words were exchanged between us. Finally, at dusk, I asked if this, pointing out a field, was not, in his opinion, a good place to park the train for the night. He replied, '*I have no suggestions to otfer. I am here to guard this train, and propose to do so wherever it halts." I at once ordered the train to park in the place I had selected. The night passed without molestation, and the even- ing of the next day we arrived at Port Royal. I lost no time in loading up with supplies, and after a short rest, and breakfast, at daybreak we started on our return to the army, where we arrived in due time with- out accident or serious trouble. I will add that before the trip ended this officer in command of the regiment and I became warm friends. He was a gentleman, a capable and brave officer. First, he was angry at being detailed to escort Sixth New York Cavalry. 385 a train to the rear, and the receipt of an order from a subordinate vohuiteer officer was the climax, and he had to vent his resentment upon somebody, and selected me as the victim, but later fully atoned for his rudeness. During some active fighting by the cavalry that cul- minated with the Battle of Trevilians Station, the trains of the Cavalry Corps were stationed at White House Landing, on the Pamunky River. On the morning of June 20th, sharp picket firing occurred in our front, and having a premonition that a serious effort was to be made by the enemy to capture this base of supplies, I did not wait for orders, but iname- diately put the train of the First Division in readiness to move. Soon the enemy's batteries opened on us from a hill in our front, and the fire was very severe, but fortunately none of the shells reached our ammu- nition wagons. By great good luck, two gunboats were stationed in the river near us, and they soon silenced the enemy's batteries, and the troops of Gen- eral Abercrombie, stationed in the rifle-pits surround- ing the landing, successfully held the enemy in check while the trains crossed the river out of range. The First Division train suifered no loss, and the only cas- ualty near me was the loss, by a bursting shell, of the horse of my orderly, the orderly escaping with only a severe shaking up. Our cavalry arrived about noon, and immediately engaged the enemy, which proved to be two divisions of cavalry that, by a short cut from Trevilians Sta- tion, had succeeded in reaching the landing a few hours ahead of our cavalry. It was a close call for us, and would, I think, have been successful but for 25 386 History of the the presence of the gunboats, for most of the infantry that occupied the rifle-pits were raw and inexpe- rienced troops. Although there was sharp fighting all the way to the James Eiver, the enemy was unable to damage us much, and on June 26th we crossed at Wind Mill Point without molestation. On July 13th I came near losing ni}^ orderly, Abner New, by drowning. He was swimming his horse in the James River and, getting into deep water, was in some way thrown oif, and not being able to swim, sank to the bottom. How many minutes occurred before I was notified at my tent, quite a distance from the river, I am unable to remember, but it certainly took me five minutes to get to the shore and undress, and another two or three minutes to dive and locate him. To my astonishment, when I brought him to the surface, he gasped, and with the assistance of several of my men, we got him to the shore, and in about fifteen minutes he was as chipper and bright as ever. The most remarkable part of it was his recovery, after being so long submerged. Evidently he was not born to be drowned. On Aug. 3d, 1864, the First Division of the Cavalry Corps embarked at City Point for Washington. I arrived with General Devin Aug. 5th, and imme- diately drew a full train of fifty wagons, loaded it with supplies, and on Aug. 6th sent it with our brigade to Harper's Ferry. This whole train, I regret to say, was later captured by Mosby, only a few miles south of Harper's Ferry. The teams were run off, and a large number of the wagons burned. I remained at Washington to receive the train of the First Division Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 387 on its arrival from City Point. During its debarka- tion I learned that orders had been issued by the AVar Department to turn this train over to some infantry regiments. Captain Tallman, the division quarter- master, had arrived, but had not relieved me. I reported the situation to General Torbert, who was still in Washington, and he said, "Wheeler, you must not lose that train. ' ' I replied, ' ' Then give me a writ- ten order to take it to the front." His chief-of -staff immediately wrote the order, which the General signed. Immediately I went to work with a will, and by the afternoon of Aug. 13th the train was heavily loaded with supplies, and I was hurrying out of Wash- ington. Captain Tallman received a commission as Major on his arrival, and was celebrating the event. The order to turn over the train was addressed to Captain Tallman, and there was no Captain Tallman to be found. Fortunately for Tallman, he gave me no orders, and by the time the error had been discovered, and a correct order issued, I was out of reach. I trav- eled until dusk, made a short halt for supper, and then traveled all night, and to avoid orders from Washing- ton, took a route different from the one the War Department would expect me to take. Orders were very strict about moving without an escort, so I required all the quartermasters to give me a report of the numbers of fighting (I) men they had. I found we had a force of nearly fifty men, and posted them to the front and rear of the train. My guard was criti- cised by the citizens of Frederick as I passed through that town, but I assured them that i\\Qj were a husky lot of fighters. I reached the command at Berryville on Aug. 19th, 388 History of the and General Merritt seemed particularly pleased to see me, for the men and horses were hungry and needed the supplies I had brought. Major Tallman was court-martialed later for dis- obedience of orders, but was acquitted by my testi- mony. I was punished by having the recommenda- tion of G-eneral Devin, endorsed by Generals Merritt and Sheridan, that I be commissioned an assistant quartermaster, blocked by General Meigs, chief quartermaster of the army, for the reason, as he stated later, that I failed to tell all I knew at the court- martial of Tallman, and he was quite right, but I was not disappointed. Soon after my arrival at Berryville the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley became quite active. General Sheridan was placed in command of all the forces, which was designated as the "Army of the Middle Military Division." He was very cautious, and manoeuvred very carefully until the auspicious time arrived, Sept. 19th, when Early's army was defeated at Winchester, and later driven up the valley as far as Staunton. The army soon returned to the north side of Cedar Creek, after first destroying all grain, hay and food supplies in the valley, to prevent Early's army from again subsisting on supplies drawn from that section. But Early returned, and on Oct. 19th surprised and attacked our army with great spirit, and succeeded in occupying our position before being checked. Fortu- nately, General Sheridan arrived early in the fore- noon, and shortly after night-fall Early's army was defeated and disorganized, and flying up the valley, hotly pursued by the Second Brigade and Captain Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 389 Taylor's light battery, never to return again. On the morning of Oct. 19tli, when a few miles from the front, I heard heavy cannonading, but did not realize the gravity of the situation until stragglers made their appearance on the road, and reported that our army had been defeated and were falling back. This I hardly believed, but told my orderly, Charles Whit- ney, to make all haste to Winchester and inform Gen- eral Sheridan (who had arrived from Washington the previous evening) just what the rumors were. AVhit- ney reached Winchester just as the General was start- ing for the front, and delivered my message, which did not seem to disturb him in the least. I concluded to take chances, so parked my train, and soon after Sheridan passed me, I reported to General Devin for duty, and remained until after the defeat and rout of Early's army. The turnpike from Cedar Creek to Martinsburg dur- ing the month of October was made quite unsafe for wagon trains, by reason of the forays of Mosby. During the latter part of the month I left Martins- burg with my train, in company with several hundred wagons. One battery that was on its way to the front accompanied us, and in the train were fifteen pay- masters, in ambulances, also going to the front, to pay off the troops. There was a guard of about three hundred infantry distributed along the train. The Chief Quartermaster of our Cavalry Corps was present with an escort of twenty men of the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania Regiment of our brigade. When we were about ten miles from Winchester, he pro- posed that we push forward and not wait for the train. This, most fortunately, we did, for it was the 390 History of the only tiling that saved the train from capture. We had only proceeded about a mile when we saw a squad of about twenty-five cavalrymen dash out of the woods in front of us and capture an ambulance containing a a general of infantry (as we afterwards learned) and move off to the side of the road. Our escort imme- diately opened fire, and quite a spirited skirmish took place. I at once dispatched my orderly to the train to notify the officer in command of the escort that Mosby was near, and to prepare for an attack. In the mean- time, Mosby 's men began to fall back, and, growing suspicious, we halted, when, presently, a force of from three to four hundred men dashed out of the woods. It was Mosby, sure enough, with his whole command. He had undoubtedly been informed that the train with the paymasters was going to leave that morning, and was bent on its capture. I was riding my horse, ^^ Punch," and he promptly ran away with me in the direction of the enemy; I only avoided capture by running him into a rail fence, and now when I turned in the direction of the train, he performed the same tactics, and I was soon in advance of my friends. As I raised a hill behind which the train was parked I waved my hat and shouted, "Get ready, Mosby is coming ! ' ' I found the battery in position^ also the. infantry deployed (a mere skirmish line) a short distance in front of the train. At once I saw that a determined charge could not be checked by such a weak force. I pulled up in line with the infantry and said, "We can whip those men, but you must pump lead into them for all you are worth," and then thought to myself, "Good-bye, paymasters." In about three minutes Mosby 's force appeared on the crest of the rising Sixth New York Cavalry. 391 ground, about three liiindred yards distant, but, to our great astonishment, halted, and making a quick "right about," before an effective volley could be tired by the infantry, disappeared from view, and by the time we had reached the crest, were out of range, and in a few minutes were out of sight, making no further effort to capture the train. This was the intrepid leader, so called by many, who failed to put up any kind of fight to capture what was probably the richest train that ever went u}) the Shenandoah Valley. Probably the most distasteful duty the cavalry had to perform was the burning of grain, barns and flour mills, and seizing all domestic stock in the Shenan- doah, Luray and Loudomi Valleys, loyal and disloyal people suffering alike. It was a cruel but necessary measure. One fine old loyal Quaker gentleman in Loudoun County, Mr. Mansfield, who had often entertained General Devin and his staff, had a fine residence and large flour mill, and on this occasion, when General Devin drew near, Mr. Mansfield came to the road and invited the General to dismount and take some refreshments. '■'■No, sir," he replied, "the food would cJioke me." Then, in a gruff voice, he said to Adju- tant-general Mahnken, "Mr. Mahnken, fire Mr. Mans- field's mill;" then, turning to Mr. Mansfield, said most gruflfly, "Mr. Mansfield, you had better have some buckets of water ready in case your house should take fire," and giving spurs to his horse rode quickly away. Adjutant Mahnken inmiediately piled dry wood against the mill, ignited it, saw it blazing, then mounted and was soon out of sight. Mr. Mans- field was not dull by any means, and quickly used the 392 History of the water ready at hand to extinguish the flames. When Adjutant Mahnken rejoined the General, the latter said, "Mr. Mahnken, did you fire that mill!" "Yes, sir," replied Adjutant Mahnken. "Did you see it burning?" "Yes, sir," again the Adjutant replied. <■ <■ Very well, very well, ' ' the General answered. Thus General Devin was made happy, and a loyal man fully repaid for his generous hospitality. General Devin 's military career, when the absence of a West Point education is considered, was most remarkable. If he had faults, I know of none more conspicuous than that of extreme modesty, and his tardy promotion was due almost entirely to that trait in his character. That his services and ability were recognized by Generals Grant and Sheridan was demonstrated when, by their recommendation, he was appointed to the same rank, and at the same time, as Generals Merritt and Custer in the regular arniy. His manner was at times brusque and stern, but he possessed a kind heart, and was always just, tender and sympathetic to those who merited such considera- tion. He despised a shirk, or one tainted with the least hypocrisy or dishonesty, but was quick to redress the wrongs of any officer or enlisted man in his com- mand. A Democrat politically, he was grandly loyal to his country and its flag. His memory will ever remain green in our hearts, and may the glorious sun forever warm, protect and nourish the tender and fragrant sentinels that beau- tify and guard his last resting-place. At Waterford, Loudoun County, two young ladies, perched on the wide gate-posts in front of their house. Sixth New York Cavalry. 393 waving American flags, said, as their liay was being destroyed, "Burn away, burn away, if it will prevent Mosby from coming here." One of the ladies after- wards married a Union officer, and, with an interest- ing family, is now residing in New York city. The Second Brigade soon after moved to Lovetts- ville, Loudoun County, and went into winter quarters. "We enjoyed a well-merited rest, varied by an occa- sional scout and skirmish with small detachments of the enemy's cavalry. There were also some pleasant experiences for some of us, as, for example, calling upon the Union families residing within a radius of two or three miles from the town. There was some risk of cap- ture, however, and we generally took along a few men for picket duty. This, however, came near ending when General Devin heard about it, as he ordered it discontinued. AYe felt very much disgruntled until the idea occurred to me to try and inveigle the Gen- eral. A fall of a few inches of snow had made excel- lent sleighing, and I had picked up quite a good double sleigh, so one day I called on the General and chatted about the fine sleighing and the sleigh I had secured, and finally suggested that he go with me to call upon a very hospitable family, including two charming daughters, residing about two miles from camp. I said, "It will be a pleasant outing, and I know you will enjoy it, and with a guard we shall be perfectly safe." He puffed away on his pipe a min- ute or so, and finally said, "It is a little dull, and I guess I need some fresh air." My sleigh was soon at the door, and a squad of ten men ready to accompany us. The call was a success, the hosts' wine and cake 394 History of the most excellent, and fifteen minutes after our arrival the General was beaming and happy, and when the time came to return, he was inclined to think it was quite rude to leave so abruptly, until I assured him we had been there a full hour. While returning, I remarked it was so pleasant to break the monotony of camp life by occasionally mak- ing such calls, to which he assented most heartily, and the embargo on calling was raised thereafter. Shortly before Christmas the boxes of good things began to arrive from our homes. In the one I received I found that my dear old mother had included a keg of oysters. I immediately decided to invite my brother officers to a bang-up oyster stew, and directed my negro servant not to open the keg until I instructed him, and to have milk, crackers and every- thing in readiness when I told him to prepare the stew. As I remember, about thirty officers arrived at noon the following day, all tuned up for a good dinner. I then notified the cook to go ahead. In a few min- utes he came walking in with the cover removed from the keg, and said, "Am dese what you call 'istersT' I looked — the keg was filled with apple sauce. It was a terrible disappointment, and it was a long time before I heard the last of the incident. In order to furnish the command with supplies promptly and easily, also to transport passengers across the Potomac River to and from the Maryland side, I secured a number of pontoon boats and bateaus for that purpose. There was a Captain Brown (I will call him) who commanded an independent company of rangers. He resided at Waterford, Va., was mar- Sixth New York Cavalry. 395 riecl, and his wife was a most estimable lady. The Captain was a good fellow, but very intemperate, and, being away from home most of the time, caused his wife great anxiety. One day, while at the river, Mrs. Brown came to me and asked if I had seen the Cap- tain lately. I replied that I had not. She then asked if I could have her taken across the river to the Mary- land side. I said certainly, and manned a pontoon boat, and accompanied her over the river. As we neared the shore, I saw the Captain standing on the bank, which was quite steep, but sloped gently to the river, and pointed him out to Mrs. Brown. As the boat touched the shore I assisted her out, and together we walked up the bank. As we approached the Cap- tain I observed that he was comfortably drunk, and as we reached him he lost his balance, tumbled backward, and went head over heels way to the edge of the river. It was a very comical sight, but as I noticed tears coursing down the lady's cheeks, I immediately checked the desire to laugh. The Captain rose to his feet, and slowly and laboriously walked up the bank, and approaching his wife until his nose almost touched hers, and assuming a most comical expression, said, "Xow, Julie, / suppose you think I did not do that on purpose." This was too niuch; I gasped, and coughed, then doffing my hat, fled to the shelter of a building near at hand, and laughed until my sides ached. Our command left the Loudoun Valley on Feb. 2-l:th, 1865, and arrived at Winchester the evening of the 25th, near which the balance of the Cavalry Corps was encamped. On Feb. 25th the new Colonel of our regiment, Charles L. Fitzhugh, arrived and took command. 396 History of the The men sized him up and commented on his appearance qnite freely. One said, "Well, where did he come from, anyway!" ''Oh, he is a chap fresh from West Point," another replied. "Pretty well set np, and has a good head, and guess he's game all right," said another. "Bet yonr life," was the reply. "I wonder whether he takes his whiskey straight," said a third. "Not on your life," another replied, "did you ever see a fellow with wavy, crinkly hair drink whiskey?" "Oh, rats!" another replied, "that's just what makes his hair crinkly." I also sized him up, and mentally decided that he would run at the first fire of the enemy, and later this proved to be perfectly correct, for he not only ran so fast that the enemy were speedily overtaken and over- whelmed, but he incidentally gathered in a "star" at the same time, and if the war had lasted a few months longer, I'm blessed if I do not think he would have captured a companion to it. He commanded the regiment for only one brief day, and was then assigned to the command of the Second Brigade. Unfortunately, I was unable to march with the com- mand, and it was not my privilege to serve with him as a staff officer until after the Battle of Appomattox. After that date, and up to the time of the great review of the army at Washington, I met him daily, and was deeply impressed with his genial and bright per- sonality. His short but brilliant military career was followed by an equally successful business life, in which he earned not only a competency, but a host of warm friends as well. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 397 On Feb. 26tli, wliile making a quick and short turn on a street in Winchester, the borrowed horse I was riding fell on the slippery crossing and caught me under him. T was badly bruised and lamed, and was carried into a house near by. It was several days before I could be moved, and in the meantime the Cav- alry Corps was out of reach up the valley, and much to my disappointment and chagrin, I was obliged to return to Pleasant Valley, where the corps train had been ordered. As soon as I could ride I called upon General Stevenson, commanding at Harper's Ferry, and requested permission to join my command, but received a curt refusal. In the meantime, Lieut. John Muldoon, returning from hospital, joined me, and I succeeded in obtaining a pass and transportation for him to the front, and saw him depart with feelings of bitter disappointment. Soon after, I received a letter from General Devin, stating that orders for me to join him were on the way. I waited two days, but the orders not arriving, I took the General's letter to Gen- eral Stevenson and begged him not to hold me longer, and he finally gave his permission to leave. With my orderly, Charles Whitney, and a brother of Major McKinney, I started for City Point, April 5th, arriv- ing there April 7th. On April 8th, while waiting at the station at City Point, I was accosted by a pleasant elderly gentleman, who asked to what command I belonged, and where I was going. I replied that I belonged to General Sheridan's command, and was going to the front, if possible to get there. He said, "If you belong to Sheridan, and cannot get to him, you do not deserve to belong to his command. I am Senator E. B. Washburn. Put your horses in the car with mine, and we will go to the front together. ' ' 398 History of the General Grant had ordered a passenger and a freight car for the accommodation of his staunch friend, the Senator, and my meeting him was most opportune. His kind offer was quickly accepted. I was greatly impressed by his manner, which was free and unconventional, and most genial. During the several days I was with him he conversed freely on many subjects, and that his conversation was interest- ing and entertaining goes without saying. Before our train reached Petersburg it was delayed by an accident, and we made a bridge of railroad ties, unloaded our horses, and rode to the city. We imme- diately paid our respects to General Warren, who occupied a large mansion, where he had been quar- tered since being relieved from his command, and then rode rapidly toward the front. The night of April 9th I spent with my men in a large barn, sivarm- ing uith rats, while the Senator found quarters with the General of a division of infantry. The following morning we reached our army and learned that General Lee had surrendered the pre- vious day, April 9th. It was a great disappointment not to have partici- pated in the last general engagement of the war, but fate decreed it otherwise. As I rode through Lee's army and conversed with officers and men, I felt more sympathy than resent- ment toward these men, and I believe this was the feeling that prevailed throughout our arm}^ On April 24th the Cavalry Corps moved from Peters- burg south to join General Sherman's army in North Carolina, but only reached the north side of the Dan Eiver April 28tli, when we learned of the surrender of Johnson's army. We started on our return march Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 399 April 29tli, and arrived at Petersburg* May 3d, and went into camp on the north side of the Appomattox River. After a rest of a week we took up our marcli for Washington, D. C, and, passing through Richmond, a city about wliich we had heard so much, but that only a few of us had ever visited, we took the road to Washington, D. C, and went into camp between that city and Alexandria Ma)^ 17th. Then followed the grand review of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the West May 23d and 24th, up Pennsylvania Avenue, and past the reviewing stand in front of the White House. A little later the regiment was ordered to Louis- ville, Ky., and after a short stay started on its last journey as a regiment for Elmira, N. Y., where it was mustered out of service Sept. 5th, 1865. Thus ended the brilliant service of the Sixth New York Veteran Cavalrv. MASSACHUSETTS AND STATE RIGHTS. The following experience of Comrade F. A. Easton (told by himself) is of interest to all students of the early days of the Civil War : The majority of Troop A of our regiment were recruited in Boston by Capt. Freeman Orne. After being mustered out of Company I, Fourth Massachu- setts Infantry (three months' troops), I concluded to reenlist in cavalry. Massachusetts was not recruiting for that arm of the service, but on Hanover Street an office was opened ostensibly for recruiting men for the regular 400 History of the U. S. Cavalry. My name was enrolled in August, 1861, and soon after I reported for duty at Staten Island, N. Y., as Orderly Sergeant of Troop A, un- assigned. It soon developed tliat we were to be known as New York troops. Many objected, and a few returned to Boston, Early in September I returned to Massachusetts on furlough, and while there received orders to arrest certain deserters, which I proceeded to do with the assistance of Sergt. Thomas French, and accompa- nied by Captain Orne. A few days after the return of the men to Staten Island, I was arrested in Court Square for "abduc- tion," and, being taken before the police court, pleaded ''not guilty," and asked for time to produce my orders. This was granted, but being placed under $500 bonds, and not knowing au}^ one whose surety would be accepted, I had the pleasure of riding to Cambridge Street Jail in the "Black Maria," and spent seven nights and six days in that institution. Mr. Perkins, proprietor of the Hancock House (now part of Young's Hotel), supplied my meals, and otherwise proved himself a friend. Of course, I was busy during the week, and kept the telegraph wires hot. The outcome of the trials is recorded further on. At the second trial. Governor Morgan sent a mem- ber of his Council to look after my interests. Without exception, the Boston papers supported me and denounced General Schouler, who, in justice be it said, later on did all in his power to make amends. I have preserved most of the clippings from the newspapers, but as they are much alike, print but two from the Herald and my letter to the Journal : Sixth New York Cavalry. 401 AFFAIRS ABOUT HOME. The Folly op Enlisting in New York Regiments — Inter- esting Case in the Police Court — A Sergeant of the Ira Harris Cavalry Arraigned for Assault on a Private — He Claims that he was Acting under Orders. In the Police Court to-day, before Judge Wright, the con- tinued case of Orderly Sergeant F. A. Easton, of the Ira Harris Cavalry of New York, came up. He was charged with assaulting Private Wilson Pinkham of that regiment. Adjutant-general Schouler and one or two other witnesses for the governmeni testified to the effect that Pinkham and other men had been enlisted here for a New York regiment, without any authority from the State Government or from the Secretary-of-War ; that they had been misled by the false pretence that their families would be entitled to State aid from i\Iassaehusetts ; that Pinkham, after going to New York and finding that he had been deceived, came back here; that the defendant and others went to the house in the night, and arrested Pinkham, iLsing violence toward him and his wife; and that Pinkham was ironed and taken away by means of this force. The defendant was then allowed to address the Court, and spoke to the following effect : He was originally a Massachusetts man, and served in a ]\Iassachusetts three months' volunteer regiment. Last sum- mer he was enlisted by Capt. Freeman Orme, now of the Ira Harris Cavalry, with the agreement that he was to go into a cavalry regiment in the regular army, and that he would be entitled to the State bounty. With this understanding he enlisted men. He soon found that he was not entitled to any aid from the State of Massachusetts, and that he and his men were destined for the New York volunteer service, and not for the reg-ular army. But having been sworn in, he felt that, however false the pretences under which he was enlisted, he had no right to desert. His present position was given 26 402 History of the him -without being solicited, and he felt bound to do his duty in it. Some of the Massachusetts men, however, deserted while he was Provost Marshal of Staten Island. A short time after he came on here on a furlough, and the day after Thanksgiving received a dispatch at Hingham to come at once to Boston and arrest Wilson Pinkham, a deserter. He came up and went to the latter 's house, but Elrs. Pinkham said her husband w^as not at home. Having no orders to search the house, he made inquiries as to his right to do so, and finally called on Adjutant-general Schouler at the State House. The latter told him if he arrested Pinkham he (the Adjutant-gen- eral) would have him arrested. The accused then tele- graphed for instructions, and the next day Captain Orme arrived and he had an interview with him. He had a letter from the Adjutant-general of New York to General Schouler, expressing the hope that the latter would not oppose the arrest of men who had deserted after being sworn into United States service. At 5 o'clock, by appointment, he met Captain Orme and Second Sergeant French at the Cummings House, where the defendant and Sergeant French were ordered by their captain to proceed to Pinkham 's house and arrest him. This order they of course obeyed. Pinkham said he would not go to New York, and finally Captain Orme was sent for. On his arrival he again directed Pinkham 's arrest, and the two sergeants effected it. While they were doing it, Mrs. Pinkham, who felt very bad, becoming somewhat violent, was restrained by defendant. At the door, Pinkham was put in defendant's charge, with orders to shoot him if he tried to escape, and to shoot any one who attempted to interfere. When entering the hack, the prisoner attempted to escape, and was told by the sergeant that if he stirred he would shoot him. He was taken to the Providence Depot, but, by Sergeant Easton's intercession was not then taken to New York. The defendant closed by saying: "Your honor, I do not deny the act, and I do not attempt to justify it. except so far as my own responsibility goes. I was acting under orders, which I was boiuid to ol)ey. I was Sixth New York Cavalry. 403 enlisted under false pretences, but that does not remove my obligation. When I was sworn in, I took a solemn oath to obey all orders from superior officers, and I was bound to do so. For doing my duty thus, I have been imprisoned five days like a common criminal, refused liberty to communicate with my friends, and now am arraigned here for the crime of assault. If I had been ordered to shoot that man instead of to arrest him. I should have done it, if I had been hanged for it. If I had refused to obey Captain Orme's order, he would have had a perfect right, according to the rules which were read to me in camp, to shoot me on the spot. In the army, if a major-general gives a sergeant a peremptory order to do a thing, and half an hour afterward a lieutenant tells him not to do it, he has to obey the lieutenant. So I was bound to obey my captain, though Adjutant-general Schouler had said he would arrest me if I did. It is not my fault that I am not a Massachusetts volunteer instead of a New York one ; but I intend to do my duty wherever I am. ' ' The Adjutant-general explained that he had nothing against the defendant; Captain Orme was the man he most wished to get ; but he wished to test the question of law, whether men with shoulder-straps from New York had a right to enlist men here by false pretences. The case was continued till afternoon to allow Judge Wright to consult with his associates, and at the Adjutant- general's request, the defendant was released on his own per- sonal recognizance. Sergeant Easton conducted himself in court in a manner to win the good opinions of all present, and the outsiders all fell in with his reasoning as correct. The Charge Against Sergeant F. A. Easton, of the Ira Harris Cavalry — The Case Again Continued in the Police Court. In the Police Court, yesterday afternoon, the case of Ser- geant F. A. Easton, complained of by Adjutant-general 404 History of the Schouler for assaulting Private Wilson Pinkham, an alleged deserter from the Ira Harris Cavalry of New York, as re- ported in the Herald of yesterday afternoon, came np again, having been continued from the forenoon. The Adjutant-general again explained that he had no desire to punish this man, as he (the defendant) believed he was under orders, which it was his duty to obey ; but he did wish to test before a civil tribunal the question whether a New York officer, without special authority, had a right to come to Massachusetts and enlist here citizens in New York regi- ments under false pretences. Mr. Brooks, counsel for the defendant, put in the follow- ing order, as the latter 's .justification for arresting Pinkham: Camp Scott, Dec. 4th, 1861. Sergeant F. A. Easton : You are hereby ordered to proceed at once and arrest Remembrance Knowlton, AVm. Farrell, Wm. J. Gilbert, Albert Lewis, and any other deserters you may find from this camp. You will report yourself with such men as you may find as soon as possible. By order of D. McVlCAR, Lieut.-col. Sixth Reg't, N. Y. S. Cavalry, Ira Harris Guards. After further discussion the case was again continued till Friday next, the defendant, at General Schouler 's request, being allowed to go on his personal recognizance. THE ENLISTMENT CASE. Boston, Dec. 12, 1861. To the Editor of the Boston Journal : Having read in several papers statements in regard to my case which are incorrect, allow me through your columns to rectify the mistakes by a simple statement of facts. On the 9th of September I enlisted under Captain Freeman Orme, with the understanding that we were for the resailar United Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 405 States Army, and that his company was entitled to State aid. I left for Camp Scott, L. I., on the 12th, being the last man who left Boston for Captain Orme's company. I did not enlist IV. Pixkham or any other man, as has been stated. Some six weeks ago I was ordered to report as New York Volunteers. The men became dissatisfied and threat- ened to desert. Captain Orme withheld their pay, but at my suggestion they were paid off. I left camp Nov. 18 on furlough. On the 22d, at South Hingham, received a dispatch and orders for the arrest of several deserters — more particularly W. Pinkham. He was not at home when first I called. Next day met Second Ser- geant T. French, who had orders to co-operate with me. When on the point of arresting Pinkham, was told by his wife that the Adjutant-general wished to see us. We went immediately to the State House, where, after some conversa- tion, it was understood that should we arrest them, he (the Adjutant-general) would arrest us. We then communicated with Captain Orme, and received orders to await his arrival in the city. In the meanwhile we saw Pinkham and others, advised them to return their uniforms, as they were still liable; but we made no attempt to arrest them. On Sunday Captain Orme arrived with orders for their arrest, and having a letter from the Adjutant-general of New York to General Schouler in Boston. By appointment met at the Cummings House at 5 o'clock Monday evening, and proceeded to Pinkham 's house in a hack. By orders I went into the house and arrested Pink- ham, and sent for Captain Orme. He came, and the prisoner showing resistance. Sergeant French and I were ordered to put him in the carriage. While on the street Pinkham at- tempted to run ; I ordered to him to stand or I should fire ; he did so. We then drove to the Providence Depot, where Captain Orme put handcuffs on the prisoner. As Pinkham was sick I interceded, and he did not go to New York that night, but after being confined in Roxbury until morning was sent on, luider charge of Sergeant French. 406 History of the Captain and I went to New York that night with more pris- oners. On Friday, the 6th inst, I returned to Boston and M-as arrested, and confined in jail five days, waiting an ex- amination. That I was acting under orders, no one can deny. And now, sir, I leave it with a just public to determine whether I have deserved such treatment for simply doing my duty. Yours respectfully, Fergus Anzle Easton, Orderly Sergeant Co. A, 2d Eeg. H. B. In the spring of 1862 our men were granted State aid from Massaclxusetts. The case never came to a decision. It was carried to a higher court. Furlough was denied me to attend the trial, Colonel Devin endorsing the application as follows: ''This officer's duties are more valuable in camp than in a court room." A copy of this was for- warded to the Clerk of Courts, and thus ended the attempt of Massachusetts to establish her State rights. PRISON EXPERIENCE OF ISAAC A. COLLIER. I was taken prisoner near Dinwiddle C. H. on the 31st of March, 1865, in one of the sharpest hand-to- hand attacks we had had for some days. The day before (the 30th), we made a charge (the Sixth New York) in the woods, after the Seventeenth Pennsylva- nia Cavalry had failed to break the enemy's lines; it was raining very hard, and we had hard work to drive the rebels, but we did at last, for a while only; our loss was heavy. At about 2 or 3 p.m. the rebels advanced on us the second time and they hurried us along at a good rate. Lieutenant Blunt 's horse was shot; in the Sixth New York Cavalry. 407 fall back I was dismoimted, but soon regained my horse and place in line. Colonel White had cut a long barricade and the regiment held it until nearly dark, when we fell back across a small ravine to the edge of the hill, where we established a line of battle and lay there all night in our wet clothes, without fire or food, until the morning of the 31st, when, at about noon, they drove them in on our left and advanced in our front and made it very unpleasant for us. I think they would have captured our battery, or the one we had with us, but for Gen- eral Devin, with whom I had often been in hard, close work, but I never saw him cutting right and left and urging the men to stand and save their guns ; they did great work that day. We made a final charge and went through the rebels, but when we turned to go back to our lines, we were met by the enemy; there were three of us captured at that point — a lieutenant of the Seventeenth, a sergeant of the Tenth New York, and myself. The first kind remark I heard was ''Get from under that good hat, you Yankee ," and they put on my head a long, high soft hat, with about a thousand holes cut in — my hat was new, and I had nothing to say about the trade. The Fourth N. C. Cavalry charged us and took us prisoners ; they took us about a mile or two to the rear, when one of those brave boys who were to be found in the rear of both armies — they never saw a battle, but were ever ready to do a robbery (we were in charge of a sergeant and six men) — when this man asked if we had been searched, the Sergeant said " No ! " So he began by going through the Lieutenant. I made a strong protest to the Sergeant and told him no one but cowards would do that kind of work; he 408 History of the took $3.10 from the Lieutenant. Next came the Ser- geant of the Tenth New York; he took $75 from him. He said it was my turn next ; I told him no, not while I was alive. I had not given \\\) my pistol yet— it was under my coat yet; but the Sergeant took it away, and they treated us with quite some respect while they had us in charge. We crossed a large stream of water that night and we rode on the backs of their horses. We got in the camp, where they left us about 2 a.m., when they all shook hands and bid us good-bye, and said that they hoped if any of us ever took any men, we would be as good to them as they had been to us. In new hands, and in charge of another sergeant, who had been posted that I was the only one not searched, the sergeant informs me that such is his painful duty. I said "go ahead." I had put in the seams of my drawers two fifty-dollar bills and one twenty-dollar bill ; I left in my pocket a five-dollar bill and a ten-cent shin plaster. He left me the ten-cent shin plaster and said I might as well let him have the five-spot, as it would be taken from me. He also gave me a piece of old quilt to lie on ; they put us in a cow- pen for the rest of the night. I found quite a number there in camp. An old gray-headed man asked me if I would like to get away that night. As I thought that he might be looking for a medal or was anxious to see a dead Yankee, I told him that I thought, although the prospect looked very bad for good grub, I would stay with them a while. The next day (April 1st) they marched us to Petersburg and put us in an old tobacco warehouse with 1500 or 1800 others from the Fifth Corps, who were prisoners. Here they searched us again, and the officer who did it insulted when he could. When he asked who my general was, Sixth New York Cavalry. 409 I told liim "Sheridan." "Oh! you are one of the barn burners." I said, "Yes." Then he said, "Where did you get that quilt?" I told him one of his men gave it to me last night. He said that I was a liar, that I had robbed some poor widow in the valley. I could not say too much, but I know that he did not like what I said. Up to this time we had not had even a hardtack. The whole crowd of us lay down on the hard floor for the night. About 3 a.m. General Grant began to shell out Petersburg — don't thijik it took very long to get down stairs, and we were not asked either; we fell in line and they marched us down to the front and along their batteries to make our boys believe they were moving their troops, and our boys put, many a shot chasing us. Some time about noon we got to the depot, half way to Richmond; here they loaded us on gravel cars and sent us to Richmond, where we arrived about 1 p.m. Here I got my first mouthful of food — a little girl was selling dried apple pies, and I gave her the ten-cent shin plas- ter for one of them; that was the first I had to eat since I boarded with them, and I still had my money with me. They marched us across the James River and into Libby Prison. The people, as we marched by, said we were the finest looking lot of Yankees they ever saw. Some that they brought over from Belle Isle, or rather carried over, for the poor devils were more dead than alive, were put on the exchange boat that night about five o'clock; we were sent down the river. I don't know where it was, but down at some point, we marched across the fields to our boat, which lay wait- ing for us; when we got aboard, our men gave us plenty to eat and good milk. I 410 History of the We were glad and happy to hear the news. When we got up to Annapolis, as paroled prisoners, we saw an old gentleman standing on the dock holding up the paper, in large type, "Lee Surrenders." I was placed in a large tent with five others. Of course, some one of them was on hand to cool the coffee and take what he could get. So you see it came to a smart Yank to get my $120 and I brought it through three searches safe in camp. I applied for a furlough for fifteen days and got it and then got it extended fifteen days more ; then came back to Annapolis and was discharged at joarole camp, under G. 0. No. 77, War Department, June llth, 1865. PRISON EXPEEIENCE OF WM. H. BOGERT, COMPANY A. I was wounded and captured by Mosby's men Se}it. 4th, 1864 ( Berry ville), and from then until Feb. 22d, 1865, life was not worth living. The $64 which the paymaster had paid me a few days before was imme- diately seized; and my boots, too, would have been taken if I had not refused, even at the point of a pis- tol, to give them up. All the others were robbed of boots and blouses. In this way we marched the first day to Culpeper, the next day to Lynchburg, where we stayed two weeks. Here we were treated very well in the matter of rations. We were then sent to Rich- mond to Libby, and there the suffering commenced. The food was the worst you could imagine^ — black beans full of worms, and cornbread-meal ground up, cob and all, to make the greater bulk. Once a week we received a spoonful of boiled rice in the place of the corn-meal. There was not nmch of anything. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 411 Once in a while there was a treat. If the guards saw any one near the windows, out of pure deviltry they would shoot. The mechanics, who had to do duty one week in four, were an exception. They did not eat their rations, but gave their portion to any one that happened to be around the window that day. At night they would sing and call out the hour of the night and say, "All is well." It didn't take long for the meagre living to bear results. In my case, there was a decrease of weight from 165 to 95 pounds. Many were too weak to stand it. The blood became so thin that if one should bruise the foot on the nails which stood up in the floor, the flesh would rot and drop out. Seven or eight were carried out dead every da}", the same pine boxes doing duty each time. Out of the twenty-one of our regiment who were captured, I know of only five who survived. If the rebels had let all the boxes of food through, we should have fared better, but they used them for their hospitals. Bad food was not the onlj^ hardship. Wood given us to keep us from freezing was so green that it wouldn't burn, and if it hadn't been for the rafters, we could not have had even the semblance of comfort. By judicious feeding, one rafter would last a night. Even that was not enough to keep out the frost, and often in the dead of night we would form in three lines around the room, and with our hands upon the shoulders of the one in front, march for hours, or as long as we could stand it, in order to keep warm. We always lay si)oon-fashion, both for warmth and because, on the second floor where we were, there was hardly floor space for three thousand men. There was little to take up our attention — the Bible and Charles 0. Mally were the only books among us, and they became so 412 History of the ])]ack with constant handling as to be illegible. For one hour every day the windows were opened, and we spent the time killing vermin. There was little incen- tive to keep clean, and yet since there was plenty of water I always washed my one shirt in the tub, and because there was no other way to dry it, I put it right on. It is a mystery why that in itself didn't kill me, for it always took a whole day to dry the shirt. As it was, I was never sick. If I had been, it would have been death, the same as for others. The men were too weak to withstand disease and would die in two hours after an attack of cramps. Is it any wonder that men became brutes and fought for a piece of bread, the same as a dog! Is it any wonder that men longed for home and that they went crazy thinking about the home folks! We always knew that the end was near when a man would get in a corner, sing church tunes, and pray the same as at prayer meeting, or talk to those at home as though they were present, laughing and calling them by name. The next morn- ing we would be detailed to carry them out in one of the boxes. And so it was all winter — only the strong survived. PEISON EXPERIENCES BY MAJOR G. M. VAN BUREN. The saddest experience of the whole war was the life led by the prisoners in the South — a life which the best men of that section do not seek to excuse. It was a boast of Southern officials that they received hardy, well men in exchange for skeletons. The suf- fering of our men as prisoners began immediately after their capture. The first meal I received at Libby Sixth New York Cavalry. 413 consisted of soup made from rancid bacon and wormy beans, and had to be eaten after skinmiing the mag- gots off its surface. I say had to be eaten, because to refuse meant starvation. This was a fair sample of our food for days. The nights were periods of unrest. We were compelled to turn our clothing inside out to the last garment to hunt body lice, which infested every person who lay on the vermin-laden floor of Libby, even to Gen. Neal Dow, who, while sitting naked, with spectacles on, going over each seam of his shirt, was told that the commandant of the prison, Major Turner, was showing some ladies through the place. The General said, ''Let them come; I have something to show them," Libby, however, was the best prison of the South, for it provided shelter. Prisoners at Belle Isle and Salisbury froze to death in the winter of 1863-64, when the thermometer showed a temperature below zero. Prisoners from Belle Isle would go past Libby for exchange so disabled that they pulled themselves along on their hands and haunches like children, and their frozen limbs would crack so that a finger could be laid in the cracks in their legs— their feet were helpless. There were other prisoners in Georgia where the inmates suffered intensely from heat. I was one day at Andersonville, but was not allowed inside, as no officers were there. I had escaped and had been recaptured. When we got to Andersonville, we were unloaded from cattle-cars, the enlisted men were searched, and everything of value confiscated, including money and good clothes; only old worn-out clothing was returned. I shall remember to my dying day a young man who was being stripped and searched. He had a handsome ring which the rebel 414 History of the sergeant wanted and was trying to pull from his finger. He resisted, saying that his mother had given it to him. The noise brought Wirz to the spot in a frenzy. He shrieked, "What ze hell zat row!" The Sergeant told him that the boy would not give up his ring. ' ' Knock his damned head in, ' ' yelled Wirz, and the Sergeant raised his musket. The young man thew up his arm and the musket came down on it, breaking it so badly that it flew over the musket and, with a fearful gash in his head, he fell like a log, after which the Sergeant pulled off his ring; then the boy was taken into the prison to sure death, as he would receive no medical care. I remained one day in Andersonville under guard. I went on the south side of the camp, where the can- non were placed commanding the inclosure, fifty or sixty yards from the stockade, and at that distance the stench was almost unbearable. The prison was one mass of reeking corruption. The men were univer- sally afflicted with diarrhoea and scurvy, and many of them were too weak to go to the sinks ; it was, there- fore, impossible to keep clean, and dementia and death resulted. Here, among such surroundings. Ser- geant Atwell of my company gave up his life with thousands of others, amid unspeakable filth and mis- ery. This was the worst prison in the South because of the vast number confined. There were at times 30,000, and they died at the rate of 100 a day. Viewed from another standpoint, it was not the worst, for Belle Isle had more suffering in proportion to its size, as did also Salisbury, N. C. Men lay one upon another because of the cold, the one underneath being frequently smothered to death. These men in their misery forgot that they were human, and while lying Sixth New York Cavalry. 415 on the ground refused to get a dying comrade a drink of water, knowing that unconsciousness and death would soon come. The men had no tents and no covering, and dug holes two feet wide and three feet deey). The officers spent the winter of 18(34-65 in Camp Sorghum, three miles west of Colmnbia, S. C. There were two thousand of us dumped down on a piece of ground where the trees had been cut off and not a par- ticle of wood left. We spent the winter with no shel- ter during the frequent snows, burrowing under stumps to sleep. Our rations consisted of five quarts of corn-meal, five spoonfuls of sorghum, and a spoon- ful of salt for five days. This would go further if made into mush. "We made a small cup full twice a day for three months. It passed through the body almost as soon as eaten. I do not know of a single one who passed through the experience who is not a victim of dyspepsia or other stomach disorders. These are a few facts about prison life in the South upon which I could enlarge indefinitely, but which would not be apropos to this history. Our Leaders BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS C. DEVIN. Thomas C. Devin was born in the city of New York Dec. 10th, 1822. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he held the commission of Lieutenant-colonel in the First Regi- ment, N. Y. S. M. A requisition having been made upon Governor Morgan for one hundred mounted men with their own horses and equipments. Colonel Devin organized that number from his regiment, and proceeding to Wash- ington was mustered into the service of the United States as Captain July 19tli, 1861, After a short time spent in drilling his command, he was ordered to report to Gen. Wm. F. Smith for scout- ing duty in Loudoun County, Va., and on the appoint- ment of Isaac I. Stevens as Brigadier-general, Cap- tain Devin was assigned to duty on his staff as bri- gade inspector. He remained in that capacity until the muster-out of his command at the expiration of their three months' service. November 18tli, 1861, on the earnest recommenda- tion of General Stevens and Senator Harris, he was commissioned by Governor Morgan as Colonel of the Sixth New York (Ira Harris) Cavalry; a fine regi- ment, one thousand strong. In December his regiment was ordered to York, Pa., at which place he con- structed barracks and stables for his command. Early in March, 1862, he was ordered to Perryville, 27 418 History of the Md., to guard tlie depot at that place, and in May fol- lowing, to Washington, where the regiment encamped at the East Capitol until July, not yet being fully mounted. On the initiation of Greneral Pope's campaign in Virginia, Colonel Devin was ordered to report with his command to General McDowell at Warrenton, and was charged with the duty of observing the move- ments of the enem}^ south of the Eapidan in the direc- tion of Orange C. H., holding and guarding the fords of the Eappahannock from the crossing of the Orange & Alexander Eaihjoad to Fredericksburg, and keeping open the communication between the troops of Gen- eral Pope and those of Burnside, then landing at Aquia Creek. After the withdrawal of General Pope to Centre- ville, Colonel Devin was ordered to retain his positions on the Rappahannock for the purpose of covering the depot at Aquia Creek. When the latter post was abandoned, the regiment, being isolated, was ordered to fall back to Aquia Creek, and then embarked for Washington; and the following day was ordered to move in advance of the Ninth Army Corps on Freder- ick, Md., which town Devin entered on the left, while the Ninth Corps was fighting in front. Colonel Devin participated with his command in the Battle of South Mountain, and again assuming the advance, on the morning of Sept. 16th crossed the Antietam Creek and advanced on Sharpsburg, with orders to develop the enemy's position. The recon- noissance was successful in unmasking the enemy's batteries, and the command was withdrawn with slight loss. During the great battle of the 17tli his position was on the extreme left, holding the lower Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 419 bridge across Antietam Creek, and checking the enemy's cavalry in their attempt to cross. During the fall of this year, his command was attached to the Ninth Army Corps and engaged in observing and skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry in Loudoun and Shenandoah Valleys. During the movement on Fredericksburg he was ordered to the left to cover the march of Sickles' division, and after the battle he was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of Pleasanton's cavalry division. His brigade consisted of the Sixth New York and Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Eegi- ments. With this command. Colonel Devin led the columns of the Army of the Potomac on Hooker 's brilliant and successful advance upon Chancellorsville with the Eighth Pennsylvania, driving out the enemy and occupying that place after a sharp skirmish. As his was the only cavalry brigade present with the army, it suffered severely (particularly the Sixth New York and Eighth Pennsylvania) during the subsequent engagements on that disastrous field, losing one-third of its officers and men. At the Battle of Beverly Ford, when the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac was for the first time fairly pitted against that of the enemy under Stuart, Colonel Devin commanded the First Division of the right wing under the gallant Buford. Imme- diately after the engagement he was recommended by General Buford for i)romotion to the rank of Briga- dier-general. He was not promoted. General Buford was assigned to the command of the First Division, and Devin returned to the Second Bri- gade, now increased to four regiments. 420 History of the With liis command lie participated in all the cavalry engagements of his division preceding the Battle of Gettysburg; and at that battle his was one of the two brigades with which Buford held Hill and Ewell in check until the arrival of Reynolds and Howard's Corps. After the battle he was again recommended for promotion. He was not promoted. In the cavalry engagements of Williamsport, Boonsboro, Beaver Creek, Funkstown and Falling Waters, which closed the Gettysburg campaign, Colo- nel Devin, with his command, bore a prominent part. He was then ordered to the line of the Rappahannock, where he was hotly engaged at Bealeton, Rappahan- nock and Brandy Stations, Culpeper and Madison .C. H., Barnett's, Raccoon and Morton's Fords and Stevensburg, much of the ground being fought over on three or four occasions. The desperate fighting of his brigade at Morton's Ford, Stevensburg and Brandy Station, on the 11th of October, while cover- ing the right flank of the army, elicited the high com- mendation of General Buford. When the trains of the Army of the Potomac were sent to the rear in charge of Buford, during General Meade's movement on Centreville in October, 1863, Colonel Devin covered the movement with his bri- gade; and at Oak Hill, near Manassas, for four hours repulsed the persistent attacks of Stuart with Hamp- ton's division. This was on the day subsequent to Ewell's repulse by Warren. The command again advanced and crossed the Rapidan for the campaign of Mine Run, but was not actively engaged, except in covering the retirement of our troops across the river. This duty, in fact, appeared to fall to the lot of the Second Brigade oftener than to that of most others. Sixth New York Cavalry. 421 After the close of the campaign Colonel Devin reenlisted his old regiment as veterans to the nnmber of 424, all but eleven that were left alive or unhurt. With the commencement of the year 1864 Sheridan was assigned to the command of the Cavalr}^ Corps, and Devin, still in command of the Second Brigade, crossed the Kapidan and participated in the cavalry engagements around Todd's Tavern and Spottsylva- nia C. H, Sheridan moved on his first raid and engaged Stuart at Yellow Tavern, near Richmond. During the battle Colonel Devin, who was in advance, seized the road forks six miles from Richmond after a short but terribly sharp struggle, in which Col. Henry Clay Pate (of Kansas fame) of Fitz Lee's division, was killed, and his regiment nearly annihi- lated by the Ninth New York of Devin 's brigade. At this time the enemy had succeeded in cutting him off from Sheridan, and seeing his danger, the gallant Williston volunteered to attempt to reach him with a section of his battery, which he succeeded in doing, and the enemy, fighting Custer in front, was aston- ished and demoralized to find himself attacked in flank from the direction of Richmond. Devin was then ordered to make a reconnoissance toward Richmond. Charging down the Brook turnpike with the Sixth New York, he drove the enemy from the outer works and thence nearly into Richmond and in sight of the inner works. He was then ordered to hold his position and make a reconnoissance to the Meadow Bridge, which was successful in developing the fact that the road was yet open; and the same night the entire corps moved around Richmond within easy range of the works, and on the next morning crossed the Chickahominy at 422 History of the Meadow Bridge after a hard figiit, during which the cavalry had not only to rebuild the bridge, but to fight both in front and rear. During the reconnoissance to the Meadow Bridge on the previous night, two couriers had been captured who were conveying a message from Bragg to Stuart, with the intelligence that the "proper dispositions would be made at day- light;" and, as a consequence, Fitz Lee was found entrenched and prepared to dispute Sheridan's pas- sage of the bridges, while the troops in Richmond attacked him from the rear. The enemy thought they had caught Sheridan in a trap from which he could not extricate himself, and as an amusing instance of their confidence, a Richmond paper of that morning, after commenting on the battle of the day previous, finished by stating that "by the time this edition shall have reached our readers, Sher- idan's cavalry, as an organized body, will have ceased to exist." The event showed that they did not yet know the man to whose leadership that invincible old corps had been entrusted. As soon as the bridges were repaired, Sheridan, without a moment's hesita- tion, hurled Devin and Custer (dismounted) on Fitz Lee, and Gibbs at the same time attacking in flank, the trenches were carried on the run, the road opened, and the enemy scattered in less time than it takes to record the fact. Some slight skirmishing followed, after which the corps marched unmolested to the James River, return- ing thence to the Army of the Potomac, then on its flanking march from the Wilderness. A day was spent in refitting, and again to the front, fighting their way across the Pamunky at Hanover- town, Custer leading, Devin following, and bearing off I Sixth New York Cavalry. 423 to the right, advanced on Hanover C. H. Some sharp fighting occurred in the vicinity, in which he main- tained the advantage, until relieved by the Sixth Corps ; he moved to the left and participated in the hard-fought combats of Mattadequin Run and Cold Harbor. The raid on the Virginia Central Railroad followed with the two days ' desperate fighting at Tre- vilians Station, in which his command suffered severely. On the return march, Devin's brigade was twice severely engaged, viz., at St. Peter's Church, with Fitz Lee's division, and near Jones Bridge, with Chandliss' brigade. In July Sheridan was ordered to the Shenandoah Valley, and the First and Third Divisions accompa- nied him. Devin's brigade was the first to open the ball at the toll-gate on the Front Royal pike, where the Newtown road crosses. The object was Early's left flank, but he succeeded in getting to Fisher's Hill before our force could come up in sufficient force and intercept him. The Second Brigade was now thrown out on the left flank to watch the crossing of the Shenandoah at Front Royal, as it was known a strong force of the enemy was at that place. About 2 p.m. of the following day Wickham's (for- merly Fitz Lee's) brigade of cavalry crossed the river and was at once attacked by the Second Brigade and repulsed. At this juncture, Kershaw's division of infantry waded the river below and attacked the brigade on its left, Wickham again returning to the charge in front. Gen. Wesley Merritt, who had just arrived with Custer 's brigade, at once ordered it up in support of Devin, and the two brigades inflicted a sound thrashing upon the enemy, capturing over three 424 History of the hundred prisoners, the Second Brigade capturing three stands of colors. Colonel Devin, who was wounded in this engage- ment, was immediately brevetted Brigadier-general, to date Aug. 16th, 1864. Returning to the field, he led his brigade into action at the Battle of Winchester (or the Opequon) Sept. 19th, and at 2 i).m. was ordered to cross the Opequon, on the enemy's immediate left, and attack his cavalry covering that flank. Quickly driving the cavalry from his front, he was ordered by Greneral Merritt to charge the left of Early's infantry line, which he utterly routed in two successive charges, capturing over five hundred prisoners and five regimental colors, besides sabering large numbers of the enemy. Early fell back to Fisher's Hill, the rest of the cav- alry were sent to Luray Valley to find the enemy's rear, and Devin 's brigade went into camp five miles in rear of our infantry. When the enemy was flanked out of Fisher's Plill, the brigade was ordered to the front and pursued him to Mount Jackson, where he apparently determined to make a stand. When, how- ever, Sheridan, with the Sixth Corps, appeared at the crossing of the Shenandoah, and Devin crossed the river and made a dash at his right flank, he did not wait to have the story of Winchester repeated, but commenced falling back, with a strong rear guard. So rapidly did he move and so well was his rear guard handled that the small force of cavalry (two regi- ments having been temporarily detached from the brigade) was unable to make any impression on its determined front, or hold it long enough for our infan- try to get up, though repeated onsets were made for that purpose (see Sheridan's report). During this Sixth New York Cava hi/. 425 night Early continued liis retreat by Harrisonburg and the Bhie Ridge, and Devin, who was ordered to follow him closely and watch his movements, over- hauled his cavalry at Port Eepublic, drove it across the South Shenandoah, and pushed on so rap- idly in that wooded country that in reaching Brown's Gap, in the Blue Ridge, he suddenly found himself completely enveloped by the enemy's infantry in force. He extricated his command with slight loss, however, and covered by Taylor's battery of his brigade on the opposite bank did not even recross the river. The following day the command was ordered back to Cross Keys, and Sheridan having failed to draw "Early from his covert, fell back toward Winchester, destroying en route all supplies in the valley. On reaching Toms Run it was found that Rosser was fol- lowing Sheridan, and the latter insisting in his usual mild phraseology that nobody should "follow" him, ordered Torbert to face about and clean him out, which was done so quickly that by 2 p.m. Devin 's bri- gade in advance had chased the enemy through Wood- stock, Edinburg and Hawkinsville, across the Shenan- doah at Mount Jackson, nearly twenty miles from the battle-field. The brigade fell back with the division to refit. Started again on a raid to Charlottesville, but turned back with the corps after reaching Front Royal, and encamped in rear of the army's left on Cedar Creek. When Early's attack was developed on the morning of the memorable 19th of October, the brigade was thrown out on the left to hold the turnpike, on which our army trains were endeavoring to escape. The division quickly followed in support, and during the 426 History of the whole day never lost a foot of ground, nor did the enemy succeed, at any time, in getting one hundred yards beyond Middletown. Devin's position was on the right of the cavalry and next to Gretty's division of the Sixth Corps, and when the enemy broke, he charged the bridge across Cedar Creek and, following closely on his heels until mid- night, captured twenty-two pieces of artillery with an immense number of wagons, ambulances and prison- ers. The following day the division continued the pursuit to Edinburg, but Earl}^ did not stop until he reached Newmarket, and the command returned with the army to Winchester, where Devin was commis- sioned as Brigadier-general of Volunteers, to date from Oct. 19th, 1864, for his services at the Battle of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. During the month of November he moved with the division into Loudoun Valley and destroyed all sup- plies that could be of use to the enemy. In December he commanded the division on Tor- bert's raid to Gordonsville, where, in the engagement of Dec. 22d, at Liberty Mills on the Kapidan, he cap- tured two guns from the enemy and drove him into Grordonsville. The cooperative movement up the valley having failed, the command returned to Winchester, whence Devin was ordered to Loudoun Valley to watch the enemy on that flank. In February he was ordered to return to Winches- ter, and was assigned to the command of the First Division (General Merritt now commanding all the cavalry of the Shenandoah). On Feb. 28th, 1865, started with the corps on its raid to James River, his division destroying en route all bridges and mills on 07 Sixth New York Cavalry. 427 the Rivanna River, proceeded to Scottsville on the James, and thence destroyed the line of the James River and Nanawha Canal from Dugnidsville, near Lynchburg, to Goochland, near Richmond, a distance of over one hundred miles, together with all mills, repair shops, canal boats, and an immense amount of supplies belonging to the Confederacy. As Custer was at the same time, with the Third Division, hard at work destroying the immense bridges on the Virginia Central Railroad, some idea may be formed of the damage to the enemy's communications by this most terrible of Sheridan's raids. After operating a week on the canal, the division proceeded to that section of the railroad between Richmond and Gordonsville, where General Devin was detached with orders to destroy the five bridges over the North and South Anna and Little Rivers. The bridges across the South Aima were defended by rifle-pits and four two-pounder Parrott guns. The defences were carried with a rush, the guns burned on the defenders, and the bridges completely destroyed. The command now proceeded to the White House, and thence, after refitting, to Deep Bottom on the James, where it was crossed to take part in the clos- ing campaign. Sheridan marched from in front of Petersburg on the morning of March 29th, reaching Dinwiddle C. H. with his advance on the same night. In the morning Devin was ordered to advance and occupy the vicinity of Boisseaux House, connect with our infantry under Warresi, and with a small force reconnoitre the Five Forks. The orders were executed, and the enemy found in considerable force at the Forks. In attempt- ing to press them, the Sixth Reg-ular Cavalry in 428 History of the advance was surrounded and roughly handled. The Second Brigade was ordered up and the enemy driven back. The division encamped near Boisseaux. On the morning of the 31st the First and Second Brigades were again pushed forward, the regular bri- gade remaining in reserve at Boisseaux. The enemy was driven across Chamberlin's Swamp toward the Forks, and an irregular semi-circular line formed, extending to the right and rear in the direction of the plank road, and connecting with Davies' brigade of Crook's division on the left and rear; this line was rendered necessary by the conformation of the ground. About 2 p.m. the enemy's infantry, in heavy force, attacked Davies' brigade, which had been dis- mounted, and marched by the left to take up Davies' position. Devin fought desperately to hold his line, but the enemy now advanced in force on the direct road from the Forks, and taking advantage of his weakened cen- tre, caused by the movement of the Second Brigade, necessitated the withdrawal of the latter when nearly surrounded. The First and Second Brigades were now again connected, though completely cut off by the enemy's success on the left, and repulsing all attempts to crowd them, regained their horses and, moving by the left and rear, regained Sheridan by the plank road, having lost scarce a man taken prisoner, though fight- ing on all sides. On the morning of April 1st, Devin for the third time advanced to the attack over the .same ground, with orders to press the enemy back to his works. On reaching Chamberlin's Swamp, it was evident the enemy was again in force, but the Second Brigade by Sixth New York Cavalry. 429 a gallant charge crossed the swamp under the enemy's fire, and secured a ])osition on the firm gromid beyond, the enemy holding the wood in front of the Five Forks. The first and regular brigades were quickly crossed, the whole division (except the First Cavalry) dismounted, and by a rapid and deter- mined advance, the enemy were driven completely inside the strong works, from which they were not again to emerge except as prisoners and fugitives. Sheridan now ordered the attack to cease until the Fifth Corps could be placed in position to take the works in flank. About 5 p.m. the infantry fire was heard on the right; Devin sounded the advance, and the first division dashed at the works, and after half an hour's desperate fighting, carried the battery and works in front, just as the infantry swarmed over them in flank, the First Cavalry, which had been kept mounted, clearing the works at a bound. The division captured over one thousand prisoners. From this time until the surrender General Devin was actively employed in operations against the flank of the retreating enemy, destroying his trains, etc. He was hotly engaged at Scott's Crossroads, Drum- mond's Mill and Sailor's Creek. On the morning of the surrender at Appomattox C. H., he was heavily engaged until relieved by the Fifth Corps, just as Lee's army was making its last charge. After the surrender he marched with his division to Petersburg, and thence with Sheridan on his march to co-operate with Sherman in North Carolina. On arriving at the North Carolina line, it was found that Johnston had already surrendered, and the troops returned to Petersburg, thence to Washington, where 430 History of the Devin was commissioned as Brevet Major-general volunteers. After the departure of General Merritt for Texas, General Devin was ordered to reorganize the regi- ments of the Cavalry Corps for service on the plains, and to proceed in command of them. It became so evident, however, that the men desired to return to their homes, now that the war was in effect ended, it was decided to muster out the regiments, and he was ordered home to await orders. On Jan. 15th, 1866, he was mustered out of the service of the United States. Early in August he was, on the recommendation of Generals Grant and Sheridan, appointed to the lieu- tenant-colonelcy of the Eighth U. S. Cavalry, and on his acceptance was ordered to join his regiment on the Pacific coast. In March, 1867, he was breveted Colonel and Brig- adier-general in the regular army, and assigned to the command of the District of Nevada, and afterward to the Military District of Prescott, Arizona. Commissioned Colonel Third U. S. Cavalry June 25th, 1877; died April 4th, 1878. GENERAL CHARLES LANE FITZHUGH. Charles Lane Fitzhugh was born in Oswego, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1838. In June, 1859, he entered the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. On Oct. 24th, 1861, he was commissioned as First Lieutenant Fourth U. S. Artillery. In November, 1861, he was attached to the statf of Major-general Buell, then about to assume command of the Army of the Cumberland, and served Sixth New York Cavalry. 431 thereon as First Lieutenant and A, D. C. through the organization of that army and its campaigns of Shi- loh, Corinth and Perryville, until, in July, 1863, he was ordered to the command of Batteries G and E, Fourth U. S. Artillery, then with the artillery reserve of the Army of the Potomac. In October, 1863, his battery was assigned to the Sixth Corps. The efficiency of Batteries C and E soon led to their selection for service with the horse artillery, which comprised only picked batteries from the artillery of the army, and early in 1864 Lieutenant Fitzhugh reported with his battery for service in the Cavalry Corx)s, under General Sheridan, In the famous career of the Cavalry Corps, Batteries C and E bore a distin- guished part, and upon the recommendation of Gen- erals Sheridan and Merritt in October, 1864, Govern- or Seymour of New York appointed Lieutenant Fitz- hugh to the colonelcy of the Sixth New York Cavalry, just then made vacant by the promotion of Col. Thomas C. Devin to be brigadier-general. Colonel Fitzhugh assumed command of the Sixth New York Cavalry in October, 1864, and was soon after assigned to the command of the Second Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, then comprising the Sixth New York Cavalry, the Seventeenth Pennsylva- nia, Ninth New York, and the Twentieth Pennsylva- nia. From that period until the close of the active operations of the Army of the Potomac, his record is identified with that of the Sixth New York Cavalry and of the Second Brigade, as narrated in this vol- ume. He was honorably mustered out of the volunteer service Aug. 9, 1865, but, in his regular rank, served on the staff of General Sheridan in Texas and Louisi- 432 History of the ana until May 21, 1868, when lie resigned liis commis- sion. Among the engagements and campaigns at which General Fitzhugh was present were Shiloli, Corinth, Perryville, Mine Run, White Oak Swamp, the Wil- derness, Spottsylvania Court-house, Sheridan's Raid, Meadow Bridge, Smithfield, the Wilson Raid, Roa- noke Station, Stony Creek, Ream's Station, Winches- ter to the James River in March, '65, Dinwiddie Court-house, Five Forks, Scott's Crossroads, Sailor's Creek, Appomattox. He received the following brev- ets: Captain, April 7, 1862, "for gallant and merito- rious service at the Battle of Shiloh, Tenn. ;" Major, Aug. 28, 186-4, "for gallant and meritorious service at the Battle of Smithfield, Va.;" Lieutenant-colonel, April 1, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious service at the Battle of Five Forks, Va.;" Colonel and Briga- dier-general, U. S. A., April, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious service during the war;" and Brevet Brigadier-general, U. S. Vols., 1865, "for gallantry, energy and ability." From his resignation, May 21, 1868, to 1896, Gen- eral Fitzhugh was a member of the firm of Shoenber- ger & Company, Pittsburg, Pa. ; and from 1896 to 1899 was President of the Shoenberger Steel Company. In 1899 he retired from business, his present address being Washington, D. C. Genei-al Fitzhugh was married Sept. 12, 1865, to Emma Shoenberger, daughter of George K. Shoenber- ger, of Cincinnati, of which marriage the children now living are Henry Fitzhugh, born in 1867, and Carroll Hamilton Fitzhugh, born in 1873. George Shoenber- ger Fitzhugh, born in 1869, died in 1873. Maj. William Beardslev. Lieut. -COL. Geo. M. Van Buren. 1^1^^ Ma.i. ,1. Hajiilto.n' Bell. MA.1..T. \V. Bunt. I Capt. D. p. Richardson. ('apt. W. L. Heermance. Miscellany MEDALS OF HONOR AWARDED. Captain Wm. L. Heermance, Company C, for action April 30tli, 1863— Cliancellorsville. Thomas Kelly, private, Company A, Front Royal, Aug. 16th, 1861— "capture of a flag." Patrick H. McEnroe, sergeant. Company D, Win- chester, Sept. 19th, 1864 — "capture of colors of Thirty-sixth Virginia Infantry." George E. Meach, farrier, Company I, Winchester, Sept. 19th, 1864— "capture of a flag." Thomas M. Wells, chief bugler. Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th, 1864— "capture colors Forty-fourth Ga. Inf." Captain John W. Blunt, for exceptional gallantry in action at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19th, 1864. There were a number of occasions where flags were captured, but of which no official mention has been made. It is a well-known fact that in the charge at Front Royal (Cedarville) in August, 1864, Sergt. John Muldoon of Troop I, though most desperately wounded through the hip, continued on in the charge, captured a flag and two Confederates, and brought them off the field. Let that fact go on record now. The same is true also of George Funk of Troop K, who captured a flag at the second battle of Malvern Hill; and again at Fisher's Hill in October, 1864, where he captured Early's headquarters ambulance, containing, among other things, one or more flags." Among many acts of heroism that of Ike Collier 28 434 History or the deserves notable mention. Eead Tommy Kiernan's account. There were many such noble acts. Extract report Brig. -gen. Averill Aug. 8th, 1864: "Major Conger and Lieutenant Clark, Third West Virginia Cavalry, were killed while leading a charge." Boys, let us bow our heads to the memory of our old comrade. Major Conger, a soldier who, no matter how heated the action, never hesitated to stop and help a comrade in a tight place. COLONEL DEVIN'S LETTER TO MRS. DUNCAN McVICAR. Camp of Second Brigade, Pleasanton's Cavalry Division. May 9, 1863. My dear Madam : It has become my grievous duty to inform you, by letter, of the sad and painful bereavement yourself and family have sustained in the loss of a husband and father. The news must have already reached you through the columns of the press, and I am spared the painful task of breaking it to you for the first time. He was endeared to us all by his many virtues, by the earnest simplicity of his character, by his honesty of purpose, and by his soldierly contempt of danger, which, alas, in the end hurried him to a soldier's grave. He fell as he would have chosen, gloriously fighting at the head of his noble regiment — fighting to maintain the institu- tions of his adopted country, and setting an illustrious example that many of her degenerate sons would do well to follow. His brave antagonist, General Fitzhugh Lee, showed every respect to his remains, sending his own chaplain to perform the funeral rites. He is buried near the spot where he fell, on the farm of Mr. Alsop, in Spottsylvania County, Virginia. As soon as possible and military necessities admit, Ave shall Sixth New York Cavalry. 435 recover all that remains of our lamented brother officer, in order that he may at least sleep in the land he loved best, "our own free North." Allow me. on the part of myself and brother officers, to tender our sincere and heartfelt condolence in your affliction, and I fervently trust the nation for whom your husband so bravely fought and nobly fell, although it cannot restore him to those who mourn his loss, will at least hold in grateful remembrance the services he has rendered, the great sacrifice he made, and the helpless ones he has left to that nation's care. Believe me, my dear madam, with the sincerest sympathy, Yours ver>' respectfully, Thomas C. Devin, Col. 6th N. Y. V. Cavalry, 2d Brigade. RESPONSE OF COL. THOS. C. DEVIN ON PRES- ENTATION OF HORSE AND EQUIPMENTS TO HIM BY OFFICERS OF SECOND BRI- GADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION —CAMP NEAR CITY POINT, VA., JULY 21sT, 1864. My friends and officers of the Second Brigade, I scarce know how to express my feelings at receiving this valuable and appropriate testimonial of your esteem and friendship. Words alone are not sufficient, and I can but trust that in the future as in the past, I may continue to deserve the con- fidence and esteem of my fellow soldiers. "When, nearly tAVO years ago, I w^as assigned to the com- mand of this brigade, it consisted of the Sixth Regulars, the Eighth Pennsylvania, and my own regiment, the Sixth New York Cavalry. Since that time the Sixth Regulars and the Eighth Pennsylvania have been transferred to other com- 436 History of the mands, aud successively the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Ninth and Fourth New York and Heaton's Battery have been added to it. But through all these changes the bri- gade has remained, in spirit and action, the same, prompt to the call of duty, and with its fair escutcheon untarnished by a single act unworthy of the proud old division, of which it has always been a component part. Should not I, that have always commanded it, be proud of its reputation? As to you, my officers, we have known each other long and intimately. At Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Wil- liamsport, at Beverly Ford, Upperville and Brandy Station, and in a score of the hard-fought cavalry fights, we have stood together in the front of battle, when our best and bravest were falling fast around. Together we have lain in our silent bivouac when nearly surrounded, and all escape seemed hopeless; and together we have traveled thousands of weary miles, but at all times and under all circumstances I have ever found my command true to me, as I have endeavored to be with it. Whether in the head- long charges, or in the desperate stand against a pursuing and exultant foe, in the crash of battle, where m.y voice was heard, it was always heeded, and my gallant brigade, firm as a rock, hurled back the pursuing wave that threat- ened to sweep all before it. Should I not be proud of hav- ing inspired such confidence ? Should I not be proud of my command ? And so may it ever be. We OAve it to ourselves — we owe it to our country — and last, but not least, we owe it to our brave comrades who have already fallen that their sacrifice shall not have been in vain, and that our brigade shall sus- tain, in the future, the reputation it has won in the past. ]\Iy friends, again I thank you, and trust that I may be spared to back this gallant steed, and to greet you, my brave comrades, in the plenitude of health and strength, long after this unhappy contest shall have ceased, and peace once more visits our disturbed land. Sixth New York Cavalry. 437 OEATION OF CAPT. W. L. HEERMANCE, AT DEDICATION OF MONUMENT SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY, GETTYSBURG, PA., JULY 11th, 1889. History fails to mention the nation or people who are without remembrance of those whose heroic deeds saved them in the hour of peril ; to whom, while living, they gave all honor, and after they were gone, ever remembered them in the traditions of the country — and our country is not an exception. To-day we, the survivors of those gallant men, who rode with the Sixth New York Cavalry in more than sixty engagements with the enemy, between 1861 and 1865, meet here on the very ground where, twenty-six years ago, we checked the advance of the enemy, as has been tersely expressed, "holding on like the devil;" we meet to dedi- cate this monument which, in its inception, sprang from that action that prompted so many of the loyal states to have erected here a tribute to those gallant soldiers who, at a loss of 20,000 men in killed and wounded, turned back the invading hosts, and the result of which battle settled for all time the doctrine of secession, so that to-day, and for all future years, the soldier from the North and the soldier from the South will join hands with the soldier from the East and the soldier from the West, and as they stand under the flag of their common country will answer to the roll- call of each state "here," ready to do or die in the defense of the Union. And these monuments are erected not only to record the valor of those who fought here, but to com- memorate the noble living and noble dying of those who fought on other battle-fields, but of whom we can say That well we know When they heard the rallying cry. Were among the very first to go And among the many to die. But wherever they lie, it is sweet to feel Ihat their honor is without a stain. 438 History of the That they only fought for their country's weal, And not for glory or gain. I know of no regiment more worthy of these honors than ours who, enlisting earlj^ in 1861, and after serving a term of hard service reenlisted as veterans at Culpeper Court- house, Va., Dec. 16th, 1863, and were mustered out of the service in June, 1865, could have inscribed on their banner what you see on yonder tablet, which is but a part of the battles they were in. Should not we who meet here to-da5^ recall with pride the services rendered by us and cherish its good name and achievements ? It needs not this work of stone and bronze to keep fresh in the memory of those of us who survive the gallant deeds of those it is erected to commemorate, whether they are numbered with those whose graves were on the battle-field, or in some obscure spot, where those whose fate was worse, as they died in some prison pen, were buried, or the favored few who could reach home and have the care of those who loved them before they were laid away in the quiet church- yard, where they had wandered when boys at home. The memory of these old comrades should last as long as any of us survive, and we should consecrate ourselves this day to perpetuate their names and history. Other nations have erected marble pillars or bronze tab- lets to the memory of conquerors who forged the chains of tyranny upon the people, but our country has fought no war but for the good of mankind. More than one hundred years ago our forefathers fought for the right of self-gov- ernment, and our country became the refuge of the oppressed of all nations, and when, in 1861, this great inheritance was threatened, the patriotism which had descended to us from our sires led us forth to battle, that what they had sacrificed so much for and had bequeathed to us should not be destroj^ed by those who had no reason for turning their hand against their brothers. And these monuments, scattered over these miles of battle-field, bear Sixth New York Cavalry. 439 witness to the nobility of those who pledged their lives to maintain the "Union great, glorious and free." And those whose memory w^e meet here to-day to honor were not pro- fessional soldiers, but armed citizens, who, forsaking home, loved ones and all, came forth to do their duty, and after it was done, returned to the peaceful pursuits of life. No country ever saw such as this before, and it should be the example for all future generations, and should our country ever be threatened by foreign foe or the enemy within our gates, after we are gone, they will be ever watchful to pre- serve the integrity of our government, founded by the heroes of the Revolution and maintained by those we meet to-day to remember. It is not necessary, nor is this the time or place for me to go into the history of our regiment. You all know it full well. AVhat is inscribed on that plate of bronze tells but a small part of what it did. The element of which it was comprised was second to none in the service. It was of such men that did not dare to be cowards, and when the natural man would get the best of our better nature we Avere too proud to turn our backs from where duty called us. We were like the colonel of infantry who, charging across the field at the head of his regiment, where every step of his advance was marked by dead and dying men, saw a little rabbit scared from a bush by his advance, going to the rear and safety, called out, "Go it. Molly Cotton-tail, if I had not a reputation at stake I would be with you." While neither time nor ability will allow me to pay proper tribute to those who died while with us, I know that not one present here who knew him but will drop a silent tear to the memory of the gallant Mc Vicar, summoned too early in our term of service to have his zeal and merit fully appreciated ; we know that had he lived, high rank would have rewarded his ability and conscientious discharge of duty. That charge at Chancellorsville, where he fell, was as gallant a one as ever was made, and General Fitzhugh Lee told me, as he passed where I lay wounded, that he 440 History of the never had seen one equal to it in his service, and I honor this Confederate officer who detailed men to make a coffin and see that our brave commander had a proper burial. When Colonel McVicar ordered us to break by fours and cut our way through those who outnumbered us four to one, it was as worthy of history as the charge of the six hundred at Balaklava, and was only one of many equally as worthy which are not known or heard of outside of those who took part in them. In thickest fight triumphantly he fell. Wliile intc victory's arms he led us on; A death so glorious our grief should quell — We mourn him, yet his battle crown is won. Who will forget among all who led our old division Gen- eral, John Buford. that noble man too great to seek for glory? He fought to win and, when victory had perched on our banner, no more was heard the fighting of it over again and seeking of vain glory through claims that w^ere not backed up hy deeds, and we can see him now, as he always was, at the point of danger on the old white horse, and we miss, as we honor noble John Buford, the perfect type of an honest and true soldier. Well the figure on yonder tablet of bronze calls the one to mind who rode in all our campaigns at the head of our regiment, or later commanding the brigade or division, but even then never forgetting Avhen he w^anted some one to call on for hard work to order up the old Sixth. Of him 'General Grant said to Thurlow Weed that, excepting only General Sheridan, he w^as the best cavalry officer in the ser- vice ; but w^e cannot pass from this without remembering the soldier who fought in the ranks and made our regiment what it w^as ; coming from the work-shop, the farm and the counting-house, we had under us such men as any officer might be proud to command, and it was such in the ranks and file that achieved the victory and made our colonels generals; these were the men that never stopped Sixth New York Cavalry. 441 To make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die. And I can say for those of us who were officers that we never needlessly sacrificed our men, nor asked them to go where we were not willing to lead them. History gives to Gen. John Buford and the cavalry credit for holding this position at Gettysburg until the infantry could come up and secure all the advantages it offered; had it not been held by us history would have had another story to tell of the fighting here twenty-six years ago, and the tide of rebellion that was turned back then, with its backbone broken, might have gone on with victory and had its object in seceding accomplished. I see now the line of Confederate infantry skirmishers as they advanced over that ground in 1863 on July 1st. I commanded the skir- mish line that advanced over this ridge before the infantry came up ; they were well on my right flank and it was sup- posed we were gobbled up ; and with unusual forethought our horses were called back and we left to care for our- selves as best we could. But. comrades. I do not want to weary you. Too many in these days do the fighting now that they were backward doing in the years gone by; the best soldier then, like old John Buford, did the least talking. But we love our old regiment with its associations, and we may be pardoned if our tongues are loosened when we meet with those who drank with us from the same canteen on the hot and dusty march, or rode with touch of the knee into the face of the enemy, for they were good and true men then, who fought in a righteous cause, and if they fell, we who still live will kiss the passing cup and drop a tear to their memory, and as we grow old we may be pardoned If when, with every ripening year, "We keep the harvest home, And to the dear Thanksg-iviug feast Our sons and daughters come, 442 History of the And the bent soldiers of these wars Are seated at the head, Long, long the lads shall listen To hear the grey-beard tell Of those who fought at Gettysburg, And stood their ground so well: 'Twas for the Union and the Flag, The veteran shall say, Our grand old cavalry held this ridge And kept the enemy at bay. GILBEET G. WOOD ON CHANCELLORSVILLE. Toms River, N. J., June 29th, 1902. Dear Comrade Easton : Your very welcome letter of March 20th reached me in due course and should have been ans.wered before — promptness is one of the important traits of a solider — but my soldier days are long past, and I now find myself getting a little slow in my movements. I have been quite busy since receipt of your letter, and have deferred answering until I could look up one or two articles on Chancellorsville. In the Century jMagazine, back in the '80 's, one article (by himself) detailed the action of Pleasanton in getting the artillery in position during that disastrous time when the Eleventh Corps (Howard's) was so badly routed and demoral- ized. — Centurj^ Magazine, September, 1886. page 745. Another article by ]\Ia,jor Huntington (Century ^lagazine, January, 1887, page 471) denied that Pleasanton had collected the abandoned and idle guns and placed them in position or made any special movement or was entitled to any particular credit for his actions at that stage of the battle. I could not help wondering, when I read the latter article, whether the whole affair was not a dream — whether any such battle ever was fought; whether I was ever a soldier of the Sixth New York Cavalry ; whether there was ever such a regi- ment as the Sixth N. Y. ; in fact, whether there was ever such Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 443 an affair as the Civil War. My recollection is that, sitting on my horse but a few feet from where the guns were placed, I saw Pleasanton dashing here and there, ordering up the guns wherever found, while several hells were let loose all about us and while that jarring tramp of Jackson's column was distinctly heard, ever drawing nearer ; that I heard his order to Major Keenan of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry to charge, with his squadron (150 men) , the head of the column and check their advance for a few minutes, until he could get the guns ready; that I saw Sickles ride through the trees and tell Pleas- anton if he could hold them for twenty minutes, he would give him ten thousand men that knew nothing but fight ; I thought I heard Keenan 's order to his man, and saw him charge (never to return) at the head of his squadron. In the thick woods just in front of the clearing in which the guns were being formed, I thought I saw the line of guns in position and heard Pleasanton 's order to the artillery to hold their fire until he gave the command; I thought I saw the rebels, recovered from their surprise at that daring cavalry charge, advancing in solid mass toward those guns, standing so silent, with muzzles depressed, on, on, drawing frightfully near; I thought I heard Pleasanton tell one of his aids (Capt. Clifford Thomson) to ride forward and see if they were friend or foe ; I thought I saw Thomson wheel, throw himself on his horse's neck and come dashing back, shouting, "General, they're rebs;" I thought I saw that grey mass advancing still nearer, when suddenly the General arose in his stirrups and, swinging his sword in the air, shouted, "Now, boys, give them hell!" And I thought they did. And I think I remember that at about that time it got too warm for me and I changed my position for one more agree- able, feeling beyond question that Pleasanton had saved the day. Being at the time on detached duty (Adjt.-gen'l Office, Division Hdqrs. ) , not calling me so far to the front, I was an inactive, silent but fascinated observer of that frightful struggle at that point of the battle, and I was, and am, satis- fied that, if the battle was not a dream. General Pleas- 444 History of the anton, one cavalry squadron of our old brigade, and those few collected guns, saved our army from a far greater disaster than it had already suffered. Major Huntington, in his article (Centuiy Magazine, Janu- ary, 1887), says, "The Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry did not charge there, but did charge at some other place, and under a different leader and against a different body of the enemy." I must differ with the Major on that subject, even if he w^as Chief of Artillery and I only a private, for my eyes were very keen in those days and my memorj^ is still very retentive. I remember reading an account of that charge written by one of the few survivors, in which he described the surprise of the rebels at the audacity of a handful of cavalry charging Jackson's division. I also remember reading, years ago, an article in one of our daily papers, in which Keenan's charge against Jackson's col- umn w^as likened to the charge of the "Light Brigade at Bal- aklava. ' ' And yet Huntington said that charge w^as not made at that time and place. Unless my eyes deceived me, my ears played me false, or my memory has become treacherous, the charge was made at the place and in the manner I have described, and Major Huntington was mistaken. It seems to me that in that fierce struggle of four years against a foe in every way "worthy of our steel," there were honors enough for all of us without the attempt, years after- ward, to deny anyone his just due. Of the earlier part of the battle, in w'hieh the gallant Mc- Vicar fell, and the Sixth New York made such a creditable record. I cannot write, as I was not there (but you were). Neither can I speak of the time after the reforming of How- ard's corps, as I "fell back," recrossed the Kappahannock at U. S. Ford and returned to my post of duty on the heights, where I viewed the battle in comparative safety during that never-to-be-forgotten dreadful night. You ask after my health. For an old man of three-score (without the ten) years and one who went through the cam- Sixth New York Cavalry. 445 paign of 1862-65, I hold my own pretty well, but, of course, do not feel quite so spry as in the "other days." If you can make time before you give up the records of the Association, and it will not cause you too much trouble, I wish you Avould send me a list of all our old comrades who have died during the past four or five years. I like to look over the old records and names occasionally — it carries me back to the days when we were all boys. But I am afraid my long letter will weary you, and I had better call a "halt." If I am not fortunate enough to meet you in person at Washington in October, I will be with you in spirit, and wish you all a grand reunion and should like to be remembered to all. Yours fraternally, (Signed) Gilbert G. Wood. LETTER FROM COLONEL FITZHUGH READ AT REUNION IN BROOKLYN, N. Y. September 19, 1905. Comrades of the Sixth New" York Cavalry: I have been with you in thought and spirit only at your annual reunions for so many years that you probably regard your old regimental and brigade commander as almost in the spirit world already. Perhaps you are right, but this year I had really hoped to be with you, and should be in Brooklyn now were it not for illness in my family. I do not know you as you know each other, for I served with the regiment but a few weeks before I took command of the brigade and left you in the excellent hands of Colonel White. From that time until Appomattox I knew you only as the most efficient regiment in the Second Brigade of the First Cavalry Division, and we were too busy with more weighty affairs to cultivate those acquaintances and friend- ships that are largely made when soldiers are not in the immediate presence of the enemy. Dinwiddie Court House and Five Forks and Sailor's Creek and Appomattox occupied 446 History of the our attention then, after a very hard march from Harper's Ferry to the James River, and thence to the final scenes at the surrender. Of course I knew all of our officers personal- ly, and Gating and Blunt and Bell and Mahnken, being on my staff, were my best and most esteemed army friends; and what gallant, self-sacrificing, noble fellows they all were! Yes. and throughout the whole regiment, officers, rank and file alike. I have a certain feeling of envy for men who are able to meet yearly, take each other by the hand, look into the familiar old eyes, and remind one another of scenes and inci- dents in those far-away times when, in the glory of youth, they spent those years that they value above all others in their lives, fighting in the field for the life of the nation, and mak- ing history, not only for their country, but for the world. Yours Avere the spirit, the enterprise, the brains, and the gal- lantry of the land, when patriotism called you to the field, and every moment since then you have thanked heaven that you promptly answered the call. But if I don't know you personally, as I should like to, I can love and honor you collectively, as I feel myself con- strained to do, and to cherish the memory of the most reliable fighting regiment I ever knew, true to their country, true to their colors, true to themselves. I hope, from my heart, that those of you who are left to meet in BrookljTi to-day are in as good health and spirits as when I saw you last : that your sons have the spirit of their fathers, and your daughters the loveliness of their mothers, and that we may all be spared to meet for many years to come. In conclusion, let me, in the name of every survivor of our old regiment, thank our friend Easton for his devoted solici- tude and fostering care of all its interests. Providence seems, in our case, to have put the right man in the right place, and we beg to assure him of our appreciation and gratitude. God bless you all. Gharles L. Fitzhugh, Late Colonel 6th New York Cavalry, Brevet Brig.-gen'l Gomdg. 2d Brig. 1st Gav. Div. A. of P. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 447 GENERAL MUNFORD. State Historian Hastings, in his fourth annual re- port, thus speaks of General Munford and the Sixth New York Cavalry: Special praise is given to the work of the Sixth New York Cavalry during the Chancellorsville campaign. No less an authority than Gen. T. T. Munford, the distin- guished Confederate cavalry leader, declares that the Sixth New York Cavalry held the road, delayed Gen. "Jeb" Stuart, who was in command of the Confederate cavalry, and enabled General Hooker to get in a position at Chan- cellorsville, which movement could not have been so success- fully accomplished had it not been for the gallant work of the Sixth Regiment, which has never received the credit it is entitled to. In a letter to the historian, under date of Oct. 17th. 1898. General Mmiford says: "I thank you for your letter asking me to send a copy of an address made at Binghamton at the recent reunion of the Sixth Ncav York Cavalry. It is an unexpected com- pliment, and I regret that I haven't in shape the matter you desire and should have, as that regiment rendered services for which they have had no adequate credit in the Chancel- lorsville campaign. I accepted an invitation to meet them, and had a lecture on Chancellorsville, with maps of the whole region, which I thought I might deliver, but I found that a programme had been arranged for half a dozen speakers, and knowing that I should weary some of the audience, which turned out to be a fine one of all classes, I concluded I had better not stick to tactics and strategy, but to make the best of the opportunity and trust to the 'text' furnished by my friends, who treated me so royally while there. My lecture I have never published, because I have been waiting for an opportunity when it might be delivered and have a place in the records. I led General Jackson's advance at Chancellorsville, and was reporting to him 448 History of the direct. He was mortally wounded in that great battle. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart succeeded to his command. He had been checked a whole day by the Sixth New York Cavalry, and as he was the Chief of Cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia, their 'eyes and ears,' my report went in, but it did not turn up, nor do the records show that my regiment was in that battle. I had served under General Jackson as his Chief of Cavalry in the valley after the death of General Ashby, and my regiment led his advance in the seven days' fight around Richmond, and in his campaign against Pope, and I had served with him as the Adjutant of the corps of cadets when he was acting commandant of the Virginia j\Iilitary Institute at Lexington, Va., and knew him as well, perhaps, as any man in our army did. I have never cared anything about my individual services, but the record of my old regiment and brigade and the division I commanded at the latter end of the war (Fitz Lee's, he commanding all the cavalry in General Hampton's absence), is very dear to me, and I am anxious, even at this late day, to put on the records some valuable missing links. I shall endeavor to give you a summary of what I said of the gallant behavior of the Sixth New York Cavalry in holding Fitz Lee's bri- gade, who were under Stuart and Fitz Lee, and preventing Stuart's reporting to Gen. R. E. Lee for a day and a night. 'Time is the greatest factor in the opening of a battle,' and with the 'eyes and ears' eliminated. General Lee had to get such information as he could from other sources than his Chief of Cavalry. "I never saw any regiment better handled or more efficient in that wilderness than the Sixth New York Cavalry at the Alsop's Crossroads in Spottsylvania. They were first attacked by the Fifth Virginia Cavalry under Lieut.-col. C. H. Tyler, who were driven back with severe loss. A part of the Third Virginia was then sent in under Lieut.-col. W. R. Carter, and shared a like fate. Meantime, the Sixth New York had suffered the loss of its commanding officer. Lieutenant-colonel IMcVicar, and Captain Heermance and Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 449 one or two other brave officers were wounded when my regiment, the Second Virginia Cavalry, dashed in and cap- tured about tiftj^ of the Sixth New York. This was a night fight in a thick woods, no place for cavalry on either side. "The Sixth New York were guarding the right flank of Hooker's army, the Eleventh Corps, and enabled them to get into position as placed by his corps commander. I have never seen any reports of their work, and the Eleventh Corps have been very much laughed at, but we who were there do not think justice has been done them save in a large degree by the historian, Hamlin, in his work on Chan- cellorsville. He knew nothing of the move of the cavalry save from Gen. J. E. B. Stuart's extremely meagre and in- accurate reports. Stuart had scattered his cavalry, and the move of Hooker was a surprise to him. Then he was placed in command of Jackson's corps, and seemed to think the less said of his cavalry the better, and General Fitz Lee made no report. The facts are that as Jackson marched to get into position to turn Hooker, Generals Stuart and Pitz Lee, with a corporal's guard of cavalry, guarded his rear and right flank, and had to picket every road and path, and it consumed about all the cavalry they had. So when they arrived at the intersection of the Brock road with the Plank road, Jackson gave Pitz Lee Paxton's infantry (the old Stonewall brigade) to hold that road, while my regi- ment still led his advance to get into position." (Special Correspondence of the N. Y. Sunday Mercury.) SECOND BRIGxiDE, FIEST CAVALRY DIVISION, MARCH 21sT, 1865. Makch of the Brigade — Incidents and Mud — In the Field — Rebel Scouts Surprised — Captures — A* Raid of Four Hundred Miles. The brigade is commanded at present by Col. Chas. L. Pitzhugh of the Sixth New York Cavalry, the "Old War Horse," Gen. Thos. C. Devin commanding the division. On 29 450 History of the Fitzhugh's staff are Capt. J. H. ]\[ahiiken. A. A. general; Capt. Jno. ^\". Bhiut. inspector-general; Capt. Jas. Gating, provost marshal; Lieut. W. W. Cliamberlin, ordnance officer, and Dr. A. P. Clarke, brigade surgeon. We left Lovettsville on the morning of the 2-l:th of February, and made Harper's Ferry that day, a distance of tAvelve miles. On the 25th we left camp at daylight, and proceeded toward Winchester, being joined on the way by about two hundred men from the dismounted camp. We passed through the town about 5 p.m.. and a mile or so from the town we received orders to send back all unserviceable horses and men. and to pack up five days' rations, with the understanding that fifteen days' rations of coffee and sugar were to go along with us in wagons, and for bread and meat the country we passed through was supposed to supply us. The first day we made only six miles, but on the second we made thirty, passing over the old battle-grounds of Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, many of the boys pointing out the last resting-place of companions who fell in those memo- rable conflicts. On the 28th we reached Newmarket, hav- ing made the distance of thirty-two miles. From the 1st of March to the -Ith we kept on our course at an easy pace, making, in the four days, about sixty-three miles. About the 2d of March it commenced to rain, and before night it was coming down in torrents, making us feel any- thing but comfortable, and leaving the roads in a terrible condition ; some of the horses actually stuck fast in the mud and had to be left there. Talk about Burnside sticking in the mud; had he been with us I don't suppose he would have made a move in a month; but with "Little Phil." the word is ever forward, until his object is accomplished. At Staunton we learned that Custer with his division (the Third) had a brush with the enemy, and on reach- ing Wa;\Tiesboro, we had ample proof that such was the fact; the fruits of his victory — fifteen himdred men cap- tured, seven pieces of artillery, thirteen stands of colors, and over two hundred armv wagons, manv of them loaded Sixth Neiv Fork Cavalry. 451 with commissary stores. About 5 p.m. of the 4th we reached Charlottesville and stopped for a couple of days to rest our weary and footsore horses, and were in hopes that it would last at least a week, as forage for man and horse was very abundant in the neighborhood, and it was not an impossibility to get a little applejack or something in the stimulating line, which, you may rest assured, was eagerly sought after by the boys while out foraging; but Sheridan seems to think with the Bible that there should be "no rest for the wicked," and onward, onward, was the word. We entered Howardsville on the evening of the 6th and com- menced the work of destruction, the Seventeenth and Twen- tieth Pennsylvania Regiments being the regiments selected from our brigade to assist in the work, and from personal observation I can say that some of the boys handled the spade and shovel as if they had served an apprenticeship to the trade. From this point to a small village called New- market it was thoroughly destroyed, and our brigade, hav- ing nothing else to do, was ordered to start for Columbia, a distance of fifty-two miles, which we accomplished in eighteen hours, without halting. In the neighborhood sev- eral fine horses were captured, mostly by stratagem, as the people on the route learned of our approach, and concealed them in the woods or any place where they supposed the prying eyes of the Yankees would not see them. About ten miles from Columbia an orderly sergeant and one of the escort attached to brigade headquarters stopped at the house of a man named ^lason and were looking around the out-houses -for horses or anything that would be useful to them, when the old man, hearing a noise in the yard, raised the window, and seeing two mounted soldiers, in- quired if they did not belong to Mosby's command. Being answered in the affirmative, he asked a great many ques- tions, to which he received satisfactory replies ; and in re- turn informed the Sergeant where he might see four of Fitzhugh Lee's scouts, who happened to be in the direction the column was moving. The information being imparted 452 History of the to Captain Bhmt of the staff, that officer selected the orderly-sergeant and three men, and, determined on captur- ing them, he started on a trot ahead of the brigade, and reached the house about an hour or two before daylight. He waked up Mr. Gait, the old gentleman who owned the house, who was considerably surprised to see five armed men at his door at such an unusual hour, but being told by Captain Blunt that the party belonged to Mosby's command and wished to communicate with his son, he sent the party around to the back of the house, where the basement door was located. There stood the scouts, in full rebel uniform. Captain Blunt politely informed them that he would take care of them for the present ; at the same time each of them was covered by a Colt's persuader at the distance of a yard; of course, resistance was out of the question, and they concluded to take things easy. In the basement were found four carbines, four sabres and four saddles, and in the stables their four horses, one of them a first-class animal called "Fairfax," who had been in the rebel service since the first Battle of Bull Run, and for which his owner told me he would give three hundred dollars in gold, not that the horse was actually worth the amount, but because he had carried him so long and so w^ell. The Captain kept him for his own use, and the others were turned over to the escort at brigade headquarters. We camped at Columbia for a couple of days, and on the 11th of March started for Goochland Court-house, at which place we found thirty or forty rebels on picket, but the moment our advance guard was perceived they started as fast as their horses could carry them, and never stopped running until they put the James River between them and us. Captain Gating, with a few of the advance, succeeded in capturing one of their large scows with two horses and four mules on board. In the post office at Goochland were found a number of letters which the officers and men took the liberty of opening, and many of them were very inter- esting. Sixth New York Cavalry. 453 After halting here the greater part of the day. we started back to Columbia, and reached there just in time to start with the rest of the division to destroy the Virginia Cen- tral Railroad, which was done completely for over twenty miles. On the 12th Ave stopped at a pleasant little place called Coo-Coo J on the 13th at Frederickhall ; 14th, Beaverdara Station; 15th, Carmel Church; IGth, Mangohick; 17th, King William Court-house; 18th, made White House Landing, and the 19th we crossed the Pamunky River — and so ends our raid. In all we marched about four hundred miles and accomplished all we intended. THOSE DEAR OLD FAMILIAR aUIDONS. [Extract from Annual Report of President F. A. Easton, Veteran Asso- ciation Sixth New York Cavalry, October, 1898.] A friend of mine, Charles iM. Smith, an old soldier, while traveling over the battle-fields, made the acquaintance of Col. W. A. ]Morgan, formerly of the First Virginia Cavalry, and while visiting at his home in Shepherdstown, W. Va., found hanging in the hall two U. S. guidons, which the Col- onel said he picked up on the morning of May 1st, 1863, near Alsop's Field, between Spottsylvania Court-house and Chancellorsville, where he and others under Fitzhugh Lee engaged the Sixth New York Cavalry the night previous. Comrade Smith informed the Colonel of his acquaintance with a member of that regiment. Correspondence followed between Colonel Morgan and me, and I found that he was desirous of returning the guidons to some officer of the Veteran Association of the Sixth New York Cavalry. Accordingly, after being elected your President, and after consulting with Colonel Heermance and others. I took steps to meet Colonel Morgan and receive the guidons. Having planned to visit Gettysburg, Antietam, Harper's Ferrv. Washington. Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville. and 454 History of the the scene of our engagement, where the brave McVicar fell, I invited all surviving members of our regiment to join me in the excursion. Sickness, old age, expense, and more particularly the Spanish War, prevented many from join- ing the party. Sergeant W. H. Boston and I left New York on June 5th, and at Gettysburg were joined by Sergt. J. A. Hewitt, who came from Joplin, Mo., to participate in the excursion. To give you a detailed account of our adventures at Get- tysburg and Antietam would take too much time, but I assure you we enjoyed every moment of it. Six members of Colonel Morgan's regiment met us at Gettysburg. The Blue and the Gray were happy in each other's company. The scene of the restoration of the guidons was the house attached to the National Cemetery at Antietam. I shall never forget our meeting with Colonel Morgan. We met at the entrance to the cemetery, and as we clasped hands and looked into each other's eyes, I thanked God for a reunited countrj'. I quote from the Worcester Spy, whose representative was present : The occasion of the return of the guidons so honorably lost was most impressive. The scene of the restoration was the house attached to the National Cemetery at Antietam. There were present, besides Colonel Morgan, his son, daughter and grandchild, members of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, several Confed- erates, and representatives of the Sixth New York Cavalry. Colonel Morgan is a fine old man, seventy-one years of age, but still robust. He is a powerful speaker, and his heart was warm to his former foes as he returned the guidons to Adjutant Easton, with the following address: "Adjutant Easton and Members of the Sixth New York Cavalry, Ladies and Gentlemen : "The old Latin quotation, 'Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis, ' being more liberally interpreted as 'Time changes and we must change with it,' has again been very Sixth New York Cavalrij. 455 significantly exemplified in this pleasant meeting here to- day. I feel sure that you will not accuse me of duplicity when I address you as I have to-day as friends and fellow countrymen. We feel convinced of a great change as well in our personal feelings as in our national relations since we met here on these historic grounds, made imperishable by those who met here by virtue of their convictions of duty and sentiment, firm, sincere and honest, you upon your side and we upon our side. This change is the more grat- ifying now on account of the circumstances that surround us in the unity and good feeling "of the sections of this great and glorious country with her brave representatives marching side by side under the glorious folds of the 'Star Spangled Banner' that now waves so triumphantly over the seas — reunited in affection and interest. We recognize that emblem as supreme. Therefore, I address you as friends and fellow countrymen, and in the capacity of an old Confederate veteran I warmly welcome you here to-day, and offer you the right hand of good fellowship, and as you journey farther south over your old battle-grounds and re- visit the scenes of your fierce conflicts of long ago, nothing but a cordial welcome and a manifestation of good feeling awaits you by those who were your former foes. "Veterans of the Sixth New York Cavalry, doubtless we have met before, but never before in this pleasant and social way, and if the Sixth New York Cavalry ever rode here through the gates of the Confederacy, up and down through the beautiful valley of the Shenandoah — with Pleasanton, Averill, Merritt, Gregg. Custer, Sheridan, and others — then we have often met. but never again can we meet as this occasion presents to-day. If my memory serves me rightly, the First Virginia Cavalry of the Array of Northern Virginia and the Sixth New^ York Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac met on an occasion near Todd's Tavern, way down in old Virginia, somewhere about the 1st of May, 1863, and I must say that I thought it in bad taste in the Sixth New York Cavalry, with all its opportu- 456 History of the nities of interviewing the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia, to have selected that locality and the darkness of midnight for the transaction of business with the friends who wore the gray. It seems that the Sixth New York was an advance of General Slocnm's column on its way to that horrid and most lugubrious place known now as the 'Wil- derness,' and through which place we all have passed, where the hiss of the moccasin snake is heard as it glides away through the jungle. The mournful notes of the whip- poor-will and the discordant screams of the night-hawk seem entirely natural and in perfect harmony with such a locality. It was in a wing of this horrible Virginia black- jack thicket that we met, and the first intimation that we had of the presence of the Sixth New York was a ringing fire from their carbines across our front, the flash of their arms making the surrounding darkness more impenetrable. This volley stopped us for a while, as it was fired in our faces. Then we did just what every cavalryman would do — when he does not know what to do — went to charge right in and investigate. "AVell, there was something of a mixing up, and a con- siderable more of a mixing up than ordinarily. I do not remember about the Sixth New York, but I am fearful that some members of the First Virginia are still roaming about in that desolate place and unable to find the points of the compass. How long we remained in this tangle I do not remember, but when we did get out I had across the pom- mel of my saddle three beautiful guidons, the emblems of the Federal cavalry. One of these flags I gave to the Adju- tant of the regiment, who said that he would send it to his lieutenant, George Fraesser, whose home was in Hagerstown, Md. He died soon after the war, and all attempts to place the flag proved fruitless. I am sorry that I could not find the guidon so as to return it with the others. The other two I sent to my home, and after the great book of histori- cal events was closed and sealed with the best blood of the Northern soldiers and with the best blood of the Southern Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 457 soldiers on the plains of Appomattox, when the 'Red Cross' of the South went down in gloom and in defeat, never again to be unfurled; Avlien the Confederate soldiers accepted the liberal terms of General Grant's conditions in faith, truth and steadfastness ; when a new era dawned upon this now prosperous, happy and reunited country; when the Southern soldier stacked his arms, leaving all behind him, and turned his face toward his ruined and deserted home, endeavoring to look to the future with hope that arises from the despair of the moment — I, after jour- neying over a country made desolate by the ruthless hand of war. reached my home on the south bank of the Potomac, and upon the walls of my hall I unfurled these emblems, and they have graced my home ever since. "Though not a member of your organization, no one of the Sixth New York could have guarded these flags more faithfully or more sacredly through all these years of a generation than I, awaiting just such an opportunity as is presented here to-day to return them to the command to which they properly belonged. These flags, like you and me, show age and hardship. The chemical composition of the coloring matter seems to have eaten up the fabric in places. "And now I will discharge the last duty of these emblems, and with the best wishes of friendship of the men and officers of the First Virginia Cavalry. I return to the Sixth New York these time-honored guidons — take them and carry them to your homes and show them to your old com- rades. Tell them how they have been so sacredly, so faith- fully guarded all these long years by an old rebel, awaiting an opportunity to return them. Be assured, my friends and fellow countrymen, my interest and my good feelings will still cling to them wherever you may carry them, and also be assured that my kindest feelings and my best wishes will accompany you upon your pilgrimage through your old battle-grounds, and will return with you to your northern homes." 458 History of the The hearts of both Union and Confederate veterans were fnll to overflowing at the close of the speech, and J\Ir. Eas- ton voiced the gratitude of the Union soldiers in an elo- quent speech of acceptance, in which he said that the guidons were accepted in the same spirit in which they were given. He touched upon the clearing up of old animosities, and on the future of the united country as the greatest English-speaking country on earth. The occasion was one of great moment to the veterans of the Sixth New York, and the following extract from the letter of Sergt. J. A. Hewitt (a gold miner) of Missouri, in acceptance of the invitation to be present by Mr. Easton, expressed the feelings of all : "Now the time of your excursion comes, when I usually go to the mountains, but they may grow taller, their snow- crowned tops melt, and their gold go untouched, but I must be with you." Mr. Easton, in company with Lieut. -col. George M. Van Buren, Sergt. W. H. Boston, Sergt. J. A. Hewitt, Felix Mc- Gloin and Sergt. D. A. Babcock, went over the battle-fields of Chancellorsville and Todd's Tavern, seeking the places where their old comrades fell in the bloody struggle. He wnll shortly write the story of his trip in book form, which will be of paramount interest, not only to the veterans of the Civil War, but also to the public at large. The old battle-fields were clearly recalled, and the familiar scenes brought up memories of the past in the mind of the veteran Adjutant. He was one of the first twenty to go into the State of Virginia after the opening of the war. He is ' a most interesting writer and conversationalist, and the publication of his book, which is intended for the members of the Sixth New York Cavalry, will be looked forward to with much anticipation. The guidons which were returned are at present at the home of Mr. Easton on Elm Street. As Colonel Morgan said, they have been much damaged since the war, princi- pally on account of the coloring matter in them. They are Sixth New York Cavalry. 459 of silk, in the form of a square flag, with a triangle cnt ont of the end. There are a number of bullet-holes through them, and some of the silk has rotted away. The guidons have been taken good care of, however, and the coloring is still clear. The flags are in good condition, considering that they have passed through some of the hottest cavalry fights of the Civil War. It was with feelings of regret that we bade good-by to Colonel Morgan. We may never see him again, but the remembrance of his noble nature will continue a bright spot in our experience. Some one present may have been with me on the morning of Sept. 17th, 1862. when twenty men under my command crossed the Central Bridge at Antietam to reconnoitre the Confederate position. The scenes and incidents of this reconnoissance were of so much interest that we delayed too long and lost our train for Washington. It is thirteen miles over the mountains from Antietam to Harper's Ferry, but if you had ridden as we did, you would have thought it was one hundred and thirteen. We arrived in Washing- ton that night, however, and found several members of the Sixth New York waiting to welcome us, and with them the widow of that sterling otflcer, John Kegan Malone. We spent the next day viewing the city, and about four o'clock w^e took the train for Fredericksburg. The party consisted of Col. Geo. M. Van Buren, Sergts. W. H. Roston, D. A. Babcock, J. A. Hewitt, Felix I\IcGloin and Adjt. F. A. Easton. We arrived at Fredericksburg in time to drive over the city before dinner. Next morning we started for Chancel- lorsville. having for a guide a Confederate lieutenant who was engaged at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. I had advertised for some of the Johnnies to meet us, and during our thirty-six mile drive many of them met us at the points of interest. Chancellorsville remains the same, except that its one house has been burned down and another erected. 460 History of the Our visit to Alsop's Field was of deep interest, and many points were cleared up with the assistance of the Confed- erates present. Boys, we could have remained there the entire day, the memories were so absorbing. Incident upon incident crowded thick and fast upon each other, for the recollections of that night thirty-six years ago will be with us to our graves. Here Ave had expected to meet a gentleman who figured conspicuously in this engagement, but the Spanish War, to which he had sent two sons, made him so busy that we had to forego the pleasure of his company. This gentleman, although a Confederate, is an honorary member of the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry. But for him the Sixth New York would have made a still better showing on the night of April 30th, 1863. His com- mand took fifty-one of our men prisoners. That is glory enough, considering it was the Sixth New York he opposed. This gentleman is now as good a citizen of the United States as can be found from Maine to Texas. You will hear from him later, and you will agree with me that manhood, pure and simple, is embodied in the person of Gen. Thos. T. Munford. Comrades, as you are aware, I have been authorized by this Association to write the history of the engagement near Todd's Tavern. I have not been idle, but have accumu- lated a mass of correspondence from which facts are to be gleaned. There is, however, still a missing link which I hope to connect before long. After that the story can be easily put together. So I can safely say that at our next reunion the tale can be told. I have done what I could as your President to further the objects of our Association, and will gladly turn over the office to the man of your choice. F. A. Easton, Pres. Vet. Assoc. Sixth N. Y. Cav. Sixth New York Cavalry. 461 City Point, Sept. 23, 1864. Gener^vl, Meade: Order a salute of 100 guns, shotted, at daylight to-morrow morning, in honor of Sheridan's second great victory. U. S. Grant, (Same to General Butler.) Lieut.-general. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Sept. 23, 1864. Lieut.-gen'l U. S. Grant: I congratulate you and the country most heartily on the glorious news from Sheridan. I have ordered a salute of 100 shotted guns from Hancock's batteries, the centre of my line, at sunrise to-morrow. Geo. G. Meade, Major-general Comdg. CHARACTERISTIC LETTERS. Boys, there is good common sense in the following letters : War Department, Washington, July 8th, 1863. General Lorenzo Thomas, Harrisburg, Pa. : Your dispatch of this morning to the Secretary of War is before me. The forces you speak of will be of no imaginable service if they cannot go forward with a little more expedi- tion. Lee is now passing the Potomac faster than the forces you mention are passing Carlisle. Forces now beyond Carlisle to be joined by regiments still at Harrisburg, and the united force again to join Pierce somewhere, and the whole to move dowTi the Cumberland Valley, will, in my unprofessional opinion, be quite as likely to capture the "man in the moon" as any part of Lee's army. A. Lincoln. 462 History of the Washington, August 17, 1864. Lieutenant-general, Grant : I have seen your dispatch expressing your unwillingness to break your hold where you are. Neither am I willing. Hold on with a bull-dog grip, and chew and choke as much as possible. A. Lincoln. Washington, June 5, 1863, 4 p.m. Major-general Hooker : Yours of to-day was received an hour ago. So much of professional military skill is requisite to answer it that I have turned the task over to General Halleck. He promises to perform it with his utmost care. I have but one idea which I think worth suggesting to you, and that is. in case you find Lee coming to the north of the Rappahannock, I would by no means cross to the south of it. If he should leave a rear force at Fredericksburg, tempting you to fall upon it, it would fight in intrenchments and have you at disadvantage, and so, man for man, worst you at that point, while his main force would in some way be getting an advantage of you northward. In one word, I would not take any risk of being entangled upon the river, like an ox jumped half over a fence and liable to be torn by dogs front and rear, without a fair chance to gore one way or kick the other. If Lee would come to my side of the river, I would keep on the same side, and fight him or act on the defense, according as might be my estimate of his strength relatively to my own. But these are mere suggestions, which I desire to be controlled by the judgment of yourself and General Halleck. (Signed) A. Lincoln. Sixth New York Cavalry. 463 Washington, June 14th, 1863, 5.50 p.m. ]\Iajor-general IIooker : So far as we can make out here, the enemy have Milroy surrounded at Winchester and Tyler at Martinsburg. If they could hold out a few days could you help them ? If the head of Lee's army is at jNIartinsburg' and the tail of it on the plank road between Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the animal must be very slim somewhere. Could you not break him? (Signed) A. Lincoln. QUITE A SUDDEN JUMP, AND WELL DESERVED. Sergeant A. F. Hayden of Troop I, Sixth New York Cavalry, while on dnty at headquarters, Middle Mili- tary Division, was, on the recommendation of General Sheridan, commissioned a captain and assigned to dutv as A. A. General on his staff. POEM WRITTEN BY A MEMBER OF THE SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY. NEW YEAR'S WISH. 'Tis happy New Year, and the loved ones at home, With smiles and kind wishes greet friends as they come, With kisses and bon-bons, and wealth of good cheer, With feasting and dancing, they hail the New Year. Far away in the wildwood, o'er hills and through dales, In the land of the South 'ron, where liberty pales, Rappahannock's dark waters flow murmuring along, And the wind through the pines sounds a requiem song. 464 Sixth New York Cavalry. Hark ! what breaks the lone spell on the forest so still 1 Why crash the dry limbs on yon laurel-crowned hill? 'Tis the picket, as slowly he steals through the brake, Lone vig'il to keep until morn shall awake. No kisses for him as he w^atches the ford, Nor mother, nor maiden, with kind loving word, As with carbine advanced, and listening ear, He waits for a sign that the foeman is near. Away from his kindred, his friends and his home, For the cause of his country the trooper has come. May the battle-rent banner he hails with a cheer Regain its lost stars ere another New Year. Reports, Orders, Etc. Under the heading of orders, correspondence, let- ters, reports and extracts, many instances may be found in which the Sixth New York is not specially mentioned, the references being made of the Second Brigade or First Division. For the information of the reader, it might be well to say that they are pub- lished for the reason that every survivor of the regi- ment will well remember the prominent part the "Old Sixth" took in the movement, engagement or battle. Our regiment was in the Second Brigade of the First Division, commanded by General Buford. INSPECTION REPORT UPON THE STATE OF THE SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY MADE AT WASHINGTON AND CONCLUDED ON THE 21sT OF MAY, 1862. No. 1 — Commanding Officer. Colonel Devin, who commands this regiment, discharges his dnties Avith zeal and ability ; he is a perfect soldier, eminently fitted for his position ; a very good drill-master, and under- stands his duty in every respect. A well-regulated discipline has been established in the regiment, which must be attributed to the precepts and example of the Commanding Officer. He enjoys the respect and esteem of the officers, and the men are cheerful in their obedience to all orders. The greatest degree of attention has been paid by him to the instruction and train- ing of the officers and men ; they are well drilled and perfectly fit for any duty. No. 2 — Field Officers. The Field Officers are perfectly acquainted with their duty, 30 466 History of the and render due support and assistance to their commanding officer. No. 3 — Captains. The Captains are well acquainted with the interior economy of their troops ; command them well on parade, and will, with practice, doubtless do the same in the field. No. 4 — Subalterns. The subaltern officers are active and intelligent, and well understand their duties. No. 5 — Adjutant. The Adjutant is an excellent officer, well fitted for his situ- ation in every way. No. 6 — Quartermaster. The Quartermaster is also an excellent officer, and quite competent to his situation. No. 7 — Officers in General. They are, as a body of officers, well instructed, fitted for their duties, intelligent and active in their pursuit of them, and they appear to afford every aid and assistance in their power to their commanding officer. Unanimity and good feeling appear to exist in the regiment to a high degree. Books of regulations and instruction have not as yet been issued in a sufficient number, but have been applied for by the commanding officer. No. 8 — Non-Commissioned Officers. The non-commissioned officers are very intelligent, well drilled and perfectly competent to instruct the men ; by their general bearing they set a good example and support their own authority. Printed copies of "Field Evolutions" have been asked for for their use. No. 9 — Trumpeters. The trumpeters are well instructed in the different sound- ings, and are otherwise fitted for their situations. No. 10 — Privates. They are a particularly fine body of men, and appear Sixth New York Cavalry. 467 healthy and very cleanly in their habits. They have been well drilled in the sword exercise, and understand the nse of the weapon as laid down in the regulations. No. 11 — jMessing. The messing of the men is properly attended to with refer- ence to comfort and economy, and the meals are of a good qnalifrv^ and sufficient in quantity. The men had no com- plaints to make with reference to their meals or any other subject. No. 12— The Camp. The camp is carefully pitched, very clean and orderly. (Signed) Chas. F. Havelock, Colonel A. D. C. and Inspector of Cavalry. Washington, D. C, May 22d, 1862. EXTEACT FROM A REPORT OF MAJOR- aENERAL HALLECK, GENERAL-IN- CHIEF, U. S. ARMY. On the 29tli (June, 1863), General Meade's army was put in motion, and at night was in position, its left at Emmits- burg and right at New Windsor. The advance of Buford's cavalry was at Gettysburg, and Kilpatrick's division at Han- over, where it encountered Stuart's cavalry, wliich had passed around the rear and right of our army without meeting any serious opposition. On the 30th, the First, Third and Eleventh Corps were con- centrated at Emmitsburg, under General Reynolds, while the right wing moved up to Manchester. Buford reported the enemy in force on the Cashtown road, near Gettysburg, and Reynolds moved up to that place on July 1st. He found our cavalry warmly engaged with the enemy, and holding him in check on the Cashtown road. Reynolds immediately deployed the advanced division of the First Corps, and ordered the Eleventh Corps to move promptly to its support. Wads- worth's division had driven back the enemv some distance and 468 History of the captured a large number of prisoners, when General Reynolds fell, mortally wounded. The arrival of E well's corps about this time by the York and Harrisburg roads compelled Gen- eral Howard, upon whom the command devolved, to withdraw his force, the First and Eleventh Corps, to the Cemetery Ridge, on the south side of Gettysburg. REBEL DISPATCH CAPTURED BY BUFORD'S CAVALRY. June 30, 1863. Colonel : Get between Gettysburg and Heidlersburg, and picket at Mummasburg and Hunterstown. Send in the direction of Gettysburg and see what is there, and report to General Ewell at Heidlersburg. A small body of Yankee cavalry has made its appearance between Gettysburg and Heidlersburg. See what it is. (Signed) J. A. Early, Major-general. As future readers may wonder why the First Caval- ry Division (Buford's) left the field of Gettysburg before the battle was ended, the following letters (two) will explain: Headquarters Army of the Potomac, July 2d, 1863, 12.50 p.m. Commanding Officer Cav^vlry Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say that he has not authorized the entire withdrawal of Buford's force from the direction of Emmitsburg, and did not so understand when he gave the permission to Buford to go to Westminster ; that the patrols and pickets upon the Emmitsburg road must be kept on as long as our troops are in position. Very respectfully, etc., Dan'l Butterfield, Maj.-gen'l, Chief of Staff. Sixth New York Cavalry. 4G9 Headquarters Army of the Potomac, July 2d, 1863, 12.55 p.m. Commanding Officer Cavalry Corps : My note, written five minutes since, is a little confused, I find. The General expected, when Buford's force was sent to Westminster, that a force should be sent to replace it, picket- ing- and patrolling the Emmitsburg road. He understood that all j'our force was up. Very respectfully, etc., Dan'l Butterfield, Maj.-gen'l Chief of Staff. War Department, Washington, July 4, 1863, 10 a.m. The President announces to the country that new^s from the Army of the Potomac, up to 10 p.m. of the 3d, is such as to cover that army with the highest honor; to promise a great success to the cause of the Union, and to claim the condolence of all for the many gallant fallen ; and that for this he espe- cially desires that on this day He, whose wall, not ours, should ever be done, be everywhere remembered and ever reverenced with profoundest gratitude. . ^ ^ Abraham Lincoln. General Meade in his report on the battle of Gettys- burg says: On reaching that place on July 1st, General Reynolds found Buford's cavalry warmly engaged with the enemy, who had debouched his infantry through the mountains on the Cashtown road, but was being held in check in the most gal- lant manner by Buford's cavalry. Captain McCreary, signal officer, in his report on Gettysburg says: On arriving at the junction of the Fairview" and Greencastle turnpike, an orderly, Private Voorhees, of the Sixth New 470 History of the York Cavalry, who had been assigned me, was sent with dis- patches to meet the Pennsylvania troops, said to be coming from Chambersburg. Near Greeucastle he met the column under General Dana, who, considering the dispatches import- ant, sent him to General Couch at Chambersburg. General Couch thanked the signal officer for the timely information (these arrived five hours in advance of the dispatches from General Meade) and caused a rapid movement of thes;e forces. Buford's cavalry had a long and desperate encounter, hand to hand, with the enemy, in which he drove handsomely before him very superior numbers. Hdqrs. Second Brig., First Cav. Div., A. of P., August 3, 1863. Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of this brigade during the action of Saturday, 1st inst. The brigade was ordered to march to Beverly Ford at 3.30 a.m., and crossing at that point to work down the south side of the river to Rappahannock Station, for the purpose of cov- ering the party who should cross and lay the pontoon bridge at that point. AiTiving at Beverly Ford before daylight, I found the river not fordable, and (acting in pursuance of instructions) I immediately proceeded down the north bank to Rappahannock Station, w^hen I reported to General Buford, who ordered me to halt until a party should cross in boats and cover the bridge. The pontoon having been laid about 8 a.m., I crossed with the brigade in advance of the division, and deploying the Sixth New York to the front and left as skirmishers, formed the Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania in col- umn, with Vincent's section of battery in the centre, and advanced on the left of the railroad and toward Brandy Station. Sixth Netv York Cavalry. 471 Soon after passing though the woods which front Rappa- hannock Station, my skirmishers encountered those of the enemy and drove them gradually back to the heights in front of Brandy Station. I masked the Sixth and Ninth and section in the woods, and, advancing to reconnoitre the enemy's position, could plainly see three gams posted on and behind the crest in my front, and my skirmishers reported that a heavy force of cavalry was drawn up in lines behind the crest. At the same time their dismounted skirmishers deployed and advanced down the hill. I immediately dismounted and deployed two squadrons of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania to meet them, at the same time sending to the rear to notify the General commanding of the presence and force of the enemy. The cavalry behind the crest showing a disposition to charge my skirmishers, I unmasked and deployed the Ninth New York and ordered them to advance in support, when they were immediately opened upon by the rebel battery. Ordering Vincent's section into position I engaged the bat- tery, while I crowded the skirmishers to the front, driving the enemy from the base of the hill. The regular brigade having arrived to support me, I ordered the Ninth New York to break into column, march to the left and front and turn the enemy's right flank in rear of the hill. As soon as the movements (which were executed at a rapid gait) were in course of accomplishment the enemy evacuated his strong position and retired precipitately through Brandy Station, taking up a new position one mile in rear, leaving a force in the woods on our front and left. The woods were soon cleared by the dismounted skirmishers of the Ninth New York, and the brigade closing on him rapidly, the enemy was again driven to the farm of Mr. Kennedy, when he opened a heavy fire from a battery in position on the right of the railroad. While rapidly gaining ground to the front, I ordered the Ninth New York to charge on the right flank of the battery 472 History of the and take the guns. The Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania not having come in from the right, I charged with the Ninth New York. The regiment dashed through the fields on the left and when within fifty yards of the battery, the head of the column was throw^i into disorder while pass- ing a gap in the fence, and before they could reform received a charge of grape and canister from the guns and were charged by the enemy's cavalry from the corn-field in front. The regiment fell back, but quickly rallied, and again charged, but the opportunity had passed, as the pieces were immediately withdrawn. The brigade again pressed the enemy in the face of a heavy artillery fire, driving him within less than one mile of Cul- peper, and in plain sight of the town. At this juncture a heavy force of infantry was thrown against the front and right of General Merritt's regular bri- gade, and I was ordered to support him and retire on his left. Detaching two squadrons Seventeenth Pennsylvania to deploy on and support his skirmish line, I retired slowly to Brandy Station, where I formed the brigade in line, facing the enemy, sending one squadron of the Sixth and one of the Ninth New York to the front as skirmishers to support and relieve those of General Merritt. After his column had passed, I retired the brigade, leaving the two squadrons as skirmishers in the woods at the station, which position they held until after dark, in the face of a heavy artillery fire and from the infantry skirmishers. That night the brigade bivouacked betw^een Rappahannock and Brandy Stations. Throughout the whole action the troops behaved splendidly with the exception of the momentary confusion in the Ninth New York. The brigade advanced in line under a hea\'y artillery fire which killed five of the Ninth New York and wounded many more, besides unhorsing many of the men, but not for a moment were they thro^\Ti into confusion or their lines broken bv the fire. Sixth New York Cavalry. 473 In retiring, the same spirit was exhibited, coolly forming and facing to the rear when ordered, deploying as skirmishers, and engaging the enemy with as mneh readiness as when advancing. ^^ „ ,, very respectinlly, etc.. Thos. C. Devin, Col. Comdg. Brigade. Headquarters First Cavalry Division, August 3d, 1863, midnight. Major-general Pi^asanton : To-day, by virtue of your instructions, I sent Colonel Devin to picket ill front of Slocum's corps, supposing they were od this side of the river. The result is the following dispatch : Headquarters Second Brigade, Buford's Cav. Div. Near Kelly's Ford, 7 p.m. Capt. T. C. Beall, a. a. G., First Cav. Div. Captain : I have the honor to report that, on arriving at Kelly's Ford, I found the infantry division had been withdrawn to the north side of the river. No notice appeared to have been given of our coming, and the infantry occupied the rifle-pits on our appearance. I crossed the river and reported to General Sloeum, who thought it nuAvise and altogether unnecessary for me to remain on the south side, as I could effect nothing by so doing, unless by going to a distance, which would l3e unsafe with my com- mand. He has the whole north bank picketed to Ellis' Ford. He desired me to go into camp on the north side to-night, and report to him in the morning, when he would give me my instructions as to observing the country on the front and left. I am in camp on the hill fronting the river, on the south side of the road leading up from Kelly 's Ford to Holly Church, on the oMorrisville road. ^^ „ „ Very respectinlly, Thos. C. Devin, Col. Comdg. Brigade 474 History of tlie I have ordered that my pickets should be in communication with his. I am disgusted and worn out Avith the system that seems to prevail. There is so much apathy and so little dis- position to fight and co-operate that I wish to be relieved from the Army of the Potomac. I do not wish to put myself and soldiers in front where I cannot get a support short of twelve miles. The ground I gain I should like to hold. The recon- noissance made on the 1st of August was a success, yet the First Corps gets the credit of saving me from disaster. I am willing to serve my country, but I do not wish to sacrifice the brave men under my command Jno. Buford, Brig.-gen'l of Vols. Headquarters Cavalry Corps, AugTist 4tli, 1863. jMajor General Humphreys, Chief of Staff. General: I enclose two dispatches from Buford. I must object to General Slocum taking command of my troops when they have specific orders. If General Slocum cannot keep his own troops on the south side of the Rappahannock, I beg he may not be permitted to interfere with mine, or the cavalry will soon become so cautious and timid as to lose their effi- ciency. General Buford has, I fear, grounds for complaint in not being properly supported. Very respectfully, A. Pleasanton, Maj.-gen'l Comclg. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, August 4th, 1863. Major-general Slocum : It appears from the reports of the officer commanding the cavalry that you have misapprehended the position of Colonel Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 475 Devin and his brigade. They were sent to picket and scout the country in front of the Kappahannock, and particularly the roads from Kelly's Ford to Ely's, Germanna and Stevens- burg-, with a view of ascertaining as far as practicable the position of the enemy and more particularly to notify you in the event of any movement threatening your position. Under these circumstances, your withdrawal of the com- mand to the south bank of the river, as reported, is not approved. You will please require Colonel Devin to carry out his original instructions received from General Buford, and, in case the enemy should think proper by superior numbers to drive him in, you will be prepared to support his retreat and withdrawal, if necessary, across the river, though this contingency is not deemed probable. Please direct Colonel Devin to connect his pickets with those of Buford on his right, and I desire that you report to these headquarters when he shall have proceeded to execute his orders. He can also communicate through the telegraph at your headquarters with these headquarters. Geo. G. jMeade, Major-general. These communications are given to show to the reader that the cavalry had much to contend with other than the Confederates in their front. Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cav. Div., August 6th, 1863. Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade since crossing the Potomac at Edward's Ferry to take part in the Maryland campaign : Arriving at Poolesville, Md., June 27th, the brigade marched with the division to Jefferson, where it encamped for the night, reaching Middleto\^^l on the morning of the 28th. 476 History of the On the 29th marched via. Cavetowii and IMonterey across South ^Mountain to Fountain Dale, near Millerstown. On the 30th marched by Eramitsbnrg- to Gettysburg, Pa., and encamped. Scouting parties were immediately sent out to observe the approaches from Carlisle, Harrisburg and York. The country toward the above points was thoroughl}^ scoured, and a number of prisoners were taken, from whom important intelligence was elicited and forwarded to head- quarters. Battle of C^ttysburg, Pa. On the morning ol July 1st the pickets of the First Bri- gade, on the road to Cashtown, were driven in by a heavj* force advancing from that direction, and the Second Brigade was ordered to prepare for action and form on the crest of the hill on the right of the First Brigade. I immediately formed as ordered, with my right resting on the road to Mummasburg, and deployed a squadron of the Sixth New York to the front and left as skirmishers, dismounted, and connecting with those of the First Brigade, at the same time connecting by skirmishers and videttes with my pickets on the three roads on the right leading toward Carlisle, thus establishing a con- tinuous line from the York road on the extreme right to the left of the First Brigade on the Cashtown road. The infantry not having arrived, and the enemy's artillery fire increasing, I was ordered to retire gradually, as they suc- ceeded in getting the range of my position. This I effected in successive formations in line to the rear by regiment, in the face of the enemy, the troops behaving well and forming with perfect coolness and order. About this time my skirmishers on the right were forced back by the advance of the enemy's line of battle, coming from the direction of Heidlersburg. Knowing the importance of holding that point until the infantry could arrive and be placed in position, I immediately placed the Ninth New York in support, and, dismounting the rest of my available force, Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 477 succeeded in holding the rebel line in check for two hours, until relieved by the arrival of the Eleventh Corps, when I was ordered to mass my command on the right of the York road and hold that approach. While in that position — imme- diately in front of the town, the command faced to the front and my pickets on the York road advanced three-quarters of a mile — a heavy fire of shells was opened on us from one of our own batteries on Cemetery Hill, immediately in my rear. The fire becoming very hot and persistent, and many of the shells bursting among us, I was led to suppose for a moment that the enemy had succeeded in gaining that position, and I immediately removed my command into the town, the column being shelled the whole distance. After I had retired the battery turned its attention to my pickets on the road, and shelled them out. I was then ordered to the Emmitsburg road, where the brigade was formed in line, in rear of the batteries of the division, with its right flank resting on the town. The enemy, having gained the York road, entered the town immediately after my pickets retired, and, passing through with their sharpshooters, attacked the flank of the brigade, killing and wounding several men and horses. I immediately dismounted one squadron of the Ninth New York, who, with their carbines, drove them some distance into the town, pun- ishing them severely. The brigade was then ordered to the extreme left, where it bivouacked for the night. The next morning, July 2d, while I was engaged reconnoi- tring in rear of the enemy's right, our sharpshooters became engaged with a division of the enemy advancing to feel our lines in front of my position. I immediately dismounted and deployed two squadrons in support of Berdan's sharpshooters (who were engaged in my front) and formed the brigade into line on the left of the First, with one section of Tidball's battery in position. The enemy not pressing his advance, and the Third Corps coming into position, we were ordered to march to Taney town, where we bivouacked, and marched the next morning, July 3d, to Westminster. 478 History of the Battle of Williamsport. Md. On arriving near Williamsport, I found our batteries engag- ing the enemy, supported by parts of the First and Reserve Brigades, a part of which were also dismounted and engaged with the enemy's infantry. I was ordered to mass my brigade in the woods in the rear of the position and await instructions. At 7 p.m. I was ordered to relieve the First Brigade, then engaged on the left front, and at dark to retire my command again to the woods, which I was to hold until daylight, to enable the other brigades to retire on a suitable position near the cross-roads. Retiring as ordered, I withdrew my skir- mishers to a line five hundred yards in advance of my position, and connecting with the woods at the same distance on each flank, completely covering the road. I had previously strongly picketed the roads in rear toward Sharpsburg on the left and Hagerstown on the right. Lieutenant Blunt of the Sixth New York, whom I had sent to the right to reconnoitre, ascertained the presence of a strong force of infantry and artillery in close proximity to my right flank. The enemy's skirmishers also commenced to feel their way on my left. About midnight the enemy advanced on my front and engaged the skirmishers. He was repulsed and soon after retired. Our loss was Captain Van Buren, Sixth New York, two sergeants and one private missing. Just at daybreak, I made a demonstration on the enemy's front by charging down with a squadron of the Sixth New York, driving in his skirmishers and pickets on the reserve, and throwing them in confusion, under cover of which move- ment I withdrew the main body one mile to the rear, and took up a position in front of the road running from Hagerstown to Sharpsburg. I then withdrew my slrirmishers from the front and the pickets from the roads, and retired slowly, the enemy following very cautiously, and halting when my rear guard faced about. After retiring about two and one-half miles, I was ordered to halt, rest men and horses, strongly picket the roads to Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 479 the rear, and, if possible, hold the position until the division of General Kilpatrick and the two brigades of General Bu- ford's division had crossed Antietam Creek. About 11 a.m. the enemy appeared in force in our rear with infantiy and artillery. I immediately ordered up the Ninth Ne-w York (Colonel Sackett) to hold him in check, and sent an orderly to notify General Buford. As soon as I ascer- tained that the rear of General Buford 's column w^as crossing Antietam Bridge, I ordered Colonel Sackett (who by this time was hotly engaged) to fall back on the brigade. I then took up the line of march, and followed the division, the enemy becoming bolder, and closely pressing my rear, under Colonel Sackett, who fell back fighting, his men behaving splendidly, making a stand at every favorable point, and often repulsing and punishing the enemy's sharpshooters. On arriving near the creek, I dismounted two squadrons of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and posted them on the hill com- manding the bridge, intending to give the enemy a warm reception. He was, however, too cautious to approach the creek, which we crossed unmolested, and joined the division, having suffered a loss of eight killed and wounded while retir- ing, all of the Ninth New York. That night the brigade en- camped at Boonsboro. Battle of Boonsboro, Md. The next morning, July 8th. the enemy advanced in force do^^^l the Hagerstown turnpike. The alarm being sounded, I formed the brigade in line of battle along the crest in my front, and at nearly a right angle with the line of the First and Reserve Brigades, connecting with the left of the latter and covering the approach from Williamsport. I "also deployed two squadrons to the front as skirmishers, connecting with those on the right, and ordered Llajor Beardsley, Sixth New York, to advance to the hill on the left of the "Williamsport road. The enemy having gained possession of and established a battery on the heights on the 480 History of the right, completely commanding the "VVilliamsport road, j\Iajor Beardsley was unable to reach the hill, but was forced to retire into the woods under a hot fire. He retained the latter position, however, for two hours without loss. In the meantime, my skirmishers had been more or less engaged, but about 2 p.m. the enemy being reenforced, a determined and vigorous attack was made on my position. I was forced to dismount the whole of the Seventeenth Penn- sylvania and Sixth New York, which held the enemy with varying success, sometimes being forced back and again re- gaining their lost ground. I was obliged to relieve those en- gaged with others, as their anununition became expended, so that by 5.30 p.m. my whole command had been engaged, and I had not a dozen cartridges left. I was, therefore, obliged to retire the brigade, after notifying General Kilpatrick of my action. One regiment of his command had been put in on my front about 3.30 p.m., but could not have held the position for ten minutes had I withdrawn sooner, as proved by the fact that as soon as my brigade was withdra^vn the enemy carried the position nearly up to the turnpike, and w^as held in check only by the batteries posted near the road. Our men behaved splendidly, holding and even driving the enemy with their pistols after their carbine ammunition was expended. About 6 p.m. I was ordered to advance to the extreme front and right, and support the First Brigade, then rapidly driv- ing the enemy up the turnpike. I advanced as ordered, form- ing in the fields in rear of the First Brigade, under the fire of the enemy's batterv', and closing up in support imtil or- dered at dark to retire, when the brigade returned and biv- ouacked between Boonsboro and the Gap. Battle op Beaver Creek, Md. On the following morning, July 9th, the brigade again ad- vanced with the division to a point two and one-half miles in Sixth New York Cavalry. 481 front of Boonsboro, where it was halted and massed in the fields. About 5.30 p.m. the division was ordered to advance, and, crossing- Beaver Creek, to carry the crest, if practicable, and feel the enemy's position. The Second Brigade being on the left, I deployed a sqnadron as skirmishers, mounted, to sweep the left to the bend of Antietam Creek previous to the gen- eral advance; directed Lieutenant Albert 0. Vincent to place his section of battery in position on the crest in front of my centre; dismounted two squadrons as skirmishers, connecting- with the left of the First Brigade, and advanced with the division line. After a short but sharp skirmish, the crest was carried in a most gallant manner by the skirmishers alone, and in a space of time remarkably short considering the posi- tion. The squadron on the extreme left running into an extensive cavalry camp and dispersing the force, I immedi- ately followed wdth the brigade and section of battery, and the enemy was driven for nearly two miles, until darkness rendered further pursuit useless. The brigade bivouacked on the field. Battle of Funkstown, Md. Early the next morning, July 10th, the brigade moved for- ward on the left of the division, and soon became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers, who, after a sharp action, were driven along the south bank of Antietam Creek and across the bridges on the left of Funkstown. Ascertaining that the latter place was held by Longstreet's corps, the brigade was halted, and remained in position, holding the approaches across the two bridges on the left until about 2 p.m., when, the Sixth Corps having arrived, the brigade was ordered to retire behind Beaver Creek, where it bivouacked for the night. The following day, the First and Second Brigades marched by Boonsboro to Bakersville, where they remained until the morning of July 14th. During this time the country in front of the Second Brigade was thoroughly examined, and the position of the enemy on the left definitely ascertained. 31 482 History of the Falling Waters, Md. On the morning above mentioned (July 14th) the two bri- gades were ordered to advance and feel the enemy's position, the Second Brigade sweeping the country between tlie Poto- mac and the road to Falling Waters. On approaching the enemy's works near Downsville, they were found to be evac- uated. The brigade rapidly advanced on the left of the First and soon engaged the skirmishers of the enemy's rear guard, capturing a large number of prisoners and driving the skir- mishers ahead of them to Falling Waters. On approaching the crest of the hill at the ford, they Vv'ere opened upon by the enemy's batteries posted upon the oppo- site bank. A regiment was then dismounted and deployed through the woods on the right of the ford, w^hich the maiiv force had by this time succeeded in crossing, leaving a rear guard to engage our advance. The country in the neighborhood of the ford having been thoroughly scoured, the command returned to Bakers ville, and bivouacked for the night. On the next day, July 15th, marched by Sharpsburg to Berlin, and went into camp. Throughout the whole of these sharp and rapidly succeed- ing engagements, the men have behaved like veterans — as most of them now are — not a single instance of misbehavior having been brought to my notice. The officers were also prompt, brave and efficient in the execution of their duties. The brigade staff — Captain Harrison White and Lieuten- ants J. Henry Mahnken, Eaymond L. AV right and James Ga- ting — have rendered invaluable service in conducting recon- noissances, ascertaining the position of the enemy 's lines, and transmitting orders on the battle-field, and to them, as much as to myself, is owing whatever success has attended the oper- ations and dispositions of the brigade. When all have done so nobly it is hard to discriminate, but if any one name deserves to be mentioned above that of others for cool and daring braverv^ and valuable services rendered on Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 483 many occasions, it is that of Second Lieutenant John W. Blunt, Troop M, Sixth New York Cavahy. Majors Anderson and Reinhold, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry ; Captains Hanley, Corrigan and Bentley, Ninth New York Cavalry, and Pierce and Heermance (wounded at Boons- boro), Sixth New York Cavalry, were also distinguished for bravery and efficient service. Corporal John W. Shumaker, Third West Virginia (taken prisoner scouting without the enemy's lines at Gettysburg) ; Sergeants Silas N. Pierce and Lorenzo D. Cole, Sixth New York; Regimental Commissary Sergeant S. M. AVhicher, Cor- porals Alpheus Hodges and John Samuelson, Ninth New York, and Sergeant Samuel Snyder, Jr., Seventeenth Penn- sylvania, were also distinguished for many acts of personal bravery. Assistant Surgeon Morton, Third West Virginia, and Surgeon-in-chief of Second Brigade, is entitled to special mention for active service on the field, and unremitting and efficient discharge of duty in his care of the wounded. Very respectfully, etc., Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding Brigade. Captain T. C. Bacon, A. A. G. Headquarters First Cavalra^ Division, November 14, 1863. Colonel : On the morning of Oct. 10th, while at Stevensburg, I received the following instructions, viz. : Headquarters Cavalry Corps, Oct. 9, 1863. Brigadier-general Buford, Commanding First Cavalry Division. General: You will force a passage at Germanna Ford as soon as possible, pursue the enemy, and endeavor to uncover Morton's Ford, communicating with General Newton, com- manding First Corps, who is instructed to force a passage 484 History of the there also. This being effected, yoii will continue to follow the enemy, reporting your progress frequently. Very respectfully, A. Pleasanton, Major-general Commanding. These instructions were handed to me after sunrise, and found the division without a particle of forage. The train was at Culpeper awaiting its supply. ***** At 8.30 a.m. the command, composed of Colonel Chapman's First Brigade, with Williston's battery, and Colonel Devin's Second Brigade, with Heaton's battery, with three days' ra- tions, without a particle of grain, was in motion, and reached Germanna Ford about noon, where preparations were made to force a crossing. * ****** The command next marched over the rough country near the river until it reached the enemy's entrenchments in rear of Morton's, capturing the different pickets at the fords from Germanna to Morton's, arriving at Morton's after night, and having driven the enemy out of his exterior entrenchments. The command bivouacked for the night, leaving the enemy in considerable force to hold his interior works and the ford. The next morning about 7 o'clock, I learned that the First. Corps had retired during the night, and that the commanding general had changed the programme. Being without instructions, and my train having been or- dered to recross the Eappahannock, I was at a loss to know what course to pursue. At this point a messenger arrived with instructions, of old date, for me not to cross the Rapidau at all, but to return and recross the Rappahannock at the station or Kelly's. I immediately started to recross the Rap- idan at IMorton's, driving with ease the enemy from his inner works. He retired toward Raccoon, and finding that he was not followed, and receiving reinforcements, soon returned to retard my crossing. The ford was bad and had to be repaired, which caused some delay. During this crossing the enemy was very active on my left flank, skirmishing, and in crossing Sixth New York Cavalry. 485 the river above at Raccoon. This latter movement was dis- covered in time to foil his plan, and Colonel Chapman, with all of his brigade that had crossed, was sent to check him while Devin crossed his command. Colonel Devin was sorely pressed, as his force on the enemy's side decreased, but he, by frequent dashing- and telling charges, and the two batter- ies by their fire from the north side, kept the enemy from closing on his rear. Colonel Devin 's command on this occa- sion was beautifully handled, fought too bravely, and conse- quently suffered quite severely. Captain Conger, Third West Viro:inia, by his courage and hard fighting won the admiration of all who saw him. While Colonel Devin was doing so M^ell, Colonel Chapman, with his brigade, had made his preparations to meet the force that had crossed at Raccoon, and a very warm reception he gave them. He found a very superior force of cavalry formed and ready to charge. He speedily made his dispositions, and as soon as completed, down came this overwhelming' force of cavalry upon him. not to stay, however, but to be hurled back , dismayed, in confusion, and terribly punished. Shortly after the rout of this cavalry, its support (infantry force) advanced, and Colonel Chapman withdrew from his position directly toward Stevensburg. When near Stevensburg:, the Second Brigade connected, each line still followed closely by the enemy. Seeing a number of wagons passing- along the road from Culpeper. through Stevensburg toward Kelly's, I determined to make a stand until they were all safe. Here the division fought the enemy's cavalrs^ until its support came up with its long-range muskets. The division then withdrew,, making an obstinate resistance at Stevensburg, until every- thing was safely across that nasty stream. Mountain Run, across which it leisurely retired to Brandy Station without a deal of molestation from the enemy, although closely followed by him. To my surprise, at Brandy Station I found the rear guard of the Fifth Corps passing through to cross the Rappa- hannock. I knew nothing up to this time of how extensive this retrograde movement of our army was, and here learned 486 History of the that General Pleasantou, with the Third Division, was still in rear of the Fifth Corps. Arrangements were immediately made to make a stand nntil the Third Division should arrive. The enemy seeing the Third Division across the open coun- try, and being out of my sight, turned their column in that direction. The Third Division soon made a connection with my right. As soon as this was accomplished, the Sixth New York charged, followed closely by the Ninth New York, and soon regained the advantage that the enemy supposed he had. It was a very severe hand-to-hand fight, Devin's troops using the sabre. The enemy pressed my left closely in retir- ing, and made several feints in my front, but by 8 p.m. the division was across the Rappahannock. During the night we found our forage and went to sleep. * * * Following instructions from army headquarters, the next day, the 12th, at 12 m. the division was across the river again and in motion. After advancing about tw^o miles, the enemy's pickets were driven in, and the advance commenced skirmishing with the enemy. Finding his force insignificant, a general advance was ordered, and he was driven to within one and a half miles of Culpeper. The object of the expe- dition being accomplished, the division returned and biv- ouacked on the left of the infantry near Brandy. All the men of the conunand seemed gratified at having again passed over their old fighting ground, because they were enabled to recover the bodies of some of their comrades who had fallen the day before, and to administer to and remove several wounded men who had been neglected and who would undoubtedly have perished but for their timely assistance. It was truly gratifying to be able to recover these wounded men and to bury the men that had been stripped and aban- doned by the enemy. At 12 that night, the infantry withdrew beyond the Rap- pahannock, my division bringing up the rear, and recrossed by daylight on the 13th. (On the 13th General Buford received ordera to cover the Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 487 rear and flank of the trains of the army' on their march to Centreville via Brentsville.) The division remained in camp, watching the river and resting until the trains were well nnder way, and then moved to camp near Warrenton Junction, the trains being near Catlett's and AVeaverville. On the lith the rear of the trains was delayed in getting under way, and it was several hours before the division was in motion. At Brentsville the trains were found parked, and little disposition to move was displayed by the few quar- termasters that I could find, until toward night, when Gen- eral Warren's tiring was seen. The division stood to horse, and during the whole night every effort was made to keep the wagons in motion. Shortly after General Warren's firing had ceased, my pickets were fired into, but no further moles- tation was offered. During the night General Gregg, with his division, came to my assistance, and remained until it was thought prudent for him to continue his march. After daylight on the 15th, when the fog had risen and the rear wagon was safely across Broad Run, the division started and marched to the crossing of Cedar Run, followed by a small cavalry force, which was kept at a respectable distance. After the last of the pontoon train was reported safely across Cedar Run, I felt greatly relieved, but judge of my surprise when I found that the whole of the wagons, after a circuitous route, had recrossed to the enemy's side of Cedar Run. In this position the enemy's cavalry made a brisk advance and fortunately struck me, instead of the flank of the trains, which I believe to have been his design. The divi- sion immediately gave battle and held him off until the report came that the last Avagon was across Bull Run, and that General Gregg was there also. The day's work was well done and over, and our anxiety at an end. When the enemy advanced upon me the last time, I sup- posed he would come with a heavier force than mine and come to have some of the wagons. Every man of the com- mand had made up his mind that there should be no child's 488 History of the play on his part, so when he did appear, with a determined will we went at him and before Ions: drove him back. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania strnck him in flank, making him give way, which allowed us to get a strong position, which we held until after night and until the last wagon M^as well on the way toward Fairfax Station. Not a single wagon that I could hear of was either destroyed or captured. The division thus marched on across Bull Run until close up to the trains, halted in the road, and, in an exhausted state, fell asleep l\v the roadside till morning, when it moved on and encamped at Brimstone Hill. Very respectfully, etc., (Signed) John Buford, Brig.-gen. Commanding. LiEUT.-coL. C. Ross Smith, Chief of Staff Cavalry Corps. Tlie Seventeenth Pennsylvania above mentioned was led by Captain Wright of the Sixth New York. EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT OF BRIGADIER- GENERAL KILPATRECK ON HIS "RAID TO RICHMOND," FEB. 28, 1864. I directed Major Hall, with 450 men of the First Division, to drive in the enemy's pickets, and make a determined attack in order to cover the movements of the main column. I struck across the country to the South Anna and crossed at a point three miles above Ashland at daylight, Tuesday morn- ing. The attack of Major Hall totally deceived the enemy as to the movements of the main column, which passed on, crossed the railroad seven miles below Ashland, tore up a considerable portion of the track, destroyed a culvert, passed on and reached the Brook pike, at a point five miles from Richmond, at 10 a.m. The enemy's artillery, engaged with Major Hall, could be distinctlv heard in mv rear. Sixth New York Cavalry. 489 It might be well to say here, for the mformation of the reader, that when General Kilpatrick started on the raid, he had under his command not only his own division, but details from the First and Second Divis- ions, and that Major Wm. P. Hall of the Sixth New York Cavalry was in command of the First Division detail, consisting of 34 officers and 697 enlisted men. Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, March ISth. 1864. Captain : I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instruc- tions from division headquarters to reconnoitre the front, I ordered Lieutenant Cating-, of my staff, with an escort of twenty-five men of Sixth and Ninth New York, under com- mand of Captain Goodrich, Ninth New York, to proceed to the vicinity of Woodville and ascertain whether any force of the enemy was moving in our front, and if opportunity offered upon his return, to beat up some of the bushwhackers in that neighborhood. The party started last night at 10 o'clock, passed through Woodville at 3 a.m. and reached Speriyville before daylight without opposition. Learning that a rel^el major who was conscripting in that vicinity was at his house in the moun- tains north of Sperryville, Lieutenant Cating impressed a guide, proceeded to and surrounded the house, and captured the officer (]\Iajor Swindler. Seventh Virginia Infantry) and two men. The rebel cavalry continually harassed the party on their return by skirmishing on their front and flanks, but had not time to gather in sufficient force to inflict any damage. The party returned to camp without loss at 11 a.m. this day, having ridden forty-six miles. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, etc.. Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding Brigade. Capt. Geo. P. Sanford, A. A. A. G. 490 History of the Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, April 28th, 1864. Captain : I have the honor to report that in pursuance of orders from Brigadier-genera] Torbert, commanding First Cavalry Divi- sion, I left camp with my brigade at 5.30 a.m., this day, and marched to James City. At that point I halted and detached one squadron, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with orders to escort signal officer to the summit of Thoroughfare JNIoun- tain. I marched thence to Robertson River, where I found the ford picketed by about thirty rebel cavalry. I ordered the advance of Sixth New York Cavalry, Lieutenant-colonel Crocker commanding, to charge and carry the ford, which was gallantly done, Lieutenant Cating, of brigade staff, lead- ing the charge and the regiment following. The enemy fired some thirty shots, but fortunately injured no one. The Sixth New York Cavalry was then ordered to drive the rebel pickets through ^ladison Court House, and ascertain the presence of any rebel force in that vicinity or at Wolftown. Very respectfully, etc., Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding Brigade. Capt. C. McClellau, A. A. G. REPORT OF MAJ. WILLIAM E. BEARDSLEY, SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY, OF OPERATIONS AUG. 13. Winchester, Va., August 14, 1864. Colonel : I have the honor to report the arrival in this place with all of our brigade train, but about eight or ten wagons. We were attacked by Mosby at daylight yesterday morning in Berry- Sixth New York Cavalry. 491 ville (en route for Winchester), and a disgraceful panic ensued, resulting in the entire destruction of the Eeserve Brigade's trains and a portion of ours, with battery forges, etc., the running off of nearly all the mules, the capture of a large number of prisoners, killing of five men of ours, with many wounded ; among the latter is Captain iMcKinney, flesh wound in right thigh ; he is here and doing well. After emptying my pistol in exchange with an officer, and being hard pressed, without a single man as support, I dashed off and checked the guard (100 days' men), but failed to get them back until finding Mason and one man of the old Sixth with a carbine, we deployed as skirmishers, and returned to the head of our train, where a party was applying the torch, and by the use of the one carbine succeeded in driving off the enemy, and secured the paymaster's treasure chest and trunk of pay rolls, which we carried on our horses to a place of security, when I succeeded in rallying about twelve mus- kets, under a sergeant, who advanced as skirmishers, when a single volley saved all our train but eight wagons, which were already burned. Lieutenant Allyn had charge of 200 head of cattle; all missing from the rear of the train. I sent for cavalry and shortly the First Ehode Island arrived, but about thirty minutes too late, the enemy having disappeared Avith their booty in the direction of Snicker's Gap, and they did not pursue. I sent to this place for ambulances and have the wounded here. General Kenly, commanding here, sent down his teams, and our brigade train is now here without teams, except nine wagons, including your wagon and the \^^'o regimental ones. Now, what shall we do? No guard furnished us, neither teams with which to proceed. I\Ia,jor Sawyer is here and anxious to pay. Plis money, $112,000, is also safe. I have no hesitation in saying that with fifty good men of the Sixth New York, I could have repulsed the thieves. Mr. Evarts now informs me that for lack of teams he w'as obliged to abandon all the forage and seven wagons and three battery forges, all in good condition, now at Berryville, which, for lack of guards, cannot return for them. The infantry here 492 ^ History of the are only in the way. We shall remain here until we hear from you. I am myself still quite sick. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Your obedient servant, W. E. Beardsley, Major Sixth New York Cavalry. Col. Thos. C. Devin, Commanding- Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division. EEPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE E. FARMER, SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY^ OF OPERATIONS OCTOBER 19. Headquarters Sixth New York Cavalry, October 23, 1864. Captain : In compliance with orders from Brevet Brigadier-general Devin. I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 19tli instant, in accordance with instructions received from Brevet Brigadier-general Devin, the Sixth New York Caval- ry was formed in columns of platoons north of the bridge on Cedar Creek, for the purpose of charging the enemy. The command charged in column across the bridge, driving the enemy's infantry from the opposite side into the first crest of woods. At this moment several mounted men appeared on the hill on our right, one of whom waved a red flag. Llistaking them for the enemy, the command turned to the right, where we found General Custer with the First Vermont and Fifth New York Cavalry. The regiment was here formed on the left of General Custer's command, and charged at the same time. The charge was continued through the town of Stras- burg. At the onter edge of the town the advance halted, the men having become scattered in securing and carrying of¥ the plunder. The advance mentioned consisted of ten or fifteen men belonging to the First Vermont and Fifth and Sixth New York Cavalry. In charging the bridge Ave lost one man wounded. In charging the artillery and trains we Sixth New York Cavalry. 493 lost our Adjutant (John G. Main), killed, and one man severe- ly wounded. The colors of the Forty-fourth Georgia (cap- tured by Chief Bugler Thomas M. Wells), seven pieces of artillery, one caisson, a number of wagons and ambulances, besides a number of prisoners, were brought in by this com- mand, all of which were turned over to Lieut W. N. Chamber- lin, acting quartermaster. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, George E. Farmer, Captain Sixth New York Cavalry Commanding. Capt. J. H. ^Mahnken, A. A. G., Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division. FROM GENERAL GRANT'S REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS, MAY, 1864. On the morning of the 9th, General Sheridan started on a raid against the enemy's lines of communication with Rich- mond. "******** On the 25th, -General Sheridan rejoined the Army of the Potomac from the raid on which he started (on the 9th) from Spottsylvania, having destroyed the depots at Beaver- dam and Ashland Stations, four trains of cars, large supplies of rations (those at Beaverdam being estimated at over $1,500,000) and many miles of railroad track; recaptured about 400 of our men on their way to Richmond as prisoners of war; met and defeated the enemy's cavalry at Yellow Tavern (mortally wounding Generals Stuart and Gordon) ; carried the first line of works around Richmond (but finding the second line too strong to be carried by assault), recrossed to the north bank of the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge, under heavy fire, and moved by a detour to Haxall's Landing on the James River, where he communicated with General Butler. This raid had the effect of drawing off the whole of the enemy's cavalry force, making it comparatively easy to guard our trains. ********** 494 nistory of the Finding the enemy's position on the North Anna stronger than either of his previous ones, I withdrew on the night of the 26th to the north bank of the North Anna, and moved via Hanovertown to turn the enemy's position by his right. Generals Torbert and Merritt's divisions of cavalry, under Sheridan, and the Sixth Corps led the advance ; crossed the Pamunky River at Hanovertown, after considerable fighting, and on the 28th, the two divisions of cavalry had a severe but successful engagement with the enemy at Haw's Shop (driving them back to the crossing of the Totopotomoy). ********** General Sheridan on the 31st reached Cold Harbor, and held it until relieved by the Sixth Corps and General Smith's command. Avhich had just arrived via White House, from General Butler's army. ****** On the 7th two divisions of cavalry, under General Sheri- dan, got off: on the expedition against the Virginia Central R. R., with instructions to Hunter, whom I hoped he would meet near Charlottesville, to join his forces to Sheridan 's, and after the work laid out for them was thoroughly done, to join the Army of the Potomac by the route laid doAvn in Sheri- dan's instructions. ****** On the 19th General Sheridan, on his return from his expe- dition against the Virginia Central R. R., arrived at the White House just as the enemy's cavalry was about to attack it, and compelled it to retire. The result of this expedition was that General Sheridan met the enemy's cavalry near Trevilians Station on the morning of the 11th of June, whom he attacked, and, after an obstinate contest, drove from the field in complete rout. He left his dead and nearly all his wounded in our hands, and about 400 prisoners and several hundred horses. On the 12th, he destroyed the railroad from Trevilians Station to Louisa Court House. This occupied until 3 p.m., when he advanced in the direction of Gordons- ville. He found the enemy re-enforced by infantry, behind well-constructed rifle-pits, about five miles from the latter place, and too strong to assault successfullv. On the extreme Sixth New York Cavalry. 495 right, however, his reserve brigade carried the enemy's works twice, and was twice driven therefrom by infantry. Night closed the contest. Not having sufficient ammunition to con- tinue the engagement, and his animals being without forage (the country furnishing but inferior grazing), and hearing nothing from General Hunter, he withdrew^ his command to the north side of the North Anna, and commenced his return march, reaching White House at the time before stated. After breaking up the depot at that place, he moved to the James River, which he reached safely after heavy fighting. He commenced crossing on the 25th, near Fort Powhatan, without further molestation, and rejoined the Army of the Potomac. * * * * * * On the 25th of July, it became evident that the enemy (under Early) was again advancing upon Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the Sixth Corps, then at Washington, was ordered back to the vicinity,, of Harper's Ferry. * * * * On the 2d of xVugust I ordered General Sheridan to report in person to ^Major-general Halleek, chief of staff, at Washington, with a view to his assignment to the command of all the forces against Early. * * * * * On the 7th of August the Middle Department and the Departments of West Virginia, Washington and Susquehanna were consti- tuted into the "Middle Military Division," and Major-gene- ral Sheridan was assigned to temporary command of the same. Two divisions of cavalry, commanded by Generals Torbert and AVilson, were sent to Sheridan from the Army of the Potomac. The first reached him at Harper's Ferry about the 11th of August. His operations during the month of August and fore part of September were both of an offensive and defensive character, resulting in many severe skirmishes, principally by the cavalry, in which we w^ere generally suc- cessful, but no general engagement took place. The two armies lay in such a position — the enemy on the west bank of Opequon Creek, covering Winchester, and our forces in front of Berryville — that either could bring on a battle at any time. Defeat to us would lay open to the enemy the 496 History of the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania for long distances before another army could be interposed to check him. Under these circumstances I hesitated about allowing the initiative to be taken. Finally, the use of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which were both obstructed by the enemy, became so indispensably neces- sary to us, and the importance of relieving Pennsylvania and Maryland from continuously threatened invasion so great, that I determined the risk should be taken. But fearing to telegraph the order for an attack without knowing more than I did of General Sheridan's feelings as to what would be the probable result, I left City Point on the 15th of September to visit him at his headquarters, to decide, after conference with him, what should be done. I met him at Charlestown, and he pointed out so distinctly how each army lay, what he could do the moment 'he w^as authorized, and expressed such confidence of success that I saw there were but two words of instruction necessary — ' 'Go in ! " For the con- venience of forage the teams for supplying the army were kept at Harper's Ferry. I asked him if he could get out his teams and supplies in time to make an attack on the ensuing Tuesday morning. His reply was that he could before daylight on Monday. He was off promptly to time, and I may here add that the result was such that I have never since deemed it necessary to visit General Sheridan before giving him orders. Early on the morning of the 19th, General Sheridan attacked General Early at the crossing on the Opequon Creek, and after a most fierce and sang-uinary battle, lasting until 5 o'clock in the evening, defeated him Avith heavy loss, carrying his entire position from Opequon Creek to Winchester, capturing several thousand prisoners and five pieces of artillery. The enemy rallied and made a stand in a strong position at Fisher's Hill, where he was attacked and again defeated with heavy loss on the 20th (22d). Sheridan pursued him with great energy through Harrison- burg, Staunton and the gaps of the Blue Ridge. After strip- Sixth New York Cavalry. 497 pingr the upper valley of most of the supplies and provisions for the rebel army, he returned to Strasbnrg and took posi- tion on the north side of Cedar Creek. Having" received considerable re-enforcements, General Early again returned to the valley, and on the 9th of October his cavalry encountered ours near Strasburg. where the rebels were defeated with the loss of eleven pieces of artillery and 350 prisoners. On the night of the ISth, the enemy crossed the mountains which separate the branches of the Shenan- doah, forded the North Fork, and early on the morning of the 19th, under cover of the darkness and the fog, surprised and turned our left flank, capturing the batteries which en- filaded our whole line. Our troops fell back with heavy loss and in much confusion, but were finally rallied between Mid- dletown and Newtown. At this juncture General Sheridan, who was at Winchester when the battle commenced, arrived on the field, arranged his lines just in time to repulse a heavy attack of the enemy, and immediately assuming the offensive, he attacked in turn with great vigor. The enemy was defeated with great slaughter, and the loss of most of his artillery and trains, and the trophies he had captured in the morning. The Avreck of his aiTny escaped during the night, and fled in the direction of Staunton and Lynchburg. Pursuit was made to Mount Jackson. Thus ended this the enemy's last attempt to invade the North via the Shenandoah Valley. General Sheridan moved from Winchester on the 27th of February (1865) Avith two divisions of cavalry, nmnbering about 5000 each. On the 1st of March he seciu*ed the bridge, which the enemy attempted to destroy, across the Middle Fork of the Shenandoah, at Mount Crawford, and entered Staunton on the 2d, the enemy having retreated on Waynes- boro. Thence he pushed on to Waynesboro, where he found the enemy in force in an intrenched position, under General Early. Without stopping to make a reconnoissauce. an immediate attack was made, the position was carried, and 32 498 History of the 1600 prisoners, 11 pieces of artillery, with horses and caissons complete, 200 wagons and teams loaded with subsistence, and 17 battle-flags were captured. The prisoners, under an escort of 1500 men, were sent back to Winchester. Thence he marched on Charlottesville, destroying eftectually the railroad and bridges as he went, which place he reached on the 3d. Here he remained two days, destroying the railroad toward Richmond and Lynchburg, including the large iron bridges over the North and South Forks of the Rivanna River, and awaiting the arrival of his trains. This necessary delay caused him to abandon the idea of capturing Lj-nichburg. On the morning of the 6th, dividing his force into two columns, he sent one to Scottsville, whence it marched up the James River Canal to Newmarket, destroying every lock, and in many places the bank of the canal. From here a force was pushed out from this column to Duguidsville, to obtain pos- session of the bridge across the James River at that place, but failed. The enemy burned it on our approach. The enemy also burned the bridge across the river at Hardwicks- ville. The other column moved down the railroad toward Lynchburg, destroying it as far as Amherst Court House, sixteen miles from Lynchburg; thence across the country, uniting with the column at Newmarket. The river being very high, his pontoons would not reach across it; and the enemy having destroyed the bridges by which he had hoped to cross the river and get on the Southside Railroad about Farmville and destroy it to Appomattox Court-house, the only thing left for him was to return to Winchester or strike a base at the White House. Fortunately, he chose the latter. From Newmarket he took up his line of march, following the canal toward Richmond, destroying every lock upon it and cutting the banks wherever practicable, to a point e'i^ht miles east of Goochland, concentrating the whole force at Columbia on the 10th. Here he rested one day. and sent through, by scouts, information of his whereabouts and pur- poses, and a request for supplies to meet him at White House, which reached me on the night of the 12th. An infantry Sixth Netv York Cavalry. 499 force was immediately sent to get possession of White House and supplies were foinvarded. Moving from Coluniljia in a direction to threaten Richmond, to near Ashland Station, he crossed the Annas, and after having destroyed all the bridges and many miles of the railroad, proceeded down the north bank of the Pamunky to White House, which place he readied on the 19th. ******* On the 2Stli. the following instructions were given to Gene ral Sheridan: City Point, Va., March 28th, 1865. Maj.-gen. p. H. Sheridan. General : The Fifth Army Corps will move hy the Vaughn road at 3 a.m. to-moiTow morning. The Second moves at about 9 a.m., having but about three miles to march to reach the point designated for it to take on the right of the Fifth Corps, after the latter 's reaching Dinwiddie Court House. INIove your cavalry at as early an hour as you can, and without being confined to any particular road or roads. You may go out by the nearest roads in rear of the Fifth Corps, pass by its left, and, passing near to or through Dinwiddie, reach the right and rear of the enemy as soon as you can. It is not the intention to attack the enemy in his intrenched position, but to force him out, if possible. Should he come out and attack us, or get himself where he can be attacked, move in with your entire force in your own way, and with the full reliance that the army will engage or follow, as circumstances will dictate. I shall be on the field, and shall probably be able to communicate with you. Should I not do so, and you find that the enemy keeps within his main entrenched line you may cut loose and push for the Danville road. If you find it practicable, I should like you to cross the Southside road, between Petersburg and Burkeville, and destroy it to some extent. I would not advise much detention, however, until you reach the Danville road, which I should like you to 500 History of the strike as near the Appomattox as possible. Make your destruction on that road as complete as possible. You can then pass on to the Southside road, west of Burkeville, and destroy that in like manner. After having accomplished the destruction of the two railroads which are now the only avenues of supply to Lee's army, you may return to this army, selecting your road farther south, or j^ou may go on into North Carolina and join General Sherman. Should you select the latter course, get the information to me as early as possible, so that I may send orders to meet you at Goldsboro. U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-general. On the morning of the 29th, the movement commenced. At night the cavalry was at Dinwiddie Court-house, and the left of our infantry line extended to the Quaker road, near its intersection with the Boydton plank road. The position of the troops, from left to right, was as follows : Sheridan, Warren, Humphreys, Ord, Wright, Parke. Everything looked favorable to the defeat of the enemy and the capture of Petersburg and Richmond, if the proper effort was made. I therefore addressed the following com- munication to General Sheridan, having previously informed him verbally not to cut loose for the raid contemplated in his orders until he received notice from me to do so : Gravelly Creek, March 29, 1865. Maj.-gen. p. H. Sheridan. General : Our line is now unbroken from the Appomattox to Din- widdie. We are all ready, however, to give up all from the Jerusalem plank road to Hatcher's Run, whenever the forces can be used advantageously. After getting into line south of Hatcher's, we pushed forward to find the enemy's position. General Griffin was attacked near where the Quaker road intersects the Boydton road, but repulsed it Sixth New York Cavalry. 501 easily, capturiiio- about 100 men. Humphreys reached Dab- ney's Mills and was pushing on when last heard from. I now feel like ending the matter, if it is possible to do so, before going back. I do not want you, therefore, to cut loose and go after the enemy's roads at present. In the morning push around the enemy, if you can, and get on to his right rear. The movements of the enemy's cavalry may, of course, modify your action. We will act all together as one army here until it is seen what can be done with the enemy. The signal officer at Cobb's Hill reported at 11.30 a.m. that a cavalry column had passed that point from Richmond toward Petersburg, taking forty minutes to pass. U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-general. From the night of the 29th to the morning of the 31st, the rain fell in such torrents as to make it impossible to move a wheeled vehicle, except as corduroy roads were laid in front of them. During the 30th, Sheridan advanced from Dinwiddle Court-house toward Five Forks, where he found the enemy in force. General Warren advanced and ex- tended his line across the Boydton plank road to near the White Oak road, with a view of getting across the latter; but finding the enemy strong in his front and extending beyond his left, was directed to hold on where he was and fortify. General Humphreys drove the enemy from his front into his main line on the Hatcher, near Burgess' Mills Generals Ord, Wright and Parke made examinations in their fronts to determine the feasibility of an assault on the enemy's lines. The two latter reported favorably. The enemy confronting us as he did, at every point from Rich- mond to our extreme left, I conceived his lines must be weakly held, and could be penetrated if my estimate of his forces was correct. I determined, therefore, to extend our line no farther, but to reinforce General Sheridan with a corps of infantry, and thus enable him to cut loose and turn the enemy's right flank, and with the other corps assault the 502 History of the enemy 's lines. ***** Preparations were at once made to relieve General Humphreys' corps to re- port to General Sheridan, but the condition of the roads prevented immediate movement. On the morning of the 31st, General Warren reported favorably to getting pos- session of the White Oak road, and was directed to do so. To accomplish this, he moved with one division, instead of his whole corps, which M'as attacked by the enemy in superior force and driven back on the Second Division before it had time to form, and it, in turn, forced back upon the Third Division, when the enemy was checked. A division of the Second Corps wps immediately sent to his support, the enemy driven back with heavy loss, and possession of the White Oak road gained. Sheridan advanced, and with a portion of his cavalry got possession of the Five Forks, but the enemy, after the affair with the Fifth Corps, reinforced the rebel cavaliy defending that point with infantry, and forced him back toward Dinwiddle Court-house. Here Gen- eral Sheridan displayed great generalship. Instead of re- treating with his whole command on the main army, to tell the story of superior forces encountered, he deployed his cavalry on foot, leaving only mounted men enough to take charge of the horses. This compelled the enemy to deploy over a vast extent of wooded and broken country, and made his progress slow. At this juncture he dispatched to me what had taken place, and that he was dropping back sloAvly on Dinwiddle Court-house. General MacKenzie 's cavalry and one division of the Fifth Corps were immediately ordered to his assistance. Soon after, receiving a report from General Meade that Humphreys could hold our position on the Boyd- ton road, and that the other two divisions of the Fifth Corps could go to Sheridan, they were so ordered at once. * * * On the morning of the 1st of April, General Sheridan, reinforced by General Warren, drove the enemy back on Five Forks, where, late in the evening, he assaulted and carried his strongly fortified position, capturing all his artillery and between 5000 and 6000 prisoners. About the close of this Sixth New York Cavalry. 503 battle, Brevet Major-general Charles Griffin relieved Major- general Wiarren in command of the Fifth Corps. The re- port of this reached me after nightfall. Some apprehensions filled my mind lest the enemy might desert his lines during the night, and by falling upon General Sheridan before assistance could reach him, drive him from his position and open the way for retreat. To guard against this, General Miles' division of ITnmphreys' corps was sent to reinforce him, and a bombardment was commenced and kept up until 4 o'clock in the morning (April 2d), when an assault was ordered on the enemy's lines. ****** General Sheridan, being advised of the condition of affairs returned General ]\Iiles to his proper command. * * * * * The enemy south of Hatcher's Run retreated westward to Sutherland's Station, where they were overtaken by Miles' division. A severe engagement ensued and lasted until both his right and left flanks w^ere threatened by the approach of General Sheridan, who was moving from Ford's Station toward Petersburg, and a division sent by General Meade from the front of Petersburg, when he broke in the utmost confusion, leaving in our hands his guns and many prisoners. This force retreated hy the main road along the Appomattox River. During the night of the 2d, the enemy evacuated Petersburg and Richmond, and retreated toward Danville. On the morning of the 3d pursuit was commenced. Gen- eral Sheridan pushed for the Danville road, keeping near the Appomattox, followed by General iNIeade with the Second and Sixth Corps, while General Orel moved for Burkeville along the Southside road; the Ninth Corps stretched along that road behind him. On the 4th General Sheridan struck the Danville road near Jetersville, where he learned that Lee was at Amelia Court-house. He immediately intrenched himself and aw^aited the arrival of General ]\Ieade, who reached there the next day. ****** On the morning of the 6th, it was found that General Lee Avas moving west of Jetersville toward Danville. General 504 History of the Sheridan moved with his cavalry (the Fifth Corps having been returned to General Meade on his reaching Jetersville) to strike his flank, followed by the Sixth Corps, while the Second and Fifth pressed hard after, forcing him to abandon several hundred wagons and several pieces of artillery. ***** In the afternoon General Sheridan struck the enemy south of Sailor's Creek, captured sixteen pieces of artillery and about 400 wagons, and detained him until the Sixth Corps got up, when a general attack of in- fantry and cavalrj' was made, which resulted in the capture of 6000 or 7000 prisoners, among whom w^ere many general officers. ***** Qq ^j^g morning of the 7th the pursuit was renewed, the cavalry, except one division, and the Fifth Corps moving by Prince Edward Court-house : the Sixth Corps and one division of cavalry on Farmville, and the Second Corps by the High Bridge road. It was soon found that the enemy had crossed to the north side of the Appomattox; but so close was the pursuit that the Second Corps got possession of the common bridge at High Bridge before the enemy could destroy it, and immediately crossed over. The Sixth Corps and a division of cavalry crossed at Farmville to its support. ***** Early on the morning of the 8th the pursuit was resumed. General Meade followed north of the Appomattox, and Gen- eral Sheridan with all the cavalr}^ pushed straight for Ap- pomattox Station, followed by General Ord's command and the Fifth Corps. During the day General Meade's advance had considerable fighting with the enemy's rear guard, but was unable to bring on a general engagement. Late in the evening General Sheridan struck the railroad at Appomattox Station, drove the enemy from there, and captured twenty- five pieces of artillery, a hospital train and four trains of cars loaded with supplies for Lee's army. * * * * On the morning of the 9th, General Ord's command and the Fifth Corps reached Appomattox Station just as the enemy was making a desperate effort to break through our cavalry. The infantrv was at once thrown in. Soon after, a Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 505 white flap: was received, requesting a suspension of hostilities pending' negotiations for a surrender. * * * * The interview was held at Appomattox Court-house, the result of which is set forth in the following- correspondence : Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9th, 1865. Gen. R. E. Lee: General : In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit : Rolls of all the oi^cers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged; and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillerj'- and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, or their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as he ob- serves his parole and the laws in force where he may reside. U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-general. Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, April 9th, 1865. Lieut.-gen. U. S. Grant: General : I received your letter of this date containing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted. I will 506 History of the proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipula- tions into effect. R. E. Lee, General. The command of Major-general Gibbon, the Fifth Army Corps, under Griffin, and MacKenzie's cavalrj' -were des- ignated to remain at Appomattox Conrt-house until the paroling of the surrendered army was completed, and to take charge of the public property. The remainder of the army immediately returned to the \ncinity of Burkeville. ********** Let them hope for perpetual peace and harmony with that enemy whose manhood, however mistaken the cause, drew forth such herculean deeds of valor. (Signed) U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-general. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of "War. Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, July 1st, 1864. Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade from May 4th to 26th inclusive. On the afternoon of ]\Iay 4th. the brigade marched from Culpeper and encamped near Shepardstown on the road to Richards' Ford. May 5th crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford and advanced to Chancellorsville. On the morning of ]May 6th. I was ordered to advance with the brigade and Heaton's battery to the Brock road and take up a position on the right of General Custer, and to endeavor to communicate with and watch the left of our infantry line. If I found General Custer engaged, I was ordered to sup- port him. Sixth New York Cavalry. 507 On reaching the position, I found General Custer briskly engaged with the enemy, who had also opened a battery of three guns posted in a field in his front. I formed the brigade in support and ordered Lieutenant Heaton to place his battery in position behind the crest of the hill in rear of Custer's line and then to run up his guns by hand to the crest, which was covered with dwarf pine. By this means the guns were trained and ready to open before the enemy was aware of their presence. The giuis were at once opened and in a few minutes the rebel battery was driven from the ground, with a loss of captain, lieuten- ant, several men and eight horses killed. The enemy made no further demonstration at this point during the day. I succeeded in connecting the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Caval- ry with the left of the Second Corps and Sixth New York Cavalrv', with right of General Gregg, near Todd's Tavern. About 5 p.m. I was ordered to retire to the Furnace, where the brigade encamped. On the morning of ^Nlay 7th I was ordered to march to the point occupied the day previous, General Custer following. We met the enemy on the road, drove in his advance and succeeded in establishing the line on the right, but as General Gregg had not yet come up on the left, the enemy obstinately held the road to Todd's Tavern. A brisk skirmish ensued on that road, part of Sixth New York charging down the road, but was repulsed with some loss, the enemy being dismounted and behind barricades. The advance of General Gregg on the left soon after com- pelled the rebels to retire, and I was ordered to advance to Todd's Tavern, where the brigade was massed. Brigadier- general Merritt having assumed command of the division, about 4 p.m. I was ordered to support the reserve brigade, then engaged with the enemy on the road to Spottsylvania Court-house. On reaching the front, I was informed by Colonel Gibbs that his ammiuiition was exhausted, and upon his request, I successively dismounted Sixth and Ninth New York and 508 History of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and relieved all of the reserve brigade that my front would cover. The men went in with a will and we drove the enemy through the woods until dark, when I fell back slightly, and took up a position at the cross-roads, holding well on the flanks. The brigade having advanced so far that no connection could be made with our troops on the right, I was ordered to fall back to the edge of the wood and encamp. On the morning of IMay 8th, I was ordered to march in rear of the reserve brigade on the road to Spottsylvania Court- house. The enemy was met near the point to which we had driven them the night previous, and a sharp fight ensued. I was ordered to support, and dismounting the Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, sent them in on the right and left of the reserve brigade. The enemy was driven back to a strong position barricaded along his whole front, which he succeeded in holding until the cavalry was relieved by the Fifth Corps, when the brigade was ordered to retire. The casualties in the brigade during the two days' fighting around Todd's Tavern summed up as follows: seven men killed, three officers and forty-three men wounded and four men missing, making a total of three officers and fifty-four men. The brigade was then ordered to proceed to Silvers on the plank road, near which point it encamped. The Raid. The division under command of Brigadier-general Merritt left camp at daybreak on the morning of May 9th. I was ordered to follow in rear of Custer's brigade, and after cross- ing the Ny, Po and IMatta Rivers, reached Childsburg, where the division halted to feed. The march was resumed, and fording the North Anna, the brigade reached a point near Beaverdam Station, on the Virginia Central Railroad, after dark. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 509 At this point the Sixth New York and Seventeenth Penn- sylvania were detached to destroy the railroad at the station, after which the brigade encamped. May 10th the brigade marched in rear of the division to Negro Foot, where a halt was made. After feeding animals the march was resnmed, the brigade crossing Ground Squirrel Bridge, on the South Anna, after dark. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania was left on the north side to hold the bridge. The Ninth and Sixth New York encamped on the south side. May 11th the brigade, having first burned the bridge, marched in rear of the reserve brigade and reached Allen's Station on Fredericksburg Railroad at 11 a.m. Parties were immediately detached to destroy the railroad as far as Hun- garv^ Station. Battle at Yellow Tavern. The enemy showing himself in strong force on left and front, I was ordered to advance to the front and drive him from the Brook turnpike. I moved to Yellow Tavern, where I found part of the reserve brigade. Advancing the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania through the woods on the right, I swung around on the turnpike, driving the enemy from and seizing the crossroads leading to Ashland and Hanover C. H., the point being six miles from Richmond. I was then ordered to make a reconnoissance toward Rich- mond, at least as far as Brook Bridge. The Sixth New York was ordered to advance, and the two leading squadrons to charge on the rebel cavalry about five hundred yards in front. The enemy fled, closely pursued by the Sixth for over two miles, across the bridge and into the outer works of Richmond. Our men were here checked until three squadrons dismounted and drove the rebels from the works, the mounted men chasing them beyond Brook Church and nearly to the inner works. The bells could be heard ringing, locomotives whistling, and general alarm and bustling seemed to prevail in Richmond. 510 History of the I reported and was ordered to hold my advanced position, as well as the crossroads, three miles in the rear. I had but two regiments (the Ninth New York having been sent to the left to support the reserve brigade) and one section of Wil- liston's battery. I detached two squadrons of Seventeenth Pennsylvania to a road between Brook Bridge and my posi- tion, to cover the rear of the Sixth New York, and with the other four squadrons and section of battery, held the Ash- land fork, opening upon the enemy's flank, while Gener>il Custer charged him in front. In the meantime the Ninth New York (which had been detached to my left to support the right of the reserve bri- gade) charged and routed the Fifth Virginia Cavalry, almost annihilating that regiment, killing their Colonel (Pate) and a large number of officers and men, and capturing eight offi- cers and eighty-four enlisted men, for whom they have re- iceipts, although the regiment claims to have captured ten officers and one hundred and fifteen men. Both regiments were dismounted. At dark I was ordered to send a recounoissanee to the Me- chanicsville turnpike. I ordered Major Hall of the Six;th New York on this duty, with two squadrons. The recounois- sanee was successfully made as far as Meadow's Bridge, cap- turing an orderly with dispatches from General Bragg. At midnight I was ordered to march in advance of the division and in rear of General Wilson. Passed through the outer works of Richmond and about daybreak reached the vicinity of Meadow Bridge. Found General Wilson engag- ing the enemy on the right. I was here ordered to send my pioneers to repair the Mead- ow Bridges, which the enemy was endeavoring to destroy. Lieutenant Gating with eight pioneers drove the party from the bridges and commenced work, but it was soon found that it would require a large force to repair, and also to keep off the enemy. Working detachments were sent down, and tw'O regiments of First Brigade, armed with Spencer rifles, were sent in to keep the enemy in check. Sixth New York Cavalry. 511 After some hours' labor, the bridges were repaired under the direction of General Custer, and I was ordered to follow the First Brigade across the bridge. The enemy having erected strong works on the left of the railroad covering the bridges and road, anci obstinately refus- ing to leave them, I was ordered to support General Custer with two regiments. I dismounted and advanced the Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania on the left of the railroad. Those two gallant regiments, after coolly deploy- ing in the open field under the enemy's fire, charged full upon his rifle-pits, utterly routing him and captuinng a number of prisoners in the works, besides thirty of the enemy's wounded found in and around the works who could not be taken off. The movement cost us some gallant officers and men. Lieuten- ant Shultz, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, was killed, and Major Corrigan, Ninth New York, lost a leg and has since died of his wounds. The enemy was pursued for a mile, but having no mounted men over the bridges, we were unable to reach him. After the brigade was mounted and formed, I was ordered to march with the division to Gaines Mill. May 13th marched with the division from Gaines Mill to a point near Bottom's Bridge and encamped. May 14th crossed the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge and marched to INIalvern Hill. IMay 17th I received orders to advance with my own and reserve brigade to the crossroads near Newmarket and threaten Richmond in that direction, but not engage the enemy in force. I placed the reserve brigade in position near NewTnarket, and with the Second Brigade advanced to Camp Holly. From that point I ordered one regiment to proceed on the Varina road in the direction of Chapin Bluff. The regiment (Ninth New York) returned at night, hav- ing met a part of Forty-second Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, whom they routed, capturing one officer and two men. I returned to camp at Malvern Hill and the same night marched 512 History of the to Jones' Bridge, on the Chickahominy, arriving at 9 a.m. on the 18th. May 18th crossed the Chickahominy and marched to Bal- timore Store and encamped. May 21st marched to White House and encamped. May 22d crossed the Pamunky at night and encamped. May 23d marched by King William C. H. to the Matta- pony, opposite Dunkirk, at which point I was ordered to bridge the river if possible. This I effected by means of scows or ferry-boats, lashed together, anchored and covered with timber procured by tearing down the storehouses at the ferry. The bridge was amply sufficient to cross the corps. The Sixth New York was sent across, mounted, and held the roads in front. May 24th the brigade marched with the division by Man- gohick Church to Reedy Swamp, where it encamped. Horses and men suffered terribly with heat and dust. I had the horses led for five miles and lost but few. May 25th marched in rear of the division by Chesterfield Station to Polecat Creek, where it encamped near the trains. Although diminished in numbers by the absence of one regiment (Fourth New York Cavalry) and battery, the bri- gade sustained its M^ell-earned repfiitation throughout this short and sharp campaign. The regimental commanders. Colonel Sackett, Ninth New York; Lieutenant-colonel Ander- son, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, and Lieutenant-colonel Crock- er, Sixth New York, were conspicuous at all times for their gallantry and enterprise, and were well supported by their officers and men. To the brigade staff, Surgeon Clarke, Captains I\Iahnken, Wright and W^hite, and Lieutenants Cating and Parker, act- ing aides, I am indebted for valuable service. Very respectfully your obedient servant, (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Colonel Commanding. To Capt. A. E. Dana, A. A. G., First Cavalry Division. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 513 Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division. July 4th, 1864. Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade since j\Iay 26, 1864 : The brigade left camp near Polecat Creek in advance of the division on the morning of ]\Iay 26th, and marched to ]\Iangohick Church, where the division halted for some hours. At 10 p.m. I marched in rear of the division, and one hour before daybreak reached the Pamunky opposite Hanovertown. On the morning of jNIay 27th, crossed the pontoon bridge, in rear of the division, and went into position on the hill to the right and front of Hanovertown. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania was ordered to the right to support a regiment of First Brigade, then advancing upon and skirmishing with the enemy. One section of Heaton's battery was also placed in position upon the right, the other section covering the approach from Hanover C. H. One squadron, Ninth New York, was ordered to the ex- treme right to cover the flank of the Seventeenth Pennsyl- vania. The enemy showing a disposition to retire, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania w^as ordered to swing around on its left flank, through the w^oods, and advance toward the road leading to Hanover C. H. Lieutenant-colonel Anderson successfully accomplished the movement as directed, capturing four offi- cers and thirty-six men. At this point the line was connected with the right of First Brigade. The enemy having withdrawn into the woods, covering the bridge across Crump's Creek, I ordered part of the squadron of Ninth New York to charge down the road and develop his position. The charge was gallantly led by Captain Wright, brigade inspector. The rebel pickets were met at the bridge, driven across the creek and over the opposite hill, where nearly a brigade of South Carolina Cavalry was found in the road attempting to get into position. AYithout hesita- 33 514 History of the tion the little band cliarg'ed them, and at one time had pris- oners donble their own number. The bridge having been partly destroyed, and the party on retiring- being- hotly pressed, they succeeded in bringing off but three officers and eighteen men. Ascertaining that the ground beyond was open, I ordered the Seventeenth Pennsylvania to mount and prepare to press the enemy, but as the regiment was about to advance, I was ordered to hold the bridge and line of the creek. The Ninth New York was placed in position on the line indicated, and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Sixth New York in line in the field to the right of the road, with Heaton's battery in position. The brigade soon after went into camp. The day's operations summed up a loss of one killed and four wounded. The enemy having retired from the vicinity of the creek the morning of May 28th, Lieutenant-colonel Anderson, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, was ordered to advance and feel his position on the hills one and a half miles in front. After skirmishing for an hour, the enemy was found strongly posted on the hill and w^ooded declivity in its front. As it was not intended to force an engagement, Lieutenant- colonel Anderson was ordered to retire, and a division of Sixth Corps having relieved the brigade, I was ordered to march to Hall's Shop. Arriving- at this point, the brigade was massed in brigade line of regiments in squadron column, in rear of the Second Division, then engaged with the enemy. At dark I was ordered to march to Hanovertown, where the brigade encamped for the night. May 29th the brigade crossed Totopotomoy Creek and ad- vanced to a position on the Old Church road, where it en- camped, picketing to Old Church, and connecting ^nth Second Division. May 30th I advanced to a position on right and rear of Lipscomb's Tavern, where the brigade encamped. I was here ordered to communicate with General Warren's left, Sixth New York Cavalry. 515 wliieli was advancing' toward Grove Church, and to picket and hold Cold Harbor road. After a personal reconnois- sance on the latter road, I posted the reserve on the strong- position at JNIattadequin River, with pickets advanced to the road forks, three-quarters of a mile in front. My orders were that, if attacked, the reserve should hold the river in any event until support arrived. Battle of ]\Iattadequin Creek. About one hour after being posted, the advanced pickets were attacked by a battalion of cavalry, and driven across the run, at which point the enemy was checked. I immedi- ately ordered IMajor Durland, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, with the other two squadrons (three squadrons being detached on the Shady Grove Road) to support his pickets and re-estab- lish them. This was effected in a short time, the enemy retiring upon being charged, and the line was re-established. About one hour after the first attack, it Avas again renewed in force. Ordering the Sixth and Ninth New York to sad- dle up and follow, I proceeded to the front and found the three squadrons of Seventeenth Pennsylvania briskly eng'aged with the enemy, who Avas endeavoring to force a passage across the run. I immediately dismounted and deployed the Sixth New York on the right of the Seventeenth Pennsyl- vania, and the Ninth New York on the left. There was but little time for reconnoitring the ground (which on the flanks Avas heavily wooded), as the enemy was pressing both flanks of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, but I judged it to average the same as that in my front, and believing that the enemy's force Avas not superior to my own, I intended as soon as his front was fully developed to turn his left with the Sixth New York and endeavor to secure some prisoners and horses. At this time the General commanding division came upon the ground and assumed command. The enemy began to show a much heavier force, and successively the reserve brigade and part of the First Brigade Avere sent in and became warm- Iv engaged. 516 History of the The ammnuition .of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania having become exhausted, they were temporarily relieved, the Second E/egTLilars taking up their position. The Sixth New York forced a passage across the ravine and rim in their front, and pressed the enemy's left success- fully. The Ninth New York on the left, after crossing two very deep ravines, found themselves on the north bank of the run with an abrupt descent and ascent of nearly forty feet on each bank, and the enemy strongly barricaded on the edge of the woods, facing the south bank, with a clearing of fifteen rods in his front. After losing some valuable men, Colonel Sackett w^as forced to abandon the attempt to cross in the face of the enemy, imtil the gallant charge of two regiments of First Brigade in the centre relieved him by flanking the left of the rebel position, when he immediately crossed the run and pressed the enemy sharply, capturing a number of prisoners. At this time, a general advance being ordered, I advanced to the forks and thence to the intersection of Bottom's Bridge road with that to White House, at which point the brigade encamped for the night. On the afternoon of jMay 31st, I received the following- order : Headquarters First Cavalry Division, May 31st, 1864. Colonel Devin, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division C. C. Colonel : There will be an advance of the division on Cold Harbor this afternoon. You will be in the saddle and start promptly at 4 p.m. on the road, where your scouts went this morning. From all information I can gain, you can go within about one and a half miles of Cold Harbor without meeting their pickets. Keep a few men ahead, and when they meet the enemy halt and let your command close up. When you hear that I am well engaged on the right, where General Merritt Sixth New York Cavalry. 517 will advance, I want yon to make a bold pnsli for Cold Har- bor. It is possible yon may have to dismonnt a regiment to attract the enemy, bnt you must send one or two sabre regi- ments in among their led horses. General Custer will send one regiment across country from his present position, start- ing at 4 p.m. Caution your men of this, and don't fire on them if they get into Cold Harbor in advance, or while march- ing up there. ■ Have no bugle calls while getting ready. En- deavor to communicate with me across country. I will be on the road where General JNIerritt is. Yours, etc., (Signed) A. T. A. Torbert, B. G. v.. Commanding First Cavalry Division. The roads by which I was directed to reach Cold Harbor, formed tico sides of a quadrangle, on one side of which Gen- eral Merritt was to advance. I started at the hour named, with one squadron (Han- ley's) of Ninth New York in advance. Wlien within two miles of Cold Harbor a line of pickets was discovered across the road and faced toward us, I halted and closed the com- mand, as per order, and advancing to reconnoitre, found them to be the pickets of Fifth I\Iichigan Cavalry. I immediately ordered the commanding officer to take his regiment off the road and to the right, and again advanced. One mile in advance of this point. I was fired upon by the enemy's pick- ets, and, charging upon him, was stopped by a barricade with dense thicket on each side. At this time, skirmishing was first heard on our right, apparently from General iNIerritt's advance. I immediately dismounted the Seventeenth Pennsylvania (as I wished to keep the Ninth New York mounted for a charge) and advanced through the woods, at the same time removing the barricade and ordering the Ninth New York to follow mounted. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania became 518 . History of the almost immediately heavily engaged, losing a number of men. We had by this time almost reached Cold Harbor, but finding another strong barricade in my front, and the pressure on the left of Seventeenth Pennsylvania becoming very heavy, I was forced to dismount the Ninth New York to support them. I now had but one regiment left (Sixth New York) to guard my led horses and my left rear, but I determined, if opportunity served, to send that in mounted. On emerging from the woods near Cold Harbor, I found .myself in the direct front of the enemy's barricades, which extended one-third of a mile to my left, from which they were then maintaining a very heavy fire on the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, then charging on the crossroads. The Ninth N^w York at this time advancing on the left and rear of Seventeenth Pennsylvania, the enemy left his position behind the barricade and retired in the direction of Gaines Hill. There was no opportunity to use the sabre, the nature of the country effectually preventing a mounted command from reaching the right flank of the enemy's position, and it was utterly impossible to force a passage up the road until the barricades had been carried and removed and the enemy driven from the woods on the left. Not a moment's time was lost after reaching the first barricade until the brigade fought its way into Cold Harbor. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania alone lost nearly thirty men in half an hour. The brigade was then ordered to take up a position, dis- mounted, on General Custer's left, and erect barricades, "\vith a view of maintaining the important position from which the enemy had been driven by the division. About midnight the brigade was ordered to retire to the position it had occupied in the morning. On reaching the Bottom's Bridge road, I was ordered to halt and await orders. At 3 a.m. I Avas ordered to return and reoccupy my former position at Cold Harbor. This I effected at daylight and again connected with General Custer. During the attack on the position, which followed, my command was not engaged, , Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 519 with the exception of the advanced skirmishers. About noon the brigade Avas relieved and marched in rear of the division to Prospect Church, where it encamped for the night. June 2d the Seventeenth Pennsylvania was ordered to proceed in the direction of Cold Harbor and endeavor to find some road leading to the left of our position of the day previous, and to communicate with the left of our infantry line. Lieutenant-colonel Anderson, commanding the regi- ment, found it impossible to reach the left, except by the direct approach to Cold Harbor, and after making a detour of some miles, found himself at Sumner's Bridge, where General C4regg was engaging the enemy. Part of the Sixth New York under ^Major Hall was sent in toward Dispatch Station, where they met two squadrons of rebel cavalry, Avhich they drove toward Bottom's Bridge. About noon the brigade advanced to the bridge, the advance g-uard under Captain Aitken driving a strong party of the enemy's cavalry across the bridge. The Sixth New York was ordered to the vicinity of the bridge, when the enemy unmasked a gun upon the south bank, and opened upon the led horses with solid shot, killing four horses and taking off the leg of one man. The brigade went into camp on the left of the bridge, which the Sixth New York continued to hold, although much an- noyed by the enemy's sharpshooters. Lieutenant Cortelyou was severely wounded while relieving his skirmishers. June 4th the brigade marched to Old Church, at which point Heaton's battery and the Fourth New York Cavalry, with some remounted men of other regiments, joined the brigade. June 5th the brigade marched to Studley near Hall's Shop, and encamped for the night. June 6th the eoinmand marched by Hanovertown to New- castle Ferry, and w^ent into camp. June 7th the brigade crossed the Pamunky at Newcastle Ferry, on pontoons, and marched in rear of the division to 520 History of the a point two miles north of Aylett's, Avhere it encamped for the night. June 8th marched by Polecat Station to a point near Athens, where the brigade encamped. June 9th marched by Childsburg to the vicinity of New- market, where the brigade encamped. June 10th marched to Good Hope Church, at which point the Seventeenth Pennsylvania was ordered to proceed to a point on the right flank where a rebel hospital Avas said to be located, marched from Good Hope Church to Woodf oik's Farm, five miles from Trevilians Station, where the brigade encamped. June 11th the pickets of the brigade were attacked at daylight, but the enemy (a small party) was driven off. Shortl}^ after, the reserve brigade advanced toward Trevil- ians and my command was ordered to follow. Fight at Trevilians Station. The reserve brigade soon became heavily engaged, and I was ordered to send one regiment in support. The Ninth New York was deployed and advanced on the right of the main road, connecting on its right with First New York Dragoons, and on the left with a small detaclunent (thirty men) of Second Regulars. I was now ordered to send in the Fourth New York on the left of General Merritt's line. The regiment was deployed, connecting on the right with First Regulars and on the left with Colonel Gregg's brigade. The First Regulars being soon after withdrawn from the left, the Fourth New York was ordered to move to the right and connect Avith the road. Beaton's battery having been sent to the extreme left, three squadrons of the Sixth New York Avere ordered to support it. One squadron of the Sixth NeAv York had been sent to communicate Avith General Custer. and one squadron in rear of the division train. The two regiments of my brigade (Fourth and Ninth Ncav York) being noAV formed on each side of the road, I assumed Sixth New York Cavalry. 521 command at that point and advanced with the line. General Torbert, commanding division, came up immediately after and advanced with the skirmishers. On emerging from the woods, the enemy was found occupying, with his centre, a house and orchard on a ridge three-quarters of a mile in front of Trevilians. I ordered the advance to be sounded, and the Ninth New York to charge and occupy the house and orchard. This they accomplished with a cheer, taking a number of prisoners. General Torbert immediately ordered the line to be formed on the crest until the alignmeut could be rectified, the enemy still maintaining a heaw fire. In charging the orchard, the Ninth New York had di- verged to the right, and the Fourth New York continuing to keep the left of the road, a regiment of Gregg's brigade had crossed the rear of the Fourth New York and came out on the right. I immediately formed the regiment on the crest on left of the Ninth New York. An advance w^as again ordered, and sending for Heaton's battery and the Sixth New York, I directed Lieutenant Parker of my staff to re-establish the connection between the Fourth and Ninth New York and to press on to the station, which was successfully accomplished, the station occupied, and a number of prisoners captured from the Fifth South Carolina, together with a hospital wagon loaded wath stores, and one battle flag. I was then ordered to bring up the battery and the Sixth New^ York. General ]\Ierritt having now advanced his line upon the right, I placed Heaton's batter}- in position in rear of his right, the approach to my position on the left being difficult and the position of the battery on the right being an excel- lent one. Soon after, the enemy pressed and attempted to drive in the skirmishers of the reserve brigade, when I ordered the battery to open and the rebels were soon driven to the woods. At a later hour, they again advanced in heavier force on the same point, but again the well-directed fire of the battery drove the enemy to shelter, and he desisted 522 History of the from further efforts. General Torbert then ordered the bat- tery to take np a position one hundred and fifty yards in advance of the previous one, the line at the same time being advanced. About 6 p.m. the Fourth New York and First New York Dragoons were ordered to advance and feel the position in front. I advanced with the Fourth New York and ascertained that the enemy had retired beyond the forks of the Gordonsville and Charlottesville roads. I was ordered by General Torbert to hold the forks, which I did with the Sixth New York, the other regiments of the brigade remaining in position at the station, and connecting on left with General Custer's and on the right with General Merritt's brigades. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania had come in during the day after a hard march of twenty miles on the right, Lieutenant- colonel Anderson having paroled some sixty prisoners and brought in one hundred and thirty. The Fourth and Ninth New York captured during the engagement one hundred and thirty-six prisoners. Our losses were severe. Colonel Sackett, Ninth New York, Avas mortally wounded while gallantly leading his regiment into action, and several other officers and many brave men fell before the station was carried. During the afternoon details were made from Fourth and Ninth New York and the railroad at the station was thor- oughly torn up. The next morning, June 12th, the work of destroying and burning the railroad station, water tank, etc., was renewed and continued until afternoon. The brigade was then or- dered to advance and mass in rear of Custer's brigade, which was moving upon the enemy's position beyond the road forks. I was at the same time ordered to hold the road to INIum- ford's Bridge across South Anna. The enemy shortly after made a demonstration on that road, but the Ninth New York being sent out in support of the pickets, the rebels were checked and driven back. I was then ordered to send one regiment, dismounted, to Sixth Netv York Cavalry. 523 the right of the railroad and two mounted regiments to report to General Merritt. I forthwith sent the regiments as or- dered, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, with Lieutenant Gating of the brigade staff, and the Fourth and Sixth New York, with Lieutenant Goldsmith of the division staff. I remained with the Ninth New York and battery near the position first taken up. As I was not personally engaged in the action which fol- lowed, I would respectfully refer to annexed reports of regi- mental commanders for details of the position assigned to and part taken by their regiments. At dark, hearing that the command was falling back, I proceeded to the front, and meeting Golonel Cesnola, Fourth New York, who was endeavoring to reform his command, I ordered him to form at the road forks. I sent Captain Wright to bring out the Sixth New York, and Lieutenant Gating to retire the Seventeenth Pennsylvania. The latter regiment had been obliged to shift position to the right, and it was 10.30 p.m. before the regiment could be found and retired. The loss in the three regiments engaged was severe. At midnight the brigade was ordered to march wdtli the division, and crossing the North Anna and North Fork, went into camp near Troyman's Store, on the afternoon of June 13th. June 14th the brigade marched in rear of the division to Shady Grove Church, near which point it encamped. June 15th marched by Spottsylvania C. H. to Stannard's IMarch and encamped. June 16th marched by Bowling Green to a point near Mat- tacoy bridge and encamped. June ITtli marched by Ne^vtown Chapel Bridge and Clarksville to a point near Walkertown and encamped. June 18th marched by Walkertown to King and Queen C. H. and encamped. June 19th marched by Walkertown and Clarksville to Dunkirk. Two squadrons of Sixth New York were ordered 524 History of the to swim their horses over the Mattapony and hold the oppo- site front until the pontoon should be laid. Heaton's battery was placed in position on the hill to the left covering the crossing. The remainder of the brigade went into camp. June 20th crossed the pontoon bridge in rear of the divi- sion, the Fourth New York being ordered to remain at Dun- kirk as guard to the bridge and train. Marched by King William C. H. and Lanesville to camp near the White House bridge. June 21st crossed the railroad bridge and massed in the field beyond. I was here ordered to march to St. Peter's Church. With the three regiments of the brigade, and the rifle section of Heaton's battery, I advanced up the hill on the road to St. Peter's Church. Almost immediately after enter- ing the woods, I met the enemy's advance, and after a brisk skirmish, drove them nearly a mile, until I came in sight of the church, about six hundred yards on my left front. On the "direct" and "right" front, the road continued through thick woods. At this point the enemy made a determined stand, and I was obliged to dismount the Ninth New York, the ammimi- tion of part of Seventeenth Pennsylvania becoming ex- hausted. The enemy's line could be felt for one half mile to the right of the road, and could be seen for half a mile to the left of the church. The groiuid on the left was open, with deep ravines between my position and the church. Hea^y columns of dust could be seen passing from extreme left to right. A squadron of Sixth New York, mounted, was dis- posed to watch the left flank, when the enemy's dismounted skirmishers advanced dowoi the hill and opened a hot fire upon them, driving them back. I was obliged to dismount the other squadron of Sixth New York, who soon checked and drove back the enemy. The rebel line was evidently just in front of and parallel with the road from St. Peter's to TunstalPs. Sixth New York Cavalry. 525 A prisoner from Wickham's brigade stated that Lee and Hampton were both in front, and there was e\adeutly a heavy force. At this time I had replenished my ammunition and was about to make a determined effort to drive the enemy from the crossroads in front (having notified the General com- manding of my intention), when I received orders not to advance until ordered. While awaiting orders, Lieutenant- colonel Anderson of Seventeenth Pennsylvania notified me that the enemy appeared to be retiring, when I assumed the responsibility of advancing and occupied the crossroads and church without opposition. On the right, the enemy's rear guai'd could be seen retiring in haste. During the heavy skirmishing in front, the enemy opened one gun from the right of the church, but as it did not annoy me, I did not unmask my section, not wishing to use it until about to advance. During this short but severe fight, Major Bentley, Ninth NeAV York, one of our bravest and most efficient officers, was struck in the leg, necessitating amputation. I Avas ordered to hold the crossroads and church, which I did with Ninth New York, the other regiments retiring two miles to camp, where I was joined by the Fourth New York, which had brouc;ht the pontoon train from Dunkirk. June 22d I was ordered to march wdth the brigade to Baltimore" Store, thence, in advance of the division, to Jones ' Bridge on the Chickahominy. Arriving at that point, a small party of the enemy was found attempting to destroy the bridge over the mill-race. They were driven off and the bridge partially saved. Some men were immediately thrown across and found the same party endeavoring to destroy the bridge across the river. Knowing the importance of preserv- ing whatever means of crossing existed, I had advanced to the bridge and immediately ordered Major Beardsley with the other squadrons of Sixth New York to cross and occupy the roads in front. The brigade followed and encamped in 526 History of the advance of the division, holding the roads leading to Charles City and Long Bridge. On the morning of June 23d, Lieutenant-colonel Nichols with Ninth New York was sent on special service to the James River. Soon after, tli-e pickets of Sixth New York on Long Bridge road were attacked by a heavy force of the enemy, who succeeded in flanking their barricades, and drove them in to within five hundred yards of the main road. They were quicldy reinforced by the other squadrons, and the enemy was checked, until I came up with the Fourth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania. In the meantime, General Getty, whose column had halted near the road, had offered me a colored regiment, until I could get my other regiments up. The colored soldiers be- haved well enough at first, but their officers could not be found, and they were soon in hopeless confusion. I relieved them with Seventeenth Pennsylvania and sending in the Fourth New York on the right, drove the enemy back to a strong position, which he had barricaded, and from which, on my again advancing to assail him, he retired with precipita- tion. I immediately established my pickets one mile in advance of the former position and returned to camp. The attacking force was Chamblin's brigade and two guns. Our loss was eight killed and ten wounded, nearly all in first attack. The proportion of killed shows the desperate tenacity with which the pickets of the Sixth New York en- deavored to hold their position. On the morning of June 24th, the brigade marched in rear of the division train by Charles City C. H. to James River, arriving after nightfall. The brigade had scarcely gone into camp before "boots and saddles" was sounded and I was ordered to march to the road forks, one and a half miles beyond Charles City C. H., and support General Getty, who had been ordered to hold that position. Sixth New York Cavalry. 527 On arriving near that point, I massed the brigade and battery in the fields on his left and rear, and dismounting the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Fourth New York, re- lieved General Getty's line on the left of the main road, holding the approach by which the enemy was expected to advance, with one twelve-pounder gun in position at the road forks. The night passed without alarm except from Getty's troops, who would fire into each other occasionally. The infantry retired soon after daylight, and an hour afterward I was relieved and marched to Charles City, thence to camp near Wyanoke Landing.- June 28th the brigade crossed in transports to Windmill Point and encamped. June 29th marched to Prince George C. H. June 30th marched to Lee's Mill, thence to Jerusalem plank road, returning and encamping near Lee's ]\Iill. July 1st marched to plank road and at night camped at intersection of road to Prince George C. H. July 2d marched to James River and encamped at Light- house Point. During the short but arduous campaign since May 26th, the brigade has lost two hundred and twenty (officers and men) killed and wounded, a loss comparatively severe when it is recollected that they Avere all old and tried soldiers. But forty-nine men are missing, many of whom have doubt- less been killed or wounded, while during the same time, the brigade has captured from the enemy over two hundred men and twenty officers. Where all have done their whole duty, it is impossible to discriminate. The regimental commanders, their officers and the men have, as always heretofore, been up to the mark wherever they have been placed or whatever duty was en- trusted to them. The brigade staff. Captains IMahnken, Wright and White, and my Acting Aids, Lieutenants Gating and Parker, have rendered me most valuable and often hazardous service. 528 History of the Dr. Clarke, siirg-eon-in-chief, has been indefatigable in the performance of his duties, and the wounded owe much to his timely care and presence. Lieutenant Wheeler, acting brigade quartermaster, has as usual rendered valuable service, not onlj^ to the command, but to the whole division, and I would again urge upon superior authority the claims of this energetic and efficient officer. N.B. — I should have stated that it was by General Tor- bert's order that Lieutenant Gating was sent to bring out the Seventeenth Pennsylvania on the night of June 12tli. Trusting this report will be found satisfactory, I am Veiy respectfully your obedient servant, Thos. C. Devin, Col. Com'd'g Brigade. To Capt. A. E. Dana, A. A. G., First Cavalry Division. EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS BY GENERAL SHERIDAN. Winchester, Va., Aug. 17th, 1864. General IMerritt's division of cavalry was attacked yester- day afternoon on north side of Shenandoah by Kershaw's division of Longstreet's corps and Wickham's and Lomax's brigades of cavalry. After a very handsome cavalry fight the enemy was badly beaten, Avith a loss of two stands of colors, twenty-four officers and two hundred and seventy-six men prisoners. ****** r^i-^Q cavalry made some handsome sabre charges, in wiiieh most of the prisoners were captured. Colonel Devin was slightly wounded, but continued in the saddle. * * * Only Devin 's and Custer's brigades were engaged. * * Strasburg, Oct. 9th, 1864. In coming back to this point I was not followed in until late yesterday, when a large force of cavalry appeared in Sixth New York Cavalry. 529 my rear. I then halted the command to offer battle by attacking the enemy. I became satisfied that it was only all the rebel cavalry of the valley commanded by Rosser, and directed Torbert to attack at daylight this morning and finish this "Savior of the Valley." The attack was hand- somely made. Custer, commanding Third Cavalry Division, charged on the Back road, and Merritt. commanding First Cavalry Division, on the Strasbnrg pike. Merritt captured five pieces of artillery. Custer captured six pieces of artil- lery, with caissons, battery forge, etc. The two divisions captured thirty-seven wagons, ambulances, etc. Among the wagons captured are the headquarters wagons of Rosser, Lomax and Wiekham and Colonel Pollard (Munford?). The number of prisoners captured will be about three hundred and thirty. The enemy after being charged by our gallant cavalry were broken, and ran; they were followed by our men on the jump twenty-six miles through IMount Jackson and across the North Fork of the Shenandoah. I deemed it best to make this delay of one day here and settle this new cavalry general. The eleven pieces of artillery captured to-day make thirty-six pieces of artillery captured in the valley since the 19th of September. Some of the artillery captured was new and never had been fired before. The pieces were marked, "Tredegar Works." Cedar Creek, Oct. 11th, 1864. I have seen no signs of the enemy since the brilliant engage- ment of the 9th instant. It was a square cavalry fight, in which the enemy was routed beyond my power to describe. He lost everything carried on wheels except one piece of artil- lery, and when last seen it was passing over Rude 's Hill, near Newmarket, on the Keen Run, twenty-six miles from the bat- tlefield, to which point the pursuit was kept up. Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 25, 1864. The road between Cedar Creek and Fisher's Hill for three miles was blocked by captured artillery and wagons. 34 530 History of the Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, Oct. 23d, 1864. Captain : July 26tli marched to the Appomattox River, crossed on pontoons, thence to James River, crossing by pontoons to Jones' Neck, from which point the brigade marched to Deep Bottom, arriving on the morning of July 27th. The same day marched to Newmarket road, where the brigade en- camped. July 27th the brigade was ordered to support the reserve brigade, which had been heavily attacked, and the left of which forced back by Wilcox's division of rebel infantry. I immediately ordered the Sixth and Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania to prepare to fight on foot (the Fourth New York had been previously sent on a reconnois- sance on the Charles City road). While this order was in process of execution, the enemy's line of battle appeared on the crest overlooking our position near the Newmarket road. To carry the enemy's position, it was necessary to cross the men by file (on the run) through two passages across a swamp and ditch, and form on the bottom under the crest and the enemy's fire. This was quickly effected. I formed the squadrons as they passed through, and ordered the Ninth New York to gain the woods on the enemy's right flank. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania was ordered to support the Ninth, and as soon as the order was in process of execution, I ordered the Sixth New York to charge up the crest. The enemy, confused by the rapid and effective firing of the Ninth New York on their flank, and the renewed attack of the reserve brigade on their left, retired precipitately when charged in front by the Sixth New York, and the brigade closing in upon them, inflicted severe punishment, capturing seventy-two prisoners (besides a number of wounded), two battle flags, and killing and wounding a large number of the enemy. Sixth Neiu York Cavalry. 531 The enemy showing a disposition to reform and advance, Mclntvre's section of Heaton's battery (which had already opened a heavj^ fire from the bottom) was ordered on the crest, and its splendid practice drove the enemy from the woods where he was massing. The brigade was soon after relieved by Gibbon's division of the Second Corps. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania was ordered to take np a part of the new line for a time, but was retained until 10 p.m., and did not retire until they found the infantry had retired and left their flank exposed. This short but brilliant engagement reflected great credit on the regiments engaged, and established the fact that our cavalry can dismount and with their carbines successfully repulse their own front of veteran infantry. Colonel Cesnola with the Fourth New York was for a time cut off from the command, but succeeded in coming in with the loss of one man wounded and a few horses. July 29th, at 1 a.m., crossed James River to Jones' Neck. At daylight recrossed to Deep Bottom and fonned in line of battle, with the division remaining in line until dark, when the brigade recrossed the James and Appomattox Rivers, and on the morning of July 30th marched to the Jerusalem plank road on the left of the army. On the same night marched to Lee's Mills, relieving a brigade of Gregg's divi- sion. July 31st marched to City Point and encamped. August 3d embarked at City Point for Camp Stoneman at Giesboro's Point. On the night of Aug-ust 6th marched through Washington and Georgetown to Tenallytown, where the brigade encamped. August 7th marched by Rockville, Darnestown and Damersville to Monocacy Church, where the brigade en- camped. August 8th marched by Point of Rocks, Petersville and Knoxville to Pleasant Valley, where the brigade encamped. 532 History of the August 9th crossed the Potomac at Harper's Ferr^^ and marched to Halltown, where the brigade encamped. August 10th marched by Charlestown and Berryville to Chapel Bridge and encamped one mile beyond. Fight at the Old Toll Gate. Colonel Cesnola with the Fourth New York was ordered to reconnoitre toward Newtow^n. Colonel Cesnola having re- ported the enemy in force on the Front Royal turnpike, the brigade was ordered up in support, the Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania on the left, and the Ninth New York advancing on a line one mile to the right, but intersect- ing the Front Royal pike. The enemy was found strong, posted behind stone walls, at the point where the road from White Post to Newto^vu crosses the Front Royal pike. The Sixth New York was ordered to charge the enemy's left flank, but from the nature of the ground, fences, etc., was unable to make any impression mounted, and was obliged to retire. I now ordered one section of Heaton's battery into posi- tion, and opened upon the enemy's front; at the same time I ordered the Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania to dismount and charge the left of his position, which was at this time partially uncovered. The galling fire on his flank soon dislodged the enemy from his cover, and he precipitately retired to a position one mile in rear, whence he opened upon my advance with a battery of three-inch guns. I immediately ordered up the other section of Heaton's battery, and unlimbering within short range, soon made the enemy vacate his new position and retire toward Ne^^i;o^vn. The force engaged proved to be Vaughan's Tennessee bri- gade of mounted infantry. I was now ordered by General Merritt to halt and reform. At 4 p.m. I was ordered to march in rear of the reserve Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 533 brigade on the road toward Newtown. After advancing some miles, the reserve brigade became warmly engaged, and being ordered to support, I sent in successively the Sixth New York, Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Ninth New York. The enemy was driven a mile before dark, when the brigade was retired, and encamped. August 12th the brigade marched to Newtown, where I was ordered to march in the direction of Fawcett's Gap, and scour the country in that vicinity. I marched to Cedar Run Church, whence the Fourth New York was sent to Fawcett's Gap, and the Sixth New York was ordered to pursue a train of the enemy's wagons, then about two miles ahead on the Strasburg road. The Fourth New York reached the gap without trouble, and ascertained that no trains or organized bodies of the enemy had passed in that direction. A few stragglers were captured. The Sixth New York came up and engaged the enemy's rear guard for two miles, but was unable to overtake the wagons before reaching the cover of the enemy's infantry at Strasburg. At 3 p.m. I received a dispatch from General Merritt ordering me to join the division at Middletown, which point I reached at dark, and encamped. August 13th the brigade crossed Cedar Creek to near Stras- burg, but was ordered to recross, and went into camp west of the turnpike. At 7 p.m. the brigade was ordered to march in the direction of Cedarville, on Front Royal and the Win- chester pike. Encamped that night five miles from Middle- town and picketed to Cedarville. August 14th marched to Cedarville and encamped. Drove the enemy's pickets across both forks of the Shenandoah and picketed within sight of Front Royal. August 16th General Merritt came up with the First and reserve brigades. The latter went into position at Stony Point. Custer's brigade remaining in support at Cedarville. 534 History of the Battle of Front Koyal. About 2 p.m. a heavy force of cavalry and artillery crossed the river above the forks, and driving in the squadrons of the Ninth New York on picket, obtained possession of the high crests on each side of the turnpike, at the point where it crosses Crooked Run. At the same time, AVickham's bri- gade of rebel cavalry dashed up the turnpike and charged Hanley's squadron of the Ninth New York (which had been dismounted). Captain Hanley in the most gallant manner held the enemy in check until I was enabled to get up the Fourth New York (Colonel Cesnola), with which I at once charged the enemy's column in flank, capturing a number of prisoners and a battle flag. I now ordered the other three squadrons of the Ninth New York to take position on the hills to the right, and threaten the enemy's left. The Sixth New York and Seven- teenth Pennsylvania were placed in support. The enemy having thrown across the line a heavy force of infantry at the ford at the forks of the two rivers, at this time suddenly appeared in force on the left and front. The Fourth New York and two squadrons of the Sixth New York were sent across the turnpike and at once charged the enemy before he had an opportunity to form. The rebel infantry was driven into the river, where many of them were taken prisoners, and another battle-flag was captured by the Sixth New York. Two squadrons of the Sixth New York had fortunately been left in reserve in a hollow upon the right of the pike. Simultaneously with the charges of the Fourth and Sixth upon the enemy's infantry, his cavalry, led by General Wickham in person, again crossed the run and dashed up uhe pike. The head of his column was at once charged in flank by the two squadrons of the Sixth New York, and again he was routed and driven across the run. The enemy had, by incredible exertion, succeeded in placing his guns upon the almost perpendicular crests Sixth New York Cavalry. 535 before mentioned, and dnring the whole action kept an in- cessant rain of shot and shell upon onr line, but fortunately with slight effect. The elevation was too great to allow of our guns being used upon them etfeetually, although Pierce's battery was advanced to the front and succeeded in reaching the crest with shell. General Custer had in the meantime engaged the enemy upon my extreme left, and although he made repeated efforts to gain a footing upon the side of the run, he was in every instance repulsed until dark. August 17th the brigade marched to Nineveh. At that point the Fourth New York was sent to the vicinity of White Post to burn all hay and grain stacks, etc. The other regiments marched to the Berryville turnpike, to near Chapel Run, where the brigade encamped, picketing the front of the division. August 19th Colonel Cesnola assumed command of the brigade, Colonel Devin having been wounded in the action at Front Royal. August 20th the brigade was ordered to retire to Berry- ville and encamped. August 21st the brigade was ordered to cover the retire- ment of Lowell's brigade, w^hich had been attacked by the enemy on the Winchester pike. After Colonel Lowell had withdrawn, the brigade was ordered to cover the rear of the division, then retiring to Charlestown, where the command encamped. August 22d marched to near ShepherdstoAvn and encamped, picketing toward Charlestown. August 25th marched to Kearneysville, v/here the brigade went into action on the right of the division, then about to engage the enemy's infantry. At 1 p.m., after suffering severely, the brigade was ordered to retire in almost a par- allel with the First Brigade. Marched to near Shepherdstown, where the command 536 History of the again engaged the enemy, who had closed up and had suc- ceeded in cutting off the First Brigade from the division. Major Durland, with Seventeenth Pennsylvania, was ordered to charge the enemy and open communication with the First Brigade. The Major charged gallantly, driving the enemy back into the woods, and to a certain extent relieving the First Brigade, although he did not succeed in opening communication. The brigade was then ordered to retire, and encamped near Bolivar Heights. August 26th advanced pickets to near Charlestown. August 28th marched to Leetown and engaged the enemy's cavalry, driving them through Smithfield, where the brigade encamped. August 29th the brigade was ordered into action in the extreme left of the division, then engaged with the enemy's infantry. After a severe fight the brigade was ordered to retire in column, parallel with the other brigades, and encamped on Washington farm. August 30th the brigade marched to Berryville in ad- vance of the division, and encamped near the town. Colo- nel Cesnola was relieved from commaiid and ordered to Harper's Ferry for muster-out. I would respectfully state that in consequence of a wound received in action near Front Royal I was absent from the brigade from Aug. ]9th to Sept. 15th. consequently unable to detail from personal observation the operations of the brigade during that time, but have been obliged to rely upon such data as are now accessible. I believe, however, the facts as stated are mainly correct. Throughout the whole of this quick, sharp and arduous campaign the officers and men of the brigade have been true to their reputation and that of the gallant old First Division. The regimental commanders, Cesnola, Durland, Nichols and Beardsley, have been up to the mark, and their men have followed with the confidence that arises from an im- plicit trust in the ability of their gallant leaders. Sixth New York Cavalry. 537 My staff. Captain Mahnken, A. A. G. ; Captain Thorp, A. I. G.; Captain White, Pro. Mar.; Surg. Clarke, and Lieu- tenants Gating and Parker, acting aides, have added to their already well-earned reputation as gallant soldiers and efficient staff. Very respectfully, (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Brevet Brigadier-general. EXTRACTS FROM SHERIDAN'S REPORT. It will be seen by the foregoing narrative that the idea advanced by me at the commencement of the campaign, viz., "that our cavalry ought to fight the enemy's cavalry, and our infantry the enemy's infantry," was carried into effect immediately after the Battle of the Wilderness. The result was constant success and the almost total annihilation of the rebel cavalry. We marched when and where we pleased; were always the attacking party, and ahvays successful. During the period herein embraced I am led to believe, on information derived from the most reliable sources, that the enemy's cavalry was superior to ours in numbers, but the esprit of our men increased every day, while that of the enemy diminished. In these marches, and in others after- ward performed in connection with the Valley and Appo- mattox campaigns, we were obliged to live to a great extent on the country. Forage had to be thus obtained for our horses and provisions for our men, consequently many hard- ships were necessarily brought on the people, but no out- rages were tolerated. I do not believe war to be simply that lines should engage each other in battle, as that is but the duello part — a part which would be kept up as long as those who live at home in peace and plenty could find the best youth of the country to enlist in their cause (I say the best, for the bravest are always the best), and therefore do not regret the system of living on the enemy's country. These men and women did not care how many were killed or maimed, so long as war did not come to their doors, but as soon as it did come in the shape of loss of property, they 538 History of the earnestly prayed for its termination. As war is a punish- ment, and death the maximum punishment, if we can, by reducing its advocates to poverty, end it more quickly, we are on the side of humanity. * * * * In all the operations the percentage of cavalry casualties was as great as that of the infantry, and the question which had existed, "Who ever saw a dead cavalryman?" was at rest. AFFAIR NEAR LOVETTSVILLE, VA. LovETTSviLLE, Jan. 30, 1865. Your dispatch received at midnight of Tuesday, Jan. 17. Colonel White of Rosser's cavalry, with a force said by citi- zens to number 220 men, crossed the Short Hill by a moun- tain path within five miles of Harper's Ferry, and sur- prised the videttes of the Sixth New York on that road without a shot ; charged the reserve, who were all on hand and resisted stoutly, but were forced back on the camp. The men of the Sixth turned out of their huts, formed in their streets, and in three minutes flanked and drove White out of the camp, killing three of his men, who were found, and wounding more or less severely eleven, who were car- ried off. As soon as the Sixth could obtain permission they saddled and followed White to Purcellville, but could not overtake him. Two men of the Sixth were killed and five wounded. Lieutenant Carroll was mortally wounded by an officer who had surrendered to him ; the fellow got away. The Sixth lost eight horses; eleven of White's horses were found wounded on the road by the pursuing party, it was a stormy night, and the tracks showed that the videttes were surprised by dismounted men. The affair occurred just before my return to camp. Respectfully, Thos. C. Devin, Brigadier-general. Captain Hayden, Asst. Adjt. Gen'l. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 539 Headquarters Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division. White House, Va., March 19, 1865. :Major a. E. Dana, A. A. G., First Cavaliy Division. Major: I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of the Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, dnring the late cavalry expedition. The brigade left Winchester with the cavalry of the val- ley Feb. 27, 1865, and marched without incident of impor- tance by the Valley pike to Staunton, arriving there March 2d, having seen no enemy by the way but a small party of fifty cavalry, which made a demonstration on the right flank of the brigade Feb. 28th, but were easily repulsed by a squadron from the Sixth New York Cavalry. Near Staun- ton a detachment of three hundred men from Twentieth Pennsylvania, under JMajor Douglas, was sent to Swope's Station, eight miles west of Staunton, for the destruction of rebel government property there. The expedition was high- ly successful, destroying a large amount of valuable quar- termaster and commissary stores, viz., the depot, and four barns in the vicinity, containing the following amount of stores: three thousand pairs bootees, a like number of shirts, drawers, pants, jackets and blankets, fifty thousand pounds of ham and bacon, and a small quantity of ordnance stores, consisting of small arms and ammunition. At Staunton the Fourth New York, one hundred and twenty strong, and two hundred and fifty-seven men with unserviceable horses, under Lieutenant-colonel Nichols of the Ninth New York, were sent to the rear as part of the escort to the prisoners and guns captured by Third Division at Waynesboro. The Sixth New York. Major AVhite commanding, was left at Staunton for the destruc- tion of rebel property there, and reported to me at night, having destroyed seventeen stage coaches, sixty wagons, one tannery containing a large quantity of leather, and one government blacksmith-shop. Leaving Staunton March 8d the brigade marched Avith the division through Waynesboro 540 History of the and Rockfish Gap, burning a large tannery by the way, and camped seven miles west of Charlottesville — distance made, twenty-nine miles. Arrived at Charlottesville on the 4th of March, and on the 5th the Sixth and Ninth New York and Seventeenth Pennsylvania were detached and sent to assist in the destruction of the Orange & Alex. R. R.. south of Charlottesville. This work was done most effectually, the regiments named demolishing the road for a distance of two miles, burning the ties and heating and bending every rail, and burning two bridges, each fifty feet in length. A rebel caisson concealed near camp was also destroyed here. At Charlottesville also were destroyed two thousand pounds of tobacco, fifteen wagons loaded Avith corn, wheat, tobacco and flour; also a tannery containing one thousand hides. The command was supplied at Charlottesville with seven days' rations of sugar, coffee and salt, and marched March 6th through Scottsville to Howardsville, at the mouth of Rockfish River on the James, making a march of thirty- three miles, and destroying effectually one canal lock at Scottsville. The First New York Dragoons, Major Smith command- ing, were sent from Howardsville March 6th with instruc- tions to proceed rapidly to Hardwickville, twelve miles up the river, and to use his utmost exertions to seize and hold the bridge at that point. The attempt was a failure. Major Smith reaching the bridge at early dawn, just in time to see it destroyed by fire. It was impossible to save the bridge, each end being filled with straw and a man sta- tioned ready to apply a match on the slightest indication of a hostile approach. Major Smith contented himself with destroying three hundred and thirty-six sacks of salt, four bales of cotton and a large quantity of tobacco, and then rejoined the brigade at Warminster, and with the Sixth New York destroyed the locks at that point. March 8th the brigade was ordered by General Merritt to proceed without delay to Columbia, to reach there by daylight on the 9tli and to remain there until further orders, holding the Sixth New York Cavalry. 541 place and sending back all the information possible regard- ing the movements of the enemy. The brigade marched at 12 m.. reached Scottsville at dark, halted one hour to rest and feed, and then in a hard rain and through heavy roads pushed on for Columbia, reaching there at daylight. Two squadrons of the Sixth New York were left to protect the bridge over the Hardware River, and were relieved two days after by Colonel Pennington's brigade of the Third Division, Ma.jor Farmer commanding, the detachment hav- ing captured and destroyed in the meantime three wagons loaded with commissary stores, and a number of horses and mules. The march from Warminster to Columbia, a dis- tance of fifty-six miles, was made in seventeen hours, and was a most severe one, owing to the rain and mud encoun- tered. The loss in horses was less than the severity of the march might be supposed to cause, and this loss was more than made up by animals captured on the route. Before reaching Columbia, Captain Blunt, brigade in- spector, with two orderlies, succeeded in capturing three of Fitz Lee's scouts with their horses, arms and equipments. Arriving at Columbia strong scouting parties were at once sent out on the Richmond and Palmyra roads, and a small party sent back to acquaint General INIerritt with the progress of the brigade. This party captured two rebels, with horses, arms and equipments, near Scottsville. The detachment on the Richmond road, fifteen men and an officer, proceeded to Cartersville, eleven miles down the river, to the site of the old bridge, and returned at night without seeing the enemy, after destroying a canal-boat and a large amount of commissary stores. The information obtained by this detachment, as well as that sent to Palmyra, was all to the effect that Fitzhugh Lee's division of cavalry was south of the James River, marching toward Columbia in anticipation of our crossing there. According to orders received from General Merritt. there was no destruction of property at Columbia, with the exception of breaching the canal. 542 History of the The brigade remained at Columbia until the arrival of the rest of the cavalry on the 10th of March, and then destroyed two naval camps in the vicinity, containing the following property: one valuable steam-engine, a great number of workmen's tools and a large amount of dressed timber. March 11th, in compliance with orders from General Mer- ritt, the brigade proceeded to Goochland C. H. for the destruction of government property there. The march was commenced at 6 a.m. and Goochland reached at 1 p.m., the distance made being twenty miles. The advance into Goochland was disputed by a squadron of fifty of the Seventh South Carolina, Geary's brigade, which was charged by Major Dinnin with one squadron of the Ninth New York, and routed. Major Dinnin capturing an officer and thirteen enlisted men. A strong scouting party sent out on the river road ad- vanced to within eighteen miles of Richmond without meet- ing any opposition. The brigade destroyed all the canal locks between Columbia and Goochland, ten in number. Also fifteen canal-boats, most of them loaded with grain and commissary stores, two thousand pounds of tobacco, four hogsheads of tobacco, one large warehouse, one dredge, one grist-mill and one saw-mill. The jail at Goochland, in which Union soldiers had been imprisoned, was also burned. The command left Goochland at 6 p.m. and rejoined the cavalry at Columbia at midnight. On the 12th the brigade marched with the cavalry com- mand to within a short distance of Tollersville, on Virginia Central Railroad, and camped, and the next day assisted in tearing up the track, burning the ties and bending the rails as far as Fredericks Hall. Marched on the 14th to Beaverdam, twelve miles; on the 15th to Taylorsville and returned, crossing the North Anna at 4 p.m. at lower ford and camped at Mt. Carmel Church. Continued the m?.rcli next day and reached the White House without further incident March 19th. During the expedition the brigade has marched over four Sixth New York Cavalry. 543 hundred and fifty miles, and has destroyed the amount of property shown in the appended list, has captured fifty-one prisoners of war, two hundred and seventy horses, and one hundred and seventy-five mules. The command has never suffered from scarcity of forage or rations, good foraging parties, under competent officers, having been able to meet every want. The loss in the brigade has been slight: one man killed and Uno wounded by guerrillas, forty-two reported missing, chiefly stragglers, who have been picked up by the enemy, and one died from disease. The health of the command is perfect; no sick are reported. I cannot speak in too high terms of the zeal and intelli- gence of the members of the staff whom I found at brigade headquarters on assuming command. Captain Mahn- ken, A. A. G. ; Captain Cating.P. M. ; Captain Blunt, Brig. Inspr. ; Lieutenant Chamberlin, Ord. Off., and Doctor Clarke, Brig. Surg., have all performed their duties with energy and ability, and I commend them to my superiors for a proper recognition of their services. Property Destroyed. Six and a quarter miles of railroad, eighteen canal locks, six flat boats loaded with tobacco and flour, twelve canal- boats, five canal-boat loads of tobacco, flour and hospital supplies, two large buildings containing three hundred hogsheads of tobacco, one jail at Goochland C. H., five hun- dred cords railroad wood, one depot, four barns, three thou- sand pairs bootees, two thousand pairs pants, jackets, drawers and blankets, fifty thousand pounds of meat, a small quantity of ordnance (small arms and ammunition), four thousand pounds tobacco, fifteen wagons containing corn, wheat, flour and tobacco ; one tannery with one thou- sand hides, two naval camps with workmen's implements, one steam-engine, and a quantity of dressed timber, four hogsheads leaf tobacco, quantity of blacksmith's tools, one 544 History of the boat-load corn, the machinery of a saw-mill, one large ware- house, one mill, three wagons loaded with quartermaster and commissary stores, four bales cotton, eight boxes tobac- co, forty-two hogsheads tobacco, twelve barrels potash, eight bales hay, one dredge, one thousand grain-sacks, one thou- sand shelter tents, and three hundred and thirty-six sacks salt. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant. (Signed) Chas. L. Fitzhugh, Col. Comdg. Brigade. Headquarters First Cavalry Division, Army of the Shen- andoah. Camp at White House, March 23, 1865. Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this division from Feb. 27th to March 18th, inclusive. On the morning of Feb. 27th the division marched from Winchester on the Valley turnpike, and passing through Newtown, Middletown and Strasburg encamped the same night near Woodstock. The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry was ordered to push on and seize and hold the bridge across Stony Creek at Edinburg. The order was carried out with slight opposition from a party of rebel cavalry. At 5 a.m. the same regiment was ordered to push on to Mount Jackson and seize and hold the bridge across the north fork of the Shenandoah, if it had not been destroyed. The regi- ment reached the river, but found the bridge had been destroyed some time previous. On the morning of the 28th the division marched in rear of the trains to Mount Jackson, crossed the north fork on pontoons, marching thence through Newmarket to Lacy's Spring, where it encamped at 12 p.m. While on the march between Woodstock and Edinburg, the train was attacked in flank by a party of rebel cavalry, who were quickly Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 545 driveu off. The reserve brigade, which covered the taking up of the pontoons, did not reach camp until 3 a.m. On the morning of March 1st the division marched in advance of the trains to Harrisonburg, thence to Mount Crawford, crossing the North River by the turnpike bridge, thence by Mount Sydney to the Middle River, which was crossed on the turnpike bridge, the division encamping within four miles of Staunton, having marched twenty-nine miles. At 8 p.m. the First Brigade, Colonel Stagg commanding, was ordered to march through or around Staunton and destroy the railroad bridge at the crossing of Christian Creek. Colonel Stagg succeeded in reaching the bridge with but slight opposition, fired the bridge and returned to Staunton. From some cause (a heavy rain was falling) the structure was not thoroughly destroyed. I Avould respect- fully refer to Colonel Stagg 's report in connection there- with. On the morning of March 2d the division marched in rear of the trains to Staunton. At this point three hundred men of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry of the Second Brigade, under Major Doug- las, were ordered to proceed to Swoope's Station and destroy the government property at that point. The expe- dition was entirely successful, resulting in the destruction of the depot and four barns in the vicinity, with all their contents, consisting of an immense amount of valuable commissary and quartermaster's stores, and a small quan- tity of ordnance stores. The Sixth New York Cavalry was detailed to destroy all government property at Staunton, which duty was fully accomplished, the government blacksmith-shop, a large tannery and a number of wagons and stage-coaches being totally destroyed. The division marched in rear of the trains and encamped east of the crossing at Christian Creek, having made but twelve miles. The road from Staunton to the creek was very heavy and the progress of the train very slow. 35 546 History of the March 3d orders were received from cavalry headquar- ters directing that a regiment from each brigade of the division, together with all dismounted men and those mounted on unserviceable horses, be sent to the rear as part of the escort to guard prisoners and guns captured at Waynesboro. In furtherance of said orders the First Rhode Island and Fourth and TAventy-fifth New York Cav- alry, together with all sick and dismounted men, and the unserviceable horses, were sent to the rear. Lieutenant- colonel Nichols, Ninth New York Cavalry, was assigned to command the detachment from this division. The division then marched to Waynesboro. At this point the First and Second Brigades were ordered to ford the South River, cross the mountain through Rockfish Gap, and follow the Third Division in the direction of Charlottesville. The river was rising rapidly and the crossing difficult and dan- gerous, but the column, followed by the trains, w^as crossed without accident. The reserve brigade was ordered to remain at Waynesboro, destroy all government or public property and then follow the train. A detachment from this brigade blew up the iron railroad bridge across South River and destroyed a large number of wagons, caissons, muskets, ordnance stores, ammunition, etc., captured the day previous by General Custer. The brigade then marched in rear of the trains and encamped at Brookville. The First and Second Brigades had pushed on and encamped at Ivy Station, seven miles from Charlottesville, having marched twenty-six miles. The train was halted at various points along the route, the terrible state of the roads rendering it utterly impossible to close it up and park it at any one point. After crossing the mountain, the Second Brigade destroyed a large tannery with a lot of leather, hides, wagons, etc. March 4th. the trains having closed up at 1 p.m., the First and Second Brigades moved to Charlottesville and encamped. The reserve brigade encamped at Ivy Station, covering the rear of the train. Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 547 March 5tli the First Brigade and three regiments of the Second Brigade, all inider command of Col- onel Stagg. were detached to destroy the Vir- ginia Central Railroad south of Charlottesville. Three miles of the road were thoroughly destroyed by burn- ing the ties and heating, bending and twisting the rails. Tavo bridges, fifty feet in length, were all destroyed. The Second Brigade also destroyed at Charlottesville two thousand pounds of tobacco, fifteen wagon-loads of corn, wheat, etc.. and a tannery containing one thousand hides. On this day the reserve brigade joined the division, having destroyed the depot at Ivy Station, with water tanks and warehouses containing tobacco and commissary stores. On this day rations were issued to the command, tents burned, wagons lightened and the pack trains cleaned out to fur- nish fresh animals in exchange for the jaded ones in the train. March 6th the division marched to Scottsville on the James Eiver canal, twenty miles, arriving at 3 p.m. At this point three canal-boats were captured, one loaded with shell, 9600. and two with government commissary stores and tobacco. These were totally destroyed and burned, together with a large cloth mill, five-story flouring mill, candle factory, machine shop and tobacco warehouse. Each of those buildings was crammed with the products of its manufacture to a surprising extent, and all were totally destroyed. The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry was sent east on the tow-path to destroy the aqueduct over Hardware River, and a detachment of Second Massachusetts Cavalry was sent Avest on the tow-path to the aqueduct over Toolers' Creek, Avith the same instructions. Those structures Avere destroyed to as great an extent as the solid masonry of Avhich they Avere constructed Avould admit Avith the limited means at our command. Before starting from Charlottesville the First Michigan of the First Brigade, Colonel IMaxAvell commanding, had 548 History of the been detached to the left to strike the Rivauua River near Palmyra C. H. to destroj^ all public property in that vicin- it}^ and proceed thence to Scottsville. Colonel Maxwell ex- ecuted efficiently the duty entrusted to him, destroying the Rivanna Bridge at Palmyra, together Avith one cotton mill, one flouring mill, and an immense amount of wheat, flour, cotton and wool, marching the same night to Scottsville. At 5 p.m. the First and Second -Brigades were ordered to march to Howardsville on the canal, twelve miles distant. Brigadier-general Gibbs, with the reserve brigade, was ordered to remain at Scottsville and complete the destruc- tion of public works in that vicinity, and then, with the par- ties that had been detached, rejoin the division. The Second Brigade and division headquarters marched direct to Howardsville by the back road, arriving at 10 p.m. The First Brigade struck the tow-path at Warren and marched by Howardsville by that route. The Ninth New York Cavalry, Second Brigade, accompanied by Cap- tain Cooley of corps staff, marched by the tow-path to Howardsville, destroying five locks and two tobacco ware- houses containing three hundred hogsheads of tobacco. The First and Second Brigades encamped at Howardsville. ]March 7th. at 2 a.m., the First New York Dragoons, Major Smith commanding, were ordered to proceed on the tow-path twelve miles to Hardwickville and seize and hold the bridge across James River at that point. Major Smith was unable to save the bridge, as for some time previous it had been filled with straw and saturated with tar and tur- pentine, and was fired at the first intimation of his ap- proach. He. however, destroyed three hundred and thirty- six sacks of salt and a quantity of tobacco and cotton. During the morning detachments from First and Second Brigades were employed in destroying the aqueduct over Rockfish River, reaching the canal and burning a canal- boat heavily loaded with government commissary stores. About 10 a.m. the First Brigade was ordered to march up the tow-path to Newmarket and to destroy all locks, etc., Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 549 on the canal. This duty was efficiently performed, seven locks being totally destroyed. The Second Brigade crossed the canal bridge over Rockfish River and, striking off to the right, marched to Newmarket by the river road and, halt- ing near Warminster, destroyed the lock at that point. The reserve brigade, which had arrived from Scottsville after the division started, had marched np by the tow-path, destroying all public works left by the other commands, inelnding a large mill at Warren, and before leaving How- ardsville burned a large manufactory and warehouse filled with government saddles, etc., a plow factory, and a tobacco and commissary warehouse. The division encamped at Newmarket on the night of the 7th. with the exception of the Sixth Pennsylvania, which was ordered to proceed at a rapid gait to the bridge across James River at Duguidsville, and endeavor to seize and hold that approach to the south bank of the river. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania was sent in support of the Sixth Pennsylvania. Every exertion was made to accomplish the end desired, but the enemy's precautions were too well taken and the bridge was fired before the regiment had approached within a mile. March Sth the First and reserve brigades were for a short time employed in destroying the dam and breaching the canal at Newmarket. The Second Brigade was then detached to proceed toward Columbia and occupy that place. This brigade made a forced march of fifty-six miles in seventeen hours, a most severe task when the weather (a heavy rain storm) and the state of the roads are borne in mind. In the meantime, the First and reserve brigades had been ordered to march by the tow-path to Duguidsville, twelve miles, and await further orders. On arriving opposite Duguidsville I massed the two brigades on the hill over the canal. I soon after received orders to retire at 4 p.m. I directed the First Brigade and section of battery to march by the towpath to Newmarket, intending to follow with the reserve brigade. Just as the First Bri- 550 History of the gade and battery had stretched out upon the tow-path, a force of the enemy which had been watching us from the opposite bank of the river opened a sharp fire on the col- umn. I at once ordered the Fifth U. S. Cavalry to dis- mount and cover the retirement of the troops then en route. As I considered it imprudent to allow the enemy to sup- pose that he could annoy the column with impunity, I felt justified in using extreme measures, and at once opened fire upon the town, quickly emptying it of all concerned. I then retired the reserve brigade by the mountain road, reaching Newmarket at 8 p.m. On returning from Duguids- ville to Newmarket, the locks between the two points, five in number, together with two canal-boats, one dredge, two bridges and one flouring mill were totally destroyed by the First Brigade. March 9th, at 1 p.m., the First and Second Brigades marched in rear of the train by the river road via Warmin- ster to a point near Howardsville, where the command crossed the canal by a bridge and advanced upon the tow- path to Scottsville. This was a most harassing and fatigaiing march to the already hard-worked command. The wagons were greatly impeded by the horrible state of the roads, and the men were alternately halting and marching until day- break, when the command reached Scottsville. March 10th, after resting two hours to feed and groom the animals, the First Brigade was ordered to follow the train on the tow-path to Columbia. The reserve brigade with division headquarters marched by the back road, and the command encamped at Columbia at 10 p.m. While en route the First Brigade destroyed all the locks between Scottsville and Columbia, eight in number, together w^ith thirteen canal bridges, four flouring mills, five warehouses, lumber yards, tobacco, cotton, etc. March 10th, at 3 p.m., the division crossed the Kivanna River and encamped beyond Columbia, on the road to Louisa C. II. The Second Brigade here joined the division, having marched to and returned from Goochland C. H., Sixth New York Cavalry. 551 destroying all canal locks, ten in number, between Colum- bia and Goochland, fifteen canal-boats loaded with grain and commissary stores, four thousand pounds of tobacco, one saw-mill, one grist-mill, one dredge, one warehouse, and the jail at Goochland, and capturing, in a charge, one officer and thirteen men, Seventh South Carolina Cavalry. While at Goochland, Colonel Fitzhugh scouted to within eighteen miles of Richmond. March 12th the command marched by Yancey ville to the north bank of the South Anna and encamped, the First Bri- gade fording the river, and the Second and reserve brigades, Avith the wagon trains, crossing at the bridge two and a half miles east. IMarch 13th the division marched to Tollersville on the Central Railroad. Nearly the whole available force of the command was at once set to work destroying the railroad by ripping up and burning the ties and heating, bending and twisting the rails. The road was rendered useless from Tollersville to near Fredericks Hall, where the division encamped at 10 p.m. A large tannery at the former place was also destroyed by the Fifth U. S. Cavalry attached to division headquarters. March 14th I was ordered to march with the First and Second Brigades and strike the Central Railroad Bridge over South Anna. I reached taylorsville, eighteen miles distant, at 4 p.m., and immediately ordered the Second Massachusetts Cavalry to advance and destroy the bridge (which was three miles to the left). I ordered the Fifth U. S. Cavalry to follow and cover the Second Massachu- setts, and charge the bridge if there was any opposition, and if it could be crossed. I at the same time directed the Sixth Pennsylvania to advance to the long bridge on the Fredericksburg Railroad, which was directly in my front, and to destroy that structure. The Sixth U. S. Cav- alry was ordered to cover the work. ^Major Drew of the division staff' accompanied the Fifth II. S. and Major Dana, A. A. G., the Sixth Pennsylvania. The Fifth U. S. 552 History of the taking a different route reached the bridge before the Second Massachusetts, and the advance, under Lieutenant Hastings, dismounting, charged across the bridge, routed the enemy from behind his works, capturing three three-inch rifle guns, with caissons, etc. The enemy rallied eight hundred yards in front, and atteinpted to charge, but the gallant Fifth loaded and turned his own guns upon him, and a few rounds sufficed to drive him from the field. Before midnight the bridge was completely destroyed, as was also the Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge. In the meantime, I had detailed strong working parties to destroy the two railroad bridges over the Little River, a work which was fully accomplished before daylight. March 15th, at daylight, one regiment of the First Bri- gade was sent to destroy the bridge of Fredericksburg R. R. across the North Anna. Another regiment of the same brigade was ordered to destroy the trestle work over the swamp at Hanover Junction, together with the depot and government property- at that place. At an early hour I received orders from cavalry head- quarters to cross the South Anna and advance to Hanover C. H. As the river could not be forded, and no bridge existed in the vicinity, the work was allowed to go on while a crossing was sought for. As soon as a bridge was found (two miles to the right) the parties were called in and the First Michigan Cavalry was ordered to cross, advance to Hanover C. H., and open communication with Greneral Cus- ter at Ashland. The reserve brigade followed at once, and the command was about to advance when orders were received to halt and await further developments. Strong scouting parties were thrown out on the line between Ashland and Hanover C. H., at which latter place Colonel Maxwell, with the First jNlichigan, contin- ued to maintain his position after driving an equal force of the enemy from the town. At 5 p.m. the division was ordered to return and cross the North Anna at Ox Ford, near which the command encamped. Sixth New York Cavalry. r)r)3 The bridge across the South Anna was destroyed before Colonel Maxwell reached it, although I had a guard with positive orders that it should not be destroyed until he came in. With some difficultj^ he found a ford and crossed safely. ]\Iarch 16th th& division marched in rear of the trains to Mangohick Church and encamped. Llarcli 17th the division marched by Aylett's to King William C. H. and encamped. March 18th the division marched in rear of the trains to the Pamunky at Indiantown and encamped. jMarcli 19th the division crossed the Pamunky on the railroad In-idge and encamped near the Wliite House. The raid has been a trying and severe one on both men and horses, but hard as the latter w'ere w^orked, they have suffered far more from disease than from fatigue, and I can say with confidence that were it not for the ravages of grease heel (and rotten hoof) and black tongue, the loss of horses would have been comparatively slight in this command. The conduct of men and officers has been admirable wherever there w^as work to do. Such excesses as may have been committed while foraging are chargeable to the law- less men Avhom of late there has been scant opportunity to ferret out and punish. The brigade commanders. Brigadier- general Gibbs and Colonels Stagg and Fitzhugh, have one and all been prompt and ef^cient in the execution of orders entrusted to them. In this connection, I would respectfully invite attention to the fact that Colonel Fitzhugh, although without previous experienpe in the command of a brigade, or even a regiment, has displayed an amount of tact, decision and judgment that entitle him to the confidence of his superiors. To the division staff I am under manj' obligations for the walling and cheerful assistance thej^ have invariably ren- dered me. The untiring energy of Major Drew, division inspector, and ]\Iajor Dana. A. A. G.. is too well known to 554 History of the require mention here — they have rendered me marked and valuable service. Lieutenant Wiggins, signal officer, cheer- fully volunteered his services on all occasions, and shrank from no duty, however arduous. Captain Halberstadt, Lieut. Owen Trimble, Sweatman and Crocker, and Assistant- surgeon Williams were most efficient. '^ ^~ Very respectfully, (Signed) Thos. C. Devin, Brig.-genl. Vols. Comdg. EXTEACT FEOM BVT. MAJ.-GEN. WESLEY MERRITT'S REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS, VA., APRIL 1, 1865, AND APPOMATTOX C. H. APRIL 9. A hotter musketry fire than on this day has seldom been experienced during the war. Fortunately for us, the enemy, firing from breastworks, aimed high, else the casualties in the command must have been very much greater. * * * * * The right of Pennington's brigade, which was thrown into some confusion on account of a deficiency in ammunition, was soon restored, and the desired ammu- nition supplied, the attack was prosecuted and soon crowned with success, Fitzhugh's brigade of the First Division mounting the works in the face of the enemy, tear- ing down their colors and planting the brigade standard over two pieces of artillery, which, together with nearly 1000 prisoners, remained substantial indication of the prowess of this gallant brigade and its accomplished com- mander. Never did men obey the behests of a commander better, and never were orders given with more judgment, or their gallant execution indicated by a better example. Colonel Fitzhugh is entitled to the greatest praise for this day's work. * * # * * goon the Twenty-fourth Corps took up Crooks' line on the left of the First Division (cavalry), and the Fifth Corps deployed in rear of General Devin. As soon as the heavy columns of Sixth New York Cavalry. 555 the enemy discovered we had infantry in position, he aban- doned his evidently formed idea of forcing the road of his retreat, and retired precipitately toward the valley, where his wagon train was parked. The cavalry, now disengaged, was thrown rapidly to the right, taking possession of the high ground on the enemy's left within a short half mile of his camp. There every disposition was made for an attack. The rebel army was at our mercy. The artillery played rapidly for a few moments, when a flag of truce sent from the enemy's lines silenced forever the noise of battle between the Union and rebel armies of Virginia. * # # ** # * ## Thus were concluded the labors of the campaign — a cam- paign, as far as cavalry is concerned, which has scarcely a parallel in history. Never did men behave better; never endure more uncomplainingly the severest of hardships. No +ask was too severe ; no danger too imminent for the cavalry to encounter or overcome. The gallant daring and rapid execution of the brave commander of the Third Division, united with the sure, steady and unchangeable courage and bearing of the commander of the First Division, have accomplished a work which must shed glory on the Union cavalry for all time to come. * * * * * # ^ SD-23 2 Sixth Neiv York Cavalry. 575 the sidearms of the officers or their private horses or bag- gage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by U. S. authority so long as he observes his parole and the laws in force where he may reside. U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-general. Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, April 9th, 1865. Lieut. -GEN. U. S. Grant. General : I have received your letter of this date contain- ing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Vir- ginia as proposed by you. As they are substautiallj^ the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8tli instant they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect. R. E. Lee, General. / 1 ^^. .^v-^ ■•>-r>^ .0 . " • °- ^ o » • » < ^ .0' 4 O A' » . f^-, ?- ^ .«:^^. ^'vj^y^ y\. \^ ^°-^^, <1 O. ^-^ ^^. >' ■(^■-^, V'^r 'y ,^^ . <^ *'.. ^' .0 \ A 9^ ^■'t:-'* "^•^K^^ V^'' v-^^ .'b'^r "^o. p. ^", % ' ^ V .^' ^..^'^ DOBS. BROS. 1st. AUGUSTINE ^S^ FLA. ,**^ . .li^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 702 354 4 ^