Category Archives: 1862

More on Enlisted Appointments

29 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by in 1862, officers, promotions

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As chronicled here and elsewhere, General Orders No. 33 from the Adjutant General’s Office on June 18, 1861 allowed for up to one third of new Regular Army officers to be appointed from deserving noncommissioned officers in existing regiments.  This of course was an excellent opportunity for advancement, and a great number of these former enlisted men served with great distinction during the war.

What had not previously occurred to me was the logistics behind these promotions.  Every officer promotion or new appointment in the Regular Army had to be approved by the Adjutant General’s Office and Congress, since it controlled the Army’s purse strings, then officially published by the Adjutant General’s Office.  The inevitable delays of this system frequently resulted in officers learning of their appointments or promotions months after their effective dates.

What was the method for prioritizing requests for new officer appointments before they reached the A.G.O.?  It apparently did not exist early in the war.  Consider this response I recently found written by the Adjutant General himself on a cavalry sergeant major’s appointment recommendation in the spring of 1862.

“Respectfully referred to Maj. Gen. McClellan for the reports of intermediate commanders, through whom this letter should have passed.  There are on file 150 recommendations, like this, for the promotion of noncom’d officers in the regular army.  Of course, it is impossible to appoint all, or even one half, or one fourth of the number.  And it is both an insidious and a difficult task for the Adjt. Gen’l. to make selection among them.  They should be classified, first by their regimental commanders, & again by the commanders of the brigades, divisions and of the Army in which they are serving.  It is only after a careful comparison of the merits of all, conscientiously made by those [who] are best acquainted with them, that justice can be done to all.

[signed] L. Thomas, Adjt. Gen’l.”

One would have thought this a blinding flash of the obvious, but it evidently took a very frustrated Adjutant General to bring it to pass.

Here is a brief snapshot of the process.  The regimental adjutant writes the request for appointment of Sergeant Major X, which is approved and signed by the regimental commander in the field.  A second piece of paper is wrapped around the first and signed by each level in the chain of command, all the way up to the Army’s Adjutant General Office.  The requests are carried by horseback up to army level, then most likely by train to Washington, a process of weeks at the best of times.  Up to this point in the war, such endorsements normally read, “Respectfully forwarded.”  By regulation at the time, such a request had to be forwarded to the Adjutant General’s Office, whether the recommendation was approval or disapproval.  Such noncommital endorsements placed the A.G.O. in a quandary, as described above.  I have a mental image, probably wholly inaccurate, of a clerk standing before the Adjutant General’s overflowing desk, saying, “Sir, I have 19 lieutenant vacancies in the infantry regiments, and over 100 recommendations for appointment to fill them.  How would you like me to proceed?”

This was much less of a problem later in the war, though it is unclear whether this was because of fewer vacancies or fewer qualified noncommissioned officers to fill them.

Battle of Slatersville, May 9, 1862

12 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by in 1862, 6th U.S. Cavalry

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On May 9, 1862, the 6th U.S. Cavalry engaged in its second battle, just days after the skirmish at Williamsburg.  No official report of the encounter was ever published, as the regiment was part of the vanguard of the Army of the Potomac and in near constant motion for the next several weeks.  Friend Bob O’Neill was kind enough to bring this report to my attention.  He found it at the National Archives, and we weren’t aware of its existence when our history of the regiment went to print.  To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that it has been published.  What follows is part of a draft of the report of Major Lawrence Williams, who commanded the regiment during the engagement, dated May 20, 1862.

“…report in relation to an engagement between the 6th Regular Cavalry and that of the Rebels which occurred at Slatersville on the 9th Inst. The advanced Guard of the army arrived at this point about 3 o’clock p.m. During a short halt for the column to be closed up supposing the enemy from the skirmishing that had taken place, to be in force, it was intimated by the General Commanding in a report of Lieut. [Farquahar], his aid, that a detachment of the Rebel Cavalry consisting of 25 or 30 might be cut off, by a detour upon the town. A portion of Capt. Lowell’s Squadron consisting of 55 men and Capt. Sander’s Company of 32 men, were ordered out for this purpose. The force was large in proportion to the work to be performed, but it was so from fear of accident. In fifteen minutes after the head of the column was put in motion, it arrived nearly to the point where its road debouched upon the undulating ground before the hamlet. Here a vidette of the enemy was discovered partially concealed by the woods, which skirted the right of the town. On approaching hearer, he was discovered to be one of a troop of cavalry, wheeled to the right about, on the signal given by him of our advance, supposing this to be the party referred to by Lt. Farquahar, the column was put to the gallop, and on reaching the open was ordered to charge, led by Capt. Lowell; the impetuosity and gallantry of the men and officers to perform this order, was only equaled by the rapidity of the enemy’s retreat. This was on a road which ran between a rail fence and the woods before alluded to, and in the direction of some out houses, although the firing from these buildings on the enemy’s reaching them, was for a moment very rapid, and in volleys, leading to the belief that Infantry was in ambush; and another troop of cavalry suddenly discovered on the right showed that this force was underrated, the gallantry of our men and the speedy retreat of that portion of the enemy already encountered, was reassuring. At this moment, and before Capt. Sanders company had fully emerged from the woods, another squadron of the rebel cavalry heretofore concealed suddenly appeared on the left[.  Fearing it would make a junction with the force with which Capt. Lowell was engaged and enable it to rally Capt. Sander’s company was suddenly diverted from the road through a gap in the fence, and ordered to charge it. It was scarcely necessary to give the order; It was as boldly, as gallantly and as successfully as the first, although it was apparent that the force of the enemy was greater than our own, even at this juncture, that conviction became startling on the appearance of still another squadron which rushed forth in full career to the support of that so successfully put to flight. The whole cavalry force now on the field was 87 Federal and about 400 Rebels. So great however was the consternation of the first squadron, charged by Capt. Sanders & Lowell they were incapable of mutual support. Fearing that the handful of men now in hot pursuit of the enemy, would be taken in the rear by the squadron which had so unexpectedly come to his (the enemy’s) support, Capt. Sanders’ company was immediately diverted, wheeled about and gallantly charged the advancing relief.

“The result considering the numbers of that this handful of men had so gallantly engaged was ridiculous. The enemy was thrown in the wildest confusion, and retreated pell mell toward its supports in town.

“Whilst our column was in hot pursuit, Lt. Farquahar reported to me that he had discovered some Rebel Infantry in the woods which menaced a successful return of our little force, the recall was therefore immediately ordered to be sounded and Capt. Sanders’ company was withdrawn, Capt. Lowell in the meantime had pursued his foe through the town, and so far, as to be beyond the reach of the bugle call, but, with a prudence equal to his bravery also withdrew his command, and our troops retired in good order from the field. [The enemy ?? to discover] the paltry number before which he had so disgracefully fled. The officers of the Regiment engaged in this affair were, Capts Sanders and Lowell, Lieut Hutchins, Whiteside and Coats, their coolness combined with the most fearless disregard of life was what won the day. Nothing could exceed the conduct of the men, though most of them had never been under fire before, they were not only fearless, daring and determined in their attack, but as self possessed and as easily handled as veterans upon drill.

“The following is a list of the casualties

Killed: Private Kline Company K, Private Merkel, Irish and Ohara Company E         Total 4

Wounded:  Cpl Campbell and Morris Company E, Private Ortott, Kennedy, McDowell, Palmer, Neff Company E and Carothers Company K

Missing:  Private Ellis, Craig & Finch Company E

Total Killed 4, Wounded 8 Missing 3         Grand Total 15

Rebel loss 1 officer killed 1 wounded, 5 men killed & about 20 wounded.

“The two successive and successful charges of Capt Sanders with his 32 men upon two squadrons of the enemy, was particularly plucky, deserves the highest praise, and contributed greatly to the success of the day.

“It was reported by some of the Negroes in the town that two of our men who were killed, were first taken prisoners and afterwards shot in consequence of not being able to follow when the enemy retreated from the town. Their bodys certainly showed evidence of this, and it is mortifying to report that in one instance the fingers of one man were cut off for the trifling value of his rings. The rebels were well mounted, but their horses were not in very good condition, more of them were armed with double barreled shotguns, loaded with buckshot, besides pistols and sabres.

“Capt Lowell’s clothes showed evidence of many an unsuccessful aim

“Lt. Hutchins received a slight contusion from the falling of his horses

“Lt. Farquahar of the Engineers behaved with great gallantry and coolness

“Lt. Whiteside’s conduct was equally commendable with the rest of the officers”

The officers the report refers to are Captain William P. Sanders, Captain Charles Russell Lowell, Lieutenant Benjamin Hutchins, Lieutenant (former regimental sergeant major) Samuel Whitside, and Second Lieutenant Francis Ulric Farquhar of the engineers, a 1861 graduate of the military academy.

Source: National Archives, RG 391: Records of the US Regular Army Mobile Units, 6th Cavalry, Regimental Letters Sent 1861-1864, Vol 1 of 12, NM-93, Entry 814

Carlisle Barracks and the Mounted Recruiting Service, part 4

27 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1st U.S. Cavalry, 2nd U.S. Cavalry, 3rd U.S. Cavalry, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 5th U.S. Cavalry, 6th U.S. Cavalry, cavalry, officers, recruiting

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In all, the Mounted Recruiting Service operated recruiting stations in nineteen cities during the war.  Although it was not required, in most cases the officers recruited soldiers for their parent regiments.  This meant that at various points during the war, some cities provided soldiers to multiple regular cavalry regiments.

Boston, Massachusetts.  This was the first war-time station established.  Lieutenant Napoleon B. McLaughlin of the 4th U.S. Cavalry opened the station on July 5, 1861.  He was promoted to captain before he was ordered to report to his regiment over a year later on October 1, 1862.  He was relieved by Captain Abraham K. Arnold of the 5th U.S. Cavalry, who was ordered to close the station at the end of the following month.  The station did not reopen until June 10, 1863, when Lieutenant Copley Amory of the 4th U.S. Cavalry assumed command.  He operated the station until he resigned in December, and it was not reopened again during the war.

Cincinnati, Ohio.  Lieutenant Edward M. McCook of the 4th U.S. Cavalry opened this station on July 24, 1861.  In September, he was placed on leave to take service in the state forces of Indiana.  He earned five brevet promotions for gallantry in action as a volunteer officer during the war, the last to major general of volunteers.  The station was vacant for two months until McCook was relieved by Lieutenant Robert S. Smith of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry on November 6, 1861.  A native of Ohio, Smith as previously mentioned spent over three years in Cincinnati before he was relieved by Captain David S. Gordon, also of his regiment, on September 5, 1864.   Gordon was transferred back to his regiment in December, and replaced by Lieutenant Robert S. Sweatman of the 5th U.S. Cavalry.  Lieutenant Sweatman served only two months before being transferred back to his regiment in February 1865, and Captain Isaac R. Dunkelberger, of the same regiment, finished the war in charge of the station, making it one of the few stations continuously manned throughout the war.

New York, New York.  Lieutenant William W. Webb of the 4th U.S. Cavalry opened the recruiting station in New York City on October 3, 1861.  He wasn’t relieved to join his regiment until February 7, 1863.  His replacement was Captain Arnold of the 5th U.S. Cavalry, only three months after finishing his recruiting duties in Boston.  Arnold finally returned to his regiment in September, and was replaced by Lieutenant John B. Johnson of the 6th U.S. Cavalry.  Lieutenant Johnson was transferred back to Carlisle Barracks on August 22, 1864, and Lieutenant Stanwood of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry commanded the station for a mere two weeks.  Former prisoner of war Lieutenant Tattnall Paulding of the 6th U.S. Cavalry relieved him on September 4, 1864, and stayed there for the remainder of the war.

Wheeling, Virginia.  Captain Milton T. Carr of the 1st U.S. Cavalry opened this station on August 22, 1862.  Lieutenant Judson Haycock was sent to assist him on September 8th, and relieved him on December 7, 1862 so he could return to his company.  Lieutenant Haycock closed the station on March 4, 1863.  Lieutenant William Webb of the 4th U.S. Cavalry briefly served in the town as a mustering officer for volunteer regiments from June 6 to September 23, 1863, but the recruiting station did not reopen during the war.

Buffalo, New York.  Lieutenant Charles McKnight Leoser of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry opened this station on July 13, 1862 to assist in recruiting troopers for Companies A, B and D of his regiment.  He closed the station when ordered back to his regiment on April 8, 1863, and it did not reopen.

Norristown, Pennsylvania.  A native Pennsylvanian and former first sergeant of John Buford’s Company B, Lieutenant Thomas Bull Dewees of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry was the sole operator of this recruiting station from July 13 to November 17, 1862.

Cleveland, Ohio.  Lieutenant William Blanchard of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry opened a recruiting station in Cleveland on August 7, 1862. He was relieved by Captain Robert E. Clary of the same regiment on October 4th, who closed the station when transferred back to his regiment on December 7, 1862.  Captain Thomas Drummond of the 5th U.S. Cavalry reopened the recruiting station on October 15, 1863 and conducted recruiting there until transferred back to his regiment on December 21, 1864. Interestingly, Drummond left command of his regiment in the field for recruiting duty, and resumed command when he returned.  Lieutenant John Mix of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, another former prisoner of war, commanded the station from January 4, 1865 through the end of the war.

Indianapolis, Indiana.  Lieutenant Edward T. Benton of the 1st U.S. Cavalry opened a station in Indianapolis on August 22, 1862.  Captain Charles W. Canfield of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry took charge of the station on January 15, 1863, and Lieutenant Benton was transferred back to his regiment on February 6th.  Captain Canfield was in turn ordered to close the station and return to his regiment to take command of his company just three weeks later, on February 26, 1863.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Lieutenant Theophilus F. Rodenbough of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry opened this station on September 4, 1862.  It was probably established in the same National Hotel that the 6th U.S. Cavalry used during recruiting the previous year.  Rodenbough closed the station when transferred back to his regiment on December 7, 1862.  Captain Clarence Mauck of the 4th U.S. Cavalry opened a new station in December 1864.  He was relieved on March 1, 1865 by Lieutenant John B. Johnson of the 6th U.S. Cavalry, but returned to the station before the end of the month.

Baltimore, Maryland.  This station was also opened on September 4, 1862, by Lieutenant Anson O. Doolittle of the 4th U.S. Cavalry.  He was ordered back to Carlisle Barracks on November 29, 1862, and recruiting was not resumed here until Captain John B. McIntyre opened another station on April 6, 1865.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  This station opened and closed three different times during the war, odd for one of the largest cities in the nation.  Lieutenant Charles H. Gibson of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, a native Pennsylvanian,  was ordered to open a station here in October, 1862.  It may well have been the same location at the Girard House on Chestnut Street used by the 6th U.S. Cavalry until that February.  He was transferred back to his regiment on September 13, 1863.  Lieutenant John H. Nichols of the 1st U.S. Cavalry operated a station here for two weeks in April 1864 before returning to his regiment for the spring campaign.  He was killed in action just two months later at the battle of Trevillian Station.  Captain T.F. Rodenbough of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry opened the station for the final time during the war on November 18, 1864, less than two months after losing his arm at the battle of the Opequon, or Third Winchester.  He turned the station over to Captain William Hawley of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry when ordered to rejoin his regiment on April 25, 1865.

Chicago, Illinois.  The records concerning this station are curious.  Captain John Feilner of the 1st U.S. Cavalry was ordered to open a station in Chicago on October 4, 1862.  However, Feilner was dropped from Carlisle’s post return at the end of the month,  which would normally mean he had completed his duties and been sent back to his regiment.  I also have not yet come across a single soldier recruited by Captain Feilner in Chicago, which leads me to believe the order was countermanded before the station could be opened.

Detroit, Michigan.  Lieutenant and former first sergeant Thomas McGregor of the 1st U.S. Cavalry was the sole operator of this recruiting station from October 16, 1862 to January 20, 1863.  This was his first assignment after receiving his commission.  He later received a brevet promotion for gallantry at the battle of Todd’s Tavern.

Elmira, New York.  Captain William McLean of the 5th U.S. Cavalry was the sole operator of this recruiting station from November 1, 1862 to February 19, 1863.  Severely wounded and captured during the Peninsula campaign, he opened the station once paroled and left it to take command of his newly organized Company M.  Unfortunately, he died of fever just two months later, on April 23, 1863, in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.  Captain Samuel H. Starr of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry recruited many men for his regiment here in October 1862 after resigning his volunteer commission, many of them prior volunteers from his New Jersey brigade.  Interestingly, I found no record of him being assigned to the Mounted Recruiting Service, though he definitely served this duty.  Lieutenant Elisha W. Tarlton of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry operated the only official recruiting station in the city from November 1, 1862 to March 1, 1863, when he was transferred to his regiment.  A native of Kentucky, he later earned a brevet promotion for gallantry in action at Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Captain Marcus A. Reno of the 1st U.S. Cavalry was ordered to open a recruiting station in Harrisburg while recovering from injuries sustained at the battle of Kelly’s Ford on March 17, 1863.  Other than a brief absence serving with Pennsylvania troops during the Gettysburg campaign, he operated the station until September 23, 1863, when he was relieved by Lieutenant John McDonald of his regiment.  Lieutenants Reuben Bernard and William Pennock, also of the 1st U.S. Cavalry, were assigned here as mustering officer in July and August of 1862, and probably operated from the same office.  Lieutenant McDonald, another former first sergeant,  was transferred back to his regiment on November 26, 1864, and the station remained closed until opened by Lieutenant (and yet another former first sergeant) Dean Monahan of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry on March 12, 1865.

Madison, Wisconsin.  Lieutenant Anson O. Doolittle of the 4th U.S. Cavalry, assigned again to recruiting duty, was the sole operator of this station from January 8 to May 1, 1864, when he was ordered to report to the adjutant general.  The assignment is understandable, as Doolittle was appointed to the Army from Wisconsin, and briefly served as a lieutenant in the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry prior to receiving his regular army commission.

Rochester, New York.  Lieutenant Thomas Simson of the 6th U.S. Cavalry opened this station on May 12, 1864.  Badly injured at Franklin, Tennessee, he had finally reported to his regiment the preceding month, but was not yet fit for field duty.  Lieutenant Frank Stanwood of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry relieved him on December 21st, when he was transferred back to his regiment.  Lieutenant and former sergeant major Tullius C. Tupper of the 6th U.S. Cavalry relieved Stanwood in turn on February 7, 1865.

St. Louis, Missouri.  Captain John A. Thompson of the 4th U.S. Cavalry was the sole operator of this station from August 13 to November 1, 1864, when he closed it and returned to his regiment.  He had received a brevet promotion for gallant and meritorious service at Hoover’s Gap, Tennessee the previous year.

References:

Heitman, Francis B.  Historical Register of the United States Army, volume 1. Washington, D.C.: The National Tribune, 1890.

Henry, Guy V.  Military Record of Civilian Appointments in the United States Army, volume 1.  New York: George W. Carleton, 1869.

NARA, M617, Returns from Military Posts, 1806-1916 (accessed online, 2013)

Price, George F. Across the Continent with the Fifth U.S. Cavalry.  New York: Antiquarian Press Limited, 1959.

Rodenbough, Theophilus F.  From Everglade to Canyon with the Second United States Cavalry.  Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2000.

Tousey, Lt. Col. Thomas G.  Military History of Carlisle and Carlisle Barracks.  Richmond: The Dietz Press, 1939.

Carlisle Barracks and the Mounted Recruiting Service, part 2

12 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by in 1862, 1863, 1st U.S. Cavalry, 2nd U.S. Cavalry, cavalry, cavalry depots, manning, officers, recruiting

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Recruiting continued normally until the spring of 1862.  A number of recruits were provided to Company L, 5th U.S. Artillery and Companies H and M, 4th U.S. Artillery from April to June.  Part of the mandate of the Mounted Recruiting Service was also to recruit for horse artillery batteries, but this is the only mention of them or appearance of artillery officers at Carlisle in a professional capacity during the war.

During the summer, manpower shortages in the older regiments reached the point where they had to be addressed.  The 2nd U.S. Cavalry acted first, distributing the privates from Companies A, B and D among the rest of the regiment in July.  The officers, noncommissioned officers and buglers were sent to Carlisle to raise new companies.  The 1st U.S. Cavalry followed suit the following month with Companies A, E, F and K.  Beginning in October, one new company was raised for each regiment as well, Company M for the 1st U.S. Cavalry and Company L for the 2nd.  Recruiting for these companies continued through the end of the year.

Several additional recruiting stations were opened to meet the increased demand.  During the summer and fall, stations opened in Buffalo, Norristown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Detroit, Elmira, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

December saw the departure of most of the companies.  1st U.S. Cavalry Companies A, F and M departed under the command of Captains Richard S.C. Lord and Milton Carr and Lieutenant Cesar Fisher respectively.  The four companies of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry marched south under Captains Robert Clary and Theophilus Rodenbough, as well as Lieutenants Thomas Dewees, Robert Lennox and James Potter.  In all, 667 new recruits were forwarded to the two regiments during the month.

A great deal of recruiting from volunteer regiments, usually infantrymen, took place from October to December 1862 in Washington, D.C, in Maryland near Harper’s Ferry and in Tennessee near Nashville, but this was not affiliated with the mounted recruiting service.  The enlistments were accomplished by regimental adjutants or their designated representatives.

In February 1863, Companies E and K finally returned to the 1st U.S. Cavalry under Lieutenants Edward Benton and John McDonald.  In preparation for the opening of spring campaigning, more recruits were pushed south to the regiments.  Lieutenants Cesar Fisher and Judson Haycock led 89 to the 1st U.S. Cavalry, Captain Thomas Canfield and Lieutenant Daniel Flynn took 86 to the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, and Captain William McLean led 87 to the 5th U.S. Cavalry.

In June 1863, the war came to Carlisle.  As the Confederate forces crossed into Pennsylvania, Captain Hastings dispatched mounted scouts south to ascertain their position and intentions.  On the morning of June 18th, they were fired on by enemy pickets just south of Chambersburg. Unable to resist with only a garrison company at his disposal, Captain Hastings was forced to abandon the post.  As he wrote in the post return, “Vacated in the face of the enemy June 25, 1863, having no means of defense.  Brought off all munitions of war and moveable public property.”

As soon as the Confederates began their retreat to Virginia, Hastings reoccupied the post and resumed normal operations.  Many of the buildings had been burned, so troops lived in tents while repairs were initiated.

Companies D and G of the 1st U.S. Cavalry arrived in July to reconstitute.  They were the last companies to refit at Carlisle, as the new cavalry depot at Giesboro Point started operations in October.  They were transferred back to their regiment in October under Lieutenants Reuben Bernard, William Pennock and David Perry.  Sixteen recruiting stations continued to operate during the year to provide new recruits.

Surgeon J.J.B. Wright was placed on detached service in New York from October to December 1863.  Surgeon G.S. Palmer was temporarily added to the staff during his absence.  Palmer administered Lincoln Hospital in Washington, D.C. prior to coming to Carlisle.

The winter of 1863-1864 was relatively quiet, as repairs to the post continued and armies went into their winter quarters.

The 4th U.S. Cavalry at Stones River

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in 1862, 1st/ 4th Cavalry, 4th U.S. Cavalry, battle of Stones River, cavalry

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(Originally printed in the Lancaster Daily Evening Express, January 28, 1863)

The Story of a Cavalry Soldier

The Fourth Regular Cavalry at Murfreesboro – Feeling the Position of the Enemy – A Brilliant Charge – A Brigade of Rebel Cavalry Routed – A Personal Adventure – A Hazardous Reconnaissance, &c, &c

Correspondence of the Express…

Murfreesboro, Jan. 14, 1863.

                Proud of the deeds of the regiment to which I belong – deeds that I will ever make memorable the battle of Murfreesboro, and that have added new luster to the name of “the Fourth Regular Cavalry,” I undertake, as best I can, to describe the battle of Murfreesboro, at least as far as the 4th Cavalry were concerned.

The vast army under Gen. Rosecrans started from Headquarters on the 20th ult.  Our regiment marched twelve miles and encamped at six o’clock the same evening.  We remained here over the 27th, while the advance kept skirmishing with the advance guard of the rebel army.  On the 28th, we moved three miles further.  On the 29th our heart was made glad by the familiar faces of many old friends in the Seventy-ninth P.V.  After a chat of an hour we moved six miles.

On the 30th we left our teams and started on an old-fashioned jump, making six miles more in a very short time, and were soon in the front, in the presence of our commander, General Rosecrans.  The hero of hard-fought battles was gazing ardently upon the surrounding scenery, and with anxious thought contemplating the chances, and so distributing his grand army to secure a glorious victory.  A shell exploded on the brow of the hill, killing a member of Company K.  After remaining with the general awaiting orders, he sent Companies G and I down the road to find out the position of the enemy.  Off we galloped, and the first thing we knew we were right on top of them; wheeling around, we reported and were ordered to ascertain the position on the left, and also to select positions for our batteries.  We returned at dark, and the occasional flash of musketry; and the rolling thunder of artillery, indicated a fierce struggle on the extreme right.  On the following morning we were ordered to the front, and to us was assigned the honor and weighty task of rallying the broken ranks of Gen. Johnson’s command, which were returning in great disorder.  Having checked them somewhat, we entered the woods, where we found many stragglers, who on our approach endeavored to escape.  Some took courage, and the remnants of two regiments were rallied by their Colonels.

It was at this juncture that our artillery, or a good part of it, was taken.  While dashing through the woods an officer reported to our Colonel the presence of the rebel cavalry in our rear, and had taken one of our hospitals and three hundred prisoners.  Quickly moving round by the right in a half circle we neared an open field on the opposite side of which we beheld a brigade of Rebel Cavalry.  We dared not stop to count numbers.  We must fight.  Our Commander gave the word, “Front, into line, charge!”  And such a charge!  I have been in several before upon the Indians, but the splendor of this eclipsed them all.  Our column, small in number, consisting of but a few companies, closed up, and in good order we advanced.  When we neared them they broke.  On we came, yelling like so many savages, and scattering them like chaff.  Two-thirds of our men were fresh recruits, but nobly and well did they march with the regulars.  We recaptured three hundred of Johnson’s men, and brought back with us one hundred and seventy Texas Rangers and Ashby’s Cavalry.  Owing to the sudden belching forth of a masked battery, they were enabled to retake their wounded.  The rally was sounded, and we formed for another charge, but just then an order came for our Commander, Otis, to move his cavalry on the Murfreesboro pike, the rebels having taken the train in the rear.  The Volunteer Cavalry were left in charge of the place of our first encounter, and were compelled to retire.  Thus the rebels retook some of their own men and a few of ours.

The brave Captain Long was shot in the arm, but brought up his prisoners.  When we came on the pike we found five hundred wagons, one battery and any amount of men, in the hands of the rebels.  But when they saw the colors and guidons of the 4th flying they broke, finding temporary shelter in the woods, and leaving all again in our possession.  From this time until Sunday morning we were kept watching the rebel cavalry, our horses being under saddle ninety-six hours.

While at the hospital, several rebels endeavored to give us the slip, and your humble servant was under the necessity of putting after three.  The first one overtaken proved to be a recaptured Union soldier; the next quietly submitted, but the third was about aiming his revolver and placing me in a dangerous position, which compelled me to do likewise, and, putting my pistol close to his head, I snapped it.   I then expected to have my light put out, but the fellow dodged, and when he raised in his saddle found me on the other side with my pistol again at close quarters, and he wisely concluded to give up his pistol and return with me.  Pardon this digression, but it shows into what close quarters soldiers are sometimes brought.  My rebel acquaintances thought the regulars were thoroughly experienced, and related to me several interesting incidents illustrating the fact.

While we were watching the rebels, the Colonel ordered Sergeants Murphy and Harner to take Company G and get between the rebel pickets, so that they could not see us, and find out their position by their camp-fires.  At midnight we mounted the company, while the rain was pouring down on us.  Having successfully entered their lines, we were enabled to have a fine view of their camp, although under dangerous circumstances.  The little expedition, after two hours’ absence, returned and were reported with honor to Gen. Rosecrans.

On Monday we drove the rebel rear guard two miles, and the fighting was severe.  They had two pieces of artillery in the woods, and our skirmishers were dismounted, but kept up a brisk fire until we supported them.  Several casualties occurred during this time in our company.  Between a raking fire of artillery we had to stand until again supported by a battery, and a regiment of infantry, who, forming in line of battle behind our skirmishers, thrashed the rebels finely.  The rebels ceased firing, and we were waiting for something to do, when who should come up but Robert Huay, with his gun upon his shoulder, having before done good service and ready to do more.  We are now brigaded for the first time, and our old and faithful Captain is acting Brigadier, and will soon we hope be one.

I have this endeavored to give an account of the doings of the 4th Cavalry, which even to-day, as it passes the line, elicits rousing cheers from the whole army of the Cumberland.

–          Regular.

Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to determine the author of this article.  More than likely, of course, he was from Lancaster, but he certainly was not the only member of the regiment born there.  I was unable to determine anything about Robert Huay either, but I did discover some information on the two sergeants of Company G mentioned in the article.

Martin Murphy was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1832.  He was working as a porter in New York City when he was enlisted into Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry on December 22, 1856 by Captain Gordon Granger.  His enlistment documents describe him as 5’9” tall, with gray eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He was promoted to sergeant during his first enlistment, and was re-enlisted by Lieutenant Warner at Fort Wise, Colorado Territory on November 1, 1861. Sergeant Murphy was killed in action near Ringgold, GA on September 16, 1863 while still serving as a sergeant in Company G, 4th Cavalry.

John Harner was born in Lancaster, PA in 1835.  He was working as a carpenter in Rock Island, Illinois prior to his enlistment.  Lieutenant Elmer Otis enlisted him into Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry on November 29, 1856.  His enlistment documents describe him as 5’5” tall, with blue eyes, sandy har and a ruddy complexion.  He was promoted to corporal during his first enlistment, and to sergeant sometime before December 1862.  He was also re-enlisted by Lieutenant Warner at Fort Wise, but five days after Sergeant Murphy, on November 6, 1861.  He also fell afoul of bad luck, as he was serving as a paroled prisoner of war at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland when his enlistment expired on April 3, 1865.

The 1st U.S. Cavalry was re-designated as the 4th U.S. Cavalry in August 1861.  The officer alternately referred to as the Colonel or Commander was actually Captain Elmer Otis, who commanded the regiment during the battle.  As the author describes, the cavalry of the Army of the Cumberland, under former 4th Cavalry officer Brigadier General David S. Stanley, was reorganized in late 1862 and early 1863.  The 4th U.S. Cavalry was ultimately assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Colonel Robert H.G. Minty.

The 23rd Illinois Infantry and the 1st U.S. Cavalry

02 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by in 1862, 1st Cavalry, recruiting

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On a cold winter’s day in New Creek, Virginia, Lieutenant Haycock made the recruiting discovery of his career.  Dispatched to recruit soldiers for Companies E and K of the 1st U.S. Cavalry, he hit the jackpot when he visited the camp of the 23rd Illinois Infantry.

The Timothy O’Connor inquiry (see previous post) turned out to be a thread that was very revealing about recruiting for the 1st U.S. Cavalry in the winter of 1862.  One member of the 23rd Illinois Infantry became 31 as I toured the regimental muster rolls, which fortunately are available online.  Looking up the regular enlistment records of those 31 revealed another 24 that were not specifically annotated as “transferred to 1st U.S. Cavalry” in the state muster rolls.

Fellow blogger and historian Damian Shiels has already done yeoman’s work with the 23rd Illinois and their nativity.  If interested please look here.  I made only a cursory look into their past to see the demographics of this group who chose to leave their comrades for a new beginning.

Of the 55 soldiers identified, I found regular enlistment records for 53.  I was not able to find John Kernan or James Haher.  Of the 53, 34 were born overseas and 19 in the United States.  Of the immigrants, 23 were born in Ireland, four in England, three in Germany and two each in Prussia and Scotland.  Interestingly, only four of the natives were born in Illinois, with five from New York, three each from Michigan and Ohio, and one each from Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

An examination of their service revealed that only eighteen of the 53 served out their enlistments, though two deserted and returned.  Sixteen of the new regulars deserted and did not return, one the following day.  Seven were discharged for disability.  Three were listed as missing in action, believed to be taken prisoner.  Of the eight who died, three were killed in action, two died of disease or wounds in Union hospitals, two died in Andersonville prison, and one died in a Richmond hospital while a prisoner of war.  The final soldier, incidentally the one from Pennsylvania, transferred to the Navy in 1864.

In addition to the members of the 23rd Illinois, the enlistment look-ups (which are listed on register pages) revealed 64 other volunteer enlistees into the regiment in November/ December 1862.  Out of curiosity, I looked into the demographics and service of this second group as well.  No birthplace was listed for four of the soldiers.  Only 19 of the remaining 60 were foreign born, as opposed to 41 natives.  Eleven were born in Pennsylvania, nine in New York, 6 in Massachusetts, four in Ohio, and two each in Virginia and Indiana.  One each was born in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Vermont.  Of the 19 immigrants, 11 were born in Ireland, three each in England and Canada, and one each in Scotland and Germany.

Interestingly, the second group had a much higher rate of service than the men of the 23rd Illinois.  Nineteen of the 64 served out their enlistments, but a further 11 re-enlisted in early 1864.  Three from New York transferred back to volunteer units, and one was released by an order from the Adjutant General’s Office, possibly for the same reason.  (I have encountered the transfer issue before with the 2nd and 6th U.S., and it was the 60th and 70th New York Infantry on all occasions, involving an appeal to General Joseph Hooker.)  Seventeen of these soldiers deserted, and six others were discharged for disability.  Of the six who died, one was killed in action and one died in Andersonville prison.

Amongst the other nuggets turned up, this research also revealed 19 volunteer enlistees into the 2nd U.S. Cavalry during the same time period.  And I find myself curious about young Lieutenant Judson Haycock as well.  Thanks again for the query that started the ball rolling, Jimmy Price!

Sources:

Civil War Centennial Commission of Illinois, Illinois Military Units in the Civil War, 1962.

NARA, RG 94, Register of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914

Regimental roster, accessed on June 27, 2013 at http://civilwar.illinoisgenweb.org/reg_html/023_reg.html

Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, 9 vols., 1900-1902, accessed on June 27, 2013 at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/databases/reghist.pdf

5th Cavalry at Gaines Mill article

20 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by in 1862, 5th Cavalry, battle of Gaines Mill

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This month’s e-version of Armor magazine has an excellent article on one of the companies of the 5th US Cavalry at the battle of Gaines Mill. It is entitled “A Hard Duty Given This Half of the 5th Cavalry,” by Donald McConnell and Gustav Person. The link for it is here. The authors do an excellent job of setting the table for the reader leading up to the battle, then provide a very detailed look at the battle and its aftermath for Company H, 5th US Cavalry. I found it a very entertaining and informative read.

Gaines Mill week

25 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by in 1862, 1st Cavalry, 5th Cavalry, battle of Gaines Mill

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In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the battle of Gaines Mill on June 27, 1862, I’ll be featuring posts on the regular cavalry’s participation in the battle this week. I won’t focus on the decision-making of Brig. Gen. Philip St. George Cooke, as that’s been covered before and likely will be again this week elsewhere. I’ll focus on the stories of the two regular regiments involved, the 1st and 5th U.S. Cavalry regiments. I’ve examined their official reports and monthly returns for information on the battle. Unfortunately, I’m away from home on a work trip for the next month, so I’m not able to provide Chaplain Gracey’s account of the charge of the 5th U.S. Cavalry. He was present on the field with the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry.