Category Archives: 5th Cavalry

Reserve Brigade Attrition in the Gettysburg Campaign

20 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by in 1863, 1st Cavalry, 2nd Cavalry, 5th Cavalry, 6th Cavalry, battle of Brandy Station, Casualties, Gettysburg campaign, manning, Reserve Brigade, Stoneman's Raid

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Few would dispute the performance of Gen. John Buford on July 1st at Gettysburg.  He did an excellent job of fighting his division, especially since he was short one brigade.  The Reserve Brigade, without question his favorite in the division, was miles away guarding the wagon trains of the Army of the Potomac at the time of the biggest fight of his career.  The fact that he accomplished all that he did on that July day is not only a tremendous credit to Colonels Devin and Gamble, but to Buford’s ability to employ unfamiliar commands effectively.

It is an established fact that Gen. Buford preferred regular units to volunteers.  While the performance of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry during Stoneman’s Raid went a long way toward changing his mind about volunteers, there can be little doubt that he would have preferred to have the Reserve Brigade with him on July 1st.  Indeed, he requested their return several times prior to that morning. (OR, Vol. 27, pt. 1, pgs. 923-924)

Why was the Reserve Brigade guarding wagon trains?  The answer is simply attrition, of officers even more than enlisted men.  By the end of June 1863, the brigade was simply fought out, and needed a day or two to reorganize before returning to the fight.  During the preceding two months, each of its regiments averaged losses in excess of 15% of their enlisted strength and nearly half of their officers.

At the end of April 1863, just prior to Stoneman’s Raid, this was the strength of the regiments of the Reserve Brigade.  Data for the 6th Pennsylvania is not shown.

Regiment         Officers           Enlisted            # Companies

1st US               10                    371                  7

2nd US              17                    304                  10

5th US              12                    424                  10

6th US              13                    498                  12

Total                52                    1,597               39

A full strength cavalry regiment was authorized 12 companies, including 42 officers and 1,100 enlisted men at this point in the war.  The companies present with the brigade averaged 1.3 officers and 40.9 enlisted men.  The brigade was commanded by a major, and each of the regiment’s by a captain.

At the end of May 1863, after Stoneman’s Raid and prior to Brandy Station, this was the brigade’s strength.  Data is unavailable for the 6th Pennsylvania. (National Archives, RG 94, Returns from Regular Army Cavalry Regiments, 1833-1916. Hereafter “Regimental returns”)

Regiment         Officers           Enlisted            # Companies

1st US               14                    322                  7

2nd US              16                    334                  12

5th US              12                    421                  11

6th US              13                    468                  12

Total                55                    1,545               42

Despite the addition of three officers and three companies, enlisted strength was down by 52 men.  Many of the losses were to the dismounted camp near Dumfries for mounts to replace those lost in the raid.  Each company still averaged 1.3 officers, but only 36.7 enlisted men.  The regiments were commanded by one major and three captains.

At the battle of Brandy Station, General Buford used his 1st and 2nd Brigades primarily defensively after crossing the Rappahannock and losing Colonel B.F. Davis early in the battle.  Once his lines were established, he used the Reserve Brigade for the majority of his attacks on the Confederates, first at St James Church, and later on his right flank.  These attacks resulted in correspondingly higher casualty rates for the brigade.  The 1st U.S. Cavalry picketed north of the river for the majority of the battle, and saw very little fighting.  The Gettysburg Campaign in Numbers and Losses by J.D. Petruzzi and Steven Stanley provides an excellent roll-up of regimental strengths and losses by engagement for the campaign.  Their numbers for the battle of Brandy Station are listed in the table below. (Petruzzi and Stanley, The Gettysburg Campaign in Numbers and Losses, pgs. 5-6. Also, OR, Vol. 27, pt. 1, pg. 905.)

Regiment         Strength   Killed  Wounded   Missing       Total    % Strength

1st US               350            1           1                 0           2             .6%

2nd US              435          11         29               26          66          15.2%

5th US              330            6         17               15           38          11.5%

6th US              510            8         26               32           66          12.9%

6th PA              310            5         25               78         108           34.8%

Total              1,935          31         98              151        319          14.5%

Total strength for the brigade may be conservative, as Gen. Pleasonton’s official report lists their strength on June 9, 1863 at 1,857. (Ibid., pg. 906)

Total losses for Buford’s right wing in the battle, including the infantry brigade, were 471.  The Reserve Brigade losses of 319 were 67.7% of this total.  As devastating as these numbers appear, they may be conservative.  The commander of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry during the battle, Wesley Merritt, later reported 8 of 14 officers were killed or wounded, and 68 killed or wounded of only 225 engaged.  These equate to losses of 57% of officers and 30% of enlisted men in this regiment. (Rodenbough, From Everglade to Canyon, pg. 290.)

The campaign continued, and the brigade rode north with the rest of the division.  Less than two weeks later, on June 21st, the division engaged in another battle at Upperville. (Petruzzi and Stanley, pgs. 33-34.)

Regiment         Strength   Killed  Wounded   Missing      Total    % Strength

1st US               345            1         13               39         53          15.4%

2nd US              372

5th US              301            1                                            1             .3%

6th US              463                         6                 3            9            1.9%

6th PA              240

Total              1,735              2         19               42            63

Again, these numbers may be conservative, as Captain Cram of the 6th U.S. Cavalry claimed in his official report, “The regiment marched out 12 commissioned officers and 242 enlisted men strong.” (OR, Vol. 27, pt. 1, pg. 947.)  This would increase the regiment’s loss to 3.6%.  During the battle, Gen. Buford again employed the Reserve Brigade as his primary attack force, and they paid commensurately. The 1st U.S. Cavalry, who had missed much of the previous battle, figured prominently in this one.  Division losses for the engagement totaled 115.  The Reserve Brigade, composing 39.8% of the division’s strength, suffered 54.7% of its casualties.  Two more officers were lost, one each from the 1st and 6th U.S. Cavalry. (Ibid., pg. 922.)

By the end of June, conditions within the brigade had changed dramatically from just one month before.  Regular regiment strengths as reported on their monthly returns for June 1863 are listed below. (Regimental returns.)

Regiment         Officers           Enlisted            # Companies

1st US                 8                       313                 8

2nd US                5                       505               12

5th US                9                       441                11

6th US                9                       461                10

Total                32                    1,720                 41

While enlisted strengths remained roughly the same per company, primarily due to replacements from the dismounted camp as mounts became available, officer strengths had plummeted.  Over the month, 21 of 52 officers were lost killed, wounded or missing, a loss of 40%. (Ibid.)  This left less than one officer per company.  Despite the continual reinforcements, companies remained at 40% strength on average, with near-constant disruptions to the ranks.  Additionally, the brigade received its third commander of the month on June 30th in the person of newly-promoted Brigadier General Wesley Merritt.

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Fortunately, 21 of the remaining 32 officers were former enlisted men in the regiments. (Ibid. Also, National Archives, RG 94, Register of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914 and Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, Volume 1.)  The brigade was still an experienced, battle-hardened formation, it simply needed a couple of days to reorganize.  This was proven on July 3rd and throughout the pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia following the battle of Gettysburg.

To some extent, however, the loss of the Reserve Brigade may have done much to reveal Buford’s battlefield acumen.  Had they been present, it seems very likely that he would have relied on them heavily once again.  Instead, he was forced to utilize the tools he had at hand, specifically his other two brigade commanders.  Both were very capable cavalry leaders, they simply had not yet had a good opportunity to demonstrate their ability to their division commander.  They proved themselves in the crucible on July 1st.  The lessons that Gen. Buford learned about them and their commands in this fight greatly enhanced his ability to fight his division through the rest of the campaign.  A look at Gen. Buford’s reports from the campaign will show that he maneuvered the division differently before and after the fighting at Gettysburg.  Following the battle, they appear to have much more autonomy in their movements.

 

Stoneman’s Raid – Buford’s Report

31 Friday May 2013

Posted by in 1863, 1st Cavalry, 2nd Cavalry, 5th Cavalry, 6th Cavalry, cavalry, Reserve Brigade, Stoneman's Raid

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Report of Brig. Gen. John Buford, U.S. Army, commanding Reserve Brigade.

Hdqrs. Cavalry Reserve, Deep Run, May 15, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions from corps headquarters, the brigade, composed of the First, Second, Fifth, and Sixth U.S. Cavalry, left camp at Falmouth at 8 a.m. on April 13, and marched to Morrisville, 21 miles, where it encamped for the night. Elder’s four gun battery joined the column at Hartwood.

On the 14th, at daylight, the brigade was in front of Kelly’s Ford, where it remained until 4 p.m. The object in view at Kelly’s Ford was to make a demonstration in favor of the portions of the corps that were to cross the river higher up. The demonstration was a success, as it has since been ascertained that all of the forces at or near Culpeper were hurried to Kelly’s Ford. While at the ford, the enemy opened upon the brigade with two 10-pounder Parrotts; fired 13 shots. Lieutenant Elder replied from his four guns, firing 12 shots, and drove the rebel guns out of sight. The enemy occupied the rifle-pits on their side of the river and fired upon us, doing no damage, save wounding 3 horses of Captain Clary’s squadron, of the Second Cavalry. The enemy had 5 men hit during the day about their rifle-pits. Not a man of the brigade was touched.

At 6.30 a.m. on the 15th, the brigade was at Rappahannock Bridge, ready to cross. Here orders were given to await further instructions.

At 11 a.m. the ford was swimming. At 10 a.m. Lieutenant Walker, of the Fifth, unaccompanied, crossed the river, in easy range of the enemy’s picket guard, 35 strong.

At midnight of the 15th, the Sixth was ordered to Morrisville to guard the trains. The country at that hour was like a sea. The regiment reached Morrisville on the 16th, having had Marsh Run to swim.

The brigade bivouacked near the Rappahannock Bridge until the morning of the 18th, when it moved up the railroad to near Bealeton. The enemy threw a few shells into the bivouac just after the command had marched.

On the 20th, the brigade marched to near Fayetteville, and picketed the river.

On the 22d, the brigade marched to Warrenton Junction; remained there until the 28th, then started for Kelly’s Ford; was prevented from reaching Kelly’s Ford by bad roads and fog.

Arrived at and crossed Kelly’s Ford on the 29th, and marched about 4 miles, when the advance was fired into.

On the night of the 29th, Captain Drummond’s and Lieutenant Walker’s squadrons, of the Fifth, dashed off to Brandy Station to communicate with General Averell. At Brandy Station they found the Thirteenth Virginia Cavalry and a battery opposed to General Averell. No communication could be made with General Averell. The squadrons returned during the night, having accomplished their mission in a most handsome manner. The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry joined the brigade at Kelly’s Ford, and served with it up to the present time. While halted at the forks of the road near Stevensburg, my pickets were fired upon on four different roads. They all behaved handsomely, and dispersed the foe opposed to them.

On the morning of the 30th, the packs were sent to General Slocum, and the column started for Mitchell’s Ford, on the Rapidan. The leading squadron, Lieutenant Mason’s, of the Fifth, swam the river at Mitchell’s, and scoured the country up to Morton’s and Raccoon Fords. Mitchell’s Ford was found impracticable. The command moved up to Morton’s, and there crossed the river, one squadron of the Sixth Pennsylvania taking the lead, and joining Mason’s squadron on the south side of the river. These two squadrons scoured the country up to Somerville Ford, and drove off some of the enemy’s forces, capturing some 15 prisoners. Lieut. Peter Penn-Gaskell drove the rebel pickets from Raccoon Ford, and found the ford a practicable one. The brigade bivouacked at Raccoon Ford, and marched at daylight to Verdierville, crossed the Plank road, and encamped on the south side of the North Branch of the North Anna. General Gregg pushed on to Louisa Court-House.

On May 2, the brigade passed through Louisa Court-House, and proceeded to Yanceyville. At Louisa, Captain Lord, with his regiment, the First Cavalry, was detached toward Tolersville and Frederickshall, to destroy the railroad and to burn the bridge over the North Anna, on the road from Fredericksburg. He accomplished all that he was sent to do thoroughly.

May 3 found the brigade at Thompson’s Cross-Roads. Captain Lord returned. Captain Drummond, with 200 men of the Fifth, was detached for a special purpose, which he accomplished. Captain Harrison, with the remainder of his regiment, went to Flemmings’ Cross-Roads.

On the morning of the 4th, Captain Harrison was attacked by over 1,000 of the enemy’s cavalry. He made a determined stand; met this overwhelming force with 30 men, and checked it until he could get in his detached parties and save his led horses. His loss in the engagement was 2 officers (Captain Owen and Lieutenant Buford) and 30 men, all supposed to be prisoners from this date. He brought off his wounded. Captain Harrison speaks in the highest terms of the officers and men with him in his engagement, and he deserves the highest praise for his coolness and gallantry displayed in extricating his command from the clutches of a force that was more than ten times superior in numbers. I feel confident that had he had the 200 men of his regiment with Captain Drummond, he would have disposed the force that attacked him.

May 5. – At Flemmings’ Cross-Roads all of the strong horses of the brigade were selected, 646 in number, and the command started to Gordonsville. After crossing the South Anna at Yanceyville, my intention was to go across the country, keeping south of the railroad and Gordonsville, but soon found it impracticable, from the broken ground and impenetrable forests. The only alternative was to march by Louisa. At Louisa I found telegraphic communication had been restored with Gordonsville. The wires were again destroyed, the post-office seized, and the command started down the railroad to Gordonsville. At Trevilian’s Station we destroyed the pumps and water-tanks, 2 hand-cars, a large supply of subsistence stores, and 2 wagons loaded with ammunition and arms. The wood and ties along the road were burned, and the telegraph destroyed by taking out long pieces of the wire. When within 2 miles of Gordonsville, the enemy’s infantry and artillery were found in position awaiting our arrival. The command then turned north, and marched until nearly daylight, and stopped safe on the north side of the North Anna, near Orange Springs. The water in the North Anna was rising fast when the head of the column struck it, and before the rear of my short column passed it was swimming. The rear guard found it impassable, and crossed it on rafts.

General Stoneman, with General Gregg and the rest of my brigade, came up early on the 6th, just as I was about starting for Raccoon Ford.

Toward evening the command marched again, and arrived at Raccoon Ford about 2 a.m. on the 7th. The brigade was all across at 4 a.m.

At the crossing of the Plank road, the Second was sent to Germanna Mills to hold that ford against the enemy. Here we received the first reliable information that General Hooker had recrossed the Rappahannock. The command reached Kelly’s Ford in the night, and found the river swimming. The brigade was all posted on the approaches to the ford, and remained standing to horse until daylight, when the brigade began crossing. The crossing was effected without losing a man. Two worn out horses were lost.

On the 8th, the brigade encamped near Rappahannock Bridge and drew forage.

On the 9th, moved to Bealeton for supplies.

On the 10th, started for Falmouth, and reached Deep Run, where instructions were received to picket the river from Rappahannock Bridge to Falmouth, which duty the brigade is performing now.

From the time that the brigade struck the river at Rappahannock Bridge on the 15th, up to the crossing of the river on the 29th, it seemed as though the elements were combined against our advance; such rains and roads I had never seen. During the whole expedition the roads were in a worse condition than I could have supposed to be possible, and the command was called upon to endure much severe discomfiture. The men’s rations were destroyed almost as soon as issued. No fires could be lighted to cook or dry by, and the dark, cold, wet nights that the men were compelled to march wore them out; but all, without exception, were full of enthusiasm, ready for any emergency, and did their duty with hearty good-will. I have not heard of a complaint or murmur. Each regiment has had about the same amount of duty to perform. The Fifth probably had a little the most, and most nobly have they all responded when called upon.

There were a number of men from the brigade left whose horses had to be abandoned. It will be impracticable to get the names of these men or the number until the brigade is again concentrated. The Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Major Morris, had its equal share of trials and exposure, and has been more than equal to any task imposed upon it. A number of animals of inferior quality were captured, which served to bring out of the country the men whose horses had failed.

At Thompson’s Cross-Roads a train of 15 new wagons was captured and destroyed by Captain Keough, one of my aides, and Lieutenant Walker, of the Fifth. The mules, 60 in number, were distributed to the dismounted men of the command.

I have not received the reports from the regimental commanders of the operations of their respective commands, except from Captain Harrison, of the Fifth, and Captain Lord, of the First Cavalry; these are transmitted herewith. Captain Harrison speaks of his officers and men in most flattering terms. He himself has behaved most heroically throughout.

All of my staff – Captains [Myles W.] Keough, [Joseph] O’Keeffe, and [Theodore C.] Bacon; Lieutenants [John] Mix, Peter Penn Gaskell, [Philip] Dwyer, and [William] Dean – have been severely worked, and have rendered valuable service to me. Untiring and zealous, they have relieved me of much anxiety, and have promoted good feeling through the brigade.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Jno. Buford,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. A.J. Alexander,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps.

Source: OR, Vol. 25, pt 1, pgs 1087-1090

150 Years Ago: 5th U.S. Cavalry, May 1863

07 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by in 1863, 5th Cavalry, 5th U.S. Cavalry, cavalry, Stoneman's Raid

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James E. Harrison
At the beginning of May 1863, the 5th U.S. Cavalry’s regimental strength was 12 officers and 424 enlisted men in ten companies. Although authorized twelve companies, the regiment had not yet attempted to recruit and organize the other two. This was partly due to the need for heavy recruiting to make up the losses sustained at Gaines Mill the previous June. The regiment was commanded in May by Captain James E. Harrison.

All ten companies with the army participated in Stoneman’s Raid, and Captain Harrison’s official report on the raid will appear here next week. The monthly return shows only 130 unserviceable horses in the regiment, somewhat better than their sister regiments. Average company strength was only 42 of an authorized 95. Not a single company had its full complement of officers. Of the ten companies, two were commanded by captains, four by first lieutenants and four by second lieutenants. All four of the second lieutenants were former noncommissioned officers.

Source: NARA, Returns of Regular Army Regiments, 5th U.S. Cavalry, April 1863, images 335-337.

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.

Birth of the Reserve Brigade, Part 3

24 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by in 1863, 2nd Cavalry, 5th Cavalry, 6th Cavalry, Reserve Brigade

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The 2nd U.S. Cavalry had the only field grade officer present with his regiment, Major Charles J. Whiting.  He led the famous charge of the 5th Cavalry at the battle of Gaines Mill the previous July as a captain. Seventeen other officers were present with the regiment, four captains and thirteen lieutenants.  Five of the thirteen were former enlisted men, a sergeant major, three first sergeants and a sergeant.  Ten of the regiment’s twelve companies were present at Falmouth with the brigade.  Company C was with Grant’s army at Memphis and Company M was still recruiting and training at Carlisle Barracks.  February’s muster rolls showed 556 men present for duty.

The 5th U.S. Cavalry was led by Captain James E. Harrison, another veteran.  Only 16 officers were present with the regiment, one other captain and 14 lieutenants.  Junior in rank, it may have been the most experienced group in the brigade.  Ten of the 14 were former soldiers in the regiment – a sergeant major, three quartermaster sergeants, five first sergeants and a sergeant.  Nominally all twelve companies were present with the regiment, but Companies L and M were not manned during the war and existed only on paper.  617 men were present for duty in February.

The 6th U.S. Cavalry was led by Captain James Brisbin, wounded at the first battle of Manassas and another veteran of the previous year’s campaigning.  The youngest of the four regiments, the 6th had served in every campaign with the Army of the Potomac, and was part of the army’s advance guard for much of the Peninsula campaign.  Brisbin was the sole captain present with the regiment this month.  Thirteen lieutenants led the regiment’s twelve companies, half of whom were enlisted soldiers prior to receiving their commissions.  The largest of the regiments as it had been since campaigning started, the 6th U.S. Cavalry mustered 817 men in February.

Birth of the Reserve Brigade, Part 1

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in 1st Cavalry, 2nd Cavalry, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 5th Cavalry, 6th Cavalry, Reserve Brigade

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150 years ago today, the Reserve Brigade was born.  In Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac General Order No.4, Brigadier General George Stoneman laid out the organization of the newly-created Cavalry Corps.  He was assigned command of the corps five days before on February 7th.  The order was written by Assistant Adjutant General A. J. Alexander, on detached duty from his position as a captain in the 3rd U.S. Cavalry.  I have omitted the sections that do not apply to the Reserve Brigade.

“February 12, 1863.  General Orders No. 4, Headquarters Cavalry Corps.

“II. The cavalry of the corps shall be organized as follows: …  The Reserve Brigade, Brig. Gen. John Buford commanding. – First United States, Second United States, Fourth United States, Fifth United States, and Sixth United States.”

This formation wasn’t nearly as powerful as it looked on paper.  Only one squadron of the 4th Cavalry was present with the army, the remainder serving in the western theater.  The remaining regiments were understrength and led by junior officers.  This will be examined in a separate post.

The idea of a cavalry reserve was not a new one in the Army of the Potomac.  Under McClellan, it appeared to mean simply, where to put the cavalry regiments he hadn’t given to someone else.  During the previous year’s campaigning, it had consisted primarily of the regular regiments and a select few volunteer regiments.  The two small brigades of the cavalry reserve had borne the brunt of the campaigning on the peninsula.

“III. The Reserve will be encamped in the vicinity of general headquarters.”

At the time the order was published, Cavalry Corps headquarters was located near White Oak Church.  Its picket posts extended over twenty miles from this location, as far as Banks and United States Fords on the Rappahannock River.

“IV. A detail of one squadron will be furnished to each of the corps of this army to act as orderlies, messengers, &c. … The details for these and general headquarters will be furnished from the Reserve Brigade.”

The creation of the Cavalry Corps did not immediately ease the burden of the multitude of orderly taskings to commanders of the infantry formations.  The burden of the squadron details for Cavalry Corps headquarters and headquarters, Army of the Potomac fell on the Reserve Brigade initially.  Army Headquarters duty was performed by Companies A & E, 4th U.S. Cavalry.  Cavalry Corps headquarters duty rotated among the other regiments.

“V.  The general commanding the corps is desirous that every legitimate means within the reach of the officers and men under his command may be made use of to fit and perfect themselves for the most vigorous and rapid movements.  Requisitions have been made for pack-saddles sufficient to supply the wants of the whole command, and the general gives this timely notice to all that it is his intention to dispense with the use of wagons in all active field service of cavalry.”

This paragraph was more a statement of intention to wield the corps as an active and offensive organization than a set of instructions to subordinate units.  The pack-saddle concept, though attempted during Stoneman’s Raid in May, never really came to fruition.

“VI. All horses permanently disabled, or which cannot by the means of treatment be made available within a reasonable time, will be turned over to the quartermaster’s department after proper condemnation by competent authority.”

I am really not sure why this was included in the order, unless it had become a problem.  Reporting numbers of unserviceable horses per company in each regiment was a requirement in the regular regiments prior to the war, and hadn’t been discontinued.

Sources: OR, Vol. 25, pt. 2, pgs. 71-72

Frank Welcher, The Union Army, pg 516

5th U.S. Cavalry Regimental Staff

10 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by in 2nd/5th Cavalry, 5th Cavalry

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I’m having more troubles than expected compiling the Charles Meinhold biographical sketch.  Since I don’t want to have issues of long silences on the blog, I will finish up the regimental staff series in the interim.

As with the staffs of the other regiments, there are a few items of note with this one.  Other than the Bull Run campaign, none of the field grade officers served with e regiment during the war.

The gaps in the positions of adjutant and quartermaster are not nearly as prolonged as in the first four regiments.  As with the 4th Cavalry, after 1862 all of the adjutants and quartermasters were officers who were enlisted when the war started.  Thomas Maley was a very interesting individual, and deserving of a separate article of his own.  This regiment did not have a regimental quartermaster for the last five months of the war.  I suspect the duties were covered by the Reserve Brigade quartermaster and the regimental quartermaster sergeant.

 

Colonels

Albert S. Johnston                   March 3, 1855 – May 3, 1861

George H. Thomas                   May 3, 1861 – October 27, 1863

William H. Emory                    October 27, 1863 – July 1, 1876

 

Lieutenant Colonels

Robert E. Lee                           March 3, 1855 – March 16, 1861

John Sedgwick                         March 16, 1861 – April 25, 1861

George H. Thomas                   April 25, 1861 – May 3, 1861

Delos B. Sackett                      May 3, 1861 – October 1, 1861

Lawrence P. Graham               October 1, 1861 – May 9, 1864

Andrew J. Smith                      May 9, 1864 – July 28, 1866

 

Majors

George H. Thomas                   May 12, 1855 – April 25, 1861

Earl Van Dorn                         June 28, 1860 – January 31, 1861

Edmund K. Smith                    January 31, 1861 – April 6, 1861

James Oakes                            April 6, 1861 – November 12, 1861

Innis N. Palmer                                    April 25, 1861 – September 23, 1863

James H. Whittlesey                November 12, 1861 – November 30, 1863

E. A. Carr                                July 17, 1862 – January 7, 1873

David H. Hastings                    September 23, 1863 – December 7, 1863

David S. Stanley                      December 1, 1863 – July 28, 1866

William B. Royall                    December 7, 1863 – December 2, 1875

 

Adjutants

William W. Lowe                           May 31, 1858 – May 9, 1861

Abraham K. Arnold                 June 1, 1861 – May 9, 1862

Thomas E. Maley                     May 9, 1862 – December 1, 1862

James Hastings                                    December 1, 1862 – July 31, 1866

 

Quartermasters

J. F. Minter                              October 1, 1856 – March 31, 1861

Andrew P. Porter                     April 1, 1861 – August 1, 1861

Charles H. Tompkins               August 28, 1861 – November 13, 1861

William H. Brown                    November 13, 1861 – December 1, 1862

Thomas E. Maley                     December 1, 1862 – November 30, 1864

 

Commisaries

Philip Dwyer                            November 29, 1862 – July 31, 1876

 

Sources: Heitman, pgs 34

5th US Cavalry Casualties at Bull Run, July 21, 1861

01 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by in 2nd/ 5th Cavalry, 5th Cavalry, battle of Bull Run, Casualties, Uncategorized

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On July 19th, Company I, 2nd Cavalry was elected for General McDowell’s escort, Company E was attached to General Heintzleman’s division, the company of 2nd Dragoons was attached to General Hunter’s division, and the remaining squadrons – one of the First Cavalry and Companies B and G of the Second Cavalry – under the command of Major Innis Palmer, were attached to Colonel Andrew Porter’s brigade of General Hunter’s division.  By the 21st, all seven companies were consolidated as a battalion under Major Palmer.

These companies were chiefly employed during the battle as supports for artillery batteries.  Those with General Hunter’s division crossed Bull Run at one of the upper fords and assisted in turning the enemy’s left flank.  On August 3, 1861, the regular army’s mounted regiments were redesignated in order of seniority, the 2nd U.S. Dragoons becoming the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, and the 2nd U.S. Cavalry became the 5th U.S. Cavalry.

The following troopers from the 2nd/ 5th U.S. Cavalry were wounded in the battle: Privates James Brierly and Charles P. Thurston of Company B, Privates James Dowd and William McGee of Company E, two privates, names unknown, of Company G, and three privates, names unknown, of Company I.  Twenty horses were killed as well.

James Dowd was enlisted into Company E by Lieutenant Robert Eagle in New York City on January 8, 1861.  According to his enlistment documents, he had gray eyes, fair hair, a ruddy complexion, and stood 5’5” tall.  Born in Galway, Ireland, he worked as a laborer before enlisting.  He was discharged for disability as a private at Camp Cliffbourne, D.C. on December 28, 1861, most likely a result of his wound.

Charles P. Thurston was enlisted into Company B by Lieutenant Magruder in Baltimore, Maryland on September 20, 1859.  Born in Fishkill, New York, he worked as a machinist prior to his enlistment.  His enlistment documents describe him as 5’6” tall, with gray eyes, brown hair, and a fair complexion.  He was discharged for disability as a private at Camp Cliffbourne on May 2, 1862.

William McGee was enlisted into Company E at the age of 17 by Captain George Stoneman on May 30, 1860 in Edinburg, Texas.  Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he worked as a laborer prior to his enlistment.  His enlistment documents describe him as 5’4” tall, with blue eyes, light hair, and a fair complexion.  He was dishonorably discharged in the field by sentence of a general court martial on June 15, 1862, per Special Order 50, Cavalry Division, as a private.

Only James Brierly served through the war.  He was enlisted into Company B by Lieutenant Anderson in Louisville, Kentucky on December 21, 1860.  Born in Maysville, Kentucky, he worked as a cabinet maker prior to his enlistment.  His enlistment documents describe him as 5’8 ½” tall, with gray eyes, brown hair, and a ruddy complexion.  He reenlisted as a private at City Point, Virginia on July 1, 1864.  After the war, he was enlisted into the 7th U.S. Cavalry by Captain O’Connell in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 24, 1867, and was discharged on April 5, 1869.  On June 29, 1875, he enlisted again.  This time he was sworn into Company G, 17th U.S. Infantry by Lieutenant Cunningham at Newport Barracks, Kentucky.  Infantry life apparently did not appeal to the veteran cavalryman, as he deserted on October 1, 1876.

Sources: George F. Price, Across the Continent with the Fifth Cavalry, pages 102, 103 and 668.

National Archives, U.S. Register of Enlistments, 1798-1914 (accessed on Ancestry.com)

5th U.S. Cavalry at Gaines Mill – Casualties

27 Wednesday Jun 2012

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

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The official casualty count of the regiment in the battle was 1 officer and 3 enlisted men killed in action, 3 officers and 27 enlisted men wounded in action, and 2 officers and 19 enlisted men captured or missing in action, for a total of 55 casualties. (OR, Vol. 11, pt. 2, pg. 40)

To the best of my knowledge, no one has listed the names of the casualties, so it seems appropriate to do so for the 150th anniversary of the battle.

The regimental muster rolls for June 1862 reflect the following casualties in the battle. Some of the names could be misspelled, as they are very difficult to read on the return, and I haven’t yet been able to verify them through CWSS or their enlistment documents.

Killed in action:

Lt. John J. Sweet
Pvt. Christopher Baumann, Band
Pvt. Clarence O. Bingham, Co. A
Pvt. Michael Cantor, Co. I

Wounded in action:

Lt. Abraham K. Arnold
Lt. Louis D. Watkins
Lt. Thomas E. Maley

Company A:
Pvt. Ed Horner
Pvt. Jacob Ginsler
Pvt. Frederick Klein
Pvt. David Haas
Pvt. Wm. Conroy

Company D:
Sgt. Wm. Brophy
Pvt. Michael Considine
Pvt. Edward Dolan
Pvt. Edward Gill
Pvt. Albert Saunders
Pvt. Jacob Riis
Pvt. Leonard W. Berner
Pvt. James Comfy

Company F:
Pvt. William A. Rose
Pvt. John Drum

Company H:
Corp. George A. Hess
Pvt. John Coffey
Pvt. James D. Cairns
Pvt. Thomas Crowley
Pvt. Bernhart Miller
Pvt. William Gregory
Pvt. John Fitzpatrick
Pvt. Eugene Gleason
Pvt. Michael Halenhan
Pvt. Thomas McDermott

Company I:
Pvt. Edward C. McGowan
Pvt. Neill Lamont

Missing in action:

Capt. Charles J. Whiting
Capt. William P. Chambliss

Company A:
Pvt. William Flynn
Pvt. Jos. H. Reinholt

Company D:
1st Sgt. Charles Rouen
Sgt. John H. Keane
Sgt. Miles W. Douk
Corp. John J. James
Pvt. Thomas Canavan
Pvt. William Howerr
Pvt. George W. Hicks
Pvt. Patrick Maloney
Pvt. James M. Reno
Pvt. Michael Quinn
Pvt. Peter H. May

Company F:
Corp. Edward Harris
Corp. John J. Moody

Company H:
Sgt. Sheffield Autino
Sgt. Thomas Bennett

The monthly return for June 1862 states a total of 58 missing in action for the regiment for the month. 30 of these were lost at Old Church on the 13th, presumed captured on picket.

There is a discrepancy between the number of wounded enlisted men listed by company on the first page of the return and the names listed on the second page. The numbers of Companies A, D and F match. Company H lists 9 wounded but 10 names wounded in action. Company I lists 4 wounded but only two names.

Listed strength of the companies present for duty listed above in the muster rolls for the end of June 1862:

Co. A: 1 officer, 45 enlisted men
Co. D: 32 enlisted men
Co. F: 1 officer, 44 enlisted men
Co. H: 26 enlisted men
Co. I: 47 enlisted men

The regiment’s mounts suffered in the fight as well. Company A lost no horses, but had 17 unserviceable mounts at the end of the month. Company D lost 29 horses. Company F lost 20 horses, and an additional 4 were unserviceable at the end of the month. Company H lost 18 horses, with an additional mount unserviceable at the end of the month. Company I lost 9 horses, with 4 additional horses unserviceable at the end of the month.

5th U.S. Cavalry at Gaines Mill – Official Regimental Report

27 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by in 5th Cavalry, battle of Gaines Mill

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Report of Capt. Joseph H. McArthur, Fifth U.S. Cavalry, of battle of Gaines’ Mill.
“Headquarters Fifth U.S. Cavalry
In the Field, July 3, 1862.

Sir: Agreeably to instructions I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Fifth U.S. Cavalry in the battle which occurred on Thursday, the 27th of June, 1862, near Woodbury’s Bridge, on the Chickahominy:

It is here proper to state that there were but five companies present, the remaining five acting with General Stoneman to the right and rear.

During the first part of the engagement the regiment was kept out of fire, prepared to move wherever occasion demanded. Late in the action, and about 6 o’clock in the afternoon, the regiment was moved up and formed in line of battle to support Benson’s battery and another battery on the right. The regiment occupied this position until the battery on the right had ceased firing. The enemy advanced boldly on these batteries, which had opened a murderous fire upon them with the evident intention of carrying them. As soon as the battery on our right ceased firing Captain Whiting, who was at that time in command, gave the order to charge. The regiment charged the enemy’s infantry under a most galling fire until 6 officers out of 7 had been struck down. The column, being left without officers, wheeled to the right, and came off in as good order as could be expected.

I regret to state that Captains Whiting and Chambliss and Lieutenant Sweet have not been seen or heard of since the charge, and I am unable to state whether they are killed or merely wounded and taken prisoners.

Great credit is due to Adjt. Thomas E. Maley, who, although severely wounded, rendered great service to me in assisting to reform the regiment at once in rear of our forces. Lieutenant Watkins was severely wounded and also trampled on by several horses of the regiment. Lieutenant Arnold was slightly wounded.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. McArthur
Captain, Fifth Cavalry, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. James P. Martin.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Reserve.

Note — Those struck down were Captains Whiting and Chambliss, Lieutenants Arnold, Sweet, Watkins and Maley, leaving Capt. J. H. McArthur alone unhurt and in command of the five companies of the regiment engaged.

J. H. McArthur
Captain, Fifth Cavalry, Commanding.”
(OR, Vol. 11, pt. 2, pgs. 46-47)