The morning of the 14th again found us in the saddle, with our faces turned southward, and at eight A.M., the Division took up its line of march toward Harper's Ferry, where, crossing the river over a bridge of pontoons, we formed close column, just beyond Bolivar, the upper town, and halted for the night.
In a slight skirmish, just after passing the river, our advance, a squadron of the First New Jersey captured a rebel colonel. Squadron I and K was sent forward about a mile from town, to picket the approaches to it.
At sunrise the next morning, the advance was again commenced, the Second Brigade in front. Proceeding some two miles forward, on the Winchester pike, the command turned to the right, and by the river road, reached Shepherdstown at noon, and immediately established a strong skirmish line encircling the town, as the enemy had shown himself in considerable force at different points. During the afternoon, the town was searched, and a considerable quantity of bacon, with other stores which had been collected for the rebel army, found and distributed to the command.
Our column not resuming the advance, and the enemy apparently not disposed to make the attack, the night and the next morning up to eleven o'clock, passed without any hostile demonstration having been made on either side. But shortly after this, the enemy, doubtlessly having been reinforced, began to display a bolder front, and about noon the rattle of carbines on the right and rear of the town, where the Second Brigade was formed, gave evidence that the skirmishers were engaged. The artillery also soon opening, in less than half an hour the whole right had become engaged, though not a shot had been fired from our line, which extended from the left of the Second Brigade, eastward and nearly parallel with the river.
But we were not to remain idle long; the enemy's first point of attack, as is generally the case, was but a feint, to conceal his real intention, and suddenly opening eight pieces of artillery on our left, he directed a succession of vigorous and heavy charges against it with the view of breaking the line, but our cool and gallant commander, General Gregg, had too often played the chess of battle to be caught in this manner. A sufficient force, well protected by a high stone fence and thick wood, was in position to meet the attack, and gallantly resisting every effort, at length drove him back.
Foiled in his object here, he again turned his attention to the Second Brigade. Renewing his attack on its lines with redoubled energy, and our regiment, which thus far had acted as reserve, was ordered to its support. Crossing an open space of nearly a mile, in face of the enemy's batteries, and turning down the Charlestown pike, and moving along it by column of fours, a half mile further in direct line with a battery, sweeping its entire length, we took up the position assigned us.
Companies I and K, Captains McGregor and Williams were immediately dismounted and sent to the right, and Company C, Captain McNitt, Lieutenant H. McClenahan and Lieutenant Nelson; and Company D, Captain McDonald, Lieutenant Holbrook and Lieutenant Walker to the left to reinforce the skirmish line, while the balance of the regiment present, consisting of Company A, Lieutenant Kelly, and Lieutenant Wilson; Company B, Captain Litzenberg and Lieutenant Buzby; Company E, Captain Newman and Lieutenant Akers, and Company F, Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Lucas remained mounted with sabres drawn to charge, in case the enemy should break the advance line. The regiment remained in this position for two hours and a half, and until the action ceased at dark, although all the while subject to heavy fire of infantry at close range, and a cross-fire of artillery. As night approached, the enemy became more desperate in his efforts to force our line, and made charge after charge on different points of it with both cavalry and infantry, aided by storms of grape and canister, but the rapid and deadly volleys of our carbines as often forced him back. At midnight we were withdrawn, and the Division marching through a drenching rain storm, reached Harper's Ferry at nine A.M. next day, and encamping on the sloping declivities of Bolivar Heights, remained until the 19th.
At the sound of the "general," shelter tents were struck, saddles hurriedly packed, and two P.M. found us mounted in line and ready again for the advance.
Crossing the Shenandoah and passing around the base of Loudon Heights, we moved forward some six miles, and forming close column of squadron, picketed our horses and bivouacked for the night.
On the road again at an early hour, next morning, moved slowly forward as rear guard, and in charge of the train, reaching Perryville, on the Leesburg and Winchester pike, at dark. Here Companies G and L joined the regiment, from Frederick city.
At noon on the 21st, arrived at Hillsboro', encamped in a wood, and remained until the 23d, having our horses shod, and the regiment supplied with rations, forage and ammunition.
Dress parade in the evening of 22d.
A short respite of two days, and again southward bound, reaching Snicker's Gap, the Brigade halted, and our regiment was sent forward to picket Ashby's Gap. Relieving the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, a squadron was sent forward to the gap, and the balance of the regiment encamped in a wood, in rear of the village.
On the night of the 24th, the pickets reported the enemy approaching, and the regiment was turned out, but it proved to be a small party of guerrillas prowling around the lines. On the 25th, a small party under charge of Captain R.J. McNitt, made a scout along the mountain, north of the gap, and succeeded in securing several horses, which had been brought by the enemy from Pennsylvania, and placed there in concealment.
Withdrew the pickets at dark on the 26th, Sunday evening, and taking up the line of march, passed through Upperville, along the Aldie and Middleburg pike, to Middleburg, where we joined the brigade at two o'clock next morning. At five A.M., again in column of route, moving over roads rendered almost impassable by the recent rains, through Salem and Thoroughfare Gap to New Baltimore, and thence along the pike to Warrenton, encamping at nine P.M., about two miles east of town. Weather exceedingly warm.
Marched at seven o'clock next morning, the 28th, to Warrenton Junction. Returned to Warrenton next day, and went into camp. Had anticipated a few days rest here, but were again on the road on the morning of the 30th, and with the division crossed the Rappahannock a short distance above Waterloo, and moving south some eight miles, to Amisville, establishing camp, commenced picketing toward Jefferson and the Hazel river.
On the 31st, Captain J. Newman, with portions of E and F companies made a reconnaisance to Hazel river, and found the enemy in force on the other side. At three o'clock on the morning of August the 1st, our line of pickets was ordered to be advanced to the Hazel river; meeting no opposition, they reached it in an hour, and when day dawned and the enemy discovered our line stretching across the country so near them, betook themselves to very rapid preparations for an attack, but after remaining in battle line for some time, and finding that we made no further advance, went into camp again, and some of them coming down to the river, which was scarcely ten paces wide, made stipulation for neither party to fire, as long as no attempt was made by either to cross the river.
Scouted on the 4th, in the direction of Culpepper, and found the enemy in force, a short distance beyond the river. Again in the saddle for a scout at three A.M., on the 5th, and crossing Hazel river at daylight, we advanced to Muddy run, some six miles beyond.
The enemy, who had permitted us to advance thus far without offering any opposition, now commenced throwing heavy columns around on our flanks, with the view of cutting us off. But discovering his object, We deployed a heavy rear and flank guard, and commenced a rapid return; and though greatly outnumbered by the enemy, who made frequent efforts to reach our rear, but were beaten back and foiled in every attempt, we finally reached the river, after an hour's sharp skirmishing, without the loss of a man.
Returned to the north side of the Rappahannock on the 8th and encamped near Sulphur Springs; the whole regiment sent on picket.
On the 9th, Lieutenant George W. Lyon, of Company I, with a party of sixteen men, crossed the river on a scout, and being cut off by the enemy, was supposed captured; but making his way safely through the enemy's lines, joined General Buford's command and returned to the regiment next day by the way of Beverly ford.
Continuing on picket until the 15th, when we moved to Warrenton and established camp. Here Company H, Captain W.S. Craft, Lieutenants T.C. Lebo and E.C. Forsyth, which were detailed on special duty at headquarters, Sixth Army Corps, on the 22d of last February, rejoined the regiment. During its absence, the company was present with the Sixth Corps at the battle and storming of Marye's heights, in rear of Fredericksburg, May 3d, and on the 2d and 3d of July, at the battle of Gettysburg.
A scout on the 18th to Salem by Companies A, B, and I, under command of Captain McGregor, and on the 19th by the whole regiment to Greenwich and Gainesville. Re-crossed the Rappahannock on the 24th, and moved to Jefferson on picket, and returned to Warrenton on the 27th.
The 1st, 2d, and 3d of September were spent on regimental and brigade drill. The regiment sent on picket again on the 4th; established a line from Rappahannock, northwest along Carter's creek, where an outpost was surprised on the night of the 6th, and Lieutenant George W. Lyon and Corporal Barre were killed, and four men captured. On the morning of the 10th the brigade started from camp at Warrenton on a scout, in the direction of Bull Run Mountains. At Salem our regiment was detached and sent by way of White Plains to Middleburg. A party of thirty men, with picked horses, under charge of Captain R.J. McNitt, were detailed as an advance guard. Scouring the country in every direction in search of Moseby and his guerrillas, until noon the next day, when we returned to camp without any captures.
Breaking camp on the morning of the 12th, we moved to Jeffersonville. "To horse," sounding at daylight on the morning of the 13th, in half an hour the division had again taken up its line of march. Our brigade, crossing Hazel river at Oak Shade, moved forward to Rixlieville; and halted to await the arrival of the second brigade, which had turned off at a ford about a mile to the left.
Coming up at nine A.M., it took the advance and moved off in the direction of Culpepper, we following immediately after.
Meeting the enemy at Muddy run, a sharp skirmish ensued, which lasted about a half hour, when the enemy fell back and the division crossed. Resuming the advance, the second brigade now became engaged in heavy skirmishing, which lasted all the way to Culpepper, which we reached about noon. Here our brigade was ordered to the front, and the regiment being the advance guard was immediately deployed as skirmishers. Company K, Lieutenants Kennedy and Morgan, being on the extreme right, and next in order; Company D, Captain McDonald, Lieutenants Holbrook and Walker, Company G, Captain Confer and Lieutenant Reed; Company E, Lieutenant Akers; Company F, Lieutenants Lucas and Greenlee, formed the right wing, and on the right of the Culpepper and Cedar Mountain road. Company A, Captain Patterson and Lieutenants Kelly and Wilson; Company B, Captain Litzenberg and Lieutenant Lawsha; Company C, Captain McNitt and Lieutenant Nelson, forming the centre and immediately adjoining the road, and on the left in regular succession. Company I, Captain McGregor; Company L, Lieutenants Gaul and Buxton; and Company M, Lieutenants Sample and Wright. Company H not being armed with carbines, remained as a support in rear of the centre, ready to charge when occasion might require it. Formed in this manner, the advance was at once commenced, the regiment moving forward on horseback. But scarcely had we ascended the first range of hills when the enemy opened a scathing fire on us from woods and thickets, which told fearfully on both men and horses, exposed as they were, and was rapidly thinning the lines, when the horses were ordered to be sent to the rear and the men to fight on foot. Dismounting on the spot and forming again under the galling fire the enemy were all the while pouring upon them, and the order to charge being given, the whole line, stretching over the hills for half a mile, moved forward as one man, rushing over the open field, without a stump or stone for shelter, on to the enemy, who from his cover poured his fire into their faces at point blank range. And thus they fought for three successive hours, step by step, for four miles, only quitting the field when relieved, their ammunition being exhausted. Not a man, from the time the regiment went into action until it was relieved, was seen, along the whole length of the line to waver or swerve from his post; the line officers on the skirmish line with their men, encouraging them with their presence in the numerous and successive charges, and Colonel Taylor and Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, the only field officers present, with Chaplain Beale, acting adjutant, mounted, were targets for a hundred rifles, riding from point to point along the line wherever their presence were required.
The regiment never did its duty better, or showed itself more worthy of the place it holds on the roll of honor of its State, than on this occasion. Every copse of woods, stone fence, thicket and ravine along the route fought over, was taken advantage of by the enemy, and held with a stubbornness and bravery worthy of a better cause.
But as often as he rallied and made a stand, the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry charged his defences, carrying them by storm, and forcing him back to new positions.
Following this action, the regiment was engaged in skirmishing every day until the enemy was driven beyond the Rapidann, on the 17th; and then, after a respite of twelve hours, was again on the skirmish line along the river, where it remained for twenty four consecutive hours, all the time exposed to a harassing fire from the enemy's sharpshooters in rifle-pits on the opposite bank.
Returned to Culpepper on the 18th. Again at the Rapidann on the 22d, on picket duty. Relieved on the evening of the 24th, and reached Culpepper on the 25th.
On the morning of the 26th again on the march northward, crossing the Rappahannock about noon, we reached Catlett at night, and went into camp. Continuing here, guarding the railroad and scouting the country for some miles west of it until October, when we again moved to the Rappahannock and picketed its north bank in the vicinity of United States ford. Crossing at Kelly's ford on the 11th, and encamped at Rappahannock Station. Re-crossed the river and moved to Fayetteville on the morning of the 13th, and in the evening to Auburn.
Here our pickets were attacked early in the morning of the 14th by the enemy in force. Heavy fighting commenced immediately, and although the enemy pushed with great vigor to break our lines, and reach the wagon trains in our rear; we held him at bay until they passed out of danger. Our regiment being in the extreme rear at this place, we only escaped being entirely surrounded and cut to pieces by a heavy infantry force, which opened fire on both of our flanks simultaneously, and commenced rapidly closing in on all sides of us, by the heroic bravery and cool, determined action of the regiment.
When it emerged from the fiery circle, the converging columns of the enemy were scarcely a hundred yards from its flanks, at the point of egress; and although raked from the rear by grape and canister, and saluted on both sides by volleys of musketry, the regiment marched quietly out in "column of fours," as calmly as if passing in review, not a horse moving faster than a walk, nor a man leaving his place, and except those struck down by the hail of death which swept over them from all sides, not a gap was seen in the ranks. A sublime spectacle it was, indeed, and as soon as the regiment had cleared itself from the encompassing dangers, Captain H.C. Weir, A.A.G. of the division, the whole of which had witnessed the thrilling scene, rode forward from the side of General Gregg, and proposed three cheers for the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry. They were given on the spot, and with a will too, that showed no spark of jealousy, but how keenly a soldier appreciated his comrades' bravery, and with an energy that rung as shouts of defiance in the ears of the baffled foe.
After the action of the morning, the regiment continued skirmishing, as our army slowly fell back, and was again hotly engaged in the evening at Bristow Station.
Thursday, the 15th, continued skirmishing all day, and until we reached Bull Run. On the 16th, still engaged in skirmishing, crossed and re-crossed Bull Run five times during the day.
At Wolf Run shoals, the regiment being relieved for a few hours, the horses were unsaddled, and the men betaking themselves to cooking, washing and the various other little occupations which demand a soldier's attention during the occasional short respites from duty, and brief halts on the march of such vigorous campaigns as this, and soon became dispersed in the neighborhood of the camp. But they were not permitted to enjoy this pleasure long. A party of rebel cavalry, which had been lurking in our rear and remained concealed in the woods, awaiting this moment when we were least prepared for an attack, came sweeping around a point of woods a few hundred yards from camp; but the alarm being immediately given, the bugle sounded "to arms," and in a moment all in camp had snatched up their arms, and were ready to receive the audacious intruders, who not fancying the greeting a hundred carbines were waiting to give them wheeled their horses before coming in range, and made off again without accomplishing any thing further than giving some of the men a sharp chase to camp, and causing the regiment to "saddle up," without giving it an opportunity to pay them for their trouble. Picketing along Bull Run, and scouting the country beyond, until the 21st, when the regiment moved to Gainesville, and the next day through Warrenton, to the vicinity of Sulphur Springs, where we established camp. Engaged in picketing here until the 6th of November, on the evening of which we marched for Rappahannock Station, and reaching Bealton next morning, halted until afternoon, then moved toward the river and encamped. Moved to Fayetteville on the 9th and established picket line in direction of Warrenton and Sulphur Springs, and remained until the advance over the Rapidann.
On the night of the 17th, Moseby, with one hundred guerrillas, charged the picket reserve of the first battalion, commanded by Captain Davidson, killing one man, wounding one, and capturing three with some horses; but was so roughly handled, that he soon made off with several of his number wounded. The attack was made by about fifty, in charge of Lieutenant Turner, dashing on Captain Davidson's headquarters, and F Company, from the rear; while Moseby, with as many more, engaged the pickets in front. But the reserve, though dashed on without a moment's previous notice, while lying around their fires, were not to be overcome so easily as the enemy doubtlessly supposed. Seizing their carbines and pistols, and rallying in rear of their camp, immediately opened a fire, which joined by one or two volleys from Captain McNitt's squadron, Companies A and C, which encamped near by, was soon on the ground, sent the modern "Knight-errantry" scampering over the hills in indiscriminate confusion.
On the afternoon of the 21st, Moseby again paying us a visit, waylaid some teams near Fayetteville, and carried off a number of mules. Our regiment being ordered in pursuit, struck his trail about a mile east of Warrenton, and pushed forward at a gallop, to overtake him if possible, before reaching the mountains. Following him in this manner, scarcely half an hour in his rear, to Thoroughfare Gap, the night came on, and no longer able to trace his course, we were compelled to abandon the pursuit. We, however, captured one of his party and several horses which lagged behind, and in a house near the gap found the equipments, arms and overcoats of three others who had left so hastily as not to be able to take them along; arrived at camp at two A.M.; having ridden a distance of thirty miles through a drenching storm of rain.
On the morning of the 23d, our line of pickets was withdrawn, camp broken up, and by four P.M., we were on the road with the brigade, moving toward Rappahannock Station, reaching Bealton at ten at night, we bivouacked a short distance beyond the railroad. Marching the next morning we joined the Second Brigade at Morrisville, where we halted to be supplied with rations and forage. Next morning, the 24th, our brigade following the second, the whole division moved toward the Rappahannock, which we crossed about noon, at Ellis' Ford, and halted some four miles beyond, picketing toward the Rapidann. Here, a rain storm setting in, we remained the next day and the day following, delayed, as we supposed, by the inclement weather.
Resumed the march on the 26th, the Second Brigade still leading the advance, we pushed forward toward the Rapidann Meeting but little opposition, crossed the river at Ely's Ford, and moved forward toward the Fredericksburg and Germania pike; halted until night, then continuing the march eastward in the direction of Spottsylvania Court House, crossed the Fredericksburg and Culpepper and the Fredericksburg and Orange Court House plank roads, advanced some ten miles further, and halted at eleven P.M.
In the saddle again at daylight, the First Brigade leading the advance, we struck the Fredericksburg and Orange Court House plank road again at Parker's store, a point about fourteen miles from the latter place. Here we were joined by the Pennsylvania Reserves, the advance of the Fifth Corps, and the whole column moved forward toward Orange Court House. Some four miles on, the enemy's advance was met, which our skirmishers pushed slowly back to New Hope Church, about two miles, when they were next met by his main body, consisting of infantry, cavalry and artillery, the advance of Ewell's Corps. Our regiment being ordered to the front immediately after the commencement of the action, moved forward with the view of charging on horseback, but after remaining in position a short time, awaiting to meet a dash, threatened by the enemy on our skirmishers, dismounted, as the dense woods which covered the country prevented any efficient operations on horseback, and prepared to fight on foot.
As soon as the order to advance was given, the whole line, with a shout, dashed forward, broke the enemy's lines and sweeping around on the flank, captured twenty-eight of his infantry with muskets and bayonets in hand, while our only arm was the carbine and pistol.
We then established a line and held it against every effort of the enemy to break it, for two hours, and until relieved by the Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry.
This was the second time, at Fredericksburg and here, that the regiment was relieved when the press of battle became too heavy for its light lines, by this famed group of regiments, whose brilliant achievements have carved for them a name so high on the scroll of honor, the family of the Pennsylvania Reserves, in which we claim a sister part.
Additional Particulars. -- Our line was formed, the right consisting of Companies K, Lieutenant Kennedy, and Company L, Lieutenant Buxton, resting on the plank road; the centre, Company G, and part of H Company, Captain Confer and Lieutenant Reed, and the left, E, Captain Newman and Lieutenants Akers and Herrick; D, Lieutenants Holbrook and Walker, and M, Lieutenant Wright, extending to the railroad. Squadron B and I, Captains Litzenberg and McGregor and Lieutenant Lawsha remaining mounted, were employed as skirmishers on the extreme right, and the portion of Company H not supplied with carbines, left in charge of led horses.
After the regiment had been dismounted and thus formed, the order to deploy as skirmishers was given, and although on the open ground and under heavy fire, the movement, "left into single rank" was executed as calmly and correctly as on the parade ground. Then in steady, regular line, the advance commenced toward the wood by which the rebel line was covered, but scarcely had ten paces been made, when the enemy, rising from their concealment, with a hideous discord of sickly, screeching yells, so peculiar to them, poured a volley into our line. Without a recoil, or even a halt at this sudden and unexpected attack, the regiment no sooner caught sight of the enemy than some one in the line shouted, "charge," and with one full determined cheer, forward it dashed over ditches, stumps and brush, and through the enemy's first line, completely breaking his formation, capturing the men or compelling them to fling away their arms in the attempts to escape, and forcing the whole line back, fully three hundred yards, and until checked by his reserve infantry.
At the same time that the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry started forward on the charge, the First New Jersey Cavalry, (that first of Cavalry regiments,) joining lines, immediately on its right, and fighting side by side, as on many a field before, catching up the shout that rung from our ranks, at once joined in the advance, and on swept the twin regiments, each vieing with the other in deeds of daring, and yet each generously awarding to the other the meed of praise.
At dark the regiment was ordered back to Parker's store, and passed a rainy night in a low, marshy wood, and the next day moved some three miles west to the Wilderness tavern, on the Fredericksburg and Culpepper pike to picket. On the afternoon of the 29th, the camps of the Third Pennsylvania and First Massachusetts Cavalry were attacked by Hampton's Division, and a portion of the Third Pennsylvania forced back to our line. We immediately formed a line along the plank road, and awaited the enemy's coming, but he drew off without any further demonstration. On the 30th we again marched back to Parker's store, where another dash of the enemy brought us again into battle line, but it proved to be only a scouting party, and we were soon withdrawn and went to making ourselves comfortable around large fires, as the weather was extremely cold.
The evening of the 1st of December again found us at the Wilderness tavern, where we stood to horse all night, awaiting the army, which was now falling back to pass.
The last of the infantry having gone by, our regiment being the rear guard, we commenced at nine A.M. of the 2d, slowly withdrawing, hurrying up the stragglers before us, and skirmishing with the enemy, who was hovering on our rear. In this manner we reached the river at noon, crossed and rested in the woods on the west side.
Picketing along the Rapidann until the 6th, and moved to Brandy Station. Remained here until the 10th, and then marched for Warrenton. Arrived on the 12th and went into winter quarters, encamping just east of the town, in a beautiful and healthful situation, and by the 20th had excellent winter quarters completed.
On the 22d the regiment, under command of Captain Davidson, Colonel Taylor being at the time in command of the division, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner in command of the brigade, marched with the Sixth Ohio Cavalry to Amisville, to join, a portion of the second brigade in a scout to Luray valley; but not reaching that place until some hours after the second brigade had passed by, the detachment, in pursuance of instructions, returned to camp.
On the night of the 25th, Captain Newman, with one hundred men, in conjunction with a similar detachment from the First New Jersey, made a scout to Salem; the party capturing two guerrillas.
January the 1st, 1864, the regiment marched with the division in a reconnaissance to the Shenandoah valley, but on arriving at Front Royal, on the evening of the 2d, found the Shenandoah river too high from recent rains to ford, and were unable to proceed further. Bivouacking on the bank of the river for the night, next morning commenced return to camp, reaching it on the afternoon of the 4th. During the four days out, the weather was very severe, and the command suffered much from cold and exposure.
Scout on the 8th to Salem.
February the 17th, a detachment of one hundred men, Captain McGregor, Lieutenant Kennedy and Lieutenant Kelly, from the regiment, with an equal number from the First New Jersey, and smaller detachments from the First Massachusetts and Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, started under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Kester, (First New Jersey Cavalry,) on a scout to Ashby's Gap, in the vicinity of which they surprised and captured twenty-eight of Moseby's guerrillas, with a number of horses, arms, and equipments, and destroyed a considerable quantity of stores.
The following is an account of the affair, furnished by Captain T.C. McGregor:
"At midnight of the 17th we started from the rear of Warrenton, where the detachment had assembled. The night was exceedingly cold, yet by daylight we were thirty miles on our way, and had already begun to bag our prisoners. About ten A.M., of the 18th inst., Moseby's whole crew rallied and made a desperate attack, evidently for the purpose of recapturing the prisoners. A part of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry turned upon them, and never did they get so complete a whipping in so short a time as on that frosty morning, near Ashby's Gap. Had it not been that our horses were jaded while their's were fresh, we would have added largely to our number of prisoners. After destroying their headquarters, hospital stores, a large quantity of whiskey and commissary stores, and capturing a quantity of clothing and a mail, we started on our return, bringing off twenty-eight prisoners and over sixty horses. Once more they attempted the rescue of their comrades at Upperville, but the First New Jersey Cavalry taught them another severe lesson. In this affair, Captain Hart, of the First New Jersey, was slightly wounded, and this was the only casualty on our side. We reached camp the same night, after having marched about sixty-five miles in less than twenty-four hours. Such is cavalry service in winter."
Marched February the 27th, seven officers and two hundred men from the regiment, under command of Captain Davidson, with other detachments from the division, joined General Custar in a raid to Charlotteville, on the left and rear of Lee's army. Were absent five days and marched a distance of one hundred and seventy-eight miles.
March the 7th, scout of fifty men, under command of Captain McGregor, sent to New Baltimore.
The 8th, another scout of fifty men to Sulphur Springs and Waterloo, under charge of Lieutenant Holbrook.
At eleven P.M., the 9th, one hundred men, Captain Litzenberg, Lieutenants Forsyth and Buxton, with one hundred men from the First New Jersey, made a scout to Salem.
19th. Captain McNitt and Lieutenant Lucas, with one hundred men, made a scout to Salem, charged a party of the enemy, driving them from the town, and capturing one of their number.
21st. Captain Confer, with seventy men, made a scout to Sulphur Springs; another next day, by Captain Litzenberg, Lieutenants Herrick and Buxton, with one hundred men.
To sum up, in brief, the duties of the regiment have, during the present winter thus far, been the most constant, exhausting service it has ever performed. An extensive and exposed line to guard by vigilant picketing, constant annoyance from bands of guerrillas, with numerous and fatiguing scouts, have kept the men almost constantly on duty.
Of scarcely four hundred men present for duty with the regiment, it has furnished a daily aggregate of ninety-five men for picket duty, with nearly an equal number for scouts, guards, and other details. This severe service, with the exposure incident to a cavalryman's duties in winter, has told heavily in reducing the effective strength of the regiment. But spring is here again. Another winter's storms have been met and borne on the tented field, and the vernal winds with the strengthening beams of an April sun are rapidly preparing the roads for travel. For weeks the work of preparation has been hurrying on to reach its present consummation. Worn out and condemned horses, arms and accoutrements have been supplied by new ones; daily inspections and reviews have detected and sought to correct or remedy every evil and deficiency in the ranks; all visitors to the army have been sent home, none but soldiers are wanted here now; the haversack is packed, the cartridge-box refilled, the sabre, the musket and the cannon cleansed and burnished, and we stand ready for the field.
Day by day we await the notes of bugle from Division Headquarters, sounding the "general," and at the same time announcing the opening of the spring campaign of the Army of the Potomac for 1864.
The ranks that were thinned by disease and battle during the last year, have been more than filled by recruits. Another directing spirit has been assigned the control of our giant war machine, the laurelled Chieftain of the West, and the army will go forth as buoyant with hope, as determined in resolve, and stronger in numbers, more efficient in discipline, and schooled by experience and hardship in nerve and sinew more potent in its' operations, and more reliable in its endurance than ever before.
Here we pause in this imperfect summary of the operations of the regiment for thirty-two months of its life. Four more months still remain, and it will have fulfilled the period of its organization. What events remain to be chronicled in this brief, but doubtlessly active period, before its history closes, or the old organization merges into a new one, stamped with the honored name of Veterans, are yet hidden in the future.
During the first fifteen months of the war, much of the cavalry being scattered through the army, attached to divisions and corps, and employed as escorts, guard and advance pickets, &c., and little of it being so organized as to be prepared to act independently, (though its duties were as severe as they have ever been since,) its operations were so diffused as to afford it little opportunity of showing what might be done if its services were properly applied. And as a natural consequence, it began to be looked upon as an almost useless appendage to the army. But the collecting and organizing of the cavalry of this army, at least, during the winter and spring of 1863, into, brigades, divisions, and a separate corps, with horse artillery attached, have enabled it, by the services of the past year, to earn for itself an honorable position beside the other arms of the service, and to establish a rank in efficiency and in importance second to none in the army. Though the peculiarities of the country in which we operate have compelled the change of our light armed troops to dragoons or heavy cavalry; yet, wherever they have been privileged to meet the enemy as cavalry proper, in the charge and with the sabre, they have shown themselves superior to him in every respect, as Brandy Station, Aldie, Gettysburg, and various other fields will attest. The experience, however, of the last campaigns have clearly established the supremacy of the carbine as the cavalryman's most effective weapon-compelled, as he is, in this country of forests, thickets, fences, ditches and stone walls, to fight, much of the time, on foot--the pistol being seldom used, and generally only in close contest, when the sabre or carbine are lost or fail; and it is scarcely decided whether its effectiveness overbalances its cost to the Government and the inconvenience of carrying it.
Services of the regiment during the last five months of its term, viz.: April, May, June, July and August, 1864.
The month of April, up to the 21st, was chiefly spent in drilling, reviews. Early this morning, however, the long expected order to break camp was received, and soon all were engaged in the hurry and bustle of preparation: By eleven A.M., our winter habitations had disappeared, and in an hour more the division was on its way toward Warrenton Junction. Halting three miles from the Junction, we found fine camping-ground, and the division was soon disposed along Turkey Run, a small stream which afforded facilities for watering.
Here we remained until the 24th, when the regiment was detailed for picket duty, and marched at 5 A.M. for Morrisville, eighteen miles southeast, and near the Rappahannock river. Establishing a picket headquarters at this place, and connecting with the Tenth New York Cavalry at Grove Church, four miles further down the river, and picketing the various roads leading to the river, and also back into the country, we remained until the advance across the Rapidann. While engaged in this duty, the command was greatly annoyed by guerrillas and dismounted cavalrymen, who crossed the river for the purpose of procuring horses, and concealing themselves in the woods and thickets, watched their opportunity to fall on and capture pickets and small scouting parties. On the night of the 28th, Major R.J. Falls, with seventy-five men, made a scout to Falmouth, twenty-five miles distant; and on the 2d of May, Captain Davidson, with one hundred men, paid that place another visit; but neither party found any force of the enemy this side of the river, and consequently met with no incident worthy of note.
May 3d, withdrew our pickets at eight A.M. Crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, and rejoined the division at Richardsville, near the Rapidann. In the saddle again at one o'clock next morning, moved slowly forward toward the Rapidann, which we reached at four, and crossing at Ely's Ford, halted until after daylight. Contrary to expectation we met but a small force of the enemy here, merely a picket guard, which was scattered by a few shots, and our crossing left unopposed. Resuming our march at sunrise, we halted for an hour or two at Chancellorsville, and then pushed forward some six miles, and encamped for the night near Pine Creek Church. The Second Brigade, which led the advance from Chancellorsville had some slight skirmishing toward evening.
Next morning, the 5th, moved slowly forward toward Spottsylvania Court House, forming repeatedly and feeling for the enemy. At two P.M., we received orders to move rapidly forward and take possession of Todd's tavern, some three miles in advance of our present position. Arriving at that point we found a brigade of our infantry in battle line, and the Third Cavalry Division, commanded by General Wilson, moving back in haste and confusion, hotly pushed by the enemy. Our brigade was immediately thrown forward to cover the rear of the Third Division, and meeting the enemy in a charge, at once became sharply engaged, but soon succeeded in checking his lines, and hurrying him back faster than he had advanced. Following him up with charge after charge, and though obstinately contesting the ground he was at length compelled to fall back across the Po river, some three miles distance.
In this engagement, Colonel Taylor, with seven companies, acted in conjunction with the brigade, while Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, who, just previous to the opening of the action had been sent with the other five companies down the Spottsylvania Court House road, with instructions to push forward to that place. This, however, he soon found himself unable to do, as he was met by a heavy force of the enemy, when scarcely two miles out, and his own party with a battalion of the First Massachusetts Cavalry sent to his support heavily pressed for some two hours, and until relieved by the Second Brigade.
At dark the regiment was placed on the skirmish line, where it remained until four P.M., next day, being engaged in occasional skirmishing during the whole time.
Retired some three miles on the evening of the 6th, and at noon of the 7th again moved forward to our former position at Todd's tavern.
The First Division being in order of battle, immediately commenced the attack, and our brigade moving forward, took position on its left. Shortly after arriving on the ground, the regiment was ordered out to meet an advance the enemy were making on our extreme left. Dismounting two battalions, and joining the Sixth Ohio, which connected with the left of the First Division, we pushed forward on the Spottsylvania Court House road. A charge was immediately commenced along our whole line of battle, and the enemy, although stubbornly resisting the movement for a time, was at length compelled to give way, retiring in such haste as to leave all his dead and wounded on the field, and a number of prisoners in our hands. Encamped on the battle-field at night. Next day, the 8th, recrossed Pine creek, and at night moved back to the Fredericksburg plank road, where the Cavalry Corps was concentrating. The regiment on picket in the direction of Chancellorsville.
May the 9th, marched with the Cavalry Corps on a grand raid, in the direction of Richmond. Crossed, during the day's march, the Massaponax, Ny, Po and Ta rivers.
When about ten miles out, the First Division, which led the advance, met a party of the enemy, who continued harassing our advance and right flank during the entire day, growing more bold and persistent as evening came on. About five P.M., the rear, which was guarded by our brigade, became heavily pressed, and a charge on the Sixth Ohio, which constituted the extreme rear guard, forced them back on our regiment, which formed its support. Some little confusion was at first occasioned by the sudden attack, but our line was soon formed, and a sharp fight commenced, which lasted until dark, when we withdrew our skirmishers and continued the march. Halted at midnight on the north bank of the North Anna; and brought into the saddle again at three o'clock in the morning, by a shower of the enemy's shells. Crossing the North Anna at daylight, arched to Beaverdam Station, which the First Division had destroyed, and crossing South Anna river at Ground Squirrel Bridge, about four P.M., encamped a few miles beyond.
Heavy skirmishing in front and on the right flank during the day. Wednesday, 11th, fighting, but moving steadily forward. Our brigade detached and sent to Ashland, some eight miles distant, destroyed the station, and after a severe skirmish, in which the First Massachusetts Cavalry lost heavily, rejoined the division at one P.M. The First Division and Second Brigade of our Division were heavily engaged at Hungary Station and Yellow Tavern during the entire afternoon, but handsomely repulsed the enemy at every point. General Custer's Brigade capturing two pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners. Our brigade, being held in reserve, was not engaged.
Marching all night, passing down the Brock road to within two and a half miles of Richmond, and daylight of the 12th found us, with the First Division, crossing the Chickahominy river, at Meadow Bridge, the Third Division following next in order, and our division drawn up between Richmond and the river to guard the crossing. The First Division became hotly engaged as soon as it reached the north side of the Chickahominy, and the Second, our Division, was assailed on three sides as soon as it was sufficiently light to make the attack. Every effort was made by the enemy to break the lines of our division and push us back into the river and swamp. But as often as he came up, he was driven back with heavy loss. The fighting continued thus, the enemy charging, time after time, only to be hurled back, until about eleven A.M., when, apparently completely disheartened by his repeated repulses, he withdrew, and we quietly crossed over the bridge, reaching the north side of the Chickahominy about three P.M. Continuing the march, the corps passed through Mechanicsville, and encamped beyond Gaines' Mills. Friday 13th, marched ten miles and encamped at Bottoms Bridge. Crossed Bottoms Bridge on the 14th, and reached James river at Haxall's Landing. Our regiment, having the advance of the corps, was sent forward to open communication with the gunboats. Mistaking us for rebel pickets, they opened on us, and gave us several shells before we could make ourselves known, but fortunately the shells did us no harm. Remained here during the 15th, 16th and 17th, but moved out at seven P.M. of the 17th, and marched all night. Crossed Jones' Bridge on the 18th and encamped at Baltimore Cross roads. Left Baltimore Cross roads at five A.M., the 20th, and marched to Cold Harbor. Marched to the White House on the 22d. Crossed the Pamunky river on the 23d, on the railroad bridge, and marched via Brandywine to Ayletts. On the 24th marched to White Chimneys, and on the 25th rejoined the army at Chesterfield Station, and encamped three miles to the rear, having been absent about seventeen days. Moved again at two P.M. of the 26th; marching all night, and crossing the Pamunky on pontoons, at Hanovertown, at daylight of the 27th.
Marched at eight A.M., of the 28th, to Haws' shop. The regiment being ordered out on a scout, met the enemy in less than half a mile from the brigade, and at once engaged him. Having attacked a squadron of the Tenth New York Cavalry, which was on picket, he was hurrying it down the road, when his charge was met by the head of our column. The first battalion Companies A, C, G and H, commanded by Major R.J. Falls, moving off the road; the third battalion, Companies B, K, D and M, commanded by Captain Litzenberg, charged, clearing it and hurrying the enemy back half a mile, to his support. Our line was then formed, the third battalion holding the road, the second battalion on the right and the first on the left of it, and the whole regiment immediately dismounting under a heavy fire, advanced to the attack. The division now also coming up, the action soon became general, and the fighting at once assumed the most desperate character.
At point blank range the contending parties fought for seven hours, neither able to carry the other's position, but each determined to hold its own. So rapid and constant was the firing, that during this time the regiment, though scarcely two hundred of it being engaged, expended upward of eighteen thousand rounds of ammunition. Many of our carbines, also, became so heated as to render them for a time entirely useless; and so the fighting continued until half past four P.M., when the division, being rein-forced by General Custar's brigade of the first division, our whole line dashed forward in one of the most gallant charges of the war, carrying every thing before it, driving the enemy for three miles and strewing the track of his routed columns with hundreds of his dead and wounded. Too much cannot be said in commendation of the steadiness and gallantry of the regiment in this, one of the fiercest and most obstinate actions in which the cavalry has been engaged. Occupying the centre of the line, and holding the road where the heaviest of the fighting occurred, our loss was, consequently, very severe.
Withdrew from the field at midnight and encamped near the river.
At four P.M., of the 29th, marched to near New Castle and encamped.
At two P.M., 30th, marched to the front. The regiment set out at dark to picket at Bethesda Church, on the flank of the army. Relieved at two P.M., of the 31st; in camp two hours and then ordered to the front again, standing to horse all night.
Wednesday, June the 1st, the brigade moved to the support of the first division at Cold Harbor, and by heavy skirmishing, held the enemy until relieved by the infantry, when we moved some four miles to the left and rear, and encamped.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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