On the 2d moved around on the left flank of the army and engaged the enemy's infantry at Barker's Mills. The regiment was ordered from the rear of the column to the front and extreme right to charge a battery, but after making the attack the battery was found to be protected by a swamp in front, and supported by a heavy force of infantry, sheltered by earthworks. The regiment, however, moved forward under a raking fire of artillery and infantry, and took up a position in close range of the enemy's works, and held it until our heavy lines of infantry came up. We here lost heavily in both men and horses. Marched in the evening to Bottom Bridge and encamped. Remained in camp during the 3d, and received supplies. Shelled the enemy on the opposite side of the Chickahominy this evening, and on the 4th our camp was shelled by the enemy in return; one man wounded and several horses killed in the regiment. Our camp shelled again on the 6th, but no damage done.
Marched at seven P.M., toward the Pamunky river, crossed on pontoons, near New Castle, at midnight. Received supplies on the 7th, and continued marching at nine A.M., and encamped near Ayletts. Marched at five A.M., of the 8th, and encamped near Pole Cat Station.
On the 9th, crossed the railroad at Pole Cat Station, passed through Childsburg and New Market, south of Spottsylvania Court House, and encamped at N.E. Creek.
On the 10th, continued our march toward Gordonsville, and encamped on the North Ann river. Crossed the North Ann on the 11th, the first division and part of the second heavily engaged along the railroad from Louisa Court House to Trevillian Station, and succeeded in forcing the enemy back seven miles, and capturing four hundred and eighty prisoners. The regiment being the extreme rear guard, was engaged in picketing and protecting the trains.
Relieved from picket on the 12th, and joined the brigade at Trevillian Station. Was ordered to the front at three P.M., to report to General Torbert, commanding the first division, and placed in support of a battery, was exposed to heavy shelling, but not otherwise engaged. At dark ordered to the extreme right under a heavy fire of artillery, but not being needed, was returned and sent back to our brigade. The corps, after accomplishing the destruction of the railroad for several miles, commenced withdrawing at nine P.M, and marched all night. Crossed the North Anna at nine A.M., 13th, and encamped between Plentiful river and Horseforemost river. Resumed the march at five A.M., of the 14th, and encamped at Catharpen river, on the Fredericksburg road. On the 15th marched by Spottsylvania Court House to within three miles of Guinea Station. On the 16th crossed the Ta and Mattapony rivers, passed through Bowling Green and encamped twelve miles beyond, near Mattacocy creek. Marched through Newtown and Clarkesville on the 17th, and encamped on Roy's creek. On the 18th passed through Walkertown and King and Queen Court House, crossing Anseaman, Tide, and Court House creeks, and encamped near Corbin's Mill, on the river road leading to West Point. On the 19th, countermarched via King and Queen Court House, Walkertown and Clarkesville, and encamped at Dunkirk, on the Mattapony. Crossed the Mattapony on pontoons, on the 20th, and marched via Ayletts and King William Court House to White House Landing. The regiment being the advance of the corps, encamped on the river bank near the railroad bridge.
The enemy having appeared in force on the opposite side of the river, commenced an attack early this morning on the defences of the place, shelling the corps train which was parked here awaiting our return, and compelling its removal to the north bank of the river, so that when we arrived here, instead of the short respite we had anticipated after the long and exhausting services of this memorable raid, we found the enemy again in our front, whose force must be met, forced back and held at bay until our trains could be moved to the south side of the James river, where the army had gone a week before. Accordingly, at two A.M., of the 21st, we were aroused from our half finished slumbers, and hastily equipping ourselves for a fight on foot, left our horses in charge of a guard, and crossed the river with the division to repel an attack expected at daylight; but after awaiting several hours, it was found that the enemy had withdrawn and taken up a position on the elevated ground some two miles back from the landing. Our brigade at once returned to camp on the other side; mounted and re-crossing the river, moved forward to the support of the second brigade, which had advanced on foot to feel the enemy's position.
The first division having crossed the river during the morning, formed on the left of the second, continuing a line which encircled the landing a mile or two from the fortifications. Though the enemy were seen to maneuvre large bodies of troops in our immediate front, no attack was made, and every thing remained quiet, except some slight skirmishing along the line of the second brigade, until four P.M. The regiment, which, with the brigade, had been lying in reserve up to this time, was now dismounted and marched a mile across the country to make an attack on the flank of the enemy, and capture or compel the removal of a gun which was annoying our skirmishers. Arriving at the point designated, our line was formed and supported by a single mounted squadron of the First New Jersey Cavalry, the advance commenced along a narrow strip of cleared land, skirted on all sides by dense woods, Pursuant to orders, but contrary to the judgment of the officers of the regiment, it was pushed rapidly forward without the protection of skirmishers on either flank, until it had reached the wood at the farther end, fully half a mile distant. The result was, that scarcely had the attack commenced in front, when the enemy advanced from the woods on both flanks and opened a galling fire on our rear. To retrace our steps, and precipitately too, was the only course left. The whole regiment was fairly entrapped, and though three officers and thirty-five men were left killed, wounded or prisoners in the hands of the enemy, it only saved itself from total destruction by that steady coolness which has won it honors on so many fields. Fighting furiously as it withdrew, the enemy's flanking columns were kept back until clear of his encircling fire, when a new line was formed and his advance permanently checked. This brief but unfortunate affair, one of those inexplicable occurrences incident to the chances of war, and for which no one is responsible, being the first that has fallen to the lot of the regiment, a fact which reflects the highest credit upon the efficiency and military abilities of its officers, caused much regret, especially as so many of our brave comrades were sacrificed without any material advantage having been gained. Instead, however, of any censure being attached to either the officers or men, as the former led the latter only where they were ordered to go, the action of the regiment was highly complimented by General Gregg, division commander, and it was congratulated by the entire brigade on its comparatively fortunate escape. The earnest and candid manner, too, in which the men exculpated Colonel Taylor, Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, and all the officers of the regiment from any blame in the matter, with the unswerving confidence the regiment has always awarded to the efficiency and ability of its officers, and which was here increased rather than diminished, was only equaled by the proud satisfaction with which the officers, in return, expressed their admiration of the gallantry and coolness of the men. At dark the regiment was withdrawn from the battle-field, and Captain Davidson, with his battalion, placed on picket, while the balance of the regiment bivouacked a short distance to the rear.
Marched at noon of the 22d, to Baltimore Cross roads, and took up a position, holding the roads for the protection of the wagon train, on its passage to the James river. Crossed the Chickahominy at Jones' Bridge, on the 23d, and encamped at Charles City. The regiment on picket at Hopewell Church.
The First Division, with the trains, passed on in our rear, toward the James river during the night and morning, while our division, this morning (the 24th) continued it advance on a road at right angles with the Charles City Court House road, and running parallel with the Chickahominy river, and some four miles from it. The Second Brigade, being in front, met the enemy's pickets about three miles out, and pushing them back a short distance, came on his main body in strong position, near St. Mary's Church. The Second Brigade at once formed its lines in an open field, the right extending across the road, and the left forming a semi-circle, until joined by the First Brigade, part of which was formed so as to extend the line parallel with the road a half a mile to the rear, and thus protect that flank, while the balance of the brigade, formed in column of regiment, composed the reserve.
The day, until half-past four, passed with slight skirmishing by the Second Brigade, and occasionally a sharp encounter for a few moments, when the enemy would throw a force forward to feel our lines, which he did at various points during the day. Suddenly, at this hour, however, apparently fully advised of our position and strength, he advanced, making a vigorous and simultaneous attack on our whole line. To meet this, the portion of our brigade in reserve was at once sent forward, and in less than twenty minutes after the attack had been made, the whole division was hotly engaged. It soon became evident that the enemy far out-numbered us; but the division, with its accustomed steadiness, fought him for fully two hours, and until overwhelming numbers, pouring in upon it from three sides, compelled its lines to give way and move hurriedly back.
But although assailed, as we afterwards learned, by the whole Rebel Cavalry Corps, supported by fifteen hundred dismounted men, yet such was the persistent courage displayed by the command, and the skill with which our retreat was managed, that in falling back six miles, the enemy failed to capture a single cannon, caisson, wagon or ambulance, and made prisoners of but few of our men. When the last general onset was made by the enemy, the regiment, which had been in support of our battery during the day, was immediately dismounted and sent to take a position on a commanding eminence, which enabled it, at the same time, to protect the battery and support the left of our line. The enemy having discovered the importance of the position, was hurrying forward at the same time to occupy it, but our boys, by hard running, reached it a few moments in advance, and by a volley or two pushed his columns back again to the shelter of the woods, where a constant and well-directed fire kept him, until our forces had passed by on the right, and all withdrawn from the field. The enemy coming down with a mounted force on our right and rear, just as the regiment commenced moving back, cut it off from the line of our retreating column; but by making a detour through the woods on our left, we soon succeeded in joining its rear, with which we continued until the enemy discontinued the pursuit, when we withdrew to Charles City Court House, reaching that place at eleven P.M. In this action, as in the three preceding ones, our loss was heavy as will appear by the appended list of casualties.
The regiment stood to horse during the night of the 24th, and shortly after daylight, moved with the division a short distance forward, and formed on the right of the First Division, which held the road leading to the battle-field of the day before. Ascertaining, however, that the enemy had withdrawn, the division marched at eleven A.M., toward the river, and established camp near Wyandott's Landing.
Here closed General Sheridan's second grand raid, the corps having been absent from the army nineteen days, and engaged in either marching or fighting the entire period, without a single day's respite. Crossed the James river on transports on the night of the 27th, and encamped three miles south of the river. Marched again at sundown of the 29th, and arrived at daylight at Prince George Court House. Resting an hour or two, moved forward to Blackwater creek and encamped. The regiment sent forward to picket the Petersburg and Jerusalem Plank road. July the 1st, rejoined the brigade at Templeton. Returned on the 2d, via Prince George Court House, and encamped near the City Point and Petersburg roads. Marched on the 4th, toward the James river and established camp near Light House Point.
Here we enjoyed the first pause of more than two days' length from the unremitting labors of the march and the battle-field since we crossed the Rapidann, on the 4th of May. Of the sixty-one days which had elapsed since the commencement of Grant's grand campaign against Richmond, fifty-four had been spent by the cavalry in either marching, scouting, picketing, or fighting. Being much of the time also in the immediate presence of the enemy, we were subject to that unceasing vigilance which exerts every energy to its utmost tension, and wears away the spirits and the strength, more rapidly than the heavy toils of steady and constant labor; such as the slow, cautious and wearisome march, now halting, now marching again, now forming, dismounting and standing to horse, then remounting, changing position and forming again; aroused at night and hurried into line, to spend the drowsy hours until morning, in the saddle, hungry and jaded, a whole day without an opportunity of "cooking coffee," and then, when a moment's leisure is had and the tempting and grateful beverage is almost prepared, hurried away from the untasted meal to hours more of the fatiguing duty so that grateful indeed were these days of respite after two months thus spent.
Broke camp again on the evening of the 11th of July, and marching all night, arrived at Prince George Court House, at daylight. After an hour's halt to breakfast; continued the march, crossing the Petersburg and Suffolk Railroad and moving along the Jerusalem plank road toward Warwick swamp. When two miles from the swamp, the division halted, and our brigade taking a right hand road, moved off in the direction of Ream's Station. The regiment having the advance of the brigade, was ordered to deploy skirmishers and push rapidly forward to the station, some three miles distant. Our line was accordingly formed, Companies E and F deployed as skirmishers, and I and D, forming the advance guard. Advancing a few hundred yards through the woods, we met the enemy's pickets, when a brisk skirmish commenced, the enemy falling gradually back, first to his main reserve, and then to his battle line, which was established in a strong and commanding position beyond a deep and almost impassable ravine. Forcing our way across the ravine and gaining the high ground beyond, two battalions were immediately dismounted and engaged the enemy. The First New Jersey Cavalry, and one piece of artillery, coming up soon after, our line was advanced, and the enemy forced back to his second line of defence; but it not being the object on our part to bring on a general engagement, no more of the brigade was brought forward; and after several hours' hard skirmishing, by which the strength and position of the enemy were fully ascertained, we were withdrawn. Rejoining the brigade again at five P.M., at the point we had left in the morning, we were ordered to the support of the Second Brigade, which had become engaged on the plank road, near Warwick swamp, but on reporting, our services not being required, we returned to the brigade and encamped for the night. Next morning, the 13th, removed three miles to the left of the plank road and encamped. On the 14th the regiment was sent back to the plank road to picket, and during the night following was considerably annoyed by the enemy, the outposts being several times attacked and driven in. Relieved at noon of the 15th we returned to camp, and on the 16th marched with the division back to Light House Point, and established camp near our former ground.
(Notes furnished by Assistant-Surgeon L.E. Atkinson.)
"After remaining in camp here ten days, engaged in light picket duty, the cavalry corps, on the afternoon of July 26th, received marching orders, and the First Pennsylvania left its camp at five P.M., two hundred and twenty men strong, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel D. Gardner, Colonel Taylor having received a sick leave for twenty days. The sick were left in camp together with all dismounted men. By dark the regiment was fairly started on the march, and with the exception of a halt on the banks of the Appomattox at midnight, marched constantly all night. The Appomattox was crossed on a pontoon bridge, near Point of Rocks, and the column was headed toward the James, reaching that river about four miles above Bermuda Hundred at three A.M.
"The Second Corps had preceded the cavalry, and was now crossing the river on a pontoon bridge. By seven A.M., it had all crossed, and the advance was already engaged with the enemy. The cavalry immediately followed, and after crossing, formed on the right of the Second Corps, with artillery in position, and every thing indicating that a battle was anticipated and prepared for. About noon General Grant rode along the lines. The entire day was spent in position, the enemy apparently indisposed to make an attack, and our lines not advancing. In the evening orders came to make ourselves comfortable for the night. At three A.M., on the 28th, camp was aroused and breakfast cooked, and, at daylight we advanced on the Richmond side of Malvern Hill. Our brigade had the advance of the corps. About nine A.M., we encountered the enemy's infantry advancing, and a battle at once ensued. The First Pennsylvania was quickly dismounted and advanced in battle line across a wide field to a forest on the other side. They had no sooner gained the forest than they were furiously attacked by a division of rebel infantry, and after a sharp action of about thirty minutes, and being entirely unsupported, were reluctantly compelled to retire. In this action three officers were wounded, three men killed, and fifteen men wounded.
"The rebels, after at first gaining an advantage, quickly retired, leaving their dead and severely wounded on the field; of the latter there was a very large number, more than equaled our entire loss.
"The cavalry having been relieved by the Second Corps, retired to the river, and our brigade having remained until night, re-crossed the river and left the horses on the south side. At nine A.M., on-the 29th, the regiment again crossed to the north side of the James, and threw up rifle pits in front of the brigade, our line now being a prolongation of the line of the Second Corps, we occupying nearly the same position held by us on the 27th.
"We remained in this until about twelve P.M., when we returned to the south side of the James, and mounting, immediately took up the line of march for our old position in front of Petersburg. We reached the Appomattox about daybreak, and the men, here, had time to cook breakfast.
"The river was then re-crossed on a pontoon bridge at Point of Rocks, as before, and the head of the column took the direction of the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad, and by two P.M., had gone several miles to the left of the main army, in front of Petersburg. At this time the advance of our brigade had encountered the enemy's cavalry, strongly posted at Lee's Mills. After a sharp fight the enemy was dislodged, and precipitately retreated. The First Pennsylvania was in support of the battery and sustained no loss. Captain Williams' battalion was placed on picket in the front, in the evening, and remained until one A.M., when it was relieved by a portion of the first division, and the regiment marched back about four miles toward James river and encamped.
"Between the period of leaving Light House Point and of going into camp at this place, the regiment marched five consecutive nights, and was engaged in the most arduous duty during the whole time. Continued picketing here until the 9th, when we returned to camp at Light House Point. Again on picket on the 11th."
(Notes furnished by Chaplain J.H. Beale.)
"Saturday morning at six o'clock, the regiment, after a night in the saddle, came in from picket to camp, at Prince George Court House, with orders to be ready to move at four o'clock P.M. The day was spent in busy preparation for the morn. Many were the speculations as to the destiny of the expedition, as each breeze that swept from the north brought to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Many entertained the agreeable idea that we were about to be shipped to Washington. However, at five P.M., the column moved off on the road leading toward the river. Colonel Taylor being absent on sick leave, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner being unwell, the regiment was commanded by Captain Newman, and took its position for the day second in 'order of march.' As the column left the main road and wended its way across the "Appomattox," we well understood what was before us. A week's hard service of picketing, scouting, and the engagement of Gravel Hill, July 28, 1864, told us plainly what was before us. Consoling ourselves with the idea that what had been endured once could be borne again, we travelled on, and four A.M., on Sunday morning, found us on the north side of the James river about three miles below Deep Bottom, where the Tenth Corps was already engaging the enemy, after a night's march as disagreeable as any in the history of the regiment, occasioned by intense heat and dust, which in the absence of any breeze, settled in almost impenetrable density along the entire line of march.
"Sunday, August 14th, eight A.M., General Gregg's division of cavalry took position on the right wing of the Second Corps. The First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry took the advance of the division on the road leading to 'Gravel Hill,' twin-sister to 'Malvern Hill,' overlooking an extensive and fertile plain between it and 'the James.' Our advance guard drove in the enemy's vedettes half a mile before we reached the Hill. Rushing on rapidly, the advance battalion, companies (A, C, G and H) commanded by Captain Confer, charged the height, where the enemy were strongly intrenched. But the charge was so rapid and determined that the enemy were completely routed, thus we gained their first line of works before a regiment of infantry, which they had in reserve, could come to their assistance. We continued to drive them half a mile further, when other regiments of the brigade came up, and, taking the advance, continued to drive them still further, when night put an end to fighting. In this engagement we had five (5) men wounded. At night the Second Brigade came up, and relieved the First Brigade, which lay in reserve during the night.
"Monday morning, the Second Brigade advanced and pressed the enemy back through a dense wood, while the First Pennsylvania supported the battery. (There being but one battery to the division.) Tuesday morning, the First Brigade moved out about two miles, on the Charles City Court House road, and took position on the right of the Second Brigade. There the regiment remained on the out-post dismounted behind a strong line of works the enemy had thrown up when Grant made his passage across the James, until near night, when the Second Brigade was forced back, and we were compelled to contract our line, whereupon the Second Brigade had a severe fight; and the First Brigade relieved them at sunset, and re-established the same line held during the morning. The regiment remained saddled during the night. At two A.M., Wednesday morning, all hands must 'stand to horse,' in anticipation of a morning attack. Wednesday was spent in the same position, every man on duty until six P.M. The enemy by a flank movement compelled us again to abandon our position. But not until the regiment barely escaped being cut off, saved only by the length of the regiment in 'column of route.' The encircling flank of the enemy switching the rear of our regiment as it passed. Another night and the regiment again 'stands to horse' all night, and so remained until two P.M., we unsaddled for the first time since Tuesday morning. But we had scarcely obeyed orders to 'go into camp' when another order came, 'Be ready to move at five P.M.' Just as night was settling upon us a foaming rain doing the same, we recrossed the James with orders to report to army headquarters. Another all night of it. Thus passed the week of hard duty, in which we added to our roll of honor 'Gravel Hill,' No. 2. August 14. 1864."
At daylight on the 20th, the division left army headquarters, and moved forward to the Garley House, drew up in battle-line, and remained in that position until dark, when a portion of the command was placed on picket, and the balance permitted to go into camp. Sunday 21st, the command in the saddle at early dawn, and advancing toward the Weldon Railroad. Reaching the road, the enemy were found in force a short distance beyond it, and heavy skirmishing immediately commenced and kept up during the entire day. The 22d and 23d were spent by the brigade in picketing beyond the railroad, with occasionally a slight skirmish. At dark, however, of the 23d, our brigade was relieved by infantry, and sent to the support of the second brigade, which was stationed along the Dinwiddie Court House road, and was then being heavily pressed by the enemy. Reinforced by our brigade, the division, after a sharp fight of an hour, succeeded in driving the enemy and retaining possession of the road. The 24th and 25th, until four P.M., passed without any hostile demonstrations by the enemy. But at this time he made another general assault, a last desperate effort to retake the road. Assailed in front and at the same time heavily attacked on the flank our infantry was at first compelled to retire, and suffered considerable loss, but, rallying, prevented the enemy from gaining any permanent advantage. The cavalry being stationed on the flanks was also hotly engaged. The First Brigade occupied a position on the right of the Second Corps and between it and the Fifth Corps, and the Second Brigade on the left of the Second Corps. The cavalry fought dismounted, as the marshy nature of the ground prevented the use of horses, and nobly sustained its enviable reputation. The regiment, although stationed on one of the most exposed portions of the line, fortunately escaped with but slight loss.
Withdrew on the 26th, some two miles to the rear, and were engaged in changing position from place to place along the railroad until the 29th when we established camp on the Jerusalem Plank road, near the left of the army.
On the 30th, the long and anxiously looked for order to report in the State of Pennsylvania to be mustered out was received. The 31st was spent in mustering for pay, and organizing the veterans and recruits, four hundred and one in number, into companies. They were formed into four companies, D, officered by Captain H.A. McDonald, Lieutenants H. Platt and J.W. Nelson; F by Captain J.H. Williams and Lieutenants Holbrook and Forsyth; L by Captain T.C. McGregor and Lieutenants Lebo and McDonald, and M by Captain H.S. Thomas, Lieutenants Morgan and Herrick. The whole composing the First Pennsylvania Veteran Cavalry Battalion and commanded by Major R.J. Falls.
Thursday, September 1st, the old members of the regiment, whose times had expired, took a farewell leave of the battalion remaining, and quitting the front, marched to City Point. After a necessary delay of two days employed in turning over quartermaster's and ordnance stores, the regiment was embarked on the steamer Claymount, and shipped via Fortress Monroe, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to Philadelphia, where we landed on Monday the 5th, and were mustered out and discharged on Friday the 9th.
The brilliant operations of the cavalry in the campaign of 1864, against Richmond, will form a page in the chronicles of this great rebellion, not unworthy of a place side by side with the gallant achievements of the infantry and artillery, and the pen of the historian will record alike, in the same glowing characters, the heroic deeds of each arm of the service, as well as of the divisions, batteries and squadrons whose honor it is to share the fame of the grand old Army of the Potomac.
The efficiency given to the cavalry by collecting, organizing and forming it into a separate and independent body during the winter and spring of 1863, was fully attested by its operations in the campaign of the following summer and fall.
At Kelly's Ford, in March of 1863, the enemy first learned the concentrated prowess of the Yankee sabre, and again in June following at Brandy Station and Aldie, and in July at Hanover Junction, Gettysburg, and Shepherdstown. The reverses he met with in every instance where his cavalry was pitted in battle against our gallant squadrons, taught him that his boasted legions of chivalrous cavaliers could no longer cope with the dashing valor of the Yankee horse; and from this time until winter closed the operations of the year, he risked no more engagements singly and alone; but, as at Culpepper, Rapidann, Auburn, and New Hope Church, only fought when heavily supported by infantry. So that when the work of the year was finished and we returned to winter quarters, it was with the satisfaction that so far as the cavalry arm of the enemy's power was concerned in sustaining the rebellion, it was completely broken and demoralized.
During the winter, however, reports reached us that every effort was being made to recruit and strengthen his shattered battalions, and with such success too, as to promise a force of cavalry at the commencement of hostilities in the spring, equal if not superior to our own.
But the victories which have crowned the arms of Sheridan's Cavalry Corps in every instance where numbers placed the contending parties on even an approximate equality, during the four months of brilliant and continuous service since the crossing of the Rapidann, have again fully demonstrated our superiority, and even at this period of the season, when the year's operations are scarcely half finished have so broken his battalions and demoralized his troopers, that he dares not now meet us unaided by his infantry.
The unfavorable circumstances under which the operations of the regiment since the commencement of the present campaign have been sketched, being almost constantly on the march, have compelled the greatest brevity to be exercised, yet its services have been, if possible, more arduous, and its fighting, as the list of casualties will show, more desperate than during any previous period of its history.
The Cavalry Corps, headed by that gallant and dashing leader, Major-General P.H. Sheridan, crossed the Rapidann as the advance guard of the army, pushed forward through the Wilderness, and traced the lines along which our massed corps of infantry deployed their columns and fought that series of terrible battles which first taught vaunting rebeldom that the fastnesses of the Rapidann could be flanked, that the Army of Northern Virginia could be defeated on its own ground, and its commander outgeneraled by his own tactics. Meeting and defeating in two general engagements at Todd's Tavern, the enemy's whole cavalry force, our corps then took up its march around the flank and rear of the rebel army and moved straight forward toward his capital. Fighting the enemy in front, on both flanks and in rear at the same time, yet moving steadily on, its columns penetrated the outer defences of Richmond, and for half a day our cannon thundered their hoarse notes in the ears of her citizens, then coolly marching around her northern border encamped on the James river.
Two days rest, and then returning to the army, headed the grand flank movement which brought our army from the front of Lee's frowning entrenchments at Hanover Court House to his flank and rear at Cold Harbor; and by the successes of Haws' Shop, Cold Harbor, and Barker's Mills, traced again for the army its battle-lines until they reached the Chickahominy.
Quitting the army again as soon as our services were not further needed, our columns were headed for the heart of Virginia; and at Trevillian, after a week's exhausting marches, we again met the enemy in two days' battle. Accomplishing our object here, and then returning by a winding and circuitous route, met the enemy at White House and St. Mary's Church on the 21st and 24th of the same month.
Crossing the James river, and after a fortnight of hard service, fought a severe engagement at Ream's Station, then back across the James, were heavily engaged again at Malvern Hill on the 28th, and returning on the 31st, closed the month with a fight at Lee's Mill, on the extreme left of the army.
Ten days of August were also spent north of the James with the Second Corps, and then back again to the Weldon Railroad, ended the month and the term of service of the regiment, with a series of severe skirmishes in that vicinity.
Headquarters, First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry
Near Weldon Railroad, August 31st, 1864. (General Order, No. 18.)
Officers and Soldiers of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry:
You have now experienced three years of terrible, devastating war; you are familiar with its toils, its hardships and its scenes of bloodshed. During this time there has been no toil that your manly efforts have not overcome; no hardships that you have not courted for your country's sake; no field of strife too terrible to prevent you flaunting your banner in the face of your traitorous foes, and in every instance have you borne it off in triumph. Many have been the fields upon which you have distinguished yourselves by your personal valor. From your first victorious blood spilt at Drainesville down to that more green in your memory, such as Todd's Tavern, Childsburg, Haws' Shop, Barker's Mill, White House, St. Mary's Church, and last, but not least, upon the bloody summit of Malvern Hill, are still sounding in your ears and eternally engraven upon your hearts.
But you have now reached the goal of your worthy ambition; you have won for ourselves, your regiment, and your State, an invidious reputation.
Officers and soldiers of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, allow me, on this the eve of our separation, to express to you my heartfelt thanks for your implicit confidence and ready compliance with every order and unflinching bravery upon every field I have had the honor to lead you. Your military career has been a brave and clear record, in which you have acquitted yourselves like men.
But the war is not ended yet. There are more battles yet to be fought, and more lives to be offered up on the altar of liberty. For this end some of you remain and many more of you will soon be back to battle in this your just and holy cause. But whenever you may answer to the "bugle's call," and upon whatever field you may strike the black shield of rebeldom, let the memory of your fallen comrades strengthen your arms and encourage your hearts, ever mindful that you were once members of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry. May the God of battles and of mercy be your shield and protection,
By order of J.P. Taylor, Colonel Commanding Regiment.
W.P. Lloyd, Adjutant First Penna. Reserve Cavalry.
After the above order was read to the regiment, which had been formed by Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, Colonel Taylor made the following remarks:
My brave comrades: We stand to-day upon the threshold of an event, which, when we left our homes three years ago, the most prophetic heart scarcely dared anticipate the scenes then rife in our midst. Such as the memory of an insulted flag upon Fort Sumter, which cast a gloom of shame over every true American heart, and the blood of brothers spilt in the streets of Baltimore, as it were, sprinkled over every loyal heart in the North. The rushing of men to arms, and our souls inspired by the spirit of our fathers, nerved us to action, and from homes of comfort, luxury and ease we rallied in defence of our country.
Another turn of the kaleidoscope found us marshalled beneath the proud ensign of our glorious Republic. No longer separate and distinct in thought and action, but the firm resolve of the farmer, the willing hand of the laborer and mechanic, the shrewd energy of the merchant, the potent influence of the student, all suddenly converted into the trained and disciplined soldier, with hearts that beat as one. What you were then, and what you have since proven yourselves, you owe to the mighty impulses of your first great and noble commander Colonel George D. Bayard; imbued with the influence of his mighty genius, you saw the star of his glory rising and shining brighter and brighter in the military sphere, and alas, too, to set before it had reached its zenith. Following in his wake, ever ready to stand by you in the hour of danger, to share with you your toils and hardships, to cheer you on in the hour of conflict, following strictly in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor, the champion of your rights and reputation came your second Colonel Owen Jones.
Officers and Soldiers: -- through your esteem I had the honor to be your next commander, and as such I deem it a high honor to-day to stand before the shattered remnant of what was once a large regiment. To thank you for your esteem and the willingness with which you have acceded to my every request, and complied with my every command, and for the manner you have so nobly and faithfully discharged your duties as soldiers. I believe I am the only officer now left of those who were assembled at the call of the Governor, and witnessed the organization of the regiment in the presence of his staff, and heard it christened the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry; and it gives me pleasure to-day, to think we can return to our native State, those colors entrusted to our care, tattered and torn though they be, without a tarnish or a stain upon the reputation of the regiment.
Officers and Soldiers of the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, you are the veterans of more than thirty engagements, your banner has proudly floated over almost every field on which this historic army has been engaged; the graves of your comrades are strewn from Gettysburg to the river James; your war-path may be traced by the blood of your fallen heroes; but by the strength of justice and the might of mercy you have plumed your arms with honor and victory.
Enlisted veterans: -- When you were re-enlisting my lips were sealed from encouraging you, because circumstances unavoidable, rendered my remaining with you impossible; let not our leaving discourage you, but go on to greater deeds of valor; be faithful, be obedient, be prompt and cheerful in duty as you always have been, a hopeful country awaits to crown you; and we shall not forget you; we shall continue to breathe the desired hope and Christian prayer that you may soon be permitted to return to your homes, when the red-handed monster, war--whose pestiferous breath blasts with withering death every thing lovely on earth--may be banished from our distracted land, and peace, sweet peace again returning, shed evermore her Heaven-born blessings on our fair Columbia's soil.
Headquarters, Second Division Cavalry Corps, A.O.P., Sept. 1st, 1864.
Colonel J.P. Taylor, First Penna. Res. Cavalry.
My Dear Colonel: The order discharging from the United States' service the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, has been received at these Headquarters. As you will accompany your regiment to Pennsylvania, there to be discharged with it, I cannot permit your departure without expressing to you how much I feel the separation of yourself and command from the Second Division.
For nearly two years the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry has been under my command, and now, at the end of its term of service, I can proudly say its record is without a blemish.
The excellence of your regiment resulted from the proper application of discipline by its officers. In the many engagements of this division, in which your regiment has participated, many officers and enlisted men have fallen. They met death facing the foe, let them be properly remembered by those who survive.
To you, Colonel, my thanks are due, for the efficient manner in which you have always performed your duty, whether as a regimental or brigade commander. You return to your home well, satisfied that you have failed not in your duty, bearing with you the sincere friendship of myself and all your companions in arms. With the very best wishes for your health, happiness and success in the future.
I am very truly yours,
D.M.M. Gregg, Brig. Gen. Comd'g Second Cav. Div.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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