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H. P. MOVER. TCngler, Company E, Lebanon, Pa.

HISTORY

OF THE

Seventeenth Regiment

Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry

OR

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND IN THE LINE

OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER

REGIMENTS

War to Suppress the Rebellion, 1861-1865

Compiled from

Records of the Rebellion, Official Reports, Recollections, Remi niscences, Incidents, Diaries and Company Rosters

WITH AN APPENDIX

BY

H. P. MOVER

Formerly Bugler Co. E, 17th Regt., Pa. Vol. Cavalry

SOWERS PRINTING COMPANY LEBANON, PA.

239273

REGIMENTAL MONUMENT — GETTYSBURG, PA.

WAR REBEL JON

3n iWemorp of tfje Jllen

tofco Compotfefc tfje ^ebenteentfj Eegiment

$enns#lbama Volunteer Catmlrp

who so patriotically responded to the call of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, for 300,000 volunteers to suppress the most gigantic rebellion the world had ever known, and who so heroically and gallantly defended the nation's capital and flag, this

volume is respectfully dedicated.

THE AUTHOR.

COMMANDERS

CORPS.

Major General P. H. SHERIDAN.

Major General ALFRED PLEASONTON.

Major General GEORGE STONEMAN.

Major General WESLEY MERRITT.

DIVISION.

Brevet Major General ALFRED T. A. TORBERT.

Brevet Major General. JOHN BUFORD.

Brevet Major General WESLEY MERRITT.

Brigadier General THOMAS C. DEVIN.

BRIGADE.

Brigadier General JOHN BUFORD.

Brigadier General THOMAS C. DEVIN.

Brevet Brigadier General CHARLES L. FITZHUGH.

Colonel Louis P. DI-CESNOLA.

REGIMENT.

Colonel JOSIAH H. KELLOGG.

Colonel COE DURLAND.

Brevet Colonel J. Q. ANDERSON.

Brevet Lieutenant Colonel . , .WILLIAM THOMPSON.

PREFACE

IMMEDIATELY after the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn- -*• sylvania Volunteer Cavalry, was mustered out of the ser vice, Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean, of the regiment, issued "The Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth R.egiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry," which was to have been followed by a more comprehensive history. After waiting a reasonable time and the history not materializing, the author called on Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean, and was informed that, because the men who had composed the regiment were widely scattered, and because of pressing professional duties, the contemplated history, for the time being at least, was abandoned ; and before the project was again taken up, Colonel Bean had died.

In compliance with an Act of the General Assembly, ap proved June 15, 1887, to provide for the erection of monu ments to mark the position of Pennsylvania commands in the battle of Gettysburg, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Association was organized. And while the chief object of the association was to aid the Commis sion in locating, designing and erecting such a monument as the regiment was entitled to under the act, the subject of a regimental history was freely discussed, and it was confi dently hoped that its compilation could be accomplished at the same time. But the design and material selected by the properly constituted committee for the monument exhaust ed the available funds ; and, because the principal consider ation then was the erection of the monument, the regimental history project, for the time being, was again abandoned.

By chance, while the author was visiting in the city of Washington, D. C, he met Lieutenant James A. Clark, who was at one time the adjutant of the regiment. We both deplored the fact that the regiment was without a regimen tal history. Lieutenant James A. Clark at once volunteered to edit the compilation of the history provided sufficient data could be secured to warrant its publication. But, un-

7

PREFACE

fortunately, Lieutenant Clark, like Brevet Lieutenant-colo nel Bean, died before the work got under way, and again the project was defeated.

While these disappointments had a tendency to dampen the ardor of even the most enthusiastic advocates of the history, there was always a sufficient number of the mem bers left who kept the project alive and advocated its con summation whenever opportunities presented themselves. And so, at a regimental reunion held at Gettysburg, Sep tember 12, 1909, the subject of a regimental history was again discussed, and the following committee on regimental history was appointed, viz : Brigadier General E. E. Wood, Brevet Major J. W. DeWitt, Captain I. N. Grubb, Lieu tenant H. G. Bonebrake, Sergeants J. A. Loose, Joseph E. McCabe and Joseph C. Jones. H. P. Moyer was selected historian. The committee was authorized and instructed to publish a history, entitled "The History of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry."

And now, after a lapse of forty-five years and more, hav ing served as a company bugler and knowing but little of what occurred outside of the author's company and regi ment, and with nothing but a treacherous memory and a few scattered records, the author is painfully conscious of the many defects and errors which may be the natural conse quences of hasty preparation. Several diaries of members of the regiment were resurrected, however, and exhaustive comparisons made with official records; and, while these did not always agree in minor details, the author feels jus tified in expressing the opinion that they are sufficiently accurate and comprehensive to convey a reasonably authen tic history of the valor and devotion to country and flag of the gallant men who composed the regiment. The author aims to tell the story of the services of the regiment from the date of its muster, September i, 1862, until the date of its muster out, June 16, 1865.

He aims to tell of its marches, skirmishes, battles, inci dents and reminiscences, leaving, however, abundant oppor tunity for fuller and 'more comprehensive histories or per sonal recollections to fill in missing links. The work has

8

PREFACE

been, by no means, an easy task. It involved most arduous research of voluminous official reports and correspondence; but it has been accomplished with a degree of completeness and accuracy which was hardly expected in the beginning. A friend expressed surprise that the author should be able to find the time necessary to perform so large an amount of labor in addition to the demands of his already overtaxed official duties. Deeply interested in the subject, the author has given close attention to the presentation of facts sup ported by personal experience rather than an attempted dis play of rhetoric.

Although histories of the war and its campaigns have been written by thousands, yet the history of the Rebellion can never be transmitted fully to future generations. No event has ever occurred in the history of the world of greater magnitude than the War of the Rebellion, — a con flict which has cost the United States of America over half a million lives and ten billion dollars, including pensions and war claims. This is an amount so fabulous that we can hardly grasp it. Possibly, a more striking way to put it would be to say, ten thousand million dollars. This amount, according to the census of the United States of 1910, would pay a dividend of over $100.00 to every man, woman and child of the United States. The physical wrecks, blasted hopes, ruined homes and other distresses that might be men tioned make up another item that cannot be tabulated or described; and, even if it could be described, the account would be regarded in the light of braggadocio rather than truthful statement. It was an enormous price that was paid to preserve our government and keep every star on the American flag. But who will say that we paid too much? The conditions that obtained at that time made it necessary.

And I firmly believe that, if a similar emergency would arise again, our present and future posterity would make the same and even greater sacrifices to maintain and per petuate the best government the world has ever known. In the compilation of this history it would hardly be possible to give the names of the many comrades of the regiment who have rendered valuable assistance and encouragement

9

PREFACE

by contributing articles, papers, documents, and relating ex periences which have been most helpful. Without such aid this work would have been devoid of its true purpose. To all such the author is under obligations, and takes this means of expressing warmest thanks. With the hope that these pages will not only be read with interest by the still surviv ing Veterans of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, but that their children may also read them and know, for all time to come, what regiment their fathers served in and the part they took in the suppression of the Rebellion.

H. P. MOYER. Lebanon, Pa., April I, 1911.

10

CONTENTS

PAGE

Appointment of History Committee 22

Colonel J. Q. Anderson ......: 81

A Few Incidents 307

Theodore W. Bean 112

Buglers and Bugle Calls 274"

Extracts from Diary of Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake 135

Henry G. Bonebrake . . . : 155

Commanders 5

Lieutenant James Albert Clark 203

Capture of Major Gilmor and Captain Stump of Guerrilla

Fame 223

Complimentary Notices of the Regiment 367

Dedication 3

Dedication of the Monument 378

Colonel Coe Durland 90

Henry M. Donehoo 173

Extracts from Annals of the War 208

George W. Ferree 377

Isaac N. Grubb 180

Gordonsville Expedition 103

General P. H. Sheridan's Famous Ride 115

Grant's Final Campaign 310

How Sergeant J. E. McCabe Became One of General Sheri dan's Scouts 219

Introduction 15

Itinerary of the Regiment 322

Joseph C. Jones 320

Kilpatrick's Richmond Raid 229

Josiah H. Kellogg 71

List of Illustrations 13

Experience of G. Frank Lidy 292

List of Engagements in which the Regiment Participated 370

Service Record of Private H. F. Long 282

CONTENTS

PAGE

Organization and Early History of the Regiment 25

Preface 7

Jacob Potter 408

President's Proclamation for 300,000 Volunteers 20

Reminiscences of Uriah R. Reinhold 127

Resolutions Authorizing Publication of History 24

Lieutenant John P. Ross 205

Recruits of the Regiment 287

Regimental Band 303

Review of the Regiment 390

Regimental Roster 409

Regimental Reunions 449

Report of History Committee 23

Sheridan's Richmond Raid 73

Sheridan's Trevilian Raid 84

Sheridan's James River Raid 294

Experience of Private A. Schockey 300

The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Gettysburg- Cam paign 55

Transfer of the Regiment from the Army of the Potomac to

the Army of the Shenandoah 94

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson 100

The Medical Department of the Regiment 133

Through Confederate Prisons and Home Again 157

Two of General Sheridan's Scouts 176

Captain William Tice 178

The Making of a Volunteer Cavalryman 181

The Chaplain and His Work 263

The Battle of Cold Harbor 271

Two Personal Recollections 289

The Monument 372

Brigadier-general Edward E. Wood 120

Rev. Henry Wheeler, D.D 261

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

H. P. Moyer ist Frontispiece

Regimental Monument 2d Frontispiece

Horse Shoe 3d Frontispiece

OPPOSITE PAGE

J. Q. Anderson 81

Theo. W. Bean 112

H. G. Bonebrake 155

James A. Clark 203

J. Wilson DeWitt 133

H. M. Donehoo 173

Coe Durland 91

George W. Ferree 377

Isaac N. Grubb 180

Joseph C. Jones 320

Josiah H. Kellogg 71

G. Frank Lidy 292

Jacob A. Loose 271

Henry F. Long 282

Joseph E. McCabe 219

Medal of Honor 156

Monument and Group of Veterans 372

George D. Mullihan 223

Jacob Potter 408

John P. Ross 205

George T. Spettigue 289

William Thompson 100

William Tice 178

Rev. Henry Wheeler, D.D 261

Edward E. Wood ; 120

John H. Zinn 157

2 — 17th R.

INTRODUCTION

THE following introduction is the same as that used by Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean in his "Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry."

Among the regimental organizations of Sheridan's Cavalry, that marched up Pennsylvania Avenue, May 23, 1865, in serried mass, to pass, perhaps for the last time, before the distinguished reviewing officers that represented our great Republic, none presented a more imposing ap pearance than the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, or One Hundred and Sixty-second of the Line of Pennsylvania Volunteers. No regiment that passed in that memorable column, before the admiring eyes of a grateful people, has a nobler record to carry with them home to the patriotic Executive, under whose auspices it was organized and con stantly watched over while in the field, and to the loved ones who patiently awaited its return, that they might wel come the veteran patriots to the homes they left in the darkest hour of our country's peril. They came into the service of their country in response to the call of July I, 1862, for three years' volunteers; they came to fill the depleted ranks resulting from the unfortunate Peninsular campaign — and nobly they have done it.

Without the popular and fascinating encouragement of excessive local and national bounties, they left their peace ful and happy homes among the hills and valleys of their mother State, and ofTered themselves a living sacrifice upon the shrine of a loved and honored Republic. Aged fathers and pious mothers bade farewell to their noblest sons. Wives emulated the heroic example of their patriotic moth ers during the Revolution of '76, and locked hands with cherished sisters and lovely maidens, in waving a tearful farewell — which, alas ! in many instances, was the last that was to be given on earth — as they left each city, town, and village, to join their destiny with the grand Army of the Potomac. And, too, we cannot forget that it was at a

15

INTRODUCTION

period in the progress of this war when "cavalry" was at a fearful discount — when it was said of them, that they were the "contempt of the enemy and the terror of their friends." Every veteran in the regiment can doubtless re call the trifling importance attached to that arm of the service during our first campaign in "Muddy Stafford." To be driven in was to be branded as cowards ; to be captured was equivalent to dismissal; and to be killed was a joke. The uselessness, comparatively, of the cavalry at that period, is not to be denied; but it arose chiefly from a most la mentable want of skill and judgment in using it — fighting it in small detachments, which the enemy could invariably overcome by the most ordinary combinations. The "cavalry fight" at Kelley's Ford, on the i/th of March, 1863, sug gested, among other reasons, the necessity of massing it in division and corps organizations, and putting in command of it live generals. And from that time to the close of the war, they have won for that arm of the service an im perishable renown.

This regiment was brigaded in the month of January, 1863, m the Second Brigade of the First Cavalry Division (Army of the Potomac), commanded then by Colonel, now Brevet Major-general, Thomas C. Devin, and has never been transferred during its term of three years. With this brigade it has been identified with all the engagements dur ing the campaigns of 1863, 1864, and 1865. Inscribed upon its banners are the distinguishing battles of the war ; its gall ant dead lay buried upon every field, from the Rappahannock to the James, from Gettysburg to Appomattox Court House; its mutilated heroes have carried sorrow and solicitude to a thousand homes, and a score of its martyrs have been con signed to unknown, though not unhonored, graves by the murderous hand of imbruted prison masters, who sought, by every cowardly and fiendish device that unparalleled de pravity and wickedness could suggest, to destroy our la mented comrades when powerless — whom they dared not meet on a fair field, but to be vanquished.

Soldiers, you have triumphed! Under the eye of your distinguished commanders, inspired by their genius and

16

INTRODUCTION

valor, you have marched to victory over a hundred battle fields. True to your colors, true to the glittering steel that has so often carried terror and dismay to the once haughty and insolent, but now fairly vanquished, enemy, you retire to the pursuits of civil life to share with your justly hon ored commanders, as you did the perils and dangers of the battle, the joy and blessing of a lasting and honorable peace.

You can recall with pride your experience at Chancel- lorsville. Being at that time mere novices in the service, you were placed in the most trying position, when the right wing of the army was routed, and its ruin imminent. It was your well-dressed lines, your glittering steel that shone like the shimmering river upon the banks of which the fearful contest was raging that awful night, that gave earnest proof of your zeal and devotion to the cause in which you had enlisted, and support and inspiration to the noble battery that checked the last effort of Stonewall Jackson to gain the road to United States Ford, with the loss of which the reverse would have been irreparable.

At Beverly Ford, where but half-armed, you took the line of battle with your more fortunate comrades, and shared with them the dangers, as you did the achievements, of the day.

At Gettysburg you were identified with the noble First Division, led by the lamented Buford, which held at bay, from early dawn until midnight, the Rebel hosts that were concentrating upon us, and saved the glorious hills, at the partial sacrifice of the town, on which was established finally and forever the prowess and valor of the great American army.

Where the tide of the great invasion was checked, where our homes and firesides were freed from the scourge of a traitorous foe, where the safety of our state and national capital was secured, where the minions of secession met the most sanguine repulse of the war, and the life of the rebellion rendered, beyond all doubt, only a question of time, in the pursuit that followed, at Williamsport, Boons- borough, Falling Waters, Brandy Station and Racoon Ford, you were ever at your post of duty. At the

17

INTRODUCTION

latter place, you left your horses under shelter and rushed to the support of your brother comrades in arms (Fourth New York Cavalry,) who were gallantly struggling against fearful odds, and under a murderous fire of grape and can ister from 'the enemy, saved them from capture, re-establish ed the line, and held it until relieved by the Twelfth Army Corps ; for which you received, as you deserved, the especial commendation of the division commander. In the subse quent movements of the same year when the wily Rebel chief proposed to flank the Army of the Potomac, and thus gain possession of the capital, history will accord to the regiment an honorable association with the commands that beat back his advance at Morton's Ford, Stephensburg, Brandy Sta tion, and Oak Hill, where holding the extreme left of the line, you skillfully changed front as a distinctive organiza tion by direction of your immediate commander, anticipating a well intended surprise, and repulsing with heavy loss, a reckless charge of cavalry, for which the enemy at that time were notorious. In the counter movements of the campaign, closing with the battle of Bealton Station and Rickseyville, the occupation of the line on the Rapidan and the indecisive engagement at Mine Run, the regiment was present bearing its share of the toils and sustaining its pro portion of losses, and, with the command, went into winter quarters on the battle-beaten plains of Culpepper. Resting until the following spring, on the 4th of May, 1864, you bade farewell to the rude huts and houses that had kindly sheltered you from the piercing blasts of a bitter winter, and with the brave one hundred thousand strong, marched upon the boasted line of strength that had for three sue- cessive campaigns defied and baffled the best efforts of the nation.

The bloody battles of the Wilderness were fought, but not without you. Among the forty thousand killed and wounded of the conflict, you were mournfully represented by our dead and suffering wounded. These battles fought, this line taken, the new position secured, you started under the eagle eye of "Cavalry Sheridan" to raid the enemy's rear, cut his communications and threaten his capital. Let the

18

INTRODUCTION

midnight conflagration at Beaver Dam Station, the death of Stuart, the rout of his horsemen, the capture of the fa mous battery of "Baltimore Lights," the distant tolling bells that betrayed the alarm of the officials and fears of an ex cited populace in Richmond, with the hazardous night picket of the Seventeenth, placed in the very streets of the town, tell how rigidly the orders were executed. And, too, let not the veteran forget how coolly he construed the exploding torpedoes of the enemy into the welcome sounds of signal guns from our supposed approaching friends, but which morning betrayed as the novel means adopted by the enemy to insure our destruction. Then followed in rapid suc cession the engagements of Hanovertown, Haws Shop, Cold Harbor, and Trevillian Station, and our subsequent return to the Army of the Potomac to find it besieging the city of Richmond.

The demonstration of the Rebel Early on the upper Po tomac, caused the embarkation of the command with other troops for the defence of the capital, and prosecution of the Valley campaign which followed. No nobler and more chivalrous deeds will be recorded in the history of this war than those performed by the cavalry in this brilliant cam paign, which ended in the capture and dispersion of the entire Rebel army under Early. This desirable result open ed the way and suggested the opportunity for the famous raid to James River Canal via the White House to the lines in front of Petersburg, and, without doubt, hastened the operations commencing at Five Forks and closing with the surrender of Lee and his army at Appomattox Court House-

Soldiers, through these fiery and bloody campaigns you have ridden. You can look back upon them with pride and honor to yourselves and families, and review with pleasure and advantage your experience and associations in army life; and as you look back upon a lifetime crowded into the space of a few years by the force, importance, and magnitude of events, your pleasure will be enhanced to know that in no engagement, during no campaign, has your regiment betrayed the confidence of its commanders in the field ; or, if possible, its more cherished friends at home.

19

THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION FOR

THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND

MORE TROOPS.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, JULY i, 1862.

To the Governors of Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and the President of the Military Board of Ken tucky:

GENTLEMEN :

Fully concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to me in so patriotic a manner by you in the communication of the 28th day of June, I have decided to call into the service an additional force of 300,000 men. I suggest and recommend that the troops should

be chiefly of infantry. The quota of your State would be

men. I trust that they may be enrolled without delay, so as to bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a speedy and satis factory conclusion. An order fixing the quota of the respective States will be issued by the War Department tomorrow.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Under the above call the State of Pennsylvania was asked to furnish 45,321 men. On July 4, 1862, the Governor of Pennsylvania, Andrew G. Curtin, sent the following message to the President which was received at 9 a. m. of the same day, viz:

HARRISBURG, JULY 4, 1862. Abraham Lincoln, President:

Your dispatch received. Everything possible will be done in this State to meet the demands of the Government for additional troops in the present emergency, and with the utmost promptness. We will require at least 30,000 men to supply the losses of our regiments now in the field. We are not informed as to the number of new regiments you will ask from this State. No doubt we will get the information from the Secretary of War, and of enlistments and inducements by bounties, advances of pay, etc. I suggest that if the enlistments were made for a shorter time, say six months, it would greatly increase our numbers and hasten the formation of regi ments. Have the kindness to mention the subject to Mr. Stanton, and I will not telegraph him.

A. G. CURTIN. 20

PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION

Recruiting stations were at once established in the most prominent centers of the State and, during the following three months, 30,891 men were mustered into the service from the State of Pennsylvania. Among the number who so patriotically responded to this call were the 1,200 men who composed the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, which won the proud distinction of hav ing been one of the best regiments furnished by the great and loyal State of Pennsylvania.

21

APPOINTMENT OF HISTORY COMMITTEE

At the reunion held at Gettysburg, September 17, 1909, of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav alry Association, General E. E. Wood, Brevet Major J. W. DeWitt, Captain Isaac N. Grubb, Lieutenant H. G. Bone- brake, Sergeants Joseph E. McCabe, J. A. Loose and Joseph C. Jones were appointed a committee to assist the historian in the compilation of a regimental history, entitled "The History of the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn sylvania Volunteer Cavalry," and to make a report at the next annual reunion.

REPORT OF HISTORY COMMITTEE

To the Members of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsyl vania Volunteer Cavalry Association:

COMRADES :

We, your committee appointed to assist the historian in the compilation of a regimental history of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, beg leave to report that, since the last reunion, some three hundred pages of manuscript for the history have been prepared. The material has been principally gleaned from official reports, diaries, complimentary notices of the regiment, contribu tions from members of the regiment of incidents that have occurred in camp, on the march and on the field of battle, and extracts from Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean's "Roll of Honor of the Seventeenth Regiment, Penn sylvania Volunteer Cavalry." Company rosters and indi vidual service records have been taken from the history of Samuel P. Bates, Pennsylvania's great war historian and author of "Pennsylvania's Volunteers — 1861-1865." All of which have been carefully verified by official records, and, we believe, are sufficiently reliable to convey a reasonably authentic record of the service the regiment rendered dur ing the War of the Rebellion. All of which is respectfully submitted.

E. E. WOOD,

J. W. DEWlTT,

I. N. GRUBB, J. E. McCABE,

H. G. BONEBRAKE,

J. A. LOOSE, J. C. JONES,

Committee. Gettysburg, Pa., September 26, 1910.

RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING PUBLICA TION OF THE HISTORY

Resolved, That the manuscript and data submitted by the regimental historian, Comrade H. P. Moyer, for the com pilation of a regimental history, and which are endorsed by the committee appointed to examine the same, be and the same are hereby approved.

Resolved, That the officers and publication committee of the association are hereby instructed and directed to present the same, together with such additions and amendments as the historian or publication committee may deem proper, to the Governor of the Commonwealth, the Adjutant General and the Auditor General of the State, and to proceed with the publication of the same.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT.

WHEN the President of the United States, on July i, 1862, issued his proclamation for 300,000 volunteers, he requested the Governor of Pennsylvania to furnish three regiments of cavalry. Up to this time the War Department seemed to have had little use for the cavalry, and to regard them as of little value except for escort and messenger ser vice. It was only after the Rebel General J. E. B. Stuart had demonstrated, by his dashing cavalry raids, what could be accomplished by large bodies of mounted troops, that the authorities at Washington paid much attention to the cav alry branch of the army. To compete with the well organ ized Confederate cavalry, the military authorities at Wash ington were compelled to place at least an equal number of mounted troops in the field. Hence the request for three regiments of cavalry.

The Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav alry, was the second of the three regiments that responded to this call. The author heard ex-Governor Andrew G. Cur- tin say at a reunion of the survivors of the regiment, held at the Battlefield Hotel, Gettysburg, that he had been very anxious that these three regiments should be composed of the best horsemen that the State could produce. Recruiting officers were instructed to confine themselves principally to rural districts. Hence a large majority of the men who composed the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry were farmers, lumbermen and mechanics, and, fortunately, most of them were good horsemen. The counties that re sponded to this call, with temporary organizations, which later became identified with the regiment, were: Beaver, Susquehanna, Lancaster, Bradford, Lebanon, Cumberland, Franklin, Schuylkill, Perry, Luzerne, Montgomery, Chester and Wayne. As these organizations reported to the Gov ernor for service, they were rendezvoused in Camp Sim mons, adjoining Camp Curtin, at Harrisburg. The work of effecting permanent company organizations and mustering

25

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

the men into the service of the United States was only a question of a short time. The formation of the regiment was as follows :

Company A — Captain D. M. Donnehoo, Beaver County.

Company B — Captain D. E. Whitney, Susquehanna County.

Company C — Captain W. H. Spera, Lancaster County.

Company D — Captain C. H. Ames, Bradford County.

Company E — Captain William Tice, Lebanon County.

Company F — Captain Charles Lee, Cumberland County.

Company G — Captain L. D. Kurtz, Franklin County.

Company H — Captain William Thompson, Schuylkill County.

Company I — Captain J. B. McCallister, Perry County and City of Philadelphia.

Company K — Captain R. Fitzgerald, Luzerne County.

Company L — Captain D. B. Hartranft, Montgomery and Chester Counties.

Company M — Captain Coe Durland, Wayne County.

On the eighteenth day of October, 1862, a regimental or ganization was effected and the following officers were elected:

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Josiah H. Kellogg, Colonel, U. S. Army.

John B. McCallister, Lieutenant-colonel.

David B. Hartranft, 1

Coe Durland, v Majors.

Reuben R. Reinhold, )

Isaac Walborn, Major and Surgeon.

Perry J. Tate, First Lieutenant and Adjutant.

John Anglun, First Lieutenant and Quartermaster.

Henry M. Donnehoo, First Lieutenant and Commissary.

James B. Moore, First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon.

H. A. Wheeler, Captain and Chaplain.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Jerome I. Stanton, Sergeant Major. Thomas H. Boyd, Quartermaster Sergeant.

26

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

John A. English, Commissary Sergeant. Samuel M. Drew, Veterinary Sergeant. Henry J. Tarble, Hospital Steward. Thomas Lawrence, Saddler. James Hyde, Chief Bugler. Jonathan M. Darrow, Farrier.

Because of the daily arrival of new organizations, Camp Simmons became much congested, and the regiment, on No vember 10, 1862, left Camp Simmons, and for the first time, as an organization, marched in a body about one mile north of Harrisburg, establishing its first regimental camp — Camp McClellan. In this camp horses, sabres and horse equipments were issued, and the active duties of the soldier commenced.

Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg was an entire stranger to both the officers and men of the regiment. He held a commission as captain in the First United States Cavalry, and was, by permission, assigned to the command of the regiment. He was a most thorough tactician and a strict disciplinarian, and at once put forth strenuous efforts to perfect the discipline of the regiment. Drill, drill, drill, drill was now the order over and over again. Drill by squads ! drill by company ! drill by squadron ! and drill by regiment ! Then there were dress parades, guard, fatigue and other camp duties of vari ous kinds, which kept the men almost constantly employed. At first these drills and camp duties were cheerfully ac cepted by the men, but soon they became monotonous and were regarded by some as superfluous and unnecessary.

But the colonel evidently knew the value and importance of thorough training and good discipline, and, being an ex cellent drill-master himself, he soon brought the regiment to the high standard of proficiency for which it was noted during its entire service. Those drills — will they ever be forgotten by those who participated in them? No, as long as memory will serve us, we will remember them. Many of the horses we had received had never been ridden before. There was rearing and kicking, running and jumping, lying down and falling down, men thrown by their horses, kicked

27

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

and getting hurt in various ways. There was crowding in the ranks, getting out of place and striving to get back into place again, pushing forward and hanging back, some any old way but the right way. All sorts of mishaps occurred, which caused a great deal of discomfort and amusement at times. But by patience, continued effort and practice, these difficulties rapidly disappeared and both men and horses soon acquired a knowledge of the art military characteristic of professionals. Then there were dismounted drills, sabre drills, carbine drills, revolver drills, and various other drills. Considerable stress was given to the sabre drill, that being the chief weapon used when on duty, dress parade and re view occasions.

The colonel established a school of instruction, and the officers were obliged to make themselves thoroughly ac quainted with the tactics and other military duties. Those who failed to do so, had but a short stay with the regiment. The discipline of our first camp was very strict. Possibly not too strict from a military standpoint. But some of the men considered it too strict for convenience, especially when off duty. They could hardly see the need of remaining in camp so closely when there were opportunities of comfort and enjoyment outside. Because of the strict enforcement of the rules and regulations prescribed by the commanding officer and because of the many attractions of a social char acter in the city of Harrisburg so near the camp, the run ning of the camp guard was often practiced successfully and many were the stories told of narrow escapes from arrest. Of course occasionally some would fall into the hands of the patrol and had to suffer the consequences. Lest the criticisms of those who ran the guard might be too severe, permit me to say, they generally performed their duties in camp just as faithfully and cheerfully as those who were not guilty of such violations. As they were quite certain that soon the pleasure of seeing their friends would be be yond their reach, who will blame them for such irregular ities? Instead of censuring them, now that it is all past, may they not rather be considered as having had the daring spirit calculated to make brave soldiers? But our stay in

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Camp McClellan, like that at Camp Simmons, was of but short duration.

We were now expecting orders every day to be called to the front. We did not have to wait long, for, on the 25th day of November, 1862, we left Camp McClellan for Wash ington, D. C. The regiment was transported to Baltimore, Md., by railroad, the horses in regular cattle cars, while the men were crowded into box cars, without seats or bunks. Here the men for the first time keenly realized the marked distinction between the officers and the enlisted men. The officers were furnished passenger coaches, while the enlisted men were obliged to ride in box cars. The trip was made during the night and we had no lights. We also suf fered considerable discomfort from cold. Thus we passed the live-long night huddled together in a lot of freight cars that no doubt had many times carried less valuable animals to the slaughter house. At Baltimore the regiment disem barked and, after a fairly substantial breakfast, by com panies, at the Soldiers' Relief Association, the horses were removed from the cars, and the regiment paraded through the principal streets of the city. Later in the day we em barked again, this time, however, in passenger coaches, for Washington, D. C., arriving there early next morning. Here we again disembarked and were served with luncheon at the Soldiers' Retreat. After unloading our horses and camp equipage, we marched through some of the most prominent streets of the city, and then went into camp for several days on East Capitol Hill. This being the first visit to the na tional capital for most of the men, and the stay being only temporary, the discipline of the camp was less rigid than in Camp McClellan, and the men were given an opportunity to visit places of interest and amusement.

We were now at the headquarters of our government from whence emanated the laws that governed forty mil lions of people, — the seat of the most liberal government the world has yet known. Knowing it to be the capital of our great nation, the author had pictured to himself a city full of marble palaces and flowing fountains. In this he was sadly disappointed. The capitol in itself was a magnificent

29

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

marble structure ; the Smithsonian Institute, a fine resort for the public; the White House and some other government buildings, gorgeous and beautiful, but the city of that day, as a whole, impressed me as unworthy the great nation it represented.

After a few days' sojourn in the city of Washington, the regiment received orders to march overland to join the Army of the Potomac. After receiving our little shelter tents, better known as "dog tents," we said good-by to the nation's capital, passed over the famous Long Bridge into Virginia, and encamped for the first time on Confederate soil, at Ar lington Heights, in full view of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee's residence, where we pitched our "dog tents" for the first time. If a bird's-eye view of that camp could be produced today it would no doubt be one of the rare curiosities of the Civil War.

Orders were now issued to the regiment to send home all surplus baggage and to reduce our camp equipage to strict army regulations. Four days' rations and forage were issu ed, all the sick and disabled were sent to the hospital, and, on the 2ist day of December, 1862, the regiment started on its march to join the Army of the Potomac. About noon we reached the town of Alexandria, where the Rebel flag so long waved in the very sight of the capitol at Washington, ite displacement costing the life of the brave Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth. We passed through the place in silence, and saw, from only one house, the American flag displayed. The night of the 2ist day of December, 1862, was spent on the George Washington Estate, near the village of Accotink. The country here looked poor, the roads bad, the inhabitants few and far between, and this within a day's march from the capital of the nation, and only about one mile from the former residence of the Father of his Country.

On December 22, 1862, we reached the town of Occo- quan, Virginia, where we met Hampton's Legion of the Rebel cavalry, then raiding in the rear of the Army of the Potomac. After a sharp skirmish, the Rebel cavalry was driven off and we went into camp for the night. Here we did our first picket duty in the enemy's country. No camp

30

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

fires were allowed during the night. There was a strong, cold wind, and to sit quietly on a horse on picket duty for two hours at a time, was a new experience. Orders were issued to those who were not on picket duty to be ready to re spond to any emergency call that might be made. Fortunately no emergency arose and no call was made. The following day was devoted to reconnoitering, trying to find the enemy who had intercepted our march the day before. Although we had evidences that we were on their trail, we failed to discover them. Returning to Occoquan, we virtually occu pied the same camp we had occupied the night before, and again did picket duty. It was freely rumored that the Rebel cavalry were still in the vicinity of Occoquan, threatening communication between Washington and the Army of the Potomac. Companies C, D and I, with Major Reuben R. Reinhold in command, were ordered to remain at Occoquan as a reserve for the purpose of keeping open the line of com munication, while the balance of the regiment continued the march to the front.

After the other nine companies of the regiment had left, Hampton's Legion returned to Occoquan, in superior num bers to those under command of Major Reinhold. Several attacks by these mountain rangers were repulsed and a num ber of prisoners taken. On December 27, 1862, Major Reinhold's command was relieved from further duty at Occoquan and ordered to join the regiment, which, in the meantime, had advanced to near Stafford Court House, Vir ginia.

On the way to join the regiment, when in the vicinity of Neabsco Creek, Major Reinhold received word that the enemy had intercepted him, that an attack had been made at Dumfries, and that a column of Rebel cavalry and artillery was moving on the Telegraph Road to Occoquan. He imme diately countermarched, and, taking a position on the heights, on the north bank of the Occoquan Creek, success fully foiled every attempt of the enemy to cross. On the following morning, having been reinforced by a detachment of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, Major Reinhold cross ed the stream to reconnoiter and, falling in with General J.

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

E. B. Stuart's command, made an attack, but was overpow ered, obliged to retire, and to recross the creek. It was not until January 5, 1863, that Major Reinhold's command re joined the regiment near Stafford Court House.

On this, our first engagement with the enemy, Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg, commanding the regiment, made the fol lowing official report :

COLONEL MYSENBERG, ADJUTANT GENERAL, ELEVENTH CORPS. Camp near Stafford Court House, Va.,

DECEMBER 27, 1862. Colonel :

In accordance with instructions from Headquarters, Eleventh Army Corps, I have the honor to report that on Thursday the i8th of December, 1862, in compliance with Special Orders from Head quarters Defenses of Washington, I marched with my command from the end of Long Bridge, opposite Washington, D. C., to join this army. Having been informed by the commanding officer of the detachment of Second Pennsylvania Cavalry doing duty at Acco- tink, Va., that his pickets extended to the river at Occoquan, I was marching at the head of my column long enough only to send for ward an advance guard and flankers and then pushed on to the river. When I reached it I found the ferry boat sunk, and the enemy's carbineers, who occupied the town on the other side, made the road to the ferry very warm. As it was impossible to cross here, I withdrew my men around the bend of the road, out of fire. The enemy had been busy up to the time I arrived at the spot in ferrying over the river a government train and some sutlers' wagons. The presence of my command saved the wagons, which had not yet been crossed, consisting of nine government wagons and three sutlers' wagons, making in all twelve wagons.

Not knowing the country, and depending on a guide (Mr. Stiles, furnished the command at Alexandria by General Slough), I lost some time, unavoidably, in finding out Snyder's Ford. I would say here that the guide, Mr. Stiles, by his own carelessness in going ahead of the command without any permission whatever, was cap tured by the enemy at the river. Leaving part of my command on the ferry road, I moved with the rest of the command up to Sny der's Ford, drove in the enemy's pickets stationed there and tried to cut off his rear. On account of not knowing the country and roads, and my regiment being so new, never having been drilled and hav ing had their arms only three or four days before we left Washing ton, I could not effect as much as I might have done with older men, besides, there was not a carbine in the regiment and consequently, in a wooded country, I was obliged to move carefully.

32

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

I scouted the country in all directions some five or six miles and my advance guard ran into the enemy's rear guard, at about dark, on the road from Occoquan to Dumfries. The enemy were then retreating at a gallop. As soon as it was quite dark, I deemed it advisable to recross the river and go into camp, starting out six hundred men at daylight the next morning to Maple Valley, Wolf Run, Shoals Ford and in the direction of Brentsville. The country was thoroughly scoured, but I could find nothing of the enemy. The enemy burned one of the government wagons in the town of Occoquan, and, but for the delay consequent on losing my guide, I would have been able to save more of them. In reference to the number and part of our cavalry (Tenth New York) captured, I know nothing about them from observation, but it was reported to me that the picket was taken at or near Neabsco, half-way between Occoquan and Dumfries, and that it consisted of a lieutenant and thirty men of the Tenth New York Cavalry. It was also reported to me that five men of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry were cap tured at the ferry.

The officers and men of this command behaved very well; in fact better than could be expected. In all that I did I consulted with Colonel Rush of the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, who hap pened to be with me with one hundred of his men.

I am, Colonel, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JOSIAH H. KELLOGG, Colonel, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

OUR EXPERIENCE IN MUDDY STAFFORD.

Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment with the Army of the Potomac, it was assigned to the Second Bri gade, First Division of the Cavalry Corps, and had for its immediate associates the Sixth New York, Sixth United States and Eighth Pennsylvania. Shortly after this forma tion, the Ninth New York was substituted for the Sixth United States and Eighth Pennsylvania. After these changes the Second Brigade, First Division of the Cavalry Corps, was composed of the Sixth and Ninth New York and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Thomas C Devin, of the Sixth New York. Later the Fourth New York was attached to the brigade. With this organization the regiment was continuously identified until the close of the war. Early in the month of January, 1863, the regiment was assigned to picket duty in the vicinity of Stafford Court

33

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House, thus becoming the extreme rear picket line of the Army of the Potomac; and because of the almost constant raiding of the Rebel cavalry and bushwhacking in the rear of General Hooker's army, the men were required to be al most continuously in the saddle. It was nothing unusual to hear the call of "Boots and Saddles" almost any hour of the night, and those of the regiment who were not on duty would be rushed, with all possible haste, to some reserve picket post that had been attacked during the night. Then, too, sometimes such night calls were planned by the colonel, for the purpose of testing the readiness of the men to re spond quickly to unexpected calls.

Many incidents might be recorded which occurred during these hurry calls. "What's up now?" "Where are we go ing?" "Where are the Rebels?" "Jim, where are my boots?" "Tom, you have my coat on." "Sam, you have my bridle on your horse," are specimen expressions. I recall an instance where a man in his excitement placed the saddle hind end foremost on his horse, and only discovered his error when we were ordered to mount. To add to the confusion, the orderly sergeant would shout "Fall in, Company E." Then the officers would appear upon the scene, urging the men in line. Then here comes an orderly from headquarters that the captain report with his company immediately. Such scrambling for sabres, carbines, revolvers and other equip ments can perhaps better be imagined than described. And then, too, imagine the feeling of the men, after such an ex perience, to be marched back to camp again and learn that the whole thing was only a ruse.

On February 10, 1863, one of our picket posts, about three miles from camp, in charge of Lieutenant P. A. English, and sixteen men of Company A was attacked at night by guerrillas. While a few vedettes were placed to watch the approach of the enemy, the rest of the men were gathered around a small campfire. It was a dark night, and rain and sleet were falling, making the night dismal and gloomy. About thirty men of the guerrillas had left their horses a short distance from the reserve post, eluded the outpost and stealthily got between the vedettes and the re-

34

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

serve undiscovered. All of a sudden one of the guerrillas shouted "Now, boys, give them hell." Two of our men were shot dead and one wounded. Lieutenant English was the only man who escaped to tell the story of what occurred. The lieutenant was wounded and put on a horse with one of the Rebels. The saddle turning, they were dismounted. In the act of readjusting the saddle, being in the woods and the night being dark, the lieutenant was able to escape. All the rest, except those killed, were carried off by the guer rillas.

No command was given to surrender. Such conduct can not be regarded in any other light than midnight murder. The following day the regiment scoured the country for miles, but failed to discover the murderers. The bodies of the two men killed were brought to camp, placed in coffins made of old boxes and sent to their friends in Beaver Coun ty, Pa.

On another occasion, two men were ordered to proceed to a certain house and inquire if any Rebel soldiers had been seen in the vicinity. "Not any," was the reply. The men seeing a colored boy not far away, approached him, thinking he might be more truthful. "Oh, yes," said he, "there are some upstairs in massa's house now." They returned to the house and, while in the act of going upstairs, both men were fired upon and killed. A search for the men resulted in find ing them dead. The building was burned and the family made prisoners. It was the colored boy who, when ques tioned, told how the soldiers were killed and how their assas sins then ran away.

On February 14, 1863, the regiment was relieved and we moved our camp to near Acquia Church. This was a beau tiful place, located on high ground in a fine oak grove. The church building had the following inscription: "Built A. D. 1751. Destroyed by fire, 1754. Rebuilt, 1757." The citi zens in the vicinity claimed that Washington, Lafayette and other great men of Revolutionary times had worshipped in this chapel. During our short stay at this beautiful spot several religious services were held in this church in charge of our regimental chaplain, Rev. Henry Wheeler. The build-

35

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

ing being only a small one, it was crowded by the members of the regiment every time services were held.

It was estimated that the regiment, during that winter, lost more men by death and disability, on account of the cold weather and insufficient means of protection, than during any subsequent period in its history. The weather was ex tremely cold, and big snow storms were the rule rather than the exception. The men suffered greatly during their stay in "Muddy Stafford." It was an experience that will never be forgotten by those who were there.

On the i8th of February, 1863, Companies C and I of the regiment, under command of Captain W. H. Spera, were ordered to escort duty with General George G. Meade, com manding the Fifth Corps, where they remained until after the battle of Chancellorsville and during the engagement were kept busy in the transmission of orders.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN REVIEWS THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Preparatory to the opening of the spring campaign, on the sixth day of April, 1863, President Lincoln reviewed the Army of the Potomac. The various commands were assem bled on the plains in the vicinity of Falmouth early in the morning; and, after a tedious wait, later in the day, the vari ous commands were reviewed by the President of the Unit ed States and their illustrious commander, General Joseph Hooker, commanding the Army of the Potomac. The re cently organized Cavalry Corps was about ten thousand strong. General George Stoneman, the corps commander, accompanied by his staff, took his position at the centre of the line, facing the front. Soon President Lincoln and Gen eral Joseph Hooker, with their staffs, and a large retinue of distinguished officers and guests, approached. The Presi dent was dressed in citizen's clothes, wore a large silk hat, and was mounted on a fine bay horse, while General Joseph Hooker wore the regulation uniform and was mounted on a spirited white horse. They rode up to General George Stoneman, who was then introduced to the President and took him in charge to review his corps. That review made a lasting impression upon the author's mind. He imagines

36

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

that he can see it all pass before him now as President Lin coln and Generals Hooker and Stoneman start off at a gal lop, with about three hundred attendants, first to the right of the line, then along the whole front to the left and thence to the reviewing stand. General Stoneman now leaves the President, and with his staff again takes his position in the centre of the line, facing the corps, and gives the command to pass in review. The long line of cavalry now breaks into column of companies and, with General Stoneman at the head, marches past the reviewing stand, presenting sabre as each company passes the stand. This was a notable day in the history of the regiment and the men were greatly en thused.

CHANCELLORSVILLE.

While the battle of Chancellorsville was being fought the entire Cavalry Corps, with the exception of the Seventeenth and Eighth Pennsylvania and the Sixth New York, were dispatched under Generals William W. Averill and George Stoneman, to cut the enemy's communications, and harass his rear. These three regiments were moved with the col umns of General Hooker on the Chancellorsville campaign and were assigned as follows : The Eighth Pennsylvania to the Fifth Corps; the Seventeenth Pennsylvania to the Eleventh Corps; and the Sixth New York to the Twelfth Corps. On the 2d day of May, 1863, the Seventeenth Penn sylvania Cavalry was sent out the old Plank Road to pro tect Hooker's right flank. During the afternoon large clouds of dust indicated a heavy movement of troops in their front, which fact, the author is reliably informed, was repeatedly reported to headquarters; but, before General Hooker's lines could be readjusted and a sufficient number of troops placed in position to meet the Rebel General "Stonewall" Jackson's flanking assault, the entire Eleventh Corps of Hooker's army was pushed back and was in full retreat, with no available reserve to stay the attack. At the juncture, General Alfred Pleasonton, who had been out in advance of the line on the centre, supporting General Daniel A. Sickles then demonstrating upon General "Stone-

37

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

wall" Jackson's flank and rear, happened to be returning with the Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry to wards the centre and had reached the breastworks, just as hordes of Jackson's troops, who were pursuing the routed Eleventh Corps troops, were approaching that part of the field. Divining the condition of affairs, General Pleasonton ordered Major Keenan of the Eighth Pennsylvania to charge the assault of the enemy. Well he knew that the execution of the order would involve the sacrifice of that gallant regi ment. But it was necessary to check the Rebel onslaught, and thus gain time to bring his horse artillery into position, and interpose some more effectual barrier. Brigadier Gen eral Alfred Pleasonton, in his official report on the battle of Chancellorsville, under date of May u, 1860, says:

"I immediately ran up, this battery of mine at a gallop, put it into position, ordered it unlimbered and double shotted with canister, and directed the men to aim at the ground line of the parapet, that the Eleventh Corps had thrown up, about two hundred yards off. Our artillery as a general rule, overshoots, and I ordered them to fire low, because the shot would ricochet. I then set to work with two squadrons of the remaining regiment (the Seventeenth Pennsylvania) to clear this field of fugitives, and to stop what cannon and ammunition we could and put them in position ; and I manag ed to get twenty-two guns loaded, double shotted and aimed on this space in front of us for about a quarter or half mile, when the whole woods appeared alive with large bodies of men. This was just at dusk. I was going to give the word "fire," for I had ordered those pieces not to fire unless I gave the word, because I wanted the effect of an immense shock. There was an immense body of men, and I wanted the whole weight of the metal to check them. I was about to give the word "fire" when one of the soldiers at a piece said 'General, that is our flag.' I said to one of my aids, 'Mr. Thompson, ride forward there at once and let me know what flag that is.' He went to within about one hundred yards, and those people cried out : 'Come on, we are friends'. He started to move on, when the whole line of woods blazed with musketry, and they commenced leaping over the para-

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

pet, and charged on the guns ; and, at about the same time, I saw from eight to ten Rebel battle-flags run up along the whole line. I immediately gave orders to "fire" ; and the fire actually swept the men away. It seemed to blow those men in front clear over the parapet. We had this fight be tween musketry and artillery there for nearly an hour. At one time they got within fifty yards of the guns.

"There were two squadrons of the Seventeenth Pennsyl vania left. This regiment I had was composed of raw men, new troops, and all I could do was to make a show. I had them formed in single line, with sabres drawn with orders to charge in case the enemy came to the guns. They sat on their horses in rear of the guns, and I have no doubt that the Rebels took them for the head of a heavy column, as the country sloped back behind them, and they could not see what was back of them. The coolness displayed by the Seventeenth Regiment in rallying fugitives, and sup porting the batteries (including Marten's) which repulsed the enemy's attack under Jackson, on the evening of May 2, 1863, has excited the highest admiration."

Considering that this was really the first baptism of blood for the regiment, the heroic manner in which it met the mad assault of Stonewall Jackson's army by a single line of cavalry, virtually with no support, certainly reflected great credit upon the regiment. It was a trying position, but the firm front presented, saved the day, and enabled General Hooker to reform his shattered troops, and once more present an unbroken line. Later in the evening, Gen eral Sickles' Corps came up, took position in support of the guns, and relieved the regiment.

The following extracts are taken from the official report of Colonel Thomas C. Devin, Sixth New York Cavalry, com manding Second Brigade, under date of May 12, 1863: "I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera tions of this brigade during the recent engagements :

"On the morning of April 28th, in compliance with orders from division headquarters, I broke camp at Potomac Bridge, and moved with my command to Grove Church, on the Morrisville Road. I established my headquarters at that

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

point, and immediately dispatched parties to scour the country, arrest all citizens met with, and watch the river from Banks' Ford to the Rappahannock Bridge. A number of citizens were arrested, and confined in Grove Church until the passage of the army across the river had been as sured.

"On the evening of the 28th, I was ordered to send the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry to report to General Howard, and to withdraw my pickets and concentrate the rest of the brigade in the neighborhood of Mount Holly Church; also to furnish guides (acquainted with the country) to the columns of Generals Howard and Meade.

"I was unable to concentrate the Eighth Pennsylvania (then picketing on the extreme left) until 3 a. m., when I marched to Mount Holly Church. On arriving near that point, I found the Sixth New York had been ordered to the advance of General Slocum's column, while the Eighth Pennsylvania had been ordered to report to General Meade. I was directed to march with that command.

"The brigade was thus distributed, as follows : The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Colonel Kellogg in com mand, in advance of the Eleventh Army Corps; the Sixth New York Cavalry, Lieutenant-colonel McVicar in com mand, in advance of the Twelfth Army Corps; the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Major Huey in command, and one troop First Michigan Cavalry, in advance of the Fifth Army Corps.

"The Sixth New York operated under the direction of Brigadier General Pleasonton, commanding the First Ca valry Division, until the arrival of the corps at Cha.ncellors- ville ; the Eighth Pennsylvania under the direction of Colonel Thomas C. Devin, commanding the Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, until the morning of May ist.

SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.

"By referring to the report of Colonel Kellogg, com manding the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, I find that his regi ment was the first to cross the pontoon bridge at Kelly's Ford on the night of the 28th, when he immediately scouted

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

the country to the front, toward Culpepper, for some miles, finding but few of the enemy, who, being dismounted, re tired into the woods.

"The regiment then picketed the roads to the front, and at daylight again scouted toward Culpepper some three miles, where it was met by a force of the enemy, consisting of about three hundred cavalry, one section of artillery, and some infantry.

"The regiment was then ordered to cover the right of General Howard's column, scouting all the country to the right of the road from Kelly's to Germania Ford. This was accomplished by continually skirmishing with the enemy (on the roads to the right), who fell back as our skirmishers ad vanced. The regiment did not lose a man, killing several of the enemy and taking one prisoner.

"Owing to a misunderstanding of orders, Colonel Kellogg had not been aware that there was a wagon train in rear of the column which he was expected to guard and bring forward, and General Steinwehr, commanding a division of the Eleventh Corps, ordered the regiment back to meet the enemy on the road just passed over by the column.

"On going to the rear, they were found posted in a woods, with one section of artillery and at least three hundred cavalry, armed with carbines. Not being aware that a train was yet in the rear, and having no carbines with which to dismount and clear the woods, after he had ascertained the force of the enemy, Colonel Kellogg returned with his com mand to Germania" Ford.

"He was again ordered to communicate with the train, which he then learned for the first time was still in the rear, returned to where the enemy were posted, charged and drove them down the road for a quarter of a mile, until he came upon a barricade of felled trees across the road. The night being very dark and rainy, he concluded to wait until daylight, having lost in the attack eight horses but no men. When about moving to the rear again at daylight, he was ordered to the front to cross the Rapidan, scout to the right and cover the column then marching to Chancellorsville. He picketed all the roads to right and rear on the night of the

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

3Oth ultimo, and, May i, reported back to brigade head quarters, leaving two squadrons with General Howard, charged with the duty of picketing to his right and front and observing the country toward Orange and Spottsylvania Court House.

"On the afternoon of May 2d, the brigade (with the ex ception of a squadron of the Sixth New York, under Cap tain Crocker, on picket at Ely's Ford), was ordered to the front, in rear of General Howard's line, and on the right of General Sickles,' about one mile from Chancellorsville. Shortly after, I was ordered to report with the Sixth New York to General Birney, then about three miles to the left. On reporting to him, he ordered me to return with my com mand and ascertain if the Plank Road was open to Chan cellorsville. His infantry columns were at that time re tiring.

"I succeeded in reaching the field where I had left the bri gade under General Pleasonton and found the infantry about forming line. I immediately ordered a detachment to make their way to the Plank Road by the road we had come. When half-way, they were fired upon from skirmishers in the woods, and finally ran into the enemy's infantry, in column, and were driven back. I immediately formed the Sixth New York in line, facing the road, reported the facts to General Whipple, who ordered his skirmishers to the front, and to General Birney as soon as he came upon the field. I then retired my command into the hollow in rear of the line, where the Seventeenth Pennsylvania reported to me. I was ordered by General Sickles to post vedettes around the skirt of woods that encompassed the position. I assigned this duty to the Sixth New York. I had previously thrown out pickets on the extreme left, near General Birney's former position. In the meantime the Eighth Pennsylvania (which command I had left on the field with General Plea sonton) had been sent to the support of General Howard, and, finding his line of battle broken and retired to their rear, had charged down on the enemy's lines between them and the brick house, which they succeeded in reaching, losing Major Keenan, Captain Arrowsmith, Adjutant Had-

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

dock and about thirty men and eighty horses. The charge however, had the effect of disordering and checking the enemy at that point. The regiment then formed as provost in front of the brick house, where it remained for the night. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania had, by order of General Pleasanton, been formed in support of the batteries with which he had driven back the enemy's advance after the Eleventh Corps had broken. Their steadiness under the severe fire elicited much commendation.

"Early on the morning of the 3d, I was ordered by Major- General Sickles to hold my command in readiness to cover the movement of his column from the field. I drew in my vedettes and awaited the movement. The fire became very hot, and working around to my right and rear, I formed the two regiments (Sixth New York and Seventeenth Pennsyl vania) in the hollow on the left of the battle-line, but the fire from the front, right, and left had by this time become so concentrated on the position that it was useless to look for cover, and my men began to drop fast, although the line was steady as a rock. At this moment I was ordered to report to General Hooker with my command. I succeed ed, with some difficulty, in saving my pickets in the woods on the extreme left, bringing them in when nearly surround ed and under a heavy fire. On reporting to General Hooker, I. was ordered to form my command as skirmishers in rear of the line of battle, and to prevent any stragglers passing through. This position I maintained until the change of front at the White House, where I formed a new line, which was maintained until the close of the action.

"About nightfall, the general commanding the division ordered the Seventeenth Pennsylvania to cross the United States Ford and supply themselves with rations and forage. I remained with the Sixth New York, bivouacked in rear of the line of battle. The squadron of the Sixth New York, which had been picketing Ely's Ford, here reported. They had been completely cut off from our army, and had to fight their way through the enemy's skirmishers to our lines, losing several men and horses. They only came in by di-

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ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

rection of the field officer in command of outposts on that line.

"On the morning of the 4th instant, I was ordered to re port to division headquarters, when I was directed to place the Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylvania in camp. The Eighth had on the previous day been picketing from Hart- wood to Kelly's Ford.

"On the morning of the 5th instant, the brigade was or dered to Falmouth, where it encamped the same night.

"The regimental commanders, Colonel Kellogg, Major Huey, and Captain Beardsley, were cool, prompt, and ready in carrying out my orders, and in no one case failed in their execution while under my command."

Because of the heavy rains that followed immediately after the battle of Chancellorsville, causing the Rappahan- nock River to overflow its banks, and the regiment being among the last troops to cross, with portions of the pontoon bridge washed away, we experienced great difficulty in re- crossing the river. Both men and horses were thoroughly drenched and covered with mud. We were not permitted to build any fires during the night, and the men were in great distress. The following day, May 5th, the entire brigade marched to Falmouth where we occupied, virtually the same camp we had left about one week previous.

THE MARCH INTO MARYLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA.

The defeats of the Army of the Potomac at the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, no doubt was a great inspiration to the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, so much so that, almost immediately after the latter battle, General Robert E. Lee assumed the offensive by moving out of his strongly fortified position in front of Fredericks- burg, demonstrating on General Joseph Hooker's right and threatening Maryland and Pennsylvania.

To ascertain the intentions of General Lee, General Hooker sent the First and Second Cavalry Divisions, under command of General Alfred Pleasonton, up the Rappahan- nock River to reconnoiter.

The First Division, under command of General John

44

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

Buford crossed at Beverly Ford. They found the Rebels in force, first their cavalry and later their infantry. The author remembers distinctly having been detailed as bugler at bri gade headquarters that day. He followed Colonel Thomas C. Devin, who commanded the brigade, all day. The bri gade steadily pushed back the Rebel cavalry, until we reach ed a point where our troops were confronted by the Rebel infantry and our further advances were stubbornly resisted. It was reported to Colonel Devin that his troops were facing the Rebel infantry. Seemingly Colonel Devin did not believe there were any Rebel infantry in that vicinity, so, to satisfy himself, he asked his staff to remain in the rear and, select ing one of his staff officers together with the author, he rode out on the skirmish line to ascertain for himself the truth fulness of the report. The Sixth New York was on the skirmish line, while the Ninth New York and the Seven teenth Pennsylvania were in support.

As we emerged from the woods into an open space or field where our mounted skirmishers were deployed, it was clearly discovered that our troops were confronted with a heavy line of infantry, who, with weapons of a longer range than that of our carbines, were dismounting our men at a fear ful rate, whilst they were unable to inflict any punishment upon the enemy. As Colonel Devin approached the skirmish line, he at once became the target for the Rebel sharp shooters and, the way the minnie balls were whizzing around him, it was the next thing to a miracle that he was not killed. One of the skirmishers hailed him and said, "Colo nel, this is no place for you." He replied by saying, "Those fellows across the ravine could not hit an elephant if they would try." The skirmish line was immediately withdrawn. The Rebel infantry advanced in force and our lines were overpowered. In this engagement the Seventeenth Regi ment, supporting one of our batteries most of the time, was under fire all day; and, in retiring, was the extreme rear guard.

In recrossing the ford it was subjected to a heavy artillery fire from the enemy's guns. In this engagement the regi ment lost its first commissioned officer, Major Isaac Wal-

45

4— 17th R.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

burn, surgeon-in-chief of the regiment who was struck by the fragment of an exploded shell. Because of the faithful performance of his arduous duties, especially during the "Muddy Stafford" campaign, he was held in very high es teem by the regiment arid his loss was deeply regretted.

On the eleventh of June, 1863, the regiment was assigned to picket the line of the Rappahannock from Beverly Ford to Sulphur Springs, while the main body of the Army of the Potomac was marching northward. Company E, to which the author belonged, had its headquarters about a quarter of a mile in the rear of Sulphur Springs Hotel, a fashionable summer resort, our pickets guarding the bridge across the river. Our relations here with the "Johnnies" on the opposite side of the river, were quite friendly, and to bacco, coffee and newspapers were exchanged.

Judging from the elaborate quarters and surroundings, Sulphur Springs, must have been a charming health and summer resort during its palmy days. It was now in charge of a few colored servants who told us that the men had all gone to war and that the ladies were staying in Richmond until the war was over. While Sergeant Martin Wike and the author walked down to the lower end of the court where the medicinal spring is located, surrounded by bowers of shrubbery and beautiful walks, the sergeant remarked "How kind of Uncle Sam, after our strenuous service in 'Muddy Stafford', to send us to this beautiful summer resort to re cuperate our health." After a drink from the spring, the water of which tasted too sulphuric to satisfy the palate of a thirsty soldier, we looked the place over carefully and con cluded that from the eighteen dollars and the thirteen dollars per month we were receiving respectively from Uncle Sam, we could possibly save enough money to buy the place after the war, and make it our future home.

On the night of June 15, 1863, our picket line was quietly withdrawn from the Rappahannock River, and thus our regiment became the extreme rear guard of the Army of the Potomac. The night was exceedingly dark ; and, after we struck the trail over which General Hooker's army had passed just a short time before, the dust must have been

46

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

five or six inches deep. The dust added to the darkness, and made it almost impossible for any one to see his file leader, and thus the column would occasionally get either jumbled up or separated so that it became necessary for the men to hail one another to keep in line. It was a forced march to Catlett's Station, where we made a short halt, and sent out several reconnoitering squads to ascertain whether there were any Rebel cavalry in the vicinity. Finding the coast clear, we continued the march.

After several days and nights of forced marching, through more dust, we caught up with the rear of General Hooker's army in the vicinity of Middleburg, Va., and, on June 17, 1863, before we had time to rest, we became involved in a skirmish with the Rebel cavalry at Aldie, and, on the twenty- first, again at Upperville, where a more determined stand was taken by the enemy. Here the engagement became general. While the regiment was occupying an advanced position, waiting for the support to be drawn in line of battle, it was in direct line of a heavy artillery fire from the enemy. While in this position, an orderly approached Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg, and, with the compliments of Colonel Thomas C. Devin, commanding our brigade, ordered him to charge that Rebel battery over yonder, pointing in the direction where the battery was stationed, which was in our front somewhat to the left beyond an apple orchard. The vicinity was full of stone walls ; and, as we came around the orchard, we were confronted by one. Before the regiment could form in line, it was obliged to march some distance up a narrow lane, with stone walls on either side, until it reached a suitable place to get into the open field.

Just as fast as the companies got through this opening they formed right into line for the charge. The artillery fire was so hot that, before the entire regiment got into line, the right started off with a yell, before the command to charge was given. The Rebel battery, evidently without sufficient support, immediately limbered to the rear, and we failed to capture it. While the regiment was being formed for the charge Captain William Tice's favorite horse "Jim," the finest horse in the regiment, was struck by a shell, right in

47

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

front of his Company, "E," The shell cut the captain's sabre in two. The shell and sabre are rare relics among his descendants.

The following day the regiment participated in an engage ment with the Rebel cavalry at Goose Creek in which the enemy was again defeated. As my memory serves me now, this was the last of a series of engagements in this campaign on Virginia soil. We crossed the Potomac River at Ed ward's Ferry into Maryland. Conditions now were differ ent. We felt that we were once more in God's country. The people were patriotic, cheering and encouraging us in many ways. We knew not where we were going, except that we were going northward, every moment expecting to meet the Confederate army. We felt confident that a pitched battle, on northern soil, would result in a glorious victory for the Union army. The men who had been fighting the enemy behind breastworks, were eager and anxious to meet the foe in open field with at least equal chances. About this time too we received the news that General George G. Meade had succeeded General Joseph Hooker as commander of the Army of the Potomac. There were different opinions among the men as to the advisability of this change at this time.

As we crossed the boundary line between Maryland and Pennsylvania, one of the guidon carriers of Company G, of our regiment, was stationed at the line making the an nouncement to each company as they approached, that they \vere, at that point, entering upon Pennsylvania soil. The boys raised their caps and lustily cheered, again and again, for the old Keystone State and Old Glory.

On June 29, 1863, the regiment encamped for the first time, since it left Harrisburg, on Pennsylvania soil, in the vicinity of Waynesboro, in sight of the homes of many of the members of Company G. A request was made to Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg to permit the men of Company G, to visit their homes during the night, which request was granted, however, only upon condition that every member of the company would be present again at roll call the follow ing morning. Captain L. B. Kurtz commanding the com pany vouched for the men, and, to the credit of the company,

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

it could be truthfully said that every member of the com pany was present for duty and answered roll call the next morning. It was in this same camp that, early the following morning, an old Pennsylvania farmer and his daughter drove into our camp with a one horse spring wagon and handed out loaves of bread and cakes, free of charge, say ing he and his wife and daughter stayed up all night and baked them for the soldiers. "They are yours," he con tinued, "you are welcome to them. I wish I had more to give you." The boys doffed their caps and thanked the donors. Then some one proposed three cheers for the old farmer, another proposed three cheers for his wife, and still another proposed three cheers for the daughter. It is need less to say that in less time than it takes to tell this little inci dent, the bread and cakes were all distributed. The old far mer said, if we would remain until next morning, he would come again with more bread and cakes ; but, before he left camp, "Boots and Saddles" sounded, and we parted, he no doubt for his home, and the regiment in the direction of Gettysburg where we arrived about four o'clock in the after noon of June 30, 1863.

When the army was on a move, commands usually would march alternately. On June 30, 1863, the Seventeenth Penn sylvania Cavalry was the leading regiment in our division and was the first command of the Army of the Potomac to enter Gettysburg. Upon our arrival, the few scattered Confeder ate troops in the vicinity withdrew, without showing fight, and we were in possession of the town. The citizens cheer ed us greatly and gave us other substantial evidences that we were welcome.

We remained in the town only a short time, and then moved out the Mummasburg Road just beyond Pennsylva nia College and went into camp for the night. A strong picket reserve was established on Seminary Ridge with post vedettes advanced on the Mummasburg Road as far as the Forney residence. Squads of men of the companies were permitted to go into the town for subsistence, and they not only re turned with liberal donations, but the citizens later visited our camp and gratuitously brought more provisions than

49

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

the men could eat. Soft bread, 'biscuits, pies, cakes, meats, jel lies, preserves, fruit and all kinds of delicacies, was a happy change from the menu of "hardtack and salt pork" furnished by Uncle Sam, which was greatly relished by the men, re gardless of the probable results the following day. If the dreams of the men that night could be reproduced they would, no doubt, make a larger and possibly more interest ing volume than the author's history of the regiment.

Early the next morning, July i, 1863, the Rebels advanced and the battle of Gettysburg opened. The regiment -was hurriedly formed on Seminary Ridge, to the left of the Mummasburg Road, with the skirmishers advanced a short distance beyond the Forney buildings. The regiment being mounted and in an open field it was a good target for a Rebel battery which was shelling us vigorously. The men were dismounted and the horses sent to the rear. The Rebel infantry advanced with superior numbers, and we were forced back behind a stone wall which afforded good protec tion. In this position we repulsed several charges made by the enemy and, for several hours, we gallantly checked every attempt to dislodge us, until we were relieved by troops of the First Corps.

General Alfred Pleasonton in his official report on the Gettysburg campaign says, "Buford, with his four thousand cavalry, attacked Hill and for four hours splendidly resisted his advance, until Generals Reynolds and Howard were able to hurry to the field and give their assistance. To the in trepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford and his brave division, the country and the army owe the field of Gettysburg."

After being relieved by the infantry, the regiment, with the remainder of the division, was sent out the York Pike to protect General Meade's right flank. While thus re- connoitering, one of our own batteries on Cemetery Hill, took the regiment for an advancing Rebel column and open ed fire on us. Before much damage was done, the blunder was discovered, and we retired, with the Eleventh Corps, through the town, late in the afternoon ; and, with the bri gade, formed a new line in the rear of the batteries which

50

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

had shelled us, with the right of the line resting on the town. Some time during the night, the regiment, with the brigade, moved out the Emmetsburg Road, and formed in line of companies to the left of the road, a short distance in the rear of the Peach Orchard, with orders to stand to horse. Early on the morning of July 2d, the regiment advanced some distance beyond the crossroads, through the Peach Orchard, and engaged the Rebel infantry. The regiment made several charges but was repulsed each time.

In the meantime the Third Corps formed in line of battle in our rear, when we were withdrawn and formed on the left of the Third Corps, extending the line through the Wheatfield to Little Round Top until again relieved by the infantry. Some time during the afternoon, the entire First Division of the Cavalry Corps was withdrawn from the field and ordered to Taneytown where we bivouacked for the night ; and the next day, July 3d, marched to Westmins ter, Md., to protect General Meade's supply train. On July 5th, our division started from Westminster for Frederick City, Md., where we drew supplies and bivouacked for the night. The next morning, at four o'clock, we left Fred erick City, going in the direction of Boonesboro and Wil- liamsport.

All the available Federal cavalry was now concentrated at Frederick City, evidently for the purpose of demonstrating in force to destroy General Lee's supply train supposed to be at Williamsport. The commands left Frederick City, July 6th, at 4 o'clock in the morning, and, by a forced march, reached Saint Mary's College about five in the after noon, where the enemy was discovered in sufficient force to prevent the Union forces from accomplishing their purpose. In this engagement the Second Brigade of General John Buford's Division, to which our regiment belonged, was held in reserve and did not participate in the fight; but, after the fight was over it was moved forward and relieved the troops that were engaged, with instructions to hold the ground at all hazard. The enemy were reinforced during the night, and the next morning we were obliged to fall back. General Buford in his official report on this fight says, "The

Si

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

enemy was too strong for me, but he was severely punished for his obstinacy His casualties more than quadrupled mine. The officers and men behaved with their usual cour age, displaying great unwillingness to fall back, and re quiring repeated orders before they did so."

On July 7th, the division moved to Boonesboro, and went into camp. July 8th, the enemy drove in our pickets and the righting lasted until about 6 p. m., during which time the enemy was driven back about four miles.

Colonel Thomas 0. Devin, commanding our brigade, re ferring to this and the following day's engagement says, "I was ordered, at 7 p. m., to relieve the First Brigade, then engaged on the left front, and, at dark, to retire my command again to the woods, which I was to hold until daylight to enable the other brigades to retire on a suitable position near the crossroads. Retiring, as ordered, I with drew my skirmishers to a line five hundred yards in advance of my position, and connecting with the woods at the same distance on each flank, completely covering the road. About midnight, the enemy advanced on my front and engaged the skirmishers. He was repulsed and soon retired. Just at daybreak, I made a demonstration on the enemy's front by charging down with a squadron of the Sixth New York, driving in his skirmishers and pickets on the reserve, and throwing them into confusion, under cover of which move ment I withdrew the main body one mile to the rear, taking up a position in front of the road running from Hagerstown to Sharpsburg. After retiring about two and a half miles, I was ordered to halt, rest men and horses, strongly picket the roads to the rear, and, if possible, hold the position until the division of General Kilpatrick and the two brigades of General Buford's division had crossed Antietam Creek. About ii a. m., the enemy appeared in force in our rear with infantry and artillery. I immediately ordered up the Ninth New York to hold him in check, and sent an orderly to notify General Buford. As soon as I ascertained that the rear of General Buford's column was crossing Antietam Bridge, I ordered Colonel Sackett to fall back on the brigade.

52

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

"I then took up the line of march, and closely pressing my rear, under Colonel Sackett, who fell back fighting, his men behaving splendidly, making a stand at every favorable point, and often repulsing and punishing the enemy's sharpshooters. On arriving near the creek, I dismounted two squadrons, of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and posted them on the hill commanding the bridge, intending to give the enemy a warm reception. He was, however, too cautious to approach the creek, which we crossed unmolested, and joined the division. The next morning July 8th, the enemy advanced in force down the Hagerstown Turnpike. I formed the brigade in line of battle along the crest in my front. I also deployed two squadrons to the front as skirmishers. In the mean time my skirmishers had been more or less engaged, but about 2 p. m., the enemy being reinforced, a determined and vigorous attack was made on my position. I was forced to dismount the whole of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Sixth New York which held the enemy with varying success, sometimes being forced back and again regaining their lost ground. I was obliged to relieve those engaged with others as their ammunition became expended, so that, by half past 5 o'clock, my whole command had been engaged, and I had not a dozen cartridges left. I was therefore obliged to retire the brigade, after notifying General Kilpatrick of my action. Our men behaved splendidly, holding and even driv ing the enemy with their pistols after their carbine ammuni tion was expended."

Late in the afternoon of July Qth, the regiment again participated in an engagement in the vicinity of Boonesboro in which the enemy was driven for about two miles, until darkness rendered further pursuit useless. Early the fol lowing morning, July loth, we were again in motion and soon became engaged with the enemy, and after a sharp fight, drove them across Antietam Creek, in the vicinity of Funks- town. Here the enemy was found to be in force, and we were relieved by the Sixth Corps, and retired to Beaver Creek where we bivouacked for the night. The following day the regiment marched, with the First and Second Bri gades of our division, to Bakersville where we went into

53

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY

camp and remained until July I4th, when we again advanced, feeling the enemy's position. When we approached the enemy's works, they were found abandoned. We continued the advance and soon met the rearguard of General Lee's retreating army near Falling Waters.

Upon reaching the crest of the hill near the ford, a Rebel battery, stationed on the opposite side of the river, opened fire on us, and the regiment was dismounted and deployed as skirmishers. But the Rebels had covered their retreat so effectually that we could not inflict any punishment upon them at this point. This was the last of a series of engage ments on soil north of the Potomac River which ended so disastrously to the Confederate cause.

I have quoted somewhat extensively from official reports so as to give the fullest and most reliable information con cerning these movements. In all engagements the Seven teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry did its share of the fighting and sustaining its proportionate losses with its associate commands. Colonel Thomas C. Devin in his report says : "Throughout the whole of these sharp engagements, the men have behaved like veterans, not a single instance of misbe havior, having been brought to my notice. The officers were also prompt, brave, and efficient in the execution of their duties." On July I5th we marched to Berlin, on the i6th to Petersville, and on the i8th recrossed the Potomac River at Berlin, and were once more upon Virginia soil, encamp ing for the night near Purcellville. July i6th, the march was continued through the Loudon Valley and we bivouack ed for the night on Goose Creek near Rector's Cross Roads. On the 22d of July, our brigade moved to Barbee's Cross Roads, and, on the 26th, to near Warrenton, where we got a short rest.

54

THE SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA

CAVALRY IN THE GETTYSBURG

CAMPAIGN.

BY THEODORE W. BEAN, BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.

The part taken by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the battle of Gettysburg begins with its march to that famous field. It was the only Pennsylvania regiment that participated in the severe engagement which took place on the early morning of July ist between the First and Second Brigades of the First Cavalry Division of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, supported by Tidball's Battery (Second United States Horse Artillery), and the advance of Generals Hill and Ewell's Corps of the Confederate army on the Cashtown and Carlisle roads, both converging at the town of Gettysburg.

We left the lower Rappahannock on the /th, passing through Stafford County, where we found the Army of the Potomac on the move. Near Stafford Court House the com mand received rations, forage and ammunition, and at dawn of the following day moved with the cavalry corps, taking position on the upper Rappahannock under cover of the night — the First Division, commanded by Brigadier General John Buford, at Beverly Ford, and the Second Division, commanded by Brigadier General David Me M. Gregg, at Kelley's Ford, the corps commanded by Major General Al fred Pleasonton. General Joseph Hooker, then command ing the Army of the Potomac, had reason to suspect that General Lee was concentrating his army in Culpepper Coun ty preparatory to invading the North ; hence the entire cav alry force was massed to make a reconnoissance in force, supported by two brigades of infantry. The movement re sulted in what is known in history as the battle of Beverly Ford, and by Confederate writers spoken of as Fleetwood. It occurred on the pth of June, 1863, and bears an import ant relation to events leading up to Gettysburg.

55

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

Pleasonton obtained important information upon cross ing the river at 5 o'clock a. m., and pushed his reconnois- sance on toward Brandy Station, and, after a day's active operations, retired to the north bank of the river about sun set. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry supported the artillery of the First Division during the entire day, and in returning it covered the passage of all the troops and trans portation at the ford.

REGIMENTAL FORMATION.

ist Battalion

2d Battalion

3d Battalion

ist Sq'd.

< O

2d

Sq'd.

3d

4th Sq'd.

U ^

•a

2

3 u

c ,

5th Sq'd.

W .-4

6th Sq'd.

o U

VH O

« U

S1

M fe

c/2

m _j

u

d *H O S

c >>

§ >

o3 c

Si

II

Note. — Companies H and D were on detached duty at Fifth Corps Headquarters during the Gettysburg campaign, Companies B and H serving together in squadron in the interval.

INCIDENTS OF MARCH AND CAMP.

I recall an incident which occurred about half a mile from the ford while the line of mounted skirmishers were falling back, holding their pursuers at bay. Colonel Kellogg, sur rounded by his staff, was directing the movement, Dr. Isaac Walburn, surgeon of the regiment, being one of the party. The group of officers had turned toward the ford and were slowly riding in that direction. The enemy were using their artillery from the crested hills and firing shot at long range. A twelve-pounder struck the ground some fifty yards in the rear of the party, and, ricochetting, struck Dr. Walburn between the shoulders, then falling to the ground.

56

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

It seemed incredible that a human body could stop a solid shot moving with its velocity and not be instantly killed. While the doctor was badly hurt and rendered unfit for further service during the war, he survived for many years. Lee moved with 100,000 men from Culpepper down the Shenandoah Valley. Hooker moved on a corresponding line northward with an army and supports equal in num bers. Between these great columns was the field of the cav alry. General J. E. B. Stuart, with 10,000 horsemen, was charged to cover the marching flank of his great chief. Pleasonton, with an equal number, was given similar orders. The marching flanks of these contending hosts were twenty miles apart. Loudon Valley and the Blue Ridge Moun tains, with open country and good, broad highways leading over the mountain into the Shenandoah Valley, lay between them. This was the disputed ground from the Rappahan- nock to the Potomac. The fight at Aldie, on June i7th, re sulted in heavy losses on both sides, while that which oc curred at Middletown, in the Loudon Valley, on the 2ist, engaging the whole mounted force of both Pleasonton and Stuart, was of the most sanguinary character. From the 6th of June to the 23d, the time of crossing the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry, these troops were actively engaged, with only such rest as could be secured at intervals, resulting from midnight truces to this continuous service. I remem ber one of the most pitiful scenes of the war during this period. It occurred near Cattlet's Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The division had been marching and picketing for almost a week with no rest for man or beast. They had marched all night to reach this point on the railroad for necessary supplies. The column halted be fore the light of day with orders to "dismount and stand to horse." The ever-vigilant enemy were known to be near. We were covering important movements of Hooker's army, who left dust in the road we stood on not less than eight inches deep. With a fellow-officer I moved to the roadside, and there sat down waiting for orders. An hour passed, and the gray dawn of coming day slowly lighted up a pic ture I never can forget. The men, who were completely

57

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

tired out, had slipped the bridle rein over their arms and lay down in front of their horses in a bed of dust that al most obscured them from sight. Their jaded steeds seemed to know they should not move, and, propping themselves with extended necks and lowering heads, stood like mute sentinels over their riders dead in sleep.

CROSSING THE POTOMAC.

We crossed the river on pontoons at Edwards' Ferry and took up the line of march through Maryland, moving so as to cover the left flank of the army. The country was loyal and men and horses recuperated rapidly. Passing near Frederick City, Md., a luckless spy happened to fall within our clutches. A drumhead court-martial dealt out prompt justice and his body was left hanging to a tree by the road side. A committee of indignant citizens called on General Buford and wanted to know why he was hanged. General Buford informed them that the man was a spy and he was afraid to send him to Washington because he knew the authorities would make him a brigadier General. The com mittee retired, unanimously voting General Buford a "Northern brute." The march through Western Maryland was thoroughly enjoyable — good roads, frequent streams of water, fine camping grounds, sympathizing people often crowding villages and country towns as we swept on through them. Mails, with letters from home, and newspapers, too, met us and were distributed almost every day. Later in the day — June 29th — wre crossed the boundary line into Franklin County, Pa. The men of Company G, of this regiment, commanded by Captain Luther B. Kurtz, were natives of this county, and mostly recruited at or near Waynesboro. A trooper of this company, with guidon, stood at the line while the regiment passed, and each squad ron lustily cheered him as we hastened on.

The division crossed the South Mountain on a good high way, along which the enemy's cavalry had preceded us some days. The road at some points had been barricaded by home guards and local troops to retard their progress, but these obstructions had mostly been removed. The com-

58

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

mand bivouacked on the night of the 29th at the foot of South Mountain, with orders to move at sunrise. The camp, as near as we can remember, was some eight or ten miles east of Waynesboro, the home of Captain L. B. Kurtz and the home of the men of Company G. The captain asked Colonel Kellogg for permission to take his company and spend the night in his native village. The request was novel ; the orders under which the command was marching were very exacting. The colonel was a West Pointer and a strict disciplinarian. On the other hand, the sympathies of every officer in the command were with Captain Kurtz and his men. The request was granted and Company G went home for the night, leaving assurances of honor that all would be back at the hour the column would march, and, true to their word and country, they came, and when they reported the next morning, without a man missing or a straggler, they received a warm greeting from their generous, though less fortunate, companions.

ON TO GETTYSBURG.

The order of march for the First and Second Brigades for the day was to Gettysburg via Emmettsburg. We reach ed the town about 2 o'clock p. m. Our arrival was hailed as the advance of the Army of the Potomac, the where abouts of which for some days previous had been as much of a mystery to the loyal people of the State as it was to the Confederate chiefs. The people of the town lined the streets through which we marched from doorstep to curb, indulged in exclamations of joy and chorused national songs. Passing through the town the division halted and went into camp on Seminary Ridge, the First Brigade on the left of the Cashtown Road and the Second Brigade on the right. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry's camp was near the town, and within a few hundred yards of the college grounds. Company F of the regiment was recruited in the Cumberland Valley, mostly at or near Carlisle, but some of the number were former residents of Gettysburg, among them Perry J. -Tate, the adjutant, a brother of Dr. Theodore T. Tate, who went into service with this regiment,

59

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

but was subsequently assigned to duty with the Third Penn sylvania Cavalry.

General Buford realized the strategic advantages of the position he then held, and believed, from advices received, that Lee was at that hour hastening the concentration of his powerful army on the ground we then occupied. By 10 o'clock p. m. of the 3Oth it was well understood at division headquarters that our pickets on the Cashtown and Cham- bersburg Pike were confronting General Hill's infantry, and those on the Carlisle Pike the infantry of General Ewell. Buford spent some hours of the night at General Devin's headquarters. General Buford remarked, before leaving the tent of Devin, "that concentration at that point was cer tain, that the battle would be fought at that point. He was afraid it would be commenced in the morning before the in fantry would get up."

Devin did not share the opinion of his superior officer and remarked "that he would take care of all that would attack his front during the ensuing twenty-four hours." Buford replied: "No, you won't; they will attack you in the morn ing and will come booming, skirmishers three deep. You will have to fight like the devil to hold your own until sup ports arrive. The enemy must know the importance of this position and will strain every nerve to secure it, and if we are able to hold it, we will do well."

The picket line of the Second Brigade was held by three companies of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry on the night of June 3Oth, viz., E, F and M, commanded by Cap tains Tice, Ham and Sponsler, all under the command of Major J. Q. Anderson. The reserve post was established at or near the junction of the Newville and Carlisle Roads, with vedettes thrown forward a mile or more beyond. The line of pickets covered the country from Rock Creek on the right to the Mummasburg Road, connecting on the left with the line of the Ninth New York Cavalry.

THE FIRST GUNS AT GETTYSBURG.

Buford's command was saddled and standing to horse by sunrise on the morning of July i. The advance of Ewell's

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Corps from the direction of Carlisle, with that of General Early from the direction of Wrightsville, became known to Major Anderson on the evening of the 3Oth of June. The movement of Ewell's Corps on the Carlisle Road was evi dently on time with that of Hill on the Cashtown Road, and if unimpeded both columns would have united about the same hour at Gettysburg. Ewell's advance was met by Major Anderson's troops fully three miles out from the town. The reserves were thrown forward to a strong posi tion, under cover of a stone wall, where the carbineers did effective work. Skirmishing began on this line at sunrise, or perhaps a little before. It has always been asserted by the officers and men of Anderson's command that they met the enemy in actual conflict on the Carlisle Road before the advance of Hill's Corps was struck by the First Brigade. Dr. J. Wilson De Witt, the only medical officer then on the staff of Colonel Kellogg, reports that he was on the line in attendance upon the wounded of Anderson's troops before 7 o'clock a. m., and that the firing commenced two hours before he reached the front. It is well known that the Sixth and Ninth New York Cavalry were ordered up to the support of the Seventeenth Cavalry, all dismounted, and by 7 o'clock a. m., the Second Brigade was actively engaged covering the Mummasburg, Carlisle and Harrisburg Roads. At an early hour on the morning of July ist, and before the reserves of the Seventeenth were ordered to the front, Colonel Kellogg and Dr. J. Wilson De Witt, acting surgeon, were about mounting their horses to make a call on relatives in the town. At this moment a plain-looking, well-dressed citizen made his appearance in the camp. He wore the garb and used the language of a Quaker. He appeared advanced in years, and carried a cornstalk cane. He desired to see one of the general officers. He was taken to Colonel Kellogg. Upon being presented he made himself known as a Union man, and then carefully taking out a closely written despatch which he had adroitly concealed in the hollow of his cornstalk cane, he handed it to Colonel Kellogg. The despatch conveyed the information that Swell's Corps was concentrating on the Carlisle Road, and had gone into camp

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5— 17th R.

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

for the night of the 3Oth at a point within a short day's march from Gettysburg, with every indication of a move ment in force on that place early on the morning of July I. While the man was being questioned by Colonel Kellogg, an officer reported from Major Anderson that he was then be ing attacked by the advance of the enemy, and that larger bodies of troops were moving toward his front and to his right to obtain possession of the Harrisburg Road.

It seems almost incredible that between 3,000 and 4,000 carbineers could hold an unbroken line of three to four miles against such fearful odds. General Buford's signal officer, who was in the cupola of the Theological Seminary, the most eligible point of observation on the field, says:

"The engagement was desperate, as we were opposed to the whole front of Hill's Corps. We held them in check fully two hours and were nearly overpowered when, looking about the coun try, I saw the corps flag of General Reynolds. I was still in the cupola, but being the only signal officer with the cavalry, I had no one to communicate with, so I sent one of my men to General Buford, who came up, and looking through my field-glass confirmed my report and remarked : 'Now we can hold the place.' General Reynolds and staff .came up at a gallop in advance of the corps, when I made the following communication : 'Reynolds himself will be here in five minutes, his corps is about a mile behind.' Buford returned to my station and watched anxiously the observations made through my signal telescope. When Reynolds came up, seeing Buford in the cupola, he cried out : 'What's the matter, John ?' 'The devil's to pay,' said Buford. Upon reaching the ground Reynolds said : 'I hope you can hold out until my corps comes up.' 'I reckon I can,' was the characteristic reply, and the two officers rode rapidly to the front."

It should be noted here that Calef's Second United States Battery, as early as 7 o'clock a. m., was in action. The three sections were separated by intervals of fully a hundred yards, or perhaps more. The section to the right of the Cashtown Road was supported by a squadron of the Third Division. The section to the left of the same road by a squadron of the 8th Illinois, and the section on the road by the Fifth Squadron of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania. These sections were forced back into the line of battle, and united in battery on the crest of Seminary Ridge, and there

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fought until their ammunition was exhausted, when they were relieved by the artillery of the First Corps. When the guns of Calef were united in the last position the Seven teenth Pennsylvania troops only were in support of the battery. It was this trying hour to which General Buford in his official report refers where he says : "At one time the enemy had a concentric fire of twelve guns, all at short range. Calef held his own gloriously, worked his guns de liberately, with great judgment and skill, and with wonder ful effect upon the enemy."

I think it was between 10 and n o'clock a. m. when the battery was retired, and the squadron hurried off to the right of the Second Brigade line to reinforce the regiment, a portion of which we found fighting against great odds on the Harrisburg Pike. They fought dismounted, with carbines, and when their ammunition for their deadly weapons was exhausted, and lines at points reached close quarters, they used their Colts' revolvers to the best advan tage possible. While compelled to fall back from one posi tion to another, as heavy lines of infantry pressed upon their front and flank, sometimes enfiladed by the enemy's artillery, in a few cases leaving the dead and wounded on the hastily abandoned grounds, yet these troops yielded slowly and doggedly, answering every exulting Rebel yell with a ringing loyal cheer, and only gave up the line in front of the town when their powder-blackened and grirn- visaged companions of the whole field were completely out flanked and overpowered by the united troops of Hill's and Ewell's Corps.

RETIRING To CEMETERY HILL.

The regiment retired in the most orderly manner on tne Harrisburg Pike, covering the right flank of troop;? of the Eleventh Corps as they fell back in conjunction with those of the First Corps. Upon reaching a point near the town Col onel Kellogg massed the regiment in column of squadrons in a lot or field under the crest of Cemetery Hill, where the artillery of the Eleventh Corps was in position. The gun ners mistook us in the smoke and dust for the enemy and

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

turned their guns upon us, and in turn we were led for the moment to believe that the enemy had gained possession of the crest and were using our own guns against us. Major Coe Durland was sent to investigate the situation. Mean while a movement out of range was effected Ly some of the squadrons. As we hastened from this field of unnatural peril we met the infantry moving in broken columns from all directions, with ambulances and artillery toward the town.

The Seventeenth Pennsylvania, with the Sixth and Ninth New York Cavalry, was obliged to pass through the streets of the town in order to join the First Brigade, which had retired, covering the left flank of the First Corps, west of Gettysburg. The regiment moved with unbroken column and, by its steady bearing and example exerted a whole some influence upon some of the disorganized troops. Emerging from the moving mass of infantry, artillery and ambulance trains at a point near where the Emmettsburg and Taneytown Roads unite, the regiment and brigade went into position on the high ground now occupied by the National Cemetery, the line extending westward, joining that of the First Brigade, then resisting the continued efforts of Hill's troops to gain further ground on the left. This last work of General Buford's cavalry is truthfully des cribed by Mr. Samuel P. Bates, in his "Gettysburg," page 80:

The heroic Buford, who had first felt the shock of battle, * * * was now, at the critical moment, a pillar of strength. * * * His front was tried, and the attempt was made to push past him along the low ground, drained by Stevens' Run, but he maintained his ground intact, and that admirable position where the army at length fought and won the battle was again saved. General War ren, the engineer-in-chief of the army, who first came upon the field at this crisis, says in his testimony : "General Buford's cavalry was all in line of battle between our position there and the enemy. Our cavalry presented a very handsome front, and I think probably checked the advance of the enemy."

It was between 4 and 5 o'clock p. m. when the regiment, with the division, went into position on Cemetery Hill, covering the Emmettsburg Road and commanding the low

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

ground drained by a small stream known as the Stevens Run. From this point we had a full view of the line of operations of the day, and the troops of Hill's and Ewell's Corps were exposed to observation from right to left of their line, variously estimated at from forty to fifty thousand men. The area of ground embraced within the lines of the contending forces, and finally yielded to the enemy, extend ed from the point where Willoughby Run unites with Marsh Creek, west of Seminary Ridge, crossing the public roads to Fairfield, Chambersburg, Mummasburg and Carlisle to a short distance east of the Harrisburg Pike, and at a dis tance of from two to three miles from the town. The country then, as now, was well-improved farm land.

The writer has a vivid recollection of the scenes of dis tress and sorrow of the terrified families in their flight from between the battle lines of fire and death on the afternoon of July ist. Men, women and children, in farm wagons, who had been sent to the rear and to the town during the day, and who felt they were comparatively safe, suddenly awoke to a new sense of danger as our troops fell back rapidly through the streets of the town. Some of them drove their stock of horses, cows and sheep, and the bawl ing and bleating of the animals in straggling herds was in strong contrast to the sharp rattle of musketry and the thunder of cannon. To the west and north were seen the smoking ruins of several large barns and one or two in full blaze that had been occupied by the sharpshooters of Lee's army, and purposely set on fire by shells of our artillerists. And there could be seen also along the ex tended line the formation of the enemy's troops, and in their rear battery after battery with ammunition trains, and trains of ambulances could be plainly seen in occupation of Seminary Ridge.

The second squadron, Companies D and H, the former from Bradford, and the latter from Schuylkill County, com manded by Captain William Thompson, was on detached duty at Fifth Corps Headquarters in this campaign, and did not participate in the first day's engagement. Captain Thompson's services with the Fifth Corps antedated this

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battle. Serving under the immediate orders of General Meade, prior to his assignment to the command of the Army of the Potomac, he enjoyed the confidence of this distinguished officer, and accompanied him to the field of battle on the morning of the 2d of July and rode with him and his corps commanders over the line established, and on which the second day's battle was fought. His squadron was on continuous duty during the 2d of July, and was on Gulp's Hill during the terrible cannonade and subsequent charge of Picketts' division on the afternoon of the 3d. This squadron suffered a corresponding loss of men and horses with the other troops in the regiment, although par ticipating in different scenes and phases of the battle.

The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry fully performed its share of service on the night of July I, and cheerfully labored without rest or sleep in preventing the advance of the enemy on every road it occupied, and in preparing the field in its rear for the operations of those then marching to our relief. The line held by the division during the night was drawn back at daylight, with vedettes out on eligible points of observation until about 9 o'clock a. m., when the whole command was relieved by the Third Corps under command of General Sickles, and, by order of Gen eral Pleasonton, it marched to near Westminster, then Gen eral Meade's base of supplies, where it refitted and went in to position on the extreme left of the army.

THE ATTACK AT WILLIAMSPORT.

The defeat of Lee on the 3d of July was followed by his retreat to the Potomac River. Conjecturing that his trains would concentrate at or about Williamsport, General Buford was ordered in pursuit and to make an attack upon them wherever found. Leaving Westminster on the afternoon of July 4th, marching via Frederick City and Boonsboro, crossing South Mountain, he struck the command of Gen eral Imboden at Williamsport at a late hour on the evening of July 6th. A strong outpost of the enemy was cut off and captured in advancing on the place, and the whole di vision was placed in line for the purpose of making a night

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attack upon the position. Careful reconnoissances were made; meantime darkness set in, and about 9 o'clock p. m. it was ascertained that a large body of the enemy's cavalry was moving on our right and rear, compelling General Bu- ford to retire without making the attack. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry were the last to leave the field, and covered the retiring troops, holding the Confederate rein forcements in check. The division fell back to the level of Antietam Creek on the 7th, followed by General Stuart's cavalry. Along this line from the 7th to the I2th daily en counters were experienced with the Confederate cavalry, when the whole army moved upon Lee's entrenched posi tion at Williamsport. Captain L. B. Kurtz volunteered his services to ascertain the exact situation of Lee's army at Williamsport. He crossed the Potomac River below Fall ing Waters on the evening of the i2th of July and there learned that a pontoon bridge was in use, by which Lee was transferring his .artillery and trains to the Virginia shore : that troops were crossing on flatboats, rafts and all other means that could be utilized to aid them over a flooded river. These facts were duly reported to General Devin before daylight on the morning of the I3th and forwarded to army headquarters, and the pontoon bridge was destroyed by the Union troops some hours later, the river then being too high to ford.

The division covered the extreme left flank and rested upon the Potomac River, about one mile south of Falling Waters. Pushing forward, mounted in line of battle, it struck the enemy's outpost about 9 o'clock p. m., and drew a sharp fire from Lee's defensive line. The I3th passed and midnight brought the order to advance at the dawn of day on the 1 4th.

At the hour named the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry dismounted, led the advance of the division in the direction of Williamsport, but it was too late. Lee had escaped, crossing the river under great difficulties, As in all such great exigencies a forlorn hope was left to be sacrificed. In this case it was commanded by General Pettigrew, a brave officer, in command of about 2000 men. This officer

THE GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

was killed and all his troops captured, with two pieces of artillery and a number of battle-flags. In the last move ment it soon become evident that only a rearguard was left north of the Potomac, and a rush was made for its capture. A small square fort or earthwork was occupied by some 400 or 500 men ; this fort was rashly charged by a battalion of Michigan cavalry, under direction of General Kilpatrick, and who paid dearly for their brave but fruitless act. Meantime the troops of the First Division, under Bu- ford, had cut the enemy off from the ford at the river, suffering from a sharp fire from the enemy's guns posted on the opposite side of the river to protect their retreat. Upon discovering this movement the men in the fort and those on the line beyond it promptly surrendered. Here ended the Gettysburg campaign. The Seventeenth Penn sylvania Cavalry was, we believe, the first Pennsylvania regiment that struck the united army of Northern Virginia on that great battlefield, and was foremost among those who at last hastened Lee's final departure from the loyal States.

MlSSTATEMENTS.

There seems to be a misapprehension upon the part of some of the participants in the opening fight of July ist, as well as writers upon the subject. General Heth, of the Confederate army, who commanded the advanced division of Hill's corps on the Cashtown Road, writing in the Week ly Times September 22, 1877, and in the same journal March 23, 1878, asserts with great confidence:

I did not have so much as a skirmish with General Buford's cavalry or any other cavalry. The first force I struck was infantry (Reynolds' corps). At the end of two hours' fighting I had lost 2,700 men and 50 per cent, of the officers of my division. Rhodes had lost 2,500 men and a proportionate number of officers. Early had lost 500 or 600 men.

General Heth's mistake arises from the fact that the cavalry fought dismounted during the early part of the day, concealing their led horses from observation behind the crest of Seminary Ridge.

Mr. Samuel P. Bates, in his "Gettysburg," page 61, after quoting in part a letter from General Cutler to Governor A.

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G. Curtin (printed in General Hofmann's article in Weekly Press of January 13), says:

The first shot was delivered by the enemy at little before 10 o'clock, which we responded to on the Union side by three single shots, the signal for a general discharge along the skirmish line, and the battle of Gettysburg was begun.

On the other hand Major Joseph G. Rosengarten, of General Reynolds' staff writing upon the operations of the first day's engagement in the Weekly Times, March 17, 1877, says:

The brilliant achievement of Buford, with his small body of cavalry, is but too little considered in the history of the battle of Gettysburg. It was his foresight and energy, his pluck and self- reliance in thrusting forward his force, and pushing the enemy, and thus inviting, almost compelling, their return, that brought on the engagement of the ist of July.

General Meade in his official report says :

On reaching that place (Gettysburg) on the first day of July, General Reynolds found Buford's cavalry warmly engaged with the enemy, who had debouched his infantry through the mountains on the Cashtown Road, but was being held in check in the most gallant manner.

General Pleasonton, then in command of the cavalry Corps and directing the operations of the three divisions in the approach of the Army of the Potomac to this great battlefield, thus testifies before the Committee on the Con duct of the War (Supplement, part 2, page 9) :

Buford, with his 4,000 cavalry, attacked the enemy, and for four hours splendidly resisted his advance, until Reynolds and Howard were able to hurry to the field and give their assistance. To the intrepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford and his brave division the country and the army owe the battlefield of Gettysburg.

EXTRACT FROM BUFORD' S OFFICIAL REPORT.

By daylight of the ist of July, I had gained positive information of the enemy's position and movements, and my arrangements were made for entertaining him until General Reynolds could reach the scene. Between 8 and 9 a. m. reports came in from the First Brigade, Colonel Gamble, that the enemy was coming down from towards Cashtown in force. Colonel Gamble made an admirable line of battle and moved off proudly to meet him. The two lines

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soon became hotly engaged, we having the advantage of position, he in numbers. The First Brigade held its own for more than two hours, and had to be literally dragged back a few hundred yards to a position securer and better sheltered. Tidball's Battery, com manded by Lieutenant Calef, Second Artillery, fought on this oc casion as is seldom witnessed. At one time the enemy had a con centric fire upon this battery from twelve guns, all at short range. Calef held his own gloriously, worked his guns with great judg ment and skill and with wonderful effect upon the enemy. * * * While the. left of my line was engaged, Devin's Brigade on the right had its hands full. The enemy advanced upon Devin by four roads, and on each was checked and held until the leading division of the Eleventh Corps came to his relief. ************

I am unwilling to believe that the writers first referred to would intentionally detract from the distinguished services rendered by the officers and men of the First Cavalry Divi sion from sunrise to sunset on July I, 1863, and which many of us had hoped had gone into history unquestioned. It was often said during the late war, quite as much in sin cerity as in jest, that the "cavalry" were constantly stirring up the enemy and when they succeeded in bringing on a battle would turn them over to the infantry. The cavalry cer tainly did not pursue this course on July I, 1863, but fully shared every peril during the eventful day and faithfully guarded front and flanks throughout the weary night that followed. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment crossed the boundary line of the State with about 500 ef fective men and officers. The number of killed and wound ed, including those lost at Beverly Ford and Upperville, is reported by Dr. Dewit at ninety-five, or about 20 per cent, of the command. This does not include those who fell sick by the way, or the further loss to the regiment by dis mounts, resulting from horses killed, disabled and worn out, this number being in excess of the men killed and wounded. In every line of battle from Beverly Ford to Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Hill, formed by the First Cavalry Division this regiment fully performed its duties and met the expectations of its commanding offi cers.

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Jos i Air H. KKLUXK;. Colonel, Chicago, Illinois.

JOSIAH H. KELLOGG.

BREVET MAJOR UNITED STATES ARMY. COLONEL SEVEN-

TEENT,H REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA

VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.

Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg was born at Erie, Pennsyl vania, October i, 1836. He was educated at private schools and the Erie Academy till 1853, when he entered Hobart College, at Geneva, N. Y., in which institution he was a junior when appointed as a cadet at the United States Mili tary Academy at West Point, in 1855. He graduated in 1860, and was appointed as a brevet second lieutenant in the First Dragoons. He was assigned to duty at the Carlisle barracks and served there until November 2, 1860, when he was ordered, with recruits, to join his regiment, part of which was then stationed at Walla Walla, in the Territory of Washington.

After serving there for some months, he was ordered to take command of the company which garrisoned Fort Crook, near Mount Shasta, in Northern California. He commanded Fort Crook until his regiment was ordered east to take part in the War of the Rebellion. He was promoted to second lieutenant, January 8, 1861 ; to the rank of first lieutenant, May 13, 1861 ; and was assigned to the First U. S. Cavalry, August 3, 1861. He was promoted to a cap taincy in the First U. S. Cavalry, May 20, 1862. He also served for a time as adjutant of the First Dragoons, the title of the regiment having been changed by act of Congress.

By permission of the War Department, he was assigned tr. the command of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, received a commission from the gover nor of Pennsylvania as colonel of U. S. volunteers, Novem ber 19, 1862, and at once took command of the regiment.

Although Colonel Kellogg was a perfect stranger when he came to the regiment, both officers and men soon learned to know and respect him as their commander. The initiation into military duties now began in earnest ; everything was new to the men and they had much to learn.

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JOSIAH H. KELLOGG

Colonel Kellogg's thorough training, practical experience and diplomacy served him well for the task he had assumed. He was an excellent tactician and most thorough drill-mas ter, and by continued and unceasing efforts he soon brought the regiment to a high standard of military proficiency. He commanded the regiment during the famous Stafford, Chan- cellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns. Because of injuries incurred during the service, he was granted leave of ab sence and was obliged to be absent from the regiment until November 10, 1864, when he again reported for duty. He accompanied the regiment in the Gordonsville expedition, and commanded a provisional brigade of which the regiment formed a part.

Upon arriving in the vicinity of Gordonsville, the cross ing of a stream was prevented by a Rebel battery on the opposite side. Colonel Kellogg, with his brigade, was ordered to proceed up the river several miles, where he ef fected a crossing and drove the Rebel battery from its posi tion, capturing two of its pieces, thus opening the road to Gordonsville. Active service in the saddle again opened his wounds and he was forced to resign his command. Later he was ordered to the Springfield, Massachusetts, armory, to serve on a board of commissioners to remodel the Spring field musket, making it a breechloader.

Afterwards Colonel Kellogg was sent to West Point as assistant professor of natural philosophy and astronomy. He was mustered out of the U. S. volunteer service Decem ber 17, 1864, and retired from the U. S. military service February 6, 1865.

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SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID.

When General Grant fought the battle of the Wilderness, General P. H. Sheridan, with his entire cavalry corps — about ten thousand strong — was temporarily detached from the Army of the Potomac to demonstrate in the rear of General Lee's army and cut his communication with Rich mond. The expedition left Spottsylvania early in the morn ing of May 9, 1864, and as each division, brigade and regi ment took its regular place in that line which extended over twelve miles in length, with its commander at the head of the column, the scene was an inspiration to every trooper that followed Sheridan's flag on that day. It made an im pression on my mind I shall never forget.

After a forced march of some thirty or forty miles around General Lee's right flank, the column made a short halt at Chilisburg to close up and mass the command. After a short rest we crossed the North Anna River and made a dash for the Central Railroad at Beaver Dam Station, where several trains loaded with supplies for General Lee's army were captured. At this point we also recaptured about 500 prisoners, that had been captured during the battle of the Wilderness, who were en route for Richmond. Beaver Dam Station was one of General Lee's reserve stations, about midway between his front and Richmond. It was so far in the rear of his front that it was considered reason ably safe to make it headquarters for his reserve supplies. General P. H. Sheridan in his official report estimates that stores amounting to 1,500,000 rations were destroyed at this time. The men were permitted to replenish their haver sacks and to secure forage for their horses as much as they needed. What they could not use was burned. This bold movement of General Sheridan must have been a great sur prise to General J. E. B. Stuart, commander of the Rebel cavalry, who, up to this time, had been such a terror to the Union army, and had had things pretty much his own way. General Sheridan had at least the advantage of a day's march on him in the direction of striking at the very heart

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of the Confederacy before General Stuart could possibly intercept him.

But evidently General Sheridan did not care to continue his forced marches and thus reach the Confederate capital before General Stuart could overtake him. He was more concerned in the destruction of the railroad which supplied General Lee's army; and, more especially still, in giving an opportunity to General Stuart for a fight in the open field with, at least, equal chances. So, after destroying the rail road station at Beaver Dam, and as much of the public pro perty as possible until the following morning, we leisurely followed the railroad leading to Richmond, tearing up the tracks, burning railroad ties, telegraph poles and bridges, and doing all the damage we could to such public property as would be of assistance to General Lee's army. During the day our rear was frequently attacked by General Stuart's cavalry which had now followed us. We crossed the South Anna River at Squirrel Bridge and camped for the night. During the evening a savage attack was made upon our rear which was easily repulsed without any serious results. The Rebel cavalry now virtually abandoned our rear and flanks and, during the night, by forced marches, placed itself be tween General Sheridan's command and Richmond.

The following morning, May nth, we continued the march in the direction of Richmond. Our brigade was in the lead. Our advance was disputed almost continuously during the day and several lively skirmishes were had. Ar riving in the vicinity of Yellow Tavern, the Confederate cavalry was met in force. Our entire brigade was then dis mounted and advanced in extended order. Our line was supported by General George H. Custer's brigade mounted. As soon as our lines became exposed, we became a good target for a Rebel battery which had taken a position on some high ground in our immediate front. Their range was too high for the dismounted men, but did consider able damage in the ranks of the mounted troops. General Custer's brigade now changed position, formed on the right of the dismounted men, and the Second Division, (General James H. Wilson's) was brought up to our support. In

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full view of the dismounted men, General Custer's brigade made a brilliant charge in echelon on the enemy's battery, capturing four pieces of artillery and several hundred pris oners. In the meantime the dismounted men joined in the assault, the enemy's lines gave way, and, for a short time, there was a general mixup.

It is claimed that it was at this critical moment, that the Rebel General J. E. B. Stuart, followed by his staff and flag, riding to the front for the purpose of rallying his men, and thus becoming a good target for our men, was shot from his horse and fatally wounded. There are sev eral claims made as to who killed General Stuart. It has been said that General Stuart fell mortally wounded direct ly in front of the line where the Ninth New York Cavalry charged dismounted. It is also claimed that he was shot by private John A. Huff, of Company E, of the Fifth Michi gan Cavalry. In regard to either one of these claims, it seems rather strange to me that so important an occurrence, if the facts were definitely known, should have remained unwritten history these many years.

The defeat of the Confederate cavalry was complete so that General Sheridan had control of the road leading to Richmond; and, during the night, his whole command marched to within about four miles of the city. Imme diately after the enemy was driven from the field, our regi ment advanced several miles on the Richmond Pike where we stood to horse all night. It was a dreary night with frequent showers of rain. When the column started about daylight the following morning, May I2th, several torpedoes which had been buried in the highway, exploded, killing several horses. It was reported that some of the prisoners who had been captured the day before, knew all about these torpedoes in the road, so General Sheridan directed those prisoners to be brought forward, and compelled them to remove the wires connecting the torpedoes under penalty of death in the event of any more explosions.

It was later learned that the authorities in the city of Richmond made strenuous efforts during the night to pre vent the Yankees from entering the city. All the govern-

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ment employes in the city were under military orders, whilst all able bodied men were urged to arm themselves and join some military organization in defense of their city. These were hurriedly assembled during the night and marched out to the inner works of their fortifications. In addition to these, General Bragg, of the Confederate army, who was in command of the city, had sent to him a brigade of troops who were stationed at Petersburg, Va. It is said that early in the morning of May I2th, President Davis and General Bragg went to the front to witness the capture of Sheridan's cavalry. After having distributed the Rebel cavalry to guard the several roads by which General Sheridan might escape, the militia was placed in the inner lines of fortifica tions. The authorities felt confident that these troops could hold the approaches leading to the city in the direction of General Sheridan's advance.

CROSSING THE CHICKAHOMINY.

Although General Sheridan had gained a glorious victory the day before at Yellow Tavern, it was evident that the longer he remained in the vicinity of Richmond, the more troops would be massed against him and in defense of the Confederate capital. During the night after the battle of Yellow Tavern, he advanced his line toward Richmond un til he was between the inner and outer works which defend ed the city. This evidently was for the purpose of making a feint as though he meant to enter the city. At the same time the main portion of his command made a sharp left turn in the direction of the Chickahominy River, expecting to cross that stream at Meadow Bridge. At this point the land is low and swampy, and while the stream is shallow, the recent heavy rains had caused it to overflow its banks, so that the soft ground made it impossible to ford it. The only available bridge in the vicinity had been partially des troyed, and the enemy's cavalry were strongly posted on the opposite side. But, with the aid of a company of sharpshoot ers and a battery, our pioneers who were repairing the bridge were fairly well protected. As soon as the bridge was con structed the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and the Ninth

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

New York Cavalry charged over the bridge, deployed and engaged the enemy.

Comrade A. Shockey of Company G of our regiment, in a letter to Lieutenant H. G. Bonebrake, referring to the battle of Meadow Bridge, gives the following account of it, viz.

" After the great cavalry fight at Yellow Tavern, the ob ject of General Sheridan's Raid was accomplished, namely, to destroy Lee's communication with Richmond and to de feat General Stuart's cavalry in an open fight. Before the dawn of day of May 12, 1864, we were on the move on the road leading to Chickahominy River. It had rained all night. The morning was damp and a heavy fog hung over the Chickahominy Swamp. The swollen river was in our front, too marshy to be forded ; and all the forces the Rebels could muster from the city of Richmond, joined Stuart's cavalry in pressing our rear very hard. Skirmishing com menced early in the morning and soon the cannons were booming, and the crack of the musket and carbine made it appear as though things were becoming interesting. The Rebels, from the amount of cheering they indulged in, evi dently thought they had Sheridan trapped and were confi dent of bagging him. Upon our arrival at the bridge, we found it to be an old rickety thing, partly destroyed, with the enemy posted on the opposite side. The First Squadron of our regiment was dismounted and, in reconnoitering for a place to cross, discovered a skeleton of a railroad bridge a short distance below. So, with carbines in hand, we straddled over the bridge and deployed along the bank of the stream. We entered the swamp to the left of the road, but found the enemy too strong to dislodge them. We kept concealed in the brushes as much as possible, while the Rebels continued an indiscriminate fire in our direction with out doing us much damage.

Beyond the swamp, a short distance to the left of the road, is a large open space of worn-out bottom land, in circular form, or rather in goose-neck fashion, with a dense thicket on the left. It is claimed that, in the long ago, the name of the bridge was derived from a meadow located

6— 17th R.

SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

there. The small detachment which had worked its way across the river was not strong enough to charge the hastily contructed breastworks of the enemy, but we occupied their attention until re-enforcements could be sent across the river. In the meatime we listened to the music of the battle in our rear across the river. The tumult on the Richmond side of the river, the roar of cannon, the sharp crack of the carbine, the cheering of the boys and the rollicking notes of the bugle, made it one of the most thrilling and memorable events of my war experience. After the bridge was repaired, the first regiment to rush across was the balance of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, followed by the Ninth New York Cavalry, who immediately massed and charged across the meadow, driv ing the enemy out of their breastworks. To come out of our hiding place into the open field in full view of the enemy, tried our nerves. But we had the advantage of a heavy fog and a drizzling rain which prevented the smoke of battle from rising. When the line was ready to charge, it was almost like a deep twilight.

"The men took up the cheer and made a quick dash across the meadow. The Rebels, evidently, were not pre pared for such a sudden rush, and, before they could rally they were forced out of their temporary breastworks. Thus the obstruction to our advance was removed, and Sheridan was master of the situation. Our regiment lost a number of men in this engagement, among them Lieutenant J. A. Shultz, of Company C, who was killed. His remains were wrapped in a blanket, and buried by the side of the road less than two hours after his death. A shell struck the soft earth a short distance in front of Comrade Brooks, of Company A, and exploded beneath his feet, throwing him some distance in the air. As he fell to the ground unhurt, he sprang to his feet, laughed and resumed his place in the line as though nothing unusual had happened."

After General Sheridan's command was safely across the Chickahominy, the dead buried and the wounded made as comfortable as possible, the march was continued in the afternoon as far as Gaines Mill where we went into camp

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SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

for the night. As we had been almost continuously in the saddle for four days and four nights, the men were per mitted to unsaddle, build fires and enjoy a good night's rest. During the four days we had been absent from the main army, we had not only defeated General Stuart's cavalry in an open fight at Yellow Tavern and killed their famous leader, but defeated them again at Meadow Bridge when their cavalry was augmented by at least five thousand militia troops, and, in addition, had struck a severe blow and inflicted heavy losses upon General Lee's army.

During the night, as the boys gathered around their camp- fires, many incidents of daring and narrow escapes were detailed, and the men were jubilant and enthusiastic over what had been accomplished. It was the first opportunity the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac had had to show what they could do under an efficient leader. The praises of General P. H. Sheridan were upon every lip and the shouts of victory were heard frequently in various parts of the camp.

May I3th, we marched to Gaines Mill, and on May I4th we crossed the Chickahominy River at Bottom Bridge and marched to Malvern Hill, where we camped for several days and were supplied with rations and forage from Gen eral Butler's command. Here too the prisoners and the artillery we had captured were turned over to the provost marshall of General Butler's army, and the wounded and sick were put in hospitals. May I7th, a reconnoissance was made to New Market and Camp Hally. May iSth, we crossed the Chickahominy River at Jones' Bridge and marched to Baltimore Store, bivouacking there for the night. May 2ist we marched to near White House. The bridge across the Pamunkey River at this point having been des troyed, it became necessary to reconstruct it. Several ferry boats in the river were lashed together, anchored and then covered with lumber procured from buildings and railroad stringers collected and transported for quite a distance. In less than twenty-four hours, with the crudest material and poorest facilities, a bridge, almost one mile long, was con-

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SHERIDAN'S RICHMOND RAID

structed, over which the entire command passed without the loss of a single gun or wagon.

While the bridge was in course of construction, several attempts were made by the Rebel cavalry to force our rear column, but these were handsomely repulsed each time. General Wesley Merritt, in his official report, referring to the construction of the bridge across the Pamunkey River says : "Much credit is due both officers and men engaged in this work for the prompt and energetic manner in which they discharged their duty. An abutment and several spans of the bridge had to be replaced entirely, many stringers to be supplied, and the flooring for the entire bridge collected and transported from a considerable distance."

May 22d, we crossed the Pamunkey River during the night, and on May 23d marched to Mattapony ; on the 24th, to Reedy Swamp ; and, on the 25th, to Chesterfield Station, where we joined the Army of the Potomac again and went into camp.

During the raid many colored people joined the column and had a severe time to keep up with the command. This raid was generally regarded as a great success. General Sheridan was highly complimented, and although the men who followed him on this raid suffered a great deal from the excessive heat and dust, they were proud that they be longed to Sheridan's cavalry.

80

J. Q. ANDERSON. Colonel, Heaver Falls

Pa.

COLONEL J. Q. ANDERSON.

James Quigley Anderson was born July 5, 1837, in Brigh ton township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, ttear the county seat. His father, Hugh B. Anderson, was a farmer. There were two children in the family, a son and daughter. James was the oldest. His father and mother were Presbyterians, Mr. Anderson being an elder in the Beaver Presbyterian Church for many years. His son received his early educa tion in the district school. The school term consisted of six months each year, and during the summer and fall months James worked on his father's farm. Some time in the early fifties his parents left their farm and took up their residence in Beaver, where his father engaged in the mercantile business.

Soon after locating in Beaver, James entered the Beaver Academy, and remained there during his early manhood days. He was a close student, not only in the day school, but equally so in the Sabbath-school. He had the reputa tion of being candid, courageous and independent ; a man of regular and temperate habits, who laid deep and strong the foundation of an unblemished character, carrying himself with dignity, and yet with grace and courtesy.

After his graduation in the Beaver Academy, his parents placed him at school in one of the eastern colleges, where he took a course of civil engineering. He returned from school in 1859, soon after accepted a position under the govern ment, and was sent to the State of Missouri, where he fol lowed his chosen profession, civil engineering. Later he \\as transferred to the State of Kansas and assisted in the survey of the territory on which now stands Kansas City. He remained there until the summer of 1862, when Presi dent Lincoln issued his call for three hundred thousand vol unteers to serve three years, or during the war. It was at this time that young Anderson's spirit, having been caught up by the flaming enthusiasm which swept like a prairie fire throughout the North, hastened to his native county of Beaver to offer his services to his country.

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COLONEL J. Q. ANDERSON

Mr. Anderson was instrumental in obtaining authority from the governor of Pennsylvania to recruit a company of volunteer cavalry, which later became Company A of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. This regiment was or ganized at Harrisburg on the i8th day of October, 1862.

James Quigley Anderson was commissioned first lieuten ant of Company A, September 6, 1862; promoted to captain December 13, 1862; to major, June 13, 1863; to lieutenant- colonel, April 30, 1864; to colonel, January 23, 1865; dis charged, by General Order, June 20, 1865.

Colonel Anderson for some months previous to the close of the war had been in poor health. Notwithstanding his enfeebled health, he was in the saddle early and late, ever prompt and efficient, and especially so during an engagement with the enemy. During the last year of his service his faithful orderly, Mr. McBrier, of Company A, was ever at his side to assist him to mount his horse.

When in battle, though weak and scarcely able to ride, his voice, in giving commands, was strong, clear and dis tinct, so that it could be heard all along the line. A short time before the close of the war, Colonel Anderson became very much reduced by disease, which caused him to retire from service. When in command of his regiment he took a personal interest in every detail of camp and march. His earnest solicitude for the comfort and safety of his men endeared him to every one of his command. He was al ways with the boys in the thickest of the fight, had receiv ed several slight wounds, and had several horses killed from under him. He was highly esteemed by both the offi cers and rank and file of his regiment.

He was a man of recognized ability, and of the most ex alted character, with a classic face and superb form. Tall, erect and commanding, he would have been selected among thousands of men as the ideal soldier. His very presence commanded respect and inspired confidence. None who saw Colonel Anderson doubted his certain promotion to still higher command, if his life had been spared.

Shortly after his return to his native town of Beaver, the chivalrous soldier, the noble-hearted gentleman was fur-

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COLONEL J. Q. ANDERSON

loughed, forever furloughed from earth, battles and care. He died at his father's home in Beaver, October 16, 1865, and was laid to rest in the Beaver cemetery near the home of his birth, where he will sleep until the roll call sounds on the other shore.

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID.

Owing to the severe service of the cavalry during the month of May, 1864, quite a good many men and horses were disabled and the effective force of the cavalry was reduced very materially.

On June 5, 1864, an order was issued from headquarters to have all the sick and dismounted men sent to White House Landing, and, on June 6, 1864, three days' ra tions, two days' feed for the horses and sixty rounds of ammunition were issued ; and, on the same day, Generals Al fred T. A. Torbert and D. Me. M. Gregg's divisions were concentrated at New Castle, Va. Here they were joined by reserve ammunition wagons, one medical wagon, eight am bulances and a small bridge of canvas pontoons. To the subordinate officers and men this move looked like another raid. Much reticence was observed, and evidently but very few were informed of the contemplated movement.

On June 7, 1864, General P. H. Sheridan arrived in camp, and immediately the command was in motion, cross ing the Pamunkey River at New Castle and marching to near Aylett's, where we camped for the night. Early on the morning of June 8th, we marched to Pole Cat Station, about eight miles from Chesterfield. June 9, 1864, we fol lowed the North Anna River, and bivouacked for the night at North East Creek. On the morning of June loth, the command passed near the old battlefield of Spottsylvania Court House, .where a Union and Confederate hospital was located. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was detail ed to proceed to the hospital, to bring with them such of the Union prisoners as could be moved. Arriving at the hospi tal, a formal surrender was demanded, after which all the disabled Confederates were paroled, and those who could be moved, both Union and Confederates, were brought with us.

By this diversion we lost fully one day's march in keep ing up with the main column, and were obliged to make a forced march, day and night. During the night we were greatly harassed by bushwhackers, who followed the column

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

and fired upon our men as opportunity offered. We caught up with the commands near Trevilian Station during the afternoon of June nth, and found it heavily engaged. We were immediately ordered on the field in support of other troops, but, as my memory serves me now, we took no part in the fight that day. The fighting was renewed the fol lowing morning.

At a critical moment during the engagement, General Sheridan rode up to General Devin, our brigade comman der, and asked him if he had a regiment that could break the enemy's line in yonder woods. General Devin replied, "Yes, I have," and sent for the Ninth New York Cavalry, Colonel William Sackett, commanding. The regiment promptly responded, and was ordered to dismount. Colonel Sackett received his orders from General Sheridan and was advised to move into the woods cautiously, when he re plied, "All hell cannot stop my men." The men, with Colonel Sackett in the lead, sprang into the woods. About fifty officers and men fell, but the enemy was routed.

The whole line then advanced, with the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry in support. The new York Dragoons and the Fourth New York Cavalry also ad vanced on the flanks, and about one hundred prisoners were captured. The fighting continued all day. The forces were about evenly divided, and seemingly no decided advantage was gained on either side. Because General Sheridan's ammunition was almost exhausted, and because of the large number of wounded to be taken care of, he withdrew from the field during the night of the I2th of June, 1864, taking with him about three hundred men wounded and about the same number of prisoners. About one hundred or more wounded were left in hurriedly constructed hospitals in charge of a surgeon. General Sheridan in his official re port of this expedition reported a loss of about three hun dred men killed and captured, of which number the Seven teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry had its proportionate share. The return march was made virtually over the same route as the advance, recrossing the North Anna River at Car penter's Ford, June 13, 1864.

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SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

June 1 4th, we reached Shady Grove.

June 1 5th, we camped near Guinea Station.

June 1 6th, we passed through Bowling Green.

June 1 7th, and i8th, we made short marches along the Mattapony River until we reached King and Queen Court House.

Having been cut off from our base of supplies for about ten days and the country through which we passed being almost barren, we experienced some trouble foraging enough subsistence and forage to keep soul and body together un til we arrived at White House Landing, on the Pamunkey River, where provisions and feed were obtained.

For want of a sufficient number of ambulances, the wounded were carried in conveyances of almost every con ceivable description; and because of the intense heat and dusty roads, they suffered much discomfort. Many horses became worn out and for want of feed were abandoned along the route.

The command reached King and Queen Court House, June 19, 1864, where the wounded, prisoners, dismounted men, and one thousand or more negroes, men, women and children who had followed the column, were sent, under an escort, to West Point where they were delivered to the United States authorities.

The following day, June 20, 1864, we reached the Pa munkey River where a large quantity of government sup plies was stored under the protection of several United States gunboats and a few regiments of colored troops.

Here we expected a few days' rest, but the Rebel cavalry had followed us and were now threatening an attack. Gen eral Thomas C. Devin's brigade and a few shells from one of the gunboats drove them from the field.

On June 21, 1864, Sheridan's cavalry, together with all the supply trains and colored troops, crossed the Pamunkey River on the old railroad bridge which had been reconstruct ed during the previous day and night. After the troops had all crossed the river, General Devin's brigade moved towards Baltimore Cross Roads where the regiment soon encountered the enemy and had a sharp engagement, driving him across

86

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

the Chickahominy River. On the morning of June 22, 1864, our entire division (General Torbert's) was sent to Jones' Bridge to secure the crossing, and, during the night, all the wagons and troops crossed safely to the south side of the Chickahominy River. The following day, June 23, our brigade — General Devin's — moved up the river and, when in the vicinity of Long Bridge, encountered the enemy in force. A sharp fight ensued in which we were supported by the colored troops.

On July 24, 1864, General Torbert's division, with the wagon train, moved to Charles City Court House, while Gen eral Gregg's division engaged the enemy who made a deter mined effort during the day to capture our train. A night attack was threatened and we stood to horse all night, but were not disturbed. June 25, 1864, tne command reached Windham's Landing on the James River, where, after es tablishing a strong rear picket line, we went into camp. Here during the 26th and 2/th of June, 1864, all the wagons were ferried across the James River, and the following day, June 28, 1864, the troops crossed on a pontoon bridge, and we were once more with General Meade's army, now on the south side of the James River, and went into camp. Here we surely thought we would get a much needed rest, but, at 4 p. m., June 29, 1864, the bugles sounded "Boots and Saddles," and the regiment, with the rest of the cavalry, was marched hurriedly to Prince George Court House and stood to horse all night. The third division of the Cavalry Corps (General Wilson's) was badly defeated in a reconnoissance and attempt to cut the Weldon Railroad.

July 3, 1864, we marched to near Light House Point on the James River and went into camp. July 4, 1864, a na^- ional salute was fired by one of the gunboats on the river, and, during the night, we witnessed some fireworks that were set off at City Point. Here, too, we were served with canned and fresh fruits and other delicacies which were dis tributed to the troops by the Sanitary Commission. These were very much appreciated by the men. We also received three months' pay, and there were good opportunities to re plenish our wardrobe which had been reduced to the scant-

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SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

iest necessities. The entire Cavalry Corps remained in this vicinity for about three weeks, thus giving the men and horses a much needed rest. Worn out horses were condemn ed and new ones received, but not near enough to remount all the men who were dismounted. In view of the contem plated transfer of two of the cavalry divisions to the Shen- andoah Valley, about 2,000 dismounted men were sent on United State transports to Washington, D. C., and thence to Camp Stoneman where they were remounted and sent to their respective commands.

July 1 6, 1864, Colonel Devin's entire brigade, to which the regiment belonged, was sent to the extreme left of General Meade's army to do picket duty. July 21, 1864, the officers of the brigade presented Colonel Thomas C. Devin with a fine horse and complete horse equipments, valued at $300.

There was general rejoicing and good cheer on the occa sion. One of the special features was the splendid music fur nished by the Seventeenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry Band during the ceremonies. The band also gave a concert at brigade headquarters in the evening and late into the night.

By July 26, 1864, a mine had been completed under one of the Confederate forts in front of General Burnside's corps. Preparations were made for a general advance of the Union army at the time of the explosion of the mine. Four o'clock on the morning of July 30, 1864, was the time fixed for the explosion. To make the surprise more effec tive, General Grant made a demonstration on General Lee's right. So on July 26, 1864, the entire Cavalry Corps was concentrated at Deep Bottom, while, during the night, the Second Corps, commanded by General Winfield S. Hancock, crossed the James River. All night the infantry passed in front of our lines while we were waiting. About daylight on the morning of the 27th, the cavalry followed the Sec ond Corps. Before the cavalry had all crossed, we heard the booming of cannon, and the cavalry were hurried to the front to protect General Hancock's flank. The cavalry ad vanced on the New Market Road as far as Darbytown. The enemy evidently were completely surprised.

SHERIDAN'S TREVILIAN RAID

The cavalry scouted the country in every direction watch ing the enemy's movements. While frequent skirmishes oc curred, general engagements were avoided. It was soon discovered, however, that the Confederates were being rein forced, and the engagement in the vicinity of Darbytown be came general. A new line was formed, with the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry on the left and the Sixth New York Cavalry on the right.

A charge resulted in driving the enemy back, a number of prisoners and several battle-flags being captured. Skir mishing was kept up continuously, July 2Qth and 3Oth, shifting from one position to another without bringing on a general engagement, thus keeping up the deception, and causing General Lee to transfer a large portion of his forces to the north side of the James River, while General Grant's real purpose was to attack General Lee on the south side of the river, or in his immediate front.

On the night of July 30, 1864, the Second Corps and the greater portion of the cavalry recrossed the James River for the purpose of taking part in the assault after the explosion of the mine. This took place at 4:45 a. m., and, as far as the explosion itself was concerned, was a success. But for some reasons, which have never been fully explained, the assault was badly managed, resulting in a failure to accom plish what had been expected by those who planned the scheme.

About this time the Confederate General J. Early, with an army of about 20,000 troops, became alarmingly active in the Shenandoah Valley, again threatening Maryland and Pennsylvania. July 30, 1864 , Chambersburg was burned, and all sorts of wild rumors were afloat that General Early's army was laying waste all southern Pennsylvania. The constantly disturbing conditions so far north made it necessary to confront the Confederate army with a force strong enough to prevent any further raids and excursions into Maryland and Pennsylvania. So, on July 31, 1864, General P. H. Sheridan was placed in command of the Department of the Shenandoah, with an army sufficiently strong to drive General Early -from the Shenandoah Valley.

89

COLONEL COE DURLAND.

Colonel Coe Durland was born in Greenville, Orange county, in the state of New York, October 31, 1832. He was a son of John H. Durland, a merchant. He attended the public schools and later received a practical training in mercantile pursuits. In 1858 he removed to Honesdale, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and there entered into busi ness, which he successfully continued until 1862. He was then in the prime of his early manhood, thirty years of age, and full of life and energy, but decided to sacrifice all his business prospects, if necessary, in aiding an imperiled coun try. He was active in recruiting a company locally known as the "Wayne County Cavalry." On the organization of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, he was commissioned major and, in November, 1862, the regiment was sent to the front. From that time until the close of the war Colonel Durland's record is a prominent part of the history of the regiment. Colonel Durland possessed many of the elements that contribute to the efficiency and succcess of an officer in command of men. He won their respect and confidence. He was ever at his post of duty. No hardships or dangers drew him aside. Personal bravery was quite conspicuous in his career and was tested on many a battle field. He had command of the regiment in at least thirty- three engagements in which the regiment participated. In one of these he received a slight scalp wound from a minnie ball, and during his entire service had five horses shot from under him. At the battle of Five Forks, of the thirteen commissioned officers of the regiment who went into that fight, six were killed or wounded. He was always with the regiment, discharging duty and bearing every privation inci dent to the service ; stimulating his men by his example, di recting their movements with a readiness and judgment that won for him the reputation of being one of the best field officers in the Cavalry Corps. His bravery never failed him and was an inspiration to the men he commanded. At his

90

O>K DrRLANl).

Colonel, Honesdale, Pa.

COLONEL COE DURLAND

funeral the author, H. P. Moyer, through the officiating chaplain, paid him the following tribute :

"Because of the love and esteem I bear for my old com mander and comrade, Colonel Coe Durland, I am prompted in this public way to pay my last tribute of respect to the memory of an old and highly esteemed friend. My acquaint ance with Colonel Coe Durland was principally from a mili tary standpoint, as the commanding officer of the Seven teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, of which regiment we were associate members. Personally I always considered myself fortunate to serve under his command and thus to learn to know him so well. It gives me great pleasure to express the opinion that no braver and better qualified officer ever commanded a regiment than he. From the time he took command of the regiment until the day it was mustered out of the service, he did all for the honor and success of the regiment that any officer of similar rank could reasonably be expected to do. His presence among the men of the regiment always inspired hope and confi dence. He loved his men and always seemed anxious for their welfare and comfort. Because of his bravery, good judgment and popularity, both among the officers and the rank and file, to him more than to any other officer was the regiment indebted for its illustrious record and the many favorable official recognitions of its distinguished service. Colonel Durland was not possessed with that brilliant and dazzling oratory which frequently captivates the public mind, but for good judgment, firmness of purpose and con scientious discharge of duty, he commanded the respect of all who came in contact with him. In one of the darkest periods of our nation's history, possibly the most critical period, he realized his duty to his country and became one of its ablest and most faithful defenders, and lived long enough to see and enjoy the prosperity of his country he so gallant ly helped to save."

In 1878, when the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Association, was organized, composed entirely of survivors of the old regiment, Colonel Durland became its first honored president, which position he held at

91

COLONEL COE DURLAND

the time of his death, and the fact that he never failed to be present at any of the annual reunions of the survivors of the regiment evidences the interest he took in the associa tion.

His generous donation, in which he was joined by Colonel W. Thompson, of the same regiment, enabled the survivors of the regiment to erect, at Gettysburg, one of the finest and most artistic monuments on the battlefield, a fitting and last ing tribute to the memory of the regiment he had the dis tinguished honor to command. He is dead, but his rare qualities will remain as pleasant memories to those who knew him best.

The following is his military record : Elected first lieuten ant of Company M, Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, September 27, 1862 ; elected captain, October 23, 1862; elected major, November 20, 1862; elect ed lieutenant-colonel, February 13, 1865; brevetted colonel U. S. volunteers, March 13, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry in action.

In closing this tribute we give a brief summary of his character.

In business affairs he was an example of commercial in tegrity. As a citizen, influential, patriotic and loyal. As a soldier, brave; as an officer, skillful ; as a man, philanthropic, unostentatious and magnanimous.

After the war, Colonel Durland returned to the pursuits of peaceful industry. He was the founder of the Durland- Thompson Shoe Manufacturing Company, in Honesdale, Pa. Much of the fame of Honesdale as a manufacturing town is due to Colonel Durland. His business record is without reproach ; as an employer of men he was kind and considerate.

His home life was most affectionate and beautiful, full of thoughtfulness for wife and children, regarding each one with warmest affection, finding in home the most enjoy able society, the dearest spot on earth.

The colonel's death occurred October 22, 1903, and was sudden and unexpected. The funeral services were held at the family residence in Waynesboro, Pa., October 26, 1903.

92

COLONEL COE BORLAND

Rev. Henry Wheeler, chaplain of the Seventeenth Regi ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, delivered the funeral discourse, and neighbors and comrades carried him to his final resting-place. Amid the silence that followed the bene diction the bugle notes of "taps" were sounded, and the last token of respect that could be tendered to Colonel Coe Dur- land was performed.

93

7— 17th R.

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT FROM THE

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC TO THE

ARMY OF THE SHENANDOAH.

On the third day of August, 1864, the regiment, with the brigade and division, embarked at City Point, Virginia, on transports for Washington, D. C., arriving at Guisborough, just below Washington, August 6th, where it disembarked. During the night of August 6th, it marched through George town, the city of Washington and beyond as far as Tan- nellytown, Maryland, where it arrived shortly after mid night and made a short stop. Marching the regiment through the city of Washington, during the night, was the subject of much complaint on the part, of the men, and the officers of the regiment experienced considerable trouble in keeping the men in line. As a result of the restraint the men amused themselves by repeated and rousing cheers for "Honest Abraham Lincoln" and the various cabinet officers down to the minutest officials in the War and other Public Departments.

August 7th, — we marched through Rockville, Darnes- town, and Dawsonville, Maryland, and camped, for the night, at Monacacy Church.

August 8th, — The march was continued through Point of Rocks, Petersville, and Knoxville to Pleasant Valley, Maryland, where we again camped for the night.

August 9th, — We crossed the Potomac River at Harper's Ferry, marched to Halltown, went into camp for the night and were again on Virginia soil.

August loth, — We marched several miles beyond Charles- town where we joined the other cavalry commands which had preceded us. We were hopeful that here we would get a few days' rest, but the following day, August nth, the entire Cavalry Corps made a reconnoissance down the Shenandoah Valley, following the Front Royal Pike, and met the enemy in force in the vicinity of Newtown. Our brigade advanced on the right side of the pike, and found the enemy strongly entrenched behind stone walls. In a mounted charge, we failed to dislodge them and were re-

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pulsed with heavy losses. The Sixth New York and Sev enteenth Pennsylvania were then dismounted, ordered to construct temporary breastworks, and repulsed several charges made by the enemy. In the meantime the Re serve Brigade engaged the enemy on the left side of the pike. The entire line again advanced, and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania, Sixth New York, and Ninth New York, in the order named, successfully charged the enemy's lines, driving them from the field in great confusion, capturing a number of prisoners.

August 1 2th, — The brigade marched to Newtown, and our regiment was sent out on a reconnoitering expedition in the direction of Cedar Creek ; but, outside of picking up a few stragglers, nothing of special interest occurred. In the evening the regiment joined the command which had during the day moved to Middletown.

August I3th, — The entire Second Brigade of our division crossed Cedar Creek and marched to near Strasburg. Scout ing parties were sent out in various directions, but no enemy was found. The brigade recrossed Cedar Creek the same day and joined the division in the vicinity of Middletown and camped for the night.

August 1 4th, — The brigade moved to Cedarville, and our regiment made a reconnoissance on the road leading to Front Royal, returning during the night.

August 1 5th, — More troops arrived, indicating a general engagement. During the afternoon of the :6th, a large force of the Rebel cavalry crossed the river at Front Royal and vigorously attacked the Ninth New York Cavalry who were picketing the Front Royal Pike. Although this regi ment was largely outnumbered, about one half of the men being dismounted and having an advantageous position, the Ninth held the enemy in check until the Seventeenth Penn sylvania and the Sixth New York were placed in support and later, charged the enemy, driving them across the river again, capturing a battle-flag and a number of prisoners.

August 1 7th, — Early in the morning the regiment march ed to Nineveh, W. Va., and in the afternoon to near Chapel Run where it was assigned to picket duty.

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August 1 9th, — Colonel Cesnola, of the Fourth New York Cavalry, assumed command of the Second Brigade, Colonel Thomas C. Devin, its distinguished commander, having been wounded at Front Royal, W. Va.

August 2Oth, — The regiment retired to Berryville, W. Va., and did picket duty during the night. The following morn ing, August 2 ist, the Reserve Brigade was heavily attacked by the Rebel infantry on the Winchester Pike, and our bri gade was hurried to their support. Later in the day, our regiment covered the retirement of the Union forces in the direction of Charlestown, and during the night did picket duty, whilst those who were not on picket stood to horse all night.

August 22d, — The entire brigade reconnoitered in the direction of Shepherdstown. The regiment was advanced to near Shepherdstown and did picket duty during the night.

August 25th, — The brigade aga'in reconnoitered in the direction of Kearnsville, and soon became heavily engaged with the Rebel infantry. Because of the enemy having weapons of longer range than our carbines, we suffered severely. On account of this disadvantage and their su perior numbers, we were ordered to retire slowly and await reinforcements, which were slow in coming up. We were closely followed by the enemy all day. In one of the posi tions we had taken, near Shepherdstown, we were at once vigorously attacked. In this engagement Colonel Coe Dur- land was ordered to charge with his regiment, and open communication with the First Brigade, which had been cut off. The regiment charged gallantly, driving the enemy back into a woods, but were there met by a new line and later were repulsed. In this charge Lieutenant Jacob Potter, of Company G, was killed. The regiment suffered heavily at this point. We had exhausted our ammunition and were retired to near Bolivar Heights where ammunition and other supplies were issued to us.

August 28th, — The brigade was again on the march up the valley. We met the enemy's cavalry at Leetown and drove them as far as Smithfield. The fight was renewed

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

on the morning of the 29th, our regiment occupying the extreme left of the line of our division. After several skir mishes with the enemy, we slowly retired, maintaining our alignment with our brigade front.

The following day, August 3Oth, we marched to Berry- ville and went into camp. During the next ten days the regiment was almost constantly in the saddle.

September 2d, — We reconnoitered in the direction of Rippon, and, finding no enemy we returned to near Berry- ville the same night. September 3d, — Our entire division marched through Berryville to White Post and reconnoitered in the direction of Front Royal. In the meantime the Rebel infantry had moved out the Winchester Pike as far as Berry ville. When General Torbert, who was in command of our division, returned, finding Berryville occupied by the Rebels, he was obliged to leave the road and make a detour over the hills and fields of Berryville, and in so doing his flank was attacked by the enemy. The Sixth New York Cavalry, which was in the advance on the return march, was com pletely taken by surprise and thrown into some confusion for a short time. Our regiment was in the rear of the Sixth New York and was double quicked to the front in its sup port. A short but spirited engagement followed in which the entire division became engaged. That night we stood to horse, and early the following morning we moved to the right of our infantry line near Summit Point.

September 5th, — A heavy rainstorm set in and continued for several days during which we remained in camp. Sep tember 8th, the regiment marched to Smithfield, and, on the 9th, was sent to picket a ford on the Opequon River. Dur ing the day a strong force of the Rebel infantry appeared on the opposite side of the river, drove off our pickets and crossed the river. A sharp skirmish ensued, during which a part of our regiment was dismounted and held the enemy in check until the Ninth New York and the Sixth New York came to our support. In this skirmish Captain Martin R. Reinhold, then commanding Company I, was killed. Com pany I, being one of the companies that was dismounted, was subject to a terrific fire from the enemy's infantry

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when they were retired from the skirmish line, having lost a number of men.

On the 9th day of September, the First New York Dragoons, under command of Colonel Alfred Gibbs, joined our brigade. Colonel Gibbs commanded the brigade until the I9th of September, when Colonel Thomas C. Devin re turned and again took command of the brigade. Colonel Devin had been wounded in the battle of Front Royal and sent to the hospital. Under date of September Qth, Colonel Alfred Gibbs, of the First New York Dragoons, made the following official report: — "I have the honor to report that I have assumed command of the Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, last night. I proceeded with the brigade this morning up the Opequon River. I have burned all the mills from Smithfield to the railroad, except a small one be low where we struck the stream, which will be dealt with at once in a like incendiary manner. We met opposition at each point, but prevailed on the enemy to leave. We have captured one lieutenant and five men, who will be sent to your headquarters. I am returning to my camp.

"Respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED GIBBS, Colonel First New York Dragoons."

"To Captain, A. E. Dana, Adjt. Gen. First Cavalry Division."

September nth, — the regiment escorted a supply train to Charlestown and, on the I3th, performed a similar service from Charlestown to the front. On the I5th and i6th, the regiment did picket duty on the Opequon River. The Rebel pickets on the opposite side were quite friendly, and tobacco newspapers, coffee and other articles were exchanged.

September iSth, — The entire division was concentrated in the vicinity of Summit Point preparatory to a general move ment.

September iQth, — We were early in the saddle but did not move until about noon when we crossed the Opequon River, at Steven's Ford on the Charlestown Road, about three miles below Berryville. We advanced rapidly along the

TRANSFER OF THE REGIMENT

Charlestown Road until we came to within about one mile from the Winchester Pike when a short halt was made, and a line of. battle, in regimental front, was formed. The Second Brigade was in the advance and the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was in the lead of the brigade.

When the formation of the line was completed, two guns were fired in rapid succession, as the signal for the advance. Then the bugle at brigade headquarters sounded, in quick succession, "Forward, trot, charge." The country across which we advanced was mostly open fields, affording splendid opportunities for cavalry movements. About one mile from the starting point we approached the Winchester Pike where we struck the enemy with such force that their line was utterly broken. We captured several battle-flags and about fifteen hundred prisoners. The fighting was con tinued till after dark, driving the enemy through Winches ter like a whirlwind.

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BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM THOMPSON.

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel William Thompson was born May 22, 1834, at Pottsville, Schuylkill county, Pa. He was of Scotch lineage and his American ancestry dates to 1735, when John and James Thompson came to Pennsylvania and took up their residence in Chester county. William Thomp son, the grandfather of Colonel William Thompson, served in the Revolutionary War. His father, Samuel Thompson, was born in 1792, and died in Pottsville, Pa., in 1851.

In Colonel Thompson's early life he received the most careful business training and held positions of honor and trust which brought to him large financial rewards. Wlien the War of the Rebellion broke out he had not reached the age of twenty-seven years, yet he had already taken high rank as a business man in the town of his birth, and was at the head of a well-established and profitable banking con cern.

Full of patriotic ardor, his impulse was to go at once to the front, but the exactions of his position were such that in justice to others, as well as himself, some months of delay were unavoidable before he felt justified in following the trend of his inclinations and becoming an active defender of the Union. In September, 1862, War Governor Andrew G. Curtin gave him authority to recruit a cavalry company in Schuylkill county, and within two months he was mustered into service as captain of Company H, Seventeenth Penn sylvania Cavalry, which belonged to the Second Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, and served under the suc cessive commands of Generals Pleasonton, Buford, Mer- ritt and Devin, with the greatest efficiency and distinction. For several months, commencing in May, 1863, Captain Thompson commanded General George G. Meade's escort — Companies D and H — and later was with General P. H. Sheridan in his battles ; his active service, in fact, included participation in nearly every engagement in which the Union

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cavalry took part in the operations of the Army of the Poto mac during the last two years of the war. He was severely wounded in the right shoulder at Kearneystown, W. Va. For his distinguished and meritorious conduct in the field he was promoted to the rank of major in February, 1865, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel on the I3th of the following month. It was only when incapacitated by .his wounds that he was ever absent from the front; and, with these excep tions, he never lost a day's duty while he was in the service.

His army career involved the numberless hardships in camp and field to which an impetuous and truly patriotic soldier is subject, but from the hour in which he secured his first recruit under Governor Curtin's commission to the prouder one when he was first in command of his regiment in a reconnoissance toward Appomattox Court House at mid night, April 8, 1865, which demonstrated the presence of the Army of Northern Virginia in force, every responsibility was promptly taken, every duty cheerfully performed, every discomfort uncomplainingly endured. His record as a sol dier, from first to last, was a brilliant one and brought with it its own immediate reward. He was loved by his com mand, respected by his superior officers, and honored by all.

Colonel Thompson's interest in his companions in the army did not end with the war. His regiment claimed the honor of firing the first gun in the great conflict at Gettysburg, and to him to a great extent is due the erection, on that historic field, of a grand monument to the memory of those who gave up their lives in the struggle. In private life, the old sol dier of whatever rank was a comrade ; the widows and or phans of the war the object of his tender and generous solicitude.

Upon the close of his service in the field, Colonel Thomp son again turned his attention to the calling for which his early education and experience had so thoroughly fitted him. Possessed of a fair competence by inheritance from his father, he became a large stockholder and president of the Miners' National Bank of Pottsville, one of the oldest and most substantial' houses in the State ; and, in the course of his long and honorable connection with that institution, he

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WILLIAM THOMPSON

very largely increased his fortune. His dealings in real es tate were judicious and profitable, and his holdings in valu able property included many of the finest business blocks in Pottsville. An attendant at the Presbyterian Church, Colo nel Thompson was one of its most open-handed supporters, his contributions toward the successful efforts to secure the splendid pipe organ of that church being an example of his never failing generosity.

In a word, as a soldier the sterling and impregnable char acteristics of the early Covenanters coming to him as an in heritance, he remained steadfast to his patriotic principles throughout a long and eventful life ; as a citizen, his deal ings were fair and equitable ; his business transactions open and honorable; his word, to use a trite phrase, as good as his bond.

Although Colonel Thompson never married, he was most genial and companionable, pleasant in all social relations, and peculiarly fatherly and tender toward those endeared to him by ties of consanguinity.

He was elected captain of Company H of the Seventeenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, November I, 1862; elected major, February 13, 1865; brevetted lieuten ant-colonel U. S. volunteers, March 13, 1865, "for meritori ous and distinguished services," and mustered out June 20, 1865.

He died July 9, 1903, at Pottsville, Pa. His remains were deposited in the Charles Barber Cemetery at Pottsville, Pa., with military honors.

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GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION.

General A. T. A. Torbert's Expedition from Win chester, W. Va., to Near Gordonsville, W. Va., December 19-28, 1864.

BY MAJOR W. H. SPERA, SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.

On Wednesday, the I4th of December, 1864, regimental headquarters received orders from brigade headquarters to have all horses rough shod, each trooper to carry two spare shoes and sufficient nails in the saddle pouch for an emergency.

This had the appearance of a raid in the near future, un pleasant at this season of the year, but a trooper is ever ready for a raid no matter what the weather.

1 6th. Friday, A salute in honor of General Thomas' victory gained over the Confederates under General Hood, was fired by the artillery at Kernstown.

Blacksmiths busy shoeing horses.

1 7th. Saturday. Cleaning arms and equipments.

i8th. The usual Sunday morning inspection of com panies by company commanders, — arms, quarters and equip ments.

The following orders were received from division head quarters :

MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION. FIELD ORDERS.

HEADQUARTERS, FIRST CAVALRY Divv DECEMBER 18, 1864.

No.

The command will' be prepared to march early tomorrow morn ing. Four (4) days' rations will be issued and carried on the horses. Each man will be supplied with eighty (80) rounds of carbine ammunition and the usual amount of pistol ammunition.

The second brigade will take along (rifled) one section of its battery, the best horses being selected for the march. These prepar ations must all be made at once. By command of Brevet Major-general Merritt.

M. E. DANA, Ass't Adj't General

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Subsequently that part of the order relating to artillery was withdrawn.

iQth. Monday. The First and Second Divisions of Cav alry, without artillery or wagons, consisting of about 5,000 men, commanded by Brevet Major-general Alfred T. A. Torbert, First Division commanded by Brigadier General Thomas Devin, Second Brigade commanded by Colonel J. H. Kellogg (Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry), Second Division commanded by Brigadier General Powell, left camp near Winchester at 7 a. m., marching by way of Cedarville and Front Royal, crossing both branches of the Shenandoah, and after marching about twenty-two miles encamped in Chester Gap. It rained and sleeted all day, making roads very icy and rendering marching diffi cult.

2oth. Tuesday. Cold and blustery during the night, ground frozen solid ; roads almost impassable on account of ice. A surgeon of the command known among the men as "Big Pills," had purchased a pair of Sutler cavalry boots, wearing them for the first time yesterday. They were manu factured out of leather not impervious to water ; yesterday's rain took all the starch out of them so that they were limp as the proverbial dish rag. The doctor tried to dry them by the fire, and the shrinking process commenced. This morning they had shrunk out of all semblance to a cavalry boot. He looked with utter disgust upon his purchase. To put a foot into them was out of the question. When the command "Mount" was given it was executed in socks by "Big Pills."

We crossed the Blue Ridge through Chester Gap, passing through Flint Hill, Games' Cross Roads, Little Washington and Sperryville, in the direction of Criglersville, encamping near the Hazel River, five miles south of Sperryville, on the road leading to Culpepper. We marched twenty-nine miles today. The Second Division encamped on the Hughes "River.

The enemy frequently made his appearance in front dur ing the day, attacking our advance, but was easily repulsed, making no determined resistance.

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Sleeting during the greater part of the day, with weather growing freezing cold during the evening ; very disagreeable marching, the country through which we passed being very hilly. The roads being covered with ice, the roughness on the horses' shoes was worn off.

2 1 st. Wednesday. At daylight this morning the com mand was in the saddle resuming the march in a hail and snow storm which continued unabated throughout the day. Marching by way of Criglersville, and crossing Robertson River near Madison Court House, we met Jackson's Brigade of Rebel cavalry. After a brisk engagement we drove him through the town. We stopped near the town, encamping for the night.

Roads are muddy and rough. Luckily we have no artillery or wagons with us. The Second Division encamped on the Robertson River, near Criglersville.

This seemingly is a great country for applejack. A ser geant of my company found a jug rilled with some kind of a fluid at a house. What it contained he did not know, but said it smelled as though it might be excellent stuff. An un bleached American standing nearby, we asked him to take a smell. He pronounced it "Peach brandy, shoo !" We were in a generous mood and asked him to take a drink, that in case it did not kill him we would sample it. He smacked his lips, saying. "Golly, that's good, likes to drink the whole of that." After a short time we gave him another drink to make assurance doubly sure. He lived through it, though it was the last drink he got out of that jug.

22d. Thursday March resumed at daylight, the Second Division in advance, marching on the pike and passing Jack's Shop in the direction of Liberty Mills and Gordonsville. General Lomax's force, consisting of Imboden's, McClell- and's and Jackson's Brigades of Rebel cavalry, were met. After a charge by a brigade of the Second Division, they retreated across the Rapidan at Liberty Mills. Our advance reached the bridge under a severe fire from the enemy post ed behind breastworks on the opposite bank. It was dis covered that some of the flooring of the bridge had been re moved. Immediately after our troops had reached the river

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the bridge was fired and destroyed, so that we were unable to cross. There was a ford near the bridge. This was heavily barricaded, a strong force defending it from rifle pits with artillery in position, protected by earthworks. To cross at this place was impossible. Scouts were sent out for the purpose of finding persons who were acquainted with the fords above and below Liberty Mills. Two columns were sent out, one to the right up the river and the other to the left down the river. The First and Second Brigades, First Division, were sent to the right, the Second Brigade leading, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry having the advance. They were to cross at Willis Ford, two miles above Liberty Mills, and come down the Stanardsville and Orange Court House Pike. The brigade of the Second Division was to cross at Cave's Ford, three miles below Liberty Mills, and come up the Stanardsville Pike. We were informed that both of these fords were good, passable fording places, and the distance we would have to march about four miles. The column that went to Willis Ford could cross by twos only, the ford being four miles up the river instead of two miles, so that we were compelled to march eight miles before getting to Liberty Mills. The column that went to Cave's Ford was worse oft than we were. They could cross by file only and had to march seven miles. It was nearly dark when our column came in sight of the enemy at the Mills. The Seventeenth and Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry immediately charged, sup ported by the brigade, driving the enemy in the direction of Orange Court House, where they met the column from the left. The enemy withdrew by a country road in the direc tion of Gordonsville. After dark, the firing was then order ed to cease, as it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The Second Brigade, First Division, picketed the heights on the south side of the river, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in support of the pickets, without unsaddling.

December 23, 1864. Friday. Very cold night, high winds, ground frozen solid. Our position during the night was on a bleak hill. The wind having a full sweep, the command suffered greatly from the cold. We could not build fires on

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account of the close proximity of the enemy. With the first appearance of dawn the enemy was again engaged; we took two pieces of artillery and drove them to within two and one-half miles of Gordonsville, where the road runs through a gap in Bell's Mountain.

I was ordered to take a battalion of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and picket our right flank, as an attack from that direction was anticipated.

The gap through the mountain was very narrow, the enemy holding a strong and advantageous position, posted behind rails and earth breastworks, where a small force could hold a large number in check. The enemy was attack ed by the First New York Dragoons and Ninth New York, dismounted, charging the enemy's flank. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania charged mounted on the enemy's centre, los ing two men killed, seventeen wounded and four prisoners (Company C lost Jacob Coldren killed, buried in the Nat ional cemetery, Culpepper Court Hourse, Va., block I, sec tion A, row n, grave 379; and Henry Irwin, wounded).

The regiment fell back to its former position, holding it for several hours. A force was sent to the left to cross the mountain to flank the enemy out of his position. About 10 o'clock a. m. cars were heard arriving at Gordonsville and infantry could be seen filing into the enemy's breastworks, relieving cavalry.

Shortly after the Seventeenth Pennsylvania had charged Lieutenant E. E. Wood, of Company C, Seventeenth Penn sylvania, now serving on the brigade staff, (at present, April, 1898, Professor of Literature at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N. Y.,) was sent to the front with an order to Lieutenant-colonel of the Seven teenth, to withdraw his regiment. After delivering the order, and within a short distance of the enemy's line, the lieu tenant's bridle rein was shot off. He dismounted as if on parade and, knotting the rein to the curb ring, mounted and rode away unhurt amid a shower of bullets.

Some of the men whose horses had been shot in the charge took refuge in an excavation near the enemy's line ; several escaped by making a run for our lines, amid a rain

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of bullets. I am sorry I do not now remember the names of those brave boys. Four were captured by the enemy.

General Torbert, after becoming satisfied that the enemy had been re-enforced by Pelgram's division of infantry, and Hunton's and Bratton's Brigades, and that Longstreet had sent 3,300 men to Gordonsville, and realizing that it would be useless to further attempt to break the Virginia Central Railroad, decided to withdraw to the north bank of the Rapidan, marching to Madison Court House and Robertson River.

After the command fell back from its position, I was or dered to deploy a battalion as skirmishers and watch the movements of the enemy. They came out of their rifle pits, advancing a short distance as skirmishers, wounding B. F. Busser and Albert Breitigam, of Company C, Seven teenth Pennsylvania. After our column had passed a narrow defile in the road I was ordered to march in re treat. At the defile we formed column, marching as rear guard. Noticing several stragglers at a house a short dis tance from the road I ordered Lieutenant Alfred Lee, of Company F, Seventeenth Pennsylvania, to ride over and take with him two men. When near the house several men in our uniform rode out, ordering the lieutenant and his men to surrender. Hearing the firing I sent a squad in pursuit. The enemy, seeing they could not get away with their prisoners, shot Lieutenant Lee, mortally wounding him.

My command rejoined the regiment at Liberty Mills. The brigade marched to Russell's Ford, on the Robertson River, going into camp at midnight. The roads were a sheet of ice. In descending the hill leading to the ford it was al most impossible for horse or man to keep on his feet. A horse's feet would slip from under him, sliding down the hill, carrying with him the horse and rider next in front of him, until there was a jumpled up mass of horses and troop ers endeavoring to extricate themselves and their mounts, and in the endeavor generally making matters worse by carrying more horse flesh and swearing humanity with them. We were forced to halt on the hillside as the cap-

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tured artillery was in advance of us, stuck in the ford. The pieces were drawn by mules. When midway in the stream the mules became balky, positively refusing to stretch a trace. It was near midnight. We could .hear the troops that had crossed in advance of the artillery going into camp, and we were delayed by those pesky, balky mules. Language prepared expressly for the occasion was used, but had no more effect than if just everyday ordinary language would have been used. About half of the First New York Dragoons were in the river abusing the mules. Meanwhile the troops were sliding around on the icy hillside, using language far more forcible than elegant. I do really be lieve that it was the united wish of all those sliding troopers that the Rebs would have kept their guns so that we would not have bothered with them. After crossing the river, we went into camp in a dense growth of lovely pine, spreading our blankets in the snow and ice, and slept the sleep of tired soldiers. Everything burnable was covered with sev eral inches of ice, consequently no coffee.

24th. Saturday. Left camp at daylight and marched by way of James City, Grifnnsburg and Stone House Moun tain, encamping about four miles from Culpepper. The regiment, (Seventeenth Pennsylvania,) foraged by squads today for horse feed. It is a case of "live off the country with headquarters in the saddle," but this country has been so devastated that there is but little left to live off of. We have been about four days without rations or horse feed, and the citizens do not seem to have much more than we have, excepting applejack, and it is not very nourishing. It will take at least four days before we reach camp. How we will enjoy hard tack and pork by that time ! Weather has been unpleasant today.

25th. Sunday. Christmas ! Left camp at daylight marching to Fauquier and White Sulphur Springs, crossing the Hazel and Rappahannock. The Hazel was running very high. We had considerable difficulty in crossing as the horses are weak from lack of forage. We went into camp for the night near Warrenton. Cold. The command has a large number of dismounted men whose horses became

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GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

unserviceable, and had to be abandoned. It was hard work for the poor fellows to keep up with the mounted column, quite a few, whose shoes were worn out, going in stocking feet over the icy frozen ground, wading rivers and often wet to the skin, some whose feet were bloody, being cut by the frozen ground, having thus followed the command for several days. Today we passed through Jefferson, Fau- quier and Sulphur Springs. Foraging parties were sent from the division, one of which captured 150,000 Sharp's carbine cartridges, 1,000,000 carbine caps, 200 muskets, ninety blankets and four prisoners.

26th. Monday. As we were about leaving camp this morn ing several guerrillas were found lurking near, endeavoring to capture some of our men, or hoping to pick up dismount ed men. A mounted force was sent after them, driving them away, although they harassed the rear of the column. Pre sumably they are some of Mosby's men, a partisan ranger, operating in this section, stealing, plundering and murder ing.

On passing through Warrenton the Regimental band of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania began to play. Shutters and blinds were opened, women appearing at the windows. Sud denly the band changed to "Yankee Doodle." Down came the windows and shutters closed with a slam. A boy of about six years of age stood on a porch, with his hands rest ing on his hip, looking in a saucy "I don't give a darn for you fellows, knock the chip off my shoulder, if you dare" sort of way, whistling the "Bonnie Blue Flag with but a Single Star."

Marching through New Baltimore, Georgetown, White Plains and Middleburg, we encamped near the latter place. The Second Division encamped near Paris, passing through Edom and Piedmont.

27th. Tuesday. Marched by way of Rector Cross Roads, Carrville, Upperville, Paris and Ashby's Gap. In the Gap the sergeant-major of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania found a torpedo planted in the road. We forded the Shenandoah River, crossing the dismounted men, stock, etc., and going

no

GORDONSVILLE EXPEDITION

into camp at Millwood. In Ashby's Gap the rearguard was attacked by guerrillas. No damage was done.

28th. Wednesday. Marched to camp near Winchester, crossing the Opequan River, which was running very high. We had great difficulty in crossing the stock and dismounted men. Received mail, letters from home, and the ever gen tle reminder from the Ordnance office for the quarterly re port of ordnance and ordnance stores.

The country through which we passed is as poor as the proverbial turkey of Job, in the matter of food and forage. The command was obliged to live off the country for six days, and mighty scant living it was. Taking the raid, all in all, it was an extremely hard trip on man and beast. The intense cold, bad weather and equally bad roads, six days out of ten it either rained, hailed or snowed and quite often ?A\ three at the same time, as though vying which could make it the most disagreeable ; either one was a perfect suc cess.

Our losses aggregated one hundred and two men and two hundred and fifty-eight horses.

The command captured thirty prisoners, two pieces of artillery, one thousand head of stock, also a herd of two hundred head of cattle going South, 150,000 Sharp's car bine cartridges, 1,000,000 caps, 200 muskets and ninety blankets.

in

THEODORE W. BEAN.

BREVET LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.

Brevet Lieutenant-colonel Theodore W. Bean was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1833. At the early age of sixteen years he was apprenticed to a black smith, and for years