This history was compiled and written by members of the Second U.S. Cavalry Co. A. Excerpts are from One Hundred Years with the Second Cavalry, Lambert, Joseph I., Major, USA: Newton Publishing Company, San Antonio, TX, 1999.
Click here for a chronological list of battles in which the 2nd U.S. Cavalry fought
1861 - Beginnings
In early 1861, the 2nd Dragoons were scattered around the frontier as follows:
Fort Leavenworth, KS: Companies C and K
Fort Kearny, NE: Company A
Fort Laramie, NE: Companies D and F
Taos, NM: Companies G and I
Camp Floyd (Ft. Crittenden), UT: Companies B, E, and H
Orders in June began moving troops into areas deemed threatened by the coming conflict. Of the two companies at Fort Leavenworth, Company K arrived at Washington City in time to participate in the First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas in late July.
First Manassas
On 21 July 1861, Company K, Second Dragoons, under Capt. Armstrong, fought as part of a cavalry force under Maj. Innis Palmer, Second (now 5th) Cavalry, which included two companies from First (now 4th) Cavalry and four companies from Second (now 5th) Cavalry. This force, assigned to Porter's First Brigade of the Second Division, saw most of its action on the Union between Sudley Church and the Warrenton Turnpike.
After supporting brigade infantry for some time, "The Cavalry were engaged in feeling the left flank of the enemy's position, in doing which some important captures were made -- one by Sergeant Sachs, of the Second Dragoons, of a General George Steuart, of Baltimore. Our cavalry also emptied the saddles of a number of the mounted rebels." This quote comes from Col. Andrew Porter's (16th Infantry) report on his brigade's actions. He further credits this cavalry force, along with some Regular Infantry and Marines, as providing valuable rear-guard support for the later retreating Federal Army. His A.A.A.G., Capt. William W. Averell indicates that Capt. Armstrong's Dragoons and Arnold's Battery were the last of the Brigade to leave the field. Capt. Armstrong's report makes additional mention of his company being used to slow the headlong retreat of some Rhode Island volunteers.
Happily, this first contingent of Second Dragoons into the fray acquitted themselves well despite the Army's defeat. Of the cavalry battalion's casualties (13 wounded and five missing), two enlisted Dragoons suffered non-lethal wounds.
Now for some extra credit information:
Maj. Gen'l. George Steuart of the Maryland C.S. Militia, whom Sergeant Sachs captured, had come looking for his son George. This Confederate officer served with the Second Dragoons as Second Lt. from 1848 through early 1855. He resigned his commission with the First (old) Cavalry in April 1861.
Capt. Armstrong, who Commanded Company K, Second Dragoons, resigned his commission on August 13, 1861, and later rose to Brig. General, C.S.A.
Wilson’s Creek
Company C was the next company from the regiment to enter the great arena at the battle of Wilson’s Creek, Missouri. Since leaving Utah in 1859 it had been almost constantly in the field in Kansas and Nebraska. But in the general drift of the Army toward the east, in February, 1861 Company C arrived at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. It marched again on June 11th under Lieutenant Farrand, First Infantry and arrived at Springfield Missouri, August 6th to form part of General Lyon’s force.
Twenty thousand Confederates under General Prince had been trying hard to catch up with General Lyon’s force of about only 5000 men. By August 9th, despairing of overtaking them, the Rebels went into camp at Wilson’s Creek, Missouri. Fearful of losing prestige in the doubtful state of Missouri if he retreated beyond Springfield, General Lyon decided to attack early in the morning. In the face of a vastly superior enemy, his plan divided his force into two parts. Major Sturgis commanded one part and Col. Sigel the other, which included Company C, Second Dragoons (now officially called 2nd Cavalry – see name change). Early on the morning of August 10th, Sturgis’s wing attacked the enemy from the front while Sigel made a broad movement and approached from the rear. The attack was a complete surprise and threw the Confederates into confusion. Advancing slowly with the cavalry in front, Col. Sigel cut off small rebel parties resting on their camp's outskirts. This was done so well that the enemy was unaware of their approach until they were within sight of their tents. During the ensuing engagement, the cavalry was placed on the flanks.
Meanwhile, the main force of the Army attacked and made good progress in driving the enemy south. While heading a regiment of Kansas troops, General Lyon was killed. During the fight in Sigel’s front, a force carrying Union flags and wearing Federal uniforms was seen approaching. His troops did not fire upon them, thinking they were a part of Lyon’s force. However, this was a Confederate force in disguise, and once they were close range, they opened intensive fire upon Sigel’s men. There was an utter rout of the small force, which fled in panic toward Springfield. The other half of the Command under Sturgis was now forced to withdraw, and a bold effort against a superior force had failed.
That Name Change!
OK, now we have math class—sort of. In the above description of First Manassas, you noticed some confusion about regimental numbering. Here's where we get it straight. This is must-know information for researching U.S. Regular Cavalry units during this period!
On August 3, 1861, Federal orders transformed American mounted units from a rich fabric of varied unit types to a single, standard description. Dragoons, Mounted Rifles, and Cavalry regiments were all to be known henceforth as.... CAVALRY!
Here's how they changed, in order of seniority:
Old Name New Name
1st Dragoons (1833) 1st Cavalry
2nd Dragoons (1836) 2nd Cavalry (that's us)
Mounted Rifles (1846) 3rd Cavalry
1st Cavalry (1855) 4th Cavalry
2nd Cavalry (1855) 5th Cavalry
3rd Cavalry (1861) 6th Cavalry
Before this change, each service had a distinctive uniform trim color for jackets and non-commissioned officer trouser stripes. Service colors were Infantry, light/dark blue; artillery, red; dragoons, orange; Mounted Rifles, green; and Cavalry, yellow.
Rodenbough, in his comments, says, "By this the "Second Dragoons" became the Second Regiment of Cavalry, under which name it will hereafter be referred to in this book. Alas! for the cherished "orange" it must give place to the gaudy yellow; "but the troops" so read the order, "will be permitted to wear out the clothing now on hand."
The marvelous durability of orange facings, or the prodigious quantity of similar clothing "on hand" in the "Second" enabled that regiment to postpone the thorough execution of that order for more than two years. When eventually forced to "change their stripes," the depressing effect might have caused an ignorant civilian to look upon yellow cloth as military mourning."
Getting Everybody Together
As the far-flung companies came together with their regiments, the 3rd and 4th regiments would remain almost exclusively in the Western, or Trans-Mississippi, theater until the war's end. The 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th regiments would form, in the east, along with an occasional volunteer regiment, the "Reserve Brigade" under the 2nd's old commander, Phillip St. George Cooke (also father-in-law to J.E.B. Stuart).
For example, our own Company A reports the following in the muster roll for the period ending December 31, 1861: "The Company commanded by Capt. B[rockholst]. Livingston, 3d Cavalry, marched from Fort Kearny N.T. en route for Washington Nov 8t, 1861, in compliance with S[pecial] O[rder]. No. 176 dated H[ea]d. Q[uarte]rs. of the Army Washington D.C. Oct 26t, 1861, and arrived at Fort Leavenworth K. Nov 21s 1861, a distance of 296 miles. Left Ft. Leavenworth Nov 22d, 1861, under command of Capt. J. T. Ray 2d Infty. and arrived this City Nov 29t, 1861". The company Captain was absent with leave for sixty days from December 3rd, and the only other officer was 1st Lieutenant Chas. McKee Loesser was recently assigned to the company but on detached service.
The following men were listed as present for duty:
James Riley, 1st Sgt.
Joseph D. O'Brien, Sgt.
Thomas Maloney, Sgt.
Richard H. Chinn, Sgt.
Charles Prossig, Cpl.
David Lee, Cpl.
James Timmons, Cpl.
Michael Cullen, Bugler
William E. Stratten, Bugler
James Rhien, Farrier
27 Privates
Four privates were on extra or daily duty, two were sick, and six were in arrest or confinement and were not present. In November, three Privates deserted with all their equipment. Of the men listed above, by April 1865, only James Timmons remained with the Company, noted as 2nd Sergeant and starting his third enlistment.
1861: CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF BATTLES/ENGAGEMENTS IN WHICH 2ND CAVALRY TROOPS PARTICIPATED
DATE EVENT/LOCATION COMPANY
July 21 Bull Run, VA/Manassas K (2nd Dragoons)
Aut 10 Wilson’s Creek, MO, near Springfield C (2nd Cavalry)
1862 - Frustration
By early 1862, the regiment, with the exceptions of companies C, G, and I, had formed together in Washington.
The regiment's headquarters was known as "Cantonment Holt" and was, in reality, the Park Hotel in Washington City. A second lieutenant of the regiment wrote a lengthy piece for Rodenbough's book entitled "...Letters of a Subaltern". In it, he describes life in and around the city early in the war. From an officer's standpoint, life wasn't so bad as "...and in all respects we are as comfortable as at Carlisle". The regimental staff and officers of two companies were quartered in the hotel, with all the rest being housed in newly built frame buildings nearby.”
This unnamed writer, who was actually 1st Lt. T.F. Rodenbough himself, was given command of Company A due to the assigned captain, "L" (Brockholst Livingston), having been on sick call for 6 months. He indicates that duty for the first few months of 1862 involved patrolling the city (4 regular cavalry companies each day) with these duties:
- Supply sentinels for all the "principal crossings"
- An officer and six men patrol the streets every two hours
- Require all mounted officers and men to show their passes
Rodenbough further says "We are very hardly worked here, but we have good feed, good appetites, and a commandant who is an accomplished soldier and gentleman." I believe he refers to "Major [John W.] D"[avidson], then commanding the 2nd regiment in the field as Colonel Wood, while assigned, was off in the west with other duties. Davidson would later serve extensively in Missouri and Arkansas and achieve Brevet Maj. General (of volunteers) rank. He returned briefly to command the 2nd Cavalry in the fall of 1866, then assumed the Lt. Col. position with the new 10th Cavalry in December 1866 and served there through 1874.
Major Davidson instructed his younger officers in drill and expected them to excel. Brig Gen'l Cooke held brigade-level drills every two weeks, and on some occasions, Lt. Rodenbough commanded two companies instead of just his own. The drill occurred a mile from the capitol in very muddy conditions. Rodenbough says, "After marching and countermarching, wheeling in column and then in line, it closed with a magnificent charge in column of squadrons of the whole brigade (in which several men of the 5th and 6th cavalry were thrown by getting into holes, but never a man of ours, although several horses were down). Colonel Sacket, Inspector General of the army, was present and pronounced ours the best regiment on the ground; as he observed to General Cooke, 'The old Second still keeps up it's reputation.' We returned home at four o'clock p.m., tired and muddy, having been six hours in the saddle".
The Peninsula Campaign
Seven companies (A, B, D, E, F, H, K) from the Old Second camped near Washington D.C. were selected to form a part of McClellan’s army to invade Virginia from the Yorktown Peninsula. In March 1862, this army was transported south, and the siege of Yorktown began. Fortunately, The second Cavalry was unloaded soon after it arrived at Fort Monroe. The harbor was crowded with over 250 ships, and many transports had waited for some time with men and animals still on board. On April 4, the regiment was encamped at Hampton from Fort Monroe.
When McClellan’s army advanced on April 5, Company H, 2nd Cavalry, was selected as the escort for the General Headquarters. The company hurried along the road with the General for fifteen miles toward the front and went into camp. The following day, the remainder of the regiment joined, along with four companies of the First Cavalry, which made up the mounted force at General Headquarters. At this time, the Second formed a part of the cavalry reserve of about five regiments under its old commander, Brigadier General St G. Cooke. During the campaign, this force performed picket and reconnaissance duties. After the withdrawal of the Confederates up the Peninsula, they were engaged further on reconnaissance duty and had skirmishes almost daily on the advance to Chickahominy. The regiment was prevented from participating in some engagements during this period, as it usually was an escort for the General.
Companies H & K, under Capt George A. Gordon, were engaged with the enemy at New Bridge, Virginia, on May 24. The squadron was sent on reconnaissance to support the Fourth Michigan Volunteers. At this place, the nature of the marshy ground and the deep Chickahominy River prevented the squadron from actively participating in the engagement. The enemy artillery, which was posted on the opposite bank, fired two pieces at the squadron for nearly an hour, causing some casualties. The Fifth Louisiana regiment was driven away from the bridge where they had been acting as pickets.
In the passage of the Army of the Potomac over the Chickahominy, on June 27, the cavalry, with the Fifth Army Corps, was placed under the orders of General Porter, who was charged with covering the movement. The line of battle formed a semi-circle parallel to the river, and Cooke’s cavalry was placed on a plateau at the rear to the left of the line. As the day drew close, the Confederates made a desperate assault to cut the left of the line off from the bridge. The infantry gave way and uncovered the artillery, which was left exposed. General Cooke then ordered the artillery to remain there and brought up the cavalry to support it. Under cover of a charge, the artillery was safely withdrawn. After the fight at Gaines’ Mill, the 2nd Cavalry was the last to leave the north bank of the Chickahominy and took up the pontoon bridge under heavy fire from the Confederates.
The Second was now on the dangerous service of opening the route for the Union army from the Chickahominy to the James River, which it accomplished on June 29. After some skirmishing by the advance guard of the regiment, it reached Carter’s Landing and made contact with the gunboats that evening. During the remainder of the Seven Days battles at Savage Station and Malvern Hill, the regiment actively participated in the combats.
During July, Companies A, B, and D were broken up. The privates transferred to other companies, and the officers, noncommissioned officers, and buglers were sent on recruiting duty. Company A went to New York City, Company B to Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and Company D to Morristown, Pennsylvania. The regiment had not received a detachment of recruits for four years and was now reduced to nine officers and 240 enlisted men present for duty.
In McClellan’s retrograde movement from Harrison’s Landing on the James River, Companies E, F, H, K and a squadron of the Fourth Cavalry acted as his escort and had the post of honor at the rear of the whole army. They crossed the Chickahominy near its mouth on August 17 and took up the pontoon bridge. After witnessing the army embark for the north, the regiment sailed from Fort Monroe, Virginia, on August 25 for Alexandria, Virginia, and went into camp at Centerville.
Lee’s Invasion North (South Mountain & Antietam)
Confederate General Robert E. Lee, taking advantage of McClellan’s withdrawal from the Peninsula, had his army cross the Potomac, putting great pressure on President Lincoln and the residents of Washington, D.C. Instead of attacking Washington and the Union Army shielding that city, Lee pressed through Maryland.
Four companies of the 2nd Cavalry were part of the Army of the Potomac, which followed Lee into Maryland. On September 1, they left the camp at Centerville, Virginia, and marched north as the Provost Guard, becoming part of the maligned "McClellan's bodyguard."
Division Commander General Alfred Pleasanton, a former Second Dragoon, took his division to the field and, in early September, reconnoitered the fords of the Potomac. Although not in good condition for the campaign of Antietam, the cavalry cleared passage through the Catoctin Mountains for the right wing of the Federal army that had reached Frederick, Maryland, on September 13. On the 14th, elements of the Second took part in the fighting to drive the Confederates from their position at South Mountain. Pleasanton deployed a part of his cavalry dismounted but did not have an essential role in that day's battle. Lee withdrew to the south, followed by the Union army via Boonesborough. At this place, the Federal Cavalry caught up with the enemy's rear guard and drove it two miles beyond town.
On September 17, at the battle of Antietam, the cavalry moved to the Antietam Bridge, within a short distance of Lee’s center. Here, it came under heavy crossfire of artillery, which caused many casualties. Skirmishers were thrown forward, and with the help of Federal guns, the Confederate batteries were driven away. After the battle, the cavalry moved down to the fords of the Potomac and remained there in observations.
Fredericksburg
The cavalry took little part in the fighting at Fredericksburg from December 11 to 15, although four companies of the Second were involved. When Sumner’s grand division crossed the river on December 12, Pleasanton’s cavalry division was deployed to cover the upper bridges' approaches. When Franklin crossed below the city, he was preceded by Bayard’s cavalry division, which acted as a reconnaissance. Most of the time, cavalry was used on picket duty, forming a protective screen around the army.
During the battle of Fredericksburg in December, Sergeant Martin Hagan and a handful of troopers held off a Confederate cavalry brigade belonging to J.E.B. Stuart's corps, allowing the Union Army to withdraw across the river. Upon arriving at the river, they found the pontoon bridges already cut away, leaving them little choice but to swim their horses safely across the icy Rappahannock River. Sgt. Hagan accomplished this mission without losing a single man, horse, or major item of equipment, and for his gallant action, he was awarded the first Medal of Honor of the Second Dragoons.
Company C: Fort Henry & Fort Donelson
By the beginning of 1862, Company C had left Fort Leavenworth and transferred to Paducah, Kentucky. Company C was assigned to the command of Brigadier General Charles F. Smith of McClernand’s Division, along with one company of the Fourth Cavalry. At this place, it was engaged in scouting and escort duty until February 5th, when operations against Forts Henry and Donalson were begun under General Grant. During this time, the cavalry opposed the infamous Rebel Cavalier Bedford Forrest. Fort Henry was captured without much struggle, and the army moved to Donelson. While on reconnaissance duty near Fort Donelson, Company C had two skirmishes with the enemy, once on February 10th and the next on February 12th. Arriving at Fort Donelson, the army soon bottled up the Confederates, causing the surrender of the entire garrison except for the cavalry. Afterward, the company moved south with the rest of the army to Nashville, arriving on February 28.
Shiloh & Pocahontas Farm
On March 1, Company C marched south with Grant’s army 300 miles to Pittsburgh Landing (Shiloh). The regimental returns have the following to say about this company during the year:
“Engaged in the battle of Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh) April 6 and 7, 1862. Left there on the 14th under the command of General C.F.Smith and drove back the enemy’s pickets, returning to camp at Pittsburg Landing the same day. Left Pittsburg Landing on a reconnaissance April 27 and marched within five miles of Purddy, returning to camp at Pittsburg Landing April 30, 1862.”
“Left Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, May 4 and arrived Corinth, Mississippi, June 7, 1862. Remained at Corinth, Mississippi, until September 25 when we marched to Pocahontas Farm the same day and engaged and dispersed the Confederate Cavalry. The Company lost five men and eighteen horses in this engagement. It returned to Corinth, Mississippi, September 26, 1862.”
Leaving Corinth on November 5th, the company made its way to Memphis by January 15th, serving there as General Grant's escort until transferred to the regiment in the east.
Company G: Val Verde
Preceding the battle of Val Verde, the Federal force concentrated at Fort Craig, New Mexico, consisted of parts of the Fifth and Seventh Infantry, Company G/2nd Cavalry, one company of the 3rd Cavalry, and two regiments of New Mexican Volunteers under Kit Carson. Company G and the men from the 3rd Cavalry were converted to artillery. Captain Alexander McRae commanded this artillery crew in a six-gun battery.
On February 21, the Federal forces at Fort Craig marched out to meet a small Confederate invasion force from Texas commanded by General H.H. Sibley. In an ironic twist, General Sibley was the former Brevet Major in the 2nd Dragoons/ Company I (see below). He was also the chief designer of the popular “Sibley Tent” used by the federals throughout most of the war. Commanded by Brigadier General E. R. S. Canby, the small Federal force moved north along the east bank of the Rio Grande. At 6:00 AM, Captain McRae’s light battery received orders to move to the front, and going forward at a gallop, it crossed the river. It took a position opposite a Rebel battery about four hundred yards away. It remained during the morning when it dislodged the opposing battery, enabling the infantry to cross to the opposite bank. At noon, it crossed to the east banks and, for some time, fired occasional shots at the enemy cavalry. Later, the battery advanced to the front on the left of the battle line.
Soon after arrival, they were found within one hundred yards of two enemy batteries, masked behind a hill. These Texas batteries soon did significant damage to them and followed this cannonade with a charge of their infantry. The New Mexican volunteers fled, leaving a few Union troops to repulse the charge, which was done gallantly. The Texas troops soon charged again, led by General Sibley himself. There followed a severe hand-to-hand fight, resulting in many casualties on both sides. General Canby ordered a withdrawal to the east bank, and after a short time, the whole command fell back to Fort Craig. They barely got away at all, leaving 4 of 6 guns behind and losing nine men killed, eight wounded, and two missing from the Dragoons alone. Capt McRae was killed. Of the temporary artillerists Col. Joseph MacBell writes:
“Too much praise cannot be given to the companies of the Second and Third Cavalry, manning the battery, for the part they took in the fight. Failing in no duty, regardless of themselves, and having in view the honest performance of all that was to be done, they bore themselves as men of courage throughout the day, and the regiments to which they belong can claim with pride a participation in the battle of Val Verde..."
Company I
Located in Taos, NM, the company soon depleted its officers, with Brevet Major HH Sibley of Louisiana and Lt. John Pegram of Virginia "going south." Lt. C.J. Walker of Kentucky stayed on, and the company left Fort Union, arriving at Fort Garland, CO, on October 9. Staying there, the company left in late September 1862 with Company G for Fort Leavenworth. The squadron then went through St Louis to Washington on November 23, 1862.
1863 - The Big Year
In January 1863, the mounted arm of the Federal Army was organized into a corps commanded by General George Stoneman, who had been with Colonel Cooke during the “Mormon Expedition.” This corps was divided into divisions commanded by Generals Pleasanton, Averill, Gregg, and a reserve brigade commanded by General Buford. During the winter, the Federal Cavalry was employed in watching the fords of the Rappahannock and reconnoitering the enemy positions, with much skirmishing constantly going on. Company C arrived in Washington, DC, in April 1863. It remained here until it joined the regiment in June, just in time for the Union Cavalry's Big Year.
Stoneman’s Raid
Many historians point to Stoneman's Raid in 1863 as the resurgence of the Union Cavalry. Troopers of the Second Cavalry on the raid would no doubt agree. General George Stoneman led this successful raid deep into the rear of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. This action proved to be ill-timed and a major strategic error for
General Joseph Hooker. The absence of General Stoneman’s troops as a cavalry screen at Chancellorsville allowed Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson to fall upon the unsuspecting flank of the Union Army with disastrous results for them.
On April 29th, the Cavalry Corps crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly’s Ford. Each trooper carried three days' rations and forage with another three days' supply of pack mules. After Hooker and other detachments left behind recalled Averill’s division, the command consisted of an aggregate of 4,329 men and horses. General Buford’s brigade, which included the Second Cavalry, moved to the left soon after crossing Kelly’s Ford.
On April 30th, the command marched in three parallel lines patrolling for the enemy. When General Buford’s column crossed the Rapidan at Minot’s Ford, it put to a flight a considerable body of the enemy. The whole force encamped on the south side of the river at Raccoon Ford. On May 1, they moved out and put to flight another group of enemy cavalry at Orange Springs, capturing prisoners and provisions. They reached Louisa Court House on the morning of May 2nd, located on the Virginia Central Railroad. Here, they sent parties out for miles up and down the track to destroy it and burn bridges and culverts. They spent most of the day at this place foraging as they were now living off the country. After a few minor skirmishes, they reached Thompson’s Four Corners a little before midnight.
General Stoneman called his officers together and issued orders to divide the command into small groups to destroy property of military value. These units spread out in all directions and began systematically destroying railroads, telegraph wires, bridges, storehouses, and machine shops. One detachment under Colonel Kilpatrick, while destroying property near Richmond, pursued a Rebel force inside the fortifications of that place.
On May 3rd, General Buford’s command (with the Second Cavalry) was located at Shannon Hill and sent parties to destroy the canal and bridge near Cedar Point. The command was moving and fighting so much of the time there was little chance to rest. When they finally reached Kelly’s Ford on 8 May, men were straggling and wandering off from their units at an alarming rate. The amount of damage done behind the enemy lines was enormous, but the cavalry was lost to Hooker during the most crucial period of the battle of Chancellorsville.
Brandy Station
In May, General Alfred Pleasanton, who had been a young lieutenant with Captain May at Resaca de la Palma and a Major in charge of the Regiment at the Battle of Yorktown in 1862, relieved General Stoneman from command of the Cavalry Corps and Buford, Gregg, and Duffie took over as division commanders. The Cavalry Corps was charged with outpost duty from Falmouth to Warrenton Junction. General Hooker guessed Lee’s plans to invade the north and ordered General Pleasanton to make a reconnaissance to discover the intentions of any Confederate troops on the Fredericksburg-Culpeper road. Accompanied by two infantry brigades, the Corps moved out on June 9th with orders to cross Beverly and Kelly’s Ford and unite at Brandy Station.
The Second Cavalry was part of Buford’s Division's regular brigade. The regiment moved out at dawn and soon crossed the Rappahannock River. Since Stuart intended to move north on this same day to screen Lee’s movements, the Confederates were massed near Beverly Ford, where they came into contact with the Union troops. From now until five in the afternoon, the fighting was continuous.
Two Battalions of the Second, one under Rodenbough and one under Canfield, were soon detached and sent to the front. This latter officer, the commander of Company M, the newest in the regiment, soon fell to a bullet. Rodenbough’s battalion was hotly engaged in dismounted action until relieved by Leoser’s battalion. During this time, the entire regiment was subject to well-directed artillery fire. Finally, orders came to charge this same artillery, which was done with much zest, causing it to limber up and gallop away. Soon after a halt was ordered, the regiment was instructed to advance with the 6th Cavalry. Leoser’s battalion went forward as skirmishers, followed by the regiment, and was soon charged by an enemy force.
The men now mounted and moved forward at a gallop with sabers drawn. They rode pell-mell at the astonished enemy, who soon turned and fled. Catching up with the Rebels, our men dealt saber blows and fired pistols on every side. There was no halting to take prisoners. Friend and foe were missed together, dealing blows to right and left. The charge crossed the plateau to the valley beyond, where fresh enemy troops were moving toward the attack. The Second then rallied and formed for further action. Soon, it was engaged in a dismounted fight with the enemy in a nearby wood. The regiment was relieved from the front line at about five in the afternoon. Later, it returned to the north side of the Rappahannock when General Pleasanton withdrew his whole force.
In this battle, for the first time during the war, the Union cavalry dealt such blows to the Confederates that they no longer said the Yankees were not worthy opponents. The fight lasted all day, with 10,000 Federal Cavalry moving from three directions to attack the assembled 9,500 Confederate Cavalry. This was also the first time the Second had dared to take on J.E.B. Stuart’s forces head-to-head. The Second was in the front as the Confederates were initially surprised, then fought so tenaciously that it lost 68 killed and wounded, reducing its ranks to only 225 men. This action gave Stuart a “black eye” in the Southern press and may have influenced his actions over the next three weeks before the Battle of Gettysburg.
Events Leading to Gettysburg
Lee’s objective was to invade the north from the Shenandoah Valley, protecting his right by holding the mountain passes with Stuart’s cavalry and Longstreet’s infantry corps. By June 15th, Stuart held Thoroughfare and Aldie Gaps in the Bull Run Mountains. From June 14th-17th, Pleasanton’s cavalry corps was covering the movement of the Army of the Potomac northward. On June 17th, Pleasanton was sent to find out what Lee was doing. He planned to move on Aldie with Buford’s and Gregg’s cavalry division and Barne’s infantry division and send a regiment under Duffie to Middleburg. The Second Cavalry belonged to the Reserve Brigade in Buford’s Division. Company C joined the regiment during the march to Aldie, uniting the command for the first time during the war.
Reaching Aldie on June 18th, the regiment remained saddled all day, awaiting orders. During the night, it was annoyed by guerrillas firing from stone walls and other cover. Soon after starting toward Middleburg on the morning of the 19th, the leading battalion was attacked near Goose Creek and captured several prisoners. There was desperate fighting all day by Gregg’s division at Middleburg, during which the enemy’s right flank was turned, and he fell back one-half mile to a stronger position. The Second and some Rebels rushed for the same stone wall during the fighting near this town. The Second reached the wall ahead of the Rebels. Severe small-arms fighting ensued, and finally, the enemy was repulsed.
On June 21st, Stuart’s five brigades were extended from Middleburg to Union as a screen to Lee’s movements. On this date, Gregg’s division was placed in position against the enemy right, the infantry in the center, and Buford’s division on the enemy left. Gregg steadily drove the Confederates back to Upperville, where Buford’s division cooperated. At four in the afternoon, there was a charge of the whole regular brigade, consisting of the Second, Fifth, and Sixth Cavalry in a column of squadrons. Through liberal use of the saber, severe damage was inflicted upon the foe, which was soon driven out of the field. After repeated charges on both sides, the Confederates were driven to Ashby’s Gap, which was occupied that night by a portion of Longstreet’s corps. Pleasanton fell back to Aldie on June 22 and, in a few days, joined the Army of the Potomac.
In June, the Cavalry Corps succeeded in penetrating the enemy screen and preventing Lee from finding out what the Army of the Potomac was doing. The Federal Cavalry had proved its ability to cope with the Southern troopers, mounted and dismounted.
Gettysburg
Stuart started on June 24th with three brigades of cavalry moving around the Union Army to cut their communication lines and threaten the capitol. He soon captured a wagon train eight miles long and committed other depredations. Kilpatrick’s cavalry division, recently added to the Cavalry Corps, was sent to intercept. The First Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, led by former Second Dragoon, Major General John Buford, was ordered to cover the left of the main army and watch the enemy in the direction of Hagerstown. Gregg’s cavalry division was located on the Baltimore Pike, covering the right arm of the army. After several encounters with Kilpatrick’s division, Stuart finally eluded him and reached Gettysburg after the battle began.
On the afternoon of June 30th, Buford’s division reached Gettysburg, PA, as the enemy entered the town. Realizing the importance of this place on account of the road net and the commanding ground, he drove the enemy back toward Cashtown. Through the untiring efforts of the patrols, he learned that Hill’s corps of the Confederate Army was there. Then, he decided to hold the ground until Reynold’s Corps, encamped five miles south, could reach the place. To Buford must go the credit for selecting Gettysburg as a battlefield. On the morning of July 1st, the First Cavalry Division fought desperately against ever-increasing numbers of Confederates and finally moved the line of battle back about 200 yards. Upon the arrival of Reynold’s First Corps, they continued to fight dismounted during the day. That night, they bivouacked on the battlefield with pickets extending to Fairfield. On the morning of July 2nd, after a brisk fight with Confederate sharpshooters, the Third Corps relieved the cavalry corps and ordered to Westminster to guard the supply trains.
Buford’s regular brigade, commanded by General Wesley Merritt, a former Second Dragoon, was detached at this time and picketed toward the left front of the army. In doing this, it reached Emmittsburg on July 2. The following morning, it moved to the right of Gettysburg Road and formed part of the Union Left near Round Top Mountain. Soon after entering the line, the Second Cavalry was checked by heavy fire from the enemy stationed behind a stone wall. The artillery assisted in displacing the Rebels, but they took up a position to the rear, and it was necessary for our regiment to drive them out again and again. Advancing along the Gettysburg road, the brigade of dismounted skirmishers caused the Confederates under Law to detach part of his line to protect his flank and rear.
Actions Immediately Following Gettysburg
On the morning of July 4th, General Lee’s army was in full retreat, with the Union Cavalry in hot pursuit. On July 5th, the regular brigade under Merritt at Frederick joined the First Cavalry Division. From there, it moved to Hagerstown, where it bivouacked the night. Following the Confederate army, it marched to Williamsport, Maryland, and attacked their train that was crossing the Potomac. The Confederate defense stiffened after their pickets were driven in. Gamble’s Brigade of the division punished the enemy severely but could not destroy many of the trains because of the large force guarding them.
Merrit’s brigade, which included the Second Cavalry and the rest of the First Cavalry Division, now fell back on Boonsborough. The enemy was found advancing south on Hagerstown road, and the regular brigade delayed Merrit in the vicinity of Boonsborough for several days. He was driven back toward Hagerstown on the 7th and 8th. On the 9th, they drove Merrit for about five miles until within three miles of Funkstown. On the 10th, the division was formed as a line of skirmishers with the Reserve Brigade on the right, and they soon drove the enemy into Funkstown. Because of the shortage of ammunition on this day, the division was finally forced to give up the position gained, and the infantry later occupied it.
On July 14, the division was ordered to advance, and it was found that the enemy had evacuated their positions. They soon came in contact with the rear of Lee’s army near Falling Waters, Maryland, and Buford decided to move to a flank and take possession of the road bridge. They soon scattered the Rebels and captured much equipment and about 500 prisoners, but the bridge was cut loose and swung to the Virginia shore.
Culpeper and Rappahannock Station
Moving into Virginia, the division reached Rectortown on July 20th. Here, Merrit’s brigade was detached to hold Manassas Gap. On reaching the gap, he detached the First Cavalry toward Front Royal, and the rest of the brigade occupied a defensive position. The Second Cavalry was later sent forward to reinforce the First and discover the foe's identity. After discovering that one of the Confederate Corps was near the Gap, Merrit attacked vigorously to deceive the enemy into thinking a strong force occupied the place. Merrit’s men captured five officers and 21 enlisted men in this attack. On July 22nd, he continued to skirmish with the enemy, but the Confederates did not attempt to capture the position. The brigade was relieved by French’s division of the 3rd Corps and marched to Orleans, where it joined the rest of the First Cavalry division. By July 27th, the regiment was at Warrenton, Virginia; by the month's end, it was back on the Rappahannock River.
On August 1st, the First Cavalry Division was ordered to make a reconnaissance toward Culpeper Courthouse to determine the enemy's strength in that vicinity. So sudden and vigorous was the assault upon Stuart’s cavalry that he barely escaped being captured with his headquarters. The reconnaissance was pushed forward to Brandy Station, where a severe engagement occurred. The Second Cavalry played a prominent role in the charges and countercharges. Having accomplished the sought-after end, Buford fell back when attacked by Stuart’s supporting infantry. In this series of fights, the Second Cavalry lost seven killed, 28 wounded, and five missing.
On August 5th, Merrit’s brigade was again involved in a fight at Rappahannock Station, with Confederates as the aggressors. The latter were on a spirited reconnaissance and attacked the Union troops in their camp but were soon repulsed and driven for three miles toward the river.
At the beginning of October, the regiment turned over its horses to other units and marched to Camp Buford, Maryland, for remounts and a few recruits. After a brief but badly needed rest, the Second was ordered to the front, where it joined the Army of the Potomac at Centerville on 14 October. Mead planned to force a passage of the Rappahannock and attack the Confederates south of there. During the operations, the First Cavalry Division operated on the right of the Army. Buford forced a passage of the Hazel River at Rixeyville and thus cooperated with Sedwick, who commanded the 5th and 6th Army Corps. The regular brigade of this division under Merrit led the army's advance. It frequently engaged the cavalry and rear guard of the Rebels, especially at Culpeper and Muddy Run on November 8th.
Mine Run Campaign
The continuous movement and fighting finally caught up with General Buford in late November. Illness and old wounds forced him to the hospital for treatment, where he soon died. General Merrit, who was still officially the captain of Company C, Second Cavalry, succeeded General Buford in command of the First Division. This division guarded the trains in the Mine Run campaign from November 26th to December 2nd. The Reserve Brigade, of which the Second Cavalry formed a part, moved out from camp and marched to Stevensburg, where a line of vedettes was established around the town. The next day, it proceeded to Ely’s and Culpeper Fords on the Rapidan, where it protected the trains at these points. It was also tasked with guarding the fords from Germanna to the mouth of the Rapidan and Richard’s Ford. Until the Brigade returned to Culpeper, Virginia, on December 2nd, it fought guerillas and prevented attacks on the wagon train.
As 1863 drew to a close, the Second Cavalry Regiment quartered a few miles south of Culpeper Court House, where it built log huts for the men and officers.
1864 - The Bloody Year
On 12 March 1864, General Grant was placed in command of the Armies of the United States. He left General Meade in command of the Army of the Potomac. As a result of differences between General Mead and General Pleasanton, the latter was relieved from command of the Cavalry Corps. He was replaced by General Philip H. Sheridan, who Grant had brought from the West. The First Cavalry Division was now commanded by General Torbert, who soon became ill and was replaced by General Merritt, again from the Reserve Brigade of which the Second Cavalry was a part.
Sheridan noticed that the cavalry horses were in very poor condition due to constant picket duty over a sixty-mile line. He recommended to Meade that his Corps be relieved from this duty and instead concentrated together to destroy the enemy cavalry. Meade was unsure how the front and flanks of the Army could be protected under these conditions, but he nonetheless relieved most of the Cavalry from picket duty.
Wilderness Campaign
On 4 May, the Army of the Potomac moved against Lee’s left flank to force him to abandon his trenches along Mine Run. Sheridan’s 10,000-strong cavalry force was divided so that Gregg’s and Wilson’s divisions preceded the Second and Fifth Corps, while Torbert’s division remained in the rear. The Second Cavalry once again was responsible for protecting the logistics trains.
The Regiment crossed Ely’s Ford with the Army and moved toward Gordonsville, guarding the trains as the Army moved south. On 7 May, the Army advanced toward Spottsylvania Court House. The trains moved to Piney Branch Church, which was found to be occupied by the enemy. The reserve brigade was placed on Spottsylvania Road, supported on its left by Gregg’s division. After some severe fighting, particularly to the front of Merrit’s First Cavalry, the Confederates gave way and were pursued nearly to the Spottyslvania Court House.
On 8 May, the Regiment encountered a large Confederate force. Severe fighting followed. The men exhausted their ammunition and were not able to renew their supply. From this time until they were relieved by the Fifth Corps on the morning of 9 May, they amused themselves by firing at the Rebels with their pistols.
Sheridan's Raid on the James River (Including Yellow Tavern)
After a great protest to General Mead about how he was using his cavalry, Sheridan was permitted to break loose from the Army to defeat Stuart. After assembling at Aldrich’s, Sheridan started with the Cavalry Corps’ May 9 raid around Richmond. With 10,000 cavalrymen in a column thirteen miles long, he maneuvered around Lee’s Army undiscovered. Later that day, he was overtaken by Stuart’s Cavalry, which attacked Davie’s brigade, which was guarding the rear. Refusing to stop the main body for this combat, Sheridan moved on. Encamped along the North Anna, the Second Cavalry, as part of Merritt’s Division, was on the south side of the river, and the other two divisions were camped on the north. Soon after Sheridan’s force halted, Custer’s brigade was detached to the railroad a short distance ahead. They proceeded to tear up the railroad line for several miles, destroyed an enormous amount of property, and released 375 Union prisoners.
At daybreak on the 10th, the enemy began shelling the camps. While the Second and Third Divisions crossed the river, Merritt’s Division protected the crossing and became the day's rear guard. When the Confederates attacked the rear guard again, they used the same tactics. The Second Cavalry, as part of Merritt’s rear guard, took part in a spirited affair at Beaver Dam Station. Since the Second’s Commander knew that Sheridan intended to push on, he soon broke off the fight and continued with the main column. Later, Stuart detached Fitzhugh Lee’s division from the Confederate Cavalry and by a forced march, reached a point in front of the Union Cavalry on the road to Richmond. Sheridan continued his march to South Anna, where he went into camp at Ground Squirrel Bridge. That evening, he sent DAVIES’ brigade to destroy several miles of railroads near Ashland Station.
Yellow Tavern
A Confederate artillery bombardment inaugurated the morning of the 11th. Sheridan continued pushing south until he arrived at Glen Allen station on the Fredericksburg railroad, where he destroyed several miles of track. At this time, word came that the Confederate Cavalry was concentrated at Yellow Tavern between Sheridan’s force and Richmond. The Second Cavalry, as part of the Reserve Brigade under Colonel Gibbs, met the enemy first near the intersection of Telegraph Road and Brook Turnpike, six miles from Richmond. They dismounted, sent their horses to the rear, and attacked most gallantly. The Second Brigade of this division was soon placed on the right, and in the ensuing attack, Merritt gained possession of Brook Road, which led to Richmond.
The Confederates dismounted and, holding a line behind temporary breastworks on partly wooded hills, threatened Sheridan’s flank as he advanced. The Confederate attack was one of desperation; within the 5th Virginia, only three officers were not killed or wounded. The First Brigade of Custer’s division took position on the bluff, which they did most gallantly. Custer then mounted an unsuccessful charge against the enemy artillery. It was during this charge that Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart, while rallying his men, received his mortal wound.
In the meantime, Greg’s division had been engaged with Gordon’s brigade all day when Gregg’s troopers were destroying the railroad toward Ground Squirrel Bridge. As Gregg withdrew toward Yellow Tavern, his force was soon united with Sheridan, which left Gordon fighting the rear of the Union force. The Federals finally, in a spirited charge, defeated Gordon’s brigade, driving it to the rear, and during this last attack, the Confederate commander was killed. Gibb’s (which included the Second) and Devin’s now forced the enemy’s right and center, and the battle was won. The road was now open to Richmond.
After making arrangements concerning the prisoners and wounded, Sheridan moved through the outer defenses of Richmond about midnight. Instead of attacking the city, he turned to the left and took the Mechanicsville road, intending to support Butler, who was supposed to be coming up the James River from the south end of the peninsula. At daylight of the 12th, the Confederates attacked from the inner works of the city only a short distance away, making it impossible for the Federals to follow the Chickahominy River on the south side. At this juncture, Sheridan crossed the river to the north side of the Meadow Bridge. He sent Merritt’s division to the rear to repair the bridge but found that Fitzhugh Lee’s division was already on the north side of the river to dispute the crossing. While Merritt’s men were busy working in repair work in the face of great difficulties, the Confederates came from Richmond and attacked the other two divisions. Sheridan was undoubtedly in a precarious position at this time. Still, the First Division soon forced a crossing below and drove back the Confederates far enough to permit the men to work on the bridge. It was quickly repaired, and they began to cross, driving the Rebels before them. It was a well-laid plan to destroy the Union forces between the bridge and the defenses of Richmond, but it failed because of Sheridan's good judgment and the men's calm conduct.
The command moved to Mechanicsville, unmolested by the enemy. After leaving this place, the Reserve Brigade was vigorously attacked by the Confederate cavalry, but the attack was repulsed, and the whole force camped for the night at Gain’s Mill. In the fighting since the 11th, the corps lost four officers killed and 167 men killed, wounded, or missing. On the 14th, the command reached General Butler’s headquarters on the James River opposite Bermuda Hundred and went into camp.
Operations along the Pomunkey & Mattapony Rivers
On the evening of May 17, Sheridan broke camp, and after an all-night march, he reached Jone’s Bridge on the route back to Grant’s army. He rested here for two hours and pushed on during the 18th to Baltimore Cross Roads, where he camped. Gregg and Wilson were sent to Cold Harbor with the Second and Third Divisions to demonstrate toward Richmond. Custer’s brigade was sent to Hanover Court House to destroy the railroad. Merritt’s division was sent to work repairing the bridge over the Pamunkey at White House. With only local materials available, the First Division worked on the bridge for nearly 24 hours. This division crossed the Pamunkey on the evening of the 22nd, and the other two divisions, having returned, crossed the following day. Marching up the Mattapony River until the 24th, Sheridan received word that the main army was at Chesterfield Station. The next day, he made contact and went into camp at Polecat Creek.
This raid demonstrated the cavalry's self-reliance in the enemy’s country. A large mounted force operated in the rear of Lee’s army, greatly hampering its efficient functioning and destroying railroads and millions of dollars worth of property. In addition, the Confederate Cavalry was eliminated to a large extent as an important factor in the war. The casualties were comparatively small, 625 altogether.
Torbert took command of the First Cavalry Division again on May 26th. His and Gregg’s divisions now covered the crossing of the Army of the Potomac over the Pumunkey River. They crossed at Honovertown Ford and pushed rapidly ahead on May 27. The First Division, under Torbert, soon came in contact with Gordon’s Brigade of Confederate Cavalry and drove it toward Hanover Court House. Behind the screen of these two divisions, the Army of the Potomac crossed the river unimpeded on May 26th. The cavalry corps was confronted at Hawe’s Shop by Hampton’s and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry divisions and Butler’s cavalry Brigade. The fight continued all day, but toward evening, Custer’s Brigade made a breach in the Confederate works, and the whole Union line then surged forward and carried the position. The fighting was desperate at this time, with the Reserve Brigade alone losing over 300 officers and men in the engagement.
Cold Harbor
On May 30, Sheridan moved to Old Church, where he was attacked severely that afternoon at Maradequin Creek. The enemy was driven within one mile of Cold Harbor, where the cavalry corps went into camp that night in line of battle. With reference to the fighting on this day, General Torbert says that at one point in the dismounted fight, the Second Cavalry drove the enemy before them with their pistols after their carbine ammunition had given out.
In the fighting on May 31, General Merritt’s brigade, which included the Second Cavalry, drove the enemy before them for one and one-half miles until the Rebels took refuge behind Breastworks. Custer’s and Devon’s brigades of this division then connected on the left, and the Reserve Brigade moved around the enemy's left, causing him to abandon his breastworks. After driving the Confederates three-quarters of a mile beyond Cold Harbor, Torbert’s division took up a position along the Bottom’s Bridge and Bethesda Church roads. The enemy infantry was beginning to realize this location's importance and prepared to attack the next day in force. Because the First Division was three miles from Gregg’s division and about nine miles from the main army, Sheridan issued orders for Torbert to withdraw to the position of the night before. This was almost accomplished when word was received from Meade to hold Cold Harbor at all hazards. The command was counter-marched and reoccupied the old breastworks before daylight. At about 0600, June 1, the Confederate infantry made a desperate assault on the reserve brigade but were handsomely repulsed by Merritt’s men. After a second unsuccessful assault, the enemy made no further attempt until the cavalry was relieved by the Sixth Corps at 1000. Sheridan’s force then marched to Prospect Church and went into camp.
After the unsuccessful attempt upon the Confederate works at Cold Harbor, Grant decided to move again by the left flank. To draw off the enemy Cavalry during this delicate maneuver, Sheridan received instructions on June 6 to proceed with the First and Second Cavalry Divisions and break up the Virginia Central Railroad in the direction of Charlottesville.
Trevilian Station
Starting June 7, the command crossed the Pamunkey River at New Castle, marched to Pole Cat Station on the Mattapony River, thence through Young’s Mill, and crossed the North Anna River at Carpenters Ford, camping a few miles from Trevilian Station on the 10th. Just before going into camp, a small detachment from the enemy attacked the head of the column. This was the corps' first contact with the Confederates since leaving the main army.
Merritt’s brigade led the march toward Trevilian Station on June 11 and almost immediately came in contact with the enemy. Custer’s Brigade of the same division took a wood road and was soon behind the Confederate divisions of Fitzhugh Lee and Hampton and in possession of Trevilian Station. Sheridan now pushed the attack with the Reserve Brigade, the Second Brigade, and one Brigade of the Second Division. In this attack, Captain Rodenbough, commanding the Second Cavalry, was severely wounded. He was later decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor for handling the regiment with valor and skill. They drove Hampton’s Confederate cavalry back up to Custer, who captured many men and scattered the remainder. In the meantime, Gregg’s division was busily engaged with Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry. In this battle phase, the Confederates were driven toward Louisa Court House. Two Rebel divisions were thus driven apart but rejoined each other that night at Gordonsville. In this fighting, the Reserve Brigade captured 150 officers and men, and their losses were 85 killed, wounded, or captured.
On June 12, both divisions destroyed about five miles of the railroad near Trevilian Station. General Torbert was ordered with his division and one brigade of the Second Division to take a reconnaissance that afternoon toward Gordonsville. The enemy was found firmly entrenched about two and one-half miles to the west at Mallory’s Cross Roads. Custer’s brigade was placed on the road, and the Reserve Brigade, under Merritt, was put to the right. After a general advance to the line, the Confederates were driven back to a position behind the railroad embankment. Soon, the enemy was reinforced with infantry from Gordonsville, and Torbert could not drive him from this position. At night, the troops rejoined the main command at Trevilian Station.
Sheridan intended to join Hunter to the west if circumstances permitted, but he found that the commander was marching away from rather than toward him. He broke camp at midnight and started on his way back to join Grant. From White House, the command escorted the trains of the Army of the Potomac to the James River, where they arrived June 25, having marched 350 miles since leaving the main army. Several fights with the enemy took place during the return march, but the Second Cavalry was not engaged.
Petersburg
The Cavalry was ferried over the James River at the end of June and joined Grant’s army south of Petersburg. Sheridan received orders to move at once with the First and Second Cavalry Divisions to the relief of Wilson, who, with the Third Cavalry, was on a raid to destroy the South Side and Danville railroads south of Petersburg. Wilson had been routed at Ream’s Station, but his command returned to the Federal Lines before Sheridan reached him.
General Grant decided to send the Second Corps, under Hancock, the First and Second Cavalry Divisions, and Kautz’s cavalry division from the Army of the James to the north side of the James River to make a demonstration toward Richmond. The object of this expedition was to draw Lee’s army across the river as much as possible during the time the mine was to be exploded at Petersburg. Soon after crossing the river, July 26, the cavalry moved to the right of the Second Corps at Deep Bottom. The Second Cavalry soon found the enemy guards in front of Ruffin’s house on the New Market road. The First Cavalry Division occupied the high ground in front of the house, and the Second Division was placed on its right. Soon after that, the enemy attacked and pushed the Union line back beyond the crest of the hill. Sheridan then made a spirited counterattack and regained the original position. On the 28th, the Second Corps was moved back near the bridge to be in a position to cross the river when the mine was ready to explode at Petersburg. After dark on the 29th, the Second Corps was hastily withdrawn to the south side of the river. This left Sheridan’s command in such a position that he might have been annihilated if the enemy had attacked. However, he crossed his corps early on the 30th without molestation and placed it on the left of the army at Petersburg. The mission was successful since Lee moved large bodies of troops to the north side of the James River to meet the attack of this force. The failure of the mine explosion precluded any use of the cavalry for the purpose intended at this time. The casualties in the three divisions of the cavalry corps under Sheridan from May 4 to July 30 were 4,883, of whom 520 were killed, 2,384 were wounded, and 1,977 were missing.
Berryville and Newton
General Sheridan was relieved from command of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac on August 1 and placed in command of the Army of the Shenandoah. Grant did this as a result of the panic created by Early’s two invasions of the north, during one of which the cavalry under McCausland burned the town of Chambersburg, PA. It was decided not only to crush Early’s command but to lay waste the fertile valley of the Shenandoah so that the Confederates could not use it as a base of supplies.
General Torbert was put in command of all the cavalry in Sheridan’s army. The cavalry in this sector now consisted of the First Division, under General Merritt, the Third Division under Wilson, and the First and Second West Virginia Division. Merritt’s and Wilson’s divisions were brought from the Army of the Potomac, where they formed a part of Sheridan’s cavalry corps. The Second Cavalry was part of the Reserve Brigade of the First Division, which had served since the cavalry corps was formed in 1863.
Sheridan started his movement up the Shenandoah Valley on August 10th, preceded by the cavalry. The First Cavalry Division was ordered to travel on the direct road through Berryville and take up a position at White Post. Arriving at Berryville, the Reserve and Second Brigades were ordered to make a reconnaissance to the west toward Winchester as far as Opequan Creek. When the main column turned right toward Winchester, the regiment ahead failed to leave a guide at the crossroads. Captain Gordon continued with the regiment on the direct road when the Second came along. Thinking the rest of the command was a short distance ahead, he provided no advance guard in front. Suddenly, the regiment was fired upon from a point directly down the road. A quick estimate of the situation told Captaon Gordon what had happened, and he put the outfit into a defensive position. Realizing he must follow the rest of the Reserve Brigade, he soon withdrew and found his place in the column after a short countermarch as soon as the regiment reached the main body, firing commenced in the front. This was a severe skirmish in which a brigade of the enemy cavalry was driven back upon Winchester. The command went into camp on the battlefield.
The reconnaissance was continued on August 11 toward Winchester as far as Opequan Creek, the First Brigade, under Custer, going farther. The infantry soon relieved the cavalry, as Sheridan hoped to bring General Early to battle. Merritt now swung to the left and marched toward Front Royal in three columns: the First Brigade on the right, the Reserve Brigade in the center, and the Second Brigade on the left. Near White Post, the Second Brigade, under Devin, met the enemy on a ridge behind breastworks. After a stubborn fight in which the whole command participated, General Merritt’s division drove the Confederates across the pike and toward Newton. The march continued toward the latter place on the main macadamized Valley Road, a few miles west. The enemy infantry was soon encountered, but Merritt could not drive them away despite severe engagement. From Prisoners, it was learned that the Union Cavalry was engaged with the rear of Early’s army, which was retreating up the valley. At this time, word was received of the destruction of the regimental trains by Moseby’s guerrillas near Berryville while under the escort of recruits. This occasioned much embarrassment to regimental officers for many years after the war. As company papers and various returns had not been made out for some time and all but three officers were absent from duty with the regiment, it was difficult to comply with the regulations about property and accounts.
On August 12, Merritt resumed the March up the valley and came upon the enemy rear guard at Middletown as it crossed Cedar Creek. The infantry soon relieved the Cavalry and took no further part in the skirmish. The next day, the Reserve Brigade went on a reconnaissance up the valley to Strasburg, where the enemy was found on Fisher’s Hill. When Sheridan heard of reinforcements reaching Early, he decided to retreat up the valley to Winchester. During the movement, the First Cavalry Division acted as rear guard. On August 16, the Confederates attacked this force severely at Cedarville with two Brigades of cavalry and one infantry division. In this engagement, the First and Second Brigades held the enemy at bay with their repeating Carbines until dark when they withdrew, while the Reserve Brigade was kept in reserve.
In compliance with orders from General Sheridan, the First Cavalry Division began the devastation of the Shenandoah Valley on August 17, Between Cedar Creek and Berryville. All livestock was seized and grain and hay destroyed, but houses were spared. General Merritt kept a list of property destroyed at this time and later in the fall, and it was estimated to be $3,304,672 in value. To offset further those activities of Moseby’s guerillas, the Second Cavalry was ordered on the 19th to seize all male civilians of age in the vicinity of Berryville. On the 21st, the enemy drove in the pickets of the Third Cavalry Division. In this same attack, the First Cavalry Division was attacked while slowly falling back to Charlestown, West Virginia.
Operations in West Virginia
Merritt’s force moved to Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where it remained until August 25. It made a reconnaissance trip toward Kearneysville with the Third Cavalry Division on this date. The enemy’s infantry was met here, driving the Union cavalry back to Shepherdstown. At this place, Custer’s brigade became heavily involved with the enemy and was forced to retire across the Potomac. After this action, the rest of the division took up a position on the right of the main army.
The First Division moved out again on the 28th in the directions of Leetown to reconnoiter the enemy. This movement was made in connection with all the cavalry, which marched in parallel columns under General Torbert. Upon approaching Leetown, the Second Cavalry was detached under Lieutenant Harrison to go to Smithfield. Hardly had it started when it encountered a superior force of enemy cavalry. General Merritt soon reinforced the regiment, and then the combined forces charged the Confederates, driving them beyond Leetown. The division now continued the march but, in a few minutes, again encountered the enemy cavalry. The First and Second Cavalry drew sabers and charged at once. There was much hand-to-hand fighting in the combat that followed, but soon, the Union troops had the enemy on the run and drove them across the Opequan River at Smithfield. That night, the cavalry camped on the heights overlooking this town.
The Confederates threw a strong infantry force across the river on the morning of August 29 and speedily drove the Union pickets. The First Cavalry Division was quickly driven back for a mile before forming a stable line. In the Reserve Brigade, the Second Cavalry covered the retreat. The enemy soon penetrated between the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry and the main skirmish line. To prevent the entire regiment from being captured, the Second Cavalry made three desperate charges to intervene between it and the enemy. This was finally accomplished, and the Sixth Pennsylvania withdrew behind the screen formed by the Second. This last regiment was now in the rear of the rest of the division and was ordered to withdraw through Custer’s brigade, which had thrown up hasty barricades. Late in the afternoon, the Third Division of the Sixth Corps came to support the cavalry, and the latter then began an advance back to the Opequan, which it reached that evening, crossing the river and establishing pickets on the opposite bank.
Winchester
After doing picket duty until September 18, the cavalry moved out early on the 18th as part of the advance of the whole army toward Winchester. The First Cavalry Division was ordered to cross the Opequan at Seiver’s and Locke’s Fords in this movement. Stiff opposition was met immediately, but the enemy pickets were driven along the riverbank. The Reserve Brigade, now commanded by Colonel Lowell, crossed at Seiver’s Ford. The Second Cavalry, led by Rodenbough, who had just returned from the hospital, charged across the creek in the face of an intense enemy fire coming from behind a railroad cut. Here, the regiment took several prisoners with very little loss in its own ranks. At the same time, Custer forced a crossing with his brigade at Locke’s Ford. The attack was now pushed vigorously against the Confederates under Breckinridge to prevent him from joining with Early at Winchester. There was a general advance of the whole division at about 1:30 PM to keep the Rebels engaged in this quarter, but it was found their infantry had withdrawn and had been replaced by cavalry. A charge of the Second Brigade disposed of this force, and the division advanced toward Winchester again.
A little nearer the town, the enemy cavalry was again met and, this time, driven through their infantry, which was not again seriously used in this sector. Coming now upon the enemy infantry, the Second Brigade charged with sabers, throwing them into confusion and capturing 300 prisoners. The Reserve Brigade formed on the left of the Second Brigade and rode in formation within 500 years of the Confederate battle line. Although reduced to about 600 men, the order was given to capture a nearby battery. Led by its new commander, Colonel Lowell, the brigade moved forward and soon came under a withering fire. It passed the guns and came to grips with the enemy in a general melee, driving him from the field. In his first fight after rejoining the regiment, Captain Rodenbough here lost an arm. When the Captain’s horse was shot from under him, First Sergeant Conrad Schmidt, Company K, went to his rescue, mounted the officer behind him, and brought him back to the Federal lines. The sergeant was decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor for this brave action. The First Brigade next made a gallant charge led by Custer. The enemy soon gave way in every direction. In all, six charges were made by the division, and in the last, all three brigades rode side by side. The enemy abandoned Winchester and hastily retreated up the valley.
Fisher Hill
The Second Cavalry was detached from the Reserve Brigade on September 20 and reported to General Sheridan as an escort. In this capacity, it moved up the valley to Fisher’s Hill, where the Confederates were found entrenched. At the request of Colonel Lowell, the regiment was again assigned duty with the brigade the next day and thus marched with the division to the Luray Valley, encamping that night at Front Royal, ten miles east of Fisher’s Hill. On the 22nd, the First and Third Divisions marched up the valley to Milford, where the enemy was found to be posted in a strong position. Unable to dislodge the Confederates at this place, the two divisions returned to Front Royal on the 23rd. Early on this day, an ambulance train escorted by the Second Cavalry was attacked by Moseby’s guerillas near Front Royal. After a brief struggle, the irregulars were scattered, and thirteen prisoners were taken. Lieutenant McMaster pursued the guerillas beyond the supporting distance of the regiment and was captured and killed. Word was received that same day that Sheridan had driven Early south from Fisher’s Hill. The cavalry immediately resumed its march up the valley and camped that night near Milford. Early on the morning of the 24th, the march south was resumed until reaching Luray. At this place, Wickham’s cavalry was met and routed by the First and Reserve Brigades, and 100 prisoners and one battle flag were captured. The pursuit was continued by the cavalry across the Shenandoah River. Turning to the west, the two divisions crossed the Massanutten Mountains and joined the main army at New Market.
Sheridan's Expedition up the Shenandoah Valley
On September 26, the Reserve Brigade joined the Third Cavalry Division under Wilson. It marched to Staunton to capture all mature males and movable property and destroy other supplies. The command camped there that night and, on the next day, destroyed several miles of the railroad and then marched to Waynesboro for the same destructive purposes. On the 28th, they remained at this place doing picket duty until late afternoon. At about 5:00 PM, the Confederates made a sudden attack upon the First and Second Cavalry, who were on duty as out-guards. The surprise was so great the pickets fled in dismay back upon the main body. The fighting was soon going on in the streets of Waynesboro and continued until after dark. Being the most exposed to the enemy, the First and Second Cavalry were attacked from two sides and almost surrounded. They gave way in confusion, and soon, the entire command retreated hastily in the dark back to Staunton and Harrisonburg, a distance of about thirty miles, where it rejoined the main army.
Upon Sheridan’s recommendation, Grant ordered him to withdraw down the valley. During this march, the cavalry was spread out across the fertile country to destroy anything useful to the enemy. The retrograde movement began October 6, and by the 8th, the First Cavalry Division reached Tom’s Creek as a part of the cavalry covering the withdrawal. On this same date, General Merritt sent the Second and Reserve Brigades to support the Third Cavalry Division, which was seriously engaged nearby. When these two brigades reached the field of action, they immediately fought the enemy and drove him across Tom’s Creek. On the morning of the 9th, the First Cavalry Division marched to a position on the Back Road, where the two brigades had fought the enemy the day before. The Third Division under Wilson was already engaged at this place. The First Brigade of Merritt’s Division was ordered to attack the flank and rear of the enemy, while the Reserve Brigade crossed Tom’s Creek and gained the rear of the Confederates. The Second Brigade took position to the front between the main pike and the Back road. The Rebels were pushed back everywhere except in front of the Reserve Brigade, where they showed unusual resistance. Reinforcements were sent to this part of the line, and soon, the enemy was retreating by two roads. The division mounted and started a hot pursuit that lasted for twenty miles. The enemy artillery resisted at Woodstock but was ridden down by the Reserve Brigade, and two guns were captured. Wherever the Rebels stopped momentarily, the Federals were upon them, scattering their ranks in all directions. The pursuit was not given up until the advanced elements reached Mount Jackson. The Reserve Brigade captured fifty prisoners, four pieces of artillery, and other supplies and lost only seven men wounded.
Cedar Creek
In September 1864, the 2nd US Cavalry had just 176 enlisted and three officers present for duty. 13 Officers and 96 enlisted were on detached duty, with 153 absent sick. Company A had just 24 enlisted present and no officers. In October, at the time of Cedar Creek, the regiment reported two officers and 185 men present, with 14 officers and 79 men detached and 141 absent sick. Company A still had just 24 enlisted and no officers present for duty.
The regimental numbers had steadily declined since the early spring of that year through the hard, long campaigning in Grant's southward push. The number of sick people had more than doubled during this period, while the number of those who were detached went down slightly. Casualties for the period through September totaled 85 wounded, 26 killed, and 15 missing. Trevillian's Station (June 11-12) alone had accounted for 36 wounded, eight killed, and three missing.
Captain R.S. Smith had commanded the regiment since Captain T.F. Rodenbough's wounding at Trevillian's Station. On the evening of October 16th, the regiment camped along Cedar Creek. Ordered to stand ready to move at 03:00 on the morning of the 19th, the regiment was treated to the rapidly growing sound of battle in their front as Joe Early's attack began. The whole First Division moved to support the Union's right flank, and the battle mainly developed on the left. Eventually, Confederate forces pressed the cavalrymen, who dismounted and held their skirmish line for two hours. As the Union forces fell back on the left, the Reserve Brigade troopers were ordered to fall back and support the Union left before Middletown. Dismounted again, the regiment held this line through numerous attacks from 09:00 until 16:00. Lieutenant Wells was wounded very early, leaving Captain Davis the only officer present with the Second regiment.
As General Wright had reformed his forces and General Sheridan arrived on the scene, the Union counter-advance began. Sheridan's cavalry rushed forward with the entire army, jarring and jolting the Confederates from line after successive line. Colonel Lowell of the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry, commanding the Reserve Brigade, fell mortally wounded in the charge. The Second's only officer, Captain Davis, wounded in the advance, lay on the battlefield all night. Four enlisted men suffered wounds.
With the further reduction of the already small regiment, command devolved upon Captain Baker, commanding the 1st US, and the joined units pursued the retreating enemy as far as Woodstock. Returning to Cedar Creek the following morning, the 2nd US Cavalry Regiment was nearly finished with war in the south.
After Cedar Creek in October 1864, the Second US Cavalry was a much-reduced regiment, with less than 300 present for duty, including no officers. Other than a brief, ineffective forward and then rearward movement by Joe Early's confederates on November 11, little of consequence happened in the valley.
Loudon Valley
General Sheridan's report states, "During this campaign, I was at times annoyed by guerilla bands, the most formidable of which was under a partisan chief named Mosby who made his headquarters east of the Blue Ridge, in the section of country about Upperville. I had constantly refused to operate against these bands, believing them to be, substantially, a benefit to me, as they prevented straggling and kept my trains well closed up."
Be that as it may, Sheridan decided to act now that more pressing matters were put aside. He further reported, "In retaliation for the assistance and sympathy given them, however, by the inhabitants of Loudoun Valley, General Merritt, with two brigades of cavalry, was directed to proceed on the 28th of November, 1864, to that valley, under the following instructions:..." Sheridan's order to Merritt said in part, "you will consume and destroy all forage and subsistence, burn all barns and mills and their contents, and drive off all stock...", and "This order must be literally executed, bearing in mind, however, that no dwellings are to be burned, and that no personal violence be offered the citizens."
The report of Lieut Col Casper Crowninshield of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, who commanded our Reserve Brigade during this period, is of real interest. His report shows the brigade left their camp at Stephenson's Depot on the 29th at 3 AM. Upon arriving at Snickersville (now Bluemont), he left the 6th US and a company of 2nd Mass guarding the gap. He proceeded south and east to Bloomfield, Union (now Unison), and Philomont before returning to Snickersville, where the rest of Merritt's force had arrived.
On the 30th, the 2nd US and 2nd Mass were sent north through Wood Grove (just north of present-day Round Hill) and on to Hillsboro. From there, the two regiments continued north to Cave Head on the Potomac, "and thence along the river road to Lovettsville, destroying all grain, forage, mills, distilleries, &c., and driving in all stock in that part of the country; at Lovettsville, they joined Brevet Brigadier-General Devin's brigade."
Crowninshield included the following table with his report:
So the Old Second can rightfully be called "Barn Burners".
Gordonsville
On December 19, General Torbert, with Merrit's and Powell's divisions, pushed through Chester Gap to strike the Virginia Central Railroad at Charlottesville or Gordonsville. An intended link-up with Custer didn't come off, and Torbert failed to reach his goal. The weather was dismal. According to Sheridan, "I heard from General Torbert last night; he was then near Sperryville. The weather is so very bad - rain, snow, and sleet - that I feel a great deal of anxiety about the horses.” Tobert's report confirms that for 6 of the ten days on this raid, "it rained, hailed, or snowed, and sometimes all three." There was a fight at Liberty Mills in which Torbert pushed back two Confederate brigades and captured two guns and some prisoners. Just above Gordonsville, however, he ran into a determined defense, and before he could flank it, Confederate infantry (Pegram's division) arrived to replace the cavalry he faced. Our troopers were back in camp on the 28th. Remember that Pegram was a Lieutenant with Company I in New Mexico when the war started.
On January 20, 1865, our Second Cavalry started from camp near Winchester, arriving in Hagerstown, MD, on January 24 and replacing the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The regiment, under Captain Norris, left Hagerstown on March 22 and arrived at Point of Rocks, MD (where US 15 now crosses the Potomac) on March 24. Their orders read, "Establish your camp of reorganization...and you will be charged with the duty of patrolling and picketing the fords in the vicinity [from there to the Monococy River - about 5 miles downstream]. They stayed only until April 4th and were back in camp near Winchester on the 6th. It was a quiet end to a long, brutal war.
"The war is over and our land is free,
Thus rebaptised to God and Liberty!
Beside the Stars and Stripes of radiant light,
Floats a broad flag of pure, unsullied white.
Bury the past! Let memory's snowy wing,
Brush all the darkness from the days we sing."
Gen'l Van Zandt, for the Society of the AOP.
Excerpts and the Chronology were taken from Lambert, Joseph I., Major USA, One Hundred Years with the Second Cavalry, Newton Publishing Company, San Antonio TX 1999
Don Stivers, "Sergeant's Valor"
On September 19, 1864, at Winchester, VA, Orderly Sergeant Conrad Schmidt of Co. K, 2nd U.S. Cavalry saw his commander go down in a charge against Confederate breastworks. Captain Rodenbough was barely 15 yards from the enemy line. Sgt. Schmidt came to his rescue and later earned the Medal of Honor for his actions.