The History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry
Written by Walter Harcum. Updated by Dave Chapman and Mark Sopko.
The 9th Virginia Cavalry was formed eight months after Virginia seceded from the Union. The ten companies that made up the regiment were mustered into service promptly after secession. The special order creating the regiment came on December 18, 1861. The new regiment was posted around Fredericksburg, Virginia, under the command of Colonel John E. Johnson.
Over half the men of the 9th were farmers (53%). Other occupations included physicians, lawyers, mechanics, teachers, merchants, clerks, and carpenters. The average age at the time of enlistment was 25 years. The last surviving veteran was F. M. Embrey, who died in 1941.
The companies of the 9th were geographically scattered and assigned various duties during the first year of the war. Several had been attached to infantry regiments to perform picket duty or provide couriers. After regimental organization, the companies were still widely scattered. The companies were:
Co. A - Stafford Rangers from Stafford County. Enlisted April 21, 1861
Co. B - Caroline Light Dragoons. Caroline County. Enlisted May 6, 1861 (organized 1859)
Co. C - Lee's Light Horse. Westmoreland County. Enlisted May 25, 1861
Co. D - Lancaster Cavalry. Lancaster County. Enlisted April 25, 1861
Co. E - Mercer Cavalry. Spotsylvania County. Enlisted April 25, 1861 (organized 1859)
Co. F - Essex Light Dragoons. Essex County. Enlisted June 10, 1861
Co. G- Lunenburg Light Dragoons. Lunenburg County. Enlisted June 7, 1861
Co. H - Lee's Rangers. King William County. Enlisted June 10, 1861
Co. I - Potomac Cavalry. King George County. Enlisted October 12, 1861
Co. K- Richmond County Cavalry. Richmond County. Enlisted October 24, 1861
In June 1861, Company D was at Mathia Point, Virginia. In mid-August, the company was on the Northern Neck, and there again in January 1862. Between those times, Co. D spent time in camp at Brooke Station.
1862
Things changed when Commanding General Joseph E. Johnston pulled his Confederate Army out of Manassas in March in response to Major General George B. McClellan’s movement of Federal forces to Virginia for the Peninsula Campaign. As the Union pushed farther into Virginia in mid-April, the 9th was in two halves on two roads north of Falmouth. On April 3rd, Lieutenant Colonel William H. F. Lee, commanding half the regiment, fell back behind Potomac Run and, on the 13th, around Berea Meeting House (this building still stands today as Berea Baptist Church). As the enemy advanced on the 17th, Lee used four companies to resist throughout the day while wagons and the camps fell back into Fredericksburg. The next night, Lee ambushed an enemy column in the road above Falmouth.
Near the close of April, the regiment reorganized. The privates elected company officers, and these officers elected the field officers. Colonel Johnson was displaced as Commander of the 9th Cavalry Regiment by the newly promoted Colonel William H. F. Lee. R. L. T. Beale became regimental Lieutenant Colonel, and Meriwether Lewis (former Captain of Co. D) became regimental Major. Captain John F. Hughlett succeeded Lewis as Co. D’s senior officer.
J.E.B. Stuart’s Ride Around McClellan
Through May 1862, the 9th Virginia Cavalry was posted on the road leading out of Fredericksburg. On 26 May, they reached Ashland and camped near Richmond on the 30th. The Battle of Seven Pines was on, but they did not participate in the fighting. When the then Brigadier General James Ewell Brown (J.E.B.) Stuart made his famous ride around General McClellan’s army in June; seven companies of the 9th, including Co. D, led the way. Departing Hanover Courthouse in the early hours of June 12th, the leading elements of the 9th made first hostile contact on the road to Old Church. Captain Willian Latane led one squadron of the 9th to rout two squadrons from the 5th Regiment, US Cavalry. Several Union troopers were killed, and a Lieutenant and ten privates were captured. Captain Latane was killed instantly in the charge, and two of the 9th were injured.
General Stuart pressed to Garlick’s Landing on the Pamunkey River and Tunstall’s Station, capturing it without a fight. After an unsuccessful attempt was made to ambush a moving Union troop train, the main body moved to Talleysville and then on to Forge Bridge. Arriving at dawn, General Stuart’s forces discovered that the Federals had burned the bridge. Using material from a large adjacent warehouse, the bridge was repaired, and the forces returned to Richmond with 165 prisoners, 260 horses, and mules, as well as an undisclosed number of captured arms and supplies. Confederate casualties included one killed and five wounded.
Seven Days Battle
On June 25, 1862, the 9th joined the Seven Days offensive. Integrating with divisions of Major General T. J. “Stonewall” Jackson, the 9th was among the cavalry units that marched as a screening force at early dawn. On the 27th, the REGIMENT was near the fighting and was posted on the far left, supporting horse artillery and Carrington's Battery. Between 28 and 29 June, the 9th was ordered to take the York River Railroad. On 30 June, the REGIMENT marched to Forge Bridge and supported Pelham's horse artillery. On 1 July, the 9th received orders to march quickly to Gaines Mill to witness the reported surrender of General McClellan's Army. To their disappointment, the Union was forced to retreat but did not surrender, and the 9th rode back to Malvern Hill and slept on the side of the road in the rain. July 2nd was spent in line all day, in the rain, near Malvern Hill. The next day, General Stuart ordered the 9th toward Charles City Court House to extend his left and keep a lookout. The 9th remained near Malvern Hill for about two weeks, picketing the James River area and supporting artillery that sometimes fired at river transports. Around the middle of July, the regiment moved near Atlee's Station and was temporarily assigned to General Jackson, an event that caused excitement in the ranks. A Lancaster County cavalryman wrote, "I expect we will have a lively time, for he does not let the grass grow under his feet.”
Under a special order dated July 28, 1862, the Army of Northern Virginia cavalry was organized into two brigades. With the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Virginia Cavalry Regiments, the 9th was moved into Brigadier General Fitzhugh “Fitz” Lee's brigade. Fitz Lee was the cousin of Colonel William H. F. Lee and the nephew of General Robert E. Lee.
During this time, members from the 9th swept King William County, King and Queen County, and Gloucester County to Gloucester Point. They aimed to arrest and capture all deserters and disloyal citizens in those counties. The party departed on 22 July and, on 30 July, returned with 18 deserters, three disloyal citizens, and three free Negroes who were running slaves. The party also burned Yankee Facilities at Gloucester Point and brought back intelligence that the Federals were about to abandon Yorktown.
Battle of Second Manassas
Union Major General John Pope launched an offensive that shifted action toward Rapidan country. On 22 August, the newly appointed Major General Stuart sent the 9th to raid Pope's headquarters at Catlett’s Station. They proudly returned with Pope's wardrobe, one hundred prisoners, and $8000 in a paymaster's chest. The 9th reached Manassas Junction on August 27th and rejoined General Jackson's men. During the primary two days of the Second Manassas Battle, the 9th saw the action but received no orders to engage. No regimental losses were recorded.
Battle of Sharpsburg
On 5 September 1862, as part of Commanding General Robert E. Lee’s Maryland offensive, the 9th crossed the Potomac River at Edward’s Ferry. By 14 September, the regiment had marched across South Mountain. Guarding the Confederate column at Turner’s Pass, the 9th was in the rear of a retrograde march as it worked toward Boonsboro and beyond. Federal columns pursued through the pass, with Federal cavalry catching the 9th rear guard. Through a rapid series of well-executed attacks, the 9th Regiment covered the retreat through Boonsboro and gave the rest of the brigade time to take positions west of town.
The contest in the town’s streets, where Union sentiment was strong, was fierce and protracted. Colonel William H.F. Lee's squadrons were assailed not only by an open enemy but also by concealed Union sympathizers who shot at his men from the windows of the houses. The 9th regiment was steadily pushed back. While retiring from a charge, one squadron was compelled to cross a narrow bridge with the enemy pressing close behind. Colonel Lee's horse fell in the road at the entrance to the bridge. The press from behind of men and horses prevented recovery, and in an instant, he was overridden by his own men and by a portion of the enemy.
Captain Haynes, who commanded the squadron next in position, charged to Colonel Lee’s aid, raised his horse from the ground and called upon him to mount and escape. Colonel Lee was, however, so stunned and bruised that he was incapable of moving hand or foot. Before others of his men could come to his rescue, Captain Haynes was driven back across the bridge by a fresh enemy charge and was compelled to leave his colonel to his fate. For some time, he lay on the roadside, dazed and helpless, as the enemy's cavalry, infantry, and artillery passed by within a few feet of him. No one, however, noticed him. By slow and painful movements, he crawled to a copse of woods that skirted the field adjacent to the road. He was fortunate to meet two or three Confederate soldiers who had become separated from their commands. They raised him to his feet and supported him to a farmhouse, where a horse was procured. Avoiding the roads and pressing westward, he crossed the Antietam before night and was soon afterward in the hands of his friends, who welcomed him as one restored from the dead.
The fighting that developed cost the 9th dearly and marked 15 September as one of the hardest days of the war for the regiment, with 18 killed and ten captured. During this action, Captain Hughlett, Co. D, had two horses killed under him before clearing Boonsboro. Concealing himself, he remained undiscovered and returned to the regiment the following day near Sharpsburg. The 9th spent the day after the battle on the far left of the Southern lines. On 19 September, they fell back with the rest of the army across the Potomac into Virginia. On the 20th and 21st, the 9th supported A. P. Hill to repulse a Union pursuit.
On 1 October 1862, Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton, Commander of the Federal Cavalry Division, crossed the Potomac near Shepherdstown with 700 men intent on an armed reconnaissance. Federal cavalry, making its way toward Martinsburg, pushed back the 9th Virginia pickets. General Stuart responded, dispatching General Wade Hampton to occupy the road above Shepherdstown to cut off the Federal forces. General Pleasonton made a rapid retreat and avoided the snare. One private from the 9th was killed, and two were wounded in the skirmish.
Although an unknown number of well-mounted 9th Virginia cavalrymen participated in General Stuart’s mid-October 1862 raid through Pennsylvania, the regiment did not formally participate. Three 9th Virginia troopers were taken prisoner during that raid.
On 18 October, Colonel William H. F. Lee was promoted to Brigadier General and given a brigade, while newly promoted Colonel R. L. T. Beale took command of the regiment. Meriwether Lewis (former Captain of Co. D) became the regimental Lieutenant Colonel, and Thomas Waller was promoted to regimental Major.
Major General McClellan advanced his army across the Potomac, east of Harpers Ferry, at the end of October. During the same timeframe, the 9th was moved from the Shenandoah through Snickers Gap of the Blue Ridge and made camp near Upperville. Heated skirmishing with Federal cavalry occurred along Upperville, Middleburg, and Aldie. By 4 November, the action settled, and new picket lines were drawn along the Rappahannock River to Fredericksburg. With horses suffering from diseased feet, the brigade numbered barely 500 men fit for duty. Camped near Culpeper Court House on 8 November, the 9th REGIMENT relocated to Brandy Station on the 14th. At this time, a member of Co. D complained that his unit had only about 20 men present, and only about half had usable horses.
Battle of Fredericksburg
On 18 November, urgent orders moved the 9th to the Fredericksburg area. Replenished by locally recruited men and horses, the 9th Cavalry was permitted to cross the Rappahannock River and raid the Federal positions on the Northern Neck. Under the command of Major Waller, about 60 men and horses crossed the river. They surprised the 8th Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry at Leedstown, overwhelming the pickets and capturing 60 officers and men. Major Waller successfully returned his prisoners and 48 captured horses. During the Battle of Fredericksburg, the 9th supported Major John Pelham’s artillery during his famous artillery duel. Later, he followed him west of the road to support his guns in a less exposed position.
In their final action of the year, from 26 to 31 December, the 9th took part in a raid led by General Stuart to the vicinity of Dumfries and Occoquan. Major Waller commanded the detail from the 9th. The first hostile contact was made at the crossing of Quantico Creek. The 9th charged and captured a 12-man infantry picket, then pushed to the outskirts of Dumfries. This was the only engagement by the 9th regiment for the remainder of the year. Other columns experienced considerable action, and the final net loss by the brigade was one wounded and 14 missing, including two from the 9th.
1863
The 9th spent the winter in Occupacia, in Essex County, picketing on the Rappahannock River. On April 9th, they moved to the Orange Court House and then to Botts Farm near Brandy Station. At this time, the regimental count was 750 men. By April 14th, companies of the regiment were stationed at Kelly's Ford, Beverly Ford, and Rappahannock Bridge.
Battle of Chancellorsville and Stoneman’s Raid
Known as Stoneman’s 1863 Raid, the prelude to the Battle of Chancellorsville was a planned action. Named after Major General George Stoneman, Commander of the Federal Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, the mission was to move 10,000 Federal cavalry south of the Rappahannock River to destroy the strategically vital north-south Orange and Alexandria Railroad, where it joined with the east-west Virginia Central Railroad. Orders were given on 12 April 1863 for General Stoneman to begin his operation. Two regiments, the 9th and 13th Virginia Cavalry, under the command of Brigadier General William H. F. Lee, were dispatched to contain Union cavalry. On April 30th, these regiments were at Gordonsville to protect the rail junction and oppose General Stoneman.
On May 2nd, the 9th was sent to Louisa Court House and made contact with the enemy forces there. The 9th took 32 prisoners and lost four men to wounds. Word was received that General Stoneman was heading toward Columbia; Lee moved the two regiments into Goochland County. On May 4th, the 9th Cavalry came upon the 5th US Cavalry and charged. An intense hand-to-hand struggle occurred before the 5th broke into a rout. Six members of the 9th were killed, several were wounded, and 33 prisoners were captured. Having covered 80 miles in 24 hours, they did not pursue as their horses were completely exhausted by this time and returned to Gordonsville. Despite the exhaustion, exposure, and inadequate supplies, the 9th was still the largest regiment in the Confederate Army. By late May 1863, the 9th Virginia Cavalry had 37 officers and 984 men.
Battle of Brandy Station
On the eve of the greatest cavalry battle in North American history, the 9th Virginia Cavalry, under the command of Colonel R. L. T. Beale, was camped in the area of Welford Ford. This location became the extreme left of the Confederate line. At dawn on June 9th, Federal cavalry forces under the command of Brigadier General John Buford crossed the Rappahannock River at Beverly Ford. At about “breakfast time”, the 9th Regiment was ordered to move and made contact with the enemy south of Dr. Welford's home. They repulsed enemy probes and pushed the Federal cavalry back, threatening the Union right. The withdrawal of Confederate cavalry on the east caused Brigadier General William H. F. Lee to fall back to Fleetwood Hill. This, in turn, forced the Confederate left to draw back toward its center. By 3 pm, the line was pushed back to Miller’s Hill and then to Barbour’s Hill. Moving toward the left flank, the Federal cavalry drew the regiment into heavy mounted fighting with attacks and counterattacks.
An officer from General Stuart accosted Colonel Beale and declared, “The General sends his thanks to Colonel Beale and the men of the 9th for gallantry in holding the hill, and if you will hold it five minutes longer, he will send reinforcements.”
The 9th successfully charged the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, which pushed them some distance and resulted in the release of numerous Confederate prisoners that had been taken earlier. The 9th suffered 15 dead and 21 wounded. General W. H. F. Lee was wounded, and command of the brigade fell to Colonel John R. Chambliss of the 13th Regiment.
Gettysburg Campaign
On 17 June, the 9th Regiment went north to Thoroughfare Gap to screen General Brigadier General W.H.F. Lee’s main body of Confederate forces moving up the Shenandoah Valley. Federal cavalry met videttes posted in the gap, and a skirmish ensued. For the next four days, the 9th fought several battles and skirmishes against Federal cavalry forces in and around Middleburg and Upperville. One noted Co. D casualty in this action was Acting Regimental Bugler Tappscot, who, severely wounded, survived only a few hours before dying in a house at the foot of the mountains near Thoroughfare Gap.
In the early morning of 27 June, the war-weary 9th Virginia Cavalry joined General Stuart’s push into Pennsylvania, crossing the Potomac just before daylight the following morning. Companies A, B, D, and E were detached for various details, and Company E did not rejoin the regiment until the fall. Near Rockville and within 14 miles of Washington, DC, Co. H routed a Federal cavalry force and then assisted in capturing a large wagon train. Adding three new ambulances and 175 wagons, drawn by 900 mules, slowed their march to a crawl. By 30 June, the 9th had crossed into Pennsylvania. They met Federal cavalry at Hanover and were part of the first day’s Confederate cavalry charge that routed this force.
As the Confederate victors foraged, a counterattack by Federal cavalry nearly captured General Stuart. Dismounted action finally stabilized the lines, and after regrouping, General Stuart continued the advance north, moving well east of Hanover. The 9th lost about 20 men, including Co. I’s Captain Billingsley. General Stuart’s infamous ride around the Federal Army en route to Gettysburg pushed men and horses to their limits. By 2 July, the 9th came upon their lines around Gettysburg, and by 3 July, the remnants of the 9th were in the heart of a major cavalry battle east of Gettysburg. On July 4th, the regiment passed by its lines at dark and got some rest behind what was left of Pickett's Division. Over the following days, the 9th suffered more casualties, covering General W.H.F. Lee's retreat back to Virginia. Heavy skirmishing continued through 16 July, and the 9th did not rest as the Amy moved south and paused at Brandy Station.
Battle of Bristoe Station and the Buckland Races
Only thirty-three men from Co. D were now present for duty, and their few remaining horses were near starvation. Aside from drill and roll call, they saw no action in August. This lull lasted until 13 September, when the 9th was ordered into Culpeper Court House and engaged with dismounted Union cavalry. Colonel R. L. T. Beale was wounded, and command fell to Major Waller. By mid-October, the 9th was involved in a series of battles and skirmishes while pursuing a retreating Federal Army through central Virginia. Arriving at Bristoe Station on 14 October, the 9th witnessed General A. P. Hill’s defeat. By 19 October, the regiment became hotly engaged near Buckland with General Kilpatrick’s Federal cavalry. During this battle, General Stuart devised an ambush, and by nightfall, the 9th took part in a five-mile chase of a routed enemy. This action came to be known as the “Buckland Races.” After Major Waller was wounded, command of the 9th Regiment fell to Captain Hughlett of Co. D. On 26 December, Colonel Beale returned to command at their winter quarters in Albemarle County. During this time, an order was put into effect to distinguish the regiments in the brigade by a sign or badge, which was to be worn on the men’s hats. The 9th Regiment was designated by a star, generally seen attached to the front of the men’s hats.
1864
Kilpatrick – Dahlgren Raid
On the evening of 28 February, Federal cavalry Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick and about 4000 troopers set out from Stevensburg, Virginia, on an ambitious raid to assault Richmond. The next day, Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, with a detachment of about 500 men, left General Kilpatrick’s central column to free Federal prisoners from Belle Isle and Libby Prison. Colonel Dahlgren made it to the James River, but recent rain prevented him from crossing. Unable to continue, Dahlgren’s small force turned toward Richmond and met stiff Confederate resistance. At this time, General Kilpatrick, not hearing from Colonel Dahlgren, aborted the mission and turned east to recover with Union forces in Yorktown.
On 18 January, General Stuart had ordered the 9th to Essex and Middlesex Counties to secure provisions. Companies C, D, I, and K were sent to the Northern Neck. By March, the 9th was headquartered in Essex. They were instructed to intercept Kilpatrick’s forces but failed to make contact. Co. H, led by Lieutenant James Pollard, came upon and pursued the remainder of Dahlgren’s forces. While attempting to escape, Dahlgren’s force was ambushed on the night of 3 March near Stevensville, Virginia, by a group of Home Guards, furloughed soldiers, and reserves commanded by Captain Campbell Fox. Colonel Dahlgren was killed, and 9th Cavalry couriers dispatched documents found on his body to Richmond. The documents, later published by the Richmond press, were detailed plans to burn the city and to assassinate Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet.
General Kilpatrick was not finished, however. He led a forage expedition in mid-March that crossed the York River to Gloucester Point. From there, he moved through Gloucester County, marched on to King and Queen County, and then back to Yorktown. The 9th harassed his cavalry but could not prevent Kilpatrick from burning the King and Queen Courthouse and several private residences. After the 9th withdrew, Kilpatrick transported his forces northward to Lancaster and rejoined the Federal line.
The Wilderness and General Grant’s Overland Campaign
Action receded after General Kilpatrick’s departure and remained that way through most of April. The regiment was allowed some time to recover, after which 600 troopers were present for duty, and horses were reported to be in good order. The 9th was sent to Madison County, then turned south and east toward the Confederate’s far-right flank. On 8 May, the regiment went into action near the Ni River, northeast of Spotsylvania Court House. Around the same time, Major General Philip Sheridan moved over 10,000 Federal troopers southeast behind the Confederate line to draw out the Confederate cavalry. General Stuart moved to intercept this massive Federal cavalry force. As he did so, the 9th remained in positions across Spotsylvania and Caroline counties to support General Robert E. Lee’s infantry and serve as guides. On May 11th, General Stuart received a mortal wound at the battle of Yellow Tavern and died in Richmond the following day. The overall Confederate cavalry command was then given to General Wade Hampton.
General Grant began moving his Union forces south on 20 May. The 9th Regiment screened this advance, skirmishing along the front of the blue onslaught. On 1 June, the 9th was heavily engaged at Ashland in a severe fight with Federal cavalry sheltered in a ditch. The 9th successfully dislodged the Federal forces and captured many much-needed horses. At least four members of the regiment were killed, including Color Bearer Williams of Co. D. For more than two weeks afterward, the REGIMENT was not involved in any significant fighting. Camps were made at Meadows Bridge on the Chickahominy, Bottoms Bridge, and the bloody battlefield of Cold Harbor. There were hundreds of unburied dead Federal soldiers and horses. The scene was so ghastly that one 9th Regiment trooper wrote, “If people of the North could see what I have seen in the last six weeks, there would go up one universal cry for peace.”
To gain intelligence on General Grant’s forces, the 9th was sent to force the enemy lines near Old Church. Companies C, D, E, and K were sent forward. They encountered barbed wire for the first time and pushed up to the main Federal line, held by 36th US Colored Troops. This was the Regiment’s only significant combat contact with black troopers during the war. Between 23 and 24 June, the 9th engaged in extensive action around Nance’s Shop and again near Stony Creek at the end of June, afterward delivering two battle flags to General Hampton. During this time, Major Waller was temporarily assigned to a different REGIMENTal command, and Captain Swann became acting Regimental Major.
The regiment spent most of July and a part of August in Dinwiddie County. On 14 August, the 9th was sent back across the James River and camped near White's Tavern on Charles City Road. There, they became involved in a hotly contested fight with the Federals in which brigade commander Brigadier General Chambliss was killed. 20 On August the 9th, re-crossed the James River and moved south of Petersburg.
The Great Beefsteak Raid
On 14 September, the regiment was ordered to take part in an expedition to locate and seize several thousand cattle reported to be corralled near Coggins Point on the James River. Detachments from the 1st Washington DC Cavalry and the 13th Pennsylvania, about 400 men, were poorly guarding the cattle. General Hampton led 4,500 troopers around the left of General Grant’s army. The 9th acted as a screen between the Federal army and the rest of Hampton’s forces as he pulled off the raid. Just before dawn on the 15th, the report of General Hampton’s guns was heard, signaling the 9th to charge the enemy guarding the escape route. The 1st DC Cavalry was caught by surprise, scattered from their tents, and ran for cover in the woods. Colonel R. L. T. Beale described the scene as the Federal troops fled “hastily rushing from their tents, and casting aside their blankets, with white flags fluttering in their rear.” Over 2400 cattle were secured and driven to Confederate lines, along with 300 horses with equipment and 11 wagons containing supplies.
Colonel Beale became the brigade commander in October, and the newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Waller took regimental command. The regiment spent much of the winter in winter quarters at Belfield Station. Each squadron of the 9th took its turn of picket service on the line about 30 miles from camp.
1865
January's report showed 659 men and 690 horses, supplies badly lacking. When the Federal V Corps turned to Hatcher’s Run in early February, the 9th marched 40 miles to counter the advance. The regiment drove some skirmishers back but recoiled from volleys of an entrenched line and “suffered considerably.” During the retreat toward Appomattox, the cavalry fought in several directions.
Road to Appomattox
The last days of March saw the 9th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in action from Five Forks and Dinwiddie Courthouse to the retreat ending at Appomattox. During this time, the 9th fought with the same tenacity as in the first days of the conflict. When news came of the surrender, many in the 9th took advantage of their mobility to slip away. On the morning of 9 April, a small remnant of the 9th supported the 14th Virginia Cavalry’s flank as that regiment made its final charge, with many sources claiming it was the Army of Northern Virginia's last. After the war ended, only 24 names from the 9th Virginia Cavalry Regiment appeared on the parole list. Of the men who rode with the 9th Virginia Cavalry, over 37% became casualties.