U S Army Military History Research Collection

"THE RED NECK TIES,"

or

HISTORY OF THE FIFTEENTH

NEW YORK VOLUNTEER CAVALRY

Containing A

Record of the Battles, Skirmishes, Marches, etc., that the Regiment participated in from it's organization in August, 1863, to the time of its discharge in August, 1865

Compiled and Edited by

CHAUNCEY S. NORTON

ITHACA, N.Y.

Journal, Book and Job Printing House

SURVIVING MEMBERS

OF THE

Fifteenth New York Volunteer Cavalry,

AND TO THE

FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

OF THOSE

WHO FELL IN BATTLE OR DIED IN REBEL PRISONS THAT

THE UNION MIGHT BE PRESERVED,

IS THIS

VOLUME RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I

Authority to Raise the Regiment - Company Officers - Field and Staff - Where the Different Companies Composing the Regiment were Raised - Location of Camp - How the Men Passed Away Time Cook'₅ Coffee House - How the Boys Worked the Scheme to Get a Free Meal -Visitors in Camp.

CHAPTER II.

Mustered into the United States Service - Laughable Incidents - Part of the Regiment Leave for Staten Island and the Rest for Washington - Camp Stoneman - A Slightly Place - Drawing Horses and Equipment - Our First Experience on Horseback - A Cavalryman's Duties - The Russian Fleet-Inspecting Boxes Received by Express - The First Casualties

CHAPTER III.

Breaking Camp - Our First Day's March - Arrival in Loudon Valley Va .- Mud Ankle Deep -First Night on Picket - Mobley the Guerrilla - The First. Engagement - A Retreat Ordered - Death of Capt. Morgan of the First New York Veteran Cavalry - Lieut. Hampton of the 15th Badly Wounded and Taken Prisoner - Bravery of Our Men

CHAPTER IV

Scouting and Foraging - Tire Faithful Old Donkeys - Disloyalty of tire White Element - An Episode -Off for Burlington or '"Mud Camp"'- An Isolated Place - Companies L and M Join the Regiment -Col. Richardson Arrives and Takes Command - A Mounted Band - Shot on Picket - Saltpeter Works Destroyed - Disagreeable Weather - Night Alarms - Punished for Insulting Women.

CHAPTER V.

Arrival at Winchester - Our Pay Increased to Sixteen Dollars a Month - Assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division West Virginia Cavalry - Massing of Troops - A Reconnaissance Ordered - The Skirmish at Lost River Gap -The Skirmish at Newtown - Capt. Brett of the First New York Cavalry Killed - The Noted Rebel Guerrilla Harry Gilmour Captured but Manages to Escape.

CHAPTER VI

A Forward Movement - The Battle of New Market - Repulse of the Union Forces - The Gallant Stand Made by the Second Squadron of the Fifteenth - Gen. Sigel Superseded by Gen. Hunter - Another Advance Ordered - Capt. Auer Taken Prisoner - The Battle of Piedmont - The Enemy Routed - The Affair at Waynesboro - The Fifteenth Hold in Check a Large Force of the Enemy - Complimented by Gen. Duffie - The Battle of Lynchburg - Disastrous Retreat of Our Troops - A Skirmish at Salem - Hardships and Privations - Arrival at Parkersburg.

CHAPTER VII

Back to the Valley Again - Lieut. Shearer Murdered - Tracks Torn Up - Engagements at Martinsburg, Snicker's Gap, Berry's Ford, Ashby's Gap, Winchester Charlestown - Scouting Through Maryland and up into Pennsylvania - The Inhabitants Treat the Men to Soft Bread and Other Luxuries - Black Again to Virginia - Mosby's Guerrillas Committing Depredations - The Regiment Reduced to Seventy-five Mounted Men - Sent to Cumberland, Md., to Recruit Up.

CHAPTER VIII

In Camp at Cumberland - A Beautiful Location - An Occasional Drill - Receiving Horses - Execution of a Murderer - Political Excitement - The Men Discuss their Favorites for President - Casting their Votes - The Paymaster's Welcome Visit - The Fight at Green Springs Run - Death of Lieut. Hatch - Break Camp Again - Cold Weather - Distressing Accident - The Shenandoah Valley -The View From Maryland Heights.

CHAPTER IX

At Winchester - The Regiment Assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division - The Fight at Lacey Springs - Bitter Cold Weather - Hands and Feet Frozen - Christmas in Camp - Winter Quarters -Deserters Shot - Furloughs Given - Col. Richardson Resigns - Gen. Sheridan Reviews the Cavalry -Snow Ball Fight - Sharpening Sabres -Orders Issued for a Forward Movement.

CHAPTER X.

The Great Raiding Column Moves - The Fight at Waynesboro - Tearing up Railroad Tracks - Skirmish at Ashland - Arrival at White House Landing - The Victory at Five Forks - The Johnnies on the Run - The Fight at Appomattox Station - The Fifteenth Captures Seventeen Pieces of Artillery -Death of Lieut. Col. Root - The Surrender - Custer's Farewell Address.

CHAPTER XL

After the Surrender - Off for North Carolina - The Orders Countermanded - The March to Washington- In Camp at Bladensburg - The Grand Review - Virginia Again - Consolidated with the Sixth New York Cavalry - Off for Louisville - Doing Patrol Duty - Mustered Out -En route Home - Paid Off and Disbanded.

APPENDIX.

The Mare Fanny - The Last Charge Made in the Army of the Potomac - A Prophetic Dream - Brave Soldier - Sergeant Conkling's Bravery - The Lacey Springs Affair - In Memoriam - Died in Prison--A Thrilling Adventure - Original Muster In Roll - List of Battles and Skirmishes -Etc., etc.

INTRODUCTION.

The year 1863 opened dark and gloomy for the Union Cause. Burnside's magnificent army had been hurled back from the heights of Fredericksburg the month previous, and thousands upon thousands of our brave boy's had been needlessly sacrificed. In the spring or 1863 Gen. Hooker took command of the Army of the Potomac, and the loyal people of the North, having confidence in him, awaited the coming shock with the expectation that victory would perch upon our banners. The battle of Chancellorville was fought and the gallant army was again beaten back with enormous loss. The enemy, emboldened by their success, now planned an invasion of the North. The term of the two years' men having expired, and the terrible losses sustained by the army in its numerous engagements necessitated the calling for more volunteers, and under that call the 15th New York Cavalry was organized and sent to the front.

In the meantime another change of commanders had occurred, Gen. George C. Meade assuming command. The rebel army was brought to bay at Gettysburg Pa., and there on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July, 1863, occurred one of the most desperate and sanguinary conflicts ever fought on the American continent, victory finally perching on the banners of the Union army. This battle was considered the turning point of the rebellion, the high water mark, for from that time on, under the vigorous blows of Grant, Sherman arid Sheridan, the structure began to decay and finally went to pieces at Appomattox Court House, Va., in the spring of 1865.

The part you took in bringing about this glorious result is one that you and future generations can look back to with pride. Under the lead of the gallant Custer, who commanded the "red neck tie'' division, you did your full share in crushing treason and upholding the honor of the dear old flag.

ITHACA, N. Y., April, 1891.

THE RED NECK TIES.

CHAPTER 1.

Authority to Raise the Regiment - Company Officers - Field and Staff - Where the Different Companies Composing the Regiment were Raised - Location of Camp - How the Men Passed Away Time Cook'₅ Coffee House - How the Boys Worked the Scheme to Get a Free Meal -Visitors in Camp.

THE 15th New York ;Volunteer Cavalry was organized at Syracuse, N. Y., in the summer of 1863, under the following Special Orders

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE of NEW YORK.

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

ALBANY, MAY 29, 1863.

Special Orders

No. 25t.

Authority is hereby given for the reorganization of tile 12th regiment New York State Volunteers as a regiment of cavalry, to be known and designated as the Fifteenth Regiment of Cavalry, New York State Volunteers.

The following name officers are hereby appointed Colonel-Robert M. Richardson.

Lieutenant -Colonel - Augustus I. Root.

Col. Richardson will establish his headquarters at Syracuse, in, the County of Onondaga, and proceed with the organization of the regiment in conformity with the provisions of General Orders No. 10 War Department, current series, and General Orders No. 20 from this office, together with such orders and instructions as he may from time to time receive from these headquarters.

Sixty (60) days is allowed for the organization of this regiment, arid if riot completed in that time will be liable to consolidation.

By order of the Commander - in -Chief

Signed, JOHN T. SPRAGUE,

Adjutant General.

The regiment was raised principally in the counties of Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Oneida, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Genesee, Tompkins and Erie. The commanding officers of the different companies were as follows:

Co. A-Capt. Michael Auer.

Co. B-Capt. Thomas G. Putnam.

Co. C-Capt. Jefferson C. Bigelow.

Co. D-Capt. Orson R. Colegrove.

Co. E-Capt. George M. Ellicott.

Co. F-Capt. Leonard F. Hathaway.

Co. G-Capt. Wal1is M. Bover.

Co. H-Capt. John F. Moschell.

Co. I-Capt. Joseph Herron.

Co. K-Capt. John S. Hicks.

Co. L-Capt. Marshall M. Loydon.

Co. M-Capt. Seth J. Steves.

FIELD AND STAFF.

Colonel-Robert M. Richardson.

Lt.-Col.-Augustus I. Root:

Majors-Joseph H. Wood, Robert H. S. Hyde.

Adjutant-Sydney Tuttle.

Quartermaster-Edward R. Trull.

Surgeon-George V. Skiff

Commissary- Courtland Clark.

The men as fast as enlisted were sent to the camp of instruction located at Syracuse. The spot selected was just on the outskirts of the southern part of the city, or where is now located the old fair grounds. Many of the enlisted men were old veterans, having seen service tinder McDowell, McClellan, Pope, Burnside and Hooker. Others had never fired a gun or handled a sabre, but had become soldiers and willing to put on a soldier's garb and battle for their country's honor. To them camp life and camp rations were a novelty.

Camp discipline was not very severe. Occasionally a patrol would be sent out, but for what purpose no one could tell, as no passes were required to go in and out of camp. Many of the men to pass away time would seek employment in the city whereby they could earn some money Some helped load and unload canal boats, some worked at other trades, and your historian remembers of putting in several days' work in the job room of the Syracuse Journal.

Cook's ''Coffee House" was then in all of its glory. It was situated on the spot where the Vanderbilt House now stands, and its tables fairly groaned under the weight of its toothsome dainties. It was the headquarters in those days for the privates, especially about dinner time, and there was generally a scramble to see who could get in first, arid in many instances get out without paying for it. I attribute that to a trick learned during their two years' service and which they had imparted to the new recruits.

The scheme was to walk into the dining rooms, sit down to the table and eat a square meal, and watch when a crowd was about to go out and mingle with them. As they were not required to pay until they came out of course there was generally a crowd around the cashier's desk, which was the opportunity offered for the ''boys" to slide out.

Nightfall would generally find them all wending their way to camp to repose upon the soft side of a plank wrapped tip in their blankets, or upon the ground if the weather was favorable.

The camp was visited every day by the friends and relatives of the enlisted men, who came to see how they fared and were getting along.

 

CHAPTER II.

Mustered into the United States Service - Laughable Incidents - Part of the Regiment Leave for Staten Island and the Rest for Washington - Camp Stoneman - A Slightly Place - Drawing Horses and Equipment - Our First Experience on Horseback - A Cavalryman's Duties - The Russian Fleet-Inspecting Boxes Received by Express - The First Casualties

The companies composing the first and second battalions were mustered into the United States service between August 8th and 26th, 1863, and those of the third battalion between November, 1863, and January, 1864. Some amusing incidents occurred during the muster in of some of the companies. One especially coming under the writer's notice was that of Sewell Babcock of Co. G. Babcock was quite small, and his comrades were doubtful of his passing muster. But he was full of patriotism and determined to go with his Company, so after being marched out to the place where the ceremony took place, and while the officers were going through the preliminaries, Babcock, who was in the rear rank, with the aid of some of his comrades, built a little mound of earth, covered it with grass, and stood on it. He passed. I have no doubt instances of the same nature occurred in other companies of the regiment.

''Fall in fall in,'' was the joyful sound heard on Saturday, August 29th, and Cos. A, ,B, C, and E took up their line of march from camp to the railroad station, where they boarded the cars and were off for Staten Island, their place of rendezvous, under command of Lieut. - Col. Root. On Monday, September 21st, two companies of the second battalion, under command of Capt. Colegrove, left for Staten Island.

On Friday, October 16th, the companies remaining at Syracuse boarded the cars and were transported direct to Washington, arriving there on Sunday, October 18th. The following day they went out to Camp Stoneman, where they found the first battalion in camp, they having arrived there nearly a month before and had received their horses and been out on several reconnaissance's.

Camp Stoneman was situated on a slight knoll commanding a beautiful view of the country. Washington lay to the north of us, the Potomac to the west, and the ancient city of Alexandria to the south. Although the camp was high and dry, there was quite an amount of sickness among the men, and several deaths, due no doubt to homesickness and a change of climate and diet.

In due course of time the second battalion drew clothing and sabres, and drilling commenced. Before many weeks every man was an expert in the handling of a sabre. Recruits continued to arrive daily, and were put through the same ordeal.

On the 29th of November, 1863, they received their horses and equipment's, and then commenced the fun for them as no doubt it was for the men of the first battalion. Scarcely one out of a hundred of the men composing the regiment had ever rode a horse to any great extent while at home, and to witness their attempts to mount and go through the evolution's was amusing to say the least. They were first put through a course of drill bareback for several days. After becoming used to that, a blanket was given them which afforded them some relief Next came saddles without stirrups, and the agony was increased tenfold. But we had enlisted to be soldiers, and must take the bitter with the sweet Finally stirrups were put on and our troubles were over, but some of the men were nearly used up with the hardships endured.

On the 30th of November, Co. I, Capt. Joseph Herron, was mustered in and put through the same ordeal.

A cavalryman's life is not an easy one by any means. The first thing in the morning he has to feed his horse. The horse eats his grain out of a nose bag which is held on by a strap that goes over his head. While he is eating the men groom him, which usually occupies an hour. After that the men get their breakfast and then go and water their horses. Guard mounting follows, then drill next comes dinner, to be followed by more drilling; then dress parade, feeding and watering horses again ,supper, and in a little while to bed. On a march or a scout no matter how tired you are, your horse has to be taken care of when you halt for the night, whether you have anything to eat or not ; for if neglected they would soon give out and become worthless.

Several patrols were sent out while we lay at Camp Stoneman, one detachment going as far as Port Tobacco, in Lower Maryland, 35 miles down the Potomac. On December 11th a detachment went over into Virginia after some horses.

During our stay here a Russian fleet consisting of four men-of-war, hove in sight and anchored in the Potomac in plain view of our camp. While lying there the vessels on several occasions were decked from top to bottom with flags and bunting, presenting a beautiful sight

Thus the days passed and the holidays approached. Boxes began to arrive from home containing dainties that only a soldier knew how to appreciate. There was an order issued from headquarters that all boxes must undergo an inspection, and if any liquor was found in them it was confiscated by the "powers that was.'' It was amusing to see how the boys trembled for fear it would be discovered. But their injunction to those at home how to prepare a box had been obeyed, and the box would generally pass muster Once inside the tent the soldier would throw off all restraint and a search commenced. The little 'joker" sometimes would be found inside of a roll of batter, again in a roll of tobacco, or inside of a cake or a loaf of bread and last, but not least, would serve as tile stuffing for a chicken or turkey.

Mail was sent and received from the absent ones daily. Passes were granted quite often to the men who wished to visit the capital. Four inches of snow fell on the 9th of January, 1864, which made the men think of their northern homes.

The first casualty in the regiment was that of private Augustus Holburton, who was shot and killed by guerrillas about the 1st of November, 1863.

Private John C. Clark, of Co. H, was also killed by a stray bullet while in the act of cooking his meal.

 

Chapter III

Breaking Camp - Our First's Days March - Arrival in Loudon Valley, Va. - Mud Ankle Deep - First Night On Picket - Mobley the Guerrilla - The First Engagement - A Retreat Ordered - Death of Capt. Morgan of the First New York Veteran Cavalry - Lieut. Hampton of the 15^th Badly Wounded and Taken Prisoner - Bravery of Our Men - The Losses.

On the 16^th of January, 1864, the regiment broke camp and took up their line of march for Virginia. A few dismounted men were left behind in command of Quartermaster Trull. The column passed through Washington and Georgetown and encamped the first night at Frederick, Md. From there we went to Harper's Ferry, reaching that place on the 19^th and crossing the river, encamped in Loudon Valley.

The night previous to our arrival, the rebels under command of one Mobley had attacked the troops that we had relieved. Being acquainted with the country, they had surprised and taken prisoners the Union pickets and then charged their main camp, killing and wounding quite a number while lying in their tents. The members of the 15^th were told of the exploits of this guerrilla leader and his men; what he had done, and how treacherous he was, and the detail sent out on picket that night for the first time in the enemy's country, will never forget their experience and what thoughts were conjured up.

The location of our camp was far from being a favorable one, as it was situated in a ravine with the mud ankle deep. Thanks to Lieut. Hurd of Co. H who was acting Quartermaster, enough lumber was secured so that each tent was provided with a board floor. The regiment remained here for a number of days and made frequent scouts up the valley after Mobley and his men but never succeeded in capturing him, although some of the 15^th were roundly abused by his mother, to whose house in the mountains they went one night in hopes of capturing him.

Breaking camp again we recrossed the river and encamped at Halltown, Va. On January 31^st , 1864, a detail left camp for several day's scout. On February 4^th they were at Moorfield, Va., and saw a rebel wagon train ascending a mountain road. The men were eager to capture it, but Col. Mulligan, who was in command of the troops composing the expedition, refused to let them. The casualties on the raid were two men wounded.

We were brigaded when we went to Halltown with the 21^st New York, 1^st New York Veterans and 22^nd Pennsylvania Cavalry.

On Friday, February 19^th, 1864, seventy-five men from the 15^th New York cavalry, under command of Capt. Michael Auer, and Lieuts. Hurd and Hampton; twenty-five men from the First New York Veteran cavalry, under command of Capt. Morgan, and fifty men from the 22^nd Pennsylvania cavalry, were sent by Gen., Hunter from Harper's Ferry to Upperville and Front Royal to meet a detachment. Leaving at 9 P.M. under Major Cole of the 22^nd Pennsylvania cavalry, they arrived at Upperville at 2:30 o'clock the next morning, halted in a piece of woods with pickets out till early dawn, and then charged on Col. Mosby's headquarters. This was the first cavalry work taken part in by the 15^th New York cavalry, and the results was the capture of sixteen privates and three officers, besides killing several and scattering the rest of the rebel raiders.

The next order was "On to Front Royal !" But the little Union force had not gone more than a mile and a half before the rapidly gathering squads of Confederate horsemen showed that a continued march would probably result in disaster and capture. A retreat was ordered with the nineteen prisoners placed in front under guard. Capt, Morgan was in command of the rear guard, and the force had only just retraced their steps through Upperville when the rebels made a charge on the rear guard, killing Capt. Morgan and driving his men into the main column. A counter charge drove the Confederates back and the retreat was resumed.

The worst was to come. The column was moving down a steep icy hill between two stone walls less than three rods apart. All of the horses were smooth shod, and the retreat was slow. At the foot of the hill was a sudden turn in the road to the right, and the rebels conceived the plan of cutting across lots, intercept the front of the column and rescue the prisoners before the rear guard could come down the slippery hill road to their assistance. Capt, Auer, of the 15^th, was then in command of the rear guard, and seeing the movement he ordered Lieut. B. N. Hurd, also of the 15^th, to go back with a detachment of twenty men to hinder the plan, while he dashed across the field with a force to stop the rebel's advance. Capt, Auer led his men across till they reached a rail fence which their horses could not vault on account of it's being up hill. A hay stack just over the fence was sheltering the rebels, and before a gap could be made in the fence the horses of Capt, Auer and Lieut. Hampton, of the 15^th had been shot, and Lieut. Hampton shot through the shoulder and knocked senseless by a sabre blow on the head. Deprived of its officers, the company fell back just as Lieut. Hurd with his twenty men were coming down to their aid from the top of the hill. Lieut. Hurd soon took in the situation and realized that he was completely cut off from the main line unless he could reach the road and join the column by running the gauntlet of the icy track down the hill with rebels firing from then walls. Some of the twenty succeeded, but not all.

"Surrender, you ---- ----," yelled the rebels, leaning over the walls with their pistols. Lieut. Hurd was one of the last to run the gauntlet, and firing his last shot as he passed the enemy, he dropped over on the side of the big black horse. The first fire pierced the horse through, and he fell mortally wounded with his rider clinging to his neck. In trying to extricate his feet from the stirrups, however, one of the spurs pierced the horse's flank, at which he leaped again to his feet and dashed with his rider past the enemy's line. No sooner had he reached the main body than the noble animal again sank to the ground, and died of his wounds. Capt, Auer had obtained another horse in the meantime and was urging on the lieutenant in his race for life.

Lieut. Hampton was not killed, but on regaining consciousness found himself in the hands of the enemy. His wounds were dressed by the rebel surgeon, and he was treated like a gentleman while he remained with them. He had but lately joined the 15^th New York Cavalry, having been transferred from the 8^th New York Cavalry. While serving in the latter regiment he was also taken prisoner and was confined four months.

The casualties of the Fifteenth were six men wounded and captured. The rebel loss was several killed and wounded, besides the nineteen prisoners captured and brought safely into camp.

Sergeant Hatch, of Co. A, (who was afterwards killed at Green Springs Run), was very conspicuous for bravery in this action.

 

Chapter IV

 Scouting and Foraging - The Faithful Old Darkeys - Disloyalty of the White Element - An Episode - Off for Burlington or "Mud Camp" - An Isolated Place - Companies L and M Joins the Regiment - Col. Richardson Arrives and Takes Command - A Mounted Band - Shot on Picket - Saltpetre Works Destroyed - Disagreeable Weather - Night Alarms - Punished for Insulting Women.

Scouting and foraging expeditions were the almost daily occupations of the regiment while lying at Halltown. The inhabitants of the Shenandoah valley were intensely disloyal and showed their hate in a variety of ways towards the Union soldiers. Charlestown, the hot-bed of secession in the valley, was visited several times, the citizens showing their spite by keeping in doors and peeking out through closed blinds, while the boys retaliated by singing "John Brown's Body." The court house at Charlestown was an object of interest, it being the place where John Brown was tried and condemned.

No little amusement was occasioned while out foraging, by the pitiful wail of the inmates of the houses that you 'uns had taken everything and had left them nothing to eat. But the faithful old darkeys with a comical wink would pilot the boys to a hay or straw stack or a mound of earth, which being torn down or uncovered would disclose a quantity of bacon and hams, and the wagons would return to camp at night well laden with the necessaries of life, while across the pommel of the saddles might be seen dangling many a fowl.

One day while the regiment was marching along the turnpike, returning to camp from one of their frequent scouts, a member of the regiment, whose haversack was empty and whose hunger must be appeased, entered a house whose only occupant was a lady, and accosted her thus:

"Madam, can I get anything to eat here ?"

"No, sir, your folks have taken everything I have."

"What do you live on?"

In the meantime the soldier's eyes had not been idle, and he espied a cupboard in one corner of the room. Addressing the woman again, he said:

"Well, I must have something to eat, so I will just look around and see what I can find."

Advancing toward the cupboard, the women halted him with the remark that she might possibly find him something, and opening the cupboard door she took out a nice piece of boiled ham and half a loaf of bread, and handed them to him. The soldier politely thanked her and rejoined his regiment.

February 24^th.- A detail of about 200men left camp early on a scout. They were gone all day, catching here and there a glimpse of small squads of rebels, but their horses were too fleet for us, and they managed to keep out of harm's way. On returning to camp at night they found it deserted, the rest of the regiment having left for Burlington, West Va., and the rest of the brigade sent to other places. It being late, and men and horses tired out, they unsaddled and concluded to remain all night, being served with hot coffee by the members of the 21^st New York Cavalry who were encamped near by.

February 25^th.- Got an early start and overtook the balance of the regiment.

February 26^th.- Arrived at Romney and encamped all night, a number of the boys taking up their quarters in the court house and some staying in private houses where they regaled themselves on hoecake and bacon served up to them by those ever faithful friends of the soldiers, the negroes.

February 27^th.- Reached Burlington and went into camp; and what a place for a camp. It was appropriately named "Camp Mud." It was situated between two high hills, the ravine being not over 75 to 100 feet wide, and when the tents were pitched there was not much spare room left. Why we were sent there is a problem not yet solved. One single regiment in the enemy's country, some 40 or 50 miles from any other command. Some one blundered, but as it was, the Johnnies did not molest us much.

February 28^th.- Companies L and M joined the regiment.

February 29^th.- A scouting party of 300 started out.

March 1^st.- Snowed and rained all day. The camp in a horrible condition as regards mud and slush.

March 2^nd.- A detail started off on a scout toward Petersburg.

 March 3^rd.- After and early breakfast boots and saddles sounded, the march was resumed, and soon afterwards the picket fires of the rebels were seen but no enemy encountered. Passed through Petersburg during the day and went into camp beyond the town for the night.

March 4^th.- The scouting party returned to camp.

March 10^th.- Boots and saddles sounded three times at night. Co. K put under arrest for causing a disturbance.

March 12^th.- A scouting party sent out to Moorfield.

March 13^th.- Colonel Richardson arrives and assumes command of the regiment for the 1^st time since we left Syracuse. A novelty to be seen in camp is a brass band mounted. The members composing it were taken from the different companies, and after a little practice rendered some excellent music.

March 15^th.- The weather becomes quite cold.

March 22^nd.- Another detail started off on a scout at 3 A.M. They proceeded as far as Franklin and destroyed the saltpetre works located there. The column was gone several days and endured many hardships as the weather was very disagreeable. They captured a jackass battery but lost it on their return trip while coming down the mountain side.

March 25^th.- At ten o'clock at night picket firing was heard, boots and saddles sounded, and the camp was in a state of excitement for a few minutes. The men were finally dismissed with the injunction to sleep on their arms all night to be ready for any emergency.

March 30^th.- Three inches of snow fell.

April 8^th.- The regiment was ordered out dismounted and they were marched to the vicinity of the guard house and formed in a hollow square. Several members of the regiment, who had been arrested for insulting women, were then brought out and underwent the humiliating operation of having their heads shaved.

April 10^th.- Another scouting party sent out to the vicinity of Moorfield. Scouting seemed to be the chief occupation of the regiment and served in a measure to keep them out of mischief.

The paymaster was a welcome visitor while we lay in camp at Burlington. Some of the regiment were off on a scout when he arrived, and on their return had to take up with what sort of money he had left. One man was paid off entirely in "shinplasters" in small denominations, and he had a wad nearly as big as a roll of wall paper lugging off to his tent.

April 17^th.- Thomas Emily, of Co. G, while out on picket was shot through the wrist by a bushwhacker, and subsequently died from the effects of the wound. All of the inhabitants in the vicinity of the camp would profess to be staunch Unionists during the day, but as soon as night came they would sneak up to the pickets and shoot them down in cold blood.

April 19^th.- Called up at 3 A.M., as an attack on the camp was momentarily expected.

April 20^th.- Boots and saddles again sounded at 4 A.M., and the men stood to their horse anxiously awaiting events. There being no cause for the alarm they were ordered back to their tents, but cautioned to be on the alert.

April 23^rd.- Orders were received to pack up and be ready to leave at a moments notice.

April 24^th.- The regiment left camp at 10 A.M., traveled all day and went into camp at Frankfort.

April 25^th.- Resumed the march and went as far as Springfield and went into camp. Laid here for several days, being joined by several other regiments.

April 29^th.- Everything packed up ready for a move. The dismounted men sent to the rear. The regiment left camp and reached Romney at 5 A.M. on the morning of April 30^th.

 

Chapter V.

Arrival at Winchester - Our Pay Increased to Sixteen Dollars a Month - Assigned to the second Brigade, First Division, West Virginia Cavalry - Massing of Troops - A Reconnaissance Ordered - The Skirmish at Lost River Gap - The Skirmish at Newtown - Capt. Brett of the First New York Cavalry Killed - The Noted Rebel Guerrilla Harry Gilmour Captured but Manages to Escape.

On Saturday, May 1^st, 1864, the regiment reached Winchester, arriving there about 7 P.M., and going into camp on Senator Mason's plantation. The government to-day increased the pay of her soldiers to $16 a month. Our brigade at this time was known as the Second Brigade, First Division, West Virginia Cavalry. The division was commanded by Brigadier-General Duffie and the brigade by Col. Wynkoop, and consisted of the 15^th New York and 20^th and 22^nd Pennsylvania Cavalry.

May 2^nd.- The troops in the vicinity of Winchester were reviewed by Gen. Stahl. They comprised infantry, cavalry and artillery to the number of 15,000 or more, under command of Gen. Sigel. The cavalry were kept busy scouting in various directions, and everything betokened a movement against the enemy.

May 6^th.- A detail of 200men from the 15^th New York cavalry under the command of Lieut.-Col. Root, Capts. Hathaway and Bigelow, and the Lieuts. Hurd and Rullfson, together with a battalion of the 22^nd Pennsylvania cavalry, all under the command of Col. Jacob Higgins of the 22^nd Pennsylvania, were ordered to make a reconnaissance in the direction of Moorfield and left camp that evening. As they were participants in some exciting scenes your historian thought it might be of interest to give an account of their jouneyings.

They arrived at Moorfield on Saturday evening, May 8^th, losing one man on the way, and drove the rebels out of the place and encamped there for the night. On the morning of the 10^th they broke camp and resumed the march. Nothing of importance occurred until about 10 A.M. when the enemy's cavalry were discovered and the 22^nd Pennsylvania, who were in advance, immediately charged them and they retreated into a mountain pass hotly pursued by our men. This was just what the Johnnies wanted, for they had led us into an ambush. They had artillery and infantry posted in the gap, and no sooner had our men entered it than they opened a destructive fire, but luckily not doing much damage. Our boys were compelled to retreat, the enemy closely pursuing in overwhelming numbers. A running fight was kept up to and beyond Romney when the pursuit was abandoned. This affair was known as Lost River Gap. The loss to the detachment of the 15^th was eight.

The detachment brought up at Cumberland, Md., and thence proceeded to Green Spring Run, and after remaining there a day or two took up their line of march for Martinsburg at which place they went into camp.

On the 24^th of May what was left of the detachment of the 15^th New York, together with a small remnant of the 21^st New York Cavalry and a few infantrymen, in all about 125 men under command of Lieut.-Col. Root, left Martinsburg for the front in charge of twelve or fifteen wagons loaded with hospital supplies. Capt. Brett of the 1^st New York cavalry was one of the party on his way to join his regiment. The command halted for the night within a mile or so of Winchester. The next morning the march was resumed. Passing through Winchester safely they soon reached Newtown without any signs of the enemy being seen. Continuing their march they had not proceeded far when shots were heard in the rear. Lieut. Hurd of the 15^th who was in command of the advance guard immediately led his men back to the town and found the wagon train in possession of the enemy and the rear guard scattered. He immediately ordered a charge which served to hold the rebels in check. At the first onslaught of the enemy Capt. Brett was killed and Lieut. Rullfson received a clip over the head with a sabre. The rebel force outnumbering our troops, the command fell back about a mile when they encountered a Union force consisting of a regiment of infantry on their way to Martinsburg. The situation was quickly explained to the colonel of the regiment who urged forward his men, and on arriving at Newtown a charge was made which ended in the complete route of the enemy, the recapture of the train, and the recovery of the body of Capt. Brett. During the charge Lieut. Hurd captured the noted guerrilla, Harry Gilmour, but he managed to escape during the melee. Several of the 15^th were taken prisoners, among them being Samuel Webber of Co. L and George Sturdevant of Co. I, who subsequently died at Andersonville. The command retraced their steps to Martinsburg and in the course of a few days again started toward the front, rejoining the regiment on the night of June 5^th. In this affair the 15^th lost sixteen in wounded and missing.

Chapter VI.

A Forward Movement - The Battle of New Market - Repulse of the Union Forces - The Gallant Stand made by the Second Squadron of the Fifteenth - Gen. Sigel Superceded by Gen. Hunter - Another Advanced Ordered - Capt. Auer Taken Prisoner - The Battle of Piedmont - The Enemy Routed - The Affair at Waynesboro - The Fifteenth Hold in Check a Large Force of the Enemy - Complimented by Gen. Duffie - The Battle of Lynchburg - Disastrous Retreat of Our Forces - A Skirmish at Salem - Hardships and Privations - Arrival at Parkersburg.

To return to the operations of the main army. On the 9^th of May another forward movement was made and the army went into camp the first night on the banks of Cedar Creek. Companies A, C, and D, were detailed for picket duty at Front Royal.

May 11^th.- Resuming the march, Woodstock was reached where the troops went into camp and remained there several days. The weather was very disagreeable, and to make matters worse rations and forage were scarce.

May 12^th.- A detail of the 15^th was sent out in the direction of Front Royal on a reconnaissance.

May 14^th.- Capt. Auer with a detachment of the 15^th left camp and proceeded in the direction of New market. They soon became engaged with the enemy's pickets, but not wishing to bring on a general engagement they returned to camp.

On the morning of the 15^th boots and saddles was sounded at an early hour, and the army moved out with drums beating and flags flying. The advanced guard soon came upon the enemy's pickets who slowly retired disclosing to view a large force of rebels. The troops were quickly formed in line, artillery was brought up, and the battle of New Market opened. The contest raged furiously nearly all day, neither side gaining and decided advantage, when for some unaccountable reason our forces were obliged to retreat with a loss of nearly 1,000 in killed, wounded and missing.

The second squadron of the 15^th made a gallant stand at Rude's Hill during the retreat, but being overpowered were forced to give way. They made for the bridge crossing the river amid a perfect shower of shot and shell. No sooner had the last man crossed over the structure than the engineers applied the torch to prevent further pursuit. The 15^th lost in wounded and missing 21.

The retreat was kept up all night, the 15^th acting as rear guard, until Strasburg was reached, where the weary troops halted and went into camp.

Gen. Sigel was soon afterwards relieved and Gen. Hunter took command. He found the army somewhat demoralized from their resent defeat and sadly deficient in shoes and arms. He immediately proceeded to reorganize his forces for another forward movement. Reinforcements were constantly arriving and soon he had an army of from 12,000 to 15,000 men. The weather at this time was beautiful, and the men soon regained their wonted cheerfulness and were ready and eager to try conclusions with the foe again. Rations were very scarce and foraging parties were sent out in every direction to scour the country, but they invariably returned empty handed, as the ground has been pretty well gone over by the two opposing armies.

May 19^th.- A detail of thirty men from the 15^th were sent to guard a wagon train to Martinsburg, and a detail sent to Front Royal on picket. While there Mosby's guerrillas swooped down on them on the 22^nd and succeeded in capturing Capt. Auer and carrying him off a prisoner, together with eleven men, principally from Co. D, and forty-five horses.

May 26^th.- Another forward movement made by the army. Encamped for the night at Woodstock.

May 29^th.- Arrived at Mt. Jackson at 2 P.M. Our brigade acted as flankers to-day.

June 2^nd.- Left camp at an early hour, passing through New Market, the scene of our late disaster, and took the road to Harrisonburg, encamping at night near that place. We laid here until the morning of the 4^th , when we crossed the river at Port Republic on pontoons. The bugler of Co. E drowned while fording the river. Captured part of a rebel wagon train and burned a woolen factory.

On the morning of June 5^th the rebels, under command of Gen. Jones, were encountered in force at a place called Piedmont, when a general engagement took place, which resulted in the complete route of the enemy. Their loss was about 500 killed, (among whom was Gen. Jones), 1,500 wounded, about 1,000 prisoners, beside several pieces of artillery captured. Our loss was about 800 killed and wounded. It was a glorious victory and served in a measure to wipe out the disgrace of New Market.

June 6^th.- The army moved out early in pursuit of the rebels, who continued to fall back as we advanced. Took possession of Staunton in the afternoon.

June 7^th.- At 10 A.M. the 15^th was sent off in the direction of Buffalo Gap, encountering the forces of Gen. Averill and Crook who had been operating in southwestern Virginia. Returned at night to Staunton and went into camp. Capt. Moschell and three of his men taken prisoners.

June 8^th.- Troops engaged all day in destroying railroad property.

June 10^th.- Boots and saddles rang out early, and the cavalry division, under command of Gen. Duffie, started off on a reconnaissance. Col. Richardson was ordered by Gen. Duffie to take his regiment and hasten with all possible speed to Waynesboro as if intending to go through the gap as a vanguard of an army, and at all hazards prevent the enemy from following up our army and attacking it in the rear, and if it became necessary to engage the enemy even if he knew it to be a desperate and hopeless fight.

The regiment, numbering about 300 men, fell out of line and started at once on its mission. The surface of the was rolling and we found heavy hills on our way. Several squads of the enemy were encountered on our march concealed behind barricades who kept up a lively fusilade on the advance guard, but they succeeded finally in clearing the route.

Arriving in front of the town we discovered the enemy. A force of about seventy-five men were thrown out on the skirmish line, dismounted, and their horses left behind with the main body of the regiment. The skirmish line occupied a ridge in plain view of the town and also the enemy, but the reserves could not be seen from the town nor by the enemy, being concealed behind a ridge. A sharp fusilade was kept up between the opposing forces for several hours, the enemy occasionally sending their compliments in solid shot. A number of the regiment had already been wounded and the officers begged the colonel to order a charge, he assuring them he would do so when the proper time arrived.

The situation was becoming exceedingly critical. The enemy outnumbered us six to one, and if they chose could have soon annihilated the little band confronting them, or compelled them to flee for their lives. But so long as the enemy made no moves to advance the boys held their ground. Suddenly a commotion was discovered in the enemy's camp, and it was seen that they were retreating through the gap in great haste, having learned that the main body of our army, would soon be in their rear.

The object of the reconnaissance having been accomplished the regiment retreated and soon regained the main road, and after some seven or eight hours of constant marching rejoined the division encamped on the other side of the mountain. Although it was after midnight when the regiment reached camp Gen. Duffie was awakened and acquainted of our safe arrival and of the work performed. His joy knew no bounds, for he told the colonel he never expected to see the regiment again. He complimented the officers and men in glowing terms, and ever afterwards exhibited a marked partiality for the regiment.

Nineteen of the regiment were reported wounded and missing in this affray. Lieut. Ruliffson's horse was severely wounded in the jaw.

June 11^th.- In the saddle all day and at night encamped on the banks of the river near Ty Mills. Sergeant Putney of Co. F killed by our own pickets.

June 12^th.- Made another march of over twenty miles and encamped at a place called White's Gap for the night. Three men of the regiment were wounded during the day.

June 13^th.- Gen. Hunter's forces occupied Lexington, at which place our division joined him.

June 14^th.- Another hard day's march. The weather being extremely hot, men and horses suffered intensely. Reached Buchanan late at night.

June 15^th.- Forded the river at an early hour, ascended the mountain, and at midnight encamped on its highest summit, called Otter Peak. The scenery at daylight was magnificent.

June 16^th.- Left camp early and after a fatiguing march under a broiling sun, encamped for the night about five miles beyond Liberty. Heavy firing heard in the direction of Lynchburg.

June 17^th.- Resumed the march in the direction of Lynchburg. Nearing that place we encountered the rebels who seemed disposed to dispute our further progress, but we held our ground and concluded to stay there all night.

June 18^th.- The battle of Lynchburg, Va., was fought. The Union forces were commanded by Gen. Hunter and the rebels by Gen. McCausland, who were strongly entrenched. Several assaults were made by our troops but they were repulsed in every instance. The enemy receiving heavy reinforcements during the day from Richmond our forces were obliged to retreat and they fell back to Liberty. The Union loss was about 1,000 in killed, wounded and missing. The rebel loss was much less, they being protected behind entrenchment's. The 15^th came in for their full share of glory, losing 32 in killed, wounded and missing. Our position was on the left of the line.

June 19^th.- The retreat was kept up during the day, the fifteenth acting as rear guard. Finding escape down the valley cut off there was no alternative for the army but to make its way across the mountains and so on in the direction of Parkersburg. The men were in the saddle all day and all night, when about daylight a halt was called to allow the men and horses to obtain a little rest. Rations had now begun to grow scarce with no prospects of obtaining any more just then.

June 20^th.- Still on the retreat with the 15^th acting as rear guard to the wagon train. Another all night march.

June 21^st.- Reached a place called Salem where a brief halt was made, but the rebels making things too lively the retreat was resumed, the rear guard continually skirmishing with the enemy. A few miles beyond Salem it becomes necessary to abandon eight pieces of artillery and also destroy a large quantity of ammunition. Another siege of it all night and on the morning of the 22^nd the command reached a place called Fincastle, which was found to be in possession of Major Hyde of the 15^th who had gone on ahead with a squadron of cavalry.

June 23^rd.- The different squadrons of the 15^th having been separated for a few days past were at last reunited and passed through Fincastle, encamped for the night at Sweet Sulphur Springs.

June 24^th.- Lay at this place all day unmolested and at 6 P.M. took up the line of march, traveling all night.

June 25^th.- Arriving at Lewisburg, Gen. Hunter's forces divided. The infantry go to Martinsburg, Averill and Crook to Beverly, and Duffie's forces, in which the 15^th are, go to Charleston.

June 26^th.- At 5 P.M. boots and saddles sounded and the weary column was off again. A halt was called at midnight as human endurance was at its limit. Rations and forage, there were none to speak of. Roots and berries was the chief subsistence of the men.

June 27^th.- Daylight found us in the saddle again plodding our weary way over the mountains. Half a day's rations of coffee and sugar were issued to the command, the first since June 14^th.

June 28^th.- After drawing two day's rations of hard tack the march was resumed at 6 A.M., and after traveling all day arrived in the vicinity of Gauley Bridge and went into camp.

June 29^th.- No marching to-day. What few men and horses were left were completely played out. Nothing worthy of note transpired.

June 30^th.- Broke camp, forded the river, and went into camp at a place called Loup Creek.

July 1^st.- Off again, and at 2 P.M. reached the headwaters of navigation on the Kanawha river. What a relief, and what a shout went up, knowing for a certainly that we were out of the wilderness.

July 2^nd.- Broke camp at 6 A.M. and arrived at Charleston in the afternoon and lay here during the 3^rd. The dismounted men were sent off to the dismounted camp. The men were gladdened by receiving their mail, the first they had received since leaving Staunton.

July 4^th.- Independence Day but no celebration for us. Left Charleston for Parkersburg at 2 P.M., acting as an escort to the artillery. Traveled fifteen miles before we went into camp.

July 5^th.- After a march of twenty-five miles today we encamped at Ripley Creek.

July 6^th.- Resumed the march and at sundown of July 7^th reached Parkersburg where we were kept busy all night loading the horses on the cars for a run down the Baltimore & Ohio railroad.

 

CHAPTER VII.

Back to the Valley Again—Lieut. Shearer Murdered—Tracks Torn Up—Engagements at Martinsburg Snicker’s Gap, Berry’s Ford, Ashby’s Gap, Winchester and Charlestown—Scouting Through Maryland and up into Pennsylvania—The Inhabitants Treat The Men to Soft Bread and other Luxuries—Back Again to Virginia—Mosby’s Guerrillas Committing Depredations—The Regiment Reduced to seventy-five Mounted Men—Sent to Cumberland, Md., to Recruit Up.

While en route to Cumberland, Md., on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, (July 8^th), Lieut. Shearer, of Co. B was brutally murdered by one of his own company. Arrived at Cumberland at daylight on July 9^th and turned over the murderer to Provost Marshal. The train then proceeded on its way, but on arriving at Cherry Run could go no farther as the tracks had been torn up by the rebels. The horses were unloaded and were found to be more dead than alive after their close confinement. After a brief rest boots and saddles was sounded at 10 p.m. and the regiment started off for an all night march. Passed through Hedgesville at daylight on the 10th and took the road leading to Martinsburg. The effective strength of the regiment at this time was 125 men.

On nearing Martinsburg Col. Richardson detailed Lieut. Hurd and a half dozen men to make a reconnaissance and discover whether the town was in possession of the rebels or not. Leaving the main road they managed by following up ravines and alongside of hedge fences to gain a point near the main street without being discovered. The squad immediately charged down the street and discovering a number of Johnnies skedaddling out of the houses pursued them and succeeded in capturing seven of them. The balance of the command having arrived, and learning that the rebels were encamped in force just west of the town, Colonel Richardson decided that discretion was the better part of valor and withdrew a few miles back, having obtained all the information necessary.

Early the next morning, July 11^th, the command again advanced on Martinsburg and succeeded in scooping in a few more of the enemy. One of them was audacious enough to try conclusions with Lieut. Hurd, but that latter not wishing to die yet gave the rebel a dose that required the immediate aid of a surgeon and a few days later that of an undertaker. The lieutenant (who afterwards became a captain) in referring to this episode modestly avers that it was the only rebel he was positively sure of killing during the war. The command went into camp on a Mr. Faulkner’s estate and remained there for several days doing picket duty and scouting. During the day Col. Richardson was placed under arrest by order of Gen. Sullivan on a trivial charge, but Gen. Duffie learning of it speedily had him released by order of Gen. Hunter, and Gen. Sullivan himself sent to the rear.

July 14^th.- The regiment moved to Bolivar Heights and on the 15^th crossed the river at Harper’s Ferry and went to Sandy Hook. Drew rations, crossed the river again at Berlin and went into camp at Hillsborough, Loudon county, Va.

July 16^th.- The regiment acted as advance guard for a brigade of infantry during the day and night following, and at daylight on the morning of the 17^th halted for a brief rest. At 10a.m., the march was resumed. At Snicker’s Gap we had a little skirmish with the Johnnies losing four men. As it was impossible to ford the river here the command fell back a short distance and bivouacked for the night.

July 18^th.- Off in the direction of Ashby’s Gap. As the column went through the Gap and down to the river the artillery was in the road, the 15^th New York Cavalry on the right of the road marching platoon front, and the 20^th Pennsylvania Cavalry was on the left of the road, Marching in the same order. The column had nearly reached the ford when the rebels on the opposite side of the river opened up with grape and canister. The 20^th Pennsylvania scattered like sheep and ran back up the hill, and did not show up again. The two advance companies of the 15^th (F and H), were ordered to cross the road and take up a position that should have been held by the runaways. In doing so several of Co. H’s men were wounded, as was also Lieut. Phillips. They held the position until the next morning before they were recalled, only to find out that orders had been given the day before to an officer of the 20^th Pennsylvania to relieve the 15^th, but his excuse was that it was too hot down there for him. Lieut. Hurd, in the presence of Gen. Duffie and staff and the rest of the 20^th Pennsylvania, called the said officer a "coward s—n of a b—h." Said officer was cashiered and dismissed from the service shortly afterwards. The total casualties of the 15^th were sixteen men wounded and missing.

July 19^th.- The command resumed its march and attempted to cross the river at Berry’s Ford, but found it impossible on account of the vigorous opposition of the enemy. Acting Lieut. Hatch was wounded during the day. The regiment was out on picket all night.

July 20^th.- Relieved from picket by the 21^st New York Cavalry and fell back to Paris, where we encamped all night, and on the 21^st moved to Snicker’s Gap and so on to Winchester, which place we reached on the 22^nd. Ambulances were sent back to Berry’s Ford under an escort of the 15^th in command of Capt. A. O. Skiff to bring in the wounded in the affair of July 19^th.

July 23^rd.- A small skirmish took place near Winchester, but the 15^th being off on the right of the army took no active part in it.

On Sunday, July 24^th, the rebel forces under Gen. Early moved down upon our army, composed of Gen's. Crook and Averill’s cavalry and a small force of infantry, and made a furious onslaught on our position. Our troops fought bravely, but being largely outnumbered were compelled to retreat with a loss of 1,200 killed, wounded and missing. The brave Col. Mulligan of the Union army was killed during the day. The retreat was kept up all night, the enemy closely pursuing us, the 15^th having a lively skirmish with their advance guard on the outskirts of Martinsburg. The rebels giving us no rest, we continued to fall back until Williamsport was reached, where we snatched a few hours’ rest and then resumed the retreat as far as Shepherdstown and halted for the night. Our casualties for the two days were 15 killed, wounded and missing.

July 27^th—Went from Shepherdstown to Pleasant Valley.

July 28^th—Moved again and went to the vicinity of Charlestown. From this time until August 2^nd the regiment was moving from one point to another, and at the date mentioned above found ourselves at Hagerstown, Md. From thence it moved to Clear Springs. At daylight on the morning of the 3^rd of August it proceeded to near Hancock, Md., where we remained until the 4^th and then went back to Clear Springs. We lay there until the 6^th when we saddled up and went to McConnellsburg. The men being without rations, the loyal citizens of the place supplied them with soft bread and other luxuries. At 3p.m. of the 7^th we were off for Hancock again, reaching there after dark and going into camp. After a couple of day’s rest another move was made in the direction of Harper’s Ferry.

August 11^th—Reveille was sounded at 4a.m., and the march was resumed. The tow-path of the canal was taken, and after a fatiguing march reached Harper’s Ferry at sundown and went into camp near Halltown.

August 13^th—The regiment was again on the move. Its effective force consisted of seventy-five mounted men for duty under command of Lieut.-Col. Root and the following company officers: Capts. Hathaway and Skiff, and Lieuts. Maxwell and Cameron. Winchester was reached at night and on the morning of the 14^th the command passed through Newtown and encamped between that place and Middletown. Mosby’s guerrillas were committing depredations in that neighborhood, having captured and burned a wagon train a few days before near Berryville. On the morning of the 15^th the march was resumed, the command arriving at Middletown at 3p.m., from which point the 15^th were ordered back to Berryville where it remained for several days.

August 18^th—Moved camp to Charlestown. Strict orders were issued to allow no one out of camp, as Mosby was raiding between there and Harper’s Ferry destroying supply trains and boggling up stragglers. We laid here until the 21^st when we broke camp and proceeded in the direction of Shepherdstown, having a slight skirmish with the enemy en route. Skirmishing was kept up the next day and we were forced to retrace our steps as the Johnnies were showing up in strong force. We reached Halltown and from there went to Point of Rocks. On the 24^th and 25^th the regiment was maneuvering from one point to another, but it had become so reduced in numbers that active operations on its part had to cease.

August 30^th—The few mounted men that remained and the dismounted men left camp and after several days’ march arrived at Hagerstown, Md. Here we boarded the cars en route for Cumberland, Md., where we arrived on Saturday, Sept. 3^rd, 1864, and pitched camp.

Thus ended a long and tedious campaign which commenced on May 9^th. The regiment had traveled in all over 3,000 miles and had been engaged in over twenty battles and skirmishes.

 

 

CHAPTER VIII.

 

In Camp of Cumberland—A Beautiful Location—An Occasional Drill—Receiving Horses—Execution of a Murderer—Political Excitement—The Men discuss Their Favorites for President—Casting There Votes—The Paymaster’s Welcome Visit—The Fight at Green Springs Run—Death of Lieut. Hatch—Break Camp Again—Cold Weather—Distressing Accident—The Shenandoah Valley—The View from Maryland Heights.

The men hardly knew how to act. They had been so long used to being called up at all hours of the night to start off on a march or a scout that they could scarcely realize that their marches and skirmishes were over for the present. Our camp was located just across the river from Cumberland on a knoll overlooking the place. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad ran alongside the camp. The location was a beautiful one. Cumberland was a village of about 6,000 or 7,000 inhabitants at that time and was a place of considerable importance during the war.

The men soon settled down to the usual routine of camp life which was varied occasionally by company or battalion drill on foot. Guards were stationed at the railroad bridge and on the road leading to town to pick up all stragglers from camp who were without passes. Those who were so unfortunate as not to have one were confined in the guard house or were set to work picking up stones around the camp for a day or two as a mild form of punishment.

Great pride was taken in fixing up the tents and keeping the grounds clean, and everything was as comfortable as could be. Horses were continually arriving and were apportioned off to the different companies, and soon the regiment began to put on its old warlike appearance. Company commanders were kept busy in making out their ordnance and clothing rolls, which was not an easy task after their arduous campaign of the past summer. Good news was occasionally received from General Sheridan’s forces then operating in the valley, which served to keep the men in the best of spirits and eager to take a hand again in the fracas.

On September 30^th the regiment was ordered out to witness the execution of Joseph Prevost, a member of the First New York Cavalry, which occurred on the outskirts of the town in the presence of a large crowd of soldiers and civilians. A detail of the Fifteenth acted as a guard from the jail to the place of execution. The condemned man bravely mounted the steps, the rope was adjusted, the rap sprung, when to the horror of the spectators the rope broke letting the man fall heavily to the ground. He appeared dazed at first but soon recovered and with the aid of assistants mounted the scaffold. The rope was again adjusted and he was launched into eternity. The troops were then marched back to their respective camps and dismissed.

Politics now began to engross the attention of the soldiers, as by a law of Congress the troops at the front, or those of age, were allowed to cast their votes the same as if they were at home, the only difference being that their ballots were put in an envelope, sealed up, and sent to some responsible person in their native place, designated by them, who took and saw it deposited in the ballot box on election day.

On The 25^th of October the paymaster made his welcome visit and commenced distributing the greenbacks. The veterans who had re-enlisted in the 15^th received their first installment of the bounty promised them, if I recollect right, and in consequence had quite a snug little sum due them. The clerks at the express office in town were kept busy in writing receipts for money sent home by the married men to their families. The storekeepers also reaped a rich harvest in disposing of there wares. Pipes, tobacco, pens, paper and envelopes, needles, thread, etc., made up the sum total of the necessaries purchased, while the "sweat board" had its admirers and many dollars changed hands.

On the same day that the paymaster made his appearance a detail of sixty-eight men from the regiment were sent to Green Spring Run, a station several miles east of Cumberland, to guard the B.& O.R.R. The force was under the command of acting lieut. Hatch of Co. A. At 2a.m. on the morning of November 1^st, just a week after their arrival, while the men lay asleep in their tents, they were suddenly awakened from their slumbers by a terrific volley and the bullets came crashing through their frail habitations. A force of rebels had succeeded in surprising and capturing the pickets before they could give the alarm, then following up their success took the camp unawares. The men rallied as quickly as possible in the darkness and confusion and made a vigorous resistance, but the death of Lieut. Hatch deprived them of their leader and becoming disheartened were easily taken prisoners. The casualties were sixty-four killed, wounded and missing, only four managing to escape. The death of Lieut. Hatch cast a gloom over the regiment. His commission as a lieutenant was received a few days after the sad event.

But the enjoyments and comforts of camp life must come to an end sooner or later. The regiment having received its full complement of horses and part of their arms were ordered on the 16^th of November to pack up and get ready for another move.

November 17^th—Left Cumberland at 4a.m. in a drenching rain storm. The men were all in good spirits and were eager once more to take an active part in putting down the rebellion. We passed through Springfield during the afternoon and encamped for the night a few miles beyond. Resuming the march on the 18^th, nightfall found us at a place called Bloomery, and on the 19^th we reached Martinsburg once more, going into camp on a knoll just outside of the village. The weather by this time had become raw and chilly and the shelter tents with which we were provided afforded the men but scant protection from the wintry blasts, and in consequence they suffered severely.

November 22^nd—Six companies under command of Major Hyde left for Winchester in charge of an immense wagon train, arriving at their destination in safety at 9p.m.

November 24^th—The remaining six companies left Martinsburg at 10 a.m., and at night went into camp at Halltown. The next day they proceeded to Harper’s Ferry, crossed the river and went into camp in Pleasant Valley, Md., where the rest of the regiment rejoined us.

While lying in camp here a distressing accident happened to Myron Ostrander, a member of Co. F. On returning to camp from picket duty on the morning of November 30^th, and while in the act of dismounting, the hammer of his carbine got caught in some manner, causing the weapon to be discharged. The bullet lodged in his right leg causing an ugly looking wound and necessitating amputation of the limb.

We remained in Pleasant Valley until December 3^rd when we moved camp to Charlestown, Va., and on the following day passed through Winchester and went into camp a few miles beyond.

To the lovers of nature, the Shenandoah Valley presents an ever varied scene of beauty. From the summit of Maryland heights the view is magnificent. In the distance one can see Martinsburg, Charlestown, and Winchester; beneath lies the historic town of Harper’s Ferry, while the Potomac river, whose waters have been dyed crimson with the blood of brave men on both sides, can be traced for miles upon miles in the distance. To your left towers Loudon Heights dark and gloomy, while at its base flows the Shenandoah river. Standing on the shores of the Potomac at Point of Rocks on a moonlight night and looking up towards the valley, the scene is one of the most magnificent that one can imagine.

 CHAPTER IX.

 

At Winchester - The Regiment assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division - The Fight at Lacy Springs - Bitter Cold Weather - Hands and Feet Frozen - Christmas in Camp - Winter Quarters - Deserters Shot - Furloughs Given - Col. Richardson Resigns - General Sheridan Reviews the Cavalry - Snowball Fight - Sharpening Sabres - Orders Issued For a Forward Movement

On the fifth of December the regiment was reviewed by Gen. Chapman, and we were assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, commanded by Gen. Geo. A. Custer. The brigade was composed of the 8^th, 15^th, and 22^nd New York. 1^st Vermont and 1^st New Hampshire cavalry, regiments that had participated in many a hard fought battle, and was commanded by Brig. Gen. Wm. Wells.

The Third Cavalry division was reorganized in the spring of 1864, just before the Wilderness campaign. The second brigade consisted of the following regiments: 8^th New York, 1^st Vermont, portions of the 3^rd Indiana and 1^st New Hampshire, under the command of Col. J.H. Chapman of the 3^rd Indiana. The division was under the command of Gen. Jas. H. Wilson. At the battle of Winchester (Sept. 19, 1864) Gen. Chapman (who had been promoted) was wounded and left the command, only to return for a few days, when he was assigned to the command of Gen. Averill's division. At the time Gen. Chapman was wounded, Col. Wm. Wells, of the 1^st Vermont, succeeded to the command of the Second Brigade, and remained its commander until the close of the war. In November, 1864, Gen. Wilson was retired and Gen. Custer took command of the division. In December the 15^th and 22^nd New York joined the brigade. What became of the remnant of the 3^rd Indiana your historian has failed to find out.

The weather was cold at this time, the snow being four inches deep on the level. Numerous sleigh rides were indulged in by the officers and men, all sorts of contrivances being invented to ride in. The pike offered a splendid place to try the speed of their horses.

On the 14^th of December, Capt. B. N. Hurd, who was then in command of Co. G, mustered out of the service, and shortly after left for home. By his bravery on many a well contested field and by his gentlemanly deportment he had endeared himself to the members of his company, and in fact to the whole regiment, and they were loath to part with him.

December 19^th. - Boots and saddles sounded before daylight and the division started off on a reconnaissance up the valley. Passing through Newtown, Middletown and Strasburg the command halted for the night at Woodstock. Resuming the march on the morning of the 20^th they reached New Market and thence proceeded to Lacey Springs where the command halted for the night, the Second brigade encamping in a field on the right of the pike.

The morning of December 21^st was anything but pleasant for the men and horses. It commenced raining during the night and towards morning it changed into a blinding snow storm. Boots and saddles sounded about 5 A.M. Not over five minutes had elapsed after the call was sounded, before the well known rebel yell was heard and the clatter of hoofs coming down the pike. The men of the 8^th New York cavalry were in the act of mounting their horses when the Johnnies made there appearance. Their sudden onslaught threw them into momentary confusion, as well as the rest of the brigade, but quickly rallying, although it was almost impossible to distinguish friend from foe, they charged the enemy and succeeded in routing them with quite heavy loss. The casualties of the 15^th were twenty nine killed, wounded and missing. Lieut. - Col. Root had a narrow escape, a bullet grazing his forehead. The attacking force was Rosser's and Payne's brigades of cavalry.

An amusing incident occurred to a member of the regiment during the fracas. In the confusion the man got his poncho on wrong. A rebel rode up beside him and seized hold of it intending to pull him from his horse and take him prisoner, but the poncho gave way and he managed to escape. He avers to this day that if it had been put on right he would surly have been captured.

The objects of the expedition having been accomplished the command retraced its steps to Woodstock, the enemy constantly harassing the rear guard. The weather became intensely cold, and before reaching Woodstock a large number of the men had their hands, ears and feet frozen. The march was resumed the next morning and our old camp near Winchester was once more occupied. The suffering endured on that raid will ever remain fresh in the memory of those who participated in it. The pickets were relieved every hour to prevent their freezing to death on their posts.

Christmas was a cold cheerless day. How the thoughts of the men turned to the loved ones at home gathered about the cheerful firesides and wishing that they too might be numbered among them. But it was not to be, and so they made the most of their cheerless surroundings. The only present the men received was a gill of whiskey to each man. Those not addicted to the use of it gave it away, sold it or threw it upon the ground, while those whose appetites craved for it had a high old time.

December 26^th - Gen. Torbert with the First and Second Divisions started off on a reconnaissance. Good news was received from Gen. Sherman's army.

December 28^th - The regiment moved camp about a mile and received orders to go into winter quarters. The men immediately went to work constructing log huts for themselves and stables for the horses. Nearly every hut had a fireplace in it and bunks for the accommodation of four, which generally constituted the mess, and when finished were as cozy and comfortable as any one could wish for. The camp was named Camp Russell.

Nothing of importance occurred until January 6^th, when the troops were ordered out to witness the shooting of two deserters belonging to the 3^rd New Jersey cavalry. The scene was one calculated to impress itself on every one present, but they richly deserved their fate as they were captured while trying to desert tot he enemy.

The weather continued cold, making picket duty anything but agreeable. Orders were received from headquarters allowing a limited number of furloughs to be granted in each regiment, and those who were so fortunate to obtain one availed themselves of the opportunity to visit home before active operations in the field commenced.

January 19^th - Col. Richardson resigns and Col. John J. Coppinger takes command.

February 1^st - All of the cavalry in the department of the Shenandoah were reviewed by Gen. P.H. Sheridan. About 10,000 participated, making a brilliant spectacle.

February 2^nd - The 15^th received Sharp's carbines, and were then fully armed and equipped.

February 17^th - The regiment had a snowball fight with the 8^th New York cavalry, and the next day turned their attention to the 1^st Vermont cavalry, driving them out of their camp and causing them to surrender.

On the 24^th and 25^th of February the regiment was busily engaged in sharpening their sabres, an indication that hostilities were to begin soon. Orders were also received to pack up and be ready for another move. Five days rations of pork and hard tack with ten of coffee and sugar were issued to each man and each horse was to carry thirty pounds of grain.

February 26^th - The Third Division was reviewed by Gen. Geo. A. Custer, and orders issued to brigade and regimental commanders for a forward movement the next day.

CHAPTER X.

 

The Great Raiding Column Moves - The Fight at Waynesboro - Tearing up Railroad Tracks - Skirmish at Ashland - Arrival at White House Landing - The Victory at Five Forks - The Johnnies on the Run - The Fight at Appomattox Station - The Fifteenth Captures Seventeen Pieces of Artillery - Death of Lieutenant Colonel Root - The Surrender - Custer's Farewell Address.

On the 27^th day of February, 1865 the great raiding column was set in motion. The force consisted of two divisions of cavalry - Devin's and Custer's - and compromised a force of 9,484 men. Custer's division consisted of three brigades, commanded by Wells, Pennington and Capehart. The weather was beautiful overhead, the men in good spirits at the prospect of sharp and decisive work before them under the leadership of the gallant Custer, and everything augured well for a short and brilliant campaign. The 22^nd New York was detached from our brigade and left to guard Winchester.

All day long the steady clatter of hoofs were heard as the column swept forward up the valley. Nothing of interest occurred during the day. Occasionally small squads of rebels were to be seen to the right or left, but they served to keep the men from straggling and no notice was taken of them. Woodstock was reached and the troops halted for the night.

February 28^th - The march was resumed early. The weather had suddenly become stormy and disagreeable. While passing through New Market, men were detailed to cut the telegraph wires. Lacey Springs was reached for the end of the second day's march.

March 1^st - Arrived at Staunton after a hard day's march. The men raided quite a number of houses in search of eatables.

March 2^nd - The Third Division had the advance to-day, for there was work to do, and Gen. Sheridan knew that Custer was the one to do it. Gen. Early was reported to be at Waynesboro, seventeen miles distant, eager for a fight. The weather was stormy and the road from Staunton to Waynesboro was knee deep with mud, the hard valley pike terminating at the former place. But this was no obstacle to the dashing Custer. Forward was the word. Waynesboro was reached, Early's forces found entranced behind breastworks, dispositions quickly made to attack, and before we knew what had happened he was minus eleven guns, 1,600 prisoners and seventeen battle flags. The rout was complete, Gen. Early himself barely escaped being captured. The 15^th with two other regiments were sent to operate on the flanks of the enemy and contributed materially in bringing about a glorious victory.

March 3^rd - The 1^st New Hampshire cavalry was detached from our brigade and sent back to Winchester in charge of the prisoners captured, which left only the 8^th and 15^th New York and 1^st Vermont. Left Waynesboro and arrived at Charlottesville at 11 P.M. in a drenching rainstorm. Our forces capture a big wagon train from the rebels to-day.

March 4^th - Lay in camp all day. The regiment engaged in tearing up railroad tracks and cutting down telegraph wires and poles. We lay here until the 6^th when the march was resumed. Strict orders were issued against straggling. A distance of twenty to twenty-five miles was traveled before a halt was called, and this too despite the incessant rain and mud. This was kept up until the 11^th when the command halted to give the men and horses a chance to get a little much needed rest and to have a brigade inspection.

March 12^th - Resumed the march again, and on the 13^th the Division was engaged in tearing up the tracks of the Virginia Central Railroad. Small squads of rebels were continually coming into our lines and giving themselves up.

March 14^th - Within seventeen miles of Richmond. Another rebel wagon train captured to-day.

March 15^th - Arrived at Ashland, Va. Eight miles from Richmond, where we had a skirmish with a small force of the enemy, losing two men taken prisoners. We then crossed the South Anna river and burned the bridge. Nothing worthy of mention occurred during the next two days, and on the 18^th White House Landing was reached and the troops encamped for the night. Although the men were tired from their constant marching, they must indulge in the sport of tossing the contrabands up in their blankets.

March 19^th - Crossed the Pamunkey river and went into camp.

March 20^th - The regiment went to Cold Harbor, where they surprised a rebel picket post. The Johnnies ran for their dear life, leaving their guns and equipments behind them. Returned to camp the next day in a rain storm. The command lay here for several days, receiving new horses, drawing rations and getting the horses shod.

March 24^th - Left camp and marched to Jones Bridge, on the Chickahominy.

March 25^th - Went to within three miles of Harrison's Landing and encamped for the night. News received of the capture of 3,000 prisoners by our forces in front of Petersburg.

March 26^th - Cross the James river on pontoons.

March 27^th - Arrive at Hatcher's Run and go into camp, having crossed the Appomattox river. During the march to-day Petersburg could be seen off to the left. The enemy sent us their compliments in the shape of shells which luckily passed over our heads, but they made some of the men change color.

March 28^th - The day passed without any event of importance. The men who had become dismounted on the raid rejoined the regiment.

March 29^th - Broke camp and continued the march, which was kept up all day and night.

March 30^th - The rain was pouring down in torrents and the roads were one sea of mud. At noon we again took up the line of march, but after proceeding a mile or two were halted and sent out on picket and the wagon train allowed to pass.

March 31^st - Another rainy day. The wagon trains still passing. Heavy firing heard in the front. Had a slight skirmish with the enemy at Dinwiddie Court House.

April 1^st - This was a glorious day for the men of the Third Division, for to-day they proved once more their title as being the "fighting division". After being relieved from picket and the wagon train out of the way, the Second Brigade was ordered to the front, the 15^th in the advance. The enemy, under command of Gen. Pickett, were found strongly entrenched at a place called Five Forks. His force consisted of infantry and cavalry. The brigade charged the works twice, but were repulsed both times. At this juncture Gen. Sheridan and staff rode on the field. His presence acted like a charm. Custer rode out in front of his men and gave the signal, and away they went with a rush and a yell to the lively strains of a band of music. They were met with a withering fire from the enemy, but nothing could check them, and over the breastworks they went and the victory was ours. Pickett's infantry was annihilated, and he was shorn of his command. His cavalry scattered in every direction. The 15^th lost eight men killed, wounded and missing. Our troops encamped for the night in the abandoned works.

April 2^nd - Broke camp a 6 A.M., Custer's division being in the advance, and marched in the direction of the South Side railroad. Had a slight skirmish with the enemy at Kepponeck creek. Camped for the night near Appomattox river.

April 3^rd - The Second Brigade in the advance to-day. We overtook the rebels at Namozine and drove them over five miles, capturing several pieces of artillery and hundreds of prisoners, among whom were Gen. Barrenger and staff. We went into camp for the night at Amelia Court House. News was received that Petersburg and Richmond were taken, which caused great rejoicing in camp. The end was drawing near.

April 4^th - In the saddle early and after the fleeing enemy, who kept up a lively skirmish with out advance guard all day long. A brief halt was made in the afternoon, but at night were again on the move, and on the morning of the 5^th arrived at Jettersville where we remained all day, being sent out on the skirmish line.

April 6^th - Part of the Third Division, including the 15^th, were operating on the flanks of the enemy to-day, and therefore were not participants in the brilliant affair at Sailor's Creek, in which the rest of the division was engaged together with the Sixth Corps, and which resulted in the capture of over 7,000 prisoners, thirty-seven battle flags, and a large number of guns. We encamped for the night near Deatonsville, passing over the battlefield during the day.

April 7^th - On the march all day in the direction of Lynchburg. It was a tedious march. Gen. Gregg of the Union Army captured to-day.

April 8^th - Got an early start and came up with the enemy at Appomattox Station. Our division charged and captured twenty-five pieces of artillery, a large wagon train, and four trains of cars laden with supplies, the 15^th losing two men killed during the day. Our regiment covered itself in glory by capturing seventeen pieces of artillery, and being complimented later by the following order:

Headquarters Second Brigade,

Third Cavalry Division,

June 19^th, 1865

During the campaign of March and April, 1865, the Fifteenth New York Cavalry was present at the under mentioned engagements under command of Col. John J. Coppinger, viz:

On March 15^th at Ashland

On April 1^st, Battle of Five Forks

On April 2^nd, Battle of Kepponeck Creek

On April 3^rd, Battle of Namozine Church

On April 8^th, Battle of Appomattox Station, (the regiment capturing seventeen guns)

On April 9^th, Battle of Appomattox Court House.

Signed, George Matthews,

A true copy: Capt. And A.A.A. Gen.

D.C. Shanks,

2^nd Lieut. 18^th., Post Adjutant

 

But their rejoicing was turned into sorrow in the evening. Lieut. - Col. Augustus I. Root, than whom no braver man ever drew sword, while out on a reconnaissance towards the front, accompanied by several of his men, was shot down by the enemy in the streets of Appomattox in front of the Court House. His body was found the morning after the surrender, lying in the road where he fell, stripped of all outer garments. His remains were temporarily buried near by, and eventually taken up and forwarded to Syracuse, N.Y., where they now repose in that's city's beautiful cemetery.

April 9^th - The cavalry corps moved out early. The 8^th New York, which had the advance, were ordered out as skirmishers, and the balance of the division, with Gen. Custer leading and the 15^th New York in advance, charged to the front amid a shower of bullets. Suddenly making a detour, the division camp up in the rear of the rebel army and were about charging, when a flag of truce hove in sight. Gen. Custer sent the bearer of it to Gen. Grant, and while waiting for his return the skirmishers were driven in by the enemy. The 15h immediately made a charge and drove the Johnnies pell mell, inflicting a heavy loss on them. Again the flag of truce appeared when all tumult ceased and the announcement was made that Lee was about to surrender.

The news soon spread from regiment, and from thousands upon thousands of throats went up cheer after cheer. The men danced, hurrahed and hugged each other in their delight, for they knew that their trials and privations as a soldier were nearing the end.

In concluding this chapter I find no more appropriate place than this to give Gen. Custer's farewell address to his division, issued on the day of the surrender.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION

Appomattox Court-House, Va. April 9,1865

Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division:

With profound gratitude toward the God of battles, by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled and our arms rendered triumphant, your commanding general avails himself of this his first opportunity to express to you his admiration for the heroic manner in which you have passed through the series of battles which today resulted in the surrender of the enemy's entire army. The record established by your indomitable courage is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has won for you even the respect and admiration of your enemies.

During the past six months, although in most instances confronted by superior numbers, you have captured from the enemy in open battle 111 pieces of field artillery, 65 battle-flags, and upward of 10,000 prisoners of war, including 7 general officers. Within the past ten days, and included in the above, you have captured 46 pieces of field artillery and 37 battle-flags. You have never lost a gun, never lost a color, and have never been defeated, and notwithstanding the numerous engagements in which you have borne a prominent part, including those memorable battles of the Shenandoah, you have captured every piece of artillery which the enemy has dared to open upon you.

The near approach of peace renders it improbable that you will again be called upon to undergo the fatigues of the toilsome march, or the exposure of the battlefield, but should the assistance of keen blades, wielded by your sturdy arms, be required to hasten the coming of that glorious peace for which we have been long contending, the general commanding is proudly confident that in the future, as in the past, every demand will meet with a hearty and willing response. Let us hope that our work is done, and that, blessed with the comforts of peace, we may soon be permitted to enjoy the pleasures of home and friends.

For our comrades who have fallen, let us ever cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded and to those who languish in Southern prisons, let our heart felt sympathies be tendered.

And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended and the task of the historian begins; when those deeds of daring which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry Division imperishable, are inscribed upon the bright pages of our country's history, I only ask that my name be written as that of the commander of the Third Cavalry Division.

G. A. Custer

Brevet Major General

CHAPTER XI.

After the Surrender - Off for North Carolina - The Orders Countermanded - The March to Washington - In Camp at Bladensburg - The Grand Review - In Virginia Again - Consolidated With the Sixth New York Cavalry - Off for Louisville - Doing Patrol Duty - Mustered Out - En Route Home - Paid off and Disbanded

April 10^th - No rest for the cavalry as we were wanted in various directions. Marched all day and arrived at Prospect where we encamp for the first night out.

April 11^th - Left camp and after a tedious ride all day encamped near Burkeville.

April 12^th - Reached Burkeville station during the day. Drew rations.

April 13^th - Went from Burkeville to Nottoway station. Good news continually being received of the surrender of other rebel detachments.

April 14^th - The artillery fire a salute in honor of the old flay being raised over Fort Sumter.

April 15^th - Still in camp but received orders to move again.

April 16^th - Orders countermanded and we remain in camp. News received of the assassination of President Lincoln, which cast a gloom throughout the regiment.

April 17^th - Broke camp and resumed the march and the night of the 18^th found us within two miles of Petersburg where we went into camp.

The command lay here for several days to allow the men and horses to get some needed rest. Passes were issued to those who wished to visit Petersburg, and quite a number of relics were gathered up and sent home by the men. Regimental inspection and drilling varied the monotony of camp life. Major Roselle was now in command of the regiment. The paymaster made us a visit and paid us off, the last payment being the October previous.

April 24^th - Boots and saddles sounded again and off we go in the direction of North Carolina to see about the rebels down there who were not disposed to surrender. Passing through Dinwiddie Court House during the day we go into camp about 10 P.M. after a march of about twenty-five miles. The weather very warm.

April 27^th - Crossed the Roanoke river. News received of the surrender of Gen. Johnston's army to Gen. Sherman.

April 28^th - There being no need of our services in that direction the column countermarched and proceeded in the direction of Petersburg again.

April 29^th - The column resumed its weary march after a night's rest. The weather had in the meantime become stormy which made traveling anything but pleasant, but the men were in good spirits as there faces were set northward. The daily routine was kept up until May 3^rd when we again went into camp near Petersburg, remaining there for several days. The time was whiled away by the men by going in swimming, washing clothes, drilling and company inspection.

May 10^th - Forward again, this time in the direction of Washington. Passing through Manchester and Richmond we encamped for the night a few miles beyond. Very few white people were to be seen on the streets of Richmond while the troops were passing through, but there seemed to be no end to colored people, who welcomed us with hearty cheers and manifestations of pleasure.

May 11^th - A rainy day. Traveled all day behind a wagon train and of course made slow progress, and the command did not halt until one o'clock in the morning.

May 12^th - The march resumed. The men all in fine spirits at the prospect of soon being in Washington. Mrs. Custer rides along with the Third Division to-day.

May 15^th - Pass over the old Bull Run battlefield to-day. The scenes are familiar to many of the men, as the regiment is composed of veterans of the 12^th and 32^nd New York Infantry who first smelt gunpowder on this historic spot nearly four years before.

In this connection it may be of interest to note that quite a number of the commissioned officers of the regiment had seen service in the 3^rd New York Cavalry.

May 16^th - Passed through Fairfax Court House during the day, and at night encamped between Alexandria and Washington. The first grey streaks of dawn on the morning of the 17^th revealed to us the dome of the capitol, and in the distance could be discerned old Camp Stoneman, where we first encamped when we came out in 1863.

May 21^st - Break camp and take up our line of march for Washington. Each man of the Third Division had been provided with a red neck tie, the colors worn by our commander, General Custer, and they made a showy appearance as they passed through the city, cheering for Sheridan and our gallant leader with the golden hair. The column halted at Bladensburg, Md., and went into camp.

May 22^nd - The troops engaged in cleaning up and getting ready to participate in the grand review to occur the next day.

May 23^rd - Left camp early and proceeded to Washington. As the Third Division was generally in advance in the field, so on this great occasion it was given the post of honor. Pennsylvania avenue was packed from one end to the other with a dense mass of humanity, the troops received a perfect ovation at every step. After the division had passed the reviewing stand in front of the White House, it filed off to its old encampment, drawn up in line, and there took final leave of its beloved commander. The scene was an affecting one, and one long to be remembered. That evening the men who had been left behind at the dismounted camp rejoined the regiment.

May 29^th - Left Bladensburg and passing through Washington crossed the Potomac and were in Virginia once more, going into camp near Cloud Mills.

The men went to work putting up tents and fixing up the camp in neat order. Whether out stay there was to be a long or short one mattered not; they were going to take comfort while they did stay. Nearly every day some regiment would pack up and leave for home. "When will our turn come?" was the anxious inquiry. "What are they keeping us for?" All sorts of camp rumors were afloat. Some said we were to be sent to Texas; others said we were going out on the plains. And so it went. Drilling was kept up as usual, but the weather becoming terribly hot, orders were issued to discontinue them. Going in swimming, picking berries and visiting around among the different regiments were the chief occupations of the men.

June 9^th - The 1^st Vermont Cavalry, belonging to our brigade, leave for home.

June 14^th - Co. G detailed as guard at brigade headquarters.

June 20^th - Terrible thunder storm swept over the camps. Lighten struck a blacksmith's forge knocking down several horses and mules standing near.