USA > Michigan > Clinton County > History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan > Part 27
USA > Michigan > Shiawassee County > History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan > Part 27
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In the latter part of February, 1864, it took part in the raid made by the cavalry under Kilpatrick to the outer de- fenses of Richmond. The main body of the regiment crossed the Rapidan, marehed thenee by way of Spottsyl- vania and Beaver Dam Station to Hungary Station, and · moved down the Brook turnpike to within five, miles of the city of Richmond. Being attacked on the 2d of March by a superior force of the enemy, the Union cavalry was com- pelled to fall back on Gen. Butler's forces, stationed at New Kent Court. Ilouse. A detachment of the regiment had also accompanied the forces commanded by the gallant Col. Ulric Dahlgren. They moved down the James River to within five miles of the rebel capital. The detachment of the Fifth being in front, charged the enemy's works, and captured his first line of fortifications. Following up its advantage, Dahlgren's command pushed back the enemy from one line to another, until a point was reached within two miles of the city, when it was found impossible to ad- vance farther with so small a force. Meanwhile the rebels were gathering from all points, and in the endeavor to
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HISTORY OF SHIAWASSEE AND CLINTON COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.
extricate itself from its perilous position the detachment of the Fifth became separated in the night (which was rainy and very dark ) from the main portion of Dahlgren's com- mand. On the following day this detachment cut its way through a strong rebel force posted at Old Church, and suc- ceeded in rejoining the regiment near White House Land- ing. At Yorktown, Va., on the 11th of March, the regi- ment embarked on board transports for Alexandria, whence it marched to Stevensburg, arriving there on the 18th of April, 1864. IIere a reorganization of the cavalry forces, under Gen. Sheridan's command, took place, and the Mich- igan Cavalry Brigade was thenceforth known as the First Brigade of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.
On the 5th of May the brigade, commanded by the fiery Custer, again crossed the Rapidan, and soon became engaged in the great battle of the Wilderness ; fighting mounted, the first three days, against the forces led by the renowned rebel cavalry leader, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart. On the 9th of May the cavalry corps set out, under Gen. Sheridan, on his great raid towards Richmond. Three divisions, numbering full twelve thousand men, turned their horses' heads to the south- ward; the blue-coated column, as it marched by fours, ex- tending eleven miles along the road, from front to rear. On the route they overtook a large body of Union soldiers, who had been taken prisoners at Spottsylvania, released them, and captured the rebel guard. Toward evening, the same day, the Michigan brigade, followed closely by the rest of the column, dashed into the rebel depot at Beaver Dam Station, scattering, almost in an instant, the force stationed for its defense. All night long the men were busy destroying the immense amount of rebel supplies accumulated at Beaver Dam, worth millions of dollars, consisting of three long railroad-trains, with locomotives, stores of goods of vari- ous kinds, and one hundred loaded army-wagons, the flames from which rose in Jurid columns through the darkness amid the cheers of the exnltant soldiers.
At daybreak the next morning the command moved forward, and after tearing up the railroad-track at Negro Foot Station it reached " Yellow Tavern," ten miles from Richmond, on the 11th of May. There Gen. Stuart had assembled a large force of rebel cavalry, and a severe battle ensned. The Fifth Cavalry fought dismounted, and charged the enemy's position under a heavy fire; routing him after a most stubborn resistance. The rebels lost heavily in this engagement, including their commanding officer, Gen. J. . E. B. Stuart, who was mortally wounded by a private of this regiment. Having defeated all the forces opposed to it, the Union column pursued its way " on to Richmond" unmolested.
The next day the command arrived within a mile and a half of Richmond, but found fortifications in front, on which cavalry could make no impression. Gen. Sheridan then turned his course towards the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge. The rebels had destroyed the bridge, and a large force of them disputed his further progress. The ap- proaches to the stream led through a swamp, along which not more than four men could ride abreast, and a well- posted battery on the opposite side cut down the head of the Union column, completely checking its advance. The
leading brigade vainly endeavored to force a passage. The next one likewise failed.
Gen. Sheridan then sent for Custer and his Michigan brigade, which at once hastened to the front. There the youthful general dismounted the Fifth and Sixth Michigan, and sent them forward into the swamp as flanking-parties, while with drawn sabres the First and Seventh Michigan breathlessly awaited the order to charge. The dismounted men drove the enemy from their first position, advanced through water waist-deep to the railroad-bridge, crossed it on the ties, and then plied their Spencer rifles on the rebel cannoniers with such effect that the latter were obliged to turn their guns on these assailants to prevent being entirely enfiladed. The moment they did so Custer gave the order "Charge!" and the two mounted regiments, with brandished sabres and ringing cheers, dashed forward at the top of their horses' speed. The rebels had barely time to limber their guns and retreat ; leaving the road again open for the advance of the whole corps. The command then proceeded, via Malvern Hill, Hanover Court-House, White House, Aylett's and Concord Church, to Chesterfield Station, where it joined the main Army of the Potomac.
On the 28th of May the regiment was hotly engaged near lawes' Shop, where it aided in driving the enemy from their position after a desperate hand-to-hand fight. The loss of the regiment.in this action was very severe. Moving to Old Church Tavern on the 30th, it was engaged with its brigade in the routing of Young's rebel cavalry. On the 31st of May and 1st of June it was engaged, to- gether with other cavalry regiments, at Cold ITarbor, where it fought dismounted in advance of the infantry, and, although losing heavily, succeeded in capturing many prisoners.
The Michigan brigade soon after set out under Gen. Sheridan to join Gen. Hunter, who was moving from the Shenandoah Valley to Lynchburg. On the 11th of June the command met at Trevillian Station a large force of the enemy, both infantry and cavalry. During that day and the next there ensued one of the severest cavalry fights of the war, the Union cavalry mostly fighting dismounted. The Michigan brigade did most of the fighting the first day, and lost heavily. The brigade battery was three times captured by the enemy, and as many times recaptured by the determined efforts of the Michigan men. The rebels were finally driven from the field and pursued several miles ; six hundred prisoners, fifteen hundred horses, one stand of colors, six caissons, forty ambulanees, and fifty wagons being captured by the victorious Unionists. In this action Adjt. Richard Baylis was severely wounded. He had pre- viously been thanked in general orders by Gen. Custer, " for remarkable gallantry in transmitting and executing orders on the field" in the battle of Gettysburg, and also by the same general for similar gallant services in the series of engagements which occurred in the month of October, 1863. And now, " for gallant services at Trevillian Sta- tion," he was brevetted captain. Afterwards he was brevetted major and lieutenant-colonel " for gallant and meritorious services during the war."
Moving from Trevillian Station in the direction of Louisa Court-llouse, the regiment encountered a column of the -
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FIFTH CAVALRY.
enemy, but eut its way through with considerable loss in prisoners. Geu. Hunter had failed to make the passage of the mountains. Gen. Sheridan, in consequence, then marched his troops to White House Landing, and soon after joined the Army of the Potomac, south of Petersburg. After serving on picket and scout duty in front of Richmond and Petersburg during the month of July, 1864, the Michigan brigade was taken on transports to Washington, D. C., early in August, and thence marched to the Shenandoah Valley. Ilere it followed Custer in many a desperate charge, fully sustaining its old renown. At Middletown the Fifth Cav- alry was attacked by a strong force of the enemy, but re- pulsed them, capturing sixty-five prisoners. Again, on the 19th of August, while a squadron of the regiment were scouting to the front, they were attacked by a greatly supe- rior force of the enemy, under the guerrilla leader Mosby, and being overpowered were driven into camp with a loss of sixteen men killed. It was also engaged at Front Royal, August 16th ; Leetown, August 25th ; at Shepardstown, August 25th ; Smithfield, August 28th ; Berryville, Sep- tember 3d; Opequan Creek, September 19th, where the Michigan brigade utterly routed the enemy's cavalry and broke their infantry lines, capturing two battle-flags and four hundred prisoners; Winchester, September 19th ; Luray, September 24th; Woodstock, October 9th ; and Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, where Custer's command charged the enemy's main line, driving it back in confu- sion and capturing a large number of prisoners. During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had seventy- six men killed, one hundred and seventeen wounded in action, fourteen missing in action, one hundred and ninety- four taken prisoners ; two hundred and nine recruits joined the regiment, while but thirty-three men died of disease and but two desertions were reported.
The Michigan brigade went into winter quarters near Winchester, Va., in December, 1864, and remained until the latter part of February, 1865. On the 27th it broke camp, and with the cavalry corps commanded by Gen. Sher- idan started on a long and rapid march up the Shenan- doah Valley, past Staunton, over the mountains, and down the James River to the Army of the Potomac. The com- mand met with but little opposition, dispersed all forces op- posed to it, destroyed much property on the line of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, locks, mills, and aqueduets on the James River Canal, and on the 19th of March joined the forces assembled to give the last blow to Lee's rebel army.
On the 30th and 31st days of March and 1st of April, 1865, the Michigan brigade was warmly engaged at Five Forks. During these three days of battle it was in the advance, and on the extreme left of the Uuion armies,- fighting dismounted,-and finally succeeded, with the rest of Sheridan's corps, in capturing the enemy's line of de- fense and several thousand prisoners. From this time until the surrender of Lee, at Appomattox, April 9, 1865, it was constantly engaged with the enemy, and being in the advance, the flag of truce to negotiate the surrender was sent through its lines. After the surrender of Lee the regiment moved with the cavalry corps to Petersburg, Va. Soon after it made an ineursion, with other forces, into
-
North Carolina ; thence it marched to Washington, D. C., participated in the review of the Army of the Potomac, May 23, 1865, and immediately afterwards, with the Michi- gan Cavalry Brigade, was ordered to the Western frontier. The Fifth was sent by rail and steamboat to Fort Leaven- worth, Kansas, where the men having two years or more to serve were transferred to the First and Seventh Michigan Cavalry regiments. On the 22d of June, the regiment, as an organization, was mustered out of service, and returned to Detroit, where it arrived July 1, 1865.
FIFTH CAVALRY SOLDIERS FROM CLINTON COUNTY.
Field, and Stuff.
Ist Lient, and Adjt. Richard Baylis, Ovid; com. Sept. 25, 1862; wounded in ac- tion at Trevillian Station; pro. to brevet capt., for gallant services at Trevillian Station ; to brevet maj, and lient .- col., March 13, 1865, for gal- lant and meritorious services during the war.
Chaplain John Gunderman, Essex; com. Oct. 9, 1863 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. B, Nov.25, 1862; must. out June 22, 1865.
Company A.
Frank R. Simmons, trans. to 7th Cuv and Ist Cav., Nov. 17, 1865.
Company E.
James G. Sickles, trans. to Ist Michigan Cav.
Company F.
Ransford Comstock, disch. for disability, June 22, 1863.
Company G.
Capt. William T. Magoffin, St. John's; com. Aug. 14, 1862; res. Aug. 1, 1864; pro. to brevet maj, U. S. Vols. March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious service- during the war.
Ist Lieut. George W. Townsend, Greenbush ; com. Nov. 26, 1862 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Aug. 1G, 1862; pro. tu capt. Co. I.
2d Lieut. John Gunderman, Essex ; com. Nov. 25, 1862; pro, to chaplain.
Q M .- Sergt. N. S. Ilammond, Essex ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; died in action at Brandy Station, Va., Oct. 12, 1863.
Com .- Sergt. William W. Humistou, Bengal; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; must. out June 22, 1865.
Sergt. Charles 1. Young, Essex ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; must. out June 22, 1865. Sergt. Benj. Hfawes, Essex ; eul. Aug. 17, 1862; died of discase at Anuapolis, Md., Dec. 12, 1864.
Sergt. John Cornwell, St. John's; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865. Sergt. George B. Wixom, Olive ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; died at Washington, March 26, 1864.
Sergt. Chauncey Morton, Greenbush ; died in rebel prison at Richmond, Va., Dec. 13, 1863.
Corp. Sylvester P. Bailey, Farrier; must. out June 22, 1865.
Corp. Aaron D. Lyon, Essex ; died in Andersonville prison-pen, July 21, 1864.
Corp. Andrew J. Taylor, Essex ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. for disability, Oct. 13, 1863.
Corp. Martin Blackford, Greenbush; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must. out June 22, 1865.
Gabriel Anderson, must. out June 22, 1865.
Marcus Bentley, disch. by order, May 30, 1865.
Samuel Coleman, died of disease at Washington, D. C., Aug. 5, 1863.
James Cronk, died in Andersonville prison-pen, Aug. 3, 1864.
John F. Connell, trans, to Ist Cav.
James A. Chapman, must. out June 22, 1865.
Loren D. Chapman, must. out June 22, 1863.
Daniel Ferguson, must. out June 22, 1865.
George E. Godfrey, must, out June 22, 1865.
James Griffith, must. out Juno 22, 1865.
Daniel Gunderman, disch. for disability, June 1, 1864.
Edward A. Gunderman, disch. for disability, March 5, 1863.
Levi Gibbs, died of wounds, Ang. 8, 1863.
Daniel Handy, disch. for disability, March 1, 1864.
William II. Hewitt, disch. Oct. 24, 1862.
John J. Henderson, died of disease at Fairfax Court-House, May 29, 1863. John K. Hammond, died in rebel prison, Richmond, Va., March 15, 1864. Simon II. Hawes, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863.
William L. Havens, mnst. out June 22, 1865.
B. Il. Ilanes, must. ont June 22, 1865.
George C. Ilvoker, disch, by order, July 8, 1865. Oliver P. Ingersoll. minst. out June 22, 1865.
Alanson Mathews, must. out June 22, 1865.
Samuel B. McPherson, rust. out Juno 22, 1865.
James P. Minard, must. out June 22, 1865.
Joseph M. McPherson, died of discase at Washington, Aug. 5, 1863.
14
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HISTORY OF SIHIAWASSEE AND CLINTON COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.
Albert S. Norris, died in rebel prison, Richmond, Va., March 5, 1864. Hiram Nestel, dischi. for disability, Oct. 1, 1862.
William S. Parker, must. ont June 22, 1865.
Jacob Redner, died of disease at Brandy Station, Va., March 9, 1864. Nathaniel Russell, died of disease in Michigan, December, 1804. Adamı Russell, disch. by order, July 7, 1865.
Walter F. Reeves, trans. to Ist Mich. Cav.
llorace A. Soule, disch. for disability, Oct. 2, 1862.
Erwin M. Spinner, died in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. Hiram Sturgis, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864.
William Sheriff, died of disease at Philadelphia, l'a., Sept. 3, 1864. William T. Smith, disch, for disability, Ang. 18, 1863.
George II. Saule, munsì. out June 22, 1865.
Albert H. Vredenburgh, trans, to Vet. les. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864.
Lyman Van Sickle, died in Andersonville prison-pen. Aug. 31, 1861. James II. Washington, died of disease in Michigan, March 20, 1865.
Alonzo Wheeler, died of disease at Frederick, Md., Nov. 17, 1864.
Carlos A. Webster, trans. to Ist Michigan Cav.
Miles D. Webster, must. ont June 22, 1865.
Martin Weaver, must, out June 22, 1865.
Henry F. Warren, must. out by order, July 7, 1865.
George Young, must. ont by order, June 19, 1865.
Company H.
IInghi Jamison, died in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864.
Company I.
Capt. George W. Townsend, Greenbush ; com. Nov. 2, 1863 ; disch. for disability, July 15, 1864.
FIFTHI CAVALRY SOLDIERS FROM SHIAWASSEE COUNTY.
Field and Staff.
Col. Ebenezer Gould, Owosso; com. Sept. 21, 1864; Tient .- col. Dec. 31, 1862; maj. Sept. 2, 1862 ; wound, d in action at Hagerstown, Md., July 13, 1863; disch. for disability, Nov. 10, 1864.
Non-Commissioned Staff.
Sergt .- Maj. Charles Y. Osburn, Owosso; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. II, Ang. 18, 1863.
Company D.
Thomas G. Ingersoll, died of disease at Washington, D. C, Dec. 2, 1862.
Company F.
John Bemis, disch. by order, May 17, 1865.
Sanford Bemis, disch. by order, May 3, 1805.
William D. Ingersoll, pro. to 2d lieut., Co. I.
Company G.
21 Lieut. Emery L. Brewer, Owosso; com. Feb. 27, 1864; wounded in action at Hawes' Shop, Va., May 28, 1864; disch. for disability, Oct. 8, 1864. A. II. Clark, disch, for disability, Jan. G, 1864.
Thomas Johnson, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Aug. 4, 1864. Patrick Mitchell, must. out June 22, 1865.
Company H.
Capt. C. Y. Osburn, Owosso ; com. Aug. 9, 1864; 1st lient., Nov. 2, 1863 ; 2dl lieut., Aug. 18, 1863; sergt .- maj .; wounded in action at llawes' Shop, Va., May 28, 1864; disch. for disability, Sept. 28, 1864; brevet capt. U. S. Vols,, March 13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorions services during the war." Oliver C. Hollister, died of disease at Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 4, 1864.
Robert Purdy, died in action at Trevillian Station, Va., Inne 11. 1864.
Company I.
2d Lient. William D. Ingersoll, Owosso; com. Oct. 28, 1864; wounded in action at Five Forks, Va .; resigned, 1865.
Company K.
Sergt. Emory L. Brewer, Owosso; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. G.
Emory L. Brewer, disch. for promotion, Nov. 25, 1863.
Andrew 1. Bentis, missing in action at Annon Church, Va., May 28, 1864. Adam Dell, must. out June 23, 1865.
Charles Edwards, must. out July 17, 1865. William Edwards, disch. by order, June 19, 1865.
Anson Howe, disch. for disability, Dec. 31, 1864. Milton Hlodge, died at Brandy Statioo, Va., Oct. 12, 1863.
George B. Lynds, disch. for disability, Oct. 21, 1862.
Juliel W. Monroe, must, out June 23, 1865.
George W. Morse, must, ont June 23, 1865. Orville Ogden, died of disease at Detroit, Mich., Feb. 25, 1865.
Rowell P. Root, died of disease at Fairfax Court-House, Va., June 17, 1803. Milan S. Warren, died at Newby's Roads, July 24, 1803.
Orlando F. Wilkinson, orust. ont June 19, 1865.
Allen I. Williams, disch, by order, May 16, 1865.
Company ME.
Jones HI. McGowan, disch. for disability, Dec 4, 1862.
CHAPTER XVIII.
SIXTH CAVALRY.
Organization and Departure from Michigan-Assignment to Duty in the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac-Its Campaigning in 1863 -Winter Quarters at Stevensburg-The Richmood Raid-Continu- ous Campaigning io 1864-Campaign of 1865-General Pickett's Opinion of a Charge made by the Sixth-Movement to North Car- olina-Return to Washington and Participation in the Grand Re- view-Transfer to Fort Leavenworth-Service on the Plains- Muster Out and Discharge.
THE Sixth Cavalry (one of the regiments composing the famed Michigan Cavalry Brigade, which won imperishable laurels under the gallant Custer) contained Clinton and Shiawassee soldiers in six of its companies, these being principally found in Companies D and G. The first-named of these companies entered the service under command of Capt. David G. Royee, of Burns, Shiawassee Co., and the other liad for its original first lieutenant, Harrison N. Throop, of Owosso. The regiment was recruited in the fall of 1862, under authority given by the War Depart- ment, and the Governor of Michigan, to the Hon. F. W. Kellogg. Its rendezvous was at Grand Rapids, where it was mustered into the United States service under com- mand of Col. George Gray, on the 13th of October in that year, it having on its rolls twelve hundred and twenty-nine officers and enlisted men.
Mounted and equipped, but not armed, it left the regi- mental rendezvous on the 10th of December following, and proceeded to the seat of war in Virginia, where it was soon as- signed to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, in the Third Divis- ion of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. In the early part of 1863 it was encamped for a considerable time at Fairfax Court-House, and saw some service in February and March, but was not engaged in any notable actions with the enemy until the time when the rebel army of Gen. Lee moved northward after the battle of Chancellorsville. In that campaign it fought at Ilanover, Pa., June 30, 1863; at Hunterstown and Gettysburg, Pa., and Monterey, Cavetown, Smithtown, Boonsboro', Hagerstown, Williams- port, and Falling Waters, Md., in July. At Gettysburg and Falling Waters it was particularly distinguished. In reference to its part in the latter engagement the corre- spondent of the New York Times said in that journal : " The Sixth Michigan Cavalry was in the advance. They did not wait for orders, but a squadron composed of Com- panies D and G, under Captains Royce and Throop, were deployed as skirmishers, while Companies B and F, led by Major Weaver, made the charge. The line of skirmishers was forced back several times, but the men rallied promptly, and finally drove the enemy behind their works. A charge was then made, the squadron passing between the earth- works. So sudden and spirited was the dash, and so de- moralized were the enemy, that the first brigade surren- dered without firing a shot. The charging column moved directly on and engaged the second brigade, when the bri- gade that had surrendered seized their arms, and then con- menced a fearful struggle. Of the one hundred who made this charge, only thirty escaped uuinjured. Seven of their horses lay dead within the enemy's works. Twelve hun- dred prisoners were here captured, and the ground was
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SIXTH CAVALRY.
strewn with dead and wounded rebels. Among the killed was Maj .- Gen. Pettigrew, of South Carolina." The two companies particularly mentioned in this account were those whose ranks were principally filled with Shiawassee County men, and Capt. Royce, commanding Company D, died there, as a brave soldier would wish to die, in the thunder and smoke of the charge.
Crossing the l'otomac into Virginia after the battle of Falling Waters, the regiment was engaged with the enemy at Snicker's Gap, July 19th; Kelly's Ford, September 13th; Culpeper Court-Honse, September 14th ; Raccoon Ford, September 16th; White's Ford, September 21st ; Jack's Shop, September 26th ; James City, October 12th ; Brandy Station, October 13th; Buckland's Mills, October 19th ; Stevensburg, November 19th ; and Morton's Ford, November 26th. From the latter date it remained in winter quarters at Stevensburg until the 28th of February, 1864, when it joined the cavalry column of Kilpatrick, on his great raid to the vicinity of Richmond. Returning from that expedition to camp at Stevensburg, it was trans- ferred to the First Cavalry Division, and soon after moved camp to Culpeper.
Companies I and M, which had been operating in the Shenandoah Valley during the year 1863, rejoined the regiment on the 3d of May, 1864, and two days later the command moved across the Rapidan and into the Wilder- ness. It was engaged, and fought bravely, near Chaneel- lorsville, May 6th, and skirmished on the 7th and 8th. On the morning of the 9th it moved with Gen. Sheridan's command on the raid to the rear of the Confederate army, holding the advance. From this time its history is one of almost continuous movement, which may be summed up by the enumeration of the fights and skirmishes in which it took part, as follows: Beaver Dam, Va., May 9th ; Yellow Tavern, May 10th and 11th ; Meadow Bridge, May 12th; Hanover Court-House, Va., May 27th ; Hawes' Shop, May 28th ; Baltimore Cross-Roads, May 29th ; Cold Harbor, May 30th and June 1st ; Trevillian Station, June 11th and 12th ; and Cold Harbor, July 21st.
Early in August the Michigan brigade, with others of Sheridan's command, was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley, where the Sixth took active part in all the skir- mishes, battles, marches, and counter-marches that occurred during this part of the operations in the Valley,-a cam- paign which had made the names of Sheridan, Winchester, and Cedar Creek famous for all time. The principal actions in which the Sixth participated in the valley were those of Front Royal, Leetown, Smithfield, Opequan Creek, Win- chester, Luray, Port Republic, Mount Crawford, Fisher's Ilill, Woodstock, and Cedar Creek. In December, 1864, it went into winter quarters near Winchester. Its total list of killed to November 1st amounted to fifty-five, while forty-four of its members had died of disease.
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