USA > New York > Boots and saddles. A history of the first volunteer cavalry of the war, known as the First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, and also as the Sabre regiment. Its organization, campaigns and battles > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
On reaching our side they put spurs to their horses and dashed up the river bank at full speed. shooting at our men who were walking about from house to house for food. In a moment we were in the saddle and after them, but they had the start. and knew the roads and the fords of the river better than we, and so made their escape. They had not injured any of our boys, but they had performed a most dare-devil trick, for which they deserve some credit.
We bivouackel that night, a few miles north of Edin- burg, the men taking possession of a barn, with a large vard attached, near the turnpike, and the officer- taking possession of the dwelling on the hill. about fifty vard- distant, an I near the base of the mountain. We posted
241
FIRST NEW YORK ( LINCOLN) CAVALRY.
our pickets, and, as soon as the men could prepare some coffee, every fire was extinguished.
Nothing occured during the night; but. just before day-break. as I went out to look after my horse, which was tied to a tree at the end of the house, a volley of musketry was poured into the orchard, where most of the officers' horses were tied, which had the effect of arousing the camp in quick order.
Fortunately they aimed too high, and instead of killing our horses, as they intended, they only cut the branches above them, frightening them so that nearly all of them broke loose.
My horse broke his halter and overturned me, tramp- ing upon my leg and almost breaking it: but I felt very glad it was no worse.
The enemy had stolen through the mountains on foot. and, as it was yet dark, they succeeded in escaping with- out injury. We arrived at camp without further inci- dent.
The month of December, 1863, was bitter cold. and we were kept on the go all the time. General Sullivan, at Harper's Ferry, seemed determined to use us up. if possible, and he succeeded pretty well. We scoured the " Valley," from the North Mountains to the Blue Ridge. and from Charlestown to Mount Jackson, capturing some of Imboden's men every trip, and effectually pro- tecting the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with its numer- ous culverts and bridges.
On the 10th of December Colonel Boyd set out again upon a raid, in order to hold Imboden and Early in the " Valley," while General Averill made a raid in their rear, for the purpose of destroying the bridges on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. Boyd had about eight 21
242
HISTORY OF THE
hundred cavalry, one thousand infantry, and a battery of horse artillery. The infantry and artillery proceeded through Berryville to Winchester, while the cavalry went through Front Royal, and joined the main body at Strasburg.
On passing Mt. JJackson, Boyd left Captain Stearns, of our regiment, with his company, to guard the bridge at that place, until the return of the troops. The weather was intensely cold, and the men having no other protec- tion than fence rail shelters, were compelled to build fires to keep from freezing. The fires attracted the at- . tention of the watchful Major Gilmore, who made an attack on Captain Stearns during the night, and a lively skirmish was the result. Stearns and his men fought desperately, and the rebels seemed determined on vie- tory. Our boys were forced to take refuge in a build- ing. and Gilmore's men tried to set fire to it, but did not sueceed. During the engagement Stearns and Gilmore met, and immediately "clinched" in deadly strife. Stearns, being an older and less powerful man than his antagonist, struggled to free himself, so that he could use his pistol. He succeeded in drawing his revolver, and was in the act of firing. when Gilmore seized his arm. In the struggle that followed they both fell to the ground, Stearns being uppermost. The fall stunned Gilmore for a moment, and Stearns put the pistol to his head and fired ; then jumped up to join his men, suppos- ing he had put an end to one noted rebel at least. But owing to the excitement, and darkness of the night. his aim failed, and Gilmore escaped unhurt, the ball enter- ing the ground close to his car.
The rebels had been handled pretty roughly, notwith .- standing they had surprised our boys, and they beat a
213
FIRST NEW YORK (LINCOLN) CAVALRY.
hasty retreat, carrying with them several dead and wounded comrades, and a few of our horses.
This was a bal affair and might have resulted in di ;- aster to Boyd's whole command; and had not Stearns fought so bravely he would have been tried by court martial and probably dismissed from the service. Boyd went as far as Harrisonburg, where he learned that Gen- eral Early, with a large force. was advancing down the Valley to meet him, while General Rosser had been dis- patched through Luray Valley to get in his rear. He then fell back towards Winchester. closely followed by Early's cavalry, and just escaped Rosser. who entered the Valley at Front Royal as Boyd passed through Winchester.
Colonel Boyd had several skirmishes with the enemy's cavalry on this trip, in which he had two men wounded and six taken prisoners. He killed and wounded quite a number of the enemy, however, and brought over a hundred prisoners safely to camp.
On the Ist of January. 1864. there was an alarm. and we were sent to Bunker Hill to inquire into the cause. We found nothing of the enemy, but were nearly frozen to death on the march. It was a rough beginning for the New Year. Notwithstanding this, and the severe work through which we had passed, the men of the regi- ment on that day signified their intentions of re-enlist- ing for a new term of three years or during the war. In a few days we had more than the requisite number to en- title us to the furlough of thirty days, which the Gov- ernment offered to all regiments re-enlisting as " Veterans."
I was very agreeably surprised by the men of my company marching up to my tent in a body. ant offer-
244
HISTORY OF THE
ing to re-enlist if I would promise to remain with them. This I very readily consented to do, and nearly every man re-enlisted at once.
I was appointed mastering officer of the regiment and soon had the veterans sworn in. These were the men who responded to the first call to arms, and had fought the enemy for over two years and a-half, and yet their patriotism was as strong as in April, 1861. They had enlisted to save the Union and to put down rebellion. and they had no notion of returning home while this patriotic purpose remained unaccomplished.
During their term of service they had marched thous- ands of miles; had killed and wounded hundreds of the enemy ; and had captured about 4,000 prisoners; 3,000 horses; 400 wagons; 4 cannon: 1,000 muskets; 2,000 revolvers, and 700 sabres.
We had scarcely finished mustering the men when orders were received to proceed on a scout, with two days rations; and Colonel Boyd set out with his whole cavalry force and a section of artillery. Major Quinn of our regiment had the advance.
Sergeant Charles N. Warren, of Company K, and a man named Hogan, were in a lvance of the advance guard, dressed in Confederate gray. On entering New- town they went into a house and inquired if any of their men (meaning the Confederates) were in town. .. What do you belong to ?" said the lady of the house. " We belong to Gilmore's battalion." was the reply. She then informed them that Captain Blackford and half a dozen of his men were around the corner. in " Aunt Mary's." getting supper. This was a little inn kept by a widow kals, who went by the above name.
On hearing this, Warren role back to meet the col-
245
FIRST NEW YORK ( LINCOLN ) CAVALRY.
umn, and told Sergeant Savacool, who was that day in command of his company, and these two, accompanied by several others, set out at a gallop to look after Black- ford. (This is the same Blackford who was captured in Back Creek Valley with his company. in the previous September; but had escaped from Fort MeHenry a short time afterwards.)
The approaching horses were heard by Blackford and his men, and they got out of the back. door into the garden, and hid among the currant bushes. On enter- ing the house Savacool inquired where Blackford and his men were, and " Aunt Mary" stoutly denied having seen them.
Savacool and his men then passed through the house into the garden. and began a search. The "Johnnies" were concealed in the farther end ; but fearing discovery. they broke cover, jumpel over the garden fence, and made for the pines. Our men gave chase, firing at them and commanding them to surrender. Blackford was on top of the fence. and shouted : " I surrender." and the soldiers advanced to take him; but the moment they lowered their pistols he leaped from the fence and ran for his life. Warren had captured one of the Johnnies. and was taking him back to the house. while Savacool pursueit Blackford, each firing at the other as rapidly as they could. At length Blackford was hit, and then he turned on his pursuer like a stag at bay. Savacool stopped also, and both took deliberate aim. each at the other. Both fired and both fell together.
Warren was just returning, after having delivered his prisoners and on reaching Savacool be found he had been shot in the thigh. and seriously though not dangerously wounded. Blackford called for help. and Warren ran
246
ILISTORY OF THE
to him and gave him a drink from his canteen; but he was mortally wounded and died in a very few minutes.
By this time many of our men had reached the scene of this fatal duel, and Blackford's body was carried up to " Aunt Mary's" and laid upon the table from which he had eaten his supper about fifteen minutes before. Such is war.
Edwin F. Savacool was, in many respects, one of the best, if not the very best soldier in our regiment. If any man ever possessed a " heart that knew no fear," that man was Savacool. His modesty was equal to his courage, and it was a long time before his merits were properly recognized. I shall have more to say of him hereafter, but will state here, that he had, alone and un- aided, capturel one hundred and fifty of the enemy, up to that time, with their horses and arms; and had had several hand-to-hand encounters with them. nar- rowly escaping with his life on several occasions. He was fond of adventures, and seemed to court danger.
His services, and the severe wound he had just re- ceivel. won for him a commission ; and the colonel pre- santed him with a costly pair of shoulder straps, in the presence of General MeClellan. as our re-enlistment re- ception in New York, after overwhelming the poor fel- low with praise, which confused and frightened him more than " grim-visaged war" had ever done.
On the 18th of January Colonel Boyd's regiment was ordered to Pennsylvania to be mustered out, their six months' form of service having expired.
On the 17th the Twenty-first New York Cavalry ar- rived at Charlestown, to take their place, and the next day there was a ring be won some of the soldiers of our regiment and those of the Twenty-first. It ap-
241
FIRST NEW YORK ( LINCOLN) CAVALRY.
jwar's one of the Twenty-first was tied up by the thumbs. and some of his comrades came to our camp to induce our boys to eut him down.
A few, who had been drinking pretty freely, went with them and cut the man down; but he was soon tied up again, and a guard set over him. Our boys went to cut him down again, when the guard fired on them, and they returned the fire. In the skirmish that followed, one of our boys and two of the Twenty-first were wounded, and two horses belonging to the Twenty-first killed.
On hearing the firing, we rushed out, supposing the enemy had surprised the camp. The men of our regiment who had engaged in the melee were lodged in the guard house, and quiet was soon restored. Colonel Ballier, of Pennsylvania, with his regiment, and some artillery, turned out to quell the disturbance, and came pretty near creating more trouble.
On the 22d of January part of our regiment, and part of the Twenty-first New York went on scout. under the command of Major Quinn, of the First New York. going as far as Woodstock, where we drove in the enemy's piekets, capturing twelve of them.
On the return we were followed by a squadron of their cavalry who kept firing into our rear guard, under Captain Bailey, but always fell back when Bailey's men turned on them. At last Bailey sent word to Major Quinn, to let Captain Jones drop out to one side with about fifty men, and conceal them till the rear guard should pass. followed by the enemy, and then to charge them from the rear. The trap was successful. and when Jones charged in rear Bailey turned and charged in front, and the Johnnies were in a tight place. We got
248
HISTORY OF THE
a lieutenant and fifteen men, out of the party ; and the officer said, as he gave up his arms, "O'Farrell might have known better than to pirouette around after the First New York Cavalry." And to Bailey he remarked : " You are the worst men to fool with in this Valley."
On the 31st of January. our regiment and a part of the Twenty-first New York went on a scout, under Major Quinn, with eight days' rations, to try and intercept Rosser's cavalry, which had been making a cattle raid into West Virginia. We marched to Winchester the first day, to Capon Bridge the second day, and to Rom- ney the third day. Here we attacked the enemy. in Mechanicsburg Gap, killing one man, wounding an officer and three men, and capturing a captain and five men. They were commanded by Colonel Tom Marshall, who was trying to protect General Rosser's flank, as he passed up the other side of the mountains with his plunder. We had one man wounded and several horses shot. We then marched back to Romney ; but hearing that Colonel Mulligan was after the raiders, we retraced our steps. marching all night, and formed a junction with him in front of Moorfield, at daylight next morning. Mulligan had now about two thousand cavalry. two thousand in- fontry and two light batteries, but he permitted Rosser to move off without firing a shot.
Our regiment opened a skirmish with the retreating enemy, driving their rear guard about three miles be- vond Moorfield. Major Quinn seut orderly after orderly to Colonel Mulligan for reinforcements, or for a single gun; but none were sent, and the enemy crossed the mountain into the Shenandoah Valley, right before our eyes, with all their plunder. We had ridden about three hundred miles in the pursuit. lost several wagons. used
249
FIRST NEW YORK ( LINCOLN) CAVALRY.
up about two hundred horses, and had nothing to show for it.
We reached Charlestown on the 7th of February, having been absent just eight days. We found our camp removed from Charlestown back to Halltown, and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Adams, who had returned from Washington. was in command. The paymaster had also arrived to pay us off, preparatory to our going home on veteran furlough.
After a good deal of persuasion I prevailed upon my company to be credited to the Twentieth Ward of the city of Philadelphia.
They were all Pennsylvanians, and were willing to aid their own State; but New York offered double the bounty that Pennsylvania did, and the boys thought. as they were in a New York regiment, they might as well have the large bounty ; especially as their own State was just as able to pay, to avoid the draft. as New York. On coming in from the last-mentioned scout I made a speech to the company, for the purpose of ir- ducing them to enroll in their own State ; so that when they returned from the war it could not be said of them that they turned their backs on their friends and their State, even though we were members of a New York or- ganization.
The men agreed to go to Philadelphia, and I at once sent for the muster rolls, which were still at Harper's Ferry. and had them altered in this respect. and the men of Company C were credited to Pennsylvania.
250
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXI.
off for New York-Grand Reception in that City-Reception of Company C. in Philadelphia -Their Ball-Return to Maryland-Two " First New York's" in the Field.
THEN about to proceed to New York, on furlough, Colonel Me Reynolds took command of the veter- ans, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel AAdams at Halltown, with those who had not re-enlisted. We then proceeded to Frederick City, Maryland, where we left our horses in charge of a captain and lieutenant, with a detail of men from those who had not re-enlisted, to take care of them till our return.
This being done we took the cars at Frederick, and set out in high spirits for New York city. Arriving there on the 16th we met with a hearty reception on the part of the city authorities, and the people generally ; the Seventh Regiment National Guard, under Colonel Lefferts, turning out as our escort. As we marched up Broadway the pavements were lined with spectators, anl every window was filled with ladies and children waving a glad welcome to the returning veterans, The crowds on the side-walks cheered us to the echo. and we felt re-paid for all our hardships, and were not sorry that we had re-enlisted.
The following was clipped from the New York Herald of February 19, 1864 :
. The First New York Cavalry. Colonel A. T. MeReynolds. Laving reenlistel for the war, arrived in this city yesterday, and were the re- ripleats of a most cordial and bearty reception at the bands of the publicas Well as the city authorities. All who are in any manner conversant with the history of the present war cannot fail to re-
251
FIRST NEW YORK ( LINCOLN) CAVALRY.
cognize the First New York Cavalry as one of the best and bravest regiments in the service, and the reception accorded to these veterans yesterday afternoon was nothing but what was due to their gallantry while in active service.
At three o'clock the returning regiment filed through the Park, ac- companied by the Seventh Regiment National Guard, Colore! Lefferts. They were received by Mayor Gunther, accompanied by a large dele- ration of the Common Council. There was a large crowd of spectators congregated in the Park at the time, who loudly cheered the returning volunteers. The men of the First presented a fine appearance. They looked. indeed, like referans in every sense of the word. Their bronze and hardy features betokered the bard service through which they had passed, while their marching and several movements proved the ex- cellent military training which they had received at the hands of their officers. The route of the procession was up Broadway to Eighth street. along Eighth street to Sixth avenue, and thesce up to the Jefferson Market drill rooms, where they sat down to a splendid collation pro- vided by the city authorities.
After the soldiers had properly appeased their appetites, Alderman Hardy. as Chairman of the Committee on National Affairs, welcomed the regiment in an eloquent and appropriate speech. He enumerate1 the many valuable servie's which they had readerel the country, and concluded by toasting the " Health of the First New York Cavalry." Colonel MeReynolds responded in a lengthy speech. in which healluded to the services of the regiment. saying that when the regiment returned with less than one- third their original numbers he could but look upon them as as a Spartan hand ; and concluded by returning thanks for the hospitable and kind manner in which they had been received in the city of New York.
Alderman Hardy next proposed the toast to . The Officers of the First New York Cavalry." to which Major Quinn responded, and introduced the Rev. Mr. Parker, who spoke at some length. General We'more they addressed the ve'era :. after which Alderman Hardy real the fol- lowing letter:
HEADQUARTERS. DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA.
To Major T. QUINN.
Commenting First New York Quell'ty :
I desire to acknowledge the valuable services you have readoreldur- Ing the time you have been attached to the First Division. The gul- Bantry and zeal displayed by the officers and men on all occasions. and the promptitude with which you have discharged your arduous dates. Have brou excelled by no other regiment of cavalry in the Wind Sansservices Itrust you will meet with that hearty welcome sont so Will deserve, and that at the expiration of your furlough you may re-
Lain. very ro-fee fully.
JAMES C. SULLIVAN.
252
HISTORY OF THE
Saucely had Alderman Hardy ceased reading this document, when General MeClellan was announced to be coming into the room, and the wildest excitement siezed every sollier present. Cheer after cheer went up in the most enthusiastic manner, in the midst of which " Little Mac" entered, smiling and bowing. He was immediately surrounded. and after a hard tussle, amid cheering. hand shaking, and innumerable blessings poured upon his head. he at length succeeded in reaching the heat of the room, where the officers of the regiment. together with the invited guests were seated. Colonel MeReynolds then introduced the General in a few dattering remarks, when the la ter gentleman mounted a chair and was again met with a perfect storm of cheers, lasting for several minutes. Order being at length restored General MeClellan spoke as follows : " My friend- and comrades, I came Here not to makea speech to you, but to welcome you home, and to express the pride I have always felt in your career, not only when you were with me but since I left the Army of the Potomac. You have been fighting battles under others than your latte comma der .. I can tell you now conscie itiously and truly. I am proud of you m every respect. There is not one stain on Your career, not a line of it of which you, your State and your country may not be proud. I chasta ulate you on the resolution that so many of you have formel in your desire to re-enter the service. I hope, and " I know, that your future career will be as glorious as your past. I have one other hope, and that is that we may yet serve together sometime. again."
At the end of the go perat's speech, cheer after cheer again burst forth. and it was with the greatest difficulty that the soldiers could be kept from laying Band- o: " Little Mac." and overpowering him with em- braces. They Insist Los another speech, and a clearer view of for- Pral Mcclellan, and te Lurt again to mount the chair. saying: " My friends, now I shall have to bad you good-by. I propose the health of . The First New York Cavalry." The general then with much diff- cally. took his dejantar:
Mr. P. R.l berg hain Hun vald that Mrs. Mcclellan had re- marked that she was very sorry she could not be present to shake every one of the restheat by the hand: which produced another storm of cheers: wow after which the colliers dispersot, expressing then .- solo well pleased with their reception and entertainment.
Shortly afterwards Captain Bailey's company pre- sontal to him a magnificent -word. cash and belt. as a Fight token of their regards.
The reception mer. Company ( took the cars for Philadelphia, where they were hospitably received by temizone of the Twentieth Ward, whose quota haut hon swelled in theaddition of their numbers. The fol-
253
FIRST NEW YORK (LINCOLN) CAVALRY.
lowing is an account of their reception, published in the Philadelphia Ledger.
.. Last evening was the occasion of a reception and supper given to Company C. First Regiment New York Cavalry. by the Twentieth Ward Bounty Fund Committee, at the North Baptist Church, Eighth street above Master.
This company was the first cavalry organization raised for the war. It arrived at Washington in July. 181 : passed through most of the hat - tles in Virginia. during the Peninsula campaign, including the Seven Days' retreating tight : during which it constituted the rear guard, and was constantly skirmishing with the enemy. They also did yeoman service in our own State during the Gettysburg campaign.
The meeting last evening was opened by singing :
" My country, 'tis of thee."
Mr. Hall. the pastor of the church, then delivered a few remarks. in- trodueing the Rev. Mr. JJefferies, who addressed the soldiers briefly. After which.
" Johnny Comes Marching Home"
Was sang by a solo and chorus. Mr. Walter Stokes sung the solo. and the ladies and gentlemen constituting the choir sung the chorus. It Was received with great applause, and repeated.
Horatio Gates Jones. E.q., was then introduced by Mr. Hall. and de- livered a neat speech, at the close of which he presented a beautiful s'Ik guidon. to the company. and a sword, sash and belt to the captain. on behalf of the ladies of the church.
Captain Stevenson received the gifts on behalf of himself and his company in an appropriate little speech. after which
" The Star Spangled Banner"
was sung by the choir : the whole assembly joining in the chorus. The company then sat down and partook of a handsome, as well as substantial supper: the wives, mothers, sisters and sweethearts of the soldier- serving up the catables.
The evening was a very plea and one, and will not soon be forgotten by those who were present. The officers of the company are Captain James H. Stevenson, and First Lieu'esa it O. B. Knowles, both of this city.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.