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 23
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These and other changes, which had previously taken place, gave Colonel Adams an opportunity of promot- ing a great many of the gallant and meritorious non- commissioned officers, which he at once proceeded to do : and the regiment soon found itself undor an entirely new set of officers, nearly all of whom had risen from its own ranks. These officers were, therefore, well qual- ified to lead their comrades against the enemy. and fill with honor the posts vacated by those under whom they had helped to make the regiment famous for its fighting qualities. Under Colonel Adams and those young ofli- vers. it is but fair to admit. the regiment won some of its brightest and most enduring laurels, as the sequel will show.
FIRST NEW YORK (LINCOLN) CAVALRY. .313
I had been on continuous active field duty for more than three years and a quarter, and began to think I would like to know how it felt to have a roof over my head, and a comfortable bed to repose upon at night; so I obtained an appointment as assistant inspector- general, on the statt of General William H. Seward, son of the then Secretary of State, who was in command of the " Post" at Martinsburg.
Martinsburg was then a very busy place, being the principal depot of supplies for General Sheridan's army. Frequently we forwarded wagon trains seven miles in length, loaded with all kinds of supplies, for the men and animals at the front. These trains were usually well guarded ; but occasionally we found it difficult to provide the requisite number of good troops for the purpose, and then the watchful Mosby was sure to make an attack. This bold rider had risen from a cap- tain to colonel, and his handful of guerrillas had swelled into a formidable force, well mounted. well armed and provided with a section of artillery.
Lieutenant-Colonel C. W. Tolls, who had been Gen- eral Franklin's chief quartermaster on the Peninsula. was now serving in the same capacity with General Sheridan, and he messed with us at Martinsburg while getting his train ready for the front.
About the 7th of October he set out with a long train for the army, and on his way up was killed by guerrillas.
He was a noble gentleman and a faithful officer. About this time, also. Lieutenant Meigs, son of the quartermaster-general 'of the army, who was serving on Sheridan's staff. as an engineer officer, was bushwhacked and killed by the rebels. And General Dattie was cap- tured, about this time. while on his way to the front.
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It was a dangerous ride, from Martinsburg to Stras- burg ; death or Andersonville staring every one in the face who undertook it without a sufficient escort.
Some of my company were sent with dispatches from headquarters, and were attacked by guerrillas at the Big Spring, about three miles from Martinsburg. The boys fought bravely and drove the rebels off, but one of their number, W. F. Gillespie, was severely wounded.
On the Sth of October, Sheridan's Cavalry, under Gen- eral Custer, defeated the Confederate Cavalry, under General Rosser, capturing eleven guns and hundreds of prisoners ; and in a few days afterwards the wounded of both sides arrived at Martinsburg, together with the prisoners.
On the 12th I set out with an escort to take a pay- master to the front. We had a slight skirmish with some of Mosby's men by the way, and the paymaster was pretty badly frightened; but we delivered him safely at headquarters.
On our arrival at 3 p. m. on the 13th. the Confede- rates opened on Sheridan's lines with artillery, from the south bank of Cedar Creek, making things quite lively. That night I took the paymaster to Front Royal to pay our regiment, but he was afraid to stay in such an ex- posed place, so the regiment escorted him to Winchester. On our way we fell in with Mosby's men near White Post, and had a lively skirmish, which the paymaster seemed to think was a very brilliant affair, as our boys charged in fine style, driving the guerrillas through the woods like rabbits. We got paid at Winchester, but the paymaster insisted on the regiment escorting him to Martin-burg. which they accordingly did.
On the evening of October 17. General Sheridan and
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staff arrived at Martinsburg. He had been to Wash- ington, and was on his way to join his army at Cedar Creek. Lieutenant E. C. Watkins, of our regiment. A. 1. G. on General Seward's staff, and myself. occupied a room in the United States Hotel. which we vacated that night for the accommodation of General Sheridan, it being the best room in the house.
At day-light next morning I heard the prancing of horses hoof's in the street, and on looking out of the window I saw Sheridan and his staff riding off on their way to Winchester. They stopped at the latter place that night. and on the morning of the 19th, set out for Cedar Creek. They had scarcely cleared the precincts of Winchester when they heard the ominous sound of cannonading at the front. Sheridan cocked his cars, struck spurs to his horse, and the staff followed as best they could.
This was the beginning of his famous ride of " twenty miles." which resulted in snatching victory from defeat. and in crushing the Confederate force in the Shenandoah Valley.
On the night of the Isth, while Sheridan was sleeping at Winchester, Early had sent a force to turn the left flank of his army at Cedar Creek. while the main force. under Early in person, should attack in front at the break of day. The surprise was complete, and our army was driven back to Middletown, with great loss in men and material of war. It was at this critical moment that Sheridan arrived on the field. his " black steed gray with dust and form." and " his eyes dashing with the fire of battle." Sheridan took in the situation at a glance. grasped the hell, and soon had the retreatting forces well in hand. He then ordered an advance. The whole
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army seemed electrified, and with wild cheers they moved forward upon the foe, who were then plundering the Union camps. and drove them back with great slaugh- ter. The cavalry charged upon the right and left, re- capturing everything which the enemy had captured in the morning, and nearly everything belonging to the enemy besides. Never was there a cleaner victory, nor a more complete rout.
The following account of this great victory will be found interesting :
Sheridan's Ride to the Front. October 9th. b64, will go down in his- tory as one of the most important and exciting events which have ever given interest to a battle-scene. The victory at Cedar Creek was one under which General Lee reeled. for if he could not hold the Shen- andoah Valley he could not hold Richmond. It infinitely increased the spirit of our army, and proportionately discouraged the enemy. It was a victory wrung from apparent defeat : it was not only a battle turned, but a defeat retrieved.
Before dawn of that day the enemy flanked our estrome left. held by Crook's Corps, and. attacking in the centre. threw the entire line into confusion. driving it several miles, When the day broke, the sunlight showed us nothing but disaster. The Banking movement of the rebels was entirely successful. and they had succeeded in severing Powell's cavalry division on the left from the rest of the army. A great part of our artillery had been captured, and. to our double calamity, was turned upon our own column.
The situation of our army, between eleven and twelve o'clock, was desperate. It was retreating in disorder, regiments of stragglers were going to the rear, and a disastrous retreat was frightfully imminent.
Far rack along the track of retreat the news of reverse reached the General, and putting spurs to his powerful black charges, he set off furiously for the front, being well assured by the sights that met him on the way, that his presence was needed at the earliest moment. The distance from Winchester to the front was twenty miles, and it was covered by the furious rider in less than two hours. The General came upon the Bold a little before noon, riding, as one of his staff said. "so that the devil himself could not have kept up."
Ho galloped past the batteries to the extreme right of the line, heid by the cavalry. took off his hat and waved it, while cheor after cheer went up from the ranks. tienerals rode ger to meet hum, and officers wavel their swords. The brave cust risp borte to have thrown his arms about the Back of the chief, and to have kissed him on his cherk. Sheridan said only five wort : " THIS RETREAT MUST BE
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STOPPED !" Again he turned his horse, and began galloping down the lines, along the whole front of the army. . Every where the enthusiasm caused by his appearance was the same.
The line was speedily reformed, and the retreating army turned its face to the foe. Custer and Merrit. charging in on right and left. doubled up the flanks of the foe. taking prisoners, slashing, killing, driving as they went. The rebel infantry, completely overthrown and disorganized. fed along the pike and over the fields like sheep. The victory was complete; thousands of prisoners, and over fifty pieces of cannon were captured, and the enemy reached Mount Jackson without an organized regiment.
Thus we nearly lost, and gloriously won the Battle of Cedar Creek; and from those stirring scenes has American genius evolved one of the noblest poems and one of the grandest pictures of the war. The poem, accompanying " Sheridan's Ride," was written by our poet artist, T. Buchanan Read, shortly after the incident it celebrates. It was the inspiration of the moment. being composed a few hours before one of those meetings incident to the time. It was delivered on the evening of its production, to an immense concourse of people in Cincinnati, by James E. Murdoch, Esq.
SHERIDAN'S RIDE.
Up from the South at break of day. Bringing to Winchester fresh dismay. The affrighted air with a shoulder bore. Like a herald in haste to the chieftain's door. The terrible grumble and rumble and roar Telling the battle was on once more. And Sheridan twenty miles away.
And wider still those billows of war Thundering along the horizon's bar, And louder yet into Winchester rolled The noise of that red sea, uncontrolled. Making the blood of the listener cold As he thought of the stake in that fiery fray. And Sheridan twenty miles away.
But there is a road from Winchester town, A good. broad highway leading down : And there, through the flash of the morning light, A stol. as black as the steeds of night. Was seen to pass as with eagle flight_ As if he knew the terrible need He streched away with his unmost spal; Hill rose and full-but his heart wa. mas. With Sheridan fifteen miles away.
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Still sprung from those swift hoofs, thundering south, The dust. like the smoke from the cannon's mouth. Or the trail of a come:, swooping faster and faster. Foreboding to traitors the doout of disaster: The heart of the steel and the heart of the master Were beating like prisoners assaulting their walls. Impatient to be where the battle-tiell calls; Every nerve of the charger was strained to full play. With Sheridan only ten miles away.
Under his spurning feet, the road Like an arrowy Alpine river flowed. And the landscape sped away behind. Like an ocean flying before the wind : And the stred, like a bark fel with furdecir, Swept on. with his wild eyes full of fire. But. lo! he is nearing his heart's desire- He is snuffing the smoke of the roaring fras. With Sheridan only five miles away.
The first that the General saw were tho groups Of stragglers, and then the retreating troops : What was done - what to do-a glance told him both. Then striking his spurs with a terrible oath. He dashed down the line 'mid a storm of huzzas. And the wave of retreat checked its course there. because The sight of the master compelled it to pause. With foam and with dust the black charger was gray : By the flash of his eye, and the rel nostrils' play. He seemed to the whole great army to say : " I have brought you Sheridan all the way From Winchester down to save the day !"
Hurrah. hurrah. for Sheridan ! Hurra! hurra'. for horse and many! And when their statues are place ton high. Under the dome of the Union sky. The American soldiers Temple of Fame. There with the glorious General's name Be it said in letters both bold and bright : " Here is the sterd that saved the day By carrying Sheridan into the fight From Winchester-twenty miles away !"
The author of the poem, happy alike with pen and brich, cose ive ! this Is the idea of putting the subject upon ornas. Hindistan becoming Known. Mr. Beat was requested by several themen of the C'hion League. of Philadelphia, to paint a large picture to be hung in their Club House.
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The point chosen by the artist for the illustration of . Sheridan's Ride." is where
" With foam and with dust the black charger was gray, By the flash of his eye, and the red nostril's play. He seemed to the whole great army to say :
. I have brought you Sheridan all the way From Winchester down to save day ""
Mr. Roel's picture is a thrilling, a magnificent canvas, full of the crush. the noise, the glory, and the horror of war. and-of that some- thing grander yet-that resistloss human wirL. before which all things material ( we were almost about to say immaterial) gave way. That. after all. is the moral and lesson of Sheridan's Ride.
Important as this victory in the Shenandoah Valley was to our mili- tary operations in 1864, the rebellion could and would have been annihi- hatte without it ; but the spectacle of the iron-sonled, devoted Phil Sheridan, throwing himself. reckless of consequences. into the mouth of disaster: the sight of Sheridan, listening only to the voice of duty. and contemptuous of danger. by his indomitable wint compelling the alle- giance and support of a bewildered and demoralized soldiers-that is a lesson for all the succeeding generations of young Americans as long as we have a country. It isnot possible it can ever be forgotten.
In the battle of Cedar Creek, General Custer covered himself with glory, and was made a major-general of volunteers. On the 25th of October, he supped with our mess at Martinsburg, and gave us a glowing account of Sheridan's great victory.
Shortly after this battle, General Torbert, with a large force of our cavalry, met the cavalry of the enemy at Rhodes' Hill, near New Market. and had a lively little fight ; our regiment. under Colonel 1. W. Adams, showed such coolness, courage and discipline in this affair as to call forth the commendations of officers of other regi- ments, who complimented Colonel Adams publicly be- fore the troops, upon the manner in which the regiment manœuvrel and kept their alignment in presence of the
Nothing of importance occurred after this affair until the close of October. About that time the cavalry of
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the enemy were evidently growing bolder, and were scouring the valley in our front, making an occasional dash at our cavalry outposts.
On the 12th of November, the cavalry division of the Army of West Virginia, under General Powell, com- posed of the brigades of Tibbits and Capehart, was lying near Winchester. The First Brigade. under Colonel Til- bets, composed of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania and Twenty-first New York Cavalry, and another regiment now forgotten, was sent towards Front Royal that morn- ing, and fell in with MeCausland's Division of Lomax's Confederate cavalry. Colonel Tibbits could not hold his ground, and sent an orderly back to notify General Powell. The general at once ordered out the Second Brigade, under Colonel Henry Capehart, of West Vir- ginia, composed of the First New York (Lincoln) Cav- alry, under Colonel A. W. Adams, and the First and Third West Virginia Cavalry-the Second West Virginia Cavalry, which also belonged to the brigade, being ab- sent at Martinsburg-and they took the road at a trot. After a ride of about eight miles they met the First Brigade falling back, fighting hard, but sorely pressed by the enemy, and General Powell at once formed the Second Brigade in battle order; the First West Virginia, Colonel Charles Capehart, on the right, the Third West Virginia, Colonel MeGee, on the left, and the First New York ( Lincoln) Cavalry. Colonel A. W. Adams. in the centre. The First Brigade then passed to the rear, through the intervals in the line of battle. and the Se- cond Brigade moved to the front to meet the enemy. The officers and men of MeCausland's Division were Hushed with the prospect of an easy victory, as they had just driven back our First Brigade, and were formed
BATTLE OF NINEVEH .-- Capturing the Enemy's Guns.
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in line of battle, upon an eminence a short distance in front, with their skirmishers still out and their artillery well posted. Powell ordered his flank regiments to move as if intending to turn the enemy's Hanks, while Colonel Adams, with the First New York, was to hold them in front. They had scarcely begun this movement when the charge was sounded ; and " with spurs pressed home and sabres aloft" the "fighting brigade" dashed forward, with ringing cheers, and the next minute they were upon the astonished foe. It was shown in this brilliant charge that it is impossible for a body of cavalry. in line of battle, even though they have the advantage of superior num- bers, to remain at a halt and successfully resist the head- long charge of an opposing force. Cavalry must either charge or retreat. Our men had. therefore, taken the "wind out of the enemy's sails," when they struck their line at a keen run. doubling them up in every conceiv- able shape; horses tumbling over horses. and men tram- pled under foot, crying out for quarter, and offering to surrender. Those who were well mounted and could get away fled with race-horse speed in the direction of Front Royal, hotly pursued by our " blue jackets." The Con- federates acted gallantly in defending their artillery to the last : but finding it impossible one of the rebel gun- ners turned upon his pursuers, and tried to fire off his gun in the face of our charging squadrons, and was eut down at his gun. Our regiment, with Colonel Adams at their head. dashed upon the rebel gunners, and. it is stated by the brigade commander, in general orders, that Colonel Adams captured the first gun himself. The chase was kept up for nearly ten miles, and the fleeing Con- federates were driven pell-mell across both branches of the Shenandoah, and through the town of Front Rovai,
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to the heights beyond. In their flight they had to aban- don everything, guns, wagons. &c., which fell into our hands ; and they lost thirty killed, a great many more wounded, and about twenty officers and two hundred men taken prisoners, besides losing several battle flags, and two twelve-pound howitzers with caissons attached. Our loss was one officer, Captain R. G. Prendergrast, of our regiment, killed, and two men wounded. Captain Prendergrast was provost marshal of the division. and greatly distinguished himself in the charge. He fell at the side of Colonel Adams, at the head of the charging forces, just as they struck the enemy's line and swept them from the field. He was a glorious soldier, and he died a glorious death. That was one of the cleanest victories that the Union cavalry ever gained in an open field fight, and raised this brigade so high in the estima- tion of General Sheridan that he soon afterwards united it to General Custer's Division, as the Third Brigade. The boys did not like the change from second to third ; but the fact of being with the gallant Custer more than satisfied them.
Our regiment covered itself with glory in this fight. and it must be admitted that Colonel Adams and the other officers who led it, greatly distinguished them- selves; but the following - general order" will be more satisfactory than anything that I might say. It was read to the troops on "dress parade" a day or two after the victory, and I have taken pains to secure an exact copy of the order :
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE. SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION. MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION
The colonel commanding congratulates the officers and men of the Second Brigade upon the success and brilliant victory achieved by them in the late battle of Nineveh, November 12, 1944.
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BATTLE OF NINEVEH, VA .-- Nov. 12, 1864. Charge of the "Lincoln Cavalry."
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In this engagement you attacked a force far superior to your own in numbers, Brigadier-General MeCausland's Division of Confederate cavalry, well posted in battle order, on their own chosen position, and finished with the prospects of a victory just at hand
Hle was killing, wounding and driving the First Brigade of this di- vision, before his heavy line of dismounted skirmishers. when you charged his battle line and comple ely routed him, and pursued his fleeing soldiers a distance of eight intles, capturing two guns, two cais- sous, four wagons, one ambul enice, two battle fags, three field and six- teon line officers, and about two hundred of the soldiers. You also killed and wounded fifty of the enemy, including one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, two majors and five officers of the line, and over forty soldiers ; and all this with the loss of one officer, Captain R. G. Prendergrast, Division Provost Marshal, killed, and two soldiers wounded
The battle of Nineveh will be recorded in history as one of the most brilliant victories achieved by our cavalry
To the officers composing my staff. Captain J. C. Battersby. Assis- tant Inspector-Generat; Lieutenant H. B. Smith, A. A. A. G. : Lieu- tenant W. W. Barrett. A. D. C. and Lieutenant E. T. Savacool, I e- knowledge myself deeply indebted for the noble example they set in charging in front of the line of battle, and with the advance on the road.
To the first named officer. Captain J. C. Battersby. A. I. G. specially. for collecting and bringing forward to my advanced position a support of two squadrons, which greatly relieved the anxiety and danger inci- sent to my being isolated by so great a distance from the main body of my command.
Sperial credit is awarded to the First New York ( Lincoln) Cavalry for bearing their colors so far to the front. and nobly defending them there: and to their gallant colonel. A. W. Adams, who captured the
Also to the First West Virginia Cavalry. commanded by Major Harry Farraber, who carried the right of the line, and charged with such im- petuosity as to scatter the mariny in dismay before him. And to Lieu- tenants Humphrey, Work, and Quinn, of that regiment, with the men of their companies, for the capture of one gun. two caissons, several wagons and ambulances, and many prisoners. And to I. T. Adams. Company D. and Sergeant Schomaker. Company A. of the same resi- ment, for the rapture of two battle flags.
Also the Third West Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel Metive, who swept through the fields, carrying the left of the Ho well up with the right and centre; their feld officers leading in the charge.
Major WEcher. and Lienteran: H. B. Smith. R. Q . M. of this regi- ment, particularly distinguished themselves for personal dann yatal bravery.
Where all act so nobly and so brave, it is impossible to make special
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mention of each one in a report, but the colonel commanding directs that regimental, squadron and company commanders will award to the soldiers of their commands the proper promotions for distinguished gallantry.
The distance passed over in the charge, from Nineveh to Front Royal. and through and beyond the town, fording both forks of the Shenandoah River, was eight miles, which was accomplished in forty minutes -something almost incredible-but it was accomplished at the speed of a race horse, with Colonel A. W. Adams. First New York ( Lineoin) Cavalry, and Lieutenant Barrett of my staff, leading the advance. The picking up of prisoners and property was left to those who were mounted upon horses of ordinary speed.
The victory, with its results, is the most complete of any achieved by our cavalry in an open field fight, and thefore entitles you to the highest commendations, and to the thanks and confidence of the colo- nel commanding the brigade.
But in rejoicing, let us not forget to shed a soldier's tear. and embalm in our hearts the memory of the gallant Captain R. G. Presdergrast. who fell in the charge, and has thereby placed his name on one of the brightest pages of history.
By order of HENRY CAPEHART, Colonel Commanding. H. B. SMITH. Lieutenant and .1. A. A. G.
(Signedl)
Sheridan's Cavalry owed Mosby one, and now that
. they had got through with their more serious work they determined to pay him off in full. Accordingly. in the early part of December, General Merritt crossed the Blue Ridge and laid Mosby's Confederacy in ashes ; carrying off every animal of any value that could be found. The property captured and destroyed on that occasion was valued at two millions five hundred thous- and dollars! This was a feature of the war which the bushwhacking farmers of that region had not foreseen. and they stood appalled at the sight.
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