USA > New York > History of the Tenth regiment of cavalry New York state volunteers, August, 1861, to August, 1865, pt 1 > Part 32
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Regimental Adjutants.
Kennedy, George W .- Promoted from hospital steward, October 21, 1862, with rank from October 20, 1862; promoted to major, April 29, 1864; not mus- tered as major; discharged as adjutant October 20, 1864, on account of disa- bility.
Potter, William C .- Detailed as regimental adjutant while first lieutenant, Company A, November 25, 1861 ; appointed as adjutant on recommendation of Lieutenant Cutting, of the regular army, for meritorious services as recruiting officer.
Shaver, Frank J .- Promoted from regimental commissary December 19, 1864, with rank from December 12, 1864; mustered in December 24, 1864; pro- moted captain, Company L, May 31, 1865; not mustered as captain ; transferred June 24, 1865, to First N. Y. Prov. Cav. as adjutant.
Stevens, George H .- Promoted from commissary, May 31, 1865; not mus- tered as adjutant.
Battalion Adjutants.
Fitts, James Franklin .- Promoted from private, Company F, January 7, 1862, to rank from December 12, 1861; mustered out August 9, 1862, at Wash- ington, D. C., as supernumerary.
James Franklin Fitts was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 1839, where his early life was passed in attending public schools. He early in life manifested a literary taste, to which he gave free rein, contributing to many of the leading magazines and newspapers of the country. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one. He was one of the first to enter the Tenth New York (or Porter Guards, as it was at the time called) from the section in which he resided. He proved a most efficient and valuable addition to the Regiment, but be- fore the latent qualities of the soldier were given an opportunity for display Congress en- acted a law which took from the cavalry regiments in the service the battalion officers. Lieutenant Fitts was at the time adjutant of the First Battalion of the Tenth, then encamped near Washington. He promptly tendered his resignation, that he might connect himself with another organization, and entered the One Hundred and Fourteenth New York Volunteers, where his marked ability and conspicuous gallantry were recognized in rapid promotion, reaching the rank of major in a short time. He was twice wounded-once at Port Hudson and again at Winchester. After the close of the war he associated himself with Judge Holines, of Lockport, in the legal profession.
His most noted novels were The Parted Veil and A Modern Miracle. His longest boys' story was Captain Kidd's Gold, published in the Boys' Home Library.
He was several times city attorney, and was attorney of the Board of Supervisors at the time of his death. He was an active member of the G. A. R., and devoted to the interests of the Union soldiers.
July 1, 1868, he married Miss Harriett Gooding, of Lockport, by whom he had six children.
Lemmon, William L .- Age twenty-three ; commissioned from Elmira, Janu- ary 7, 1862, to rank from December 12, 1861; mustered in January 18, 1862; re- signed August 1, 1862, per Special Order No. 52.
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274
HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Regimental Quartermasters.
Field, Henry .- Detailed from Company B, November 25, 1861 ; promoted to captain, Company B, May 22, 1862.
Graves, William E .- Promoted from regimental quartermaster-sergeant October 21, 1862, with rank from October 20, 1862; acting brigade quartermaster from spring of 1864 to close of war; promoted to captain, Company L, November 19, 1864; not mustered as captain; mustered out as regimental quartermaster June 30, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va .; served as brigade quartermaster for more than a year; was in charge of all quartermaster property of the Cavalry Corps at time of muster-out.'
Battalion Quartermasters.
Barney, Luther L .- Detailed from Company C from November 25, 1861, to August, 1862.
Sceva, Benjamin F .- Detailed from Company F from November 25, 1861, to August, 1862, when he was returned to his company.
Regimental Commissaries.
Avery, Amos D .- Promoted from regimental quartermaster-sergeant May 31, 1865, with rank from same date; not mustered as commissary.
Preston, Noble D .- Promoted from first lieutenant, Company E, February 9, 1863, with rank from November 30, 1862 ; mustered in August 2, 1863, to date February 12, 1863 ; severely wounded in action at Trevillian Station, Va., June 11, 1864; promoted to captain, Company A, July 8, 1864, on the following recom- mendations :
HEADQUARTERS TENTH NEW YORK CAVALRY, IN THE FIELD, June 21, 1864.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL J. T. SPRAGUE, Assistant Adjutant-General, State of New York .- Sir : I would respectfully recommend First Lieutenant and Regimental Commissary Noble D. Preston for Captain, Company A, of this Regiment, vice John Ordner, killed in action at Trevillian Station, Va., June 11, 1864. I have the honor to remain
Your obedient servant,
M. H. AVERY, Major Commanding Tenth N. Y. Cavalry.
This recommendation bore the following indorsements:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS, CAMP ON JAMES RIVER, June 26, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded and recommended from personal knowledge of Lieu- tenant Preston's good conduct and gallantry in action. I can request his ap- pointment as one for the best interests of the service.
H. E. DAVIES, JR., Brigadier-General Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, June 26, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded, with the recommendation that this promotion be made. Lieutenant Preston, for his general efficiency as an officer, and for gal- lantry in a recent action, in which he was severely wounded, is very deserving of advancement. D. M. M. GREGO,
Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding Second Cavalry Division.
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REGIMENTAL ROSTER .- FIELD AND STAFF.
Lieutenant Preston served with credit to himself while under my command. It gives me great pleasure to add my testimony to that of Generals Davies and Gregg in regard to his bravery and efficiency at all times.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General U. S. A.
Shaver, Frank J .- Promoted from sergeant, Company L, July 9, 1864, with rank from June 1, 1864; mustered in August 10, 1864; promoted to adjutant December 19, 1864.
Stevens, George H .- Promoted from second lieutenant, Company C, Decem- ber 19, 1864, with rank from December 12, 1864; mustered in December 24, 1864; promoted to adjutant May 31, 1865; not mustered as adjutant ; transferred June 24, 1865, as first lieutenant to Company C, First N. Y. Prov. Cav. Brevet captain N. Y. V.
Whedon, Oscar P .- Promoted from second lieutenant, Company B, October 21, 1862, with rank from October 20, 1862; resigned November 1, 1862.
Surgeons.
Clarke, Henry K .- Promoted from assistant surgeon, November 13, 1863, with rank from October 25, 1863 ; mustered out June 24, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va., as supernumerary. Brevet lieutenant-colonel N. Y. V.
Henry K. Clarke was graduated from the Albany Medical College in March, 1862, and re- ceived an appointment as Assistant Surgeon of the Tenth New York Cavalry on the joint recommendations of the faculty of that institution and Major M. H. Avery.
Pease, Roger W .- Age thirty-three; commissioned January 7, 1862, with rank from November 20, 1861; promoted to medical inspector of Cavalry Corps February 25, 1863; appointed surgeon U. S. Volunteers, October 30, 1863. Bre- vet lieutenant-colonel N. Y. V.
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Williams Pease was born at Conway, Mass., May 31, 1828. ... Dr. Pease was among the first to respond to the call of his State and country during the late war for the suppression of the rebellion. He left a large and successful practice which his skill and industry had gained him at Syracuse, and joined the Twelfth Regiment of New York Volunteer Infantry as surgeon. This regimeht was connected with what was afterward called the Army of the Potomac. It was in the Fourth Brigade of the First Divis- ion of McDowell's corps, and was in the advance at the commencement of the first campaign of the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the first day's fight with the enemy at Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 1861, three days before the disastrous fight at Bull Run. The con- test was a sanguinary one, and Dr. Pease had the honor of dressing the first wound caused by the enemy in that army. The division was checked in its advance on that day by the fire of the enemies' batteries. To silence them General David Tyler, commander of the division, ordered forward the Fourth Brigade, including Captain Brackett's squadron of the Second United States Cavalry, and two twelve-pounder howitzers, commanded by Captain Ayres. One of the first shots from the enemy's guns struck Sergeant Rowhan, of Captain Brackett's squad- ron. As it was Surgeon Pease's fortune to be standing near the wounded soldier at the time, he had the satisfaction of dressing his wound, the first made that day .* Soon after this the skirmishing became general.
* FORT MCINTOSH, LAREDO, TEXAS, August 5, 1890. N. D. PRESTON, EsQ .. Historian Tenth New York Cavalry.
SIR: In reply to your letter of the 23d ultimo, I have to say that a sergeant of the Second Cavalry, serving under my command, was severely wounded at the battle of Blackburn's Ford, Va., on the 18th of July, 1861, the front part of his thigh being nearly torn away. There was no medical officer with my squadron
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Immediately after dressing Sergeant Rowhan's wounds, Surgeon Pease established a field hospital in a ravine directly under fire of the enemy. At this place he dressed the wounds of the heroic Lieutenant Lorain, of Sherman's battery. The Twelfth New York Regiment was not engaged with the enemy on the 21st, yet there was abundant work for its surgeons on that memorable day. Owing to the severe labors of this short campaign and the poisonous atmosphere of the Potomac marshes, Surgeon Pease was obliged to resign his position August 30th following and return home for rest. After a few weeks his health was restored and he returned to the army November 19, 1861, as Surgeon of the Tenth New York Cavalry. He spent the following winter at Gettysburg, Pa. He was derached from his regiment April 19, 1862, and ordered to report to Major-General Dix at Baltimore, Md. Here he was assigned to Patterson Park United States Hospital, which he organized with twelve hundred beds. In November following he again returned to the field and participated in the battle at Fred- ericksburg, December 13th, under Major-General Burnside.
1 February 25, 1863, Surgeon Pease was made medical inspector of the Cavalry Corps, then being organized by General Stoneman, and was placed on his statf. When General Stoneman was succeeded by General Pleasonton he was retained in the same position by the latter. During the celebrated Stoneman raid and Major-General Hooker's campaign, Surgeon Pease was ordered to organize a Cavalry Corps Hospital at Aquia Creek. This was continued as a field hospital during the entire time the Cavalry Corps remained in that vicinity, and as such it maintained a high reputation.
The performance of this last order did not prevent Surgeon Pease from being present and participating in the engagement at Chancellorsville. He was with his corps in the battles at Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d, and 3d, and joined in the pursuit of the enemy at Boonsboro, Md. At this place he was ordered by Surgeon Pancoast, Medical Director of the Cavalry Corps, to take charge of the field hospitals and to concentrate them at Boonsboro. When this was done he joined the army at Salem and participated in the engagements which drove the enemy across the Rapidan.
After this Surgeon Pease was transferred to the corps of surgeons of volunteers, and was ordered to report to the General commanding the Middle Department at Baltimore. Decem- ber 2, 1863, he was ordered to relieve Surgeon Pancoast, and he again returned to the field as Medical Director of the Corps which he had so long served as medical inspector. In the spring of 1864 the Cavalry Corps was reorganized, and General Philip H. Sheridan was placed in command, without any change in its medical director.
Our space will not allow us to mention the many bold and daring adventures and hard- fought battles of the Cavalry Corps under its new commander during the successful campaign of 1864, while Surgeon Pease was connected with it. The whole responsibility of the medical and surgical department rested on the medical director. He must provide medical stores, hospitals, and means of transportation for the sick and wounded. Surrounded on every side by the enemy in an enemy's country, as the Cavalry Corps often found itself, this latter re- sponsibility was the most difficult. In the expedition of General Sheridan toward the Virginia Central Railroad. and after the engagement with the enemy, June 11th and 12th, at Trevillian Station, Surgeon Pease had four hundred soldiers to transport to the White House, a distance of nearly two hundred miles, and he had only twelve ambulances to do it with. But by scouring the enemy's country and seizing every available vehicle that could be found, and with the aid of thirty baggage-wagons, all were conducted safely beyond the reach of the enemy and the consequent sufferings of those who had the misfortune to become prisoners of war to the enemy.
During the early part of the campaign against Richmond. in 1864. Surgeon Pease at one time became so disabled as to be unfitted for riding in the saddle, and he was obliged to ask to be temporarily relieved and to be put on other duty. He was accordingly given in charge of one of the first trains of wounded soldiers-thirty-five hundred in number-which were taken from the battle-fields of the Wilderness and removed to Fredericksburg. He remained at Fredericksburg for a short time as inspector of hospitals, Int again returned to his corps in time to participate in the battles of Old Tavern and Cold Harbor.
at that battle, and I believe his wound was dressed by Surgeon Roger W. Pease, of the Twelfth New York Volunteers. He also dressed the wounds of two other I am yours very respectfully, men belonging to my squadron.
ALBERT G. BRACKETT,
Colonel Third U. S. Cavalry, lute Captain Second Cavalry.
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REGIMENTAL ROSTER .- FIELD AND STAFF.
In consequence of exposures in the field for nearly two years and a half, Surgeon Pease's health became so much impaired that he was compelled to ask to be permanently relieved froin his position. His request was granted, and on the 8th of August he was again ordered to Baltimore and was placed in charge of the Newton United States General Hospital. About one year from that time he was ordered to Charlestown, W. Va., to close the hospitals in that place and dispose of the property. This being done, Surgeon Pease again returned to Balti- more and was mustered out of service October 1, 1865, with the rank of brevet lieutenant- colonel from the United States Government.
Surgeon Pease received a commission from the Governor of New York with the rank of brevet lieutenant-colonel, bearing date September 6, 1866. The commission states that it is " for faithful and meritorious services in the late war and as a testimonial for zeal, fidelity, and courage with which you have maintained the honor of the State of New York in her efforts to enforce the laws of the United States."
Assistant Surgeons.
Bliss, Lyman W .- Age twenty-six : commissioned at Camp Bayard, Va., February 10, 1863, with rank from February 9, 1863; mustered in March 13, 1863 ; taken prisoner June 30, 1863, at Hanover, Md .; paroled and released near Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863 ; resigned October 7, 1863, to accept commission as surgeon First N. Y. Vols. Formerly served as acting Assistant surgeon, U. S. A., Independent Company D. C. Cav., from August 9, 1862, to March 13, 1863.
Catlin, Charles A .- Age twenty-nine ; commissioned before Petersburg, Va., February 2, 1865, with rank from January 19, 1865; mustered in March 13, 1865; transferred June 24, 1865, to First N. Y. Prov. Cav.
Clarke, Henry K .- Age twenty-five; commissioned from Albany, December 22, 1862, with rank from same date; mustered in same day; promoted to surgeon, November 13, 1863.
Lanning, Oliver .- Age thirty-one; commissioned before Petersburg, Va., December 28, 1864; mustered in January 16, 1865; transferred June 24, 1865, to First N. Y. Prov. Cav. Brevet major, N. Y. Vols.
Sickler, Peter E .- Age thirty-six ; commissioned at Warrenton Junction, ยท Va., December 15, 1863, with rank from same date; mustered in December 31, 1863; taken prisoner at Trevillian Station, Va., June 12, 1864, by remaining in charge of wounded ; discharged November 30, 1864, per Special Order No. 135, headquarters A. of P. Formerly served in Eighteenth N. Y. Vols. until Febru- ary 16, 1862, when transferred to Forty-seventh N. Y. Vols. by promotion.
Whedon, George D .- Age twenty-nine; commissioned at Elmira, January 7, 1862, with rank from December 12, 1861; mustered in at Elmira with regiment, December 23, 1861 ; resigned November 30, 1862.
Chaplains.
Bradley, Joseph H .- Age twenty-six; commissioned June 17. 1864, with rank from April 10, 1864; joined for duty at Spottsylvania, Va., May 9, 1864; mustered in same day; mustered out June 23, 1865, at Cloud's Mill's, Va., as supernumerary. Formerly served as captain in Fifth N. Y. Vols. from May 9, 1861, to July 20, 1862.
Day, Robert .- Age fifty-five; commissioned at Elmira January 7, 1862, with rank from November 29, 1861 ; mustered in January 18, 1862 ; discharged by order, August 14, 1863, on tender of resignation.
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Crowell, Ezra .- Commissioned March 10, 1864, with rank from same date; not joined or mustered.
RECAPITULATION .- FIELD AND STAFF.
The number of officers in the field and staff was thirty-two; but four of these were mustered in more than one grade, leaving twenty-eight to be ac- counted for. There were, in addition, several officers of the line who served on the staff, that are not enumerated.
There were two colonels, one of whom was mustered in with the Regiment, and one promoted from major (commissioned as lieutenant-colonel, but not mustered). One of these was discharged by order, and one transferred in the same grade to the First N. Y. Prov. Cav.
The number of lieutenant-colonels was three, of whom one was mustered in as such at the organization of the Regiment, one was promoted from major, and one from captain and A. A. G., U. S. Vols. There was one died of wounds received in action, one mustered out on expiration of term of service, and one transferred in the same grade to First N. Y. Prov. Cav. There were eight majors, all but one of whom were promoted from captains of companies, as follows : One from A, two from B, one from E, one from F, and two from L, and one (original) from private, Com- pany E. Of the two regimental adjutants, one was promoted from hospital steward, and one from regimental commissary, and two battalion adjutants, one was promoted from private, Company F, and one was an original. One regi- mental adjutant was discharged for disability, and one transferred to the First N. Y. Prov. Cav, and one battalion adjutant was mustered out as supernumerary, and one resigned. The one regimental quartermaster was promoted from regi- mental quartermaster sergeant and was mustered out as supernumerary. There were four regimental commissaries, one promoted from first lieutenant, Company E, one from sergeant, Company L, one from second lieutenant, Company C, and one from second lieutenant, Company B. One of these was promoted to captain, Company A, one to adjutant, one resigned, and one was transferred in the same grade to the First N. Y. Prov. Cav. There were two surgeons-one was original and one promoted from assistant surgeon. Of these one was promoted to sur- geon U. S. V., and one was mustered out as supernumerary. There were six assistant surgeons, of whom one was mustered in with the Regiment, and five promoted from civil life. Of the six, two resigned, one was discharged by order, one promoted to surgeon, and two transferred in the same grade to the First N. Y. Prov. Cav. Of the two chaplains, one was mustered in with the Regiment, and one was promoted from civil life. One of these was discharged, and one mus- tered out as supernumerary.
THE FIELD AND STAFF HONORED DEAD. Lieutenant-Colonel.
Frederick L. Tremain .- Died in hospital, at City Point, Va., February 8, 1865, of wounds received in action at Hatcher's Run, Va., February 6, 1865.
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REGIMENTAL ROSTER .- NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
.Sergeant Majors.
Buffum, John B .- Promoted from sergeant, Company B, December 15, 1864; promoted to second lieutenant, Company I, January 16, 1865.
Curtis, Thomas .- Promoted from sergeant, Company M, January 29, 1865 ; reduced to private, Company M, April 6, 1865.
Farnsworth, Herbert E .- Promoted from bugler, Company D, November 1, 1862 ; promoted to first lieutenant, Company I, August 22, 1864.
McKevitt, John T .- Promoted from sergeant, Company G, October 5, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant, Company G, December 25, 1862.
Norton, Lewellyn P .- Promoted from sergeant, Company L, April 6, 1865 ; mustered out June 26, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va., as supernumerary, per Spe- cial Order No. 312. Awarded medal of honor by Congress for gallantry in action at Sailor's Creek, Va., April 6, 1865.
Preston, Noble D .- Promoted from sergeant, Company A, November 25, 1861; promoted to first lieutenant, Company E, September 15, 1862.
Webb, Frederick L .- Promoted from private, Company B, November 25, 1861 ; discharged August 22, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeants.
Avery, Amos D .- Promoted from regimental commissary sergeant, Decem- ber 25, 1864; promoted to regimental commissary, May 31, 1865 ; not mustered ; transferred June 24, 1865, to First N. Y. Prov. Cav. as regimental quartermaster sergeant.
Graves, William E .- Promoted from private, Company B, March 22, 1862 ; promoted to regimental quartermaster, October 21, 1862.
Spencer, Charles H .- Promoted from battalion quartermaster sergeant, March 10, 1864; promoted to second lieutenant, Company K, February 17, 1864.
Woodruff, Oscar .- Promoted from regimental commissary sergeant, March 10, 1864; promoted to second lieutenant, Company K, November 21, 1864.
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeants.
Hayes, Henry E .- Promoted from sergeant, Company A, November 25, 1861 ; promoted to quartermaster sergeant, Company A, June 24, 1862.
King, John B .- Promoted from private, Company G, January 18, 1862 ; re- turned to Company G as sergeant, June 24, 1862.
Spencer, Charles H .- Promoted from sergeant, Company A, June 24, 1862 ; promoted to regimental quartermaster sergeant, March 10, 1864.
Regimental Commissary Sergeants.
Avery, Amos D .- Promoted from private, Company D, March 10, 1864 ; pro- moted to regimental quartermaster sergeant, December 25, 1864.
Freer, John A .- Promoted from sergeant, Company M, December 16, 1864;
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
mustered out, June 26, 1865, as supernumerary non-commissioned officer per Special Order No. 312.
Woodruff, Oscar .- Promoted from private, Company H, August 30, 1862; re-enlisted and mustered in December 31, 1863, at Warrenton, Va .; promoted to regimental quartermaster sergeant, March 10, 1864.
Battalion Commissary Sergeants.
Whedon, Oscar P .- Promoted from private, Company G, January 18, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant, Company B, May 22, 1862.
Woodruff, Marshall R .- Promoted from private, Company B, November 25, 1861 ; returned to company, August 26, 1862.
Hospital Stewards ..
Blynn, Martin H .- Promoted from private, Company B, November 1, 1862 ; promoted to second lieutenant, Company B, August, 1863.
Bowers, Joseph L .- Promoted from sergeant, Company G, March 1, 1865; mustered out at Cloud's Mills, Va., June 26, 1865, as supernumerary.
Cowles, John E .- Promoted from sergeant, Company A, August 9, 1863; wounded in left hand and forearm, at battle of St. Mary's Church, Va., June 24, 1864 ; in hospital at Alexandria, Va .; promoted to second lieutenant, Company A, January 16, 1865.
Fuller, Bonville .- Age thirty-eight ; enlisted from Elmira, November 25, 1861; mustered in December 23, 1861 ; discharged, April 21, 1862, at Havre de Grace, Md., on surgeon's certificate of discharge.
Kempster, Walter .- Age twenty-one ; enlisted from Elmira, N. Y., Novem- ber 21, 1861 ; mustered in January 18, 1862 ; promoted to first lieutenant, Com- pany D, July 27, 1863.
Kennedy, George W .- Promoted from private, Company H, December 17, 1861 ; promoted to adjutant, October 21, 1862.
Tackabury, Wesley W .- Promoted from sergeant, Company D, December 20, 1863 ; re-enlisted and mustered in December 31, 1863, at Warrenton, Va .; transferred, June 24, 1865, to First N. Y. Prov. Cav. .
Chief Buglers.
. Cole, Addison .- Promoted from bugler, Company A, November 25, 1861 ; mustered out September 20, 1862, at Washington, D. C., as supernumerary.
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