USA > New York > History of the Tenth regiment of cavalry New York state volunteers, August, 1861, to August, 1865, pt 2 > Part 27
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I am very respectfully your obedient servant,
D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding Third Division.
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OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Report of Colonel Judson Kilpatrick, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Cavalry Corps, at the Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, June 10, 1863.
CAPTAIN : I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the cavalry action yesterday :
After receiving orders from General Gregg to move to the right of Colonel Wyndham and engage the enemy, I formed line of battle in échelons of regi- ments, with a section of artillery on the right of the Second Regiment, and moved rapidly forward, pushing my whole line of skirmishers up to and beyond the rail- road crossing. At this moment the enemy with a large and superior force drove our forces from the hill on my left so gallantly taken by Colonel Wyndham.
I ordered Colonel Irvine, of the Tenth New York, who was on the left of my line, to charge and drive the rebels from the hill and hold it. Colonel Irvine had scarcely advanced one hundred yards when my whole line was threatened by a superior force of the enemy. I ordered a section of artillery to commence firing, and advanced Colonel Davies, of the Harris Light Cavalry, with one battalion, to charge the enemy in flank. Before, however, Colonel Irvine or Colonel Davies had passed the railroad crossing with any considerable portions of their commands, the enemy in two heavy columns struck their advance and threw them into confusion. I sent orders to these two officers to withdraw and rally their commands, and with the First Maine (Colonel Douty) swept to the right and charged the enemy in flank. They outnumbered us three to one, but could not withstand the heavy saber- blows of the sturdy men of Maine, who rode through them and over them, gained the hill, captured a battle-flag and many prisoners, among them the rebel General Stuart's adjutant-general .* From this moment the fight was one series of charges, every regiment of the brigade charging, rallying, and again charging until or- dered to retire. Each regiment left the field with its organization preserved and in good order.
We captured one stand of colors, upward of one hundred prisoners, and a bat- tery of four guns-two by Colonel Douty and two by Colonel Davies. The guns could not be brought off, but all the horses were killed.
The following is a list of casualties in my brigade :
Harris Light Cavalry : One lieutenant and fourteen enlisted men wounded, and thirty-three enlisted men missing.
The First Maine Cavalry : Three enlisted men wounded, fourteen missing, and seven prisoners.
The Tenth New York Cavalry : Three commissioned officers wounded and missing, two wounded and present ; eight enlisted men wounded, and forty-four missing. Total : Commissioned officers, six wounded; enlisted men, thirty-two wounded and ninety-eight missing.
I regret the loss of Lieutenant-Colonel Irvine, of the Tenth New York Cav-
* This is an error. Stuart's adjutant-general was not captured, but one of his aides was.
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alry, who since the fight has been missing. He led his regiment most gallantly in the last charge, and was seen to fall, overpowered by numbers.
I can not single out individual cases of gallantry. Each regiment rivaled the other in deeds of daring. For the first time we have fought as a brigade. We tried to do our duty like men. I am proud of my brigade, and only hope that in this its first effort it has won the good opinion of our general.
Respectfully submitted,
J. KILPATRICK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Captain H. C. WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Report of Major M. Henry Avery, Tenth New York Cavalry.
NEAR JEFFERSON, VA., August 13, 1863.
SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my Regiment in the operations of the Third Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, subse- quent to the battle of Gettysburg and up to the arrival of the same at Warren- ton, Va.
On the morning of July 5th I left bivouac about one and a half miles east of Gettysburg, passing through the village on the Chambersburg pike. The Tenth New York on that day having the right of the brigade, nearly the whole of the Regiment was disposed as flankers for the purpose of thoroughly scouring the country and arresting the numerous stragglers of the enemy, who singly and in squads were endeavoring to make their way into the mountains.
Owing to the wholesale capture of prisoners and the necessity of the column following as rapidly as possible the rear of the enemy, I am unable to make any accurate estimate of the number taken. Each detachment under my command, on accumulating as large a number as could be safely guarded, proceeded to Get- tysburg and turned them over to the provost marshal. Encamped that night at Graefenburg Springs. Next day marched vig New Franklin to Chambersburg ; encamped at that point.
July 7th, commenced march for Middletown, passing through Quincy, Fay- etteville, and Waynesborough, arriving there July 10th.
July 11th, marched to Boonsborough, rejoining the division at that point.
July 13th, marched to Harper's Ferry.
July 15th, the Second Cavalry Division marched on reconnaissance to Shep- herdstown, the Third Brigade having the advance. A few pickets and a small supporting force of the enemy were encountered at this point and easily captured or dispersed by our advance. This Regiment on that day, being the third in col- umn,'took no part in the engagement. Encamped that night at Shepherds- town.
Next morning two squadrons, consisting of Companies H and L. under com- mand of Captains Peck and Vanderbilt, and Companies C and G, under command of Lieutenants Sceva and McKevitt-the battalion being under command of Major A. D. Waters-were placed on picket on the Winchester pike. One squad- ron, under Captain Peirce, on the Dam No. 4 road, and the remaining three squadrons, under my command, were ordered to picket the Martinsburg road.
No force of the enemy was visible until about 2 P. M., when the vedettes from
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OFFICIAL REPORTS.
the battalion on the Winchester road were rapidly driven in by the advance- guard of a heavy force, since ascertained to be under the command of General Stuart. Major Waters at this time, feeling seriously indisposed, retired, leaving Captain Peck in command. Lieutenant Sceva's squadron, being at the outer post, succeeded in momentarily checking the charge of the enemy, and then retired on the reserve, without losing a prisoner, although the attack had been fierce, im- petuous, and by an overwhelming force. At this reserve, Captain Peck succeeded in temporarily repulsing their advance, with a loss of seven men, missing and wounded, three of which latter have since died in hospital, and Lieutenant John T. McKevitt, of Company G, a brave and gallant officer, severely wounded through the lung.
The enemy having brought forward a strong re-enforcement, Captain Peck was compelled to retire until re-enforced by the First Maine, when the enemy was held in check until the remainder of the brigade came up. Soon after Captain Peck was withdrawn and sent to strengthen the line picketed by my command, and which, by the nature of the attack, had become a line of skirmishers, covering the extreme right of the division.
During the remainder of the engagement this regiment remained comparatively idle and without any loss on our part, annoying the opposing skirmishers of the enemy, and driving back any force which appeared. On the cessation of the fir- ing, my line remained the same as at the commencement of the attack, and was held as a line of pickets until midnight, when we were withdrawn and marched for Harper's Ferry, arriving there soon after daylight.
July 19th, marched for Warrenton, via Leesburg, encamping respectively at Goose Creek, Manassas, Broad Run, Warrenton Junction, and Bealton, until July 29th. During the period from the 22d ultimo to that date we were engaged in picketing the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. July 29th, marched for Amissville, encamping that night about two miles from Warrenton.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. HENRY AVERY, Major, Commanding Tenth New York Cavalry.
Report of Major M. Henry Avery, Tenth New York Cavalry, cover- ing the Sulphur Springs and Auburn Engagements in October, 1863. .
HEADQUARTERS TENTH NEW YORK CAVALRY, NEAR FAYETTEVILLE, VA., October 23, 1863.
SIR : I have the honor to submit to you the following report respecting the movements and operations of this Regiment from the 9th inst.
At this date the Regiment was encamped one mile west of Liberty, and picket- ing the river from Freeman's Ford to Sulphur Springs, and the roads toward Warrenton. On the evening of the 9th instant I received orders to report im- mediately with my command to brigade headquarters, but owing to unexpected delay in drawing in my pickets I was not prepared to move until daylight the following morning. I proceeded to Bealton, when I found the brigade had marched, taking the road toward Culpeper. I followed on and joined it near Cul- peper, where I arrived at 4 P. M., and went into camp for the night. According
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
to directions, my command was prepared to march early the following morning, and at ten o'clock the division moved out with the Second Brigade in the rear. The route of the division on this day was toward Sulphur Springs, proceeding slowly without molestation and covering the left flank and rear of Meade's col- umns. Arrived at Sulphur Springs about 9 P. M., the Second Brigade bivouacking upon nearly its old camping-grounds near Jefferson.
The next morning the brigade moved across the river and encamped along the Warrenton pike about a mile from the ford. Before arrangements for the camp were completed I received order to be ready to move at brief notice. Thirty minutes after I moved out in advance of the battery, going down till near the ford, then countermarched a short distance, and, after a short halt in the piece of woods at the right of the road, marched down and was placed in close column at the right and rear of the battery posted on the crest of the hill commanding the crossing and the opposite side of the river. Soon after taking this position the Fourth Pennsylvania, which had been left on picket at Jefferson in the morning and been attacked, was pressed back to within view by the enemy, who was ad- vancing determinedly with a strong force of infantry and cavalry.
The Thirteenth Pennsylvania, which had crossed over and was upon the right, had become engaged sharply, and was being forced into a dangerous posi- tion and would require assistance to retire safely. This command was sent to their support and soon gained a position on the slope of the hill in the center, and I immediately deployed one squadron as skirmishers. This engaged the attention of the enemy, and allowed the regiments upon my right and left to retire toward the ford. The fire of the enemy then became principally concentrated upon this Regiment, and after remaining a short time returning his fire as much as possible, I was ordered to fall back across the river. I was now in the rear, and the enemy's numerous skirmishers, with heavy supports pressing upon both flanks and rear, compelled me to fall back hastily, suffering severe loss in men and horses. After crossing the river a larger share of my carbineers were dismounted and posted along the bank of the river about the crossing, and with the remainder of the Regi- ment, numbering about fifty mounted men, I was directed to move up the river about three fourths of a mile and hold a crossing at this point.
Shortly after arriving here, the enemy's heavy battery opened, which drove our forces from their position at the ford and allowed the enemy's forces to cross. I perceived that they were advancing up the Warrenton pike and driving back our skirmishers. Under these circumstances I thought it advisable to endeavor to gain the road in advance of him, lest I should be cut off from the rest of the command. On reaching the pike I found the advance of the First Brigade mov- ing down to check the enemy's skirmishers, who were advancing rapidly. I formed my men upon the right in the edge of the woods, while the First New Jersey advanced down the road and drove them back nearly to the ford. Heavy skirmishing continued from this time until after dark, the enemy making but little progress. The First New Jersey was principally engaged. The few men I had were manœuvred as far as possible for its support. I lost a few men here in wounded. Soon after dark the firing ceased, and with the First Brigade I fell back to Fayetteville, where the Second Brigade had halted, and here remained till morning. I then collected the available force of my Regiment, which had been considerably reduced by the engagement on the previous day.
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OFFICIAL REPORTS.
The division started at noon, and marched to Auburn via Germantown. Arrived at the former place late in the evening, and this Regiment sent to picket the road toward Warrenton. I established my headquarters about a mile from Auburn, throwing out my pickets to the distance of three fourths of a mile be- yond. Everything remained quiet during the night, but as soon as daybreak the next morning the enemy advanced a heavy force of infantry, before which my picket force, consisting of one squadron, in command of Captain Vanderbilt, was obliged to fall back, hotly skirmishing the while. By the time I could form my men in the field the skirmishers were within three hundred yards, and I immedi- ately sent a squadron to support them. The enemy was then driven back some distance, but, advancing again with increased numbers, Captain Vanderbilt re- tired again, after a stout resistance, holding the enemy in check for some time I then withdrew my reserve about one hundred yards farther down the road, and ordered the Fifth Squadron, under Lieutenant Johnson, to charge with the saber. This was gallantly done, and further checked the enemy's advance. I regret to record here the loss of one of my bravest officers, Lieutenant Johnson, who fell while leading this charge, and was unavoidably left in the hands of the enemy supposed to have been killed. After this I fell back slowly till under cover of our guns planted upon the brow of the hill with heavy support. One of my squad- rons (Captain Bliss's) was kept on the skirmish-line until I retired with the bri- gade toward Catlett's Station. My loss during the morning was not serious.
This Regiment took but little part in the skirmishing which continued during the day while the division was moving along the railroad toward Bristoe. The enemy having gained possession of the railroad near this point, attacked us from an ambush with a heavy fire of musketry, and compelled the column to retire in the direction of Brentsville. The division halted here for the night, and started early the next morning and marched to a point three miles from Fairfax Station, and encamped. I remained here till the evening of the 17th, keeping two squad- rons picketing on Bull Run. I then moved my command, according to in- structions, to Union Mills, having orders to picket from that point to the ford on Bull Run, five miles below.
On the evening of the 19th I received orders to join the brigade at Centre- ville, and started early the following morning, joining the brigade at noon the same day near Bull Run, on the Gainesville road; bivouacked here for the night, and the next day (21st) marched with division to Warrenton and camped one mile south of the town. Marched with brigade next day to Fayetteville, and fell back one mile in the evening and encamped in the woods.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. HENRY AVERY. Major, Commanding Tenth New York Cavalry. Per G. W. KENNEDY, Adjutant.
JOHN B. MAITLAND, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Report of Major Theodore H. Weed, Tenth New York Cavalry, cover- ing the Mine Run Campaign, November, 1863.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH NEW YORK CAVALRY, December 4, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part taken by this command in the operations and movements of the Second Brigade from the. time the same left its camp at Morrisville, November 24th ultimo, up to the date of its arrival at Richardsville on the 2d instant :
I broke camp near Morrisville at daybreak on the morning of the 24th and moved with the brigade, which crossed Ellis's Ford and marched to Richardsville via Ely's Ford road. I bivouacked here for the night, and sent one squadron to picket the roads in the rear of the camp leading to Ely's and Germanna Fords. On the 25th a detail of one hundred and fifty men was made from the Regiment for picket. My camp was not moved on this day.
Early on the 26th I crossed the Rapidan with the brigade, being second in order of march. Shortly after crossing the river this Regiment was put in the advance, which place it held during the remainder of the day's march. No enemy was encountered during the day exept a few straggling parties of cavalry, which fled at our approach. Encamped soon after dark near White Hall. Resumed march early the next morning, taking the extreme rear of the column. I arrived at New Hope Church, where the First Brigade had been engaged, about 2 P. M., and was posted upon the left of the plank-road, near the railroad grade, and opposite the church. Two squadrons were immediately sent to picket the road leading from the church across the railroad southward. This being a weak point in our line and exposed to sudden attack, the remainder of the command was held, the entire night following, with ranks unbroken, in readiness for immediate action.
. The following morning, 2Sth, the battalion stationed across the railroad the evening previous was driven in a short distance, and remained to picket the roads and neighborhood in that direction. Another battalion was sent up on the plank- road after the withdrawal of the infantry, with directions to picket from this road across the grade, joining with the other battalion upon the left. A reserve of one squadron was stationed at the church. No further disposition or change was made during the day till I was relieved by the Eighth Pennsylvania at sundown, when I reported with the Regiment at brigade headquarters, and was directed to go into camp in the field near by.
At 5. A. M., the 29th, I was notified that my Regiment was detailed to report to the Second Corps. I remained near brigade headquarters awaiting further orders until late in the afternoon, when I was sent down the road toward Parker's store to support the battery. After the firing had ceased, the Regiment was advanced a half-mile farther, and one battalion sent forward to the store to recon- noitre. This returned soon after dark, capturing three prisoners. The enemy had fallen back and no force was discovered. I remained to picket this road, sending during the night one squadron to communicate with the First Brigade. The next day at 5 A. M., I moved up to headquarters and camped in the woods south of the road, leaving one squadron to picket road toward Parker's store. At 4 A. M.,
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December 2d, I left camp here and marched with division to Richardsville, via Ely's Ford, encamping at 2 r. M. that day.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THEO. H. WEED, Major, Commanding Tenth Regiment New York Cavalry. Lieut. JOHN B. MAITLAND, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Report of Captain B. B. Porter, Company G, Tenth New York Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH NEW YORK CAVALRY,
March 22, 1864.
Lieutenant JOHN B. MAITLAND, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Bri- gade, Second Division, Cavalry Corps.
SIR : I have the honor to report that I scouted the country thoroughly be- tween our lines and our infantry picket-lines this side of the river. I learned nothing of the enemy until I reached a point opposite Fox's Ford, where I found one of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, who informed me that his regiment had a sharp skirmish with a small party of the enemy last night. About three fourths of a mile farther I came to our infantry picket-line and saw the brigade officer of the day, from whom I learned that an infantry scouting party had been to Sulphur Springs to-day, also a cavalry scouting party was out in the same direction. They saw nothing, but learned that a small force of the enemy crossed the river at Fox's Ford from this side during last night. Our in- fantry picket-line extends to Freeman's Ford. There is no such mill as Dulaney's, but a family of that name live near Font's. The headquarters of the officer in charge of infantry pickets is at Dulaney's house. I reached camp on my return at 9 A. M.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. B. PORTER, Captain, Commanding Scouting Party.
GROVE CHURCH, VA., April 25, 1864.
Major-General SHERIDAN, Commanding Cavalry Corps :
I sent a patrol this morning at daylight on the Falmouth road. It reports their pickets two miles toward Falmouth, beyond Hartwood Church, and that their patrols of from thirty to fifty men come to Hartwood Church daily. The command near Morrisville is not within supporting distance of me.
T. H. WEED, Major, Commanding.
GROVE CHURCH, April 25, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel C. Ross SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps :
My patrols to and beyond Hartwood Church find no signs of the enemy. Four refugees came in and report heavy cavalry force going toward Orange Court- House yesterday, 24th. They report a force crossed below Fredericksburg, which I think was a blind to the force going toward Orange Court-House. They report one brigade left near Hamilton's Crossing. The refugees, four white and one black, I sent to headquarters Second Cavalry Division to-night.
T. H. WEED, Major, Commanding Post at Grove Church.
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
March 25, 1864.
Colonel J. IRVIN GREGG, Commanding Second Brigade.
COLONEL: The following dispatch has been received from corps headquarters :
"GENERAL GREGG : Orders having been received assigning you to the tem- porary command of the Cavalry Corps, the commanding General desires that you report to these headquarters in person at the earliest practicable moment."
In compliance with the above order, the General commanding directs that you report at these headquarters at eight o'clock to-morrow morning to assume com- mand of this division.
By command of Brigadier-General Gregg :
THOMAS ARROWSMITH, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 5, 1864.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 16.
In accordance with paragraph 13, of Special Orders, No. 86, of April 5, 1864, from headquarters Army of the Potomac, the undersigned assumes command of the Cavalry Corps.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General of Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, April 17, 1864.
Brigadier-General GREGG, Commanding Second Division :
General Davies, of the Third Division, has been ordered to report to you for duty. This became necessary from the assignment of General Wilson to com- mand a division in this corps.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General.
General orders, No. 18, headquarters Cavalry Corps, April 25, 1864, assigns Surgeon R. W. Pease as medical director to the staff of General Sheridan.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, NOTTOWAY COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 14, 1865.
Major H. C. WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Cavalry Corps.
MAJOR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of my command from the 28th of March to date: On the morning of the 29th of March the brigade broke camp near Petersburg and marched via Nolan's Bridge to Dinwiddie Court-House and encamped for the night on the Boydton Plank- road. On the following day, in the morning, a reconnaissance went out under Major Snyder, Tenth New York Cavalry, and communicated with the left of our in- fantry forces. On the afternoon of the 30th the brigade moved out on the road leading to Five Forks and reported to Brevet Major-General Merritt, whose forces were engaged at that point. The brigade did not go into action, but stood until dark ready to act, though not called on. That night I encamped near the house of J. Boisseau, on the left of the road. picketing out on my left flank. On the morning of the 31st of March a reconnaissance was sent out under Captain Craig,
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First New Jersey Cavalry, which discovered the presence of Johnson's division of the enemy's infantry and W. H. F. Lee's division of cavalry on my left and front. Later in the day I was ordered to move my brigade to the rear and left flank to support General Smith's brigade, heavily engaged with the enemy on the road crossing Chamberlain's Creek. I at once moved in that direction. The road being impassable for mounted troops, I took my men down, dismounted. I rode on in advance, and on reaching General Smith learned that he had succeeded in repul- sing the enemy, and was not at that time in need of assistance. I immediately re- turned to my former position. Countermarching my command as I met it on the road, and hearing the sound of heavy firing on my own picket-line, I directed them to return to their former positions at double quick. I found that my pickets at a bridge over Chamberlain's Creek were attacked by overwhelming forces of the enemy and driven back, and that the enemy had succeeded in crossing a large body of troops, consisting of nearly the whole of Pickett's division of infantry. My brigade, coming up, at once engaged the enemy, but after a severe struggle were driven back, having, however, saved the led horses, which at one time were almost within their grasp. I fell back to the road leading from Dinwiddie Court- House to Five Forks, where I reformed my line, connecting my right with the First Division and endeavoring to open communication on my left with the rest of the Second Division. My men fought bravely, but the overwhelming superior- ity in numbers of the enemy enabled him to turn my left flank. I then fell back across the country to the Boydton Plank-road. I found there one mounted regi- ment of the First Division-the Sixth Michigan Cavalry-the commanding officer of which made a vigorous demonstration and checked further pursuit on the plank-road. I reformed my brigade, and, night coming on and the road being recently picketed by the First Division, which had also fallen back to that point I moved to Dinwiddie Court-House, where my led horses had been sent when the engagement became heavy, and went into camp for the night near that point. In this action I met with a severe loss in killed and wounded, and lost a few prison- ers. In view of the large force the enemy brought into the field, I fully believe all that was practicable was done, and that my. brigade accomplished all that could have been expected from it.
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