USA > Pennsylvania > History of a cavalry company. A complete record of Company "A," 4th Penn'a cavalry, as identified with that regiment in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, during the late civil war > Part 17
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On the morning of April 1st the command moved out, and again attacked the enemy. After a very brisk skirmish, the rebels fell back in disorder to the vicinity of Five Forks. Here the whole cavalry force, with the Fifth Army Corps, all under the im- mediate command of General Sheridan, made a general attack on the enemy's lines, driving them
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back and capturing almost their entire force at that place, numbering about 10,000 men. The rebels were here completely " cleaned out," with no loss materially to our forces.
On the same day the whole Army of the Potomac, made a general attack upon the enemy's lines, suc- ceeding at several points in breaking them. The famous long siege was at last terminated. Peters- burg was ours, and the rebels were in rapid retreat. Lee was compelled to withdraw in hot haste his vanquished and demoralized army, evacuating Peters- burg and Richmond. The long-looked for crisis had arrived, and the rebel general knew not whether to fly from his own forces, or to still hold them together and stand the issues of another battle. The rebel- lion was now ended, and our arms were at last suc- cessful, for
"Freedom's battle once begun, Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son, Though baffled oft is ever won."
Lee retreated in the direction of Burkville Junc- tion, but Sheridan was a little too quick for him, having already moved out with the cavalry and Fifth Army Corps, and cutting off their line of retreat in that direction. The enemy then struck out for Lynchburg, with our cavalry corps on their flanks, and the Army of the Potomac pressing them hard in the rear.
On the 5th inst., our cavalry division attacked and captured, a large wagon train of the rebels, with
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many prisoners and several batteries of artillery, at Amelia Springs. They had a very severe engage- ment afterwards, the enemy coming up in force, while our troops were destroying the trains. The rebels were again compelled to retire, with another signal defeat.
On the 6th inst., our division found General Ewell's wagon train, and made an attack on it, cap- turing and burning several thousand wagons, all partially loaded. The enemy again assaulted our division, while engaged in destroying the trains, and another severe fight ensued, which was maintained until 3 o'clock, P. M., when the Sixth Corps came to Gen. Gregg's assistance, and the rebels were once more repulsed with heavy damage. On that day our regiment lost several of its most heroic members- one in particular, Lieut. Alexander Welton, one of the bravest of the brave, who had escaped with my- self from the rebel prison in November, 1863. He had been desperately endeavoring to hold in check the large numbers of the enemy opposed to him and his command, when he was mortally wounded-a ball having passed through the centre of his breast. He was taken to the hospital, where he soon afterwards expired. I deeply regretted this loss, from the mutual feelings of regard which had existed between us, and from my admiration of his manly services in the army. IIe had been a brave and faithful officer, and nothing could ever swerve him from the path of duty.
On the 7th of April, our regiment marched in ad-
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vance of the division through Farmville, Va., driving the enemy away from the town. As we passed through, the rebels were met in force in the suburbs. They sprung a little trap or ambush here, to catch the advance of the regiment, by enticing an attack on a wagon train. The ruse, however, was discovered before it had completely succeeded. The enemy were attacked, and found to be composed of infantry and cavalry. They stubbornly held their ground. Our forces remained in line of battle at this point all night. We had lost during the day, General Gregg, commanding the brigade, with several of his staff officers, who were captured at the head of the column. Major Mays and ten men in the regiment were killed, and twenty-one wounded in the engage- ment.
On the morning of the 8th, our forces found that the rebels had retired during the night, and were immediately pursued. At Appomattox Station, they captured from the enemy, four trains of cars, and twenty-one pieces of artillery, with many prisoners. They then pushed forward on Lee's flank, whose head-quarters was now at Appomattox Court House.
On the 9th inst., having him nearly surrounded, our forces began a general attack, but Gen. Lee, seeing that further resistance to the Army of the Potomac was useless, concluded that the best thing he could do, was to surrender, and accordingly, promptly surrendered his entire command or Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. Grant. Thus sunt- marily ended the war in that quarter. The details
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of this grand occasion, are emblazoned already on the pages of history. It will be the theme of admira- tion through all ages.
Our division had just prepared itself to make a general attack, along the rebel front, when it was notified of the surrender of Lee. The wildest enthu- siasm prevailed over this news. Cheer after cheer arose from our troops, like the sound of dashing waters or the roll of thunder, making the very welkin ring with the mingled sounds of joy and exul- tation. The voice that announced the glad tidings, had more than the enchanter's magic, lifting as it did the great load of anxiety from every heart, and brightening many thousand lives with more than earthly lustre. Between slowly widening rifts that had presaged the hour, a sudden burst of sunlight streamed, with a cheering and ineffable beauty, such as never shone even on the wrecked mariner of ocean. The perils, hardships, sacrifices of the past, had been great; the way had been rugged and pre- cipitous ; but the goal was reached, the boon was won, for which no cost of life or treasure was too great. They could now return to happy homes, and boast of the tented field, of the bloody charge and the thrilling victory-of years of labor devoted to the ultimate confirmation of liberty-and enfran- chisement of the enslaved. It was indeed true then, "the Union must and shall be preserved."
On the 10th of April, the cavalry corps began the retrograde movement, and encamped at Prospect Station that night, and on the next at Burkville.
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On the 12th our brigade marched to Nottaway Sta- tion, encamping there until the 17th inst., when they again broke camp and proceeded toward Petersburg, via Wilson's Station, there rejoining the division and corps. Here they remained until the 24th of April, when having recuperated, they took up the line of march for North Carolina, to join Sherman and push Johnston to the wall. We encamped on the night of the 24th at Nottaway River on the Boydtown Plank Road. On the 25th we marched nineteen miles down the Plank Road and encamped near Meherin River. The next night we encamped near Boydtown. On the 27th we marched through Boydtown, across the Staunton River above Clarksville, and encamped for the night.
On the 28th of April, we marched to and over the Danville Railroad to Scottville, crossing the Dan River, to South Boston. During the night official notice of the surrender of Gen. Johnston was re- ceived, so that the further march of our forces for the South, and any assistance for Gen. Sherman were needless.
Orders were now promptly given to begin the re- turn march. On the 29th, we again crossed the Dan River and Staunton River, at Moseley's Ford, and encamped. Many of the horses were now begin- ning to give out from want of food and over-march- ing.
We advanced on the 30th, to, and encamped near the Meherin River. On May 1st, we proceeded through Lunenburg Court House, to the Nottaway River, near "Blacks and Whites" Station, on the
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South Side Railroad. On the 2d, we proceeded to, and encamped near Dinwiddie Court House. On the 3d of May, we arrived again at Petersburg, : having lost a large number of horses during the march, and having picked up many other horses and also mules. Our command, indeed, was at this time, about half mounted on mules. On arriving at Petersburg, the cavalry corps went into camp, and remained until the 10th of May, during which time the pay and muster rolls, for March and April, were made out. On these, the following changes appear : George W. Mickle's commission having arrived some time previous, he was duly mustered as Second Lieutenant; Sergt. John Balentine, was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, vice Mickle promoted; Private A. G. II. Row, was promoted to Sergeant from the ranks ; Corporal Heenan to Sergeant, vice Yost dis- charged from the effects of wounds ; John Steele, Corporal; David C. Thomas, discharged for disabil- ities from the effects of wounds.
On May the 10th, our Brigade broke camp at Pe- tersburg, and marched to Nottaway Court House.
On the 11th, we proceeded to Burkville Junction, and on the following three days proceeded towards Lynchburg, encamping near a creek, twelve miles from that city, and remaining there two days, when we marched into the town and took possession.
At this time Col. Duncan, with several of the offi- cers, made a detour on the line of march, and visited Gen. Longstreet, at his home in Campbell County.
They were received by the distinguished rebel in
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a very gentlemanly manner, and from their descrip- tion, I judge that he was then already, what he af- terwards proved himself to be, an unconditional and passive acceptor of the situation, and perfectly sub- missive now, to the inexorable logic of events, and to the inevitable result of the struggle. This was an exceptional case in the South. Jeff Davis, Breck- enridge, and many other traitors, had made a rapid escapade-and in this manner, testified to their dis- like of the circumstances, while nearly all the rest were like the surly, sullen, petulant Wade Hampton -inactive from sheer necessity, and. as bitterly re- bellious at heart as ever. Not satisfied with the clemency of a great and good government, that " treads down the liberties of no man," they could not gracefully bow to the yoke of defeat.
Having thus traced up the history of my company, during my temporary absence, I shall now proceed to give the remainder of its record, up to the time of the disbandment of the little force.
After encamping in the Fair Grounds, one mile from Lynchburg, I was on the 20th ordered to report to the Provost Marshall, Col. Duncan, in the city, for secret service.
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CHAPTER XXXII.
PURSUIT OF EXTRA BILLY SMITH.
A T this time large rewards had been offered by the President of the United States, for all the prominent leaders of the rebellion, among whom was Extra Billy Smith, Governor of Virginia, for whose capture a reward of $25,000 was offered.
Ile was supposed to be in the vicinity of Lynch- burg, somewhere. Of this fact I was notified by Col. Duncan, and authorized to take such a force of men, as I' might deem sufficient, and proceed in search of him.
I soon discovered that he had been stopping at the house of one Dr. Mundey, on the canal, twenty-six miles east of Lynchburg. I proceeded rapidly to this point, but to my chagrin discovered that Gov- ernor Smith had left three days previous. We cap- tured bere during the night, two horse-thieves, who had been rebel guerillas, and were now robbing and plundering their own people. I sent them under guard to headquarters in Lynchburg, where they were soon afterwards tried by military commission and sentenced.
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On the morning of Sunday, the 21st, I started in pursuit of Governor Smith again, and tracked him to Dr. Megison's, where I learned Extra Billy had been on the Wednesday night preceding. This was at a point near New Market. We arrived at New Market early in the day, and went thence by way of Lewis Cabel's Ferry to the residence of one George Bon- jurant, at Buckingham Court House *
* * where I was informed that Governor Smith had stopped over night several days before. We remained here a short time for rest and refreshment, and discovered that Smith had filed to Centerville, and crossed the river there on the Friday previous. We then pur- sued him to the house of one Ambrose Ford, at Goochland, where we learned that his intentions were to proceed to Richmond, and give himself up to the proper authorities.
Concluding now that he was too far in advance of us, and that he was making just as much headway, at any rate, as we were, and not having orders to pursue him further than within a circuit of fifty miles around Lynchburg, I accordingly concluded to aban- don the pursuit, having already traced him up pretty far. It afterwards proved that he had done, as sta- ted, gone to the late rebel capital, and voluntarily delivered himself up to the union authorities there. In this manner, he cheated all hands out of the proff- ered and expected reward.
On Monday, the 22d, we started on our return trip, and, in our course, came to a wealthy Southerner's residence, one William Johnson, by name, who lived
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seventeen miles from Lynchburg. The rebel proprie- tor was not present, but we saw at his house, large numbers of young colored women of a prepossessing appearance. They informed us that Johnson was their father, and that he was the father also of their children, of whom many were present, bearing still lighter complexions, and appearances of still more of the Caucasian refinement.
Johnson, we learned, was a man of considerable wealth, and an old bachelor, living here in luxury and ease. He had owned about two hundred slaves, and had made most of his money, by hiring them out to work in tobacco factories in Lynchburg. While we were dining, he made his appearance, and evinced, by his bearing toward us, that we were about as wel- come there, as our troops had been in Richmond. This fact did not, however, deter us from helping ourselves to all that we wanted. I gave my men clear and explicit orders, to take what they needed, and their modesty did not prevent them from making havoc among the cold-meats and preserves.
In the afternoon, we proceeded rapidly towards Lynchburg. Night overtaking us on the way, and being very tired, we were compelled to stop over at a Methodist parsonage, about eight miles from Rich- mond, where we were bounteously entertained-hav- ing all we needed for ourselves, and everything our horses required.
On Tuesday I proceeded to camp, near Lynch- burg, and reported to Col. Duncan, the result of my search, which proved satisfactory.
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We remained in camp in Fair Grounds, at Lynch- burg, occasionally doing a little patrol duty in the suburbs of the city.
On the 27th, I went in pursuit of Bradley, a de- serter from the regiment, who had stolen several horses, and made off with them into the country. I did not succeed in capturing him.
While we were in Lynchburg, our Regimental Band often went to Brigade Headquarters, and serenaded Gen. Gregg in the evening. Large num- bers of disbanded rebel soldiers and of the citizens generally flocked around, to hear the melodious out- gushings from brass pipes and quivering parchment- although the inspiration was patriotic, and its expres- sion characteristically Northern. This musical or- ganization had been with our regiment through all the latter years of the war, and had participated in many hazardous marches, and perilous situations. It had been originated by the officers of our own com- mand, who had purchased the brass, and detailed the performers on this special duty. No regimental music had been provided by the government, since the earlier periods of the war. They did not, there- fore, eclipse Strauss and his Vienna orchestra, nor even attempt the exhibition of that master's compo- sitions, but they gave "Jeff on a Sour Apple Tree," and "John Brown's Body," in stout, military style. In short they performed creditably as amateurs. They were not expert instrumentalists, like those of the Seventh Regiment, the Boston Germania, or the celebrated Metropolitan Band of Philadelphia-the
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latter being specially renowned for marching and military music-but they were musicians, whose genius was praiseworthy, particularly on account of the patriotism its performances exhibited. The leader's name was Frank Köpf-was he not appro- priately labelled for a musical head ?- a resident of our native town, and a portly, good-natured, and sweitzer-loving German. We have often witnessed his burly figure in the throes of musical birth, his whole frame heaving with emotion, as he delivered himself in safety of some fantastical strain. He was the very heart and ear of all the instruments, con- torting his features at every false note, as if it had been a corn and rudely trampled on. His arms were levers of feeling, like the antlers of a chrysalis, and sometimes poised gracefully in the atmosphere, as if enthralled in ecstatic delight, and at others, cut the air sharply like a cleaver, or spun like a top, as if writhing in mortal agony. But I will do him justice. In familiar waltzes, his head and coat-tail oscillated with the regularity of clock-work. All new selections were necessarily learned gradually, the worthy leader, after many days of rehearsal, ac- tually sweating discord into harmony.
Our patriotic airs were relished by the crowd, but were regarded by the sentimental ladies of the neigh- borhood as ungentlemanly taunts. Out of spite, we would consequently hear "The Bonny Blue Flag!" from neighboring pianos. We, however, never did them much honor by noticing their performances.
Our duty now, was frequently to patrol the road
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between Lynchburg and Bedford Alum Springs, near New London. We drank copiously of the medi- cinal waters of these famous springs.
Here at New London we beheld the old building, in which Patrick Henry had distinguished himself by his stirring eloquence, in the days of yore.
While encamped at Fair Grounds we frequently had dress-parades, regular drills and guard-mounts-not from any particular necessity, but as a means of vary- ing the monotony of our routine duties.
It was now almost impossible to keep the forces in camp, as they preferred to loiter about the city, there being many inducements to draw them thither. I consider Lynchburg one of the most degradedly im- moral cities in the United States.
About the 2d of June, the Two Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer, Infantry, arrived in Lynch- burg, and relieved our forces from Provost Duty in that city.
Numerous details of an officer and twenty-five men each, were sent to all the county seats in the vicinity of Lynchburg, to establish Provost Marshall's Offices, and give all the people an opportunity to subscribe to the oath of amnesty. To this almost all the peo- ple promptly responded. They were then protected in all business pursuits, as loyal citizens of the United States. Great destitution and poverty pre- vailed among the people, and many thousands of Government rations were daily issued to them from these posts. But the starving multitudes here had brought their sorrows and misfortunes upon them- . selves.
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On the 6th of June, all the dismounted men of our · command. and all the convalescents from the hos- pitals arrived, thus greatly enlarging our numbers, and swelling the list of those present in our regiment, from one hundred and fifty to seven hundred men.
On Saturday, the 10th, we received orders from the War Department, to muster out all men whose term of service expired on October 1st, 1865.
Twenty of these I had in my own Company. I accordingly made the muster-out rolls for that many.
This created a great hubbub of excitement, and much dissatisfaction among the troops, because the whole regiment was not included in these lists. They were fearful that they might be forced to serve the whole balance of their veteran term, which was nearly two years yet. They contended that the war was over, and that they had enlisted for three years, or only during the struggle. A very rebellious spirit manifested itself in the command, and it was only with considerable difficulty, that the men were held together, and their dissatisfaction restrained.
On the 13th, however, we received orders from the War Department to turn in all the horses and equip- ments, preparatory to going North, to be mustered out of service. On receipt of this news there was much rejoicing and exultation, because the battles of the war having been all fought and ended, the men were anxious, now, to return to the peaceful pursuits of civil life. Accordingly, on the following day, we turned in all horses and equipments.
A few mornings afterwards, we commenced work
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on the muster-out rolls, as we had been notified that we were to be mustered out at Lynchburg. After the rolls were duly prepared and examined by the proper officer, the regiment was regularly mustered out on July 1st, 1865-the organization having been rejoined by all the officers and men on detached ser- vice.
Col. Young was relieved from the command of the Brigade, and now took personal charge of the regiment. He was at this time brevetted Brigadier General.
He caused a number of promotions by Brevet to be made in the regiment. As one of the compli- mented, I had the honor of receiving myself, the Brevet of Major, by the then President of the United States.
On the first of the month, after having turned in all Quartermasters' and other government property, we were duly mustered out of the United States service, to date from July 1st.
The following complimentary order was issued by Gen. Gregg, on the occasion of its disband- ment :-
HEAD-QUARTERS MILITARY DEPARTMENT, Lynchburg, Va., July lat, 1865.
GENERAL ORDERS, }
No. 30.
Soldiers of the Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac! Your organization, which has existed through more than two years of
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the war, is about to be disbanded. Some of you are to go to your homes and your families, and to engage in the quiet pursuit of a peaceful life, and let us hope of a country, to which happiness is again restored.
During all the time of your organization, you have been in the first ranks of the terrible battle, which has been waged, and you have won, for yourselves, by your courage and endurance, an imperishable name.
Your duties of the present are different from those of the past-to soothe the lacerated feelings, and cultivate the friendship, and secure the confidence of the people, against whom for four years, you have been arrayed in deadly hostility, is now your privi- lege. Show to them by your actions as citizens, that during all the years of deadly struggle, through which you have passed, that no hatred rankled in your hearts. Dangers and sufferings shared in common, have endeared each individual of the Brigade, to him who since its organization, has had the honor to command it, and he will ever remember his con- nection with them with feelings of the liveliest satis- faction.
May you be prosperous and happy in the future, as you have been enduring and successful in the past, and may He who controls "the destinies of nations, guard and protect you and your children, and their- descendants forever, from the desolating scenes of civil war.
By command of
[Official.]
BREVET MAJ. GEN. GREGG.
JOHN B. MAITLAND, Cupt. and A. A. G.
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CHAPTER XXXIII.
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0 N the same occasion, Gen. Gregg wrote the fol- lowing complimentary letter to our regiment, which was received with enthusiasm by our troops : 1 .
LYNCHBURG, VA., July 1st, 1865.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FOURTH PENN. CAVALRY :
After four years of war, the most terrible the world ever saw, you are about to return to your homes, your friends and your families, with the ob- ject for which you left your fields and your work- shops, your pleasant homes, your wives and your little ones, accomplished.
Peace again spreads her wings over our entire country, and let us hope it will be over a united and a happy people.
Soldiers ! soon to become citizens, carry with you to your homes, and into your various occupations and pursuits, the lessons you have learned of courage, of endurance, of fortitude, of generosity, of mag- nanimity. Let no unworthy views contract, or oc-
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cupy your minds. Show to our recent enemies, that the contest of the past four years, has not embittered your hearts. Bear in mind that your comrades sleep side by side in a common grave, with a gallant but mistaken foe; that what we have done, was from a sense of duty and justice, and not in a spirit of wanton aggression or of unbridled passion.
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