USA > Pennsylvania > The Seventh Pennsylvania veteran volunteer cavalry; its record, reminiscences and roster; with an appendix > Part 15
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it all regimental books, papers, company property, camp equipage, officers' baggage, &c.
Friday, January 2, was placed on the right to watch that flank. Much skirmishing all day. No casualties to-day. This evening went on picket in right and rear.
Saturday, January 3, on picket all day.
Sunday, January 4, relieved from picket. At 2 p. m. was ordered to move with the brigade to Wil- kinson's Cross-Roads.
Monday, January 5, ordered to move in rear of brigade toward Murfreesboro; passed through Murfreesborough, 3 miles on Manchester road, when my command was ordered to the front. The posi- tion assigned me was on the left, where we immedi. ately commenced engaging the enemy, which lasted with considerable severity for about an hour, we driving them from the ground they occupied to a belt of wood, where they are under cover. I had 1 sergeant wounded severely.
The loss in my regiment since leaving Nashville to the present time was as follows : Killed, 2; wound- ed, 9; prisoners and missing, 50. Total, 61.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. E. WYNKOOP, Major, Commanding Serenth Pennsylvania Caralry.
Lieut. JOHN WOOLLEY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
CAVALRY CHARGE, MCMINNVILLE, TENN.
Report of Col. Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Caratry, commanding detachment Caralry Diris- ion, Department of the Cumberland.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE.
Camp near Murfreesborough, Tenn .. April 26, 1863.
SIR: On the 19th instant, under orders received
from Brigadier-General Garfield, I reported to Ma-
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jor-General Reynolds, commanding the Fifth Divis- ion, Fourteenth Army Corps, and, in accordance with his orders, marched for Readyville at 1 p. m. on the 20th instant, with 1,708 men, composed of parts of the First, Second, and Third Cavalry Bri- gades and the Fourth U. S. Cavalry, with six days' rations. I encamped between Readyville and Wood- bury for the night.
April 21, I sent Colonel Long, with the Second Brigade (418 men), at 2 a. m., with instructions to take the road leading through Jacksborough, to strike the railroad at or near Morrison as soon after 10.30 a m. as possible, and to destroy the trestle-work at that place. Although the Manchester train escaped, the work was well done. For particulars, I beg to refer you to Colonel Long's report, inclosed herewith.
At 3 a. m. I marched for MeMinnville with the rest of my command, taking the old MeMinnville road, and was followed by Colonel Wilder, with his brigade of mounted infantry. When about 2 miles from MeMinnville, I detached the Fourth Michigan and one company of the First Middle Tennessee, with two of Colonel Wilder's mountain howitzers, to move in on the Smithville road. About half a mile farther on, my advance came on the rebel pickets, who imme- diately formed and opened fire on us. Riding to the front, I pushed forward the flankers, and directed the advance guard to charge home, sending Captain Jennings, with the remainder of his regiment (Sev- enth Pennsylvania Cavalry), to their support. The rebels were driven into and through the town. Their entire force was about 700 men-600 cavalry and the provost guard, which consisted of 115 men of the Second Kentucky and Forty-first Alabama Infantry Regiments. These last had left town, by the Chatta- nooga road, with the wagon train, about an hour be- fore our arrival, but, by pressing closely, a part of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry succeeded in cap- turing 3 wagons and 8 or 9 of the men.
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The cavalry scattered in every direction, part of them retreating at a gallop on every road, about 50 taking the railroad train, which started as we en tered the town. I sent the Third Brigade and the Fourth Michigan after the train, with directions to destroy it and also the new bridge over Hickory Creek. The Fourth Regulars I sent to the support of the Seventh Pennsylvania, on the Sparta and Chatta- nooga road.
In the charge made by the advance guard-Lieu- tenant Heber S. Thompson and 25 men of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry-Corporal Edward H. Schutt mortally wounded Lieutenant Colonel R. M. Martin, of Johnson's Kentucky Cavalry, having laid his skull open by a saber cut. The famous Maj. Dick McCann was also wounded and taken prisoner, but effected his escape the same night from a guard of the Fourth Regulars. I encamped for the night on the hill west of MeMinnville, and was early next morning re- joined by the Second and Third Brigades and the Fourth Michigan.
April 22, encamped near Snow Hill about dark, and pushed forward a patrol, which discovered strong pickets of the enemy at the mouth of Dry Creek.
April 23, marched at daylight for Liberty. The rebel pickets had been withdrawn during the night. The citizens stated that the enemy had promised to give us battle at Liberty. At Liberty they promised to fight at the junction of the Auburn and Alexandria pikes, and at the junction they said they would meet us at Alexandria, but at that place I found only 4 men, and those I captured. Wheeler and Wharton, with Thomas Harrison's, C. C. Crews' and Duke's brigades, retreated toward Lancaster at daybreak.
I encamped 3 miles west of Alexandria until the morning of the 25th, when I marched for Murfrees- borough, via Cainsville and Las Casas. I encamped
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near Cainsville the night of the 25th, and arrived at Murfreesborough at 3 p. m. on the 26th. I sent or brought in 130 prisoners, all of whom, except 7, were captured by the cavalry. We destroyed the trestle- work on the railroad below Morrison; burned the railroad builings, one locomotive, and two cars at Morrison; burned the new bridge across Hickory Creek, and destroyed a large quantity of bacon and other commissary stores at that place, and recaptured 15 men of the Second East and First Middle Tennes- see Cavalry, who had been taken prisoners at Car- thage on the 18th instant. I also captured 30 horses, 12 mules, and 3 wagons. In MeMinnville Colonel Wil- der destroyed a large amount of property.
I had no casualties whatever during the expedi- tion. Inclosed I hand you reports of the officers com- manding the Fourth U. S. Cavalry and the First and Second Brigades. I have not yet received the report of Colonel Ray, commanding the Third Brigade.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. H. G. MINTY, Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the Cumberland.
CAVALRY CHARGE, MCMINNVILLE, TENN. Report of Lieut. Col. Josiah B. Park, Fourth Michi- gan Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY. Camp near Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 27, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedi- ence to orders, I assumed command of the First Cav- alry Brigade on the 20th instant at 1 p. m., and moved out from camp on the Woodbury pike. The brigade consisted of detachments of the First Middle
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Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Galbraith commanding; Fourth Michigan Cavalry, Maj. F. W. Mix commanding; Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Capt. W. H. Jennings commanding, and one section of the First Ohio Artillery, Battery D, Lieutenant Newell. I proceeded thence to Readyville and went into camp for the night.
April 21, at 3 a. m., I moved out the brigade in the direction of MeMinnville, via Jacksborough, hav- ing previously detached one company of the First Middle Tennessee to report to Colonel Long at 2 a. m., in accordance with your orders. When within 2 miles from MeMinnville I was ordered to take the Fourth Michigan and the remaining company of the First Middle Tennessee, with two pieces of Colonel Wilder's mountain howitzers, and proceed, by a path or narrow road to the left, through the woods, and approach MeMinnville on the Smithville road, for the purpose of cutting off all stragglers from the enemy in that direction.
I reached MeMinnville after the advance of the column of cavalry had charged through the village. Having no orders to proceed farther, and hearing that a force of 200 of the enemy was engaging a much inferior force in numbers of my own command near the railroad bridge, 2 miles on the line of the rail- road toward Morrison, I proceeded thence on a gal- lop, and found that two squadrons of the Seventh Pennsylvania had arrived at the bridge just a mo- ment before, and just after the departure of the train for Manchester. The detachment of the Seventh Pennsylvania had already taken the guard stationed at the bridge prisoners and recaptured 15 of our own men, who were there awaiting transportation to Tul. lahoma.
I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Galbraith. with his command, and Lieutenant Mackey, of the Fourth Michigan, to move across the creek and a short dis- tance down the road. They soon returned, having
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found near the railroad a quantity of commissary stores, mostly bacon. Lieutenant Mackey brought in also 8 prisoners. We here captured 2 wagons, about 8,000 pounds of bacon, 6 Enfield rifles, 1 chest of carpenters' tools, 5 bell and 4 wall tents, and some other camp and garrison equippage, all of which I ordered to be burned, with the exception of one wa- gon, which was serviceable, and with which I was able to transport two wall tents and the chest of tools. Colonel Ray coming up with orders to pro- ceed to Morrison to ascertain if the train had been destroyed at that point, and desiring my assistance, I left that part of my command most fatigued at the bridge, and proceeded to Morrison, a distance of 10 miles, leaving Captain Pritchard in command at the bridge, with orders to burn it. Before reaching Mor. rison, I detached Captain Tolton, with one battalion of the Fourth Michigan, to the right and along the line of the railroad, to scour the woods. He reported to me at Morrison with 7 prisoners, 2 of whom were of the ranks of captain and commissary of subsist- ence on the staff of Generals Wheeler and Morgan respectively. I then returned to the bridge, and, having dispatched two messengers for orders, I bi- vouacked.
I must here mention that in the approach to Mc- Minnville two companies of the Seventh Pennsylva- nia were acting as an advance guard to the column, and in the charge through the town, Corpl. John Wil- liams, of Company F, caught sight of the notorious Maj. Dick McCann, who coolly remarked to him, "Come on, you Yankee son of a b-h!" At this the corporal spurred his horse with renewed vigor, and, overtaking him, unhorsed him by a severe stroke with the saber across the head. I have made some inquiries in regard to this young corporal, and find that he is a worthy young man and a good soldier, Such gallant conduct is deserving of great praise, and I respectfully recommend him to the command- ing officer of that regiment for promotion.
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On the morning of the 22d, I rejoined the com- mand at MeMinnville.
April 23, I approached Alexandria, my brigade being in the advance. After we reached the village, I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Galbraith, with his command, to move out to a piece of woods in front of the village, where he captured 2 prisoners.
Nothing further of importance occurred in my command during the march. This brigade captured in all 82 prisoners, as near as I can learn from the reports of regimental commanders. I have no cas- ualties.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. PARK,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding First Cavalry Bri- gade.
Col. R. H. G. MINTY.
Commanding Caralry.
CAVALRY CHARGE, SHELBYVILLE, TENN.
Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Sipes, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.
CAMP NEAR SALEM, TENN., July 11, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report, in brief, the active service performed by this regiment since the 24th day of June last.
On that day the regiment, in obedience to or- ders, struck camp, packed and stored all superfluous baggage, and marched from Murfreesborough, Tenn., well supplied with ammunition and rations. I shall reserve for a supplemental report a detail of the marches and ordinary duties performed by the regi- ment, and confine myself here to the most important events of the movement up to the present time.
On the morning of the 27th of June, the regi- ment marched, with the brigade, from a point on the Shelbyville turnpike, 10 miles from Murfreesbor-
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ough, toward Shelbyville. Arriving at Guy's Gap, I was ordered by Major-General Stanley, command- ing cavalry in this department, to form my regiment in order of battle on the left of the Fourth Regulars, west of the turnpike, and observe a body of rebels skirmishing on our front. The order was obeyed, and Company A was thrown into an open wood on the left as skirmishers. I gradually advanced the line, and having passed the line of the Fourth Regu- lars, the officer commanding that regiment requested me to relieve his skirmishers, as he wished to recall them, he having no orders to advance on the enemy. I sent Companies FF and C, under command, re- spectively, of Lieutenant Thompson and Captain Dartt, to relieve the Regulars, with instructions to move dismounted and keep the enemy in sight, with- out, however, going too far from the main body. These companies performed the duty assigned them well ,and steadily drove the rebel skirmishers before them. While advancing, I received an order from Colonel Minty, commanding brigade, to return to the turnpike and advance with the command.
As soon as I could rally my skirmishers (a work of some difficulty, owing to the nature of the coun- try), I reformed the regiment, and followed Colonel Minty toward Shelbyville. This movement threw my command in advance of the entire cavalry force, excepting only the First Middle Tennessee. We moved at a fast trot for 5 miles, when we came with- in range of the enemy's artillery, posted in their in- trenchments, about 3 miles from Shelbyville. My regiment was then thrown in line to the left of the road, in an open field, where the enemy kept us under a continuous fire for some time, without, however, doing any damage.
Here I received an order from Colonel Minty to throw forward a dismounted force as skirmish- ers. I instructed Major Davis to take command of 50 men and move as well under cover as possible on both sides of the road toward the intrenchments.
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The remaining portion of the regiment soon fol- lowed up the road, under orders to charge the rebels, who were being driven from the woods and intrench- ments on the right by the Fourth Michigan Regi- ment, dismounted. Lieutenant Thompson had com- mand of the advance, consisting of Companies A and F, and I directed him to charge through the in- trenchments on the road, and then turn to the left, for the purpose of intercepting the enemy retiring in that direction. With the main body of the regi- ment, I went up the road, closing well upon the ad- vance, and immediately engaged the rebel force: Leaving the road, which was covered by other regi- ments rapidly coming up, I went to the left, and in- structed my force to pursue the enemy through the woods, where they were flying thick and fast. This movement proved very successful, my men having crowded a large number of the enemy into a field surrounded by a picket fence, where they captured them ad libitum. The effect of this charge in detail was most disastrous to the rebels. Many were killed, and wounded. The number of prisoners taken was almost equal to the force I had engaged, and the field was literally strewn with arms, clothing, blan- kets, &c.
The advance having come within range of the enemy's artillery in Shelbyville, I directed the pris- oners to be taken to the rear, and the regiment, which by this time was necessarily much scattered, to con- centrate at a given point. The dismounted skirmish- ers, having rejoined their horses, came forward, un- der Major Davis, in good order, and I halted him on the road, there to remain until the regiment was reformed.
While passing along the road, gathering up my command, I was informed by Major Davis that he had been ordered by Colonel Minty to charge into Shelbyville. I at once went forward, saw Colonel Minty, and directed the command I had to prepare
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for the charge. Major Davis' command was placed in the front, led by that most gallant officer.
The force I then had ready for action did not certainly exceed 150 men, composed of Companies G, B, L, and M, under Major Davis, numbering less than 75 men, and parts of A, F, H, and I, not 75 more. This force was moved forward at a walk un- til within a mile of the public square of the town, when, covered by the smoke of two guns discharged for the purpose, the charge was commenced. Never did men move more gallantly and daringly into the face of the most imminent danger than did this little force. The street up which it moved was perfectly straight, gradually ascending to the court-house, where the enemy had four guns planted so as to com. mand it completely and these supported by a brigade of cavalry. To look upon these preparations, it seemed that utter destruction was inevitable to all those who dared advance, and yet, with sabers drawn, and with shouts of defiance, the men rushed onward, never faltering for an instant, and to all appearance, utterly destitute of any apprehension of danger. The enemy's artillery fired but 3 rounds as we approached, one of which was of grape and canister, which foll short; the others of shell and solid shot, which did no execution except the killing of 1 man and 2 horses. As we neared the square, their cavalry fled precipi- tately, after firing a few scattering shots, and their artillery following, the pursuit commenced. Near the railroad depot, in the town, their first piece of artillery was overtaken and captured, with but lit- tle resistence. A little farther on the second piece was taken after a sharp fight and at the bridge over Duck River the third piece was secured. This piece was not removed back to town as were the others, because a wheel-horse had been killed by one of my men to prevent its escape It was left at the bridge, while the advance continued on in pursuit of the enemy, following them more than 2 miles on the
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south side of the river. Major Davis, with his few remaining men, had crossed the river more than ten minutes before any assistance came up to that point.
The only stand made by the enemy was at the depot, and in an open space to the left of it. Up to this, my men had only used the saber, but here I or- dered them to use their fire-arms, and many of them did so with good effect.
I cannot tell the number of prisoners taken by my command in this charge, as they were immedi- ately delivered up to the forces in the town, and no record was kept of them.
I have nothing of importance to report, after this most gallant charge, until the arrival of the cavalry at Elk River, on the evening of the 2d in- stant. Here we were the first regiment to cross to the support of General Turchin, and, although no fighting was done, yet every man was ready and will- ing to meet the enemy, withont counting numbers or considering chances.
The only casualties I have to report were at Shelbyville, where I lost 2 officers and 3 enlisted men killed and 1 officer and 10 enlisted men wounded, Lieutenant Amos B. Rhoads and Lieutenant (Sergt. Francis W.) Reed were the officers who fell in the charge and they yielded up their lives as gallantly as ever soldiers fell in a good cause.
It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the gallantry of all my officers and men, and particular- ly to that displayed by Major Charles C. Davis, Lieu- tenants Heber S. Thompson and Percy H. White, and Adjutant George F. Steahlin, who were in the front of the contest ; and to Sergeants William O. Peck, John Keenan, John H. Somers, James A. Wilson, David J. Quaid, Henry H. Snyder, Edward H. Shutt, and JJohn Ennis; Corporals George C. Dievers, Tho- mas J. Lane, John Williams, and Henry W. Wasson, and Privates G. M. D. Andress, Louis S. John, Enoch Watkins, Williams, Harvey Benson, Wm. H. Long-
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well Heller, and George H. Wilcox. Each one of these men distinguished himself by acts of coolness and daring.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. B. SIPES,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Capt. ROBERT BURNS,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Second Division, Caralry.
MCAFEE'S CROSS ROADS, GA.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION. Near Marietta, Ga., June 12, 1864.
CAPTAIN: Yesterday morning I received orders from the general commanding to proceed to McAfee's Cross-Roads, on the Canton and Marietta and old Alabama roads, via Woodstock, and from thence to open communications with the Second Brigade at the junction of the Big Shanty and Canton and Mari- etta roads. At about 10.30 a. m. I drove the rebel pickets from MeAfee's, and about a quarter of a mile south of there found the enemy in considerable force, and so reported to the general commanding. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry dismounted and skirmished heavily for half a mile farther, when the rebels took shelter behind rail breast-works on the crest of a hill, with a large wheat field in front. Cap. tain Shaeffer's battalion (Seventh Pennsylvania) pushed forward through the thick woods on the right, and Major Andress' through the woods on the left. I directed Captain Tolton, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, with his battalion to watch the enemy, who was threatening to advance on the road from Roswell Factory, and sent Major Mix with the other two bat- talions, dismounted, into the woods on the left of the Seventh Pennsylvania, Captain Garrett, Seventh, Pennsylvania, with a small mounted force being on
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the left of the whole. I ordered an advance of the two regiments ( Captain Sheaffer had by this time ad- vanced sufficiently to get a flanking fire on the ene- my). The line advanced with a cheer at a double- quick, and carried the breast-works on the right, driving the enemy in confusion to the woods beyond. On the left the breast-works were found to extend far beyond the flank, which was forced back, and each battalion in succession, finding its flank ex- posed, was compelled to fall back. Captain Tolton had, prior to this, reported a column of cavalry mov- ing to his left; I, therefore, had to leave the Fourth Regulars to watch the road toward Woodstock, and cover the artillery and pack-mules. From prisoners I learned that I had three brigades opposed to me, viz, General Allen's First, Third, Fifth, Eighth, and Tenth Confederate; General Iverson's First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Sixth Georgia, and Gen. J. T. Morgan's (temporarily commanded by Colonel Rus- sell, Morgan being under arrest for drunkenness). consisting of the First, Third, Fourth, Seventh, and Fifty-first Alabama, in all, fifteen regiments, and al- lowing the low average of 300, making a force of 4,500 against my 1,400, and, understanding that Colonel Long was not moving to the cross-roads, I determined to fall back. On examination I found that I could not attempt to cross Noonday Creek at any point but on the old Alabama road, where there is a good though deep ford, and a very poor bridge. I sent the artillery and pack-mules back at once, placing the artillery in position to cover the move, ment of the cavalry. I then withdrew the men and retired across the creek.
My loss was 6 wounded, 2 of them mortally. I know of but 3 rebels killed, but many of them must have been wounded. 1 have 5 prisoners from the Second and Third Georgia and First Alabama.
I am respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. H. G. MINTY, Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
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Captain KENNEDY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Cavalry Division.
CAVALRY CHARGE, NOONDAY CREEK, GA. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIV.,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Noonday Creek, Ga., June 21, 1864.
CAPTAIN: Since my last report to 11th June, I have been almost daily engaged with the enemy, gen- erally light skirmishing, with but small loss. At 10 a. m. yesterday I sent one battalion Fourth U. S. Cavalry to examine the road leading to the Marietta and Canton road. On crossing the creek they struck the rebel pickets and drove them to the Marietta road, which I then occupied with the Seventh Penn- sylvania Cavalry, sending one battalion south to the Big Shanty road, where from 600 to 700 of the ene- my were found, and a small patrol north to McAfee's Cross-Roads, who met only small scouting parties. I placed vedettes on the hills east of the Marietta road, who reported scouting parties of the rebels scattered throughout the country. About 4 p. m. I received orders from the general commanding the division to cross the creek with the remainder of my brigade and camp for the night. As I was moving out with the Fourth Michigan I received a report from Major Jennings, commanding Seventh Penn- sylvania Cavalry, that he had been attacked from the north. On joining him I found that he was skir- mishing sharply, and was being slowly driven. I ordered a charge, which was splendidly made by Captain Newlin's battalion, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. The enemy was driven nearly a quarter of a mile when Captain Newlin ran into Williams' bri- gade and was repulsed. The enemy then charged, but were repulsed by a counter-charge of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. Kelly's division now advanced,
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