History of the Second regiment West Virginia cavalry volunteers, Part 3

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44 Oct. 10,62


Trans to Co. G. Apr. 26, 64.


Farrer, Daniel S.


18 Nov. 8, 61


"


66


Weed, Andrew J.


Hawk, Samnel S.


Hooley, John


Moore, M.


20


66


66


Hale, Geo. W.


35


Co."H" Second Regiment Cavalry --- Continued.


Names.


Bank.


When mustered into service.


Remarks.


Rousey, Samuel


Priv.


28


Apr. 17, 63


..


66


Throckmortin, B.


31 Nov. 8, 61


Todd, James P.


20 Sept. 1, 63


16


Williams, S. P. Deserted.


66


26 Oct. 10, 62


66


Peppers, Geo. W.


21 Nov. 8, 61


Guyandotte, '62.


Stanton, Oscar C.


35 Dec 23, 62 Remount Camp, Oct. 13,61,


Aggregate


129 men.


COMPANY I.


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered into service.


Remarks.


Behan, Newton J.


Capt.


22 Nov. 8, 61 Res. Oct. 23, 62


Fortesene, W. M.


28


Pro from Ist Lt Co F.


Neal, John W.


1st Lt. 84


21


66


Killed Sept. 12, '62.


Johnston, Win. V.


6:


25


66


Pro to Capt Co __ 1.


Hawk, Samuel S.


21


66


Pro. from Ist > Co Il.


Lowe, John A.


2d Lt. 30


Res Sept 30, '62.


Carlisle, J. B.


66


21


66


Pris Sept 14, 63.


Dudley, Daniel


¡Com Segt. 46


Mustered out


Prescott, Charles


Sut.


21


Pris. Sept. 14, 63.


Allen, Lewis D.


Priv.


24


Berry, T. P.


.2.2


Dawson, Wm.


24


66


Pris. Sept. 14, '63


Hawk, Vanson


Mustered out.


Jones, Junius M.


. €


23


. .


Pris. Sept. 14, 63.


Jobes, William


Mustered out


Leyshon, Wm.


.


23


Pris. Sept. 14, 63.


Lowes, John H.


66


19


Lee, Harrison P.


..


27


Mustered ont


Lowry, John


25


..


..


Lowden, Geo. W.


6:


23


Lowden, Thomas


21


66


..


Miller, Wm.


21


66


66


Owens, William


..


Rice, Lewis


24


..


Terrill, John


66


25


16


.


Carr, A. W.


Corp.


25


Mustered out


Hamilton, David


Cammell, Henry


Bugler.


21


21


..


Res. May 5, '62


Weir, Geo. K.


36


Co."I" Second Regiment Cavalry -- Continued.


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered into service.


Remarks.


Thompson, Ed.


Priv.


29 Nov. 8, 61 Mustered out


Thompson, Jos.


26


22


66


66


Lavender, John S. Corp.


23 Apr.24, 63 Not mustered out


Butler, William


Priv.


24 Oct. 10, 63


Buchanan, James


19 Apr. 12,63


Bone, Wm. M.


25 Aug 28, 63 "


66


Bobo, Francis M.


66


19 Aug 28,63


66


66


Cornet, Reuben


66


23


18


66


66


Condry, Jacob A.


18 Mar 4, 64


Dunbar, Theo.


24 Dec 23, 62


Humphrey, Geo.


House Robert


66


25 Oct.10, 62


Horden, Richard


. ‹‹


38 Oct. 10, 62


66


Lax, Thomas


66


19 Aug.28,63


66


66


Long, Archibald


66


18


19 Dec. 23,62


McHenry, Robt.


19 Oct. 10, 62


Mills, Anderson


28


25 Aug.28,63


Mahala, Jesse


24


66


66


Mahala, Wm.


34


66


Mcadows, John C.


66


25


Miller, Benj.


21 July 10, 63


66


66


Miller, Jacob


66


18 Mar. 1, 63


66


McCormick, Wm.


18 Apr. 24,63


Pressly; Wm.


66


19


Apr.28, 63


Price, Wmn.


42


Price, Thomas


33


Price, David


66


33 Apr 30, 63


Price, Moses


60


21 Nov. 1, 63


Roark, Jesse


22


Aug.28,63


66


Roark, Timothy


Robson, Joseph


66


18


66


Stewart, Chris.


21 Oct. 10, 63


66


Swisher, Samuel


66


19 Oct. 18,63


66


Bone, Doctor H.


21


23 Oct. 10,62


Cline, Lemuel J.


25 June30, 64 66


Cornet, Jacob


Carr, John C.


20


19 Aug 28,63


Jacose, Wm.


18


Lowes Thomas


Murrah, William


McCleary, J.


66


32


6


Wade, Enos Recruits.


Co. "I" Second Regiment Cavalry-Continued. 37


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mastered[ into service.


Remarks.


Sellers, James W. Stiff, Allen


Priv.


22 Jun. 30, 63


19 Aug 28,63


Varran, Daniel


20 Jan. 1, 64


6


Wiggins, Geo. W.


20


22 Ang 28,64


Wilson, Charles


25 May 1, 64


66


Hicks, James W.


1st Sgt 24 Nov. 8, 61|Re-enl Nov. 20,63


Fountain, W. H.


Qm, Sgt.


23


66


66


Torrence, Alex. C. Segt


24


27


Reed, Henry N.


66


24


66


Fellows, Geo. W.


66


25


Rawling, Richard


Corp.


20


28


66


Curtis, Erastus


Black- smith


23


..


66


Variana, Chas. G.


Sad'Ir Priv.


20


Collins, Joseph


21


66


Glover, Charles


20


Hawk,SolomonF.


20


Hysell, Gaston


20


Stanley, James


20


Terrill, Isaac


22


66


66


Tull, Wm.


22


Townsend, Wm.E


20


66


66


Vancleif, Dorsey


22


66


..


Willis, John


35


66


Woomar, John Discharged.


Gilliam, David T.


Corp.


18


Sept. 12 63 for wounds


Jackson, Andrew


smith.


38


Dis. Jan. 19, 63


Buckhee, JamesA.


Sad'Ir


33


Dis. Oet. 19, 62


Bowen, Abednego


Priv.


23


Dis. Oet. 9, 62


Dennis, John


18


Dis. Jan. 9, 63


Flesher, William


21


Dis. Oet. 18, 62


Hanes, Shelton


18


Dis. Oet. 15, 62


Hicks, John


30


Dis. Oct. 15, 62


Lytton, James


38


Dis. Apr. 7, 62


Saddler, Lewis


23


Dis. July 24, 62


Tiplady, Edmond


32


Dis. Oet. 9, 62


23


26


66


Bush, John E.


18 July 3, 64


Young, S. H. Veterans.


Wills, Macron R.


Yeager, Wm. V.


Spencer, Saulcer


Buckner, Wm H.


66


66


20


Black -


38


Co."I" Second Regiment Cavalry -- Continued.


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered into service.


Remarks


Calvert, Geo. W. Thompson, S. Died.


Priv.


21


26


Dis. Dec. 31, 62


Hoover, John W.


Corp.


24


See death roll


66


O'Brien, Thomas


Packard, Myron


66


20


66


Crantz, Michael


Priv.


32 Sept. 18,62


Dill, David


Eggers, Isaac


Harris, Cyrus


19 Nov. 8 61


Hewitt, Casper


37


30 July 22,63


66


Sluder, David


21 Not mus. 24


In Libby prison See death roll.


Robinson, Wm. Transferred.


18 Nov. 8. 61


Fulmer, Henry J. Sgt


24


Pro. 2nd Lt Sept. 1, 62


Gilliam, Ed. L.


Priv.


23


Pro. 2nd assist. Sg'n May 3, 63


Pro. ILt July 21, 64


Sayres, R. W.


Sgt


22


66


R. C. S. Nov. 63


Little, Thos. O. Deserted


Aikers, Adam


Priv.


32


Apr. 24,63


Charleston Sept 18, 63


Bradley, Silas


19


Charleston, July 16, 64


Chapman, Wm.


23 Nov. 8, 61


66


Lamb, John


22


Mankin, Ashford


23 Sept. 18,61


Camp Piatt, Mar. 4, '63.


Price, Timothy


19 Not mus.


At Charleston Nov. 63


Spicer, Henry T


27 Nov. 8, 61


Camp Piatt Mar. 4. '63.


Skinner, James


19 Sept.18,62


Aggregate.


140 men.


66


21 Nov. 8, 61 20


66


Roberts, W.E.M.


Robert, Byron


Rosser, Edwin A.


24


27


66


Q. M. S. Nov. 63


Meadow Bluff, June 12, 62


Congrove, George


19


43


Dis. Oct. 15, 62


39


COMPANY K.


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered into service.


Remarks


Emmons, Silas H


Capt.


66


29


Pro. from 2nd Lt


Yard, William


1st Lt.


Res. Sept. 30, 63


McNally, John


Trans. to Co. D


Merrill, James M.


44


Pro. from 1st Sgt


Walter, Chris.


2d Lt. Com. Sgt.


26


Mustered ont


Morse, John


Sgt.


28


Pris. July 29, 63


Ward, John


35


Mustered out


Hastings, John


"


19


MeMackin, John


66


34


Wn'd July 4, 63 Mustered out


Peni, James M.


Corp.


44


66


McMackin, Dan.


Sgt


26


Calfer, Walter


Corp.


35


Wn'd July 29,63


Sterm, Wm. W.


29


6


Pris. July 29, 63


Emmons, JacobH.


Bugler Black- smith Sad'hr


Priv.


41


66


Donaldson, A.P.


27


Friel, Edward


66


32


Hall, John


66


32


McGregor, M'chl


66


27


Murphy, Robt.


66


42


66


McGlone, Patrick


31


Mooney, James


32


Milhorne, James


66


35


66


Mustered out


Nuli, Andrew


38


Quinn, Thomas


66


26


66


Reed, Samuel


43


Rush, Wm.


38


Stafford, Matthew


66


18


State, James


40


Smith, P. M. C.


66


21


66


66


Scott, Charles


66


39


66


66


Thompson, H. M.


22


Wangler, John


40


25


66


Pris. May 10, 64 Mustered out 66


Wilcox, James C. Recruits.


Wheeler, Alex.


June25, 62 Not mustered out


Sissou, Nathaniel


19 July 2, 63


McKinney, N.


Bugler 32 Aug. 31,63


",


22


Mustered out


Prince, John W.


34


Bartler, Isaac K.


25


66


Clark, Henry


Pris. July 64 Mustered out


23


Kinkaird, James


.


66


-


Nov. 8, 61 Res. Oet 17, 62


Morgan. E. S.


Pris. July 63


Carr, Stephen


Corp. 66


66


40 Co."K" Second Regiment Cavalry-Continued.


Name.


Rank.


Age


When mustered into service.


Remarks.


Addis, Benj.


Black· smith Priv.


18 Nov.24,63


Ashby, Azanah


Alderson, Geo. W.


18


19 Dec. 23,63


Broyles, Simeon


44 Ang 31,63


Cawley, John


19 Nov.23 63


Calhoun, Wm. W.


20 Jan. 2, 63


Cotherin, Robert


37 Feb. 24,64


Cotherin, James


18


21 June 3 63


Holliday, Samuel


27 June 25,63


Haley, Wm. H.


20 June 3, 63


Holmes, Byron


18 Jun. 3, 63


66


Little, Daniel


18 Mar.20, 64


Mullen, John W. Sias, Isaac


66


27 June 3, 63


Feb. 20,64


Yohn John L. Veterans.


1stSegt 33 Nov. 8, 61 Re-en1. Nov.18,63


Sanders, Elisha


Corp.


22


Marks, Thomas


24


18


21


Alderson, Samuel


34


Beach, Joseph


44


Donahue, Joseph


23


Donahue, Jacks'n


18


Fleming, Wash.


35


Goodman, Evan


18


Goodman, Martin


21


Guard, Noah


66


22


Golden, James


19


Ingles, William


35


Martin, Hugh


66


20


60


Martin, John


30


McGowan, James


36


Pine, William


18


‹.


Robinson, Joseph


27


Scott, Thomas


31


Shields, Barnard


"


28


.


Patterson Samuel


Wag'r


31


Angel, Robert


Priv.


Davis, Barton


Dogget, Even


22


Romine, Steph'nM.


Bleck- smith.


Kiscadden, Geo.


18 Feb. 20,64


66


66


18 July 23,64


Bunch, Isaac W.


Dickens, Harrison


41


Co. "K"Second Regiment Cavalry-Continued.


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered] into service.


Remarks,


Stewart, Sanford


Priv.


Nov. 8, 61 re-enl. Nov. 18,63


Shelton, Charles


20


Spence, William


31


.


42


66


66


Torbert, Wm. B.


66


18


Webb, Pleasant Discharged.


20


Cotheran, Abr'h'm Corp.


34


66


Disability.


Hanthorn, Jas. W.


Blacck-


40


66


66


Barr, Samnel


Priv.


35


66


66


Henry, Abr'h'm B.


35


66


Spears, Peter Died.


"'


27


From wounds. Disability.


Myers, Jacob A.


34


See death roll.


Chamberlain, Ruf's


66


18 Feb. 24,64


66


66


Irwin, John


28 Nov. 8, 61


66


Martin, Edward


66


38


O'Donald, Daniel


28


66


Sweeny, James Transferred.


66


21


66


Merrell, Will S. Deserted.


1st Sgt 20


Pro. 1st Lt.


Furr, Daniel


Corp.


19


July 1, 63


Dugan, Patrick


Priv.


122


Nov. 20, 63


Liney, Anthony


25


66


July 1, 63


Sias, Isaac


18 Jun. 30,64 At Charleston.


66


66


Turner, Milan


20


66


Wilson, Thomas


smith.


Javens, John


21


Aggregate less rec'd from other companies, 99 men.


42


COMPANY M.


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered into service.


Remarks.


Smith, Jasper A.


Capt.


McMillin, Milton


1st Lt. 31


30 Nov 23,64 Not mustered out Com'd Nov. 2, 64 Com'd Sept. 30,64


Kirdendall, W. J. McMillin, J. H.


2nd Lt 35


1st Sgt|28/Sept. 9, 64 Not mustered out Qm Ngt 66 66


Sanders, John


Com Sgt


36 Sept.27,64


66


Hull, Reuben E.


Sgt


21 Nov. 8, 61 |Trans. from Co.H


Stewart, G. A.


20


22 Aug 27,64 Not mustered out


MeLaughlin, J.


66


36


66


Dempsey, A. S.


23 Sept 2, 64


Daran, Nicholas


Corp.


21|June 2, 62


Trans. from Co.G


Smith, Gordon


66


19 Sept 30,64 Not mustered out.


Nichols, T. V.


20 Aug 27,64


66


O'Rorick, M.


21


Halterman, D.


66


24


Bartlett, M. B.


66


18 Sept. 9, 64


66


66


Wiseman, Geo. L.


Bugle 66


23 Aug 27,64 66


18


Lynch, Geo. W.


Black- smith


23 Oct. 6, 64


66


McKinney, N.


Wagner


26 Oct. 6, 64


19 Jan. 2, 64 Tans. from Co.G.


Baazzle, Wm.


25 Sept. 1, 64 Not mustered out 36 Sept 15,64 66 66


66


66


Becket, Wm. B.


66


27 Oct. 10,62 Trans. from Co. B


H


Caruthers, W. L.


66


23


66


66


B


Craig, Peter


66


18


66


G


Carder, Thomas


Oct. 12,64 Not mustered out


Carrick, J. M.


66


22 Sept 27,64


66


66


Compston, J. H.


66


27


Coon, James


66


28


6


66


66


Dawson, Wm.


66


31


66


66


Edwards, Wm. H.


18 Sept. 1,62


66


Eakins, Emory A.


19 Dec 28, 62 Trans. from Co.B


66


Hall, James


22 Oct. 14, 64


66


Springer, Win.


Sadd'r Priv.


19


Butler, William


Brown, Geo. W.


66


21


66


B


Carmichael, John


19


28 Aug 27,64 66


66


66


66


Collard, JJohn


Dasher, Jackson


25


66


Whetsel, Jacob A.


Walden, Charles


30 Oct 10, 62 Trans. from Co.H


Zinn, George


Call, William


32 Aug 31,63 Trans. from Co.G 27 Sept. 9, 64 Not mustered out 66


Adkins, Robert


Beyron, Jacob H.


35 Sept. 5, 64


Dunlap, James


43


Co. "M" Second Regiment Cavalry --- Continued. "


Names.


Rank.


When mustered into service.


Remarks


Elswick, Rosdell


28 Oct 10, 62


66


H


House Robert


39 Oct 10, 62 Trans. from Co. I


Humphrey, G.


20 Dec. 23,62


66


I


Hager, James S.


66


Oct. 8, 64 Not mustered out.


Hall, William


66


42 Sept 21,64


66


Halterman, David


21 Aug 27,64


66


66


Hutchinson, W. B.


66


20 Sept 30,64


Jacox, Wm. D.


66 30 Oct 10, 62 Trans. from Co. I


Johnston, JJames


25


66


G


Kady, William


37


66 II


Kisor, Benj. F.


66


19|Aug 27,62 Not mustered out.


66


Lane, William H.


18 Dec. 23,62 Trans. from Co. H


Landress, Allen F


18 Oct. 10,62


66


H


Morton, Geo. W.T


27


18


Mills, Anderson


66


26


I


Murray, Wm. F.


66 20 Dec. 23,62


66


66


Morris, Chas. L.


66


19|Oct. 10,62


B


Morris, Chas. B.


23


Mason, Thos. L.


23 Oct. 6, 64


Mckinley. Robert


20 Oct. 10,62 Trans. from Co. I


McKinmis, Milton


19 Sept.27,64 Not mustered out


Montgomery, Wm.


19 Sept.30,64


Montgomery, G. W.


18 Sept.15,64


Manning, A. J.


27 Sept. 9, 64


יי


Moreland, E. N.G.


18|Sept. 9, 64


Maxwell, Bernard


27 Sept. 1, 64


66


Morrison, Robt.


35 Ang.27,64


66


Palmer, Isaac


35


6:


.6


Palmer, Levi


66 30 Sept. 5, 64


Quimbly, Geo. A.


23 Sept.25 64


Rexroad, Hezekiah


66


35 Sept. 9, 64


Shinn, Ebert R.


17


Spencer, Jacob E.


66 18 Sept.21,64


Steele, Robt. M.


18 Sept.27,64


66


Sanders, John


66 20 Oct. 10, 62 Trans. from Co. B


Swisher Samuel


20 Oct. 18 62


66


I


Settle, Isaac J.


2z|Oct. 10,62 Trans. from Co. H


Williams, S. P.


.


22


66


66


H


Morton, Paschal


66


F


Light, Henry


18


66


Harmon, Wesley


20


Jeffries, Isiah C.


Lott, Nathan B.


22|Sept.27,64


66


66


66


44 Co. "M" Second Regiment Cavalry -- Continued


Names.


Rank.


Age


When mustered! into service.


Remarks.


Williams, Samuel


25


Trans. from Co. H Not mustered out.


Winding, Geo. W.


18 Sept.21,64


Wiseman Jos. N.


18 Sept. 5, 64


West, Isaac F.


37 Aug.27,64


66


Willey, Elam


18


Wurts, James


28


22 Oct. 18,64


66


Weddle, Jacob H.


66


24 Dee. 5, 64


66


Zinn, Griff


20,Aug.27,63


Zinn, Harvey


24 Sept.22,64


66


Aggregate, less received from other Co's ....... 64 men.


Captain Gilmore's company served with the regiment from July 14th, 1863, until September 1st, 1864, and were mustered out as Company L Second West Virginia Cav- alry. Their casualties are given in the death roll.


Total enlistments


1221 men.


66


Wilson, John


PREFACE.


"About the man who fights on horseback the ro- manee of war has always centered. From the first chronicled battle the horseman has been not only the most picturesque, but the most dramatic figure in warfare. Writers who have recorded the history of armed conflicts have found the most thrilling climaxes in the sweep of rid- ing squadrons. Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brig- ade" will be read when the stories of greater combats have been forgotten.


In the days of chivalry the mounted man was the main reliance in war. But gradually the more deadly musket became the chief instrument of death. Drill and discipline were reduced to a seience. The art of war was revolutionized.


There have been still greater changes since. The duties of mounted men have greatly expanded. They not only rush upon the solid lines of infantry in battle array, but in a thousand minor ways lend aid and inspiration to great armies. They flash upon the flanks of the enemy, and make daring raids for the destruction of lines of communication for war supplies. They are the swift an- noyance of the enemy, the restless messengers of defeat and death. The hoof-beats of the horseman falls through every gap in the lines, and the reckless charge marks the end of battle and the beginning


46


PREFACE.


of pursuit. The cavalry feels the enemy, and reports upon the condition and the presence of his armies. It is the resistless support of the infautry, in the horrible clash of steel, which forces the final decision. Such, in greater or less degree, has been its functions for many vears. But in our late war it largely increased its useful- ness, and won a broader recognition than ever before.


The cavalryman still retains his romantic pre-eminence. The poet who sings of battle instinctively makes the troop- er his theme. Read "Paul Revere's Ride" to arouse the men of Middlesex, Tom Hood's "Wild Steed of the Plains," and a dozen other songs, where even a single trooper has made his cause famous. The rush of Murat's squadrons is heard through all the long story of Napoleon's struggle for existence. With us the record has been the same. The history of the Revolution was enriched by the exploits of Marion's horsemen. Blackhorse cavalry has ever been a conspicuous figure in the romance of all wars.


In our latest conflict, the music of battle comes to us laden with the blare of Sheridan's bugles, and the rush of Stewart's rough riders. Custer's resistless charges, Kil- patrick's raids, Torbett's, Wilson's, Merritt's, Averell's swift dashes by day and by night, are filled with the vigor of movement and the charm of success. Buford, Bayard, Grierson and a hundred other generals, knights of the saber and stirrup, fill in a won- derful picture of dashing heroism that will live in song and story as long as the records of war are read. These horsemen taught the world new lessons in the use of cav- alry. The story of Brandy Station, Kilpatrick's raid on Richmond, the cavalry fight at Trevillian Station, the re- sistless charges at Winchester and Cedar Creek, and the rough experiences of Averell's battallions, give to all man- kind a thrilling and instructive narrative.


To give the story of some of these horsemen, inspired to brave deeds by lofty patriotism, is the purpose of these pages."


F. A. B.


COL. WM. M. BOLLES. First Col. of the Regiment.


Flag of the free hearts' hope and home By angel hands to valor given, Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, And all thy hues were born in heaven. Forever float that standard sheet Where breathes the foe but falls before us, With freedom's soil beneath our feet And freedom's banner streaming o'er us.


CHAPTER I.


-


INTRODUCTION AND ORGANIZATION.


In preparing this work, it has been my aim to present the history of the regiment, in as complete a form as pos- sible. Many incidents worthy of note have no doubt escaped me, but the war has been over for near twenty eight years and many of these thrilling occurrences have passed from the memory of many of us. I have endeav- ored to admit of no matter that is not supported by records, or upon the statement of those whose privilege it was to know them. I have been compelled to give in part, an account of marches and battles that are familiar to all read- ers of war history. In such of these as I have given, the regiment bore a conspicuous part. The design of this lit-


48


INTRODUCTION AND ORGANIZATION.


tle work originated in the belief, that the record of the regiment in a book form, would be acceptable to the sur- vivors, and their families; as a memento of their sufferings, their privations, and their services in the war of the re- bellion. And I hope that it will also serve as a slight tribute to the memory of those gallant and heroic members, who have sacrificed their lives upon their country's altar.


Under President Lincoln's call of July 2d, 1861, the formation of a regiment for the cavalry arm of the service was begun abont August first, in Southern Ohio. Three companies were recruited in Lawrence county, two in Meigs, one in Jackson, one in Vinton, one in Washington and one in Morgan. The remainder of the regiment was composed largely of volunteers from Putnam and Monroe counties.


When this body was ready for muster and commission, application was made to Hon. William Dennison, Gov- ernor of Ohio, to complete the organization. This he de- clined to do, giving as a reason therefor that the governors of all the northern states had received instructions from the War Department to recruit no more cavalry, and that they were also advised that all cavalry in excess of forty regiments would be mustered out of service.


Application was then made to F. R. Pierrepont, provisional governor of that portion of Virginia, now known as West Virginia, the latter state not having been admitted into the Union until June 20th, 1863. Governor Pierrepont, with the consent of the Secretary of War, accepted the organization as cav- alry, ordering the same into camp quarters at Parkersburg, where ten companies reported about the middle of Sep- tember, 1861. As soon thereafter as practicable, the officers were commissioned, and all were mustered into the service of the United States as the Second Regiment cf Loyal Virginia Cavalry, at Parkersburg, Va. Nov. 8th, 1861.


The original organization of "Field and Staff" was as follows: Colonel, William M. Bolles; Lt. Colonel, John


.


49


INTRODUCTION AND ORGANIZATION.


C. Paxton; First Major, R. L. Curtis; Second Major, John J. Hoffman; Adjutant, Elijah F. Gilliam; Quartermaster, S. G. Paxton; Commissary, Geo. S. Sonth; Surgeon, Thomas Neal; Assistant Surgeon, L. D. Comstoek; Hos- pital Steward, Edward L. Gilliam.


The following were the original company officers:


Captains. 1st. Lts. 2nd. Lts.


A Jas. L. Waller I. E. Campbell. C. A. Henderson.


B W. H. Powell. C. E. Hambleton. Jas. Allen.


C Thos. Neal. J. M. Boyd. Wm. Church.


D H. S. Hamilton. Geo. W. Sayder. E. S. Morgan.


E Andrew Scott. A. A. Fonts. Jos. Ankroni.


F E. D. Eells. (). HI. P. Scott. W. M. Fortesene.


G John McMahon. G. B. MontgomeryJJ. Davidson.


H David Dove. John Walden. J. A. Umpleby.


I N. J. Behan. John W. Neal. John A. Lowe.


K S. H. Emmons. Wm. Yard. John MeNally.


On the 15th of December, after many vexations delays which was unavoidable at the time, the regiment was armed and equipped. The arms were of a very inferior quality, and almost really totally unfit for effective service. Most of the fire arms consisted of huge and unwieldy horse- pistols, which, if used in action, would certainly endanger the lives of our own men quite as much as those of the enemy. A portion of the regiment was armed with short Enfield rifles, but being muzzle loaders they were very in- convenient for cavalry. The sabers were better, but in a mountainons country like western Virginia, they were more ornamental than useful. The horses were very good, and many of the companies sheceeded in obtaining all of one eolor. This matter of color in horses was kept up for some time, bat finally had to be given up.


At the date of muster in the war had been in progress about seven months, and many of the rank and file of the new organization had seen active service in the three months regiments. ' Company II was largely composed of a Jackson, O., company, that had served out their time in the 18th Ohio Infantry. The organization when mounted presented a fine appearance, and the officers had every


50


INTRODUCTION AND ORGANIZATION.


reason to be proud of the fact that they had been chosen to command so fine a body of Ohio soldiery. Much could be reasonably expected of such volunteers, and how well that expectation was realized, those who read this little volume shall judge.


Many of us have always regretted that we were not al- lowed to be mustered in as the 4th Ohio Cavalry, where we properly belonged; yet, neither during the progress of the war nor since its close, have we had the slightest cause to complain of our treatment at the hands of the little mountain state, born amid the throes of war, rocked and shaken with the roar of cannon, and whose soil drank the blood of many of her own loyal sons-West Virginia, the "Child of the Storm." All honor to our little neighbor across the river, and may the words inseribed on her es- cutcheon always characterize the patriotism and valor of her people "Montani Semper Liberi."


Soon after being mounted and equipped, the regiment was ordered into winter quarters at Guyandotte, Cabell county, West Virginia, for drill and discipline. How little we comprehended the demands and necessities of war while we were enjoying this early camp life. Like all new organizations situated some distance from actual hostilities, the boys were just spoiling for a fight.


On the 2 1 day of January, 1862, Col. Bolles received or- ders from Gen. Rosecrans, commanding this department, to mnove his command at once, and report to Col. Jas. 1. Garfiel.l, at Louisa, Ky. Col. Bolles, with the regiment, reported to Col. Garfield on the morning of January 7th. Proudly the new regiment took the advance, with orders to drive the enemy from the village of Paintsville. On reaching this point it was found the enemy had dis- appeare ! but a short time before our arrival. Col. Bolles at once moved his command forward up the north bank of Paint Creek to a point opposite the mouth of Jennett's Creek, where the rebel rear guard was discovered, pre- pared to resist our attack. Captain. Powell's squadron, composed of Cos. B and (, was ordered to charge in col-


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INTRODUCTION AND ORGANIZATION.


umn, to which order they responded with spirit, and suc- ceeded in driving the enemy upon his main column at dark. They were fired upon by a force of rebel infantry from an ambuscade on both sides of the road. Here the first blood of the regiment was spilled by the killing of two men -- Amos McKee of Co. B, and Albert Leonard of Co. C, and the wounding of five others. Three horses were also killed.


Feeling sure that the main body of the enemy had been overtaken, the little band fell back a short distance, and at once informed Col. Garfield of the situation. Early on the morning of the 8th, Col. Garfield with 1000 cavalry, composed of the 2nd Virginia, one squadron of the 6th Kentucky, and one squadron of Ohio cavalry, the latter under the command of Major MeLaughlin, and 150 infantry of the 42d Ohio, ad- vanced upon the rebel position. The enemy were found to have fallen back again, burning many of their stores, and in full retreat in the direction of Prestonburg. Deem- ing further pursuit unnecessary, the command returned to Paintsville, the 2d Virginia taking the bodies of their dead comrades with them, and forwarding them to their friends in Ohio.


A few days after, the 2d Virginia returned to their win- ter quarters at Guyandotte. The march, exposure and ac- tual service in this first engagement afforded the regiment its initial experience in war, and impressed upon its officers and men the importance of drill and discipline for more active service.


CHAPTER II.


ORDERED TO THE FRONT. BATTLE OF LEWISBURG.


The regiment remained in winter quarters at Guyan- dotte, Va., on the Ohio river. Most of the time was oe- cupied in drilling and fitting for active service. On the 6th of April, 1862, Col. Bolles received orders from Gen- eral J. D. Cox, commading the Kanawha division, to send one battalion of his regiment to Flat Top Mountain, and to hold the balance in readiness to move. In accord- ance with these orders, the division of the regiment into battalions was made as follows: The first battalion was composed of Companies B, C, F, H and I ; the second was composed of Companies A, D, E, G and K.




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