USA > West Virginia > 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
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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-
51
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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