Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter 31: The Michigabt Cavalby Bkigade., 1880

Chapter 31: The Michigabt Cavalby Bkigade.

Company I, of the Fifth, from Allegan County - The Regiment assigned to the Michigan Briga(^e in the Spring of 1863 - Battles in the Summer of 1863 - Casualties - Winter-Quarters in 1863-64 - Kilpatriok's Eaid to Richmond - Col. Dablgren's Expedition - Baclt to North Virginia - Reorganization of Sheridan's Command - Battle of the Wilderness - Sheridan's Raid to Richmond - The Dash into Beaver Dam - Battle with Stuart at Yellow Tavern - Stuart routed and slain - Before Richmond- - Battle on the Chickahominy - Especial Gallantry of the Michigan Brigade - Return to the Army of the Potomac - Fight at Hawcs' Shop - Old Church Tavern and Cold Harbor - Battle of Trevillian Station - Brilliant Victory - Fight at Louisa Court- House- - In the Shenandoah Valley, Middletown, Front Royal, etc. - Victories at Opequan and Winchester - Casualties during the Year - Winter-Quarters - Sheridan's Great Raid to the Army of the Potomac - Dealing the Death-Blow to Rebellion - Ordered West - Men with Two Years to serve transferred - Regiment mustered out - Allegan County Members - Barry County Members - The Allegan and Barry Representation in the Sixth Cavalry - Its Battles and Casualties in 1863 - Kilpatrick's Richmond Raid - The Wilderness - Beaver Dam, Meadow Bridge, and Hawea.' Shop - Trevillian Station - The Shenandoah Campaign - The Great Ride to Richmond - Closing Scenes - Ordered to the Rocky Mountains - Powder River Expedition - A Guard "corraled" - 'The Regiment mustered out - Barry County Soldiers - Allegan County Soldiers - Formation and Departure of the Sixth Cavalry - Assigned to the Michigan Brigade - Its Battles in 1863 - Its Battles in 1864 - The Brilliant Close in 1865 - Its Frontier Service - The Muster out - The Barry County Members - The Allegan County Members.

Fifth Cavalry

William B. Williams, of Allegan, in the summer of 1862, and under his command proceeded to Detroit, Mich., the regimental rendezvous, in August of the same year.

The regiment was first commanded by Col. J. T. Copeland, and was mustered into the United States service Aug. 30, 1862. It was subjected to a long delay in procuring arms and equipments; a spirit of discontent prevailed in consequence, and numerous desertions occurred.

The regiment finally left the State for Washington on the 4th of December, 1862, only partly armed, but otherwise fully equipped and well mounted. Down to that date it had carried on its rolls the names of one thousand three hundred and five officers and enlisted men. Upon its arrival at the seat of war it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, otherwise known as the Michigan Cavalry brigade. (See note at beginning of chapter.)

It was engaged with the enemy at Hanover, Va., June 30, 1863 ; at Hunterstown, Pa., July 2d ; Gettysburg, Pa., July 3d, where it was hotly engaged, charging the enemy repeatedly and losing heavily. It was also in conflicts of more or less importance at Monterey, Md., July 4th ; Cavetown, Md., July 5th ; Smithtown, Boonsboro', Hagerstown, and Williamsport, Md., July 6th ; Hagerstown and Williamsport, Md., July 10th; Falling Waters, Md., July 14th; Snicker's Gap, Va., July 19th; Kelly's Ford, Va., September 13th ; Culpeper Court-House, Va., September 14th; Raccoon Ford, Va., September 16th ; White's Ford, September 21st ; Jack's Shop, Va., September 26th ; James City, Va., October 12th; Brandy Station, Va., October 13th; Buckland's Mills, Va., October 19th ; Stevensburg, Va., November 19th ; and Morton's Ford, Va., Nov. 26, 1863. Sixty-four men were killed and wounded during the year 1863, besides one hundred and twenty-one reported missing in action, many of whom were killed. Other reports of alterations and casualties show that from the time the regiment was organized until the close of 1863 forty men died of disease, sixty-eight were discharged for disability, twenty-one by sentence of general courtmartial, fifteen by order, two for promotion, one hundred and seventy-seven deserted, twenty officers resigned, one officer was dismissed, and the total number of recruits received was thirteen.

In the latter part of February, 1864, it took part in the raid made by the cavalry under Kilpatrick to the outer defenses of Richmond. The main body of the regiment continued in service as a brigade until the close of the war; being commanded successively by Gens. Kilpatrick and Custer, and gaining, whether rightly or wrongly, the highest reputation of any cavalry brigade in the service. As three of the regiments of which the brigade was composed follow each other consecutively, and as all of them contained a considerable representation from Allegan and Barry Counties, we have grouped them together under the general title given above. As there are numerous matters, however, which concern the regiments separately, we have furnished separate sketches of these bodies; giving the fullest description of the operations of the brigade in the history of the Fifth Regiment, which had the largest representation from these counties.

The Michigan Cavalry Brigade

crossed the Rapidao, marched thence, vi& Spottsylvania and Beaver Dan Station tO Hungary Station, and moved down the Brook turnpike to within five miles of the city of Richmond. Being attacked on the 2d of March hy a superior force of the enemy, the Union cavalry was compelled to fall back on Gen. Butler's forces, stationed at New Kent Court-House. '

A detachment of the regiment had also accompanied the forces commanded by the gallant Col. Ulric Dahlgren. They moved down the James River to within five miles of the rebel capital. The detachment of the Fifth, being in front, charged the enemy's works and captured his first line of fortifications. Following up its advantage, Dahlgren's command pushed back the enemy from one line to another, until a point was reached within two miles of the city, when it was found impossible to advance farther with so small a force. Meanwhile the rebels were gathering from all points, and in the endeavor to extricate itself from its perilous position the detachment of the Fifth became separated in the night, which was rainy and very dark, from the main portion of Dahlgreu's command. On the following day this detachment cut its way through a strong rebel force posted at Old Church, and succeeded in rejoining the regiment near White House Landing. At Yorktown, Va., on the 11th of March, the regiment embarked on board transports for Alexandria, whence it marched to Stevensburg, arriving there on the 18th of April, 1864.

Here a reorganization of the cavalry forces, under Gen. Sheridan's command, took place, and the Michigan Cavalry Brigade was thenceforth known as the First Brigade of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.

On the 5th of May the brigade, commanded by the fiery Custer, again crossed the Rapidan, and soon became engaged in- the great battle of the Wilderness ; fighting mounted, the first three days, against the forces led by the renowned rebel cavalry leader. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart.

On the 9th of May the cavalry corps set out, under Gen. Sheridan, on his great raid toward Richmond. Three divisions, numbering full twelve thousand men, turned their horses' heads to the southward ; the blue-coated column, as it marched by fours, extending eleven miles along the road, from front to rear. On the route they overtook a large body of Union soldiers, who had been taken prisoners at Spottsylvania, released them, and captured the rebel guard. Toward evening, the same day, the Michigan brigade, followed closely by the rest of the column, dashed into the rebel depot at Beaver Dam Station, scattering, almost in an instant, the force stationed for its defense. All night long the men were busy destroying the immense amount of rebel supplies accumulated at Beaver Dam, worth millions of dollars, consisting of three long railroad trains, with locomotives, stores of goods of various kinds, and one hundred loaded army-wagons, the flames of which rose in lurid columns through the darkness amid the cheers of the exultant soldiers.

At daybreak the next morning the command moved forward, and after tearing up the railroad- track at Negro Foot Station it reached " Yellow Tavern," ten miles from Richmond, on the 11th of May. There Gen. Stuart had assembled a large force of rebel cavalry, and a severe battle ensued. The Fifth Cavalry fought dismounted, and charged the enemy's position under a heavy fire ; routing him after a most stubborn resistance. The rebels lost heavily in this engagement, including their commanding officer. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, who was mortally wounded by a private of this regiment. Having brushed aside all the forces opposed to it, the Union column pursued its way " on to Richmond" unmolested.

The next day the command arrived within a mile and a half of Richmond, but found fortifications in front on which cavalry could make no impression. Gen. Sheridan then turned his course toward the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge. The rebels had destroyed the bridge, and a large force of them disputed his further progress. The approaches to the stream led through a swamp, along which not more than four men could ride abreast, and a wellposted battery on the opposite side cut down the head of the Union column, completely checking its advance. The leading brigade vainly endeavored to force a passage. The next one likewise failed.

Gen. Sheridan then sent for Custer and his Michigan brigade, which at once hastened to the front. There the youthful general dismounted the Fifth and Sixth Michigan, and sent them forward into the swamp as flanking-parties, while with drawn sabres the First and Seventh Michigan breathlessly awaited the order to charge. The dismounted men drove the enemy from their first position, advanced through water waist-deep to the railroad-bridge, crossed it on the ties, and then plied their Spencer rifles on the rebel cannoniers with such effect that the latter were obliged to turn their guns on these assailants to prevent being entirely enfiladed. The moment they did so Custer gave the order to " Charge," and the two mounted regiments, with brandished sabres and ringing cheers, dashed forward at the top of their horses' speed. The rebels had barely time to limber their guns and retreat ; leaving the road again open for the advance of the whole corps. The command then proceeded, via Malvern Hill, Hanover Court-House, White House, Ayelitt's and Concord Church, to Chesterfield Station, where it joined the main Army of the Potomac.

On the 28th of May the regiment was hotly engaged near Hawes' Shop, where it aided in driving the enemy from their position after a desperate hand-to-hand fight. The loss of the regiment in this action was very severe. Moving to Old Church Tavern on the 30 th, it was engaged with its brigade in the routing of Young's rebel cavalry. On the 31st of May and 1st of June it was engaged, together with other cavalry regiments, at Cold Harbor, where it fought dismounted in advance of the infantry, and, although losing heavily, succeeded in capturing many prisoners.

The Michigan brigade soon after set out under Gen. Sheridan to join Gen. Hunter, who was moving from the Shenandoah Valley to Lynchburg. On the 11th of June the command met at Trevillian Station a large force of the enemy, both infantry and cavalry. During that day and the next there ensued one of the severest cavalry fights of the war, the Union cavalry mostly fighting dismounted. The Michigan brigade did most of the fighting the first day, and lost heavily. T^e brigade battery was three times captured by the enemy, and as many times recaptured by the determined efforts of the Michigan men. The rebels were finally driven from the field and pursued several miles ; six hundred prisoners, fifteen hundred horses, one stand of colors, six caissons, forty ambulances, and fifty wagons being captured by the victorious Unionists.

Moving subsequently in the direction of Louisa Court- House, the regiment encountered a column of the enemy, but cut its way through with considerable loss in prisoners. Gen. Hunter failed to make the passage of the mountains. Gen. Sheridan, in consequence, then marched his troops to White House Landing, and soon after joined the Army of the Potomac, south of Petersburg.

After serving on picket and scout duty in front of Richmond and Petersburg during the month of July, 1864, the Michigan brigade was taken on transports to Washington, D. C, early in August, and thence marched to the Shenandoah Valley. Here it followed Custer in many a desperate charge, fully sustaining its old renown. At Middletown the Fifth Cavalry was attacked by a strong force of the enemy, but repulsed them, capturing sixty-five prisoners. Again, on the 19th of August, while a squadron of the regiment were scouting to the front, they were attacked by a greatly superior force of the enemy under the guerrilla leader Moseby, and being overpowered were driven into camp with a loss of sixteen men killed.

It was also engaged at Front Royal, August 16th ; Leetown, August 25th ; at Shepardstown, August 25th ; Smithfield, August 28th ; Berryville, September 3d ; Opequan Creek, September 19th, where the Michigan brigade utterly routed the enemy's cavalry and broke their infantry lines, capturing two battle-flags and four hundred prisoners ; Winchester, September 19th ; Luray, September 24th ; Woodstock, October 9th ; and Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, where Custer's command charged the enemy's main line ; driving it back in confusion and capturing a large number of prisoners.

During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had seventy-six men killed, one hundred and seventeen wounded in action, fourteen missing in action, one hundred and ninetyfour taken prisoners, two hundred and nine recruits joined the regiment, while but thirty-three men died of disease and but two desertions were reported.

The Michigan brigade went into winter-quarters near Winchester, Va., in December, 1864, and remained until the latter part of February, 1865. On the 27th it broke camp, and with the cavalry corps commanded by Gen. Sheridan started on a long and rapid march up the Shenandoah Valley, past Staunton, over the mountains, and down the James River to the Army of the Potomac. The command met with but little opposition, dispersed all forces opposed to it, destroyed much property on the line of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, locks, mills, and aqueducts on the James River Canal, and on the 19th of March joined the forces assembled to give the last blow to Lee's rebel army.

On the 30th and 31st days of March and 1st of April, 1865, the Michigan brigade was warmly engaged at Five Forks. During these three days of battle it was in the advance, and on the extreme left of the Union armies, - fighting dismounted, - and finally succeeded, with the rest of Sheridan's corps, in capturing the enemy's line of defense, and several thousand prisoners. From this time until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, April 9, 1865, it was constantly engaged with the enemy, and, being in the advance, the flag of truce to negotiate the surrender was sent through its lines.

After the surrender of Lee this regiment moved with the cavalry corps to Petersburg, Va. Soon afterward it made an incursion, with other forces, into North Carolina ; thence it marched to Washington, D. C, participated in the review of the Army of the Potomac, May 23, 1865, and immediately thereafter, with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, was ordered to the Western frontier. Tlie Fifth was sent by rail and steamboat to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where the men having two years or more to serve were transferred to the First and Seventh Michigan Cavalry Regiments. On the 22d of June the regiment, as an organization, was mustered out of service. It arrived in Detroit, Mich., July 1, 1865, and was there paid off and disbanded.

16, 1863. Wagoner Dewitt C. Sanford, Gun Plain ; onl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 13, 1863. Samuel Atkins, must, out June 23, 1865. Oriss Buchanan, must, out June 23, 1865. Caleb Bennett, disch. by order, July 12, 1865. B. J. Burlingame, missing in action at Eichmond, March 1, 1864. Hendrick Couk, missing in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864. George Canouse, miaaing in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1804. Elliott Chase, died of disease at Detroit, Oct. 19, 1802. Lawrence L. Crosby, trans, to Vet. Bes. Corps, April, 1861. James Collins, died in Anderaonviiie prison-pen, July 9, 1864. David Onmmings, died a prisoner of war, of disease, Aug. 15, 1864. Daniel C. Collier, must, out June 23, 1866. '

William H. Cook, Co. L, of this regt., was from Barry County. He was last reported as missing in action at Trevillian Statiou, Va., June 11, 1864.

Sixth Cav Alky

Allegan County had but few members in th^ Sixth Cavalry, but Barry was represented in all its companies except I- Company K being almost exclusively from that county.

The regiment rendezvoused at Grand Rapids. Its ranks were rapidly filled, and it was mustered into the United States service, under the command of Col. George Gray, on the 13th of October, 1862. Mounted and equipped, but not armed, carrying on its rolls the names of one thousand two hundred and twenty-nine o£Scers and men, it left the redmental rendezvous on the 10th of December following, and proceeded to the seat of war in Virginia.

It was soon assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac (the Michigan Cavalry Brigade), of which a somewhat extended notice has been given in the sketch of the preceding regiment, to which the reader is referred for details. Before the beginning of its first campaign Company K, by reason of discharges and resignations, had lost all its original commissioned officers except Lieut. Pendill.

The regiment fought at Hanover, Pa., June 30, 1863 ; at Hunterstown and Gettysburg, Pa., and Monterey, Cavetown, Smithtown, Boonsboro', Hagerstown, Williamsport, and Falling Waters, Md., in July of the same year ; at Snicker's Gap, Va., July 19, 1863 ; at Kelly's Ford, Culpeper Court-House, Raccoon Ford, White's Ford, and Jack's Shop, Va., in September, 1863 ; at James City, Brandy Station, and Buckland's Mills, Va., in October, 1863 ; and at Stevensburg and Morton's Ford, Va., in November of the same year.

At Gettysburg and Falling Waters it particularly distinguished itself. Its principal casualties from the time it entered the service until Nov. 1, 1863, were reported as thirty-six killed in action, seventy-five missing in action, and forty-five who died of disease.

During the winter of 1863-64 it was quartered at Stevensburg, Va. In the latter part of February it started for Richmond, forming part of Gen. Kilpatrick's raiding force. It participated in all the hard riding, skirmishing, etc., attendant upon that unsuccessful expedition, and, with others of the command, succeeded in joining the Union forces at New Kent Court-House. Thence it moved down the Peninsula, proceeded on transports to Alexandria, and then marched to its former camp at Stevensburg. On the 18th of April the Michigan brigade was transferred to the First Cavalry Division, and thereafter until the close of the war was known as the First Brigade of the First Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.

Companies I and M, which had been operating in the Shenandoah Valley during the year 1863, rejoined the regiment on the 3d of May, 1864, and on the 6th of that month the Michigan brigade was in the midst of the terrible battles going on in the Wilderness. As victors, it emerged into the open country on the 8th of May, and on the morning of the 9th started with Sheridan's corps on a raid to the rear of the rebel armies, the brigade leading this splendid body of twelve thousand veteran cavalrymen. The Sixth assisted in destroying the immen.se rebel depot of supplies at Beaver Dam Station, fought in the thickest of the battle at Yellow Tavern, and gained imperishable honor at the crossing of the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge.* Again, at Hawes' Shop, on the 28th of May, 1864, the regiment took part in a decisive charge on the enemy's lines. After a severe conflict the rebels were forced to retire, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The Sixth lost heavily in this engagement. Of its members present, one-fourth were either killed or wounded in less than ten minutes.

Engaging in the raid of Sheridan's forces towards Gordonsville, the regiment, on the 11th of June, participated in the battle of Trevillian Station, charging the enemy repeatedly, and capturing many prisoners, most of whom, however, were recaptured. From the time it crossed the Rapidan, on the 5th of May, until it passed the James, on the 28th of June, the regiment lost twenty-nine men killed, sixty wounded, and sixty-four missing.

Early in August the Michigan brigade, with others of Sheridan's command, was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley, where it took an active part in all the skirmishes, battles, marches, and counter-marches that occurred during this part of the Shenandoah campaign, - a campaign which

Histoky Of Allegan And Barry Counties', 3Iiciiigan

The actions in which the Sixth participated in the valley may be summarily catalogued as those of Front Royal, Leetown, Smithfield, Opequan Creek, Winchester, Luray, Port Republic, Mount Crawford, Fisher's Hill, Woodstock, and Cedar Creek. In December, 1864, it went into winterquarters near Winchester. Its total list of killed to November 1st amounted to fifty-five, while forty-four of its members had died of disease.

During the last days of February, 1865, the regiment began its final Virginia campaign. After a long and eventful march under Sheridan, during which it helped to defeat the rebel Gen. Rosser at Louisa Court-House, to break up the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, and to destroy the locks, aqueducts, and mills on the James River Canal, it reached White House Landing on the 19th of March, and immediately took part in the succession of brilliant triumphs which ended at Appomattox Court-House on the 9th of April, 1865. After the surrender, the rebel Gen. Pickett, who was taken prisoner in one of these engagements, spoke of a charge made by this regiment which he witnessed as being the " bravest he had ever seen."

After participating in the grand review held at Washington, D. C, May 28, 1865, the Michigan brigade was ordered, vicL the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers, to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. At that point the Sixth received orders to cross the Plains. These orders produced much dissatisfaction among its members, as they, with all other volunteers, had supposed that with the collapse of the Rebellion their services would no longer be required. Remembering, however, their noble record as a regiment, adhering firmly to the high degree of discipline and faithful observance of orders which had ever distinguished them, its members marched forward by way of Fort Kearney and Julesburg to Fort Laramie.

At the latter point the regiment was divided into detachments by order of Gen. Connor. One was to form a part of the " left column. Powder River expedition," one was to remain at Fort Laramie, while another was to escort a train to the Black Hills.

The Powder River detachment, on reaching that stream, found that the Indians, of whom it had been sent in pursuit, had managed to escape. The troops then built the fort since known as Fort Reno. On this expedition Capt. 0. F. Cole, of Company G, lost his life ; having heedlessly ridden a long distance from the column, he was surprised by Indians and shot to death with arrows.

From Fort Reno a small detachment was sent out as a train-guard to Virginia City, Montana. Meeting a large warparty of Arapahoe Indians, the guard was " corraled" - that is, surrounded and stopped - by them for twelve days. Gen. Connor was finally apprised of their condition, when reinforcements were sent to their relief. Sergt. Hall, of Company L, and Private Evans, of Company F, were the brave men who succeeded in conveying the intelligence to Gen. Connor. They traversed a distance of fifty miles through a wild and to them unknown country, swarming hostile savages, and thereby saved the detachment.

On the 17th of September, in- pursuance of orders issued by Maj.-Gen. Dodge, the men of the Sixth whose term of service did not expire before Feb. 1, 1866, were consolidated with the First IMichigaij Cavalry, and the rest of the regiment was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. It was there mustered out of service Nov. 24, 1865, and on the 30th of the same month it arrived at Jackson, Mich., where its members received final pay and discharge-papers.

Jan. 3, 1864. Jacob Alverson, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Gliften Bowerman, died of disease at Washington, D. G. W. H. Brown, died of disease at Washington, D. 0. David Brown, died of disease, Jan. 8, 1864. Munson Buclc, missing in action at Hanover, Pa., June 30, 1863. John Beach, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Amos Beach, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Stephen P. Barnum, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. William B. Bolton, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Qeorge H. Brownell, died of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa. Fredericlc Bergman, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864 . josiah L.Campbell, disch. for disability, Jan. 2, 1863. Myron Chamberlain, disch. for disability, Sept. 6, 1863. Norman E. Clark, trans, to Ist Mich. Cav. Emerson Cartwright, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Austin W. Clark, must, out Nov. 19, 1865. Harquis A. Dowd, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. John A. Dennis, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. George W. Dart, disch. for disability, Feb. 11, 1863. Edward Dacons, died of disease, Jan. 13, 1865. Amos J. Eggleston, disch. for disability, Sept. 30, 1863. Joseph Fishburn, died of disease at his home, Nov. 11, 1864. William Gordon, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. Adam Hart, died of disease at Washington, D. G. Benjamin Heath, disch. for disability. Frederick Hart, disch. for disability. May 15, 1865. James H. Hunt, must, out June 12, 1865. John Irwin, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Van Rensselaer Jones, disch. for disability, July 21, 1863. Lyman C. Jayquays,* must, out June 30, 1866. Ira Kelsej', died at Newby's Croas-Roads, Va., July 24, 1863. Dewitt G. Kenyon, must, out June 29, 1865. Jeremiah Killmer, must, ont Nov 24, 1865. jeffursoii Kelley, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Jacob Kahler, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Franklin R. Lewis, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Samuel Murdock. must, out June 20, 1865.

Hiram McCartney, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., March 29, 1864. Justin W. Miles, must, out March 31, 1866. Edwin Meads, disch. for wounds, April 6, 1864. John A. Miller, disch. for wounds, Oct. 5, 1864. Archibald Murdock, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Oct. 12, 1865. Mark Norris, must, out March 31, 1866. Mason Norton, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Levi Presley, must, out March 26, 1866. George M. Payne, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Samuel Presley, disch. for disaWlity.

Jonathan Smith, died at Newby's Cross-Roads, Va., July 24, 1863. Albert H. Sidman, disch. for disability. Justice Smith, reported missing in action, but returned. Stephen A. Stanley, trans, to Ist Mich. Cav. Robert W. Shriner, must, out June 20, 1865. Russell K. Stanton, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Justin A. Smilh, must, out July 10, 1865. Eber A. Stanley, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Blisha SkiUman, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. James A. Vandeohoten, must, out June 13, 1865. L. F. Vester, died of disease at Baltimore, Md., Sept. 22, 1864. David Way, Jr., died of disease.

Company K. Versal P. Fales, must out June 2, 1865. Justus German, must, out Nov. 24, 1865. Henry F. Haney, must, out Oct. 24, 1865. Origen Hamilton, trans, to Ist Mich. Cav. Elisha Inman, supposed killed by guerrillas. Wells T. Latourette, must, out Nov. 24, 1866.

Seventh Cavalry

SEVENTH CAVALRY. This regiment numbered among its members sixty officers and men from Barry County, and less than a dozen from the county of Allegan, these being scattered among all its companies, except G and L. The rendezvous was at Grand Rapids, where the regiment was organized during the fall of 1862 and the ensuing winter. Two battalions left Grand Rapids for the seat of war in Virginia, Feb. 20, 1863, and were joined by the third battalion in May following, Col. William D. Mann being in command of the regiment.

The Seventh was assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brisjade, so often mentioned already, and until the close of the war participated in all its glory and renown. It took part in minor actions at Thoroughfare Gap, Va., May 21, 1863 ; at Greenwich, Va., May 30th, and at Hanover, Pa., on the 30th of June. On the 3d of July at Gettysburg it was very hotly engaged, charging the enemy repeatedly, and having fifty-seven of its men killed and wounded, besides twelve missing and twelve taken prisoners. It was also engaged at Smithtown, Md , July 6th ; at Boonsboro', Md., July 6th and 8th ; at Hagerstown, Md., July 6th and 10th ; at Falling Waters, Md., July 14th ; at Snicker's Gap, Va., July 19th; at Kelly's Ford, Va., September 13th ; at Culpeper Court-House, Va., September 14th ; at Raccoon Ford, Va., September 16th ; Brandy Station^ Va., October 13th, and others. Ninety-two men were killed and wounded in action, forty-six were reported missing in action, many of whom were killed, and down to Nov. 1, 1863, the date of making that report, fifty of its numbers had died of disease.

During the winter of 1863-64 the Seventh was mostly employed on picket duty in front of the Army of the Potomac, but resumed more active service on the 28th of February, 1864, when it marched with its brigade on the " Kilpatrick raid." Arriving before Richmond on the 31st of February, it was placed on picket the following night. Here it was attacked by a superior force of the enemy, and, being unsupported, was driven back. Forty-four men were reported missing, among whom was the commander of the regiment, Lieut.-Col. A. C. Litchfield. The command soon marched to Yorktown, whence it proceeded by transports to Alexandria, Va.

Having crossed the Rapidan with the Army of the Potomac on the 5th of May, the regiment set out on the 9th in Gen. Sheridan's movement against the enemy's communications. On the 11th it was in the battle of Yellow Tavern ; charging the enemy's cavalry and driving it from the field, and having eighteen of its own men killed and wounded. The operations of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade on that raid have been mentioned in the sketch of the Fifth Cavalry, previously given, and the Seventh took its full share in them all.

After rejoining the army it attacked the rebel cavalry on the 27th of May, charging and driving one of their brigades several miles, and capturing forty-one men. The next day it was in a fight at Hawes' Shop, where fourteen of its men were killed and wounded. It also took part in the attack on the enemy's works at Cold Harbor on the 30th of May, fighting dismounted in advance of the infantry.

With the rest of the Michigan brigade and other regiments, it then moved, under Gen. Sheridan, towards Gordonsville, and on the 11th and 12th of June had a hard cavalry fight at Trevillian Station, losing twenty-nine killed and wounded during the conflict. On the first day of the fight a small squad of the Seventh recaptured from a large force of the rebels a piece of artillery which had been taken from a Union battery.

The command then returned to the main army, and on the 31st of July the Michigan brigade set out for Washington and the Shenandoah Valley. On the 16th of August the Seventh Cavalry was in the battle of Crooked Run, where it had twelve men killed and wounded, and where, according to the official report, " one battalion charged a brigade of rebel cavalry, routing them and capturing nearly a hundred prisoners."

On the 25th of August it was engaged near Shepherdstown, with slight loss. On the 29th, its division being attacked by infantry in force, it covered the retreat to Smithfield, having fourteen killed and wounded.

On the 19th of September the regiment was warmly engaged in the battle of Opequan Creek. It charged across that stream, drove the enemy from the bank, advanced and aided in driving him at headlong speed through the town of Winchester. Twenty-three officers and men were killed and woanded in the Seventh ; among the mortally wounded being its commander, Lieut.-Col. Melvin Brewer. Five days later the regiment was in another combat at Luray, driving the enemy back in great confusion, and capturing sixty prisoners.

On the 9th of October the Seventh took part with its corps in routing the rebel cavalry under Gen. Rosser. Ten days later, at Cedar Creek, while the regiment was on picket, the enemy, by a sudden attack, broke through the line of the Union infantry and struck it in the rear. It made good its retreat, however, without serious loss. When Sheridan galloped up from Winchester and retrieved the fortunes of the day, the Seventh Michigan Cavalry took an active part in the conflict, and in the final charge which drove the foe in confusion from the field it captured about one hundred prisoners.

During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had had no less than one hundred and fifty-nine officers and men killed and wounded, - a very heavy loss for a cavalry regiment.

The Seventh remained in camp near Winchester most of the time until the 27th of February, 1865, when it moved up the Shenandoah Valley, with its corps, to take part in Gen. Sheridan's celebrated march to the James River. On the 8th of March the regiment aided in routing a portion of Rosser's cavalry near Louisa Court-House, and capturing the town. After destroying a large part of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, and the locks, aqiieducts, and mills on the James River Canal, the command reached White House Landing on the 19th of March, and was soon, with the cavalry corps, established on the left of the Army of the Potomac. The Seventh took an active part in the battle of Five Forks, and was engaged with- the enemy almost till the moment of Lee's surrender at Appomattox.

After a short stay in North Carolina the Michigan brigade returned to Washington, and thence proceeded to Fort Leavenworth, whence it was ordered to cross the Plains and operate against the hostile Indians. There was much bitterness felt by the men at this extension of their service to another field from what was originally intended. Nevertheless, they crossed the Plains to the Rock^ Mountains, and were employed until November in guarding the overland stage-route from the Indians. About the 1st of November the regiment transferred two hundred and fifty men, whose term extended beyond March 1, 1866, to the First Michigan ; the remainder of the regiment returning to Fort Leavenworth, and being there mustered out of the service. It was paid ofi" and disbanded at Jackson, Mich., on the 25th of December, 1866.

Eighth, Tenth, And Eleventh Cavalry, Etc

Isaac 0, Howe, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga,, Nov, 17, 1864, Charles J, Jenner, trans, to let Mich, Cav, Nov, 17, 1865, Hobert A, Kelly, must, out March 10, 1866. Thomas H. McLeod, trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps. Alexander F. Mcintosh, trans, to Yet. Kes. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. Jolin M. Peclc, died of disease.

Peleg T. Phelps, died of disease at York, Pa,, Aug, 27, 1864, 0, F, Ralph, died in action at Falling Waters, Md,, July 14, 1863, Norman Rugglep, disch, for disaliility. Sept, 14, 1863, Joseph F, Trenchard, disch, for disability, June 24, 1865. Joy S, Terry, disch, for disability, Oct, 13, 1863, Peter Wilbert, disch, for disability. Sept, 14, 1863, George L, Wilcox, must, ont July 11, 1865, Job J, Williams, died of disease at Alexandria, Va,, July 25, 1863.

26, 1866. Corp, William W, Bitgood, Orangeville; disch, for disability, Aug, 3, 1863. Blacksmith Jesse G, Sprague, Hastings ; trans, to Inv, Corps, Nov, 1, 1863, J»mes Campbell, missing in action at Boonshoro', Md,, July 8, 1863, Oliver Chalker, must, out March 6, 1866, Frederick Hahn, must, out March 6, 1866. Edward Leslie, must, out July 12, 1865. Colburn Osgood, must, out March 6, 18G6. Hugh Smith, trans, to Ist Mich. Cav., Nov. 17,1865. John L. Young, must, out March 6, 1866.

Company K. Samuel B. Delaney, must, ont March 20, 1866. George R. McHenry, must, out Dec. 15, 186,5. Sidney R. Prentiss, died of disease at Baltimore, Sept. 24, 1864.