First Regiment of Cavalry-Mass. Vols. Chronology

First Regiment of Cavalry-Mass. Vols. Chronology

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

First Regiment of Cavalry-Mass. Vols. Chronology
On the 3rd of September 1861, Governor Andrew issued an order for the enlistment of the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, Massachusetts Volunteers. The call was obeyed with {alacrity} and an excellent regiment was organized without delay. It rendezvoused at “Camp Brigham”, Readville, Mass. On the 9th and 16th of September 1861.
December 25th the first battalion proceeded to Annapolis, Md._The second battalion followed on the 27th, and the remaining one, on the 29th of the same month; but these two battalions were stopped by orders in New York, where they remained until January 13, 1862, when they embarked for {Hillion} Head and Port Royal, S.C. The main body of the regiment was rejoined by the first battalion at {Hillon} Head, in February. Eight companies went into camp there, first at “Camp White”, and later within the limit of the fortifications. The remaining four companies proceeded to Beaufort and encamped at “Camp Williams”._Company G., of this last named battalion, was ordered in February to Edisto Island.
The following is the roll of Chicopee men who served in this regiment. Those to whose names is prefixed the mark X, were original members and left the state with the regiment; the others were recruited at a later date, mostly in the summer and fall of 1862.
X Altom Edwin Phillips CO_ E.
X John Booth “ “
X Melville Duly “ “
X Daniel G. Miller “ “
X Willam Miller “ “
X Frank J. Weston “ F
X Francis A. Bushee “ “
X Stephen G. Folsom “ “
X Herbert Gamwell “ “
X Andrew J. Hunt “ “
X {Lyins} R. Prescott “ “
X Daniel L. Sullivan “ G
X William March “ “
X John Campbell “ B
X James Stewart “ E
X Arthur Kerrigan “ “
X Frank Chase “ “
Robert Ballon “ “
Sidney Goodman
Matthew Higgins
Dennis Sullivan
Livingston Babcok Co. F
Oscar Jewett “
James F. McCann “ A
Charles S. Phelps “
Addison M. Babcock “
Andrew S. Hunter “ E
W.P. Van Bramer “ F
William S. Pease “ D
James L. Carson “ E
William K. Searle “
Henry E. Ladd
Patrick Connor “ K
Watson L. Wintworth “ F
Joseph Lee “ “
Benjamin F. Cadwell “
Joseph E. Stackpole “ “
Julius M. Lane “
John S. Cowles “
Howard O. Fiske “
Patrick Mortell “
Eli E. Welden “
Cornelius Keating Co. G
Matthew Ryan “ “
Dennis A. Sulilvan “ “
John Shore “ F
Owen A. Lyons
William Collins
Henry B. Bates
David Gleason “ H
James W. Armitage Co. F
Abner M. Abbey “ “
John F. Linscott “ A
Myron H. Underwood “ H
Benton V.B. Brooks
Joel Barden
John Courtney

In May 1862, eight companies of the regiment embarked for {Etisto} Island to take part in the James Island expedition against Charleston, leaving two companies at Hilton Head and two at Beaufort._May 30th, 1862, the two companies left at Beaufort took part in an unsuccessful expedition against {Pocotaligo}, but met with no loss.

The 1st Massachusetts Cavalry constituted the only cavalry in the department of the south, and performed all the mounted duty in reconnaissance picket and orderly, in that campaign, but was not actively engaged, being held in reserve in the action of Secessionville, James Island of June 16th.

At the end of June, upon the evacuation of James Island, the regiment returned to Hilton Head, and there remained til August 19th, when orders having come for the regiment to proceed to Fortress Monroe, detachments from eight companies embarked on the 22nd expecting that the remainder would immediately follow. Form Fortress Monroe this detachment was ordered to {Acpua} Creek, Va. And thence to Alexandria.

The debarkation fo the last of the horses took place at Alexandria, September 2nd, and, acting under positive orders from the War department, the regiment next day, without waiting to unload any of the regimental baggage, or, in the case of two companies, a portion of their arms, marched to {Lannalytown}, D.C. on the way to the Upper Potomac. The regiment formed a part of Brig. Gen {Pleasonton}’s Cavalry brigade during the advance, and took part in the action at Poolesville*, Md. September 5th. And in various other affairs which preceded the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. It was present and participated in these actions. September 14th, and 17th, and the reconnoissances which followed, but was not actively engaged.

*(At Poolesville, the rebel force proved too strong. A retreat was ordered. This was done at full speed. All would have escaped, but the citizens of P. had piled up stones in the road over which the horses fell and piled their riders in a heap. 35 of reg’t were taken prisoner.)

On the 1st of October, they were transferred from Gen. Pleasanton’s to Gen. Averill’s brigade, and reported to him in camp at St. James College, near Williamsport, Md. October 10th, 11th and 12th Gen. Stuart’s rebel cavalry invaded Pennsylvania. The 1st Massachusetts cavalry participated with other forces in the attempt to intercept and capture them._October 30th the brigade moved to join the advance across the Potomac._November 3rd, a reconnaissance was made through Snicker’s Gap, Va. A Large force of the enemy opposed and a skirmish ensured, during which the Union cavalry charged upon the rebels. The enemy were scatter and driven in confusion across the Shenandoah river.

On the 5th of November, the regiment was ordered to Hagerstown, Md. To recruit and procure horses. Here they wer joined by a large number of Chicopee men who had enlisted in August, been in camp at Cambridge. Mass. till September and at Washington thereafter. November 16th, marched to Washington to procure new horses, ordnance and equipments. ON THE 22ND marched to Potomac Creek, Va. arriving on the 25th.

February 5, 1863, marched to Rappahannock Station, destroyed the railroad bridge and returned to Potomac Creek on the 6th._March 17th, participated in the fight at Kelly’s Ford._May 1st, engaged the enemy at Rapidan Station on the Orange and Alexandria R.R., losing Lieut. A.E. Phillips of Chicopee, killed._At this time the regiment cooperated with Maj. General Stoneman, in a raid toward Richmond, as far as the Rapidan River, returning by way of Chancellorsville and Falmouth to Potomac Creek, where it arrived May 7th._May 25th, marched to Morristown; 26th; to Bealton, performing picket duty until June 5th; when it went into camp near Warrenton Junction._June 3rd, the pickets were attacked near Sulphur Springs. The same evening a small scouting party were fired into on the Warrenton road, by guerrillas in ambush.

June 6th, marched with the division to Hazle River, returning on the 7th._Marche don the 8th to Morrisville, stopped two hours, proceeded to Kelley’s Ford, Crossed the Rappahannock at sunrise on the 9th; formed line of battle and advanced towards Tevensburg, being engaged all day with the division, losing three killed and nine wounded, and capturing twenty three prisoners’ returned at 8P.M. to Beverly Ford. On the 10th, marched to Bealton; on the 11th, went on picket. On the 15th’ acted as rear-guard for the army on the forced march to Manassas Plains, arriving at 10 P.M._16TH, marched to Bull run._June 17th, at daylight started for Aldie, being in the advance of Gen. Kilpatrick’s brigade, arriving at 2 P.M. The regiment charged through the town, and just beyond it met the enemy in force; charged and drove them some distance. As they occupied strong positions, the stone walls being lined with sharpshooters, and as the regiment was not properly supported, the loss was quite severe; but it held the ground gained until other reinforcements arrived, capturing sever prisoners and a rebel battle flag. In this fight H.O. Fiske and Henry E. Ladd were killed, and Daniel L. Sullivan, John F. }Leinschott}, and Cornelius Keating were wounded.

June 19th, marched to Middleburg, one squadron being engaged. On the 21st, engaged in the advance from Middleburg to Upperville, having a running fight al day._22nd, returned to Aldie._26th, marched to Leesburg._27th, to Poolesville, Md., crossing the Potomac at Edward’s Ferry, halting two hours and proceeding through Frederick City and Newmarket to Ridgeville, arriving at 10 P.M. on the 28th,_29th marched all day and night to Westminster, halting three hours. On the 30th, proceeded through Manchester to Hampstead, arriving at 10 P.M.

July 1st, the regiment with the 6th Corps, marching all night and all day on the 2nd, arriving at Gettysburg at night. ON the third, the command was engaged during the battle on the right wing; at night detached a provost guard. On the 4th, marched with 2500 rebel prisoners to Westminster. Proceeded to Frederick City, arriving on the 7th’ at night, marched for Boonshore, arriving on the 9th._During the 11th, 12th and 13th the regiment was engaged in skirmishing, dismounted, at James’ Cross Roads._14th marched to Harper’s Ferry_15th to Shepardstown_16th, engaged all day, returned to Harper’s Ferry in the night, arriving on the morning of the 17th._On the 20th, marched to Hillsboro; arriving on the 21st._23rd, to Snicker’s Gap, remaining on picket until the 26th; marching thence through Upperville to Middleburg._27th, to Warrenton._28th; to Warrenton Junction._29th’ to Warrenton._30th’ crossed the Rappahannock and went on picket at Amisville.

August 4th; made a scout across Hazle River. ON the 7th, marched to Jefferson. 15th, to Warrenton, performing picket duty until the 28th; marching thence to Orleans, on picket, returning to Warrenton September 4th.

September 10th, went on scout to Middleburg and Upperville, returning on the 11th._Marche don the 12th with division to Jefferson._13th, to Culpepper, engaged the enemy just beyond the town, driving them two miles._On the 14th, made a reconnaissance to Rapidan Station, in order to develop the enemy’s strength on the opposite side of the river._18th, back to Culpepper._22nd, to Stevensburg._23rd to Culpepper._24th, to Rappahannock Station._25th, to Cutlett’s Station, performing picket duty until October 5th; marched thence to Brandy Station, and returning to Sulphur Springs.

October 12th, in the afternoon, the regiment were engaged at Sulphur Springs._13th, acted as rear-guard in the retreat of the army, marching to Auburn. Engaged all day on the 14th in covering the retreat, being exposed to a severe fire of artillery and infantry’ continued to act as rear-guard as far as Fairfax. Tow squadrons were engaged on the 14th, near Broad Run. ON the 16th, went on picket at Wolf Run Shoals._18th, marched to Fairfax._19th to Union Mills._20th, to Stone Bridge. 21st, to Warrenton._From this date till November 22nd, the regiment was engaged on picket duty between Warrenton and Bealton.

November 23rd; marched with the brigade._24th; crossed the Rappahannock._26th, crossed the Rapidan._27th, engaged the enemy on the plank road near Hope Church. This regiment being in the advance of Gen. Gregg’s division, fought, dismounted, three hours, driving the enemy back upon thir infantry lines, and holding the position until relieved by the 5th Corps of Infantry._On the 29th, engaged with Stuart’s cavalry.

December 6th, the regiment arrived at Brandy Station, remaining until the 11th when it marched to Warrenton. During the remainder of this month, the Reg. was engaged principally in scouting near Warrenton. Jan’y 1st, 1864, Reg. marched with Div. towards Blue Ridge. 2d, passed through Chester Gap and on to Front Royal, where camped for the night. 3d, resume march, and recrossed mountain in Manassas Gap reaching camp on the night of 4th without having encountered enemy during the march. From this date to 21st April, remained in camp engaged continuously in {???} and outpost duties. No marches nor any changes took place in this period saw that the new battalion joined the Reg. on March 24th. April 21st, broke camp and marched with Div. to Three Mile Run, where lay encamped till morning of 29th when marched to and crossed Rappahannock at Kelly’s Ford, and encamped at Mountain Creek where remained till 3 May. That date marched towards the Rapidan, crossing on morning of the 4th, reaching on night of that day {Pair} Ridge, where continued that night. 5th, marched to Todd’s Tavern, where engaged enemy with loss of 3 killed, 31 wounded and missing. In afternoon were relieved by other regiments when fell back two miles and encamped for the night. 6th, on picket in Fredericksburgh Plank Road. 7th, marched to Todd’s Tavern where engaged enemy with no loss. 9th, marched to Spottsylvania Ct. House. In P.M., the column was attacked in rear by Stuart’s Cavalry. In the engagement which ensued, Reg. took an important part, checking the enemy while the column moved on, then following up acting as rear=guard. Losses 4 wounded, 20 prisoners. Camped for night near Beaver {Dam} Station. 10th, marched to {Green} Squirrel Bridge. 11th, made a reconnoisance to Island. Took possession of town and destroyed the railroad, telegraph, etc. Losses 6 killed, 8 wounded, 2 officers {murdered} and {prisoner} and 10 men prisoners. Rejoined Brigade after a night march, on morning of 12th, at Brook’s Church, where engaged enemy. This Reg. participated,supporting batteries and otherwise. 4.30 A.M. of this day, crossed Meadow Bridge, acting as rear=guard. Camped near Mechanicsville. 13th, marched to {Bottom} Bridge, where encamped. 14th, crossed {Chickahoring} and marched to Carter’s Landing on the {James}. Now encamped till 17th, when marched reaching Taylorsville near white house on 18th, where encamped. 20th, marched to {Coal} Harbor, where continued till 22d, when marched to White {House} Landing, where encamped. 23d, crossed {Pamunkey} and marched to {Elliottsville}. 24th to 27th, continued march. 27th, crossed Pamunkey and camped. 28th, marched to Erin's Church, where engaged enemy with loss of 1 officer killed and 3 men wounded. Fell back 3 miles at night and Encamped, remaining till 1st June, when marched to and beyond Coal Harbor and camped. 2d, continued march, engaging rebels at McLellan's Ridge, with no loss. 3d, in camp. 4th, a detachment of Reg. was detailed as guard for {???}-{???}. This body afterwards did much duty as scouts and on outpost duty, and rejoined Reg. 4th July. 5th, in camp. 6th, crossed Pamunkey and marched towards North Anna River. From 6th to 10th, on march towards N. Anna, which {???} crossed on boat named {dols}. 11th, marched to {Trevillian} Station. 12th, marched 10 miles beyond Station, where met enemy and repulsed them. 13th, continued march, reaching Main River on the 14th. 15th, marched towards Fredericksburgh encamping for night at {Guiness} Station. 16th to 20th, still on march. 20th, reached White {Horse}. 21st, crossed Pamunkey and had a slight fight with no loss. 22d, met rebels near St. Mary's Church and engaged their with loss of 1 Killed, 4 wounded and missing. 25th, crossed James River at {whitehall} Landing. 27th, arrived at {???} George Ct. House, where continue doing outpost and scout service till 13th July. 14th, marched at Lee's Mills, where {???} engaged in {???} duties till 26th July, when marched, crossing on that date the Appomatox and on the 27th the James, reaching Malvern Hill on the {morn} of the 28th. Here engaged rebels with loss of 3 killed, 15 wounded and missing. In evening of this day, fell back to Newmarket and encamped. 29th, crossed James, and remained in {???} of battle all day. At night marched towards Lee's Hill. On the 30th, in nearby of Lee's Mills met rebels and quickly {???} there with loss to Reg. of 1 man wounded.
From this date to 14th Aug., was engaged in vicinity of Lee's Mills in scouting and outpost service. During part of this time was stationed at {???} George Ct. House. {???} Plank Road and Lighthouse Point. 14th Aug., crossed the James, marched to and engaged enemy at Malvern {HIll}. Loss 1 man wounded. 15th, 15th and 17th, on picket in Newmarket and Charles City roads. 18th, while still on picket, was attacked and obliged to fall back to infantry lines. Loss 1 killed, 3 wounded and 5 missing. 19th, recrossed James, and marched to H.Q. of the army at the {Jones} House, where Command was {Placed}. 20th, marched to Weldon R.R. near {Rivera} Station. 21st, fought enemy at that place. Loss 3 wounded. 22d, on picket and acting as guards to parties destroying rail-road. 23d, attacked. Repulsed enemy. Loss 3 wounded. 24th, picketted {???} Ct. House road. 25th, was attacked by heavy forc and compelled to fall back, whihc was done without loss. 26th, 27th, 28th, on outpost near Waldon R.R. 29th, 30th, 31st, on picket near Perkins' House. 1st Sept., in camp. 2d, made a reconnoissance toward Stoney Pt., returning at night to camp. 2d to 16th, in camp, excepting three days of picket service. 16th, marched toards {Hawkeis-Hill}. Met enemy about thirteen miles out and engaged them with spirit, charging them, dismounted three times through thick woods and a swamp. Fought till two hours after dark, when, being relieved, countermarched 5 miles and encamped. Loss 2 Killed, 10 wounded and 9 missing. 17th, returned to its old camp near {Jerusalem} Plank Road. 18th, in camp. 19th, marched to nearby of Prince George Ct. House, as a support for Kauts Cavalry, who were expecting an attack. In {hour} of battle during day, returning to camp at night, where remained till 27th. That day marched to Prince Geo. Ct. House. 28th, continued march to Waldon R.R. There established a skirmish line and remained for the day and night expecting an attack. 29th, marched to the {Vaughan} road, slightly skirmishing with enemy. Then continued till 1st Oct., where was attacked by enemy. Fighting behind slight breast-works, the loss was small, 2 killed, 3 wounded and 1 missing. 2d, on picket on Wilkinson Road. 3d, in camp near Davidson House. 4th, encamped on {Hyatt} House, where remained on Scout and picket to 26th, when marched to Perkins House {and} Waldon R.R. and encamped. 29th, resumed march towards {Dinwiddin} Ct. House, as rear-guard. Skirmished slightly on P.M. 28th, relieved to former camp near {Westbrook} House. Loss in this march, 2 wounded and 4 missing. 29th, in camp at {McCarn's} Station, on Norfolk R.R., when continued on outpost and picket to 18th Nov'r. At this date, {moved} camp a half mile to Westbrook House, where went into winter quarter. From this date to 1st Dec'r, in camp their, performing the usual {minute} of duties. 1st Dec'r, particpated in raid to {Slimy} Creek Station. Reached camp at 10 P.M. same day. Then lay till 17th, when marched to Sussex Ct. House. 8th, at 4 a.m., resumed the march, proceeding so far as {Jarrett's} Station. 9th, continued march southerly towards {Bellfold}. At {Bellfield} Station engaged enemy. The Reg. changed the works. Major L.M. Sargent here lost his life in the charge. Countermarched 10 miles and halted for night. 10th, continued march towards federal lines. 1th, 12 P.M., reached old camp. 12th to 16th in camp doing customery duties. Till March 17th, 1865, encamped at the Westbrook House, Va., and attacked to the 1st Brigade, 2d Cavalry Division (participated in all its movements). March 17, was relieved and ordered to report at City Point, Va., for provost duty. During the capture of Petersburgh, was engaged in picket duty in rear of 9th Corps. Was soon afterward relieved and assigned to Provost Marshall Brigade, Army of the Potomac. May 27th, relieved, and ordered to report to Maj. Gen. Davies, commanding Cavalry Corps Defences of Washington, for Escort duty, on which it continued till mustered out 2d {June}. 29 {June}, reached Readville, Mass. where it was ordered to {rendezvous} for final payment and discharge. 24 July, {last} man of {command} was {placed}.

Soldier's Record, Town of Chicopee

ca. 1861-1865

Public Domain

Text

Chicopee (Mass.)

SR-223.0