Dragoons

http://macspics.homestead.com/History.html PREFACE

From the beginning of Military History the soldier has ridden into battle, whether on horseback, armored vehicle, or aircraft, has been preeminent in warfare. More often than not, he has been the decisive factor on the battlefield, the difference between victory and defeat. Many armies have risen to greatness on the strength of their mounted arm, and the American Cavalryman ranks as one of the greatest mounted soldiers to appear on any battlefield. History has been told time and time again, but it is a story that is not yet complete. You, the officers, noncommissioned officers, and troopers of the 1st United States Cavalry are writing new chapters even today.

The uniforms, weapons, and equipment of the regiment have changed over the course of history; one thing has not - the individual trooper, noncommissioned officer, and officer. He is the person who has made the regiment what it is today. The uniforms, equipment, and weapons are nothing without the individual. The lean and dash of the cavalry simply has not ended because of the advances that modern technology has made on the battlefield. You are today, as your predecessors were before you, members of an elite group of soldiers whose esprit and professionalism are unequaled anywhere, in any other way. In fact you are a member of the oldest and most distinguished Cavalry unit in the Army, 1st United States Cavalry (1st Regiment of Dragoons).

The spirit of the mounted warrior lives on in the 1st United States Cavalry Regiment and with you, the cavalry trooper, noncommissioned officer, and officer. This is your regiment. It is sometimes easy to forget, with the day to day activities and missions of the orderly room and motorpool, that history is an ongoing process. The activities that you are engaged in today, no matter how small and inconsequential that they may seem will be of great interest to the military historian many years from now. Take pride in the achievements of the Regiment, both past and present. Honor and uphold its customs and traditions. If they are ignored and unused, they will be lost forever. Many of those who have served before you in the Regiment suffered extreme hardship or sacrificed their lives, never realizing that by doing so they would be passing down to future generations the reputation that you enjoy today. From your predecessors you have gained your heritage.

BLACK HAWK!

THOMAS J.J. SMITH LTC, AR Commanding

The regiment was organized in 1833 as the Regiment of United States Dragoons. Many of it's officers and men came from the Battalion of Mounted Rangers which had taken part in the Black Hawk War, shown by the crest. The color of the Dragoons was Dragoon Yellow (Orange-Yellow), shown by the color of the shield and the dragon is in illusion to the name Dragoons. The gold eight-pointed star on encircling belt was the ensignia of the Dragoons until 1851.

MOTTO: Animo et Fide (Courageous and Faithful)

What is a BLACKHAWK? Blackhawk was a Sauk warrior that was born in 1767 at Saukenuk, three to five miles above the point where the Rock River meets the Mississippi River. Blackhawk was not an Indian chief, he was a warrior recognized as a leader by the Sauk and Mesquakie nations, but according to his autobiography, the rank of chief had eluded him. Black Hawk's Indian name w as Black Sparrow Hawk, his wife was Singing Bird and they had tow daughters and three sons. Sport's legend Jim Thorpe was Black Hawk's great grandson. In the War of 1812, Black Hawk fought for the British with his followers, known as the British Band. They were responsible for the victories at Campbell's Island and Credit Island.

The Black Hawk war started in April 1932, when Black Hawk and about 1,000 followers crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois from Iowa Territory where they had been forcibly moved the year before. The war lasted just 15 weeks, ending on August 2, 1832, at the Battle of Bad Axe, Wisconsin.

Black Hawk died in October 3, 1838, of a respiratory illness. He was buried sitting up inside a small mausoleum of logs but his grave was robbed soon after. His remains were later deposited in a museum in Burlington, Iowa. The museum and its contents were destroyed by fire in 1855.

PART I

History of 1st Regiment of Dragoons

Numerical designations usually say very little about the unit they represent. The 1st Cavalry Regiment (1st Regiment of Dragoons) is more than just a numerical designation. It is a unit, which is first not only in numerical order, but also in time of service in the Cavalry (164 years), and in battle honors over any unit in the Army (89). The story of the Regiment's 164 years of service should be familiar to all of us who are charged with upholding its name. For a beginning we must go back beyond the actual date of organization, back to 1776 and the American Revolution. During that period there were several groups of mounted fighters. A number of these were irregular militia such as those commanded by COL Francis Marion, the famous "Swamp Fox". Some, such as Light Horse Harry Lee's mounted troops from Virginia, had a more regular organization. They all, however, suffered from the fact that few men in the American Army really understood cavalry. General Washington wanted to replace what cavalry he had with dragoons, who only used their horses as transportation from one battlefield to another, doing the actual fighting on foot. It is therefore not surprising to find that after the Revolutionary War, the miniature army that was retained had no mounted forces at all. It wasn't until 1792 when defeats suffered at the hands of Indians spurred a reintroduction of authorized light dragoons, and then only a single squadron. From that period on, the fortunes of the mounted forces of the U.S. Army fluctuated depending on the degree of danger felt by the government. The infantry seemed to suffice while America pushed westward through the eastern hills and forests. Soon they began to reach the Great Plains. Here the foot soldier could not hope to match the speed and agility of the Plains Indian mounted on his pony. What was needed here was the mounted soldier.

Formation of the Black Hawks

In 1831 some local militia in Illinois managed to cause enough trouble to bring about the Black Hawk War. Because there were no regular mounted troops in the Army, the government was forced to activate more mounted militia at a cost of more than ten times that required to maintain a similar body of regulars. "Guided by the sober light of experience, Congress authorized the President to raise, for the defense of the frontier a battalion of 600 mounted rangers to serve for one year, unless sooner discharged." These rangers were, for all practical purposes, militia hired by the Federal Government. They provided their own horses, weapons, and clothing, getting only food, ammunition and pay from the government. Their short tours of service made them impractical for the government. Congress firmly believed that the rugged frontier produced men who only had to be collected to produce a force more formidable than any trained army. Economics of the situation finally convinced Congress to authorize a regular Regiment of Dragoons. It was considerably cheaper than the rangers or any militia. So on March 2, 1833 President Andrew Jackson approved a bill "providing for the organization of the Regiment of United States Dragoons to replace the Battalion of Mounted Rangers, which was to be discharged. It requires more than a stroke of a pen to create a cavalry regiment. The Dragoons' first commanding officer was COL Henry Dodge who had commanded the Mounted Rangers. LTC STEPHEN Watts Kearney, formerly of the Third Infantry did the bulk of the work of organizing the new Regiment. He is still considered to be the "father" of the U.S. Cavalry. The first home of the Dragoons was to be Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, close to St. Louis. For recruiting, each company was assigned a different area of the country. CPT Cumner, who was joined in July by LT Burgwin, was sent to recruit Company B in the beautiful lake country of central New York State. He concentrated his recruits at Madison Barracks, at Sackett's Harbor on Lake Ontario. As they passed through Buffalo, the Buffalo Journal said, " they were the finest looking raw recruits we ever saw. All were New Yorkers, selected by CPT Cumner himself from the northern and western countries of the state. All within the age of twenty-five years and as nearly as possible five feet eight inches in height. All possessed a good English education and strictly correct habits." The men traveled to Jefferson Barracks by river, but because of difficulties, didn't arrive until September 6. Among the men who had been collected there were a number of veterans of the Black Hawk War, both enlisted and officer, including COL Dodge. Thereafter, the Regiment was called the "Black Hawks." Their new home was an established Army post. The barracks were built of hewn stone "in the form of a parallelogram encompassing three sides of a noble parade which was open on the fourth to the river" and commanded "a most extensive view." These barracks were cold in the winter, but pure luxury compared to what the future had in store. In other respects the Regiment was not so fortunate. There were no accommodations for horses, so stables had to be built. The Army Quartermaster was unprepared to outfit a Regiment of Cavalry, so everything was scarce. Every item had to be produced from scratch. This took considerably longer than the recruiting. The organization of the regiment was also a prototype, which included many defects, one of which was the lack of provisions for riding instructors. There was no organic transportation for stores or baggage. One other difficulty was the tactics and skills of cavalry had almost been forgotten in the American Army. "There were two copies of Cavalry tactics in the possession of the Dragoons." Besides all of this, there was no time either. On October 26, 1833 the Regiment received orders to move to Ft Gibbon, in what is now Oklahoma to establish winter quarters. On November 20 they moved out. The Regiment of Dragoons took over the defense of the frontier. For the next 28 years the Regiment would be scattered over the western plains, pacifying the Indians who were being trampled by the surging settlers, and helping to explore some of the forgotten corners of the vast plain. When they marched out of Jefferson Barracks they hardly looked equal to the task. It was a hard march to Ft Gibson for the inexperienced horses and men. Most days they were lucky to travel 15 miles. In a few years they would be moving three times that as an average. They finally made Ft Gibson on December 14, 1833. The Regiment proceeded to build their own "Camp Jackson" about one mile from Ft Gibson.

         The government's concept of operation was to use the Dragoons to "show the flag" among the troublesome Indian Nations of the West as a warning to settle down.  The first summer, 1834, when the Dragoons marched out to show the flag, the thermometer read 114 degrees.  Before their return, sickness would fall on 75% of the Regiment and kill General Leavenworth who was in charge of the defense of the frontier.  Everyone had a lot to learn about this rugged country, and they learned the hard way.

THE WAR WITH MEXICO

In 1846 the eyes of the nation began to look farther west, toward the Pacific and the lands that Mexico held between the Mississippi and California. Accordingly, in July 1846, COL Stephen Kearney assembled some of his Dragoons at Ft Leavenworth, Kansas to which were added a regiment of Missouri Volunteers, some infantry and some light artillery. From there he marched for California, moving by way of the Santa Fe Trail. Company B, coming from Iowa, caught up with the expedition at Bent's Fort. At that location the force numbered 1700 men. They marched from there to Santa Fe and arrived without a shot being fired, thereby taking possession of a large part of New Mexico. From Santa Fe, General Kearney set out again with only five companies of Dragoons; B, C, G, K, and I. The date was September 24, 1846. There followed the most difficult of marches with the other three companies being stripped to supply C and K with what they needed to continue. Finally, having marched over 1800 miles, these companies reached California, to discover it in turmoil. On December 6, 1846 at San Pascaul, General Kearny's small force, worn from the hard march, met a force of 160 insurgents. In the ensuing battle, Company B's only participant, CPT A.R. Johnston the General's Aide, was killed. The Dragoons won the field, but with heavy losses.

         October 1846 saw Company B at strength of 1 officer and 12 enlisted men.  The rigors of the campaign and the termination of many enlistments had taken the rest.  On November 24, LT Love and five men went to Dayton, Ohio to recruit the company back to strength.  They trained their recruits at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and finally in mid June 1847, left for Santa Fe.  While traveling on June 26, 1847, Company B was engaged near Larned, Kansas by 300 to 400 Comanche Indians.  The company had suffered five men killed in the action and became the first unit of the Regiment to seriously tangle with Indians.  The company reached Santa Fe, New Mexico on August 6 with $350,000 that they had been escorting.
         They arrived in time for the Mexican War.  Throughout this conflict the First Regiment of Dragoons served well, winning five battle honors.  During this period, Company B served as an artillery battery, having six guns.  Company B, under LT Love, took part in the battle of Santa Cruz Rosales in Mexico on March 16, 1848 having marched 210 miles in 4 days and nights to reach it.  After the hostilities, the U.S. Army evacuated Mexico with B, I, and G companies being stationed at Santa Fe, New Mexico.

INDIAN CAMPAIGNS I

         The end of the Mexican War marked the real beginning of the Indian Wars.  In these wars the men of the First Regiment of Dragoons played the major role.  In September 1848 they left Santa Fe and returned to Ft Leavenworth, where they remained in training.  On May 11, 1849 they rode out of Ft Leavenworth to Ft Kearny, Nebraska, 300 miles west.  There, with 2 companies of the 6th Infantry, the Dragoons took station to guard the Oregon Trail.  Located in the heart of Pawnee Country the Dragoons were constantly on the move.  In mid October 1849 they had a sharp engagement with the Pawnees on the Little Blue River near Linden, Nebraska.  A short time later, on October 29th, a group of 20 Dragoons attempted to capture a group of Pawnees located on an island in the Platte River.  The Indians resisted and were killed, along with one Dragoon.
         In October 1850 the Regiment returned to Ft Leavenworth where they remained for the next four years.  In 1853, the Southwest again erupted in sharp fighting, but now it was Indians and not Mexicans.  After taking some time to organize, the uncommitted elements of the regiment left Ft Leavenworth for New Mexico.  The date was July 1, 1854.  They reached Ft Union, New Mexico August 23rd.  From there on September 14th, Company B moved to Ft Fillmore, New Mexico, reaching on October 6th. 1854 was a year of many casualties for the 1st Regiment of Dragoons.  The biggest blow was an ambush of I and F companies 25 miles south of Taos, New Mexico that cost the lives of 22 Dragoons, and wounded most of the survivors.  Company B saw little action until January 17, 1855 when Apaches attacked it at night while camped with Company G and a detachment of Company K near the Penasco River, New Mexico.  The Indians did not give up when they were repulsed.  They skirmished all the next day and on the 19th the Apaches managed to ambush 12 men of Company B who had become separated from the main body.  Three soldiers were killed including the company commander.
         For the next two years the men of Company B moved often between Ft Fillmore and Ft Stanton, New Mexico.  In September 1856 B, D, G, and K companies were collected to officially occupy the area gained in the Gadsen Purchase of 1853.  They moved out on November 27, 1856 to establish Camp Moore, Calabasas, New Mexico.  The regiment remained there until the spring of 1857 when they moved to Ft Buchanan, Arizona.  On June 27, 1857 Companies B, G, and a detachment of D Company fought a short engagement with some Apaches on the Gila River, New Mexico.  On May 11, 1858 Company B marched for Ft Tejon, California.  Although this was a much quieter area than New Mexico, on January 8, 1859 a detachment of B and K companies fought an engagement with Mojave and Painted Indians in the Mojave country of the Colorado River.  On April 12, 1860 B and K Companies left Ft Tejon to establish a post near Yermo, California.  On the 18th they skirmished with the Pah-Utes and again on the 19th when they finally reached Yermo.  The two companies remained there, establishing Camp Cady.  July 3, 1860they returned to Ft Tejon.  They were still at Ft Tejon when the bombardment of Ft Sumter on April 12, 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War.  On June 19, 1861 Company B and Regimental Headquarters abandoned Ft Tejon and rode to Camp Fitzgerald near Los Angeles.  While there, they were redesignated as the First Cavalry Regiment, one of six regular army cavalry regiments.  In the preceding 28 years of roaming the west, the 1st Regiment of Dragoons won 30 battle honors.
         On October 26, 1861 the regiment left Los Angeles by boat to take its part in the first modern war.  During the Civil War the regiment fought with the Union Troops in a corps that grew to 80,000 men.  Our regiment became buried, but they fought well.  In the first two years they bore more than their share until the rest of the cavalry grew to their standards.  During the course of the war they won 16 battle honors and participated in 48 engagements such as Chancellorsville, Antietam, and Appomatox.  In June 1863, The Confederate Cavalry general, "Stuart himself was involved in the fire fights."  He wrote his wife that; "in one skirmish all the 1st Dragoons seemed to be aiming their pistols directly at him."  They were unmistakably regulars.

INDIAN CAMPAIGNS II

         When the smoke had cleared, the North had won and everyone put up his rifle and went home.  Everyone, that is, but the regulars.  There was still the frontier, now unattended five years and grown more inflamed.  The 1st Regiment still had some housekeeping in the south to do.  From June 22 to November 8, 1865 they were at Jackson Barracks, Louisiana.  They moved to Sedwick Hospital in Greenville, Louisiana where they stayed until December 29, 1865.  The country couldn't afford to keep them there for long.  From Louisiana the regiment shipped on the steamer "McClellan" to the Presidio of San Francisco, California.  At 23 years of age, with 46 battle honors, the First Cavalry Regiment returned to the wars.  These Indian Wars would occupy the regiment for the next 32 years.
         From San Francisco the Regiment set out on April 13, 1866 to Camp McKee, Nevada, arriving on June 20th.  They stayed there until September 10th when they moved to Camp McGarry, Nevada.  Again the men grew accustomed to the extremes of heat and cold on the prairie.  They knew months of boredom spiced by moments of mortal danger.  On the nights of February 7-8, 1867 25 men of Company B on a patrol were attacked by hostile Indians in the Vicksburg Mines district of Nevada.  On July 25, 1868 Company B left Camp McGarry and moved to Camp Warner, Oregon where they stayed until 1871.  This was a quiet period with most of the Indian trouble concentrated in the southwest.  In 1871 the regiment moved to Ft Klamath, Oregon, arriving on May 29th.  A quarrel on a reservation between the Indian Bureau and the Modoc Indians brought the peace to an end there in the north.  On November 29, 1872 a detachment of Company B engaged "Captain Jack's" band of Modoc Indians at his camp at Lost River, Oregon.  While attempting to apprehend them with Companies B, F, and a detachment of H, they brought the Modocs to battle again on April 16 and 17, 1873 at the Lava Beds, California.  Even with substantial militia reinforcement, the Lava Beds, which the Modocs had roamed since birth, became an impregnable fortress.  For the next two months no serious attempt was made to pry the Modocs out of their sanctuary.  On June 16 and 17, 1873 B, F, G, K, and part of H Companies, along with five batteries of artillery and a number of infantry moved in.  But the quarry slipped away in the dark of the night.  After another month of searching and skirmishing they again engaged the Modocs, this time near Fairfield's Farm near the Lava Beds.  Both sides suffered some casualties but again, the Modocs escaped.  After seven months of riding and fighting against this small, elusive and tough band, the men of the regiment breathed a sigh when the Modocs finally surrendered.
         For the next three years quiet again reigned in the northwest.  In 1877 it was the Nez Perce who gained attention of fully half the regiment when engaged on July 11-12 1877 near the mouth of Cottonwood Creek, Idaho.  This campaign eventually drew 10 companies of the First Cavalry.  A month later, August 20, 1877, Company B again ran up against the Nez Perce's, this time at Camp Meadows, Idaho.  Here they lost their bugler.
         With the campaign over, (October 5, 1878) the Regiment arrived at Ft Walla Walla, Washington where they spent four quiet years.  On June 13, 1882 Co B rode to Ft Colville, Washington and then on to Ft Couer d'Alene, Idaho.  Things were quiet in this area.  In 1883 cavalry companies were officially designated troops.  During their stay they accompanied General Sherman on a 737-mile trip to the west and British Columbia.  On June 16, 1884 Troop B rode out to Ft Keogh, Montana arriving on July 22nd.  On May 29th, 1885 Troop B left Ft Keogh, for Ft Custer, Montana where they joined the Regiment on June 7th.  Here was a long period of quiet.  1887 saw the threat of Indian troubles.  The center of this threat was at the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana.  One of the Crows, Sword Bearer, had gained the following of many in his tribe.  He began to agitate the tribe and the Indian Bureau called for help.  By November 4th the First Cavalry had Troops A, B, D, E, G, K, in place as well as a number of other units.  On the 5th of November there was a skirmish in which Sword Bearer was killed.  Order was restored on the reservation.
         The next three years were quiet ones for the First Cavalry in the northwest, especially for Troop B.  The year 1890 again saw unrest among the Indians.  This time it was the Sioux who were chafing at the confines of their reservation.  The regiment was in the field from November 1890 to February 1891 as part of the campaign, which herded these Indians back to their reservation on April 20, 1892, they rode out of Ft Custer, Montana back to the southwest.  They arrived at Ft Bayard, New Mexico on April 27th.  They remained there for three years.  On October 5, 1895 they arrived at Ft Reno, Oklahoma where they stayed for three more years.  The Indian wars were about over for the men of the First Cavalry Regiment.  They had netted two battle honors for the Regiment in about nine serious skirmishes.  These had been spread over 32 years of scouting over the frozen snow and the sunbaked desert, with months of boredom in between.  They were a major part of what has come to be known as the Indian Fighting Army.

THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

         In 1898 the interest of the country moved from the frontier to an island about 90 miles from the coast of Florida - Cuba.  The island was under the dominion of Spain.  Even before the incident of the Battleship Maine, the people and press of the United States had been clamoring of war.  After the Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor, there was nothing to hold back the flood of public opinion.  But how was the U.S. to react?  The United States Army numbered 28,183 officers and men.  Spain had around 80,000 soldiers on the island.  What was even worse was the fact that our small army did not have a unified command.  There was no General Staff organization to fit the myriad of details together.  Units had not operated on a Regimental level since the Civil War.  Besides this, there were National Guard and other volunteers to be organized and deployed.  Yet somehow, with great waste and delay, things happened.
         The First Cavalry Regiment moved to Chickamauga Park, Tennessee, arriving on April 24, 1898.  The other units taking part in the mobilization were also located there.  On May 14 the 1st and 10th Regiments of Cavalry moved to Tampa, Florida as a Brigade.  On June 7, 1898 they boarded the S.S. Leona, the 1st and 2nd Squadrons being dismounted.  The 1st Squadron fought at the battle of Las Guasimas on June 24, 1898 and again at San Juan de Cuba on July 1-3.  They took part in the siege of Santiago from July 4-17 for which they received the 61st battle honor for the Regiment.  The Regiment remained in Santiago until August 8, 1898.  They then returned to the U.S. with A, B, I, L and Regimental Headquarters going to Ft Riley, Kansas.  In January the command left Ft Riley and moved by rail to Ft Robinson, Nebraska.  This was a period of reorganization in which the Army sought to repair some of the weaknesses, which the war had disclosed.  Overseas, the garrisoning of newly acquired lands drew more strength from the Army while an insurrection in one of these lands, the Philippine Islands, caught the eye of the public.

THE PHILLIPINES

         The Regiment left Ft Robinson on June 19, 1899 for Ft DA Russell, Wyoming.  There they conducted field-training exercises to indoctrinate the new recruits, which the reorganization had brought to them.  The Boxer Rebellion in China brought about the 1st Cavalry's second tour overseas, this time in the Philippine Islands.  The U.S. Army garrison in the Philippines was shifted to the Allied Army moving to free the diplomatic legations of many European nations trapped in Peking, China by the Boxers.  The Army was concerned because the contingent in China was not as large as what they would like it to be.  Also, the Philippines now had no one to deal with the insurgency there.  Accordingly, the 1st Cavalry was alerted to fill whichever vacancy proved more needful.  On July 21, 1900 they said good bye to Ft Russell, traveling 2200 miles by rail to Seattle, Washington.  On August 7th, the men departed Seattle for the far east on the Garonne.  Their horses departed four days later on the Pak Ling.  At first the men thought they would be going to China to help, but when they got to Japan, they received word that they would be going to Manila instead because the legations at Peking had already been relieved.
         On 20 September 1900 the Regiment debarked at Batanges, P.I. on the southern part of the Island of Luzon, a rich and heavily settled area.  On the 25th of September, they moved to Santo Tomas, a town of 11,000 down the road to Manila.  They were busily engaged in short scouting missions, escort duty, and performing the usual garrison duties in Santo Tomas.  There was still a large body of insurgents in the Philippine Islands and some of the other troops had less peaceful lives.  The insurgents were guerrillas.  "The common soldier wore the dress of the country; with his gun he was a soldier, by hiding it and walking quietly along the road, setting down by the poorest house, or going to work in the nearest field, he became an amigo.  Full of good will and false information for any of our men who might meet him."
         In October 1901, when a group of insurgents captured 2 native carts, 20 men pursued the guerrillas, found the stolen items, and destroyed the village they were discovered in.  On October 22nd a detachment of Troop B and some infantry captured 5 insurgents on Mount Maquilling.  From November 18th to December 1st, 35 men participated in the Mount Cristobal Expedition, which struck at the insurgents supply base.  On March 15, 1902, 40 men of Troop B and a company of 5th Infantry killed 5 insurgents in a sharp fight on Mount Maquilling.  Again on the 19th, this detachment surprised insurgents on Mount Maquilling killing 4 this time.  On April 16th, the leader of the insurgents,General Malvar, surrendered.  This ended organized hostilities.  On April 26, 1902 the Regiment rode to Teal in Bantangas, P.I.  On July 6, 1903 the Regiment moved to Bantangas.  From there it went to Manila on August 3, 1903.

BORDER DUTY

         The First Cavalry moved back to Texas arriving at Ft Sam Houston, on September 29, 1903.  On October 1, 1904 the Regiment moved to Ft Clark, Texas where it remained for three years.  While there the Regiment provided troops to assist the city of San Francisco after their tragic earthquake.  Troop B moved there on May 11, 1907 and stayed for one month returning on June 9 to Ft Clark.  Now came another of the rare "quiet periods" for the First Cavalry.  They did not realize that they would see no further action for 35 years.

BACK TO THE PHILLIPINES

         In 1908 the Regiment pulled another two-year hitch in the Philippine Islands, this time at Camp Statenburg, Papangas, P.I.  On their return to the U.S. on February 12, 1910 A, B, D, and K Troops were assigned to the Presidio of San Francisco, California.  They then joined the Regiment at the Presidio of Monterey from December 14, 1913 to August 1, 1914.  Then things began to happen south the border, and on August 5, 1914 the Regiment shifted south to San Ysidro, California ten miles from the border.  On August 20, 1915 the Regiment moved to nearby San Diego as the tension eased.  On August 24, 1915 they moved to Calexico, California for their tour of border duty.  They remained there until May 15, 1917.  While stationed there Pancho Villa's raid across the border brought the tension in that part of the country back to a sudden boil.  General Pershing organized a punitive expedition into Mexico while the First Cavalry was kept on its border stations.  General Pershing was still south of the border when the U.S. entered World War I.  The people of the southwest were still jumpy and the war meant that the expedition would have to return.  When General Pershing did return, all of the National Guard that had been called up had to be released.  That left the First Cavalry all alone to cover the border.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Lineage and Honors 1st Squadron, 1st United States Cavalry (1st Regiment of Dragoons)

Constituted 2 March 1833 in the Regular Army as Company A, United States Regiment of Dragoons.

Organized 12 August 1833 at Nashville, Tennessee

Redesignated 15 May 1836 as Company A, 1st Regiment of Dragoons

Redesignated 3 August 1861 as Company A, 1st Cavalry

(Cavalry companies officially designated as troops in 1883)

(1st Cavalry assigned in December 1917 to the 15th Cavalry Division; relieved in May 1918 from assignment to the 15th Cavalry Division; assigned 20 August 1921 to the 1st Cavalry Division; relieved 3 January 1933 from assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division)

Reorganized and redesignated 16 January 1933 as Company A, 1st Cavalry, Mechanized

Reorganized and redesignated 15 July 1940 as Company A, 1st Armored Regiment, an element of the 1st Armored Division

Reorganized and redesignated 20 July 1944 as Company A, 1st Tank Battalion

Headquarters withdrawn 7 December 1992 from the Untied States Army Training and Doctrine Command and inactivated at Ft. Knox, Kentucky (Former 81st Reconnaissance Battalion concurrently withdrawn from the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry)

1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry(1st Regiment of Dragoons) Campaign Participation Credit

Mexican War Civil War

• Buena Vista *Peninsula
• Coahuila 1846 *Antietam

 New Mexico 1846                                                  *Fredericksburg
 New Mexico 1847                                                  *Chancellorsville
 Chihuahua 1848                                                  *Gettysburg
                                                                     *Wilderness

Indian Wars *Spotsylvania

• Modocs *Cold Harbor
• Apaches *Petersburg

 Nez Perces                                                  *Shenandoah

• Bannocks *Appomattox
• Pine Ridge New Mexico 1862

 California 1846                                                  *Virginia 1862

• California 1852 *Virginia 1863

 California 1860                                                  *Virginia 1864

• California 1868 *Virginia 1865

 New Mexico 1849                                                  *Maryland 1863
 New Mexico 1850
 New Mexico 1851                                                   War with Spain
 New Mexico 1854                                                  *Santiago
 New Mexico 1855
 New Mexico 1856                                                   Philippine Insurrection

• Oregon 1851 Luzon 1901
• Oregon 1853 Luzon 1902

 Oregon 1855
 Oregon 1856                                                  World War II
 Oregon 1860                                                  *Algeria-French Morocco
 Oregon 1866                                                  (with arrowhead)

• Oregon 1867 *Tunisia

 Oregon 1868                                                  *Naples-Folgia
 Colorado 1855                                                  *Anzio
 Arizona 1857                                                  *Rome-Arno
 Arizona 1859                                                  *North Apennines
 Arizona 1866                                                  *Po Valley
 Arizona 1868
 Arizona 1869
 Arizona 1870
 Arizona 1871
 Arizona 1872
 Arizona 1881
 Washington 1858
 Idaho 1879

• Montana 1887

Chief of Military History MEDAL OF HONOR WINNERS

SGT FREDRICK JARVIS Sergeant, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

TRUMPETER BARTHOLOMEW KEENAN Trumpeter, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT CHARLES KELLY Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

CPL NICHOLAS MEAHER Corporal, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action PVT EDWARD MURPHY Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

1SG FRANCIS OLIVER First Sergeant, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Bravery in Action

CPL THOMAS POWERS Corporal, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT JAMES RUSSEL Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action with Indians

PVT THEODORE F. SMITH Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT THOMAS SMITH Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT WILLIAM H. SMITH Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT WILLIAM SMITH Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT GEORGE SPRINGER Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

PVT THOMAS SULLIVAN Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action against Indians concealed in a ravine

PVT JAMES SUMNER Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action

SGT JOHN THOMPSON Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Bravery in action with Indians

PVT CHARLES H. WARD Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action with Indians

PVT ENOCH R. WEISS Private, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona 20 October 1869 for Gallantry in action with Indians

1SG RICHARD BARRETT First Sergeant, Company A, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Sycamore Canyon, Arizona 23 May 1872 for Conspicuous gallantry in a charge upon the Tonto Apaches

1SG JAMES BLAIR First Sergeant, Company I, 1st U.S. Cavalry in Winter of 1872-1873 for Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches

CPT JULIEN E. GAUJOT Captain, Troop K, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Aqua Prieta, Mexico 13 April 19 Crossing the field of fire to obtain the permission of the rebel commander to receive the surrender of the surrounded forces of Mexican Federals and escort such forces, together with 5 Americans held as prisoners, to the American line

1LT MOSES HARRIS First Lieutenant, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Smithfield, Virginia, 28 August 1864 in An attack upon a largely superior force, his personal gallantry was so conspicuous as to inspire the men to extraordinary efforts, resulting in complete route of the enemy.

SGT LEHMAN HINEMANN Sergeant, Company L, 1st U.S. Cavalry the Winter of 1872-73. Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches

BUGLER SAMUEL HOOVER Bugler, Company A, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Santa Maria Mountains, Arizona 6 May 1873 for Gallantry in action; also services as trailer in May 1872

PVT JAMES W. HUFF Private, Company L, 1st U.S. Cavalry the Winter of 1872-73 Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches

SGT HENRY J. HYDE Sergeant, Company M, 1st U.S. Cavalry the Winter of 1872-73 Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches

CPT JAMES JACKSON Captain, 1st U.S. Cavalry at Camas Meadows, Idaho 20 August 1877 for Dismounting from his horse in the face of heavy fire from pursuing Indians, and with the assistance of 1 or 2 of the men of his command secured to a place of safety the body of his trumpeter, who had been shot and killed

1SG MICHAEL McCARTHY First Sergeant, Troop H, 1st U.S. Cavalry at White Bird Canyon, Idaho June 1876 to January 1877 for Holding a commanding position with six men and held it with great gallantry until the troops fell back. He then fought his way through the Indians, rejoined a portion of his command, and continued the fight in retreat. He had 2 horses shot from under him, and was captured, but escaped and reported for duty after 3 days' hiding and wandering in the mountains

PVT MOSES ORR Private, Company A, 1st U.S. Cavalry the Winter of 1872-73 Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches SGT WILLIAM OSBORNE Sergeant, Company M, 1st U.S. Cavalry the Winter of 1872-73 Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches

1LT WILLIAM R. PARNELL First Lieutenant, 1st U.S. Cavalry White Bird Canyon, Idaho 17 June 1877 With a few men, in the face of heavy fire from pursuing Indians and at imminent peril turned and rescued a soldier whose horse had been killed and who had been left behind in the retreat

FAMOUS MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT

• COL HENRY DODGe. Fought against Black Hawk and became the first Commander of the Dragoon Regiment.

COL STEPHEN W. KEARNEY

PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS (CSA)

LTG RICHARD EWELL (CSA)

KIT CARSON

GENERAL J.J. PERSHING

MG ADNA J. CHAFFEE, Jr.

GEN JONATHAN WAINWRIGHT

COMMANDERS OF THE DRAGOONS REGIMENTAL COMMANDERS 1. COL HENRY DODGE 2. COL STEPHEN W. KEARNEY 3. COL RICHARD B. MASON 4. COL THOMAS B. MASON 5. COL CARLOS M. BEAL 6. COL GEORGE A.H. BLAKE 7. COL ARTHUR V. GILLEM 8. COL CUVIER GROVER 9. COL NATHAN A.M. DUDLEY 10. COL JAMES S. BRISBIN 11. COL ARABAN L. ARNOLD 12. COL THOMAS C. LEBO 13. COL ALMOND B. WELLS 14. COL MARTIN B.L. HUGHES 15. COL GEORGE S. ANDERSON 16. COL E.J. McCLERNAND 17. COL WALTER FINLEY 18. COL GEORGE K. HUNTER 19. COL FREDERICK S. FOLTZ 20. COL JOHN C. WATERMAN 21. COL FRANK B. EDWARDS 22. COL JULIEN E. FAUJOT 23. COL H.S. HAWKINS 24. COL J.W. WAINWRIGHT 25. BG PETER HANS 26. COL ROBERT L. HOWZE 27. COL A.V.P. ANDERSON 28. COL LEROY ELTINGE 29. COL CHARLES STOTDER 30. COL ARTHUT POILLON 31. COL CONRAD BABCOCK 32. COL JOHN S. FAIR 33. COL WILLIAM AUSTIN** 34. COL VAN VOORHIS 35. LTC ADNA R. CHAFFEE 36. COL BRUCE PALMER 37. COL ADNA R. CHAFFEE 38. COL HENRY W. BAIRD 39. COL A.D. SURLES 40. COL JOHN DAVIS 41. LTC PETER C. HAINS, III 42. LTC L.V. HIGHTOWER 43. COL KENT C. LAMBERT SQUADRON COMMANDER 44. LTC RUDOLPH BARLOW 45. LTC JOHN WAINWRIGHT 46. LTC A.J. SUMMERS, JR 47. LTC ROBERT L. LAUGHLIN 48. LTC JOSEPH A. FELBER 49. LTC LAWRENCE E. SCHLANSER 50. LTC JOHN S. DAVIS 51. LTC R.H. VOLLENDORF 52. LTC JAMES H. WEAR 53. LTC DONALD H. COWLES 54. LTC M.B. ALLEN 55. LTC JACK A BOULGER 56. LTC FRANK M. MULIER 57. LTC S.E. PORCHER 58. LTC BROCK H. FAULKNER 59. LTC DONALD W. MATHER 60. LTC JOHNNY S. SPENCER 61. LTC CLAIRE S. CURTIS 62. LTC WILLIAM D. MEARA 63. LTC CARL T. JOHNSTON 64. LTC JOHN W. HOWLAND 65. LTC JAY D. CARPENTER 66. LTC DUDLEY K. TERRY 67. LTC JOHN FAITH 68. LTC RICH FARRINGTON 69. LTC V.C. COUSLAND 70. LTC R.A. LAWRENCE * 71. LTC PHILLIP L. BOLTE* 72. LTC JOHN A. DURE, III* 73. LTC RICHARD GRAVES* 74. LTC COSBIE SAINT* 75. LTC SHELDON BURNETT* 76. LTC GENE L. BREEDING* 77. LTC RICHARD E. LORIX 78. LTC JAMES A. DOZIER 79. LTC WALTER E. NADER 80. LTC CHARLES A. JOLLEY 81. LTC W.G. YARBOROUGH 82. LTC JOHN F. JESZENSKY 83. LTC RONALD A. COPES 84. LTC KIM H. OLMSTEAD 85. LTC MONT C. MEIGS 86. LTC EMETT R. WHITE 87. LTC CHAS S. SPARKES 88. LTC WILLIAM A. REESE 89. LTC TERRY L. TUCKER 90. LTC PHILLIP K. COKER 91. LTC GREGORY A. STONE 92. LTC TIMOTHY D. CHERRY 93. LTC THOMAS J.J. SMITH

• INDICATES COMMAND DURING VIETNAM
  • INDICATES REVIEWING OFFICER FOR LAST HORSE MOUNTED REVIEW

http://www.history.army.mil/books/R&H/R&H-1CV.htm

153

THE FIRST REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.* By CAPT. R. P. PAGE WAINWRIGHT, 1ST U. S. CAVALRY.

The "United States Regiment of Dragoons" was organized by Act of Congress approved March 2, 1833, becoming the "First Regiment of Dragoons" when the Second Dragoons were raised in 1836. Its designation was changed to "First Regiment of Cavalry" by the Act of August 3, 1861. The first order announcing appointments in the regiment was dated March 5, 1833, and gave the names of the colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, four captains and four lieutenants, stating that the organization of the regiment would be perfected by the selection of officers from the "Battalion of Rangers." Headquarters were established at Jefferson Barracks.

The organization of the regiment does not appear to have been completed until June, 1834, the regimental return for that month naming the following officers:

Colonel Henry Dodge.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen W. Kearny.

Major Richard B. Mason.

Captains Clifton Wharton, E. V. Sumner, Eustace Trenor, David Hunter, Lemuel Ford, Nathan Boone, J. B. Browne, Jesse Bean, Matthew Duncan and David Perkins.

First Lieutenants P. St. G. Cooke, S. W. Moore, A. Van Buren, J. F. Izard, Jefferson Davis, L. P. Lupton, Thomas Swords, T. B. Wheelock, J. W. Hamilton (adjutant), B. D. Moore, and C. F. M. Noland.

Second Lieutenants James Allen, T. H. Holmes, J. H. K. Burgwin, J. S. Van Derveer, J. W. Shaumburg, Enoch Steen, James Clyman, J. L. Watson, and B. A. Terrett.

Brevet Second Lieutenants William Eustis, G. W. McClure, L. B. Northrop, G. P. Kingsbury, J. M. Bowman, Asbury Ury, A. G. Edwards and T. J. McKean.

Lieutenant Jefferson Davis was the first adjutant but resigned the staff position February 4, 1834, and was assigned to Company A.

In October, 1833, the five companies first organized were sent under Colonel Dodge to winter in the vicinity of Fort Gibson, Arkansas Territory, where they remained until June, 1834.

In June, 1834, the regiment was sent on the "Pawnee Expedition," during which, although it ended in September of the same year, one fourth of the officers and men of the command died of fevers. On the 6th of August, Colonel Dodge writes to Lieutenant-Colonel Kearny: "I have on my sick report 36 men, four of whom have to be carried in litters. My horses are all much jaded, and would be unable to return by the mouth of the Wishitaw and reach their point of destination this winter season. This has been

• An abridgment of Capt. Wainwright's "History of the 1st U. S. Cavalry."

154

a hard campaign on all; we have been for the last fifteen days living almost on meat alone. The state of the health of this detachment of the regiment makes it absolutely necessary that I should arrive at Fort Gibson as early as possible, as well as the difficulty of providing grain for the horses. I am well aware you are placed in a most unpleasant situation, encumbered as you must be with sick men, baggage and horses, and regret exceedingly that it is not in my power to help you."

For the winter, Headquarters with Companies A, C, D and G, were sent to Fort Leavenworth; Companies B, H and I, Colonel Kearny, commanding, into the Indian country on the right bank of the Mississippi, near the mouth of the Des Moines River; and Companies E, F and K, Major Mason commanding, to Fort Gibson.

Throughout the summer of 1835 all the companies of the regiment were kept in the field. The object appears to have been exploration chiefly, for no conflicts with the Indians took place. The regiment performed its duty thoroughly, as was shown by the letter of commendation sent by General E. P. Gaines, commanding West Department, to the regimental commander upon receipt of his report of operations.

Many letters written and orders issued about this time are of great interest and some are very amusing from the force of language used, showing great difference in military correspondence then and now; the court-martial orders are especially interesting on account of the peculiar sentences imposed.

During the year 1836 the general disposition of the regiment remained unchanged. The companies were employed in scouting among the Indians, especially along the Missouri frontier, a portion of the regiment going to Nacogdoches, Texas, for the purpose of keeping off white trespassers from the Indian country, and preserving peace between whites and Indians and among the Indians themselves; also in building wagon roads and bridges. During the winter the companies returned to their stations�Forts Leavenworth, Gibson and Des Moines.

Colonel Dodge resigned July 4, 1836, and was appointed Governor of Wisconsin. He was succeeded by Colonel Kearny. Major Mason was promoted vice Kearny, and Captain Clifton Wharton vice Mason.

The regiment was not engaged in the Florida war of this year, but Colonel Kearny, being called upon subsequently, reports, March 16, 1844; �"The only officers of the Regiment of Dragoons who died of wounds received or diseases contracted during the late contest with the Florida Indians are 1st Lieutenants J. F. Izard and T. B. Wheelock," and that no enlisted men of the regiment served there.

The circumstances attending the death of Lieutenant Izard are interesting. Being on his way from the east in January, 1836, to join his regiment, he heard at Memphis of Dade's massacre. He at once offered his services to General Gaines as a volunteer for the expedition then being organized in New Orleans for Florida, was appointed brigade major of the light brigade organized at Tampa Bay composed of the 2d Artillery, 4th Infantry and the Louisiana Volunteers, and had also the command of the advanced guard assigned him which he retained until he was shot.

155

On the 26th of February, 1836, the light brigade left Fort King for Ouithlacoochee, during the passage of which stream an attack by the Indians was anticipated. On the following day the place where General Clinch had his battle of December 25 was reached. Here a sharp skirmish took place and some men were lost. Having learned of a better ford below it was decided to take it. Izard, coming with his advanced guard to the bank of the river, posted his guard and went down the river alone to look for the ford. While wading in the stream he was struck by a bullet in the inner corner of the left eye, the ball passing out near the right temple. He fell, but called out while falling, "Lie still, men, and maintain your positions." He never spoke afterwards and died on the 5th of March.

First Lieutenant T. B. Wheelock left New York for Florida with a detachment of recruits in February, 1836. He distinguished himself with a portion of these recruits on the 10th of June at Fort Micanopy, and died at that post on the 15th of that month of a fever contracted during his service in Florida.

During the year 1837 the regiment was not called upon for any especially hard service. The usual scouting parties were sent out from time to time, and there were several changes of station, so that in June six companies were at Leavenworth and four at Fort Gibson.

The following extract from an order issued by General Gaines, commanding the Western Division, shows the high state of discipline prevailing in the regiment at this time.

"The First Regiment of Light Dragoons at Fort Leavenworth, recently inspected by the Commanding General, was found to be in a state of police and discipline reflecting the highest credit on Colonel Kearny�the exemplary commandant, �his captains and other officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers, whose high health and vigilance, with the excellent condition of the horses, affords conclusive evidence of their talents, industry and steady habits."

In March, 1837, a regimental order designated the color of the horses of each company as follows:�A and K, black; B, F and H, sorrel; C, D, E and I, bay; and G, iron gray.

In October, 1837, and again in March, 1838, serious difficulties were reported between the settlers and the Osage Indians, and companies of the regiment were at once sent to the disturbed regions. On the second occasion the rapidity of Colonel Kearny's movements and the sudden appearance of zoo dragoons in their midst appear to have had a very quieting effect on the Indians, for after his return to Leavenworth Colonel Kearny reports no further danger of trouble with the Osages.

In April, 1839, the post of Fort Wayne, on the northwestern frontier of Arkansas, was established for the purpose of keeping the Cherokees in subjection, and by the end of October Companies E, F, G and K, were stationed there. In this same month Colonel Kearny, with Companies A, B, C, H and I, scouting, visited the post, but in November returned to Fort Leavenworth having marched about 550 miles.

Except that Companies A, C and D, under Major Wharton, were sent to Fort Gibson in December for temporary duty, nothing of any moment occurred to the regiment during the remainder of the year.

156

Twice in March and once in September, 1840, the regiment was called upon to overawe the Indians, and the end of that year found the Headquarters with Companies E, F, H, I and K, at Leavenworth; C, D and G, at Fort Gibson; A at Fort Wayne, and B at Fort Crawford.

During the period 1841-45 there is little of interest to record regarding, the movements of the regiments. There was the usual detached service for companies, and changes between Leavenworth, Gibson, Wayne, Crawford and Fort Towson�on the northeastern boundary of Texas. The records show no engagements or excessive marches, except that in April, 1842, on account of some disturbance among the Cherokees, Colonel Kearny marched his command of five companies to Fort Gibson from Leavenworth, and then made a forced march of 57 miles to Fort Wayne in one day. The records do not show that these Indian disturbances amounted to anything; the Indians made no attacks on the troops and but few on the settlers; still it is fair to presume that the activity of Colonel Kearny and his dragoons held them in subjection, and by their timely arrival at points where trouble was imminent, overawed the savages and prevented bloody wars.

On May 18, 1845, Colonel Kearny with Companies A, C, F, G and K, left Leavenworth for an expedition to South Pass in the Rocky Mountains. The command reached Fort Laramie on the north fork of the Platte, June 14; marched to South Pass and returned to Laramie by July 13; thence via Bent's Fort on the Arkansas to Fort Leavenworth, where it arrived August 24, having made a march of 2000 miles in less than 100 days. In the order issued to his command after his return from this expedition Colonel Kearny says: "In the length of the march, the rapidity of the movement and the unimportant sacrifices made, the expedition is supposed to be wholly unprecedented; and it is with pride and pleasure that the Colonel ascribes the result to the habitual good conduct, efficiency, and attention to duty on the part of the officers and soldiers of the command."

At the end of the year Companies C, F, G and K, were at Leavenworth; A at Fort Scott; B at Fort Atkinson; D at Camp Boone, near Beatties Prairie; E and H in camp near Evansville, Ark.; and I at Fort Des Moines. The Headquarters of the regiment were at St. Louis, where they remained until April 23, 1846, when they were returned to Fort Leavenworth.

Colonel Kearny was promoted brigadier general June 30, 1846, and was succeeded by Colonel Mason. Major Wharton was promoted vice Lieutenant Colonel Mason, and Captain Trenor vice Wharton.

Very soon after the commencement of hostilities between the United States and Mexico, preparations were begun for the invasion of Mexican territory at various points. One expedition was to advance from the Missouri River west to Mexico, Santa Fé being its objective point. It was immediately determined, however, to push on with this column and occupy Upper California. General Kearny was placed in command of this "Army of the West," which consisted of Companies B, C, G, I and K, 1st Dragoons, two companies of artillery, two of infantry and nine companies of Missouri volunteer cavalry under command of Colonel A. W. Doniphan, in all about 1800 men. This command was concentrated at Bent's Fort on the Arkansas, from which point it marched for Santa Fé, August 1, 1846.

157

Some show of resistance to Kearny's advance was made by the Mexican governor of New Mexico, but Las Vegas was occupied on the 14th, and Santa Fé on the 18th of August without a conflict, the Mexicans retreating upon Kearny's approach. Leaving Colonel Doniphan in command at Santa Fé, General Kearny took up the march for California September 26, and encamped about 40 miles from San Diego December 5, where he was met by a small party of volunteers under Captain Gillespie, sent out from San Diego by Commodore Stockton to give information of the enemy, of whom there were supposed to be six or seven hundred opposed to Kearny's advance.

On the morning of the 6th, Kearny's command met and defeated at San Pasqual, about 40 miles from San Diego, a body of Mexicans under General Andres Pico. Kearny had at this time about 300 men, composed of Companies B and C, 1st Dragoons, and volunteers. The action was severe, the 1st Dragoons losing three officers,�Captains Moore and Johnston and Lieutenant Hammond,�and 14 men killed; and about all the dragoons were wounded, principally with lance thrusts. General Kearny himself received two wounds, Lieutenant Warren of the Topographical Engineers, three; and Captain Gillespie of the volunteers, three. Kearny was compelled to remain at San Barnardino until the 11th on account of wounds, but reached and occupied San Diego December 12.

General Wilcox in his History of the Mexican War says: "At dawn of day the enemy, already in the saddle, were seen at San Pasqual. Captain Johnston charged them with the advanced guard, followed and supported by the Dragoons, and they gave way. Captain Moore led off rapidly in pursuit accompanied by the Dragoons (mounted on horses), and followed, though slowly, by those on tired mules. The enemy, well mounted and superb horsemen, after falling back half a mile, halted, and seeing an interval between Captain Moore with the advance and the Dragoons coming to his support, rallied their whole force and charged with lances. Moore held his ground for some minutes but was forced back, when those in the rear coming up, the enemy were in turn driven back and fled not to rally again. Kearny occupied the field and encamped upon it.

"But few of Moore's men escaped without wounds. Captain Johnston was shot dead at the commencement of the action; Captain Moore was lanced and killed just before the final retreat of the Mexicans; Lieutenant Hammond was also lanced, surviving the wound but a few minutes; two sergeants, two corporals, and 10 men of the 1st Dragoons, one private of volunteers, and a citizen engaged with the engineers were killed."*

General Kearny with a force consisting of Company C, 1st Dragoons, (60 dismounted men) under Captain Turner, sailors and marines with a battery of artillery, and California volunteers, left San Diego for Los Angeles December 29. He reached and occupied Los Angeles January 10, 1847. The enemy under Governor Flores was encountered at the crossing of the Rio San Gabriel January 8, and on the plains of the Meza on the 9th, on

• In explanation of the remark "mounted on horses," it may be stated that, with a few exceptions, the Dragoons were mounted on tired mules which had been ridden from Santa Fé, more than a thousand miles.

158

both of which occasions he was routed with some loss. The loss to the Americans was one soldier killed, and two officers,�Rowan of the navy and Captain Gillespie,�and 11 privates wounded. With the loss of Los Angeles all resistance to the occupation of this portion of California ceased.

General Kearny had left Companies G and I at Albuquerque under Captain J. H. K. Burgwin. When Colonel Sterling Price (the successor of Colonel Doniphan in command at Santa Fé) learned of the seizure and murder at Fernando de Taos of Governor Bent and five others by the Mexicans (Jan. 20), he moved out against them with a force of about 350 dismounted men and easily defeated them, Jan. 24, at Canada. Captain Burgwin, with Company G, 1st Dragoons, also dismounted, joined him on the 28th, and the Mexicans, numbering about 500, were again encountered on the 29th in a cañon leading to Embudo, from which position they were driven out by Burgwin with a force of 180 men of Price's regiment and Company G. He entered Embudo the same day.

On the 31st, having united his force, Price moved towards the Pueblo de Taos, which he attacked February 3, but on account of its strength and the stubborn resistance offered, and more especially for the reason that the ammunition for the artillery had not come up, the attack failed. It was renewed on the following morning when Captain Burgwin, with his company of Dragoons and McMillan's of Price's regiment, charged, crossed the walls, and attacked the church, which, with other large buildings within the walls, was occupied by a large force of the enemy and was stubbornly defended. While gallantly leading a small party against the door of the church Burgwin received a mortal wound from which he died on the 7th. Company G sustained a loss in this engagement of one officer and 23 men killed. The Mexicans lost 153 killed and many wounded.

During the year 1847 regimental headquarters were still at Leavenworth and Companies A and E were with Taylor in Mexico. Company B was reorganized at Jefferson Barracks in May and sent to Albuquerque, N. M., being engaged while en route with Comanche Indians at Grand Prairie, Arkansas, June 26, losing five men killed and six wounded.

Company F escorted General Scott from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico and was present at the battles at and near that city. From November 1 to December 20 it was engaged on escort duty between the city and Vera Cruz.

Companies D and K, as well as F, saw service on Scott's line in Mexico, and in 1848 the three companies returned to the United States and were stationed at various points on the northwestern frontier.

During the year 1849 the regiment lost three men killed and two wounded (one mortally) in Indian skirmishes, the particulars of which are not obtainable.

Brevet Brigadier General Mason, Colonel 1st Dragoons, died at Jefferson Barracks, July 25, 1850, and was succeeded by Colonel Thomas L. Fauntleroy, promoted from the Second Dragoons.

For the next three years there is no record of any important engagement, march or duty, performed by the regiment; in fact, very little attention was given to recording really important fights.

159

On March 30, 1854, Lieutenant J. W. Davidson, with Company I and 16 men of Company F, had a sharp fight with Apache Indians about 16 miles south of Taos, in which 14 men of Company I and 8 of E were killed, and Lieutenant Davidson and 14 men wounded. The Indian camp was surprised and captured, the Indians escaping, but while plundering the camp the troops were in turn surprised by the Indians, who returned and took Davidson at such disadvantage that the command narrowly escaped annihilation.

Regimental headquarters were transferred to Fort Union, N. M., in July, 1354, and throughout the following year the companies in New Mexico were almost constantly on the move. Colonel Fauntleroy made three expeditions against the Utahs and Apaches, and Companies I and K went with Colonel Miles against the Mescalero Apaches. Meantime Companies C and E took part in the Rogue River war in Oregon, in which, at the battle of "Hungry Hill," the troops were compelled to retire with a loss of 26 killed and wounded, after fighting a day and a half.

The headquarters of the regiment were established at Fort Tejon, California, in December, 1856, with Companies H and I. At this time Companies B, D, G and K were at Camp Moore, N. M.; C at Fort Yamhill, Oregon; E at Fort Walla Walla, Wash.; F at San Diego, Cal.; and A en route to Benicia Barracks, California.

From this time until the year 1861 scoutings and skirmishes with the Indians were almost incessant, and portions of the regiment were always found where the fighting was going on. Four companies were present with Chandler's expedition against the Navajos and Apaches in March and April, 1856. In 1856 two companies took part in numerous Indian skirmishes in Oregon and Washington; one was with Wright's expedition to the Walla Walla country in April, and to the Yakima country in June; later in the year it was out with Colonel Steptoe.

In May, 1858, Companies C, E and H formed part of Steptoe's expedition northward to the British line which, on the 17th of May, met a force of about 800 Spokane and other hostile Indians and was driven back.

In August of the same year Companies C, E, H and I were with Wright's column, which administered a severe thrashing, September 1, to the Indians who had fought Steptoe.

Company D was in the, field in Arizona in 1858, and E in Oregon in 1859.

Colonel Fauntleroy resigned May 13, 1861, and was succeeded by Colonel B. S. Beall. By the Act of August 3 of this year the designation of the regiment was changed to "First Regiment of Cavalry."

During the months of November and December the regiment, excepting Companies D and G, was transferred from the Pacific coast to Washington, D. C., arriving at Camp Sprague, near that city, by the end of January, 1862.

At this time Companies D and G were at Camp San Christoval, N. M. They had abandoned and destroyed Forts Breckenridge and Buchanan and had taken station at Fort Craig. In January, 1862, they were General Canby's escort. Company D was engaged in a skirmish with rebels near

160

Fort Craig, February 19, 1862, and the two companies took part in the battle of Valverde, February 21. Company D took part in the engagements at Pigeon's Ranch, March 30; Albuquerque, April 25; and Peralto, April 27, 1862.

In June, 1863, the two companies were broken up, the officers and noncommissioned officers being transferred to Carlisle Barracks, where the companies were reorganized, joining the regiment at Camp Buford, Md., in October, 1863.

Colonel Beall was retired February 1-, 1862, and was succeeded by Colonel George A. H. Blake, Major Wm. N. Grier of the Second succeeding him as lieutenant colonel of the First.

The regiment, now under the command of Colonel Grier, was attached to the 2d Brigade, Cavalry Reserve, Army of the Potomac, Colonel Blake commanding the brigade.

It will be impossible to give in detail the part taken by the regiment in all the battles and engagements in which it participated during the Rebellion. Only the names of battles are given, with the casualties and such short descriptions as may seem of interest.

At Williamsburg, May 4, 1862, a portion of the enemy's cavalry was repulsed by a brilliant charge of a squadron of the regiment commanded by Captain B. F. Davis. A rebel standard was captured; 13 casualties. At Gaines' Mill, June 27, Lieutenant Robert Allen was dangerously wounded; casualties, 26. The regiment was present at Malvern Hill, July 1; Kelly's Ford, March 17, 1863 (loss ten men); and Stoneman's Raid in April and May. At the battle of Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863, the gallant Captain B. F. Davis was killed while in command of the 8th N. Y. Cavalry. At Upperville, June 23, the regiment met the "Jeff Davis" Legion and the 1st and 2d North Carolina regiments in a charge. The regiment suffered severely, Lieutenants Fisher and Moulton being wounded and captured, and 51 men killed, wounded and missing, a large proportion of the wounded being disabled by the sabre.

At Gettysburg, July 1 and 3, Lieutenant Trimble was wounded, and the loss was 15 men. The regiment lost two men at Williamsport and on July 6 charged the enemy on the pike road to within half a mile of Funkstown, capturing an officer and 13 men, and driving the enemy within their lines. The regiment was engaged near Boonsboro, July 7, 8 and 9, losing 14 men. At Brandy Station, August I, it repulsed the enemy in four charges, losing If men. With the Reserve Brigade it was then ordered to Washington to remount and equip. Camp Buford was established, where the brigade remained about a month when it was again ordered to the front.

The First Cavalry was engaged at Manassas junction and at Catlett's Station, November 5; Culpeper, November 8; Stephensburg, November 26, and Mine River. A cantonment having been established at Mitchell's Station the regiment was employed during the winter doing picket duty along the line of the Rapidan.

A reconnoissance to the left of the enemy's line was made, February 6, 1864, by the 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, the First Cavalry leading the advance. Sharp skirmishes took place near the crossing of Robinson River

161

at Hume's Ford on the 6th and 7th. On the 6th the regiment charged the enemy, driving him from the ford and capturing four prisoners, and continued the pursuit to within two miles of Barnett's Ford on the Rapidan. On the morning of the 7th the regiment, again in the advance, encountered the enemy in force at the ford. One squadron,�G and M Companies under Capt. Fielner,�made a charge to gain possession of the ford, but was met by a heavy fire from infantry in strong position on the opposite side of the river and was recalled with loss of two men and six horses wounded. On the 27th General Custer started on his raid to Charlottesville, and on the 28th, the First Cavalry being in the advance, the enemy were encountered in their camp near Charlottesville from which they were driven and the camp partially destroyed. On the return march the Rosanna bridge was destroyed by the pioneers of the regiment under Lieutenant Ogden. On March 1st, shortly after leaving Standardsville, the enemy charged the 5th Cavalry, which regiment, supported by the First, returned the charge, capturing 25 rebels and killing or wounding several of them.

On General Sheridan's taking command of the Cavalry Corps the First Cavalry, commanded by Captain N. B. Sweitzer, was attached to Merritt's Reserve or Regular Brigade, Torbert's Division, and in the preparation for the Wilderness campaign the regiment was employed in picketing the Rapidan, taking part in the battles of Todd's Tavern, May 7, and Spottsylvania Court House, May 8, during the first of which six out of the 16 officers on duty with the regiment,�Captain Sumner and Lieutenants Hall, Hoyer, Pennock, Ward and Carr,�were wounded. During the two days fighting ten men were killed.

The regiment accompanied Sheridan on his raid around Richmond and took part in the following engagements; Beaver Dam Station, May 10; Yellow Tavern, May ii: Meadow Bridge, May 12; Mechanicsville, May 12; Tunstall's Station, May 14; Hawe's Shop, May 28; and Old Church, May 30.

At the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, Captain Samuel McKee was mortally wounded and died on the 3d. Lieutenant Pennock was shot through both eyes, two men were killed and four wounded. The regiment accompanied General Sheridan on the Trevillian raid, and was present at the battle of Trevillian Station, June 11 and 12, on which days it suffered severely, losing Lieutenants Ogden and Nichols killed, and Captain Dunkelberger wounded. Three men were killed and 29 wounded or missing. The regiment was engaged in daily skirmishing during the return march to White House Landing, and was engaged with the enemy at that point on June 17, at the Chickahominy River on the 18th, and at the battle of Darby's Farm, June 28. At the battle of Deep Bottom, July 28, where the Regular Brigade, fighting on foot, routed a brigade of Confederate cavalry, a battle flag was captured by the First Cavalry.

On July 31, the 1st Division marched to City Point, embarked the next day, and was transported to Washington to assist in repelling the threatened attack of General Early. The regiment disembarked at Giesboro Point with its division, August 3, and went into camp near Washington.

On August 5th the movement to Harper's Ferry was taken up, the 1st

162

Division being ordered to the Shenandoah Valley under Sheridan. Harper's Ferry was reached on the 8th and the division moved on the Halltown road and camped. General Sheridan having formed his cavalry into a corps under General Torbert, General Merritt succeeded to the command of the division, and Colonel Alfred Gibbs to that of the brigade.

On August 10th a reconnoissance was made by the Reserve Brigade in the direction of Winchester, and the enemy's cavalry was engaged and routed. From this day until the close of Sheridan's operations in the valley, the regiment was engaged in almost daily fighting, and took part in all the important battles except Fisher's Hill, where it was otherwise employed as will be seen hereafter.

The enemy's cavalry was engaged, August 11, and driven several miles towards Newtown, but our cavalry became opposed to a heavy force of infantry and the entire First Division was put in on foot. The 1st Cavalry charged across an open plowed field and drove the enemy from the timber beyond, but were in turn repulsed by a heavy flank fire and compelled to take refuge behind rail barricades, which they held until dark in spite of persistent and repeated efforts of the enemy to dislodge them. Lieutenant Harris was wounded in this affair.

On August 13, Lieutenant J. S. Walker, the commissary of the regiment was killed by Mosby's guerrillas near Charleston, Va., while going to Harper's Ferry in the discharge of his duties. About this time also the regimental trains of the Reserve Brigade were captured and destroyed by Mosby. These trains contained the regimental and company records and the personal effects of officers. Several of the wagons belonging to the regiment were saved and with them some of the records. From August 16th until the 20th, the First Cavalry was employed, together with the whole of the 1st Division, in the destruction of all wheat and forage, and the seizure of all horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, accessible in the valley.

The 1st Division was engaged with Early's infantry near Charleston on the 21st, and on the 25th the 1st and 3d Divisions marched in the direction of Leetown, near which place a strong force of the enemy's infantry was encountered and defeated with the loss of many prisoners. On the 28th the Division marched again in the direction of Leetown, the Reserve Brigade leading, with the First Cavalry in advance. The Rebel cavalry was found in force beyond Leetown and a severe fight followed. Two squadrons of the First were deployed to the left and right of the pike and a third held in reserve. The deployed squadrons were driven back and the reserve squadron was moved into the pike in columns of fours and in that formation charged with the sabre. The enemy's cavalry, a full brigade, charged with the pistol, and, just before the two bodies met, slackened speed to deliver their fire, when Hoyer's squadron struck them at full charging gait and sent them flying to the rear. Our loss was tenor twelve men wounded with the pistol and the gallant Hover killed. He was shot through the body while leading the charge and died in an hour. The command of the squadron then fell to Lieutenant Moses Harris, and at about this time Captain E. M. Baker succeeded Captain Sweitzer in command of the regiment.

From the 5th of September until the 19th the First was employed on

163

picket duty along the Opequan and in harassing the enemy, �an arduous duty, with constant skirmishing and attendant casualties. Colonel C. R. Lowell, 2d Mass. Cavalry, "The bravest of the brave," now succeeded to the command of the Reserve Brigade, and the period of his command is described as the most brilliant in its history.

The First took part in the memorable charge of the Reserve Brigade at the battle of Winchester, September 19, and, in conjunction with the 2d Cavalry, captured two stands of colors and some 200 prisoners. The casualties of the regiment were 37 killed, wounded and missing, including Lieutenant McGregor wounded.

The battle of Fisher's Hill was fought and won September 22, 1864. On this day General Torbert, having been ordered to proceed with Merritt's and Devin's Divisions through the Luray Valley to fall upon Early's retreating army at New Market, in the event of his defeat at Fisher's Hill, found the forces of the rebel General Wickham strongly entrenched near Milford. Torbert's failure to dislodge Wickham and Sheridan's disappointment over the failure of his plan to capture, the whole of Early's army are matters of history.

On the morning of the 23d the ambulance train was attacked by some of Mosby's guerrillas near Front Royal, who were then chased by the First and Second Cavalry and a number killed and ten or twelve captured. Lieutenant McMasters of the Second was cruelly murdered, after capture, by the guerrillas, in retaliation for which several of those captured were hung.

Learning on the 23d of the victory at Fisher's Hill, Torbert returned with his command to Milford during the night, and finding the enemy's strong position abandoned pushed on until the enemy's cavalry was encountered near Luray early on the morning of the 24th and signally routed, narrowly escaping destruction. The First Cavalry took part in this engagement, and, September 28, in the action at Waynesboro, in which it met with a loss of 18 killed, wounded and missing.

General Sheridan having decided to withdraw his army to a defensible position nearer to his base of supplies in the northern end of the valley, commenced the retrograde movement on the 6th of October. General Rosser becoming emboldened by Sheridan's apparent retreat, took the initiative and so annoyed Sheridan that he determined to punish him, and the memorable battle of Tom's Brook, or "Woodstock Races," took place on the 9th. The entire management of the affair was given to General Torbet, and how well he redeemed himself for his failure in the Luray Valley by the ignominious rout of Rosser and Lomax is well known. The 1st Cavalry led the advance of the Reserve Brigade during the charge on the pike against Lomax's cavalry, from Tom's Brook to Edinborough�18 miles. The chase was continued by the 2d Brigade to Mount Jackson, 8 miles further on. The First Cavalry captured 4 guns, 4 wagons, and a number of prisoners, with a loss of two men "missing in action." It is related that some of the guns here captured were quite new, and had been marked "For General P. H. Sheridan, care of Jubal Early."

The First Cavalry played an important part in the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. After the surprise and defeat of Wright in the morning

164

a position was taken about one mile north of Middletown, which was held by the divisions of Merritt and Custer until Sheridan came up with that portion of his army which he had met flying to the rear, a defeated and demoralized mob. The First Cavalry was formed, one squadron to the left, the other to the right, of the Valley pike, dismounted, behind stone walls, the third squadron being held in reserve. This position was held with the greatest difficulty, the advanced squadron, commanded by Harris, being subjected to an enfilading fire. The personal example however, of the brigade, regimental, and squadron commanders, kept the men up to their places until the return of the Sixth Corps when the squadrons were mounted and joined in the pursuit of Early's beaten forces, which was continued on the 21st and 22d as far as Mount Jackson.

The regiment now returned to Middletown and during the fall and winter was engaged in numerous skirmishes and took part in Merritt's raid to, the Loudon Valley and Torbert's raid to Gordonsville. In December the regiment was assigned to duty at the headquarters of the Cavalry Corps in Winchester.

On the 27th of February, 1865, General Sheridan commenced his last expedition through the Shenandoah Valley, having for his object the destruction of the Va. Central R. R, and the James River Canal, and the capture of Lynchburg. Sheridan took only the Cavalry Corps and a portion of his artillery. The regiment was present with the Reserve Brigade and took part in the battle of Waynesboro, March 2, where the remnant of Early's army was captured. It was also engaged in many skirmishes during the march from Charlottesville to White House Landing while destroying locks and the embankment of the James River Canal, railroads and rebel supplies, and arrived at White House Landing March 17, taking part in the engagement of that day.

On the 27th of March Captain Baker was relieved from command of the regiment by Captain R. S. C. Lord.

The First Cavalry was present and took part in all the battles and daily skirmishes of the Cavalry Corps until the close of the war. On March 30th it was in the engagement on White Oak Road; March 31, at Dinwiddie Court House; April 1, at Five Forks. Here the regiment made a brilliant charge on an entrenched position of the enemy, which was carried and 200 prisoners captured. April 2, in the engagement near Southside R. R.; April 6, at the battle of Sailor's Creek; and April 9, at Appomatox,�the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. After the surrender the regiment returned to Petersburg where it remained in camp until April 24, when it marched with the Cavalry Corps towards North Carolina for the proposed junction with Sherman. On the surrender of Johnston's army the Corps returned to Petersburg and, the regiment, escorting General Sheridan, left for Washington May 8, arriving May 16, and taking part in the "Great Review."

In the same month the regiment was ordered to Louisiana, arriving at New Orleans May 31 and remaining in that city or its immediate vicinity until December 29 when it embarked for California via the Isthmus of Panama. It took post at the Presidio of San Francisco January 22, Com-

165

panies A, G and K going February 5 to Drum Barracks, where Companies C, D and E, followed them February 17, Company L going to Sacramento. In June of the same year regimental headquarters went to Fort Vancouver, W. T., and the several companies had been distributed through Oregon, Washington Territory, Idaho, California, Nevada and Arizona, no two being at the same station.

Owing to the vast extent of country guarded by the regiment its service for many years following was very arduous. Scouting for Indians and escort duty of various kinds were incessant. Hardly a regimental return fails to record some expedition or report some Indian fight. It will be impossible within the limits to which this sketch is confined to give more than their dates and localities.*

1866.

Headwaters Malheur River, Ore., July 18-20-22, Company I. Eleven. Indians killed and many wounded. Loss, one man killed. Near Camp Watson, Ore., September 2. Company I. One Indian killed and many women, children and animals captured. Expedition from Owhyee River in September. Company M. Many Indians killed. Loss, one wounded. Expedition from Fort Bidwell, Cal., October 22-29. Company A. Fourteen Indians killed, three women, four children, and entire camp captured. Loss, one wounded. Expedition from Fort McDowell, A. T., September 22-October 3. Company E and detachment of C. Fifteen Indians killed and 10 captured. Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., October 8-24. Company I. Three warriors killed, and 8, with all the women, children, stock and provisions captured. Sierra Anchas, November 17. Company E. Six warriors killed and 5 captured. Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., November 16-24. Lieutenant and ten men of Company I. Three Indians killed. Crook's expedition against Owhyee River Indians. Battle of December. 26. Company F. Thirty warriors killed. Loss of company, one killed and one wounded. Scout from Camp Wallen, A. T., December 9-15. Part of Company G. Three Apaches killed. Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., December 1-7. Twenty men of Company I. Fourteen Indians killed and 5, with 28 head of stock, captured.

1867.

Scout from Fort McDowell, January 7-9, and again January 27-31. Company E. Forks of Malheur River, Ore., January 9. Company F. Thirty Indians and 43 head of stock captured. Stein's Mountain, I. T., January 29. Company M. Band of 90 warriors attacked; 60 killed and 27 captured. Escort consisting of one officer and 21 men of Company E attacked by Indians in Arizona, February 23. Loss, one man wounded. Scout from Camp Independence, Cal., March 7-13. Twelve men of Company D. Twelve warriors killed or wounded. Dunder and Blitzen Creek, Nev. Horses and pack mules of Company H stampeded by Indians. The company was put afoot. Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., in May. Eleven

• It is my desire to publish a more complete history of the First Cavalry, and I will be only too thankful to receive data, descriptions of engagements, personal anecdotes etc. I can assure contributors careful perusal of their papers with proper entry, and that they will be given full credit for any information furnished. R. P. P. W.

166

men of Company I. One Indian killed and 3 captured. Scout from Camp Wallen, A. T., June 9-24. Company G. Three Indians killed. Malheur River, Ore., July 7 and 19. Company I. Four warriors killed and 22 captured. Silver River, Ore., September 6 and 16. Company A. Twenty-four Indians killed and 19 captured. Loss, two men wounded. Crook's expedition against hostiles of Oregon and northern California, August 23-October 5. Companies F, H and M. Company H in fight at "Infernal Caverns," near Pitt River, September 26 to 28. Indians completely routed. Loss of company, Lieutenant Madigan and four men killed and four men wounded. Scout from Camp Wallen, A. T., in December, Company G. One Indian killed and 4 captured.

1868.

Dunder and Blitzen Creek, Ore., March 14. Company H. Band of Indians exterminated. Lieutenant Parnell and one man wounded. Malheur River, Ore., April 5. Company F. Thirty-two Indians killed and 2 captured. Skirmish with Indians in Arizona, May 1. One man of Company C wounded. Scout from Camp Lyon, I. T., May 26-31. Eight men of Company M. Thirty-four Indians killed. Scout from Camp Harney, Ore. Fight on May 31 in which five Indians were killed and the remainder surrendered. Loss, one man wounded. Near Camp Reno, A. T., June 16. Four men of Company E killed while escorting mail. Morgan's Ranch, A. T., July 21. One man of Company K killed. Scout from Fort Reno, A. T., in July. Company E. One Indian killed; loss, one man wounded.

1869.

Scout from Camp Lowell, January 13. Company G., One Indian killed. and one wounded. Expedition against Arivaypa Apaches, February 2. Detachments of Companies G and K. Eight Indians killed and 8 captured. Expedition against Apaches in March. Company G. Three Indian camps of 105 huts destroyed. Fight at Mount Turnbull, A. T., April 29. Companies G and K. Twenty-eight Indians killed and 8 captured.

Fight with Indians in Arizona, May 11. Seven men of Company G. One man wounded. Scout from Camp Grant, May 22. Company K. Four Indians killed. Fights on Rio Pinto, June 2 and 4. Company E. Twenty-two Indians killed and 4 captured. Scout from Camp Bowie, June 30. Company G. Four Indians captured. Expedition to White Mountains of Arizona, July and August. Company L and detachment of K. Fifteen Indians killed and 3 captured. Pursuit of marauders of Cochise's band, October 8. Company G. Twelve Indians killed and stolen stock recovered. Fight with Cochise's band in Chiricahua Mountains, October 20. Company G. Twenty Indians killed and others wounded. One man killed and 1 wounded. Skirmish with Cochise's band, October 31. Companies C, G and L. Two Indians killed. Scout from Camp McDowell, A. T., December 9-11. Twenty men of Company E. Entire band of 11 Mojave Apaches killed.

1870.

Skirmish with Cochise's band, January 27. Company G. Thirteen Indians killed and two captured. Attack on rancheria in Tonto Valley, A.

167

T., May -25. Company E. Twenty-one Indians killed and 12 captured. Scout from Camp Grant, June 1-9. Company K. Thirty-seven Indians killed.

Skirmish in the Penal Mountains, A. T., August 1. Twenty-five men of Company K. Six Indians killed. Loss, one man killed. Penal Mountains, October 29. Company C. Four Indians killed. Loss, two men wounded.

1871.

Penal Mountains, January 1. Company G. Nine Indians killed. Scout from Camp Apache, A. T., February 16-27. Companies L and M. Rancheria of San Carlos Apaches attacked, capturing horses and destroying food and camp equipage. Scout from Fort Whipple, A. T., September 30. Company A. Seventeen warriors killed. Fight at Bad Rock Mountains, December 11, 1872. Detachments from Companies Land M. Fourteen Indians killed and many wounded. Attack on Apache rancheria, December 13, 1872. Detachments of Companies L and M. Eleven Indians killed and 6 captured. Scouts from Camp Verde, A. T., December 23, 1872; January 4, 1873; February 1-16, 1873; and February 18; March 7, 1873. Company I. Eight Indians killed, 3 squaws and 2 children captured. Engagement with Apaches May 6, 1873. Company A. Four Indians killed. Regimental Headquarters were transferred from Fort Vancouver to Camp Warner, Ore., in May, 1870, and thence to Benicia Barracks in October of the same year. Just two months later,�December 15, 1870,�Colonel Blake was retired from active service on his own application, and Colonel A. C. Gillem of the 11th Infantry was transferred to the First Cavalry in his stead.

The Modoc Indians were a small tribe living in northern California near Tule Lake and Lost River. Through the intercession of interested civilians orders were issued for their removal to the Klamath Indian Reservation. They went on the reservation, but, on account of ill treatment left it, and the War Department was then directed to carry out the orders. The Indians at once commenced hostilities and one of the most protracted and obstinate Indian wars of later years followed.

Company B left Fort Klamath, Ore., November 28, 1872, for the purpose of arresting "Captain Jack" and the leaders of his band of Modocs, and at daylight on the 29th surprised the Indians in their camp near Lost River, Ore. They refused to surrender and an engagement followed in which 8 Indians were killed and many wounded, and the camp, squaws, and property were captured. The company lost 2 men killed and 6 wounded, 2 of them mortally. The company then went into camp at Crowley's Ranch on Lost River opposite the Indian camp.

Company G from Fort Bidwell took station December 13, at Land's Ranch, Tule Lake, near the Indian stronghold. The Indians attacked this camp, December 21, and were repulsed, but not until 2 men and 5 horses had been killed. Company B now joined Company G and the two companies marched against the Indians, January 16, 1873, in conjunction with General Wheaton's column, with which was also serving at this time Company F and a detachment of Company H. The Indians attacked Companies B and G the same afternoon, but were repulsed, the companies losing

168

3 men wounded. The general engagement took place January 17, and lasted from 7.30 A. M. to 9.30 P. M., when the troops retired, going finally into camp at Applegate's Ranch, Clear Lake, Ore. The regiment lost two men killed and two officers,�Captain Perry and Lieutenant Kyle,�and 8 men wounded, one mortally.

The Indians attacked a wagon train January 22, driving away the escort, but Captain Bernard, 1st Cavalry, came up with reinforcements and the Indians were repulsed, losing one killed and many wounded.

Company K from Fort Halleck, Nev., joined the battalion February 18, which now consisted of Companies B, F, G and K, under Captain Biddle, who was soon succeeded by Captain Bernard. Colonel Gillem, 1st Cavalry was commanding the expedition, and Company H joined the column February 10.

During the night of April 14 the companies of the 1st Cavalry moved with the rest of the command to invest the Modoc stronghold, and in the "Second battle of the Lava Beds," April 15, 16 and 17, drove the Indians out of their position and into the rocks and mountains. The 1st Cavalry lost 2 men killed and 2 wounded.

On April 26 Companies B and F went to the scene of the "Thomas massacre" and brought off a number of the wounded and dead.

The same companies were attacked by Indians May 10, at Sorass Lake, Cal., but repulsed them with the loss of one warrior killed and 2 wounded. The command lost one killed and 6 wounded, 2 of them mortally.

On May 17 Companies B, G and K, with a battery (serving as cavalry) of the 4th Artillery, all under Major John Green, came upon a band of Modocs which they drove five miles, killing one and capturing several squaws and children. The troops followed the trail and on May 22, 70 Indians�men, women and children�surrendered. "Boston Charlie" was captured May 29, and on the 31st "Sconchin," "Scarfaced Charlie," and 27 other Indians surrendered.

Companies F and H were sent from Applegate's Ranch May 31 to follow up those of the Modocs who had eluded Green's command, and found them June 1st, when the whole party surrendered. With the capture of "Captain Jack," the Modoc war ended, and by the end of June the companies which had been engaged in it had returned to their proper stations.

The companies left in Arizona were moved north, and by the end of October, 1873, headquarters with Companies A and D were at Benicia Barracks; B at Fort Klamath; C at Camp McDermitt, Nev.; E at Fort Lapwai, I. T. -, F, L and M at Fort Walla Walla, W. T.; G at Camp Bidwell, Cal.; H and K at Camp Harney, Ore.; and I at Camp Halleck, Nev.

Colonel Gillem died at his residence in Nashville, Tenn., December 2, 1875, and was succeeded by Colonel Cuvier Grover, promoted from the 3d Cavalry.

On June 15, 1877, Companies F and H, under Captain Perry, were ordered to proceed to Camas Prairie to the assistance of the settlers of Mount Idaho, I. T., who were threatened by the Nez Percé Indians under Chief Joseph. Learning that the Indians were crossing Salmon River and could be taken at a disadvantage, the march was given that direction and Chief

169

Joseph's camp was found and taken by surprise, but the Indians quickly rallied and repulsed the troops with severe loss, Lieutenant E. W. Theller, 21st Infantry (attached), and 33 men being killed and two wounded.

All the companies of the regiment, except M at Colville and A at Camp Harney watching the Piutes, were now ordered into the field against the Nez Percés.

Companies E and L joined General Howard's command June 2l, and on July 1 surprised and attacked the camp of "Looking Glass" on the Clearwater, I. T. The village was entirely destroyed, several Indians killed and about a thousand ponies captured. On July 2 the same command attempted to form a junction with Company F, which was on its way from Lapwai. On the 3d the Indians ambushed the advanced guard, consisting of Lieutenant S. M. Rains, ten men of the battalion and two civilian scouts, killing them all, and were then found to be in such force and so strongly posted that it was considered imprudent to attack them. The junction with Company F was effected, however, on July 4, and the same afternoon the Indians attacked, the fight lasting until sunset. The battalion (E, F and L) joined General Howard at Grangerville, July 8. Company H had joined July 2, and the battalion was commanded by Captain David Perry.

On the 11th of July General Howard crossed the Clearwater with his whole command and moved down that stream with Company H in the advance. The Indian camp was discovered and at once attacked, the fight lasting two days and ending with the retreat of the Indians. Company B joined in time to take part in the fight on the 12th. The regiment lost 3 men killed and 4 wounded.

The battalion made a reconnoissance July 18, on the Lo-Lo trail, and the Indian scouts accompanying it were ambushed and met with considerable loss. One Nez Percé was killed.

Major Sanford's battalion, consisting of Companies C, D, I and K, joined General Howard on the Clearwater, July 28, and the expedition across the Lo-Lo trail began on the 30th. Companies B, C, I and K, under Major Sanford, accompanied it, and Companies D, E, G and L, with other troops under Major Green, constituted the " Reserve Column " which remained at Camas Prairie until August 5, when it moved near to Mount Idaho, and established a permanent camp called Camp Howard.

Companies F and H were stationed at Fort Lapwai.

General Howard's trying and "stern" march across the Lo-Lo trail, and the final surrender of Chief Joseph to General Miles at Bear Paw Mountains are matters of history. In the Indian attack at Camas Creek August 20, Companies B and L were engaged, losing one man killed and one wounded. At Judith Basin the battalion was detached from General Howard's command and directed to return, and all the companies had reached their stations by the end of November.

Company K and a detachment of C, attached to General Sturgis' command, took part in the engagement with the Nez Percés at Canyon Creek, M. T., September 13, 1877.

At the outbreak of the Bannock war in May, 1878, Company G was the first body of troops to reach the scene of hostilities, and Captain Bernard

170

reported that the Indians numbered from 300 to 500. They were moving towards Stein's Mountain, Ore. The whole of the First Cavalry was at once ordered into the field and Colonel Grover sent to Fort Boise to take charge of operations there. Companies D, I and K, were with him.

Companies F and L joined Company G on the Owyhee, June 17, and the three companies reached Camp Harney on the 21st, where they were joined by Company A. These four companies were designated the "Left Column" by General Howard.

On the morning of June 23 the Left Column struck the main camp of the hostiles on Silver Creek, and drove the Indians out of it and on to a cutbank, made by the creek, which had been prepared for defense. The action lasted into the night and in the morning it was found that the Indians had gone. Many Indians were killed and the camp was destroyed. The battalion lost 2 killed and 3 wounded. Company K joined the battalion June 27, and on the 28th the cavalry cut loose from the foot troops and pushed forward on the trail of the Indians. The fertile John Day Valley was saved in great part by this vigorous pursuit, and on July 5th General Howard overtook the command, arriving with it at Pilot Rock on the 7th. Here it was joined by Companies E and H. The Indian camp was located and at sunrise on July 8 Captain Bernard moved his battalion to the attack.

The Indians, about 300 in number, occupied the crest of the high and steep hills near Birch Creek, and were at once attacked. Captain Bernard giving the first example of fighting cavalry on foot without separating the men from the horses. All the companies, except A with the pack train, were deployed and used in the engagement, and the Indians were driven from three successive positions and finally four or five miles further into the mountains. Four men were wounded, one mortally, and probably 20 horses were killed. The enemy's loss could not be told; their women, children and best horses were sent off, seemingly towards the Grande Ronde, before the action began.

Lieutenant C. E. S. Wood, A. D. C., says: "The entire fight was closely watched by the general commanding, who desires to express his opinion that no troops ever behaved better or in a more soldierly manner than did the officers and men engaged in this encounter." The command camped for the night among the rough cañons adjacent to the battle-field.

Captain Bernard was now directed to take his command, except Company K, to Fort Walla Walla to refit. Company K was sent to join the infantry column and with it moved to the Umatilla Agency, near which the hostiles were reported to be. Here the Indians made an attack July 13. In the ensuing fight Company K held the right of the line and took part in the final charge by which the Indians were driven off the field and for three miles into the hills. At the request of the Indian Agent the command moved back to the agency that night, but two days later seven dead Indians were counted upon the battle-field.

Companies A, E, F, G, H and I, now under Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Forsyth, 1st Cavalry, left Fort Walla Walla July 13�the day of the fight at Umatilla Agency�in search of the Indians, who were found to be travelling in the direction of John Day River. On the 20th Forsyth's scouts were

171

ambushed, which caused a halt and deployment of the command, but when the line moved forward the Indians had gone. On the 22d the battalion reached 11 Burnt Meadows," where it was joined by Companies D and I, under Major Sanford, and on the 27th it went into camp at Malheur Agency to await supplies. The hostiles had now split up into many small parties which were followed up and nearly all ultimately captured.

During the months of September and October the companies were sent to their permanent stations, and the return for November 30 shows Companies A and E at Camp Harney, Ore.; B, D, F, K and M, at Fort Walla Walla, W. T.; C at Camp Bidwell, Cal.; G at Fort Boise, L T.; H at Fort Colville, W. T.; I at Camp Halleck, Nev., and L at Fort Klamath, Ore.

In the year 1881 Companies C, G, I and M were sent to Arizona, and on October 2, Company G, with other troops, was in action near Cedar Springs with Apaches. The hostiles fought with great boldness and desperation and the fight lasted until 9 P. M., when the Indians escaped. Company G had two men wounded and 12 horses killed.

On the 4th of October Companies G and I had a running fight near South Pass of the Dragoon Mountains, in which the hostiles were followed into Sonora, Mexico.

In October, 1881, the "Companies" began to be designated "Troops" on the Regimental Return.

Troop G returned to Fort McDermott, November 9; Troop I to Camp Halleck, December 27; Troop M to the Presidio of San Francisco, January 20, 1882; and Troop C to Fort Bidwell, April 16.

In June, 1884, the regiment was transferred to the Department of Dacota, after a tour of nearly 30 years on the Pacific coast, during the greater part of which time its stations were remote from civilization and its duties of a most arduous and thankless character.

Headquarters and Troops D, G 1, K and M, went to Fort Custer; A, C and F went to Fort Maginnis; E to Fort Ellis; H and L to Fort Assinniboine; and B to Fort Keogh.

Colonel Grover died at Atlantic City, N. J., June 5, 1885, and was succeeded by Colonel N. A. M. Dudley, promoted from the 9th Cavalry.

Conflict with the "Crows" came in the fall of 1887, and on the morning of November 4, Colonel Dudley left Fort Custer with Troops A, B, D, E, G and K, and Company B, 3d Infantry, with a section of Hotchkiss guns, to arrest "Sword Bearer" and the Indians who had fired into the agency buildings on the night of September 30.

On the 5th a demand was made upon the Indians for the surrender of these men, and they were given an hour and a half to comply with the demand. At the end of that time the battalion of the 1st Cavalry, with Moylan's troop of the 7th Cavalry on the right, moved out in front of camp. At the same time a 'great commotion was observed in the Indian camp, and "Sword Bearer" and another chief dashed out leading from 120 to 150 warriors equipped for battle. The Indians charged but were repulsed and fell back into the timber along, the river where they had dug many rifle pits from which they now kept up a constant fire. This fire was returned, and "Sword Bearer" was seen to fall, when all fighting quickly ceased. All

172

the Indians whose surrender had been demanded and who had not been killed were at once brought in and delivered to the Department Commander, who sent them to Fort Snelling. The cavalry battalion returned to Fort Custer on the 13th.

Colonel Dudley was retired from active service August 20, 1889, and was succeeded by Colonel J. S. Brisbin, promoted from the 9th Cavalry. On the 31st of December of that year Headquarters and Troops B, D, E, G and M, were at Fort Custer; A and L at Fort Maginnis; C, F and H at Fort Assinniboine; I at Fort Leavenworth; and K at Camp Sheridan, Wyoming.

In April, 1890, the Cheyennes assumed a threatening attitude and their agent called upon the commanding officer of Fort Custer for protection, who sent Major Carrol with Troops B, D and M to the Tongue River Agency where they established Camp Crook. In September a white boy was murdered by "Head Chief" and "Young Mule," and every attempt to arrest the murderers failed. On the 11th they sent word that they would attack the agency and on the 12th made their appearance on a hill commanding the agency buildings where they opened fire upon them. They were soon dislodged and killed.

The regiment took part in the operations against the hostile Sioux in the winter of 1890-91, but was not brought into actual contact with them.

In December, 1890, word having been received that a troop of cavalry was surrounded by hostile Indians at or near Cave Hills, Montana, Troop A made one of the most remarkable marches on record in going to its relief. It marched 186 miles, 95 of which were made in 25 hours, and 170 in 53� hours. The report which caused such tremendous exertion proved to be without foundation.

On the 22d of April, 1891, Colonel Brisbin was transferred to the 8th Cavalry with Colonel A. K. Arnold who had been the lieutenant colonel and now became the colonel of the First.

In 1892 the regiment was transferred to the Department of Arizona, relieving the 10th Cavalry. Headquarters and Troops C, E, F, H and K, going to Fort Grant, A. T.; B and I to Fort Bayard, N. M.; D to Fort Apache, A. T.; and G to San Carlos. Troop A was at Fort Meyers, Va., and was not moved. Since its arrival in Arizona the regiment has not been engaged in any serious Indian difficulties, although the several troops have been kept in practice in field work by that ever active and elusive " Kid," who has been responsible, for more movements of troops than any Indian ever known.*

• In the preparation of this paper I have confined myself almost entirely to the regimental records, but have received much valuable information from General P. St. George Cooke, Colonel A. K. Arnold, Major Moses Harris, Captain T. T. Knox, Captain F. A. Edwards, Lieutenant A. L. Mills and Lieutenant W. S. Scott, to all of whom I am very grateful.

R. P. P.W.

Return to Table of Contents Page updated 30 October 2002

Return to CMH Online