Claim: Quincy Adams Gillmore's first independent command came at the head of a cavalry expedition against Confederate General John Pegram where he lost due to inexperience.
Evidence: Though long associated with engineering and artillery, Gillmore's first independent command came at the head of a cavalry expedition against Confederate General John Pegram. Gillmore defeated the Confederates at the battle of Somerset for which he was given a brevet (military) promotion to colonel in the U.S. Army.