During 1862, the First Virginia Cavalry participated in the Seven Days Battles and Stuart's ride around McClellan. The regiment then participated in cavalry clashes at Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church, and Cold Harbor.