Transported with his regiment to Bladensburg, Maryland on September 12, he was equipped with a sabre and pistol, put through basic training and then assigned, with his regiment, to duties related to the defense of Washington, D.C. until March 10, 1862 when the 6th U.S. Cavalry was moved, by way of Fairfax Court House, Centreville, Manassas, Bull Run, and Alexandria, Virginia, to Fortress Monroe. Attached to the Army of the Potomac, the 6th U.S. Cavalrymen were then assigned to the Peninsula Campaign. After fighting in the Battle of Williamsburg (May 5), they participated in the Siege of Yorktown and other interactions with the enemy during the spring and early summer of 1862, including operations at Mechanicsville (May 24) and the Battle of Hanover Court House (May 27). Facing off against the forces of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart in June, they then participated in Union operations at Falls Church, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Middletown, the Battle of Charleston, the Leesburg expedition, and operations at Waterford, Charleston, Hillsboro, Philamont, Uniontown, Upperville, Barber's Cross Roads, Amosville, and the Rappahannock. Stationed at Belle Plain from November 24 until December 12, they then marched toward Fredericksburg, engaged briefly with the enemy, and made camp near Falmouth the following day.