The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-17
The First Maine Cavalry with fitzpatrick.


Whatever opinion may be entertained of the
design, feasibility, or result of Gen. Kilpat-
ricks recent raid to Richmond, none will
deny that il demanded men of the very best
material, and was fraught with dangers, which
at almost every moment required decided and
courageous action, While we are so eagerly
eulogizing The Hero of the expedition,
which was a brilliant achievement, though Its
design was not accomplished, we may do well
to consult the record for instances of fortitude
and intrepidity wherever they can be found
among the hundreds OF heroes who did the
fighting and bore the brunt of conflict during
those six days of sharp skirmishing and al
most incessant riding. Gen. Fitzpatrick knew
the men he needed and as usual when "picked
men" are wanted. a large part of the 1st
Maine Cavalry found themselves among the
detailed.
1t Is not the purpose of the writer to give
an account in detail of this regiment wish
II might be done, but am proud to state that
what know is desired from members Of other
commands, who were there, aud is therefore
by It's own members, as most of the accounts
of these "braggadocio, fillibuster, all-bluster''
regiments originate. AS son of Maine ,sery-
ing in different military department, the
writer is delighted with the account given
him, and believes 1t will be a source of pleas
LIST Maine belongs, to know what an enviable
reputation they have won. The writer feels
Just as he did last summer when listening TO
an account of a cavalry fight at Aide. As
the train of ambulances passed our camp,
halted a tall, lank, honest looking Western
soldier to learn the particulars. Regiment
after regiment" sad he, chad again and again
charged the rebels behind their stone wall
breast work and were driven back, but when
Fitzpatrick put that LIST Maine in they routed
them" "There is the Colonel's horse" he
added, pointing to the animal that, few
hours before, bore the brave old soldier to a
sudden though glorious death.
As, on almost every battlefield since the
first Bull Run, the hardy sons of Maine have
done honor TO the commonwealth, so in this last
brilliant Scamp de grace they were permit
ted to add new lustre to their own name and
the military history of the good old "Dirigo'
State. A part of this regiment was detailed
with Col Dahlgren to enter the rebel strong
hold. They fought their way inside the first
line Of the fortifcations, and into the very
suburbs of the city, never faltering till dark
ness aud an overwhelming force of rebel in
fantry rendered the effort futile, when they re-
luctantly retraced their footsteps They were
obliged to fight their way back to the main
column, ard how well they did the fact that
fifty men, out of one hundred and fifty taken
on this expedition, were left behind, either
killed, wounded or taken prisoners, attests.
These facts, derived from those who might
well he jealous of such honors. should only in
crease our pride of this veteran regime mt
They are not the men to boast OF their own
gallantry. Like the heroic band at Their
mopyle, they make their record on the field
of action, not by an hired herald in the col
umns of some wellpaid newspaper. They
prefer to let the good citizens OF Maine who
would know the history of their career, search
1t out on the headboards of the fallen; from
the hospital records where their wounded
have been nursed to health, or have sweetly
fallen Ito sleep the sleep that knows no wax
ing" In the arms OF grateful nation, and
around the hearthstones of the bereaved.
May the Second Maine win as enviable
reputation among the national forces.