The free man's press., 1868-09-05
THE 1st TEXAS CAVALRY OF U. S. VOL
UNTEERs-Its History.
BY III. c. HUNT.

HCCt icIt NCW orleans ana sailed 10
Brazos Santiago Texas, arriving at thi
place after a dangerous voyage of ter
days. Owing to the lengthy passage
the vessel carrying horses, became short
OF water; which, together with the rough
weather, cause of many dying; while
others were thrown overheard to prevent
the boat from laundering.
The difficulties attending landing al
the Island, increas sed disorder among
troops, and loss of property to the Gov
ernment, including two Steamers and
three Schooners.
Most of the men and supplies were
placed upon lighters before being taken
over the bar. Horses were thrown over
doard that they might swim ashore; many
drowning in the attempt; by this and
previous losses at sea, the cavalry be-
came nearly dismounted. Upon landing,
the troops were sent to Brownsville, the
enemy having evacua ted that place with
out resisting, destroying all Government
property, and attempting to burn the
town.
The last act was prevented from being
carried ont by the timely assistance Of
citizens from Matamoras. The Texas
Cavalry upon arriving at this place was
in a very disorganized condition, conse-
quent upon the hardshlps of the sea trip
losses of horses, clothing Of men, Regi-
mental and company papers, and other
pupic property, all of which greatly en-
barrassed the command.
Notwithstanding the disordered con-
dition of the cavalry, those Of the men who
still had horses were at once sent Into the
field; being the only mounted force on
the Rio Grande all active service requir-
ed was doue by the Regiment and IN
manner that gained the confidence of
Gen. Dana, then commanding the Omitted
States forces on the Rio Grande." On
the 2lst OF November detachment of
the command, together with two pieces
Of artillery, were sent on an expedition
to Ringgold Barracks. This place, the
enemy evacuated without resistance.
AS it was not intended to permanently
occupy the post, being an unimportant
position, the F6ierais returned to
Brownsville, only capturing a quantity
of cotton as result of the trip.
At this time refugees came up INTO
the Federal lines from the interior of
Texas in large numbers, and four more
were soon added to me COM
nand by enlistments from class of men;
hereby completing two BattaIions.
During the time the command remain
I'd in Brownsville, it was almost con-
'tantly kept upon scouting service, 60
ng on distant and exhausting expedi-
ions over barren section of the count
Y, and doing effective service, Upon
he retreat Of Gen, Banks army, after
he Red River campaign, the lst Texas
Cavalry, with the exception Of two COM
,anes, were ordered to join it and proceed
0 Morganza, La; for this purpose, arri-
ing June 3Oth, 1864. Here the COM
nand formed a portion of the Cavalry
Division under Col. Davis; were imme-
lately re-equiped and prepared for fur
her services in the field. The detach-
aent retained in Brownsville was kept
ut in the surrounding country doing a
picket duty underthe most uEfa-
orable circumstances, having but few
len, poor horses, and a large area to the
uard. This being the situation, an eff |
lent out-guard could not be maintained;