Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-09-17
stuart and Gregg at Gettysburg.

since the memorable and important bat
tie of Gettysburg, between the Federal
army under Gen. Geo. G. Meade, ana
the Confederate army under Gen. K. +.
Lee, fought OH the Sd Of July, 1868,
MANY of the minor details OF that en-
gagement have been forgotten these
details contributed very materially to
the general result of important battles.
At the same time much remains to me
in the way OF thrilling adventures, wild
and exciting fighting, and hair breadth
escapes from capture and death, which
would be out of place here. What in
duced the Government Historian TO
make the request of me, subaltern oi-
ficer of the losing side, do not Know,
but in erdeavoring to comply with his
request, shall 5o strictly impartial in
detailing such events as transpired un-
der my own observation, as well AS L
can remember at this date, and give
them in my own language. Had the
Southern Confederacy been established
and recognized by the nations of the
world the history of its struggles, It's
achievements in arms, the genius OF Its
heroes developed by war, would have
composed bright page in the record OF
nations; but the reverse being the fact,
there is a general inclination among its
people to draw the curtain OF oblivion
over its misfortunes and failures, but,
nevertheless, facts should be transmit
ted to our descendants, who will eager
ly prize them. In this brief narrative
1 can only give history OF the hghtlng
of my own regiment and what trans
pred OH my right and left in the line OF
battle, for regimental commander is
required to be with and control the
movements of his men, and Is held
strictly accountable to his superior ofli-
Ger for the actions and behavior of his
regiment. Much has been written
about the battle of Gettysburg, as well
as every other battle fought by :he
Army of Northern Virginia-chiety by
Federal historians, much Of which has
contained exaggerated statements ana
distorted facts, for the ostensible pur-
pose of making heroes OF their faVoriteS,
aud giving to the world wrong impreS
sions of the true history of these event
full times. am ac;uated by no such
intention, but wish this simple state
ment to possess the merit of accuracy
and truthfulness. Much of the Federal
cavalry Of the Army of the Potomac in
1861 were inefficient, awkward and un-
couth-the laughing stock of both
armies. | have seen raw Dutchmen
strapped Oh their horses by straps
buckled around their waists and legs
and fastened to the saddle, and l have
witnessed in battle their horses going
to the rear with their dead or wounded
riders hanging by these straps to their
saddles. These defects, however, were
soon remedied. Well directed training
and discipline speedily developed them
into steady, cool and efficient troops. |
have heard that when an infantryman
distinguished himself for gallantry lie
was rewarded by being at once trans
ferred to the cavalry. This arm of their
service, handled by skillful and daring
officers, soon became important and
conspicuous, being well equipped, hav-
ing an abundance Of forage and re-
mounts to sustain them, while their in
fantry, confined at times for long peri
ods behind breastworks, became eau
tious. nervous and careful when fight
ing on open ground.
WHAT ALLIED TIE SOUTHERN CAVALRY.
Our cavalry retrograded after the de-
pleted campaigns of 1863, our govern
ment being too poor to furnish horses or
even feed them, and our general quar-
termastcr and commissaries too lnefr-
cient and worthless to sustain them in
proper manner; thus was contributed
one of the principal causes that deter
mined and hastened the end. | wish to
say here, in all candor, that | consider
the cavalry commands Of the Army OF
the Potomac a sIperb body OF lighting
men, led by brave and skillful officers.
They contributed much more than their
proportion TO the downfall Of the Con
federacy. The regiment that | was at
tached to WAS the First Virginia Caval-
ry composed Of nine companies OF Vir-
ginians and one company Of Maryland
ers, as dashing and gallant men as ever
poised a blade. This company, then
under the command OF Lieutenant Col
onel Gus Dorsey, struck the very last
blow for the expiring Confederacy at
Appomattox. This was the first caval-
nv regiment formed in the Shenandoah
Valley, and the Army Of Northern Vir-
ginia, which, with the Second, Third
and Fourth Virginia Cavalry, composed
the brigade of General Fiizhugh Lee.
This was unquestionably the best equip
ped in the Confederate cavalry corps.
These Virginians were among the first
to volunteer in the service OF their
country, were knightly, and courage
Gus, and were led by brave and in-
trepid officers. They were prompted
only by patriotic motives, and fought to
the death, with blasted hopes and Bit
ter reflections. The campaign OF 1868
had opened early and vigorously, If,
indeed, the preceding campaign had
any cessation, for it was difficult to de-
termine just when the one ceased or the
ether commenced. The cavalry Of both
armies were constantly confronting
each other. During the man9uverlng