The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-12-20
THE 18Th LII. CAV.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The question
is often asked, Why does not some one write up
the 18th Ill. Cav? Undoubtedly the reason is
that everybody thinks somebody else will do
it. ] think that Gen. ii. 3. Dox or Capt VIM.
H. Redman would be the men for the task; but
as no one else viii attempt it, ! will make
feeble effort toward doing so. The 18th iii.
Cav. was organized at Camp Butler in February,
1862, and remained there guarding rebel prls-
oneTs until June %, when it was sent to Mar
tinsburg, Va. While in camp at Sharpsburg
the 10Th was reinforced by two companies
called McClellan's Dragons, which had been
doing duty as a bodyguard to the General-in-
Chief This increased the regiment to 10 COM
panies. The 18th was then assigned TO Gen.
AverelI's Brigade, and was on numerous raids.
After Gen. Mcclellan was relieved the regiment
was sent to WilliamspoTt In November 1t was
assigned to Gen. Sigels Corps, and acted as his
escort. The 18th performed q conspicuous
part in the celebrated Stoneman raid. it was
at the battles of Martinsburg Bunker Hill.
Darkesville Dumphries, Tuustall Station, and
numerous other battles and skirmishes. 1t was
in the cavalry battles which occurred at Fall
ing Waters, the Rapidan and at Stevensburg,
in all of which it acquitted itself with its usual
bravery. On the Goth of November, 1863 it
was relieved from duty with the Army OF the
Potomac, and ordered home to reorganlze as
veterans. This distinguished privilege was
for brilliant services in the field. On the 28th
of November, 1868 the regiment reached Chi
cago, and was received with patriotic admira-
tion and enthusiasm. The regiment was soon
filed numbering 1856, officers and men, and
reassembled at Camp Fry.
Feb. 8, 1864, the regiment started for st.
Louis. arriving there on the 10th. March 16
we started for New Orleans, arriving there on
the oath. In a short time it was ordered to
mi Is hp cd
River, and we returned to New Orleans 1t
was ordered TO do picket duty on the Lafourche
from Donaldsonville to ThibodeauX, cOntinu
ing on this line from June IA to Oct. 9, 1864,
when we went to Baton Rouge and joined Gen.
Lees Cavalry Division. While there it was
actively employed in scouting and picket duty.
In November, 1864, it made an expedition to
Liberty, Miss, where we had severe en-
gagement, driving the enemy and capturing
number of prisoners, cannon and small-arms.
We then started on the Gen. Davidson expedi-
ton against Mobile Nov. p, and arrived at
West PascagOula on the 18th of December;
then went to New Orleans, and returned to
Baton Rouge on the 30th of December. Jan.
%, 1865, the regiment was a part of a raiding
party through southeastern Arkansas, which
lasted Is days, returning to Memphis Feb. 10
March II the consolidation with the 4th Ill.
Cav. was completed. June 10 we started for
Alexandria, La, to join Gen. Clusters Cavalry
Division, arriving there the Gath of June. July
2S we witnessed the shooting of William Will
son. The Sth of August we started for Texas;
arrived at Hampstead Aug. 90, and arrived at
Houston Sept II, where the camp of the regi-
ment was located until mustered out On the
Doth day of May, 1866, we started for home,
and arriving at Camp Butler, received our dis
charges and final pay June is, 1865. w.
BARROW, Cos. K and f, 18th Ill. Cav, Genoa
Junction Wis