The National tribune., 1899-12-07

was accredited 10 that State, but it was
mutually agreed between officers and men
that the regiment should be denonlinated
the Harris Light Cavalry in honor of Sena-
tor Ira Harris, of New York, who had been
largely instrumental in placing it in the
field
The first companies recruited for the
regiment Were mustered into the service
at New York City early in the month of
August, 1851, with j. Mansfield Davies
as Colonel; the remaining companies were
mustered in at Washington the latter part
OF the same month. A few days later
Judson Fitzpatrick. of New Jersey, was
commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. Both
Dawes and Fitzpatrick We're graduates from
West Point, the former son of Charles
Davies, the distinguished mathematician,
and for several ye2rs Professor of Mathe-
mates at West Point; the latter, who soon
became the idol not only of his own regi-
ment, but the entire Cavalry Corps, was the
Son OF New Jersey farmer, and was born
near the village OF Deckertown in 1888.
COL. JUDsoN FITZPATRICK.
1t was quite in keeping with everything
about Fitzpatrick that he should choose
the cavalry as vehicle for his high am
bltlon and noble patriotism. Such ener-
gles as his could scarcely be content with
less dash or briiiisnce of action. The
vi NdT career WAS OF
romance, and his previous life indicated
an unusual range of abilities. He first
inquired as youthful orator, speaking i'm
favor OF Congressional candidate with
all the warmth and enthusiasm of his
ardent nature
Then we see him at West Point. from
winch he graduated 18th in his class and
is given the honor of valedictorian The The
day OF graduation is hastened a few months
by the startling guns of Sumter. which
proclaim treason rampant and fire all
loyal breasts with a desire TO rush TO the
rescue OF their country's beloved flag.
Inc Impatlence and enthusiasm of Kill
patrick could not be restrained, and through
ms influence petition was signed nv AZ
OF his class TO be allowed to a5raduafa at
once and go to the front. The rennest
was granted, and that day was ona Of es
peclal significance at West Point. for tha
hltie chapel where had rung ont the words
OF his farewell address also witnessed fbe
Sacred ceremony OF his marriage with the
iaoy OF ms love- and on that evening the
young soldier and his bride started for
Washington and the front.
:oooil aIter fitzpatrick was given Can
talhcy IN Duryea's /ouaYes, and foupbt
ms iirst battle at Big Bethel. June IL 1SSI
ne ied the advance, and III the first cha rpe
received n grapeshot wound in his thinb.
pu., tIough covered with blood, he led his
men IN several subsequent cbarpes and
was hnally borne from the field faintina
with exhaustion. i"iii'iiis
Aller inns engagement he returned IN
new YORK, and a little later was co,nnis.
stoned Lleutenant-ColoncIo of the ID N "
CAV, with which he was closely Identified
uiiiIi ms transfer to the command of tho
cavalry under Sherman in the Spring a,
1864. 'piiiis ol
OVER LONG BRIDGE.
Tho
were drawn together about q mile east n
the Old Capitol at Washington AnG %
1851, and the appearance OF KiIpatrick :.
lew days later was the signal for n series n
mounted and dismounted drills which
soon put us IN condition to take the field
AT O'Clock on the morning of Oct. IL
1ool, tie harris Light" broke camp. anr
marching through Washington. crossed
the famous Long Bridge over the Potomac
ana moved forward to Munson's Hill II
fuiI view OF the enemy's outposts Uer,
new camp was established which wa,
called Advance" For the first time on
horses remained saddled through the nigh
and the men slept under arms . -
During the Winter OF 1861 the 2d " V
Cav, with other cavalry regiments. was on
camped at Arlington. opposite Washing
ton. The Winter was one of preparation. ne
operation, and the large plain between th.
Arlington House and the Potomac was wei
trodden by loyal feet. On this plain Davies
Fitzpatrick, and Duffie began to develoI
their soldierly qualities, infusing then
into their commands and imparting tha
knowledge of cavalry tactics which WA
destined to prepare US for the duties of tn
field.
In the movement on Manassas, March 8
1862, squadron of the Harris Light
acted as escort to Gen. Mcclellan, while tn,
remainder of the regiment. acting as ad
vance-guard of the Union column, drov,
In the rebel pickets. and was first TO ente
their camps at Centerville On the follow
Ing day we moved to Catlett Station, wher,
we We're encamped until April IL.
BRILLIANT NIGHT ATTACK.
When Mcdowell advanced to Falmouth
on the Rappahannock the Harris Ligh
was again at the front, and in conjunction
with the 1st Pa Cav, under Col. Bayard
mace a brilliant night attack on Falmouth
Highs, defeating the Confederate force al
that point and 2pturing the place. For this
dashing achievement Fitzpatrick and his