Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-03-02
The First Virginia Cavalry at Gettysburg

Morgan, who commanded the First
Virginia Calvalry during the civil
war, recalls an article he wrote for the
Philadelphia Times in 1888 on the
part his regiment took in the battle of
Gettysburg. The article was written
at the request Of Col. John B. Batch
elder, government historian, and the
following extracts will be read with
much interest, particularly by the
survivors Of the First Virginia. At
Ter making comparison Of the Union
and Confederate cavalry, and telling
of the march from Virginia to Gettys-
burg, the writer says
We were allowed to 60 into camp
early on the evening of the I'd in a
position somewhat protected by our
infantry, which had preceded our
march into Pennsylvania by another
and more westerly route, and had
penetrated that State as far as York.
Being much exhausted We were al
lowed a good nights rest. The next
day, the eventtul Sd, we renamed in
camp replenishing our ammunition
and grooming horses until about one
o'clock. This half day. inactivity
seemed to be participated in by the
entire army, as far as l could learn
a most fatal mistake that cost us the
fearful and immense loss we. sustained
in the afternoon, the disastrous ter
mination of the Pennsylvania cam
paign and the return of dispirited
army to Virginia. Had the cavalry
been in their saddle at daylight, strik-
ing for the rear Of the enemys posi-
ton, had the immortal Pickett led his
brave division up that fatal slope ear
ly in the morning and before the en-
envy had had time to concentrate and
fortify their strong position, the result
might have been different. We of the
South consider Lee the greatest mill
tary genius since Wellington. say
this in dispsragemsnt to none. But
results prove that great generals can
and do err. Moving out and forming
by regiments, our brigade was preced-
ed by the brigsdss of Jenkins and
Chambliss, which moved over toward
tn. left OF the infantry line. Ewells
Corps held the left of that line, con-
fronting the then entrencbed position
of the enemy on Seminary Ridge
The Second Virginia Infantry, Of the
Stonewall Brigade, held his extreme
left. The brigades of Jenkins and
Chambliss took position to the left and
the prolonsatiop Of the infantry line
Up to this time all was quiet. There
was not an enemy in sight on the left
flank, but this ominous lull preceded
fearful crash.
Dismounted sharpshooters from the
brigades of Jenkins and Chambliss
were at once formed and sent forward
connecting on the right with the IN
fantry. The brigade Of Fltz Lee was
halted in the rear of the left of Cham
bliss Brigade. Sharpshooters were at
once detailed, and, receiving an order
from General Lee to take command OF
the skirmi.hers and advance in a GER
tain direction indicated by his staff
officer, I at once formed and advanced,
having about one hundred and thirty
men in line. | struck out, leaving
both hanks exposed. At this time
there was not an enemy to be seen IN
my front. The plain was nearly Level
and open. with an occasional fence ex-
tending nearly mile iu sight, then
terminating. We had advanced about
three-quarters of mile in this dlrec-
ton without firing shot when we
were confronted by line of dlsmount-
ed Federal cavalrymen equal to my
own in extent, who opened on us with
a volley at close range from behind a
rail fence. My men instantly returned
their fire, when l ordered an advance
on their position at double-quick, do
ing good execution with our carbine'
We continued to advance, .kirmishing
with them some three or four hundred
yards. On approaching the woods on
my right l saw Federal battery
wheeling into position. 1t soon opened
on us with grape and canister. l at
once ordered the men to charge the
guns and shoot the horses of the Inn
bers. The men sprang forward with
yell and were soon among the guns,
which were deserted by their gunners.
I then discovered, about two hundred
yards back, along the woods, regi-
ment of Federal cavalry forming in
squadron front. Directing the men
to open on them, endeavored to run
the guns off by hand, having no
charges for them, when my attention