The National tribune., 1903-07-09

tive" hoping thus to attract the eye and
cheer the heart of some surviving comrade
of the old regiment who may remember the
youth who, as Adjutant, so often formed
the companies into regimental line of bat
tie in the long ago.-N. w. PULsIFER,
2139 Natrona ST., Philadelphia, Pa.
Nottoway Court House, Va,
April Is, 1865.
Editor Cincinnati Commercial-Dear
Sir: For the benefit of your readers who
are interested in the affairs of the 18th
Ohio Cav, have the honor to transmit
herewith a short account of our expert
paign just closed. In the grand final
struggle resulting in the surrender of the
rebel Army of Northern Virginia, and
which is virtually the death blow to the
great rebellion, the cavalry has not only
performed prominent part, but has been
the great right arm of our military power.
which has forced upon Southern pride and
arrogance it's final and complete -humilia-
ton.
The 18th Ohio Cav enjoys the proud
satisfaction of an active participation in
the stirring scenes of this memorable cam
paign, and liberal share Of the honors
has been freely awarded by all other par
ticipating organizations. The regiment,
numbering 313 men and IL officers, left it's
Winter quarters near Petersburg with its
brigade March 30. Time and space requi-
site might not justify detailed account
of the operations of the regiment since that
date. Suffice it to say that it skirmished
with, charged and fought the rebels and
engaged in pursuing their retreating forces,
making long and very rapid marches
through woods and swamps, often obliged
to stop and corduroy" the latter to save
our horses from miring in the black mud
and over the most miserable roads imagi-
nable; and this was the daily program in
cessantly from the time of leaving Peters
burg to the morning of Lees surrender.
On March 80 the regiment was engaged
near Dinwiddie G. H., driving that por-
The 1st n. G.. Cav across Stony Creek,
holding its position against sharp fire
for some 20 minutes after it's ammunition
was nearly exhausted, losing two killed and
33 wounded. Omtting minor details of
scouts, skirmishes, etc., their next i'm
portant encounter with the 'sJohnnies' was
on the Il. & d. II. r. beyond Jetersville.
While our cavalry was9 moving on the
enemy the Second Brigade 6f our division,
being on the right, the rebels attempted to
flank us by coming in on eur right and
rear for the purpose of capturing prisoners
and artillery; the 18th wasrsent to inter-
cept them, and having discovered them
crossing through fence. promptly charged
them with the saber, driving them
back and capturing several prisoners and
their battlefag, supposed to be that of the
4th Va. Cav. This was gallant and success
full affair, and elected the 'warmest COM
mendation from Brigade and Division
Commanders for the gallantry and skill of
Col. Clark, in conducting the charge, and
for the bravery of the men under his COM
mand.
On April the regiment was selected
by Gen. Crook, commanding Second Di-
vision, to report to Gen. Gregg for special
service, and by the latter was ordered to
charge and burn rebel wagon train be-
longing to Gen. Fitzhugh Lees headquar-
ter's. The charge was made with dash,
and in spite of strong opposition from the
rebel cavalry guarding the train, 40
wagons were fired, the regiment losing one
Lieutenant and 10 men captured. Hav-
ing accomplished this, the regiment re-
joined It's brigade and led in charge
which soon followed, and in which the
enemy were severely punished and quite
number of prisoners were taken by the
regiment, among others Brig. Gen. Corse,
a brigade of Pickett's Di-
vision, and two of his staff. The three
latter were personally captured by Serg't
Carson, of Co. /, 18th Ohio.
On April the 18th led the advance in
pursuit of the retreating foe, and partic-
pated in the charge. which resulted in
the capture of Farmville.
On April s our forces pushed on to near
Court House, and nOtwith-
standing the wearisome march of the day
over the most horrid roads imaginable the
regiment remained in the saddle all night.
When morning came the disposition of
our forces around Lees Army induced that
MI fItln n nlIn n of fn It,rl,
our lines near where the p. & l.. r. r.
comes into Appomattox Station. His ad-
vance met with warm reception from our
cavalry. who held them in check for a con-
siderable time. The 18th Ohio was the
only regiment in the fight mounted, and
lost a number killed and wounded. The
masses of rebel infantry at length COM
PEELED our cavalry to retire, which they
lid slowly and in splendid order until the
advancing rebels came upon our heavy in
fantry reserve, when they were repulsed
with great loss. This was the last great
effort of the Army of Northern Virginia,
md Lees surrender soon followed. The
excitement of battle over, men and horses
exhausted by the labors Of the fortnight's
lay down and slept.
1t is but repeating the often-expressed
sentiments of officers and soldiers con-
lected with the Division to say that the |
.or bravery, energy and dash unsurpassed |
Dy any regiment in the Army of the Po- |
.omac.
To the efforts and example of its present |
Commander, Col. S. II. Clark, the regiment |
s largely indebted for its present name |
md position. He has ever taken the deep |
,st interest in the welfare and advance
nent of the 18th, and is universally re-
'pected and beloved by officers and men,
md all under his command regarded him
rs emphatically "the right man in the
light place" We believe Col, Clark to be
IS brave an officer as ever ,wis3ded a saber,
'raye even to fault. Hffe never even
ivoids exposure. but where, Hangers are
hickest there he may he found cheering on |
lis men, who would follow him to the very
avs of the fiery pit. Although we have
'ften seen his clothes pierced. with bullets,
md once saw his horse slibt beneath him.
We feel thankful to say he has passed |
through the fiery ordaai % battle un-
larmed.-N. WARREN PULsrFER. Captain
20. I. and Acting Adjutant 18th Ohio Cav.
Neither Meant Anything.