The National tribune., 1904-08-11
THE 5th N. Y. CAV.
Recruit Put In About Two Years Very
Busily.

Comrade NJ. B. Balcom, Co. B, 9th. n.
Y. Cav. writes: l was born in Hubbard
Mass, writes: Il was born in Hubbard
ston, Mass, but removed to New York
State when young, living near Lake
George. enlisted at Ticonderoga in
1868 as recruit in an old regiment and
worked my way to Quartermaster-S Ser
Station, Va. My first hard service was
in Kilpatrick's Raid on Richmond in the
Winter Of 1864. 1t was a terrible strain
on both men and horses. We got into
the outskirts of the city, but had to get
out Moved down the Peninsula to York
town; from there, after n short rest, to
Portsmouth, Va; thence back to Alex
our starting place, Stevensburg.
I'VE crossed the Rapidan May 4, 1864,
in the advance, and went to Parkers S
Store, where very early next morning the
rebs attacked us and drove us back some
distance to our infantry: asntry; It, It took ok. them
e-quarter of the regiment. We fought
dismounted. We We're about the last to
leave there when the army moved south.
We were on all sides of the army from
then until we crossed the James River.
We were fighting, or in hearing OF guns
nearly every day for the next six weeks.
Near White Oak Swamp my company
lost eight men out Of 26 in about five
minutes They were lying down in dense
woods, waiting for us. After crossing
the James we rested men and horses a
short time, then started, June ~, on Will
sons raid ON the X. Il ID. X. II. The
weather being very hot, it was terrible On
men and horses. l used up two horses,
and got back on mule. 1t was said at
the time that we lost 1000 men (mostly
prisoners) and $500 horses. We inflicted
some damage on the rebs, but l guess
:,
mule and was sent, with many others, to
Washington to be remOunted.
Had been there but short time when
Early made his appearance near there
We were mounted and sent out at once
under other officers. Did not have much
to do, but did not feel at home away from
the regiment.
while doing picket duty at Berryville
heard that the regiment had got to the
Valley, and was not far off. l left the
line at once (did not ask any questions), 3,
and found my regiment and was glad to get
back home. Have not seen or heard of
the officer in command since. Was all
through the Valley campaign under
Sheridan, except the battle of Winchester,
Sept. 10, 1864; was sent to Harper's
Ferry the night before the battle, and
when l next saw the regiment it was at
Harrisburg; was in my saddle from
early morn till midnight at Cedar Creek.
Our regiment and the 1st VT. Cav. charged
their rear-guard just at dark, and cap
tlred or scattered them and then took 45
pieces Of artillery, many wagons, forges,
ambulances. etc.
II was Gen. Sheridan's escort during
the Winter of 1864 and 1864 nice job
that he said we had earned. Started with
Lm to join Gen. Grant, but when he cap
tured what was left of Early's army at
Waynesboro, the regiment, with some
others, was sent back to Winchester with
the prisoners This ended our active serv-
ice. We were mustered out at Winches-
ter, but got our discharges and last pay
Mt Hart's Island. N. Y, July 26. 1865
My first service was under Gen. Kipat-
rick, whom the boys liked very much.
Next under Gen. Wilson, probably good
like him for cavalry. Next under Gen.
Custer. who it is needless to say every
body liked. He led the charge at Cedar
Creek when We captured 50 many guns"