The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1910-04-08
FIRST MARYLAND CAVALRY.


since the surrender of the Confederate
army at Appomattox c. H., there have
been complimentary tributes, varied and
numerous, paid to the valor of the
different corps, divisions, brigades,
regiments and companies, as we'll as to
the personal merits of the noble heroes
who fought for four years under the
illustrious Lee, yet no pen has been
welded in defense or applause of the
First Maryland cavalry-not that their
inestimable services and daring deeds
have not been acknowledged and ap-
preciated, but because of circumstances
which it might have heretofore been
wise to consider. Early in the Summer
of 1862, this spirited little band, with
hearts everaowing with patriotism and
generous impulses, babe adieu to home,
friends and interests, crossed the
Potomac at Win chester and offered
their services to Virginia.
From the period which dated the en-
trance of the regiment into service,
till the last battle was fought in our
state, there were few engagements of
note in which it did not participate but
it was to the Valley, that frequent scene
carnage and desolation, its services were
more particularly confined. During
Gen. Jackson's campaign, the gallantry
of both officers and men was the sub
ject of the dis tinguished chieftain's
most favorable notice, and under each
of his successors did they march and
fight, ever foremost in the ranks, their
strong arms and brave hearts stimulat-
ing them to deeds of daring service.
At each advance of Gen. Lees
army across the Potomac the post of
honor advance guard"-was award
ed this body of cavalry, and on his re-
turn, the still more dangerous and
responsible one of the "rear."
At Manassas and Fredericksburg
they were conspicuous for gallantry and
bravery, and there is scarcely foot OF
ground in Virginia ever trodden by the
foe, which has not at some time been
contested by them. But does not the
fact of the last cavalry charge in the
Army of Northern Virginia, having
been made at Appomattox c. H., by
the First Maryland regiment add q
flower that completes the chaplet of its
glory? When at the close of hostilities
in Virginia, one of our most distin-
guished generals called upon the troops
to rally to his standard and follow him
to the far south in the hope of retriev'
ing our fallen fortunes, it was not the
soldiers of his command, or those of
any other, who were first to respond to
the appeal, but the Marylanders in a
body, and not until the last whisperings
of hope had died away, and the PROUD
banner under which they had fought
with such steadfast faith had beer
| furled forever, did they relinqujsh the
determination to share its destiny
even though it might next wave on the
banks on the Rio Grand. Shall sucl
renown remain in oblivion?
| The courageous, conscientious, high
toned gentleman makes the good soldier
and the Maryland cavalry was compos
ed of the choicest sons of our sistel
state, and with the abilities of al
officer, and the characteristics of {
Christian gentleman. such as Colone
Ridgely Brown possessed, it is MOI
strange that under his command there
should have been exhibited snch com
bination of the highest qualification
soldiers possess. The untimely fall o,
this much loved leader at Ashland, il
June, 1864, not only cast gloom ovel
every heart in his own immediate com
mand, but was deeply felt by the
Southern cause. Just on the eve of {
well deserved promotion-just when the
service he always rendered was mos
needed-just when his little charge
most required his counsel, his aid, hi
support and example, he was lost
Alas!-"The path of glory leads but t.
the grave"
| The widowed hearts, the desolate
hearthstones and vacant chairs" the
sundered ties of friendship, the fire
quent graves marked by kind hands
and the thinned ranks, when at thu
close of the year marched in our midst
the fact, that many of Maryland
noble sons are sleeping their last sleel
on our soil. Many heart which at it,
entrance among US bounded with brigh
hopes and delightful probabilities ha
been stilled, many ambitious longing
have been hushed, many youthful
champion while langushing on tn
battlefield or bed of sickness, enduring
the scorching rays of the summer sun,
or the chilling blasts of winter, ha
been cheered by dreamings he wa
never to Notwithstanding of the dis
tant home beyond the blue Potoma
with its thousand endearments and at
fractions awaiting to welcome the care
worn exile-dreaming of the font
father and mother whose prayers hae
followed him in all his wanderings and
of the sister loved or one at whose feet
he would return and lay down his
proud laurels.
Among the fallen heroes there are
none more conspicuous than Lieut.
Henry C. Blackiston, of Company B.
During an engagement near Bunker Hill
in which but portion Of the regimen,
maintained itself successfully for some
hours without being reinforced
against brigade of the enemy, his
gallant young officer fell. Few officers
have ever commanded with more ability
and judgment, or SO entirely Won the
esteem of their subordinates, and few
soldiers who ever fought upon VIRGINIA. IS