Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1917-10-31
PASSING or FIRST
CAVALRY REGIMENT
Historical Pennsylvania Unit
Loses Identity and is Ready to
Be Transferred to Service
Designated.

Saturday was a day that will not
soon be forgotten in the minds of the
members of the First Pennsylvania
Cavalry, for, on that day, the historical
regiment passed out of existence as q
cavalry regiment, and now remains
ready to be transferred to the branch
of service designated. 1t has had
long and eventful career A past that
has been recorded in the pages of his
tory, bearing reputation that is hard
to surpass.
During the revolutionary war,
troop of cavalry was organized by
Philadelphia men and they volunteered
their services to the United States gov
eminent Their services was accept
ed and they served diligently and 10y
ally throughout the war, returning TO
Philadelphia where a permanent orr
ganization was authorized. This troop
was given the name of First Troop,
Philadelphia City Cavalry and they re-
tanned that title until they served on
the Mexican border last summer, when.
they were siven the title Troop E.
From the time Of the Revolutionary
war until 1871, First Troop was the
only troop of militia cavalry in the
United States
In 1871, the state OF Pennsylvania
authorized the organization of another
troop. This troop was organized in
Tyrone, Pa, and was given the name
Sheridan troop, in honor of the great
American general, Philip Sheridan.
This organization is the second Oldest
organization in the United States. They
eliminated their nar1G on the border,
ard became known as Troop b. Dur
ing the Mexican trouble, this troop
. came into the limelight very bright.
They were pronounced by the officials
of the War Department, the best caval-
ry organization in the entire militia
body.
Slowly but surely, troops were or
ganized In the various cities, until
finally squadron was made. Then
another squadron, and then a battalion
of the old Twelfth Regiment was turn.
ed to cavalry and a regiment organ
tied.
The First Pennsylvania Cavalry was
the pride of the Pennsylvania Division
There was an air to the regiment that
made it the least bit different from
the rest" 1t seemed to be chiefly in
the officers, for they manifested great
pride in their organizations.
There was strenuous competition in
the race to be known as the best
troop" in the regiment. Fondled in its
childhood days, it matured and grew
strong and healthy and now, it has
past beyond reproach.
=
onel John P Wood, whose home is in
Philadelphia, and who practically grew
up with his organization; a military
man honored and respected by all his
men, from the second class private to
the highest officer, as well as by the
officers whom he comes in contact
with. The order from the War De-
partment that calls for the dismem-
berment of this organization, is felt
more by him than by any other man in
the universe. Why shouldn't it be so?
It was his pride, and he handled it as
a parent would fondle child, and to
see it leave him, is like tearing child
from a mothers arms.
The men hate to see it pass into |
eternity, but they are awaiting eagerly |
to step into the branch of service des-
ig1ated, and to build up an organiza- |
ton similar to the First Pennsylvania !
Cavalry.
The last rites were administered to |
the regiment Sunday evening after re-
treat when Troop A assembled and |
marched up the cavalry street, with /
the corpse" of the organization. Head |
ing the procession was a man with his I
hat resting on his left breast, followed |
by six men carrying stretcher with /
the supposed corpse. They were fol-
lowed by a man carrying a saber ana
scabbard. Then came three black
horses led. and in their rear were /
three men carrying q saddle, saddle