The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1933-03-31

ried on as before the war helping keep the
Indians under control up and down the western
Mississippi valley.
The period from the close of the Mexico war
10 the outbreak OF the war between the states
was in all respects similar TO the period pre-
ceding the former contest. The dragons were
on Indian duty in the West Headquarters were
moved to Fort Union, New Mexico Territory,
In 1854. and with that as base of operations,
companies Of the command operated against
hostile Indians ali the way from the Rio Grande
to the Canadian border on the one hand and
from the Mississippi to the Pacific on the other
Engagements with the Utah, Apache, Navajo,
Spokane, and other Indians are recorded.
At the outbreak Of the Civil war the designa-
ton Of the command was changed from First
Regiment of Dragons" to first Regiment Of
Cavalry" without any change OF internal or
ganization shifting of personnel other than
what was necessary for expansion TO war
strength.
During the latter part of 1861, the regiment,
less Companies D and G, was transferred from
the Pacific coast to Washington. D. c. to be-
come a part Of the line OF Union defenses around
that city. And while the regiment minus its two
companies. was taking part in various tactical
movements around the Federal Capital the two
companies left in the West were making history.
In January. 1862, they acted as escort for
General Candy; on February 49, Company D
engaged Confederate troops in a skrmish near
Fort Craig; the two companies took part in the
battle of valverde on February q and Company
D took part in engagements at Pigeons Ranch.
March 30: Albuquerque April 25 and Peralto.
April p. In June 1863. the two companies were
broken up, the officers and noncommissioned
officers being transferred TO Carlisle Barracks.
Pennsylvania There the two units were reor-
ganized and joined the regiment at Camp Bu-
ford. Maryland October 1863
From this time until the end of the war the
First regiment destined to see action on
many fronts. tramp many miles up and down
the valleys OF Virginia. and finally 70 be present
ar the closing scene at Appomattox in April 1865.
1t was attached TO Sheridan's famous cavalry
corps which the march and in the attack
was second only to Jacksons in point Of swift
ness.
When Little Phil'. swung around Richmond
the First cavalry was with him. taking part in
the following engagements: Beaver Dam sta
ton. Yellow Tavern Meadow Bridge, Mechanics
vile. Tunstalrs station Hawes Shop. and Old
Church. Other important engagements in which
the command took part were Cold Harbor. Pen
Ursula Campaign, Antietam. Charlottesville
Gettysburg wilderness, Spottsylvania, Peters
burg. and Appomattox
After the surrender of both Lee and Johnston
the regiment returned TO Washington escorting
General Sherman, and was present for the Great
Review" on May "a and .. 1861 when 5000
OF the victorious troops paraded through the
streets Of the city.
Almost Immediately thereafter the command
left for the South to aid in the work Of recon-
struction. taking station in the vicinity OF New
Orleans There il remained until December 1861
when It left for California. via the Isthmus of
Panama. 1t took station at the Preside of San
Francisco on January %. 1866.
From this time until the outbreak 1f the war
with Spain in 1898. the regiment remained in the
West scouting and fighting Indians from the
Pacific coast TO Oklahoma its duties practically
the same as they had been during the interval
between the Mexican and Civil wars Engage
ments were fought with every important tribe
of red men-and at times the troopers were
even engaged in rounding up horse thieves who
practiced their trade along the Rio Grande.
In the Spanish-American war. the regiment
took part in the Battle of Santiago and later
rendered a glorious account of itself in the
Philippines during the Instructions.
Since the war with Spain, the command has
soldiered extensively in the Philippine islands
and the western United States II was on bor-
der duty during 1915 1917. and 1918 Its service
during the period has been generally without
striking historical significance but the organiza-
ton has nevertheless occupied important
place in our national defense system In the
performance of its routine garrison duty and
on maneuvers. il has upon many occasions drawn
the praise of high commanders and inspectors.
After the sad ceremony which took place at
Fort d. A. Russell. this historic regiment was
transferred TO Fort Knox, KY. to heroine part
of the mechanical force of the army which for
some time has been experimenting at Fort Eu-