page_title: 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment
section_title: Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns
hierarchical_section_title: 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment / Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns
caption_attribution_description: English: This is a crop of photo of Major Henry B. Van Voorhis of the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry in the American Civil War. Van Voorhis was wounded and captured at the Battle of Brandy Station and lost an arm. He served from November 25, 1862 until September 5, 1864. He was promoted to major January 9, 1863.
context_page_description: The 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment was a cavalry regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was present for 50 battles, beginning with the Battle of Hanover on June 30, 1863, and ending with a skirmish at Rude's Hill in March 1865. A majority of its fighting was in Virginia, although its first major battle was in Pennsylvania's Gettysburg campaign. It was consolidated with the 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment on June 24, 1865, to form the 3rd Provisional Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment.
  The regiment was organized at Pittsburgh and Harrisburg between October and December 1862. Green County was the source of recruits for three companies, while additional recruits came from elsewhere in the state. Companies L and M were late additions to the regiment, and were originally meant to be part of a 19th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. Recruits for these two companies were mostly from the Philadelphia area.
  The regiment served in the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Shenandoah. Among major battles where it saw action were the Battle of the Wilderness, the Third Battle of Winchester, and the Battle of Cedar Creek.
context_section_description: For the rest of the summer of 1863, the regiment spent its time in Virginia and was involved in picket duty, scouting, and a few skirmishes. The regiment's horses were gradually replenished. In August, the 2nd New York Cavalry Regiment was added to the First Brigade while the 1st Vermont Cavalry moved to Custer's Second Brigade, and Brigadier General Henry E. Davies, Jr. became commander of the First Brigade.
  The Army of the Potomac's Bristoe campaign began October 9 and was fought against the Army of Northern Virginia. Several of the battles in this campaign were near railroad stations belonging to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, including the Battle of Bristoe Station and the Second Battle of Rappahannock Station. Major Van Voorhis commanded the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry at the start of the Bristoe Campaign.
  The most difficult fighting for the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Bristoe campaign happened near Brandy Station on October 11. After the division became surrounded, the 18th Pennsylvania was among the regiments that charged through the enemy. Van Voorhis was seriously wounded, ultimately losing an arm, and was captured along with three other officers and 32 enlisted men. Casualties for the regiment in this October 11 engagement were one killed, three wounded, and 53 missing for a total of 57 of the brigade's 119 casualties listed by the brigade commander. Despite the casualties, Davies said the charge by the brigade was "most successful" and "repulsed the rebels". He also praised Van Voorhis for "gallantly charging at the head of his regiment at Brandy Station."
  On November 18 most of the regiment went on a scouting mission towards the Rapidan River. While the regiment was away, their camp was attacked. Pickets, a small camp guard, and sick men were the only defenders. A regimental flag, 49 men, the assistant surgeon, horses, wagons, and all of the camp equipment were captured.
  The Army of the Potomac's Mine Run campaign began November 26 and continued fighting against the Army of Northern Virginia. General Pleasonton continued to command the cavalry corps, but there were a few changes that affected the 18th Pennsylvania. While Davies still commanded the First Brigade, Custer now commanded the 3rd Division, and Bryan took over field command of the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry. On November 26, the regiment fought dismounted near Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River. Fighting continued in early December, including artillery duels. On December 11, the regiment went to winter quarters at Stevensburg, Virginia.
caption: Major Henry Van Voorhis
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