The First West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment served in the Union Armed Forces during the American Civil War. Although the regiment was originally called 1 Virginia Cavalry , it should not be confused with the Confederate version also called 1st Virginia Cavalry. Some reports add "Union" or "Loyal" when identifying the Union version of the Virginia cavalry. After the state of West Virginia was created in 1863, regiments can be distinguished from the Confederate version by calling it the 1st West Virginia Cavalry. The National Park Service identifies it as First Regiment, West Virginia Cavalry .
The regiment was held in Wheeling, Clarksburg, and Morgantown in northwest Virginia (now West Virginia) mostly between July 10 and November 25, 1861. Members consisted of people from the northern district of what is now West Virginia, plus additional men from Pennsylvania west and eastern Ohio. Regiments often split during the first two years of the war, with detachments spending time guarding Baltimore & amp; Ohio Railroad and hunting bushwhackers. During July 1863, ten regiment companies fought in the Battle of Gettysburg as part of a division.
The regiment began fighting in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley during the last half of 1864 - usually in a brigade as part of the 2nd Cavalry Division, the West Virginia Army. At the beginning of 1865, the regiment became part of the 3rd Brigade in the 3rd Division of General George Armstrong Custer, the Cavalry Corps - which, together with other divisions under the command of General Philip Sheridan. Two divisions of the Sheridan cavalry were responsible for obliterating the Early Army of Jubal Jubal Confederate Jubal from war. After success in the Shenandoah Valley, Sheridan moved the two divisions eastward to Petersburg, Virginia, and they played an important role in the Appomattox Campaign and the surrender of General Confederate Army Robert E. Lee in Northern Virginia. After the war, the 1st West Virginia Cavalry participated in the Grand Review of the Armies, and was collected on 8 July 1865.
Video 1st West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
Formation and organization
Although Virginia succeeds from unions and joins the United Confederation, many people in the northwestern part of the country prefer to remain loyal to the United States. This loyal Virginia segment formed the Restored Virginia Admin, which was faithful to the United States, and this led to the formation of the late West Virginia state of western Virginia. The first new cavalry regiment formed from this loyal area was originally known as the first Virginia Cavalry, and is sometimes recorded as a loyal regiment to distinguish it from the 1st Cavalry of Virginia which is a rebel force for the Confederation. The regiment was eventually identified as a West Virginia cavalry. The recruitment of the new regiment began in July 1861, and continued into the fall. About a third of the original Virginia Cavalry members were born in the Virginia region now part of West Virginia, especially around the cities of Wheeling, Morgantown, and Clarksburg. Pennsylvania and Ohio are also sources for recruitment. One company is made up of mostly German-speaking men.
The first company of the regiment, which became the original Company A, was known as Kelley Lancers. The company was the first cavalry unit to be held in the Virginia region of West Virginia, and deployed in Morgantown on July 18. Led by Captain John Lowry McGee, and immediately reported to General Benjamin Franklin Kelley. The Lancers began operations on October 26, 1861, in Romney. They developed a good reputation hunting bushwhackers - or a bad reputation among those who favored Confederations. The Lancers are said to be good for "three to one" against the rebel cavalry, and the rebels swear "everlasting retaliation against them". Other companies are formed around the same time, but with people from southwestern Pennsylvania, called Gilmore's Company. It is attached to 1 (Western) Virginia Cavalry though often fights elsewhere.
In mid-winter of 1862, the first Virginia Cavalry consisted of 14 companies with a total of about 1,100 people. The commander of the regiment was Colonel Henry Anisansel, who was commissioned 7 September 1861. Anisansel was a former lieutenant at Cavalry Ringgold. His second commander was Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel P. Richmond. Richmond has been a lieutenant in the 13th Indiana Infantry Regiment and a camp-aide to General William Rosecrans. The regimental surgeon was Henry Capehart, who was appointed on 18 September 1861. Capehart eventually became commander of the regiment and general. Additional men, usually captains or majors, ordered various regimentary detachments.
Maps 1st West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
Early action
The earliest action of the regiment is usually the detachment of one or two companies. The regiment was credited with attending the Carnifex Ferry Battle on September 10, 1861. However, both companies were present, Gilmore Company and the company headed by Captain William West who eventually became Company I, were held as reserves. The Kelley Lancers helped capture the town of Romney in October 1861. The Union's power in "brilliant victory over rebels in Romney" was ordered by General Kelley, and included infantry from Ohio and Virginia plus two cavalry companies: Kelley Lancers and Cavalry Ringgold. The general mentions the leaders of both cavalry units in his report on the action in Romney, writing about "... brutal cavalry charges under Captains Keys and McGee."
As the regiment grew, it worked primarily in detachments to hunt bushes. The Baltimore & amp; Ohio Railroad (a.k.a. B & amp; O) is an important asset for Union soldiers, and a regimental detachment is also used to guard it. In January 1862, the regiment was assigned to the Potomac Army. It shifts between several divisions throughout the year. Although the regiment became "the most active, and one of the most effective" in West Virginia, it did not start well. During 1862, the regiment had two commanders who were arrested in separate incidents. General James Shields, in a report of May 20, 1862, to the Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, said "Virginia First Cavalry is fine, I propose to leave it at the instruction camp here."
First test
One of the first significant tests for the regiment took place in February 1862, when it was part of the army commanded by General Frederick W. Lander. On February 14, Lander tried to surprise two infantry regiments from General Thomas's "Stonewall" army near Bloomery Gap (mountain to the east of Romney). During the pursuit of the rebels, Lander became angry when Colonel Virginia 1 Colonel Anisansel failed to lead the charge through a gap. Lander was forced to rely on a cavalry from Ohio instead. When 1st Virginia Cavalry finally joins the fight, Anisansel falls off his horse - the worsening of a herniated injury he suffered earlier. The regiment retreated after a fall and had five victims. Infantry from Indiana and Virginia moved forward, past the retreating cavalry and captured some of the Confederate's supply carts.
After the battle, Colonel Anisansel was taken to court for failing to accuse the enemy. Lander was dying of pneumonia when the case came to court, and Anisansel was released because he claimed a battle injury made him unable to make the accusations. Anisansel opinions vary. An Ohio soldier writes that Anisansel "was one of the foreigners who were mostly our soldiers at first and utterly useless for any purpose except to withdraw their pay and wear the golden fabric." Others believe that Anisansel acts cautiously and "behaves as a general."
More actions
After Anisansel was released, he led the regiment for several more months. In March, part of the regiment was attached to General Hatch's cavalry command at General Nathaniel P. Banks Corps. Six companies, commanded by Major Benjamin F. Chamberlain, fought at the First Battle of Kernstown on March 22. Chamberlain is furnished in a report by Colonel T. F. Brodhead, Head of Cavalry. Anisansel led several scouting missions near Snicker's Gap, Virginia, during May. In June, eight companies that were part of the Shield cavalry command were transferred to the General Shield Division at the Rappahannock Department. Some companies fought in the Battle of Cross Keys and Battle of Port Republic, and were ordered by Chamberlain. During July, Anisansel led a larger part of the regiment in the Madison-Culpeper region of Virginia. Anisansel resigned from the army on 6 August 1862. He was replaced by the second commander, Lt. Col. Richmond.
Colonel Richmond
When Lieutenant Colonel Richmond took over the command of the regiment, some still fought as detachments elsewhere. Companies C, E, and L took part in several major battles of Northern Virginia General Campaign John Pope, including a battle at the Battle of Cedar Mountain on 9 August. The same three companies, commanded by Major John S. Krepps, fought in the Second Bull Run (aka the Second Manassas) on August 28-30 as part of an independent brigade (Milroy) in the Army's Third Division of Virginia.
In September, the regiment was assigned to the Washington, DC defense. Two companies fought in the Battle of Antietam in Maryland on September 17th. Richmond was promoted to an effective colonel Oct. 16, 1862. The regiment was patrolling in Northern Virginia for the next two months. It's near the Thoroughfare Gap and Gainesville in October, and Warrenton, Snicker's Ferry, and Berryville in November.
During December 1862, the regiment, ordered by Colonel Richmond, was part of a troop ordered by Colonel Percy Wyndham at a leading post in Chantilly, Virginia. Wyndham is both controversial and has a "volatile personality". On December 31, Wyndham grabbed Richmond's neck and punched him after he refused to take the cavalry for lack of ration. Shortly after, Richmond was arrested for disobedience.
A few days later, 46 officers sent a petition to a higher authority asking Wyndham to be released from order, noting that he had officers arrested for no reason. The officers also stated that they would arm themselves when reporting to Wyndham headquarters. Richmond remained in custody until he resigned on March 18, 1863.
Mosby met
With Colonel Richmond out of the (temporary) army, Lt. Col. John S. Krepps led the regiment. The Krepps were promoted from the major on October 16, 1862. On May 3, 1863, the regiment was near the intersection of Orange and Alexandria and the Manassas Gap railway, called Warrenton Junction. A detachment of about 100 people completed their mission for the day. Detachments include people from companies C, G, F and L. Their horses are not bound and fed, and little precautions have been taken for the security of the Union forces. They were attacked by a group of 70 to 80 people under the command of Major John S. Mosby - the famous guerrilla guerrilla leader at Mosby's Rangers. Mosby's Rangers operated in the area, and Mosby was buried in Warrenton when he died in 1916.
As the Mosby men approached, Union soldiers believed they were friends of the 1st Vermont Cavalry. Many men from Virginia (Virginia) 1 were forced to give up because they were unprepared and out in the open. The others ran to nearby houses. Major Josiah Steele, seeing that it was impossible to paralyze the horse on time to confront the attack, cut the horses to prevent them from being arrested. Mosby's men armed with six-shot revolvers, and surrounded Union troops in one house (overcrowded). Major Steel and Captain William A. McCoy of Company C (the injured) rejected Mosby's request that they surrender, so Mosby's men set fire to the house. The Union soldiers ran out of ammunition, and were forced to surrender.
As Mosby's men attacked, many of the Union horses Major Steele had stampeded toward the 5th New York Cavalry camp, causing several New York horses to flee. About 40 of the residents of New York quickly rode to rescue the West Virginians, arriving when the house was on fire and its inhabitants ready to surrender. Many more joined as they took their horses. This time, Mosby is shocked, and he suffers significant losses including some of his leaders and 40 horses. The Vermont 1st Cavalry arrives after the battle, but can join the pursuit of the Mosby people. The 1st (Western) Virginia Cavalry suffered 17 people dead or injured, including Major Steele - who died about a month later from his injuries. The newspaper reports believe Mosby was wounded, and his best officer and his best spy were among the victims. Krepps resigned on May 22nd. The reasons for resignation are given as medical.
During the spring after Mosby's meeting, the regiment became armed with Spencer's recurrent guns. Officers from the regiment sent a petition to Stanton's Secretary of War to Colonel Richmond to be restored. Wyndham, the person responsible for Richmond's departure, has been moved in the spring. Richmond was restored as regimental commander on 12 June. On June 20, the state of West Virginia has joined the union, and the 1st Virginia Cavalry (faithfully) is known as the 1st West Virginia Cavalry - though many still call it Virginia first.
Gettysburg Campaign
On June 24th, the 3rd Brigade, the Third Division, the Army Corps of the Twenty-Two Potomac Army departed from its camp in Fairfax, Virginia. Their goal is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Richmond, was in this brigade, and departed with 10 of the 12 regimental companies. The Brigade moved to Frederick, Maryland, where the entire division was reorganized. Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick was assigned as division commander, and Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth was assigned as brigade commander. Other regiments in the brigade are 1st Vermont Cavalry and New York's 5th Cavalry. The 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry is attached.
Hanover
The Brigade moved from Frederick to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On June 30, the brigade approached Hanover, Pennsylvania. The 1st West Virginia led the way through the city, while the 18th Pennsylvania was behind. The rear guard was attacked by cavalry and artillery, causing the front of the brigade to reform and attack back the city. The Confederacy was expelled, but 1 West Virginia had 2 dead, 5 wounded, and 18 men captured. The rest of the brigade suffered more than 100 casualties. The Confederate cavalry was ordered by General James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart, and the battle was known as the Battle of Hanover.
Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg begins on the following day, which runs from July 1 to July 3. Union forces ordered by General George G. Meade (the Potomac Army) defeated the Army of Northern Virginia forces ordered by General Robert E. Lee. More than 150,000 people (combined both sides) fought in this battle, and the victim estimated at around 51,000.
The Farnsworth Brigade does not face enemy troops during the first two days (July 1 and 2) of combat. It patrols near Abbottstown, Berlin, Oxford, and Hunterstown. The morning of July 3, the brigade was positioned near the back center of the Potomac Army, near Gettysburg. At 10.00 Ã, , the brigade moved to the extreme right wing of the enemy (east). Confederate, cavalry, and artillery infantry were discovered by the brigade at about 3 pm pm. General Kilpatrick ordered the Farnsworth brigade commander to carry out an attack on a confederate Confederate infantry position and close to a difficult land for a horse. Hours earlier, General Wesley Merritt had sent cavalry troops forward in a field that was also not ideal for cavalry - but the failed attack was made down.
At first, Farnsworth objected to making a load when it was installed. He said, "General, are you serious? Should I throw my people on the rough ground, through the wood, against the infantry brigade?" However, Kilpatrick embarrassed him to make the accusations. Kilpatrick has earned the nickname "Kill-Cavalry" for "his reckless neglect for his male life". The 1st West Virginia Cavalry, led by Colonel Richmond, made the first allegations. The West Virginians became virtually surrounded by 1 Texas Infantry and had to retreat to a safe place using their swords. They took several prisoners and suffered five deaths and four wounded. Farnsworth leads a second group of men on another charge and is killed. Of the 300 people led by Farnsworth on this charge, 65 were victims. The charge is known as the famous Farnsworth's Charge. After the death of Farnsworth, the first Richmond Colonel in West Virginia took command (officially July 4) of the 1st Brigade (Farnsworth). Major Charles E. Capehart took command of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry.
Pursuing the Lee Army
After the third day of battle in Gettysburg, troops on both sides were exhausted. The Confederate Army has more than 12,000 wounded. Lee Confederate Army in Northern Virginia preparing to depart on a rainy night and return to Virginia's relative safety. Their return journey will involve traveling through the mountains to cross the Potomac River in Williamsport, Maryland. Lee chose General John D. Imboden to lead the horse carriage carrying the wounded, remaining in the pouring rain about 4 pm. The northwest route, safer and easier to follow, followed the road to Chambersburg before moving south through Greencastle. Imboden was instructed not to stop until he reached Williamsport.
Lee moved a healthy part of his Army in Northern Virginia on route to shorter Williamsport, and engaged southwestward through Fairfield, traveled through several mountain trails to Hagerstown, and then moved southwest to Williamsport. The retreat is orderly, as Lee knows he will eventually be pursued - but he hopes to pursue caution that will allow his troops to flee to Virginia. Lee led the retreat and rode with General A. Hill's army.
When Meade and his exhausted troops from Potomac became aware of the Confederate retreat, the cavalry was sent in pursuit. On July 4, the Kilpatrick division was ordered to look for a large Confederate wagon. Kilpatrick Division consists of artillery units and two brigades led by General George Armstrong Custer and Colonel Richmond (including the 1st West Virginia Cavalry). The division rode to Emmitsburg, Maryland, where it was reinforced with an additional brigade of cavalry from 8th Pennsylvania, 6th Ohio, New York 2, and 4th New York regiment - plus two companies from the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry. Rainstorms cause flooding everywhere, and make road conditions difficult. From Emmitsburg, they take the westbound path to the Monterey Pass, which is part of a long and difficult Southern Mountain crossing.
Monterey Pass
In the late-night high in the mountains, near Monterey Pass, a guard company down from the Custer brigade faced a small group of rebels guarding the driveway. The rebels, who were part of a brigade ordered by Confederate General William "Grumble" Jones, were able to delay Kilpatrick for hours with one piece of artillery while General Wagon's wagon Richard S. Ewell moved from the north into the gap. Custer troops, fighting down from the darkness, unable to finish the pass.
At 3 Ã, , Major Capehart and 1st West Virginia Cavalry were ordered to assist Custer. When Capehart reports to Custer, he is ordered to make the allegations. Kilpatrick sent his headquarters guard, Company A from the 1st Cavalry Ohio, to help Capehart. In pouring rain and total darkness, the 1st West Virginia Cavalry attacked the mountain, taking pieces of Confederate artillery and wagon trains.
During the charge, flashing from the Confederate volley allows the charging cavalry to find the exact position of its enemy. The battle was hands-on-hand, but the Capehart cavalry was armed with a sword. A piece of the Confederate artillery was pushed down the embankment. Carts become entangled in massive traffic jams. The Custer people immediately followed the West Virginians down the mountain. The captured wagon train consists of 300 wagons and 15 ambulances, and the horses and mules attract them. The captured soldiers numbered 1,100 plus 200 officers. Victims for 1 West Virginia only 2 killed and 2 injured. For this action, Capehart was later awarded the Medal of Honor. He achieved this while having a broken ankle which was the result of a shot while fighting in Gettysburg.
After the battle at Monterey Pass, the division moved to Smithsburg (July 5), Hagerstown (July 6), and Boonsboro (July 7). Although Kilpatrick's division was attacked in Smithburg, the Richmond brigade was not involved in combat with artillery exception. The Brigade took advancement in a move to Hagerstown, and part of the 1st West Virginia was involved in battle. The regiment suffered 20 enemy infantry combat casualties positioned inside the house. The Brigade camped for the night near Boonsboro, and was attacked the next morning. After the enemy was expelled by the Richmond artillery, the 1st West Virginia performed an unsuccessful pursuit. On July 9, Colonel Othniel De Forest (the ill) of the 5th New York Cavalry was reportedly on duty, and Richmond was released from brigade command. Richmond and the 1st West Virginia Cavalry are reported to Frederick, Maryland, for provost assignments. They remain there for a week while they catch the lost and form the camp of lost people. Lee's soldiers cross Potomac at Williamsport and Falling Waters on July 14th.
After the chase
During the last half of July, the regiment fought in several small battles, and was eventually reported to Stafford, Virginia, near Fredericksburg. On September 16, Colonel Richmond was injured by the fall of his horse at Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River. He resigned in early November, and was released to the Surgeon Disabled Certificate on Nov. 11. During November, the regiment (ten companies) were at the Battle of Obstacles as part of the Third Division of Custer. Their brigade commander was General Henry Eugene Davies, and the regiment was ordered by Major Harvey Farabee. Henry Capehart, the regimental surgeon, is familiar with the area, and provides valuable assistance to Davies in strategy and combat - in addition to navigating the terrain. Davies was impressed, and along with Kilpatrick and Custer recommended Capehart to replace the wounded Richmond Colonel as commander of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry. Capehart was commissioned as a colonel on December 23, becoming commander of the regiment.
West Virginia Army
Beginning in December, the regiment became part of the West Virginia Department, but was not assigned. Towards the end of January 1864, the regiment returned to Wheeling. They stayed at Camp Willey in Wheeling Island for a few days before going to their house for 30 days off work. About 500 people are registered again. The reception to honor the regiment was held in Wheeling on 3 February. Local newspapers call them "Heroes of 70 Involvement". The regiment left Wheeling during mid-March, departing at B & O Railroad. They became part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, in the West Virginia Army. They patrolled in West Virginia for the next six weeks, but did not see any significant action.
Early May, the regiment was part of the 3rd Brigade, Second Cavalry Division. They participate in Averell's Raid in Virginia & amp; The Tennessee Railroad, which is a valuable asset to the Confederation as it allows the army's transportation and supply between the two countries. A salt mine and a tin mine (for bullets) are located near the railway line, as well as potential targets. On May 10, Averell's division (including the regiment) fought in Battle of Cove Mountain in northern Wythe County, Virginia, as it moved from its camp to the railroad tracks. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry, with 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, twice leads an attack on a mountain gap occupied by Confederate forces. The battle is unclear, although the Confederate army under the command of General William "Grumble" Jones, assisted by John Hunt Morgan's Raiders, prevents Averell's cavalry from moving through a gap. Averell took a more difficult road through the mountains, and was finally able to destroy 26 bridges and railroad sections near Dublin (New Bern), Virginia. The rainy weather makes missions difficult, and destroys some ammunition. This division managed to escape chasing Confederate troops (and flooded the river) and returned to its base in West Virginia on May 18th.
On May 22, the regiment waded the Greenbrier River just upstream from the waterfall. Their goal is to eliminate some confederate snipers who harass cavalry. Colonel Henry Capehart places himself between waterfalls and intersections. The standard procedure is to position itself along the river at the crossing, which will enable it to save men who have trouble crossing the water. He is an expert rider and has a horse who is a good swimmer. In this circumstance, a person from Company B was swept out of the saddle while trying to cross a swollen river with a heavy current. Not just the private parties that swept the waterfall, but Capehart and his horse as well. Capehart was able to save privately while both were shot by enemy snipers. On February 12, 1895, Capehart was awarded the Medal of Honor for this action. His quote reads "Saved, under fire, the life of a drowned soldier."
Lynchburg Hunter Campaign
During early June, various Union troops met in Stanton, Virginia, and were supplied again. After a reorganization on June 9, General DuffiÃÆ'Â © Â © commissioned commands from the First Cavalry Division, and General Averell orders from the Second. The 3rd Brigade of the Second Cavalry Division was commanded by Colonel William H. Powell, and it consisted of the 2nd and 2nd West Virginia Cavalry regiments. The infantry was led by General Crook. General David Hunter is the commander of all cavalry and infantry troops. On June 10, they moved to Lexington, Virginia (division DuffiÃÆ'Â mengambil took a different route), as part of a plan to capture Lynchburg. The troops arrived in Lexington on June 11, and occupied the city for several days. On June 14, the Powell brigade was sent to Liberty (today, Liberty named Bedford), and drove the Confederate cavalry. During this time, Confederate reinforcements arrived in Lynchburg.
On June 16, all Union troops left Liberty and approached Lynchburg from the southwest. The Confederate Army under the command of General Jubal Awal arrived in Lynchburg by train on 17 June. The battle of Lynchburg took place on 17 and 18 June. Around 44,000 soldiers participated in this Confederate victory. The Union's power could not catch Lynchburg, and was forced to retreat as inventory waned. The Powell Brigade was briefly cut off from the rest of the troops when he was not immediately informed about the retreat. The retreat goes west to Charleston, West Virginia, because the northern retreat has too many obstacles. Powell's cavalry reached the Union line near New London when the Confederate forces almost captured them. The retreat continues with Confederate soldiers in pursuit and battles along the way. The power of Hunter reached Charleston on 1 July. The loss for the whole army is 940 people.
Shenandoah Valley
During July, the 1st West Virginia Cavalry left Charleston, West Virginia, to Parkersburg - where they boarded Baltimore & amp; Ohio Railroad with their horses to embark on a three-day trip to the other side of the country. Their destination is the train station in Martinsburg. The regiment was ordered by Colonel Henry Capehart, and was part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, West Virginia Army. Army ordered by General Hunter. The Second Cavalry Division was ordered by General Averell, and the 2nd Brigade of the Second Division was ordered by Colonel Powell.
Battle of Rutherford's Farm
The Battle of Rutherford's Farm, also known as Battle of Carter's Farm, takes place on July 20, about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Winchester, Virginia. While parts of Hunter's troops still arrive in the Martinsburg area, Union General Hunter sends General Averell from Martinsburg to Winchester to meet threats against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad of the Early's Army of the Valley. Averell did not have an entire horseman when he started, but had about 1,000 people from the West Virginia Cavalry and the 3rd. He also has 1350 other men from infantry. He advanced southwest at Winchester and Martinsburg in the Turnpike Valley, with the 1st West Virginia Cavalry to his left (east), the infantry in the center, and the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry on his right (west).
Averell was attacked, north of Winchester between Carter and Rutherford farms, by Confederate forces under the command of General Stephen Dodson Ramseur. The Ramseur Division had been ordered to take a defensive position at Winchester, which would allow the main part of Early army to retreat safely south from Berryville and Winchester. The beginning had no plans to attack the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad - it was more important for him to emerge that he would attack him. Against the order, Ramseur attacked a smaller Averell army. The Confederate attack initially appeared successful, when West Virginia 3rd on the west side was obstructed, and the 1st West Virginia on the east side was forced to withdraw from the cavalry led by Mudwall Jackson. However, Averell was reinforced by 300 people from the 2nd West Virginia Cavalry who arrived in Martinsburg after Averell left. The unexpected strengthening caused Confederate panic, and Averell won the battle. Confederate losses are about 400 to 450 people, and the Averell men collect 500 rifles from the battlefield. Averell's victim was about 220. The retreating rebels were not pursued because Averell was not sure if the rest of the early General Confederate troops were nearby, so the Confederate could still evacuate Winchester (including the hospital) and retreat further south.
Battle of Kernstown II
After Averell's victory at Rutherford's Farm, he joined the cavalry and other infantry divisions. General George Crook ordered the entire army. Both cavalry divisions sent the men in the reconnaissance to find the early armies. Crook believed that most of Early's troops had left the valley to defend the Confederate capital, Richmond, Virginia. He did not believe the reports of Averell and General DuffiÃÆ'Â © (commander of the First Cavalry Division) who said enemy infantry, artillery and cavalry were in the area. Crook was mistaken, and both cavalry units made accurate reports.
On July 24, Averell was ordered to maneuver flanking near the Front Royal to cut what Crook believed to be a small group of Confederates. Averell encountered far greater enemy forces than he expected, and the Second Kernstown Battle began. When some of Crook's troops began to retreat north through Winchester, he finally understood the situation. He arranged for a more organized retreat. The Powell Brigade (including the 1st West Virginia Cavalry) and infantry brigade led by Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes (future United States President) are among some of the few remaining organized units. They became the rear guard against the chasing Confederate cavalry.
The Confederation continued their pursuit on July 25th. However, all the soldiers were soaked in very cold rain, and now hungry and thirsty. The ambush by the Hayes people made the Confederate effort stop. The Powell cavalry brigade was used to push back the Confederate. Crook was ordered to retreat north across the Potomac River, and the Confederacy reoccupied Martinsburg (besides controlling Winchester). Most of Averell's divisions are camped in Hagerstown, Maryland. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry lost a total of 28 people who were killed, wounded, missing, or captured.
Chambersburg and Moorefield
The regiment was part of a cavalry force commanded by General Averell who chased Confederate Generals McCausland and Bradley Johnson after the rebels burned the Pennsylvania, Chambersburg community. After a few minor battles and Confederate threats to burn more cities, two McCausland cavalry brigades were captured in Moorefield, West Virginia. In a surprise attack at dawn on 6 August 1864, Averell captured over 400 Confederates. In this battle, brigade commander Colonel William H. Powell boarded with Colonel Capehart and the 1st West Virginia Cavalry. After the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry attacked across the South Potomac River Branch and met with strong resistance from the 17th Cavalry of Virginia, they were reinforced by the 1st West Virginia - and both regiments defeated the Confederacy. The Powell Report says "Thank you from the brigade also because of West Virginia First Cavalry for the timely support given to the Third West Cavalry of Virginia at a time when the enemy seemed aware of our weaknesses, and tried to mobilize their troops and to drive off the progress of our path, and to combined operations with the Third Virginia Cavalry, pushing the enemy into the mountains twelve miles, killing, wounding and capturing many, as well as capturing a battle flag and two artillery pieces. "
Thus, Averell achieved only two major Union victories over the summer in the Shenandoah Valley. In both cases, Averell operates alone in command. In this case, the Early cavalry was never again a superior power as it once was. Despite Averell's success, General Philip H. Sheridan took command of all Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley on 7 August. Hunter asks to be released.
Battle of Opequon
The Battle of Opequon, also known as the Winchester Third Battle, began on the morning of September 19, 1864. Some historians consider this the most important battle of the Shenandoah Campaign. Army of Philip Sheridan of Shenandoah defeated Jubal Early's Army of the Valley. The number of Union casualties is around 5,000 out of 40,000, while Confederate casualties are about 3,600 out of 12,000. The generals and colonels on both sides were killed, including Confederate Colonel George S. Patton Sr.-- grandfather of the famous World War II tank commander, General George S. Patton. Confederate General Robert E. Rodes was killed, and Confederate general cavalry Fitzhugh Lee and Bradley Johnson were among the wounded. General David Allen Russell, was killed in the action, including among Union victims. The majority of Union victims are in infantry. Averell's 2nd Cavalry Division has only 35 victims, including four from the 1st West Virginia Cavalry.
Battle of Fisher's Hill
This battle took place on 21-22 September 1864. General Sheridan considers this battle as a continuation of the Battle of Opequon near Winchester. The early General Confederate Army was chased from Winchester to Fisher's Hill, where the rebels possessed a strong fortress and a favorable location considering the terrain. Using night marches and diversion by other segments of the army, General Crook quietly positioned the infantry behind the Confederate line. Averell's cavalry division (which included the 1st West Virginia Cavalry as part of Powell's 2nd Brigade), plus the infantry division led by General James B. Ricketts, created a diversion that allowed the two infantry divisions of Crook to remain hidden while they placed themselves near Little Mountain North. The Crook fighter, who is experienced in battle in the mountains, flanking the western side of the Confederate line. Crook's sudden attack broke through the Confederate line, and was the main reason for the Union victory. The Powell cavalry brigade pushed through a gap made by Crook, and pursued the rebels as they fled south. The chase continued throughout the night.
After the battle, Sheridan presses his officers to chase the early retreating troops. On September 23, Sheridan became impatient with the cautious commander of the Second Cavalry Division, General Averell. Sheridan replaces Averell with one of the brigade commanders, Colonel William H. Powell. Powell was promoted to brigadier general shortly thereafter. Colonel Henry Capehart was appointed commander of the old Powell brigade, and Capehart's brother, Charles, became commander of the 1st Cavalry West Virginia Capehart regiment. 2nd Powell Cavalry Division was chased earlier in the south.
Battle of Cedar Creek
The Cedar Creek battle took place on October 19, 1864. The early Jubal Confederate Army seemed to have a victory until General Sheridan deployed his troops into a successful counterattack. Although the victims of the Union more than doubled from the Confederacy, this battle was regarded as a Union victory, and the Confederate forces were expelled from the battlefield. Union troops retook all their lost artillery at the start of the battle, and 22 additional guns belonging to Early soldiers. Union cavalry commanded by General Alfred Torbert. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry remains in Second Division Powell, the 2nd Brigade. Powell positioned his division near the Front Royal to prevent the Confederate cavalry under General Lunsford L. Lomax from flanking Union forces. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry has a total of 3 victims in this battle.
Nineveh
On November 12, the Second Division again fought against the Lomax Cavalry. General William H. Powell, the division commander, sent most of his Brigade I out of Front Royal, where he met the Lomax cavalry section commissioned by General John McCausland. The Confederation is slowly pushing Brigade 1 back. Powell brought the 2nd Brigade (Capehart, including the 1st West Virginia Cavalry) ahead while the 1st Brigade moved back. The Capehart Brigade was charged, resulting in a short clash that ended with the Confederate retreating as fast as they could. They were chased for 8 mi (12.9 km). Powell captured all the rebel artillery (two rifles), their ammunition carts, and took 180 prisoners. A newspaper account said McCausland was slightly injured. Two people from the 1st West Virginia Cavalry were awarded the Medal of Honor for action in this battle. Pvt. James F. Adams, of Company Ã, D, received the medal for "Capture of State flag of 14th Virginia Cavalry (C.S.A.)". The other medal winner is Sergeant Levi Shoemaker of The Company Ã, A. The quote is "Capture of flag of Virginia Cavalry 22d (C.S.A.)".
Third Division
Powell resigned from the Union Armed Forces on January 5, 1865. His father had died and his mother was seriously ill. Sheridan reorganized its 8,000 men into two cavalry divisions. General Wesley Merritt is the Sheridan cavalry commander. General Thomas Devin led the First Division, and the Third Division was ordered by General George Armstrong Custer. No Division II. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry became part of the 3rd Brigade, Third Division Cavalry Corps. The Brigade consists of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cavalry West Virginia Cavalry, and the New York Cavalry (Lincoln) 1, and is commanded by Colonel Henry Capehart. These four regiments are mostly troops, ordered by General Averell, who had a great victory at Moorefield during August 1864. As a brigade, they also performed very well three months later at Nineveh under the command of General Powell. The Brigade was known as the Capehart Fighting Brigade, after his skills were noticed by Sheridan - who called him a "combat brigade". The two divisions spend about six weeks in the winter, where they are rested and given new clothes. On February 27, they left Winchester and moved south. Their aim was to eliminate the forces of the Early Jubal Confederation.
Laurel Brigade
At the end of February, the Initial General received additional troops that should have allowed him to attack instead of escaping. Reinforcement is an elite Confederate cavalry known as the Laurel Brigade, and it's under the command of General Thomas L. Rosser. Many men in the proud and well-equipped Laurel Brigade have served with General Jeb Stuart - the most famous Confederate cavalry officer. Beginning added his own cavalry to Rosser's orders, and sent them toward the division nearing Custer. Rosser filled a closed bridge with a rail in the middle fork of the Shenandoah River, and this is where he plans to face Custer.
At 2:00 Ã, morning, on 1 March, the Capehart brigade was awakened and told to prepare to move without breakfast or feeding their horses. Their goal was to remove Rosser's cavalry barriers, which would allow the rest of Custer's division to attack early troops - allegedly between Harrisonburg and Staunton. On a closed bridge, Capehart sent some brigades, down, to attack Rosser. The 1st West Virginia cavalry was sent upstream where he crossed and then charged on Rosser. The Brigade chased Rosser's cavalry from the area, arrested 50 people, and captured all of Rosser's artillery. So Custer, utilizing the Capehart brigade (including the 1st West Virginia Cavalry), defeated one of the Confederate's best cavalry.
Battle of Waynesboro
Two federal cavalry divisions encountered the remains of General Early's troops in Waynesboro, Virginia, on March 2. Most of Early's forces were killed or captured, though Early evaded capture. Custer Division did the battle. The 1st Brigade went down and attacked as an infantry, then the 3rd Brigade (Capehart brigade including the 1st West Virginia Cavalry) attacked and cut more than half of the initial army - forcing the rebels to surrender. All the equipment of Dini's headquarters were captured, like 11 pieces of artillery. The Capehart Brigade chases the rebels who have fled to the Rockfish Gap. A New York newspaper praised the 3rd Brigade by capturing 5 pieces of artillery, 67 ammunition and food carts, and 1 battle flag. The early army was knocked out of the war.
Sheridan left the Valley to fight Lee's army
Sheridan's initial order was to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad and then meet Union Union soldiers William Tecumseh Sherman in North Carolina. Sheridan reached Charlottesville on March 3, but faced delays caused by muddy roads. On March 5, Sergeant Richard Boury, of the C, was part of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry squadron sent to the mountains to find some rebels who had withdrawn from Waynesboro. Boury captured the flag and three rebels. He received the Medal of Honor, and the quotation describes his actions as "in Charlottesville".
Over the next few days, Custer's division (including the 1st West Virginia Cavalry) destroyed the railway line between Lynchburg and Amherst Courthouse, and the Devin division destroyed the James River Canal. The rainy weather causes the James River to swell. Deeper and wider rivers become dangerous to cross, and rivers become unusable. The swollen river, and the bridge that had been destroyed by the Confederacy, persuaded Sheridan to march east toward the Richmond Confederate capital instead of moving south across the river to connect with the Sherman army in North Carolina. The Sheridan Army continued north of the James River, and reached Columbia, Virginia, on 10 March.
Private Archibald H. Rowand Jr., of West Virginia K's First Cavalry Company, is a reconnaissance and spy. During March, he was one of two people able to cross the Confederate line to deliver a message from General Sheridan to General Grant. To achieve this feat, Rowland was wearing a Confederate uniform for most of his journey. The 48-hour journey takes 145 miles (233.4 km) on horseback and an additional 11 miles (17.7 km) on foot. Toward the end of his journey, he was chased by the Confederacy and had to leave his horse and swim in the Chickahominy River. It started the walking part of his journey. She was wet, muddy, and only dressed in underwear when she crossed into the Union line.
Two divisions of the Sheridan cavalry continued their movement eastward, still to the north of the swollen James River. Both divisions reached the United States Armed Forces base in the river port community of the White House, Virginia (not to be confused with the "White House" in Washington, DC), on March 18, 1865. In the White House the two divisions were supplied again, and rested for five days.
Sheridan's troops leave from the White House on 24 March, and meet with the Potomac Army near Petersburg on 27 March. The Potomac Army is "the main forces of the Union operating in the East." It was often confronted with the Lee Army in Northern Virginia, and was assigned to protect the capital city of Washington, D.C., while trying to capture the capital of the Confederation of Richmond. The Sheridan Army of Shenandoah was still considered separated from the Potomac Army, so he received direct orders from General Ulysses S. Grant (the highest officer of the Union and the president of the United States to come). Grant worked on-site with General George Meade, commander of the Potomac Army. Meade has surrounded some of Lee's army in Richmond and Petersburg, but Lee still has a western escape route. Grant ordered Sheridan to proceed to Dinwiddie, Virginia. The two divisions joined the Second Cavalry Division of the Potomac Army, led by General Crook. The three cavalry divisions reach a strength of about 9,000. Since Lee's Army in Northern Virginia is concentrated in Richmond and Petersburg, the Sheridan movement will move Lee's army - and threaten Lee's escape route if he decides to leave Richmond and Petersburg.
Battle of Dinwiddie Courthouse
Sheridan Army reached Dinwiddie Court House on 29 March. His first two divisions went to camp at the site, while Custer's Third Division (which included the 1st West Virginia Cavalry regiment) guarded the cart further back at Malone's Crossing. The Third Division's 3rd Brigade consists of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd cavalry regiments in West Virginia and includes the 1st, 2nd and 1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry. The next day, the Devin's First Cavalry Division, and the brigade of the Second Division Crook, were sent north to Five Forks. Their reconnaissance found a powerful enemy force led by General George E. Pickett, and the Union cavalry was pushed back.
The battle of Dinwiddie Court House took place on March 31, and was regarded as a Confederate victory. The same forces that were pushed back earlier were sent back to Five Forks. The remaining part of the Crook 2nd Division meets with the Confederates farther west at Chamberlain's Creek. During this time, the infantry under the command of Union General Gouverneur Kemble Warren, located east of the Sheridan forces, was repulsed. The attacking Confederate forces then turned their attention to Sheridan - the Sheridan cavalry had to face two enemy and cavalry infantry divisions.
When the Union cavalry was pushed back to Dinwiddie Court House, the 3rd Brigade of Capehart was withdrawn from the task of guarding the wagon train. They move closer to what will soon be a front, an open area in front of Dinwiddie. The Capehart Brigade, sometimes called the "Virginia Brigade", uses a rail from the fence to quickly build a protection area to fight when it descends. The Brigade was able to stop the Confederate attack in a continuous battle until after dark.
Five Forks War
The Battle of Five Forks occurred on April 1, 1865. Five Forks is a small community in Dinwiddie County, located between Dinwiddie Court House and Petersburg. To this Union victory, Sheridan received reinforcements from the Fifth Corps and the cavalry division of the James Army. Sheridan's plan was to capture Confederate infantry who had isolated themselves outside the Confederate line of defense after pursuing Sheridan at Dinwiddie.
Union infantry strikes from the eastern side of the battlefield, while most cavalry attack from the south and west. Capehart's brigade strikes from the southwest, and eventually is on the extreme west side of the battlefield. Sometimes, the horsemen get off the horses, with their horses leading at a safe distance behind. The opposing forces are always within the reach of the Union cavalry carbine, keeping a seven-shot weapon - and not allowing Confederate infantry to capitalize on their long-range weapons gains. After 5:00 pm, the Custer division (including Capehart brigade) was reassembled, and attacked the Confederate batteries. The battery can not shoot low enough to hit the charging cavalry, and it is immediately captured. The rebels respond with Rebel's shouts, and soon the opponents fight in close combat with the sword.
A portion of the Capehart brigade pushed the rebels to the far end of the field, only partially pushed back by the second Confederate cavalry group. After the regiment was reinforced by the remaining Capehart brigades, the Confederates were expelled from the area, and many battle flags were captured. Lieutenant Wilmon W. Blackmar, of H Cavalry 1 Company of Virginia, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in this battle. At that time, he was a provost-marshal brigade on Colonel Henry Capehart's staff. The Brigade has been ordered to join the charge against what appears to be a major part of the enemy. After the chase began, Blackmar observed that the brigade was chasing a small detachment from the Confederacy, and the main body of the Confederation wanted to isolate the cavalry from the Union infantry. Blackmar meets with Capehart and informs him of his situation, and is ordered to reform the brigade at the correct battle line. Blackmar reformed some of the brigde and led the charge (without waiting for the rest of the brigade). People who demanded taking prisoners, and arrested artillery, carts, and ambulances. Custer and Capehart promote Blackmar to the captain immediately. Medal of Honor Blackmar quote says "At a critical stage of combat, without command, leads the successful progress of the enemy."
Although the battle was considered finished on the day it started, the battle continued as Lee's army tried to escape to the west. On April 2, Capehart's brigade attacked the Confederate in Namozine Church. In this confrontation, Capehart's horse was killed, and Capehart stabbed his clothes with several shots that did not seriously hurt him. The next day, another brigade from Custer's division attacked, and finally the Confederate fled to Amelia Court House. This unconvincing battle, described as a rearguard action of the Confederacy, is known as the Battle of the Namozine Church. Total casualties for both sides are estimated at 75, and Confederate General Rufus Barringer was arrested.
Battle of Sailor's Creek
On April 1, General Lee, aware of the threat to his troops and the Confederate government in Richmond, recommended leaving the city. Confederate President Jefferson Davis leaves town on 2 April. Lee's army began to move west a few days later. On April 6, Union forces chased Lee's Army to the south of the Appomattox River near Saylor's Creek. The area is about half way between Richmond and Lynchburg. Some historians say the Battle of Sailor's Creek is actually three combat battles simultaneously at Lockett Farm, Hillsman Farm, and Marshall's Crossroads. The Sheridan cavalry fought in the Crossroads area of ​​Marshall. Two divisions of the Confederation General Richard Ewell were among Little Sailor (also spelled Saylor and Sayler's) Creek and Crossroads Marshall. Confederate General Richard H. Anderson ordered an additional division in the western part of Crossroads Marshall. The Sheridan cavalry, led by General Merritt, was on the southeast side, with three divisions commanded by Devin, Crook, and Custer. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry, as part of the Capehart brigade and Custer's Third Division, started their bout at South Crossroads Marshall. Again, Union infantry struck from the east, while the Sheridan cavalry attacked most of the south and west. Sgt Francis M. Cunningham, of The H, of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry, writes that the battle "is one of the most difficult cavalry fights in war." Custer's cavalry division made many accusations over the Confederate line. Although the indictments were successful in capturing artillery and men, the casualties were very high. Soldiers on both sides have suffered heavy casualties in battles at Dinwiddie Court House and Five Forks. In the case of the Company H, only four people are left for the final fee.
When Colonel Capehart (commander of the 3rd Brigade of Custer) reviewed the position of the Confederate army, General Custer drove along the lines in the confessional view of the Confederate infantry, mocking his enemy with the captured Confederate battle flag. The Confederation responded by taking a lot of shots at the general, hitting his horse. Custer goes down unscathed. Capehart realizes that the Confederacy will need time to refill their single shotgun, and request that the 3rd Brigade attack immediately. Custer quickly agreed, and Capehart's brigade of about 1,400 cavalry troops (including 1st West Virginia) attacked the Confederate line. In addition to the 1st West Virginia Cavalry, the 3rd brigade at Capehart still includes the 2nd and 3rd West Virginia Cavalry - plus the first New York Cavalry (Lincoln).
Capehart and Lieutenant Colonel James Allen of the 2nd West Virginia Cavalry led the charge. The men use swords, carbines, and revolvers to move through three Confederate infantry lines. Most of the Ewell corps became surrounded, causing many disseminated Confederate soldiers to surrender. Thus, Union forces captured more than 20 percent of Lee's army. About 8,000 Confederate soldiers, including eight generals, were killed or captured. Among the surrendered generals was the commander of the corps Richard Ewell. Another arrested general was Custis Lee, the eldest son of the Northern Virginia Army commander, Robert E. Lee. After seeing the survivor of his troops, Robert E. Lee said, "Oh my God, has the army been disbanded?" Although many Andersons fled westward, the battle was considered a "death knell" for Lee Confederate Army. The Battle of Sailor's Creek was the last major battle of the American Civil War.
Five people from the 1st West Virginia Cavalry were awarded the Medal of Honor for action in this battle. Captain Hugh P. Boon received a medal to capture the flag. Boon's Company B is part of the payload when he sees an enemy infantry battalion on the right. He led his company away from the original load, moving toward the infantry. His company led the Confederate battalion, and Boon captured the flag of the 10th Infantry Georgia. Although Boon worries that he does not really follow orders, a boss looks at his misfortune and admits that the captain is taking the right action. The title of Medal of Honor Sgt. Francis M. Cunningham reads "Capture the battle flag of the 12th Infantry of Virginia (C.S.A.) in a hand-to-hand combat while wounded." The Cunningham Horse had been killed, but he found a Confederate donkey who jumped into a Confederate base when the regiment made the accusations. Although Cunningham, who was of the Ã, H company, was shot twice (but survived), he caught the Confederate flag using his sword. General Custer then recommended Cunningham for the award. Sergeant Commissioner William Houlton won a medal to capture the flag, but the regiment was not identified in the quote. Corporal Emisire Shahan from Company A received the medal for "Capture of flag of 76th Georgia Infantry (C.S.A.)". Quote for Medal of Honor Private winner Daniel A. Woods, from K , says "Capture of the flag of Florida Infantry 18 (C.S.A.)".
Battle of Appomattox Station
On April 8, Lee's Army in Northern Virginia continued to flee west. Two Union army corps followed. Additional Union troops, including the cavalry led by General Sheridan, further west. Sheridan hopes to block Lee's retreat. His strength is Custer's Third Division. The early part of Lee's army was made up of artillery troops led by General R. Lindsey Walker, and they passed a small community of Appomattox Court House towards their destination - Appomattox Station. The Walker artillery troops lead the wagon train with luggage and ambulance. Three trains, shipped from Lynchburg, waited at Appomattox Station with supplies. They were guarded by a small cavalry brigade.
Custer learned that the Confederate supply cart was waiting at Appomattox Station. He sent the 2nd New York Cavalry forward, and the supply trains were captured. Some parts of the lane are released to prevent the train from returning to Lynchburg. Walker was surprised to see Union troops waiting at the station, and arranging artillery. He was forced to form a line of battle in forested areas - not an ideal situation for his armaments. He was able to drive Brigade 1 Custer.
Custer uses brigades 2 and 3 (Capehart) for two ineffective attacks. Finally, Custer makes a rare night raid using all its parts. The 1st West Virginia Cavalry is on the extreme left of Custer. Strong moonlight reduces the risk of getting lost or misidentifying friendly soldiers and enemies. The night attack was successful, and Custer's division captured 24 to 30 artillery pieces. About 1,000 Confederates were taken captive, and 150 to 200 carts were captured.
Two people from the 1st West Virginia Cavalry were awarded the Medal of Honor for action in this battle. Corporal Thomas Anderson, of the Company I, received a medal to capture the Confederate flag. Flags have been, occasionally, featured on Lee Chapel and the Washington Museum and Lee University. Charles Schorn, Head of Bugler of the Company Ã, M, also received a Medal of Honor for action in this battle after he captured the Flying Artist Flag of Sumter. This flag, which has been brought by Sumpter Flying Artillery since 1861, was captured in Custer's final night expenses.
Battle of Appomattox Courthouse
On April 9, Lee's Army in Northern Virginia continued to flee westward. The infantry was led by General John Brown Gordon and James Longstreet, and the cavalry headed by Fitzhugh Lee formed a line of battle near Appomattox Court House. This was their last chance to escape to Lynchburg, when Union forces tried to surround them.
A Confederate officer approached the 3rd Brigade of Capehart by riding a horse under the banner of a truce. Capehart and the officer drove the column to General Custer, where the officer told the general that Lee and Grant were corresponding on the surrender of Lee's Army. Confederate officers also requested a ceasefire until the outcome of the negotiations is known. Custer's response was "Tell General Longstreet that I do not hold the command of all the forces here, but I am on the side and back with the great cavalry troops, and that I will accept nothing but give in unconditionally."
The participation of 1st West Virginia Cavalry in this "battle" was largely preparing to attack - but no full charges were made. Shortly after his meeting with Longstreet's representative, Custer changed the division's command to Colonel Henry Capehart, commander of the 3rd Brigade (which included the 1st West Virginia Cavalry).
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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