advantage could be claimed by either, but the fortunes of the day might be. decided by one of those incidents or accidents of the battle-field which, though insignificant in themselves, often go far towards deciding the fate of nations. Such must have been the impression of the officers and men composing the five brigades now advancing to the attack. The enemy wisely chose not to receive our attack at a halt, but advanced from the woods and charged our line of skirmishers. The cavalry were here so closely connected that a separate account of the operations of a single brigade or regiment is almost impossible. Our skirmishers were forced back, and a portion of my brigade was pushed forward to their support. The enemy relied wholly upon the carbine and pistol; my men preferred the sabre. A short but closely contested struggle ensued, which resulted in the repulse of the enemy. Many prisoners were taken and quite a number of both sides left on the field. Driving the enemy through the woods, in his rear the pursuit was taken up with vigor. The enemy dividing his column, from necessity our forces did likewise. The division of Gen. Averill moved on the right of the pike, and gave its attention to a small force of the enemy which was directing its retreat towards the commanding heights west of the town.

"My command, by agreement with General Averill, took charge of all forces of the enemy on the pike, and those in the immediate vicinity of the ground to its left. Other portions of the 1st division made a detour still farther to my left, so that that which had lately been one unbroken line was now formed into several columns of pursuit, each with a special and select object in view. Within three-fourths of a mile from the point where the enemy had made his last stand, he rallied a portion of his force. His line was formed beyond a small ditch, which he no doubt supposed would break, if not wholly oppose, an attacking column. Under most circumstances such might have been the case, but with men inspired with a foretaste of victory, greater obstacles must be interposed. Without designating any particular regiments, the charge was sounded, and portions of all the regiments composing my brigade joined in the attack. The volleys delivered by the enemy were not enough to check the attacking column, and again was the enemy driven before us, this time seeking safety in rear of his line of infantry. Here he reformed for his last attempt to check our advance. The batteries of the enemy were now enabled to reach us, an advantage they were not slow to improve. At this time a battery of the enemy, with apparently little support, was being withdrawn. My command, owing to the repeated charges, had become badly broken, rendering it impossible for me to avail myself of the services of a single organized regiment. With detachments of each regiment, a charge was ordered upon the battery, which, but for the extreme smallness of our numbers, would have proved successful. Lieutenant Louensbery, 5th Michigan cavalry, with great daring, advanced with a handful of men to within a few paces of the battery, and was only prevented from capturing it by an infantry support, hitherto concealed, and outnumbering him. Sergeant Barber, 5th Michigan cavalry, clerk at headquarters, distinguished himself in this charge as my colorbearer. He carried the colors in advance of the charging column, and was conspicuous throughout the engagement until severely wounded in the latter part of the day. It being necessary to reform my regiments before attempting a further advance, advantage was taken of a slight ridge of ground within one thousand yards of the enemy's line of battle. Behind this ridge, and protected from the enemy's fire, I formed as many of my men as could be hastily collected. Two guns, which had been annoying us on our right, were now charged and taken by the 1st and 5th regular cavalry. This

gave us possession of a portion of the main line of the enemy's fortifications. At the same time our infantry on the centre and left had, after our successes on the right, been enabled to drive the enemy, and were now forcing him towards the town. Still determined to contest our further advance, the enemy now contracted his lines. This gave me an opportunity to move my brigade to a small crest, within five hundred yards of the enemy's position. This movement was entirely unobserved by him, his attention being drawn towards the heavy lines of our infantry, now advancing in open view far to our left. At this moment I received an order from the division commander to charge the enemy with my entire brigade. Having personally examined the situation, and knowing that a heavy force of the enemy was lying down behind these works, facts of which I knew the division commander was ignorant, I respectfully requested that I might be allowed to select my own time for making the charge. My reasons for this course were, that I was convinced the advance of our infantry on the centre and left would compel the force in my front to shift its position to the rear, and the most favorable moment to strike it would be after this movement had commenced, not while they were awaiting us in rear of their works. My opinions were verified. Watching the enemy until his force had arisen from behind their works and commenced their retrograde movement, I gave the command to charge. The order was obeyed with zeal and alacrity upon the part of all. The 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan, with a portion of the 25th New York, advanced in one line, most of the command using the sabre alone. Officers and men seemed to vie with each other as to who should lead. Among those in advance, my personal attention was attracted to Colonel Stagg, commanding 1st Michigan, Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer, commanding 7th Michigan; also Captain Warner, of the same regiment; to Colonel Kidd, commanding 6th Michigan cavalry, and to Colonel Hastings, commanding 5th Michigan cavalry. Each of these officers led his regiment with most commendable valor. The enemy, upon our approach, turned and delivered a well-directed volley of musketry, but before a second discharge could be given, my command was in their midst, sabering right and left, and capturing prisoners more rapidly than they could be disposed of. Further resistance upon the part of those immediately opposed to us was suspended. A few batteries posted on the heights near the town continued to fire into our midst, fortunately, killing more of their own men than of ours. Their fire was silenced, however, as we advanced towards them. Nothing more remained but to collect the prisoners and other trophies of the victory. No further resistance was offered; the charge just made had decided the day, and the entire body of the enemy, not killed or captured, was in full retreat up the valley. Many of the prisoners cut off by my command fell into the hands of the infantry, whose advance soon reached the ground. My command, however, which entered the last charge about five hundred strong, including but thirty-six officers, captured over seven hundred prisoners, including fifty-two officers; also seven battle-flags, two caissons, and a large number of small arms. It is confidently believed, that, considering the relative numbers engaged, and the comparative advantages held on each side, the charge just described stands unequaled, valued according to its daring and success, in the history of this war. Night put an end to the pursuit, and this brigade bivouacked on the left of the valley pike, three miles from the battle-field. Our loss was by no means trifling. A numerical list of casualties has already been forwarded. Among the gallant dead who fell on that day is Captain North, of the 5th Michigan cavalry, whose bravery has rendered him conspicuous on scores of battle-fields. It is with the deepest

regret that I record the fall of Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer, of the 7th Michigan cavalry, who fell at the moment of victory while leading his regiment in the final charge. I believe I am correct in stating that he fell farthest in advance of those who on that day surrendered their lives in their country's cause. Possessed of ability qualifying him for much higher positions than those he filled, he was invariably selected to command expeditions involving danger, and requiring experience, daring, and sagacity, and invariably did he perform the duty assigned to him with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his commanding officers. Known and respected by all his brother officers, his memory will always be cherished by every member of this command; and of him all will say he was a soldier sans peur et sans reproche. Instances of personal daring and gallantry during the engagement were numerous, and deserving of particular mention, but it is impracticable to include this list in a report of this character. A few have been referred to, having impressed themselves upon my personal notice at the time. I will only add in this connection that both officers and men did their duty, and not a single case of misbehavior occurred throughout the entire engagement. The assistance derived from the zealous and persevering efforts of the members of my staff deserves to be recorded. My orders were transmitted with accuracy and celerity, frequently delivered under a heavy fire. Of the numerous charges made by my command, there were none that were not participated in by one or more of my staff. They were particularly energetic in rallying and reforming regiments broken or repulsed in the charge.

"The following-named staff officers particularly distinguished themselves: Major G. A. Drew, 6th Michigan cavalry, A. I. G.; Captain L. H. Barnhart, 6th Michigan cavalry, A. A. A. G.; Lieutenant E. F. Norvell, 1st Michigan cavalry, A. D. C.; Captain E. F. Decker, 1st Michigan cavalry, A. A. D. C.; Lieutenant G. S. White, 5th Michigan cavalry, A. A. D. C. "Surgeon Wooster, 1st Michigan cavalry, was extremely attentive to the wants of the wounded, and discharged his duties with marked success."

Three of the battle-flags taken in the engagement of September 19th, at Opequan, near Winchester, were captured by men of the Michigan regiments; two of them by members of the 5th cavalry, Sergeant Henry M. Fox, of company M, (commissioned afterwards as 2d lieutenant,) who enlisted at Coldwater, August 12, 1862; Corporal Gabriel Cole, of company I, who enlisted at Allegan, August 19, 1862; and Sergeant John Winter, company and place of enlistment unknown. One of them was taken by Private Ulrick L. Crocker, of company M, 6th cavalry, who enlisted at Vergenes, Kent county, September 29, 1862.

These men are all reported in the Official Army Register of the volunteer force, as having been awarded medals of honor by the Secretary of War; and it is officially reported that they were given as rewards for acts of bravery in the capture of the flags referred to.

Lieutenant Albert F. Jackson, 1st cavalry, wounded at Winchester September 19, 1864, died of his wounds on November 12th following.

At Winchester the 1st cavalry had seven killed, twenty-five wounded, and one missing. The 7th cavalry lost four killed and nineteen wounded. Losses of 5th and 6th not reported, but are supposed to be equally heavy. After the important engagement at Winchester the regiments were engaged at Luray, September 24th; at Port Republic, September 26th, 27th, and 28th; at Mount Crawford, October 2d; at Woodstock, October 19th; at Cedar Creek, October 19th; at Newton, November 12th, and at Madison Court-house on December 24th.

On the 27th of February, 1865, the brigade formed part of the force with which General Sheridan made his movement against General Early's army, and on the rebel communications in the direction of Gordonsville and Richmond, and at that date moved with the cavalry corps towards Staunton, and on the 8th of March participated in an engagement with a part of the rebel cavalry, under General Rosser, near Louisa Court-house, and assisted in routing it and capturing the town, in which a large amount of property was destroyed, including the railroad depot, with rolling stock and telegraph office. It also participated in taking up the track and destroying the railroad property on the line of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville railroad, and in the destruction of the locks, aqueducts, and mills on the line of the James river canal. The command having reached White House Landing, March 19th, in time to take part in the final battles of the Army of the Potomac, soon after, with the cavalry corps, took position on the left of the line of that army, and on the 30th the regiment became engaged with the rebel cavalry and assisted in driving them within their works at Five Forks. It was also engaged with the enemy at the same point on the 31st and on April 1st; and on the 2d at the South Side railroad; and on the 4th at Duck Pond Mills; on the 6th at the battle of the Ridges, or Sailor's Creek, and on the 8th and 9th at Appomattox Courthouse.

Colonel James H. Kidd, 6th Michigan, commanding brigade, in his report of the engagement at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, says:

* * * "The picket line of the 7th Michigan cavalry having been driven in early in the morning, the entire brigade moved out to its support. Found the enemy strongly posted, with artillery in position. We were ordered back, and took possession on the right, and afterwards on the extreme left of the army, repulsing several charges, and driving the enemy until overcome by superior numbers. That the Michigan brigade was engaged the casualties bear witness. One stand of colors and many prisoners were captured. Darkness intervened to prevent perfect success. Kershaw's division, which confronted us, was utterly broken and scattered. All the regiments of this brigade deserve special mention. They never behaved with more consummate gallantry. I regret to report the loss of Captain Shier, 1st Michigan cavalry, who was mortally wounded while leading a charge. A gallant officer, a polished scholar, an accomplished gentleman, his loss is keenly felt by all who knew him."

Captain Shier died of his wounds, October 31st following.

In the report of Colonel Stagg, 1st cavalry, commanding brigade, the following reference is made to the battle of Five Forks, April 1, 1865:

* * * "The next morning we moved forward, passing over the ground from which we had been driven the day before. Our brigade being in advance, we soon came upon the enemy, strongly posted behind a large swamp, through which it was impossible to penetrate. Moving to the right, the enemy's cavalry appeared in our front and was driven to his main line of works, occupied by Kershaw's division. In the afternoon the regiment participated in the final charge and capture of these works, taking many prisoners and pursuing the flying enemy until long after dark. In this engagement Lieutenant Orwin M. Bartlett was killed; also, Lieutenant George C. Whitney."

Colonel Kidd, 6th Michigan, says of his regiment, in an engagement near Five Forks: "On the 4th of April the regiment charged the enemy's line of battle, near Beaver Mills, Va., losing in the charge Lieut. S. H. Finney, a gallant officer."

NOTE." On the morning of the 30th of March, 1865, the 7th regiment of Michigan cavalry is found with the gallant Phil. Sheridan on the right flank of the rebel army near Five Forks, Va. For thirty days previous the regiment bad, with the balance of Sheridan's cavalry, been constantly on the march, being of the command with which be moved from the Shenandoah Valley on the 27th of February, and undertook his celebrated raid to the James river, and which was attended with such important and brilliant results. Little time had been allowed for recuperating from the effects attending a service so arduous as that through which they had just passed, when, on the morning of March 30th, the 7th Michigan numbering less than three hundred men, and after marching all night in rain and over heavy roads, Colonel Geo. G. Briggs, then commanding the regiment, received orders to move with promptness to the support of the 6th Pennsylvania cavalry and the 2d U. S. cavalry regulars, holding a position on the extreme right of the Union lines, and which was being strongly pressed by a strong force of the enemy's cavalry. Upon reaching the point and reporting to the officer in command, the regiment was immediately placed in position to support a charge which was ordered to be made upon the enemy's line by the two regiments named, and which, although made with spirit and in splendid style, was not only met with firmness by the enemy, but they were forced to retire in some confusion. The enemy seeing his advantage immediately charged down upon the retreating force confident of success. The 7th regiment being formed in columns of squadrons, sabres drawn, moved gallantly forward for a counter charge. The task before it was a difficult one. Steady was the command as they rapidly passed forward through the lines of retreating men to meet the on-coming and confident foe. A moment, and the charge is sounded, and with shouts of 'Sheridan' and 'Victory,' they dash into the fire of death. Not a man faltered. The veterans of 'Gettysburg,' the Wilderness,' and 'Winchester,' with the names of FIFTY battles on their banners, were on their mission, and victory or death must follow. A moment, and the shock of contending arms and shouts of contestants filled the air. A moment, and the rebel line wavered, then broke and fled the field in a confused rout, leaving in the hands of the 7th the commanding officer of their brigade and a large number of prisoners-the remainder filed for safety behind the fortifications of the infantry, three miles to the rear, closely followed by the 7th.' For the part the regiment took in this action, it received the compliments of the commanding General."

The Michigan Cavalry Brigade had fought throughout the rebellion and was in at its death, being gallantly engaged at Sailor's Creek April 6th, 1865, the last great day's fighting of the war. Mr. Greeley says of that day: "Crook now holding Sheridan's left (facing eastward) advanced to Deatonsville, where Lee's whole army was moving rapidly westward. He immediately charged, as directed by Sheridan; well knowing the inferiority of his force, but determined to detain the enemy, at whatever cost, until supports on our side could arrive. The result justified the daring, Crook was repulsed; but meantime Custer, with his division of horse, struck again farther on, gaining the road to Sailor's Creek, a petty tributary of Appomattox, where Crook and Devin, coming promptly to his support, he pierced the rebel line of march, destroying 400 wagons and taking 16 guns with many prisoners. Ewell's corps following the train, was thus cut off from Lee. Its advance was now gallantly charged by Colonel Stagg's Brigade, (Mich. ;) and thus time was gained for the arrival of the leading division of the 6th corps pursuing the Confederate rear, when Ewell recalled, fighting stoutly till Wharton's division also came up, and a part of our infantry advancing, were momentarily repelled by a deadly fire. But the odds were too great. Ewell's veterans, inclosed between our cavalry and the 6th corps, and sternly charged by the latter, without a chance of escape, threw down their arms and surrendered. Ewell himself and four other Generals were among the prisoners, of whom over 6000 were taken this day."

THE SECOND CAVALRY.

On November 14, 1861, the 2d cavalry, raised by Col. F. W. Kellogg, moved from their rendezvous at Grand Rapids, destined for St. Louis, Mo., and on their arrival there, Captain Gordon Granger, U. S. A., assumed command as colonel. The regiment was stationed during the winter at Benton Barracks, near that city. Early in March, 1862, it left that point to take part with the forces of General Pope in the operations against Island No. 10, a strongly fortified position near New Madrid. The 2d first encountered the enemy near Point Pleasant, Mo., March 9th, and was soon after

Q *