From Everglade to Cañon with the Second Dragoons, Second United States Cavalry, an ... account of service in Florida, Mexico, Virginia and the Indian Country. With an appendix, containing orders, reports, etc. 1836-1875. Compiled by T. F. Rodenbough. Illustrated

Appendix

Containing Orders, Reports and Correspondence, Military Records, Etc, etc., etc. 1836-1875. COMPILED DY THEO. F. RODENBOUGH, / COLONEL and brevet brigadier-general united states army, (Late Captain Second Cavalry.} Xllttstratcft. New York : D. VAN NOSTRAND, PUBLISHER, 23 Murray Street and 27 Warren Street. Copyright. D. VAN NOSTRAND. 1875- Co THE MEMORY OF THE LATE IBnjov'dStnivnl Sotm 23tifov&, MAJOR AND ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL Wttrt =Stntcs 3(,imt), FORMERLY CAPTAIN SECOND DRAGO THIS BOOR IS AFFECTIONA TEL Y INSCRIBED.

Preface

. This Mhnoire de Service has been compiled not only in the interests of the Army and the Cavalry — especially the Second Regiment — but also in the hope that it may be the means of bringing forth from dusty pigeon-holes the traditions and military records of other equally distinguished corps and regiments. The "Personal Recollections" arc chronologically arranged. General Cooke, Colonel Lee, Majors Thompson and Bates. contribute Indian and frontier reminiscences ; General Merritt touches upon cavalry operations (Army of the Potomac) during the year 1863; Colonels Leoser and Harrison and Major Smith follow with interesting experiences under Sheridan, in 1864, whilst the part taken by his regiment in the first successful exploration of the Great Yellowstone National Park is graphi cally described by Lieutenant DOANE.

" Letters of a Subaltern " are extracts from the correspondence of a young officer of the "Second" during the late war — " Army Letters " pur ct simple. " A Trumpeter's Notes " comprise selections from the diary of an intelligent enlisted man (eventually a non-commissioned staff-officer) who saw twenty years' service in the Dragoons. In the "Roll of Honor" an attempt has been made to keep fresh the memory of extraordinary deeds of enlisted men as a slight encouragement to a class whose share in achieving military successes is too often ignored or easily forgotten. For authority to consult the archives of the War Department in preparing this work, and for other facilities kindly extended by Preface. the ADJUTANT-GENERAL of the army, the regiment is under obli gation; also to Colonel Martin, Assistant Adjutant-General, for especial official courtesies.

To Brevet Brigadier-General I. N. Palmer, Colonel; Lieutenant Clark, Adjutant, and other officers of the Second Cavalry, the Editor is indebted for hearty and valu able co-operation. CONTENTS. [All Battles or Important Skirmishes appear in Italics?] FIRST PERIOD.— 1836-42 THE FLORIDA WAR. I.— EARLY OPERATIONS— GENERAL ORGANIZATION— JESUP. Retrospective — The Seminoles— Osceola— Act creating Second Dragoons— Roster and Sketches of Officers- Organization— Jefferson Barracks— Micanopy — D draws First Blood— We/id a Pond— Death of Lane- General Jesup— Fort Mellon— Coacoochee— Mosquito Inlet— Lieutenant McNiel killed— Sam Jones— Lake Harney— Locha-Hatchee— The Everglades— Growls— The Okefinokee, j7 II.— CAMPAIGN 1838-39— TAYLOR— MACOMB. Borders 0/ the Kenahapa — Arrival of General Taylor — Operations during 1S3S — Taylor's Method of Indian Fighting — General Macomb — The Council — The Treaty — The Massacre — Caloosakatchu — Harney's Letter — '• Romeo" — Sufferings of a Survivor, 33 IIT.— CAMPAIGN 1S39-40— CAMP WASHINGTON— EVERGLADE EXPEDITION.

Camp of Instruction— Recruiting— A, F, G, H, I, K, and Headquarters go North— The Band— Camp Washington — "Pomp and Circumstance" — General Eustis — General Wool inspects and reports — Return to Florida — Bloodhounds — Harney in the Everglades— Che-ki-ka — Retribution — Roughing it, 40 IV.— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— SCOUTING WITH BEN BEALL. By Colonel Arthur T. Lee, U. S. A. An Informer — The Big Trader— The Summons — The Start— Romance of an April Night — " The Dragoon Bold " — Daybreak — Cremation— On the Trail — The Choocachattee — "There they are"— In at the Death— Waxehadjo— A Smithsonian Scalp—1' Oh ! a jolly, brave Knight," etc., 47 V.— CAMPAIGN 1S41— WORTH'S OPERATIONS-SUMMER WORK. Corn — Tustenugge — Extent of the Field — Expedition to the Kissimmee— Coacoochee as Hamlet— M Hough "— Worth assumes Command— Strength and Location of Indians— A Summer Campaign— Rip Arnold's Mess Chest — Provisions -us.

Refreshments — A Night March after a Big Indian— Seth, '* the Indomitable "— Ker ascends the Ocklawaha — Scouting in Canoes— A Narrow Escape — Deadly Exposure of the Troops — An Amphibious Army, 54 VI.— CLOSING CAMPAIGN— REGIMENT LEAVES FLORIDA Indians, Real and Ideal — White Freedom and Red Bondage — A Distinguished Hostage— Coacoochee eloquent — Worth uirelenting— Emigration — Operations of May and Beall— A, D, E, F, G ordered to Fort Jesup— Fauntleroy's Report — C as Bridge-builders— Big Cypress Expedition — Big Hummock of Pilaklikaha — Burial of Wandcll — Departure of B, C, H, I, K for Baton Rouge— Services and Losses of the Regiment- Monument at San Augustine— The Burial, Contents. 8 SECOND PERIOD— 1843-44- L 0 1 'I SI A NA .— TEX A S. VII. -ARMY LEGISLATION-DISMOUNTING OF THE REGIMENT.

Expensive Retrenchment- Washington-Von Moltkc-Sherman-Froceedings in Congress relative to Reduction of the Army-Remarks of Senators and Representatives-Propcsiticn to disband the Regiment- Act to convert Second Dragoons into Regiment of Riflemen passed; to take effect March 4, iSjs-'-'ihe Mule's Lament," VIII.— RECUPERATION-RENOVATION-REMOUNTING. Fort Jesup- Fort Washita— Proficiency of Dragoons in Drill-Lancers-General Scott recommends Remounting— Secretary of War urges Repeal of Law— Petitions to same effect from Louisiana and Missouri Legislatures— Bill to reorganize and remount Regiment introduced— Passed March 7, 1844— Rejoicing— Experiments in the Use of Alcohol— " The Military Toper," • s3 THIRD PERIOD— 1845-48. THE WAR WITH MEXICO. IX.-FROM NEW ORLEANS TO MATAMORAS. The Army cf Observation— Passing of the Annexation BUI— En route to Corpus Christi— Roster of the Regiment (B C, D, E, F, H, K)— Description cf the March — Beall ordered to San Antonio with Remainder of Regiment (A, G, I)— Corpus Christi- Amusements of the Army of Occupation— On to the Rio Grande— Lieutenant Hill meets the Enemy— Crossing the Colorado— A Declaration of War — Point Isabel— Matair.oias--The Rio Grande— Capture of Two Dragoons and a Bugler-boy— A Patriotic Rooster— Release of Dragoons — Ampudia's Warning— Rancheros, 93 X.— LA ROSIA-PALO ALTO-RESACA DE LA PALMA.

Capture of Thornton's Squadron — Chapita — Thornton's Report — Casualties at La Rosia — Lieutenant Mason- Army of Occupation assumes the Offensive — Palo Alto — Operations of the Regiment in the Battle — Poikilarity of the Second — A Council of War — Ker reconnoitres — Resaca de la Palma — May charges and captures Mexican Battery — Official Reports and Personal Reminiscences — Pursuing the Enemy — Release of Thornton's Party, .... . a , XI.-MATAMORAS -MONTEREY- PASS OF SANTA ROSA. Ker raises the Flag in Matamoras— Drowning of Lieutenant Stevens— Twiggs as Provost-Marshal— Garland pursues the Enemy— Pen Pictures of Taylor and Arista— H, G, K go North to recruit — A, I reconnoitre — B, C, D, E at Camp Twiggs — Promotion of Field-Olficers— En route for Monterey— Operations of May's and Ker's Squadrons— Exchanging Compliments before Monterey — A Corn-stalk Bridge— Casualties at Monterey— Arrival of Santa Anna— Harney's Detachment with General Wool— Wool joins Taylor— May's Rear-Guard captured, , . , p m _ _ u, XII.-LA HEDIONDA-AGUA NUEVA-FJUENA VISTA.

A Reconnoissance in Force— May at La Hedionda— Capture of Lieutenant Sturgis— Taylor steals a March- Preparations for Santa Anna— A Starving Army— Mision's Disappointment— Wool's Dispositions for A ttack— A Mexican Thermopylæ— May's Command— Partial Success of the Enemy— Rucker's Balaklava— Checking the " Greasers"— Pike's Account of the Cavalry— A Ruse de Guerre-Rout of the Mexican Troops— M.-.\ 's Report— Adventures of Lieutenant Sturgis— Buena Vista Statistics, 12I XIII.-SCOTT'S OPERATIONS-VERA CRUZ-MEDELIN. Arrival of General Scott-His Proclamation— A, B. C, F, I, K report to Scott— D, E remain with Taylor— The Scott-Harney Correspondence— Harney restored to Command— Dragoons at Sea— Shipwreck and Lor.s of Horses— Siege of Vera Cruz— In the Trenches— The Affair of Medelin— Lieutenant Neill is wounded— Surrender of Vera Cruz— A Troop first within the Walls -Scott's Congratulatory Order— Major Sumner and the Rifles, »3* Contexts. 9 XIV.— ANTIGUA-CERRO GORDO— LA HOYA-SAN JUAN DE LOS LLANOS.

Preparations for an Advance — Harncy takes Antigua — Movement of Twiggs' Division — Plan del Ric — I and F join — Skirmishing — Cerro Gordo — Harney's (Smith's) Brigade captures the Main Work — Superb Assault — Scott congratulates — Dragoon Officers mentioned — Pursuit of the Enemy— Patterson's Gallop with the Dragoons —^anta Anna*s Exit— Jalafa — Thornton's Squadron march to Perote— Santa Anna as the Phœnix — Guerillas — Barbarous Partisans — Worth occupies Fucbla — Mars and Mud — Careless Ccnquercrs and Contemptuous Captives— Description of the City —Scott arrives at Puebla with Regiment — Affair of La Hoy a — Skirmish at El Final — Loss of a lt Gift Horse" — Spirited Affair at San Juan de les Llanos, . . . 138 XV.— CLOSING CAMPAIGN— MOLINO DEL REY— CITY OF MEXICO— AGUA FRIA. The Move from Puebla — Buena Vista — Ayotla — Searching fer a Weak Point— El Penon — The Chalco Route — San Aitgustin — San Antonio — Death of Thornton — Tribute by Ripley — Conireras — Churiihuscc — " Charging Home" — Sumner at Molino del Rcy — Heavy Casualties. — Enormous Loss of Horses — Fall of Chapultepec — The Regiment enters the City 0/ Mexico — Scott's Order— General Taylor's Situation — D and E Companies — Agua F'ria — The Rear-Guard in Mexico, 149 FOURTH PERIOD— 1848-60.

CA LIFORNI. 1.— TEX. 1 S.—XE IV MEXICO— KA NSA S.~ UTAH. XVI.— THE CALIFORNIA EXP EDITION— INDIAN AND MORMON CAMPAIGNS. D, E, II en route to California — Scouting— Death cf Neill— Laguna Jcmado dtl Mucrtc — Lieutenant Oakes wounded near the Nueces — War and Indian Departments — Skirmish with Apaches on Ciboletta — Visit cf Amin Bey — A Flowery Epistle from an ex-Dragocn — More New Posts — Hardee's Expedition — Neutrality on the Rio Grande — Limit of a Post Commander's Authority — Steiner-Arnold Affair— Sioux Expedition — The Comanches— A, B, C, F, G, I reach Fort Rilcy— Kansas Troubles— Utah Expedition— ASsa Devil's Gate Canon— Carny Floyd— The Kicwas— Esccrlirg Emigrants to Oregcr.— " Dec." Sander's Kidc— " The Light Dragoon," 1^i XVIL— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— CAMPAIGN OF 1855- 60. By Bvt.

Major-General Philip St. George Cooke. Fort Mason— Reminiscences of May— Lipan Expedition— -Bell's Duel with White Wolf-A "Crack" Shot— The Fight on the Cagalone— Jicarilla Apaches— Expedition and Fight at Agua Caliente— Official Refer; —Garland's Report- On the Platte— The Lrule Sioux— Battle of Bl-ue-æater— Official Report— Kansas Disturbances—Rehearsal of a Tragedy— Incident at Lecompton— Attack on Law rence— Extracts from Reports of secretary of War and Department Commander— Rapid March to relieve Fort Riley — The Expedition to Utah— Terrible Sufferings of the Regiment— Official Report— Camp Floyd— Mutterings of the Storm— Tie Dragoons ordered to Washington, x75 XVIII. -sERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS -A TRUMPETER'S NOTES (1852-58.) By Chief Bugler William Drown. Albuquerque, N. M —El Gran Quivira— Hidden Treasure— A Soldier's Day's Work— Recruits vs. Old Soldiers- Escorting a Eishop— Santa Fe Sleigh-ride— The Buried " Burro "-Scout with Lieut. Sturges- Burying the Dead— House of a Rich Ranchero— Re-enlisting -Jefferson Barracks— Fort Leavenworth- Fort Riley— The Utah Expedition— Fort Kearney— Fort Laramie-Summit of the Rocky Mountains -Sibiey Tents-Rabbits— Striking Tents before the Signal— Dragoon Donkey— Musical Shoemaker— Dragoons in Harness— An " Eclipse"— A Raven's Breakfast— Pay-Day and Poker— Christmas on Henry's Fork -Mountaineer Hospitality— A "Creedmcor" Match (" A "-" C ")- Buried Alive -Mrs. T 's Cow— Enter Salt Lake City, . 194 FIFTH PERIOD— 1861-66.

WAR OF " THE rebellion:' XIX.-BULL RUN-VAL VERDE-SOUTHWESTERN CAMPAIGN. " Our Troop" (K) at Bull Run— Operations of C, G, and I in the Southwest— Wilson's Creek— Fort Donehon — Val Verde (Col. J. McC Bell's Account)— Pittsburgh Landing— Pocahontas (Tenn.)— Rejoining the Regiment in Virginia — Death of Colonel Benjamin Lloyd Bca'.l, • • » • 23T Contents. 10 XX.-PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS-THE CAVALRY SCHOOL AT CARLISLE. By an Old "Plebe." Purposes of the School-Its Location and Origin-Its Commandants-Social Attractions-Some Jolly Fellows and their Doings-Carlisle Barracks in 1861— The Peculiarities and Adventures of certain Dragoon Plebeians- Reveille in a Key-hole-A Runaway Officer of the Day— Band Practice Mounted—" Play something very softly"- The Permanent Troop-A Sympathetic Bugler-Major Geo. H. Thomas-Invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863— Destruction of the Barracks and Subsequent Restoration— The First and last Commanders, 2^J XXI.-PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS-LETTERS OF A SUBALTERN (1862).

By an Officer of the Regiment. Joining his Regiment -Officers of the Second -Cantonment Hjlt— First Command— Patrol Duty— Camp Sprague— " School "—Brigade Drill—" Ready to move at a Moment's Notice "—Almost an Expedition— A Washington " Coat-of-Mail "—A Charge on Capitol Hill— " Boomerang "—A Dragoon Ball- An Embarkation— Off Fortress Monroe— Landing—A Gallop with McClellan— A Modern Triumphal March— Vorkto'ain —Camp Winfield Scott— The Evacuation— The Pursuit— White House— A Flagof Truce— Gordon's Squadron at New Bridge— The Rear-Guard at Gaines' Mill— McClellan's " Change of Base"— Carter's Landing— A "Sanitary" Dinner— War's Havoc— A, B, D Recruit— Harrison's Landing— A Siesta— Shaking off Peninsula Dust — Rejoining the Army of the Potomac — Fort Albany— A, B, D, and L en route to Regiment- Scene Shifting, 2-=3 XXII. -PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— THE STONEMAN RAID ('63!.

By One of the "Raiders." President Lincoln reviews the Cavalry Corps — Stoneman— Gregg — The Reserve Brigade — A Butterfly — Buford— "Honest John" — "Our Regiments'' — Private O'Shanter's instructive Remarks — "Listen to the Mocking Bird " — Mysterious Preparations — The War-Path again— The March to Bealeton — A Deluge — " That's not so Dusty " — Crossing the Rubicon — Bivouac at Fleischman's — The Barricade — A Midnight Assault — A Comedy that was almost Tragic — The Rapidan — Foraging " on the Fat of the Land " — Louisa Court-House— " Wiring" the Enemy — Compliments of the Season — Thompson's Cross-Roads — Operations near Richmond — Cutting Communications — Used Up — Kelly's Ford — A Summary, . 270 XXIIL— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— BEVERLY FORD TO MITCHELL'S STATION. By Bvt. Major-General Wesley Merritt.

Abuse of Cavalry in 1S62 — McClellan's Theories — Lesson of the Peninsula Campaign — Stoneman Organizes the Cavalry Corps — Buford's Division and its Elements — Beverly Ford — A Surprise — " Grimes " Davis — The '• Second "—Death of Captain Canfield— A Charge with the Sixth Civalry— " Hand to Hand " — O'Keefe— War's Havoc in the Regiment— Rebel and Yankee Compliments — Wade Hampton Declines— The Pennsylvania Campaign— Daily Routine of a Regiment in the Field — Thorough/are tT.i/ — C Troop Joins— Army of the Potomac and its Peculiarities— Guerillas— Middleborough — Race fora Stone Wall-Captain McQuesten and a Fatal Coincidence — Upperville— Charge of the Regular Brigade— Sabre Wounds— A Idie — Gettysburg— Selden Mortally Wounded— Incessant Marching— Loss of Horses— Nine Combats in Ten Ttzys—lVillianisport —Boonsborough—Hagcrsto'wn—Funkstonijn— Falling Waters— Enemy driven out of Pennsylvania and Maryland— Manassas G<i/>-Lee's Successful Kuse— The Army of Northern Virginia gives us " the slip "—Brandy Station— Hazel Run— Ordered to Washington to refit— Condition of the Reserve Brigade— Systematic Foraging—How to "Live off" the Country— Camp Buford— Return to the Field— Bristoc Station— Culpefer— Mitchell's Station— A Winter on the Rapidan— The Light Artillery serving with the Cavalry, . . .283 XXIV. -PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS-A RIDE TO RICHMOND IN 1864.

By Colonel Charles McK. Leoser. On ihe Road with Sheridan— Todd's Tavern— The Warrior and the Well— Fighting on Foot-Death of Captain Ash— The Fifth Corps " Shows us How to do it "— Chancellorsville— Beaver Dam Station— Mount Olivet Church— Ground Squirrel Bridge— Yelloiv Tavern— Jeb Stuart Mortally Wounded— Custer captures Two Guns— Bivouac— Reully " On to Richmond "—Night March-A Pavement of Torpedoes-Affair at Meadozv Bridge-Celesti&l vs. Terrestrial Artillery-A Rest on Malvern Hills-Repairing Damages-Baltimore Cross- Roads-St. Peter's Church— Bridge-Building over the Pamunkey-A Model Pack-mule— King William Court- House-The Regiment as a Bearer of Despatches— Marching by the Sound of Cannon— Rejoining the Army Contents. 11 of the Potomac—" Welcome Ferry— Halves' Shop—Ruffins Farm- Cold Harbor— A Stampede- Spencer Carbines vs. Austrian Rifles—11 Here they Come, with Sabres, on Foot "— ' ' Only a Few Cavalry " Captain McKee, First Cavalry, killed— Lieutenant Egan, Second Cavalry, wounded— Marching to Trevillian Station — The Fight, __. 3C4 XXV.— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS-PRISON LIFE.

Bv Colonel Charles McK. Leoser. The Captive at Trevillian— General Butler— A Shorn Lamb — Swapping Jackknives— A Bootless Encounter— The Provost Marshal— Companions in Misfortune— Prison Witticisms— General Rosser— A Soldierly Greeting— Fitz Lee's Troopers— Advancing on " Libby"— A Prisoner's Ration— The Good Samaritan— Permanent Scars —The Fair Ladies of Flu vanna— Arrival at Libby Prison— Effect of a Woman's Smile— En route to Macon— Kindness of the Natives— The Black Hole of Calcutta— Meeting Old Friends— The Initiation— Tunnelli ng-~ Discovery— The Macon Ration— Our Mess— Detailed as Dish-Washer— Fourth of July— On the Cars for Charleston— The Plan— The Sentinels Overpowered— The Escape— Wanderings— Mr. Rhett-The Jail at Charleston— Removat to Roper Hospital— Kindness of Major Echols— Exchanged, 315 XXVI. -PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS-DEEP BOTTOM TO WINCHESTER (1864).

By Colonel William H. Harrison. Light-House Point— Death of Lieut. Beekman— Deep Bottom—Seeking the Lost— A Night with a Forage Train— "The Last Ditch "—Daylight and Delight— City Point— Ordered to the Valley of the Shenandoah— The Corral and the Steamer— Giesborough Point— "• Our Mutual Friend "—A Ride to Harper's Ferry— Death of Lieut. Walker, First Cavalry — Rejoining the Regiment — Berryville — White Post — Newtown — Front Royal — Falling Back — "Blessed are the Merciful'1 — Halltozvn — Keameysville — Severe Skirmish at Leetown and Smithfield—CWsx'ge on the Enemy's Outpost by Lieut. McMasters—" A Hornet's Nest "—Death of Lieut. Hoyer — One Night in Smithfield — Too many Infantry at Daylight— Death of Dr. Rulison — The Advance — In Camp— Battle of Winchester — The Fortune of War — "Home!

Sweet Home!" 329 XXVII.— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— FISHER'S HILL— CEDAR CREEK. By Bvt. Major Robert S. Smith. Pursuers and Pursued — Another account of Winchester — " A Second Gibraltar " — Trophies — Price Paid for Victory — Captain McQuesten Killed — At Bay — Fisher s Hill— Front Royal— McMaster's Murder — A Night Attack — '* The Cavalry retired from Waynesborough " — " A Pillar of Fire " — Sheridan's Threat — Woodstock Races — " Flying Artillery " — Cedar Creek — The " Early" Bird catches the Worm — Middletown — The " Worm" turns — Genera! Lowell Killed — The " Second" without an Officer — Casualties — End of the Shenandoah Campaign, 354 SIXTH PERIOD— 1866-75. COLORADO.— NEBRA SKA.— WYOMING.— MONTANA. XXVIII.— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— POST-BELLUM— CAMPAIGNING IN THE NORTH- WEST. By Major Alfred E. Bates.

Returning to the Frontier— Indian Affairs in 1865 — The Sioux — Stations of Officers, Fall of '65— The Regiment on the Smoky Hill and the Arkansas — Carbine and Sabre vs. the Axe, the Spade, and the Trowel — Department of the Platte — Condition of its Military Posts — Exploit of Lieut. Armes with M Troop— Bingham's Successful Scout — The Phil Kearney Massacre— Some of its Causes — Severe Marches of A, D, and L to Fort Laramie, 1866-67 — Changes and Operations in '67 — Murder of Lieut. Kidder and Escort — Severe Exposure of his Command— Extraordinary Snow March and great Fortitude of Captain Mix's Command — Expedition under Brevet Major Noyes after Pawnee-killer — Ice-bound, Frost-bitten, and Snowed-up— Occupation of Fort Ellis by Lieut.-Col. Brackett's Detachment— D Company's Fight at Atlantic City, W. T^ and Death of Lieut. Stambaugh — " Our Indian Policy " again — The Sioux Expedition of '74 — An Indian Agent's " Diplomacy " — " B " whips the Arapahoes at Snake Mountain — A " Rod in Pickle " for the Sioux Indians, 368.

Contents. 12 XXIX.-PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— THE FIEGAN EXPEDITION OF 1870. By Bvt. Major Lewis Thompson. Organization of Colonel Baker's Command— Location cf the Fiegans— Garrison at Fort Ellis— Route of the Expedition— Severe Cold — Distrust of the Guides— Discovering the Trail— Charge on the Village— L Company- Enemy lose Heavily — Mountain Chief— Results of the Expedition — Comments on the Death of some Piegan Women — Lieut. Doane's Account of the Fight— Gen. Sheridan's Order, 401 XXX.— PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS— TWO YELLOWSTONE EXPEDITIONS. By Lieut. Gustavus C. Doane. Characteristics of Frontier Service — Opportunities for Adventure — Dragoon Pioneers — Mullins' Wagon Road in '60 — Extracts from his Report — Departure from Benton — Judith and Musselshell Rivers — Difficulties en route — Buffalo, Hail, and Inundation — A War Party Outwitted — Glimpse of the Yellowstone — Arrival at Fort Union — Captain Raynolds' Comments — The Yellowstone Expedition of '70 — The Veii lifted — A Grand, Beautiful, and Wonderful Panorama — The Mountains, Canons, and Cataracts — Bird's-eye View from Mt. Washburne — Hot Springs — Jets of Steam, Sulphur, Alum, and Boiling Mud — Dizzy Heights and Unfathomable Depths— Game and Fish— The Great Geyser of the World — A Lake Eight Thousand Feet above the Sea — Yellowstone Park of the Future, 40 XXXI.— CAVALRY OF THE FUTURE— ITS PROSPECTS AND REQUIREMENTS.

Its Importance in Modern Warfare— Horsemen of Lee and Sheridan—" Dragoons "—Coming Cavalry— Uses and Abuses— Plan for Improvement of U. S. Cavalry— Recruitment— Instruction— De Brack's Cavalier Modele— Clothing— Armament— Mounting — Organization— Prospective and Prophetic, 420

APPENDIX.

. I. BATTLES OF THE REGIMENT, . «' II. MILITARY RECORDS OF OFFICERS, . <3* III. ROLL OF HONOR, 497 IV. ORDERS, REPORTS OF OPERATIONS, AND CORRESPONDENCE. V. INDEX, . . . ILLUSTRATIONS. EIGHT PORTRAITS : Frontispiece (Harney, Buford, Cooke, Palmer, May, Beall, Graham, Merritt.) CHROMO-LITHOGRAPHS. I. Florida (1836-41): " Jesup Lancer" — A Scout — Chief Bugler, etc. — Riflemen— " One of the 40," 17 II. Mexico (1S46) : "Resaca" — Before the Charge, 01 III. The Plains (1S56-60) : Color Guard — "Old and New" — Corporal, etc., 1S51 — Utah Invaders — Campaigning, 175 IV. Virginia (1862-64): "Cold Harbor" — Skirmishers — " A Quiet Nibble " — Sergeant and Chief Bugler, 231 V. Post-Bellum (1866-75): "Sound the Rally" — First Sergeant — "Ready for Guard" — "On Post" — Vidette, 40t WOOD ENGRAVINGS. I. "Ours" — Army of the Potomac (1S64), 329 1 1.

Horseshoe with Motto, tail-piece 6 III. Lancers (French), " 113 IV. Hobbled Horse, " 120 V. Spahi (Fr.-Algerine), " iftl VI. Cogent Saddle, " 244 VII. McClellan Bridle, " 252 VIII. Shelter Tent, " 2S2 IX. System of Outposts, " 328 X. Dragoons (French), " 4°4 XI. Chasseurs d'Afrique, " 427 PEN-AND-INKS. I. " Romance and Reality, "full-page, 245 II. The Everglades (1836), tail-piece, 7^ HI. " Mounted and Dismounted," " 9° IV. Cerro GORDO — "He who fights," etc., " i6t V. A War Cross, 1862-5, " 367 VI. The Peace Policy— 1S75, " 400 MAPS. I. The United States and Mexico, showing Battlefields, Marches, and Stations, . 224-5 II. Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, from Appomattox to Gettysburg, showing Battles, Raids, and Camps, 283. 1836-1842. THE FLORIDA WAR.

Chapter I. Organization

— EARLY OPERATIONS — GENERAL JESUP. S"g|g™a|OR nearly a half-century the Second Regiment United I States Dragoons (and its successor, the Second Cavalry) Je2&|j| has been closely identified with the growth and glory of the nation, and fills an honorable place in its history. Its colors have been borne with credit from the deadly swamps and burning sun of Florida to the snow-capped peaks and grand canons of Montana ; from the Potomac to the Rio Grande ; from the Arkansas to the Platte. No other public servants have more faithfully, cheerfully, and thoroughly performed their duty than the officers and soldiers of this proud and gallant corps. No matter if that duty lay in hunting the crafty Seminole through the almost trackless waste of the Everglades, or in the capture of a Mexican battery ; the pursuit of Apaches among the defiles of the Rocky Mountains, or the prevention of civil war in Kansas ; a march to Utah in midwinter, or watching the Prophet at Salt Lake City ; campaigning with McClellan on the Chickahominy, or with Meade The Florida War 18 upon the Rappahannock; raiding with Stoneman on the Peninsula, or charging with Sheridan in the Shenandoah ; exploring the wonders of the Yellowstone, or guarding the great iron link between two oceans ; whether administering frontier justice with stern impartiality between white and red, " wiping out " whiskey-traders and " bad Indians " with one hand, or feeding a reservation with the other ; making roads, building quarters, escorting treasure ; wherever a public enemy may be found or a friend of the country protected, there will be some young soldier or vieux moustache of the Second ready and equal to the emergency.

Strong deeds deserve strong words ; but the most earnest commendation would be but faint praise in return for the valuable and distinguished ser vice which this regiment has rendered to the state. Thus much may be said without being unmindful of its comrades in arms, or, by contrast with its own brilliant record, affecting in the least the lustre of their achievements. The story of such a corps, gleaned from imperfect records, widely-distributed manuscript, or personal recollections, is but feebly told in the following pages. At the time from which our narrative dates — the spring of 1836 — the " land of sun and flowers " had been for months the scene of murder and rapine. The Seminoles, although not numerous, were extremely warlike and controlled by experienced and daring leaders. Prominent among these stood Osceola ; young and am bitious, eloquent in council, and brave in action, he proved a tormidable enemy.

The almost impenetrable swamps and thickets afforded the Indians a natural defence, from which the settlers, aided by the regular troops, began to despair of driving them. Earnest and imperative calls had been made by the white inhabi tants for reinforcements, ultimately meeting with a response in an act of Congress, from which the following is an extract : An Act authorizing the President of the United States to accept the services of volunteers and to raise an additional regiment of dragoons or mounted riflemen. . Sec. 6. And be it furtlier enacted, That there shall be raised and organized, under the direction of the President of the United States, one additional regiment of dragoons or mounted riflemen, to be composed of the same number and rank of the officers, non-commissioned officers musicians and privates composing the regiment of dragoons now in the service of the United States, who shall receive the same pay and allowances, be subject to the same rules and regula tions, and be engaged for the like term and upon the same conditions, in all respects whatsoever, as are stipulated for the said regiment of dragoons now in the service Sec. 7.

And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States may disband the said regiment whenever, in his opinion, the public interest no longer requires their service; and the sum of three hundred thousand dollars, required to carry into effect the provisions of this act is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated Approved May 23, 1836. rr * ... Organization — Sketches ok Officers. 19 Soon after the passage of the foregoing act the following appointments were announced : Colonel : DAVID E. TWIGGS. Lieutenant-Colonel ; Wharton Rector. Major ? Thomas T. Fauntleroy. Captain* : i. William Gordon. 2. John Dougherty. 3. John F. Lane. 4. James A. Ashby. 5. Jonathan L. Bean. First Lieutenants : I. Thornton Grimsley. 2. Theophilus Holmes. 3. Horatio Grooms. 4.

Thomas S. Bryant. 5. John Graham. 6. townshend dade. 7. Erasmus D. Bullock. 8. Marshal S. Howe. 9. Charles Spalding. 10. James W. Hamilton. 6. Stinson H. Anderson. 7. William W. Tompkins. 8. Henry W. Fowler. 9. Benjamin L. Beall. 10. Edward S. Winder. Second Lieutenants ; i. William Gilpin. z. William H. Ward. 3. George Forsyth. 4. Croghan Ker. 5. John H. P. O'Neale. 6. Tohn W. S. McNeil. 7. Zebulon M. P. Maury. 8. Seth Thornton. g. Charles E. Kingsbury. io. Charles A May. Wharton Rector declining the lieutenant-colonelcy, Major Wil liam S. Harney, Paymaster, was promoted to the vacancy. The roster now included the names of several who were not unknown to fame or were destined to make their mark in the future. Colonel Twiggs was at this time about forty-six years of age, having commenced his military career in the war of 1812 as an officer of infantry, in which corps he had risen to the rank of Lieu tenant-Colonel when promoted to the Second Dragoons.

A mar tinet of the old type — arbitrary and capricious at times — he moulded the new organization with an iron hand, originating certain regimental characteristics and customs of service, and establishing an esprit de corps admirable as it was lasting. Harney had seen nearly twenty years' service, part of it in the Black Hawk War, under " Old Zach." Of fine physique and The Florida War, 20 soldierly appearance, an experienced Indian fighter, and a good judge of men and horses, the new Lieutenant-Colonel seemed pecu liarly suited to his new command. Beall— more familiarly and affectionately known as " Ben " — was at this time a veritable beau sabreur ; born to the saddle, a superb swordsman, and of a courage bordering on recklessness, he soon became the idol of his troop and a literal " terror to his foes," especially if they wore moccasins.

May — the youthful and impetuous subaltern — who had, in truth, vaulted' into his commission, and who a little later was to take that glorious gallop at Resaca de la Palma, side by side with steady Pike Graham and jovial Sacket — lighter weights then than in after-years — was impatiently waiting a chance to win his spurs. Thornton, the gallant but unfortunate soldier whose life was finally sacrificed to the Mexican war-god ; Ashby, who had already broken a lance as a volunteer in Florida ; Lane, whose brilliant career ended so soon and so sadly ; McNeil, the youngest and the first to die in battle ; Tompkins, who had been a distinguished citizen soldier ; and — But why continue ? Each officer has his little history, and it is preferable that each name should appear hereafter blended with the story of those deeds which made the " Second Dragoons " famous, and us of later days so proud of our regiment and its traditions.