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17th Pa. Monument Gettysburg Pennsylvania

A BRIEF HISTORY OF COMPANY E

of the

17 PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY

    On the 2nd of July in the year 1862, President Abraham Lincoln called upon the State of Pennsylvania to provide three additional regiments of cavalry. One of these regiments was the 162 Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, also known as the 17 Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. The companies of the new regiment met at Camp Simmons (near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) where they completed a regimental organization on the 18 of October 1862. At the head of the regiment was Colonel Josiah H. Kellogg, a former Captain in the First United States Cavalry Regiment. Many of the men were farmers, lumbermen and mechanics. A few had served in the Mexican War. Unlike most volunteer cavalry regiments in Federal Service, the majority of the members of the 17 Pennsylvania were unusually good horsemen.

   Several days after the organization of the regiment, it proceeded to Camp M’Clellan (north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) where sabres, pistols, horses, and equipment were issued. Colonel Kellogg initiated the commencement of drill, putting forth strenuous efforts to perfect its discipline. The new regiment moved to Washington on the 25 of November. After a few days camped on East Capitol Hill, the regiment was ordered to the front.

   The regimental baptism of fire was not long waiting. On the 22nd of December 1862, they had a sharp skirmish with Hampton's Legion at Occoquan. The regiment drove the Legion across Occoquan Creek and pursued them for some distance. In January of 1863, the 17 Pennsylvania Cavalry was near Stafford Court House in Virginia. There, it was brigaded with the 6 New York Cavalry, the 6th United States Cavalry, and the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry to form the 2nd Brigade of the First Cavalry Division. The Brigade Commander was Colonel Thomas C. Devin.

   The 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry moved with Hooker's column on the Chancellorsville campaign. On the 2nd of May 1863, the regiment (under the orders of General Pleasanton) helped turn the route of the Eleventh Corps. Although this was a new regiment, General Pleasanton had the following to order concerning the conduct of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry in this action;

   "The coolness displayed by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Regiment, in rallying fugitives, and supporting the batteries (including Martin's,) which repulsed the Confederates attack under Jackson, on the evening of the 2d instant, has excited the highest admiration."

   The 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry was next engaged in the raid across the Rappahannock River at Beverly and Kelly'ss Fords (Virginia) where they fought the rear guard action for the column as the Federal forces recrossed the River on the 9th of June 1863. Following their return, the regiment was posted to picket duty along the River. On the 21st of June 1863, they repulsed a Confederate attack near Middleburg (Virginia), driving them back to Upperville (Virginia) where the action continued.

   The next significant action of the regiment was at Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) where the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry holds the distinction of being one of the units credited with firing the first shot of that epic engagement. Although the issue of which unit earned that honor will forever be subject to debate, there can be no question as to the heroic contribution of the men of the 17 Pennsylvania Cavalry in the opening hours of the Battle of Gettysburg. Assigned to Brigadier General John Buford’s Division, they made a desperate stand against the Confederate advance of General A. P. Hill's Corps, depriving the Confederates from taking the "high ground" and thereby preventing the Confederate forces from securing a topographical advantage for the ensuing engagement. According to General Alfred Pleasonton, the commander of the Federal Cavalry Corps at Gettysburg:

   "Buford, with his four thousand cavalry, attacked Hill, and for four hours splendidly resisted his advance, until Reynolds and Howard were able to hurry to the field, and give their assistance. To the intrepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford and his brave division, the country and the army owe the field of Gettysburg."

   After the arrival of the infantry (beginning with Reynolds), the cavalry was redeployed to protect the flanks and the lines of communication. On the 6 of July 1863, the cavalry under Buford began a sharp fight west of Boonsboro, Maryland. On the morning of the 7 of July 1863, the 17 Pennsylvania Cavalry (together with the 9th New York Cavalry) had a severe skirmish with the Confederates. There followed daily skirmishing until the Confederate forces retired across the river, thus ending the campaign.

   At Raccoon Ford, the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry earned a special commendation from the Division commander when they left their horses sheltered and rushed to the relief of the 4th New York Cavalry, who were under attack and being shelled by artillery. The 17th Pennsylvania cavalry saved them from capture, and secured the line until being reinforced by the 12th Army Corps. The remainder of the Fall campaign of 1863 was also very active for the unit, as they were engaged at Morton’s Ford, Stevensburg, Brandy Station, Oak Hill, Bealton Station, Rickseysville, Rapidan, and Mine Run before going into Winter quarters at Culpepper. The 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry was engaged in picket duty on a long line in the direction of James City for the duration of the Winter.

   At the opening of the Spring campaign of 1864, the Regiment was moved to Chancellorsville. On the 6th of May 1864, it was sent to Furnace, where it occupied a position on the left of the line. It was heavily engaged all day, fighting dismounted, and preventing the Confederates from turning the Federal flank. The following day, it was removed to the Spottsylvania Road and encamped at Todd’s Tavern. On the 8th of May 1864, they withstood repeated charges of the Confederates until relieved by the 5th Army Corps. On the following day, they participated in the Cavalry raid under General Sheradin toward Richmond. On the way, they rescued prisoners at Beaver Dam Station and engaged in a dismounted fight at Yellow House, where the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry was in the charging column. The Regiment was in the lead of the charge at Meadow Bridge against Confederate infantry and artillery, driving them from their works in confusion. This feat was accomplished during a raging thunderstorm. On the 25th of May, they rejoined the Army of the Potomac near Chesterfield Station.

   On the 26th of May 1864, the Regiment crossed the Pamunky River at New Castle Ferry and drove the Confederates from their positions. On the 28th of May, elements of the Regiment were engaged at Bethesda Church and Old Church Tavern. At Cold Harbor, the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry fought a dismounted action to hold the left flank of the Federal line. Once relieved by infantry, the Regiment moved in the direction of Lynchburg. On the 10th of June 1864, the Regiment moved to the scene of the Spottsylvania battleground, where they rescued 35 wounded Federal soldiers at a Field Hospital. They rejoined the column near Trevillion Station where they were immediately sent to the front, where they were in a hot engagement that lasted until the 12th of June. The Regiment was then engaged with the Confederates near White House Landing on the 21st of June 1864, and subsequently at Jones’ Bridge on the 23rd of June, and Charles City Court House on the 24th. On the 26th, the Cavalry under Sheridan crossed the James River, but one month later returned to the left bank and moved toward Richmond. At Ruffin's House, Southern videttes were discoved and driven back. This was followed on the 28th, by a dismounted action that drove the Gray infantry from their position. The next day, they recrossed the James River and retraced their steps in an effort to mislead the Confederates as to the real strength of the Federal forces on the Richmond side of the River. On the 30th, they returned to the Federal lines before Petersburg, Virginia.

   In August, General Philip H. Sheridan was ordered to command the Army of the Shenandoah. With him, went elements of his old command, including the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry. At that time, Major Reinhold, Major of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was honorably discharged, and was succeeded by Captain Weidner H. Spera. On the 11th of August 1864, the Regiment moved toward Newtown, engaging the Southern forces. When stiff resistance was met, the Regiment made a charge which dislodged the Confederates. On the 16th of August, the Regiment was engaged at Front Royal. The Regiment was next engaged at Kearnysville on the 25th of August 1864. Near Shepherdstown, the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry made a charge against the forces that had attacked General Georeg A. Custer, in a successful attempt to relieve his column. For the next several weeks, almost constant skirmishing ensued, with the Regiment being engaged at Smithfield on the 29th, White Post on the 1st of September 1864, the Berryville and Buncetown crossing of the Opequon on the 7th of September, and at Bunker Hill on the 13th of September.

   General Sheridan then went on the offensive. With the 17th Pennsylvania leading the charge, he made his attack upon General Jubal A. Early’s forces. General Sheridan reported that:

   "I attacked the forces of General Early over the Berryville Pike, at the crossing of the Opequon Creek, and after a most desperate engagement, which lasted from early in the morning until five o’clock in the evening, completely defeated him, driving him back through Winchester and capturing about two thousand five hundred prisoners, five pieces of artillery, nine battle flags, and most of their wounded."

   After the battle, the Regiment was ordered to report to Colonel Edwards, the Post commander at Winchester. There, they were employed in guarding against the actions of guerillas, and charged with keeping open lines of communication and supplies. On the 15th of October 1864, a detachment of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Major Spera, was the escort of General Sheridan to the front, thus earning a place for the Regiment in the famous "Sheridan's Ride." On the 27th, the Regiment rejoined the Division.

   On the 19th of December 1864, General Torbert led his command by Front Royal into the Valley of Virginia. On the 22nd, he met and drove the opposition from White's Ford. The following day, he met them again at Gordonsville. This time, he was forced to retire, with the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry fighting the rear guard action. The Regiment then went into Winter quarters near Winchester. At this time, on the 27th of December 1864, Colonel Kellogg, in command of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was honorably discharged, and succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Anderson. On the 31st of December 1864, the Regiment was sent to Lovettsville to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

   General Sheridan led the cavalry on a grand raid of the James River Canal (and other points of communication) beginning on the 24th of February in 1865. They skirmished at Staunton, and by the 6th of March had reached Scottsville, where the work of destruction began. They also moved on the Virginia Central Railroad, which was rendered unserviceable. They rejoined the army before Petersburg on the 26th of March 1865.

   The Regiment was next engaged at Stony Creek. Hard fighting continued until the 6th of April 1865, when General Ewell was captured with one wing of the Confederate Army. The Regiment continued a running fight with the Confederates they reached Appomattox Court House, where the entire Confederate force capitulated on the 9th of April 1865. Thus ended the War of the Rebellion, now known as the American Civil War.

   The Regiment returned to Petersburg, Virginia. After a one week rest, they marched to near Washington, District of Columbia, where it remained until the Regimental mustering out, which occurred on the 16th of June 1865. A detachment of the Regiment was consolidated with elements of the 1st and 6th Pennsylvania Regiments to form the 2nd Provisional Cavalry, Which remained in service until being mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky on the 7th of August 1865. In his farewell order to the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, General Devin stated the following;

   "In five successive campaigns, and in over three score engagements, you have nobly sustained your part. Of the many gallant regiments from your State none has a brighter record, none has more freely shed its blood on every battle field from Gettysburg to Appomattox. Your gallant deeds will be ever fresh in the memory of your comrades of the Iron Brigade and the First Division. Soldiers, Farewell!"

    Many thanks to Dale Leppard for compiling the BRIEF HISTORY OF COMPANY E of the 17 PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY and the roster!!. If you would like to learn more about the 17 Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry Dale recommends the following sources:

Both of these are in the custody of the Pennsylvania State Library and can be viewed by the public.

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